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    David De Gea drops cryptic transfer hint as Man Utd legend passes entire year unemployed

    DAVID DE GEA has dropped a cryptic transfer hint as he continues to search for a new club.The Spanish goalkeeper has been a free agent for an entire year following his exit from Manchester United.David de Gea has posted a cryptic transfer hint after a year without a clubCredit: GettyDe Gea left Old Trafford after 12 years when his contract expired at the end of June 2023.Despite winning eight trophies in England and making 545 appearances for the Red Devils, he has yet to find a new club.The 33-year-old has now hinted a return to action, though, with his latest social media activity.He posted an hourglass emoji to X, prompting fans to speculate about the meaning behind it.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne supporter commented: “Please tell me you’ve got a club.”Another added: “David has a club?! Best of luck.”A third fan also wrote: “What? Are you joining a club???”De Gea has posted several cryptic hints at a comeback during his time as a free agent.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAfter 10 months without a club, he said “I’ll be back” on Instagram following links with Newcastle and Nottingham Forest.He has also been the target of reported interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia.Ex-Man Utd star David De Gea shows he’s still got it and hints at transfer as fans say he ‘could have saved the Titanic’ De Gea has remained fit during his time away from football, though, regularly sharing training footage.He showed off his athleticism with a video in May as he leapt across goal to make a save.The post, which was captioned: “Loading…”, sent fans wild as they called for De Gea to return to action.De Gea has been a free agent since leaving Manchester United last summerCredit: PA More

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    West Ham fans convinced ‘we are about to take over’ after realising stunning starting XI with four new transfers

    WEST HAM fans are growing in confidence ahead of the new season as their transfer plans take shape.The Hammers are heading into a new era as David Moyes has departed after a successful five years in charge.West Ham are in talks to sign Aaron Wan-BissakaCredit: GettyThe Hammers also have an interest in Reiss NelsonCredit: GettyJhon Duran is the club’s top striker targetCredit: GettyJulen Lopetegui replaces him at the helm in the hope of implementing a more attacking style of football.And director Tim Steidten, who was banned from the dressing room last season after a difference in ideas from Moyes, is in control of transfers.West Ham have already splashed £40million on centre-back Max Kilman from Wolves as they look to bolster a leaky defence that conceded 74 goals in the Premier League last term.Jean-Clair Todibo could also join on an initial loan with an option to buy from Nice.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, the deal may be scuppered amid interest from Juventus.And at right-back, West Ham have began talks over an £18m move for Manchester United star Aaron Wan-Bissaka.Further up the pitch, they also have an interest in Arsenal winger Reiss Nelson.The 24-year-old is reportedly open to leaving North London in the search for more game time and has a £20m price tag on his head.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMeanwhile, Lopetegui and Steidten appear keen to provide competition to Michail Antonio in the shape of Jhon Duran.The Aston Villa star is their No1 striker target and could cost £35m.Who is Julen Lopetegui?Adding the highly-rated Duran to a talented frontline of Jarrod Bowen, Lucas Paqueta and Mohammed Kudus has Hammers fans believing they will be competing for European qualification again.One supporter said: “We are about to take over.”Another joked: “Give us the title already.”A third commented: “I like this a lot.”West Ham have also signed Brazilian wonderkid Luis Guilherme and goalkeeper Wes Foderingham. More

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    Aston Villa set to shatter transfer record with raid on Everton for Amadou Onana in move that affects Man Utd’s plans

    ASTON VILLA will complete a club record £50million deal for Everton midfielder Amadou Onana this weekend.Unai Emery has beaten Bayern Munich and Barcelona to land the Belgian international, who was previously a target for Arsenal and Newcastle.Aston Villa are set to sign Belgium star Andre Onana for Everton for a club-record £50m feeCredit: GettyThe 22-year-old has agreed personal terms on a five-year-deal.And he is set to undergo a medical at Villa when he returns from a short break following his involvement with Belgium at the Euros.Selling Onana means the Toffees are now under far less pressure to sell centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite to Manchester United.Capturing the 22-year-old represents a major coup for Emery who has been given the go ahead to considerably beef up Villa’s squad for the Champions’ League this season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOnana has spent two seasons at Goodison Park after signing from Lille in a £33million deal, with the French club entitled to 20% of his sell-on value.He has become a key player for Everton, making 72 appearances — including 37 last season in all competitions.His move will be completed in time for him to take part in Villa’s pre-season tour of the United States this month.Emery’s men will face Columbus Crew, RB Leipzig and Club America.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMeanwhile, Jaden Philogene is set to complete his £12.6 million move back to Villa in the next 24 hours.The 22-year-old was one of the stars of the Championship last season, scoring 12 goals in 32 games for Hull.Alisha Lehmann leaves Aston Villa as she makes history with first boyfriend and girlfriend transferThe Tigers were set to sell him to Ipswich Town following shock interest from Barcelona.But Villa triggered a ‘matching rights’ clause to nab their former player back – 10 months after selling the winger to Hull for £5million. More

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    Forgotten Man Utd ace who made debut replacing Gary Neville wakes up unemployed… before joining his club hours later

    A FORMER Manchester United player went from free agent to a new club in a matter of moments. James Chester – who came through United’s academy – woke up temporarily without a team after leaving League Two Barrow. James Chester came through Manchester United’s academyCredit: PA:Empics SportThe announcement was made at 12.45pm – but just 15 minutes later he had a new club.His unemployment did not last long as League Two Salford confirmed his move.They posted: “Salford City announces the signing of ex-Wales centre-back James Chester on a one-year deal!” Chester made his United debut in 2009 as a sub when he replaced Gary Neville against Derby in the League Cup.READ MORE IN football He spent two more years at Old Trafford before leaving in 2011 to join Hull.Chester, 35, had other spells with West Brom, Aston Villa, Stoke and Derby before dropping down to League Two with Barrow and now Salford – owned by United legends Neville, brother Phil, Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs and Paul ScholesThe centre-back made 35 Wales appearances, including in their Euro 2016 semi-final loss to eventual winners Portugal.Chester told his new club: “I look back on the games that I have played in, and I think that if you had told me before I started my career, I would never had believed you and I would have snapped your hands off there and then!Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“There is a lot to choose from, but I think the Euros on the whole for Wales was a huge highlight, to be involved in that was very very special.“But I think to have played for, and to represent the clubs that I have done, and to have had the career that I have, I find myself very fortunate and very proud it is continuing.Man Utd stars including Marcus Rashford arrive for first pre-season friendly against Rosenborg“I still have a desire to play and win, so hopefully the supporters will see that from me.“I was out in Dublin with the squad last week and it is a really good group to be around, and there are a lot of young players here too, so hopefully I can help them and bring them along as well.“I think the week as a whole was brilliant, it was a tough week but I think one which is important to have at this stage of the season to get yourself ready for the opening day.“I still have the desire to carry it on and take it further, and all the Salford fans will see that.”Chester has left Barrow to join SalfordCredit: Getty More

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    Fans spot ‘best agent in the world’ after Mbappe, Bellingham and Endrick are all persuaded to join Real Madrid

    REAL MADRID have “the best agent in the world” helping secure their top transfers – and he happens to also play for them. The LaLiga champions are fresh from unveiling Kylian Mbappe as the latest superstar to move to the Bernabeu. Kylian Mbappe is the latest superstar to join Los BlancosCredit: AFPJude Bellingham signed for Real Madrid in 2023Credit: GettyEndrick is signing for Real MadridCredit: GettyIt comes after Jude Bellingham and Endrick made similar moves. What do they all have in common? Brazilian Vinicius Jr convinced them to sign. Mbappe revealed: “The French players used to tell me [to come to Madrid] a lot. “Vinicius also sent me messages: ‘Come to Madrid, we’ll score goals together’.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I don’t need those messages to know that this is the best team in the world, but it’s a pleasure to feel loved.”I’m looking forward to playing with the players. Vini, Bellingham… they’re great players, but they all are. “I met some of my team-mates this morning. I’m very happy to be a Real Madrid player.”Vinicius’ masterplan paid off but it is not the first time he has pulled the same trick. Most read in FootballHow Kylian Mbappe’s incredible seven-year body transformation propelled skinny teen into world’s best playerBy Etienne FermieKYLIAN MBAPPE has entered his physical prime as he has FINALLY rubber-stamped his free transfer move to Real Madrid.The 25-year-old has grown from a boy to a man in Ligue 1, first with Monaco and then with current side Paris Saint-Germain.Mbappe debuted for Monaco as a skinny 16-year-old in 2015.He even featured as a scrawny youngster against Tottenham at the old White Hart Lane that year, before fans realised what an icon he would become.The following season, Mbappe really rose to superstardom as Monaco reached the Champions League semi-finals.In a throwback snap shared earlier this week, an 18-year-old Mbappe could be seen chatting to a reporter after grabbing a Champions League brace against Borussia Dortmund in April 2017.Read more on Mbappe’s incredible rise on and off the field.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe said in 2023: “I sent many messages to Bellingham last year. I was texting almost every day and I was telling him: “Come to Madrid’.” Endrick, 16, snubbed Chelsea, PSG and Barcelona thanks to the influence of you know who. Kylian Mbappe unveiled as Real Madrid player after historic transfer as he signs contract and poses with new shirt He told Marca: “Vinicius is a friend of mine. I was able to spend the holidays with him, I was able to see him and talk to him.”He told me a lot of things about Real Madrid. He told me I’m going to be fine. “It is a very good message knowing that it is the word of a player who is there and also Brazilian. By playing there he becomes an idol for me.”It can become a mirror for many people. His word gave me even more strength to close it with Real Madrid. “Before I went on vacation with him I had already closed it. So I arrived calmer. I talked to him, to the people there and I thank God for that.”Vinicius has become one of Madrid’s most key players – but now fans are hailing him for his work off the pitch. Kylian Mbappe ‘snaps up £15m mansion in Beckham’s old neighbourhood’ next door to Real Madrid legend and Hollywood starBy Gerard CouzensKYLIAN MBAPPE has reportedly splashed out more than £15million on a mansion in Madrid.The French superstar, whose drawn-out transfer to Real Madrid has finally being confirmed, is said to have finalised the purchase late last month.Respected Spanish daily La Razon says the house he has bought is in the exclusive Madrid suburb of La Moraleja, where David Beckham spent most of his time living when he was in the Spanish capital.And it says his neighbours will include former Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos and his stunning model wife Pilar Rubio as well as Hollywood star Richard Gere and his Spanish publicist wife Alejandra Silva.La Razon said Mbappe had considered the gated estate of La Finca where Jude Bellingham lives and Cristiano Ronaldo still owns property as an option.But it reported the 25-year-old, who threw an extravagant party for 250 guests at a stylish Italian restaurant a short walk from the Eiffel Tower, ended up opting for La Moraleja a 15-minute drive from Real Madrid’s Valdebebas training complex because it was “more comfortable.”Read more on Mbappe’s property hunt.One said: “The best agent in the world.” Another added: “He’s building his own super team.”One gushed: “People don’t understand he’s our best agent, any good player we’re linked with he helps swindle their heads.”Much has been made of what position Mbappe will play with Vinicius operating on the left-wing. But Mbappe talked down any suggestion of rivalry with his new team-mate. He said:  “Vinicius is a unique player, a very great player. I will be very happy to play with him, as with all the other players. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Great players know how to play together, I think. He has been incredible in recent seasons. “It is up to me to adapt to the team. I will do it as quickly as possible to help the team win.”Vinicius has convinced top stars over to Real MadridCredit: Reuters More

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    Lucy Bronze confirms Chelsea move and return to England’s top-flight after Barcelona exit

    LUCY BRONZE has joined Chelsea on a free transfer after leaving three-time Women’s Champions League winners Barcelona.The England defender’s move to the WSL title holders comes three weeks after her contract with the Catalan giants ended.Lucy Bronze has joined Chelsea after a trophy-laden two-year stint with BarcelonaBronze’s move comes a day after the Lioness helped European champions England automatically qualify for next year’s Women’s EurosCredit: GettyBronze, who has won five Champions League trophies, will hope to do so for a sixth time with ChelseaCredit: GettyHer switch was confirmed by Chelsea a day after she helped England automatic qualify for next year’s Euros in SwitzerlandThe 125-capped right-back, 32, and her team-mates hope to win the tournament for the second time in a row following their 2022 triumph.Bronze’s transfer will see her return to the Women’s Super League for the first time since leaving Man City two years ago to play in Spain.It will also see her link up with her England team-mates Millie Bright, Jess Carter, Niamh Charles, Lauren James and Aggie Beever-Jones.Read More Football StoriesThe defender, who has won three WSL titles, describes her Chelsea move as “surreal”.Bronze said:  “I’m really excited to be back in England.”My family are so excited as well to get to more of my games. “I’m excited to be in London, to see what the capital holds and to be at a club that is renowned for winning so many trophies.Most read in Football”To know I’m a Chelsea player still feels a little bit surreal. “It’s obviously a club I know so much about and have done for such a long time.”Over the course of a 17-year senior playing career which began in Sunderland in 2007 has lifted five Champions League trophies – two with Barcelona and three her former club Lyon.And the full-back has won three WSL titles in 2013, 2014 and 2016 during spells with Liverpool and Man City.  Blues general manager Paul Green added: “Lucy will bring leadership to the group. She is a serial winner and a versatile defender.”She has lots of experience and a winning mentality which we feel will fit well into the squad.”Bronze’s arrival at Chelsea follows a busy month of transfers for the Blues since new boss Sonia Bompastor took charge of the club.The ex-Lyon head coach has bolstered her midfield options with Julia Bartel and Oriane Jean-Francois joining from Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. Chelsea’s new additions include France forward Sandy BaltimoreCredit: GettyThis follows Melanie Leupolz’s departure for Real Madrid after four years with the Blues. READ MORE SUN STORIESThe club have also strengthened their attacking options by signing of France and former PSG forward Sandy Baltimore following Fran Kirby’s move to WSL rivals Brighton.Next season the team will chase an eighth top-flight title win and as well pushing to win the Champions League for the first time. More

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    Leny Yoro flying to Man Utd for medical and to finalise personal terms after £52m transfer agreed for Lille star, 18

    LENY YORO is flying to England for a medical after Lille accepted a £52million bid from Manchester United.The Red Devils are ready to close a stunning deal for the 18-year-old despite facing fierce competition from Real Madrid.Leny Yoro is on his way to England for a medical after Man Utd had a £52m bid accepted by LilleCredit: GettyYoro was thought to favour a move to Spain.But The Athletic claims United have stormed ahead after successfully submitting an offer worth £52m.And Yoro is now on his way to Carrington for a medical before striking personal terms on a lucrative contract.The teen appears to have had a major change of heart after initially setting his sights on a Bernabeu switch.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLReal made Yoro their No1 choice to replace outgoing veteran Nacho Fernandez.And with the youngster out of contract next summer, they were even prepared to wait a year before landing him on a free transfer.But Yoro now looks to have been convinced by the project on offer at Old Trafford.It’s been all change behind the scenes, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos in charge of football operations.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe day-to-day is being overseen by new sporting director Dan Ashworth and technical chief Jason Wilcox, as well as CEO Omar Berrada.Erik ten Hag has signed a new contract taking him until 2026.Who is Manchester United’s new striker Joshua Zirkzee? (1)And the Dutchman has been joined in the dugout by two compatriots, with Ruud van Nisterooy and Rene Hake his new assistants.United have already made a first signing in £37m Netherland striker Joshua Zirkzee.Matthijs de Ligt is expected to follow from Bayern Munich.And Ten Hag could make it a hat-trick of Dutch Euro 2024 aces by sealing a move for PSG’s Xavi Simons. More

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    Man Utd ‘won’t pursue Gareth Southgate as manager if they sack Ten Hag with ex-Chelsea boss top target for the job’

    GARETH SOUTHGATE will not be a target to replace Erik ten Hag at Manchester United, reports say. Southgate has left his position as England manager after 2-1 defeat in the Euro 2024 final to Spain. Gareth Southgate left his position as England managerCredit: AlamyHe was long linked with the United job as Ten Hag looked to be facing an uncertain future. But after a summer of deliberation, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Old Trafford board decided to stick with the Dutchman.Southgate is admired by Ratcliffe & Co at United but he could no longer be a target to replace Ten Hag in the future. Instead, ex-Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel would be considered next in line for the role, according to the Daily Mail. READ MORE IN BOXINGThat is despite Tuchel already interviewing with Ratcliffe for the job this summer only for a deal to fall by the wayside. The pair met in Monaco but it is believed Ratcliffe deemed the German needed a break from football. Tuchel famously won the Champions League with Chelsea in 2021 before being sacked a year later. He then moved to Bayern Munich and won the Bundesliga in 2023 before leaving at the end of last season. Most read in FootballThomas Tuchel is still linked with the Man Utd jobCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTuchel is believed to fancy a move back to England for any suitable job in the Premier League. But as revealed by SunSport, he is also open to taking the England job. Right now, Graham Potter is favourite to succeed Southgate having not returned to management before being sacked by Chelsea last September. Erik ten Hag FA Cup similarities to Sir Alex Ferguson’s 1990 crown More