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    Former Chelsea star Joao Felix says he ‘has convinced’ Bernardo Silva to make Barcelona transfer from Man City

    JOAO FELIX claims he has “convinced” Portugal team-mate Bernardo Silva to join Barcelona.Manchester City star, Silva, 29, was heavily linked with a move to the Catalan giants in 2022 and last summer.Joao Felix, right, believes he has convinced Bernardo Silva, left, to join BarcelonaCredit: GettySilva’s stats in the Premier League so far this seasonIn August, he seemingly quashed any talk of a departure by signing a new deal to keep him at the Etihad until 2026.But Barcelona forward Felix, 24, has now reignited that talk by claiming he has spoken to Silva who has been asking a lot of questions about the city.Speaking to Catalunya Radio, the former Chelsea loanee said: “I think I’ve convinced Bernardo Silva to join Barca, that’s all true. But it doesn’t depend on him right now.”He asked me about places to live, places to eat, safety… everything.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”If he comes, Barca will be delighted with Bernardo.”Silva joined Man City from Monaco in a deal worth £43million back in 2017.He has been one of Pep Guardiola’s most successful signings, racking up 345 appearances, 64 goals and 63 assists.The Portuguese playmaker has won five Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups, the Champions League and Club World Cup.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHow the title run-ins compareIt’s going to go right down to the wire with just one point separating the top three – but how do Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City’s run-ins compare?
    ARSENAL: Aston Villa (H), Wolves (A) Chelsea (H), Spurs (A), Bournemouth (H), Man Utd (A) and Everton (H)
    LIVERPOOL: Crystal Palace (H), Fulham (A), Everton (A), West Ham (A), Tottenham (H), Aston Villa (A), Wolves (H)
    MAN CITY: Luton (H), Brighton (A), Nottingham Forest (A), Wolves (H), Fulham (A), West Ham (H) and Tottenham (A TBC)

    On a personal level, he was also named in the PFA Team of the Year in 2019 and 2022, while he made the Champions League Team of the Season following Man City’s triumph last season.Barcelona sit eight points adrift of Real Madrid at the top of the LaLiga table with just eight games remaining.Watch Bernardo Silva change mind on Premier League title race after Sky Sports reporter corrects him mid-interview But they are into the quarter-finals of the Champions League and will travel to Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their tie on Wednesday.Manager Xavi has confirmed he is leaving at the end of the season, with his replacement yet to be confirmed.Hansi Flick, Mikel Arteta and Roberto De Zerbi are among the frontrunners, according to the bookies. More

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    Ex-Chelsea wonderkid who has Sean Dyche on his shinpads rips up Derby contract to make Iceland transfer

    FORMER Chelsea wonderkid George Nunn has ripped up his Derby contract for a move to Iceland.The 22-year-old striker, who hilariously pays tribute to Everton boss Sean Dyche on his SHINPADS, spent four years in Chelsea’s academy after leaving boyhood club Crewe Alexandra in 2018.George Nunn has left Derby County to sign for Icelandic side HK KopavogsCredit: Instagram @george.nunnNunn failed to make a senior appearance in four years at ChelseaCredit: GettyThe Blues paid £300,000 in compensation after watching Nunn bang in a hat-trick against rivals Tottenham.But the forward failed to make a senior appearance at Stamford Bridge.And just two years after signing a pro deal, he joined Derby County in 2022.Nunn then spent time on loan at several clubs including Mickleover, Cheshunt and Braintree Town.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHis most recent switch saw him spend the first half of the current season at Barwell.But after returning to Derby in January, Nunn has now departed the UK entirely after terminating his Rams deal on Monday.Just like at Chelsea, he failed to make a single senior appearance for Derby.And Nunn is now looking to rebuild his career in Iceland with HK Kopavogs.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERNunn will be hoping for luck from his Sean Dyche shinpadsCredit: Instagram @george.nunnThey currently play in the country’s top tier, having suffered several relegations to the second and even the third tier in the last 15 years.Nunn will become just the third foreign player in their squad after Belgian Marciano Aziz and Syrian Ahmad Faqa.And he will be hoping his Dyche shinpads inspire him to glory in his new home.Nunn’s protective pads feature a hilarious image of the Everton boss.The picture also shows Dyche saying: “What I expect is maximum effort.”And Nunn revealed in 2018 that he wears them as Dyche looks just like his DAD.Nunn said: “My dad was never really big on football but he does look like Sean Dyche, which has become a bit of a long-standing joke between us.”He even started sending pictures of him to me before every game as a sort of good luck message, which I know sounds a bit weird.READ MORE SUN STORIES”My phone would go off in the changing room at Crewe and it would be a picture of Sean Dyche.”Now, instead of him messaging me all the time, I have Dyche’s face on my shin pads!” More

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    Former Man Utd and Arsenal star Robin van Persie, 40, ‘in talks over shock first manager job’

    ROBIN VAN PERSIE has held talks with an Eredivisie club to take over as manager.Manchester United and Arsenal legend Van Persie, 40, has spent the last four years at Feyenoord where he has undertook several different coaching roles.Manchester United and Arsenal legend Robin van Persie has held talks with HeerenveenCredit: GettyVan Persie has spent the last four years coaching Feyenoord’s youth sidesCredit: GettyThe former striker started out as an assistant manager before taking over as the team’s Under-16 and Under-19 co-head coach – the latter of which is his current role.And the Netherlands record goalscorer continues to work on his coaching badges in his bid to undertake a more senior role at elite level.According to Omropfryslan, Van Persie is already preparing for a major career switch as he has spoken to Heerenveen who see him as a potential candidate to take over as their next manager.The Dutch club’s current boss Kees van Wonderen will leave at the end of the season.Read More on FootballHowever, Heerenveen general manager Ferry de Haan has refused to address speculation linking his team with the Premier League great.De Haan knows the Dutch legend very well as they used to play together at Feyenoord.Van Persie burst onto the scene with the Eredivisie giants in 2001 after excelling at the club’s youth setup.The former centre-forward’s impressive displays caught the eye of legendary Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger who brought him to north London in 2004.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSVan Persie quickly rose through the ranks and amassed a total of 132 goals and 58 assists in 278 appearances throughout his stunning eight-year stint with the Gunners that saw him win the 2005 FA Cup.The Dutchman shocked Arsenal fans in 2012 when he switched to Prem rivals United in his bid to win a league title.Man Utd legends van Persie and Scholes tears into the defence during Istanbul Basaksehir Champions League tieVan Persie registered 58 goals and 21 assists in 105 appearances with the Red Devils where he won the Premier League title in 2013.He left the Manchester giants in 2015 for Fenerbahce and spent three years with the Turkish giants before returning to Feyenoord where he retired in 2019.Robin van Persie careerROBIN VAN PERSIE enjoyed a stellar playing career that saw him become a Premier League legend:
    2001-2004: Feyenoord
    2004-2012: Arsenal
    2012-2015: Manchester United
    2015-2018: Fenerbahce
    2018-2019: Feyenoord More

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    Forgotten ex-West Ham star, 30, set for stunning free transfer to former Champions League winners

    FORMER West Ham winger Felipe Anderson is set to sign for Juventus, according to reports.The Brazilian forward, 30, is expected to bring his second stint with Lazio to an end in the summer when his contract expires.Felipe Anderson is out of contract with Lazio at the end of the seasonCredit: RexHe has nine goal contributions in Serie A so far this seasonHe has scored 56 goals and provided 63 assists in 318 games across his two spells with the Serie A side.And transfer expert Fabrizio Romano understands he is set to remain in Italy as Juventus are “one step away” from completing a deal.The two-time European champions are said to have sent a “formal proposal” to the winger, with a “verbal agreement at the final stages”.Romano also claims it is “set to be sealed soon”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnderson spent three years on West Ham’s books, the last of which was spent on loan at Porto.While in East London, he contributed 12 goals and 13 assists in 73 appearances. During this period he earned one of his two Brazil caps.He has not claimed any silverware since returning to Lazio, but they did finish second last season under Maurizio Sarri.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHowever, ex-Chelsea boss Sarri quit last month with the club languishing in ninth place.Since then they have moved up to eighth but remain 12 points adrift of the Champions League places.Felipe Anderson greets his new Lazio team-mates after sealing transfer from West Ham And Anderson had already cast doubt on his future back in December when he hinted at a return to boyhood club Santos following their relegation from the Brazilian top tier.He said: “I haven’t decided [about my future]. We talked to find an agreement but we haven’t found it yet.”It’s an important moment for the club and my mind is only on the pitch. We’ll see what happens.”Like all the [Santos] fans I am devastated. We knew it was difficult and that we had to fight until the end. There’s a lot of sadness, but we need to stay united to recover as soon as possible.”It’s a team that has given me a lot. I would like to go back there one day to help Santos.” More

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    Man City ‘agree personal terms with Lucas Paqueta but have not spoken to West Ham yet over summer transfer’

    MANCHESTER CITY have reportedly agreed personal terms with Lucas Paqueta despite not having spoken to West Ham over a transfer yet.Paqueta, 26, has been one of David Moyes’ shining lights this season with eight goals and six assists in all competitions.Man City have struck terms with Lucas Paqueta but are yet to talk to West HamCredit: GettyThe Brazilian superstar, who has 44 caps for his country, was strongly tipped for a move to the Etihad last summer.City were set to splash £85million on Paqueta after their Treble win.But they backed out when the FA opened an investigation into potential betting-rule breaches, which is yet to be resolved.However, City reignited their interest in February amid doubts over Bernardo Silva’s future.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd Foot Mercato claim the champions have now gone a step further by already wrapping up personal terms with Paqueta over a long-term contract.The tenacious playmaker can play anywhere in the four behind Erling Haaland.And his past experiences at AC Milan and Lyon mean he will be at home alongside seasoned stars like Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri.However, it’s added that City are yet to open talks with West Ham over a transfer fee.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERMoyes’ men are likely to demand an eye-watering figure.And it could even exceed the £85m City were prepared to pay last year.Football icons’ strange hobbiesShould he arrive, Paqueta will be the second Brazilian signed by Guardiola this summer.City have already struck a deal to land winger Savio from sister club Toyes.He has eight goals and seven assists in 29 games for LaLiga’s surprise package Girona, another City Group side.But fans are still patiently waiting for an official announcement.Lucas Paqueta’s career statsThose numbers in full:

    Flamengo, 2016-2018: 95 games, 18 goals

    AC Milan, 2018-2020: 44 games, 1 goal

    Lyon, 2020-2023: 80 games, 21 goals

    West Ham, 2022-24: 77 games, 13 goals

    Brazil, 2018-2024: 44 games, 10 goals

    Trophies: Carioca Championship, Guanabara Cup (Flamengo); Europa Conference League (West Ham); Copa America (Brazil) More

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    Former Arsenal star Dani Ceballos set for shock transfer that will leave Real Madrid fans fuming

    REAL MADRID star Dani Ceballos could make a controversial switch to Atletico this summer, according to reports.The former Arsenal loanee, 27, signed a new four-year contract at the Bernabeu last year.Dani Ceballos has struggled for game time at Real Madrid this seasonCredit: GettyHe has struggled for game time this season, however, often finding himself stuck behind the likes of Jude Bellingham, Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Aurelien Tchouameni, Fede Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga.According to Spanish radio station Cadena Ser, Atletico are interested in signing Ceballos.Real Madrid fans would likely be unimpressed with their midfielder making the move to local rivals.But such a transfer is not unprecedented, with Atletico’s current squad boasting the likes of Marcos Llorente and Alvaro Morata – former Real stars.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCeballos moved to Madrid from Real Betis in 2017.He subsequently spent two years on loan at Arsenal between 2019 and 2021, playing 77 times for Mikel Arteta’s side.Upon his return to the Spanish capital he managed to carve out a role for himself, and even won his second Champions League medal in 2022.But this season he has so far been limited to 14 LaLiga appearances, with just one start.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERIn addition to Atletico, Ceballos is likely to receive further interest.Former club Betis have been linked with bringing Ceballos back to Andalusia.I went to Arsenal clash wearing nothing but body paint – it almost ended in disaster when it started drippingTheir financial woes, however, make a reunion unlikely.Ceballos could yet make a return to the Premier League, with Aston Villa boss Unai Emery, the man that initially brought him to Arsenal, still an admirer.Ceballos’ Arsenal stintMidfielder spent two seasons with the Gunners
    2019-20 season:37 appearancesTwo goalsTwo assistsNotable for: Unai Emery being sacked on November 29, and replaced by Mikel Arteta the following month. Winning the FA Cup, and starting the final against Chelsea.
    2020-21 season:40 appearancesZero goalsThree assistsNotable for: Losing his earlier prominence, starting just 17 Premier League games. Slumping to eighth in Arteta’s first season in charge. More

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    Man Utd ‘approach Palmeiras for shock transfer for 19-year-old Brazilian wonderkid who’s never played first-team match’

    MANCHESTER UNITED have approached Palmeiras for 19-year-old striker Thalys who is yet to make his senior debut, a report claims.Small stake owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is working behind the scenes to bolster the Reds Devils squad for next season.Manchester United a reportedly interested in Palmeiras wonderkid ThalysCredit: AlamyPalmeiras have provided a lot of talent over the years from European clubs.The likes of Gustavo Scarpa and Danilo who have made moves to the Premier League and Endrick will soon make the huge switch to Real Madrid all came from the Brazil side.And according to journalist Jorge Nicola United have approached the club for Thalys and his teammate Estevao Willian.The Red Devils in February were reported to have been interested Thalys but now they have acted on making a move on the striker.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe “wants a deal” for the youngster.Thalys reportedly has a release clause of £34million, so it would not be difficult for United to get him.That said, the approach was apparently “just a survey” and a definite approach would “still take a while”.Meaning Palmeiras will still be able to rely on the forward, but maybe not for long.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERUnited will continue to assess the 19-year-old and “wait for him to have his first minutes as a professional to make an offer”.Thalys has scored three goals in five games for Palmeiras’ under-20 side in 2024, and his senior debut is expected to happen very soon.Who could be Man Utd’s next manager after Ten Hag?Meanwhile, his teammate Endrick has stunned the football world and was snapped up by Real Madrid despite not playing much senior football.And after his full debut season in the first team, the 17-year-old made Brazil national team debut and has already scored twice for them including a blinder against England in March.Thalys has been compared to Endrick so as soon as he makes his senior debut European clubs will likely be pouncing for his signature. More

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    Chelsea urged to sign Bruno Fernandes AND Marcus Rashford in shock double transfer from Man Utd by club legend

    WILLIAM GALLAS has urged Chelsea to sign both Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes this summer in a shock double transfer swoop.The Blues clinched a dramatic 4-3 win over Manchester United last week after scoring two late goals at Stamford Bridge.William Gallas has urged Chelsea to make two key signingsCredit: ReutersGallas wants Chelsea to sign Marcus Rashford and Bruno FernandesCredit: ReutersHowever, they failed to maintain the winning momentum against Sheffield United on Sunday.Mauricio Pochettino’s side were held to a 2-2 draw by the Blades despite taking the lead twice.They failed to climb above ninth in the Premier League table as a result, putting another dent in their hopes of European football this season.With Chelsea still struggling, Gallas thinks Pochettino should raid the club’s league rivals when the transfer window opens.Read More on Man UtdThe former defender believes Man Utd duo Rashford and Fernandes would be ideal additions.Gallas told Gambling Zone: “Both Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes could be good options for Chelsea. Both are quality players.”Bruno could definitely be the kind of midfielder who has the quality to play in the number ten role where Chelsea lack strength.”Chelsea are a team of young players and Bruno Fernandes has the leadership qualities to get through certain periods. He’d be a good signing if the rumours are true.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRashford has received some criticism from fans this seasonFernandes is still a crucial player for Man UtdEx-Blues star Gallas has also urged his former team to keep home-grown stars Conor Gallagher and Reece James.”Chelsea won’t sell Reece James, you have to keep players who have come through the academy and you need players with that identity,” he added.Neville and Carragher’s reaction to Man Utd vs Liverpool emerges in behind-the-scenes clip but fans spot bigger concern”He is the captain, but unfortunately he is often injured – despite this, we should keep him. It’s the same for Connor Gallagher, they both have to stay.”I know that there are problems with the finances at the moment, but they have to sell another player to fix this.”Chelsea next face Everton on April 15.They then take on Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-finals followed by Arsenal in the Premier League.Chelsea were held to a 2-2 draw by Sheffield United at the weekendCredit: PAChelsea have a difficult run of fixtures coming up More