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    Eddie Howe issues hands-off warning as fears arise Kieran Trippier could still leave Newcastle this month

    EDDIE HOWE has revealed his delight at keeping Kieran Trippier – and issued a hands-off warning to Galatasaray.The veteran full-back, 34, has suffered a difficult campaign both on and off-field amid constant speculation over his future.Eddie Howe has issued a hands-off warning over Kieran TrippierCredit: GettyThe right-back is a target for GalatasarayCredit: GettyTurkish giants Galatasaray are the latest club to test the waters about signing the ex-England star.And they could still try and make a move before their transfer window closes on February 11.PSR-conscious Toon chiefs could have been tempted to cash in on Trippier given he only has 18 months remaining on his St James’ Park contract.Howe, however, could not be happier that he still has Trippier in his squad.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd the ace produced a fine performance, on just his seventh start this season, in the 2-0 win over Arsenal on Wednesday to secure a place in the Carabao Cup Final.Howe said: “Yeah, no part of us wanted to lose Kieran. He’s had a difficult season and not so much on the pitch.“He’s had a couple of fitness issues that just halted his progress. “He then came back into the team and had a really good couple of performances around Christmas time and showed his qualities again having not played a lot of football.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“To then play and perform in high-level games is a real skill and is not easy to do. “He has been able to do that consistently for us. He then came in against Arsenal and I thought he was magnificent.Newcastle’s Alexander Isak talks to Alan Shearer about Champions League desires “Tino Livramento has had a really good season and obviously Emil Krafth can play at right back, so there is real competition for places. “We love the players we have. But Kieran is unique, there is no one who can do what he can do.“Set-play delivery, passing ability and his overall leadership is unique.“He is someone we definitely see hopefully staying and having a big impact in the second half of the season.” More

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    Barcelona dressing room ‘left unimpressed at Marcus Rashford pursuit with three key stars opposing transfer’

    BARCELONA’S pursuit of Marcus Rashford has reportedly sparked revolt in the Nou Camp dressing room.The Spanish giants spent the January transfer window weighing up a swoop for the Manchester United outcast.Marcus Rashford’s negotiations with Barcelona caused unrestCredit: RexThree Barcelona stars made a stand and spoke out about the possible transferCredit: AlamyA sensational loan deal was potentially on the cards – with the player himself said to be keen.However, Rashford’s £325,000-a-week wages proved a stumbling block – especially as United wanted Barca to cover 70 per cent.The forward ended up joining Aston Villa until the end of the season – with the option of a £40million permanent summer move. But now Catalunya Radio via Sport in Spain claim even the talks over signing Rashford led to unrest among the existing players.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSAnd three key stars allegedly spoke out against the transfer.It is stated Barcelona needed to let both Ansu Fati and Andreas Christensen leave in January to free up the necessary wages to make a Rashford deal financially viable.However, both men are said to have flat-out refused to exit. And pals Pedri, Gavi and Ronald Araujo all reportedly stood up to the club to make their feelings known. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe trio are three of Hansi Flick’s most important players in a team going strong in LaLiga, the Champions League and the Copa del Rey.And all three signed new contracts in the last few days of the transfer window.Marcus Rashford says joining Aston Villa from Man Utd was an easy decisionSo it seems the trio used their bargaining power to voice their concerns as they agreed their long-term futures to Barcelona, who are currently playing home matches at the Olympic Stadium while the Nou Camp is renovated. The report suggests Pedri, Gavi and Araujo did not believe signing Rashford was a suitable option given the players already in the team, the club’s ethos with its homegrown talent and the cost of the deal – which would see them force out two members of the squad.And it appears Deco and the Barca hierarchy listened to their players as they backed out of the deal.The likes of Borussia Dortmund, Monaco and AC Milan were also linked with Rashford over the course of the January transfer window.But Rashford said it was an “easy” decision to join Villa, where he will play Champions League football again. And he is keen to make an early impression on his new boss Unai Emery.Rashford insisted on training on his first day off and has already started looking at accommodation in the West Midlands as he refuses to commute from Manchester. READ MORE SUN STORIESVilla insiders say the man who left Old Trafford under a cloud has got the bit firmly between his teeth and is ready to kickstart his career under Emery.Rashford – who has taken Jhon Duran’s old No9 shirt – could make his debut for Villa in the FA Cup at home to Tottenham on Sunday. Rashford joined Aston Villa on loan until the end of the seasonCredit: Getty More

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    Man Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea discover how much Matheus Cunha transfer will cost as release clause revealed

    MATHEUS CUNHA is one of the Premier League’s most coveted stars – and it will take a huge offer to prize him away from Wolves. Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea are all tracking the exciting 25-year-old Brazilian striker. Matheus Cunha has signed a new long-term contract with WolvesCredit: AlamyThe deal includes a hefty eight-figure release clauseCredit: RexCunha penned a new four-year deal at Molineux last weekend as speculation swirled over his future. The forward was linked with a move away from the West Midlands throughout the January transfer window.But he committed his long-term future to Wolves on Saturday.Cunha’s new release clause stands at a hefty £62million, according to The Mail. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe report claims the clause will become active at the end of the season. And it can be activated by ANY club – with no restrictions on who can come in for the exciting playmaker. Cunha was targeted by United and Arsenal in January, but neither put in a solid bid.While Nottingham Forest were reportedly ready to smash their transfer record to bring him to the City Ground.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSCunha is now tasked with helping Wolves stay in the Premier League.The arrival of new boss Vitor Pereira initially sparked a revival among the strugglers.Which Manchester United stars should stay and go?But four defeats in the last five mean Wolves have been unable to pull away from the chasing pack.They currently sit 16th, just two points above Leicester in the final relegation spot and seven behind a resurgent Everton in 15th.Manchester United are likely to require a centre-forward this summer as they eye a complete rebuild under Ruben Amorim.The Red Devils are set to put almost their entire squad up for sale as they reset following a dismal last few years. United will have to sell their biggest stars to make room for incomings, with striker Marcus Rashford set for a permanent move away after joining Aston Villa on loan. Arsenal are also in need of additional firepower and currently lack a natural centre-forward in the squad.Cunha made the switch to Wolves from Atletico Madrid, initially on loan in January 2023 before a £44million permanent deal.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe began his career with Swiss side Sion before spells in Germany with Red Bull Leipzig and Hertha Berlin.So far this season, he’s scored 11 goals in 23 games, adding 4 assists. Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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    Ruben Amorim admits he couldn’t get Marcus Rashford to buy into his Man Utd plan and it was HIS decision to loan him

    RUBEN AMORIM has claimed he could not get Marcus Rashford to buy into his Manchester United plan.The England forward joined Aston Villa on loan for the rest of the season on Sunday after almost two decades with his boyhood club.Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim couldn’t get Marcus Rashford to buy into his planCredit: GettyRashford fell out of favour at Man Utd after Amorim’s arrivalCredit: ReutersRashford joined Aston Villa on loan during the January transfer windowCredit: GettyMan Utd boss Amorim insists it was his decision to loan out RashfordCredit: PAUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.Amorim has offered no guarantees of a way back for the 27-year-old in the summer.He said: “I couldn’t get Marcus to see the way you’re supposed to play football and to train — the way I see it.“Sometimes you have one player who is really good with one coach — and the same player with another coach is different.“The important thing is that I’m here saying it was my decision. The same with Tyrell Malacia and Antony. It was my decision, to do these loans.Read More on Man Utd“I just wish the best to Rashford and Unai Emery — and that they can ­connect because he’s a very good player.”Rashford still remains on United’s books.And if Villa do not take up a £40million option to buy him, the pair could yet be forced together again.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAsked if the door was still open, Amorim added: “Like we said before, we are fighting for our jobs until the summer. So I am just focused on these games.Most read in Football“Thankfully Marcus is in Birmingham now with Unai, so you can take these questions to another coach. We are just focused on our players.”Ruben Amorim insists Man Utd are ‘trying everything’ to improve his squad after Crystal Palace defeat The United boss admits he has taken a risk by moving on two forwards in the winter window — while not bringing in any replacements.He said: “I look at the team and I understood my decision of changing everything in the middle of the season without new signings. It is a danger for a coach.“But since day one, with good results or bad results, I have a clear idea of what I want to do and I take these risks.“I’m not naive. This is a sport of results and we’re in a difficult situation.”Yet Amorim, who goes head to head with Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Leicester in the FA Cup fourth round on Friday, believes he has the backing of owners Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Glazer family.Amorim has lost seven of his 13 Prem games in charge — and United sit in 13th place, the same position as when the Portuguese boss arrived.The former Sporting chief said: “I understand with a lot of losses, especially at home, the environment is really hard. But I feel the support of the board.Van Nistelrooy returns to Old Trafford“I’m not the slightest bit worried about that. It’s just the pain of losing — that is the hardest thing to cope with.”Amorim showed Van ­Nistelrooy the door in November even though the Dutchman’s four games in interim charge brought three wins and a draw.Old Trafford legend Van Nistelrooy had been assistant to the sacked Erik ten Hag and Amorim is not bothered by comparisons with his record.The United boss said: “It’s not awkward — I think it’s normal. He knew the team, he worked with the team.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I made some decisions that are really hard, to sometimes create problems, friction in the team.“They were better than me in training this team, so I’m trying to help them see the game the way I see, to improve performance and results.” More

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    Inside Marcus Rashford’s first week at Aston Villa including house hunting and insisting he train on players’ day off

    MARCUS RASHFORD insisted on TRAINING on his first day-off at Aston Villa as he looks to hit the ground running at his new club.The former England striker was criticised as lazy, by his former boss Ruben Amorim who accused him of not putting enough effort into training or matches during his time at Manchester United.Marcus Rashford joined Aston Villa on loan from Manchester UnitedCredit: Instagram / avfcofficialRashford insisted on training during Villa team-matesn day offCredit: Aston VillaUnai Emery convinced Rashford to join Villa after a long phone callCredit: GettyUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.But SunSport can reveal Rashford has been a model pro since agreeing to join Villa on loan last Sunday.He immediately made a favourable impression on new boss Unai Emery by refusing to take two days off at the start of his first week, along with his new teammates.Instead, Rashford volunteered to come in for a punishing session on Monday when he spent time in the gym and then on the training pitch: “shaking off the cobwebs”, working with individual coaches.The 27-year-old has settled in swiftly to life at his new club and made a positive start with his new teammates, who have taken to him immediately.Read More on FootballCrucially, Rashford will NOT commute from his Manchester home and has already started the hunt for accommodation in the West Midlands, so he spends as little time in a hotel as possible.Villa insiders say the man who left Old Trafford under a cloud, has got the bit firmly between his teeth, and is ready to kickstart his career under Emery.”It must have felt very different for Marcus when he arrived at Bodymoor Heath for the first time on Sunday,” we were told.”After all, he has only known United’s Carrington Training Ground or Old Trafford since he joined United’s Academy aged seven.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”But he was keen to get to know staff and did all of his medical testing, then he went to the canteen with the club nutritionist, before having his pics taken in all three Villa kits and doing interviews with club TV.”He smiled a lot and made a positive first impression on everyone who met him. He was down to earth, seemed eager to please and was genuinely excited at the new challenge ahead.” Why Marcus Rashford could be perfect fit for Aston Villa after Man Utd transferRashford was bowled over when Emery set out his vision for him during a lengthy phone conversation at the end of last week, which convinced him Villa was the perfect move at this critical stage in his career.It was expected Rashford would hold out for a move to Euro giants Paris Saint-Germain or Barcelona, so Villa were surprised at how quickly the deal progressed once Emery spoke to the striker personally.We were told: “Marcus had other options at home and abroad. But the lure of playing in the Champions League and challenging for a European place gave us an advantage.”Unai spoke at length to him on the phone and he was incredibly detailed about what his vision was for Marcus.”He spelled out exactly what he wanted him to do and what he would never expect him to do and painted a clear picture of how he intended to get his career on an upward trajectory again.”It was a compelling conversation, there was absolutely no room for confusion, he told Marcus straight exactly what his plans were for him. It’s fair to say that phone-call sealed the deal.” More

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    Champions League and Euros winner Alvaro Morata gets humbled as fans of his new club don’t seem to have a clue who he is

    ALVARO MORATA breezed through a handful of Galatasaray fans and NONE of them recognised him.Morata, 32, has played in almost every single major competition in football throughout his successful 15-year career.Alvaro Morata just recently joined Galatasaray on loan from AC MilanBut Galatasaray fans didn’t appear to recognise MorataMorata, though, went on to score on his second match with GalatasarayCredit: GettyThe striker starred for Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid Juventus and Spain, while he also spent three years on Chelsea’s books.The Spain international has also won a raft of major honours, such as two Champions League titles with Real, two Serie A honours with Juve, the FA Cup with the Blues and Euro 2024 with his national team.However, it seems like some fans of his new team still don’t know exactly who he is…Morata completed a shock loan move to Galata from AC Milan in the closing stages of the January transfer window.Read More on FootballThis poses as yet another surprise transfer the Turkish giants complete after their stunning loan swoop for Napoli superstar Victor Osimhen last summer.Very few expected Galatasaray to pull off yet another coup by signing Morata just seven months after he joined Milan.Nevertheless, the fans appear to still getting used to the centre-forward in their squad.A clip appeared to show the Spain international checking in to a hotel in Bolu ahead of Thursday’s Turkish Cup clash at Boluspor.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA few Galatasaray fans were spotted outside the hotel waiting to greet the players – some of the excited bystanders appeared to be looking forward for an autograph or a selfie.However, none of them recognised Morata, who was wearing a black cap but was otherwise quite recognisable.Premier League’s Biggest Spenders: Top 10 SeasonsA couple of them made eye contact with the player, while some others didn’t even look twice.If anyone didn’t know who the Chelsea flop actually was, they must certainly know by now after Galata’s 4-1 win at the Bolu Ataturk Stadium.Morata led Okan Buruk’s side to a 4-1 victory as he scored his first goal in his second appearance on 21 minutes to equalise for the visitors.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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    Joao Felix scores stunning goal just 12 minutes into AC Milan debut as fans say ‘we can now agree Chelsea ruins players’

    JOAO FELIX took just 12 minutes to score his first AC Milan goal following his loan transfer from Chelsea.The 25-year-old completed a move to Italy on deadline day.Joao Felix scored after 12 minutes on his AC Milan debutCredit: GettyFelix chipped the ball over the Roma goalkeeper to put Milan through to the Coppa Italia semi-finalsCredit: GettyJust five months ago Chelsea paid £45m to sign him from Atletico Madrid.However, Felix was down the pecking order under Enzo Maresca and managed seven goals in 20 appearances, many of which came in the Europa Conference League.The Blues subsequently loaned him out to AC Milan, who paid a £5million loan fee with no obligation to buy.But the Serie A might be thinking it was some shrewd business after Felix scored an important goal to put them in the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWith the score 2-1 in Milan’s favour, Felix was introduced in the 59th minute as a replacement for Christian Pulisic – another Chelsea reject.The Portuguese forward was then played into open space in the 71st minute by fellow deadline-day signing Santiago Gimenez. Felix then proceeded to calmly chip the ball over Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar to make the score 3-1 and mark a perfect debut for himself and Gimenez – a £27m buy from Feyenoord.Reacting on social media, some fans were critical of Chelsea’s handling of Felix, with one saying: “We can now agree Chelsea ruins players.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSA second said: “Chelsea has ALWAYS ruined players, they were the club that would buy players so other teams couldn’t and then sit them on the bench.”A third added: “Chelsea almost ruined him.”Chelsea new-boy Joao Felix has plaque at Atletico Madrid stadium vandalised by thugs after transfer exitAnother fan argued it was a motivation issue, saying: “He’s motivated for the first few games and then it will drop.”A fifth fan said: “They should make his move there permanent.”Felix did also manage to score for Chelsea on his second debut for them this season during the 6-2 thrashing of Wolves, before failing to score another league goal.Milan have been joined in the semi-finals by Bologna, while two of Inter Milan or Lazio and Juventus or Empoli will make up the rest of the last four.The final will be held on May 14, where the Rossoneri will be hoping to win the competition for their sixth time overall and the first time since 2003.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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    Mathys Tel has agreed SIX-YEAR Tottenham contract and WILL stay beyond Bayern Munich loan, reveals Ange Postecoglou

    ANGE POSTECOGLOU declared Mathys Tel WILL be a Tottenham player beyond the end of the season.The French striker, 19, completed a deadline-day loan move from Bayern Munich to Spurs, who hold a £45million option to sign him permanently.Ange Postecoglou says loanee Mathys Tel will be a Tottenham player next seasonCredit: GettyThe Bayern Munich striker has agreed a six-year deal ahead of a potential £45million permanent switchCredit: RexGerman reports had suggested the player could still choose not to join the North Londoners in the summer, despite that option.But SunSport understands Tel is happy to stay should Spurs trigger it and a six-year contract has already been agreed.Asked if he could clear up the confusion and if Tel would remain at Tottenham beyond the current season, bullish Postecoglou replied: “He’ll be a Tottenham player.“I think he’ll show everyone he’s going to be a Tottenham player in the next six months. I didn’t bring him here for six months.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTel has been cleared to make his Spurs debut at Liverpool tomorrow having trained and received his work permit.The same goes for 26-year-old centre-back Kevin Danso, signed on loan from RC Lens on Sunday, who is likely to start the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg.Tel had initially rejected a switch to Spurs when a straight £50m deal was on the table.But he had a change of heart on Monday, having had a persuasive exchange “purely about football” via phonecall and on text over a couple of hours with Postecoglou.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe Aussie joked: “I felt that if I kept him on the phone long enough, I would wear him down. He was falling asleep by the end!“I got a sense pretty early on that there was a connection there and he was hearing what he wanted to hear. It is a big decision.Why Marcus Rashford could be perfect fit for Aston Villa after Man Utd transfer“He is a 19-year-old man at a fantastic football club. They would have been quite happy to keep him there I am sure but he also knew he needed to play.“But not just play. Play where he is going to develop. I think it is  a credit to him that rather than just jump at what came at him, he was very thorough in the way he made his decision.”Tel had interest from other clubs including Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal, but was convinced, in the end, by Spurs.Postecoglou said he was “100 per cent” certain Tel is happy to be at Spurs and sees the move as a coup for Spurs, who are in all cup competitions but 14th in the Premier League.The ex-Celtic boss added: “He is very, very exciting.“When you meet him you realise he’s got that bit about him as a person who has enormous self-belief and confidence in what he can do and what he wants to do.“Even though he’s young, physically he’s already in a place where he can take on the enormous challenges of being an attacking player in the Bundesliga and I think he can handle the Premier League.READ MORE SUN STORIES“He’s a goal-scorer, he can take people on, he’s got speed.“I’d be very surprised if there was a club that wouldn’t be interested in somebody like him.”Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More