More stories

  • in

    Vinicius Jr offered deal ‘Real Madrid will never reach’ worth €1BILLION to join Saudi football revolution

    REAL MADRID are facing a major threat from Saudi Arabia in their bid to hold on to star man Vinicius Jr.Vinicius, 24, has a contract with Real until 2027 and is currently the club’s joint-highest earner along with star team-mate Kylian Mbappe, both of whom make about £12million per season.Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr has received a €1billion contract offer from Saudi ArabiaCredit: GettyReal would never be able to match the Saudis’ bid for ViniciusCredit: RexBut Los Blancos want to tie the forward down to a new long-term deal and have commenced negotiations with his representatives these past few months.According to AS, however, Saudi chiefs are determined to bring the Brazil international over to the Middle East “no matter what”.So much so that they are offering Vini a lucrative five-year deal worth a staggering total of €1billion (£832,000,000).That is a bid the reigning European champions could never match for last year’s Ballon d’Or runner-up.Read More on FootballThe same source claims Vinicius wants to stay in Madrid but will claim his new status as a global star means he can make higher financial demands.Real president Florentino Perez has refused to meet with Saudi delegates interested in signing the Brazilian and instead referred them to the player’s whopping €1bn release clause.Nevertheless, interest from the Saudi Pro League is not expected to disappear any time soon and that is why the reigning Spanish champions want to speed up talks with Vinicius.Perez wasn’t expected to hold contract talks with the Brazil star until this coming summer but the ongoing competition has forced his hand.Most read in FootballThat is why Real chiefs have contacted the ex-Flamengo star’s camp to find out his financial demands.The winger issued a response and he is now awaiting the club’s next move.Jude Bellingham’s furious reaction to Valencia goalkeeper after Vinicius Jr sent off in heated Real Madrid clashNevertheless, the popular player strongly hinted he wants to stay at the Santiago Bernabeu for a long time.Vinicius told TNT after Tuesday’s Champions League victory at Manchester City: “It’s very exciting to be able to open talks with Madrid about my renewal.“I have a contract until 2027, but I have always said that I want to play here for a long time, to be able to make history and to receive the affection of the fans along with the president, all the players and the coaching staff. “And God willing, hopefully in the next few days all the negotiations can be resolved and I can stay here for much longer.” More

  • in

    Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson wanted by Atletico Madrid with two Premier League rivals ready to do battle for transfer

    ATLETICO MADRID are plotting an ambitious summer move for Nicolas Jackson – but could face competition from TWO Premier League sides.The Chelsea striker, who is currently injured, has performed well this season bagging nine Premier League goals so far.Atletico Madrid are considering a move for Nicolas JacksonCredit: GettyBut there is still a question mark over whether he has the quality to lead Chelsea back to the top of the table which remains the west London club’s ultimate ambition.The Blues have been linked with moves for a new striker.And if they do enter the transfer market in the summer for a No9 it could push Jackson towards the exit.Atletico have long admired the player and the Spanish giants would be at the front of the queue should he become available.Read More in FootballBut SunSport understands Aston Villa and Newcastle are also monitoring developments.Aston Villa know that they face a fight to keep hold of their forward Ollie Watkins in the summer, with Arsenal keen to resurrect a deal for the player.And Alexander Isak could leave St James’ Park if Eddie Howe can’t deliver Champions League football.Earlier this month SunSport revealed that Newcastle were monitoring potential replacements. Bournemouth’s Justin Kluivert is firmly on their radar.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSJackson has scored nine Prem goals this seasonThey’ve watched the Cherries striker several times this season and believe he could be persuaded to follow in his father’s footsteps, Patrick Kluivert, who was a favourite on Tyneside.But Jackson, a proven Premier League goalscorer, would also appeal to Newcastle and they are closely monitoring developments.Shock new footage appears to show Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson slapping Nottingham Forest rival in face More

  • in

    Feyenoord’s Igor Paixao at centre of Premier League transfer race after running Kyle Walker ragged in Champions League

    THREE Premier League clubs are chasing Feyenoord’s Champions League star Igor Paixao.Tottenham, Newcastle and Bournemouth are all keen on the Brazilian winger, who scored the winner against AC Milan and gave Kyle Walker a torrid time at De Kuip on Wednesday.Igor Paixao gave Kyle Walker a torrid time in the Champions LeagueCredit: AFPThe Feyenoord winger won the player of the match award vs AC MilanCredit: GettyPaixao beat Walker after just three minutes before firing in at the near post and then continued to torment the England international throughout the night.Newcastle and Bournemouth both had scouts in Rotterdam for the Champions League play-off first leg.Paixao, 24, has eight goals and 14 assists across Eredivisie and the Champions League this season, with the player keen on a Premier League move in the summer.Feyenoord are thought to rate their speedy winger, signed from Brazilian side Coritiba in 2022, at £25million and there was plenty of evidence as to why on Wednesday night.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNot only did Paixao constantly beat Walker, but he was quick and confident in front of goal, hitting the bar after opening the scoring.No player completed more dribbles than the Feyenoord man at De Kuip, while no team-mate had more shots. Paixao also won the ball on four occasions and created two chances.In the second half, he robbed Walker of possession in the Milan half which led to him going close to scoring from the half-way line.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSPaixao also registered an assist in Feyenoord’s 3-3 comeback draw with Manchester City earlier this season.But his goal last night sealed Walker’s first defeat since joining Milan in January.Wayne Rooney slams ‘strange’ decision by Man City to let Kyle Walker join AC Milan on loan after Real Madrid horror showThe right-back insisted that the loss has not impacted what he sees as a bright start to life in Italy, but knows they need a response at San Siro next week.He said: “I’ve been here for two weeks. Since I’ve been here it’s been good, this is a setback and we have to recover first of all in the championship and then in the return leg.“The atmosphere, the crowd with their passion and the belief that we will put in: it will be a different match but also the approach must be different.”It is not only valid for the forwards, we all have to contribute more.” More

  • in

    Man Utd eye transfer for £55m-rated Bournemouth star but face competition from Real Madrid

    MANCHESTER UNITED are eyeing a summer swoop for Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen.The Spain youth international, 19, has a release clause for around £55million in his contract that kicks in come July.Dean Huijsen is a summer transfer target for Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyThe Dutch-born teenager is also a target for Real MadridCredit: GettyAnd the Dutch-born teenager’s outstanding performances for the high-flying Cherries have caught the eye of Man United boss Ruben Amorim as the Portuguese coach plots his summer transfer moves.But they are not alone, with Real Madrid, the Premier League’s top sides and Germany’s big clubs also interested in Huijsen as he matures under boss Andoni Iraola at Vitality Stadium.Amorim may be without centre half Lisandro Martinez until the autumn as the Argentine has a cruciate ligament injury.Victor Lindelof is out of contract at the end of the season.READ MORE ON MAN UTDDefenders Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro have been criticised by Old Trafford legend Paul Scholes over their lack of quality.Huijsen cost Bournemouth just £12.6m last summer from Juventus.But he has impressed with his swift adaptation to English football and is now an integral part of a team which has achieved remarkable success this season.Bournemouth are seventh in the Premier League with a chance to qualify for European football for the first time and Huijsen is at the heart of that.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe top flight’s smallest club has also secured stunning results, beating champions Manchester City, Arsenal, Nottingham Forest, Newcastle and Amorim’s United just before Christmas.Bournemouth are aware of the mushrooming levels of interest in their player and in an ideal world would keep him. ‘He’s got a pair of b——s,’ says Rio Ferdinand as he hits back at Roy Keane’s criticism of Man Utd star GarnachoBut they are also realistic enough to know it would be difficult to turn down a mega offer this summer.Amsterdam-born Huijsen, 19, started his career in Spain and is a citizen of that country after his family moved there when he was five.He also played for Juventus but made only one appearance for them before being loaned to Serie A rivals Roma.He was then sold to Bournemouth last summer. More

  • in

    Gary O’Neil wanted in swift return to management just two months after being sacked by Wolves

    GARY O’NEIL is being eyed for a swift managerial return two months after he was sacked by Wolves.The Premier League side sacked O’Neil in December during the midst of a relegation battle following a horror run of form which had left them in 19th place.Gary O’Neil is being lined up as a target for BlackburnCredit: APIt comes after John Eustace triggered a release clause in his contract to pursue a move to DerbyCredit: PABut the managerial market has had a stunning change of circumstances in recent weeks. Blackburn are hunting for a new boss with the club on the brink of losing John Eustace.Rovers released a damning statement about the situation, which had seen Eustace trigger a shock release clause in his contract in order to talk to Championship rival Derby.And the managerial merry-go-round could see former Bournemouth boss O’Neil handed the reins at promotion-chasing Blackburn.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLO’Neil, 41, is the only British manager on the club’s list, according to SunSport’s Alan Nixon.Other names being considered are former Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka, ex-Sheffield Wednesday manager Carlos Carvalhal and former Young Boys gaffer Raphael Wicky.O’Neil’s final press conference at Wolves saw him launch a huge defence of his actions, insisting the players shared the blame for the club’s poor performance.He said: “I’m not interested in my own position. I know the work I do every day and I know the situation we are in.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”I know getting this group to perform the way they did took a lot of work. People can point the finger at me but some of the responsibility has to land on the players.”I’m comfortable with myself as a coach, my standards and what I ask of the group. I also embrace this difficult moment. Kai Havertz ruled out for rest of SEASON with torn hamstring in devastating blow to Arsenal’s title dreams”That group downstairs needs me this week to help get them into a place where they are ready to go. I will keep fighting for them and with them until I’m told not to.”It doesn’t mean I don’t think I’m going to get sacked. For every [poor] result which comes the chances of me losing my job heightens. It doesn’t concern me, the situation drives me to want to do better.” More

  • in

    ‘I think so’ – Real Betis CEO hints Antony’s loan transfer could be made permanent to end flop’s Man Utd nightmare

    REAL BETIS are interested in keeping Manchester United flop Antony for an extra year.The Brazil winger — on loan at the LaLiga club for the rest of the season with no option to buy — has started well in Spain.Real Betis are interested in keeping Manchester United flop AntonyCredit: AFPAntony moved to Betis on loan from Man Utd after a series of poor performancesCredit: PAAntony, 24, struggled for game time at United and Betis chief exec Ramon Alcaron – when asked if he could stay permanently said: “Yes, I think so.“The other day the CEO of United called me.“We sent them details of the player throughout the week so they can see we’re looking after their asset.“We have very good chemistry with United and the player, who is happy here.Read More on Man Utd“It is a possibility that he will continue next season, why not?”Antony joined United in 2022 following a whopping £86million deal with Ajax.However, the winger never managed to live up to the bill as he only amassed a mere total of 12 goals and five assists in 96 appearances with Man Utd.However, the Brazil international has hit the ground running at Betis ever since his loan move last month.Most read in FootballThe forward provided an assist on his debut against Athletic Bilbao during a 2-2 draw at the Benito Villamarin.The ex-Ajax star then scored on his second match at Celta Vigo during a 3-2 loss.Paul Scholes tells Ruben Amorim Man Utd are staring relegation in the face unless they make seven new signings Antony is looking to regain his former goalscoring prowess that led to his blockbuster move to Old Trafford.The Brazilian burst onto the scene at Ajax where he registered a total of 24 goals and 22 assists in 82 appearances during a two-year stint in Amsterdam. More

  • in

    Newcastle reject measly late transfer offer for Kieran Trippier with Galatasaray willing to offer lucrative contract

    GALATASARAY had a late bid rejected by Newcastle for Kieran Trippier hours before the Turkish transfer window shut on Tuesday.The veteran full-back, 34, has been linked with an exit from St James’ for months and has endured a difficult campaign both on and off the pitch.Newcastle rejected a late for Kieran Trippier from NewcastleCredit: GettyA year ago it was Bayern Munich who wanted the star before several Saudi Arabian clubs wanted him.However, Galatasaray were the latest to try and test the waters but they could only conjure up a measly offer of £2.5m for the ex-England ace.Having sold Miguel Almiron and Lloyd Kelly to Atlanta United and Juventus respectively last month, Toon chiefs know they will not face any PSR sanction come June.Despite the chance to make some extra cash to bolster the summer transfer kitty, boss Eddie Howe was determined to hang on to Trippier.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSun Sport understands that the Turkish giants were willing to offer the player a lucrative three-year package to move abroad.However, Howe got his wish and the Magpies knocked back the late bid.Trippier has played second fiddle to Tino Livarmento for much of the season but he shone when brought back into the side for last week’s win over Arsenal.And that led to Howe declaring afterwards that he was determined to keep hold of the experienced ex-Tottenham and Atletico Madrid man.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHe said: “Yeah, no part of us wanted to lose Kieran. He’s had a difficult season and not so much on the pitch.“He’s had a couple of fitness issues that just halted his progress.Newcastle’s Alexander Isak talks to Alan Shearer about Champions League desires “He then came back into the team and had a really good couple of performances around Christmas time and showed his qualities again having not played a lot of football.”Trippier, who is believed to be out of contract this summer, will now be looking to play a key role in helping Newcastle secure Champions League as well as end their 70-year wait for major silverware when they face Liverpool in the Carabao Cup Final next month. More

  • in

    Benjamin Mendy joins relegation-battling Swiss club in shock free transfer after terminating contract at Ligue 2 side

    BENJAMIN MENDY has joined FC Zurich in a shock free transfer.The defender has not featured all season having been exiled by Lorient manager Olivier Pantaloni.Benjamin Mendy has left Lorient on a free transferCredit: AFPHe has signed an 18-month contract with FC ZurichCredit: InstagramMendy, 30, has now completed his much expected exit of the Ligue 2 club.The full-back has signed a deal that will run until the summer of 2026.Zurich president Ancillo Canepa has insisted Mendy will provide support to the young players.He said: “Of course, we are very pleased and also a little proud that we could sign such a high-quality player.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”He will be above all an important support for our young players.”Zurich are currently 8th in the Swiss Super League and could end in the relegation round with five other teams.Mendy had joined Lorient in 2023 on a two-year contract but was hampered by injuries in his first season.In total the former Manchester City player only featured 15 times for the club.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe made the move to the Etihad in 2017 in a big-money move from AS Monaco.During his time at the Cityzens, he played 75 games, scoring two goals and adding 12 assists.Wayne Rooney rips into Man City after just three seconds of Amazon Prime jobHe left the club by mutual consent in 2023 having not played since August 2021 following an accusation of rape.He was suspended by Man City after he was arrested.Mendy was cleared of rape and attempted rape at Chester Crown Court in 2023.He has also won a legal battle with Man City over £11.5million in unpaid wages. More