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    Chelsea launch first bid for Jamie Gittens after agreeing deal with Borussia Dortmund ace on seven-year contract

    CHELSEA have launched an opening bid for Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund, according to reports.And a seven-year contract has already been agreed with the winger, 20.Chelsea submitted their opening offer for Jamie GittensCredit: AlamyThe Blues are keen to add the England Under-21 international to their squad this summer. And The Athletic claim they have now officially submitted a transfer proposal to the Bundesliga side. SunSport reported earlier this week that Chelsea were keen to secure an £80million English double header.They have already completed the £30m acquisition of Liam Delap.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLWATCH EVERY MATCH OF THE CLUB WORLD CUP 2025 LIVE ON DAZNAnd now they are hoping to test Dortmund’s resolve by swooping for £50m-rated Gittens.But whether they are successful or not, Gittens will be in action at the Club World Cup.Dortmund are in Group F with Fluminense, Ulsan HD and Mamelodi Sundowns. Chelsea, meanwhile, will hope to top Group D which features Flamengo, Esperance de Tunis and Los Angeles FC. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSEnzo Maresca is desperate to add a winger to his squad this summer – and ideally before the Club World Cup.Despite wanting to keep Jadon Sancho for £25m following his loan stint, he refused to take a pay cut from his £350,000-a-week wages. Dazn unveil brilliant Club World Cup promo video with legendary boxing announcer drafted in to ring bell on tournamentAlejandro Garnacho was also considered – as was Nico Williams from Athletic Club. But now their No1 priority is Gittens. The England under-21 winger joined the German side from Manchester City in 2020.Gittens – who spent time at Chelsea’s academy – had spells with Reading and City’s academy before moving to Germany and progressing into Dortmund’s first team.He registered 12 goals and five assists in 2024-25.When he found the net against Real Madrid, he became the youngest English player to score in the Champions League, aged 20 and 75 days.Gittens has played for England at youth level – not yet making a senior appearance – but will not play in this summer’s U21 Euros due to his Club World Cup commitments. More

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    How Tottenham could line up under Thomas Frank with Brentford ace and star loved by Ruben Amorim

    THOMAS FRANK is the front-runner to replace Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham after his brutal sacking.And the Brentford boss might not be the only one switching West for North London this summer.Thomas Frank is the leading candidate for the Spurs jobCredit: GettyYoane Wissa could a bargain signingCredit: GettySpurs are yet to begin negotiations with Frank, who has a £10million release clause.But the Bees are a selling club and the Dane may believe he has taken them as far as he can after two top ten finishes since their promotion in 2021.Spurs chief Daniel Levy felt Europa League glory papered over the cracks of a disastrous domestic campaign and he will look to overhaul the squad.With Champions League cash in the bank, Tottenham are set to spend big and SunSport have predicted how they could line up after Frank’s overhaul.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCristian Romero could leave and a new centre-back is needed as Spurs conceded a whopping 65 goals in the Premier League last term.Marc Guehi is set to depart Crystal Palace as he has just a year left on his contract and would be a shrewd signing.His calming presence and leadership is exactly what is needed and Spurs bid £70m for him in January.Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur had mixed seasons and a partner for the talented Lucas Bergvall is needed.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSFrank could use his Danish links to bring in Morten Hjulmund.The energetic all-action midfielder captains Sporting Lisbon and is loved by now Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim.Hjulmund is composed on the ball and gets stuck in, making him perfect for Frank’s flexible systems.Eberechi Eze has a £60m release clause at Palace and would be a luxury if funds are still available.Spurs are likely to make Mathys Tel’s loan move from Bayern Munich permanent for £45m and the position can be his with Son Heung-min departing.On the other flank, Brennan Johnson can frustrate and Dejan Kulusevski has caught the eye centrally, opening the door for Tyler Dibling.Relegated Southampton will sell the 19-year-old winger, who fits Tottenham’s recent policy of signing talented youngsters.Up top, Frank has transformed Yoane Wissa into a deadly striker and neither would decline a reunion.He got 19 league goals last season and could be a summer bargain with just a year left on his contract.Middlesbrough star Hayden Hackney is destined for the Premier League and the 22-year-old is tidy in possession.Having him next to the pressing machine Ederson from Atalanta would be ideal, but a deal for the Brazilian will be tough as he could cost £50m.Frank could want to bring wingers Kevin Schade or Bryan Mbeumo with him to Spurs from Brentford.Read More on The SunSchade scored 11 goals last season and is one of the most improved players in the Prem.Mbeumo would be a dream signing, but Tottenham would need to act fast as he is reportedly heading to Man Utd.Morten Hjulmund could fix Spurs’ midfield woesCredit: AlamyBryan Mbeumo and Kevin Schade have been transformed by FrankCredit: AlamySpurs need competition for Dominic SolankeCredit: Getty More

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    Antony ‘could be rescued from Man Utd hell by Erik ten Hag with Real Betis unable to afford permanent transfer’

    ANONY could be saved from his Manchester United hell by the man who brought him to Old Trafford in the first place. According to reports, new Bayer Leverkusen boss Erik ten Hag is considering signing the Brazilian for Leverkusen this summer.Erik ten Hag is reportedly keen to sign Antony for Bayer LeverkusenCredit: GettyTen Hag was in charge at United when Antony arrived for £86m in 2022.But the tricky winger’s time in Manchester has been nothing short of a disaster, with Antony even admitting he went days without eating as it got so bad.Antony was handed a loan lifeline by Real Betis for the second half of this season, excelling in Spain where he registered 14 goal contributions in 26 games as Betis secured a Europa League place next season.However, despite glowing reviews and an internal ambition to re-sign the 25-year-old, Betis are thought to be unable to afford Antony on a permanent deal.READ MORE ON MAN UTDUnited are understood to prefer a permanent sale for Antony if an exit is sanctioned.According to Sky Sports, Bayer Leverkusen could offer a viable option for Antony to finally call a permenant end to his time at the Theatre of Dreams.The Bundesliga club are thought to have shortlisted Antony as one of a number of forwards they are keen on should Florian Wirtz leave for Liverpool this summer.Wirtz looks destined for a switch to the Premier League champions with Arne Slot and his team tabling club-record bids to convince the German to head to Anfield.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordReports claim that Antony being reintegrated back into the fold under Ruben Amorim should not yet be ruled out either.However Antony made it clear how much he has struggled to adapt to life in the spotlight at one of the world’s biggest clubs in United.Real Betis come up with new name for Antony as chant begs Man Utd loanee to stayIn an emotional interview with TNT Sports Brazil, he revealed: “I wanted to do things [at Man Utd], but they didn’t see to work out because I wasn’t happy.”I didn’t feel that desire to play football, and I needed to find myself and be happy again because playing football was always something I loved.“I went through difficult times when I no longer felt that pleasure. I even always told my brother, I told him that I couldn’t take it anymore.“[My brother] told me to hold on a little longer, that things were going to change. It even made me emotional, because they were very hard days for me.“Only I know what it was like to be there at home, not having the strength to even play with my son, going days without eating, staying locked in my room.“So, for me it was very complicated, but thank God, with the help of my family and mainly with the help of God, I managed to get ahead and today I am very happy here.”Man Utd have already announced the arrival of Matheus Cunha in a £62.5m swap from Wolves, while Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo appears to be next in line for a summer move to join Amorim’s underachieving outfit. More

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    Arsenal fans expecting ’30 assists a year with Sesko’ after Martin Odegaard’s sublime pass to Haaland for Norway goal

    ARSENAL fans are banking on Martin Odegaard to bag 30 assists next season, after seeing him partnered up with a “proper top-tier cf”.Odegaard, 26, struggled to find his best form for the Gunners after returning from a major ankle injury.Martin Odegaard expertly combined with Erling Haaland as Norway beat Italy 3-0Credit: ReutersOdegaard played a lovely pass into HaalandCredit: XThe midfielder waited for Haaland to run before playing the ballCredit: XHaaland then got on the end of it, rounded the goalkeeper and slotted homeCredit: XPart of the reason for that lack of form was due to Arsenal being without a recognised frontman for much of the season.Kai Havertz was preferred in striker role by Mikel Arteta when available, but when he suffered a season-ending injury in February the Gunners opted to play Mikel Merino there.Merino, to his credit, performed well, but fans of the north London club still called for them to sign a top tier striker to get winning major honours again, rather than having near misses.Arsenal transfer chiefs are said to be working to find that player, with Benjamin Sesko heavily linked with a transfer to the Emirates from RB Leipzig.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSesko, 22, has a similar profile to Manchester City ace Erling Haaland.Fans watching Norway’s World Cup qualifier with Italy on Friday had the chance to see Odegaard in action with Haaland.And it’s safe to say the link-up has raised expectations among the Arsenal faithful for next season.With the score already 2-0 after goals from Alexander Sorloth and Antonio Nusa, Odegaard picked up the ball in midfield in the 42nd minute.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHe then spotted an expertly-timed run from Haaland and played a perfectly weighted pass into the 24-year-old’s path.Haaland then dribbled the ball around Champions League-winning goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma before squeezing the ball into an empty net.’Captain on and off the pitch’ – Fans love Arsenal star Martin Odegaard’s classy gesture on international dutyArsenal fans reacting to the goal on social media were thrilled to see Odegaard’s contribution.One fan said: “He’s feasting this season with Sesko. He finally gets a runner.”A second said: “Teta needs to give the man willing runners.”A third added: “He’d have 30 assists a season with a proper top-tier cf.”And Arsenal fans are licking their lips to see what Odegaard could do with transfer target Benjamin SeskoCredit: Shutterstock EditorialAnother said: “All he needs is a big striker.”A fifth said: “Sesko is gonn eat nice.”A sixth wrote: “See that vision. Sesko will cook.”The most recent reports suggested Sesko would cost around £60million, despite his club wanting to bag £85m for him.Read More on The SunElsewhere, they have been linked with a blockbuster move for Real Madrid star Rodrygo and Chelsea outcast Kepa Arrizabalaga as they eye a back-up for David Raya.Norway’s win tonight also put them in a strong position at the top of Group I, with three wins in as many games.Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates More

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    Chelsea ‘have ambitious Christopher Nkunku swap transfer for Euro 2024 winner turned down by Barcelona’

    BARCELONA have turned down an ambitious swap offer from Chelsea to sign a highly-rated Euro 2024 winner, according to reports.It’s claimed that the Blues approached Barcelona about swapping out-of-favour forward Christopher Nkunku for the 22-year-old talent.Chelsea have reportedly offered Christopher Nkunku to Barcelona as part of an ambitious swap transferCredit: GettyThe Blues have tried to sign Fermin LopezCredit: AFPA report from Mundo Deportivo claims that Chelsea tabled an offer worth around £60million – including Nkunku – to try and prise Fermin Lopez away from the Nou Camp.However, Barcelona officials have outright rejected the approach, with manager Hansi Flick keen to keep hold of the two-time Spain international.Barcelona are interested in bringing in a new forward this summer, but are thought to consider Liverpool winger Luis Diaz as their number one target – who has admitted he is talking to other clubs.Nkunku, 27, looks destined for a Stamford Bridge exit after making just nine Premier League starts under Enzo Maresca this season.READ MORE ON CHELSEAThe Frenchman’s £52m move to SW6 in 2023 has proved unsuccessful so far, with the former RB Leipzig man managing only six Prem goals in his 38 league appearances for the Chelsea.Lopez has also struggled for consistent minutes at Barcelona, falling behind the likes of Dani Olmo, Raphinha and Gavi in the pecking order for the Catalan giants.However, he is still understood to be considered a crucial part of Barcelona’s future – picking up 18 goal contributions across all competitions this season.It’s claimed that the only way Barcelona would let Lopez go would be if the Spain star pushed for an exit himself in search of more regular minutes.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford BridgeLopez will have one eye on making Luis de la Fuente’s Spain squad for next summer’s World Cup, something he will have to be playing regularly to achieve. Chelsea have already added Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap to their ranks since the conclusion of the current campaign, signing the England youth star for £30m.Jadon Sancho shares his Chelsea highlights reel as he says goodbye to fans ahead of Man Utd returnBut they will need to find a replacement for outgoing loanee Jadon Sancho, who is returning to Manchester United following the expiration of his loan deal in West London.Chelsea opted against activating a buy clause in Sancho’s contract, choosing instead to pay Man Utd a £5million penalty fee for deciding against completing a permanent deal.Meanwhile forgotten Blues goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga – who spent the season on loan with Bournemouth – could be on his way to London rivals Arsenal.The Gunners are interested in signing the Spanish shot-stopper as backup to number one David Raya – seeing his £5m release clause as an attractive market opportunity.Watch EVERY match of the Club World Cup 2025 live on DAZN More

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    Man Utd ready to win £60m Viktor Gyokeres transfer race as Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s brutal cuts start to pay off

    MANCHESTER UNITED are ready to win the race for Viktor Gyokeres.The Red Devils recently revealed total operating expenses have dropped by £41.6million to £162.1m in the latest quarterly club accounts after Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s brutal cost cutting.Manchester United are ready to win the race for Sporting Lisbon star Viktor GyokeresMan Utd minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s cuts appear to have handed Ruben Amorim a substantial transfer potMan Utd boss Ruben Amorim is now ready to raid his former club for GyokeresThat is despite the cash spent on the Glazers’ debt spiralling to a staggering £1.2BILLION.United’s gradual U-turn in club finances means they are ready to pip Arsenal to land Sporting Lisbon striker Gyokeres.The Gunners are keen on the former Coventry hitman, 27, but are also chasing RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko.Sweden striker Gyokeres, who scored 54 goals in 52 games for Sporting last season, has an £85m release clause.Read More on Man UtdBut it is understood that the Portuguese side would accept a fee closer to £60m this summer.United boss Ruben Amorim is now ready to raid his former club after the boost in their accounts.Yet the Glazers’ debt still casts a long shadow over the fallen giants, whose wage bill was down a huge £20m to £71.2m compared with a year ago.United  have now spent an astonishing £1.2bn on the debt in 20 years of the Americans’ ownership.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAccording to the BBC, £815m in debt interest repayments; £166m in dividends to shareholders; £197m in external net debt repayments and £10m in management and administration fees to the Glazer family companies has left the club since the Glazers bought it in June 2005.Meanwhile, chief executive Omar Berrada warned United must improve after a humiliating season in which they finished 15th in the Premier League and lost the Europa League final against Tottenham.Viktor Gyokeres responds as he is asked if he ‘likes London’ amid Arsenal transfer linksHe said: “We were proud to reach the final of the Europa League but ultimately were disappointed to finish as runner-up in Bilbao.“We had a difficult  season in the Premier League, which fell below our standards, and we have a clear expectation of improvement next season.”United have already agreed to pay £62.5m to land forward Matheus Cunha from Wolves.And they are chasing a £55m deal for Brentford ace Bryan Mbeumo as they attempt to stay within the Prem’s Profit and  Sustainability Rules.But Amorim will also need to offload a clutch of big-name players from a group  including Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony and Casemiro.­ More

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    Marcus Rashford trains on his own in Cannes after Man Utd outcast was spotted getting close to stunning padel star

    MARCUS RASHFORD has been spotted training on his own in the south of France as he prepares to reunite with Manchester United.The 27-year-old spent the second half of the season on loan from his boyhood club at Aston Villa.Marcus Rashford has shared pictures of himself in trainingCredit: INSTAGRAM @marcusrashfordRashford is trying to get in shape ahead of pre-seasonCredit: INSTAGRAM @marcusrashfordThe attacker was seen taking some advice from his trainerCredit: INSTAGRAM @marcusrashfordRashford was seen ‘growing close’ to semi-pro padel star Jaki PalmWhile there, he impressed, scoring four goals and adding six assists.But he missed the final four games of the season through a hamstring injury.That knock also kept Rashford from being named in Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad for clashes against Andorra and Senegal.Earlier this month the star had been seen chatting to Swedish semi-pro padel star Jaki Palm and a female pal in St Tropez while on holiday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd since then Rashford has shared pictures of himself getting back to training on his Instagram page.Rashford shared a picture of him training on some decking with a dreamy ocean view as he lifted a leg up for balance.Another snap depicted him in the middle of a run, while a third showed him taking some advice from his trainer.He captioned the post: “Everyday hussle,” alongside a battery emoji, while the location of it was tagged as Cannes, France.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKRashford is said to have met Jaki when he visited Dubai in April to address his hamstring issue.A source said: “Marcus went to have rehab for a hamstring injury in Dubai and was introduced to Jaki.Aston Villa star Marcus Rashford hits the race track as he works out on holiday in St Tropez “She then joined him with his mates and another woman in St Tropez for a holiday. It’s all very casual but Jaki has told her friends she’s grown close to him.”Rashford’s future is up in the air at the moment.It is unclear whether Aston Villa intend to trigger the £40million purchase clause inserted into their loan transfer deal with the Red Devils.However, European heavyweights Inter Milan and Barcelona are both said to be interested in a deal to land the ace.Sources close to Rashford told exclusively told SunSport he doesn’t see a future at Old Trafford under Ruben Amorim.Amorim froze Rashford out of the Man Utd squad in December after he allegedly went on a night out before the Manchester derby.Read More on The SunRashford has denied that allegation.However, Amorim appears to be sticking to his guns and is prepared to sell the Carrington graduate to fund his rebuild of the squad. More

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    Thomas Frank clear front-runner to become next Tottenham manager and could take charge as soon as next week

    ANGE POSTECOGLOU was sacked by Tottenham just 16 days after ending their 17-year trophy drought – with Thomas Frank the front-runner to take over.Spurs chairman Daniel Levy made the call based on the dismal Premier League campaign where a record 22 defeats saw the club finish 17th.Thomas Frank is the front-runner to replace Ange Postecoglou at TottenhamCredit: PADaniel Levy made the decision based on their horrific league campaignCredit: ReutersBrentford boss Frank could be in charge as early as next weekCredit: GettyPostecoglou was axed two years to the day since he was announced as Spurs chief back in 2023 – and just over a fortnight on from winning the Europa League in Bilbao.The North Londoners are expected to make a decision on the Aussie’s successor next week and though there is yet to be any contact with Brentford, their boss Frank is the favourite for the role.Spurs said the decision to axe Postecoglou was one of the “toughest” the board has had to make in a statement, which contained no comment from Levy.The statement read: “We are extremely grateful to Ange for his commitment and contribution during his two years at the club.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“Ange will always be remembered as only the third manager in our history to deliver a European trophy, alongside legendary figures Bill Nicholson and Keith Burkinshaw.“However, the board has unanimously concluded that it is in the best interests of the club for a change to take place. “Following a positive start in the 2023/24 Premier League season, we recorded 78 points from the last 66 PL games.“This culminated in our worst-ever Premier League finish last season. At times there were extenuating circumstances – injuries and then a decision to prioritise our European campaign. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”Whilst winning the Europa League this season ranks as one of the club’s greatest moments, we cannot base our decision on emotions aligned to this triumph.“It is crucial that we are able to compete on multiple fronts and believe a change of approach will give us the strongest chance for the coming season and beyond.Postecoglou unrecognisable in amazing throwback video as first club share emotional 3-minute tribute after Europa League“This has been one of the toughest decisions we have had to make and is not a decision that we have taken lightly, nor one we have rushed to conclude.“We have made what we believe is the right decision to give us the best chance of success going forward, not the easy decision.”The statement went on to wish Postecoglou all the best for the future and that he will always be welcome back in N17.It also claimed an appointment of a new head coach will be announced “in due course”.Frank, who has worked wonders at Brentford, is in the box seat, though Marco Silva of Fulham is also in the frame.There was interest in Simone Inzaghi before he joined Al-Hilal as well as FA Cup winner Oliver Glasner, who has said he is “99 per cent” sure he is staying with Crystal Palace.Spurs have been talking with managers for some time, with Fabio Paratici – expected to return in some capacity when his 30-month ban for malpractice at Juventus ends at the end of this month – understood to be having an influence.Firing Postecoglou and hiring Frank could prove a costly business, with the former’s compensation in the millions and the latter’s release clause believed to be around £10million.Postecoglou also walks away with £2m in a bonus for landing the Europa League – the club’s first trophy since the League Cup in 2008.He becomes the 13th permanent manager to be sacked by Levy during his 25-year reign in charge of Spurs, during which the club have won just two trophies.Ange Breaks Silence On Tottenham SackingANGE Postecoglou issued a statement just moments after being axed.It read: “When I reflect on my time as manager of Tottenham Hotspur, my overriding emotion is one of pride.”The opportunity to lead one of England’s historic football clubs and bring back the glory it deserves will live with me for a lifetime.”Sharing that experience with all those who truly love this club and seeing the impact it had on them is something I will never forget.”That night in Bilbao was the culmination of two years of hard work, dedication and unwavering belief in a dream.”There were many challenges to overcome and plenty of noise that comes with trying to accomplish what many said was not possible.”We have also laid the foundations that means this club should not have to wait 17 more years for their next success.”I have enormous faith in this group of players and know there is much more potential and growth in them. I sincerely want to thank those who are the lifeblood of the club, the supporters.”I know there were some difficult times, but I always felt that they wanted me to succeed and that gave me all the motivation I needed to push on.”It’s important to acknowledge the hard working people at Spurs who gave me encouragement on a daily basis.”And finally, I want to thank those who were with me every day for the last two years.”A fantastic group of young men who are now legends of this football club and the brilliant coaches who never once doubted we could do something special. “We are forever connected. Audere est Facere.”Postecoglou said in a statement: “When I reflect on my time as manager of Tottenham Hotspur my overriding emotion is one of pride.“The opportunity to lead one of England’s historic football clubs and bring back the glory it deserves will live with me for a lifetime.”Sharing that experience with all those who truly love this club and seeing the impact it had on them is something I will never forget.“That night in Bilbao was the culmination of two years of hard work, dedication and unwavering belief in a dream.“There were many challenges to overcome and plenty of noise that comes with trying to accomplish what many said was not possible.Read More on The Sun“We have also laid foundations that meant this club should not have to wait 17 more years for their next success. “I have enormous faith in this group of players and know there is much more potential and growth in them.”Next Tottenham manager oddsOdds from talkSPORT BETThomas Frank 1/2Marco Silva 8/1Michael Carrick 8/1Oliver Glasner 12/1Carlos Corberan 12/1Xavi 14/1Scott Parker 20/1 More