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    Man City ready to hand Pep Guardiola HUGE January transfer warchest with two Bundesliga wonderkids eyed

    PEP GUARDIOLA will be handed the keys to a £100million war chest if he feels Manchester City need to strengthen in January.Guardiola largely kept his powder dry in the summer, despite Julian Alvarez’ joining Atletico Madrid in an £81.5m deal.Pep Guardiola is set to be handed a £100million transfer war chest by Manchester CityCredit: GettyGermany playmaker Florian Wirtz is top of the champions’ January wishlistCredit: GettyCity are also keen on a move for Bayern Munich’s Jamal MusialaCredit: GettySpaniard Pep ran the rule over a handful of options but ultimately was happy to stick with what he had.Yet the Etihad boss has been told a hefty transfer kitty will be available again in the new year, if he wants to bring in new faces.For all the champions’ riches, Guardiola has always stuck to his guns in the market — refusing to go beyond his own valuation even if it means missing out on a player.City finished the summer massively in profit, after other departures — notably Joao Cancelo and Taylor Harwood-Bellis — brought in £160m in total.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn contrast, the only fee they paid was the £21m to sign Brazilian winger Savinho, already a huge favourite with fans, from sister club Troyes.Yet they pulled a rabbit out of the hat by bringing midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, 33, back to the Etihad on a free from Barcelona.City are keen on Florian Wirtz, 21, the Bundesliga Player of the Season as Bayer Leverkusen won the double last season.Gifted Bayern Munich’ rookie Jamal Musiala, also 21, is another dream target but neither is likely to be gettable before next summer at the earliest.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSavinho’s £21million arrival was the only transfer fee spent by City in the summerCredit: GettyIlkay Gundogan also returned to the club on a free transfer from BarcelonaCredit: AlamyCity are keen to advance contract extension talks with Rodri and Kevin De Bruyne before Christmas.Pep Guardiola refuses to rule out England manager job after Wayne Rooney tips him to succeed Gareth Southgate City are looking to extend both Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri’s contracts before ChristmasCredit: Getty More

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    Andros Townsend reveals even he doesn’t know whether he has a contract live on ITV coverage of Ireland vs England

    ANDROS TOWNSEND revealed live on air that even he doesn’t know whether he has a contract with Turkish side Antalyaspor.The former Tottenham and England winger, 33, signed a deal with the continental side after leaving Luton Town this summer.Andros Townsend admits he doesn’t know whether he is contracted or not to AntalyasporCredit: ReutersBut the Turks failed to get Townsend’s signature over the line before a transfer ban came into effect.He is now in limbo, with Antalyaspor not even announcing his arrival — let alone registering him with their squad.Townsend has since been training in Turkey without any knowledge of when he will officially become their player.Yet he returned home this week to work as a co-commentator for ITV.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSaturday saw Townsend in Dublin for England’s 2-0 win over the Republic of Ireland.Main commentator Sam Matterface used an injury break to Seamus Coleman to discuss Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson, who moonlights as a dentist when he is out of work on the touchline.Matterface quipped: “I suppose you need to find some way to fill a gap when you’re out of work.”Townsend joked: “What do you think I’m doing here?”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe was then asked about his playing situation.Townsend answered: “I believe so (I’m contracted to Antalyaspor). I believe so (I signed a contract).Football fans stunned as Premier League star Andros Townsend reveals he eats chicken feet for dinner every single night “Anything other than that I’ve no clue. Bit of both (training and on the beach).“It’s a crazy scenario. The club’s got a transfer embargo, so they can’t announce or register me.“I’m not even sure if I’m contracted but here we are.”Townsend previously opened up on the bizarre move to Turkey.He told BBC Radio 5 Live last month: “[It’s] three days before the start of the season at Luton.”I get a call from Antalyaspor saying ‘We have an offer for you but you’ve got 24 hours to respond because we’ve got a transfer ban coming and we need to get you in before the transfer ban’.”So no time to think about it. I managed to negotiate to be involved in the first game for Luton, played 10 minutes in that, and then it was literally all signed, all done.”Then we missed the deadline by a couple of hours.READ MORE SUN STORIES”So the contract is signed with Antalyaspor, they can’t officially register me, they can’t announce me because they have a transfer ban.”So I’m literally just stuck in Antalyaspor just training. I don’t know who owns me. I don’t know where my contract is. So yeah, that’s me.”England Player Ratings vs IrelandDECLAN RICE silenced his Irish critics with a dominant display in England’s Nations League opener.Lee Carsley’s players handed him a debut win as interim manager of the Three Lions.Rice starred in the first half as he netted the opener and then set up England’s second goal.Jack Grealish doubled up for England after being set up by Rice 15 minutes later.Anthony Gordon however faded in the match as he was not able to have as much success as Grealish.SunSport’s Charlie Wyett has rated England’s players’ performance against Ireland…JORDAN PICKFORD – 6Pushed away a half decent shot from Sammie Szmodics at the start of the game but as England took control, he had a stress-free game.After a difficult couple of weeks with Everton, he would have been grateful for this. TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD – 7Looked more at home at right-back compared to the disastrous midfield experiment at the Euros.Stunning pass in a move that eventually led to the first goal. He has to remain as England’s right-back. MARC GUEHI – 7Enjoyed a decent Euros and switched over to the right of central defence as John Stones was named on the bench.Looks increasingly like a top-drawer defender. HARRY MAGUIRE – 7Was left devastated after failing to make the Euro 2024 squad but he has enjoyed a decent start with Manchester United and looked solid here.When he is not in the team, England do miss his aerial presence. 7LEVI COLWILL – 7Second appearance for England and was deployed at left-back.Unlike the Euros, England have much better balance in defence with a natural left footer in this position. 7DECLAN RICE – 9Enjoyed an absolute stormer in what could have been a difficult afternoon.Booed every time he touched the ball, the former Irish international quietened the boisterous home fans with a brilliant finish although refused to celebrate.He then set up the second for Grealish. KOBBIE MAINOO – 7Fits perfectly into Carsley’s style of play. Some of his passing was excellent, particularly in the final third of the pitch, and this included his part in the outstanding second goal. BUKAYO SAKA – 7Enjoying a terrific start to the season with Arsenal – he has been nominated as their player of the month – and played with plenty of confidence here.Was involved in the second goal.JACK GREALISH – 8Left out of the Euros squad, but loved every minute of this.A decent finish for 2-0 and unlike Rice, celebrated in front of the visiting fans by raising both arms in triumph.ANTHONY GORDON – 6Looked really lively early on but faded.He should have put England ahead when clean through but was lucky that seconds later, Rice hammered his shot into the corner. 6HARRY KANE – 6Missed with a header and despite working hard, did not actually have that many chances despite England having so much possession. SubsGibbs-White (for Grealish 77 mins) 6, Gomes (for Mainoo 77) 6, Eze (for Gordon 77 mins) 6, Bowen (for Kane 84 mins) 6, Stones (for Maguire 85) 6.Subs not used: Henderson, Pope, Lewis, Gallagher, Livramento, Konsa, Madueke. More

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    Anthony Martial ‘chooses next club’ after Man Utd release as he snubs ‘biggest contract in team’s history’

    ANTHONY MARTIAL is “expected to join” Flamengo after leaving Manchester United.Martial, 28, ended his nine-year stint at United after his contract ran out in June and has been a free agent since.Anthony Martial is expected to join Flamengo after leaving Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyMartial also received a record contract offer from AEK AthensCredit: GettyThe centre-forward had offers from clubs in Brazil, Greece, Saudi Arabia, Mexico and the US during the summer transfer window.But according to journalist Luca Bendoni, who is part of transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio’s team, the ex-France international has opted for Brazilian outfit Flamengo.Martial is now expected to finalise his move to the Maracana and put pen to paper with Tite’s side.The Frenchman also received a massive offer from Greek outfit AEK Athens.Read More on FootballAEK offered the versatile forward the biggest contract in the club’s 100-year history.That means he would have earned more than ex-Tottenham ace Erik Lamela, who also joined Matias Almeyda’s side as a free agent after leaving Sevilla this summer.While the details of Martial’s exact figures have not yet been released, Lamela nets £2.1million per year in Athens.However, the ex-United ace didn’t seem too keen to move to the Greek Superleague at this stage in his career.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAEK, though, continue to keep tabs on the Premier League as they are pushing to sign Chelsea outcast David Datro Fofana.Fofana has fallen out of favour at Stamford Bridge and manager Enzo Maresca is looking to reduce his massive squad.Anthony Martial works hard in Sevilla training AEK’s sporting director Panagiotis Kone flew to England to get the deal over the line for the striker.Martial left United with 90 goals and 47 assists in 317 appearances under his belt.Nine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten HagERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.Gareth SouthgateEnjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.Kieran McKennaTalks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.Roberto De ZerbiAllegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.Thomas FrankBrentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.Marco SilvaFulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.Mauricio PochettinoFell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.Thomas TuchelMade a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.Ruben AmorimSporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.Roberto MartinezPortugal manager was considered in the early stages. More

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    Erling Haaland set for record-breaking new Man City contract but special clause is good news for Real Madrid

    ERLING HAALAND is poised to sign a new Manchester City contract that will make him the highest-paid player in the Premier League, according to reports.The Norwegian striker, 24, has been sensational since arriving at the Etihad in 2022, scoring 97 goals in 102 games.Erling Haaland is set to pen a deal to make him the highest-paid Premier League playerCredit: AlamyBefore the international break he bagged back-to-back hat-tricks against Ipswich and West Ham to take his tally for the new season to SEVEN in just three matches.According to Marca, he is soon expected to put pen to paper on a new deal – with his existing contract expiring in 2027.And the fresh terms are set to make him the biggest earner in the Premier League.He currently rakes in £375,000 per week, placing him second on the wages list behind team-mate Kevin de Bruyne – who earns £400,000 per week.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, Real Madrid, who plan to go after Haaland in the future, will be boosted by the make-up of his new Man City contract.That is because it will reportedly include a release clause, although the fee is unknown.Man City triggered Haaland’s £51million release clause when they signed him from Borussia Dortmund two years ago.Real Madrid have no immediate plans to pursue Haaland following the arrival of Kylian Mbappe.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHaaland’s new contract is set to take him above De BruyneHaaland’s agent Rafaela Pimenta spoke about Real Madrid in 2023, saying: “There’s the Premier League and then there’s also Madrid.”They have something of their own that is also the dream for the players.Fans ask ‘how can you not love him?’ after Haaland’s blunt eight-word response to reporter’s fantasy football question”Madrid keeps this magic going. They don’t have the weekly competitions, but they have the Champions League.”Erling Haaland’s career in numbersAge: 24Club games: 302Club goals: 252International games: 34International goals: 31Trophies: Austrian Bundesliga, Austrian Cup, German Cup, Premier League x2, FA Cup, Champions League, Uefa Super CupIndividual honours: European Golden Shoe, Bundesliga Player of the Season, Bundesliga Team of the Season x2, Premier League Player of the Season, PFA Team of the Year x2, Premier League Golden Boot x2, Champions League top scorer x2, Uefa Men’s Player of the Year x2 More

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    Crystal Palace were so convinced Eberechi Eze would leave they had already lined up England star’s transfer replacement

    CRYSTAL PALACE were completely “convinced” they would lose Eberechi Eze this summer, it’s been revealed.The Eagles sold Michael Olise to Bayern Munich early on in the window, and it’s now been claimed the club’s hierarchy had also prepared for the departure of England star Eze.Crystal Palace were resigned to losing both Ebere Eze and Michael Olise this summerCredit: GettyChairman Steve Parish admitted he was stunned at the lack of offers for the England internationalCredit: RexPSV’s Johan Bakayoko had been lined up to replace EzeCredit: RexAccording to the Daily Mail, the 26-year-old would have been available on the market for his release clause worth £68million.This clause ran until August, with Manchester United, Manchester City and Tottenham all said to have expressed their interest in the attacking midfielder. The report adds the south London side had already lined up Eze’s replacement in the form of 21-year-old PSV star Johan Bakayoko.However, no bids ever arrived for Eze to take the former Queens Park Rangers star away from Selhurst Park.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLChairman Steve Parish admitted this lack of interest had left him “astounded”, as he had nothing but praise for the seven-cap Three Lions star.Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “I was really worried from a club point of view of losing Michael [Olise] and Ebbs [Eze] in the same window and we didn’t have in Ebbs the interest that I thought we would have.”I was astounded. Genuinely astounded. “I mean, the guy’s just an outstanding footballer, an outstanding person.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSEze has already notched up a goal in both the Premier League and League Cup, while his would-be replacement, Bakayoko, has two goals and one assist across all competitions this season.He was also named in Lee Carsley’s inaugural England squad for the Uefa Nations League clashes against the Republic of Ireland and Finland.Meet Ivan Toney’s Saudi team-matesHis contract runs until 2027, but the release clause will re-open once again next summer.Palace will reportedly be willing to “soften” their stance and facilitate a lower transfer fee for Eze as they understand his desire to play regular European football. Lee Carsley’s first senior England squadEze grabbed 11 goals and four assists in the league last season in a turbulent campaign that saw Palace end the campaign with Oliver Glasner in charge.Meanwhile, Bakayoko grabbed 14 goals and 14 assists in all competitions as his contributions proved important in PSV’s Eredivisie-winning campaign.He also has one goal in 14 Belgium caps, and like Eze, was named in his nation’s latest squad as they prepare to play Israel and France.Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. More

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    Man City ‘monitoring Crystal Palace star March Guehi and could wait TWO YEARS to get him on free transfer’

    MANCHESTER CITY are keeping tabs on Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi’s situation after Newcastle’s failed bid to sign him in the summer.The Magpies launched four offers for Guehi, 24, with their most expensive bid costing an initial £60million with £5m in add-ons.Manchester City are monitoring Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi’s situationCredit: PAGuehi’s contract runs out in 2026 and Palace want to tie him down to a new dealCredit: GettyHowever, that wasn’t enough for Palace to sell with chairman Steve Parish stating the club are holding out for “superstar money”.The Eagles managed to hold on to their star defender and are now planning to tie him down to a new deal with his current contract set to run out in 2026.According to The Mail, however, the centre-back is not keen on extending his contract and could look to leave Selhurst Park for free in two years.And thus City are monitoring ongoing developments regarding the England international.Read More on FootballThe Citizens could move for Guehi in the summer when Palace might be forced to sell for a cut price to avoid losing a major asset for free in 2026.Oliver Glasner’s side’s only alternative would be to find a way of convincing the Chelsea academy graduate of agreeing fresh terms that would inevitably include a bumper pay rise.Otherwise City and other suitors could just wait for a couple of years before landing their man as a free agent.Guehi stood out last season with the south Londoners as he amassed a total of 29 appearances across all competitions.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe central defender has also competed in all four of Palace’s matches this season as a starter without ever getting subbed.Guehi played a key role in England’s Euro 2024 campaign that saw them making it to the final.Marc Guehi shows off his skills in training with Crystal Palace The Palace star played in every single match except the quarter-final clash against Switzerland due to a yellow-card suspension.England lost 2-1 to Spain in the final with Gareth Southgate resigning as manager soon after.Guehi is reportedly not keen to extend his Palace contract More

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    Marc Cucurella reveals ‘difficult’ Chelsea dressing room and pleads with Todd Boehly to give boss Enzo Maresca time

    MARC CUCURELLA has pleaded with the Chelsea hierarchy to be patient with new manager Enzo Maresca.Having been signed by Thomas Tuchel and seen Graham Potter, Frank Lampard and Mauricio Pochettino come and go in the Stamford Bridge hotseat — Cucurella has called for patience and stability to make things work.Chelsea ace Marc Cucurella discussed the ‘difficult’ situation in the dressing roomCredit: GettyCucurella pleaded for more faith in new Chelsea boss Enzo MarescaCredit: RexChelsea chief Todd Boehly has signed and sacked many players during his reignCredit: AlamyThe Spain left-back — who helped his nation to their Euros triumph in the summer —  insisted Chelsea’s squad is packed with talent but they need “calm” to allow the coaching staff and players to succeed.Maresca is the fifth Blues manager under the ownership of Clearlake Capital and Todd Boehly, who took over in May 2022 promising a new long-term strategy after years of hire-and-fire under Roman Abramovich.Cucurella, 26,  said: “I’m happy, the coach we have is very good, he has very clear ideas.“We come from years of changing coaches, let’s see if we can gain stability without many changes and that the coach can transmit his ideas.Read More on Football“We need stability, we have high-level players, and I hope we can have the patience that is needed, that calm, so that everything goes well.“We have the level, we just need stability and letting the coaches and players work to do something important.”The former Brighton defender also admitted it has been “difficult” to create a positive atmosphere in the Blues’ changing room due to the amount of chopping and changing.A total of 11 new players were signed over the summer with some big departures in Conor Gallagher, Raheem Sterling and Trevoh Chalobah.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSItalian Maresca still has to deal with a bloated squad, with some players still training separately from a first-team group of around 28 — including FOUR goalkeepers.Speaking while on international duty, Cucurella added: “It is true that it is difficult, here everything is much easier to generate a good atmosphere.Angry Chelsea fan slams Todd Boehly’s transfer policy and claims no Blues supporters are happy with his running of the ‘unrecognisable’ club“At Chelsea I try, but it is a time of change in which many players leave and others come. I try to give my best.“One of the keys to success in the Euros was the good group we had.“In these tournaments you’re together all day, we have to put up with each other and if we hadn’t got along, it would’ve been complicated. I try there, it comes naturally to me to create a good environment.”Chelsea are a circus – it will be TERRIBLE for football if they win anything, says Troy DeeneyCHELSEA are a circus — aren’t they?, writes Troy Deeney.But the bigger concern should be if somehow, some way, Todd Boehly’s insane master-plan brings about success this season.Finish in the top four. Win a trophy like the FA Cup.He will then turn around and say: “See, it works” and all of a sudden, other clubs will begin considering copying this mad model to try and compete in the Premier League.Before you know it, there will be a bigger divide between the top clubs and the rest and this country’s top flight will become something we have been fighting against — a Super League.The smaller sides and promoted teams will be wiped out by the elite and will end up saying, ‘What’s the point?’Football as we know it will change, and there will be no going back.As a neutral, you don’t want to wish failure on a club or a regime, but it’s depressing to think about.We should almost be looking at it in amazement — the owners have come in with this model and they’ve treated it as if they are buying stocks and shares, not players or human beings.Boehly has wiped away any sense of sentiment or old-school values from that club and the worrying thing is that he doesn’t seem to care.Does he even like football?Read Troy Deeney’s hard-hitting opinion on Boehly’s Chelsea shambles in full.Or check out all of Troy’s columns on SunSport. More

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    Wolves star Hwang Hee-chan had former Premier League manager phoning him almost every day over bold transfer

    WOLVES Hwang Hee-chan has revealed how he rejected Roberto De Zerbi’s pleas to sign for Marseille this summer.That is despite the former Brighton boss calling him almost every day urging him to join him in the south of France.Marseille were desperate to sign Hwang Hee-chan this summerCredit: RexRoberto De Zerbi made multiple calls to HwangCredit: AFPWolves rejected offers from the Ligue 1 giants and De Zerbi controversially spent £27million on Manchester United’s Mason Greenwood instead – causing a storm of protest in France.But South Korean international Hwang says he has no regrets over his decision to stay at Molineux.He revealed: “I had a big decision to make this summer.”Marseille made an offer for me and I spoke to Gary [O’Neil] many times and I had De Zerbi calling me almost every day.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I trusted the gaffer, he said to me I was a very important player and he gave me some belief.”After he said that I said I would stay and give everything.”As long as Wolverhampton wants me then I will stay and fight for our team because I want to help my team and my team-mates.”While Greenwood has raced to the top of the Ligue 1 scoring charts with five goals in his first three domestic appearances for Marseille, Hwang has yet to open his Wolves account after four games.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe 28-year-old finished last season with 13 goals, one short of leading scorer Matheus Cunha on 14, although they both netted 12 in the Premier League.But he has no regrets about signing a new contract in December keeping him at Molineux until 2028, despite losing his starting place in Wolves’ last two games.Watch Wolves’ incredible player announcement video that savages both Chelsea and Fabrizio Romano in single stroke”I’m happy here,” said Hwang.”For my first two years in England I was a little bit busy because I had some military service and I had to go to London a lot to work.”That’s why I couldn’t do English lessons but last season I tried to learn English with a teacher and now I’m speaking a bit better, but not perfect.”Speaking English means I can enjoy life more with my team-mates and I want to have a good time with them.”Hwang represented South Korea in their World Cup qualifier against Palestine on Thursday and will be in action for the Asian giants again on Tuesday in Oman.But when he returns he intends to battle to win back his Wolves starting place when they host Newcastle.He added: “I want to play more of course, but I’m ready to fight for Wolves and I will stay here this season.”I feel I showed that in our recent draw at Nottingham ForestREAD MORE SUN STORIES”We had already lost two games and we had to show our character. We gave everything.”The result was not what we wanted but a draw was a good sign that we are ready to bounce back against Newcastle after the international break.” More