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      Former Champions League star who ‘changed club’s world image’ with goal vs Barcelona now playing in non-league at 33

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      A CHAMPIONS LEAGUE hero has left elite football to return to his roots for a non-league club in Greece.The famous defender stood out in Serie A playing for Roma and Napoli as well as Salernitana most recently.Kostas Manolas has left elite football for non-league club PannaxiakosCredit: Getty – ContributorManolas is remembered for his legendary goal for Roma that eliminated BarcelonaCredit: Getty The ex-Greece international’s performances in Italy attracted the interest of Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea in 2018 and 2019.Reports at the time suggested the Premier League trio was willing to splash over £30million before the centre-back joined Napoli in 2019 and embarked on a three-year stint in Naples.That is none other than Kostas Manolas, who made headlines around the world in the Champions League six years ago when his late header led Roma to a famous 3-0 win over Barcelona at the Olimpico.It was thanks to the Greek star that the Giallorossi qualified for the semi-finals where they faced Liverpool, who moved on to the final.Read More on FootballManolas is now 33 years old and it looks like top-level football is over for him as he surprised the world with his decision to play for his local club Pannaxiakos in the Cyclades’ First Division until June.The Olympiacos legend returns to his place of birth in the isle of Naxos where he and his family have now settled to play in the fourth division, with his new team now hoping for promotion to the third division.The ex-AEK Athens star decided to help the team after a few training sessions with Giorgos Mostratos’ side.Pannaxiakos announced: “The President, the members of the Board of Directors and Pannaxiakos FC’s great family announce the arrival of Kostas Manolas to the men’s team with great joy, emotion and pride.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”The player who wore the shirt of AEK, Olympiacos, Roma, Napoli, the player who honored the shirt of Greece’s Youth and Men’s National Team, the Greek central defender who has been admired by Europe, the Naxos native who has chosen his place of birth to reside with his family, will strengthen Pannaxiakos’ effort in this year’s championship. Welcome Kostas!”Manolas joined Roma in 2014 following two stunning years at Olympiacos in the Champions League and went on to amass a total of eight goals in 206 appearances before joining Napoli.Kostas Manolas shows off his football skills playing for Salernitana 1919 However, none of his goals are more famous than the one against Lionel Messi and co, which he claimed “changed Roma’s image in the world”.The ex-Greece star, who stood out in the 2014 World Cup and helped his country make it to the knockouts for the first time ever, claimed the Italian giants could have even made it to the Champions League final if VAR was available.Manolas said two years ago: “It changed Roma’s image in the world.“Yes, it was important. Not only because it was a 3-0 scoreline to qualify for a Champions League semi-final. “But because the whole world understood that Roma are a great team. Before, Roma had another image in Europe, another story.“But we too could have reached the final of that Champions League, if there had been VAR. READ MORE SUN STORIES”They didn’t give us a penalty on [Edin] Dzeko for an offside that wasn’t there. “They didn’t see a handball by [Trent] Alexander-Arnold which would have been a penalty and red card. A goal would have been enough to beat Liverpool.” More

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      Jurgen Klopp ‘set to raid Barcelona as ex-Liverpool boss plots first two transfer deals for Red Bull’

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      JURGEN KLOPP is reportedly plotting to kick-start his Red Bull reign with a double swoop on Barcelona’s famed academy.The former Liverpool manager, 57, said he was taking a year out of football after leaving Anfield in May.Red Bull chief Jurgen Klopp is set to pounce for two Barcelona youngstersCredit: PABut Klopp stunned supporters when earlier this month he announced he was becoming Red Bull’s new Head of Global Football.The Premier League and Champions League winner is now in charge of business dealings for clubs including RB Leipzig and RB Salzburg.And he will pocket up to £10million each year in his new role.Red Bull have already been making moves under the German after investing in French side Paris FC.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd reports in Spain claim Klopp now wants to boost Red Bull’s incredible stable of young talents by poaching two of the best from Barcelona.According to Sport, Klopp would first like to sign Spain U19 midfielder Aleix Garrido.The talented playmaker, who turns 21 in February, has just one senior appearance for Barca and is out of contract next summer.He is ready for a change of scenery and would be tempted by a move to Red Bull, with Austrian giants Salzburg the most likely destination.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSKlopp also hopes to pull off a deal for Germany U19 winger Noah Darvich.The 18-year-old is highly regarded at Barcelona following a £4million move from Freiburg’s academy last year.Ex-Liverpool boss and heavy metal fan Jurgen Klopp soundproofs £6m mansion in Germany’s ‘Beverly Hills’Midfielder Aleix Garrido could be on his way to RB SalzburgCredit: GettyWinger Noah Darvich could return to Germany with RB LeipzigCredit: GettyHe too is yet to make a senior appearance but has been tipped as a future first-team star.And due to Darvich’s German roots, he would likely end up at Leipzig.However, the ace is tied down to Barcelona until 2026.He is also said to have a mind-blowing £1BILLION release clause.But with Barca’s financial troubles well-documented, a fair bid from Red Bull and Klopp could be enough to twist their arm.Klopp has botched his Liverpool exit… and it’s cost him his legacy, says Dave KiddBy Dave KiddNOW we know Jurgen Klopp’s final major trophy haul at Liverpool — one Champions League, one Premier League, one FA Cup, two League Cups and (if you must) a World Club Cup.But where does his reign stand among the greatest of the Premier League era?In black-and-white terms, Klopp is way behind Sir Alex Ferguson and Pep Guardiola, the only two men to have won multiple Premier Leagues and a Champions League at the same club.Those two sit alongside Brian Clough, Bob Paisley and Sir Matt Busby as the undoubted all-time managerial greats of the English game.But Klopp ranks in the next tier down — with Arsene Wenger, Jose Mourinho (the Chelsea version), Bill Shankly and Don Revie.These were all men with the strength of character to transform their clubs in their own image and enjoy success but who did not win as much as they might have done.Had Klopp managed to keep his intentions under wraps and ended up with another title, perhaps even a treble or quadruple, he’d have edged himself up into that highest echelon with Ferguson, Guardiola, Clough, Paisley and Busby.But deciding the timing and the manner of your exit is one of the toughest calls for any manager or sportsman.Klopp got it wrong.Read Dave Kidd’s take on Klopp’s demise in full here.Or click here to check out all of Dave Kidd’s articles. More

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      Barcelona line up shock moves for Darwin Nunez and Alexander Isak if they fail to complete Erling Haaland transfer

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      BARCELONA will move for TWO of the Premier League’s biggest stars if they fail in their bid to land Erling Haaland.It was recently reported that the Spanish giants are planning a mega transfer move for Haaland to crown the grand re-opening of the Nou Camp.Barcelona want to sign Erling HaalandCredit: GettyDarwin Nunez would be targetted if they fail to sign the Man City starCredit: PANewcastle’s Alexander Isak is also a targetCredit: GettyManchester City’s star man is in his third season at the Etihad.But after scoring copious amounts of goals and winning everything there is to win, Haaland’s future in the North West remains unclear.And that’s put Barcelona on red-alert.In February, his agent held a meeting with Barcelona in what could be a hint at the forward’s future.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSFootage captured from Spanish media showed Barca sporting director Deco meeting with superagent Rafaela Pimenta.Reports at the time alleged that Haaland’s future was discussed at the meeting.The 23-year-old has previously been linked with Spanish giants Real Madrid.He  has a contract at Man City running until 2027 which sees him earn £375,000 a week before bonuses.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut Barcelona already have plans in place about alternative players to swoop for if they miss out on Haaland.SunSport can reveal Newcastle hitman Alexander Isak is high on their list as is Darwin Nunez.Man United dressing room was BUGGED during match against Aston Villa in a shocking security breachBoth are seen by Barcelona chiefs as potential marquee signings who would excite the fans.And the players are likely to be more open-minded to a move to Spain than Haaland.Swedish sensation Isak almost switched to Barcelona over the summer, after being pursued by the Catalan giants.Nunez is believed to be growing increasingly frustrated by his lack of first-team action at Anfield.Although new-manager Arne Slot is a fan, Diogo Jota has started more games than him this season.The Catalans top LaLiga with eight wins from nine under Hansi Flick.And despite their well-documented financial troubles, Barcelona continue to attract some of football’s biggest names.READ MORE SUN STORIESSpain’s Euro winner Dani Olmo was the latest superstar to join this summer.They also managed to coax Wojciech Szczesny out of retirement following Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s major injury blow. More

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      Cole Palmer delivers one-word verdict on Chelsea wonderkid, 17, in message to him before he’s even played for Blues

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      CHELSEA star Cole Palmer called Brazilian wonderkid Estevao Willian, who will move to Stamford Bridge in the summer, a “star”. The Blues reached a deal with Palmeiras to sign Estevao, 17, in May following a £56million agreement with the youngster staying with the Brazilian giants until he turns 18 years old.Chelsea star Cole Palmer called soon-to-be team-mate Estevao Willian a ‘star’Credit: AFPEstevao emulated Palmer’s signature celebration a day after signing with ChelseaCredit: AlamyThe winger scored a goal a day after penning with the West Londoners and revealed he emulated Palmer’s famous “cold” celebration, which sees him rub his arms as if he’s shivering.That led to an exchange between the two soon-to-be team-mates on social media with the England international complimenting the forward’s skills and talent.The Chelsea star also told the teenage sensation that he is looking forward to doing “a lot of great things” together next season.Estevao told The Guardian: “When I signed for Chelsea, the next day I scored a goal and celebrated like Palmer.Read More on Football”His celebration was trendy, very popular. We talked on social media, I tagged him on Instagram.”He called me a star, I said he’s a star too. He said we’re going to do a lot of great things together for Chelsea.”Estevao has amassed a total of 15 goals and 10 assists in 42 appearances with Palmeiras and was also called up for international duty by Brazil’s senior team.The forward has already picked up two caps and is expected to mix things up with some of his international team-mates in the Premier League.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThat includes Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson, with whom he had a funny interaction recently while on national duty.Estevao added: “In shooting training, I started to hit all the shots and Alisson got a bit angry.Chelsea fans love Cole Palmer’s reaction to huge brawl – but work out clever reason why he didn’t get involved”He said he was still warming up, that I should wait a little bit. But I took it a bit seriously and scored many goals [against] him.”He took it all in jest, but I hope that next year I can do [it] again against him in [Premier League] matches. We’ll see a lot of each other in England.” More

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      Joshua Zirkzee tipped for shock January loan transfer after just seven Premier League games for Man Utd

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      MANCHESTER UNITED ace Joshua Zirkzee has been tipped for a loan move to Juventus in the January transfer window.Zirkzee, 23, joined United in the summer for £36.5million from Bologna, where he produced 12 goals and seven assists in 37 appearances last season.Manchester United ace Joshua Zirkzee has been tipped for a January loan moveCredit: GettyPaolo Di Canio suggested Zirkzee should leave Man Utd for JuventusCredit: SplashThe striker has only played seven times in the Premier League so far this term, with his only goal coming in the season opener against Fulham. But West Ham legend Paolo Di Canio suggested it would be best if the Netherlands international was loaned out to Juve, despite the fact it’s still very early doors in his Old Trafford career.Di Canio believes the Dutchman is “a bit too slow” for the Premier League, even though he’s still getting used to his new challenge.The ex-Juventus star added that the success he already experienced in Serie A would help manager Thiago Motta as he has different characteristics to star striker Dusan Vlahovic.Read More on Man UtdDi Canio told TuttoSport: “For the Premier League he is a bit too slow, then maybe he will prove me wrong with goals and great performances.”But there they attack you straightaway and whistle 30 per cent less for fouls. In Italy, we have seen what impact the player had in Bologna.“In the end, in the confusion that there is at United, they could also give him on loan. “They already have [Rasmus] Hojlund, then there is [Marcus] Rashford who is playing in that position. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”He would be the perfect profile, also because it would allow Motta to have a striker with different characteristics to Vlahovic.“But I would start the negotiations now. A loan with maybe the possibility of redeeming him.Man Utd player ratings: Joshua Zirkzee hooked again as Lisandro Martinez saves Erik ten Hag’s blushes (2)”Zirkzee is not a devastating scorer, he is not one to score 25 goals, but he makes the others play well.” More

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      Man Utd could be about to pull off controversial transfer they have never done in Premier League era

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      MANCHESTER UNITED’S shock raid of Bayern Munich could see them complete a rare deal that has never been seen in the Premier League era.The Red Devils are reportedly targeting Leroy Sane, Leon Goretzka and Alphonso Davies in a triple January swoop.Peter Barnes was the last player to make the controversial moveCredit: RexLeroy Sane won two Premier League titles at Man CityCredit: PASane is now on Man Utd’s radarCredit: GettySane, 28, could be available this winter after falling down the pecking order under Vincent Kompany.Having recovered from an injury that ruled him out the start of the season, the winger has played just 78 minutes across four games.And the German sees his contract expire at Bayern next summer.Should Sane join Man Utd, he will become the first player in the Premier League era to move to Old Trafford after a spell at City. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe last player represent the red half of Manchester after blue was Peter Barnes.He played for City from 1974 to 1979 and then had a three-year spell at United a decade later.Legend Denis Law and Wyn Davies both saw their careers go down the same path in the 60s and 70s respectively.Many players have played for both Manchester clubs in the Prem like Peter Schmeichel, Andrei Kanchelskis, Andy Cole, Carlos Tevez and Owen Hargreaves.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut all of them played for United before their bitter rivals.Jadon Sancho did come through the City academy before joining Erik ten Hag’s side – but he never played a senior game for them. Along with Sane on United’s radar is left-back Davies, 23, who also sees his Bayern deal expire in 2025.Leroy Sane PUNCHES TV camera after Bayern Munich concede third goal in devastating defeat to Bayer LeverkusenAs for Goretzka, 29, he has seen his minutes restricted this term, playing just once in six Bundesliga games.Man Utd are used to negotiations with Bayern as they signed Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui in a £60m double deal in the summer.Alphonso Davies could quit Bayern with his deal up in the summerCredit: RexLeon Goretzka may also depart after a lack of game timeCredit: RexWhy NOBODY is the right man to replace Erik ten Hag at Man UtdSunSport’s DAVE KIDD says Erik ten Hag’s time at Man Utd is up… and explains what’s wrong with all the potential candidates to replace him.THIS is a mid-table squad at an underachieving club, with a lot of unwanted players on big money.And Ratcliffe is an instinctive cost-cutter who may not pay top dollar to the next manager.If this club wasn’t called ‘Manchester United’, it wouldn’t be an especially desirable job.The good news for United is that their new sporting director, Dan Ashworth, is a very decent judge of a manager.He has been instrumental in three previous managerial appointments — Gareth Southgate for England, Graham Potter for Brighton and Eddie Howe for Newcastle.None were wildly popular at the time, all were conspicuous successes.Interestingly, Ashworth’s No 1 choice for the Newcastle job was Unai Emery, who turned him down to stay at Villarreal but has since proved that judgment right by excelling at Aston Villa.Emery may well deliver the coup de grace to Ten Hag on Sunday — especially with Bruno Fernandes suspended and Kobbie Mainoo an injury doubt.And the Spaniard would be an excellent fit for United — yet there is next to no chance that he would abandon Villa’s Champions League campaign to take the Old Trafford job, not least because he isn’t a stark raving madman.Howe would be another good candidate to succeed Ten Hag but, although he has become frustrated on Tyneside, the Saudis would surely not allow Ratcliffe to poach Howe, as they reluctantly did with Ashworth.Potter is available but his Chelsea experience and lack of charisma would make him a tough sell.Which brings us to Southgate, who remains close with Ashworth and is an excellent man-manager who was seriously considered by United last spring.Yet, despite having led England to two of their three major finals, Southgate’s reputation for over-caution was only enhanced during the Euros.Mauricio Pochettino, passed over twice by United, is out of the equation having taken the United States job.Thomas Tuchel would be a popular and gettable option but, despite being a fine coach and a very engaging man, he is considered something of a loose cannon.Likewise, Roberto De Zerbi, now at Marseille after his brief Brighton stint sparkled then fizzled out.Kieran McKenna — a gifted former United coach who has won back-to-back promotions with Ipswich Town — is an intriguing candidate but the imminent vacancy may come a year or so too soon.Marco Silva, the extremely under-rated Fulham boss, has been on United’s radar and should not be discounted.Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim, last season’s ‘next big thing’, was passed over by West Ham as well as Liverpool this summer and is not an easy man to pin down.Zinedine Zidane, who has taken over from Alan Curbishley as a 20-1 shot for every Premier League job, is a ‘figurehead’ manager and not an Ashworth type.Ruud van Nistelrooy, the former United goal machine who joined Ten Hag’s coaching team in the summer is the bookies’ favourite. Simply because he’s in the building and he’s Dutch.So, yes, getting rid of Ten Hag is the easy part. More

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      Barcelona ‘planning transfer move for Man City ace Haaland’ to crown grand re-opening of 105,000-capacity Nou Camp

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      BARCELONA are reportedly planning a mega transfer move for Erling Haaland to crown the grand re-opening of the Nou Camp.Manchester City’s star man is in his third season at the Etihad.Barcelona are plotting a swoop for Man City star Erling HaalandCredit: GettyBarca want to unveil Haaland when they re-open the redeveloped Nou CampCredit: GettyBut after scoring copious goals and winning everything there is to win, Haaland’s future in the North West remains unclear.The striker has been linked with a move to Real Madrid ever since his early playing days.And with Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr now at the Bernabeu, as well as close pal Jude Bellingham, it’s reckoned Haaland is starting to consider his options.However, Sport claims it’s actually Real’s fierce rivals Barcelona who are plotting a major swoop.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Catalans top LaLiga with eight wins from nine under Hansi Flick.And despite their well-documented financial troubles, Barcelona continue to attract some of football’s biggest names.Spain’s Euro winner Dani Olmo was the latest superstar to join this summer.While they even managed to coax Wojciech Szczesny out of retirement following Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s major injury blow.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBarcelona chiefs are now looking ahead to the future, specifically to 2026 for the planned re-opening of the Nou Camp.The stunning stadium is set to hold 105,000 fans when it’s back in business.Top 10 highest-paid Premier League starsAnd big-wigs are eager to unveil a huge superstar signing to go alongside it, with Haaland the top choice.It’s reckoned president Joan Laporta is ready to go all out to make a move happen.He is confident a deal can be made due to willingness on Haaland’s end.But it remains unclear how Barcelona would afford him, with the Norwegian on a base salary of £375,000-a-week at City that rises as high as £850,000 with performance-related bonuses. More

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      Ex-Man Utd star Paul Pogba breaks silence on his future amid talk of Juventus exit after winning drug ban appeal

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      PAUL POGBA has broken his silence on his future after seeing his doping ban reduced. The Juventus star had been banned from football for four years after testing positive for banned substance DHEA in August 2023.Paul Pogba has opened up on his future after seeing his drug ban reducedCredit: GettyPogba hinted at his next possible clubCredit: APHowever, having always pleaded his innocence and appealing against the decision, earlier this month the 31-year-old saw that sentence reduced to 18 months.That which will see him able to return playing the beautiful game in March 2025.But Pogba’s future remains up in the air, with his club confirming they are in talks with his representatives over his exit from the Turin outfit by mutual agreement despite having a deal valid until 2026.This has seen him linked with a shock free transfer to Marseille, with former international team-mate Patrice Evra claiming he will contact sporting director Medhi Benatia to seal the deal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEvra had said: “He wants to play football, wherever it is, for example why not OM?’ Evra said. ‘I’m going to call Benatia and tell him that the door is open.”Despite this claim, Pogba has dismissed the defender’s comments but refused to rule out a future switch.He told L’Equipe: “I laugh because he’s Uncle Pat, he said it jokingly.”I’m still under contract so it’s not credible. The possibility of coming to play in Ligue 1? Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS’I’m at a club, I’m just thinking about coming back and getting out of this situation. “Of course, you never know what tomorrow will bring, so never say never.”Paul Pogba was brought back to Man Utd to HUMILIATE Sir Alex Ferguson – I told him not to return, says Patrice EvraAsked specifically about his reduced ban, the former Manchester United midfielder added: “I was really happy. “I hadn’t done anything, why would they give me four years? “I’ll be able to go back to doing what I love the most. “It’s like I’ve been given another chance. “I’ve been given back something that had been taken away from me. “It’s a new lease on life. READ MORE SUN STORIES”March is tomorrow, it’ll come quickly. “And it’s something I can’t wait to do.”What is DHEA?PAUL POGBA tested positive for elevated levels of DHEA, a hormone that naturally occurs in the adrenal gland, in August 2023.DHEA, or dehydroepiandrosterone, can be used to naturally boost testosterone production. It does not produce testosterone itself.It is on the world anti-doping banned substances list and carries a maximum of four years if the athlete took it deliberately to enhance their performance.DHEA can legally be sold over-the-counter in the US as a dietary product, known as prasterone.It is also taken as an anti-ageing therapy, and to treat depression and the symptoms of menopause, although there is little evidence to suggest it is effective, and it can cause serious side effects.In 2022, UFC fighter Bobby Green received a six-month ban after testing positive for a DHEA.Green said he had not realised that DHEA was banned after seeing a video on YouTube, and took the supplement after his wife bought it from a supermarket. More