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    Chelsea ‘strongly considering’ Hugo Ekitike transfer as Enzo Maresca lines up new striker for Champions League

    CHELSEA are keeping tabs on Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitike ahead of the summer transfer window.The Blues punched their ticket to next season’s Champions League after beating Nottingham Forest 1-0 on Sunday at City Ground, which sealed fourth place in the Premier League table.Chelsea have discussed a move for Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo EkitikeChelsea are also keen on Ipswich Town star Liam DelapAnd the West Londoners’ qualification to Europe’s elite competition has given them a massive financial boost in terms of PSR flexibility for the summer market.And according to The Independent, the Prem giants have discussed a move for Ekitike, 22, who is very high on their wish list.Chelsea are actively looking for a striker to spearhead their attack in the Champions League and are “strongly considering” the French star.However, Enzo Maresca’s side will have to splash an astronomical fee with the forward rated at around €100million (£83.9m).Read More on ChelseaThe centre-forward shone bright this season with Eintracht as he amassed 22 goals and 12 assists in 48 appearances.The France Under-21 international joined Frankfurt in 2024 following a loan stint from Paris Saint-Germain last term.Ekitike counts a total of 26 goals and 14 assists in 64 appearances with the Bundesliga outfit.Chelsea, though, are also keeping tabs on other options, such as Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres and Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap.Most read in FootballSunsport revealed the London giants are very big on Delap and are willing to meet his £30m release clause.The England Under-21 international is also keen on a move to Stamford Bridge.Inside Chelsea’s dressing room celebrations after Champions League spot securedThe striker favouring a link-up with Chelsea boss Maresca, who was his academy coach at Manchester City.The club’s current recruitment director Joe Shields was also instrumental in Delap’s move from Derby to Man City’s academy in 2019. More

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    Man Utd ‘could use Alejandro Garnacho funds to finance £50million Bryan Mbeumo transfer’ alongside Matheus Cunha

    MANCHESTER UNITED have reportedly held talks with Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo and could use the money raised from the sale of Alejandro Garnacho to finance a deal.Garnacho is expected to leave Old Trafford this summer having fallen out of favour with head coach Ruben Amorim.Man Utd have held talks with Bryan MbeumoCredit: GettyThe proposed sale of Alejandro Garnacho could help to finance a moveCredit: GettyThe United boss told the 20-year-old to find a new club after last week’s Europa League final defeat to Spurs in Bilbao.Garnacho had criticised the performance and made it clear that he was furious about being limited to just 20 minutes on the pitch.His brother then added fuel to the fire by suggesting the winger had been “thrown under the bus” by Amorim.It later emerged that Garnacho and the head coach’s relationship had completely broken down.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMan Utd allegedly want £60million for the winger, but club officials are willing to negotiate if a suitable offer arrives.Chelsea and Napoli are among the clubs currently understood to be keen, although Garnacho’s representatives expect more interest from Premier League rivals and Saudi Pro League clubs.Should the winger move on, the Red Devils have identified Mbeumo as a target.TalkSPORT revealed on Monday that Man Utd have already held talks with the Brentford man, who has just one year left on his contract and is currently valued at £50m.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordBees manager Thomas Frank recently admitted that Mbeumo could leave this summer amid interest from other clubs.He said: “I can definitely understand the interest in him. There should be interest in him. He is at his best age, he has scored 20 goals.Ruben Amorim vows ‘good days are coming’ after ‘disaster season’ as Man Utd flops give him daggers during public apology”I would like to keep him, but we are a selling club so if someone comes in with the right price.”The proposed sale of Garnacho would account for pure profit, meaning the funds could go directly towards a potential bid for Mbeumo, Manchester World reports.United are already on the verge of signing Matheus Cunha in a £62.5m transfer from Wolves.The Red Devils are set to trigger the winger’s release clause.It has been reported that Cunha has agreed a five-year deal with the club. More

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    Matheus Cunha ‘agrees five-year contract with Man Utd and will take Marcus Rashford’s No10 shirt’

    MATHEUS CUNHA will reportedly take Marcus Rashford’s No10 shirt after agreeing a five-year contract with Manchester United.The Wolves and Brazil star, 25, is one of Ruben Amorim’s top summer targets after enjoying a wonderful season at Molineux.Matheus Cunha has agreed a five-year deal to leave Wolves for Man UtdCredit: GettyHe is expected to take the No10 shirt from Marcus RashfordCredit: GettyCunha struck 17 goals and six assists in 36 outings this term.His form arguably saved Wolves from relegation after their miserable start to the campaign.But former Atletico Madrid star Cunha is now set to make the move to Old Trafford, with United finally hoping to kickstart Ruben Amorim’s tenure with several big summer signings.The Red Devils’ final-day win over Aston Villa saw them finish level on points with Wolves.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, Cunha has been keen to make the switch ever since being approached earlier this month.And according to Give Me Sport, he has now agreed a lucrative five-year deal to move to the Theatre of Dreams.United now hope to finalise the switch by finally approaching Wolves to meet Cunha’s £62.5million release clause.And it has already been decided that the Samba star will take the coveted No10 jersey, thus spelling the end of the line for academy hero Rashford.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe 27-year-old was frozen out by Amorim before Christmas and eventually secured a winter loan move to Aston Villa.Rashford bagged two goals and four assists in 14 outings under Unai Emery, with Villa holding an option to buy him for £40m this summer.Ruben Amorim vows ‘good days are coming’ after ‘disaster season’ as Man Utd flops give him daggers during public apologyRashford appears unlikely to join Aston Villa on a permanent dealCredit: GettyHowever, the Midlands side controversially missed out on a Champions League spot due to their 2-0 defeat at United yesterday.It ironically means they could now decide against a permanent deal for Rashford due to financial constraints.While the player himself may not be keen on the move as he wants to play Champions League football next season.That could leave United struggling to find a bidder for Rashford, who pockets £325,000-a-week in wages.But he is unlikely to have a way back in at United following Cunha’s arrival, with his shirt number humiliation an almost-certain indication of Amorim’s intentions. More

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    Liverpool fans convinced Man Utd have cost them Alexander Isak transfer after VAR controversy helps Red Devils to win

    LIVERPOOL may have got their hands on the Premier League trophy on Sunday afternoon, but their fans are convinced they also lost out on one of their biggest transfer targets – Alexander Isak.Reds supporters reckon that it was Manchester United that cost them the chance to snatch Isak away from Newcastle in the summer.Liverpool fans think they have lost out on signing Alexander IsakCredit: GettyLiverpool are in the market for a new striker during the summer window as they look to bolster their front line.And Isak is one of the top targets for the Anfield outfit – and many other sides – given his superb form in the Premier League this season for the Magpies.But it looks like an exit from St James’ Park could be unlikely after Eddie Howe’s side secured a fifth placed finish in the Prem, meaning they will play in the Champions League next term.Reports had claimed that Isak could leave Newcastle if they hadn’t returned to Europe’s top table, but their qualification now means that he is more likely to stay put with the Toon Army.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd Liverpool fans were devastated, having been close to seeing Newcastle miss out as they fell to a 1-0 home defeat at the hands of Everton.But they didn’t need to win, with Aston Villa losing 2-0 to Manchester United meaning Newcastle still managed to qualify for the Champions League.And when Liverpool supporters realised they had lost out on their main target thanks to rivals Man Utd, they immediately took to social media to express their displeasure.One wrote: “That Man Utd goal may have just stopped Isak from moving to Liverpool”.Most read in FootballNewcastle celebrated securing Champions League footballCredit: GettyManchester United’s 2-0 win over Aston Villa was the reason Newcastle snuck into Europe’s elite competitionCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhile another added: “No chance of Isak for us now then”.A third commented: “Newcastle in UCL means no chance of Liverpool getting Isak!!” Andy Robertson pays tribute to ‘best friend’ Trent Alexander-Arnold after he is booed by Liverpool fansAnd a fourth posted: “PGMOL have robbed Liverpool of Isak ffs”.It could have been a very different outcome too, if not for a huge VAR decision that meant Man Utd were handed a lifeline against Villa.Morgan Rogers had seemingly put Villa ahead in the second half when he nicked the ball away from goalkeeper Altay Bayindir following Harry Maguire’s loose header.But referee Thomas Bramall had blown for a foul by Rogers on Bayindir, only for replays to show the United stopper never had full control of the ball and the goal should therefore have stood.However, due to the official having already blown his whistle for a free-kick, VAR were unable to overturn the decision – Villa’s goal was calked off and United went on to bag two goals and win the match 2-0.Reports have since claimed that Aston Villa are considering launching an official complaint over the experience of referee Bramall, who has taken charge of just 11 Prem games this season.Goals from Amad Diallo and Christian Eriksen were the difference for the Red Devils who, despite earning three points, still finished in 15th place in the Premier League.Read More on The SunLiverpool may have to say goodbye to their chances of signing Isak, but can take comfort in some of the other names seemingly bound for Anfield next season.Top-rated goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili will arrive following his agreement last summer, while Bayer Leverkusen superstars Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz appear to be on the brink of making a switch to Merseyside.Aston Villa were denied a goal in controversial circumstancesMorgan Rogers appeared to nick the ball off Altay BayindirCredit: PABut the referee had blown his whistle for a foulCredit: PAThe goal was disallowed and VAR could not interveneCredit: PA More

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    Bayern Munich ‘turn to England star with £68m release clause’ as they’re set to lose out on Wirtz transfer to Liverpool

    BAYERN MUNICH have turned their attention to Eberechi Eze with them set to miss out on Florian Wirtz, according to reports.The Bundesliga champions have accepted that the Bayer Leverkusen star is joining Liverpool in a British record £126million deal.Florian Wirtz is heading to LiverpoolCredit: GettyBayern Munich could now target Eberechi EzeCredit: GettyWirtz, 22, has reportedly told Bayern chiefs he is heading to Merseyside and the club are now set to pursue Eze.The Crystal Palace and England midfielder has a release clause said to be worth £60m, plus £8m in add-ons.Bayern are hopeful of getting a deal done as they have a good relationship with the Eagles after the clubs agreed a transfer for Michael Olise last summer.Despite his release clause, Palace want to convince Eze to stay at Selhurst Park.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd they will stand firm with their price tag and not accept anything less than the release clause.SunSport understand that both Manchester United and Aston Villa are keen on Eze but the fee may prove too costly for them.Bayern are not thought to have an issue with the price as they were set to splash the cash on Wirtz.But like Manchester City they put off the signing after discovering that the total cost of the move could total £252m.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSOn top of the £126m fee, Wirtz is set to pocket £325,000-a-week.Meanwhile, Bayern are also looking at AC Milan winger Rafael Leao and Brighton ace Kaoru Mitoma to bolster their attacking options behind main man Harry Kane.Ebereche Eze wins £15,000 in celebrity online chess tournament – and celebrates more than his Wembley FA Cup goal More

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    Man Utd DROP Garnacho and Onana from final day squad vs Aston Villa with both stars linked with transfer exits

    ANDRE ONANA and Alejandro Garnacho have been DROPPED for Manchester United’s last game of the season against Aston Villa. Altay Bayindir starts between the posts at Old Trafford with Garnacho joining Onana in not even making the bench. Alejandro Garnacho and Andre Onana have been dropped for Manchester United’s last game of the seasonCredit: PAThe winger aired his frustration at being benched in United’s Europa League final loss to Spurs last week. And Ruben Amorim is believed to have told the 20-year-old Argentine to find a new club next season. The under-fire manager offered to walk away without any compensation if the board and fans are no longer behind him.But, the Old Trafford hierarchy are believed to be behind Amorim – who replaced Erik ten Hag in November.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAccording to The Athletic, Amorim addressed players at the club’s Carrington training ground on Saturday to inform them of his own plans.And it was there that Garnacho is said to have been told to find a new team following a period of uncertainty at the club.But despite speculation linking the forward with a move away – Amorim insisted he is still in his plans. He said: “Garnacho is a Manchester United player that is not in the squad today, but he continues to be a Manchester United player.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAsked if he will be on the post-season tour of Asia next week, he said: “Yes. Everybody’s going because we have to go and meet our fans and give something to our fans on the other side of the world.” Garnacho was left out of the starting XI that was beaten by Spurs – despite starting in ten of their matches in the European campaign.Ruben Amorim breaks silence over futures of Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro GarnachoUnited’s defeat in Spain – while sitting 16th in the Premier League – caps off a horror season.And Garnacho told Argentine press in Bilbao: “It’s hard for everyone.”The season was s***, both now losing the final tonight, and in the league, where we didn’t beat anyone, that’s the truth.“Up until the final, I’ve played every round, and today to play 20 minutes… I don’t know. I’m going to try to enjoy the summer and see what happens after.”His brother Roberto then caused a stir following the winger’s cryptic message in Bilbao.He posted a picture of a dejected Garnacho and wrote: “Working as no one else, helping every round, coming from two goals in the last two finals, just to be on the pitch for 19 mins and get thrown under the bus.”And now Garnacho’s girlfriend Eva appears to have confirmed his exit by posting their son Enzo’s United kit with the caption: “Last match.”She accompanied it with a crying and love heart emoji.Garnacho’s girlfriend Eva appears to have confirmed his exitCredit: Instagram / @evagarciaGarnacho was benched against Spurs with Mason Mount and Amad Diallo operating as forwards.Amorim was probed on his decision to leave Garnacho out for Mount, to which he replied: “It’s easy to say that now.”Who missed the big opportunity in the first half in the semi-final? Garnacho. Football is like that.”Garnacho, 20, has played 58 times this season across all competitions, more than any other United player.He has 11 goals to his name and remains linked with a move away from Old Trafford, with Chelsea showing interest in January.SunSport revealed how Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo are among the most at risk of being sold in the summer.United remain in a financial mess and selling two of the first team’s biggest assets is now a priority to ease the pressure.Bruno Fernandes has also suggested he could leave but United will not want to offload their skipper.Other players such as Marcus Rashford and Antony, who have been on loan at Villa and Real Betis respectively, will also be sold in what is likely to be a turbulent summer at United.Amorim was asked in his final pre-match press conference of the season whether he has sought to clarify Fernandes and Garnacho’s futures.And he said: “I will speak with my players but my focus is the last game. I don’t know what is going to happen.“We have a plan — we were prepared for both situations, with or without Champions League.”We have an idea what type of squad we want. Now we have to focus on the game, we now have the last game and we have time to address those situations.”Onana meanwhile joined in 2023 in a £47.5m deal from Inter Milan after David de Gea left on a free. Read More on The SunBut he has suffered inconsistent form in Manchester with a string of howlers – leaving a move to Saudi Arabia on the cards.Villa stopper Emi Martinez – who starts against United – has been linked with a move to Old Trafford as he looks to leave Villa. Onana could leave UnitedCredit: Reuters More

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    Wrexham’s millionaire Hollywood owners set to be hit hard in the pocket as they try and build Championship squad

    WREXHAM are learning there is a financial downside to their dramatic rise up the divisions.Phil Parkinson’s Championship new-boys are offering huge deals to new players — but they are also stuck with older ones who have just picked up hefty pay rises for being promoted.Wrexham finished second in League One this termCredit: APRob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds have now inspired Wrexham to three promotionsCredit: GettyThe likes of striker Paul Mullin are on even larger salaries than before,  making exits difficult so that Dragons may have to pay some to leave the Racecourse on loans or frees.Wrexham finished second in League One on 92 points, five above Stockport and 19 behind runaway champions Birmingham.Upon the end of the season, the Red Dragons announced exits for eight players.Steven Fletcher, Mark Howard, Josh Adam, Jordan Davies, Harry Dean, Brad Foster and Liam Hall were all released.READ MORE FOOTBALLWhile Sam Dalby snubbed a new deal in January and will also be leaving.Wrexham have offered Callum Edwards a new deal.While an option to extend Aaron James’ deal by a further year has been triggered.Wrexham have already been linked with several players since earning promotion.Most read in ChampionshipBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe Red Dragons are reportedly in talks with Fulham captain Tom Cairney.Cairney, 34, is out of contract and available on a free transfer.Wrexham stars celebrate in iconic Las Vegas casino and hijack luggage cart after Hollywood owners splash £500k on partyBut the former Scotland international would command hefty wages.Wrexham are believed to be in the market for experienced players, with Cairney fitting the bill.Tom Cairney has been linked with a move to WrexhamCredit: Shutterstock Editorial More

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    Crystal Palace set Eberechi Eze transfer fee in desperate hope to put off Man Utd and Aston Villa

    CRYSTAL PALACE will keep FA Cup winner Eberechi Eze unless the full price tag is paid.Eze has a complicated valuation based on several factors and his current cost would be £65million.Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze is valued at £65millionEze is being targeted by Manchester United and Aston VillaThat may prove too much for Manchester United and Aston Villa, with insiders revealing the Eagles plan to stick to their guns.The midfielder, 26, has been on an astonishing scoring run since notching for England in March — with nine goals in 12 games as his confidence soars.Palace want to buy Brazilian star Andrey Santos from Chelsea in a £20m deal.Santos, 21, has the flair that boss Oliver Glasner wants in his attacking midfielders and has been a stand-out on loan at French side Strasbourg.Read More on FootballThe move to France worked out better than a disastrous spell at Nottingham Forest last season.Palace have regularly taken on Chelsea players and could involve England defender Marc Guehi in the conversation but would prefer a straight cash deal.The Eagles have also been looking at Strasbourg’s Dutch striker Emanuel Emegha but the French club are desperate to keep him.Eze joined Palace back in 2020 from Queens Park Rangers and quickly rose to prominence.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe playmaker has sine amassed a total of 40 goals and 28 assists in 166 appearances.The England international hasn’t slowed down this season with 14 goals and 11 assists in 42 appearances across all competitions.Eberechi Eze was rejected by SIX teams including Arsenal as fans say ‘absolute stinker in hindsight’Eze has also registered 10 caps with England, where he scored one goal. More