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    ‘There’s always someone watching’ – Samuel Iling-Junior out to gatecrash England’s World Cup squad by starring for U21s

    SAMUEL ILING-JUNIOR hopes a successful European Championship can springboard him into Aston Villa’s first-team – and World Cup contention.The versatile wing-back, 21, arrived at Villa Park from Juventus last summer as part of the deal that took Douglas Luiz in the opposite direction.Samuel Iling-Junior hopes a big Euros will lead to a breakthrough with both Villa and EnglandCredit: GettyThe starlet left Juventus to join Unai Emery’s Villa last yearCredit: EPAHowever, he stayed put in Italy to spend the first half of the campaign on loan at Bologna in Serie A and even scored for them in the Champions League.Weeks later Iling-Junior, who originally left Chelsea for Juve in 2020, was back in England and heading to Middlesbrough.And it was while playing for the Championship club that he decided he wants his future to be at left-back.Iling-Junior, who is battling with Tino Livramento to start there for England U21s in Thursday’s Euros opening against Czech Republic, said: “I definitely settled into the left-back role and going up and down the pitch [at Boro]. I enjoyed that, bringing my parts into the team with assists, tricks and being creative.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“It’s an honour to be one of the players that the manager has chosen and I want to repay that on the pitch.“Tino has obviously had that great season with Newcastle. The competition is always healthy. If I can bring out the best of him and he brings out the best of me and we go and win the tournament then it’s happy days.”Iling-Junior has represented England at every level bar the seniors and has seen several of his team-mates graduate into the Three Lions first-team.And he knows this month’s tournament in Slovakia could lead to a huge season ahead for him at both club and international level as he revealed his ambitions for the coming 12 months.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHe said: “You have to put the World Cup in your sights and knock on that door or at least put myself in a position to be knocking on that door.“There’s a pathway and there’s always someone watching. All the boys that have made their debut from the U21s and are now in that squad, that just goes to show that if you keep putting your mind to it and work with the coaches then you’ll get repaid for your hard work.England’s biggest divers of the season crowned… as shocking record revealed“And definitely get back into Villa after this tournament and have some conversations and make an impact there as well.“Unai Emery has always had conversations with me, so that helps. and he’s kept track of my loans. So that’s definitely a good relationship and once we get back after the tournament then we’ll have those conversations.“But, for now, it’s definitely just focusing on the Euros and we’ll see when I get back to Villa.”Iling-Junior has already tasted Euro joy with England at U19 level and was part of the Juventus side alongside the likes of Dusan Vlahovic and Adrien Rabiot that beat Atalanta to lift the Coppa Italia last season.He added: “Winning the Coppa Italia, winning a trophy, is one of the best feelings I’ve had. “Juventus is a big, big club and I learned what winning actually meant there, and not just winning, dominating and that’s a really nice feeling knowing that you’re part of history.“I enjoyed the pressure there. That gave me motivation each game to go out with a bit of pressure and do what I enjoy. Winning the Euros would definitely be up there with that.”Read More on The SunEngland kick off their Euro campaign against the Czech Republic on Thursday.They then face Slovenia three days later and finish the group stage against Germany on Wednesday 18 June with all of the Young Lions’ matches being broadcast on Channel 4. More

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    Jack Grealish lined up as Florian Wirtz replacement with Man City star accepting Etihad career is over

    JACK GREALISH is being lined up as a potential replacement for Florian Wirtz, SunSport can reveal.The Manchester City and England star has accepted his career at the Etihad is over, and he’s set to become one of the most sought after players in Europe this summer.Jack Grealish is being lined up to replace Florian Wirtz at Bayer LeverkusenCredit: GettyWirtz is expected to leave the club in a deal which could break the Premier League transfer recordCredit: GettyNew boss Erik ten Hag is said to be a huge fan of GrealishCredit: AFPTottenham, Newcastle, and former club Aston Villa are all among those reportedly interested in the player.Italian champions Napoli are also strongly linked with the attacking midfielder, as Antonio Conte looks to build a squad that can compete in the Champions League next season.Now, German giants Bayer Leverkusen are set to enter the race as well, with City wanting around £40million for him.New manager Erik ten Hag is believed to be a huge admirer of the 29-year-old and has told Leverkusen chiefs he could be the “perfect replacement” for Wirtz.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWirtz, 22, is set to leave the club this summer with Liverpool red-hot favourites to sign him, despite seeing a £113m bid rejected last week.It’s likely to leave ex-Manchester United boss Ten Hag with a massive war-chest to spend.And after landing Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken, he’s planning to use some of the cash to try to tempt Grealish to quit the Premier League.Sources close to the player say Grealish is attracted by the idea of playing overseas. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHe’s keen to make a fresh start and force his way back into the England squad ahead of next summer’s World Cup.A fairytale move back to boyhood club Villa would also interest Grealish.Jack Grealish shows off his singing skills as he meets Rod Stewart in Dortmund with mum and dad on break from Man CityBut their failure to secure Champions League football could count against them when Grealish makes his decision.SunSport exclusively revealed how Newcastle were interested in signing the £100m City ace on loan. but would need to pay his full £300,000-a-week wages to complete a deal.Grealish was told his City career was over after reports emerged saying he would be omitted from Pep Guardiola’s squad for the Club World Cup.Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel is a big admirer of Grealish, but wants to see him playing week-in-week-out before considering him for his plans. More

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    Man Utd ‘make first Viktor Gyokeres approach as Ruben Amorim looks to beat Arsenal to huge £60m transfer’

    MANCHESTER UNITED have made an initial approach for Viktor Gyokeres, according to reports.The striker scored 66 goals for Ruben Amorim when the pair worked together at Sporting. Manchester United have approached Sporting over Viktor GyokeresCredit: GettyRuben Amorim is desperate to be reunited with the striker at Old TraffordCredit: PAIn total, he boasts a staggering record of 97 goals in 102 appearances for the Portuguese giants. Gyokeres, 27, has an £84million release clause in his contract at the Estadio Jose Alvalade.However, Sky Sports News report United contacted Sporting to enquire about the Swedish international. But as revealed by SunSport, it is understood Gyokeres had a gentlemen’s agreement with Sporting that he can leave for around £58-60m.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSAnd Amorim is desperate to be reunited with the striker – with his current No9s Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee struggling for goals.United cannot offer any European football next season – let alone Champions League football.But Amorim will hope his personal connection can entice Gyokeres, who is also wanted by Arsenal. Amorim has already completed his £62.5m transfer from Wolves.Most read in FootballAnd the Red Devils also remain keen on landing Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford.However, that deal has hit complications with Tottenham set to appoint Thomas Frank as their new manager. THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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    Michail Antonio set to quit West Ham after horror car crash despite being offered new contract amid ‘unique’ situation

    MICHAIL ANTONIO is heading towards the exit door at West Ham despite being offered a new deal.The Hammers striker, 35, has not played since his horror crash in December, which required surgery on a broken leg.Michail Antonio is set to leave West Ham this summerCredit: PAAntonio’s current deal at the London Stadium expires on June 30 and the club announced today that terms on a new deal are yet to be agreed.The Jamaica international has been offered a short-term deal with a far lower base salary than his current £90,000-a-week contract.Significant bonuses are included for any appearances Antonio would make next season.However, West Ham’s all-time top Premier League goalscorer is seeking a higher base salary offer and is holding out for offers from elsewhere.READ MORE ON WEST HAMThe club have done all they can to support his recovery, but will not be improving upon their offer and have indicated they would be pleased for Antonio should he secure better terms from another club.Spending money is tight at the London Stadium this summer and there is a focus on bringing the average age of Graham Potter’s squad down.Antonio, who is confident he will be able to play again, had urged Potter to include him in a Premier League squad towards the end of the season but it was thought too big of a risk.The striker is now hoping to make his first appearance since the December car crash with Jamaica at this summer’s Gold Cup, which starts next week.Most read in FootballImpressive performances with Jamaica could spark interest from other clubs, which is limited at this stage.Antonio has already branched out to prepare for life after football, working with the BBC’s Morning Live and as a pundit for TNT Sports during their coverage of the Conference League final.’I almost wasn’t there for my kids’ – Michail Antonio ‘happy’ to have ‘another chance at life’ after horror car crashAntonio shared some footage of his recovery on social mediaCredit: instagram/@michailantonioThe striker is pushing to make a return following his car crashCredit: instagram/@michailantonioAnnouncing their retained list, the Hammers said in a statement: “Given Michail Antonio’s unique situation, following his serious road traffic accident in December 2024, there will be no formal decision and announcement on his future until such time that it is considered right and appropriate.”However, as his current contract is also due to expire on 30 June, for the purposes of the Premier League Retained List procedure at the end of the 2024/25 season, Michail will be listed as a free transfer. “As a long-serving, highly-respected player, and a much-loved member of the West Ham family, the club’s absolute priority at this time is to support Michail personally in his journey to resume playing at the highest level.”Former West Ham captain Kurt Zouma, who spent last season on loan at Saudi Pro League club Al-Orobah FC, will also formally depart with his contract ending this month.Danny Ings, Aaron Creswell, Vladimir Coufal and Lukasz Fabianski had already been confirmed as leaving at the end of their deals this summer.Antonio recently made a return to the training pitchCredit: instagram/@michailantonio More

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    Erik ten Hag tried to STOP Man Utd signing Antony but club ‘pushed £86million transfer through at all costs’

    ERIK TEN HAG tried to block Manchester United from signing mega-money flop Antony, according to a sensational claim.Antony, 25, joined the Red Devils in 2022 for £85.5million in Ten Hag’s first summer at the club to follow the manager directly from Ajax.A sensational claim from the co-founder of Erik ten Hag’s SEG agency has claimed he tried to block Antony’s transfer to Man UtdCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunThe claim says Man Utd ‘pushed through the deal at all costs’Credit: AFPThe Old Trafford outfit originally did not want to pay as much for the star.However, according to widespread reports, Man Utd only pushed ahead with the deal after being encouraged by Ten Hag to complete it when he lost his first two games in charge.Then Man Utd chief John Murtough submitted three bids to take Antony from the Dutch giants, which was eventually accepted.After a bright start, Antony form dipped alarminly and he quickly became a scapegoat for Ten Hag’s failings as Man Utd boss.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Brazilian eventually lost his place in the starting XI in his second season before he was sent out on loan to Real Betis halfway through his third season with Man Utd.Ten Hag now manages Bayer Leverkusen and has been linked with the winger once again.But in a stunning claim from Kees Vos, co-founder of Sports Entertainment Group (SEG) who are Ten Hag’s agency, he says Ten Hag actually tried to BLOCK the move, with Man Utd being the ones wanting to “push it through at all costs”.Writing in the book, Liverpool and the Dutch, Vos claims: “Ten Hag and Vos were not in favour of this and wanted to stop the transfer.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”But the club wanted to push through at all costs, because Arsenal was also interested in Antony. “The risk of a stronger competitor would be great. Ultimately, Manchester United paid almost 100 million euros for Antony.’With you, I started to smile again’ – Tearful Antony announces Real Betis exit”Although Ten Hag did not support this transfer, it stuck with him throughout his entire time in Manchester that he took over the attacker from Ajax for this ill-fated amount, who was never able to fulfil his promise.”Overall, Antony scored just 12 goals and added five assists in 96 games for the Red Devils and was often ridiculed for his flagrant skills which often yielded no end product.His loan at La Liga club Betis reminded people of skills as he contributed to 14 goals in 26 games. Man Utd chiefs are reportedly willing to take a hit worth more than half of what they originally paid in order to get him off the books, with a figure of around £40m being reported.SunSport have also revealed how Ten Hag’s Bayer are considering a move for Jack Grealish after he was told his Manchester City career is over.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordWATCH EVERY MATCH OF THE CLUB WORLD CUP 2025 LIVE ON DAZN More

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    Man Utd release TEN players including Christian Eriksen and Jonny Evans as massive summer overhaul begins

    MANCHESTER UNITED have announced that TEN players are leaving the club.The Red Devils confirmed their released and retained list with some notable names heading for the exit door.Christian Eriksen is one of ten players being released from Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyJonny Evans is also on his way out of the clubCredit: GettyLindelof has also been let go by the Red DevilsCredit: GettyTom Heaton is in talks over a new contractCredit: GettyStar players such as Christian Eriksen, Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof have not been offered new deals.Lindelof has spent eight years at Manchester United, having joined from Benfica back in 2017.He made 284 appearances for the club and picked up FA Cup and League Cup winners’ medals.Evans ends his second spell at Old Trafford, having played a total of 241 times for the club.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe rejoined the club in 2023 on a free transfer after spells at West Brom and Leicester City.His stint unemployed could be short having already been linked with a move to Wrexham.Eriksen was also a free transfer when he made the move to Manchester United back in 2022.The Dane fought his way back to fitness after suffering a cardiac arrest in May 2021 during the Euros.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHis return to football came during a six-month spell from January 2022 at Brentford, which saw him then make the switch to Manchester.The midfielder played 108 times for the club, scoring eight goals and assisting 19 more.Former Man Utd boss Louis van Gaal launches scathing attack on old side while heaping praise on bitter rivalsVeteran goalkeeper Tom Heaton is also heading for the exit if a new deal can not be agreed.The club have confirmed that discussions over a new contract are underway.It is stated that a new deal would see the former Burnley stopper stay at Old Trafford for the 2025/26 season.He did make appearances for the club in the post-season tour of Asia.Man United released players Here are the ten players that have been released by Manchester United…Christian EriksenJonny EvansHubert GraczykTom Heaton (In talks over a new deal)Jack KingdonVictor LindelofSam MurrayTom MylesJames NolanTom WoosterYoungsters Hubert Graczyk, Jack Kingdon, Sam Murray, Tom Myles, James Nolan and Tom Wooster are all also due for release.On the youth players, a club statement read: “The Academy is proud of all of our departing young players throughout the age groups.”They will be supported in securing contracts at new clubs, provided with a bespoke aftercare programme, and will always have a lifelong association with Manchester United.”Meanwhile, Ruben Amorim has already welcomed Matheus Cunha to Old Trafford from Wolves.Read More on The SunThe attacker fetched a pricey fee of £62.5million as the club had to trigger his release clause.The club have also been heavily linked with moves for Brentford ace Bryan Mbeumo and Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres.Contracted players at Man UnitedHere is a list of all the contracted players at Manchester United…Sonny AljofreeAmad DialloHarry AmassAntonyZach BaumannAltay BayindirRhys BennettGabriele BiancheriBruno FernandesCasemiroToby CollyerDiogo DalotMatthijs de LigtJacob DevaneyPatrick Chinazaekpere DorguEthan EnnisJayce FitzgeraldJack FletcherTyler FletcherTyler FredricsonAlejandro GarnachoDan GoreElyh HarrisonAyden HeavenRasmus HojlundJoe HugillAmir IbragimovLouis JacksonJaydan KamasonSekou KoneShea LaceySamuel LusaleHarry MaguireKobbie MainooTyrell MalaciaLisandro MartinezSam MatherNoussair MazraouiFinley McAllisterDermot MeeAshton Missin (Contract offered)Jack MoorhouseMason MountWill MurdockVictor MusaChido ObiHabeeb OgunneyeAndre OnanaMarcus RashfordTommy RoweJadon SanchoJames ScanlonMalachi SharpeLuke ShawJim ThwaitesManuel UgarteRadek VitekEthan WheatleyEthan WilliamsLeny YoroJoshua ZirkzeeJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford More

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    West Ham confirm retained list with FIVE first-team stars leaving and Michail Antonio contract update

    WEST HAM have announced that five first-team stars are leaving and provided an update on Michail Antonio.The Hammers confirmed last month that Lukasz Fabianski, Aaron Cresswell, Vladimir Coufal and Danny Ings would all depart when their contract expire on June 30.Michail Antonio’s future is unclearCredit: GettyLukasz Fabianski’s departure has been confirmedCredit: GettyAaron Cresswell leaves after 11 yearsCredit: Shutterstock EditorialVladimir Coufal is now without a clubCredit: AlamyWest Ham have now added Kurt Zouma to the list and he will become a free agent.Antonio, who broke his leg in a car crash in December, faces an uncertain future.The club said in a statement: “There will be no formal decision and announcement on his future until such time that it is considered right and appropriate. “However, as his current contract is also due to expire on 30 June, for the purposes of the Premier League Retained List procedure at the end of the 2024/25 season, Michail will be listed as a free transfer.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLReports suggest that West Ham and Antonio have held talks over an extension but they are no closer to an agreement.The 35-year-old striker posted a montage video on social media yesterday that showed him in rehab and learning to walk again.Antonio remains in recovery after crashing his £260,000 Ferrari and being airlifted to hospital.The club legend has played 323 times for them, scoring 83 goals.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHe was part of the squad that ended West Ham’s 43-year trophy drought by winning the Conference League in 2023 alongside Fabianski, Cresswell, Coufal, Ings and Zouma.Goalkeeper Fabianski, 40, has been at the club for eight years and made 216 appearances for them.West Ham star Michail Antonio shares footage of himself learning to walk again after escaping death in horror crashCresswell, 35, had been with the Hammers for 11 seasons.Rumours have emerged that suggest he is on Leeds and Wrexham’s radar.Coufal, 32, is shown the exit door after featuring in 180 matches.All three broke down in tears during emotional farewell videos.Ings, 32, had a tough time in front of goal in East London, finding the back of the net just five times in 69 appearances.Zouma, 30, captained West Ham for one season but spent last term out on loan at Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Orobah following knee issues.Danny Ings departs after just five goalsCredit: GettyKurt Zouma leaves after spending the season on loan in Saudi ArabiaCredit: Rex More

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    Man City legend Scott Carson leaves after six years with more Premier League winners’ medals than games played

    SCOTT CARSON has left Manchester City after six years of service for the club.The veteran goalkeeper makes his exit with the bizarre record of more Premier League winners’ medals than appearances.Carson has left City after notching up more Prem titles than appearancesCredit: RexManchester City confirmed Carson’s exit on social media.A statement read: “After six seasons with the Club, Scott Carson will leave Manchester City when his contract expires this summer.”We would like to thank Scott for his hard work and dedication and wish him the very best of luck for the future.”Carson, 39, made the move to the Citizens in 2019 after a loan move from Derby County was made permanent.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe only made two appearances for the club, with one coming in the Champions League against Sporting in 2022 and the other in the Premier League against Newcastle in 2021.Despite his lack of gametime, he has picked up an impressive trophy haul – as well as around £8.5million in wages.The club has won one Champions League, four Premier Leagues, two League Cups, a Uefa Super Cup and a Club World Cup during his spell.This means he has beaten Cristiano Ronaldo’s record in England and Ronaldinho’s in the UCL.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSCarson has been hailed as a “valued part” of the club’s goalkeeping unit since his arrival.He has played a key role in supporting regular stoppers Ederson and Stefan Ortega. Kevin De Bruyne given emotional Etihad send off as Man City take huge leap towards return to Champions LeagueCarson started his career back in 2003 at Leeds United and went on to play for the likes of Liverpool, West Brom, Bursaspor and Wigan.The goalkeeper also earned four caps for England between 2006 and 2011.He is not the only long-time servant to leave the Etihad this summer.Kevin de Bruyne has also said his goodbyes to the club upon the expiry of his contract.The Belgian midfielder has been hotly tipped to sign for Serie A champions Napoli. More