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    FA launch brand new tournament with former England stars fronting star-studded line-up

    THE FA have launched a brand new tournament with several former England stars fronting a star-studded line-up.All eyes will be on Wembley next month when Manchester City and Crystal Palace battle it out for the FA Cup.Jermain Defoe is one of several ex-England stars heading up a new tournamentCredit: AlamyBen Foster will also be involved in the FA’s new five-aside-tournamentCredit: PABut ahead of the crunch final, the FA and tournament sponsors Emirates have launched a brand new five-a-side football tournament.Featuring four teams, the competition will take place at St George’s Park — the base of the FA and England’s football teams.The teams will be made up of non-league stars, influencers and local community heroes.But there are a slew of former aces involved, with each heading up a side.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFifty-seven cap England striker and Tottenham icon Jermain Defoe will front one side.While another will be led by eight-time England goalie Ben Foster.Chelsea title winner Shaun Wright-Phillips will take charge of the third team.While Newcastle hero Shola Ameobi is the fourth name getting involved.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSEach side will represent an Emirates Flight Hub.These include London, Birmingham, Manchester and Newcastle.Roy Keane delivers verdict on Thomas Tuchel after two games with England and claims he’s been handed ‘easy start’Shaun Wright-Phillips will lead one of the sidesCredit: AlamyEx-Newcastle ace Shola Ameobi is also involvedCredit: GettyEach one is also linked with a destination such as Indonesia, Dubai, Thailand and Cambodia.And the tournament’s top scorer and best player could end up being gifted a flight to their team’s corresponding country as a reward.A date for the competition is yet to be confirmed, but it will be streamed live on YouTube. More

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    Carlo Ancelotti agrees next job as Real Madrid set to ‘part ways nicely’ with former Chelsea boss

    CARLO ANCELOTTI has already lined up a new job as he prepares to exit Real Madrid.The former Chelsea boss, 65, looks all set to leave the Bernabeu at the end of the season. Carlo Ancelotti has already made plans for his next job after Real MadridCredit: RexThe Italian is reportedly set to join up with Brazil for the World CupCredit: GettyAncelotti is said to have already told senior figures in the dressing room of his decision to depart. The 65-year-old won the Champions League last season but saw his side crash out to Arsenal earlier this month. And now he is preparing to go into international management for the first time.Ancelotti has reportedly reached an agreement in principle with Brazil to become head coach for the 2026 World Cup.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLTransfer guru Fabrizio Romano claims the deal will be “valid from June, NOT after the Club World Cup”.It leads the way for Madrid and Ancelotti to “part ways nicely” after four years. Brazil is the most successful nation ever to play in the World Cup.But they have been knocked out in the quarter-final stage in four of the last five tournaments.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAnd they haven’t won the trophy since 2002. Ancelotti currently has a contract at the Bernabeu running until the summer of 2026.Carlo Ancelotti shows his disappointment as Real Madrid crashes out of Champions League to Arsenal Real chief Florentino Perez will likely have to appoint an interim boss for this summer’s revamped Club World Cup in the USA.Director of Football Santi Solari is said to be best placed for the role.But other reports suggest Madrid could approach number one target Xabi Alonso before the tournament begins. Ancelotti has enjoyed two spells in the Spanish capital, originally taking charge in 2013.Over the course of his illustrious career, he’s won five Champions League trophies.At the Bernabeu, he has lifted three LaLiga titles and two Copa del Reys, along with Big Ears three times.La Gazzetta dello Sport claimed earlier this month AC Milan had contacted the Italian over a return to the San Siro.Read More on The SunAncelotti won the Serie A and Champions League titles twice with the Rossoneri as manager between 2001 and 2009.While AS Roma were also interested in Ancelotti to replace Premier League title winner Claudio Ranieri. More

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    ‘You know what’s coming’ – Tyson Fury links up with his boxing coach in biggest hint Gypsy King is making comeback

    TYSON FURY has dropped his biggest comeback hint yet after linking up with boxing coach SugarHill Steward.The pair were all smiles as they enjoyed a gym session together, four months after Fury’s second defeat to heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.Tyson Fury dropped an incredible comeback hint following his retirementThe Gypsy King linked up with trainer SugarHill Steward in the gymThe Gypsy King was unable to get the better of his Ukrainian opponent in Saudi Arabia, having already lost their initial bout last May.After suffering just the second defeat of his career in December, Fury bowed out once again from boxing.However, the 36-year-old may have one more fight left in him.That’s after appearing with his coach Steward for an impromptu gym session.READ MORE IN BOXINGThe duo looked to be in good spirits as they worked up a sweat.Fury said: “Just in the gym, I bump into somebody you might know.”Steward declared: “We’re back guys, you know what time it is.”Fury added: “You know what’s coming.”Most read in BoxingBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKFans were left thrilled as they reacted to the reunion.One said: “More returns than the Undertaker at this point.”Tyson Fury training TWO TIMES a day as speculation ramps up over £300m comeback fight against Anthony JoshuaAnother declared: “He wants his title back.”One noted: “His retirement didn’t last five weeks.”Another added: “Chisora 4 going to be a banger.”Fury’s comeback hint comes after foe Usyk confirmed he wants a trilogy bout once he fights Daniel Dubois at Wembley in July.Usyk told The Mail: “Right now my focus is on Dubois and that is what I’m working towards.“But for my last fight I have two options. Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.“(My preference?) Tyson Fury.”Fury fell to a second defeat to Oleksandr Usyk – then announced his retirementCredit: Getty More

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    ‘It won’t save anything’ – Bruno Fernandes gives brutal assessment of Man Utd’s Europa League chances

    BRUNO FERNANDES believes winning the Europa League will not save Manchester United’s dismal season.Ruben Amorim’s men are 14th in the Prem with four matches to play after scrambling a late point at Bournemouth on Sunday.Bruno Fernandes has had his say on potential Europa League gloryCredit: GettyYet they still have the chance to put a positive spin on the campaign by lifting a European trophy and claiming a place in next season’s Champions League.But ahead of their semi-final first-leg trip to Athletic Bilbao on Thursday, skipper Fernandes says it will not overshadow the bigger picture.The Portuguese playmaker said: “I wouldn’t say it’s a reward, I think it will just be successful in terms of the Europa League.”It’s very important to do that, to get the silverware this season. But it won’t save anything.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBilbao are fourth in LaLiga and have an added incentive to reach the final — as it will be held in their city next month.Fernandes said: “They have the final at home if they beat us, so it will be really tough. You have to be prepared.”Man Utd salvaged a 1-1 draw at Bournemouth on Sunday.The Red Devils fell behind on the South Coast via Antoine Semenyo’s 23rd minute effort.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSRasmus Hojlund bagged a late equaliser at BournemouthCredit: GettyEvanilson was sent off 20 minutes from time, allowing United back into the contest.Goal-shy Rasmus Hojlund netted a rare strike on 96 minute to deliver a blow to Bournemouth’s own European hopes.Ruben Amorim warns Rasmus Hojlund ‘he has to score many more’ goals after dramatic last gasp Man Utd equaliser More

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    Arsenal identify PSG ‘weakness’ who has been constant scourge to England and Premier League sides in Europe

    ITALIAN star Gianluigi Donnarumma is seen as one of the best keepers in the world — but Arsenal will target him.The Paris Saint-Germain No 1, 26, broke England’s hearts at Euro 2020.Gianluigi Donnarumma was in poor form in PSG’s loss to Arsenal in the group stagesCredit: GettyHe helped dump Liverpool out of the last 16 of this year’s Champions League and then frustrated Aston Villa in the quarter-finals.Donnarumma has now played over 400 senior games but there is concern over his inability to deal with corners and crosses.He can also be suspect with the ball at his feet.Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is certain to tell his players to fire crosses into the box and they will look to make the most of their set-pieces.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDonnarumma’s shortcomings were exposed in the 2-0 loss at Arsenal in the group stages in October.The Gunners’ first goal saw a hesitant Donnarumma beaten as Kai Havertz anticipated a cross from Leandro Trossard and nodded in.Donnarumma was beaten again when Bukayo Saka’s low free-kick from the right went straight under him.The Italian’s view of the ball may have been obscured, but there seemed to be no talking between Donnarumma and his defenders.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLast season in the Champions League quarter-final first leg against Barcelona, Donnarumma failed to come for a corner and Andreas Christensen  headed a winner.Despite his imposing stature — he is 6ft 5in — he stood rooted to his line and seemed unsure how to judge the ball’s flight.Mikel Arteta targets Champions League glory after Arsenal knock out Real Madrid Earlier in that match, Donnarumma struggled with Lamine Yamal’s cross and Raphinha put Barca ahead.Donnarumma’s hesitancy repeated itself in the semi-final return leg against Dortmund when Mats Hummels rose unchallenged to head in Julian Brandt’s corner from the left.The ex-Milan hero also made blunders trying to pass the ball out from defence in some Ligue 1 games in the last two terms.In the Nations League in March he was too busy arguing with his Italy team-mates to notice that Germany’s Joshua Kimmich had taken a corner and Jamal Musiala was ready to tap into an empty net.By the time Donnarumma had realised what was happening, Germany had scored.He was also blamed for PSG’s defeat by Liverpool in the first leg of the last-16 tie, allowing Harvey Elliott’s 87th-minute effort to slip in.Equally, the keeper made amends by saving from Darwin Nunez and Curtis Jones in the shootout at Anfield.Yet Donnarumma’s greatest moment came at Wembley four years ago when he saved penalties from England’s Jadon Sancho and Saka in the shootout for Italy to be crowned kings of Europe.Earlier this month, a L’Equipe headline read: ‘God save Donnarumma’ in reference to him stopping Aston Villa reaching the Champions League semi-finals.Read More on The SunAfter Friday’s 3-1 defeat to Nice saw PSG lose their unbeaten league record, the same newspaper gave him a mark of 3/10.Donnarumma did not come for high balls on two of the goals and Arsenal will hope for more of the same on Tuesday night.Luis Enrique’s side lost their unbeaten Ligue 1 record last weekCredit: GettyMikel Arteta will be hoping to exploit PSG’s weaknessesCredit: RexBukayo Saka and Co will target Gianluigi DonnarummaCredit: Getty More

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    Man City star Ederson ‘has concrete chances’ to LEAVE Etihad just a year after lucrative transfer collapsed

    MANCHESTER CITY star Ederson reportedly has “concrete chances” to leave this summer — just a year after seeing a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia collapse.Ederson, 31, came close to leaving City after winning his sixth Premier League title in 2024 following concrete interest from the Middle East.Ederson has ‘concrete chances’ to leave Man City this summerCredit: GettyHe was offered £900,000-a-week to quit the Etihad and refused to play down links before remaining in the north west.But Fabrizio Romano claims Saudi clubs have reignited their interest in the Brazil international.And Ederson could now finally leave City for new riches, with Pep Guardiola ready to part ways.The 2023 Treble winner has made just 22 Premier League appearances this term — his lowest-ever figure.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEderson has missed City’s last three matches, including Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final win over Nottingham Forest, after limping off against Crystal Palace with a mystery injury 16 days ago.His City contract, worth £180k-a-week, runs until 2026.But with No2 Stefan Ortega proving his worth on multiple occasions, Ederson could become the latest big name to leave City.Kyle Walker packed his bags for AC Milan in January.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSWhile legend Kevin De Bruyne will depart on a free transfer when his contract expires this summer.There are also questions marks over the likes of Ilkay Gundogan, John Stones and Nathan Ake.Ederson’s wife stuns in see-through dress as she steals show at Fifa The Best awards to cheer on Man City starCity have already embarked on a squad rebuild, spending £180m on stars including Omar Marmoush and Nico Gonzalez in January.The likes of Nico O’Reilly and James McAtee have also enjoyed decent minutes.And after boss Guardiola ended talk over his future by penning a deal until 2027, a new phase of City’s history is well underway. More

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    Former world champion Johnny Nelson played secret role in Chris Eubank Sr attending son’s fight with Conor Benn

    JOHNNY NELSON has lifted the lid on his role in Chris Eubank Sr attending his son’s huge fight with Conor Benn.Eubank Sr, 58, had been passionately against the blockbuster bout going ahead due to worries over Jr’s weight cut.Johnny Nelson has spoken about his conversations with Chris EubankEuband Sr was by his son’s side at Tottenham on SaturdayCredit: GettyThe former two-weight champion even called his son a “disgrace” last week – adding that his license should be revoked.Eubank Sr’s 1990s rival Nigel Benn joined his son Conor for the huge Tottenham Hotspur Stadium fight.And in a shock U-turn, Eubank Jr had his father by his side as he arrived at the venue – with the pair later embarking on a memorable ring walk together.Nelson, 58, had been speaking to his old pal Eubank Sr regularly in the build-up to the fight.READ MORE IN SPORTSpeaking to Sky Sports following Eubank Jr’s unanimous decision victory over Benn, Nelson revealed: “He said he was always coming in our conversation on the day, so he fooled me.”It was father to father. I messaged him the day before Chris was struggling to get down to the weight, as a father you panic and think ‘my God, what if the worst case scenario happened?'”I’d been speaking to Chris (Eubank Sr) over the past two or three months and he had said, ‘I am not going, this fight is not happening’ and he went through every reason why he would not go. He quoted scriptures of the Bible to me and everything.”So I said ‘whatever has gone on, you have got to forgive your son. You might not like what he is doing but he is your son. Do not regret this’.Most read in BoxingBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”Our conversation on the phone must have gone on for an hour and a half, back and forth. I had got to the venue by then.”I said ‘Chris look, I’ve got to go, people are around.’Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn in classy nods to their iconic dads during ringwalks for huge grudge fight”Regardless if that had anything to do with it or not, as a father it was important that he was there because god forbid the worst case scenario happened.”He would never, ever forgive himself and that is what I was trying to get across to him.”Hopefully it hit the mark or hopefully he was always coming.”But to me it was a father to father conversation that he had to understand and if that wasn’t going to prick his conscience, nothing would.”Speaking in the ring after the gruelling fight, Eubank Sr spoke of his delight at having his dad back onside.’HE NEEDED TO BE HERE’The victorious bruiser said: “The fact our fathers did it all those years ago brings out a different spirit in you and that’s what we showed here tonight.”I’m happy to have this man [Eubank Sr] back with me. He needed to be here. All this is because of what he did.Eubank Sr added: “He couldn’t move around the ring and so he had to stand toe to toe. That is legendary behaviour in the ring. Legendary.”Conor Benn is an extraordinary fighter. He’s gone pear-shaped somewhere, but an extraordinary fighter.Read More on The Sun”I thought he would blow out in four of five rounds he was going strong right the way through the fight.”I am so proud. That’s my son. I was always going to be here.” More

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    Chelsea given green light to stage home games at Twickenham while they redevelop Stamford Bridge

    RFU boss Bill Sweeney wants to stage Chelsea games at Twickenham whilst the Premier League outfit redevelop Stamford Bridge.Sweeney is desperate to maximise revenue from the 82,000 capacity home of English rugby and would be open to the Blues moving in temporarily.Todd Boehly wants to redevelop Stamford BridgeCredit: GettyThe Blues could temporarily play home matches at TwickenhamCredit: GettyCole Palmer and Co could move to a temporary homeCredit: GettyChelsea want to upgrade the Bridge to take 60,000 instead of the current 42,000 but would need a temporary home when the builders move in.Spurs played at Wembley from 2017 to 2019 while they built the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and hosting Chelsea for a couple of seasons would give the RFU a massive cash windfall.Sweeney insists the ground is licensed to play Premier League but fears local council Richmond could kibosh the move.Sweeney said: “It would be a big financial number. The licence would allow it to happen and there have been conversations previously about possible Premier League clubs coming here.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“Richmond council is more concerned in terms of impact on local residents, numbers of fans and so on they’re a little bit more sensitive.”It may depend on which club it is. I know they would definitely have a conversation about that though.”Sweeney recently threatened to move England’s base from Twickenham to the Midlands , with Milton Keynes an option, because of a row over Beyonce concerts.Twickenham could not offer the American superstar the six gigs she is playing at Spurs this summer because of restrictions on the number of non-sports events it can hold.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSCurrently they are limited to three per year but Sweeney is confident that will be raised, boosting the RFU coffers, and they will stay put.He added: “We’re making really progress with Richmond. The conversations with them have been positive, it’s a cooperative process.Todd Boehly gives major Chelsea stadium update and vows to leave Stamford Bridge“They see the value that we bring to the area and they understand why we need to have more non-rugby events when you compare it to Tottenham, to Wembley, the O2, they can see why we need those non-rugby events to make the thing viable.“We’ve just completed the survey of local residents and we had the split between five minutes from the stadium and 15 minutes from the stadium.”I think the figure was, and it was much bigger than we were expecting, 75 per cent support in terms of do you support the stadium hosting more or a lot of non-rugby events.”I’m confident it’s going in the right direction.”Shifting England away from Twickenham would have been a bombshell move and plans are in place for it to have a £600m facelift.“We’ve always said our preference was to remain here,” Sweeney said.Read More on The Sun”Not just for cultural reasons and the history.”Hospitality and ticketing are 50 per cent of our revenue and from a geographical point of view this is a really important part of the country to be in.”Bill Sweeney has discussed Twickenham’s futureCredit: PATottenham Hotspur Stadium hosts several non-football events yearCredit: PA More