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      Florian Wirtz ‘tells Bayern Munich he’s joining Liverpool’ with £125MILLION transfer just days away

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      FLORIAN WIRTZ has told Bayern Munich he is joining Liverpool, according to reports.The German is one of the hottest properties on the transfer market this summer.Florian Wirtz has told Bayern Munich he will be joining Liverpool this summerCredit: GettyBut according to football journalist, Sacha Tavolieri, Wirtz is now just one step away from joining the Anfield outfit.Mere days ago it was revealed that Manchester City had pulled of the race to sign the Bayer Leverkusen ace over concerns about the overall cost of the deal potentially reaching a figure of £252million.However, numbers involved in the deal have not deterred German champions Bayern Munich or English champions Liverpool.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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      The crisis at Man Utd this summer will be bigger than ever – fans will back Amorim but how can he rebuild with no money?

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      HERE we go again. The vicious cycle of doom and gloom is up and running.In the post Sir Alex Ferguson era, we’ve seen this all before.Ruben Amorim’s side have had one of the worst seasons in Manchester United historyBut the crisis at Manchester United this summer is going to be bigger than ever before.Defeat to Spurs, who finally won a trophy after 17 years, just sums up a disastrous season.The future looks bleak but where do United go from here?In the past, the manager has carried the can for poor results and performances.READ MORE IN MAN UTDDavid Moyes, Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Erik ten Hag all lost and the players won.But the scale of this loss in Bilbao and its consequences will be more widespread than Ruben Amorim’s future.The Portuguese boss has already stated this is probably one of the worst teams in United’s history and who can argue?However, fingers will now be pointed elsewhere.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe scrutiny will intensify on Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s ownership while this season’s abject failure will spark more protests against him and the Glazer family.And the turmoil will only filter down.’That’s for you, son’ – James Maddison brutally digs out Roy Keane in savage interview after Europa League final, CBSSportsGolazoExpect a toxic atmosphere at Old Trafford when Aston Villa visit on Sunday – and the likelihood of another defeat – as supporters make their voices heard once again.Lying 16th in the Premier League is embarrassing, so will Ratcliffe back Amorim? Will Amorim walk?This is on United’s hierarchy. They picked the Portuguese boss and told him to leave Sporting mid-season.Ratcliffe and co have already sacked one manager so what look is it to axe another one?Man Utd ratings: Diallo best player in Europa League final but Hojlund out of his depthAMAD DIALLO’S fizzing first-half display was little consolation for Manchester United in a dismal 1-0 Europa League final loss to Tottenham.Rasmus Hojlund’s plight up front continued in one of the worst European showpieces for many years – as both sides showed why they will finish in the Premier League lower reaches.Spurs clinched it from virtually their first opportunity – on 42 minutes.Brennan Johnson bundled in Pape Sarr’s inswinging cross, with United left-back Luke Shaw also getting a touch on the way.The Red Devils dictated possession more and more after the break, with Leny Yoro stretching to test Guglielmo Vicario from a free-kick.But United’s chances only arrived regularly in the final quarter of a patchy contest.The Red Devils belatedly piled on the pressure in the seven minutes of stoppage time, but Spurs just held on.Here’s how SunSport’s Dave Courtnadge rated United on a miserable night individually and collectively for Ruben Amorim’s men…United fans will back Amorim and give him the chance to rebuild.But what material will he have to work with, especially under PSR constraints?Without the £100m Champions League money, I’m sure there will be more cost-cutting.This time it won’t just be staff cuts, first-team players will need to be sold and it won’t be a case of picking and choosing who goes because no one is safe.The prospect of United competing with the best is drifting further and further away.Read More on The SunAdd in the fact Liverpool are Premier League champions and it’s probably best to stay away from the UK for a few days which I’ll be doing direct from Spain thanks to a Bruce Springsteen gig in France this weekend.Bilbao was certainly a City of Ruins for United… More

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      Lamine Yamal set to land Messi’s No10 shirt after signing generational new Barcelona deal with €1billion release clause

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      LAMINE YAMAL will reportedly inherit Lionel Messi’s iconic No 10 shirt at Barcelona after signing a generational deal this summer.The 17-year-old has emerged as a Ballon d’Or front-runner and is widely viewed as the game’s biggest talent since Messi burst onto the scene almost 20 years ago.Lamine Yamal will reportedly inherit Lionel Messi’s iconic No 10 shirt when he signs a new deal this summerMessi famously wore the No 10 jersey for the majority of his iconic Barcelona careerMessi wore the No 10 for 13 years, winning seven of his eight Ballon d’Ors in that timeYamal was considered the heir to eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi when he came the youngest player to start a Euros final with Spain.And Yamal, who has already provided 25 goals and 34 assists in 105 appearances for Barca, will celebrate his 18th birthday in July by signing a new long-term contract.According to Memorabilia1899.co, the Catalan club will include a €1billion (£841million) release clause in the once in a lifetime deal.Yamal, who still wears braces, will also be handed the iconic No 10 shirt, which is worn by Ansu Fati at the moment.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFati was termed as the original heir to Messi, but injuries and a lack of form has left him facing an exit this summer.Yamal currently holds the No. 19 jersey, which was also the number worn by fellow former La Masia product Messi before he switched in 2008.The changeover will mark another historic moment in Yamal’s young career, after he made his Barca debut two years ago when he was only 15.Since then, he has won LaLiga twice and provided 43 goal contributions in 54 games for Barca’s domestic treble this season.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe stats show Yamal’s trajectory since his debut aged 15 years and 290 days is rising faster than that of either Messi or the other superstar of his generation, Cristiano Ronaldo.By 17, Messi had scored once in nine senior games for Barca, while Ronaldo had netted five goals in 19 games for Sporting.’Absolute cinema’ – Kate Abdo dubbed ‘real talent’ after showing off incredible Spanish in Lamine Yamal interviewYamal also has four goals in his 19 appearances for Spain. Neither Messi or Ronaldo made their international debut until they turned 18.It took Messi, who made his debut at 16, until shortly before his 21st birthday to hit the 100-game mark in Barcelona colours, scoring 41 goals in the process.Before bagging an incredible screamer in Barca’s 3-3 Champions League draw on his 100th appearance, Yamal said: “I don’t compare myself to anyone, and much less with Messi.”So I don’t think the comparison makes sense, with Messi even less, I’m going to enjoy myself and be myself.”Remarkably, there are pictures of baby Yamal being held by a 20-year-old Messi during a photoshoot for Barcelona and Unicef in 2007.Seven years later, that baby was training with the club. By the age of 12, Spanish publication Marca was already comparing him to Messi.The Argentine icon finished his Barcelona career in 2021 with a staggering 672 goals in 778 appearances, plus 10 LaLiga titles and four Champions League triumphs to his name.Messi held baby Lamine Yamal for Unicef in 2007 More

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      Blackburn release TWENTY players after narrowly missing out on Championship play-offs under Valerien Ismael

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      BLACKBURN have released 20 players and sprung a surprise over a midfielder.Rovers acted decisively after missing out on the Championship play-offs by one place and two points.Valerien Ismael has kept the core of a squad who finished seventhCredit: RexAdam Forshaw has been released – but there’s a twistCredit: AlamyBoss Valerien Ismael has kept his main men and reportedly wants around six key signings this summer.But Adam Forshaw’s inclusion in a big batch of departures has raised eyebrows in some quarters.The former Middlesbrough and Leeds star, 33, had been praised by Ismael in recent months.And Forshaw remained in Rovers’ matchday squad until the end of the season as they finished seventh.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL But although the ex-Brentford ace has been freed, Blackburn say they will “keep in close contact” with him over the summer.Rovers admit he is “entitled to explore other options”.But it leaves the door open for an intriguing transfer saga to develop.Blackburn also revealed they are still in talks with three senior players, having offered all of them new contracts.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThey are Danny Batth and Tyrhys Dolan – who both started Rovers’ season-ending 1-1 draw at Sheffield United – plus Andi Weimann.Rovers said in a statement over their released list: “Batth and Weimann both enjoyed magnificent maiden seasons at Ewood Park last term, bringing vast Championship experience, leadership qualities and high standards to the dressing room and out on the pitch.”Centre-back Danny Batth is in talks over extending his Blackburn stayCredit: RexMeanwhile, Blackburn have activated a one-year option to keep Wales winger Ryan Hedges another year after his 42 league games in 2024-25.Under-21 players Harrison Wood, Zack Stritch and Adam Khan have also had the option of an extra 12 months triggered.Jake Batty and Felix Goddard, who were both loaned out last season, have been offered fresh Ewood Park deals.And teenage midfielder Lorenze Mullarkey-Matthews has been handed the chance to sign his first professional contract.On the way out are: Dilan Markanday, Jack Vale, Zak Gilsenan, Patrick Gamble, Tom Bloxham, Jordan Eastham, Rhys Doherty, Isaac Whitehall, Jalil Saadi, Alex Baker, Adam Caddick, Paul Murphy-Worrell, Lewis Bell, Bradley Taylor, Jackson Shorrocks, Nathan Willis, Stephen Edmondson and Teddy Ramwell.On top of this, Dan Shaw’s registration has been cancelled by mutual consent.Read More on The SunFive loanees have returned to their parent clubs – Owen Beck, Amario Cozier-Duberry, Dion Sanderson, Cauley Woodrow and Emmanuel Dennis.Blackburn said: “Rovers would like to place on record its sincere thanks to all the players who will be leaving the club for their contribution and commitment during their time at Ewood Park, and we wish them all well in their future careers.” More

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      ‘This is the attitude’ – Arsenal fans love Josh Kroenke’s transfer message to them ahead of huge window

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      ARSENAL director Josh Kroenke confirmed the club will invest on transfers this summer to “get behind winning” the Premier League.The Gunners are facing a potential second-place finish for the third year in a row under manager Mikel Arteta with a section of supporters questioning the decision not to sign a striker since 2022.Arsenal director Josh Kroenke confirmed the club will invest on transfers this summerArsenal are prioritising a striker this summer, with Sporting Lisbon star Viktor Gyokeres a favouriteReal Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi is set to become Arsenal’s first summer signingJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesHowever, Josh, 45, wrote in Sunday’s match-day programme before the clash with Newcastle at the Emirates that the necessary investment will take place with new sporting director Andrea Berta on board.The son of the Gunners’ majority shareholder Stan Kroenke added that the board are “crystal clear” on the transfer they want to make.Josh wrote: “We’re still pursuing second place in the Premier League for the third year running, but we all want to win it. “We plan to invest to get behind winning and doing better next season.Read More on Arsenal“Our sporting director, Andrea, will play an important role in this. We are crystal clear on exactly what we need to do and the way in which we want to do it”.A number of Arsenal fans loved Josh’s confidence and the presence of a plan by the board.One supporter tweeted: “That is the attitude.”Another commented: “Hope they back it up this summer. No excuses.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA third wrote: “Get that cheque book out.”This fan said: “Good to hear, Josh.”And that one stated: “Thankful to be an Arsenal fan.”Arsenal look set for a busy summer as they are ready to land Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi for a whopping £50million.The North Londoners are also looking for an elite striker, with many claiming that is the last piece of the jigsaw required to finally win their first Premier League title since 2004.Arteta’s side are very keen on Newcastle superstar Alexander Isak but he will prove a very tough man to sign.Therefore, Arsenal are also keeping tabs on the likes of Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.Gyokeres seems the likeliest candidate to move to the Emirates this summer.Read More on The SunThe Gunners could land the Sweden international for just £60m and make him one of their highest earners with his proposed contract costing the Gunners over £7m a year.Sesko had been a massive target since last summer before signing a new deal with Leipzig.Newcastle star Alexander Isak poses as Arsenal’s biggest targetRB Leipzig star Benjamin Seiko has been a big target since last summer More

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      Wayne Rooney names three players Man Utd should sign this summer including transfer for iconic former star

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Wayne Rooney has announced his top three picks for the struggling club to sign over summer.United have had a conflicting season, excelling – and going unbeaten – in the Europa League while hitting new lows at 16th in the Premier League.Rooney has suggested three players for Man Utd to sign this summerCredit: Prime Video SportRooney would like to see David De Gea back at Old TraffordCredit: GettyRooney would also like to see Palace’s Guehi strengthen United’s defenceCredit: GettyEven if they win the May 21 showpiece, something needs to change.Enter Rooney – United’s all-time top scorer, 253 goals, has suggested three players that could swing their fortunes: Rooney said: “I’d probably sign David de Gea, Manchester United have missed him and I think he could still do a very good job.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDDe Gea fell out of favour at Old Trafford but since his move to Italy last year he has kept 11 clean sheets with Serie A ninth-placed Fiorentina.The former Premier League star Rooney has not hit the same staggering heights in the dugout as he did as a player – which some fans on social media have brutally pointed out in disagreement with his picks.One said: “Ah yes, this makes a lot of sense on why he doesn’t last long in managerial roles. “Amazing player, but wow. We have plenty of CB options. Need a reliable right 10.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSOsimhen has been crucial to Galatasaray’s recent successCredit: GettyAnother said: “Relegation justified for the clubs he managed.”The goalkeeper spot is a sore point after No1 Andre Onana has proved to be blunder-prone and his replacement Altay Bayindir not necessarily a safer bet.United are in dire need of defensive reinforcements with the likes of Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro struggling for form and fitness, with Lisandro Martinez also a long-term casualty.In attack, Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have endured horrid seasons, with fresh blood in attack sorely needed if they’re to return to their glory days. More

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      Ruthless Barcelona set for major summer transfer overhaul with Gavi among EIGHT stars at risk of sale

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      BARCELONA are set for a mass summer overhaul with director of football Deco ready to move on a host of stars.The Catalan giants can wrap up the LaLiga title on Thursday with victory over city rivals Espanyol.Gavi is reportedly among those in danger of leaving Barcelona this summerCredit: GettyThe club will also listen to offers for Ronald AraujoCredit: GettyBarca are hopeful of tying down Raphinha and Frenkie de Jong to new long-term dealsCredit: ReutersBarca lead rivals Real Madrid by seven points and are on the cusp of a 28th crown.But despite a strong domestic performance, club icon Deco is preparing a ruthless summer window.Barcelona are willing to listen to offers for eight of their stars, according to reports.Spanish outlet SPORT claim the club is open to offers on Inaki Pena, Ronald Araujo, Hector Fort, Fermin Lopez, Gavi, Pau Victor, and Ansu Fati.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBarca are desperate to tie down Frenkie de Jong and Raphinha to new deals.Raphinha has racked up 59 goal contributions this season and had been courted by a host of clubs in the Saudi Pro League.But the Brazilian looks set to pen an improved deal at the Nou Camp.The beefy new contract would keep him at the club until 2029. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKDe Jong, meanwhile, has emerged as a key player in Barca’s midfield since joining from Ajax in 2019.The Dutchman’s contract expires this summer and he is expected to extend his stay in Spain.Furious Vinicius Jr loses it at Barcelona fan waving beach ball at him in brutal message over Ballon d’Or snubBut the report claims a lucrative offer could tempt Barca to sell, with only wonderkid Lamine Yamal deemed “untouchable” in the squad. Goalkeeper Pena appears certain to leave the Catalan giants after being replaced as No1 by Wojciech Szczesny.Fati, 22, once tipped as the successor to Lionel Messi, is not in Hansi Flick’s plans moving forward.The former Brighton loanee has featured just six times in LaLiga this term, failing to find the net.Fati is contracted at the Nou Camp until 2027 – but his high salary may make him difficult to move on. 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