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    Man Utd and Arsenal learn mammoth transfer fee for Xavi Simons as they battle Bayern for PSG star

    MANCHESTER UNITED and Arsenal have been told to cough up a king’s ransom of £85million for Euro 2024 star Xavi Simons.The playmaker is currently lighting up the tournament for Holland.Man Utd and Arsenal have been told to pay £85m for Xavi SimonsCredit: GettyAnd interest is high in Paris Saint-Germain’s next superstar.Simons, who has only played 11 games for the French side since joining from Barcelona in 2019, spent last season on loan at RB Leipzig.He bagged eight goals and 11 assists during his time in Germany.And Bild claims United, Arsenal and Bayern Munich have all put Simons high on their shopping lists.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUnited are known to be in the market for a new midfielder, with Simons boasting all the qualities needed for an attacking No8.While Arsenal are determined to continue building a mega-star squad so they can go one better than the previous two seasons by lifting the Premier League title.As for Bayern, they are ready to tear their squad up and rebuild under new boss Vincent Kompany.Simons took to German football like a duck to water and would slot straight in alongside Jamal Musiala.Most read in FootballEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSHowever, PSG are reluctant to lose Simons while never seeing him shine at the Parc des Princes.Luis Enrique still hopes to convince the Dutch maestro to stay put and finally have a proper season in the French capital.Barcelona youth sensation Xavi Simons snapped up by PSG – here is whyAnd to ward interested clubs off, PSG have reportedly put an £85m price tag on Simons.The eye-watering fee is likely to keep suitors at bay for now, especially United who need to sell before they can buy.But as the window goes on, and should Simons express a strong desire to move on, PSG could be forced to lower that fee.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

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    Cash-strapped Everton set to sign Aston Villa midfielder in shock £10m transfer after takeover boost

    ASTON VILLA midfielder Tim Iroegbunam is set to join Everton in a £10million deal.The 20-year-old Englishman was on the fringe of Unai Emery’s side last season and wants more game time.Tim Iroegbunam is set to leave Aston Villa for EvertonCredit: GettyVilla have beaten a number of Prem clubs to the free signing of centre-back Ethan Amundsen-Day, 19, from FC Copenhagen.The Norway youth international has an English father and was born in Leeds.With Amundsen-Day set to arrive at Villa Park, Iroegbunam has been given the green light to leave.He is on the verge of moving to Everton in what could be a turbulent summer for the Toffees.Read More on FootballThe Merseyside club recently confirmed that 777 Partners’ proposed takeover had collapsed.It left Everton in danger of going into administration amid soaring debts.However, SunSport exclusively revealed this week that Roma owner Dan Friedkin is prepared to complete an £800million takeover.Friedkin, worth £4.8billion, has beaten off an offer by Vici Private Finance in the battle to become the new Everton owner.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHowever, some fans could be left underwhelmed with the new chief.A member of his Friedkin Group previously described Everton as the “second club” in Liverpool.New footage shows amazing progress at Premier League club’s £500m new stadium but fans say ‘it’s hard to get excited’Friedkin himself also said after buying Roma in 2020 that the Serie A club would “always be the jewel” in his football crown. More

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    England star Marc Guehi idolised John Terry after Chelsea upbringing and is tipped to return from Euros to bigger things

    MARC GUEHI’S assured start to life in the spotlight of a major tournament should not come as a shock.The Crystal Palace star put in a fine display against Serbia to dispel concerns over whether he could hack it alongside John Stones.Marc Guehi impressed in England’s 1-0 win over SerbiaCredit: GettySeveral clubs have an interest in the Palace centre-backCredit: GettyGuehi (right) was part of a star-studded Chelsea youth side alongside the likes of Conor Gallager ans Reece JamesBut those who have been watching his rise from the Chelsea academy, via Swansea, Selhurst Park and the England Under-21s have seen it all before.It is why staff at Palace were so confident during the season that, come June, they would have a starting England defender in their ranks.The class and composure was there when Palace’s sporting director, Dougie Freedman, first spotted the defender playing in Chelsea’s famed academy.It stems from someone who, from the age of five when he joined up with Cray Wanderers, has been dedicated to defending.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLGuehi was never the most talented boy at Cray, or even Chelsea, but understood his role in incredible detail and, even as a young child, never got caught up chasing the ball further down the pitch but stay focused on keeping a clean sheet. That has never changed. One Palace source told SunSport: “He just wants to defend, he absolutely loves it.”There were worries that, being four inches shorter than the man he has replaced in Harry Maguire, Guehi’s stature would be a problem.However, given a robust test by towering and powerful Serbian forwards, the former Swansea man passed with flying colours.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSHis reading of the game has stood out to every coach who has worked with Guehi or scout who has watched him.The 23-year-old, who was born in the Ivory Coast before moving to England at one and idolised John Terry as a kid, still works endlessly on studying positioning and reading the game and it shows in his performances.Jude Bellingham reacts to match winning England display in euro 2024 opener against SerbiaGuehi, who is best mates with Three Lions team-mate Conor Gallagher, is rarely flustered or caught out and it was notable he finished the game in Gelsenkirchen with few marks on his white England shorts – always a sign of an assured defender.It is that calm presence which has seen Guehi rise quickly as a young player, overcoming struggles during his loan on Swansea which saw him dropped from the squad altogether.His quiet but determined attitude is what convinced Under-21s boss Lee Carsley – followed by Patrick Vieira and Roy Hodgson at Palace – to hand him the captain’s armband.John Terry is idolised by Marc GuehiCredit: AFPCarsley said earlier this season: “The way he conducts himself on and off the pitch, he is a brilliant influence on the players.”He is very good on the ball, excellent in possession.”He deserved to be captain. We didn’t have him that long, he moved through the system quite quickly which is brilliant.”Seeing him play week in, week out he deserves it.”He deserves everything he gets because he is a brilliant lad and works so hard.”Guehi is a considered leader in the changing room, not brash and loud but quiet and controlled. He keeps his head on the pitch and chooses his words carefully off it – meaning team-mates pay attention when he has something to say.It has been a remarkable rise, and those watching on from Palace – who included proud chairman Steve Parish inside the stadium in Germany – will feel this is just the start.There is an acceptance in South London that they may well lose Guehi to bigger and better things once he returns from Euro 2024.READ MORE SUN STORIESThat has often been the club’s plan, recruit well and sell after a solid three years. If that plan is to be put into action this summer – the asking price will have just climbed up once again.How England rated vs Serbia… as Bellingham shines but TWO big names get 5s
    JUDE BELLINGHAM was England’s head boy as Gareth Southgate’s side made a winning start in Germany.
    The Real Madrid superstar oozed class throughout and broke the deadlock with only 13 minutes played thanks to an excellent header, dispatching Bukayo Saka’s deflected cross.
    But, despite the brilliant start, it was a nervy affair here in Gelsenkirchen.
    Serbia exerted significant pressure in the second half, with a few narrow escapes for Southgate’s men.
    Harry Kane barely had a kick and the Premier League’s player of the year Phil Foden struggled to have any influence on the left of the Three Lions’ front three.
    Here’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated England’s stars… with TWO stars getting just a 5.

    EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

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    Forgotten Tottenham wonderkid who scored hat-trick against Barcelona and played with Harry Kane joins sixth tier club

    TOTTENHAM academy product Shaq Coulthirst has signed for sixth-tier side Maidstone.Striker Coulthirst, 29, made his Spurs debut in December 2013, replacing Roberto Soldado in a 4-1 Europa League win over Anzhi Makhachkala.Shaq Coulthirst once scored a hat-trick against Barcelona for Tottenham’s U19sCredit: GettyCoulthirst played with Harry Kane during the England captain’s early days in the first teamCredit: Action Images – ReutersAt the time, he was battling with Harry Kane for a place in Spurs’ squad, with the now England captain one year older than him.Coulthirst had already made a name for himself at age group level having scored a hat-trick for the U19s against Barcelona in a 4-1 victory in 2012.His performances caught the attention of both Barca and Real Madrid, but a big move never materialised.He ended up leaving Tottenham for Peterborough in 2016 following loans with Leyton Orient, Torquay, Southend, York and Wigan.READ MORE ON EURO 2024Just seven goals in 43 appearances saw him depart after two seasons, before he went on to have spells with Barnet, Borenham Wood, Billericay and Ebbsfleet.Now he has penned a deal with National League South side Maidstone for next season following a loan spell with Braintree where he scored 11 in 29 matches.In the eight years since leaving Spurs, Coulthirst has scored 55 goals in 215 club appearances.Last year, ex-Tottenham academy player Lawrence Vigouroux revealed the talent Coulthirst had as a youngster.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe told talkSPORT: “In the year above we had Harry Kane, Alex Pritchard, Ryan Fredericks.”We had a player, Shaquile Coulthirst, he played for the first team a few times he was unbelievable. Unbelievable, youth team, unbelievable, Under-21s and then he had a couple of really bad injuries.”Germany legend Jurgen Klinsmann discusses Euro 2024, his time at Tottenham and thoughts on Harry KaneHe went on to add: “He was honestly one of the best players that was there at the time and had a real aura – a presence about him, captain of the youth team.”And then came up and played really young for the 21s team.”Someone that, without the injuries, who knows what would have happened with him?”Because he had everything going for him.”Coulthirst has signed for Maidstone for next season More

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    Mats Hummels RELEASED by Borussia Dortmund hours after Edin Terzic resigned over violent bust-up with legend

    MATS HUMMELS has been released by Borussia Dortmund.The defender helped the German giants reach the Champions League final, which they lost 2-0 to Real Madrid.Mats Hummels has left Borussia DortmundCredit: GettyHe made 508 appearances across two spells for Dortmund, having returned to the club in 2019 following three years at Bayern Munich.Hummels was part of the side that won the DFB-Pokal in 2021, while they also finished as Bundesliga runners-up in 2022/23.The German has been rumoured to be leaving for some time and he has now followed Edin Terzic out of the exit door after the Dortmund boss resigned over a bust-up between the pair.Just days before the Champions League, the veteran centre-back criticised Terzic’s tactics against other top teams in an interview.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTerzic reportedly lost his temper during a confrontation with Hummers, which allegedly turned violent.The pair are said to have made peace before the final, but the club were set to punish both.However that is no longer necessary as neither will be at Dortmund next season, with Hummels revealing he intends to continue playing in Europe rather than move to MLS.He also released a statement after leaving the club, which reads: “Dear fans, my time in black and yellow is now coming to an end after more than 13 years. It has been a huge honour and pleasure for me to have played for BVB for so long and to have been part of the journey from 13th place in January 2008.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“The countless great coaches and fantastic players I have had the honour of meeting here. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that you all meet up again at Borsigplatz as soon as possible to celebrate.“I will miss you.”Watch Dortmund star Karim Adeyemi’s insane skill before PSG clash leave Mats Hummels on floor in shock His criticism of Terzic included a claim that they were set up to be “submissive”.Hummels said: “I was furious because I was of the opinion that Borussia Dortmund shouldn’t play like that – against any opponent in the world.”I didn’t think it could go on like this. I felt insulted in my honour to stand on the pitch in that kit.”So submissive, so inferior in footballing terms.”The two Stuttgart games and the away game in Leverkusen. That was barricading with 11 men in the box.” More

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    Oxford announce forgotten Chelsea wonderkid’s new deal and aim sly dig at John Terry in stunning announcement

    OXFORD took aim at Chelsea legend John Terry in their announcement video of ex-Blues man Josh McEachran’s contract extension.Midfielder McEachran, 31, played 22 times for the two-time European champions after coming through their academy set-up.Josh McEachran’s face was mocked up into his contract extension announcement videoCredit: X / @OUFCOfficialOxford aimed a sly dig at Chelsea legend John Terry in the clipCredit: X / @OUFCOfficialHe has since gone on to play for the likes of Brentford, Birmingham and MK Dons, before he joined Oxford on a free transfer last summer.His deal expired at the end of this season, but the newly-promoted Championship outfit have now confirmed a one-year contract extension with a hilarious video on X.It showed McEachran’s face photo-shopped into the scene of a film where a passenger is checking into a flight.The character mocked up to be McEachran proceeds to receive a complimentary entrance to the first-class lounge.READ MORE ON CHELSEAIt then cuts to a clip of former Chelsea defender Terry, 43, saying: “And I’m sitting in economy, Josh McEachran… all in first class.”The footage came from an interview Terry gave back in April when he claimed ex-Blues manager Andre Villas-Boas made senior players fly economy while the younger members of the squad went first class.And fans on social media were loving the mash-up announcement by Oxford.One said: “This is outstanding 🤣.”Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMcEachran played 26 League One games for Oxford this seasonAnother added: “Unreal announcement vid.”While a third replied: “Okay that’s class.”Forgotten Chelsea flop Hakim Ziyech lashes out and throws boots away after being subbed in World Cup qualifierTerry said on Up Front with Up Front with Simon Jordan: “I’ll give you a little story. We went to Hong Kong, I think when he was first manager.”We get on the plane, we get on and I’m sitting in economy on a 13-hour flight and we’ve got Josh McEachran, Nathaniel Chalobah, couple of other young players in first class.”And this was part of AVB’s going, ‘No, no. No player’s bigger than me. Everyone’s the same.'”So, I get on the plane and it turns out that Lamps is flying out first class and I’m flying back in first class.”If you fly out in first, you come back business or economy, premium economy, whatever it was. But basically it wasn’t good enough.”So I’m on the plane going, ‘No, no, we’re not going anywhere until these young players go back in economy and the first-team players that have built this club to where it is today go back in first.”And we’re on the plane and people are up and down, AVB comes up and goes, ‘What’s the problem?'”I’m going, ‘Well, we’re not going anywhere till the young players move.’ And to be fair to the young players they’re going, ‘JT, it’s really uncomfortable we’re going back.'”And I’m going, ‘No, no, it’s not your decision he has to own it as AVB.'”This was one of his first things in front of everyone, in the end it spins so all first-team players fly first, younger players go back in economy.READ MORE SUN STORIES”That’s how it should be, these younger players are striving to be where we’ve got and he tried to make a statement on day one and he failed instantly because I promise you, the plane wasn’t going.”And, it would have gone without myself, Frank and Didier.” More

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    Watch Luis Guilherme’s Palmeiras highlights as West Ham complete £25m transfer for Brazilian winger

    WEST HAM have confirmed the signing of Brazilian wonderkid Luis Guilherme.The 18-year-old joins from Palmeiras for a reported £25million fee.Luis Guilherme has signed for West HamCredit: Instagram / @westhamThe highly-rated youngster has been capped five times by Brazil’s youth-teamCredit: GettyGuilherme has signed a five-year deal and his move will be completed on Friday when the transfer window opens – subject to international clearance and a work permit being issued.He has become the first signing made by the Hammers since the arrival of new boss Julen Lopetegui.And the versatile attacking midfielder revealed that the Spaniard was crucial in him moving to East London, saying: “The head coach and I already had a conversation. “He showed me his project and I believe I’ll learn a lot from him.”I also want to thank everyone at West Ham, particularly Tim Steidten [director of football] and his team who came to Brazil, and not only talked with me, but also with my family. “They presented the project, and both my family and I liked it. So, I’m very happy to be signing with this club and hope to contribute as much as possible. “The Premier League is the best league in the world. I believe I’ll improve a lot here with the entire staff at West Ham, which is crucial for my development.“Growing up, whenever I had the chance, I watched English football. Seeing how it is and now being able to play here is an incredible feeling.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“Since I was eleven, I had this dream, and now it’s becoming a reality. I’m very happy about it and grateful to West Ham.”Guilherme has been capped five times by the Brazil Under-20s.SunSport latest transfer headlinesHe has made 45 senior appearances for Palmeiras, scoring one goal.The South American side are building a reputation for developing top young talents as Guilherme’s team-mate Endrick, 17, has signed for Real Madrid and Estevao Willian, 17, is set to join Chelsea. More

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    Saudi Pro League manager who fell out with Benzema ‘set to get record £25MILLION payoff after just seven months’

    MARCELO GALLARDO is set to receive the most expensive severance package in football history after just seven months as Al-Ittihad manager.Gallardo, 48, took over at the Saudi Arabian club’s dugout only last November when he replaced Nuno Espirito Santo, who then moved to Nottingham Forest.Marcelo Gallardo looks set to receive £25m as severance after his dismissal from Al-IttihadCredit: ReutersGallardo fell out with Al-Ittihad superstar Karim BenzemaCredit: GettyHowever, the Argentinean tactician failed to steady the ship while in charge of the then Saudi champions, who finished fifth in the table.The ex-River Plate manager lost 14 out of all of his 33 matches, of which he won 15.That is despite having star players like Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, Fabinho and Jota in his squad.Al-Ittihad only scored 56 goals and conceded a whopping 59 under his watch.Read More on FootballThe former Paris Saint-Germain star also fell out with Benzema, whom he ordered to train alone after returning late from a holiday.According to local publication Ariyadhiah, Gallardo is now set to receive a staggering €30MILLION (£25m) payoff from Al-Ittihad.The Argentine is pushing for that sum, which is stipulated in his contract that runs until 2025.Al-Ittihad chiefs have tried to reach an agreement to terminate the Monaco hero’s contract but he won’t waive any compensation.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Saudis are already searching for Gallardo’s replacement ahead of next season.And sporting director Ramon Planes is working “against the clock” trying to find the next head coach.Top 10 highest paid footballers in the world revealed with no Premier League players making the top fiveAl-Ittihad’s turbulent campaign saw them finishing 42 points behind champions Al-Hilal.Who are these famous footballers? More