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      Dean Huijsen warned dream Real Madrid transfer could turn into his worst nightmare with ‘pretty face’ not enough to play

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      DEAN HUIJSEN has been warned a dream move to Real Madrid could turn into his worst nightmare.The Bournemouth centre-back is high on the Santiago Bernabeu hitlist after an amazing debut season in England.Dean Huijsen was warned by former coach Juanito that a move to Real Madrid may turn into a nightmareCredit: RexHuijsen has taken the Premier League by storm with BournemouthCredit: RexThe Spanish giants are preparing to trigger the £50million release clause on a contract that runs to 2030.Yet the man who gave the Netherlands-born Spain defender his break believes joining Real would be a step backwards — because he would struggle to get a game.And the best big-picture decision would be for the 19-year-old to stick with the Cherries for now, as the queue of would-be suitors will only get bigger.Juan Gutierrez, 45, was on the coaching staff at Malaga when Huijsen arrived as a ten-year-old and was snapped up by Juventus — ironically ahead of Real — six years later in 2021.Read More on FootballGutierrez — known as Juanito — was blown away by the youngster’s leadership qualities then and has watched them grow every year since, even though he is still so young.But he thinks that would come to a grinding halt at the Bernabeu, as the European champions have always preferred tried-and-tested to potential.Juanito insisted: “Dean is going to be a leader no matter where he goes, so I hope whoever signs him they play him as a starter, and he’s not a project for the future. He is a player for now.”There are very few like that at his age, which is why I don’t know to what extent it would be a good option to sign for Real.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“No one can guarantee you’ll play because of your pretty face but if he leaves Bournemouth, it shouldn’t be to sit on the bench.“At Madrid, Eder Militao is 27 and Antonio Rudiger is in his second youth.Bournemouth star Dean Huijsen forced to deny being stoned after ‘weird’ question“Those two are untouchable and a recovered David Alaba would also be ahead of him.“Carlo Ancelotti is an incredible manager but not a coach for young players — so Dean would be fourth-choice centre-back. That’s the reality.“Barcelona is the opposite. They’re not afraid to use players from the academy but at Real the problem is the mentality of the club. Dean has to go to a place with a vision for the future, with guarantees he’ll play.“But maybe staying at Bournemouth with Andoni Iraola for another year is the best option.”It has been so far for Huijsen, who was capped by Spain in the recent Nations League break and is due to be in the Bournemouth side heading to West Ham on Saturday.Ramos and Van Dijk comparisonsJuanito is convinced those caps are the first of many for a player some liken to Sergio Ramos — but who he reckons could be as influential as Virgil van Dijk at Liverpool.He added: “Maybe mentally, I can see little things similar to Ramos but on the pitch there is no comparison. Dean is more disciplined and, certainly at this age, more confident.“From the start he was a marvel. He’d listen to what you told him and absorb it incredibly well. He would recognise a mistake and the next day would improve.“Dean just doesn’t feel any pressure and has unlimited self-confidence.Read More on The Sun“If injuries are not a problem then, whoever signs him, he’ll be a cheap buy because he will be a dominant defender in world soccer for many years to come.“Wherever he goes, I could see him having the same impact Van Dijk has had on Liverpool’s history in recent seasons. The only team he’s not going to change is Real Madrid.” More

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      Two Manchester United stars share secret love of fishing after being spotted in angling shop dressed in training gear

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      MANCHESTER United stars Joshua Zirkzee and Noussair Mazraoui have struck up a reel friendship — by going fishing together.The pair unexpectedly popped into an angling shop last week while still dressed in their training gear.How Man Utd aces Joshua Zirkzee and Noussair Mazraoui might look on a fishing tripDutch striker Zirkzee, 23, spent around an hour inside the angling shopCredit: AlamyZirkzee was spotted alongside Moroccan defender Mazraoui, 27Credit: AlamyDutch striker Zirkzee, 23, and Moroccan defender Mazraoui, 27, spent around an hour inside Trafford Tackle & Bait in Stretford, a couple of miles from Old Trafford.Owner Jeff Smith said he initially did not know who they were, but they were spotted by kids buying sweets next door.Jeff, 48, told The Sun: “They were great. They had tracksuits on but I don’t know United players so I thought they were from the academy.“They asked me lots of questions about fishing around the area and what kind of tackle they should use.Read more on Man Utd”They were interested in buying rods and reels and got some live maggots as bait.”The two Red Devils also happily posed for pictures to the delight of the schoolkids.A mum said: “They were both lovely. Some of the children asked for pictures and they were really happy and friendly towards them.”Mazraoui previously told how he fished to help him relax while at Bayern Munich.Most read in FootballOther rod-loving footballers include Manchester City ace Phil Foden, who bought a home with its own lake so he could teach his son Ronnie.Former England goalkeeper David Seaman was told to “calm down” Paul Gascoigne by taking him fishing at Euro 96. Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham have also had a dangle.Paul Scholes says ‘it’s about time Manchester United caught up’ More

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      Gary Lineker explains why BBC need THREE presenters to replace him on MOTD and gives verdict on trio

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      GARY LINEKER suggested he is being replaced by THREE presenters on Match of the Day because it is such a “massive commitment”.Lineker, 64, will step down as host of MOTD after 26 years in May and will leave the Beeb altogether in 2026 after next season’s FA Cup and World Cup.Lineker will be replaced by three presenters on Match of the DayCredit: BBCMOTD2 host Mark Chapman is among the replacementsCredit: PALogan will be a regular on Saturday nights from now onCredit: PASky favourite Cates is making the switchCredit: PAThe legendary presenter will be replaced by a three-person presenting team consisting of Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan, who will rotate from next term.The England great joked that he thinks it’s a compliment that so many people are needed to succeed him, but he admits this decision has nothing to do with his legacy.Instead, the Leicester icon believes this comes down to family reasons as the job would demand they all sacrifice a number of weekends that they could spend with their loved ones over the next few years.The former Everton, Tottenham and Barcelona hitman himself recently stated that he never really had Saturdays and Sundays off throughout his adult life.Read More on FootballSo the TV star claims that having all three available on a rotation basis would allow them to continue enjoying quality time with their families.And he is very much looking forward to watching the new team of “top presenters” doing a “great job”.Lineker told FourFourTwo: “That’s probably down to the fact it’s a massive commitment.“Those three have all got families, and if you’re saying someone is going to do it for the next 10 or 20 years, then your weekends are gone.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“That might be it, I don’t know. I didn’t get involved in any of that. I take it as a compliment that they’ve named three, but I suspect it’s not due to that.“I haven’t seen them yet to speak to them, but I will do – they’ll be fine and they’ll do a great job. I’ve known them all for years, they’re top presenters.’This is why I don’t talk to old people’ – Maya Jama bites back at Gary Lineker after he revealed relationship status“I’ll be watching, but probably on iPlayer… I don’t think I’ll be watching on Saturday. Maybe the odd time, if I’m in.”Lineker confirmed recently that he will no longer do TV after leaving the BBC and will instead focus on his podcasts. More

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      Moment Szoboszlai watches on in horror as statue of himself that ‘looks like my a** turned inside out’ is unveiled

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      LIVERPOOL star Dominik Szoboszlai was left horrified after watching a gruesome statue made in his honour be unveiled.But the Hungarian midfielder took it on the chin when it was revealed as a prank.Dominik Szoboszlai was left horrified after meeting his distorted statueCredit: Youtube @telekomThe Liverpool star was pranked by Hungary’s leading telecommunications companyCredit: Youtube @telekomThe sculpture made Szoboszlai look rather scaryCredit: Youtube @telekomThe Hungary captain took it in his stride and stood next to the tin-pot figure to take a pictureCredit: Youtube @telekomSzoboszlai became the unwitting star of an elaborate April Fool’s Day prank set up by Hungary’s leading telecommunications company.The 24-year-old attended what he believed to be a low-key event to celebrate the one-year anniversary of his partnership with Telekom.But he was greeted with a scary life-sized statue that didn’t resemble him at all.Gazing upon a huge, glistening chin, deformed cheeks and a monstrous quiff, the Hungary captain had every right to be shocked.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTo rub salt into his wounds, the sculpture was made up of junk – mainly 1,200 smashed up mobile phones, which was meant to promote the company’s electronic waste recycling initiative.Footage from Telekom’s YouTube channel captured Szoboszlai’s candid reaction – which went from glee to misery in seconds.But despite his obvious fury, the Hungary captain took it in his stride and stood next to the tin-pot figure to take pictures.The Prem star was then summoned into a separate room, where he gave a more honest reaction to his two pals.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAfter being asked if he liked it, Szoboszlai said: “No. I was this close to walking out. I only stayed because I respect you. “I don’t think this has ever happened before, to do something without asking.”Steven Gerrard gives update on return to management after Liverpool legend left Al-Ettifaq The trio then turned and spotted a variety of merchandise, including the statue’s distorted face on mugs and T-shirts.Szoboszlai then hilariously quipped: “This looks nothing like me. It looks like my a** turned inside out.”The presenters behind the prank were in hysterics while watching his reaction on cameras back stage.The former RB Leipzig star then returned to the main room to find out that a giant version of the statue would be placed at a busy intersection in the city.He was also made to believe that it would be floated down the River Danube on a barge on Hungary’s national holiday on August 20.His face was a picture throughout before Telekom unveiled the major prank. Read More on The SunMeanwhile, Szoboszlai has been a key figure for Liverpool this season.He has started 23 of his 28 games available this term, scoring five goals and providing four assists, as the Reds close in on the title in Arne Slot’s first season at the helm. More

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      in Motorsport

      Tai Woffinden health update as wife Faye reveals stricken Speedway star is ‘fighting’ in medically induced coma

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      TAI WOFFINDEN’S wife Faye says he is “fighting” as he remains in a medically induced coma following a high-speed crash in Poland. Woffy, 34, was airlifted to hospital in Krosno on Sunday and underwent emergency surgery after suffering numerous fractures and a chest injury.Tai Woffinden’s wife Faye has thanked fans for their supportFaye says her husband’s spirit remains strong ‘and so does our hope’The speedway ace was airlifted to hospital following the crashCredit: XBritain’s most successful speedway star of all time got caught in a three-rider and bike pile-up and smashed into a protective airfence at high speed while racing for Rzeszow.Faye has flown in from Australia to Poland to be by her husband’s side alongside his mum Sue.She said: “Our brave boy is here with us! fighting, healing, and resting.“Tai has been through more than we can even begin to imagine. READ MORE ON TAI WOFFINDEN”Multiple broken bones, major surgeries, blood transfusions – his body has endured so much. “And yet, his spirit stays strong. So does our hope. We’re holding on tightly, believing that each day will bring more healing, more strength, and more of him back to us.“Anyone who knows Tai knows how open, honest, and full of life he is.”When he’s ready, he’ll share his story in his own way. But right now, his only job is to rest, to heal, and to find the strength to get through this.Most read in Motorsport“The love, kindness, and support we’ve received from all of you has been overwhelming in the most beautiful way. There truly aren’t words to express how deeply grateful we are.“While we hesitate to name individuals for fear of missing anyone, we want to extend our deepest thanks to those who played a part in saving Tai.Faye has praised all the help Tai is receivingHe is seen here celebrating his first title in 2013 with mum Sue, left, and Faye“To the special person we cannot name, whose quick actions arranged the helicopter to the track so promptly, and to the medical team inside who cared for Tai before he even reached the hospital—you gave him a fighting chance, and we will never forget that.“To Dr. Paweł Jasiński, for organizing every surgery and ensuring Tai has the best possible team. To Rafał Roger Piątek, who has not only been by Tai’s side but also ours through it all. To Basia Karczewska, for her constant support and kindness.“To the incredible doctors and medical team in Rzeszów. To the Stal Rzeszów team, especially Paweł Piskorz and Michał Drymajło your unwavering support means everything.“To our family, our friends, and every single person who has reached out, offered help, or simply held us in their thoughts – thank you. From the bottom of our hearts. “Your love has carried us through the darkest moments. We will never forget it. “Lots of love Faye & Sue.” Woffinden is a three-time world champion More

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      Mats Hummels chokes back tears as he retires aged 36 after World Cup winner and Dortmund legend’s incredible career

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      GERMANY legend Mats Hummels has announced his retirement from football.Hummels, 36, rolled credits on his glittering 18-year career with an emotional announcement on social media.Mats Hummels has announced his retirement from footballCredit: GettyHummels could barely hold back his tears as he announced his retirementThe centre-back, who currently plays for Roma, sat in front of a camera and watched the greatest highlights of his career with the likes of Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich and Germany.The defender then confirmed that he will be hanging up his boots at the end of the season.Hummels said: “I’m struggling with myh emotions right now. Now comes the moment that no footballer can avoid.”After more than 18 years and so many things that football has given me, I’m ending my career this summer.Read More on Football”When I see all this [the highlights], I know how much this whole journey, this whole path has meant to me. How extraordinary it was to be able to experience that.THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo tipped to become owner of huge LaLiga side with Saudi backing but it depends on major condition

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO has been sensationally tipped to become the new owner of Spanish big boys Valencia.The five-time Ballon d’Or winner spent nine years in the Spanish top-flight with Real Madrid, smashing almost every record in the book.Cristiano Ronaldo has been linked with a shock move to buy ValenciaCredit: RexThe 40-year-old will reportedly look to buy the club if they are relegated from La LigaCredit: AFPA return had been mooted after he departed the Bernabeu for Juventus in the summer of 2018.But Ronaldo, of course, ending up rejoining Manchester United before his controversial exit to join Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia.However, he could finally make his way back to Spain’s top-flight – albeit NOT with Los Blancos.It’s bee sensationally claimed he could be set buy struggling Valencia, with a little financial backing from the Saudis.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThat’s according to Mundo Deportivo, who claim thePortugal hitman, 40, has an interest in taking charge of the Mestalla club.Reporter Julian Redondo recently wrote: “Cristiano will be the next owner of Valencia if the team stays in LaLiga.”Neither Ronaldo nor his representatives have commented on the possibility of him taking ownership of Valencia.Valencia are currently in 15th place in the La Liga table, although they’re by no means out of the relegation woods.Most read in FootballValencia owner Peter Lim has flat-out refused to sell the clubCredit: GETTYLos Murcielagos are only four and five points ahead of 18th and 19th placed Leganes and Las Palmas.Even if Valencia drop into the Segunda Division, Ronaldo will face a tough task taking ownership of the club.Prince William on recreating Ronaldo’s goal celebration in his garden as he builds ‘Perfect Footballer’That’s because chairman Peter Lim last month refused to sell the club in a statement through his company, Meriton Holdings.It read: “Meriton wants to make it clear that such reports are false.”Valencia CF is not up for sale and it remains committed to Valencia CF.”Valencia will be back in action on Saturday afternoon, travelling to the Bernabeu to take on Real Madrid. More

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      Meet £25m Man Utd target Lorenzo Lucca who’s dubbed ‘Tower of Pisa’ at 6ft 7in and annoyed team-mates with selfish act

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      HE is the giant striker known as the “Tower of Pisa” who grew up idolising TWO Manchester United strikers.And while Lorenzo Lucca might have shown he knows how to Pisa-off ALL his team-mates with one act of selfishness this season, he could yet prove to be the answer to Ruben Amorim’s problems up front.Man Utd have made 6ft 7in striker Lorenzo Lucca one of their top targets for the summerCredit: GettyThe Udinese frontman would be a steal at £25mCredit: GettyThe 6ft 7in Lucca, 24, has emerged as a prime candidate as United plan for a cost-efficient summer refit, with a £25m fee mooted.With 12 goals for Udinese this season, catapulting him into the Italy squad for the first time, Lucca has shown he can stand out for more than just his Peter Crouch-like height.And now the boy who had pictures of both Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic on his bedroom wall is in line to become the next Old Trafford totem.In Italy, there is excitement about what Lucca can achieve.Italian football expert Tancredi Palmeri told Sun Sport: “What fans like about Lucca is that we don’t produce strikers of his type any more.“He has exploded onto the scene over the past two seasons because he is seen as a classic centre-forward, old school. There is nobody here like him.”Born on the outskirts of Turin, Lucca joined Torino’s set-up at the age of eight, leaving after seven years before returning to the club in 2018, before a prolific loan spell in Brescia’s youth team.A free transfer to Palermo, relegated to Serie D after financial chaos but swiftly ascending the Italian pyramid, was the launchpad – not that he needs one to be noticed.Lucca’s Serie A stats this seasonCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLucca scored 13 goals in Serie C to earn a £2m move to Pisa, where his frame brought the nickname comparison with the city’s world-renowned landmark.While Lucca only scored six in his first Serie B season, he caught the eye of Ajax, becoming the first Italian to ever play for the Amsterdam giants.Ruben Amorim’s Garnacho dilemma explained ahead of Manchester derbyLucca scored 13 goals in Serie C to earn a £2m move to Pisa in 2021Credit: GettyIt was, in truth, a mixed stay. Lucca struggled to make an impact under Erik ten Hag’s replacement Alfred Schreuder, making just 16 appearances.Frustrated at one point, Lucca posted – and then swiftly deleted – a photo of him giving a two-fingered salute that was interpreted as a message aimed at the coach.Looking back, Lucca admitted: “Maybe I arrived at the wrong time.It was cold, it rained often. The culture is very different. You eat early. People are closed.”Preparation for Manchester, possibly? But there was a positive impact, too. He added: “Having lived in Amsterdam for a year, I understand English well. And I also learned to speak Spanish.”Lucca spent the 2022/2023 season on loan with AjaxCredit: GettyDespite scoring just twice, Udinese pounced, taking him on an initial one year loan with an £8m option that they took up after eight goals last season, his first in the top flight.Lucca took to the responsibilities, becoming an aerial threat upsetting Serie A defenders but also with the pace to get away from his markers.Palmeri explained: “Lucca had nearly moved to Sassuolo before he went to Ajax but they argued over £2m, when Pisa asked for £12m and they didn’t want to pay that much.“But as soon as he arrived at Udinese people started noticing. He got into the under-21 side and this January he was on the radar of both Juventus and Milan.“They didn’t go for him in the end because Juve signed Randal Kolo Muani and Milan took Santiago Gimenez from Feyenoord but Italian clubs will be keen again this summer.”That is despite the moment of notoriety that saw Lucca’s image going viral.It came in a match with Lecce, when Udinese were awarded a first half penalty.Skipper and former France winger Florian Thauvin was the club’s designated penalty taker but Lucca, looking for his 10th Serie A goal of the campaign, took hold of the ball and refused to let go, much to the disbelief and anger of his team-mates.While Lucca smashed into the top corner, none of his team-mates joined his celebrations, with Thauvin ripping off his armband and asking to be taken off.Palmeri added: “It was clear how angry everyone was with him.“Almost instantly, there was a counter-attack chance but the Udinese players simply refused to pass the ball to him.“That was enough for the coach, who took him off when the ball went out of play. Lucca looked like a guilty kid.”Lorenzo Lucca stole a penalty from designated taker and club captain Florian Thauvin in FebruaryThe striker was booked during the incidentIt was a sliding doors moment, with the coach, Kosta Runjaic, making an example of his top scorer.Runjaic recalled: “Sometimes you need rule-breakers – but not at that moment, in that situation.“He didn’t follow the rules, so I took him off. Then, afterwards, we had a very good discussion. He told me how sorry he felt and he’s shown that since.”Lucca did exactly that, making a public apology to Thauvin and his team-mates with a social media post that read: “I wanted to be tough but, on my own, I’m nobody..”There was genuine repentance, demonstrated when, in Udinese’s next game, another spot-kick was awarded.This time, Lucca got involved in a spat with the Parma defenders who were trying to get into Thauvin’s head, forcing them away before the skipper netted and joining in a genuine team celebration.Udinese manager Kosta Runjaic forced Lucca off after he defied the captain’s ordersCredit: RexLucca maintains: “During the games there is so much adrenaline.“I was excited. In that moment I felt like going to the spot and I did it, scored and we brought home the three points.”I’m a striker. I always want to score. If I don’t score, I’m in a bad mood all week.“But before Parma, I spoke to the coach and we cleared things up. I recognised that when it came to penalties, Thauvin had priority.”Runjaic, too, is aware that he must make the most of Lucca before his inevitable departure.He said: “Any coach of any team at a high level would like to have a striker with his profile.“He is so dangerous in the box, great in the air – maybe the best header of a ball in football.“But he is equally good on the ground, too. And he keeps on improving.”Yet still with a mind on those idols of his youth.Lucca idolised Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic growing upCredit: GettyLucca admitted: “In life I would ask to take a photo with only two people, Cristiano Ronaldo and Ibrahimovic.“What I always loved with both of them was their charisma. I would like that to be the way I play as well.“I know what people say about me because of my size but I don’t see myself as a rare pearl.“At the same time, compared to many others, I have a particular physique and technical and aerial qualities.“I am convinced that I can do great things.“For now my priority is Udinese. But I know that if I keep working and scoring goals, opportunities will come. After all, who doesn’t aim for a big team?”READ MORE MAN UTD TRANSFER NEWSUnited need new strikers just two years after signing Rasmus Hojlund from Serie A side Atlanta in 2023 More