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      Arsenal and Chelsea want Spain Euro 2024 hero Nico Williams transfer.. but agent Lamine Yamal could give Barcelona edge

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      ARSENAL and Chelsea are set to fight it out for Spain star Nico Williams this summer – but Barcelona already have an edge over the Premier League sides.Athletic Bilbao forward Williams, 22, scored two and assisted one for Luis de la Fuente’s men at Euro 2024.Nico Williams, right, shone for Spain at the Euros and is now being chased by Arsenal and ChelseaCredit: GettyWilliams was one of the best players at this summer’s EurosThat included the opening goal in Sunday’s final against England as Spain triumphed 2-1 to clinch a record-breaking fourth European Championship.Williams’ stellar Euros comes off the back of a superb campaign for Bilbao which saw him contribute eight goals and 19 assists in 37 appearances.According to The Athletic, signing the winger would require paying the LaLiga club his £49million release clause up front.Williams is at the front of Arsenal’s list of priorities, but it is understood Mikel Arteta would need to sell players to finance the deal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Gunners are linked with selling the likes of Kieran Tierney, Aaron Ramsdale, Reiss Nelson and Eddie Nketiah.Chelsea also remain keen on Williams having monitored him for some time.However, they do already possess a number of options on the flanks – Mykhaylo Mudryk, Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke and Raheem Sterling to name a few.And they are also aware Barcelona appear to be the front-runners to sign Williams.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSLamine Yamal, who occupied the other flank for Spain at the Euros and assisted Williams’ goal in the final, is keen for the Bilbao man to join him at the Nou Camp.Barcelona president Joan Laporta has also made it clear they could pursue Williams.Lamine Yamal accidentally shows world his naked Spain team-mates in live social media blunder after England win He told radio station Catalunya Radio: “Today Barca could cope financially with a signing like Nico Williams.”But it remains unclear whether Laporta’s claims are legitimate as it is widely known Barcelona remain in a difficult financial position.Inside the baffling, brilliant story of Lamine Yamal – from being bathed by Messi to doing homework while taking Euros by stormLAMINE YAMAL has confirmed his status as football’s next superstar at Euro 2024 – but has only been playing 11-a-side games for four years, write Jack Rosser.Spain’s incredible 16-year-old bent home the goal of the tournament so far against France as La Roja sealed the spot in the final.But his first five years in Barcelona’s academy were spent playing seven-a-side football, up until the age of 12 in 2020 when he finally got a crack at 11-a-side games.Yamal’s story is baffling, brilliant and barely believable in equal measure.He is a boy born to a Moroccan father and a mother from Equatorial Guinea, who turned 17 the day before the Euros final, and was cradled by footballing royalty at just six months old.Staggering pictures of Yamal as a baby being held and bathed by Messi, taken for a Barcelona charity calendar 16 years ago, resurfaced this week.He did not restrict his brushes with greatness to Barcelona either, with footage of Yamal as an academy player walking as a mascot with Spain and Real Madrid icon Sergio Ramos at an El Clasico in 2016.There is a touch of fate about this gem, Spain’s “little MVP”, as team-mate Nico Williams has dubbed him.Yamal has been doing homework in his spare time and received exam results during the tournament. He passed, obviously.Now he’s the youngest ever goalscorer at the Euros, also becoming the youngest player to ever start a major semi-final – claiming that title from Pele.But it’s Yamal’s humble approach on and off the pitch that most impresses everyone he meets.And France star Adrien Rabiot probably felt quite embarrassed as he boarded his plane back home from Germany.He had tried to intimidate Yamal ahead of their semi-final clash – telling Yamal he “needs to do more.”Was this good enough, then? Yamal responded with a goal for the ages and a man of the match performance.A season which started with a pre-season game against Tottenham where Yamal excelled but was overshadowed by Oliver Skipp scoring a brace will end on the biggest stage European football has to offer on Sunday.From being outshone by Skipp to eclipsing Pele’s records is not a bad year’s work – just imagine what he will do when he grows up.Read all about the incredible rise of Lamine Yamal in full… More

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      Man Utd fans pleasantly surprised and say ‘this is so unlike us’ as they find out Joshua Zirkzee’s wages

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans were delighted to discover just how much new signing Joshua Zirkzee is on.The Netherlands forward, 23, completed a £36.5million move to Old Trafford from Bologna on Sunday.Netherlands star Joshua Zirkzee is Man Utd’s first summer signingCredit: GettyThe forward’s wages have been revealed on his five-year contractCredit: GettyZirkzee inked a five-year contract to become the first signing of the Sir Jim Ratcliffe era at the Theatre of Dreams.A fresh report has now claimed that he will receive a weekly salary of £56,000.And after years of spending fortunes on both player transfer fees and wages, some supporters were pleasantly surprised to see the relative small amount.“Wow this is so unlike us,” posted one in response to the news on X.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAnother said: “Good, INEOS are out here not to overpay wages to anyone coming in now.”A third said: “Great to see better financial management from a salaries perspective!“Another commented: “Only £56k a week. Look at my club acting grown up”A fifth said: “That’s great. Manchester United is a serious club now.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWhile a sixth added: “Ed Woodward would have placed him on £100k+ p/w already. I don’t recognize my club no more.”Zirkzee caught United boss Erik Ten Hag’s eye with 12 goals in 37 appearances last season.New Man Utd star Joshua Zirkzee reveals what Kobbie Mainoo said to him after England’s win over SwitzerlandAnd that impressive final season in Serie A also earned him a spot in the Netherlands’ Euro 2024 squad.He made his debut for them in their quarter-final victory over Turkey before Zirkzee then picked up his second cap in the Dutch’s last-gasp semi-final defeat to England.Zirkzee and his new team-mate Kobbie Mainoo were spotted deep in conversation after that game.And now the ex-Bayern Munich academy graduate is delighted to have moved to the Red Devils.He said: “Having had discussions with the manager and the leaders of the club I know how exciting the future is going to be here and I cannot wait to play my part in achieving success for Manchester United.“I am a player who has always dedicated everything to winning; I’m ready for this next challenge, to go to another level in my career and win more trophies.“It is a privilege to join such an iconic club.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I have to take a short break now after being with the national team, but I’ll be coming back ready to make an impact straight away.”United supporters now hope that Zirkzee’s arrival will be the first of a busy transfer window. More

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      Wolves star Hwang Hee-chan agrees to join Marseille but French giants miles off Premier League club’s transfer fee

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      WOLVES star Hwang Hee-chan has reached an agreement in principle to join Marseille.L’OM have been keeping tabs on Hwang, 28, during the summer transfer window and had an opening offer worth £20million turned down by the Molineux outfit.Wolves star Hwang Hee-chan has agreed personal terms to join MarseilleCredit: GettyTalks are ongoing between Wolves and Marseille for HwangCredit: GettySunSport understand that the striker has agreed personal terms with the French giants and is keen on a move to the Velodrome.Talks are ongoing between Wolves and Marseille in a bid to iron out a deal for the South Korea international.The Premier League side are demanding £30m to let Hwang go this summer and Marseille have yet to meet those requirements.The centre-forward has a contract with Wolves until 2028.Read More on FootballHwang enjoyed an impressive campaign with Gary O’Neil’s side this past term.The South Korean amassed a total of 13 goals and three assists in 31 appearances.SunSport have also learned that Marseille could shelve their bid for Manchester United’s Mason Greenwood because talks are taking too long.Greenwood is taking too long to decide and Roberto De Zerbi’s side have set their sights elsewhere.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSTherefore, Marseille are now looking to sign Brighton ace Simon Adingra.Adingra played under De Zerbi at the Amex Stadium last season.Wolves boss Gary O’Neil issues summer transfer warning to fans and says -certain managers would not want to work under these circumstancesThe Italian tactician rates the winger highly and is keen on a reunion at the Velodrome this summer.SunSport also understand that Marseille have held talks with the Ivory Coast international’s camp. More

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      Spain hit by explosive row hours ahead of Euro 2024 final v England over transfer questions to star Nico Williams

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      SPAIN have been hit by explosive row over Nico Williams’ club future – just hours before the Euro 2024 final against England. Williams has been one of the star’s of the tournament, causing heavy transfer speculation. Spain’s Nico Williams has been linked with a move away from Athletic BilbaoCredit: APIt caused Athletic Bilbao president Jon Uriarte to slam the Spanish FA (RFEF) in a strongly-worded statement. He said: “Nico, a player who is committed to Athletic, has been subjected to a bombardment of questions about his future in an excessive and uncontrolled manner while at the European Championships.”The RFEF have not been able to protect him. Respect between all the actors who make up football is a fundamental basis, or that’s how we view it at Athletic, which does not include subjecting players with contracts at one club to public pressure to join other clubs.”There are no limits to Athletic’s aspirations. We are demonstrating that we have an attractive project, a winning project for our players and our coach. READ MORE ON Euro 2024″The proof of that is that we have renewed the contracts of two of our internationals, Unai Simón (2029) and Dani Vivian (2032).”Nico signed a new deal last year until 2027. Various other sought-after players have also committed their future to the club. “Athletic are financially, socially and in sporting terms capable of keeping players of the caliber of those named in its structure, including Nico.” The Spanish FA responded: “RFEF has treated Nico Williams in the same way we have treated the other 25 players who travelled to Germany. Most read in Euro 2024Meet Spain’s Euro 2024 WagsSpain Wags range from teenager sweethearts to recently blossoming love stories.Alice Campello (Alvaro Morata’s wife)Alice Campello is an Italian model and fashion designer and has been married to Alvaro Morata since 2017. The pair has four children together.Sara Botello (Aymeric Laporte’s wife)Sara Botello is a trained dancer, having performed ballet and contemporary dance in shows around Spain. She married Aymeric Laporte in 2023 and the pair have two children together.Tatiana Trouboul (David Raya’s girlfriend)Tatiana Trouboul is the girlfriend of David Raya. Before moving to London with him, she worked in a nightclub. Now she is working as a model.Claudia Rodriguez (Marc Cucurella’s girlfriend)Claudia and Marc met in Barcelona after he messaged her on Instagram. The pair has third children together and have been together since six years.Lola Liberal ( Mikel Merino’s wife)Lola Liberal is a blogger and loves to share loving moments with ex-Newcastle star Mikel Merino. The pair married in January 2024.Laura Cascante (Rodrigo Hernández’s girlfriend)Laura Iglesias is a medical student and is training to become a surgeon. The pair met during university.Laura Abla Schmitt (Dani Olmo’s girlfriend)Laura Abla Schmitt and Dani Olmo made their relationship public on New Year’s Day in 2024. Read more about the Wags supporting Spain at Euro 2024 hereCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”The impact that any of his words might have had is totally related to his performances and the great level he’s shown, and not to RFEF treating him differently.” Williams, 22, came up through Bilbao’s youth system and he has since made 122 first-team appearances with 20 goals. Spain out to avenge controversial England defeat from 28 years ago when THREE game-changing decisions went against themHe only made his Spain debut in 2022 but has since got 19 caps, scoring three times including against Georgia in the last 16. Barcelona have been heavily linked with a move for the winger. But even Chelsea full-back Marc Cucurella revealed his own attempts to get Williams to West London. Cucurella said: “He is a great player, he is bringing out all his potential.England vs Spain recordEngland have played Spain 27 times in total – here is a look at every result…May 1929, Spain 4-3 England – International Friendly (L)December 1931, England 7-1 Spain – International Friendly (W)July 1950, Spain 1-0 England – World Cup (L)May 1955, Spain 1-1 England – International Friendly (D)November 1955, England 4-1 Spain – International Friendly (W)May 1960, Spain 3-0 England – International Friendly (L)October 1960, England 4-2 Spain – International Friendly (W)December 1965, Spain 0-2 England – International Friendly (W)May 1967, England 2-0 Spain – International Friendly (W)April 1968, England 1-0 Spain – European Championship (W)May 1968, Spain 1-2 England – European Championship (W)March 1980, Spain 0-2 England – International Friendly (W)June 1980, England 2-1 Spain – European Championship (W)March 1981, England 1-2 Spain – International Friendly (L)July 1982, Spain 0-0 England – World Cup (D)February 1987, Spain 2-4 England – International Friendly (W)September 1992, Spain 1-0 England – International Friendly (L)June 1996, England 0(4)-(2)0 Spain – European Championship (W)February 2001, England 3-0 Spain – International Friendly (W)November 2004, Spain 1-0 England – International Friendly (L)February 2007, England 0-1 Spain – International Friendly (L)February 2009, Spain 2-0 England – International Friendly (L)November 2011, England 1-0 Spain – International Friendly (W)November 2015, Spain 2-0 England – International Friendly (L)November 2016, England 2-2 Spain – International Friendly (D)September 2018, England 1-2 Spain – Nations League (L)October 2018, Spain 2-3 England – Nations League (W)Overall, England have won 14, drawn three and lost 10 matches against Spain.”It is a source of pride that he is on our team, that he is our teammate and with players like him everything is easier.”He would be a great signing [for Barcelona], but it all depends on what he wants. I’ve been telling him to sign for Chelsea.”In the end everything depends on him. He is very young, with a lot of experience. I think he will be a great player.”Williams with Spain team-mate Marc CucurellaCredit: Getty More

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      Man Utd teenage star Willy Kambwala set to join Villarreal for just £8.5m as fans say ‘never saw this coming’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED star Willy Kambwala is set to be sold to Villarreal, according to reports.The 19-year-old had a breakout season in the 2023/24 campaign, playing nine times in the Premier League due to an injury crisis.Willy Kambwala is ready to leave Manchester United for VillarrealCredit: GettyBut the club are now ready to cash in on the centre-back amid an £8.5million bid from Villarreal.Man Utd are reportedly hoping to insert a buy-back clause in the deal.Kambwala has just one year remaining on his contact at Old Trafford.And selling him will help ease Man Utd’s PSR concerns as offloading the teenager will count as pure profit.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe club posted a £71.4m net loss for the third quarter of the financial year.Reports suggest that Kambwala initially wanted his long-term future to be at the Red Devils.But the Frenchman changed his mind after talks with Erik ten Hag revealed he is far down the defensive pecking order.Fans were left shocked by the news, with one saying: “Wow never saw this coming.”Most read in FootballEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSAnother added: “Good deal for us but sad to see him go as will be a very good player.”More commented: “Smart move, last year on his contract and a buy-back clause. He needs playing time to develop.”What happened to these five forgotten Manchester United wonderkidsA fourth said: “Willy Kambwala and Eric Bailly partnership at Villarreal will hit hard.”The boss remains in the market for a new centre-back after Raphael Varane departed.Jonny Evans has penned a new one-year deal and the club are keen on Bayern Munich’s Matthijs De Ligt.Ten Hag is also set to land a new striker as Bologna star Joshua Zirkzee landed at Manchester Airport ahead of his medical yesterday.SunSport’s verdict on Man Utd flopsSir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos have a busy summer ahead to get Man Utd’s squad in order for next season. Below SunSport gives its verdict on how they should deal with the Red Devils flops this summer. Andre Onana – STAY: After a dodgy start at Old Trafford Onana has proven to be one of the more reliable members of the squad this season despite being peppered with shots constantly.Altay Bayindir – GO: Reports in February suggested Bayindir was unhappy with his bit part role at Man Utd amid interest from Turkish giants Galatasaray. If profit can be made on a sale then it should be done.Tom Heaton – STAY: Veteran goalkeeper Heaton, 38, is a reliable back-up and is on a relatively small wage at the club. So long as he is happy it makes sense to keep him.Aaron Wan-Bissaka – GO: Wan-Bissaka, 26, has never managed to make the right-back position his own. With his contract up in 2025 it makes sense to cash in now.Diogo Dalot – STAY: Dalot, 26, has been one of Man Utd’s most consistent performers this season.Raphael Varane – GO: If it wasn’t for his injury record there would be a strong shout to keep Varane, but costs need to be cut to allow the squad to be freshened up.Harry Maguire – GO: Maguire has showed he has the right character to be at Man Utd but overall ability and desired profile are another matter, with Maguire too slow to play in a high line defence.Lisandro Martinez – STAY: Martinez, 26, is second to none in terms of build up play. He needs a long-term defensive partner on the right side and to cut out the injuries which have plagued him this season.Jonny Evans – GO: Veteran campaigner Evans could easily be on the stay list if he was only going to be a bit part player. But he has shown his advanced years at times this season.Victor Lindelof – GO:  Lindelof, 29, has been reliable if not unremarkable in his Man Utd career. He has one year left on his contract so should be moved on if a decent transfer fee can be got for him.Willy Kambwala – STAY: He should be given the opportunity to mature for a few years behind a senior CB pairing before stepping into the first team as a starter or being moved on.Luke Shaw – GO: One of the Premier League’s best left-backs when fit, Shaw has been a good servant when available. But alas that has been his Achilles heel once again this season.Tyrell Malacia – STAY: Malacia, 24, was decent enough to earn some merit in his first season at Man Utd before injury ended his season and inadvertently led to his second season being a write off.Sofyan Amrabat – GO: Amrabat, 27, looked like a world beater at the Qatar World Cup with Morocco. But he’s had an underwhelming season in England and his loan spell will almost certainly not be made permanent.Casemiro – GO: An alarming physical decline has seen him turn from key star to burden. If a club is willing to buy the 32-year-old – who has two more years on his contract – then United should snatch their hand off.Christian Eriksen – GO: Eriksen proved a useful asset and Ineos should look to bring in another player with similar traits, but frankly his legs have looked gone towards the end of this season.Kobbie Mainoo – STAY: The first of the so-called untouchables, Mainoo has been a rare glimmer of hope in the Red Devils midfield this season.Mason Mount – STAY: Mount can be given the benefit of the doubt until summer 2025 at least after a debut season riddled with injury.Scott McTominay – STAY: McTominay, 27, has proven himself to be a brilliant plan B off the bench this season, and that is exactly why Ineos should look to keep him.Bruno Fernandes – STAY: Man Utd’s best player since his arrival just over four years ago, Fernandes, 29, remains second-to-none when it comes to creating chances while his tenacity boosts those around him.Antony – GO: There’s a case to argue that Antony may be the worst pound-for-pound signing in Premier League history. Despite some memorable moments he simply isn’t Man Utd quality.Anthony Martial – GO: Ultimately Martial needs to be let go when his deal runs out this summer after an appalling injury record of late.Marcus Rashford – STAY: As easy as it would be to say Rashford should leave the club this summer, it is difficult to look at the market and find many available players capable of scoring 30 goals a season.Alejandro Garnacho – STAY: Another third of the untouchables trio, Garnacho has made the right-wing his own since coming into it. He’s a raw talent but has shown he has the quality to improve.Rasmus Hojlund – STAY: A slow burner in his first Man Utd season, the 21-year-old has often been starved of supply which has led to him being unable to get the goals his movement and unselfish play often merits.Amad Diallo – STAY: In the fleeting moments he has been on the pitch for Man Utd this season, Diallo has looked dangerous and exciting. He should be given a chance to flourish with some proper chances in the first team across a whole season. More

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      Aston Villa re-sign former star on free transfer just a year after selling him for £18m fee

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      CAMERON ARCHER has returned to Aston Villa – one year after Unai Emery sold him to Sheffield United for £18million.It represents a smart bit of business by Villa who have pocketed £3million from the deal, while gaining valuable Premier League experience for Archer.Cameron Archer has rejoined Aston Villa from Sheffield UnitedCredit: GettyThe striker scored four goals in 30 Premier League appearances for the Blades last seasonCredit: GettyThe 22-year-old striker scored four goals in 30 top-flight appearances for the Blades, including a goal at Villa Park in December.However there was a clause in his contract guaranteeing Archer would return to Villa Park in the event of United being relegated.Sheffield United splashed out £18million last summer on the kid striker but only paid a £3million instalment on the fee up front, which has been retained by Villa, effectively as a loan fee.It means the Blades will not have to shell out the remaining £15million for Archer, who has become a Villa player again.READ MORE ASTON VILLA NEWSA statement from the Blades confirmed: “Sheffield United can confirm that Cameron Archer has returned to Aston Villa under terms of the initial transfer agreement. Thanks for your efforts, Cam.”The Blades failed to avoid an immediate return to the Championship last season.Chris Wilder’s side finished bottom of the table, 16 points adrift of 17th place Nottingham Forest.Archer spent three seasons in the Villa first-team prior to moving to Bramall Lane, having come through the club’s academy.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe forward scored four goals in 14 appearances alongside loan spells with Solihull Moors, Preston and Middlesbrough.Archer’s return to Villa is the latest addition in what has been a busy summer for the club.SunSport’s Latest Transfer HeadlinesEmery is currently preparing for Champions League football, appearing in Europe’s premier competition for the first time since 1983.Villa have already made five signings this summer ahead of the upcoming season.Samuel Iling-Junior and Enzo Barrenechea both joined from Juventus following Douglas Luiz’s move to the Italian giants.Elsewhere, Ian Maatsen has signed from Chelsea, with Tyler Dobbin and Ross Barkley also coming in. More

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      Ex-Arsenal wonderkid who earned £10,000-a-night playing Fortnite signs for new club after turning down contract offer

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      A FORMER Arsenal star who earned £10,000-a-night playing Fortnite has joined a new club.Reuell Walters turned down a new deal at the Gunners in order to pursue first-team football elsewhere, and has found a new home with nearby Luton.Reuell Walters has joined Luton after turning down a new Arsenal dealCredit: Luton TownWalters, 19, is a versatile defender capable of playing in both central and wide defensive positions.The England Under-20 star joined Arsenal in 2020 from Tottenham before signing a pro deal in 2022.But, after failing to make a first-team appearance, he has now signed a four-year deal with Championship side Luton as they bid to earn promotion back to the Premier League.Speaking to club media, Walters said: “I’m really excited by the challenge ahead. I think I resonate with all the club’s beliefs.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I like the style of play, I get along with Rob really well and there are a few friendly faces from the past here as well.”Zack Nelson and Axel Piesold were at Tottenham’s academy with me when I was younger. “We’ve known each other from when we were young and have kept in contact the last few years, so some things just come back around.”As well as having skills on the pitch, Walters is also handy with a controller or keyboard and mouse, in particular Fortnite.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBack in November 2019, the youngster got an email from the game’s creators to say he’d made £16 for his RJW’s BoxPVP map.Dad Raphael said: “He said ‘I just made $20 for my map. People are in my map and when they buy stuff with their V-Bucks, I get a commission, so I made $20.'”Best ten new Premier League kits for next seasonIt’s estimated his map was used 250million times in one week.In a video posted by 101GreatGoals, linking to UnderArmour, Walters added: “Obviously we weren’t allowed to leave our homes so I picked up a different hobby where everyone loves the game.”I think as a teenage boy I was playing Fortnite with my friends and they were talking to me about how they just wanted to play this game mode and how it hadn’t been made before.”So I just decided, you know, I’ll make something for them to play.”The map has proven to be a popular one, with a staggering 250 million people downloading it.And all the downloads led to Walters earning a cool £10,000 a night for a week straight.So I just decided, you know, I’ll make something for them to playReuell Walters 101GreatGoalsRob Edwards also hailed the transfer as Walters became the Hatters second signing of the summer. He said: “Reuell is another person we are delighted to bring into the club. He’s a really exciting signing – a dynamic, quick, talented young player.”He’s had a brilliant upbringing at a couple of top clubs, and we are so pleased to get his move done.”Pathway is very important to him. That is one of the reasons why he is leaving Arsenal. “He had a number of inviting options, but we are so glad that he chose us and sees us as the right step to take on his journey now.”He’s got brilliant support, great family. He’s got loads of ability and high potential.”He can play in a number of positions – right-back, right centre-back, right wing-back – and he’d be able to do the middle as well. He’s got lots of strings to his bow.READ MORE SUN STORIES”He’s a young player, so there is no pressure. But we see him as someone who could potentially make an impact this season and I really hope he does. “We’re looking forward to getting to working with him.”Arsenal have a tricky start to the season More

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      Virgil van Dijk casts doubt on Liverpool future and hints at Netherlands retirement after Euro 2024 exit

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      NETHERLANDS defender Virgil van Dijk has hinted at leaving Liverpool and retiring from international football after refusing to commit to club or country following his Euro 2024 heartache.Dutch captain Van Dijk, 33, cut a distraught figure in Dortmund on Wednesday night after Oli Watkins’ 90th-minute winner sent England to Sunday’s final in Berlin.Virgil van Dijk’s Netherlands were eliminated from Euro 2024 by EnglandCredit: GettyVan Dijk may have played his final international game against EnglandAfter the match, the Liverpool centre-back fumed at referee Felix Zwayer for controversial decisions during the game – namely awarding England a penalty which Harry Kane scored.It remains unclear whether 74-cap Van Dijk will continue with the national team as he prepares to enter his mid-30s.But he has also cast doubt on his Liverpool future in the wake of Netherlands’ Euros disappointment.Van Dijk, whose Anfield contract expires in 2025, said: “I haven’t the slightest idea right now [about his future].READ MORE ON ENGLAND”I will think carefully this summer about what I want at club level and as an international player. Then we’ll go for it again, but first recover from this.”After a season like this, where all kinds of things have happened, it gets emotional at the end because you know it’s over.”Especially in the second half I had the feeling the outcome would fall our way. But [Ollie] Watkins was perhaps given a little too much space and he finished well.”It hurts a lot that we conceded this goal so late in the match and are now empty-handed.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSEngland ratings vs HollandENGLAND stormed into the final against Spain thanks to Ollie Watkins’ last-minute strike in the 2-1 win over Holland.It was a brilliant team performance, but how did each player rate?SunSport’s Tom Barclay ran the rule over Southgate’s boys, and here’s how he rated them.Jordan Pickford: 7Bigger goalkeepers may have got a stronger hand to Xavi Simons’ early stunner – though that was being hypercritical. Solid stop to deny Virgil van Dijk after the hour.Kyle Walker: 7Looked re-energised after some lumbering displays and bombed on at times in the first half, despite his role on the right of a back three. Last-ditch tackle on Cody Gakpo was spot on.John Stones: 7Strong in possession. He looks to have benefited from regular game-time after rarely featuring for Manchester City in the last few months.Marc Guehi: 6Came back into the side after suspension ruled him out of the Switzerland game. Had an unenviable task of making the big man Wout Weghorst after the break.Bukayo Saka: 7Razor-sharp in the first half, winning tackles, making runs and dribbling the ball proficiently. Less of an impact after the break, had a goal ruled out for offside and was booked.Declan Rice: 6Lost possession for Simons’ thunderous opener but grew into the game, mopping up where necessary. Poor pass when Kane was open midway through the second half.Kobbie Mainoo: 8Was England’s youngest-ever player to play in a major-tournament semi-final, aged 19years 82 days, and had a stormer in the first half. Great bursts forward, vital tackles, and his interplay with Foden was a joy.Kieran Trippier: 6We all know by now that he is playing out of position, so again he was limited going forward and reliable defensively. Subbed at half-time for the more natural Shaw.Phil Foden: 7The first 45 minutes was by far and away his best half of the tournament. Thought he’d scored when his shot was cleared off the line by Denzel Dumfries, and cracked the post with a cracker. But was then surprisingly subbed.Jude Bellingham: 5Back at the ground where he made his name but struggled to make much of an impact on his old stomping ground. Fortunate it was not he that was subbed.Harry Kane: 6Won and dispatched the penalty to go joint top-scorer in the tournament with three goals. Had looked more mobile initially but still tired badly after the break and was taken off.SUBSLuke Shaw (for Kieran Trippier, half-time): 6Looked assured for a man who has been out for so long.Ollie Watkins (for Harry Kane, 81): 9 and STAR MAN Surprisingly given the nod over Ivan Toney as striker sub as Southgate looked for more pace in behind. Brilliant finish into the corner to win the game – you could not ask more from him.Cole Palmer (for Phil Foden, 81): 7Had his big chance in the final minutes but shanked it horribly wide – but then fed Watkins for his wonderful winner.Gareth Southgate: 8His switch to a back three against Switzerland helped dig out the win there, and here it had his team finally playing some great football in the first half. The team went into their shells again as the game wore on and you feared the worst – but you have to say his decision to bring on Ollie Watkins was a masterstroke. “You put everything into it, everyone gives everything and if the goal comes like that in the last minute, that just sucks. Yes… sorry.”Van Dijk joined Liverpool from Southampton in January 2018 for £75million, three years after making his Netherlands debut.Watch bizarre moment Virgil van Dijk BEATBOXES while forgotten Premier League star RAPS during Euro 2024 coverageHe has racked up 270 appearances and 23 goals for the Reds.His trophy haul on Merseyside stands at a Premier League title, FA Cup, two Carabao Cups, Champions League, Uefa Super Cup and Club World Cup.Back in January, following the announcement that Jurgen Klopp was leaving Liverpool, fans linked Van Dijk with a Barcelona transfer. More