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    Arsenal ‘battling Chelsea and Barcelona for shock Jhon Duran transfer’ with ’40 clubs’ chasing £75million striker

    ASTON VILLA striker Jhon Duran is reportedly attracting interest from some of Europe’s top clubs.The 20-year-old has enjoyed a stellar campaign so far at Villa Park.Arsenal and Barcelona are among the clubs interested in Jhon DuranCredit: GettyAston Villa want £75m for the strikerCredit: GettyIn 11 appearances so far this season, Duran has scored six goals – one of which fired Villa to a huge Champions League win over Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich.He is now one of the most sought-after young players in Europe.According to AS Colombia, Arsenal, Barcelona and Chelsea are among FORTY clubs interested in signing the forward.But he will not be allowed to leave Aston Villa for anything less than £75million.Read More in FootballDuran, who joined Unai Emery’s side from Chicago Fire in January 2023, is under contract at Villa Park until June 2030 having penned a new deal earlier this month.Villa striker Ollie Watkins has also been linked with a move to Arsenal in the past.The Gunners are understood to be in the market for a new striker amid doubts surrounding the future of Gabriel Jesus.They held a strong interest in RB Leipzig frontman Benjamin Sesko in the early stages of the summer transfer window.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHowever, he instead signed a contract extension with the German side.Alexander Isak, Dusan Vlahovic, Victor Osimhen and Viktor Gyokeres have also been linked.Did officials cheat Arsenal with dramatic Man City winner and Saliba red card? More

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    Chelsea ‘freeze out highly-rated academy star, 18, until he agrees new contract’ in unusual move amid standoff

    CHELSEA have reportedly frozen out a highly-rated academy teenager until he signs a new contract.It is claimed the Blues told defender Josh Acheampong he will not play for the first team or the development squad while he stalls over the fresh terms.Josh Acheampong has been frozen out by Chelsea after reportedly refusing to sign a new contractCredit: GettyAcheampong, 18, is currently tied down at Stamford Bridge until 2026.According to The Athletic, Chelsea are said to have opened talks over an extension to secure his long-term future at the club. But with negotiations stalling, he has been exiled from competitive action. Acheampong established himself as the third-choice right-back during pre-season under Enzo Maresca – after making his senior debut for Mauricio Pochettino in May, three days before his 18th birthday.READ MORE ON CHELSEACaptain Reece James and Malo Gusto are the recognised top two.Although the club showed interest in Pedro Lima from Sport Recife – who eventually joined Wolves – Acheampong looked set to be around the first-team set-up with Maresca in charge.However, his only appearance of the season came as a second-half substitute against Barrow in the Carabao Cup on September 24. Notably, though, he was not included in the matchday squads for the games against Bournemouth and West Ham last month when both James and Gusto were unavailable. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMaresca, instead, opted for centre-backs Axel Disasi and Wesley Fofana to fill in. Even more alarmingly, Acheampong has not played for the Under-21s since September 15.Chelsea Player Ratings vs LiverpoolThat is despite starting four of their first five games of the season.Acheampong was left out of the squad for the Premier League Cup clash at Bournemouth on Monday.But he is not injured – and even featured twice for England U20s during the October international break. The report claims the situation will not be resolved unless he puts pen to paper on a new deal.But Chelsea are hopeful of tying their highly-rated youngster down, especially amid interest from other clubs.The likes of fellow right-backs Tariq Lamptey and Tino Livramento ended up leaving Chelsea to advance their careers.READ MORE SUN STORIESAcademy graduates Mason Mount and Conor Gallagher, meanwhile, were allowed to depart after entering the final year of their contracts.Chelsea declined to comment when approached by SunSport.Acheampong came off the bench for his Chelsea debut against Tottenham in MayCredit: GettyThe young defender shone in pre-season for the bluesCredit: GettyChelsea ratings vs LiverpoolBy Ken LawrenceLIVERPOOL held on to beat Chelsea 2-1 in a thriller as they moved to the top of the Premier League table.Mohamed Salah opened the scoring against his former club from the penalty spot after Levi Colwill tripped Curtis Jones in the box.Chelsea went into the break trailing and it was nearly worse, only for VAR to overturn a second Liverpool penalty after Robert Sanchez’s lunge on Jones.The Blues came out from the break flying and Nicolas Jackson equalised.But they failed to hold on with star of the show Jones netting the winner just minutes later.Here is how SunSport rated the Chelsea players at Anfield.ROBERT SANCHEZ – 5Survived a shocker of a challenge on Jones to not give away a pen and never convincing.REECE JAMES – 6Got through 53 minutes in first start since last December and will surely shake off the rust.TOSIN ADARABIOYO – 5  Booked early on for clattering into Diogo Jota and no surprise was hooked for the second half.LEVI COLWILL –  5Got away with one challenge against a diving Salah but a no- challenge penalty after hacked on Jones.MALO GUSTO – 7  Intelligent display and constant threat down the left flank in the first half especially.MOISES CAICEDO – 5At £105m and in Chelsea’s biggest test of the season was found badly wanting.ROMEO LAVIA – 5Got the nod over Enzo Fernandez from the start but failed to show any urgency.NONI MADUEKE – 6Always mobile and was productive playing as a right-sided attacker – giving Robertson a tough afternoon.COLE PALMER – 5  Deployed in central midfield but struggled to show his star quality and blazed over a good chance just before the break.JADON SANCHO  – 4Lacked any real spark and unsurprisingly hooked off at the start of the second half.NICOLAS JACKSON – 7Picked up a typically mouthy booking but the boy definitely has something – as his fine equaliser proved.SUBS:PEDRO NETO (for Sancho 46) – 6Looked a whole lot livelier than the wide man he took over from.BENOIT BADIASHILE (for Adarabioyo 53) – 6Looked a lot steadier than the centre-back he replaced.RENATO VEIGA (for James 53) – 5Got stuck in and was booked.ENZO FERNANDEZ (for Romeo Lavia) – 6Worked diligently to use his passing to make an impact late on.CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU (for Noni Madueke 76) – 5Found it difficult to make his presence felt as the Reds dug in to win. More

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    Man Utd fans moan ‘this is so sad’ after finding out which pair they sent scouts to watch in Serie A clash

    MANCHESTER UNITED allegedly sent a representative to watch two Serie A stars in action at the weekend – but fans are not satisfied.The scout flew to Italy on Sunday for Napoli’s clash with Empoli.Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was being watched by a Man Utd scoutCredit: ReutersAlessandro Buongiorno is also a target for the Red DevilsCredit: GettyAntonio Conte’s side clinched a 1-0 win thanks to a penalty from Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.The 23-year-old was one of two players on United’s radar during the match, Italian outlet Tutto Mercato claims.Centre-back Alessandro Buongiorno was also being watched by the scout.However, several Man Utd fans are not excited by the prospect of potentially signing both stars – especially Kvaratskhelia.READ MORE ON MAN UTDOne person took to social media to write: “Watching the wrong players.”Another commented: “Stop this! United don’t need another LW!”A third said: “We already have Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho for the LW. Go for proper RW and a ST.”While a fourth wrote: “This is so sad. You are sending representatives to watch Kvaratskhelia. Send representatives to watch Harry Kane, Messi, Ronaldo ffs the guy is in top 5 wingers in Europe just buy him.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDespite some claims that signing Kvaratskhelia would be unnecessary, other fans believe he would strengthen the squad.One person said: “Khvicha is one of the main ingredients to turn us to a serious consistent team again.”Erik ten Hag slams reports he’s set to be sacked as ‘fairytales’ but admits Man Utd ‘have a mountain to climb’ While another suggested: “Would be a fantastic signing heir to the #7.”Man Utd have endured one of their worst starts to a Premier League season.The Red Devils currently sit 12th in the table with 11 points from eight games. More

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    Antony’s Man Utd nightmare could come to end as Ajax ‘hold talks over re-signing flop’ but fear for his ‘mindset’

    MANCHESTER UNITED flop Antony has been linked with a return to Ajax but the Dutch giants are worried about the player’s mindset, reports suggest.United signed the winger for a staggering £85.5million in 2022 after a stunning two-year stint in Amsterdam where he amassed 24 goals and 22 assists in 82 appearances.Manchester United flop Antony has been linked with a return to AjaxCredit: GettyAjax have doubts over a move as they worry about Antony’s mentality after his Man Utd strugglesCredit: GettyHowever, the Brazil international failed to replicate his Ajax success at Old Trafford as he has only managed a mere total of 12 goals and five assists in 86 appearances.Antony’s struggles continue this season as he has made only four appearances across all competitions, in which he scored once.The Red Devils lost the likes of Jadon Sancho, Mason Greenwood and Omari Forson in the summer and the wideman is still fourth pick behind Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo.United are considering ways to let the Brazilian go out on loan in January so that they can sell him in the summer.Read More on ArsenalThat has led to speculation suggesting Antony could return to Ajax in the January transfer window.According to De Telegraaf, the Dutch club have discussed a potential move for the attacker.However, the same source claims Ajax have doubts about the state of Antony’s mindset after his struggles in Manchester.United are reportedly looking to sell for a cut price of around £40m.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowever, even that sum might prove to be impossible after a series of disappointing performances on the pitch.United boss Erik ten Hag, who brought Antony to Old Trafford after working with him at Ajax, addressed his situation and insisted he needs to do more to get more gametime.Watch as Antony ‘is used as a CONE’ in Man Utd training as fans lose their minds over awkward footageTen Hag said: “He’s impatient, he wants to play. But in top football there are laws.”You pick the team that has most chance to win the game, the one with the best dynamic, the best chemistry. Players have to fight for their positions.”The other players are doing so well – they’re contributing. He has to get over them. He has to earn the right in training.”Man Utd player ratings vs BrentfordBy Neil CustisMANCHESTER UNITED produced a rousing comeback to beat Brentford at Old Trafford.Goals by Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund cancelled out Ethan Pinnock’s first-half opener.The Red Devils’ win will ease pressure on beleaguered boss Erik ten Hag, who this week defiantly blasted reports that he is on the verge of the sack.On a crucial afternoon for Ten Hag and Co, here’s how SunSport rated each United performer.ANDRE ONANA – 6Did not have much to do for a lot of the game but pulled out a good first-half save to deny Christian Norgaard.DIOGO DALOT – 6Good display from right-back and almost capped it with a goal when he stormed forward only to have his effort beaten away by Mark Flekken.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6At the centre of the controversy in first-half injury time as he had to leave the field with a bleeding head wound when Brentford scored from a corner. He was already looking suspect, as was the bandage that was put on his head early in the game in the first place.JONNY EVANS – 7Continuing an amazing end to his career at Old Trafford. Man of the Match last time out in the goalless draw at Aston Villa and looked solid again. Great ovation when he came off towards the end.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 7Shifted to an unaccustomed left-back spot but without problems and was particularly good getting forward down the flank.CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – 6Chosen alongside Casemiro instead of new buy Manuel Ugarte who was on the bench again, but struggled to get into this game although he was involved for Hojlund’s goal. Thankful for the referee’s whistle in the first period calling play back for a foul after missing a sitter.CASEMIRO – 5Looked like he was off in the summer but back in the team although looking to be missing a yard and often beaten to the ball.MARCUS RASHFORD – 7Does not operate as well on the right but Garnacho was so good down the left. Highlight of his first half was an incredible crossfield ball from right to left to set up Garnacho. Then in the second he provided the assist for Garnacho’s leveller.BRUNO FERNANDES – 7Tried to orchestrate something from midfield but looked a frustrated figure in the first period. Then he showed his class after the break with that great little flick to set up Hojlund for his goal.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 8Had an all action first half after switching from the right to the left but wasted too many chances. Made up for it in the second with a fine finish from Rashford’s cross in a Man of the Match performance.RASMUS HOJLUND – 7After getting one in Porto to open his season’s account he is now off and running with his first league goal of the campaign. A cool, clever chipped little finish it was too. The hope will be that starts a much needed run of goals but he needs to see more of the ball.SUBSTITUTESJoshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 74) – 5Strange change to make after Hojlund had just scored. His replacement fluffed the one half chance he had.Victor Lindelof (for Evans, 89) – 6A change that largely gave the fans a chance to acclaim Evans’ performance.Manuel Ugarte (for Casemiro, 88) – 6A change that probably should have come earlier. More

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    Sir Alex Ferguson phoned and tried to convince me to join Man Utd – but their transfer plan made me say no

    AARON RAMSEY has revealed how Sir Alex Ferguson phoned him to try to convince him to join Manchester United.Cardiff star Ramsey, 33, appeared as a guest on Sky Sport’s Monday Night Football show to analyse Nottingham Forest’s game against Crystal Palace – which was won 1-0 by the hosts.Aaron Ramsey revealed how his career could have been very differentCredit: GettyRamsey revealed how he was on the phone to Sir Alex Ferguson but did not like the club’s plan for himCredit: PA:Press AssociationBut the midfielder admitted he ‘felt wanted’ by Arsene WengerCredit: Arsenal FC – GettyBut during his appearance Ramsey was asked to clear up a rumour about a run-in with Sky pundit Gary Neville near the start of his career.The midfielder then went on to explain how interest had been shown in him by both Man Utd and Liverpool, along with phone calls to Ferguson and Rafael Benitez.Ramsey said: “No it wasn’t Gary [that showed me around Man Utd’s training ground], I think he was busy that day. It was the assistant manager at the time.”Presenter David Jones joked that Jamie Carragher was hoping to blame Neville for the reason he ended up not joining the Red Devils, before Ramsey explained his decision.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe continued: “No it wasn’t main man (Ferguson). He was away but we spoke on the phone a few times with him trying to convince me to go there. “But the initial thought was for them to loan me back [to Cardiff] but I wanted to go on [fully] then.”What about Liverpool? Yeah there were some discussions with Rafa but at the time they couldn’t really get to that fee. “I think they could do something around the million or two mark but then I think it went above that toward the five.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSRamsey went on to join Arsenal in 2008, where he would stay until 2019, having made 369 appearances and winning three FA Cups.The Welshman explained how “he felt wanted” by the North London club after grabbing lunch with Arsene Wenger.Bournemouth vs Arsenal: Player RatingsHe added: “I felt like he really wanted me. He was doing the European Championships at the time so they flew me over there and I met him when he had a few hours off and had lunch with him.”Everything about him and his vision and plans for me. “I can’t remember the ins and outs but he had a really detailed plan obviously with the amount of young players that he brought through and had given great opportunities to go on and be successful.”That was really appealing to me as well. For example like what he did with [Cesc] Fabregas, brought him in at a very young age and giving him that opportunity really young as well.”So I felt really wanted by Arsenal.”Despite his vast talent, Ramsey’s Arsenal career would be stunted early on by a horrific double leg break that kept him out of action for nine months.And after that he would continue to be dogged by injuries.After leaving Arsenal, Ramsey joined Juventus, winning Serie A and Italian Cup before he returned to Britain with Rangers on loan, adding the Scottish Cup to his trophy haul.READ MORE SUN STORIESRamsey then joined Nice in 2022 before rejoining boyhood club Cardiff in 2023.He played 13 games in the Championship for them last season and scored three goals, but suffered a major knee injury that kept him out for months. More

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    Juventus forced to clarify after official account announces Arda Guler transfer from Real Madrid

    JUVENTUS have been forced to clarify a tweet put out by the club’s official account announcing the signing of Arda Guler.Supporters of the Italian giants were thrilled when the club appeared to make the shock transfer of the Turkish superstar.Juventus have clarified a statement put out about Arda GulerCredit: INSTAGRAM @ardagulerThe Italian club appeared to announce the Turk as a new signingCredit: xGuler, 19, is viewed as one of the most promising youngsters in European football thanks to his performances at Fenerbahce.He earned a big-money move to Real Madrid and has slowly worked his way into the squad after overcoming some injury issues.The apparent transfer would have been a huge coup for Juventus if they had pulled it off.A tweet put out by the club’s official account claimed that the player had joined.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA statement read: “Welcome to Juventus, Arda Guler.”The rising star of football is now part of the Juventus family.”Ready to make history on this new journey?”This was accompanied by a picture of the attacking midfielder walking on the tarmac at an airport.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSUnfortunately for fans of the Serie A outfit, the news is totally untrue.The club has revealed that the X account was hacked and confirmed that no deal for Guler has been done.Football royalty including Kaka, Seedorf and Rivaldo unite for legends match Guler has been struggled for game time at Real MadridCredit: GettyA club statement wrote: “Our Juventus English account has been compromised.”Please ignore the false information being published on this account.”We are working on the issue.”So far this season, Guler has made three appearances from the bench under manager Carlo Ancelotti.He remained on the bench during Real Madrid’s win over Celta Vigo on Saturday.He is a full international with TurkeyCredit: Getty More

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    Former Champions League defender scores FIVE goals in just 34 minutes on sensational debut for non-league team

    ROMA hero Kostas Manolas scored FIVE goals in just 34 minutes on his debut with a Greek non-league club he surprisingly joined after leaving Serie A.Manolas, 33, made a name for himself in Italy and Greece, which led to interest from the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea throughout his career.Kostas Manolas scored five goals on his debut for Greek non-league side PannaxiakosCredit: Getty – ContributorManolas made a name for himself at Serie A with Roma and stood out in the Champions LeagueCredit: Getty – ContributorThe centre-back burst onto the scene with Olympiacos and the Greek national team, whom he helped reach the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time ever in 2014.The defender joined Roma 10 years ago where he scored eight goals in 206 appearances.The ex-AEK Athens star also helped the Italian giants reach the Champions League semi-finals in 2018 with a sensational goal in a famous 3-0 win over Barcelona at the Olimpico.After brief stints with Napoli, Emirati outfit Sharjah and Salernitana last season, Manolas made the decision to relocate to his homeland of Naxos with his family.Read More on FootballThat led to him joining local club Pannaxiakos, who compete in the fourth division, after a few training sessions with them during pre-season.The ex-Greece international received a hero’s welcome and many within the club see him as the man that will lead them to the third division.And Manolas honoured their faith in a stunning debut, despite playing out of a position as a CENTRE-FORWARD against Marpissaikos on Sunday.According to Sport24, the ex-Napoli star started for the Cycladic outfit and scored a staggering five goals.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe versatile defender led his new team-mates to a stunning 12-1 win over Marpissaikos.That led to manager Giorgos Mostratos hauling him off after just 34 minutes in the first half.Kostas Manolas returns to LaLiga club Olympiacos to a hero’s return Manolas’ move to Pannaxiakos has been described across Greek media as the “transfer of the year”. More

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    Kyle Walker eyed by Saudi moneybags and could line up alongside FOUR ex-Premier League stars

    KYLE WALKER is the latest high-profile name on the Saudi wish list — and may line up alongside Ivan Toney next season.Al-Ahli have made the Manchester City skipper their leading target, after bagging Toney with a £40million deal in August.Manchester City star Kyle Walker is attracting interest from Saudi ArabiaCredit: GettyAl-Ahli are keeping tabs on Walker after signing England team-mate Ivan ToneyCredit: GettyWalker would also link up with ex-Man City team-mate Riyad MahrezCredit: GettyWalker could play with four other Premier League heroes, such as Roberto FirminoCredit: GettyFormer Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy was also signed by Al-AhliCredit: GettyEngland striker Toney had only a year to go on his Bees contract and City would demand around £20m, although Walker’s deal has two years to run.But that will not deter the Saudi big-spenders, who already have one ex-Etihad star on the books in Riyad Mahrez.Al-Ahli also have ex-Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy and Liverpool legend Roberto Firmino in their squad.And the emergence of Rico Lewis at City means the Prem champions are likely to play ball should Walker, 34, decide he wants a new challenge.Read More on FootballEngland defender Walker joined City from Tottenham in the summer of 2017 and has been a key player in Pep Guardiola’s glittering Etihad reign.He has won six Premier League titles, the Champions League as part of the Treble in 2023, two FA Cups and four EFL Cups.Walker has 91 England caps but a move to Saudi would cast a doubt over his international future.Toney has not played for the Three Lions since his switch to the Middle East.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMeanwhile, crocked striker Oscar Bobb is on course to return ahead of schedule.Bobb, 21, broke a bone in a leg in a freak pre-season clash and was initially ruled out until the turn of the year.Eight bizarre football rules you may not knowBut the Norwegian hopes to start light training in early December. More