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    Scott McTominay’s net worth revealed as Napoli star’s Manchester United millions take a hit after botched investment

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    HE’s the man on the moment in Naples.Scotland star Scott McTominay is leading the charge towards the Scudetto for Napoli – but how is his net worth looking as he stands on the cusp of history in his first season in Italy?Scott McTominay is fast-approaching cult hero status with NapoliCredit: GettyAlready fans have dedicated a shrine to him in the city of NaplesCredit: EPAThe 28-year-old made a £25.5million switch from Manchester United to the Serie A club last summer.That transfer has since been derided by several former United stars, who believe those at Old Trafford must now regret the decision to sell him.McTominay has established himself as a fans’ favourite with the Partonopei faithful – fans have gotten tattoos of him, a pizza has been named in his honour and there’s even a SHRINE dedicated to the Scot in the city he now calls him.The midfielder has scored 12 goals for Napoli so far this season (11 in the league), with many coming in vital moments.His form has been so impressive it’s led to a tactical shift by boss Antonio Conte and it’s helped put Gli Azzuri on the verge of a fourth Serie A title.McTominay earned a pay rise when he moved from the Premier League to Serie A.He was on around £60,000 a week at Man Utd, raking in about £2.5million per year.But he now makes just over £91,000 a week at Napoli with an annual salary of £4,779,287. That figure would put him below 15 United stars in terms of yearly earnings.His wages aren’t all that make up his net worth, of course.He has a company set up for off-the-field investments, Scott McTominay Ltd, and back in February we revealed it had funds of £4,745,160.’How can you sell him?’ Ole Gunnar Solskjaer blasts Man Utd for Scott McTominay’s transfer to NapoliThat would put his net worth riches north of £8million – not including sponsorship and endorsement deals.However, his business’ accounts took a hit this week after a botched investment in which he loaned cash to a collapsed firm run by his Wag, Cam Reading.McTominay loaned £1million in cash plus £1.32million from his own investment company to Ashley Reading and Wag Cameron’s Fortress Capital Partners.Scott McTominay’s careerBorn in Lancaster on December 8, 1996Joined the Manchester United youth system aged five and signed his first professional contract in 2013Made his Premier League debut against Arsenal in May 2017McTominay went on to win Carabao Cup and FA Cup with Man UtdMade 255 appearances and scored 29 goals for the Red DevilsMcTominay joined Napoli in August for £25.7millionBorn in England, he qualified for Scotland through his dad who’s from HelensburghMcTominay was called-up by Scotland in March 2018 and has gone on to become a huge Hampden favouriteHe was part of the squad at Euro 2020 and Euro 2024He won his 50th cap while playing against Germany at Euro 2024McTominay has scored some huge goals for Scotland, including an injury-time winner against Israel and his famous double in the 2-0 win over Spain in GlasgowCam and her dad are facing fraud allegations and Cam has been told to hand over hundreds of thousands of pounds from sales of two pads in Dubai and a Spanish villa.McTominay himself is among creditors owed around £20million by Fortress after it went bust.But it’s understood investors stand to get just 3p back for every £1 — meaning McTominay would receive just £66,000.With all that accounted for, McTominay’s net worth can be estimated at around £5.8million to £6million.McTominay and Wag Cam ReadingAnd with Ashley ReadingKeep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      in Soccer

      Chelsea files: Blues face having to rip up transfer strategy after Strasbourg success as co-owner issues stadium update

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      CHELSEA are facing a major rethink in their transfer strategy for next season – due to the unexpected success of French sister club Strasbourg.Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos and Serbian keeper Djordje Petrovic have starred on loan at the Ligue 1 surprise package, while another hot teenage prospect, Ecuadorian Kendry Paes, is training under the tutelage of boss Liam Rosenior.Andrey Santos has excelled on loan at StrasbourgCredit: GettyStrasbourg could leap into second spot behind runaway champions PSG with just a game to go if they win at struggling Angers on Saturday.Uefa regulations mean Chelsea owners BlueCo had to park their shares in the French side in a blind trust last week.But if the two teams qualify for the same competition, Chelsea will not be allowed to do ANY transfer deals with Strasbourg this summer, meaning they cannot use the French side as a hot house nursery for their emerging talents next summer.This means that neither Santos or Petrovic would be able to extend their loan stays.CLUBBING TOGETHERCHELSEA are set to finally discover their opening Club World Cup opponents.The Blues were due to kick off their campaign against Mexican side Leon in Atlanta on June 16.But Fifa booted the Central American team out because they are part of the same multi club ownership group as fellow countrymen Pachuca, who have also qualified.Leon appealed to the Swiss-based Court of Arbitration for Sport, but have been unsuccessful.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFifa decided Leon’s place should be taken by the winners of a play off between Mexico’s Club America and former Chelsea and Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud’s MLS team LAFC, part-owned by the comedian Will Ferrell.But CAS judges will also hear an appeal against Fifa by Costa Rica’s Liga Deportiva Alajuelense, who claim they should be handed Leon’s place by virtue of their coefficient ranking.”WILL POWERENZO MARESCA and Levi Colwill are fully paid up members of the Mutual Appreciation Society.Boss Maresca loves Levi and Levi loves Enzo in return, recently describing his manager as ‘light years ahead’ of his peers.The discussion around the England centre back one day becoming Chelsea captain is gathering momentum and the player is desperate for the responsibility.Colwill is 22 but has been associated with his club since under-nine level.Speaking to a source at Stamford Bridge this week, we were told: “Levi has been at Chelsea for years. He has the DNA of Chelsea in his blood. And he has that winner’s mentality.”“He would LOVE to be captain. His natural character is to lead. He tries his best to push his mentality.”The only problem facing Colwill is the backlog of captains already at the club and the youth-first policy being followed by the powers-that-be.Current captain Reece James is only 25, his vice-captain Enzo Fernandez is 24. Unless Chelsea sell the pair of them, that armband isn’t going anywhere soon.But good luck to Colwill in his mission.Levi Colwill is keen to show off his leadership skillsCredit: RexA TOUCHING TRIBUTEBIG PREMIER League clubs like Chelsea enjoy a pack of ‘regular’ journalists who follow the club around the circuit.Those hacks become like a mini-family over time and everyone was so sad to hear of the sudden death of Paul Lagan last week.Paul was a passionate Chelsea supporter which made for that love-hate relationship all fans have with their favourite team.He also ran a successful agency and was always keen to give young reporters a start. He was only 66 and it was a touching gesture by the club to ‘retire’ Paul’s seat for Sunday’s 3-1 win over Liverpool and place a wreath upon it.Words were said in the press room before the game and Paul’s face, alongside his hero the late Gianluca Vialli, was displayed on the big screen at Stamford Bridge at half time.The pair of them may now be ‘up there’ reuniting and talking Chelsea for eternity.HOLDING COURTCHELSEA co-owner Hansjorg Wyss says leaving Stamford Bridge for Earl’s Court is “the best option” for the club’s future.But the Swiss billionaire pointed to boardroom divisions that have currently left all long-term calls in limbo.Wyss, 89, who joined forces with Todd Boehly to buy out the shares Roman Abramovich was forced to sell in 2022, was collared by a Chelsea Fan YouTube channel after Sunday’s win over Liverpool, when he gave a ringing endorsement of the dressing room “spirit” under Enzo Maresca.Asked about the prospect of leaving the Bridge, Wyss revealed: “Earl’s Court will be the best option we can think of.“But if it’s going to  happen, I don’t know.“There’s a lot of obstacles and right now we don’t have one person who drives the project.“That’s what we need, in the meetings, the directors’ meetings.“Until we have one project, where someone says ‘I’m going to make it happen’, it’s not going to happen.”Hansjorg Wyss joined forces with Todd Boehly in 2022Credit: AlamyROMEO CONCERNSROMEO LAVIA’S long-term injuries have been pin-pointed by Enzo Maresca as a major factor in Chelsea’s wobbles.The Belgian midfielder was outstanding in the win over Liverpool, after another fine display against Everton the previous week,But in both games, fitness worries were clear.Maresca told Reece James to warm up intensively before half-time against the Toffees when it looked as though the £45m recruit from Southampton was struggling.And even in the Liverpool game, Lavia signalled to the bench that he felt his race was run in the second half.Maresca said: “We are a better team with Romeo. He showed again how important he is for the team and how good he is. Unfortunately he has been injured for most of the season.”Finding a way to keep Lavia on the pitch for more than three games in a row might prove the key for next term.Romeo Lavia’s fitness is a key issue for the BluesCredit: GettyMEANS TO AN ENZENZO MARESCA believes his experience of a nail-biting promotion battle with Leicester last season could help him get Chelsea over the Champions League line.Maresca’s Foxes were in danger of blowing a 12 point lead at the top of the Championship as they lurched into a run of just three wins and six defeats in 10 games.But a vital victory over West Brom turned the tide.Chelsea face Newcastle, Manchester United and Nottingham Forest in their final three matches as they sit bang in the middle of a mini-table with only four points separating third placed Manchester City and Villa in seventh.Maresca, though, feels that going through the wringer 12 months ago will be a factor in his favour now.He said: “For sure the experience I had last year has been great in the sense that I learned from that.“When you don’t win games and struggle with results, you always have to analyse the matches.“We didn’t win some games where we weren’t good enough. But we also didn’t win some where we deserved to win.“So it’s about going game by game, analysing each game and seeing how we can improve.”Enzo Maresca won the Championship title with Leicester last yearCredit: GettyChelsea head coach Enzo Maresca says it is up to fans to decide whether to back the teamVIP TREATMENTENGLISH journalists were pleasantly surprised to find themselves being ‘high-fived’ by home supporters after last Thursday’s 4-1 trouncing of Djurgarden by Chelsea.A ‘sterile’ corridor complete with VIP barriers was erected on the touchline to help working reporters reach the Mixed Zone at the 3Arena.So some Swedish fans clearly confused the passing press pack with people of genuine importance. Either that or not much happens in the Stockholm suburbs. Think I know the answer.Chelsea travelled to Sweden last weekCredit: RexVIVID DESCRIPTIONANOTHER clarion call in the past week proudly announcing Chelsea are going digital with their ticketing from next season.The club claims on the all rounder email to members that it is part of their proactive policy to fend off the ticket touts who snap up seats then flog them on at inflated prices.Although it’s eerily quiet on what they are doing to combat unauthorised websites such as ‘Vivid Seats’ which boasts Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly as a shareholder. Funny that.Todd Boehly is an investor in Vivid SeatsCredit: Reuters More

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      in Boxing

      I woke in hospital in Qatar with a drip in my arm after nearly dying on a flight… I feared the worst, says Frank Bruno

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      FRANK Bruno has told how he thought he was dying after falling seriously ill on a long-haul flight — admitting: “I feared the worst.”The British boxing legend, 63, recalled feeling feverish before blacking out.Frank Bruno has told how he thought he was dying after falling seriously ill on a long-haul flightCredit: Louis WoodFrank’s PA took a snap of the star as they prepared to take off on the ill-fated flightCredit: FacebookBritish boxing legend Frank in his heydayCredit: GettyHe woke in hospital in Qatar with a drip in his arm and worried PA Paul Hunter at his bedside.Unknown to Frank, he had been taken off the plane in a wheelchair after it landed, stretchered to a medical centre and then rushed off by an emergency ambulance.Talking for the first time about his mid-air health drama, the former world heavyweight champion said: “I did fear the worst because I have never been like that in my life.“If Paul hadn’t been there, I don’t think I would have been sitting here doing this interview with you.”Frank and Paul were on a Qatar Airways flight from Heathrow to Doha on March 3.As they prepared for take-off, Paul took a snap of Frank, which the star then shared online.They were due to take a connecting flight from Doha to Thailand, where four meet-and-greet speaking events had been lined up.But Frank became feverish and disorientated 2½ hours after take-off.Worried Paul, 59, alerted crew who found the now-delirious dad of four’s temperature was rising and his oxygen levels dropping.They alerted medics at Hamad International Airport.Frank Bruno in mid-air emergency after falling ‘seriously ill’ on flight prompting docs to take drastic actionSoon after being taken off the plane, Frank was heading to Al-Wakra Hospital, ten miles away — with Paul fearing it was “touch and go”.Frank was treated there for two weeks for a mystery virus.He was allowed to return home only after a doctor jetted out from London, passed him fit to fly and accompanied him back.Frank told The Sun: “I was excited to be going to Thailand. “I felt really good.“But on the plane, I was just agitated and couldn’t chill out. “I got up to go to the toilet and all of a sudden I forgot what was happening to me.’I just blacked out’“I had a fever but don’t really remember what happened at all. “It was crazy. “I’ve never had a problem on a flight in my life.“I just blacked out because next thing I knew, I woke up and I was in bed in hospital with a drip in my arm. “Paul was by my side and I just didn’t know what was going on.“I was wondering, ‘What the hell am I doing here? I’m supposed to be in Thailand’, you know what I mean? “I was surrounded by nurses and couldn’t understand a word of what they were saying.”Fan favourite Frank with his PA Paul HunterCredit: Louis WoodFrank was speaking at the Frank Bruno Foundation — his Northampton-based charity that offers those suffering mental health problems an eight-week programme including exercise to boost their well-being.He has made full recovery since his ordeal and looked in great shape due to his improved exercise regime at his home gym and a nearby fitness centre where he has a new personal trainer.During the chat, the much-loved fighter, known for his booming laugh, cracked jokes and did impressions.But he confessed he had struggled with having to stay in a hospital bed for two weeks.’My life was on the line’He had scans on his body and brain, and a lumbar puncture procedure which ruled out meningitis.He said: “I had a lot of energy and I was getting out and walking around.“I just wanted to move, and the doctors were b*****king me for getting out of bed.” As he had not cleared passport control, Frank had no belongings and could not discharge himself to leave the country.He said: “I realised I had to stay there for my health — because my life was on the line.“As for (contacting) family and friends, Paul was doing all the work, you know what I mean? I wasn’t allowed a phone.“And I felt bad because there’s a lot of British people in Thailand who had bought tickets and a lot of people involved who were disappointed. “I’ve been to Thailand before and I have a laugh over there.I feel very good about the tour. I am going to look after myself, I promise you that — and keep ducking and diving.Frank Bruno“I bought a load of suits last time I was over there so I was planning to buy some more — some brightly coloured suits, but it never happened.“Hopefully I will get over there to see my fans soon.”PA Paul spoke to their insurers Zurich, which arranged for the UK-based doctor to fly out and return with them in business class.Frank was given VIP treatment to whisk him through airport controls.He said: “I was OK but just felt a little bit weak.”He spent another two weeks in a private hospital in London. Frank went on: “I was at least able to eat, go to the gym, watch TV and go for walks around Hyde Park. “I came out feeling very strong again.”He was buoyed by the public support after we revealed the drama on March 21. He said: “It was very nice to get cards, calls and messages.”He is now set for some of the British dates that had to be rescheduled. And he reassured fans: “I feel good, very, very good — I was up at 5.30 this morning training.”Frank added: “I feel very good about the tour. “I am going to look after myself, I promise you that — and keep ducking and diving.” More

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      in Soccer

      Four stars Chelsea could sign in transfer from sister club Strasbourg – including PSG Champions League hero’s brother

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      CHELSEA owners Todd Boehly and his BlueCo consortium are no stranger to a loophole in the world of football, and their acquisition of RC Strasbourg might be one of their smartest business moves yet.The Ligue 1 side are having a campaign to remember as they sit seventh, just four points short of SECOND place and still battling in the hunt for Champions League football next season.Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos is thriving on loan for StrasbourgCredit: GettyKeeper Djordje Petrovic is also shining in his stint at the Ligue 1 sideCredit: AFPA matter of weeks ago I travelled to Eastern France to watch the team in person in their 2-2 draw vs INEOS-owned OGC Nice, and I was pretty blown away by the quality of some of their players, not least those on loan from Chelsea, Andrey Santos and Djordje Petrovic.Their fans are rightly concerned that any major talent they produce or buy will be sniffed around by the Stamford Bridge outfit and lured into the heart of South West London in a transaction similar to when I move money from my current account to my savings.It’s no secret that Chelsea have spent obscene amounts of money in recent windows, but many fans will tell you that there are still problem positions in Enzo Maresca’s side.Nicolas Jackson is good, but there are concerns over his ability to be a Premier League winning number nine. READ MORE CHELSEA NEWSWesley Fofana is a (sometimes) walking injury concern, and it remains to be seen if Reece James can keep his recurring injuries away for good this time.So, which players from Strasbourg will the BlueCo ownership no doubt be keeping an eye on, who could be moving to London sooner than you think?1) Emanuel EmeghaAged 22, Striker. Market Value: £17mEmanuel Emegha has great stats and the all-round game to matchCredit: AFPBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHe dons the number 10 shirt as a striker, but this guy is a serious number nine.Most read in FootballThe Dutch forward joined RCSA in 2023 in a four-year deal worth slightly over £11m, and has scored 21 goals in 52 games since his arrival.How Enzo Maresca can transform Chelsea to challenge for Premier League titleThat said, this campaign he’s got 14 goals and 3 assists in 26 league matches, and impressed me with his all-round play in their game vs Nice.One of the criticisms of Jackson this season has been his threat inside the box, the Senegalese striker is great in build up and has shown technical ability on the ball, but doesn’t pose a huge threat inside the box or in the air.Emegha provides exactly that.At 6’5 feet tall, he is a danger in the air and has been clinical when he gets the chance to shoot too, I sat and watched on as he shrugged off Nice’s Moises Bombito before calmly dispatching the ball at the near post into the back of the net.He may not be the superstar name of Viktor Gyokeres or be Premier League proven like Liam Delap, but he is certainly one to keep an eye on.Expect plenty of people to be talking about him for a big move soon, especially if Strasbourg do end up playing in Europe next year.2) Guela DoueAged 22, Right back/Centre Back. Market Value: £10.1mWhen speaking to Strasbourg fans, Guela Doue was one name that kept cropping up over and over again.His brother is one of the most exciting talents in world football right now, lighting up the Champions League and Ligue 1 this season with PSG – Desire Doue if you haven’t yet put 2+2 together.Guela is the older of the two, and is far less flashy on the pitch, rather establishing himself as one of the French top flight’s best full-backs this season.Guela Doue is a steady performer who slots in perfectlyCredit: GettyAs previously mentioned, Reece James fitness concerns have had Chelsea fans at times calling for a new right-back.However, what makes Doue such a good fit is the style of how he plays for Strasbourg.Against Nice he was very solid defensively, playing as a right sided centre back and allowing the left-sided defender to push much further up the pitch, which for Liam Rosenior’s side is familiar face Diego Moreira, but in Chelsea’s case would be Marc Cucurella.When James is fit, there is no doubt he is Chelsea’s starting right-back, but Guela Doue would be a more than capable deputy for him and would allow Reece to be rested somewhat with the Blues hoping to be competing on all fronts next season.The stumbling block for this move however, could be Josh Acheampong.Chelsea’s Cobham academy has almost certainly produced another gem in him, and most fans will hope that he can go onto be James’ deputy himself.3) Dilane BakwaAged 22, Right wing, Market Value £15.2mI know what you’re thinking, Chelsea aren’t short of right-wingers.Noni Madueke and Pedro Neto have both joined the club in recent seasons, and they have a supposed generational talent joining in the summer in the form of Willian Estevao.Dilane Bakwa has similarities to Noni Madueke but needs time to developCredit: AFPSo I’m not saying the Blues need to sign him immediately, I’m just saying he is one to keep an eye on.Ligue 1 has served as something of a proving ground for tricky and exciting wingers this season such as Bradley Barcola, Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembele, Rayan Cherki and this man, Dilane Bakwa.Outside of Santos and Petrovic, the French forward has been the club’s best player for me this campaign, and has potential to be lighting up the Champions League sooner than you may expect.He is relatively similar stylistically to Madueke, with his stop-start dribbling causing chaos for defenders and his ability to create chances and shots reminiscent of Chelsea’s current number 11.With five goals and eight assists in 27 games so far this season he has shown that he possesses the talent to be one of the best wide players in the division, but may just need a bit more time to really compound those numbers next year.He has also played on the left and at times centrally for Strasbourg, which is something Maresca will like, but he may need to refine his end product before making a move away from France.4) Valentin BarcoAged 20, Left back/Central midfield, Market Value £6mBrighton thought they had hit the jackpot once again with their ridiculously good scouting methods when they picked up Valentin Barco from Boca Juniors.He joined the Seagulls in 2024, but was quickly loaned out to Sevilla in a move that didn’t really work out for him, before being loaned to Strasbourg, who have an obligation to buy him after his spell in France.Valentin Barco plays a role like that of Chelsea’s Marc CucurellaCredit: GettyHe plays primarily as a left back, but this season under Rosenior has been inverting into midfield in a similar mould to how Cucurella does at Chelsea – and he has been sensational at doing so.He’s got two assists in 11 games so far, but lately had his gaffer raving about him after a stunning performance vs Lyon in which he was rewarded with three days off having become a father for the first time ahead of the match.With Cucurella being one of the best left-backs in Europe as it stands, it is unlikely that Barco would come in and displace him, but Chelsea have no real back-up for the curly headed Spaniard either – something that could become a problem should the Blues be competing on all fronts in the next few seasons.Read More on The SunIn his absence this season, we’ve seen the likes of Levi Colwill, Reece James and Malo Gusto fill in there – all experiments that haven’t exactly been ideal.  For now, it doesn’t make sense to take Valentin out of an environment where he is doing so well, but if Cucurella’s form drops or he faces an injury lay-off, don’t be surprised to hear Barco’s name branded about Stamford Bridge before long.  More

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      in Soccer

      Chelsea files: Blues caught in furious ‘s***ty pitch’ row as Maresca’s seven-goalkeeper dilemma sees him target Trafford

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      CHELSEA head to Sweden this week and straight into a bizarre ‘s****y’ pitch battle involving European opponents Djurgarden.Their hosts for the Conference League semi-final first leg are furious with the state of their OWN surface as they prepare for their biggest game in years. Chelsea take on Swedish side Djurgardens in the Conference League semi-finalCredit: EPADjurgardens striker August Priske admitted their pitch is ‘s****y’Credit: GettyThe pitch is an artificial one and the Djurgardens players and coaches are not happy with it. Usually it is the visiting opposition that kick up a fuss when they arrive and find it uncomfortable on an alien surface. Djurgardens overcame Austrians Rapid Vienna in the previous round but they lost the home leg and then came back in the away game to secure a dream date with Chelsea on Thursday. Striker August Priske said: “I don’t want to blame the pitch of course, but it’s a s****y pitch.”Djurgardens play at the multi-use 3Arena in Stockholm and share the multi-use stadium with rivals Hammerby.The Rolling Stones, Harry Styles and Celine Dion have all played there.Djurgardens’ coach Jani Honkavaara says: “Our training pitch is so different to the one at the stadium, it’s like night and day. The stadium pitches feel different from day to day.“It’s really tough for both us and our opponents. We get nothing extra from it.“The pitch is horrible. I have thought of letting us train more on the stadium pitch to get used to it.”Modern pitches often contain part man-made materials combined with grass. But there are fears that certain artificial surfaces can raise the risk of injuries to players.The stadium is owned by the authorities in the Swedish capital and it’s believed cost issues prevent the surface being changed.Cole Palmer spotted running away from Stamford Bridge as baffled Chelsea fans ask ‘where is he going’Win a trip to the UEFA Conference League Final in Wroclaw with HankookChelsea are fifth in the Premier League as they prepare for Thursday’s game and boss Enzo Maresca needs everyone fit for the run to have their best shot at qualifying for next season’s Champions League.Winger Tokmak Nguen said: “The ball just slides away from your foot all the time. In deciding situations when you have decided what to do suddenly the ball has moved for no reason. We have told the club that something has to be done.”Better late than neverLATE KICK-OFFS have always been part of football – but never like this.Chelsea’s Conference League clash with Djurgardens is the first meeting between the two sides and has finally arrived 70 years late.In 1955 The Blues were celebrating winning the old First Division and as such were invited to compete in the newly formed European Champions’ Clubs Cup.They were drawn against Djurgardens and then Chelsea manager Ted Drake was hugely interested.However, in order to play, competing teams needed the permission of their respective national associations and at the time, Football League assistant secretary Alan Hardaker allegedly asked Chelsea to ‘reconsider’ because of the crowded domestic season.How times have changed – European football now rules the roost and the domestic calendar is taking a battering to make way for it.Chelsea are playing in the semi-finals of a competition in only its fourth year of existence as Uefa’s third-tier competition behind the 36-team Champions League and Europa League.KEEPING UP APPEARANCESCHELSEA’S goalkeeper dilemma shows no sign of slowing.The Blues have asked about Burnley keeper James Trafford, who is expected to leave Turf Moor this summer – despite their promotion back to the Premier League.Newcastle look likely to beat the west Londoners to his signing, having failed in a move for the England Under-21 international last summer.But Chelsea have asked the question in the hope they may be able to pull something off.Maresca is in a bind over what to do between the posts, with EIGHT stoppers on the club’s books.Borussia Dortmund keeper Gregor Kobel is also being eyed.Swiss star Kobel, 27, has established himself as first choice over his four years since arriving from Stuttgart in a £13m move.But Kobel, who has just one year left on his Dortmund contract, is ready for a change of scenery.Dortmund are steeling themselves for his departure, having already signed Diant Ramaj, currently on loan at Copenhagen from Ajax, on a four-year deal that starts this summer.That indicates Dortmund, who took midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka on loan from Chelsea in January, will be willing to do a £15m-plus deal.Robert Sanchez has spent most of this season as first choice at the Bridge and pulled off two vital stops in the weekend win over Everton.The former Brighton man has still to convince the Blues faithful, who are equally uncertain about Filip Jorgensen, who has made six Prem starts.Former Spain keeper Kepa is due to return from his loan spell at Bournemouth, Marcus Bettinelli has been the unused third choice this term.Another loanee due back is Djordje Petrovic, who has impressed at Strasbourg, while the Blues also have Lucas Bergstrom and Eddie Beach and have signed Genk teenager Mike Penders for next season.Chelsea want to sign Burnley goalkeeper James TraffordRobert Sanchez is still yet to win over the Blues faithfulTHE U-turn over Trevoh Chalobah has been completed – without even a flush of embarrassment.Central defender Chalobah was told he was surplus to requirements in August after being put in the Blues’ “bomb squad”.The home-grown 25-year-old had his preferred No 14 shirt stripped and handed to Portuguese flop Joao Felix before he was snapped up on loan by Crystal Palace.An injury crisis at the Bridge saw Maresca exercise a break clause in the deal to bring the defender back to SW6 in January, handing him the No 23 shirt.But Chalobah has now made himself first choice alongside Levi Colwill, despite the return to fitness of Benoit Badiashile.Maresca said: “Since Trev came back to us in January he’s done very, very well.“He’s playing games and helping us, defending when he needs to defend and also building from the back when we need him.“We’re very happy with Trev. Honestly, he hasn’t played a bigger role than I expected.“I knew he could help us. We never had any doubts about that.”Trevoh Chalobah has impressed Enzo Maresca since returning from loanCredit: GettyTROPHY HUNTERChelsea face the toughest run-in of the top five contenders, with clashes against champions Liverpool, Newcastle, Manchester United and Nottingham Forest.Maresca, whose decision to field a strong side for the home second leg of the Conference League quarter-final with Legia Warsaw backfired with a dreadful display in the 2-1 defeat, put Reece James on the bench against Everton.But some feel the Blues boss, aware of Mauricio Pochettino’s fate last summer, may value winning a trophy over qualifying for Europe’s main competition to secure his own managerial reputation.That could see him prioritising the two semi-final games against Djurgarden and then the potential final against Fiorentina or Real Betis in Wroclaw three days after the Prem finale.Moving the goalpostsChelsea fans may have to steel themselves for a FIVE-YEAR absence from Stamford Bridge if the club’s alternative stadium options fall through.Their neighbours in nearby Twickenham are on the front foot trying to lure the Premier League club to the newly renamed Allianz Stadium HQ of England’s rugby union team.RFU boss Bill Sweeney declared: “If Chelsea came, it would be a big financial number.”The 82,000 capacity is almost double that of Stamford Bridge currently and geographically is a much better fit than Wembley.The national stadium in North West London is regarded as an atmospheric graveyard for club games – as Tottenham found to their cost when they occupied the place for almost three years on a part-time and permanent basis while their new ground was built.There has been no update on the potential move to Earls Court with local Hammersmith and Fulham Council chiefs due to rule soon on a stadium-free mixed use plan by developers that could effectively determine the site’s future.If so, then a rebuild of Chelsea’s home since 1905 – which would likely be the fans’ preferred choice – might be left as the only option to expand the current 44,000 capacity.But complications caused by the Tube line running beside the ground and the nearby Brompton Cemetery mean club insiders fear a stand-by-stand rebuild is unlikely to be feasible.That would leave the Blues looking for a short-term let for between four and five seasons while the club’s new home was constructed.Twickenham’s restrictive Covenant agreement on staging events suggests the home of English rugby would be a non-runner even though the RFU seem interested in an arrangement, while Craven Cottage, Loftus Road and Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium would all be too small.That appears to leave Wembley as the best, if probably unpopular option, as the gate attendances would help make up a financial shortfall from the limits on other stadium income.Chelsea could play at Twickenham if Stamford Bridge is rebuiltCredit: AlamyO Romeo O RomeoCHELSEA fans were delighted to see Romeo Lavia back in action at the weekend.But the Belgian midfielder’s return left Maresca pondering what might have been.Lavia, 21, has made just NINE Prem starts, all this season, since his £58m move from Southampton in 2023, after a seemingly endless series of ankle, thigh and hamstring problems.When Lavia looked to be limping towards the end of the first half of the win over Everton, there were fears of another issue, although he was able to play until mid-way through the second period before being rested.Maresca said: “You could see the difference he made, particularly playing through the lines.“I spent one entire season with Romeo at City, actually, so I know him very well.“Like with James, he is a top player. The only shame for us is that unfortunately we need to manage and protect them.“There’s no doubt that with Reece and Romeo, Chelsea are a better team. He is a unique player.“When he is fit he’s one of the best midfielders around because he can defend very well and attack as well and his passes between the lines are unbelievable.”Injury-hit Romeo Lavia returned against EvertonCredit: Getty More

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      How PSG went from comic club dubbed Hollywood FC to hungry team built on young talent facing Arsenal in Champions League

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      FOR years they have been the punchline to a footballing joke.The dominant force in a “farmer’s league”, a circus of a club with a Big Top full of headline acts but not even a round of applause.Paris Saint-Germain will face Arsenal in the Champions League semi-finalCredit: GettyPSG president Nasser al-Khelaifi has overseen many versions of the clubCredit: AFPStars such as Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe have all been replacedCredit: GettyAnd absolute flops when it comes to the Champions League.But having sent both Liverpool and Aston Villa packing already, Luis Enrique and his new-look PSG now have Arsenal in their sights.Mikel Arteta and his side know that they arguably face their toughest test yet on the road to Munich.Yet nobody would have said that at the start of the season. And even fewer when PSG were rolled over at The Emirates in the league stage.Indeed, the story of PSG under their Qatari owners has always been about the mis-steps and stumbles than the success.Now, though, they are on the brink of finally conquering the highest European peak, fulfilling the ambitions of club President Nasser al-Khelaifi.Sun Sport has spoken to insiders to trace the changing face of French football’s dominant force. And how the biggest potential crisis became the launchpad for rebirth and potential glory.2011 – the beginningIN 2011, PSG were not in the top TEN of all-time French clubs.JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThey had just two Ligue 1 titles to their name, the last of which had come 17 years earlier, were owned by a US-based investment company and had flirted with the drop to Ligue 2 twice in the previous few seasons.Hooliganism was still a curse, too. The year before the takeover, Marseille fan Yann Lorence died after spending two weeks in a coma when he was attacked by two PSG supporters, one of whom, Jeremy Banh, eventually received a five-year jail term.Heartwarming moment Matty Cash’s reporter sister tells him she loves him after Aston Villa’s PSG defeatIt meant Qatari Sports Investment’s initial purchase of 70 per cent of the club’s shares in a deal worth £60m was a major surprise, even if questions were being asked about the relationship between the governments in Paris and Doha following the controversial hosting vote for the 2022 World Cup.In came a new big boss. Nasser al-Khelaifi. The former top 100 tennis pro who was to become one of the most influential men in world football.PSG insiders recalled: “We’re talking about a club that was on the brink of relegation, nowhere near European football.“You literally had fans being killed in the stadium –  the ultras killed a fan. And so they were banned for life. And it was an awful national crisis.“They were completely unsuccessful on the pitch, completely economically insignificant – and people forget that was just over 10 years ago.”2011-2016 – the “bling bling” stagePSG previously boasted stars such as David Beckham and Zlatan IbrahimovicCredit: EPACarlo Ancelotti was the manager between 2011 and 2013Credit: AFPLaurent Blanc won three consecutive titles as managerCredit: Getty – ContributorSuccess did not come instantly. Despite appointing Carlo Ancelotti before Christmas, PSG failed to lift the French title, finishing three points behind Montpellier.Not good enough and the summer of 2012 saw the chequebook out.That season saw the arrivals of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, with David Beckham arriving in January, plus South American superstars Ezequiel Lavezzi, Thiago Silva, Lucas Moira and others.It was a deliberate strategy. One of those closest to the heart of the club explained: “You have to go through the bling bling stage.“Just like when you launch a product, you have to overspend, over the market price, to get some market share.“If you’re launching a new sofa brand or a new TV brand, if you’re taking on Samsung, you’ve got to flood the market with your product, bring in a load of influence and brands to raise awareness about why you’re better.“So you overpay people and lose money, and it’s investment to then make money in the long term.“That’s where PSG went, that’s the cycle they’ve been on. So it was why they signed Beckham, Zlatan and others.“Then, over time, you look towards financial stability and a more proportionate business model.“You have to go through those phases just like Barcelona, Real Madrid, Man United, Chelsea, City all did.“They’ve all gone through the same business model as you have to if you want to go from zero to hero.”The titles started to come, even if Ancelotti hopped off to Real Madrid, replaced by Laurent Blanc.But so did the problems off the pitch.One well-placed source recalled: “The club pandered to the players and allowed them to have the control.“Signing Beckham summed it up. There was a feeling that they had to go and get the biggest names available, to make some sort of history.”2016-2023 – the Hollywood eraThe club failed to win the Champions League with one of the most sought-after attacksCredit: APMbappe left for free to join Real Madrid last summerCredit: GettyMessi also left as a free agent and is now in the MLSCredit: AlamyFour successive Ligue 1 crowns, three under Blanc, might have looked like success. But PSG were just the gigantic fish in a small pond. The Champions League was what mattered.Ambition was clear in the choice of managers asked to take PSG to the European elite.Engaging Unai Emery, Thomas Tuchel and then Mauricio Pochettino was designed to signal that dominating Ligue 1 was now expected. It was about conquering Europe.But that meant dominating the transfer market, too.And that was where the issues began.From 2017, when Neymar joined from Barcelona, swiftly followed by Kylian Mbappe – just a small matter of £367m between them – the conveyor belt did not seem to stop.Top of the tree, without question, was the capture of Lionel Messi in 2021, when cash-strapped Barcelona could not afford to keep him.From the inner sanctum, there are still no regrets: “Everyone focused on Messi. Messi was a free transfer and made the club money.“And on the pitch, it’s easy when you don’t win the Champions League that’s it’s assumed to be a failure. Actually, his statistics were very, very good.“But that phase of bling bling went on for too long.”Despite their credentials, manager after manager was undermined from within.A close advisor to one of them agreed: “There’s nothing wrong with spending money on players. Indeed signing Messi was basically printing money from shirt sales“But for too long it was just about the big names – they turned into a French version of FC Hollywood.“They weren’t buying players to fit the team, just commercial players. PSG were opening shops in London and New York and needed to have the big names so they could sell shirts.“If you had Neymar, Mbappe and Messi in the same team that meant you only had seven players prepared to run for the rest of the team.“And every time it was left to the manager to pick up the pieces.”It was not just those three, either. In 2021, following another Champions League near-miss when they were beaten by Manchester City in the semi-finals, PSG took veteran defender Sergio Ramos – despite his decade-long personal problems with Messi.There was also dressing room disquiet over the hierarchy’s decision to bring in Italian keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, forcing out popular Keylor Navas.By 2023, it was eight Ligue 1 crowns out of 10 plus a bucketload of domestic cups. But still no Champions League titles.2023 onwards – new model, new horizonsThe last couple of years has seen the club become a teamCredit: GettyBradley Barcola is one of the many young talents in the squadCredit: ReutersKhvicha Kvaratskhelia was one expensive signing from NapoliCredit: GettySometimes it takes facing a nightmare to make the changes needed.And when Mbappe made clear he was going to see out his contract and force through a free transfer to Real Madrid, it was PSG’s lightbulb moment.Listening to al-Khelaifi now, it was all planned: “The five‐year plan was a mistake, I openly admit that. But we learn from our mistakes.“The new superstar of Paris Saint-Germain is the team, but we also have a lot of stars.“What is different today is that we have a strong collective on the pitch, and a strong and supportive institution off the pitch.“We also think in the short, medium and long term, and we don’t just look in front of our noses and react impulsively and emotionally to everything.”Or, perhaps, it was of necessity. The senior figure added: “A line was drawn when Messi was on a trip with his wife to Saudi Arabia rather than training. He got banned for two games.“That was a huge moment, a huge statement.“Then Mbappe was dropped and shown that the institution is stronger and more important than the individual.“Now we have the youngest team in the last eight of the Champions League and the third youngest in the entire competition.“The new training centre is a £300m process, about capturing French talent. Not buying in talent, but building it. That’s very much the future of the club and hopefully it will work.”There was, he admitted, a “little wobble” in the autumn.Ousmane Dembele was excluded from the squad for the league stage trip to Arsenal after Luis Enrique stated he “did not comply with the obligations of the team”.A 2-0 defeat in which the French champions rarely threatened was followed by losses to Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich, with PSG facing early elimination, especially when they trailed Manchester City 2-0 at home after 53 minutes of their penultimate match.But four goals in 37 minutes, with Dembele outstanding, transformed the picture, meaning there was no panicky transfer splurge in January.The former Barcelona man’s response to his public shaming was remarkable, scoring 18 in a 10-game streak from mid-December and then six in six including the winner at Anfield.That the changes are real is clear, too, even if the £70m splashed out to land Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia from Napoli was hardly done on the cheap.Dembele, Willian Pacho, Bradley Barcola, Desire Doue and Warren Zaire-Emery are the new faces of PSG.The managerial aide agreed: “What they are doing now is what they promised all the previous managers they would do – and never did!“Now the club is building a young team, a hungry team.”And one that, this time, really might be good enough to lift the biggest prize. Although Arteta and his Gunners will be thinking otherwise.Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates More

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      ‘We’re slaves eating the master’s leftovers’ – Inside Chelsea’s Strasbourg talent factory where loyal fans reject owners

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      OUTSIDERS looking in would think that RC Strasbourg and their fans are living the dream.The Ligue 1 side are enjoying a season to remember – one of their best campaigns ever with some of the most promising young players on the planet strutting their stuff.On the pitch Strasbourg are having a season to remember, but fans aren’t happyCredit: AFPMany are vocal in their hatred of their club’s new ownershipStrasbourg Ultras are furious with the direction of the club under Boehly, Eghbali and CoCredit: GettyGraffiti reading ‘BlueCo Out’ can be spotted all over the cityBut not everything is as it seems. There’s trouble brewing, bubbling just under the surface, and ready to erupt.As a Chelsea fan, when I went to visit the city of our sister club, I discovered that the incredible on-pitch performances are only Polyfilla in the cracks of the club’s identity.Strasbourg Ultras fervently believe their beloved club is at risk of crumbling into nothingness at the hands of BlueCo, the consortium that also owns Chelsea.But I’m getting ahead of myself. Let’s start at the beginning…With one French Ligue 1 title to their name – after winning the 1978-79 crown – Alsace’s biggest football club was shockingly declared bankrupt in 2011.But, since then, their story has been one of footballing authenticity, a true tale of the ‘dare to dream’ mentality that captures everyone who falls in love with their team from a young age.They rose back through the ranks from the amateur fifth tier and back into France’s top division with ex-France international and West Ham midfielder Marc Keller as president.It is the kind of footballing romance story that personified a city of people who took immense pride in their local team.However, as in many a romance tale, a shock betrayal came from the leading man in the summer of 2023.Keller sold the club to Behdad Eghbali, Todd Boehly and Co – leading to almost two years of confusion, disarray, lack of communication with supporters, and monumental change from those now in charge of the club.Todd Boehly gives major Chelsea stadium update and vows to leave Stamford BridgeStrasbourg could finish second in Ligue 1 this season, but signs of protests remain plastered across the stadiumCredit: AFPStrasbourg is a beautiful city full of passionate fans – but many fear they are merely becoming Chelsea’s ‘B team’Supporters fervently believe their beloved club is at risk of crumbling into nothingness at the hands of BlueCoAs I strolled through the quaint and beautiful city of Strasbourg, I took a moment to sit on a wall and marvel at the river opposite me, when I was struck by what I saw on a lamppost.Stickers covered it, reading one particular message loud and clear: “BLUECO OUT”.Walking to the stadium on my first day, I noticed that these stickers occupied almost every lamppost, street sign, dustbin and bridge, alongside other variations such as ‘Non a la multipropiete’ which translated reads ‘Not a timeshare’.I reached out to Alexandre, a spokesperson for the club’s supporters federation, to find out how the fans really feel.He said: “I’m not worried about losing our identity, we’ve already lost it. It’s like you are eating the master’s leftovers, but you are a slave.”Some people might say, ‘OK, well that’s better than what we were used to’ but some others would say, ‘I’d rather be free, broke but free’.””The beauty of European football is that you have teams from different countries competing against each other based on merit, not because you are part of an ownership.”Chelsea use us as a feeder club, as a ‘B Team’ and to us that is very, very wrong.” More

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      Harry Redknapp: Eddie Howe has a huge summer ahead – Newcastle are THREE good signings away from challenging for title

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      NEWCASTLE fans waited so long for a proper knees-up that it was always going to be one to remember.They may have forgotten what it was like to win a trophy but not how to throw a party — as we all got to see two weeks ago.Harry Redknapp says Newcastle can now target more silverware after winning the Carabao CupCredit: GettyWhich is just as well, because their gaffer Eddie Howe is building something so special I think those supporters will have a lot to celebrate from here.Far bigger things than the Carabao Cup, with all due respect, because in my book that is just the start.They certainly won’t be waiting 70 years for the next domestic trophy!I am not saying the next stop is the Premier League title as they are three good signings short of pushing the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal over a season — but they are moving closer.READ MORE IN football Eddie, who was in hospital yesterday after feeling ill during the week, will miss their clash against Manchester United today and I wish him a speedy recovery.And so will all the Toon fans — which certainly shows up all those who reckoned Eddie was only keeping the seat warm for a glamorous foreign name after the Saudis appointed him.Whether that was the plan when they arrived I don’t know but — four years on — the only way I can see Howe leaving St James’ Park is for the England job.The search for Thomas Tuchel’s replacement, when that day comes, won’t take long, although I am not saying Newcastle fans should start worrying yet. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThat’s for the future.For now, all that matters is making sure this is the real thing, not just another false start.Harry Redknapp rings me on the M40 after every game whether we win or lose – he’s the best uncle everAfter the Saudis took over there was a lot of talk the richest club in the world would take off, and when they made the Champions League two years ago, it certainly looked that way.But despite that famous win over Paris Saint-Germain, they never really got off the launch pad and when they went from finishing fourth in the Prem to seventh, quite a few feared the worst for Eddie.Thankfully the people who matter never doubted he was the right man and now you won’t find anyone who disagrees.Actually there was one… the radio pundit I heard who said Howe wasn’t the answer if they wanted to push on after the League Cup. What a load of cobblers!I think those supporters will have a lot to celebrate from here. Far bigger things than the Carabao Cup, with all due respect, because in my book that is just the start.Harry RedknappOf course, they must make sure the Wembley win isn’t a one-off and Newcastle can only prove that over time but what convinces me they will is the way Eddie has gone about it.Right from the start he said it wouldn’t be a trolley dash for the biggest names in football just because he had the money and he proved it by making Kieran Trippier his first signing.When Dan Burn, something of a journeyman up to then,  arrived soon after fans weren’t exactly buzzing at the new buys.Ask them now, though, and you will get a different answer. And do not forget, either, that for all there is no shortage of stars in the squad, the fact most have become bigger at the Toon than they were before says a lot.Eddie Howe lifted the Carabao Cup but he can win more with NewcastleCredit: PAThe Geordie’s still know how to party but fans shouldn’t be happy yetCredit: SplashAlexander Isak is a world-class striker you could put alongside any in the game, while Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali are top-notch midfielders.Anthony Gordon is one of the best wingers around and young full-backs Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall have both won England caps since signing.But for me, Trippier has been the real star of the show and the leader every manager wants.The second leg of the League Cup semi-final was perfect proof, when he steamed into the first tackle and set the tone. Arsenal were never in it after that.Dan Burn is just unbelievable. From doing the rounds at places like Yeovil, Birmingham and Wigan to man of the match at Wembley and an England cap. What a career!Harry Redknapp And Burn is just unbelievable. From doing the rounds at places like Yeovil, Birmingham and Wigan to man of the match at Wembley and an England cap. What a career!There have been more glamorous names since — most of them, to be honest — but Eddie knew it had to start with characters. And they don’t come bigger than those two.He knows there is a huge summer ahead, too, and top of the list has to be keeping Isak, with loads of Europe’s big names sniffing around.Read More on The SunSecuring a Champions League place will help, for sure, and with five teams in it from England next season, there is a great chance of Newcastle being one of them.Now those incredible Geordie fans are already daring to dream — and this time there may be no rude awakening. 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