More stories

  • in

    Vinicius Jr rejects €1BILLION Saudi deal to sign eyewatering new five-year Real Madrid contract with huge bonuses

    REAL MADRID superstar Vinicius Jr has snubbed an astronomical bid from Saudi Arabia to renew his contract at Santiago Bernabeu.Vinicius, 24, has received interest from the Saudi Pro League the last few months with his current deal at Real set to expire in two years.Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr has snubbed a €1BILLION bid from Saudi ArabiaVinicius has agreed a new deal with Real that will see him making €100m in the next five yearsAccording to AS, however, the star forward is not leaving Madrid despite being offered a whopping €1BILLION (£846million) contract from Saudi chiefs that would run until 2030.Instead, the Brazil international has agreed to put pen to paper on a new deal with the Spanish giants that will see him making a staggering €100m (£85m) in the next five years.Vinicius is expected to pen his new contract at the end of the season, before the Club World Cup.And the Brazilian’s new deal will come into effect immediately, instead of 2027 when his current contract runs out.Read More on FootballThe versatile winger will be making an eye-watering £17m per year after tax once he officially agrees to the new terms.That, however, will be the minimum amount the ex-Flamengo star will be pocketing at Los Blancos.The new deal will include some major add-ons based on silverware and goals.But the biggest incentive is arguably the Ballon d’Or clause which would see him adding an extra £1.7m in the bank.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThat will make him the club’s highest-paid player, eclipsing the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham.Vinicius just missed out of last season’s award for the world’s best player, which was won by Manchester City star Rodri.Vinicius Jr wins Fifa The Best award after Ballon d’Or controversy while Man Utd ace Garnacho also bags top prizeReal were infuriated and boycotted the event in Paris as they insisted their star man deserved it more than the Spain international. More

  • in

    Crystal Palace line up transfer for Chelsea-linked Emanuel Emegha as Prem rivals circle on £30m Mateta

    CRYSTAL PALACE are chasing Strasbourg’s Dutch striker Emanuel Emegha — in case Jean-Philippe Mateta is sold.Emegha, 22, has proved a big hit in Ligue 1 this season — the Eagles have been to watch him and are poised to swoop.Strasbourg star Emanuel Emegha is being targeted by Crystal PalacePalace are thinking ahead in case they lose Jean-Philippe MatetaThe French club would want £30million for Emegha who is also being scouted by several Premier League rivals, including Chelsea.Palace are willing to go high if Mateta leaves in the summer after his second straight season of grabbing goals.The French hitman, 27, still has two years left on his contract but he could be tempted if Champions League football came on offer elsewhere.He won silver at the Olympics last year and his chances of a national call-up would be helped by a high-profile move.Read More on FootballMateta counts 17 goals and four assists in 42 appearances across all competitions.That adds to the centre-forward’s grand total of 46 goals and 11 assists in 148 appearances since joining Palace from Mainz in 2022.The Frenchman is undergoing a tough season after his horrific injury against Millwall in the FA Cup following an ill-judged challenge by goalkeeper Liam Roberts that led to 25 stitches in his ear.The striker has since been wearing protective gear on his head while playing for the Eagles.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSEmegha has also been very impressive with Strasbourg, who are owned by Chelsea owners Clearlake, this season.The Dutchman has 14 goals and three assists in 29 appearances across all competitions.Crystal Palace fans earn club an FA charge within 30 SECONDS after engulfing Wembley in smoke by sneaking in flaresThe forward counts a total of 23 goals and five assists in 60 matches since his arrival from Sturm Graz in 2023.That has led to immense interest from Chelsea, who are desperate to sign a striker this summer and are also keeping tabs on RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap.Emegha’s Ligue 1 stats are impressive More

  • in

    Man Utd ready to SLASH Jadon Sancho asking price with Bundesliga side keen after Chelsea snub permanent transfer

    JADON SANCHO could get an escape route back to the Bundesliga – if he is willing to take a wage drop and cut-price pay-off.Sancho is facing a red-faced return to Manchester United, as Chelsea want to back out of the obligation to buy agreed when he joined them on a season-long loan last summer.Chelsea are not willing to buy Jadon Sancho from Manchester UnitedBayer Leverkusen are keeping tabs on Sancho ahead of the summer transfer windowJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordBayer Leverkusen are keen to offer him the lifeline of a third spell in Germany and sources say United would do business for little more than £20million.But Sancho’s chances of a move also rest on him taking a hefty drop from his £250,000-a-week Old Trafford salary.While Leverkusen, who are losing boss Xabi Alonso at the end of the season, could afford the fee, his present wages are way beyond them.That leaves Sancho facing the prospect of twiddling his thumbs for the remaining 12 months of his contract…or accepting his wages must be slashed to get out of Manchester.Read More on Man UtdChelsea’s change of heart means they must pay £5m to return him to Old Trafford, which covers the chunk of his salary United have been paying this season.But they may try to use that to negotiate a pay-off with Sancho, who has no future under Ruben Amorim, even though he was already at Stamford Bridge when he arrived.The one-time England winger cost United £73m when they signed him from Borussia Dortmund four years ago.He made a six-month return to Dortmund last season, after a bitter feud with former manager Erik ten Hag, and played a key role in their reaching the Champions League final.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut although BVB would like to take him back on a permanent basis – and remain Sancho’s preferred club – Leverkusen’s stronger financial position makes them favourites.The winger introduced himself on the global stage during his first stint at Dortmund where he spent four years before his move to United in 2021.Casemiro STAYING at Man Utd? Amorim’s Shock U-Turn Explained!The forward amassed a total of 53 goals and 67 assists in 158 appearances with the German giants.Chelsea ratings vs Djurgarden as Dewsbury-Hall makes most of rare start but Sancho should have done betterCHELSEA coasted their way into the Conference League final thanks to Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s first-half finish.Enzo Maresca’s men had done the difficult work last week with a thumping first-leg win.But Dewsbury-Hall gave the home fans something to cheer about with a smart finish.Tyrique George fed the midfielder, who cut inside Djurgarden defender Miro Tenho before slotting home.From there, Chelsea were going through the motions – and no wonder given how poor their Swedish visitors were.Here’s how SunSport’s Jack Rosser rated the Chelsea stars… More

  • in

    Two Premier League clubs ‘lining up shock Mason Greenwood transfer’ with ex-Man Utd star pining for a return to England

    TWO Premier League clubs are lining up a shock transfer for Mason Greenwood, according to reports.SunSport revealed last week that the former Manchester United striker is pining for a return to England. Mason Greenwood is a target for two Premier League clubs as he looks to return to EnglandCredit: GettyGreenwood, 23, left his boyhood club United last summer to sign for Marseille for £26.6million. He put pen to paper on a five-year deal in southern France. But after just one season, Greenwood — who had charges of attempted rape, assault and controlling and coercive behaviour dropped in February 2023 — is yearning for a return to the UK with partner Harriet Robson and their two young daughters.And according to The Telegraph, at least a pair of unnamed Premier League clubs are exploring the possibility of making an approach to sign Greenwood. READ MORE ON MASON GREENWOODSerie A or LaLiga could also be the next destination should he leave Marseille, while the Saudi Pro League may be an option, too, if one of the leading clubs can create a space in the squad. Greenwood spent the 2023-24 season on loan in Spain with Getafe, scoring ten goals in 36 games.This term at Marseille, he has delivered 20 goals in 35 games across all competitions, including the crucial late winner at Le Havre on Saturday night.According to Opta stats, that ranks him as Europe’s fifth most effective player and only narrowly behind Cole Palmer.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut fans, who protested his arrival last summer, as well as manager Roberto De Zerbi have made their feelings known about his perceived lack of work rate.He was dropped by the ex-Brighton boss in March because he “expects more from him”.Mason Greenwood to switch allegiance to JamaicaAnd a banner telling him to “get a move on” and leave the club was unfurled at some matches. Now he is keen to explore his options back in England, for whom he earned one senior cap before switching international allegiance to Jamaica. A source told SunSport: “When Mason first left United, he loved Spain.“He and Harriet moved to Madrid and rebuilt their lives.“He loved the fact he could just play football and his life off the pitch was not the subject of such intense focus.“He was really happy to sign for Marseille and loved living in France.”Roberto De Zerbi dropped Greenwood in March over his lack of effortCredit: GettyThe striker played 129 times for Manchester UnitedCredit: AFP More

  • in

    Arsenal transfer target Zubimendi was seen as the new Busquets… Arteta will love him but he WON’T win Gunners games

    ARSENAL are on the brink of starting their summer splurge with a £50million deal for Martin Zubimendi.But what will the Real Sociedad and Spain ­midfielder bring to Mikel Arteta’s side? Spanish-based journalist Andy West runs the rule over the 26-year-old. Martin Zubimendi is set to join Arsenal in a £50m dealCredit: GettyZubimendi protects the back four and can smoothly link defence and attackCredit: GettyHe has been compared to midfield great Sergio BusquetsCredit: GettyDynamic, composed, aggressive… it’s long been inevitable Zubimendi’s qualities would lead him to Europe’s elite.When a young Zubimendi progressed from Real Sociedad’s youth ranks to become a first-team regular five years ago, he was quickly touted as a target for Barcelona to replace the fading Sergio Busquets.That never materialised, mainly because of Barca’s well-documented financial problems, but the comparison is largely accurate.Zubimendi occupies the same terrain as Busquets at the base of midfield, protecting the back four and smoothly linking defence with attack.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe is also press-resistant, capable of receiving and calmly retaining possession in tight spaces.But Zubimendi is physically more explosive than Busquets, able to evade pressure by driving with the ball into space.Zubimendi is an effective and efficient performer rather than flashy — much of his best work unfussily executed off the ball.He reads the game superbly, always popping up in the right place to receive possession from a team-mate or disrupt the opposition’s rhythm. That includes game management.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSA central aspect of Real Sociedad’s approach is preventing counter-attacks by physically pressing the first phase of possession, using fouls if necessary.Zubimendi’s 47 career yellow cards — but no reds — show he is not averse to controlled aggression.These WILD Liverpool stats spell Arsenal disaster | Experts’ best betsMore tellingly — just 11 goals and eight assists in nearly 250 appearances makes it clear Zubimendi is not a major presence in the opposition final third. That is not his game.Rather than chasing personal glory, Zubimendi makes his team better through positional discipline, distributing simply but quickly, and denying the opposition space.If there is one concern about the long-awaited move to Arsenal, it is whether he can adapt to a new team in a new league.Growing up in San Sebastian and joining his local club aged 12, Real Sociedad is all he has ever known.The Basques boast one of football’s best youth systems, with a clearly- defined style throughout the age groups allowing local talents to enjoy a seamless transition to senior football.Dynamic, composed, aggressive… it’s long been inevitable Zubimendi’s qualities would lead him to Europe’s elite.Away from that comfort zone, Zubimendi has rarely been so ­effective for his country.Since his Spain debut in 2021 he has struggled to become a regular, mostly deputising for Manchester City’s Rodri with just one start at last summer’s triumphant Euros.Can Zubimendi thrive when he leaves the familiarity of his boyhood club?Surely no coach could be better placed to help the transition than Arteta, his fellow San Sebastian native.The Arsenal boss knows exactly what he is getting, with the presence of former team-mate Mikel Merino another help.Read More on The SunAt 26, Zubimendi is in his prime. The step-up to a major title candidate like Arsenal has been brewing for years.As long he is expected to knit the team together rather than win games single-handedly, everything points towards Zubimendi quickly becoming a key piece for Arteta’s Arsenal.Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesMikel Arteta should be able to get the best out of himCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Real Madrid to raid Premier League again as they eye shock deals for Arsenal’s David Raya and Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen

    BRIGHTON keeper Bart Verbruggen is a shock target for Real Madrid.But he would have to start on their bench.Bart Verbruggen is a transfer target for Real MadridCredit: RexLos Blancos may also make a shock approach for David RayaCredit: GettyThe Dutch 22-year-old is fancied by the Spanish giants as they look for a long-term successor to Thibaut Courtois.They could be selling Ukrainian keeper Andriy Lunin, 26, who has been happy to cover for Courtois over the last five years.And Real are now ready to ask the big question and find out if Verbruggen fancies the move.The idea is that he would have the chance of becoming their first choice down the line.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe Seagulls are aware of the interest and hope for a decision in the summer transfer window.Should Verbruggen leave, they would have to find a top-class replacement for him.Brighton have already been tracking Liverpool No 2 Caoimhin Kelleher, 26, and Burnley’s 22-year-old James Trafford for some time.Verbruggen has established himself as the Seagulls’ No1 after a long fight.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd, therefore, he may be reluctant to give it up for the reserve job behind Courtois, 32, in Madrid.However, all parties need to make the call on a potential move for the Holland international to let the clubs go about their business.Antonio Rudiger sent off for throwing ICE PACK at referee in Copa del Rey final as Real Madrid bench restrain fuming aceReal have also considered Arsenal’s Spanish keeper David Raya, 29, for the long-term role.But that deal would be even harder to pull off than Verbruggen.Thibaut Courtois and Andriy Lunin are the current top goalkeepers at Real MadridCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Andre Onana determined to stay at Man Utd and fight for career despite boss Ruben Amorim looking for replacement

    ANDRE ONANA is ready to fight for his Manchester United career — and show Ruben Amorim he can be his long-term No 1.The error-prone keeper has made NINE mistakes leading to a goal in all competitions since his £43.8million arrival from Inter Milan in 2023.Andre Onana is ready to fight for his place at Manchester UnitedOnana, 29, was dropped by Amorim for United’s Prem clash at Newcastle last month after two blunders in the Europa League quarter-final first leg against Lyon.Yet the Cameroonian, who has won his place back, is not looking to leave Old Trafford this summer and wants to be part of Amorim’s revolution.And that could be accelerated if United beat Tottenham in the Europa League final on May 21, with a Champions League place at stake.Onana’s deal runs until 2028 and a source said: “Andre’s plan is to stay in Manchester and he wants to knuckle down and get United back to where they should be.READ MORE ON MAN UTD“His sole focus is on United and nothing else. He’s a confident person and wants to prove the doubters wrong.“He knows he has made mistakes but he sees proving people wrong as a challenge.”Manager Amorim offered support to Onana, saying he himself has made more mistakes this season than his players and that he remains “confident” in the stopper.Onana infuriated his United team-mates by taunting Lyon ahead of their tie, insisting United were “way better” than their French opponents.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordHis comments provoked a furious response from Lyon’s former Red Devils midfielder Nemanja Matic, who dubbed Onana “one of the worst keepers in United’s history”.Onana then responded to that jibe by slamming the Serbian’s five trophyless seasons at Old Trafford.Ruben Amorim responds to question about dropping Andre Onana after disasterclass against LyonMost recently the keeper has been linked with a summer move to Saudi Arabia as part of Amorim’s clearout.And United — who have Turkish stopper Altay Bayindir as their second choice — are also considering a move for Torino keeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic.Milinkovic-Savic, 28, started his pro career at Old Trafford aged 17 before leaving due to work-permit problems.The Serbian stopper has played a major role for Torino this campaign, keeping ten clean sheets in Serie A.United are also considering a move for Torino keeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic More

  • in

    Steven Gerrard lined up for emotional return to former club but faces competition from sacked Premier League bosses

    STEVEN GERRARD could be set for a sensational return to Rangers.Gerrard, 44, has been a free agent since January after his acrimonious exit from Saudi outfit Al-Ettifaq and is looking for his next challenge.Steven Gerrard has been pencilled in for a potential return to RangersGerrard won the Scottish Premiership at IbroxGerrard is a free agent after a hapless stint in Saudi ArabiaAccording to The Telegraph, that could lead the Liverpool legend back to Ibrox, where his managerial career officially kicked off.The former England international joined the Gers in 2018 and enjoyed tremendous success during his three-year spell as he won the Scottish Premiership in 2021.And Rangers are keen on a reunion with the Scouse tactician as they are seeking a permanent replacement for Philippe Clement, who was sacked in February. Former midfielder has been in temporary charge since.Gerrard is part of a long list of candidates that is said to run into double figures.Read More on FootballThe likes of former Wolves manager Gary O’Neil, ex-Luton Town boss Rob Edwards and Russell Martin, who was recently dismissed by Southampton, are also being considered.O’Neil had a short but impressive stint with Bournemouth and Wolves before becoming a free agent.Edwards stood out at Luton as he led them to the Premier League two years ago.And Martin has history with Rangers as he underwent a loan spell as a player in 2018 before managing at MK Dons, Swansea and of course Saints.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThere are also foreign head coaches being monitored by club chiefs amid the closing stages of the season.Nevertheless, it is thought to be an open race with no clear favourite for the top job. Steven Gerrard gives update on return to management after Liverpool legend left Al-Ettifaq Rangers could offer Gerrard a second chance in his new career as he has seen his stock plummet after two unsuccessful stints at Aston Villa and Al-Ettifaq.The legendary midfielder joined Villa on November 2021 – the same year he ended Celtic’s nine-year dominance in the Scottish Premiership.After a positive first season at Villa Park, Gerrard failed to keep it up and was dismissed following a run of poor results and performances on October 2022.The Liverpool great then made the big leap to the Saudi Pro League in 2023 but left 18 months later with his team 12th in the table and five points above the relegation zone.Former Bournemouth and Wolves boss Gary O’Neil is also being targeted by RangersEx-Southampton boss Russell Martin is also part of Rangers’ longest of candidatesThe same goes for ex-Luton Town boss Rob Edwards, while there are also foreign candidates More