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    Champions League winner, 41, who scored for Barcelona in El Clasico now working on shop floor at sports chain

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    A FORMER Barcelona star is now living a completely different life – working in a sports shop.The 41-year-old hung up his boots in 2020 following a three-year spell with Sporting Lisbon.A former Barcelona star is now working in a sports shopJeremy Mathieu spent three years at Barcelona and won the Champions LeagueCredit: AFP or licensorsThe centre-back scored against Real Madrid in El Clasico in 2015Credit: Getty Images – GettySince then, he has swapped the fast-paced life of the beautiful game for a new job – in retail.The player in question is ex-France defender Jeremy Mathieu.Mathieu has been spotted working at Intersport in Cabries, a French sportswear shop.A photo of him alongside two fans in the shop went viral on social media last week.Read More in FootballIn the picture, Mathieu could be seen wearing an Intersport vest with his name on.It is understood he is a manager at the shop and leads a department as well as some different teams.While working at Intersport, located between Aix-en-Provence and Marseille, he is also looking to obtain his coaching badges.Mathieu kicked off his playing career with French outfit Sochaux in 2002 following a stint in the club’s youth setup.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe then joined Toulouse, where he spent four years before moving to Spain.Having spent five seasons with Valencia, the Frenchman was then signed by La Liga giants Barcelona in 2014.Real Madrid star Vinicius clashes with Atletico crowd after winning Champions League game on penalties He made 94 appearances for the club, scoring four goals.During that time he also won two LaLiga titles, the Uefa Supercup, the Club World Cup and the Champions League.He even scored for Barcelona in a 2-1 El Clasico win over Real Madrid in 2015.Mathieu retired following a three-year spell with Sporting Lisbon in 2020 after suffering a knee injury in training. More

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      Arsenal files: Viktor Gyokeres leaning towards Gunners transfer as Sporting agree cut price new fee

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      ARSENAL have been left to regret not signing a striker this season.But they are determined not to make the same mistake this summer, with new chief Andrea Berta already working on deals and the club believe they are in an ideal position to snap up their main target.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is desperate to sign a new striker this summerCredit: AFPSporting could sell Viktor Gyokeres for a cut-price fee in a major boost to chief Josh KroenkeCredit: GettySPORTING’S GYOKERES PLANTHERE is an inevitability around Viktor Gyokeres’ departure from Sporting Lisbon this summer as Arsenal and Manchester United keep tabs on the situation.The big Swede, 26, was eyeing a move during the past two windows, but a gentleman’s agreement with Sporting has seen him stay put during this season – instead focusing on delivering one last league title this term in a nail-biting finale with Benfica.As a thank you, Sporting are willing to let Gyokeres – who has 43 goals in 43 games in all competitions so far this term – leave for significantly less than his £85m release clause.Sporting are hoping to recoup between £55m and £70m, a welcome sum given their 24/25 financial reports showed a net transfer loss of around £15m.However, because of Sporting’s intense title race – level on points with Benfica with seven games remaining – SunSport understands the club are yet to pinpoint a first-choice replacement for Gyokeres.They have made use of the Brazilian market in the past to unearth bargain gems that can be sold for huge profit, but fans this time around are expecting a near like-for-like replacement to continue competing in the Champions League.In other words, major cash is expected to be splashed. That will not be easy when most of the best teams in Europe – including the Premier League – are on the look-out for a No.9.As a result, Sporting will be tough negotiators in any deal made this summer, which is why they are open to sparking a mega-money bidding war alongside the Saudis.BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKSaudi Pro League side Al Qadsiah FC – where Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is plying his trade these days – are ready to ruffle a few feathers in the battle for Gyokeres’ signature.Sporting will want the biggest up-front fee they can get – instead of several low-fee instalments – and Al Qadsiah are capable of offering just that, even if it means going above and beyond Gyokeres’ current value.Former Arsenal star Granit Xhaka in heated confrontation with Bayer Leverkusen ultras after humiliating defeatViktor Gyokeres is attracting interest from Saudi Arabia as well as the Premier LeagueCredit: EPAThat is bad news for Arsenal and Man Utd, who were hoping to get a clean run at Gyokeres, yet may be forced to pay more than they would have initially planned.Both clubs believe they are perfectly positioned to convince the Swedish superstar.Gyokeres is believed to be leaning more towards the Gunners given their current form of competing for the Prem title and the Champions League, as well as boss Mikel Arteta’s record of improving players in the toughest division in world football.New sporting director Berta is also a huge fan of the player. The Italian’s first task in his new role will be to get a big deal over the line quickly to prove his worth to the Arsenal board and the fans.However, Gyokeres still has a soft spot for Ruben Amorim – his old boss at Sporting – and could be swayed regardless of United enduring one of the worst seasons in their history.Yet with the sort of eye-watering money Saudi teams can lob into the mix, Arteta and Amorim should be wary of putting all their eggs in one Gyokeres-shaped basket.BERTA IN, BUT WHO CAME CLOSE?ARSENAL are convinced that Berta is a game-changing recruit in their pursuit of major silverware.The 53-year-old began work in North London on Monday as the club’s new sporting director, taking the time to meet reporters ahead of Arteta’s midweek press conference at London Colney.He is a quiet, shy individual, but his reputation as one of the game’s best negotiators is evident following his 12-year stint at Atletico Madrid, with Arteta recently suggesting: “He’s got this personality, this charisma and this drive to win that is going to be very contagious.”Whether it is Gyokeres, Benjamin Sesko, Leroy Sane or Nico Williams, this is set to be an exciting summer for Arsenal with Berta in the mix.But what of the others? Arsenal were in talks with a number of candidates in the wake of Edu’s resignation in November, and one that piqued their interest was Bayer Leverkusen managing director of sport Simon Rofles.Andrea Berta (left) was in the stands for the first time as Arsenal beat Fulham 2-1 on TuesdayCredit: GettyThe ex-German international had many admirers on the Arsenal board, playing a major role in the building of a squad that saw Xabi Alonso’s side break Bayern Munich’s Bundesliga stranglehold, winning their first ever domestic title last season.However, Rofles, 43, who had brief roles as academy coach and sporting director at Leverkusen before taking his current position in July 2022, had no intention of leaving Germany.SunSport understands that Rofles is incredibly happy at Leverkusen and with the progress being made under Alonso domestically and in Europe.He has intentions of seeing out a contract that does not expire until June 2028.TOUTING CONCERNSTHE EMIRATES is preparing for one of its biggest nights since it was opened in 2006, welcoming Real Madrid in a blockbuster Champions League quarter final first leg on Tuesday.But with that comes security concerns, especially with the demand for tickets greater than any Arsenal game in recent memory, and the growing risk of ticket touts and illegal online third-party sales.The Gunners’ solution has been to crack down hard on anyone found guilty of it, especially for the visit of the Galacticos, threatening fines, bans and even police involvement.Arsenal will punish any fan caught selling tickets illegallyCredit: GettySo far this season, Arsenal have cancelled more than 31,000 accounts, including 27,603 memberships, attempting to obtain tickets in unauthorised ways.One Arsenal season ticket holder – speaking with agreed anonymity – told SunSport that while excited for the match, he is concerned about the severe delays that could be caused by ticket touts and those trying to enter the ground with fake tickets, stopping regular fans getting to their seats for kick-off.However, the club are confident this will be avoided on Tuesday night, citing their million-pound investment to address the issues, the move to digital ticketing helping identify suspicious behaviour early.And as is the case for every Emirates matchday, there will be undercover third-party operatives in and around the ground on the night of the game, aiming to stop in-person touting deals being done.KAI’S GARDEN PARTYONE Arsenal star first fell in love with football after using garden gnomes for target practice.Kai Havertz was born in the German spa town of Aachen, near the Netherlands and Belgium border, and from a young age would spend hours kicking a ball about in his garden with his grandfather.He would line garden gnomes up on the wall before practicing his accuracy by trying to hit them over one by one with the ball, and would not stop until they had all been wiped out.Kai Havertz learned his trade by playing around gnomes in his granddad’s gardenCredit: GettyFast-forward almost two decades and that practice has paid off, surpassing all expectations since arriving in North London in July 2023 with 29 goals in 85 appearances in all competitions so far.As he recovers from hamstring surgery that has him out until next season, perhaps he will go back to basics with some more ‘gnome-ball’. 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      Inside the multi-million pound transformation of famous stadium where Celtic won European Cup in Lisbon

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      IT’S the site of Celtic’s most famous triumph – with thousands of Hoops fans still visiting Lisbon each year for their very own Portuguese pilgrimage. But the contours of the famous Estadio Nacional where Billy McNeill once held the European Cup aloft are set to change – to the tune of a cool €25MILLION Euros modernisation.An aerial view of how the stadium will lookCredit: AFL architects Inside the sleek lounges at the refurbished venueCredit: AFL architects It’s a stylish upgrade to the famous old stadiumCredit: AFL Architects The good news for Hoops fans, though, is that the 81-year-old stadium won’t be getting bulldozed and rebuilt and will rather undergo a ‘sensitive and innovative redesign’.Led by Jock Stein and legendary skipper Billy McNeill, the Lisbon Lions triumphed over Italian giants Inter Milan in the Portuguese capital to become the first side from the Britain to win the biggest prize in club football.Goals from the great Tommy Gemmell and Stevie Chalmers saw the Hoops come from behind to win 2-1.The stadium where the match took place is a listed heritage site which was originally built six miles west of the city between 1939 and 1944 to designs by Portuguese architect Jacobetty Rosa.Located in close proximity to two massive stadia neighbours in the form of the Estadio da Luz and Jose Alvalade – the homes of Benfica and Sporting Lisbon respectively – the Estadio Nacional isn’t used so regularly these days. It still plays host to the Portuguese cup final – as well as rugby games.But refurbishment has been on the way since at least 2012 and while there is no start date for the work as yet, it’s closer than ever with AFL Architects winning the job for their designs.AFL are working with Lisbon-based Aires Mateus and Gonçalves Vieira Cruz after they won a competition with their designs – with the Portuguese Football Federation the client.Most read in FootballOne thing that will change with the new development is a new suspended canopy ROOF suspended over the stands. This will use a Pratt truss structure supported by four strategically braced points.Rangers and Celtic fans react to news away fans are BACK at Old Firm gamesThe stadium capacity will change too, actually coming down from 39,000 to 36,388.The architects claim that the stadium’s ‘unique integration into the natural landscape’ of Vale do Jamor will be retained.Estadio Nacional refurbishment – at a glanceKey features of the proposed refurbishment include: A striking new roof inspired by the stadium’s original design and site topography.VIP and VVIP lounges for premium experiences. State-of-the-art media facilities. Updated football, rugby, and athletics facilities. Enhanced accessibility throughout the venue. Extended toilet and concession areas. Improved sightlines for spectators. Refurbished landscaping that blends seamlessly with the Vale do Jamor.Back in 2022, the Lisbon Lions were named the best club side EVER.It topped a poll ahead of a Barca side led by Pep Guardiola and spearheaded by the likes of Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Xavi, who won La Liga with 96 points and secured the Champions League.Manchester United’s famous 1998/99 side came a distant third with 14 per-cent of the vote.Billy McNeill holds aloft the European CupCredit: AFL architects How the covered main stand will now lookCredit: AFL architects Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Which striker should Man Utd buy? We reveal who would be best fit for Amorim and why it’s great news for Ratcliffe

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have struggled to find any real form in the Premier League despite stronger performances in the Europa League.One of the most notable issues Ruben Amorim’s side have experienced is a major lack of goals, with none of the strikers in the squad really impressing.Ruben Amorim will be looking for a new striker in the summerCredit: EPAAfter considering six main options we have found the perfect option for Man UtdCredit: GettyLast summer United signed Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna, though it has since become clear his profile is not what the Red Devils need up front. That has left Rasmus Hojlund as the only true recognised striker in the squad. However, while Hojlund still has the potential to develop into a very strong striker, he has been woefully out of form.Next summer Man Utd transfer chiefs will doubtless be looking to recruit a top forward.The issue they will find is that there is a real scarcity of top talent in that department which fit the unique needs of Amorim’s 3-4-3 system.Other top clubs, including Arsenal who we analysed last week, are also in the market which will only drive up price, but we have looked at who could be the top fit for Man Utd for next season.Victor Osimhen – Galatasaray and NigeriaVictor Osimhen is itching for a transferCredit: GettyThe first player on our list is also probably the most expensive; 26-year-old Galatasaray and Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen.The on-loan Napoli ace has an estimated transfer value of £59million, having been touted as a top target for Premier League sides for some time.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordAfter being one of the main reasons Napoli won their first Serie A title since the era of Diego Maradona, he fell out of favour with the club’s owner before he was sent on loan to Turkey.Osimhen will be seeking employment away from Napoli when he returns at the end of his loan spell, with links both to England and Saudi Arabia being widely reported.I told Rio Ferdinand to tell Sir Alex Ferguson to f*** off and the Man Utd legend’s reaction was pricelessGalatasaray are by no means a small club, but they do not play in a top five European league and are in no position to challenge for top European honours.In terms of the profile of striker United will be looking for this summer, it is fair to say that Osimhen is a very strong fit. He prefers to play on the shoulder of the last defender and attack space behind the defensive line but has the technical profile to receive the ball and play with his back to goal when required.Amorim’s system needs the striker to generate a significant amount of goals and shots.Here we see Osimhen makes contact with the central defender and then pulls away to make a pocket of space to attack the crossOsimhen’s 166 goal contributions across 253 games at club level speak for themselves in this regard.There is no doubt Osimhen would be a strong option thanks to his superb movement in and around the penalty area and the ability to create opportunities for himself.Viktor Gyokeres – Sporting Lisbon and SwedenVictor Gyokeres is one of Europe’s top strikersCredit: GettyIt should come as no surprise that Sweden and Sporting Lisbon ace Viktor Gyokeres had been included on this list. After all, he was one of the stand out players at Sporting when Amorim was there as coach, with 50 goal contributions in 41 games for Sporting this season after his 58-goal contribution tally last term.The 26-year-old, who has a market value of £63m has had something of an unusual career path to get to this point, having flopped at Brighton before really igniting his career at Coventry.His performances in the Championship were very strong and this led to a move to Portugal for an initial £17.5m.Gyokeres now looks poised to take the next step in his career and it is easy to see why. He is a modern striker with the ability to stretch opposition defences and make long and aggressive runs beyond the defensive line, while he has the skill to score a variety of different goals.The issue for Gyokeres when it comes to a move to a club like Man Utd, however, is facing a low or medium block a lot of the time – a factor which has massively limited Hojlund’s effectiveness this term.This means space behind the defence, where Gyokeres does his best work, is hard to come by for any striker.Here we see Gyokeres on the shoulder with space to attack ahead of himWhile Gyokeres is by no means a poor technical player, with the ability to receive the ball in tighter areas and bring others into the game, this is not the biggest strength of his game. He is more of a powerful forward who will thrive with balls played into the channels he can run on to in order to stretch the opposition.Hugo Ekitike – Eintracht Frankfurt and FranceHugo Ekitike looks set to be the next big money striker to be sold by FrankfurtCredit: AFPFans of English football were given quite the introduction to the France Under-21 star Hugo Ekitike when he scored three goals in a 5-3 win over England.The 22-year-old developed at Stade Reims in Ligue 1 before transferring to Paris Saint-Germain in 2022, although it did not work out before he moved again to Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga.Ekitike has scored 19 goals in 38 matches in all competitions so far this season and is valued at just over £33m, drawing intense interest from other top clubs in Europe.Ironically, had Ekitike stayed at PSG until Kylian Mbappe left to join Real Madrid it is likely he would now be the starting striker in Paris. He is perhaps the closest striker in top level football at the moment to Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, with a similar all round playing style and the most well rounded on this list.Ekitike is equally comfortable playing with his back to goal when he is running into space or running through the channels to stretch the game.Here Ekitike shows very clever movement with curved runs to pull off the shoulders of defenders and gain the separation he needs to finishFor a team like Man Utd who are still building towards their identity under Amorim, the signing of a striker that is well balanced like Ekitike would make a lot of sense. It can be easy with strikers of this type to overlook how effective and efficient they are in front of goal but as we touched upon above, Ekitike has show he can perform very well in a top five league.Liam Delap – Ipswich Town and EnglandLiam Delap has had a solid season despite his team’s looming threat of relegationCredit: GettyWhile Ekitike was scoring for France this week, Liam Delap was returning the favour with a goal for England Under-21s.When Ipswich Town signed the now 22-year-old from Manchester City in the summer there were some who doubted his ability to lead the line for a newly promoted Premier League side.With 10 goals and two assists in 28 league matches, a strong return for a team facing relegation, he has very much proven those doubters wrong.The Ipswich ace is another potential target who fits represents a modern profile of player. He is tall and powerful and extremely adept when it comes to making runs to stretch the game and attack behind the opposition line. There is an argument United would be better placed signing a more-well rounded player who can link the game and play in deeper areas or make aggressive runs behind the defensive line. Here we see how Delap times his run well to get across the defender to finishWith that said, however there is some value in the idea of United signing a young English striker that can develop as the team does.An added complication is Delap is a product of the Man City youth academy, and his boyhood club are thought to have a clause to say they can buy him back at a set price. Benjamin Sesko – RB Leipzig and SlovakiaBenjamin Sesko was the talk of the town at the European Championships last summerCredit: GettyPlaying for one of the smaller sides during the European Championships for Slovakia last summer, Benjamin Sesko was the name on everyone’s lips as he impressed with his power and pace.He was heavily linked at the time, and in January, with a move to Arsenal but made the choice to at least see out the season in the Bundesliga with RB Leipzig, where he has scored 17 goals in 36 games.That does not mean he will not be open to a move this coming summer, with an estimated transfer value of £42m.Sesko, like previous names mentioned, is tall, powerful, quick and at his best when he is given space to run into and to attack as his team moves the attack forward.His biggest strength, however, comes in his incredible ball striking with the ability to strike the ball with power from distance.Sesko is another player who thrives when he is able to play and attack in moments of transition. Here we see how part of Sesko’s threat is his ball-striking abilityAs a top level striker he still needs to add some real consistency to his game in front of goal.There is a worry he is too one dimensional in needing space in the final third to really fit the way United will play.Bryan Mbeumo – Brentford and CameroonBryan Mbeumo has been Brentford’s main man after they lost Ivan ToneyCredit: GettyThe final attacker on our shortlist is 25-year-old Brentford and Cameroon forward Bryan Mbeumo, who is valued at £42m.He has had a very strong season with 20 goals and assists in all competitions after stepping up to fill the void of Ivan Toney’s sale. His performances have been so strong this season that he is now being linked to a move this coming summer to a top 6 level club that will be involved in European competition.Mbeumo is not a tall and powerful striker who will threaten space behind the defensive line like other names on the list, with a preference to pull into the channels and get on the ball in the final third.There is a real argument with Mbeumo that he would fit better in the United system under Amorim as one of the two attacking midfielders behind the main striker. His mobility and movement in these areas are excellent and he is extremely difficult for opposition defenders to pick up and mark. Mbeumo is exceptionally dangerous off the right flank, rather than in the middleMbeumo would not be at his best as the main striker for United. He is more movement based in the way he creates threat and space in the final third while United need to find a striker who has a better rounded and more versatile attacking profile.ConclusionIt is tempting to say Osimhen would be the best option of the six strikers we have discussed above since he is the most ready-made option. However, Man Utd are in the midst of a financial nightmare after years of overspending with a big rebuild to come this summer for a squad well below the standards needed to challenge for top honours.Therefore, given his relative price at almost half the value of Osimhen or Gyokreres, Ekitike should be the target of choice next summer. His profile is well rounded and he has more to come in his development as this United team develops, while a likely cheaper deal would be music to the ears of Sir Jim Ratcliffe after numerous cuts made to the club.Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s first year at Man UtdSIR JIM RATCLIFFE’S minority takeover at Manchester United was announced on Christmas Eve in 2023 – and a lot has happened at Old Trafford since…December 2023 – Man Utd confirm Ratcliffe’s takeover on Christmas Eve, vowing to invest £245m into Old TraffordJanuary 2024 – Ratcliffe and right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford photographed meeting Erik ten Hag during tour of Carrington January 2024 – Omar Berrada poached from Man City as new CEO February 2024 – Ratcliffe’s £1billion, 27.7 per cent takeover officially completed February 2024 – Former CEO Richard Arnold quits board as Ineos pair John Rees and Rob Nevin addedMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe bans words “awesome” and “lukewarm cappuccino” in bizarre moveMarch 2024 – Matt Johnson appointed head of women’s footballMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe announces plans to build “Wembley of the North” to replace Old TraffordMarch 2024 – Man Utd NYSE share price drops to $13.73 on March 21 – down from $20.52 immediately after Ratcliffe takeover in DecemberApril 2024 – Senior staff club credit cards and private cars cancelled April 2024 – John Murtough quits as football director April 2024 – Jason Wilcox appointed technical director after compensation package agreed with Southampton May 2024 – Ratcliffe turns Carrington “toxic” after sending email to employees slamming “disgraceful” lack of cleanlinessMay 2024 – Work finally starts on leaking Old Trafford roofMay 2024 – Man Utd finish eighth in Premier League, worst-ever finish May 2024 – Ratcliffe gives employees just one week to decide if they want to accept redundancy May 2024 – Staff forced to pay for own transport to FA Cup final and only given one ticketMay 2024 – Pre-match party and hotel for senior staff before FA Cup final axedMay 2024 – Man Utd shock rivals Man City to win FA Cup despite suggestions Erik ten Hag will be sacked regardless of resultJune 2024 – Man Utd announce £50m plans to upgrade Carrington training ground June 2024 – Ratcliffe introduces strict “back to work” policy forcing staff to come into officeJune 2024 – Ratcliffe scores own goal with comments about women’s teamJuly 2024 – Man Utd finally agree deal to bring in Dan Ashworth as sporting director after four months of gardening leave at Newcastle, who received £3m in compensationJuly 2024 – Erik ten Hag signs shock new contract extension until 2026July 2024 – Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake appointed assistant managers, Andreas Georgson first-team coach and Jelle ten Rouwelaar goalkeeper coach. Darren Fletcher’s role changes from technical director to first-team coach. Steve McClaren, Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy depart.July 2024 – Ex-Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell joins on short-term basis as interim director of recruitment July 2024 – Jean-Claude Blanc added to Man Utd board  July 2024 – Man Utd cut down number of staff on US pre-season tour to 125July 2024 – Ratcliffe makes 250 redundancies including popular media man John Allen, historian Cliff Butler and kitman Alex WylieAugust 2024 – Man Utd splash out £199m in the summer transfer window August 2024 – Matchday staff lunchboxes scrapped and some forced to eat beside toiletOctober 2024 – Man Utd stop paying £2m-a-year ambassador salary to Sir Alex FergusonOctober 2024 – Staff Christmas party cancelled October 2024 – “Back to work” policy costing Utd fortune to convert hospitality suites into temporary offices between home matchesOctober 2024 – Erik ten Hag sacked with club 14th in Premier League table, costing club £15mNovember 2024 – Ruben Amorim appointed new Man Utd manager on deal until 2027 after stumping up £10m release clause November 2024 – Coach Ruud van Nistelrooy axed by new manager Ruben Amorim November 2024 – Man Utd chiefs locked in blame game over summer shambles including Erik ten Hag situation and transfer signings November 2024 – Ratcliffe reportedly set to half £40,000 budget paid to Manchester United Disabled Supporters AssociationDecember 2024 – Ratcliffe admits “mediocre” Man Utd “still in last century” December 2024 – Fans protest after OAP and children concessions tickets ditched and minimum home ticket cost up to £66December 2024 – Dan Ashworth sacked after five months as sporting directorDecember 2024 – £100 staff Christmas bonus ditched for £40 M&S voucherDecember 2024 – Ceiling starts leaking during Ruben Amorim’s press conference after 3-0 defeat to BournemouthDecember 2024 – Reports of a mice infestation at Old Trafford as rodent droppings found in food kiosks and plush suites as food hygiene ratings drops to just two starsDecember 2024 – SunSport reveals Ratcliffe cuts £40,000 funding donation to Association of Former Manchester United Players charity More

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      Ruben Amorim set to raid Sporting Lisbon for £35m Rashford transfer replacement who’s already flopped in Premier League

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      RUBEN AMORIM is planning a summer return to Sporting Lisbon – for £35 million-rated winger Trincao.The Manchester United boss has made signing a wide player a priority, with Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford unlikely to return to Old Trafford after their respective loans.Trincao won more admirers with two goals for Portugal vs DenmarkCredit: RexThe Sporting star is a target for at least four top clubsCredit: AlamyAnd Trincao, who scored twice for Portugal in Sunday’s 5-2 Nations League win over Denmark, is top of the United chief’s wanted list, after taking him to Lisbon during his days in charge.The 25-year-old once had a £400m-plus buy-out when he moved to Barcelona, but he never really cracked it at the Camp Nou and ended up with a season on loan at Wolves.After another one at Sporting, Amorim made it a permanent deal and his career took off after finally finding stability.Trincao is generally a left-footed right winger, but can play on either flank and has also been used through the middle.READ MORE ON MAN UTDNewcastle and Arsenal have also been keeping tabs on him.However, the biggest threat may come from Barca, who retain a buy-back option of little more than £20m.But Amorim hopes their previous working relationship, and the chance to link up with his old manager, will sway Trincao towards Old Trafford.Meanwhile, it’s reckoned United could up their asking price for Aston Villa loanee Rashford.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordThe striker has earned an England recall under Thomas Tuchel.And it was understood United were willing to offload the Mancunian, 27, at the end of the season for around £35m-£40m.Moment Marcus Rashford’s £700k Rolls-Royce is towed off motorway after tyre blew outBut now it’s claimed the 61-cap star could be valued at close to £60m.Ironically, it’s been suggested Rashford still dreams of joining Barcelona. More

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      Chelsea ‘willing to let Geovany Quenda play AGAINST them next season despite spending £42m on transfer’

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      CHELSEA new boy Geovany Quenda could find himself playing AGAINST the Blues next season due to Uefa rules.The 17-year-old agreed to join Chelsea in a £42million transfer from Sporting Lisbon last week.Geovany Quenda could face Chelsea next season despite signing for the Blues last weekCredit: AFPQuenda is set to pen a seven-year deal with the option for an eighth, but will not make his debut until next year at the earliest.The Blues have agreed to loan him back to Sporting for the 2025-26 campaign.And should both teams qualify for the Champions League this season, the winger could find himself playing against his new club.In Uefa competitions, parent clubs have no say on whether or not a loan star can play against them.Read More in FootballTherefore, if Sporting do face Chelsea then manager Rui Borges can decide to play him.Rules in the Champions League and Europa League differ to those in the Premier League, where loan players are not permitted to face their parent clubs.Quenda has made 44 appearances for Sporting this season, contributing to 10 goals.Manchester United were heavily linked with a move for him given Ruben Amorim’s links to the Portuguese club, but the Red Devils never submitted a bid.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSQuenda has made 10 appearances in the Champions League this seasonThey had even sent scouts to watch the teenager.But Quenda is now set to join fellow wonderkids Estevao Willian and Kendry Paez in West London.Enzo Maresca defends lacklustre Chelsea after Conference League progress More

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      Chelsea closing in on transfer for Sporting wonderkid Dario Essugo despite young stars’ concerns about joining Blues

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      CHELSEA are closing in on a deal for Sporting Lisbon star Dario Essugo.The Blues want to sort out a fee with the Portuguese side quickly as the 19-year-old midfielder’s reputation grows on loan at Las Palmas.Chelsea are closing in on a deal for Sporting Lisbon star Dario EssugoCredit: GettyEssugo’s reputation grows while on loan at Las PalmasCredit: GettyEssugo will only be keen if he is to be part of the squad — a growing issue with young stars chased by the London club.Striker Eli Junior Kroupi, 18, chose Bournemouth instead of Chelsea last week when he quit French side Lorient.And the Blues’ Argentinian centre-half Aaron Anselmino, 19, refused a loan to Strasbourg because he does not want to be moved around.Essugo joined Sporting in 2014 at the tender age of nine years old.Read More on FootballAfter eight years within the Lisbon giants’ youth ranks, the defensive midfielder earned a senior call-up.The Portugal Under-21 international would then split his time between the first and B team.That led to recent loan stints at Chaves and of course Las Palmas.Essugo has amassed a total of one goal in 14 appearances with the LaLiga outfit this season.Most read in FootballThis comes after a total of 25 appearances with Sporting the last four years.Essugo made history with the Portuguese outfit in 2021 when he became the club’s youngest ever player to wear the jersey at just 16 years and six daysChelsea vs West Ham: Player Ratings BreakdownChelsea didn’t bring any new players during this past January transfer window.The Blues just recalled Gabriel Slonina, Trevoh Chalobah, David Datro Fofana and Anselmino from their loan stints. More

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      How Sir Alex Ferguson ‘refused to let Cristiano Ronaldo leave stadium until he signed for Man Utd’

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO was not allowed to go home after a match until he had signed for Manchester United, according to Rio Ferdinand.The duo won three Premier League titles and the Champions League during their six years as team-mates.Sir Alex Ferguson did not let Cristiano Ronaldo go home until he agreed to join Man UtdCredit: GettyA teenage Ronaldo caught the eye of Sir Alex in a pre-season friendlyCredit: ReutersRio Ferdinand says he ’embarrassed’ players with his skillCredit: ReutersMan Utd paid Sporting Lisbon £12million for Ronaldo – just a year after Ferdinand went from Leeds to Old Trafford.Sir Alex Ferguson’s side had a pre-season friendly against the Portuguese club and CR7 dazzled Red Devils chiefs during the game – when he famously left John O’Shea “needing an oxygen tank”.So much so, that the legendary boss spoke to him after the game and made sure he chose Man Utd ahead of any other club.Ferdinand told the BBC: “We were invited to go to play Sporting to open their stadium.READ MORE ON RONALDO”We had just missed out on signing Ronaldinho. We were all excited thinking we were getting Ronaldinho, then he went and signed for Barcelona. We were all a bit deflated. “We were going to play Sporting and you start getting whispers, they’ve got this kid called Ronaldo, meant to be really good.”I didn’t think anything of it and the game starts. Then we are looking at each other and you’re like, ‘OK, this kid is the real deal’.”Look at him, he is like doing mad stuff, he is embarrassing a couple of our players.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”The we were all standing there saying, ‘Oh my God, we’ve got to sign him.'”On the coach after, waiting everyone’s sitting there going, ‘Been here an hour, waiting, what’s going on? We’ve got to get to the airport.’Cristiano Ronaldo opens up on ‘f—ing clueless’ coaches he’s played for, Messi relationship and calls himself the GOAT”Noise starts travelling back through the coach that David Gill, who was CEO, and the manager are in there.”They have got Cristiano in a vice-like lock, waiting. He can’t leave the stadium until he signs and agrees to come to United.”Ronaldo, who celebrates his 40th birthday today, went on to make 346 appearances for the club over two spells, scoring 145 goals.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.Inside Cristiano Ronaldo’s incredible lifeAS arguably the greatest player of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo lives a life befitting such a superstar. More

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      Ruben Amorim ‘tells Man Utd chiefs he needs Viktor Gyokeres NOW’ and transfer can’t wait until summer

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      RUBEN AMORIM is tipped to demand Manchester United buy Viktor Gyokeres RIGHT AWAY.The Old Trafford boss is reported by The Daily Star to be so worried by United’s lack of firepower that he wants to spend big this month rather than wait until the summer.Viktor Gyokeres is again attracting Prem interest, led by Man UtdCredit: GettyRuben Amorim is said to be urging instant transfer actionCredit: RexGyokeres, 26, is under contract at Sporting Lisbon until 2028 with a release clause of around £80million.It’s understood Amorim would be prepared to offload both Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee in a major shake-up of his attacking options.And Gyokeres is regarded as the man he most craves to replace them.The Sweden star has hit a staggering 26 goals in 24 matches this season.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThat includes a brilliant hat-trick as Sporting demolished Manchester City 4-1 in the Champions League two months ago.Sporting would reportedly consider selling Gyokeres for around £62m-£70m at the end of the season.And if the Red Devils come in with a firm offer this month then £80m might be the minimum offer needed to tempt the Portuguese giants.Amorim could also try to bolster his defence, notably at left-back.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSUnited have been linked with Benfica’s Alvaro Fernandez, although his £25m buy-back clause only becomes active next summer.Meanwhile, £86m flop winger Antony appears a likely leaver as the 14th-placed Red Devils look to rebuild all over the pitch.Ruben Amorim says Man Utd face a relegation battleOld club Ajax, Fenerbahce and Real Betis are amongst clubs thought to be monitoring the Brazil winger.A January loan exit appears a strong option for the 24-year-old. More