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      Ex-Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag ‘neck-and-neck’ with Arsenal legend Fabregas to replace Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen

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      ERIK TEN HAG and Cesc Fabregas are the leading candidates to replace Xabi Alonso as Bayer Leverkusen boss this summer, according to reports.Alonso, 43, announced on Friday that he is leaving Leverkusen at the end of the season having led the club to an undefeated Bundesliga title last term.Xabi Alonso has announced he is leaving Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the seasonCredit: RexFormer Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag is in the running to replace AlonsoCredit: GettyComo manager Cesc Fabregas is also being consideredCredit: GettyNow the retired midfielder appears to be heading to former club Real Madrid to replace Carlo Ancelotti in the hotseat of one of football’s biggest jobs.Now Leverkusen are out to find his replacement and it appears that former Manchester United boss Ten Hag and ex-Arsenal star Fabregas, 38, are the top targets for the German outfit.Ten Hag, 55, has been without a job since he was sacked by United in October, while Fabregas has impressed during his maiden season in charge of Italian outfit Como in Serie A.German outlet Kicker claim the pair are “neck-and-neck” for the vacancy as thing stand. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLIt’s thought that Ten Hag would command a higher wage packet than Fabregas, but Leverkusen would have to fork out in excess of £10m to convince Como to let go of Fabregas – given his current contract runs until 2028.Fabregas, whose Como side are on course for a top-half finish in Serie A despite only gaining promotion last term, is understood to have a long list of suitors.While Ten Hag has been waiting to find the right job, revealing in February that he “didn’t know” what the next step in his career would be.He told SEG Stories: “I don’t know how my career will develop. But I’m going to try my best.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Provided something comes along that suits me. There are so many other things I could do.”Maybe in football, in a new position as a manager. That’s an option. And maybe something completely different.Erik ten Hag reveals he HAS returned to work and may never go back to management after Man Utd sacking”I’ve been working with my brothers lately. We have our own company. Or rather, they have their own company.”But we also run a company together with our father. That’s also something I love to do.”I can now give that more attention and it’s also a lot of fun.”It’s claimed that Ten Hag has already begun negotiations with Leverkusen over the job, but nothing is yet agreed.Ten Hag was sacked in October despite winning both the League Cup and FA Cup in his first two seasons as Red Devils boss.He was axed while United were languishing in 14th place in the Premier League – one spot higher than the position they hold (15th) some six months later. More

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      Man Utd star Alejandro Garnacho poses with fan – but everyone’s distracted by his bonkers SLIPPERS

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      FANS have been left baffled after Alejandro Garnacho was pictured in a bizarre pair of slippers.The Manchester United star was seen at a games venue last night and kindly posed for a photo with a supporter.Alejandro Garnacho was seen wearing slippers out and aboutCredit: X @katiemufc12His unique footwear has gone viral onlineCredit: X @katiemufc12But the snap has gone viral on social media after eagle-eyed fans noticed Garnacho’s unusual choice of footwear.Accompanying his hoodie and shorts, the Argentine winger opted for comfy slippers.And they were incredibly Harry Potter-inspired with the Gryffindor symbol on them.Fans found it hilarious, with one saying: “Garnacho is not real.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnother added: “Why on Earth is he wearing Gryffindor slippers out in public hahaha.”A third wrote: “Can’t believe he’s gone out and forgot to change his slippers though, bless him.”More commented: “I rate him even more now, those slippers!”The same pair can be bought online for around £15 to £20.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSGarnacho will swap his slippers for boots tomorrow as Man Utd face West Ham at Old Trafford.And it is not the only wardrobe change in store as the Red Devils will not be wearing their usual home shirt for the clash.Rather than sponsors Snapdragon being on the front of the jersey, the logo for (Red) will feature instead.(Red) is a charity that tackles health inequality and provides life-saving programmes in vulnerable communities.The one-off shirts will be auctioned off after the game to raise money for the good cause. Alejandro Garnacho is back in action against West Ham tomorrowCredit: Shutterstock EditorialJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford More

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      ‘Good way to find out’ – Championship star sees he’s been released on INSTAGRAM before sending snide message to club

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      KIAN BEST took a swipe at Preston North End after apparently finding out he was released by his boyhood club via Instagram.Best, 19, spent his entire career at Preston after joining the Championship outfit’s academy at a very young age and signed a scholarship deal in 2021 before going pro two years later.Kian Best was released from Preston North EndBest suggested he found out about his release on social mediaDespite a promising start, the left-back found opportunities hard to come by at Deepdale and was ultimately loaned out to Bohemians in the League of Ireland Premier Division in January.That spelled the end of his long stint with the Lilywhites, who announced the ex-England Under-19 international’s release on Saturday.Preston issued a post on social media, along with a slideshow of players who are set to leave. It read: “We’d like to wish the players leaving us this summer the very best of luck for the future.”It included an image of Best with the following caption: “Thank you Besty”.Read More on FootballThe full-back then immediately took to social media where he shared a screenshot of Preston’s announcement and suggested he wasn’t informed about his release before the attached post was published. Best issued the following story: “Good way to find out through Instagram.”The youngster appears to have since deleted his post on social media.SunSport have approached Preston for comment.Most read in ChampionshipBest’s contract was due to expire at the end of the season and the player reportedly held no discussions with the club over an extension.Preston also announced the release of Freddie Woodman, Emil Riis, Patrick Bauer and Ryan Ledson, whose partner is a soap star.Kian Taylor was also included in the released section. More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘Al Nassr future in doubt as contract talks put on hold’ after disappointing season for Saudi side

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO’S future at Al Nassr is up in the air after his contract extension talks were reportedly “put on hold”.The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was expecting to sign a new two-year deal this summer, but another underwhelming season has thrown a spanner in the works.Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract extension has been put ‘on hold’, according to reportsCredit: Getty Images – GettySince Ronaldo’s arrival two years ago, Al Nassr have finished second in back-to-back campaignsRonaldo’s contract runs out in the summer, but extension talks have been delayed after another trophy-less season, according to Marca.Despite scoring 33 goals in 39 appearances this term, Ronaldo’s efforts have not been enough to lift Al Nassr to any major silverware.The possibility of Ronaldo switching to a rival club like Al Hilal—who have qualified for the Club World Cup — is reportedly gaining traction.Al Nassr are all-but out of the title race and dropped to fourth in the league after losing 3-2 to table toppers Al-Ittihad on Wednesday.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd Ronaldo’s reaction to the crucial defeat against Al-Ittihad reportedly sparked disapproval within the club’s hierarchy.The 40-year-old stormed off the pitch in anger and allegedly went home in his kit.It came exactly a week after Ronaldo’s side were brutally dumped out of the Asian Champions League semi-finals to Japanese side Kawasaki.The Japan J-League outfit went on to lose the final 2-0 to Ronaldo’s Saudi rivals Al-Ahli.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAs it stands, Al-Nassr won’t qualify for next season’s Asian Champions League, as the club sits just outside the top three in the Pro League.So this season’s failures on the pitch and behind-the-scenes has left both Al-Nassr and Ronaldo considering their options. Cristiano Ronaldo appears to argue with himself as he fights back tears after Al-Nassr cup KOSince Ronaldo’s arrival two years ago, Al Nassr have finished second in back-to-back campaigns.The former Manchester United superstar could be persuaded to accept a new challenge in Saudi Arabia. Despite his future being up in the future, Ronaldo’s son Cristiano Jnr has enjoyed a brilliant week.On Tuesday Ronaldo Jnr — in the youth team at Al-Nassr — was called up for Portugal’s under-15 squad.His chuffed dad posted on Instagram: “Proud of you, son!”Since joining Al Nassr in 2023, Ronaldo has played 103 matches, scoring 91 goals and providing 19 assists.Read More on The SunHis contract extension comes as Ronaldo looks to reach the 1,000 career goals landmark. He is currently on 934 career strikes.The former Real Madrid man became the first player to score 900 goals back in September. More

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      ‘Could get a tank in there’ – League One play-offs overshadowed by ludicrous offside call leaving fans furious

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      FOOTBALL fans were left furious after the 2-2 League One play-off semi-final draw between Leyton Orient and Stockport was marred by a “ludicrous” offside call.Charlie Kelman opened the scoring for Orient in the first half, despite seemingly being significantly offside when he tapped in his 26th goal of the season.Charlie Kelman’s opening goal against Stockport cause huge controversyCredit: ReutersKelman appeared to be offside as the ball was flicked onCredit: Sky SportsKelman appeared onside from the initial headerCredit: Sky SportsHe was significantly beyond the last man after a flick on from Omar BecklesCredit: Sky SportsKelman got on the end of a loose header in the box to put his side 1-0 up heading into half-time.However, there was a huge gap between the last Stockport defender and the 23-year-old forward when the ball was nodded on by Omar Beckles.Beckles jumped up to flick on a speculative Sean Clare ball that was heading into the box.Kelman was narrowly onside from the Clare ball, but was very clearly beyond the last man when Beckles tried to flick it on.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt’s not clear if Beckles did manage to get a touch on the ball, but the officials seemed to think he didn’t, as the goal was awarded and the game subsequently overshadowed by the decision.Fans were convinced that Beckles did touch it and immediately took to social media to voice their opinions.One wrote: “Could get a tank in there!”While another added: ” @Specsavers, do you have room for this Lino?”Most read in FootballStockport County manager Dave Challinor fumed at the officials at half-timeCredit: Sky SportsStockport players pleaded their case to the referee tooCredit: Sky SportsCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA third wrote: “It’s terrible guys, absolutely terrible”.And a fourth posted: “I do not want VAR but with officials this bad we might actually need it”.’In one year the decision will be made’ – Wenger demands new offside rule that will be ‘impossible to defend against’It wasn’t just fans that were furious either, but also the Stockport players.They immediately surrounded referee Benjamin Speedie to explain that they felt a mistake had been made.While Stockport boss Dave Challinor could be seen confronting the official in the tunnel at half-time.Unfortunately for Stockport, they were unable to change the referee’s mindAnd without VAR in the play-off semi-finals, the officials could do nothing to overturn the initial decision.Stockport managed to quickly overturn the deficit themselves though.Goals from Oliver Norwood and Fraser Horsfall after the break put Stockport 2-1 up at Brisbane Road.Read More on The SunHowever, Horsfall went from hero to villain when he handled the ball in the box in the 87th minute, gifting Leyton Orient a late penalty to level the scores – a spot kick dispatched by Kelman for his second.Speaking after the game about the controversial first goal, Beckles said: “The beauty of EFL is there is no VAR, and that means there’s room for errors. That’s what makes it special.”Oliver Norwood scored from the spot to draw Stockport levelCredit: Shutterstock EditorialFraser Horsfall scored just five minutes later to give the visitors the leadCredit: Shutterstock EditorialKelman scores his second goal from penalty to leave the tie levelCredit: Shutterstock Editorial More

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      Newcastle Utd offer fans FREE BEER at crunch midday Chelsea clash to thank supporters and get St. James’ Park rocking

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      NEWCASTLE UNITED fans are being given a free pint to help raise the roof against Chelsea.Fans attending St. James’ Park tomorrow can get on the beers early by claiming a complimentary drink token when heading through the turnstiles between 10am-11am.Newcastle fans will be able to enjoy a morning pint before kick off against ChelseaCredit: GettyThe vouchers can be redeemed for a free pint/bottle of beer or cider, or a bottled soft drink in the concourse, Platinum Club and Bar 1892.The free drink has been organised as a thank you for their support as well as ensuring that the crowd is in full voice for the crunch Champions League qualification clash.Newcastle CEO Darren Eales said: “We greatly appreciate the lengths that fans have gone to this season, travelling to every corner of the country to back the club, so we’re pleased to offer a token of appreciation for their loyalty and support this weekend.“Alongside toasting the incredible support they have already shown, the offer of a free drink aims to ensure that everyone is in position for the early kick-off on Sunday, bringing that iconic St James’ Park atmosphere from the warm-ups to the final whistle.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLMeanwhile, Eddie Howe admits he has a huge call to make on whether to unleash frustrated Anthony Gordon against Chelsea.The 24-year-old last started for Newcastle on March 2 after suspension and injury.Winger Gordon received a three-game ban after being sent-off against Brighton and then hurt his thigh while on international duty and missed another two matches.The tremendous form of Harvey Barnes, who has scored four since stepping in, has provided another obstacle for the ex-Everton ace to overcome.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSGordon, who has nine goals this term, impressed after coming off the bench last week to replace Jacob Murphy and is chomping at the bit for a start.Howe said: “He’s pushing just in terms of his general training performance. If I just think back, this is his best week physically.Newcastle ace Dan Burn pushing crashed car“He had an issue obviously that he picked up with England and it’s taken him a while to get back to full fitness because it was a nasty injury but he’s looked good.“I thought he did well when he came on against Brighton. He adds a different dimension to our game. Directness in running, very front footed player. So let’s wait and see.”Howe also admitted that Gordon is not happy about being out of the side but said: “There’s an understanding from Anthony that he hasn’t been fully fit.“We’ve had discussions and communication, of course, and I try to do that with all the players, but naturally I know now he feels good within his body and that he probably feels ready to start. So that’s the decision I have to make.”Although Newcastle already have silverware and a play-off spot in the Uefa Conference League in the bag, Howe admits matches do not come much bigger than tomorrow’s high noon showdown with Chelsea.With only a superior goal difference keeping them fourth ahead of the Blues, Howe said: “Every game we’ll have between now and the season probably becomes our biggest game of the season. You could debate the cup final there with it, but now that’s gone and that’s behind us.Eddie Howe has a tough call to make regarding Anthony Gordon’s selectionCredit: Getty“We know the importance of where we finish in the Premier League and we’re doing everything we can to finish as high as we can.“There’s a possibility it will go to the last game. All we can do is take care of our next opponent and give everything we can to win.“It’ll be a difficult game. Chelsea are a good team and we’ve played them twice already this season, so we know their qualities.”Howe’s achievements have been all the more remarkable considering Newcastle’s struggles to meet PSR – while at the same time Chelsea have found ways to splash the cash on their squad.Howe added: “I’ve absolutely no emotion or feeling towards it at all because they have every right to do what they want to do and run the club in their way. I have no opinion on any other club and how they run their football club.Read More on The Sun“I can only speak about how we do what we do and why we do what we do. Any other focus on any other club just leads to wasted time.”We have a lot to think about ourselves and a lot to prepare and plan for so all my energy goes into that.”How ‘big angel’ Joelinton rescued boss after he fainted in SubwayNEWCASTLE cult hero Joelinton rescued his old boss after he fainted in Subway.And coach Pellegrino Matarazzo still calls the Brazilian his ‘angel’.Matarazzo was Joelinton assistant manager during the midfielder’s spell in Germany with Hoffenheim.Recalling the scary incident, the Matarazzo revealed: “I was standing in the queue and I wasn’t feeling well.“I tried to go over to the Coca-Cola machine to quickly get a drink.”I realised I was about to faint, and I did faint.“When I opened my eyes I saw Joelinton! ‘Rino, Rino, are you okay?'”He was like a small, no a big, angel – Joelinton, what are you doing here?”Read the full story… More

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      ‘They go the bench’ – Jose Mourinho gives hilarious reply after being quizzed on why he keeps changing Fenerbahce team

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      JOSE MOURINHO gave a typical Special One response after being grilled on why he keeps changing his Fenerbahce side.The Portuguese gaffer has been tinkering with his starting XI in recent weeks in a desperate bid to chip away at Galatasaray’s five-point lead at the top of the Turkish top-flight.Jose Mourinho has repeatedly chopped and changed his Fenerbahce starting XI in recent weeksCredit: EPA’The Special One’ explained his multiple changes with a hilarious coin analogyCredit: GETTYFenerbahce’s lack of a consistent starting XI was put to the former Chelsea and Real Madrid boss after their 4-1 win over Istanbul Basaksehir on Friday night.And the 62-year-old gave a hilarious response to the question.He said: “I have 25 coins, I throw the coins in the air. The ones that stay on the table are the ones that I play.”The ones that go on the floor, they go on the bench. I do it just like this.READ MORE SPORT NEWS”During the week, I’m having fun. I go to nightclubs every day in Istanbul, everywhere.”And then when it’s time to choose the team, I throw coins with the players’ faces (on them).”‘The 11 that stay on the table are the 11 that play… it’s simple.’Mourinho’s coin analogy isn’t the first time he’s used humour in his post-match press conferences this season.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSJose Mourinho has endured a wild first season in charge of FenerbahceCredit: GETTYAfter their Europa League defeat to Rangers, he pretended to FALL ASLEEP as a journalist ranted in Turkish.While scratching his head, he said: “Oh, this is too much for my head. I’m tired, man.Jose Mourinho’s reaction to a long question”90 minutes not to listen to all of this, I’m too tired for that.”Mourinho has found himself in the headlines several times this season.He was slapped with a three-match ban last month for PINCHING the nose of Galatasaray boss Okan Buruk during the Istanbul derby.And in February, he filed a lawsuit against Fenerbahce’s bitter rivals after they accused him of making racist statements. More

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      Mo Salah hits back at claim Sadio Mane found him ‘selfish’ as he breaks silence on ‘tension’ between Liverpool legends

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      MOHAMED SALAH has admitted that there was “tension” between himself and Sadio Mane at Liverpool.Salah and Mane struck up a fearsome partnership for the Reds between 2017 and 2022, winning the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup with the club.Mohamed Salah has opened up on his relationship with Sadio Mane following speculation that the pair didn’t see eye to eye at LiverpoolCredit: EPAThe pair played together 223 times, combining for 35 goals as they enjoyed plenty of individual success under former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp.But despite their reputation and impressive record, there has always been speculation about a fractured relationship between the two wingers.And Salah, 32, has now admitted that there was tension between them both, but claimed that things were always approached professionally.In an interview with L’Equipe, Salah revealed: “Yes, there was tension with Sadio.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”Mind you, we were professional until the end, I don’t think it affected the team. It’s human to want more, I understand that, he’s a competitor.”Off the pitch, we weren’t very close, but we always respected each other.”Salah was also quizzed about claims that Mane felt he was “selfish” that emerged in a book published last year, but the Egyptian star was quick to play down the rumours.He added: “I don’t care. People can think what they want, it’s their right.Most read in FootballSalah and Mane had a public falling out during a 3-0 win over Burnley in 2019Credit: Rex FeaturesSalah vs Mane Liverpool H2HHere’s a breakdown of both star’s records at Liverpool…Mohamed SalahGames played: 398Goals scored: 244Assists: 113Goals per game: 0.61Assists to Mane: 18Assists from Mane: 17Sadio ManeGames played: 269Goals scored: 120Assists: 46Goals per game: 0.44Assists to Salah: 17Assists from Salah: 18CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”But I invite everyone to note that the person who provided Mane with the most assists is me.”We can look at the facts, but it’s obviously easier to throw out phrases like that. It makes the headlines, I know how it works.These WILD Liverpool stats spell Arsenal disaster | Experts’ best bets”As long as it remains within the limits of respect, that’s fine with me.”But that doesn’t mean that this opinion is true. At the end of the day, I know what I did, and my conscience is clear.”Salah and Mane did have one very public disagreement when they broke into an argument on the pitch during a 3-0 win over Burnley in 2019.At the time, Mane told Canal Plus: “He said to me ‘Sadio, why are you angry?’“I told him ‘You needed to give me the ball, Mo’, to which he replied ‘I didn’t see you. You know I’ve got nothing against you’.”I know that, but his reaction was a bit strange to me.”Mane would ultimately leave Liverpool in 2022, swapping Anfield for the Allianz in a switch to German giants Bayern Munich.But that move didn’t work out, with a poor first season for the Bavarians meaning Mane was moved on to Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr the following summer – where he still plays today.Read More on The SunSalah has remained on Merseyside, earning himself a new two-year deal with Liverpool after putting up an astonishing 46 goal contributions in 35 Premier League games this season.He has also equalled Thierry Henry’s record after being named the Football Writers’ Footballer of the Year for a third time.Sadio Mane now plays in Saudi Arabia for Al-NassrCredit: ReutersSalah has had his best campaign in a Liverpool shirt More