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    Simone Inzaghi ‘REJECTS’ Man Utd offer after Sir Jim Ratcliffe lined up Inter boss to replace Erik ten Hag immediately

    MANCHESTER UNITED were turned down by Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi after lining him up as under-fire boss Erik ten Hag’s replacement, reports claim.Ten Hag, 54, has been enduring another turbulent campaign in charge of United, who are winless in their last four matches across all competitions.Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi turned down the Manchester United top jobCredit: EPAMan Utd chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe offered the manager’s position to Inzaghi with immediate effectCredit: PAMan Utd boss Erik ten Hag’s position has become increasingly untenableCredit: GettyThe Dutchman suffered a miserable 3-0 loss to Tottenham at Old Trafford, right after a shocking 1-1 home draw with minnows Twente in the Europa League and a goalless tie at Crystal Palace.And things got even worse on Thursday at Porto where the Red Devils surrendered a 2-0 lead and drew 3-3 thanks to a last-gasp equaliser by Harry Maguire, while Bruno Fernandes was sent off for the second time in just four days.Ten Hag’s position is becoming increasingly untenable and transfer insider Tancredi Palmeri revealed the Manchester giants’ chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe is holding “frantic talks” regarding the managerial position.Palmeri claims United could move for a new head coach during the upcoming international break, which starts on Monday.Read More on Man UtdAnd the Premier League giants reportedly offered the top job to Inzaghi, who won the Serie A last season and led Inter to the Champions League final the previous term.The Italian tactician was asked to take over with immediate effect but he declined.Palmeri tweeted: “Frantic talks underway at Manchester United to decide whether to proceed with a manager change during the break.”Manchester United in recent days offered the bench to Simone Inzaghi to take over immediately during the break but Inzaghi declined”.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSInzaghi’s Inter are currently fourth in the Serie A table with only two points separating them from leaders Napoli.The Nerazzurri won three and only lost one of their first six league matches.Erik ten Hag bemoans defensive lapses as Man Utd waste flying start in Porto The Italian champions are also impressing in the Champions League as they drew 0-0 at Manchester City – in an unofficial rematch after losing the 2023 final – and destroyed Red Star Belgrade 4-0.Simone Inzaghi’s managerial careerHere’s Simone Inzaghi’s full managerial career by the numbers:2016-21 LAZIOGames: 244Wins: 131Draws: 43Losses: 70Titles: Coppa Italia (2018-19), Italian Super Cup (2017, 2019)2021- INTER MILANGames: 166Wins: 108Draws: 31Losses: 27Titles: Serie A (2023-24), Coppa Italia (2021-22, 2022-23), Italian Super Cup (2021, 2022, 2023), Champions League final (2022-23)Nine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten HagERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.Gareth SouthgateEnjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.Kieran McKennaTalks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.Roberto De ZerbiAllegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.Thomas FrankBrentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.Marco SilvaFulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.Mauricio PochettinoFell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.Thomas TuchelMade a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.Ruben AmorimSporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.Roberto MartinezPortugal manager was considered in the early stages. More

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    Transfer fees Q&A: How landmark court ruling could mean NFL-style player trades and stars suing clubs for millions

    FORMER Chelsea, Arsenal and Portsmouth midfielder Lassana Diarra has won his landmark case at the European Court of Justice.And the decision could have major ramifications on the future of football transfers. Lassana Diarra won his landmark case against Fifa at the European Court of JusticeCredit: APThe ruling could spell the end of transfer fees entirelyCredit: GettyWill an NFL-style draft and the complete scrapping of transfer fees really come to pass? SunSport explains what it was all about – and what it might mean.What was the case about?Diarra argued Fifa’s transfer rules were illegal after the world body backed Lokomotiv Moscow’s claim that he had broken his contract by refusing to train with them.Is that it?No. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBelgian club Charleroi wanted to sign Diarra but were told they would have to pay the money – which was halved from £16m to £8m after the player appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.He was fined by Moscow, while Fifa refused to issue an International Transfer Certificate unless they coughed upWhat did the Court say?Basically, a 3-0 victory for Diarra and his lawyer, Jean-Louis Dupont. Pointing to Moscow’s compensation claim after Diarra was deemed to have broken his contract, the proposed sanction against Charleroi and Fifa’s stance, the ECJ said: “All of those rules are contrary to EU law.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOkay, so what does that mean?Theoretically, if the ECJ ruling is now ratified by the court in Mons, Belgium, where the case began, players will have the right to break their contracts and switch clubs without a fee changing hands – just like any employee in any other industry.Hang on – does that mean the END of transfer fees?Potentially, yes. Transfer fees could be scrapped in biggest change to football in 30 years after landmark court case brought against Fifa Although players would have to want to move. We would basically end up with a US-style “collective bargaining” model where players would be free to move within transfer windows without impunity. Clubs might be able to “trade” players – swap deals – but with no extra cash changing hands.Is everybody agreed about this?Absolutely not. Fifa claimed the ruling “only puts in question two paragraphs of two articles” of its transfer regulations. Yet the Judges said the current rules were “prohibited” under EU law and “anti-competitive” as they “limit the freedom of action” of players to change employer.So what happens next?Fifa will try to find a way of tweaking its rules to meet with the approval of the Court. But that seems unlikely given the tone of the ruling.Inside Lassana Diarra’s legal case with FifaLASSANA DIARRA’S case with Fifa dates back to 2014 when he was playing for Lokomotiv Moscow.The former Chelsea and Real Madrid midfielder was in a dispute with Lokomotiv over wages – with the Russian side ultimately terminating his contract.The case was referred to Fifa’s Dispute and Resolution Chamber (DRC) which ruled against Diarra, fining him £16MILLION.During this time, Diarra received a new contract offer from Belgian side Charleroi.But Charleroi wanted clarification from Fifa that they would not be liable to pay any of the money owed to Lokomotiv.Fifa could not make that guarantee and the move never happened.As a result, Diarra brought new legal action against Fifa and the Belgian league claiming a loss of earnings.That started the long process that has led to this week’s groundbreaking judgment.Does that mean players will be able to move whenever they want?No. The Court confirmed the legitimacy of the current transfer window regulations which “ensure the stability of squad compositions during a given season” by banning “unilateral termination” of contracts during the campaign. Like other businesses, players seeking to move may have to serve notice periods, potentially up to 12 months.Anything else?If Dupont is right, the result will mean a large number of players who can claim they were restricted from moving clubs by the current rules will be able to make back-dated compensation claims, running into millions of pounds.And how soon could this all start to happen?Once the court in Mons ratifies the ECJ ruling, which might take a few months, it would come into effect across Europe.READ MORE SUN STORIESThat’s all right then. We’re not in the EU any more, are we?No. But English clubs, the FA and the leagues would have no option but to fall into line as Premier League clubs could argue any attempts to hold them to the current regulations breach competition law as they will be put at a disadvantage to their rivals in Europe.Former France international Diarra was at Chelsea for the 2005-06 title winCredit: GettyDiarra’s case was heard at the European Court of Justice in LuxembourgCredit: EPA More

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    Real Madrid ‘open transfer talks with Trent Alexander-Arnold’ with Liverpool star’s contract expiring in the summer

    REAL MADRID have made contact with Trent Alexander-Arnold’s representatives over a blockbuster free transfer, according to reports.Alexander-Arnold’s Liverpool contract is set to expire at the end of the season.Trent Alexander-Arnold has been linked with Real MadridCredit: RexThe England full-back, 25, has not ruled out penning a new deal to extend his stay at Anfield.But Real Madrid chiefs are eager to lure him to Spain.According to Spanish outlet Relevo, the LaLiga giants have contacted Alexander-Arnold’s representatives on several occasions.Their report adds that Real bosses feel that Alexander-Arnold’s friendship with Jude Bellingham could work to their advantage.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe duo have developed a close bond while playing for England together.Alexander-Arnold has played 318 times for boyhood club Liverpool since debuting in 2016.Prior to this season, he had experienced his entire club career under Jurgen Klopp.He has started every Premier League and Champions League game so far under Klopp’s successor Arne Slot.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut in five of the eight contests, he has been substituted.Last month, Alexander-Arnold was quizzed regarding his future.Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Bold £84m Bid for NantesHe said: “Look, I have been at the club 20 years now.”I have signed four or five contract extensions and none of those have been played out in public – and this one won’t be either.”I have always said I want to captain the club – that is an aim and a goal of mine, whether that happens is out of my hands. I want to be a Liverpool player this season is what I will say.”The most important thing is always trophies if I am honest. This season we are looking really good.”Alexander-Arnold has so far won a Premier League title, Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup and Club World Cup with the Reds.While he has also earned 31 England caps.The right-back isn’t the only Liverpool key man set to be out of contract next summer.Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah’s deals are also set to expire in June 2025.Slot, 46, was this morning asked about the contract statuses of his three key men.He said: “Contracts? I was hoping you didn’t use that word.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It’s the same boring answer as always and I could really understand if you ask me this every two weeks but every other day.”People think I am boring with the same answer. Try asking after the international break.”Arne Slot was tight-lipped when asked about Alexander-Arnold’s contract situationCredit: Reuters More

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    Alejandro Garnacho transfer: TWO European giants targeting shock £50m swoop for Man Utd star amid Erik ten Hag ‘row’

    TWO of Europe’s biggest clubs are monitoring Alejandro Garnacho as his frustrating start to the season continues.The Argentine winger has had to spend a lot of time on the bench so far.Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag and Alejandro GarnachoCredit: ReutersHis surprising lack of action even led to claims of a row with boss Erik Ten Hag who was reportedly angry about a social media post Garnacho shared about not playing.Now, SunSport can reveal the situation has put Barcelona and Juventus on red alert.The Spanish and Italian giants are tracking the situation and could be willing to try to tempt United with a massive bid in thesummer.United are believed to value the player – who is a huge favourite with fans – at £50m.Read more on man utd Earlier this year, he insisted “God has something planned for me” in a cryptic post after being left out of the starting XI by Ten Hag in their 2-1 loss to Brighton.The Argentine was forced to play a substitute role in both of United’s first two games this season, playing the final 30 minutes against Fulham and the Seagulls – assisting Joshua Zirkzee’s late winner against the former at Old Trafford.Eyebrows were also raised earlier this season when Ten Hag was asked if he thought Garnacho was world class.Ten Hag responded: “You have gone to quickly. World class is something where he has to go a long way.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”He has a high potential, 100 per cent. But last season he contributed and he can be a starting XI player.”It starts with hard work. That has brought him to where he is now and that will bring him to being a world class player because I agree he has the potential.”Garnacho impressed for United last season and was one of the bright sparks amid a difficult campaign, scoring nine times and providing four assists.Garnacho is being watched by Barcelona and JuventusCredit: Getty More

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    Arsenal legend’s son signs for non-league club as he is handed career lifeline after four months unemployed

    A NON-LEAGUE side have handed a career lifeline to the son of an Arsenal legend.The 26-year-old had been without a club for four months after being released in the summer.A non-league side have signed the son of an Arsenal legend after four months as a free agentCredit: AlamyHe left Bromley in June following their promotion to League Two, a year-and-a-half on from signing for the club.Meanwhile, the attacking midfielder previously had a spell with Watford after arriving in England.His new club have now handed him a chance to reignite his career, though, as he joins his fourth senior side.National League South outfit Welling United confirmed his arrival on a free transfer on Wednesday.READ MORE ON ARSENALThe Wings have added Dutchman Mitchel Bergkamp, son of Gunners icon Dennis, to their ranks.Rod Stringer’s side currently sit 18th in the sixth tier following a 6-0 loss to Boreham Wood in their last match.Bergkamp could make his debut this weekend when his new club host Weston-super-Mare on Saturday afternoon.He arrives after scoring once in 10 appearances for Bromley and also played for Dutch side Almere City before heading to England.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHis dad even coached him at Almere during a brief spell as the club’s under-21 assistant manager.The ex-Ajax, Inter Milan and Netherlands forward is best known in England for his time in North London, though.Watch Thierry Henry awkwardly admit ‘I saw Bukayo Saka at the Arsenal academy and didn’t think he’d be that good’Mitchel Bergkamp was released by Bromley in June after their promotion to League TwoCredit: AlamyThe Dutch midfielder is the son of Gunners icon Dennis BergkampCredit: Instagram / @officialdennisbergkampBergkamp scored 120 goals in 422 appearances during 11 years at Highbury.During that time, he also won 10 trophies including a trio of Premier League titles.Since retiring aged 37 in 2006, he has held several coaching roles but has been away from the dugout since leaving Almere in 2019.Bergkamp won three Premier League titles during 11 years in North LondonCredit: Getty More

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    Barcelona considering sensational transfer swoop for Neymar – but only if they can’t lure Premier League star

    BARCELONA are reportedly considering a shock move for Neymar.The Brazilian could make a sensational return to the club seven years after his exit.Barcelona are considering a move to bring Neymar back to the club next summerCredit: APHowever, Barca’s pursuit is dependant on them missing out on signing a Premier League star.Neymar was sold to Paris Saint-Germain for a world record £198million in 2017 after four years in Spain.During that time, he scored 105 goals and provided 76 assists in 186 appearances for Barcelona.He also won nine trophies with the club, including the Champions League and a pair of league titles.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAccording to Sport, Neymar could now return to the Nou Camp next summer.The report claims Barca are considering a move for the 32-year-old if they miss out on signing Erling Haaland first.Haaland is understood to be their priority target for the 2025 summer transfer window.Neymar remains a target, though, with his Al-Hilal contract expiring at the end of the season.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSClub president Joan Laporta wants to give him another chance but would face competition from Brazilian side Flamengo.Laporta’s relationship with Neymar’s agent Pini Zahavi could boost his hopes of striking a deal.Top 10 highest paid sports stars in 2024Barca would reportedly only look to sign Neymar if they cannot bring in Erling HaalandCredit: GettyBarcelona will also be helped by his desire to play at the 2026 World Cup with the offer to play high level football again.Neymar joined Al-Hilal last summer, penning a two-year deal worth £314million.However, he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament just two months later after making just five appearances for the Saudi Pro League side.After a year out with the injury, Neymar recently returned to training and could make his comeback at the end of this month.Neymar spent four years with Barcelona before his world record move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017Credit: Getty More

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    Former Liverpool star Roberto Firmino reveals ‘straw that broke the camel’s back’ and ended Anfield career on the spot

    ROBERTO FIRMINO has revealed the moment he realised he had to leave Liverpool.The Brazilian, 33, played for the Reds for eight years between 2015 and 2023.Roberto Firmino played for Liverpool between 2015 and 2023Credit: Richard Pelham / The SunDuring his Anfield stint he played a key role within Jurgen Klopp’s front three alongside Sadio Mane and Mo Salah.Firmino helped Liverpool win the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup before leaving for Saudi Arabia.During his last few seasons on Merseyside, the forward became less of a regular feature within Jurgen Klopp’s starting XI.In his book, entitled Si Senor: My Liverpool Years, Firmino detailed exactly when he decided that he had to leave his beloved Anfield.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe wrote: “The straw that broke the camel’s back was a match against Wolves, in which I came on as a substitute in the last minute. That was it. Right there, I understood.”As we say in Brazil, the penny dropped. I knew now. I called my agents. Roger Wittmann and Christian Rapp met with me for a face-to-face talk.”We left the living room and went to my room: just me, Christian, Roger and Larissa, no distractions.”Christian and Roger were perfectly transparent about everything that was happening and the club’s view of my future.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFirmino replaced Darwin Nunez late on during a clash with WolvesCredit: Rex”It wasn’t a war. It was just a difference in understanding about what I could offer to Liverpool. I reflected a lot and realised that God’s plan was to take me somewhere else.”The signs were all there since that conversation with Pastor Daniel in Maceio. I had been stubborn.Football’s weirdest contract clauses revealed including non-Arsenal agreement and a private jet promise”God didn’t want me to stay in Liverpool, but I was insisting. I didn’t listen. But I couldn’t avoid it any more. It was time to accept.”I decided it was time to seek another challenge for myself, another purpose. My time at Liverpool had come to an end.”The match Firmino referenced was a 2-0 win over Wolves at Anfield in March 2023.Virgil van Dijk broke the deadlock with a header on 73 minutes, before Mo Salah quickly made it two.That night, with Mane having left the previous summer, Klopp started a front three featuring Salah, Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez.Klopp decided against bringing Firmino on as his side chased the opening goal, and even after going 1-0 up opted to bring on Cody Gakpo first.Firmino finally came on in the 89th minute, replacing Nunez for the closing stages.He would then come on for an 11-minute cameo the following week, grabbing a goal and an assist in the 7-0 rout of Manchester United.The Anfield icon went on to start just two more games for the Reds.READ MORE SUN STORIESThat summer he departed for Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli on a free transfer after 111 goals in 362 games for Liverpool.Since moving to the Middle East he has netted 12 times in 43 games, with his team finishing third last term.Firmino, 33, now plies his trade in Saudi ArabiaCredit: Getty More

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    Man Utd cult hero Federico Macheda signs for his 13th club as career nosedives 15 years after heroics against Villa

    MANCHESTER UNITED cult hero Federico Macheda has signed for his THIRTEENTH club just 15 years after his iconic debut against Aston Villa.The Italian striker, 33, was most recently at Turkish Super Lig side Ankaragucu, where he netted just once in 14 games.Federico Macheda has just signed for his THIRTEENTH club with Greek side Asteros TripolisMacheda is a Man Utd fan favourite after his incredible debutCredit: Getty – ContributorMacheda made just ONE appearance for them last season after falling out of favour.But he is now set for a brand new start after moving to Greece.Macheda has penned a deal with top-flight side Asteras Tripolis.And he will be managed by none other than Chelsea legend Claude Makelele, who took charge last month after a trophy-laden playing career.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMacheda is now at his 13th club, having made his pro debut at United 15 years ago in 2009.The forward immediately endeared himself to fans by netting a 93rd minute winner against Aston Villa aged 17.And he remains United’s youngest-ever Premier League scorer to this day.But a dip in form and several injury setbacks saw Macheda get less and less chances under Sir Alex Ferguson.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe embarked on a series of loans to Sampdoria, QPR, Stuttgart, Doncaster and Birmingham.And Macheda was finally released in 2014 after five goals in 36 outings, with Cardiff quickly moving for him.Cristiano Ronaldo ‘agreed to rejoin Man Utd with Real Madrid star in £200m deal’ Macheda came off the bench to net a 93rd minute winner against Aston Villa in 2009Credit: Getty – ContributorMacheda remains United’s youngest-ever Premier League scorerCredit: Getty – ContributorHe will be managed in Greece by Chelsea legend Claude MakeleleCredit: Getty – ContributorThe former Italy U21s star netted eight goals in 33 games for the Welsh side while also taking in a brief loan spell at Nottingham Forest.In 2016 he moved to Italy’s second tier with Novara, scoring 11 times in 52 games across two campaigns.And Macheda then ended up spending four seasons with Panathinaikos, clocking up 116 appearances and 40 goals in the process.His 2022 move to Ankaragucu did not work though, with Macheda joining his 12th club APOEL on a six-month loan.But the ace is determined to have another successful stint in Greece, with Makelele hopeful of helping Macheda rediscover his best form with 13th side Asteras. More