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    Man Utd make Liam Delap No1 transfer target but £40m deal for Ipswich striker will boost rivals Man City’s coffers

    MANCHESTER UNITED have made Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap their number one target for the summer transfer window.The Red Devils have identified Delap, 22, as their preferred option up top ahead of Viktor Gyokeres, Benjamin Sesko and Victor Osimhen.Liam Delap is Manchester United’s number one target this summerCredit: ReutersDelap has emerged as a favourite amongst the hierarchy at Old Trafford as manager Ruben Amorim prepares to be backed financially in the summer.Delap, who has scored 12 goals in 30 Premier League goals this season, is thought to be available for £40m if Ipswich are relegated at the end of the season – an outcome that looks highly likely.The striker joined The Tractor Boys in the summer from United’s neighbours Manchester City in a £20m deal.And Pep Guardiola’s side are understood to have a £40m buy-back clause in his contract, but are unlikely to activate it given the new nine-and-a-half-year contract they handed Erling Haaland this season.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHowever, City still stand to benefit from any sale of Delap, with Man Utd potentially about to line the pockets of their local rivals.That’s because the Cityzens hold a 20 per cent sell-on clause, meaning they will receive 20 per cent of any profit made from a Delap sale.It won’t be simple for United to get their man though, with Chelsea amongst a number of other top sides interested in the Ipswich bagsman.Delap, who is the son of former Stoke City star and long-throw expert Rory Delap, would also have to duke it out with both Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee for a starting spot at the Theatre of Dreams.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordHowever the pair have both struggled for goals this season.Hojlund has scored just one goal in his last 24 games in all competitions, while Zirkzee only has a marginally better record with two goals in his last 22 appearances for United.Bruno Fernandes walks out for Manchester derby with first wheelchair mascot after he saw 7-year-old’s celebration onlineUnited had been strongly linked with a move for Viktor Gyokeres, 26, who played under current boss Ruben Amorim at Sporting Lisbon.But the Swede is likely to cost significantly more than Delap and is expected to be courted by Arsenal over the summer too. More

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    How Arsenal could line up with £200million of new talent as they target Gyokeres as part of dream triple transfer swoop

    ARSENAL are working on a sensational £200million triple transfer spree ahead of the summer market.SunSport revealed the Gunners’ new sporting director Andrea Berta is planning to sign a top centre-forward and elite midfielder, while hoping to also add a quality winger.Arsenal are targeting Sporting Lisbon star Viktor Gyokeres ahead of the summer transfer windowCredit: RexArsenal are also hoping to add Athletic Bilbao star Nico WilliamsCredit: GettyReal Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi is a top Arsenal target as wellCredit: GettyThe North Londoners are confident of landing Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi for around £50m.Berta is also doing the sums to see if Arsenal can afford a star centre-forward as well as a game-changing wideman.And Sporting Lisbon hitman Viktor Gyokeres as well as Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams pose as top targets for the Italian chief.The Premier League giants’ chances depend in part on whether Sporting and Bilbao hold out for release clauses for Gyokeres and Williams, believed to be £83.6m and £49m respectively.Read More on ArsenalHowever, Berta knows he will first have to generate significant income by selling players.Arsenal chiefs are also determined to do all they can to give manager Mikel Arteta the superstar signings he needs to finally win the Premier League title.Jorginho and Thomas Partey are both expected to leave the Emirates on free transfers this summer.Therefore, it will be essential to buy Zubimendi or another top defensive midfielder.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesThe Spain international has been very impressive this season with two goals and two assists in 41 appearances across all competitions.Gyokeres, on the other hand, has been absolutely dominant with Sporting as he currently counts a staggering total of 43 goals and 11 assists in 43 appearances.Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is looking forward to match against Real Madrid And after a stunning Euro 2024 with Spain, Williams continues to impress with Bilbao where he has registered nine goals and seven assists in 39 appearances. More

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    Arsenal working on sensational £200m triple transfer for Viktor Gyokeres, Nico Williams and Martin Zubimendi

    ARSENAL are working on a dream scenario of signing Viktor Gyokeres AND Nico Williams in a blockbuster £200million summer spree.The Gunners’ No 1 priority is bringing in a top-level central midfielder and they are confident of landing Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi for around £50m.Arsenal are hoping to pull off a stunning summer move for Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor GyokeresCredit: EPAThey are also dreaming of splashing out on Athletic Bilbao winger Nico WilliamsCredit: GettyReal Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi is Arsenal’s top targetCredit: GettyNow new sporting director Andrea Berta is doing the sums to see if they can also afford an elite centre-forward AND a game-changing winger.Berta knows he will have to generate significant income by selling players in order to raise the cash to prise Gyokeres from Sporting and Williams from Athletic Bilbao.But Gunners chiefs are determined to do all they can to give boss Mikel Arteta the superstar signings he needs to win the Premier League title.With Jorginho and Thomas Partey both set to leave the Emirates on free transfers this summer, it will be essential to buy Zubimendi or another top defensive midfielder.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLArsenal also need to bring in a second-choice keeper when on-loan Neto returns to Bournemouth.A prolific striker is seen as a key target, with a new winger more of a luxury.But Emirates chiefs would love both.Their chances depend in part on whether Sporting and Athletic Bilbao hold out for release clauses for Gyokeres and Williams, believed to be £83.6m and £49m respectively.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSIf negotiations prove difficult, Arsenal could choose to pursue cheaper strikers, such as RB Leipzig ace Benjamin Sesko or Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, in order to free up  money for Williams.Alternatively, the club could go all in on proven Prem scorer Alexander Isak, valued by Newcastle at more than £100m.Arsenal fans find video of new sporting director Andrea Berta SLAPPING Man City doctorAndrea Berta wants to make a huge statement in his first transfer windowCredit: GettyIf Arsenal agreed to pay that sort of fee, they would pass on wideman Williams, whose wage demands may be an issue.But former Atletico Madrid chief Berta is thought to be a big fan of Gyokeres and was reported to have met Williams’ agent Felix Tainta just days after officially taking up his new role.Arsenal do have to keep an eye on Profit and Sustainability Rules.They made losses of £52.1m in 2022-23 and £17.7m in 2023-24 — despite  their highest-ever revenue (£616.6m) last season thanks to a Champions League return.The departures of Jorginho, Partey and Kieran Tierney will free up money in the wage budget.Yet Arsenal will also need to find generous buyers for the likes of Oleksandr Zinchenko and Leandro Trossard.Gabriel Jesus and Takehiro Tomiyasu would have been off but long-term injuries scuppered those plans. More

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    Man City set to hand Nico O’Reilly new deal to head off Chelsea bid for Cole Palmer-style transfer heist

    NICO O’REILLY looks set for a double-your-money new deal that slams the door on any lingering Chelsea hopes of landing him.The Blues were knocked back in a bid to sign the Manchester City kid in January. — but had not given up on being successful with a fresh summer move.Manchester City are set to tie Nico O’Reilly down to a major new dealCredit: RexChelsea are targeting O’Reilly and Man City want to avoid a Cole Palmer-style heistCredit: RexYet the West Londoners will finally admit defeat when the 20-year-old rookie agrees a £25,000-a-week contract.O’Reilly made his first Premier League start in the 2-0 midweek win against Leicester. Boss Pep Guardiola rates the midfielder highly…  and is also wary of losing another home-grown star to Chelsea after Cole Palmer’s career took off when he joined them.Talks have been going on for the past few weeks over an extension that will tie him to the Etihad for the next five years.Read More on FootballAnd O’Reilly’s new terms will also see him getting incremental rises each season, with bonuses on top of that.The vesatile midfielder, who has been touted as Rodri’s heir, started out at Man City’s academy in 2011 at the age of six.The England Under-20 international went on to amass a total of 29 goals and 20 assists in 85 appearances across City’s youth ranks.And the attacking midfielder has hit the ground running with the seniors as he already counts three goals and two assists in 12 appearances.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut City have learned from Palmer’s exit back in 2023 as they know O’Reilly can hit similar heights.Palmer is considered as one of the best players in the Premier League and an England superstar.Pep Guardiola talks about Kevin De Bruyne’s decision to leave Man City after 10 years The versatile forward counts a total of 39 goals and 23 assists in 80 appearances since his move to Chelsea. More

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    Erik ten Hag spotted at huge Serie A clash following Man Utd axe as fans say ‘he could actually do bits there’

    ERIK TEN HAG has been spotted in attendance at a huge Serie A clash months after his Manchester United sacking.Ten Hag, 55, was pictured walking into the ground and in the stands of the blockbuster clash between Roma and Juventus on Sunday evening.Erik ten Hag was seen in the stands of the Roma vs Juventus Serie A gameTen Hag was sacked by Man Utd in OctoberCredit: PAThe Dutchman was sacked by Man Utd at the end of October.He has since been seen in attendance at former club Ajax.But he has now been pictured at the Stadio Olimpico.In a video captured before the clash as Ten Hag arrived at the stadium, his security detail were cautious of cameras recording him.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRoma are without a manager at the end of the season, with interim Claudio Ranieri set to step down from his role as the club’s boss at the end of the campaign.According to Italian reporter Francesco Lucca, Ten Hag’s entourage deny he has had any talks with Roma over the managerial position.Instead, it is reported Ten Hag was invited by the club owners, the Friedkin family – who also own Everton – to watch the game.But that didn’t stop fans getting excited at the thought of Ten Hag returning to management.Most read in FootballOne wrote: “He could actually do bits at Roma.”And after Man Utd’s bore draw with Man City, another fan even posted: “Manchester United miss him”Ten Hag is understood to have checked into a hotel in the morning which is typically reserved for new signings.BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKOther names linked to the Roma job include Massimiliano Allegri, Stefano Pioli and Gian Piero Gasperini.Juventus themselves have only recently appointed a new manager.Ten Hag reveals problem with current players in first interview since Man Utd sackingThiago Motta was sacked by the Turin outfit in March before Igor Tudor was appointed as his replacement.After his sacking from the Red Devils, Ten Hag said in an open letter to fans: “Dear fans, let me start by thanking you. Thank you for always being there for the club. “Whether it was at a game far away or a tough match at Old Trafford, your support has been unshakeable.”The atmosphere at Old Trafford has always been electrifying, thanks to you. I felt it many times. “Also in away games, it gave the team and me an incredible feeling to hear the United chants taking over the opponents’ stadiums, whether the game was in England. “Europe or during the summer tours. I always enjoyed meeting Manchester United fans throughout the world. “Walking the streets and being able to chat with fans in England, Europe, Asia, Australia, the USA – you inspired me and radiated a strong sense of unity. “That’s what makes United supporters so special. I want to thank you for giving me this feeling and for your support. “I also want to thank the staff in every department of the club for their unwavering support in good times and bad. We won two trophies – achievements that I will cherish for the rest of my life. “Of course, my dream was to bring more trophies to the cabinet. Unfortunately, that dream has come to an end.”I wish all Manchester United fans nothing but success, trophies and glory. Your support and the warmth I received from everyone at the club helped me feel at home. Read More on The Sun”Thank you for this chapter in my life. Erik.”He gave a major update on his future in February, saying he would consider a new job in July.THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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    ‘The club has to move on’ – Pep Guardiola reveals he chose to axe Kevin De Bruyne with Man City star prepared to stay

    PEP GUARDIOLA confirmed it was his decision to call time on Kevin De Bruyne’s Manchester City career.The Belgian announced on Friday he would leave the Etihad this summer after ten glittering years.Pep Guardiola has revealed he is the one who decided to end Kevin De Bruyne’s Man City careerCredit: PAThe Belgian will leave City on a free transfer when his contract expires this summerCredit: ReutersKDB, 33, was open-minded about extending his City stay — and may even have accepted a bit-part playing role as his family are settled in the area.Yet Guardiola had been concerned over his dip in form following injuries.Ahead of the Manchester derby on Sunday, boss Pep said: “Myself  and  the  club  had  to take a decision. It is not easy as he has been extraordinary.“Me, Txiki Begiristain and the club made the decision — and it is what it is.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDe Bruyne will be 34 this summer but is now clear of injury issues that dogged him in the last few seasons.Even so, offering anywhere close to the £375,000-a-week wages the attacking midfielder currently earns would have represented a big gamble by City.Guardiola added: “The club has to move forward, move on. To replicate his numbers is so difficult. To say bye to these players is so difficult“You can only be grateful. The club gave everything to him — and he gave everything to us.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS“I’m incredibly grateful and sad that it will be over in two months.“He’s the only player who has finished his contract. The rest are under contract but still there are many things the club and myself haven’t decided on.”Ex-Man City star Martin Demichelis explains showdown between himself and Spain ace Sergio Canales There will be question marks over several  stars as Guardiola plans a summer shake-up. John Stones, Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji have all had injury-hit campaigns while skipper Kyle Walker left on loan in January.Bernardo Silva and keeper Ederson’s form has also dipped — meaning City are now scrambling to claim a Champions League place.They spent over £170million in January but are set to splash out more this summer.And finding a replacement for De Bruyne is a priority, with Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz, 21, their top target. More

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    Trent Alexander-Arnold set to hire key Everton man ahead of transfer from Liverpool to Real Madrid

    EVERTON loans manager James Vaughan is quitting his post — and may start to work for Trent Alexander-Arnold.The ex-Toffees striker, 36, is poised to move on and join Liverpool right-back Alexander-Arnold’s team of advisers ahead of his likely move to Real Madrid.Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to add James Vaughan to his team ahead of a Real Madrid switchCredit: GettyFormer Everton striker Vaughan currently works as their loans manager but is set to quitCredit: PA:Press AssociationVaughan came through the ranks at Everton and ended up scoring nine goals in 60 games.His career also took him to clubs including Norwich, Huddersfield and Wigan.But the ace now looks set to link up with Alexander-Arnold’s representatives.The England star is reportedly set to join Real Madrid on a free transfer when his Liverpool contract expires this summer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt’s reckoned Alexander-Arnold has already agreed a five-year contract with the Spanish giants.And he will take home a tasty £240,000-a-week salary, working out at £13million a year.Alexander-Arnold could also pocket a lucrative signing-on fee.While he could even boost his pay packet with a series of performance-related bonuses.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe move will see Alexander-Arnold link up with pal Jude Bellingham, who fuelled rumours of Real Madrid’s free transfer approach earlier this season.While the Spaniards could yet target more Premier League signings in Bournemouth centre-back Dean Huijsen and Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton.Steven Gerrard gives update on return to management after Liverpool legend left Al-Ettifaq Alexander-Arnold’s impending move means he is finally set to call time on his Liverpool career after 21 years.Fortunately for Liverpool, they already have a ready-made replacement in fellow Anfield academy star Conor Bradley.While the likes of Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah can also fill in there. More

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    ‘This was not in line with my personal wishes’ Thomas Muller reveals Bayern Munich have forced him out in emotional post

    THOMAS MULLER has admitted that he wanted to stay at Bayern Munich for another year.The Bundesliga giants have confirmed that Muller will leave at the end of the season following 25 years at Bayern.Thomas Muller is set to leave Bayern Munich after 25 yearsCredit: RexMuller, 35, had been set to pen a 12-month extension, only for Bayern to withdraw their contract offer.Amid news breaking of his impending departure, the 12-time Bundesliga champion penned an emotional letter to fans.It read: “After a lot of speculation about me recently, I would like to use this letter to you as an opportunity to clarify things.”Even after all these years, regardless of my playing minutes, I still have a lot of fun being on the pitch with the boys and fighting for titles together for our colours. I could have easily imagined myself in this role next year as well.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”However, the club made a conscious decision not to negotiate a new contract with me for next season.”Even if this was not in line with my personal wishes, it is important that the club follows its convictions. I respect this step, which the Executive Board and Supervisory Board certainly did not take lightly.”I understandably did not like the back and forth in public over the past weeks and months.”However, I feel the same way about my football game: it wasn’t always characterised by perfection either, but rather by thinking positively ahead to the next action.Most read in BundesligaGrand National betting offers and free bets”After a misplaced pass, you have to win the ball back with team unity. Over the past few days, we have also managed to do this in trusting discussions.”I can feel the appreciation from everyone involved for my long time at @fcbayern and feel deep joy at having played for my favourite club for 25 incredibly intense years.Thomas Muller celebrates becoming unlikely ‘Olympic champion’ as he shows off Paris 2024 gold medal”I will always remember so many great moments together.”Muller has played 743 times for Bayern – scoring 247 goals and laying on 273 assists.The veteran forward has found his minutes limited this season, starting just eight of his side’s 28 Bundesliga matches thus far, scoring once.Muller has won several trophies during his time at Bayern, including 12 league titles, six domestic cups and two Champions Leagues.The popular figure has also excelled at international level – scoring 45 goals in 131 Germany appearances and winning the World Cup in 2014.Muller is not expected to retire upon his Bayern exit this summer.Read More on The SunAccording to German outlet Bild, Muller could join Bayern’s partner club LAFC.It’s claimed that he could combine playing for the MLS side with becoming a Bayern club ambassador in the United States. More