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    Ex-Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on shortlist for international boss job along with ex-Leeds boss and Chelsea coach

    MANCHESTER UNITED legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been contacted by Canada ahead of the 2026 World Cup.The Canadian national team is targeting a major campaign in the upcoming competition, which takes place in their own territory as well as the US and Mexico.Manchester United legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been contacted by CanadaCredit: GettyCanada initially wanted Jose Mourinho but he turned the job downCredit: PACanada also reached out to Chelsea legend Frank Lampard but he opted against itCredit: GettyAmerican Jesse Marsch is also eyed after his dismissal from LeedsCredit: PAThat is why team chiefs have drawn up a shortlist that includes a raft of big names including Solskjaer who has been out of a job since getting sacked by United in 2021.According to The Standard, Canada have reached out to the Norwegian tactician as well as other candidates like Jose Mourinho and Frank Lampard who were invited for an interview.Former Chelsea, United and Tottenham boss Mourinho kindly declined Canada’s offer as he is eyeing a return to elite club level football after his dismissal from Roma in January.That is why the Special One also turned down a lucrative offer from a Saudi Arabian club.Read More on FootballEx-Chelsea boss Frank Lampard was also approached but he opted against the move after he decided the job was not the right opportunity for him to return to management.Lampard is still a free agent after his second spell as Stamford Bridge coach ended in May last year when he was placed on an interim capacity.American Jesse Marsch has also been contacted as he is a free agent as well.It is not known yet if Solskjaer or Marsch, who has been out of work since his dismissal from Leeds last year, would go for such an opportunity at this stage.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOther free agents like former Middlesbrough and Nottingham Forest boss Aitor Karanka and ex-Chelsea coach Paul Clement are also on the shortlist.The same source claims the interest on Clement may be a long-term ploy to one day attract Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti once his time at the Santiago Bernabeu comes to an end.Biggest football kit fails after controversy over new England shirtAncelotti and the ex-Swansea head coach have a long history as they worked together at Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain and Real.Forge FC boss Bobby Smyrniotis, who is widely regarded as one of the best managers in Canada, has also been interviewed.Canada are looking for John Herdman’s replacement after he left for Toronto FC and are confident their squad, which includes the likes of Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David, can go far under the right leadership. More

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    ‘Will he want another season like this?’ – Virgil van Dijk tipped to follow Klopp and QUIT Liverpool by Holland legend

    DUTCH legend Ronald De Boer reckons this summer might be the right time for Virgil van Dijk to leave Liverpool.It will be the end of an era at Anfield when this season concludes as legendary boss Jurgen Klopp will step down.Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk may leave with Jurgen Klopp this summerCredit: RexRonald de Boer believes Van Dijk may be considering his optionsCredit: GettyKlopp will leave Liverpool in June after nine successful yearsCredit: PAIconic forward Mohamed Salah could well be on his way to Saudi Arabia too, while Netherlands star Van Dijk has previously hinted he may leave also after six trophy-laden years with the club.Former Champions League winner De Boer, 53, told talkSPORT: “He’s looking of course [whether] it’s now time to go.“Maybe not winning a prize and you think, hmm, do I want another year like that? I don’t know.“Maybe he can make a great transfer for the end of his career enjoying his football life, maybe in the States, maybe somewhere else, I don’t know, that’s up to him.Read More on Football“If he’s really, really happy at Liverpool and thinks he’s still got it in him and thinks he can bring that energy every day in training and also on the pitch, maybe he will stay.“I can’t look in his mind of course and know what he is thinking.“But there is a possibility, of course. There is a time for coming and going so maybe it’s time to go.”Van Dijk, who turns 33 in July, was scathing of his team-mates after Wednesday’s 2-0 defeat at city rivals Everton left their Premier League title hopes hanging by a thread.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERFeyenoord chief Arne Slot is the favourite to take over from Klopp and talks with Liverpool have already begun.De Boer loves the football approach of compatriot Slot – but picked out the toils of another Dutch boss when asked if the Feyenoord chief would be successful at Anfield.Jurgen Klopp apologises to Liverpool fans after Merseyside derby defeatThe ex-Rangers forward replied: “You never know, we thought [Erik] Ten Hag did remarkably well at Ajax, we thought he was the perfect replacement to take over the Man Utd job and he’s struggling.“But what I know from Arne Slot, he did incredible things. What stands out the most is his philosophy about football.“You see what he has done with Feyenoord in the Champions League against Atletico Madrid, against Lazio, all good teams. Every time he surprised me as a manager.“Also when he talks about football it’s logical sense. When he talks to the press he’s honest but very clear with what he wants to explain. Everyone is really fond of him.”Slot snubbed Spurs, hates defending and has a PASS named after himBy Dan King
    LIVERPOOL managerial target Arne Slot was a good enough player to have a type of pass named after him.
    But it is as a manager that the Feyenoord head coach is really making his mark.
    Like another bald Dutchman, Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, Slot earned his stripes bossing smaller sides before being given a chance at one of the Netherlands’ big three.
    But the question Liverpool are pondering is whether Slot would make a better fist of running one of the biggest clubs in the world than Ten Hag so far has at Old Trafford.
    Slot, 45, was certainly easier on the eye as a player than centre back Ten Hag.
    “The Arne Slot Ball” was something he perfected as a silky No 10 – a back-to-goal, first-time, 180-degree spin and flick behind the defensive line for a winger to run on to deep in the opposition half.
    Click here to read all about the incoming Liverpool boss. More

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    Chelsea risk dressing room REVOLT if they sack Pochettino despite boss slamming his players after Arsenal thrashing

    CHELSEA risk a dressing room revolt if they sack Mauricio Pochettino this summer.Despite accusing his players of “giving up” in Tuesday’s 5-0 thrashing at Arsenal, the players remain loyal to the manager as a turbulent season lurches towards the end.Chelsea risk a dressing room revolt from player if they sack Mauricio PochettinoThat is despite Pochettino slamming Chelsea stars after their loss to ArsenalChelsea’s £1billion squad believe Pochettino is steadily generating a sense of unity within the camp even though results have been wildly erratic.The young team assembled at huge cost also believe the Argentine head coach is doing the best he can in tough circumstances with a huge injury list in a squad that is massively inexperienced.A source told SunSport: “They are all buying into what Poch is trying to do. The problems at Chelsea are not all his fault. Some of the players think he is the best man-manager in the business. “If Poch gets sacked it won’t go down well at all. He is not the problem.”Read More on ChelseaChelsea insist it is ‘business as usual’ in the aftermath of their heaviest ever defeat to their London rivals and that there is still plenty to play for. But it is understood a review will take place at the end of the season. Chelsea end the campaign at home to Bournemouth on May 19 and are in an uphill battle to qualify for Europe next season.Former Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain boss Pochettino, 52, will have 12 months left on his two-year contract come June.Axing him in the summer would make him the third managerial casualty in just two years since Chelsea were bought out by the American Clearlake Capital investment firm.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThomas Tuchel and Graham Potter both fell foul of the new ownership regime which has turned Chelsea’s traditional business model of buying expensive, established stars on its head.They have since embarked on a record-breaking spending spree buying up what they consider to be young, elite players with potential and placing them on lengthy contracts of up to eight years.7 times Arsenal vs Chelsea games EXPLODEDChelsea’s players were given the day off on Wednesday to let the dust settle on their heaviest Premier League loss since being smashed 6-0 by Manchester City in 2019.Some of the younger members of the team which was hopelessly overwhelmed by Arsenal, were said to be “distraught” in the immediate aftermath of the Emirates match.SunSport also understands the away dressing room was quiet after the game – with boss Pochettino preferring to send his downcast players head home and ponder the result instead of risking heated fallouts in the immediate aftermath of the humbling defeat.The players are expecting a full team meeting when they resume training on Thursday with just 48 hours to prepare for Saturday’s tough trip to Champions League-chasing Aston Villa. More

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    Chelsea ‘make contact’ to sign Champions League star with two huge release clauses just hours after Arsenal thrashing

    CHELSEA have reportedly made contact with RB Leipzig for star defender Castello Lukeba after shipping five goals against Arsenal.The Blues put in a shambolic display at the back as their rivals ran riot at the Emirates.Chelsea are chasing a deal for RB Leipzig defender Castello LukebaCredit: GettyAxel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile could not cope with Arsenal’s forwards.And Chelsea have now conceded 57 goals this season – the most in their Premier League history.Mauricio Pochettino is facing a huge issue this summer with Thiago Silva set to quit Stamford Bridge.Trevoh Chalobah is also set to be sold as Chelsea look to comply with FFP.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill remain long-term injuries.It means the Blues are in desperate need of at least one new centre-back.And Lukeba has reportedly emerged as Chelsea’s top target.Foot Mercato claims the Blues have reached out to Leipzig in the hope of striking a deal.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERLukeba only joined the Germans from Lyon last summer in a £30million move.The 21-year-old has already clocked up 37 appearances in all competitions.Chelsea influencer Astrid Wett leaves nasty ‘surprise’ for Mikel Arteta at Emirates before huge clash with ArsenalAnd Lukeba’s fine form saw him rewarded with his first France cap last year.It’s reckoned he could be interested in a Premier League move.But there are currently two stumbling blocks in Chelsea’s way.The first is that Leipzig do not want to sell Lukeba at any cost this summer.Should they keep hold of him, the Germans will still be in a strong position in 2025 when a £77m release clause kicks in.And in 2026, it will only drop to £60m.Secondly, it’s added that Manchester United are also interested in striking a deal.READ MORE SUN STORIESLike Chelsea, they too will be in need of defensive reinforcements this summer.And if they gain European football at the Blues’ expense, it could swing the pendulum in their favour. More

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    PSG line up £172million Kylian Mbappe transfer replacement despite teen being ‘untouchable’ at his club

    PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN are reportedly lining up a £172mllion bid for Barcelona star Lamine Yamal.The French giants are set to lose Kylian Mbappe on a free transfer to Real Madrid this summer.PSG are lining up a mega bid for Barcelona star Lamine YamalCredit: GettyThe teen is viewed as the ideal replacement for Real Madrid-bound Kylian MbappeCredit: AFPAnd they are desperate to sign a big name as his replacement.PSG are long-term admirers of Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford.While there have also been links with Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.But Le Parisien claims 16-year-old winger Yamal has now emerged as PSG’s top target.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe record-breaking teenager has already clocked up 45 games for Barcelona, helping them to last season’s LaLiga title.And PSG are now ready to test the waters by making a move after knocking Yamal’s Catalan club out of the Champions League.The prodigy is currently seen as untouchable by Barcelona’s hierarchy, who inserted a £900m release clause into his contract.But PSG reckon a bid of £172m could do the trick, with Barca still in desperate need of money to balance the books.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERYamal is also represented by super-agent Jorge Mendes.He is said to have a superb relationship with PSG sporting director Luis Campos.Mbappe laughs and brutally shuts down thought of joining ArsenalAnd Mendes could reportedly encourage Yamal to “push” Barcelona to the negotiating table.It remains to be seen whether he does want to leave the Nou Camp though.Yamal has been at the club since 2013 when he was just six years old.Barcelona have also given him the platform to become a fully-fledged Spain international, making six appearances for his country.But PSG’s riches could be too good to turn down, as well as the chance to work with ex-Barca boss and Treble winner Luis Enrique.Lamine Yamal’s amazing statsThose figures in full:

    Barcelona: 45 games, 6 goals

    Spain: 6 games, 2 goals

    Trophies/Awards: LaLiga title, LaLiga U23 Player of Month, LaLiga Goal of Month, The Youngest Award, Uefa Youth Team of Year, U17 Euros Top Scorer, U17 Euros Team of Tournament

    Barcelona Records: Fifth-youngest player in LaLiga history; Youngest Barcelona player in 100 years; Youngest Barcelona starter in LaLiga; Youngest player with LaLiga assist; Second-youngest player in Champions League history; Youngest starter in Champions League; Youngest Barcelona goal scorer; Youngest LaLiga goal scorer; Youngest Barcelona El Clasico appearance; Youngest Supercopa goal scorer; Youngest Copa Del Rey goal scorer; Youngest LaLiga brace scorer; Youngest LaLiga player with 10 goal contributions; Youngest Champions League knockout phase player.

    Spain Records: Youngest player; Youngest goal scorer; Youngest scorer in Euro qualifier. More

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    Eddie Howe admits star striker Callum Wilson may LEAVE Newcastle to ease FFP worries in shock summer transfer

    EDDIE HOWE has admitted that Callum Wilson could be sold this summer.Newcastle could cash in on the striker in the in order to ease FFP concerns.Eddie Howe has suggested that Callum Wilson could be sold this summerCredit: ReutersNewcastle could cash in on Wilson to ease FFP concernsCredit: PAWilson, 32, has struggled for fitness this season and has only featured in 16 Premier League games.He has been effective when on the pitch, managing seven goals and one assist.Wilson was linked with a move away from St James’ Park in January, with Chelsea and West Ham mooted as destinations.The manager is a big fan of the former Bournemouth striker and is concerned about replacing him.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHowe said: “It’s undoubted how I feel about Callum.”How I feel about his qualities and what he can offer the team.”If you lose a player of that quality, then finding a player of equal standard will cost the club a lot of money.”That’s always the big talking point about any business we do in the summer.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”If you lose a player, how can you replace him with the same quality with Financial Fair Play implications around the corner? There’s a lot to think about.”Howe has also called on Wilson to stay fit for a “prolonged period” in order to help the team.Every Premier League club’s most famous and also most surprising fanHe added: “I think every player has a point to prove every time they pull the Newcastle shirt on.”I don’t think Callum Wilson necessarily has a point to prove in terms of his ability and what he can deliver, that’s undoubted.”We would like him to stay fit for a prolonged period of time and to be able to execute that on a consistent basis.”So, there is sort of a double-edged meaning to my answer.“I want every player to have that burning desire every single game to fulfil their own ambitions and certainly Callum has very big ambitions still.”He’s still a very strong player and he can make a big difference for us.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAlexander Isak is also another potential player who could be on the move in the summer.The Swedish striker has been linked with a big-money move to Arsenal as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his attacking options. More

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    Unai Emery signs Aston Villa contract extension in blow to Bayern Munich and Premier League giants

    UNAI EMERY has committed his long term future to Aston Villa by signing a one-year extension to his contract.The news will come as a blow to Bayern Munich who had identified the 52-year-old Spaniard as their preferred candidate to replace Thomas Tuchel this summer.Unai Emery has committed his future to Aston VillaCredit: GettyThe Spaniard has ended Bayern Munich’s hopes of landing himCredit: GettyIt will also rule out Manchester United and Liverpool from targeting the former PSG, Arsenal, Sevilla and Valencia boss.Villa moved swiftly to extend Emery’s current deal, which already had three years to run, after a sensational season.He has led Villa to fourth place in the Premier League and to their first European semi-final in 42 years.The club’s billionaire owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens are so delighted with the transformation he has brought about at Villa they intend to sit down with Emery this summer to prolong the deal even further.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThey believe they currently have one of the best bosses in Europe, who is on a par with Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp and who could become their version of Sir Alex Ferguson.They have backed Emery since he arrived from Villarreal on a four-and-a-half year deal in October 2022.That was when Villa were languishing in 17th place in the Premier League.Emery has had a major say in every significant club appointment since from Head of Recruitment Monchi, down to his large staff of coaches and video analysts.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERIt is that autonomy which has allowed Emery to control almost every aspect of life at Villa, which the likes of Bayern could never grant him.Emery is understood to love the project he has taken on at Villa and the power he has due to the trust the owners have placed in him.Former Aston Villa CEO joins fans in Unai Emery chant at Stamford Bridge away end during Chelsea winNews of Emery’s contract extension until 2027 will be greeted with joy by Villa’s players such as Ollie Watkins and skipper John McGinn, who have seen their own performances soar under the gifted Spanish coach.Villa fans will also rejoice at the news Emery has turned his back on some of the giants of the European game to commit his future to their club, in what will come as a huge boost for the remainder of their season.Emery takes his side to Chelsea on Saturday looking to take another step towards Champions League qualification.They are currently fourth in the top-flight, three points ahead of fifth-placed Tottenham having played two games more.Villa have a trip to Brighton and a home clash with title-chasing Liverpool to go before their final day showdown with Crystal Palace.However, they also have a two-legged Europa Conference League semi-final with Greek giants Olympiacos to navigate.The winner of that will face the victors of Fiorentina and Club Brugge in the final next month.Our beautiful game is brokenBy Dave Kidd
    When Manchester United got lucky in their FA Cup semi-final, Antony’s first instinct was to goad heartbroken opponents Coventry. To rub their noses in the dirt.
    Antony seems to be a vile individual but this isn’t really about Antony. Because Antony is merely a symptom of the hideous sickness within England’s top flight.
    There is so much wrong.
    After our elite clubs persuaded the FA to completely scrap Cup replays — which gave us Ronnie Radford and Ricky Villa and Ryan Giggs — without due recompense or reasoning with the rest of English football.
    The previous day, after his Manchester City side had defeated Chelsea in the other FA Cup semi-final, Pep Guardiola whinged about the fixture scheduling of TV companies who effectively pay much of his £20m salary.
    Up at Wolves, Guardiola’s friend and rival Mikel Arteta was playing the same sad song about fixture congestion, despite his Arsenal side having played two fewer games this season than Coventry — who don’t have £50m squad players to rotate with.
    Chelsea, oh Chelsea. The one-time plaything of a Russian oligarch now owned by financially incontinent venture capitalists who have piddled £1billion on a squad of players who fight like weasels in a sack about who should bask in the personal glory of scoring the penalty that puts them 5-0 up against Everton.
    Read Dave Kidd’s full column as he takes aim at Nottingham Forest, Fulham’s ticket prices, the 39th game, VAR and much more… More

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    Forgotten Man City star, 22, poised for summer transfer despite two relatives being club legends

    WOLVES are set to add Manchester City’s Tommy Doyle to their pack in a £4.3million deal.The midfielder, 22, has been on loan at Molineux this season, making 29 appearances.Tommy Doyle is set to join Wolves on a permanent dealCredit: ReutersHis grandad Mike Doyle is Man City’s third-highest appearance-makerCredit: PAWanderers have an option to make the move permanent.This is Doyle’s fourth loan spell after stints with Hamburg, Cardiff and Sheffield United.He has not scored or assisted in the Premier League this season.But Wolves boss Gary O’Neil has insisted that the club are “delighted” with the player’s progress this season.READ MORE MAN CITY NEWSHe said: “We’re delighted with how he’s done, so I don’t foresee any issues.“I’d expect him to be here next year. Hopefully, we’ll get that done fairly quickly in the summer.“I know Tommy feels settled and I know he’s enjoying it.”Doyle’s move away from the Etihad would mean him leaving the club that is close to his family.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe midfielder’s grandfathers, Mike Doyle and Glyn Pardoe, are two of Man City’s biggest icons.His paternal grandfather, Mike Doyle, is City’s third-highest appearance-maker with 570 games for the club.Most dramatic Premier League’s final daysWhile Pardoe, Doyle Jnr’s maternal grandpa, still holds the record of being City’s youngest-ever player, making his debut aged 15 years and 314 days.The pair played in Man City’s 1969 FA Cup final victory over Leicester City.They both scored in the 2-1 League Cup triumph against West Brom the following year.Glyn Pardoe is Man City’s youngest-ever playerCredit: PAOur beautiful game is brokenBy Dave Kidd

    When Manchester United got lucky in their FA Cup semi-final, Antony’s first instinct was to goad heartbroken opponents Coventry. To rub their noses in the dirt.
    Antony seems to be a vile individual but this isn’t really about Antony. Because Antony is merely a symptom of the hideous sickness within England’s top flight.
    There is so much wrong.
    After our elite clubs persuaded the FA to completely scrap Cup replays — which gave us Ronnie Radford and Ricky Villa and Ryan Giggs — without due recompense or reasoning with the rest of English football.
    The previous day, after his Manchester City side had defeated Chelsea in the other FA Cup semi-final, Pep Guardiola whinged about the fixture scheduling of TV companies who effectively pay much of his £20m salary.
    Up at Wolves, Guardiola’s friend and rival Mikel Arteta was playing the same sad song about fixture congestion, despite his Arsenal side having played two fewer games this season than Coventry — who don’t have £50m squad players to rotate with.
    Chelsea, oh Chelsea. The one-time plaything of a Russian oligarch now owned by financially incontinent venture capitalists who have piddled £1billion on a squad of players who fight like weasels in a sack about who should bask in the personal glory of scoring the penalty that puts them 5-0 up against Everton.
    Read Dave Kidd’s full column as he takes aim at Nottingham Forest, Fulham’s ticket prices, the 39th game, VAR and much more… More