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      Jamie Vardy tipped to join Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s Wrexham revolution as chief refuses to rule out transfer

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      JAMIE VARDY could swap his Leicester City fairytale for Wrexham’s Hollywood blockbuster.The former England striker, 37, is set to be rewarded for firing the Foxes to the Championship title with a new contract offer.Jamie Vardy is celebrating after firing Leicester back to the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyWrexham owners Rob McElhenney (L) and Ryan Reynolds (R) have ambitious plansCredit: AFPHis double in 3-0 win at Preston on Monday ensured they went up as champs after sealing an immediate return to the Premier League.Vardy, who scored 20 this term, rose through the non-league ranks and joined Leicester in 2012, winning the Championship in 2014.Two years later they achieved mission impossible by winning the Premier League against all the odds and then enjoyed FA Cup success in 2021.However, he is yet to commit to a 13th season with the Foxes and now ambitious Wrexham are refusing to rule out making a sensational move for them.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe Welsh side have secured back-to-back promotions from the National League.Now they are looking forward to League One under their Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.They have managed to persuade players to drop down from higher divisions previously and now they have been linked with a swoop for Vardy.And their executive director, Humphrey Ker, has added further fuel to those flames.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWhen asked about the veteran directly by SPORTbible, he said: “There’s nothing to say that Jamie Vardy wouldn’t be a great Wrexham player.“It’s not a name I’ve had mentioned inside the building before.Fans in stitches as Vardy’s ‘Klinsmann dive’ almost goes badly wrong after his goals earn Leicester Championship title“But, you know, age and profile wouldn’t put us off.”Vardy is one of the top earners at Leicester but Wrexham have strong backing financially thanks to Reynolds and McElhenney.The Welsh club’s weekly wage bill for this season is higher than all but five teams in the division above them.Vardy lifted the Championship trophy this afternoonCredit: GettyMeanwhile, Vardy and Leicester’s campaign did end in slight disappointment this afternoon.They were attempting to finish the season with a victory that would have taken them to the 100-point mark.However, Blackburn’s Sammie Szmodics scored twice to seal the visitors a crucial 2-0 win at the King Power to make sure Rovers stayed in the Championship.Vardy did finally get his hands on the title trophy afterwards though as the result failed to stop the party.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Jose Mourinho targeted for lucrative return to management four months after ex-Chelsea and Man Utd boss sacked by Roma

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      JOSE MOURINHO has been targeted for a lucrative return to management in Saudi Arabia, according to reports. The former Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham boss has been out of a job since being sacked by Roma in January.Jose Mourinho could soon be managing in Saudi ArabiaMourinho has been linked with a move back to the Blues, but ruled himself out of the running after revealing he refuses to attend games despite living less than two minutes from Stamford Bridge.However, the Portuguese could soon find himself managing in the Middle East.According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Saudi side Al-Qadsiah want Mourinho as their manager for next season.The club are set to be promoted up to the Saudi Pro League from the Saudi First Division and have “huge ambitions” to challenge the four Public Investment Fund (PIF) owned clubs; Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli, Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAl-Qadsiah, who are based in the eastern Saudi city of Al Khobar, are owned by petroleum giants Aramco.Jacobs’ report adds Mourinho is due in the city later this month.He has previously rejected mega-money offers from the league from the likes of Al-Shabab.It was reported at the time that Mourinho was on “stand-by” for a job that would “motivate” him.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe 65-year-old has used his time away from football to head to both a Formula One race and wave the chequered flag at a Moto GP race.However, he has also been racking his brain on new tactical innovations.Jose Mourinho waves chequered flag at Portuguese GP as ex-Chelsea and Man Utd boss drops huge hint about football returnAnd he revealed last month how he believes a manager will one day not play with a goalkeeper as they attempt to score late on in a game. More

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      Newcastle legend calls on club to let Bruno Guimaraes LEAVE in £100m transfer… if it means keeping fellow star

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      SHAY GIVEN would keep Alexander Isak and sell Bruno Guimaraes to answer Newcastle’s £100million question.Yet while he knows he might be clutching, the former Toon keeper hopes both superstars are still strutting around St James’ Park next season.Shay Given believes Newcastle should let Bruno Guimaraes leave for £100millionCredit: RexThe Newcastle icon feels selling Guimaraes will allow the club to keep hold of Alexander IsakCredit: GettyMagpies chiefs have admitted one might have to be sold this summer to balance the books and reinvest elsewhere.  On one hand you have Bruno, the iconic Brazilian midfielder adored by the Toon Army more than any other.  The Samba star is the spiritual leader of Eddie Howe’s side, but a £100m release clause active for one month up to the end of July has Manchester City and Arsenal on red alert. Arsenal and a host of other top clubs are monitoring Isak, who is rapidly establishing himself as one of the world’s deadliest marksmen.  READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd Given, 48, told SunSport: “Bruno has been brilliant but if you had to make a choice, you’d want to keep Isak.  “He’s up there with the best strikers in the world and could play for any club out there, so that’s why there is so much noise. All the big clubs will be looking at him and could chance their arm with cheeky bids to see just how much Newcastle do need to sell him.  “They paid £60million for him and you see other clubs spending similar sums for forwards who are at panic stations when in goal, fluffing their lines.  “It’s the opposite with Isak, everything just slows down around him, and you wouldn’t want to lose someone of that calibre.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“However, who can afford him now? And if Newcastle sold him for let’s say £120m, they could spend £50m on someone else who might struggle.” As for Guimaraes, he was left in tears when he saw the giant Brazil-themed banner across the Gallowgate before last week’s 5-1 win over Sheffield United.Newcastle to snub new stadium and expand St James’ Park in ‘one of most ambitious rebuilds seen in UK’He’s recently bought a new house in the North East, and Given hopes that connection with the locals could prove decisive if someone triggers his release clause.  The ex-Republic of Ireland stopper added: “My only hope is that he is so iconic among the fans.  “I’m maybe clutching with my own black and white hat on but I’d love to build a team around both him and Isak.  “Bruno has got that relationship with the supporters and it’s not for the cameras. The display last week was special and, unless he’s moving to Hollywood to be an actor, his reaction was genuine.  “But it’s a bit like the Jack Grealish situation. He had a £100m release clause with Aston Villa and once that was hit by Man City, it was a done deal.  “If someone hits that number then it will be difficult to keep hold of him. Given hopes Newcastle can reinvest the money from potentially selling GuimaraesCredit: Getty“I just hope in six months’ time that Isak is banging the goals in, Bruno is bossing the midfield and the Saudi owners have backed the club again to add to the team.  “It’s just a shame we’re not talking about who Newcastle are going to buy this summer because of the wealth of the owners.“Instead we’re talking about who might be sold and that leaves a sour taste in the mouth of fans.”  Newcastle travel to Burnley today as they try and hunt down Manchester United to claim sixth and a Europa League spot.  Howe’s side sit one point behind the Red Devils but also have Chelsea chomping at their heels.  And given their horrendous luck with injuries as they’ve tried to balance the Champions League as well, on top of £55m midfielder Sandro Tonali’s 10-month bet ban, Given reckons sixth would be some achievement.  He said: “They’ve had 11 players out at various times this season. Eddie has had to put kids on the bench just to make up the numbers, which would concern the owners.  “The strength in depth hasn’t been there, so this year shows the squad needs improvement all over the pitch. “But it would be an amazing season if they get into the top six. They’ve been so unlucky with injuries, I’ve never seen anything quite like it.  READ MORE SUN STORIES“Others will say the same but I really do think Newcastle have had it worse than anyone else.”  Shay Given is a brand ambassador for sports betting platform CopyBet. Visit CopyBet.com. More

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      Jadon Sancho RULES OUT returning to Man Utd even if Ten Hag goes with Borussia Dortmund set to open transfer talks

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      JADON SANCHO has no plans to return to Manchester United once his loan deal at Borussia Dortmund expires next month.And the Champions League semi-finalists are ready to open talks with the Red Devils about extending his stay in Germany.Jadon Sancho has ruled out a return to Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyThe winger fell out with Erik ten Hag earlier this seasonCredit: GettyDortmund know they are unlikely to be able to afford the price tag for a permanent deal for the 24-year-old this summer.So they plan to ask about the possibility of signing him for another year – with an option or obligation to buy at the end of the 2024/5 campaign.United paid £73million to sign Sancho from the German giants in summer 2021 but he never lived up to that price tag.He fell out with Erik ten Hag after a defeat at Arsenal in August when he took to social media claiming he was being made a scapegoat for the team’s failures.READ MORE ON MAN UTDSaudi Arabian club Al Ettifaq were quoted around £50m when they tried to sign him and backed off – meaning he spent the rest of the calendar year frozen out.But when the transfer window re-opened in January, he was offered the chance to return to Dortmund to begin rebuilding his career.He has done exactly that and caught the eye in the win over Paris Saint-Germain earlier this week – sparking talk he could return to Old Trafford.However it is understood he would be open to the idea of staying in Germany – no matter who is in charge of United next season.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe position of Ten Hag is likely to be reviewed by new owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe at the end of the season.Ten Hag said earlier this week he was pleased with the way Sancho had performed in the narrow first-leg win over PSG.Jamie Carragher interviews Jadon Sancho on live TV after EIGHT PINTS and CBS Sports studio cannot bear to watchHe said: “It showed why United bought him and why he represents a high value for Manchester United.“I’m happy for Jadon and we will see what is going to happen in the future.” More

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      Ten Hag is a gladiator taking shots for his team but he’s losing control – I can’t see him surviving Man Utd axe

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      I CANNOT picture a scenario where Erik ten Hag is Manchester United manager next season — and you know what, I think he would secretly agree.He has spent a lot of money on players that haven’t worked and as a result United are falling further and further behind their main rivals.Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has shown a lot of toughness this seasonCredit: ReutersTroy Deeney doesn’t expect Ten Hag to stay on as Man Utd managerCredit: RexSo, there is a part of me that actually respects what he is doing right now in his press conferences with the media — fighting back.He is putting on his gladiator armour, swinging his sword and taking some arrows to the chest trying to shield his stars like a protective dad.It is him against the world — and perhaps with one eye on his next job — he wants to make it clear the problems at United do not just stop with him.But in doing so, with  personal pride kicked around, he’s losing control.Read More on Man UtdHe has banned newspapers and outlets on several occasions. How is that a good thing? Tell me one positive that comes from that? It doesn’t make sense.I remember Sir Alex Ferguson using that tactic but he had won a lot and was a powerful figure in the game, not someone who has only just come to the Premier League.Is Ten Hag really sitting there and saying, “You’re all saying nasty things about me, so you’re banned?”He spoke at length after the FA Cup semi-final against Coventry about how harshly treated United were, calling the reports “embarrassing”.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut you are Man United and you were 3-0 up against a Coventry team who haven’t made the play-offs this year — and you nearly lost it. How can it be reported in any other way? If you haven’t played well, just admit it, own it and move on.And you know how to take back control? Play well and win games.I know a few United fans who now just don’t believe a word Ten Hag says.Who could be Man Utd’s next manager after Ten Hag?It has all the hallmarks of a boss digging his heels in and saying: “Look, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, I can be powerful if I want to. I can put my foot down.”There are times when this ploy works, it can galvanise a dressing room and show that their boss is fighting for them. But you’re taking a massive risk.There will always be a split of players who agree and disagree with what you’re doing.I reckon right now there is a 70-30 split in that dressing room, and even if that goes in your favour, that’s still a big chunk of your squad who believe that you don’t have a clue.And I would imagine the likes of Casemiro and Raphael Varane, who have played at a far superior level to any of their team-mates, are thinking: “What are we doing here?” They’ve played at the biggest club in the world in Real Madrid and that’s not how they conduct themselves.Have to control the narrativeUnited captain Bruno Fernandes has hinted in an interview recently he may leave and wants to feel loved. Who at Madrid would ever do that?Once you’ve lost people, you can bring them back a little bit but, at the first sign of another crack, it will all come back up.Look, I know how tough it can be to deal with the media when things aren’t going well, or people don’t know the full story of what is going on in the background.I experienced it with Forest Green. It takes a toll on you and your family.But he is an experienced boss. He should be able to control a narrative.And when you start banning the media, all it does is encourage players to read and take note of those reports.Focusing on the wrong thingsThe players  will be thinking: “Hang on, you tell us not to worry about external noises, yet you must read it because you’re banning media outlets.”Every player needs to be focused on their job, not what is being written.It ends up creating more of a divide.Ten Hag has the feel of a man who is paranoid about what is being said by others and where it is coming from, but that happens at every club.People like Ten Hag want to control everything, especially when bad things are being said.READ MORE SUN STORIESIf you use the media to your advantage, you can’t complain when it goes against you. That’s the way of the world.It is indicative of the issues at United right now — Ten Hag is focusing on all the wrong things.Pundits verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future
      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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      Man Utd fans think they’ve made first transfer as former Leeds star posts pic in Red Devils shirt and says ‘I’m here’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans believe they have uncovered their first summer signing after Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie bizarrely changed his Facebook profile photo.The American, 25, is preparing to enter the final 12 months of his contract this summer after four years in Italy.Weston McKennie is out of contract with Juventus at the end of next seasonCredit: RexThis photo became his Facebook profile picture, before he quickly changed it backCredit: FacebookAnd he appeared to drop a major hint about a transfer away from Juventus with a strange bit of social media activity on Friday.Ex-Leeds loanee McKennie’s official Facebook page changed its profile picture to an image of him in a Man Utd shirt.Alongside it was a caption that simply read: “I’m here!”This led many Man Utd supporters to the conclusion that he was arriving at Old Trafford in the coming months – nearly two years after he was first linked with the move.READ MORE ON MAN UTDOne said: “I think United were linked with him on a certain deadline day!.. Must have taken the picture then thinking it’ll work out lol.”Another added: “He loves this club.”A third replied: “Won’t be a bad signing tbh.”While a fourth responded: “He coming.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd a fifth said: “🤣🤣🤣 If true, it would mean we want to finally replace Fred.”McKennie has scored 13 goals and assisted a further 15 in 131 appearances for Juventus since arriving from Schalke.Man Utd’s top targets for the transfer windowHe played 20 times while on loan at Leeds during the second half of last season, but failed to help them avoid relegation.Man Utd are set to employ a “sell-to-buy” transfer strategy in the summer window as new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe continues to take hold of football operations at the club.It is understood they will listen to offers for all but three of the squad.McKennie has featured in 32 of Juventus’ 34 Serie A games this season More

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      Arsenal ‘to offer £115,000-a-week contract to land Serie A striker but face competition from new champions Inter Milan’

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      ARSENAL are reportedly prepared to offer Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee a £115,000-a-week contract. But they face fierce competition from Italy, with newly-crowned Serie A champions Inter Milan poised to make a move.Joshua Zirkzee has been linked with a move to a number of European clubsCredit: GETTYAnd, even if they can tempt the Dutch striker to leave Italy, the Gunners will also have to fend off Man Utd and Aston Villa. According to Tuttosport, Zirkzee, 22, is at the top of Arsenal’s summer transfer list.Mikel Arteta’s side are said to have contacted the player’s agent already over a deal until 2029.And they could have the edge over Inter, with the Italians likely to struggle to match Bologna’s £51million price-tag.That fee would still be a significant chunk of Arsenal’s summer transfer kitty, especially if they want to abide by the new Premier League spending cap.But club scouts have been impressed by the Bologna number nine’s 12 goals and seven assists in 35 games across all competitions.The tally compares to Gabriel Jesus’s eight goals and seven assists in 33 games, and Kai Havertz’s 13 goals and 6 assists in 48.And, while there isn’t a huge difference in terms of stats, his youth is considered a factor in Arsenal’s interest.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe club do have a backup plan in case a deal for Zirkzee falls through.Inter Live reported that Arsenal are also eyeing up Inter Marcus Thuram.The forgotten Arsenal wonderkidsWith 14 goals and 13 assists across 43 games, he could be the catalyst to Arteta’s title push next season.The report claims that Arsenal could even offer Gabriel Jesus plus £26million to tempt Inter to do business.SunSport understands that, while Jesus accepts that he has not hit the expected standards this campaign, he is very settled at Arsenal and wants to fight for his place in Arteta’s side.Mikel Arteta’s striker shopping listBy Jordan Davies
      ARSENAL are stepping up plans to sign a world-class striker in the summer after their Champions League heartbreak.
      Mikel Arteta splashed out £204.5m last summer on Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber.
      But the Spanish manager accepts he needs a proven goalscorer to take the club to the next level.
      And here are the players he is looking at to get the Gunners firing:
      BENJAMIN SESKO (RB Leipzig, value £40m-£45m)
      One for the future at 20 years old. Scored 16 goals for RB Salzburg in the Austrian Bundesliga last season and the Slovenian has carried on that good form in Germany with Leipzig this campaign.
      VIKTOR GYOKERES (Sporting Lisbon, value £60m-£80m)
      Been scouted several times this season. The Swedish striker, 25, is more of a traditional No 9 so may not suit Arsenal’s demand for flexibility but would bring a physicality that boss Mikel Arteta craves.
      ALEXANDER ISAK (Newcastle, value £75m-£85m)
      Impressed in his first two seasons in English football. The Swede, 24, has the pace and finesse to match his finishing ability, and Eddie Howe’s Toon may need to sell to balance the books this summer.
      JOSHUA ZIRKZEE (Bologna, value £45m-£50m)
      Dutch wonder  is attracting the attentions of clubs across Europe. At 6ft 4in the 22-year-old forward would have no trouble adapting to the Premier League and already has an eye for goal.
      XAVI SIMONS (RB Leipzig, value £70m-£80m)
      An incredible talent in the Bukayo Saka mould, currently on loan from Paris Saint-Germain. The future of the Dutch attacker, 20, depends on how much money his parent club want to make from him. More

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      Ex-Newcastle and Brighton ace, 33, wakes up unemployed after being released by League One Charlton after just four games

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      A FORMER Newcastle and Brighton star has been made unemployed after being released by Charlton.Kazenga LuaLua only joined the Addicks in March and featured four times for the club.Kazenga LuaLua has been released by CharltonCredit: Focus ImagesThe winger used to play for Newcastle and Brighton and Hove AlbionCredit: GettyConnor Wickham is another high-profile exit from The ValleyCredit: RexThe attacker failed to score or assist a single goal during his stint at the Valley under manager Nathan Jones.This meant that the club has decided against handing him a new contract as he now joins the free agents list.LuaLua, 33, did make seven appearances in the Premier League during his career, all of which came at Newcastle.However, it was in the Championship that he enjoyed the majority of his career.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe made 218 appearances in the division scoring 19 goals and assisting 22.LuaLua started his career at Newcastle but made his name at Brighton and Hove Albion.He had three loan spells on the South Coast before joining permanently in 2011.He left the Seagulls in 2018 and joined Sunderland for a short spell.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe winger then had stints at Luton Town, Turkish outfit Genclerbirligi SK and Greek side Levadiakos before joining Charlton.LuaLua has multiple relatives that are also in football with his brother being another former Newcastle star, Lomana LuaLua.His cousins are former Bournemouth ace Tresor Kandol and ex-Prem winger Yannick Bolasie.He is not the only former Premier League ace to find himself without a club after the announcement.Former Crystal Palace, Sunderland and Leeds striker Connor Wickham has also been released by the League One outfit.Wickham also made four appearances for the club since joining in March but did manage one goal and one assist.Other players that have been shown the door at the Valley include ex-Chelsea defender Michael Hector as well as Richard Chin, Diallang Jaiyesimi, Jack Payne, Terell Thomas and Lawis Ward.Who are these famous footballers? More