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    Brighton planning next wonderkid transfer raid as Seagulls eye 20-year-old EFL star who has already captained his side

    BRIGHTON are ready to move for Sheffield United’s rising star Ollie Arblaster as their next big signing.Seagulls chiefs have made the midfield dynamo, 20, a top target despite their flurry of new arrivals.Brighton are ready to make a move for Sheffield United midfielder Ollie ArblasterCredit: RexAnd they are willing to pay at least £20million for Arblaster, who has already stood in as skipper of Chris Wilder’s side.The Blades supporter is in no rush to leave — yet his fan club is growing and an offer or two is likely in January.And a homegrown star such as Arblaster would fit in with Brighton’s  strategy because they try to find players who can improve them, but also be sold on at some point.Moises Caicedo, Marc Cucurella and Alexis Mac Allister are amongst the players to have been sold for huge profits in recent seasons.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Seagulls’ strategy was also on display this summer with the arrivals of nine players all aged 24 or under.New boss Fabian Hurzeler has already blended them into his squad with an unbeaten start to the campaign.As for Arblaster, he has scored twice in four Championship appearances for the Blades this term, who are also yet to lose in the league.Those matches include captaining his side against Norwich and Watford in their last two fixtures.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe England under-20 international also made 12 Premier League appearances last term after breaking into the first-team.However, he was unable to save the club from relegation at the first attempt.XI amazing players worth £78m available for freeWilder’s return to Bramall Lane in December failed to save them from the drop.The Blades ended the season bottom of the Premier League on 16 points after winning just three matches during the campaign.The Seagulls are willing to pay up to £20million to sign Arblaster from the BladesCredit: Alamy More

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    Man Utd fans tell ‘Agent Zirkzee’ to ‘bring him home’ as amazing tweet reveals bromance with top transfer target Musiala

    JOSHUA ZIRKZEE’S friendship with Manchester United transfer target Jamal Musiala was on show on social media following the Dutchman’s goal on Saturday night.Zirkzee, 23, bagged the Netherlands’ opening goal in a 5-2 win over Bosnia in Eindhoven.Jamal Musiala, centre, and Joshua Zirkzee, right, were team-mates at Bayern MunichCredit: GettyMusiala joked with Zirkzee about his goal on Instagram on Saturday nightAnd he did so in the most creative of ways.When Xavi Simons’ shot looped up off a defender, Zirkzee produced a backwards header into the bottom corner.The goal caught the attention of Musiala – who also netted for Germany in their 5-0 win over Hungary.Reacting on Instagram, he said: “2 way shot creator,” referencing a style of player who is a good all-rounder in the basketball game NBA 2K25.READ MORE ON MAN UTDZirkzee, who was team-mates with Musiala at Bayern Munich before he left for Bologna in 2022, responded with two crying laughing emojis.And Man Utd fans are convinced the bromance is one way they can convince Musiala to come to Old Trafford.One said: “Agent Joshua we are seeing you come next summer 👀❤️.”While another added: “Bring him home.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSZirkzee scored 11 goals in Serie A for Bologna last seasonJamal Musiala racked up 16 goal contributions in his 2023/24 Bundesliga campaignAnd a third replied: “Musiala to United in 2027. I will be there.”The winger, 21, who represented England up to U21 level, has a contract with Bayern until 2026.Man Utd new-boy Joshua Zirkzee branded ‘class act’ after incredible gesture to fans after last-minute debut heroics But comments earlier this week have raised speculation over his future in the Bundesliga.The remarks came during a conversation about him and Zirkzee jokingly trying to convince one another to join their respective clubs.He told Welt am Sonntag: “You always joke around with friends and dream of playing together in a team one day.”The jokes go both ways: I also told Josh that he should come back to Bayern but you shouldn’t take that too seriously.”I am very happy at FC Bayern and fully focused on our goals with the club and the national team. I don’t think too much about where I will be playing in five years.”Things can always change quickly in the world of football.”Zirkzee, who now has three caps for the Netherlands, revealed to fans following his arrival at Man Utd in July that he had “tried” to convince Musiala to come to Old Trafford.Musiala has contributed 44 goals and 31 assists in 166 games for Bayern since joining from Chelsea in 2019.READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile, Zirkzee scored on his Man Utd debut, coming off the bench to bag the winner against Fulham.He was used as a substitute again in the 2-1 loss to Brighton, before he started the 3-0 defeat to Liverpool. More

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    Man City ready to hand Pep Guardiola HUGE January transfer warchest with two Bundesliga wonderkids eyed

    PEP GUARDIOLA will be handed the keys to a £100million war chest if he feels Manchester City need to strengthen in January.Guardiola largely kept his powder dry in the summer, despite Julian Alvarez’ joining Atletico Madrid in an £81.5m deal.Pep Guardiola is set to be handed a £100million transfer war chest by Manchester CityCredit: GettyGermany playmaker Florian Wirtz is top of the champions’ January wishlistCredit: GettyCity are also keen on a move for Bayern Munich’s Jamal MusialaCredit: GettySpaniard Pep ran the rule over a handful of options but ultimately was happy to stick with what he had.Yet the Etihad boss has been told a hefty transfer kitty will be available again in the new year, if he wants to bring in new faces.For all the champions’ riches, Guardiola has always stuck to his guns in the market — refusing to go beyond his own valuation even if it means missing out on a player.City finished the summer massively in profit, after other departures — notably Joao Cancelo and Taylor Harwood-Bellis — brought in £160m in total.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn contrast, the only fee they paid was the £21m to sign Brazilian winger Savinho, already a huge favourite with fans, from sister club Troyes.Yet they pulled a rabbit out of the hat by bringing midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, 33, back to the Etihad on a free from Barcelona.City are keen on Florian Wirtz, 21, the Bundesliga Player of the Season as Bayer Leverkusen won the double last season.Gifted Bayern Munich’ rookie Jamal Musiala, also 21, is another dream target but neither is likely to be gettable before next summer at the earliest.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSavinho’s £21million arrival was the only transfer fee spent by City in the summerCredit: GettyIlkay Gundogan also returned to the club on a free transfer from BarcelonaCredit: AlamyCity are keen to advance contract extension talks with Rodri and Kevin De Bruyne before Christmas.Pep Guardiola refuses to rule out England manager job after Wayne Rooney tips him to succeed Gareth Southgate City are looking to extend both Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri’s contracts before ChristmasCredit: Getty More

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    Andros Townsend reveals even he doesn’t know whether he has a contract live on ITV coverage of Ireland vs England

    ANDROS TOWNSEND revealed live on air that even he doesn’t know whether he has a contract with Turkish side Antalyaspor.The former Tottenham and England winger, 33, signed a deal with the continental side after leaving Luton Town this summer.Andros Townsend admits he doesn’t know whether he is contracted or not to AntalyasporCredit: ReutersBut the Turks failed to get Townsend’s signature over the line before a transfer ban came into effect.He is now in limbo, with Antalyaspor not even announcing his arrival — let alone registering him with their squad.Townsend has since been training in Turkey without any knowledge of when he will officially become their player.Yet he returned home this week to work as a co-commentator for ITV.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSaturday saw Townsend in Dublin for England’s 2-0 win over the Republic of Ireland.Main commentator Sam Matterface used an injury break to Seamus Coleman to discuss Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson, who moonlights as a dentist when he is out of work on the touchline.Matterface quipped: “I suppose you need to find some way to fill a gap when you’re out of work.”Townsend joked: “What do you think I’m doing here?”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe was then asked about his playing situation.Townsend answered: “I believe so (I’m contracted to Antalyaspor). I believe so (I signed a contract).Football fans stunned as Premier League star Andros Townsend reveals he eats chicken feet for dinner every single night “Anything other than that I’ve no clue. Bit of both (training and on the beach).“It’s a crazy scenario. The club’s got a transfer embargo, so they can’t announce or register me.“I’m not even sure if I’m contracted but here we are.”Townsend previously opened up on the bizarre move to Turkey.He told BBC Radio 5 Live last month: “[It’s] three days before the start of the season at Luton.”I get a call from Antalyaspor saying ‘We have an offer for you but you’ve got 24 hours to respond because we’ve got a transfer ban coming and we need to get you in before the transfer ban’.”So no time to think about it. I managed to negotiate to be involved in the first game for Luton, played 10 minutes in that, and then it was literally all signed, all done.”Then we missed the deadline by a couple of hours.READ MORE SUN STORIES”So the contract is signed with Antalyaspor, they can’t officially register me, they can’t announce me because they have a transfer ban.”So I’m literally just stuck in Antalyaspor just training. I don’t know who owns me. I don’t know where my contract is. So yeah, that’s me.”England Player Ratings vs IrelandDECLAN RICE silenced his Irish critics with a dominant display in England’s Nations League opener.Lee Carsley’s players handed him a debut win as interim manager of the Three Lions.Rice starred in the first half as he netted the opener and then set up England’s second goal.Jack Grealish doubled up for England after being set up by Rice 15 minutes later.Anthony Gordon however faded in the match as he was not able to have as much success as Grealish.SunSport’s Charlie Wyett has rated England’s players’ performance against Ireland…JORDAN PICKFORD – 6Pushed away a half decent shot from Sammie Szmodics at the start of the game but as England took control, he had a stress-free game.After a difficult couple of weeks with Everton, he would have been grateful for this. TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD – 7Looked more at home at right-back compared to the disastrous midfield experiment at the Euros.Stunning pass in a move that eventually led to the first goal. He has to remain as England’s right-back. MARC GUEHI – 7Enjoyed a decent Euros and switched over to the right of central defence as John Stones was named on the bench.Looks increasingly like a top-drawer defender. HARRY MAGUIRE – 7Was left devastated after failing to make the Euro 2024 squad but he has enjoyed a decent start with Manchester United and looked solid here.When he is not in the team, England do miss his aerial presence. 7LEVI COLWILL – 7Second appearance for England and was deployed at left-back.Unlike the Euros, England have much better balance in defence with a natural left footer in this position. 7DECLAN RICE – 9Enjoyed an absolute stormer in what could have been a difficult afternoon.Booed every time he touched the ball, the former Irish international quietened the boisterous home fans with a brilliant finish although refused to celebrate.He then set up the second for Grealish. KOBBIE MAINOO – 7Fits perfectly into Carsley’s style of play. Some of his passing was excellent, particularly in the final third of the pitch, and this included his part in the outstanding second goal. BUKAYO SAKA – 7Enjoying a terrific start to the season with Arsenal – he has been nominated as their player of the month – and played with plenty of confidence here.Was involved in the second goal.JACK GREALISH – 8Left out of the Euros squad, but loved every minute of this.A decent finish for 2-0 and unlike Rice, celebrated in front of the visiting fans by raising both arms in triumph.ANTHONY GORDON – 6Looked really lively early on but faded.He should have put England ahead when clean through but was lucky that seconds later, Rice hammered his shot into the corner. 6HARRY KANE – 6Missed with a header and despite working hard, did not actually have that many chances despite England having so much possession. SubsGibbs-White (for Grealish 77 mins) 6, Gomes (for Mainoo 77) 6, Eze (for Gordon 77 mins) 6, Bowen (for Kane 84 mins) 6, Stones (for Maguire 85) 6.Subs not used: Henderson, Pope, Lewis, Gallagher, Livramento, Konsa, Madueke. More

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    Anthony Martial ‘chooses next club’ after Man Utd release as he snubs ‘biggest contract in team’s history’

    ANTHONY MARTIAL is “expected to join” Flamengo after leaving Manchester United.Martial, 28, ended his nine-year stint at United after his contract ran out in June and has been a free agent since.Anthony Martial is expected to join Flamengo after leaving Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyMartial also received a record contract offer from AEK AthensCredit: GettyThe centre-forward had offers from clubs in Brazil, Greece, Saudi Arabia, Mexico and the US during the summer transfer window.But according to journalist Luca Bendoni, who is part of transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio’s team, the ex-France international has opted for Brazilian outfit Flamengo.Martial is now expected to finalise his move to the Maracana and put pen to paper with Tite’s side.The Frenchman also received a massive offer from Greek outfit AEK Athens.Read More on FootballAEK offered the versatile forward the biggest contract in the club’s 100-year history.That means he would have earned more than ex-Tottenham ace Erik Lamela, who also joined Matias Almeyda’s side as a free agent after leaving Sevilla this summer.While the details of Martial’s exact figures have not yet been released, Lamela nets £2.1million per year in Athens.However, the ex-United ace didn’t seem too keen to move to the Greek Superleague at this stage in his career.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAEK, though, continue to keep tabs on the Premier League as they are pushing to sign Chelsea outcast David Datro Fofana.Fofana has fallen out of favour at Stamford Bridge and manager Enzo Maresca is looking to reduce his massive squad.Anthony Martial works hard in Sevilla training AEK’s sporting director Panagiotis Kone flew to England to get the deal over the line for the striker.Martial left United with 90 goals and 47 assists in 317 appearances under his belt.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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    Erling Haaland set for record-breaking new Man City contract but special clause is good news for Real Madrid

    ERLING HAALAND is poised to sign a new Manchester City contract that will make him the highest-paid player in the Premier League, according to reports.The Norwegian striker, 24, has been sensational since arriving at the Etihad in 2022, scoring 97 goals in 102 games.Erling Haaland is set to pen a deal to make him the highest-paid Premier League playerCredit: AlamyBefore the international break he bagged back-to-back hat-tricks against Ipswich and West Ham to take his tally for the new season to SEVEN in just three matches.According to Marca, he is soon expected to put pen to paper on a new deal – with his existing contract expiring in 2027.And the fresh terms are set to make him the biggest earner in the Premier League.He currently rakes in £375,000 per week, placing him second on the wages list behind team-mate Kevin de Bruyne – who earns £400,000 per week.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, Real Madrid, who plan to go after Haaland in the future, will be boosted by the make-up of his new Man City contract.That is because it will reportedly include a release clause, although the fee is unknown.Man City triggered Haaland’s £51million release clause when they signed him from Borussia Dortmund two years ago.Real Madrid have no immediate plans to pursue Haaland following the arrival of Kylian Mbappe.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHaaland’s new contract is set to take him above De BruyneHaaland’s agent Rafaela Pimenta spoke about Real Madrid in 2023, saying: “There’s the Premier League and then there’s also Madrid.”They have something of their own that is also the dream for the players.Fans ask ‘how can you not love him?’ after Haaland’s blunt eight-word response to reporter’s fantasy football question”Madrid keeps this magic going. They don’t have the weekly competitions, but they have the Champions League.”Erling Haaland’s career in numbersAge: 24Club games: 302Club goals: 252International games: 34International goals: 31Trophies: Austrian Bundesliga, Austrian Cup, German Cup, Premier League x2, FA Cup, Champions League, Uefa Super CupIndividual honours: European Golden Shoe, Bundesliga Player of the Season, Bundesliga Team of the Season x2, Premier League Player of the Season, PFA Team of the Year x2, Premier League Golden Boot x2, Champions League top scorer x2, Uefa Men’s Player of the Year x2 More

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    Crystal Palace were so convinced Eberechi Eze would leave they had already lined up England star’s transfer replacement

    CRYSTAL PALACE were completely “convinced” they would lose Eberechi Eze this summer, it’s been revealed.The Eagles sold Michael Olise to Bayern Munich early on in the window, and it’s now been claimed the club’s hierarchy had also prepared for the departure of England star Eze.Crystal Palace were resigned to losing both Ebere Eze and Michael Olise this summerCredit: GettyChairman Steve Parish admitted he was stunned at the lack of offers for the England internationalCredit: RexPSV’s Johan Bakayoko had been lined up to replace EzeCredit: RexAccording to the Daily Mail, the 26-year-old would have been available on the market for his release clause worth £68million.This clause ran until August, with Manchester United, Manchester City and Tottenham all said to have expressed their interest in the attacking midfielder. The report adds the south London side had already lined up Eze’s replacement in the form of 21-year-old PSV star Johan Bakayoko.However, no bids ever arrived for Eze to take the former Queens Park Rangers star away from Selhurst Park.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLChairman Steve Parish admitted this lack of interest had left him “astounded”, as he had nothing but praise for the seven-cap Three Lions star.Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “I was really worried from a club point of view of losing Michael [Olise] and Ebbs [Eze] in the same window and we didn’t have in Ebbs the interest that I thought we would have.”I was astounded. Genuinely astounded. “I mean, the guy’s just an outstanding footballer, an outstanding person.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSEze has already notched up a goal in both the Premier League and League Cup, while his would-be replacement, Bakayoko, has two goals and one assist across all competitions this season.He was also named in Lee Carsley’s inaugural England squad for the Uefa Nations League clashes against the Republic of Ireland and Finland.Meet Ivan Toney’s Saudi team-matesHis contract runs until 2027, but the release clause will re-open once again next summer.Palace will reportedly be willing to “soften” their stance and facilitate a lower transfer fee for Eze as they understand his desire to play regular European football. Lee Carsley’s first senior England squadEze grabbed 11 goals and four assists in the league last season in a turbulent campaign that saw Palace end the campaign with Oliver Glasner in charge.Meanwhile, Bakayoko grabbed 14 goals and 14 assists in all competitions as his contributions proved important in PSV’s Eredivisie-winning campaign.He also has one goal in 14 Belgium caps, and like Eze, was named in his nation’s latest squad as they prepare to play Israel and France.Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. More

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    Man City ‘monitoring Crystal Palace star March Guehi and could wait TWO YEARS to get him on free transfer’

    MANCHESTER CITY are keeping tabs on Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi’s situation after Newcastle’s failed bid to sign him in the summer.The Magpies launched four offers for Guehi, 24, with their most expensive bid costing an initial £60million with £5m in add-ons.Manchester City are monitoring Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi’s situationCredit: PAGuehi’s contract runs out in 2026 and Palace want to tie him down to a new dealCredit: GettyHowever, that wasn’t enough for Palace to sell with chairman Steve Parish stating the club are holding out for “superstar money”.The Eagles managed to hold on to their star defender and are now planning to tie him down to a new deal with his current contract set to run out in 2026.According to The Mail, however, the centre-back is not keen on extending his contract and could look to leave Selhurst Park for free in two years.And thus City are monitoring ongoing developments regarding the England international.Read More on FootballThe Citizens could move for Guehi in the summer when Palace might be forced to sell for a cut price to avoid losing a major asset for free in 2026.Oliver Glasner’s side’s only alternative would be to find a way of convincing the Chelsea academy graduate of agreeing fresh terms that would inevitably include a bumper pay rise.Otherwise City and other suitors could just wait for a couple of years before landing their man as a free agent.Guehi stood out last season with the south Londoners as he amassed a total of 29 appearances across all competitions.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe central defender has also competed in all four of Palace’s matches this season as a starter without ever getting subbed.Guehi played a key role in England’s Euro 2024 campaign that saw them making it to the final.Marc Guehi shows off his skills in training with Crystal Palace The Palace star played in every single match except the quarter-final clash against Switzerland due to a yellow-card suspension.England lost 2-1 to Spain in the final with Gareth Southgate resigning as manager soon after.Guehi is reportedly not keen to extend his Palace contract More