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      Lionesses star Fran Kirby follows Mary Earps in retiring from England just weeks before Euro 2025

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      LIONESSES Euros hero Fran Kirby has announced her retirement from international football ahead of this summer’s European Championships. Kirby, 31, has decided to end her international career after being informed that she wouldn’t be part of Sarina Weigman’s squad for the Euros.Fran Kirby has retired from International footballCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunThe European champion – who was a crucial part of the Lionesses Euro 2022 success – announced her decision on Instagram. A statement read: “After being in the England team since I was 21, it’s time to close that chapter of my life. “I didn’t ever want this day to come, but I cannot tell you how proud I am it happened.”It’s been the biggest honour to represent my country, one that I had only dreamt about as a young girl.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I’ve played with some incredible players, worked with some incredible managers, played in some amazing tournaments and have some irreplaceable memories.”She added: “Starting in every game and winning the Euros in 2022 was a dream come true, to be a part of change in women’s football was one of the best experiences I could ever have imagined.”Thank you to you all, for embracing me as a young girl from Reading who had a dream. I hope you all know, wearing that badge was the greatest honour.”To every young girl that suffers setbacks, just remember you can. You can.”Most read in FootballKirby made her final England appearance as a substitute in Friday’s Nations League clash with PortugalCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSKirby, who plays her club football for Brighton, had been selected for England’s Uefa Nations League matches against Portugal and Spain.However, after finding out she wouldn’t be kept on for the Euros starting next month, Kirby told her England team-mates of the decision after Tuesday’s clash against Spain.Speaking to the BBC following her announcement, Kirby revealed that she was planning on hanging up her boots after the Euros.She said: “It is something I have been thinking about for over a year. I knew this was going to be my last major tournament.”The plan was to retire after the Euros but after speaking to Sarina I’m not going to make the squad.”It was like a dagger to my heart but also a weight off my shoulders all at the same time. It was emotional for both of us but we both respected what each person was saying.”Fran Kirby’s full retirement statementRead Kirby’s announcement in full…After being in the England team since I was 21, it’s time to close that chapter of my life. I didn’t ever want this day to come, but I cannot tell you how proud I am it happened.It’s been the biggest honour to represent my country, one that I had only dreamt about as a young girl.I’ve played with some incredible players, worked with some incredible managers, played in some amazing tournaments and have irreplaceable memories.My journey has been full of ups and downs, setbacks and achievements. Enough has been said and written about those, but regardless of whatever was thrown at me, I want you all to know that every time I put on that England badge I gave it 100%.Every single call-up, I accepted my role and did whatever was needed for the team. I wanted England to win. I’ve always been there to help England win.My mum had a dream of me representing my country and I’m so proud I was able to do that and play in front of you all.I will never, ever forget the noise when my name is read out at a stadium. I was first selected when I was playing in WSL 2, I played a part in the game-changing World Cup, winning bronze in 2015, creating memories of a lifetime.Starting in every game and winning the Euros in 2022 was a dream come true, to be part of change in women’s football was one of the best experiences I could ever have imagined.Thank you to all of you for embracing me as a young girl from Reading who had a dream. I hope you all know that wearing that badge was the greatest honour.To every young girl that suffers setbacks, just remember you can. You can. Forever a Lioness, Fran.While also revealing that the decision has been influenced by her trying to protect her body.She added: “Everyone knows the injuries that I’ve had and I’ve been protecting my body.”This is part of that. But I feel like I’ve got so much to give in football. I’m already looking forward to the domestic season.”Kirby was part of England’s Euro 2022 winning side and leaves the national set up having represented the Lionesses 77 times.The two-time PFA Women’s Footballer of the Year winner isn’t the first England superstar to retire from international duty before next months tournament.EARPS’ SHOCK DECISIONGoalkeeper Mary Earps shocked the nation – and her manager – when she announced her international retirement last week.Earps reportedly decided to leave the national team after being informed she would be playing backup to Chelsea shot-stopper Hannah Hampton going forward.Mary Earps also announced her retirement from international duty last weekCredit: GettyShe said: “I have taken the difficult decision to retire internationally. It has been the greatest honour and privilege of my life, to wear this badge, represent my country and play alongside such an incredible group of players.”I’ve spent a long time making this decision and it’s not one I’ve made lightly.”For me, ultimately this is the right time for me to step aside and give the younger generation an opportunity to thrive.”Winning the Euros in 2022 was the best day of my life, and I’m rooting for the girls to do it again this summer.”Head coach Wiegman was left frustrated at the surprise announcement.She said: “I’m really disappointed and sad that she’s not part of the team because I want her in my team.”That (retirement decision) must have been a really hard decision for her and so it is for us.”There have been a couple of conversations which I don’t want to share publicly because that’s between us and it’s hard for her at the same time.”Earps, who has 53 senior international caps, started in all six games during England’s run to becoming European Champions three years ago.Read More on The SunIn Australia in 2023, she played a significant role in England reaching the Women’s World Cup final for the first time in their history,Her performance in all seven games would see her win the tournament’s Golden Glove before later being voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year.Sarina Wiegman said she was ‘disappointed and sad’ to learn of Earps’ decisionCredit: Alamy More

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      Iconic BBC presenter leaves job at Premier League after nine years and posts emotional message

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      FAN favourite football presenter Manish Bhasin has announced he is leaving his job at the Premier League after nine years.Bhasin, 49, has been on fans’ screens for over two decades and is known by many as the face of the BBC’s defunct Football League Show. Manish Bhasin has announced his next career moveCredit: Getty Images – GettyBhasin, pictured with Premier League CEO Richard Masters, has been working at Premier League productions for nine yearsCredit: GettyBut for the last nine years he has fronted up matchday coverage of Premier League action for Premier League Productions – the league’s official broadcast outlet.Bhasin was the host of their official global match coverage, popping up on televisions across the world as he chatted about the Prem’s biggest fixtures.But the Leicester-born presenter and journalist has now revealed he is ready for a new chapter in an emotional statement announcing his exit.He wrote on X: “After 9 years of hosting for the Premier League official global match coverage, sadly the time has come to move on.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I’ve loved every second. A big thanks to the production team and the on-screen pundits who made the job so enjoyable. “Time now to write the next chapter…”Bhasin is one of many familiar faces that are leaving their roles this summer as the landscape of football coverage is set for a shakeup ahead of the new season.Sky Sports announced last week that seven of their stars are leaving the the company as part of a major redundancy programme.Most read in SportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIncluded in that mass change is the likes of Melissa Reddy, Jeremy Langdon and the experienced Rob Wotton.Meanwhile Gary Lineker presented his final Match of the Day after 26 years in the hot-seat after revealing his exit from the BBC last month.Gary Lineker tears up as he bids emotional farewell to iconic Match of the Day after controversial BBC axeHowever, Lineker won’t be stepping away from football highlights completely.It was announced today that his podcast The Rest Is Football, which he co-hosts alongside Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, will be showing highlights of the upcoming Fifa Club World Cup.Gary Lineker has left the BBCCredit: PA More

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      Wayne Rooney slapped with brace of parking tickets after leaving car outside posh hotel and not returning for two days

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      WAYNE Rooney is hit with two successive penalties — after parking wardens slapped his motor with a brace of tickets.The Man United and England legend, 39, parked outside a posh hotel with wife Coleen but did not return to the car for two days.Wayne Rooney has been hit with two successive penaltiesCredit: ZenpixThe Man Utd hero parked outside a posh hotel with wife Coleen but did not return to the car for two daysCredit: ZenpixAn onlooking builder in Wilmslow, Cheshire, said: “He can afford it. “But I can’t believe he’s left the car there.”We today revealed that the Rooney’s were on holiday.Wayne and his kids looked terrified on a day out at Alton Towers – but wife Coleen was SMILING on the rollercoasters.READ MORE ON WAYNE ROONEYThe Rooney clan enjoyed a fun trip to the Staffordshire theme park as they took advantage of the half term break.Footy legend Wazza had a go on several thrilling rides.But despite his reputation as a football hardman, Rooney could only grimace as he whizzed round the tracks at lightning speed.Youngest children Kit, 9, and Cass, 7, also looked petrified as they soaked up the thrill-seeking atmosphere.Most read in FootballHowever, Coleen appeared right at home.The 39-year-old is still basking in the glory of her second-place finish in last year’s edition of ‘I’m a Celeb’.Gary Lineker destroys Wayne Rooney’s managerial career live on BBC leaving pundits speechlessColeen was forced to battle the likes of snakes, spiders and other gruesome creatures while in the Australian jungle.So riding a few simple rollercoasters will have been a walk in the park.’He can afford it. But I can’t believe he’s left the car there’, said on onlookerCredit: ZenpixThe Rooney’s at Alton TowersCredit: INSTAGRAM @coleen_rooneyWayne looks less than pleased to be on one of the rides – but Coleen looks like shes having the time of her lifeCredit: INSTAGRAM @coleen_rooney More

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      Premier League announce inflation-busting ticket cap as football fans rejoice and say ‘EFL, take note’

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      PREMIER LEAGUE away ticket prices will continue to be capped at £30.The rule was introduced in 2016 and has resulted in away attendances increasing to 91 per cent of capacity.Premier League clubs have voted to maintain the cap on away ticket pricesCredit: GettyPrem clubs have unanimously voted for the cap to stay in place.That means next season will be the tenth year away fans will pay £30 or less to watch their teams on the road.It is a major win for fans of clubs in the top flight. but supporters in the rest of the pyramid are calling for the EFL to implement a similar rule.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne fan said: “@EFL Take notes 👍🏼”Another added: “Why are the EFL not acting on this?”A third wrote: “Needs to be £20 in the Championship, Division 1 & 2.”And another commented: “Eventually clubs not being money grabbers.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSA total of 953,420 people were at the 380 top-flight matches during the 2024-25 season.And 19 out of 20 Prem clubs raised their prices for home fans.Manish Bhasin gives fans behind-the-scenes look at his week with Premier League ProductionsBut the away ticket price cap remains in place.The Premier League said in a statement: “Clubs recognise the additional costs associated with fans following their team during the season, and the incredible atmospheres they create at matches.” More

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      in Motorsport

      ‘I remember him as he was – not lying in a bed’: Michael Schumacher’s F1 boss gives tragic insight into star’s health

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      MICHAEL Schumacher’s former boss has given rare insight into the F1 legend’s condition – 12 years after his life-changing skiing accident.While the German racing icon, now 56, hasn’t been seen in public since 2013, his ex-manager at Benetton Flavio Briatore says he speaks often with Schumacher’s family.Flavio Briatore (right) has revealed insight into the health of F1 icon Michael Schumacher (left)Credit: Press AssociationSchumacher pictured on the shoulders of Briatore and race director Tom Walkinshaw after his 1994 World Championship victoryCredit: AlamyHis wife Corinna gave an update on his health in a rare 2021 documentaryCredit: AlamyBriatore, 75, appeared to confirm to an Italian newspaper that Schumacher is bed-bound, amid scarce details of his condition due to his wife Corinna’s commitment to privacy.”If I close my eyes,” he told Corriere della Sera, “I see him smiling after a victory.”I prefer to remember him like that rather than him just lying on a bed. Corinna and I talk often, though.”Briatore’s update follows a claim by his ex-wife Elisabetta Gregoraci, who said: “Michael doesn’t speak, he communicates with his eyes.Read more sport news”Only three people can visit him and I know who they are.”Claims that Schumacher can no longer speak were echoed by his son Mick in a 2021 Netflix documentary about his father’s life.The 26-year-old driver said: “I think dad and me, we would understand each other now in a different way now.”In the 2021 documentary, Corinna gave a rare update, revealing Schumacher is still undergoing rehabilitation and is “different, but here” following his life-changing injuries.Most read in MotorsportIn April, Schumacher signed a charity helmet with help from Corinna.Emotional moment Michael Schumacher’s son and Sebastian Vettel pay tribute to stricken F1 legend The helmet will be auctioned to raise money for Stewart’s charity Race Against Dementia.Johnny Herbert, Schumacher’s teammate at Benetton between 1994 to 1995, described the signature as an “emotional” moment.He told FastSlots: “It’s wonderful news that Michael Schumacher signed Jackie Stewart’s helmet. It was a wonderful moment.”We haven’t seen something emotional like this in years, and hopefully, it’s a sign. “Hopefully, Michael is on the mend. It’s been a long, horrible journey for the family, and maybe we’ll hopefully see him in the F1 paddock soon.”Schumacher is one of the most successful F1 drivers of all time, winning world titles in 1994, 1995 and five consecutive years from 2000 to 2004. He also racked up 71 fastest laps and 155 podiums during his racing career.Read More on The SunWhen asked who the greatest driver of all time is, Briatore told Corriere de Sera: “I don’t know who the greatest is, because we’ve had Schumacher, Senna, Alonso.”Now, the number one is definitely (Max) Verstappen. I have two cars at Alpine, so I would like to have two Verstappens.”What do we know about Schumacher since his accident?MICHAEL Schumacher’s life changed forever on December 29, 2013, when a skiing accident left the seven-time F1 champion with a severe brain injury. Since then, his family has protected his privacy, with only a select few remaining in contact with the racing legend.December 29, 2013 – The skiing accident: Schumacher suffers a life-threatening head injury while skiing off-piste in Méribel, France. He falls and hits his head on a rock, causing severe brain trauma despite wearing a helmet. He is airlifted to a hospital in Grenoble, where he undergoes two emergency surgeries. Doctors place him in a medically induced coma to reduce swelling in his brain.January 2014 – Schumacher fights for his life: Schumacher remains in a coma. Doctors describe his condition as “critical but stable”. His family, led by wife Corinna, remains at his bedside. The world’s F1 community rallies behind him, with fans holding vigils outside the hospital.June 2014 – Schumacher brought out of his coma: After nearly six months, Schumacher is brought out of his coma. His family confirms he is no longer in a coma but gives no further health details. He is transferred from Grenoble to a rehabilitation facility in Lausanne, Switzerland.September 2014 – Back home: Schumacher is moved to his family home near Lake Geneva. Corinna announces he will continue his recovery at home, with a dedicated medical team.2015–2018 – Mystery surrounding his health: Reports suggest Schumacher is receiving round-the-clock medical care at home, costing £50,000 per week. Jean Todt reveals he still visits Schumacher and that they watch F1 races together.May 2017 – German magazine sued by Schumacher’s family: The magazine Bunte has to pay Michael Schumacher €50,000 (£42,000) in damages after claiming in 2015 that Schumacher would walk again. The Hamburg regional court determined that the statement was false and infringed upon Schumacher’s right to privacy.September 2019 – Schumacher secretly transferred to Paris: French media reports that Schumacher is taken to Paris for stem cell therapy at the Georges-Pompidou Hospital. The procedure is led by renowned surgeon Dr. Philippe Menasché. Details of the treatment remain undisclosed.December 2019 – Manager issues rare statement: Schumacher’s longtime manager Sabine Kehm says his condition will remain private. She dismisses speculation and false reports about his health.September 2021 – Netflix documentary “Schumacher” released: A new Netflix documentary, Schumacher, provides rare insights into his life. Corinna speaks publicly about his condition for the first time, saying: “Michael is here. Different, but he’s here, and that gives us strength.”December 2023 – 10 years since the accident: Schumacher turns 55. The anniversary of his accident is marked by tributes from the F1 world. Jean Todt confirms he still sees Schumacher regularly and describes his visits as “full of affection”.September 2024 – Daughter Gina’s wedding: Gina Schumacher, 27, marries longtime boyfriend Iain Bethke at the family’s £27million Majorca villa. Reports claim Schumacher attends the wedding, but close friend Johnny Herbert later calls it “A1 fake news”. Guests are reportedly required to hand over their phones to prevent leaks.December 2024 – Schumacher to become a grandfather: Gina announces she is pregnant, three months after her wedding. She shares the news on Instagram, writing: “Impatiently awaiting the arrival of our little girl.”Schumacher’s initials ‘M.S’ can be seen signed on the bottom part of the helmet belonging to fellow F1 icon Sir Jackie StewartCredit: Matt Wardle and Bell RacingSchumacher kisses Briatore in 2000Credit: Reuters More

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      Bruno Fernandes reveals role his wife played in £200m Al-Hilal transfer snub even though Man Utd were ready to cash in

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      BRUNO FERNANDES has spoken about his decision to snub a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia – explaining how his wife helped him decide to stay put.The Manchester United captain has turned down the chance to more than triple his wages after he was approached by Saudi Pro League outfit Al Hilal about a summer switch.Bruno Fernandes has broken his silence on his Al Hilal transfer snubCredit: PAFernandes has revealed his wife Ana helped him make his mind upCredit: Instagram/anaapinho_Fernandes and Ana haver been married since 2015Credit: Instagram/anaapinho_Fernandes, 30, has now revealed that he rejected the move following a call from the Al Hilal president and a chat with United boss Ruben Amorim.But it was his wife Ana who had the biggest influence, making sure he put his professional ambitions over everything else.Speaking in his press conference while on International duty with Portugal, Fernandes said: “There was that possibility, the president of Al Hilal called me a month ago to ask“There was a waiting period on my part to think about what the future would hold. I would be open to it, if Manchester United felt it was my time.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”I spoke with Mister Ruben Amorim, who really tried to talk me out of it. I spoke with the club, which wasn’t willing to sell, only if I truly wanted to leave. “We never talked about money; that was all handled by my agent, not me.“I spoke with my family to understand if that was what I wanted for my future. “It was actually my wife who asked me — I never said yes or no. She put my professional priorities ahead of everything else.Most read in FootballRuben Amorim told Fernandes he wants him to stayCredit: ReutersJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford“It would have been an easy move. I had Ruben Neves and Joao Cancelo there, two people I have a great friendship with. “But I want to stay at the highest level, play in big competitions, because I still feel capable. I want to keep being happy, I’m still very passionate about this sport, and I’m happy with my decision.”Ruben Amorim breaks silence over futures of Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro GarnachoFernandes had been given a one week deadline by Saudi officials to mull over a three-year tax-free contract worth £200million.The Portuguese playmaker is thought to be keen to remain at the top level in Europe and doesn’t see Al Hilal as the right move for his career.Fernandes has been Man Utd’s standout performer in a season that has seen the club endure one of the worst campaigns in their history – culminating in Europa League final defeat to Tottenham. Following that European embarrassment, Fernandes said: “I have always been honest. I’ve always said I will be here until the club says to me that it’s time to go.”I’m eager to do more, to be able to bring the club the great days.It was actually my wife who asked me — I never said yes or no. She put my professional priorities ahead of everything else.Bruno Fernandes”I’m eager to do more, to be able to bring the club the great days.”In the day that the club thinks that I’m too much or it’s time to part ways, football is like this, you never know it. But I’ve always said it and I keep my word in the same way.”If the club thinks it’s time to part ways because they want to do some cashing in or whatever, it’s what it is, and football sometimes is like this.”Fernandes’ current terms at Old Trafford run until the summer of 2027.Man Utd have already begun their transfer business in a bid to strengthen their squad ahead of next season.Alongside keeping hold of star man Fernandes, United announced on Sunday that they have completed the signing of Wolves attacking midfielder Matheus Cunha.The Old Trafford outfit have agreed to pay a £62.5m fee for the Brazilian, 26, who will put pen to paper on a five-year deal.Read More on The SunWhile Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo looks set to become the next new arrival for Ruben Amorim’s side.Mbeumo, 25, has reportedly decided that he wants to join United over the likes of Arsenal, Newcastle and Tottenham – who are also thought to be keen on the Cameroonian.Man Utd have announced the signing of Matheus Cunha from WolvesCredit: GettyBentford star Bryan Mbeumo looks like he could be the next summer signing at Old TraffordCredit: Getty More

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      How Man Utd could line up with Cunha and Mbeumo after £125.5m transfer spree – and where does Bruno Fernandes fit in?

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are making early moves in the transfer market. Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos have made a fast start to their second summer window since their arrival as co-owners at Old Trafford – and the stakes could not be higher.Man Utd have already confirmed the arrival of Matheus CunhaCredit: AFPBryan Mbeumo reportedly has his heart set on an Old Trafford transferCredit: GettyBut what does this all mean for Bruno Fernandes after he snubbed a deal to join Al-HilalCredit: PAWhile there is an argument to be made that none of the transfers made in the last 12 months were TOTAL flops, it did not stop Man Utd from having their worst-ever Premier League season.And the squad clearly needs a lot of work to bring it up to the standard of even a top-half team.Fortunately, club transfer chiefs have wasted no time in trying to address those issues, first of all confirming the signing of 15-goal Wolves Brazil ace Matheus Cunha for £62.5million.The 26-year-old’s move will be completed once he returns from international duty.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThen, just a day later, reports emerged revealing Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo had his heart set on a move to Manchester.Mbeumo scored 20 goals and added seven assists last season, and, according to reports, is ready to snub Newcastle and Arsenal to seal a deal estimated to be around £50m.Furthermore, club captain and talisman Bruno Fernandes will now NOT move to Al-Hilal after turning down a crazy offer of £700,000-a-week – and around £100m for United.While Fernandes – the team’s only genuine world-class player – seemingly staying is doubtless a positive, it poses the question of how Ruben Amorim will arrange his new assortment of attacking goodies. Most read in FootballSunSport has taken a look at three ways Man Utd could line up next season, including some other stars the fallen giants have been linked with ahead of a huge summer.BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAs mentioned earlier, Man Utd need work from top to bottom, including both a new goalkeeper, central midfielder and striker, even after the Cunha and Mbeumo deals.For our first possible team, we have named World Cup winner Emi Martinez in goal after SunSport exclusively revealed how the Aston Villa star was “up for the challenge” of turning Man Utd around.Rashford to Inter Milan? Man Utd Star Eyes Shock Serie A Move!The starting back three sees Lisandro Martinez, who prior to his injury was one of the best performers under Amorim, alongside Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro, who both got better as the season went on.Fernandes is in midfield, where he can get on the ball the most and set the tempo from deeper, which seems to be his new main position under Amorim.Next to him, is Brighton star Carlos Baleba, who would act as the perfect foil to the 30-year-old in the middle of the park, but crucially also bring on and off the ball quality.The data suggests the 21-year-old is among the best in the league for defensive contributions such as blocks, interceptions and tackles in the attacking third.He also ranks fifth in ball recoveries in the league, behind Moises Caicedo, Fernandes, Elliot Anderson and Joao Gomes. This would naturally be an expensive deal, so only time will tell whether he firstly wants the move and secondly whether Man Utd can agree a good deal with Brighton, who are notoriously tough negotiators.But then, with Amad Diallo and Patrick Dorgu as the wing-backs supporting Mbeumo and Cunha, we have added former Premier League bad boy Aleksandar Mitrovic into the attacking mix.The Al-Hilal star is reportedly open to a return to England, and joining Man Utd to link up with Cunha and Mbeumo would see the club have three of the best midtable stars the Prem has seen in the last five years.However, our other teams have also swapped some of the names mentioned for similar players linked.In goal, we have also speculated on the arrival of former Man Utd academy shot-stopper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic and Serie A star Zion Suzuki.Man Utd will need a top midfielder who is physically fit and capable on the ball to strengthen the spine of the team, which also leads us to Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton as an alternative to Baleba. Again, this is an expensive deal. But Man Utd should be eyeing sure hits in the market this summer, rather than speculating on potential – a criteria both Baleba and Wharton, while admittedly still young, already possess. In terms of Fernandes’ role, there is an argument to be made that his best football for Man Utd came playing right behind the striker, where he is most impactful in the final third. Cunha and Mbeumo represent two strong profiles to link up with.And should Man Utd suffer a striker crisis or fail to land an appropriate ace this summer, they could always deploy Cunha as a “false 9” with Mbeumo and Fernandes buzzing off of his link play.There is also a chance Amorim switches to a more attacking two-striker system if he wants to really stretch games. Read More on The SunIf Man Utd can set up a reunion between Amorim and Viktor Gyokeres, he may look to have two fast forwards leading the line to stretch the opposition defence before the likes of Cunha arrive to support them in the final third.Sales will be key to these plans of course, but many are already seemingly in the works, with Rasmus Hojlund attracting interest from Inter Milan, Marcus Rashford linked with Barcelona, and bad boy Alejandro Garnacho tipped for a move to Chelsea or Napoli. More

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      Crystal Palace co-owner John Textor desperately trying to SELL stake to stop Eagles being booted out of Europa League

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      CRYSTAL PALACE co-owner John Textor is trying to SELL his stake in the club to prevent the Eagles being booted out of the Europa League, reports suggest.Despite winning the FA Cup, the Eagles face being unable to compete in the Europa League for the first time ever next season due to Uefa multi-club ownership rules.Crystal Palace face not being able to compete in the Europa League due to multi-club ownership rulesCredit: Shutterstock EditorialThe issue comes from co-owner John Textor, who also owns LyonCredit: GettyHe is now trying to sell his stake in the Eagles less than a month after their FA Cup gloryCredit: APAmerican businessman Textor owns a 43 per cent share in the Selhurst Park outfit.However, his ownership of Ligue 1 side Lyon has placed Palace’s place in the competition in jeopardy without a ball even being kicked.That is because the French outfit also qualified for next season’s Europa League, but due to their superior league position have preference for a spot.Palace chiefs flew out to Switzerland for a meeting on the shores of Lake Geneva earlier this week for crunch talks with Uefa about the problem.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAccording to the Daily Mail, those talks lasted for around two hours and ended in Textor putting the club up for sale to avoid a potential disaster.He has previously declared his intention to sell when trying to buy Everton, alongside the fact he has access to just 25 per cent of voting rights at the club.Speaking to the Mail about the meeting, he said: “Look, all of the UK knows that I don’t have decisive influence over Palace. It was a good meeting. “They listened and we’ll see what happens. I wouldn’t be trying to sell (his stake) if I did.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe 59-year-old added: “We are trying to help separate it and sell. “We wanted to buy but it’s become clear that isn’t going to happen and so we’re trying to help Palace and the situation with UEFA. That’s about all I can say.”Crystal Palace stars lift FA Cup trophy as they win first major honour in club’s history with win over Man CityThe report adds Uefa lawyers will now consider the argument before making a decision in the “near future” ahead of the draw for the qualifying stages of the Conference League.However, Palace being booted out of the Europa League is not the worst-case scenario due to the unprecedented nature of a third club being involved.The Eagles could even be booted out of the Conference League if they were forced to suffer a “relegation” to avoid two competing interests, due to the ownership of shareholder David Blitzer.Blitzer is said to own around 18 per cent of the shares in the club, but also owns Danish outfit Brondby.They appear to be in line to take a spot in the Conference League which would bring Palace into conflict with ownership rules again.Brondby finished third in Denmark’s league, but Palace would argue that qualifying for a higher-ranked competition by winning the FA Cup entitles them to the spot.That being said, if Palace end up being thrown out of European football entirely, bitter rivals Brighton would inherit a spot in the Conference League, while Nottingham Forest move up to the Europa League.Manchester United faced a similar issue last year when they won the FA Cup and were placed below French club Nice in the priority list due to their higher finish in Ligue 1.Both were ultimately allowed to compete, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos agreeing to a transfer embargo between the two clubs and major changes at board level for Nice in a so-called “blind-trust” deal.Read More on The SunManchester City had to do the same when Spanish side Girona, owned by the UAE’s City Football Group, surprisingly qualified for the Champions League last season.As a precaution, Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis made similar changes when it appeared both the English side and Greek outfit Olympiakos were on course to qualify for the Champions League.Crystal Palace ratingsCRYSTAL PALACE secured their first ever trophy with a famous FA Cup final victory over Manchester City. More