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      Real Madrid and Bayern Munich ‘tracking Championship star’, 18, after breakthrough season with promotion chasers

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      ARCHIE GRAY is being watched closely by both Real Madrid and Bayern Munich as they consider a move for the talented teenager. The European giants have been long-term admirers of the 18-year-old, who has emerged as one of England’s most in-demand players.Archie Gray has been long admired by Bayern Munich and Real MadridCredit: GettyThe Leeds star has been highly-rated for some time at Elland Road – and, with his family connections, he was always going to be a player in the spotlight.Gray is the son of Andy Gray, grandson of Frank Gray and great nephew of Eddie Gray – all former Leeds players.And now the teen has impressed Bayern Munich and Real Madrid scouts as Leeds won 3-1 against Hull City on Monday night. The Yorkshire side have gone unbeaten in their last 15 games and have been on a great run since the start of 2024.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLOver the Easter weekend, they took another huge step towards sealing a Premier League return as they moved into second – just one point off leaders Ipswich.Gray has made 35 Championship starts to go with two substitute appearances this season.The midfielder has laid on two assists but is yet to trouble the scorers himself.Though he is one of Daniel Farke’s most important players, he is attracting a lot of interest and catching the eye of Europe’s top clubs. Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe 18-year-old committed his future to Leeds last year when he signed on until 2028.The promotion hopefuls have no intention of selling Gray and hope an immediate return to the Premier League will fend off any interest. Young stars set to shine at Euro 2024Liverpool, Manchester United and Newcastle were keen on a move for Gray last summer, having tried to lure him away before he put pen to paper on a new deal.Gareth Southgate has also praised Gray, saying he is doing “very, very well”, while admitting the Leeds ace is on his radar for a shock call-up to the England set up. More

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      Conor Gallagher tipped to leave Chelsea as Todd Boehly makes same transfer mistake for THIRD time

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      CONOR GALLAGHER is tipped to leave Chelsea this summer.Just as he was in January, last summer and the January before that.Conor Gallagher looks set to leave Chelsea this summerCredit: GettyGallagher finds himself in a similar situation to the one Mason Mount was in last yearCredit: AlamyTodd Boehly could come under more criticism from fansCredit: AlamyAt some point something has to give and with barely a year left on his contract things are coming to a head.Tomorrow’s clash between Chelsea and Manchester United is a timely reminder of how things have not changed at Stamford Bridge when it comes to muddled negotiations with players – particularly home grown ones.Mason Mount is due back at Stamford Bridge nine months after being sold for £60m when he was in precisely the same position as Gallagher is now.The symmetry is compelling and should be concerning for Chelsea as they prepare for yet another worrying summer of transfer dealings as they hover dangerously close to breaching strict spending rules.READ MORE CHELSEA NEWSThere is just a year in age between Gallagher and his old stablemate Mount.Both grew up at Chelsea’s renowned academy in Surrey and saw off competition from within and from outside to force their way into the first-team set up at one of the most successful clubs in the world.But with the change of ownership two years ago, came a change in priorities from above that coincided with a clampdown on reckless spending.Most owners are thinking twice now about splashing the cash because of the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSNot so Americans Todd Boehly and his sidekick Behdad Eghbali. A £1billion super-spend on an entirely new squad means the money has to be clawed back by other means.Mount was the first victim of this. With roughly two-and-a-half years left on his contract, negotiations collapsed.Simon Jordan slams ‘pathetic’ Chelsea fans for criticising Todd Boehly They never really resumed. And with 12 months left on his deal, Mount left the club he had served since aged eight.The fee is logged as pure profit and it will be the same with Gallagher, when and if Tottenham finally do get their a****s in gear and strike a deal for the midfielder who has carried his team for a significant part of this stuttering season.Gallagher is popular with the fans as “one of our own” – his energy, drive and ability to score vital goals in the nick of time makes him valuable in every sense.Player transfer value is at its highest when they have two years left on their contracts. Mount slipped past that point and Chelsea have let it slide with Gallagher too.Accountants can argue that £60m is a good price for Mount. Unfortunately, he has been injured much of this season and needs to start paying back on the investment.He scored his first goal for Man Utd at the weekend and football fate is primed for him to return to Stamford Bridge and do further damage. What should have been the easiest contract in history to thrash out became a standoff and ultimately a bitter parting of the ways.Chelsea have to make up their minds about Gallagher. It is evident that they set the bar too high in transfer dealings.Demanding £50m for another academy graduate, Armando Broja, last January proves that. He is now on loan and warming the bench at Fulham.Although it was under the previous regime, Antonio Rudiger was allowed to walk away from Stamford Bridge into the arms of Real Madrid for nothing. Same for Andreas Christensen and Barcelona.READ MORE SUN STORIESEghbali and Chelsea overlord Paul Winstanley need to get a grip and get realistic. If Gallagher does not sign a deal this summer or is sold, it will be another stick for the already frustrated fans to beat the new owners with as they look up at their rivals from the bottom half of the table.WHAT IS FFP?SunSport’s Martin Lipton breaks down what it is all about…
      FFP – or Financial Fair Play – is a concept originally introduced by Uefa in 2009, officially to prevent clubs from spending money they could not afford.
      Yet many critics have rounded on the system, accusing it of being a protective instrument, drafted by the so-called “legacy clubs” to prevent insurgent and wealthier clubs from buying their way onto the top table.
      The Premier League introduced its own FFP regulations which came into effect for the 2013-14 season and which, while less stringent than Uefa regulations, they do impact on club spending.
      Under the current Prem “Profitability and Sustainability” regulations, clubs who are constant members of the top flight for a three-year period are allowed total losses of £105m over those three campaigns.
      But it is not as simple as totting up outlay and income.
      The biggest outlay, of course, is transfer fees. The 20 Prem clubs spent a total of around £2.4bn in last summer’s transfer window.
      Yet that does not mean they “spent” that money as far as the Prem rules are concerned.
      Transfer fees are “amortised” over the length of the contract, so, for example, a £100m fee for a player who signs a five-year deal is amortised at a cost of £20m per season for each of those five campaigns. More

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      Chelsea FFP woes set to worsen with £72m flop to be sent back to Stamford Bridge after disastrous loan transfer

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      KEPA ARRIZABALAGA will leave Real Madrid when his season-long loan expires this summer.The 29-year-old joined Los Blancos in August after refusing a move to Bayern Munich.Kepa Arrizabalaga will leave Real MadridCredit: GettyReal Madrid wanted to sign him on a temporary basis to replace Thibaut Courtois, who suffered an ACL injury during pre-season.When he arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu, Kepa revealed he wanted to seal a permanent move at the end of the season.However, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano claims he will return to Chelsea instead.Kepa has been limited to just 18 appearances this season, with back-up goalkeeper Andriy Lunin taking his spot in the first team.Read More on FootballReal Madrid officials now want to reward Lunin with a new contract.They are also waiting for Courtois to return from his latest injury setback.Kepa’s return to Stamford Bridge could spell trouble for Chelsea, with the club needing to balance the books due to Financial Fair Play.The Blues could be forced into selling some key players – including Reece James and Conor Gallagher – this summer to comply with FFP regulations.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSKepa has fallen out of favour at Real MadridBut they will have to accept a huge loss to offload Kepa.The goalkeeper joined Chelsea in a £71.6million transfer from Athletic Bilbao in 2018.Andy Dillon and Will Pugh discuss where Chelsea’s transfer policy has gone wrong, the future of Conor Gallagher and The Blues’ spendingAnd according to Transfermarkt, he is now valued at just £12m.Kepa made 163 Chelsea appearances before leaving for Real Madrid.The Blues have since signed Robert Sanchez and Djordje Petrovic. More

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      Arsenal ‘identify top midfield target and could sign Champions League star for LESS than cut price £51m transfer clause’

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      ARSENAL could attempt to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi this summer, according to reports.The Gunners are expected to dip into the transfer market when the window opens.Arsenal are interested in Martin ZubimendiCredit: GettyWhile signing a new striker is understood to be the main priority, they could also look to recruit a midfielder.And Caught Offside claim Zubimendi is a top target.The Gunners have held an interest in the Spaniard for over a year.While Zubimendi has remained committed to Real Sociedad since extending his contract 18 months ago, he could be tempted to move on this summer.Read More on ArsenalArsenal could decide to trigger his £51million release clause in order to complete a deal quickly.However, the starting point for negotiations is expected to be lower.Zubimendi has been with Real Sociedad for over 13 years.He joined the club’s academy at the age of 12 and progressed through the ranks before making his first team debut in April 2019.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSZubimendi has established himself as a crucial player for Real SociedadThe midfielder has since made 186 senior appearances for the club.Zubimendi has also been capped five times for the Spanish national team.Ashley Cole picks his all-time team-mates XI… but does it boast more Arsenal or Chelsea stars?Arsenal are also keeping tabs on Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz.However, the midfielder is expected to stay at Villa Park if Unai Emery’s side qualify for the Champions League. More

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      Man Utd add two little known teenagers to centre-back search if they miss out on top transfer target Jarrad Branthwaite

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have identified two potential alternatives to Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite ahead of the summer transfer window.Branthwaite, 21, is among United’s top targets in their bid to strengthen at the back amid a turbulent campaign that has seen them plummet to sixth place with 11 points separating them fourth.Manchester United have scouted alternatives to Everton star Jarrad BranthwaiteCredit: GettyMan Utd have asked about figures for Boca Juniors ace Aaron AnselminoCredit: GettyBarcelona B star Mikayil Faye, who is already a Senegal international, is also target by Man UtdCredit: GettyAccording to The Mail, the Red Devils are waiting for the Toffees to set a price for the centre-back, who has been on the club’s radar for quite some time after amassing 32 impressive appearances this term.However, the Manchester giants are making contingency plans in case they miss out on the England Under-21 international.That is why United are also keeping tabs on two lesser-known young talents.The Premier League giants have asked about figures for Boca Juniors ace Aaron Anselmino, 18.Read More on Man UtdThe same request has also been made regarding Barcelona B prospect Mikayil Faye, 19.Anselmino signed his first professional contract with Boca in June but has only played seven times for the senior squad.Faye, on the other hand, also joined Barca in June and has since amassed four goals in 25 appearances for the developmental squad.The defender also registered a goal on his senior Senegal debut – his only cap to this day – despite his young age.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERUnited are definitely going to try and sign at least one centre-back this summer.The Red Devils are also expected to look for a centre-forward, central midfielder and right-back. Inside Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s amazing lifestyleHowever, the budget will be limited due to Financial Fair Play restrictions.But Sir Jim Ratcliffe will be hoping to raise up to £100million from player sales. More

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      High-flying ex-Man Utd coach tipped as dark horse to replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool by EFL chairman

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      KIERAN MCKENNA has been tipped to replace Jurgen Klopp as the Liverpool manager.The former Manchester United coach has impressed during his time in charge of Ipswich.Kieran McKenna has been tipped for the Liverpool jobCredit: GettyPeterborough chairman Darragh MacAnthony thinks McKenna is good enough for a top clubCredit: GettyJurgen Klopp is leaving the Reds this summerCredit: APMcKenna, 37, has led the Tractor Boys to the top of the Championship this season – their first back in the second tier since 2019.That is despite tough competition from the likes of Leicester City, Southampton and Leeds.McKenna’s efforts have seen him linked to some top jobs.Peterborough chairman Darragh MacAnthony has even backed the Northern Irishman as a potential candidate for the Liverpool job.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHe told talkSPORT: “Yeah, I was being laughed out of the studio by [producer] Luke – a Liverpool fan – this morning, as an outside dark horse (to succeed Klopp).”I love his brand of football. I’ve been watching him since last year in League One and what he’s done.”You can say that Ipswich are a big club, but they didn’t go out and spend mega-millions in the summer.”They kept a large part of the squad and the team from League One and they’re top of the Championship with five or six games to go, it’s incredible really.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”It’s not just his coaching and managing, it’s his style as well. It’s great to watch.”If you watched that game yesterday, it was a great advert for the industry. Roy Keane’s Biggest TV Rants “It was just non-stop. Russell [Martin] does a great job with Southampton and his style.”Then you’ve got Ipswich with their style and it was just an enthralling game to watch and that’s what you want to see. I think he’s destined for the top.”I think he wins promotion with Ipswich this year and he’ll surprise people with what he’ll do with them in the Premier League and within five or six years, he’ll be managing a top six club.”That’s with due respect to Ipswich. I respect everything they’ve done there, but I don’t think you can keep a guy like that down forever.”Liverpool are on the lookout for a new manager following Klopp’s announcement that he would be stepping down after this season.Bayer Leverkusen boss and former Red Xabi Alonso had been the frontrunner but he has committed himself to the Bundesliga club for another season.Sporting Lisbon gaffer Ruben Amorin also remains a potential candidate to arrive at Anfield. More

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      Man Utd told they must wait a YEAR to appoint Jason Wilcox after ‘derisory’ Saints offer in blow to Ratcliffe’s overhaul

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have been told they must wait a year to appoint Jason Wilcox unless they up their compensation offer.The former Blackburn winger, 53, dramatically resigned from his role as director of football at Southampton on Monday in order to force through a move to Old Trafford.Jason Wilcox has resigned as director of football at SouthamptonCredit: GettyMan Utd had angered the Saints by offering a year’s salary as compensation to the Championship club.Sources at Southampton claim the Red Devils were only given permission to speak to Wilcox on the condition that their offer would be far more generous.Wilcox has a 12-month notice period which Southampton are determined to stick to unless Man Utd return with an improved compensation offer.The ex-academy director at Manchester City is viewed as a key part of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Old Trafford rebuild alongside incoming director of football Dan Ashworth and chief executive Omar Berrada.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUnited are also involved in a dispute over compensation with Newcastle to release Ashworth from his lengthy gardening leave at St. James Park.Southampton have not only been frustrated by the compensation offer for Wilcox, but also the timing of the approach.The Red Devils want Wilcox, who spent 11 years with rivals Man City, to start work immediately but the Saints are nearing the end of a promotion push with just eight games of their Championship season left.They sit fourth, 12 points adrift of second-place Leeds with two games in hand.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSNews of Wilcox’s exit broke within an hour of their crucial game at Ipswich Town on Monday, which Kieran McKenna’s side won with a last minute goal to all but end Southampton’s hopes of automatic promotion.Owners Sport Republic, who have made significant changes to the footballing structure at St. Mary’s since last season, were reluctant to lose Wilcox just months before what will be a pivotal summer window.Watch as Roy Keane left devastated in rare footage after Man Utd’s 1999 Champions League semi-final against JuventusAfter United’s initial approach was rejected out of hand, Wilcox made the decision to resign. More

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      Seven clubs Kalvin Phillips could join next including Leeds and European giants as Man City eye cut-price transfer

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      KALVIN PHILLIPS’ nightmare loan spell at West Ham is going from bad to worse.The Manchester City loanee, 28, suffered a horror debut back in February as his error gifted Bournemouth the opening goal in a 1-1 draw.Kalvin Phillips has been poor since arriving at West Ham on loan in JanuaryCredit: GettyOne possible destination for Phillips could be a return to LeedsCredit: ReutersHe then made another mistake three days later, losing possession as Manchester United scored their third in a 3-0 win.He was brought on for 45 minutes in the humbling 6-0 defeat to Arsenal, before he was sent off for two yellow cards in three minutes against Nottingham Forest.And on Saturday, with West Ham leading 3-1 away at Newcastle, he gifted the hosts a way back into the game by fouling Anthony Gordon and conceding a penalty.Newcastle went on to win the game 4-3.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHis poor performances have also culminated in him being dropped from Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the recent friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.And with his form showing no sign of improvement, it leaves his future beyond the end of the season totally unclear.So where will Phillips be at the start of the 2024/25 campaign?Here are seven possible destinations for the midfielder in the summer as Man City prepare to offload him for a cut-price of £30million.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERWest HamWest Ham do not have an option-to-buy clause in Phillips’ loan deal, but could still seek to make his move permanent in the summer.That is despite him showing few signs of improving David Moyes’ side, with the Englishman currently having accumulated more red cards than goal contributions since arriving in East London.’He’s wasting his time playing’ – Ex-Premier League referee bizarrely tears into Kalvin Phillips for getting sent off LeedsPerhaps the most likely move for Phillips is a return to his boyhood club Leeds – providing they secure promotion back to the Premier League.He left Elland Road for Man City in 2022, but would undoubtedly be welcomed back with open arms to the place where he made his name.Phillips played 234 games for Leeds and was pivotal in helping them win the second tier in 2020.JuventusItalian giants Juventus were heavily linked with a move for Phillips in the January window, before they pulled out of the deal due to his financial demands.But they could yet return for him in the summer if Man City are prepared to get rid for just £30m.NewcastleNewcastle lost out to West Ham in their pursuit of Phillips at the start of the year.But with Eddie Howe set to dip into the transfer market in the summer following a dismal campaign, Phillips could yet move back to the top of the Toon’s transfer wishlist.Bayern MunichBayern Munich have already shown a desire to bring in English players from the Premier League with Harry Kane and Eric Dier both making the switch over the last 12 months.Phillips could be the next Three Lions star to join the German giants – particularly if Joshua Kimmich does not sign a new contract and is sold by the Bundesliga club.BarcelonaBarcelona were another of the huge European clubs touted with a move for Phillips in January.And they have endured a midfield injury crisis this season – with Gavi, Pedri and Frenkie de Jong all sidelined.Could Phillips be the answer to their problems?READ MORE SUN STORIESAtletico MadridLike Barcelona, Atletico Madrid were also in the frame for Phillips during the mid-season window.Manager Diego Simeone’s style of play could well fit the ex-Leeds man perfectly should he be open to a LaLiga move. More