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    Alejandro Garnacho transfer: TWO European giants targeting shock £50m swoop for Man Utd star amid Erik ten Hag ‘row’

    TWO of Europe’s biggest clubs are monitoring Alejandro Garnacho as his frustrating start to the season continues.The Argentine winger has had to spend a lot of time on the bench so far.Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag and Alejandro GarnachoCredit: ReutersHis surprising lack of action even led to claims of a row with boss Erik Ten Hag who was reportedly angry about a social media post Garnacho shared about not playing.Now, SunSport can reveal the situation has put Barcelona and Juventus on red alert.The Spanish and Italian giants are tracking the situation and could be willing to try to tempt United with a massive bid in thesummer.United are believed to value the player – who is a huge favourite with fans – at £50m.Read more on man utd Earlier this year, he insisted “God has something planned for me” in a cryptic post after being left out of the starting XI by Ten Hag in their 2-1 loss to Brighton.The Argentine was forced to play a substitute role in both of United’s first two games this season, playing the final 30 minutes against Fulham and the Seagulls – assisting Joshua Zirkzee’s late winner against the former at Old Trafford.Eyebrows were also raised earlier this season when Ten Hag was asked if he thought Garnacho was world class.Ten Hag responded: “You have gone to quickly. World class is something where he has to go a long way.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”He has a high potential, 100 per cent. But last season he contributed and he can be a starting XI player.”It starts with hard work. That has brought him to where he is now and that will bring him to being a world class player because I agree he has the potential.”Garnacho impressed for United last season and was one of the bright sparks amid a difficult campaign, scoring nine times and providing four assists.Garnacho is being watched by Barcelona and JuventusCredit: Getty More

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    Arsenal legend’s son signs for non-league club as he is handed career lifeline after four months unemployed

    A NON-LEAGUE side have handed a career lifeline to the son of an Arsenal legend.The 26-year-old had been without a club for four months after being released in the summer.A non-league side have signed the son of an Arsenal legend after four months as a free agentCredit: AlamyHe left Bromley in June following their promotion to League Two, a year-and-a-half on from signing for the club.Meanwhile, the attacking midfielder previously had a spell with Watford after arriving in England.His new club have now handed him a chance to reignite his career, though, as he joins his fourth senior side.National League South outfit Welling United confirmed his arrival on a free transfer on Wednesday.READ MORE ON ARSENALThe Wings have added Dutchman Mitchel Bergkamp, son of Gunners icon Dennis, to their ranks.Rod Stringer’s side currently sit 18th in the sixth tier following a 6-0 loss to Boreham Wood in their last match.Bergkamp could make his debut this weekend when his new club host Weston-super-Mare on Saturday afternoon.He arrives after scoring once in 10 appearances for Bromley and also played for Dutch side Almere City before heading to England.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHis dad even coached him at Almere during a brief spell as the club’s under-21 assistant manager.The ex-Ajax, Inter Milan and Netherlands forward is best known in England for his time in North London, though.Watch Thierry Henry awkwardly admit ‘I saw Bukayo Saka at the Arsenal academy and didn’t think he’d be that good’Mitchel Bergkamp was released by Bromley in June after their promotion to League TwoCredit: AlamyThe Dutch midfielder is the son of Gunners icon Dennis BergkampCredit: Instagram / @officialdennisbergkampBergkamp scored 120 goals in 422 appearances during 11 years at Highbury.During that time, he also won 10 trophies including a trio of Premier League titles.Since retiring aged 37 in 2006, he has held several coaching roles but has been away from the dugout since leaving Almere in 2019.Bergkamp won three Premier League titles during 11 years in North LondonCredit: Getty More

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    Barcelona considering sensational transfer swoop for Neymar – but only if they can’t lure Premier League star

    BARCELONA are reportedly considering a shock move for Neymar.The Brazilian could make a sensational return to the club seven years after his exit.Barcelona are considering a move to bring Neymar back to the club next summerCredit: APHowever, Barca’s pursuit is dependant on them missing out on signing a Premier League star.Neymar was sold to Paris Saint-Germain for a world record £198million in 2017 after four years in Spain.During that time, he scored 105 goals and provided 76 assists in 186 appearances for Barcelona.He also won nine trophies with the club, including the Champions League and a pair of league titles.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAccording to Sport, Neymar could now return to the Nou Camp next summer.The report claims Barca are considering a move for the 32-year-old if they miss out on signing Erling Haaland first.Haaland is understood to be their priority target for the 2025 summer transfer window.Neymar remains a target, though, with his Al-Hilal contract expiring at the end of the season.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSClub president Joan Laporta wants to give him another chance but would face competition from Brazilian side Flamengo.Laporta’s relationship with Neymar’s agent Pini Zahavi could boost his hopes of striking a deal.Top 10 highest paid sports stars in 2024Barca would reportedly only look to sign Neymar if they cannot bring in Erling HaalandCredit: GettyBarcelona will also be helped by his desire to play at the 2026 World Cup with the offer to play high level football again.Neymar joined Al-Hilal last summer, penning a two-year deal worth £314million.However, he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament just two months later after making just five appearances for the Saudi Pro League side.After a year out with the injury, Neymar recently returned to training and could make his comeback at the end of this month.Neymar spent four years with Barcelona before his world record move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017Credit: Getty More

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    Former Liverpool star Roberto Firmino reveals ‘straw that broke the camel’s back’ and ended Anfield career on the spot

    ROBERTO FIRMINO has revealed the moment he realised he had to leave Liverpool.The Brazilian, 33, played for the Reds for eight years between 2015 and 2023.Roberto Firmino played for Liverpool between 2015 and 2023Credit: Richard Pelham / The SunDuring his Anfield stint he played a key role within Jurgen Klopp’s front three alongside Sadio Mane and Mo Salah.Firmino helped Liverpool win the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup before leaving for Saudi Arabia.During his last few seasons on Merseyside, the forward became less of a regular feature within Jurgen Klopp’s starting XI.In his book, entitled Si Senor: My Liverpool Years, Firmino detailed exactly when he decided that he had to leave his beloved Anfield.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe wrote: “The straw that broke the camel’s back was a match against Wolves, in which I came on as a substitute in the last minute. That was it. Right there, I understood.”As we say in Brazil, the penny dropped. I knew now. I called my agents. Roger Wittmann and Christian Rapp met with me for a face-to-face talk.”We left the living room and went to my room: just me, Christian, Roger and Larissa, no distractions.”Christian and Roger were perfectly transparent about everything that was happening and the club’s view of my future.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFirmino replaced Darwin Nunez late on during a clash with WolvesCredit: Rex”It wasn’t a war. It was just a difference in understanding about what I could offer to Liverpool. I reflected a lot and realised that God’s plan was to take me somewhere else.”The signs were all there since that conversation with Pastor Daniel in Maceio. I had been stubborn.Football’s weirdest contract clauses revealed including non-Arsenal agreement and a private jet promise”God didn’t want me to stay in Liverpool, but I was insisting. I didn’t listen. But I couldn’t avoid it any more. It was time to accept.”I decided it was time to seek another challenge for myself, another purpose. My time at Liverpool had come to an end.”The match Firmino referenced was a 2-0 win over Wolves at Anfield in March 2023.Virgil van Dijk broke the deadlock with a header on 73 minutes, before Mo Salah quickly made it two.That night, with Mane having left the previous summer, Klopp started a front three featuring Salah, Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez.Klopp decided against bringing Firmino on as his side chased the opening goal, and even after going 1-0 up opted to bring on Cody Gakpo first.Firmino finally came on in the 89th minute, replacing Nunez for the closing stages.He would then come on for an 11-minute cameo the following week, grabbing a goal and an assist in the 7-0 rout of Manchester United.The Anfield icon went on to start just two more games for the Reds.READ MORE SUN STORIESThat summer he departed for Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli on a free transfer after 111 goals in 362 games for Liverpool.Since moving to the Middle East he has netted 12 times in 43 games, with his team finishing third last term.Firmino, 33, now plies his trade in Saudi ArabiaCredit: Getty More

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    Man Utd cult hero Federico Macheda signs for his 13th club as career nosedives 15 years after heroics against Villa

    MANCHESTER UNITED cult hero Federico Macheda has signed for his THIRTEENTH club just 15 years after his iconic debut against Aston Villa.The Italian striker, 33, was most recently at Turkish Super Lig side Ankaragucu, where he netted just once in 14 games.Federico Macheda has just signed for his THIRTEENTH club with Greek side Asteros TripolisMacheda is a Man Utd fan favourite after his incredible debutCredit: Getty – ContributorMacheda made just ONE appearance for them last season after falling out of favour.But he is now set for a brand new start after moving to Greece.Macheda has penned a deal with top-flight side Asteras Tripolis.And he will be managed by none other than Chelsea legend Claude Makelele, who took charge last month after a trophy-laden playing career.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMacheda is now at his 13th club, having made his pro debut at United 15 years ago in 2009.The forward immediately endeared himself to fans by netting a 93rd minute winner against Aston Villa aged 17.And he remains United’s youngest-ever Premier League scorer to this day.But a dip in form and several injury setbacks saw Macheda get less and less chances under Sir Alex Ferguson.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe embarked on a series of loans to Sampdoria, QPR, Stuttgart, Doncaster and Birmingham.And Macheda was finally released in 2014 after five goals in 36 outings, with Cardiff quickly moving for him.Cristiano Ronaldo ‘agreed to rejoin Man Utd with Real Madrid star in £200m deal’ Macheda came off the bench to net a 93rd minute winner against Aston Villa in 2009Credit: Getty – ContributorMacheda remains United’s youngest-ever Premier League scorerCredit: Getty – ContributorHe will be managed in Greece by Chelsea legend Claude MakeleleCredit: Getty – ContributorThe former Italy U21s star netted eight goals in 33 games for the Welsh side while also taking in a brief loan spell at Nottingham Forest.In 2016 he moved to Italy’s second tier with Novara, scoring 11 times in 52 games across two campaigns.And Macheda then ended up spending four seasons with Panathinaikos, clocking up 116 appearances and 40 goals in the process.His 2022 move to Ankaragucu did not work though, with Macheda joining his 12th club APOEL on a six-month loan.But the ace is determined to have another successful stint in Greece, with Makelele hopeful of helping Macheda rediscover his best form with 13th side Asteras. More

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    Prem title winner Mario Balotelli, 34, ‘debating’ transfer to minnows with stadium 26 times smaller than Man City

    MARIO BALOTELLI is nearing a move to Spanish lower-league side Intercity, according to reports.The Italian, 34, has been without a club since leaving Turkish outfit Adana Demirspor in June.Mario Balotelli played for Adana Demirspor last seasonCredit: GettyThe former Manchester City and Liverpool star did not find a new team prior to the summer transfer deadline.But according to Spanish outlet AS, a deal to join Spanish third-tier side Intercity is getting closer.They add that talks are “ongoing” but that the deal is not yet over the line.Balotelli scored seven goals in 16 games in Turkey’s top flight last season, having missed much of the campaign with a knee injury.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe even wore Adana Demirspor’s captain’s armband on a few occasions prior to leaving.Intercity were formed in 2017 and play in Spain’s Alicante region.They boast one player among their ranks that has previously played in English football; ex-Middlesbrough and Birmingham ace Emilio Nsue.The full-back, 34, played in England between 2014 and 2018, before later going on to sign for Intercity in 2022.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMario Balotelli career stats2006 – Lumezzane 2 (0)2007-2010 – Inter Milan 86 (28)2010-2013 – Man City 80 (30)2013-14 – AC Milan 41 (18)2014-2016 – Liverpool 28 (4)2015-16 – AC Milan (loan) 23 (3)2016-2019 – Nice 76 (43)2019 – Marseille 15 (8)2019-20 – Brescia 19 (5)2020-21 – Monza 14 (6)2021-22 – Adana Demirspor 33 (19)2022-23 – Sion 19 (6)2023-2024 – Adana Demirspor 16 (7)Should Balotelli join the Spanish side, he could find himself going up against reserve teams.That’s because Intercity play in the same league as Sevilla, Real Betis and Atletico Madrid’s B teams, drawing 1-1 with the latter last month.Former Premier League bad boy Mario Balotelli takes up new sport as he ‘calls out former UFC champion’Intercity’s stadium holds a capacity of just 2,000 people – a far cry from the 53,600 that can pack into the Etihad for Man games.Intercity are listed on the stock exchange, with the possible arrival of Balotelli potentially raising the value of shares.Should they close a deal for the former Azzurri international, he would not be able to be registered for games until January.He could join up to train with them, however, giving him three months to get himself fully fit.Balotelli, 34, played for Man City between 2010 and 2013Credit: Getty – Contributor More

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    New Man Utd signing arrives at Old Trafford for first time since transfer… only to see horror show against Tottenham

    WONDERKID Chido Obi Martin watched from the stands as Manchester United were thrashed 3-0 by Tottenham.The Red Devils put in a woeful performance on Sunday in the comfortable win for Spurs.Chido Obi Martin was spotted outside Old Trafford on SundayCredit: XObi Martin scored ten goals in one match last termCredit: GettyThe damaging defeat would have done little to reassure the club’s latest signing that he has made the right move, with new boy Obi Martin at Old Trafford for the first time to watch the game.Footage has emerged of teen sensation outside the stadium on Sunday.It comes just days after the Premier League ratified his switch from Arsenal to Man Utd.The 16-year-old has already agreed personal terms with the club and now has the green light to put pen to paper.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLObi Martin is currently a free agent after his contract at Arsenal expired.He has been tipped as a future star and he went viral last season after scoring TEN goals against Liverpool in a 14-3 win for the Gunners’ Under-16s team.Overall, the Danish-born striker scored 32 goals in 24 appearances in the youth-team last term.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThat tally includes a seven-goal haul against Norwich, five goals versus West Ham, four strikes in back-to-back games over Crystal Palace and Fulham as well as two more hat-tricks.Most read in FootballObi Martin’s goalscoring saw him train with the Arsenal first-team last season.Despite representing Denmark on the international stage, there has been rumours that the FA are hoping to convince him to represent England in the future.’He’s done!’ | How woeful tactics & Dalot shocker saw Spurs smash Man Utd to spell end for Ten HagMan Utd ratings vs TottenhamMANCHESTER UNITED suffered a 3-0 thrashing against Tottenham at Old Trafford.Captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off in the first half for fouling James Maddison, forcing Erik Ten Hag’s side to play with 10 men against Ange Postecoglou’s team.After back-to-back draws against Crystal Palace and FC Twente fans hoped United would redeem themselves against Spurs.However, the match at Old Trafford quickly turned sour. Brennan Johnson scored early and things worsened when Fernandes was sent off allowing Spurs to extend their lead to 3-0.And here is how SunSports Charlie Wyett rated the Manchester United stars.Andre Onana – 5Stood his ground to deliver a good save from Timo Werner who was clean through – no chance for either goal.Noussair Mazraoui – 5First in the refs’ book for chopping down Destiny Udogie. Could also have blocked Micky van de Ven for the goal. Just watched Solanke make it 3-0.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Shocking first half. Failed to cut out the cross from Micky van de Ven which led to the first goal.Lisandro Martinez – 5Switched off for the Spurs goal and was drawn to the ball and Johnson was left unmarked.Diogo Dalot – 5Gave the ball away in dangerous areas and struggled against Johnson.Manuel Ugarte – 5Suffered a stinker and was lucky to last until the 73rd minute.Kobbie Mainoo – 5Not one of his better performances and was taken off just before half-time following Fernandes’ sending-off.Marcus Rashford – 5Over-ran the ball for Tottenham’s first. Way off the pace.Bruno Fernandes – 4Arguably the worst captain in United’s history. Deserved red card for his challenge on James Maddison.Alejandro Garnacho – 6Had United’s only chance in the first half but hit the outside of the post. Improved in the second half.Joshua Zirkzee – 5Looked completely lost up front – threatening to be another poor Erik ten Hag signing. Replaced at half-time.Subs:Mount (for Mainoo 45)  5, Casemiro (for Zirkzee 46) 7, Hojlund (for Rashford 73) 5, Eriksen (for Ugarte 73) 5. More

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    Graham Potter hilariously breaks silence on Man Utd talks and ‘being linked with Napoli and Stoke in the same week’

    GRAHAM POTTER addressed speculation linking him with the top job at Manchester United with a hilarious quip.Potter, 49, has been a free agent since his dismissal by Chelsea 18 months ago but continues to be touted as a potential successor to under-fire United boss Erik ten Hag.Graham Potter addressed speculation linking him with Manchester United with a jokeCredit: ReutersMan Utd boss Erik ten Hag’s position at Old Trafford is becoming increasingly untenableCredit: PATen Hag’s position at Old Trafford is under threat after Sunday’s 3-0 thumping by Tottenham in another hapless display by the Red Devils.And the ex-Brighton manager broke his silence amid all the continuous talk linking him with the job.Potter, who was appearing on MNF on Sky Sports, said when asked if he’d enjoy the challenge of managing United: “I am sitting here enjoying the challenge of answering your questions.”The ex-Chelsea boss was less coy when asked about reports suggesting he was approached by Man Utd chiefs during the summer before they decided to hold on to Ten Hag.Read More on Man UtdThe former Swansea manager added: “I take what the media say with a pinch of salt.”I am the only coach in world football to be linked with Stoke City and Napoli in the same week. “I have had lots of conversations with lots of people and I think out of respect to those people it’s best those are kept private.”BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPotter also joked about taking the England job ahead of Bournemouth’s 3-1 win over Southampton. He said: “I think it’s time for a commercial break, isn’t it?!Most read in Football”As an Englishman, of course it’s a fantastic job and I’m supportive of FA and what they decide to do and whoever the next coach is.”Gareth did a fantastic job and I’m sure Lee will in his time, however long that is.”Potter, though, doesn’t seem to be in a hurry to return to the dugout after 12 years of non-stop work for the likes of Ostersunds, Swansea, Brighton and Chelsea.The Solihull tactician admitted he deliberately decided to step away from the limelight and focus on his family.Watch Graham Potter’s reaction as he is asked about England manager job moments after earning uni degreePotter recently admitted: “I spent some time with the family, [to] connect with them after a 12-year journey which has started in the fourth tier of Swedish football and ends in the last eight of the Champions League.”Graham Potter’s managerial careerA brief look at Graham Potter’s managerial career to date…2008 – 2011: Leeds Beckett University Carnegie2011 – 2018: Ostersund 2018 – 2019: Swansea City2019 – 2022: Brighton and Hove Albion2022 – 2023: Chelsea More