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    Liverpool line up £50m Adam Wharton transfer as Crystal Palace and England star, 21, sets out conditions

    LIVERPOOL will try to tempt Adam Wharton to quit Crystal Palace in a £50million-plus swoop.Anfield’s transfer team are focusing on the midfielder whose passing talent could make Arne Slot’s team tick.Liverpool will try to sign Adam Wharton this summerCredit: GettyWharton has established himself as a Premier League player of real promise since his move from hometown club Blackburn in 2024.And his ability to see the picture and deliver quick balls to attackers marks him out as a future elite star.Wharton, 21, could be interested in a return to his native north west but the snag will be whether he gets enough game time to keep him on an upward path.He forced his way into England’s Euro 2024 squad after joining Palace but has been frustrated by injuries this season, missing three months after a groin operation in November.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThat has restricted his appearances in a campaign that should have seen him take off for club and country.If Liverpool can sell a plan to Wharton – especially with Champions League football available – then he may take the chance.Palace, facing huge interest in their players this summer, are sure to demand a huge fee for Wharton who still has more than four years left on his contract.Blackburn are also due a 15 per cent cut of profit over the £18m Palace paid up front for their former academy star 15 months ago.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSBayern Munich and Real Madrid are also admirers but Wharton has not played often enough this season to make their interest concrete.Wharton has featured heavily since his return from injury, playing in every game since he got back fit.Mo Salah commits to Liverpool with new two-year contract More

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    Man Utd star Andre Onana ‘in talks with and open to joining Neom SC’ after Saudi club’s promotion to nation’s Pro League

    MANCHESTER UNITED goalkeeper Andre Onana is keen to leave Old Trafford for Saudi club Neom SC.Onana, 29, has struggled in goal for United throughout the season following several clangers between the sticks.Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana is keen to leave Old TraffordAccording to Foot Mercato, the keeper has opened talks with the newly-promoted Saudi Pro League club.The Cameroon international’s representatives and Neom officials are discussing a potential summer move with the player’s contract running until 2028.The Saudi outfit’s team has been deemed “concrete” and the Onana is interested in a potential move.That could see him linking up with Manchester City rival Kevin De Bruyne, who is also being targeted by the same club.Read More on Man UtdDe Bruyne announced his imminent departure from City in June when his contract runs out after 10 years at the Etihad.This comes after a turbulent campaign for the ex-Ajax star that saw him being left out of Ruben Amorim’s squad two weeks ago.Man Utd manager Amorim stated that he made that decision in order to help the Cameroonian shot-stopper rest.Onana had endured some tough weeks that also saw his wife, Melanie, falling victim of a violent street robbery in Alderley Edge recently.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe ex-Inter Milan star was reinstated for the next game against Lyon in the Europa League.If Onana leaves then the Red Devils are certain to look for a new No1 this summer.Ruben Amorim responds to question about dropping Andre Onana after disasterclass against LyonThe Manchester giants have already been linked with the likes of Porto’s Diogo Costa, Espanyol’s Joan Garcia and Southampton’s Aaron Ramsdale.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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    Chelsea ‘open transfer talks to sign £80m-rated English wonderkid Jamie Gittens, 20, in shock swoop from Dortmund’

    CHELSEA have opened talks with Borussia Dortmund star Jamie Gittens, according to reports.The Blues are looking to add a winger to Enzo Maresca’s squad this summer and the Englishman is a top target.Chelsea are in talks over a deal for Jamie GittensCredit: RexSky Sports Germany claim the club have been in contact with Gittens’ representatives.The 20-year-old takes home £2.5million-a-year at Dortmund and Chelsea are said to be willing to double his wages.Gittens has been valued at £80m in the past but the latest report suggests a fee could be agreed between £43m and £51m.The England Under-21s international started the season in stunning form and has scored 12 goals in 44 games.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut he has fallen out of favour under Niko Kovac, who took over as Dortmund boss in January.Gittens could therefore decide to leave the Bundesliga side this summer and return to his homeland with Tottenham also interested.But staying put is not out of the question as the player’s reps have also been in talks with Dortmund chief Lars Ricken over his future.If Gittens joins Chelsea, it would see him return to the club he spent a short time with as a schoolboy.Most read in BundesligaJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe Berkshire-born ace eventually decided to stay with Reading before joining Manchester City’s academy aged 14.He then moved to Dortmund two years later and made his senior debut at the age of 17 years and 251 days. The making of Tyrique George, who’s family made sacrifices to help Chelsea wonderkid with ‘dynamite’ shot live his dreamAs alternatives to Gittens, Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho and Athletic Club’s Nico Williams are being considered.AC Milan star Rafael Leao is reportedly not seen as an option. More

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    ‘No wonder I didn’t play more’ – Darwin Nunez appears to take swipe at Liverpool as he reacts to transfer clause rumour

    DARWIN NUNEZ has allegedly deleted a tweet criticising his lack of playing time at Liverpool this season.The Reds ace, 25, shared a cryptic social media post on Saturday morning where he appeared to take aim at his situation at the club.Darwin Nunez appears to have taken aim at his lack of starts at LiverpoolCredit: GettyThe now-deleted post criticised his lack of starts after a transfer clause rumour came to lightCredit: X @Darwinn99Nunez has made 42 appearances in Liverpool colours this season, but only 17 of these have come from starts, while he has 14 goal contributions with seven goals and seven assists in all comps.His frustrating lack of minutes led to a sensational report from Portugal earlier this week that Nunez was not being selected to start for financial reasons.A Bola claimed Liverpool would have to pay Benfica another £4.3million when he makes his 50th start in the Premier League and Champions League, though this was denied by manager Arne Slot.Nunez has started 49 Prem and Champions League games combined for Liverpool since joining from Benfica in an £85million transfer almost three years ago.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd in a now-deleted post on X, Nunez is said to have wrote: “No wonder I don’t play more, because the last game I started in the Premier League went well and suddenly…”The alleged Nunez comment was swiftly deleted from his page, before his profile picture was also changed.Nunez’s last Premier League start came against bottom-club Southampton in March, where he registered a goal and assist in a 3-1 win before he returned to the bench for the next game against Everton.However, Nunez’s general form and commitment this season have been openly questioned by fans and Slot alike.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKSlot previously said: “I helped him by saying you can miss a chance. I wasn’t only hard on him. But for the second time in a row I wasn’t happy with his work effort, against Wolves and against Villa.”I can’t accept if a player doesn’t give everything. That is clear. I can accept it once, but twice was a bit too much. That’s why I addressed it.”Shocking new footage of Darwin Nunez throwing CHAIR at Colombia fans emerges after Copa America clashThe allegedly removed post was replaced by another morning post where Nunez shared a selfie of himself alongside midfielder Alexis Mac Allister drinking Argentine staple drink, mate, captioned: “Good morning.”Liverpool look set to win the Premier League this weekend.Slot’s team need just a point to secure the title, so need at least a draw against 16th-place Tottenham at Anfield on Sunday.The title will be the club’s second of the Premier League era and 20th English league title overall, drawing them level with Manchester United. More

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    Ruud van Nistelrooy reveals plan to get Leicester promoted – but he’s only THIRD favourite to be manager next season

    RUUD VAN NISTELROOY has mapped out his blueprint for getting Leicester City back to the Premier League in the post Jamie Vardy era.Now he wants the green light from the Foxes’ powerbrokers to push ahead with his plans.Ruud van Nistelrooy has outlined his plan for getting Leicester back to the Premier LeagueThe bookies believe Russell Martin and Sean Dyche have better odds of being in charge than Van NistelrooyThe longer the Dutchman remains in limbo, the more speculation intensifies over his future.Ahead of today’s trip to in-form Wolves at Molineux, Van Nistelrooy is the 11/8 favourite to be the next Premier League manager to be axed.Even the bookies believe Russell Martin (11/10) and Sean Dyche (5/4) have better odds of being in charge of Leicester next season than the current boss!Now Van Nistelrooy has urged Foxes chiefs to clear up the uncertainty over his future so he can start building for next season …. or clear his desk!Read More on Football”It’s necessary to find alignment,” he said. “The quicker the better in the best interests for the football club.That’s what I’m urging.”We need to be on the same page.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Over the past months, starting in February, I’ve had conversations with the board and the chairman. Later in March and recently as well.”The club knows where I stand. Ruud van Nistelrooy reveals son’s name was inspired by former Man Utd team-mate who tragically died”I’ve always informed the club on the way I see things, the lessons learned now it’s clear it’s going to be in the Championship.”We can move on to that scenario. But I’m still waiting for the club to come back. That’s where it stands now. “I know what my plan is to move forward and bring the club back up with the people in this building. “There are 60-70 great professionals here who can move the club forward.”But I’m still waiting on that alignment.”Van Nistelrooy has drawn up a list of summer targets and wants to promote youth players such as 15-year-old Jeremy Monga from the Foxes’ Academy.Planning recruitment”It’s my job to plan for recruitment,” he said.”I’m responsible for the footballing part of the football club. I take it very seriously. “I can’t wait because we have to continue to work and prepare. So we’ve been doing that for quite a long time.”I’ve evaluated the current squad and how to move forward, the positions that need reinforced.”Obviously now with Jamie Vardy going that was a big part of those conversations, which as I say, started in February.”I want to involve the academy and build a foundation of homegrown players who can apply the highest standards in football. And play with intensity and character and soul like Jamie always did. Stopping the rot”It’s clear where I stand. But it can only improve when there’s alignment and total clarity on where we’re going. “Until then the work continues.” Van Nistelrooy stopped the rot of nine straight defeats with a draw at Brighton before Leicester lost narrowly to Liverpool last Sunday.He will be without midfielder Stephy Mavididi for the rest of the season after the 26-year-old suffered a muscle injury against Arne Slot’s Reds.Vitor Pereira’s in-form Wolves are on a high after winning their last five matches.Van Nistelrooy said: “Their manager has done an excellent job.”I think they invested well and reinforced their squad in January on top of a good squad. Read More on The Sun”I feel they have already spent a long time in the Premier League. But all credit to their performances since the new manager came in. “They got themselves out of trouble and really far away from the bottom three.” More

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    Arsenal files: Gunners line up £55m Jules Kounde bid with Mikel Arteta ready to rub salt in Chelsea’s transfer wounds

    ARSENAL aren’t just preparing for the biggest European clash in their modern history, but also for a busy transfer window.The Gunners may be 120 minutes away from earning a place in the Champions League final, but they’re miles away from Premier League title rivals Liverpool.Mikel Arteta and his Arsenal side are preparing for a Champions League semi-final on Tuesday nightCredit: AlamyMikel Arteta and his team are already hard at work at finding the right recruits to move Arsenal closer to ending their wait for a league title next season.In this week’s edition of Arsenal Files, SunSport’s Jordan Davies and Martin Lipton lift the lid on potential new signings and the build up to Tuesday’s MASSIVE Champions League semi-final.CROWN JULESBarcelona’s Jules Kounde has emerged as a potential defensive target as Mikel Arteta seeks to bolster his squad.France ace Kounde is now the established first choice right back at the Nou Camp after joining from Sevilla in a £42m move when he rejected an offer from Chelsea to stay in La Liga.But the 26-year-old Parisian had previously signalled his preference for playing in the middle of the defence, a versatility that has massive appeal to Arteta who is ready to make a £55m offer if he senses a deal is possible.Another plus-point in Kounde’s favour is his fitness record.He had played 104 straight games for Barca before finally being rested for the midweek win over Mallorca but will return for this weekend’s Copa del Rey Final against Real Madrid and the Champions League semi-final first leg with Inter.Prising Kounde out of Catalonia might be difficult with Barca coach Hansi Flick seeing his pace in a high defensive line as a vital asset and his contract having two more years to run.But Arsenal’s Euro run and Prem near-misses could help turn the defender’s head if he is seeking a change of scenery.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS’I already mentioned that twice’ – Mikel Arteta takes issue with reporter’s question as Arsenal title hopes all but endGIFT OF THE GABWhile the attention of many Gunners fans has been on who might come in this summer, it seems Mikel Arteta is making moves to ensure one of his key on-field lieutenants makes a long-term commitment.Arsenal are ready to begin new contract talks with Gabriel this summer – despite the significant hamstring injury that ended the Brazilian’s season prematurely.In his five years since arriving from Lille, Gabriel’s influence has grown, even more so since the arrival of set-piece coach Nicolas Jover.Before sustaining his season-ending injury against Fulham he had scored five this season, including the September North London derby winner at Spurs, taking his Arsenal tally to 20.Gabriel’s central defensive partnership with William Saliba has been a cornerstone of the Gunners’ emergence as part of the new Prem and Euro elite.Indeed, without his South American pal, Saliba has recently appeared slightly less secure – making costly mistakes against both Real Madrid and Crystal Palace.Gabriel, 27, has been targeted by Saudi Pro League clubs including Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr.But Arsenal believe he wants to stay at the Emirates and are ready to instigate extension talks even though he still has two years left on his current deal.Mikel Arteta is keen to sign Gabriel down to a new dealCredit: GettyBARREN SPELLPSG boss Luis Enrique showed Champions League semi-final tetchiness after being probed on striker Ousmane Dembele’s current goal drought.Former Barcelona wide-man Dembele’s astonishing run of 24 goals in 18 games across three competitions included vital Champions League strikes against Manchester City and Liverpool.But Dembele, 27, has gone five without finding the net since scoring in the 3-1 win over Marseille on March 16, including both quarter-final legs against Aston Villa as PSG wobbled at Villa Park.He was hooked after barely an hour of the midweek draw at Nantes and seemingly unimpressed with the decision to bring him off.Pressed on the player’s state of mind ahead of next week’s semi-final first leg in North London, Luis Enrique reacted huffily, accusing his inquisitor: “I don’t know. You make up stories sometimes.“Everyone manages their emotions as they want, can, and know how to.”Ousmane Dembele is the top scorer in Ligue 1 this seasonNEW KIDS ON THE BOXEthan Nwaneri broke another milestone in Arsenal’s 4-0 victory at Ipswich last weekend.The 18-year-old added a goal to his growing tally in a spectacular breakthrough season in the senior side – making it nine goals in 34 appearances in all competitions.But perhaps even more impressively, he then spoke to reporters in the mixed zone at Portman Road post-match for the first time.Nwaneri handled what can be a nerve-wracking moment brilliantly. He spoke calmly yet passionately, opening up and showing a side that not many outside the club have seen, cracking a smile with considered and thoughtful answers, going into detail on how he has handled being thrust into the spotlight under Mikel Arteta, leaving us wanting more.As one of the three journalists to chat with him, it was remarkable to even consider that here was a teenager not long out of school, who had navigated it so well and, seemingly, with little fuss.In our chat, there was inevitably talk of his childhood pal and team-mate Myles Lewis-Skelly, and how their bond has made his step-up into the first that bit more special.Lewis-Skelly, the more outgoing of the two, has already participated in his fair share of media duties, including a mixed zone at the Emirates earlier in the season.But Nwaneri is growing in confidence every day when it comes to expressing himself, not just with the media, but around the training ground and with his team-mates.Arsenal are immensely proud of the duo, not just for their impact on the pitch, but off it too.The club takes incredibly seriously the responsibility of preparing young academy players for life away from the walls of London Colney, and that includes media training, especially for those featuring in the U18s and U21s.Academy manager Per Mertesacker is a huge advocate of this, treating off-field preparation as important as tactical intelligence or work in the gym.And when it comes to looking for role models to learn from in mixed zones, Mikel Merino, Oleksandr Zinchenko, David Raya, Declan Rice and William Saliba, to name a few, are regular post-match speakers.Nwaneri revealed at Ipswich: “It’s testament to the way that the players treat us.“They treat us like we’re men, ever since we first came in. They’ve treated us well, like we’re part of the team, so that’s just how we feel now.“Declan [Rice] and Bukayo [Saka] are very close to us. They help us out, they keep us grounded, they lift us up when we need it as well. They’ve been brilliant.”Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri have established themselves as first team players this seasonCredit: GettyTHROWING POINTS AWAYArsenal twice blew a lead to draw with Palace in midweek, throwing away yet more points with Liverpool set to comfortably stroll to the Premier League title.Of all ironies, the Reds could win it on Sunday against North London rivals Tottenham at Anfield.The Gunners are set to finish runners-up for the third successive year, and they only have themselves to blame again – this time with too many draws.Wednesday’s 2-2 result was their 13th Prem draw – only 13th-placed Everton have more [14] – and their ninth from winning positions, two more than any other side.It is the most since Spurs did the same in 2007/08 when they finished 11th under Martin Jol and then Juande Ramos, the same year they lifted their last trophy in the shape of the League Cup.It is also now 18 points dropped from winning positions this season. Only twice have Arsenal ever dropped more in the Prem [21 points in 2019-20 and 20 points in 2001-02 when they won the league]. In comparison, Liverpool have dropped 11.Had both teams kept those points, Liverpool would still be five ahead, but the title race would have been far more gripping and competitive in the final weeks.Looking at those nine Prem draws from winning positions, five of them have come at the Emirates, with only one in controversial fashion – the 1-1 draw with Brighton in August following Declan Rice’s bizarre sending off for denying the taking of a free-kick.Of the other four away from home, only a dubious penalty against William Saliba earned the Seagulls another point in January.Arteta can rightly point to injuries and unfortunate red cards and refereeing decisions hampering his side, but they have also been their own worst enemies at times.Arsenal have dropped 18 points from winning positions this seasonCredit: AlamyKEEPER IT SIMPLEPalace boss Oliver Glasner revealed on Wednesday that his analysts had pointed out pre-match that David Raya was often high off his line, something they showed the players as something to potentially exploit.They did just that. Raya was caught off his line and away from the middle of his goal as Saliba’s mistake was pounced on by Jean-Philippe Mateta with the Frenchman then chipping in off the bar into an empty net.Mateta also said at full-time: “When I started on the bench, I watched the first half. He [Raya] was very high, so I knew if we won the ball high, I could try – so I did, and scored.”This was not a fluke, and Raya was almost caught in the first half as his wayward pass was intercepted by Adam Wharton only for the midfielder’s shot to be blocked by Thomas Partey.Raya has, rightly, been hailed not just for his save-making abilities this term but his comfort with ball at feet, starting attacks from deep and racing out of his box to cut out threats.But is this a chink in the until-now bullet-proof armour that opposition teams will look to target from now on?It is understood that Arteta views this as a one-off embarrassing gaffe as opposed to a concerning issue that requires major changes at this late stage of the season.Regardless, you will bet that Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Enrique will have watched the game with interest ahead of their Champions League semi-final first leg at the Emirates on Tuesday.David Raya could be targeted by the opposition for coming so far off his lineCredit: Getty More

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    Chelsea and Newcastle ‘fighting for Gregor Kobel with Dortmund star’s agent set to fly to London for transfer talks’

    BORUSSIA Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel is reportedly set to leave the club this summer, with both Chelsea and Newcastle United interested.The Swiss shot-stopper has caught the eye of some of Europe’s top clubs with impressive performances in the Bundesliga, and now it looks like his days in Germany are numbered.Gregor Kobel has been brilliant for Dortmund this seasonCredit: GettyGregor Kobel is a man in demand after top performances for DortmundCredit: RexGregor Kobel was sensational in the Champions LeagueCredit: ReutersThe 27-year-old has missed only two league games all season, made 72 saves and kept five clean sheets. Chelsea are reportedly in the market to replace No1 goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, who divides opinion within the fanbase due to some erratic performances this season.The Blues are expected to be aggressive in the summer transfer window again, despite already spending over £1billion on new players in the last two seasons.Meanwhile, Newcastle United, who are hoping to qualify for Champions League football, are looking to generate some competition for Nick Pope.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAccording to journalist Santi Aouna on X, Kobel’s agent will be in London next week to meet with some clubs with Newcastle and Chelsea already making inquiries.The summer transfer window is just around the corner, all eyes will be on Kobel’s next move.There is no doubt that if he were to depart, it would be a massive blow to Dortmund, who have struggled in the Bundesliga this season.The eight-time German champions are in real danger of missing out on European football entirely next season, and losing one of their few shining stars would be a huge setback.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHowever, the Premier League is a massive pull, with many players dreaming of making a move for a variety of reasons.Chelsea currently have Robert Sanchez, Filip Jorgensen, Marcus Bettinelli, and Lucas Bergström in their squad, but none have convinced massively.How Enzo Maresca can transform Chelsea to challenge for Premier League titleThis has led to the need for Chelsea to return to the market this summer to try and sign someone with experience and exceptional skill.Since their PIF takeover in 2021, Newcastle have the cash to spend but have bought carefully and wisely.It will be interesting to see what moves Eddie Howe makes in the summer. More

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    Man Utd ‘make transfer approach for Espanyol keeper Joan Garcia’ as they look to replace Andre Onana

    MANCHESTER UNITED have made a move to sign goalkeeper Joan Garcia, according to reports.The Red Devils could decide to cash-in on Andre Onana this summer amid interest from Saudi Arabian sides.Joan Garcia is wanted by Man UtdCredit: RexThe club are looking at replacements for Andre OnanaCredit: RexUnited’s No1 has had another season blighted by errors, but he is keen to stay and fight for his place under Ruben Amorim.However, Espanyol keeper Garcia has emerged as Onana’s possible replacement.Reports in Spain claim United have “made an approach” to “tempt” the 23-year-old into moving to Old Trafford before making an official offer.Garcia is said to have a £21million release clause that rises to £25m towards the end of the summer transfer window.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThough that figure is set to increase by £4.25m should he win his first senior cap for Spain.Garcia, who an Olympic gold medal with his nation at the Paris Games last year, is one of LaLiga’s top young talents.He became Espanyol’s main man during the second half of last term, helping them win promotion to the top-flight and taking home their player of the season award.Garcia has continued to impress this campaign, keeping seven clean sheets in 32 games.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHe has won two LaLiga save of the month awards and he produced a man of the match performance as they shocked Real Madrid 1-0 in February.Arsenal and the Champions League holders are also keeping an eye on the stopper, but reports about interest from Bayern Munich are supposedly false.Nemanja Matic brands Andre Onana ‘one of worst keepers in Man Utd HISTORY’ in savage response to goalieEspanyol chief Fran Garagarza has not ruled out Garcia’s departure and said earlier this year: “There’s a lot of noise but nothing is happening. “There’s no firm movement like there was in the previous window.”There may be movements because he’s a top-level goalkeeper, but we’re calm, and most importantly, the kid is very calm.”Meanwhile, United have also been linked with Porto No1 Diogo Costa.But bitter rivals Manchester City are set to swoop after Ineos chiefs were put off by his £64m release clause.Ederson has just a year remaining on his contract and is tempted by a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia. More