More stories

  • in

    Marcus Rashford not ruling out shock Man Utd return with Aston Villa star to assess all transfer options

    MARCUS RASHFORD is yet to make a decision about his future – with a return to Manchester United still on the cards.The 27-year-old fell out of favour with United boss Ruben Amorim earlier this season.Marcus Rashford is not ruling out any options regarding his futureCredit: RexAfter being exiled from the Red Devils first-team squad in December, he was loaned out to Aston Villa the following month.Rashford has since made 17 appearances for Unai Emery’s side, scoring four goals and making six.Villa have the option to buy the Man Utd loanee for around £40million at the end of the campaign – but it is currently unclear whether or not they will trigger it.Meanwhile, according to Sky Sports, Rashford is not ruling out any options regarding his future.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe possibility of returning to Old Trafford remains on the table.It has been reported that Rashford believes he could still have a future at United.The England forward will make a concrete decision about his future at the end of the season.He is also receiving interest from other clubs in England and across Europe.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordThe Independent has reported that Rashford wants to join a Champions League side.However, he is against a move to London, which rules out Arsenal and potentially Chelsea.Marcus Rashford sells Lamborghini supercar for £450,000 and buys incredibly rare £177,000 Audi Barcelona have held an interest in the forward since January and could swoop in with an offer.Paris Saint-Germain are also understood to be monitoring the situation.Should Rashford not return to Old Trafford, United have lined up potential replacements.SunSport revealed earlier this month that the Red Devils are willing to go all out for Eberechi Eze this summer.Crystal Palace could demand around £50m for the 26-year-old.Reports have also suggested that United are closing in on a deal for Matheus Cunha from Wolves.The 25-year-old has a £62.5m release clause but the Red Devils are yet to trigger it.Man Utd are willing to go all out for Eberechi EzeCredit: ReutersMatheus Cunha is also a target for the Red DevilsCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Burnley complete FOUR transfers just hours after winning promotion to the Premier League

    BURNLEY have four players already through the door after confirming promotion back to the Premier League.The Clarets beat Sheffield United 2-1 on Monday to secure an instant return to the top flight.Marcus Edwards (right) is joining Burnley permanently after their promotionCredit: RexEx-Spurs star Edwards is one of four players joining after impressing on loanCredit: Getty Images – GettyScott Parker’s men are already hard at work preparing for the 2025-26 campaign. And all four players will be familiar faces to Burnley fans after turning out for them this season on loan. Marcus Edwards, Jaidon Anthony, Bashir Humphreys and Zian Flemming will all sign permanently after successful loan spells in the North West. Edwards has starred for the club since joining from Sporting Lisbon in January.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe joined with an obligation to sign permanently for £8.5million – provided the Clarets won promotion.Tottenham will benefit thanks to a 35 per cent sell-on clause they have on Edwards, who came through their academy.Edwards, who was once compared to Lionel Messi by Mauricio Pochettino, left Tottenham on a free transfer for Vitoria Guimaraes in 2019 – but with a 50 per cent sell-on included.That clause was then passed on to Sporting when Edwards joined the Lisbon giants for Vitoria in 2022.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe figure was then reduced to 35 per cent as part of Pedro Porro’s £40m move from Sporting to Spurs the following year.Edwards has made 15 appearances for Burnley since being farmed out to the Lancashire side, scoring two goals.Burnley pitch invasion marred by unsavoury scenes as Sheffield United star Hamza Choudhury is held back by securityThe Clarets’ promotion also sees them commit to buying Anthony from Bournemouth. Anthony has spent the entire season on loan in the North West and will now join permanently for £8m.Parker’s side will also be bolstered by the permanent capture of both Humphreys and Flemming.In total, the Clarets are shelling out almost £40m for the quartet.Burnley’s success this season was built on the back of a stunning defensive effort.Parker’s side has conceded just 15 goals in 44 league games and will now battle it out with Leeds for the title. More

  • in

    Carlo Ancelotti ‘contacted’ over two new jobs if he leaves Real Madrid after Champions League disaster

    CARLO ANCELOTTI has reportedly been contacted over two new jobs if he leaves Real Madrid.The legendary Italian manager appears set to be on the way out of the Santiago Bernabeu following a disappointing season.Carlo Ancelotti could be on his way out of Real MadridCredit: RexHe has reportedly been contacted over a return to AC MilanCredit: ReutersHe could also replace Claudio Ranieri at RomaCredit: GettyAncelotti, 65, has enjoyed great success with Los Blancos since returning to the club in 2021.He has won two Champions League titles during his current reign, but the current season has been a failure.Real were dumped out of Europe’s premier competition by Arsenal and are seven points behind Barcelona in the LaLiga title race.The veteran technician will not be short of offers if he does leave the club at the end of the season.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLLa Gazzetta dello Sport has claimed that AC Milan have contacted him over a return to the San Siro.Ancelotti won the Serie A and Champions League titles twice with the Rossoneri as manager between 2001 and 2009.He also enjoyed success at the club as a player, as he won domestic and European titles with the club.Milan is not the only team to have reached out to the former Everton boss, according to the report.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSIt is claimed that AS Roma are also interested in Ancelotti to replace Premier League title winner Claudio Ranieri.The Leicester City legend was hired by Roma for the second time in his career in November.New footage ‘shows Jude Bellingham in tense standoff with Ancelotti’ as Real Madrid boss ‘mortally wounded’ by Arsenal He has won 42 trophies as a player and managerCredit: GettyXabi Alonso has been linked with replacing Ancelotti at Real MadridCredit: GettyRanieri, 73, came out of retirement to help the capital-based side after Ivan Juric was sacked.He has since helped the I Giallorossi climb back up the Serie A table and into sixth place.Roma are currently on a 17-game unbeaten streak in the league, with the last loss coming at Como in December. Meanwhile, Ancelotti has admitted he is relishing the pressure in Spain.Real face Barcelona in an El Clasico Copa del Rey final on Saturday, the club’s last chance of silverware this season.He said: “The club is aware that it has been a more complicated year than last year.”Together we manage the difficulties. The honeymoon continues. I’m very happy, very happy, with a lot of pressure, but that’s how it always is.”You see success very close and it’s normal for stress to increase, but stress is fuel for me, it doesn’t bother me, it gives me more energy to think about more things.”As long as I continue to get up in the morning, everything is fine.”Read More on The SunMeanwhile, former Liverpool star Xabi Alonso is one of the favourites to replace Ancelotti at the Bernabeu.It is believed that Real chiefs have already sounded out Alonso about taking over at the club.Inside Ancelotti’s trophy cabinetCarlo Ancelotti has won a stunning amount of honours during his playing and managerial career…Playing career:RomaSerie A x1Coppa Italia x4AC Milan Serie A x2Supercoppa Italiana x1 European Cup x2European Super Cup x1Intercontinental Cup x1Manager career:JuventusIntertoto Cup x1AC Milan Serie A x1Coppa Italia x1Supercoppa Italiana x1Champions League x2Super Cup x2Club World Cup x1ChelseaPremier League x1FA Cup x1Community Shield x1Paris Saint-GermainLigue 1 x1Real Madrid LaLiga x2Copa del Rey x2Supercopa de Espana x2Champions League x3Super Cup x3Club World Cup x2Intercontinental Cup x1Bayern Munich Bundesliga x1DFL-Supercup x1 More

  • in

    Man Utd ‘to work on £92.5million double transfer swoop for Cunha and Delap NOW to conclude deal in first summer window’

    MANCHESTER UNITED are eager to finalise deals to sign Matheus Cunha and Liam Delap, according to reports.Ruben Amorim wants to revamp his attacking options this summer and the two forwards have been earmarked as key targets.Man Utd want to wrap up a deal to sign Matheus CunhaCredit: GettyThe Red Devils intend to activate Liam Delap’s £30m release clauseCredit: GettyDelap is United’s No1 transfer target ahead of the summer window, and will be available for just £30million once Ipswich are relegated.The Red Devils intend to trigger his release clause as soon as they are able to, according to the Daily Mail, and will do the same with Cunha’s £62.5million buyout fee.United are said to have fought off interest from Newcastle to land Cunha, 25, who was spoken to by Amorim in the Old Trafford tunnel last Sunday.Delap, 22, does have other suitors too however, most notably Chelsea.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAnd although his buyout clause is £30m, add-ons are expected the make the deal a lot pricier.That means a large chunk on the budget could be spent on the pair, with Amorim understood to be planning on deploying them both in his starting line-up, with Cunha as a No10 alongside Bruno Fernandes.Victor Osimhen also remains an option but would cost upwards of £70m.United could reportedly let Rasmus Hojlund leave to Napoli as part of the deal, while Napoli are also interested in Alejandro Garnacho.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe Argentine winger could leave this summer and his transfer fee would secure pure profit for the Red Devils since he is an academy graduate.Chelsea hold an interest in Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo – another academy player who would guarantee pure profit.Ruben Amorim will go all out to secure Europa League glory for Man Utd United could be open to letting the midfielder leave along with Casemiro.And finding suitors to sign Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Antony on a permanent basis is also on the priority list this summer. More

  • in

    Cristian Romero drops Tottenham transfer bombshell as he says ‘I’m always looking for new places to continue developing’

    CRISTIAN ROMERO has dropped a major transfer hint that he could leave Tottenham this summer, putting Europe’s top clubs on alert.The fiery Argentine joined Tottenham from Atalanta in 2021 for £42million and has been brilliant at times, but this season has been a frustrating one.Cristian Romero has been one of Tottenham’s top performersCredit: GettyTottenham defender Cristian Romero has had a stop start seasonHe missed 21 games due to a recurring hamstring injury, which has left his team short at the back and lacking leadership.Despite this, his standing among Spurs fans remains high – whenever he’s played, he has looked impressive.However, his recent interview is likely to have a few fans scratching their heads, while also putting some of Europe’s top clubs on red alert.The Argentina star told Los Edul when asked about his immediate future: “We’re in the Europa League semi-finals, and I want to finish the season on a high note.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS “After that, we’ll see. My focus is always on growing and looking for new places to continue developing.”Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are reportedly interested in him, and having already played in Italy, LaLiga could appeal.Tottenham have been incredibly disappointing this season, losing 18 games and currently sitting 16th in the Premier League table.There is no chance they will qualify for European football through the league, and they’ve now put all their eggs in one basket, hoping to salvage their campaign by winning the Europa League.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe future of manager Ange Postecoglou is also reportedly hanging on the outcome of their Europa League campaign – and even success there might not be enough.Spurs have not won a trophy since the League Cup triumph in 2008 and are desperate to end that barren run this season. ‘Turning gold into c–p’ – Ange Postecoglou kicks off again over criticism of Tottenham penalty farceCOMMENT: Should Cristian Romero stay at Spurs?BY TOM BARCLAYTHERE are only a handful of players that are so talented that it is worth keeping them against their will.Cristiano Ronaldo was one of them, when Manchester United made him give one more season after Real Madrid first pushed hard for the Portuguese mega star in 2008.Cristian Romero, however, is not in that category.If he really wants to leave Tottenham this summer – and it is hard to interpret his latest interview in any other way – then they are best parting ways when the season ends.In fact, it could be a rare transfer where it suits all parties.Atletico Madrid, who seem the most likely destination and are very keen on the World Cup winner, would be signing tenacious centre-back tailor-made for Diego Simeone.Romero, 26, would get the move to La Liga that he has publicly declared to be his preference.While Spurs, provided they can get around £50-60million for him, would be selling a player with an iffy recent injury record and whose commitment to the cause has come into question – and be able to reinvest heavily on a quality centre-back with neither of those issues.Romero on his day is a fabulous defender who is as combative as they come and possesses a laser-like passing range.But the problem for Spurs is those days have been far too infrequent this term – and that has been when he is not on the treatment table and actually able to play.He has not seemed a happy camper this season, publicly criticising Tottenham’s board for not spending like their rivals do and even indirectly had a pop at the club not laying on a private jet for him when coming back from international duty.Romero also seemed to aim a dig at Tottenham’s medical staff by his glaring omission of them when thanking his nation’s physios for getting him back from injury earlier this year.His full-blooded tackles can be crowd-pleasing and tone-setting when they go right but when they do not, he can become a liability.A best-case scenario could well be Romero going out in a blaze of glory by helping win the Europa League before being granted his dream move to Spain.Then Spurs could turn their attention to someone like England defender Marc Guehi, who they bid for in January, and may be a much better fit going forward. More

  • in

    Chelsea files: Christopher Nkunku knows his time is up while Blues are set to go back into ‘insane’ goalkeeper market

    JOHN TERRY will feel right at home running the London Marathon this weekend.The iconic one-time Chelsea captain wore the No26 on his shirt throughout his glittering career.John Terry is running the London Marathon for charityCredit: PAAdd another 0.2 miles and you have the exact distance the former defender plans to run through the Capital.Terry, 44, is putting himself through the gruelling course for two good causes: His own foundation which works to ‘ensure every child and adult has the opportunity to thrive’ and charity ‘Rays of Sunshine’ aiming to brighten the lives of seriously ill children.Running a marathon is no easy feat even if you are still pretty fit and spent years in tip-top shape as a highly-decorated Premier League star.Modern footballers are trained for short bursts of speed across a pitch – not for steady, long-distance running at constant pace.When Chelsea Files last spoke to Terry a few weeks ago he was up to 17.5 miles and looking good for it despite a minor calf problem.But don’t think to look out for the most famous Chelsea player of modern times in characteristic blue on Sunday. No way will he be running in a club kit.The reason? “There might be a few Tottenham fans in the crowd.” He joked.As you would expect, Chelsea’s legendary captain is putting the work in ahead of his big run.BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHe told SunSport: “Everything I have read says that you have got to put in at least 30 kilometres beforehand.” You can chip in to JT’s good causes by clicking here…How Enzo Maresca can transform Chelsea to challenge for Premier League titleFernandes poster boy for burnout fearsEnzo Fernandez is the new poster boy for FifPro burnout fearsCredit: GettyENZO FERNANDEZ has become the new poster boy for fears over player burnout.The Blues midfielder featured in a social media blitz from the international players’ union FifPro aimed at making a global pre-emptive warning about this summer’s hectic programme for club and country.Figures compiled by FifPro show how Argentine schemer Enzo will have to take 11 flights for club and country following the Prem’s final game on May 25.It is set to start with a 1,500-mile round trip to Wroclaw in Poland with Chelsea favourites to reach the Conference League final despite squeaking past Legia Warsaw after a quarter-final second leg home defeat on Thursday.Immediately afterwards, Fernandez, 24, will head across the Atlantic for World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Colombia, before joining up with his Chelsea team-mates ahead of the Club World Cup opener in Atlanta on June 16.It comes as the union’s fight to persuade Fifa to ditch the expanded 32-team competition, citing concerns over player welfare, have failed.But a FifPro spokesman referred to Fernandez’s likely summer exertions as “the crunch window”, pointing to the realities of his summer programme.FifPro said: “Enzo now faces one of the most intense stretches of the season, when he will compete in four competitions for club and country between May and the middle of July.“Our data shows he’s already played more than 50 matches this season and by July that’s projected to be more than 70, with little time to recover.“Then the Premier League season restarts in August, leaving him little or no time to rest or retrain.“Without stronger safeguards, this calendar congestion risks becoming the norm.”Chelsea Women’s stunning ticket dealChelsea Women are letting fans buy up to 20 tickets per personCredit: ReutersCHELSEA WOMEN are at home to Barcelona this Sunday as they bid to overturn a 4-1 deficit in the Champions League semi-final second leg.It’s a big ask but already 20,000 tickets have been sold for the 2pm kick-off to underline the growing level of support in the ladies’ game.You can buy them on general sale and the club is being ultra generous by offering up to 20 per person… something you would never see in the men’s game.Old favourites for MarescaEnzo Maresca could convince Chelsea to move for Leicester’s Mads HermansenCredit: GettyCHELSEA are always one of the busiest clubs in any transfer window.And the Blues are set to be at the heart of one specific market this summer.Goalkeepers have been a hot topic at Stamford Bridge all season, with Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen both failing to make their mark as first-choice.That leaves the Blues with a big decision to make over what to do between the posts next season.But they are not the only ones.One industry insider has predicted that the market for keepers this summer is going to be “insane” as a host of players and clubs seek deals.Chelsea will have calls to make on the futures of Sanchez and Jorgensen, but also on loan Djordje Petrovic and Kepa Arrizabalaga, both having fine seasons.If they do decide to recruit outside of Stamford Bridge, Enzo Maresca’s former club could provide an answer.The Blues have been impressed with Foxes keeper Mads Hermansen, who saved a penalty from Cole Palmer earlier this season.And Leicester’s precarious financial position could give Chelsea the chance to snag a bargain.While there is likely to be plenty of interest in the Danish stopper, Leicester’s need to sell could see them reduce the asking price of £35m.Pop royalty at the BridgeMadonna watched Chelsea lose to Legia Warsaw at Stamford Bridge last ThursdayCredit: Instagram/MadonnaAT CHELSEA you play for the badge – unless it was last Thursday at Stamford Bridge when they played for the Madge.Eagle-eyed star spotters picked out that pop legend Madonna was sitting in the stands and watching the Conference League clash with Poles Legia Warsaw.The multi-award-winning performer is mates with Chelsea’s own rock star director Barbara Charone.True Blue was a No1 album for Madonna in 1986. Listen out for it on the Stamford Bridge PA system soon.No easy exit for NkunkuChristopher Nkunku knows his time at Chelsea is upCredit: GettyCHRISTOPHER NKUNKU knows his time is up at Chelsea.The French forward is now playing a waiting game with the club to find a possible outlet this summer.Nkunku was dropped from Sunday’s matchday squad for Fulham by boss Enzo Maresca who insisted it was for ‘technical’ reasons. This is managerial code for simply ditching a player the manager doesn’t think is up to the job.There has been no fallout between player and head coach but Nkunku is now leaving the ball in Chelsea’s court to find him a new club in the close season.He still has four years left on his contract and can sit back safe in that knowledge.The only worry for the player and his advisers is that Chelsea will still demand a high price for a player who has never really settled at Stamford Bridge.New face in the dugout There will be a new face in the dugout for Chelsea next weekend as Maresca serves a banCredit: RexENZO MARESCA cannot win. Not on the football pitch.His attempts to win over sceptical Chelsea fans will have to go on hold this weekend as he serves a one-game touchline ban.This is because the Italian picked up his third yellow card of the season at Fulham on Sunday for his overzealous celebrations of Pedro Neto’s 93rd-minute winner. An act of raw emotion that the fans should have lapped up as they demand to see more of the old Chelsea identity back.Modest Maresca cooled down then left the pitch at the final whistle to let the players and travelling supporters celebrate together – and copped some stick from some for not joining in.Damned if he does and damned if he doesn’t?Chelsea ratings vs IpswichJADON SANCHO spared Chelsea’s blushes as Enzo Maresca’s side came from behind to draw against Ipswich.The relegation-threatened Tractor Boys went 2-0 up after 31 minutes with Chelsea flat throughout the first half.But Maresca’s men woke up after the break and fought back for what will still be a disappointing point as they chase a Champions League spot.So who were the shining lights for the Blues – and who had an afternoon to forget?Read Conor Jones’ ratings here to find out. More

  • in

    Man Utd close in on Matheus Cunha transfer with £62.5m Wolves star ‘swayed’ after Ruben Amorim tunnel chat

    MANCHESTER UNITED are closing in on a deal to sign Matheus Cunha from Wolves, according to reports.There is set to be yet another revamp of the squad this summer with the Red Devils looking to freshen up their attack.Man Utd are closing in on a deal to sign Matheus CunhaCredit: GettyCunha and Ruben Amorim spoke in the tunnel at Old TraffordCredit: BEIN SPORTSRuben Amorim has already laid down some of the groundwork by talking to key target Cunha, 25.The pair reportedly spoke at Molineux and were spotted conversing at Old Trafford as Wolves beat United 1-0 at the weekend.United are inching closer to securing a deal to sign the Brazilian but are still yet to activate his £62.5million release clause, according to the Daily Mail.Newcastle are set to rival United for Cunha with Eddie Howe said to be planning to use the forward as support for Alexander Isak on the left flank.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnother player in Amorim’s sights is Liam Delap.The Ipswich star has scored 12 goals in his maiden Premier League campaign and will be available for a cut price of £30m when the Tractor Boys are relegated.Chelsea are also considering activating his release clause with other Prem clubs likely to keeping tabs on the striker.United could also freshen up their attack by signing Antoine Semenyo and Eberechi Eze.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHowever their eye-watering price tags of £70m mean any deal hinges on who leaves Old Trafford.Players on big wages like Marcus Rashford, Antony and Jadon Sancho may have to depart before further transfers are completed. ‘Better than what we currently have’ – Man Utd fans drooling over Wayne Rooney’s son Kai’s goal for academy team More

  • in

    Chelsea’s Jadon Sancho clause officially triggered after Man Utd outcast’s loan move

    CHELSEA’S obligation to buy clause for Jadon Sancho has officially been triggered.The Manchester United flop has endured a mixed spell with the Blues since arriving on loan last summer.Chelsea’s loan obligation clause for Jadon Sancho has officially been triggeredCredit: ReutersThe 25-year-old has scored three goals and added four assists in 27 Premier League matches this term.However, his season included a 16-league game goal-drought dating back to early December which he finally ended with a stunning goal against Ipswich earlier this month.Despite experiencing some patchy form since the turn of the year, Chelsea have continued to narrowly maintain their spot in the top five.With games running out, Enzo Maresca’s side can now not finish below 15th in the table after their comeback win over Fulham.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThis achievement has triggered an obligation clause in Sancho’s loan deal which means Chelsea must pay Man Utd £25million to sign him.However, Stamford Bridge chiefs still have the option of pulling out of the deal.It is reported club chiefs will save their final decision on Sancho’s future until the end of the campaign.But if they choose to pull the plug, they will be forced to pay a penalty fee of £5m to Man Utd.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKFormer Manchester City academy star Sancho signed for Man Utd from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2021 for a fee of £73m.However, poor form, mental health issues and injuries heavily hurt his first two seasons at the club.Inside Chelsea’s Strasbourg talent factory as angry fans fight identity crisis He looked set to finally kick on during his third season at Old Trafford before he was called out for poor training performances by then manager Erik ten Hag.Sancho then publicly called the Dutchman a liar and was frozen out of the team after refusing to apologise.He was sent on loan back to Dortmund for the second half of the 2023/24 season, where he played a key part in helping the Bundesliga side make the Champions League final.But his old side were unable to match the fee for his transfer and decided not to pursue a permanent deal, with Chelsea swooping in to take him on loan last summer.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford More