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      From tough childhood to sick racist abuse, how Jean-Philippe Mateta’s injury is latest hurdle for Crystal Palace star

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      A TOUGH childhood, attacks by racist rival fans, goal droughts – Jean-Philippe Mateta has overcome them all on the way to becoming the king of Crystal Palace.So his current battle to return to fitness after being on the receiving end of a horrific head injury is just another hurdle he must conquer on the road to success.French striker Mateta was struck by Liam Roberts’ boot in an awful tackleCredit: GettyJean-Philippe Mateta lays stricken on the floor following a horror injuryCredit: GettyJean-Philippe Mateta has established himself as one of Crystal Palace’s star playersCredit: GettyMateta is currently recovering from the injury suffered against Millwall in the FA Cup.He was on the receiving end of a wild head-high tackle from Liam Roberts in the first half of the tasty fifth-round tie.Mateta stayed down for several minutes as he was treated by the medics on the Selhurst Park pitch while distressed team-mates watched on.After nearly ten minutes on the ground, he was carried off on a stretcher and received oxygen as he was taken away.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe was later discharged from hospital after receiving 25 stitches to his ear.Mateta is recovering at home, and will hopefully be soon back playing for Palace. His career is a story of overcoming adversity driven, in part, by the example of his dad Philippe, whose own career was cut cruelly short.Mateta – grew up in Sevran, a district of “the 93” – the area in the north-east suburbs of Paris that is among the poorest parts of France and notorious for crime.Most read in FootballBut from the start the young man saw football as his way out and was determined not to go down the wrong path.Mateta said: “Lots of young people smoke weed, some end up in miserable situations, some even die.“But for you as a resident, that’s everyday life, you don’t see it as particularly threatening.The striker has scored 15 goals in 33 appearances this seasonCredit: AFPMateta forced a move from Chateauroux to Lyon in 2016Credit: Getty“I always knew in my head that I would be a professional footballer one day. And that that would be my ticket out.”Mateta dedicated himself to achieving his dream, even if it meant foregoing the usual excitement of teenage life.He said: “I skipped a lot of parties. Once there was even one right next to me in the high-rise, and I didn’t even go to that one.“My apartment was on the 15th floor, the party on the 11th. All my friends were there, I heard the noise.“I only had to walk a few flights of stairs and I would have been there.“But there was a game the next day, so I stayed home.’Endangered his life’ – Crystal Palace owner gives Mateta injury update live on BBC and slams ‘reckless’ Millwall star“I didn’t have a plan B. Not even close. In my head it was like this: either I become a professional – or I’ll fail.“In my area, a lot of people are looking for quick money, which is why they sell drugs or commit burglaries.“But I felt, deep down, that football would be my path.”Little did Mateta know, however, that his Congo-born dad did not want him to follow in his footsteps.Mateta explained: “ At first, my mother only told me later, he was completely against it. He didn’t want me to go through anything like him.“He played in Congo and then in Liega, But when he was 24, he seriously injured his leg.“Medicine wasn’t that advanced back then, and several operations went wrong. After that, he had to end his career.“He didn’t want me to go through anything like him. The injury, the end of his career, all of that mentally destroyed him.“He wanted to spare me that.”Mateta started training with and playing for Drancy, a club outside Sevran, when he was 14, and then joined Chateauroux’s youth set-up after bigger clubs passed on the chance to sign him.Mateta’s 13 goals in 26 third-tier games for the first team attracted the attention of Lyon and he boycotted training to force a move to the Ligue 1 giants early in the 2016/17, while other clubs, including Tottenham, hesitated.But after limited opportunities in the Lyon first team, Mateta went on loan to Ligue 2 Le Havre, where his goals fired the team to the play-offs to get into Ligue 1.But the semi final against Ajaccio in Corsica was postponed by a day after fans attacked the Le Havre team bus and hurled abuse.Mateta recalled: “They called me a dirty black, they insulted my family.“After the attack on the bus, we remained calm. Since they had broken the air conditioning, we had to open the doors, and the police hadn’t arrived yet.“So if they had wanted to attack us, they could have done so. But they didn’t.“It was just intimidation, but personally, it didn’t scare me at all.”When the game took place a day late, tempers flared on the pitch and Mateta’s provocative celebration when he made it 2-1 in extra time led to a melee.He and three other players were sent off before Ajaccio equalised and then won a penalty shootout.But Mateta’s 20 goals in 38 games earned him his own move to the top flight, with German side Mainz beating Newcastle and others to the punch.In Germany, too, he had to confront racism, as the club’s squad, which featured a number of players with African ancestry, was the target of snide comments and outright abuse.Mainz’s club record signing, at a fee of £6.5m, had an impressive first season, scoring 14 times in the Bundesliga.But Mateta found the net only 10 times across the next two campaigns.So there were reservations when he arrived at Selhurst Park in 2020, initially on an 18-month loan.The striker moved to Mainz in 2018Credit: GettyHe spent a season on loan at Crystal Palace before completing a permanent move in 2022Credit: GettyMateta joined permanently for £8m in January 2022 but still struggled to hold down a starting place.He ended a run of 28 Premier League appearances without a goal when he scored the winner in the game against Leicester in April 2023, which marked Roy Hodgson’s return as boss.But it was only when Oliver Glasner replaced Hodgson in February last year that Mateta’s Premier League career really took off.Mateta scored 13 goals in 13 games – having managed just 11 in his first 80 PL appearances – as Palace achieved their joint highest finish (10th) and points total (49) of the Premier League era.Glasner’s high-pressing tactics brought more turnovers and the frontman in his 3-4-2-1 formation capitalised.During that amazing run, Mateta became only the second French player to score in seven straight home game in the PL.The other one was Thierry Henry, who promptly picked the Palace star as an over-age player for the Olympic tournament in Paris.Mateta scored the only goal of the quarter final against Argentina, netted twice in the 3-1 semi-final win over Egypt and grabbed a 93rd-minute equaliser to send the final against Spain to extra time.The Spaniards won on penalties so Mateta and his team-mates had to settle for silver medals.But the 27-year-old has taken his golden touch in front of goal into the current season.Mateta’s two goals in the 2-0 win at Manchester United last month took his Premier League tally to 10 for the season.Glasner said: “It is amazing when you have a number nine who scores goals — that is what everyone expects from a striker.“He has the confidence and the feeling at the moment. Both goals were one-touch finishes.“For the set play, he was there; he had the feeling and the confidence to be in the right areas.“The second goal looked easy in the end because it was a one-touch finish, but it was his 20th run in behind.READ MORE SUN STORIES“He runs and runs, and many times, he does not get the ball, but in the end, he gets the rewards.”Which pretty much sums up the life and career of Mateta.Mateta scored twice for Palace against Man Utd last monthCredit: GettyThe Frenchman suffered a serious head injury against Millwall in the FA Cup at the weekendCredit: Getty More

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      Champions League supercomputer predicts every round of knockouts with Arsenal, Liverpool and Aston Villa still in mix

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      A SUPERCOMPUTER has crunched the numbers ahead of the Champions League knockouts – and it’s good news for the remaining Prem clubs. Arsenal, Liverpool and Aston Villa are all in action this week as the knockout stages get underway. Arsenal are facing a tough draw in this year’s Champions LeagueCredit: ReutersA supercomputer has rated Arne Slot’s Liverpool as the tournament favouritesCredit: PAJust 16 teams remain in this year’s new-look competition after a lengthy group stage. Liverpool finished top of the 32-team standings, but face a difficult last-16 clash against Paris Saint-Germain.Both Arsenal and Aston Villa also avoided the dreaded playoffs to reach this stage.And they will have to negotiate PSV Eindhoven and Club Brugge to book a place in the quarter finals. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLOpta’s AI model has been tasked with determining how far each team will progress in the tournament. The knockouts were simulated 10,000 times to produce the most accurate result.Each match outcome was calculated using both betting data and the Opta Power Rankings.Liverpool won seven of their eight group matches and looked more than at home in the new format.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe supercomputer gives Arne Slot’s side the highest chance of winning the tournament across any of the 16 teams remaining.Liverpool’s chances are listed as 19.2 percent, meaning they won Big Ears in almost 2,000 of the 10,000 simulations. Mikel Arteta urges Arsenal to ‘step up’ as focus switches to Champions League However, their tough draw against PSG could be a potential banana skin tie. The Reds are rated just 58.3 percent to beat the Ligue 1 champions.Barcelona, Inter Milan, Arsenal, and Aston Villa are all more likely to reach the quarters, according to the model’s number crunching. Mikel Arteta’s Gunners face a tough route to the final, with either Real Madrid or Atletico waiting in the last-eight should they beat PSV.The supercomputer believes they have a 20.5 percent chance of making the final in Munich.But their chances of lifting the cup are currently just 11.6 percent.Villa are enjoying a superb return to European competition following a 41-year absence. With Belgian side Brugge in the last-16, the model gives Unai Emery’s men a strong 60 percent chance of making the quarters.Villa would run into either Liverpool or PSG at that stage – with the AI model not hopeful of their chances.They are given an 11.6 percent chance of reaching the semi-finals.While Villa have a 2.7 percent chance of reaching the final – and only a 0.9 percent chance of lifting the cup. Real Madrid’s tough draw sees them given a 9.8 percent chance of defending their trophy.The tournament’s big outsiders are Feyenoord, who are only being given an 18 percent chance of battling past Inter into the quarter-finals. READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd look out for Inter, who are rated as the Dark Horses of the tournament. The Serie A leaders are just behind Liverpool and Barcelona as third-favourites for the crown. More

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      ‘I got even fitter’ – Ex-Arsenal star Kolo Toure says fasting while playing made him ‘psychologically stronger’

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      FORMER Arsenal defender Kolo Toure says fasting and playing games made him psychologically stronger during the month of Ramadan.It’s that time of the year again when Muslim players in the Premier League will have to abstain from food and water during daylight hours. The period will cover from March 1st to March 30th.Kolo Toure has said he got fitter while fasting and playing football games during RamadanCredit: GettyKolo Toure spent seven years at Arsenal before moving on to Man City and LiverpoolCredit: GettyToure, who enjoyed a stellar Premier League career with Arsenal, Manchester City, and Liverpool, admits he never skipped a day of fasting during his playing days, as it made him stronger despite having to stay away from any form of food and water.He told Sun Sport in an exclusive interview: “The thing is, it’s strange and hard to explain, but it made me feel psychologically very strong, and as the month went on, I got even fitter.”I think it’s very easy now, with all the great support that clubs provide their players-it’s amazing.”Toure, who is now the assistant coach of Manchester City’s under-16 team, also revealed that modernity and the world being a global village have meant Premier League clubs are more accepting of the Islamic holy month and provide support to players.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe added: “Back in the day, it was a bit different because not everyone knew the importance of this month to players, but I get that people are getting used to it now.”For me, I think most Muslim players I played with did it-even when I was coming up at ASEC (Mimosas). For us, it was just who we were, and we had to do it. It became part of us. “It didn’t matter where we played, we just had to do it. I loved this month personally.”Over the weekend, The Football Association’s fifth-round fact sheet stated: “Players observing Ramadan will be permitted a short pause in play to break their fast.Most read in Football”An approximate time was agreed upon when the pause would be made.” with United Manchester United’s Noussair Mazraoui, and Fulham’s Adama Traore benefitting from the rule to break their fast during Sunday evening’s FA Cup 5th round game.In 2022, former Chelsea manager and now England boss Thomas Tuchel revealed he suspected that his midfielder N’Golo Kanté was not at his best because he was fasting.I slide tackled Arsene Wenger and Thierry Henry on my Arsenal trial – I couldn’t believe manager’s reactionTuchel took off the midfielder at halftime in a 3-1 defeat to Real Madrid in the first leg of a Champions League game.That was the first time the then French midfielder had been substituted at that point.Tuchel said back then: “At the moment, he is fasting due to his religion, due to his belief, maybe another reason.”He is not doing it for the first time, but if you don’t eat during the day for many days, it can have an effect.“He is used to it, but maybe it’s also part of the explanation that he is not at his highest level if you compare it to his influence against Real Madrid last season.” More

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      Dennis Bond dead at 77: Former Tottenham and Watford star dies as tributes pour in

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      FORMER Tottenham midfielder Dennis Bond has passed away at the age of 77.Spurs led the tributes with a statement on social media that read: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our former midfielder Dennis Bond at the age of 77.Former Tottenham star Dennis Bond has passed awayCredit: Getty”The thoughts of everyone at the Club are with Dennis’ friends and family at this impossibly sad time.”A boyhood Tottenham fan, Bond grew up in Walthamstow and kicked off his professional playing career with Watford.He made his debut for the Hornets aged just 17 and went on to earn over 100 senior appearances before joining Spurs in 1967.Over his three-year spell at White Hart Lane, Bond made 27 first team appearances, scoring once.He then moved on to Charlton before ending his playing career in non-league.The ex-midfielder officially hung up his boots at the age of 55 after featuring for Boreham Wood, Waltham Abbey and Potters Bar Town.Fans took to social media to express their condolences, with one person writing: “Walthamstow lad. My thoughts with his family and friends.”Another said: “RIP Dennis.”Most read in FootballA third wrote: “Very sad to hear this news.”While a fourth commented: “May he rest in peace.” More

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      Real Madrid scouts ‘closely monitoring Jude Bellingham’s England team-mate Adam Wharton, 21, for shock summer transfer’

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      REAL MADRID are interested in Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton, according to reports.Wharton, 21, recently returned to action after three months out following groin surgery.Adam Wharton is attracting plenty of interestCredit: GettyThe England midfielder has impressed since moving to Selhurst Park from Blackburn for £22million in January 2024.According to the Mail, Real Madrid have been keeping tabs on Wharton’s progress.They add that the Spanish giants’ chief scout Juni Calafat is a big fan of the Selhurst star.Manchester United and Liverpool are also keen on Wharton.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile Manchester City may well have made a swoop for his services last month, had he not been injured.A move to Spain could see Wharton unite with England team-mate Jude Bellingham.The Blackburn-born star made his Three Lions debut last summer and was taken to Euro 2024.He is expected to be named in Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad later this month.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSEngland are set to host Albania and Latvia in World Cup qualifiers under their new German boss.Palace, meanwhile, are set to receive enquiries for several of their star players this summer.Incredible footage shows Adam Wharton dazzling defenders aged 10 before rising to Euro 2024 stardom with EnglandIn addition to Wharton; Eberechi Eze, Jean-Philippe Mateta and Marc Guehi are all attracting interest.Palace beat Millwall 3-1 on Saturday to advance to the FA Cup quarter-finals.The match was marred by the nasty injury suffered by Mateta early on.Lions stopper Liam Roberts was sent off following a VAR check, after his reckless high boot struck Palace’s red-hot French striker in the head.Mateta required oxygen on the pitch and was taken to hospital.The forward has subsequently been discharged, having required 25 stitches on a “severe laceration”.Jean-Philippe Mateta was kicked in the head on SaturdayCredit: Rex More

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      Harrowing story of undefeated boxer who ‘lost his mind’ after drugs binge before ‘murdering wife’ and committing suicide

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      IT appeared Edwin Valero had the world at his feet as an undefeated champion with a beautiful wife and two children. But outside the ring he was battling a fight against drug addiction which would ultimately cost him his life.Edwin Valero had 27 wins all by KOCredit: AFPEdwin Valero pictured with wife JenniferBut he led a dark life in privateCredit: ReutersValero committed suicide in 2010Credit: AFPWBC president Mauricio Sulaiman told SunSport: “He had unbelievably heavy hands. “Very unfortunately his life ended in tragedy, in controversy, but what happened inside the ring was tremendous by him. “Valero grew up in Merida, Venezuela and began boxing at 12 in a bid to combat the anger that raged inside of him. He had an 86-6 amateur record with 57 knockouts, winning national titles three years in a row before turning professional in 2002. READ MORE IN BOXINGValero broke the record by winning his first 18 fights all by KO in a display of power never-before-seen. He was also becoming somewhat of a myth behind-the-scenes in boxing gyms, regularly KOing sparring partners in chilling fashion. By 20 bouts, Valero was WBA super-featherweight champion and later won the WBC belt in 2009. WBC boss Sulaiman – his father Jose in charge at the time – befriended Valero on the boxer’s rise to stardom. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSulaiman told SunSport: “He was very nice, very quiet. He had a great charisma, macho type, but he was a family man.” Valero shared son Edwin Antonio and Jennifer Roselyne with wife Jennifer.Mike Tyson doesn’t hesitate when revealing heavyweight who would have beaten him Heading into the late 2000s and Valero was making huge waves in the sport, linked with massive fights against the likes of Manny Pacquiao.But he also led a secret life of drink and drugs, which caused a strain on his relationship. In 2010, Valero was accused of assault after his wife was hospitalised with bruises and a damaged lung. The feared fighter denied wrongdoing – while wife Jennifer told cops she hurt herself falling down stairs. Valero’s troubles outside the ring also included being denied a 2009 fight on Pacquaio’s undercard after his visa was rejected due to a DUI in Texas. The boxer continued to KO opponents around the world, from America, Asia and Mexico. But he would celebrate with drug binges back home in Venezuela – something that would have fatal consequences. Valero was one of boxing’s hardest hittersCredit: AFPHe knocked out every one of his opponentsCredit: GettyHe was world champion in two weightsCredit: AFPSulaiman said: “The sky was the limit for Valero because he was young and talented and powerful. “Very unfortunately, he experienced the evil of cocaine. In just a short period of time, he lost his mind.” Valero’s final fight was against Antonio DeMarco in February 2010 in Mexico – he won via ninth-round KO and retained his WBC lightweight title.But just two months later and he was dead alongside his wife.Sulaiman said: “After his fight in Mexico – he fought in Monterrey, Mexico – he flew back to Venezuela and some people introduced him to cocaine and he had a horrible week.”We were contacted by his family and friends and my father was a couple of days away from getting a humanitarian visa so that he could travel to a rehab facility in the United States.”And there was also one in Cuba that was ready to receive him. And unfortunately, history turned that way and it didn’t happen.” Valero’s 24-year-old wife was found stabbed to death on April 18, 2010. Valero walks after being arrested in a police station in 2010Credit: ReutersHe would commit suicide one day laterCredit: ReutersValero was arrested after Jennifer’s body was discovered in a hotel in the city of Valencia, Carabobo.The 27-0 champion – who won every fight by KO – was considered the prime suspect – but he never faced his day in court. Valero was discovered hanging in his jail cell just a day after his arrest – committing suicide only 24 hours after allegedly killing his wife. Reports in Venezuela claimed Valero admitted to hotel security and police that he had murdered his wife.Jennifer’s family accused Valero of being a violent, drug-addicted bully who stopped eating or sleeping before taking it out on his wife.Sulaiman and his dad saw Valero and his family dining out after his last fight – unaware of the horrors that would follow. He said: “I never could have believed what happened.Very unfortunately his life ended in tragedy, in controversy but what happened inside the ring was tremendous by him. WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman”I was completely shocked. Heartbroken in disbelief because he was a real good friend.” “He was a very dear, fighter, dear friend. And it’s just a tragedy.” Both Valero and his wife had public burials in Venezuela.Their kids were taken in by Jennifer Carolina’s sister and their daughter later took up amateur boxing in her father’s honour. A 2016 film titled El Inca – Valero’s boxing nickname – was selected as Venezuelia’s entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars.Valero’s brother-in-law – Jennifer’s brother Yoel Finol – also became a boxer and represented Venezuelan at the 2016 Olympics. In the run up to the Rio Games, Finol revealed he had forgiven Valero for his alleged horrors and only began boxing as a kid due to his influence. Finol is now a 3-0 pro bantamweight but he has not fought since 2020.READ MORE SUN STORIESValero remains the WBC’s only champion with a 100 per cent KO ratio with his career in the ring still celebrated to this day. But the questions he left unanswered also still remain.Yoel Finol, left, is Valero’s brother-in-law and an Olympic boxerCredit: Reuters More

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      Humble Jack Grealish spotted at social club where pints cost less than £3 after Man City’s FA Cup win over Plymouth

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      HUMBLE Jack Grealish was spotted at a social club near Sunderland which sells pints for less than £3 following Manchester City’s FA Cup win.The £100million star, 29, played the full 90 minutes at the Etihad on Saturday as City beat Plymouth 3-1.Jack Grealish was spotted in a social club in the North-EastCredit: X @footballbreakzThe £100m footballer headed to the £3-a-pint North Biddick Social ClubCredit: X @footballbreakzHis partner Sasha Attwood was not in attendance at the unexpected venueCredit: instagram/@sasha__rebecca’But with no midweek fixture following the Champions League exit, the footballer got snapped at the North Biddick Social Club in Washington on Sunday night. Grealish wore an oversized grey hoodie and ripped baggy sky-blue jeans with white trainers as he sat alongside two pals at the unexpected location. The social club describes itself as “Washington’s No1 entertainment venue” and offers “a fine selection of beers, wines and spirits at unbelievably low prices” that sees punters “save a small fortune”.That includes a menu from last year showing pints costing from £2.94 to £3.60. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLA bottle of prosecco costs less than £10 with spirits coming up well under £3. According to the Daily Mail, Grealish put a “substantial sum” behind the bar for regulars at the North Biddick Social Club, which is a 136-mile, two-and-a-half-hour drive from the Etihad.It is unclear why Britain’s most expensive footballer in Premier League history opted for the hotspot in the North-East. There was no sign of his partner Sasha Attwood at the social club.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSasha gave birth to the couple’s first child, daughter Mila, in September. And it comes less than three weeks after Grealish was spotted leaving a swanky restaurant in London alongside a mystery woman.Jack Grealish’s reaction to Cole Palmer becoming a manager says it all as he and Maguire apologise to Chelsea starThe ex-Aston Villa ace, though, insisted “she’s not with me” as he departed the celebrity hangout Chiltern Firehouse in Marylebone. SunSport revealed the blonde was Emma Silverton, a former model, hostess and freelance photographer.On the field, Grealish is continuing to struggle for minutes.Despite his key role in the Treble-winning 2022-23 season, he is a fringe squad player these days under Pep Guardiola.There have been suggestions he has not been as dedicated in training as in previous years since his 2021 record-breaking transfer. Just six of his 14 starts this season have come in the Premier League – with 34 minutes of top-flight action in 2025. He has registered two goals this term – against PSG in the Champions League and Salford in the FA Cup – and chipped in with five assists overall, with transfer rumours swirling he could leave Man City in the summer. Grealish opened up on 2024 being one of the hardest years of his lifeCredit: instagram/@sasha__rebecca’Sasha gave birth to their daughter Mila in SeptemberCredit: InstagramGuardiola publicly apologised to Grealish that his Premier League minutes have been limited to just 605 as he has tended to prefer the likes of Savinho, Jeremy Doku, Phil Foden and now Omar Marmoush out wide. Speaking last month, the manager said: “I’m so sorry he doesn’t get the minutes that maybe he deserves.”But in the end, the contributions from Jeremy or Savinho have been massive this season, this is the only reason why.”It’s not personal, or that I don’t like Jack, or I don’t have confidence in him.”Of course, when you play one player more minutes than another, you have more confidence than him right now.”But I know his attributes, it’s just for the fact that for the impact of Savinho.”It’s Savinho’s first season – his impact in goals, and assists, the last game at Arsenal made an incredible step-up defensively and challenging duels. And this is the reason why.”Issues on and off the field – including his Euro 2024 snub and the fallout from a terrifying raid on his house in December 2023 – led Grealish to describe 2024 as “probably the most difficult year of my life”.Grealish admitted: “Last year, the whole year itself, it was weird because my little daughter was born, but apart from that it was one of the most difficult years.”Probably the most difficult year of my life for many reasons, on and off the pitch.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I found it really difficult. It’s a New Year now, and hopefully I can kick on from here.”City return to action on Saturday with the lunchtime kick-off away at Nottingham Forest in a huge fixture for the race to qualify for the Champions League. His trip to the social club comes three weeks after he was spotted leaving a swanky London restaurantCredit: SplashGrealish insisted ex-model Emma Silverton was not with himCredit: SplashThe forward played the full 90 minutes against Plymouth on SaturdayCredit: ReutersHe has spent much of this season sat on the benchCredit: GettyPep Guardiola apoligised for the England international’s lack of game timeCredit: AFP More

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      Rangers takeover deal with US investors AGREED in principle

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      A DEAL has been agreed in principle between Rangers and the American consortium who want to take over the club.Paraag Marathe of 49ers Enterprises, the business arm of the San Francisco 49ers, has been engaged in talks with Ibrox power brokers for some time now over potential investment, working alongside insurance tycoon Andrew Cavenagh.Marathe and the 49ers also own Leeds United but with the EFL and the SFA unlikely to stand in their way, a deal for them to complete a stunning takeover of the Glasgow giants has been agreed.Cavenagh is chairman of health firm ParetoHealth and he and Marathe are aiming to acquire a controlling stake in Gers, of around 51 per cent.It’s understood that all parties are confident the deal will be agreed before the start of the new season.All that remains now is for due diligence to take place and legal paperwork to be drafted up, though the SFA and EFL consent will be required to rubber-stamp any proposal.Current Gers shareholders Dave King and John Bennett have already agreed to sell up with a view to welcoming the Americans on board.Fellow directors Douglas Park, George Taylor, Stuart Gibson, Julian Wolhardt and John Halsted could all be convinced to sell their shares too.Halsted and non-executive director Alastair Johnston have ties to the US and they have been crucial in talks getting to this stage.Marathe has been with the NFL giants for 24 years and has a close relationship with its billionaire chief, Jed York.Most read in FootballThe franchise was valued at around $6billion by Forbes recently and has won five Super Bowl titles in its history.The last of those wins came prior to Marathe’s involvement but the team has reached the Super Bowl three times since he has been a key decision maker.Rangers and Celtic fans react to news away fans are BACK at Old Firm gamesWho owns Rangers? As the San Francisco 49ers pursue potential investment in Rangers, SunSport looks at who own the biggest blocks of shares at IbroxDave King 12.96% Borita Investments & Perron Investment (owned by directors Julian Wolhardt and John Halsted) 12.69%Douglas Park 11.54%George Taylor 10.22% Stuart Gibson 9.53%John Bennett 7.11%Due to Marathe’s involvement with Leeds, some fans feared that Rangers would become a feeder club for the Elland Road side – particularly as they look nailed-on to return to the Premier League from the Championship after this season.But Marathe broke his silence recently and was adamant that would never be the case.Indeed, it’s believed Rangers bring to the table something that Leeds are unlikely to offer in the short-term – a route to the Champions League.Discussions have also taken place regarding further investment down the line, which would be dependent on success in Europe and a reinvigorated player trading model.The lowdown: San Francisco 49ersGeorge Kittle, one of the stars of the San Francisco 49ersFoundation: The San Francisco 49ers were established in 1946 as a charter member of the All-America Football Conference (AAFC) before joining the National Football League (NFL) in 1949.Name origin: The team is named after the prospectors who flocked to Northern California during the 1849 Gold Rush in search of fortune.Team colours: The 49ers’ official team colours are red, gold, and white, symbolising the region’s rich history tied to the Gold Rush.Home stadium: Since 2014, the team has played its home games at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, which is located about 40 miles south of San Francisco.Championship success: The 49ers have won five Super Bowl titles (1981, 1984, 1988, 1989, and 1994), making them one of the most successful franchises in NFL history.Notable players: Legendary players include quarterback Joe Montana, wide receiver Jerry Rice, safety Ronnie Lott, and quarterback Steve Young, all of whom are Hall of Fame inductees.Coaching legacy: Head coach Bill Walsh, who led the team to three Super Bowl victories, is credited with pioneering the “West Coast Offence,” a revolutionary passing-focused strategy.Rivalries: The 49ers have fierce rivalries with teams such as the Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers, Los Angeles Rams, and Seattle Seahawks.Ownership: The team is owned by the York family, with Jed York serving as CEO. The franchise was originally owned by Tony Morabito, one of its founders.Cultural impact: The 49ers are a symbol of Bay Area pride and have a dedicated fanbase known as the “Faithful.” The team has also been featured in various films, books, and media, cementing its place in American sporting culture.Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More