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      Forgotten £72million Arsenal flop set to be unemployed as fans convinced he could make Premier League return

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      FORGOTTEN Arsenal flop Nicolas Pepe will become a free agent next month with the £72million dud set to leave Turkish side Trabzonspor.Pepe, 28, only joined the Super Lig outfit in September after a loan spell with French side Nice.Nicolas Pepe is set to be released by Trabzonspor after just one seasonCredit: GettyThe £72million dud is best remembered for flopping at ArsenalCredit: GettyThe winger made just 13 appearances for Trabzonspor, scoring four goals in all competitions.And Fabrizio Romano claims Pepe will not be offered a new contract after failing to impress.The Ivory Coast international is now weighing up his options amid offers from the Middle East.However, Pepe hopes to continue playing in Europe and is waiting to explore his options.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut despite struggling at Arsenal, some fans reckon Pepe is destined to return to the Premier League.One said: “Nottingham Forest all over it.”Another declared: “Pepe was such a promising talent before joining Arsenal.“From there I don’t know what happened to him.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOne added: “Free Pepe! Where will the redemption arc take him? Premier League return?”Big things were expected of Pepe when he joined Arsenal in 2019 for a then-club record fee of £72m. Arsenal fans pleased to see Nicolas Pepe ‘just looking happy again’ as he is given hero’s welcome by fans in TurkeyHe had scored 37 goals in 80 games at Lille, becoming one of the top players in Ligue 1.But Pepe managed just eight goals in his first season at Arsenal before following it up with 16 strikes in his second term.His third season yielded just three goals from 23 appearances.And Pepe was axed by Mikel Arteta with a loan move to Nice before Arsenal released him from his contract a year early in September.However, with his Trabzonspor move failing to work out, Pepe will now be anxiously waiting to see if there are any more takers in Europe.Nicolas Pepe’s career statsThose numbers in full:

      Poitiers, 2012-2013: 9 games, 2 goals

      Angers, 2013-2017: 47 games, 3 goals

      Orleans (loan), 2015-2016: 32 games, 8 goals

      Lille, 2017-2019: 80 games, 37 goals

      Arsenal, 2019-2022: 112 games, 27 goals

      Nice (loan), 2022-2023: 28 games, 8 goals

      Trabzonspor, 2023-2024: 13 games, 4 goals

      Ivory Coast, 2016-2024: 45 games, 10 goals

      Trophies: FA Cup (Arsenal); Afcon (Ivory Coast) More

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      Emotional moment Thiago Silva breaks down in tears on stage and has to be consoled at Chelsea awards ceremony

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      THIAGO SILVA was spotted in tears as he attended his final awards ceremony at Chelsea.The much-loved Brazilian had been announced as a Fluminese player just hours earlier.Thiago Silva broke down at tonight’s Chelsea end of season awardsCredit: X @TheLampardViewThe Brazilian wiped away the tears as he received a warm round of applauseCredit: X @TheLampardViewIt was confirmed earlier that Thiago Silva will join FluminenseCredit: InstagramHe is waving farewell to Chelsea after four years at the clubCredit: ReutersThe 39-year-old defender will return to the Brazilian club after confirming his exit from Chelsea.Silva was announced as a Fluminense player on social media with the tagline “The monster is back” before the Blues announced that he will link up with the team early and leave after the final game of the season.He then joined a number of his team-mates and stars from the Chelsea women’s team and academy in the Great Hall at Stamford Bridge tonight for the club’s end of season awards night.Unsurprisingly, it was Cole Palmer that was the evening’s big winner.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe England international has scored 24 goals and provided 13 assists since his £42.5m move from Manchester City last summer.And his displays earned him both the Men’s Players’ Player of the Year and Player of the Year prizes.But there was also a point in the night when Silva was brought up on stage, and it did not take long for his emotions to get the better of him.A supporter in attendance at the bash in West London shared footage shot on their phone that showed the fan-favourite wiping tears from his face while receiving a round of applause.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIt is not the first time that the star has broke down as he was also in tears when confirming his exit from Chelsea in an emotional video that was released in April.Silva was signed by former boss Frank Lampard from PSG.Thiago Silva breaks down in tears as he announces Chelsea exit but plans swift return with both sons still at clubHe went on to win the Champions League with Chelsea under Thomas Tuchel in 2021 and then added the Fifa Club World Cup and Uefa Super Cup.He is a firm favourite with the Stamford Bridge faithful but his outspoken wife Isabelle has given current head coach Mauricio Pochettino a hard time in recent months with her criticism of the team and the tactics.But he is still finding it a tough choice to depart despite admitting that he did not expect to enjoy such success at the club.He said: “When I started here, it was during the pandemic so there wasn’t any fans in the stadium.“But through social media, it became something very special to me and then when the fans started coming back to the stadium and life was getting back to normal, I started to feel a lot of affection and respect for my story and for my start here.Cole Palmer was a double winner at the Chelsea awards nightCredit: Getty“The way in which I came to the club, with the support of the club, I got to the club as a leader even though I didn’t feel like it, having arrived as the new guy.“It’s always difficult to integrate but bit by bit I became part of the group and Lampard played a big part in that. I am grateful to him for that.“Not even in my wildest dreams did I imagine that I could achieve such great things and win one of the best professional titles, the Champions League, at one of the biggest clubs in the world.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Goodbyes are for those that leave and don’t come back. I intend on coming back one day.”His new team-mates will include the likes of former Real Madrid star Marcelo, ex-Bayern Munich winger Douglas Costa and Marquinhos who is on loan from Arsenal.Thiago Silva’s career statsEvery team he’s played for and the trophies he’s won:
      RS Futebol, 2002-2003: 25 games, 2 goals
      Juventude, 2004: 36 games, 3 goalsPorto B, 2004-2005: 14 games, 0 goals
      Dynamo Moscow, 2005: 0 games, 0 goals
      Fluminense, 2006-2008: 143 games, 14 goals
      AC Milan, 2009-2012: 119 games, 6 goals
      PSG, 2012-2020: 315 games, 17 goals
      Chelsea, 2020-2024: 152 games, 9 goals
      Brazil, 2008-2022: 113 games, 7 goals
      Trophies: Brazilian Cup (Fluminense); Serie A, Italian Super Cup (AC Milan); Ligue 1 x7, French Cup x5, League Cup x6, Champions Trophy x5 (PSG); Champions League, Super Cup, Club World Cup (Chelsea); Copa America, Confederations Cup (Brazil) More

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      Newcastle ‘agree first summer transfer with club set to sign Bournemouth star Lloyd Kelly for free’

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      NEWCASTLE have reached an agreement to sign Lloyd Kelly on a free transfer, according to reports.The Toon are set to retool this summer as Eddie Howe plots a route back to the top four next season.Lloyd Kelly is set to sign for Newcastle this summerCredit: GettyThey are set to begin their business early with the acquisition of Bournemouth ace Kelly.According to French outlet Foot Mercato, Newcastle will sign the defender upon the conclusion of his Cherries contract in June.Kelly, 25, joined Bournemouth from Bristol City under Howe back in 2019.He has gone on to play 139 times for the Cherries, but has opted to leave this summer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNewcastle will hope that their new signing will add plenty of versatility, given his ability to play at centre-back or left-back.Kelly has endured an injury-hit season this time around.He has suffered with calf, hamstring and hip injuries.These have limited him to just 21 Premier League outings this term.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSNewcastle faced plenty of competition for Kelly.Tottenham had a £20million bid rejected for him last summer.England star Anthony Gordon planning shock career change as Newcastle ace reveals his ‘calling’While AC Milan also showed an interest.As they plot their summer business, Newcastle are also keen on Freiburg star Merlin Rohl.But SunSport exclusively revealed last week that Everton are currently leading the race for the 21-year-old midfielder.Merlin Rohl is on Newcastle’s radarCredit: Getty More

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      Liverpool snap up 17-year-old son of Premier League icon and hand him first pro contract after stunning 90-GOAL season

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      LIVERPOOL have snapped up the son of a former Premier League footballer.The 17-year-old striker first joined the Reds’ academy from FC Dallas in 2018 as an under-14.Keyrol Figueroa has signed his first professional contract with LiverpoolCredit: GettyThe USA youth international scored 90 goals in a single season for the Reds’ under-14sCredit: APHe went on to score 90 goals in a single season for the U14s before moving up to the U18 side.The teenager could now be set for his first-team debut in the years to come.Liverpool announced on Monday that Keyrol Figueroa has signed his first professional deal.He follows in the footsteps of his dad, Maynor Figueroa, who made 214 Premier League appearances for Wigan and Hull.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe left-back, who retired in 2022, also won the FA Cup with the Latics and famously scored from his own half against Stoke in 2009.At international level, Figueroa played at two World Cups and won 181 caps for Honduras, scoring five goals.Although his son was born in the Honduran capital of Tegucigalpa, he has so far represented the USA at international level.The teenager has scored nine goals in 14 caps for the U17 national side.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSCan you name the famous fathers?
      He also scored at last year’s under-17 World Cup in Indonesia as the USA reached the round of 16.Meanwhile, at club level, he has scored seven goals and provided five assists in 23 under-18 Premier League appearances.Footballers you didn’t know were related from Premier League icons to Lionel MessiFigueroa made his debut for Liverpool’s under-18 side whilst still an under-16.He is not the only son of a former Premier League footballer at Anfield, though.Lewis Koumas, Jayden Danns and Bobby Clark have all appeared for Jurgen Klopp’s side this season.The teenager is the son of former Wigan full-back Maynor FigueroaCredit: PA:Press Association More

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      Former Man Utd star tipped to become a ‘great’ wakes up unemployed aged 30 after his Championship club are relegated

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      TYLER BLACKETT will be without a club this summer less than a decade after making his Manchester United debut.The left-back, 30, has been released by Rotherham following their relegation to League One.Former Manchester United defender Tyler Blackett has been released by RotherhamCredit: RexBlackett was tipped for greatness by Louis van Gaal at Old TraffordCredit: PA:Empics SportBlackett is one of 11 players leaving the Millers at the end of their contract, the club have confirmed.Rotherham’s two-year stay in the Championship ended with the club finishing bottom of the table this season.After just five league wins all season, the club finished 24 points from safety.Blackett, who arrived at the New York Stadium in March 2023, played in each of their first 10 league matches, scoring once.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHowever, he failed to make a single appearance from October 4 onwards and was named on the bench just once in that time.The former United starlet posted a message to Instagram on Monday, writing: “A frustrating and difficult season on and off the pitch.”So much to say and many frustrations…but STILL I enjoyed every minute I played in front of you millers! Thank you @rotherhamunited and the support throughout.”His Rotherham exit comes eight years after he made his Premier League debut aged 20 under Louis van Gaal.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Dutchman also tipped Blackett for greatness at United, where he spent 14 years after coming through the academy at Old Trafford.After the defender signed a new deal in 2015, Van Gaal said: “Tyler has great potential and I believe he is at the right club to continue his development and progression to become a great defender.”Ten Hag’s six worst defeats as Man Utd managerHowever, Blackett instead left the Red Devils for Reading the following year after a loan spell at Celtic.Reflecting on his exit in 2017, he told The Times: “I wouldn’t say it was the hardest decision. It was a selfish decision.”We all have our own aspirations and we have to make decisions not for the team, but for personal reasons.”Blackett, who is a former England under-21 international, has since had spells with Nottingham Forest and FC Cincinnati. More

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      Erik ten Hag loses managerial job offer just hours after Man Utd’s 4-0 mauling at Crystal Palace

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      ERIK TEN HAG is allegedly no longer in the running for the Bayern Munich job.The Manchester United boss faces more uncertainty over his future after he hit a new low last night.Talks between Erik ten Hag and Bayern Munich are allegedly overCredit: AlamyThe Red Devils were hammered 4-0 at Crystal Palace to leave them eighth in the Premier League.However, despite a disappointing campaign, he was among the top candidates to replace Thomas Tuchel at the Bundesliga club.However, Bild are now claiming that he “is no longer a candidate”.The publication states that “there were talks between Max Eberl and the management” but “these talks will not be continued” with Bayern’s director of sport.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLIt emerged over the weekend that Ten Hag was on Bayern’s shortlist for a new boss and that the Germans had “made contact” with his agent.The 54-year-old Dutchman is coming under huge pressure at Old Trafford and is in danger of being sacked this summer by new chiefs Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos.Even though he has an FA Cup Final with Man City coming up, last night’s mauling in South London could prove to be the final straw.Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher claimed United are the “most poorly coached team in the league” and Ashley Young labelled the performance “shambolic” afterwards.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe result means United are on 54 points and are at risk of finishing below their lowest ever total of 58.Asked if this is the lowest point of his Old Trafford reign, Ten Hag admitted that it was rock bottom, saying: “Yes. Our worst defeat. We should have kept fighting like the fans did.Michael Owen demands Man Utd sack Ten Hag and put Steve McClaren in charge as Scholes calls him ‘best coach I ever had’“It’s clear, this is underperforming. It’s by far not good enough. We are very disappointed. It’s a deserved defeat.”Ex-United coach Rene Meulensteen has blasted Ten Hag and pointed out his three managerial flaws while Michael Owen says Steve McClaren should take over for the next few months to save what’s left of their season.Meanwhile, Bayern are looking for a new manager after it was confirmed Thomas Tuchel will be leaving at the end of the season.Bayern have failed to win the Bundesliga title for the first time since 2012 as Bayer Leverkusen cantered to the crown.However, Tuchel’s men are still in with a chance of winning the Champions League and face Real Madrid in the semi-final second leg tomorrow with the scores tied 2-2.Pundits’ verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future?
      Michael Owen – He has to go
      “He cannot, simply cannot, manage this team next season. He’s not good enough.”
      Teddy Sheringham – Might stay if he wins Cup but should go
      “If United win the FA Cup, he could stay. But, for me, changes are needed and United need to get it done sooner than later.”
      Jamie Carragher – Sacked
      “I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
      Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
      “To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
      Louis Saha – On the fence
      “I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
      Alan Shearer – Sacked
      “I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.” More

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      Darwin Nunez spotted in Barcelona just days after he’s made transfer target and he deletes Liverpool pics off Instagram

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      DARWIN NUNEZ has been spotted in Barcelona just days after emerging as a transfer target.SunSport revealed the forward is a shock candidate to join the Spanish giants this summer.Darwin Nunez has been pictured with Ronald Araujo in BarcelonaCredit: instagram / @ronaldaraujo_4Nunez has deleted all his Liverpool photos from InstagramCredit: GettyHe is also a candidate to replace Robert Lewandowski at BarcelonaCredit: GettyHe has also deleted all pictures of himself playing for Liverpool from his Instagram page.Nunez has now appeared to fuel the speculation after linking up with an international team-mate.The 24-year-old is in Barcelona with fellow Uruguayan Ronald Araujo, who plays for Barca.Araujo shared a selfie of himself and Nunez to Instagram along with the words: “Mi Hermano,” meaning “My Brother”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe pair have played together 17 times for Uruguay at both youth and senior level.It comes as Barcelona eye a potential move for the striker in the summer.Nunez has been identified as a possible replacement for Robert Lewandowski if he leaves the club.Barca also believe Liverpool would be willing to sell Nunez to boost incoming boss Arne Slot’s transfer kitty.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSKlopp has botched his Liverpool exit… and it’s cost him his legacy, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
      NOW we know Jurgen Klopp’s final major trophy haul at Liverpool — one Champions League, one Premier League, one FA Cup, two League Cups and (if you must) a World Club Cup.
      But where does his reign stand among the greatest of the Premier League era?
      In black-and-white terms, Klopp is way behind Sir Alex Ferguson and Pep Guardiola, the only two men to have won multiple Premier Leagues and a Champions League at the same club.
      Those two sit alongside Brian Clough, Bob Paisley and Sir Matt Busby as the undoubted all-time managerial greats of the English game.
      But Klopp ranks in the next tier down — with Arsene Wenger, Jose Mourinho (the Chelsea version), Bill Shankly and Don Revie.
      These were all men with the strength of character to transform their clubs in their own image and enjoy success but who did not win as much as they might have done.
      Had Klopp managed to keep his intentions under wraps and ended up with another title, perhaps even a treble or quadruple, he’d have edged himself up into that highest echelon with Ferguson, Guardiola, Clough, Paisley and Busby.
      But deciding the timing and the manner of your exit is one of the toughest calls for any manager or sportsman.
      Klopp got it wrong.
      Read Dave Kidd’s take on Klopp’s demise in full here.
      Or click here to check out all of Dave Kidd’s articles.

      The rumours have been fuelled further by the Reds star’s social media activity.Any Liverpool-related photos have been removed from Nunez’s Instagram, leaving snaps of him at Benfica and Uruguay or enjoying family time.Darwin Nunez ‘strong favourite for the Grand National’ after Liverpool star’s wild Carabao Cup final celebrationsNunez still has four years remaining on his contract at Anfield, having signed from Benfica in 2022.Despite criticism from rival fans, he has scored 18 goals and provided 13 assists across all competitions this season.Only Mohamed Salah has scored more goals than Nunez for Liverpool so far this term. More

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      Man Utd ‘set to enter Michael Olise transfer talks’ after Crystal Palace winger tears Casemiro apart

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are expected to hold “concrete talks” over a potential deal for Crystal Palace star Michael Olise.This comes after Olise, 22, tore United apart on Monday during a Premier League clash that saw him putting together a man-of-the-match performance at Selhurst Park.Manchester United are set to hold ‘concrete talks’ over Crystal Palace star Michael OliseCredit: RexMan Utd ace Casemiro struggled against Palace star OliseCredit: RexThe winger led Palace to a 4-0 triumph over the Red Devils with a brace and a stunning performance that saw him dominating Casemiro, who was playing out of position at centre-back.The Hammersmith lad opened the scoring after just 12 minutes when he dribbled past the Brazil international like he wasn’t even there before beating Andre Onana with a clinical shot.Olise then sealed the Eagles’ first ever league double over United in the 66th minute with a long-range wondergoal after Casemiro was dispossessed by Daniel Munoz at the back.According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, United were convinced to rekindle their bid for the ex-France youth international ahead of the summer transfer window.Read More on Man UtdThe Manchester giants are expected to hold talks with Palace “in the coming weeks”.Oliver Glasner’s side is in no way under pressure as the forward has a contract until 2027.And Palace have slapped a whopping £60million price tag on the ex-Reading star, whose contract length gives no reason to his current club to lower their demands.United have been keeping tabs on Olise since last summer but face competition.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSChelsea thought they signed the Palace star last year but he snubbed a £35m bid and instead signed fresh terms with his club.Juventus have also expressed interest in the rising star recently.Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner reveals secret SHOWER chat led to Michael Olise’s stunning double vs Man UtdOlise has amassed a total of nine goals and four assists in 17 appearances this season.Palace have slapped a £60m price tag on Olise ahead of the summer transfer window More