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      Raheem Sterling’s Chelsea future in doubt with star ‘seeking clarity’ after being AXED from squad for Man City game

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      RAHEEM STERLING’S Chelsea future is in doubt after he was axed from the squad against Manchester City.The winger was part of Enzo Maresca’s plans in pre-season and his representatives have stated he remains committed to the club despite being omitted from the matchday squad for Chelsea’s season opener.Raheem Sterling’s Chelsea future is in doubtCredit: GettyChelsea stars were welcomed by fans ahead of their season openerCredit: GettyNew signing Pedro Neto was selected ahead of Raheem SterlingCredit: GettyBut his future is now up in the air after he was axed, with Cole Palmer, Christopher Nkunku, Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke and new signing Pedro Neto selected in the squad ahead of him.Sterling and his team are now seeking reassurances from the club with regard to his future and want clarity about his role in the squad.A statement: “Raheem Sterling is contracted to Chelsea Football Club for the next three years. He returned to England two weeks early to conduct individual training, and has had a positive pre-season under the new coach, who he has developed a good working relationship with. “He is committed, as ever, to delivering at the highest level for Chelsea FC and the fans, who he holds in high regard, and given his inclusion in official club pre-match material this week, our expectation was that Raheem would be involved in this weekend’s fixture in some capacity. “As a camp, we have always had positive dialogue with, and assurance from, Chelsea FC in relation to Raheem’s future at the club, so we look forward to gaining clarity on the situation. “Until then, we will continue to support Raheem’s desire to start the new season positively.”Sterling, 29, is reportedly a transfer target for Juventus and if he leaves Chelsea could sign Joao Felix, who previously had a loan spell at Stamford Bridge in 2023.But Sterling could return to Chelsea’s matchday squad after featuring in pre-season for the Blues.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSterling dipped in form last seasonChelsea boss Enzo Maresca, who previously labelled Sterling an “important player”, revealed his axing was just a “technical decision”.He said: “It’s just a technical decision, nothing else to say.Harry Redknapp runs rule over new Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca ahead of new Premier League season“Managers are paid to make decisions and sometimes players don’t like it.” More

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      Pep Guardiola tipped to follow Jurgen Klopp’s lead when he leaves Man City despite links with vacant England job

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      MANCHESTER CITY legend Joleon Lescott is tipping Pep Guardiola to take a break from football once he leaves the Etihad, just like Jurgen Klopp.Guardiola’s deal with City runs out in June and he has yet to decide on his future, which means the popular manager could leave at the end of the season.Pepo Guardiola’s contract with Manchester City runs out in JuneCredit: AlamyMan City legend Joleon Lescott suggested Guardiola may take a break once he leaves the clubCredit: PALescott expects Guardiola to follow Jurgen Klopp’s example and not rush to another jobCredit: PARumours have suggested the Spanish tactician could be approached by England, and the 53-year-old refused to rule that job out after previously suggesting he’d be open to international football.Lescott, 41, doesn’t know what the Catalan head coach, who has confirmed he won’t stay at City “eight more years”, will ultimately decide to do.The ex-England international, though, doesn’t believe Guardiola is looking for a brighter project than City, where last season he won a record fourth consecutive Premier League title.Instead, the former centre-back expects the Barcelona legend to make a decision based on how he feels.Read More on FootballLescott believes that another successful season would take a toll and Guardiola would deserve to take a break after eight glittering years in Manchester.That is why the TV pundit doesn’t expect the ex-Bayern Munich boss to rush into another job when he ultimately leaves City, just like Klopp who is still enjoying some down time after nine stunning years at Liverpool.The German tactician won everything with the Reds and revealed he decided to leave as he ran out of energy after repeated success at Anfield took a lot out of him.Lescott told SunSport: “I’m sure there are conversations. Who knows? Only Pep will know what he wants to do. Most read in Football”And it’s early to say because if they were to go on and win everything then I’m sure that takes a different toll on you – mentally and physically – than it will do if you’re less successful and there’s still something left to give. “But again, as the season unfolds he spoke about addressing it when the time is right and he doesn’t feel the time is right. So we have to take it as he’s happy and he’s comfortable to stay.Joleon Lescott hints Mikel Arteta’s role for Kai Havertz ‘didn’t go to plan’ before Arsenal star’s transformation”But I don’t think he’s looking for an alternative where the grass is greener. I think he will decide based on how he feels, and he’s earned the right to do that. “So like I said, whether it’s after a hugely successful season – and he feels like he’s given all he can – then he fully deserves to take a break.”I don’t think – similar to Klopp – he’s going to be eager to rush into another job.”He spoke on how demanding this has been, so I’m sure when he looks to leave they’re definitely going to be up here at a time where he’s going to distance himself from coaching.”Joleon Lescott was speaking on behalf of BetMGM. Play the new £1million Golden Goals game this season by predicting Premier League scores at https://www.betmgm.co.uk. BeGambleAware 18+ More

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      Kalvin Phillips completes Ipswich loan transfer as Premier League newbies announce two signings in less than an hour

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      IPSWICH have announced the loan signing of Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips.The newly-promoted Premier League side confirmed the England international’s arrival on Friday afternoon along with the permanent transfer of forward Sam Szmodics from Blackburn.Kalvin Phillips has left Manchester City to join Ipswich on loanCredit: MatchDay Images LimitedForward Sam Szmodics, left, has also arrived at Ipswich from BlackburnCredit: GettyPhillips, 28, joined Man City for £42million in 2022 but has featured just 31 times for Pep Guardiola’s men, operating as a periphery player in his squad.He suffered a nightmare loan stint at West Ham last season, but is now seeking a more positive chapter with Kieran McKenna’s Ipswich.Speaking about joining The Tractor Boys, he told the club website: “This is a day I’ve been waiting a number of weeks for now and I’m very happy to be here.”I’ve had some great conversations with players I know here and also with the manager, who I have obviously heard a lot about, and I’m excited to be here and be part of his team, playing how he likes to play the game.  READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”The conversations with Kieran McKenna and Mark Ashton have been really good and I followed Ipswich’s season closely last year, so I know the journey the club has been on and it’s a great story which I’m now excited to be a part of.  “I want to play as many games as possible, enjoy playing football again and help the team win as many games as possible in the Premier League.”Phillips, who will wear the No8 shirt, has 31 England caps but was left out of of Gareth Southgate’s squad for the Euros this summer after a lack of minutes at Man City and the torrid spell at West Ham.Meanwhile, Szmodics comes in from Blackburn having scored 33 times in all competitions last season in a deal thought to be worth around £9m.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSzmodics scored a sensational 27 league goals in the Championship last seasonHe won the Championship Golden Boot and was named in the division’s team of the season.The Republic of Ireland international, 28, who has signed a four-year deal, also netted three goals in Blackburn’s opening two games of the new campaign before leaving for Portman Road.Kalvin Phillips responds with furious gesture as he’s heckled by fans on way to team bus after nightmare vs Newcastle, Ipswich’s new No23 said: “I am delighted to be here as an Ipswich Town player.  “There’s always been interest since I was a kid, but it just felt right this time with the challenge of the Premier League.”After speaking to a couple of the lads, including Lewis Travis who was here last season, they just pushed me and said that I need to come and work under this manager, which is something I can’t wait to do. “It’s every boy’s dream to play in the Premier League and I’ve always said to my friends, family and agents that I’ll get to the top one day.  “There’s nothing more I want than to score at Portman Road for Ipswich Town. I am over the moon to be here and looking forward to the season ahead.”Ipswich kick off their first top-flight match in 22 years on Saturday lunchtime when they host Liverpool.A host of changes are being made to Portman Road to abide by Premier League regulations. More

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      Former England star, 41, hints Arteta’s role for Kai Havertz ‘didn’t go to plan’ before Arsenal star’s transformation

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      MANCHESTER CITY legend Joleon Lescott claims Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta had different plans for Kai Havertz after signing him last summer.The Gunners landed Havertz, 25, from rivals Chelsea in 2023 following a £65million deal.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta had a different role for Kai Havertz before his transformation as a false nineCredit: RexLescott praised Havertz’s performances at Arsenal and slammed the criticsCredit: GettyThe versatile German often led the Blues’ attack during his three-year stint at Stamford Bridge and scored the winner in the 2021 Champions League final against City.Lescott, 41, expected the Germany international to play in a different position at Arsenal and manager Mikel Arteta appeared to have the same idea as he hinted he would use him in midfield.However, plans changed and Havertz quickly returned up front as a false nine and often led the North Londoners’ attack amid another round of injury hell for striker Gabriel Jesus.Lescott praised Havertz’s ability to successfully adjust after Arteta’s original ideas “didn’t go to plan”.Read More on ArsenalHavertz received plenty of criticism for some early performances but went on to amass an impressive tally of 13 goals and seven assists in 37 Premier League appearances.Lescott dismissed all the negativity and insists Havertz deserves more credit as he compared his style to Manchester United and Tottenham’s legendary striker Dimitar Berbatov.The ex-England international is adamant the former Chelsea star deserves more respect as he has also proven himself as a false nine in Germany’s national team.Lescott told SunSport: “Yeah, I think it [the criticism] was unfair. I believe when they signed him, I didn’t think he would have or play in the role that he played for them. Most read in Football”I believed he would be important to them. I think Arteta had a different role for him at the start. It didn’t go to plan. And then he and the player, Kai Havertz, was able to adjust. “And yeah, I think because we want a profile of a striker – a number nine – to have a certain look and image, I think we’re not giving him the credit as a number nine. Arsenal release 2024-25 third kit with bold new colour as fans say ‘I speak for us all when I say we’re in love with it’ “But if you compare him to his style, like his attributes, are they much different to a Berbatov, really? He’s able to travel with the ball long distances, he is technically very, very good. He scores. He always looks comfortable in front of goal.”So yeah, I think because he’s played in the previous positions, that hinders the appeal of him looking like a number nine. “But you have to respect, you don’t play for Arsenal being a genuine title contender, playing in the Euros for one of the top nations as a number nine, and not be able to do it adequately.”Lescott is so impressed with Havertz’s “exceptional” performances that he even questions whether the striker’s position is the most important area in which Arsenal need to strengthen this summer.Havertz was ‘exceptional’ last seasonThe former centre-back doubts there are many options available and also insists Arteta’s side didn’t lose the title to his beloved City because of a lack of goals last season.Lescott added: “I think it’s easy to suggest that [Arsenal need a striker], but are there many that are available and that guarantee you the goals they would need? “I do believe strikers get you a different type of goal, whether it gets you more goals than Havertz, who I thought was exceptional last season. “I do think strikers have a different knack of taking an opportunity that’s not really there. I think forwards in general want to see the goal and want to see a perfect position where forwards or strikers just go, ‘I’m just going to shoot’, and sometimes get lucky with the deflection.”I think a striker would bring that different element to it. But again, I think just strengthening your squad, strengthening your team is important. READ MORE SUN STORIES”[But to ] Be specific to a position is slightly harsh, because they didn’t lose the title based on just not having a striker . They did enough to win the games and scored a goal. So it’s just finding an alternative to the little bits that Arteta thinks he needs.”Joleon Lescott was speaking on behalf of BetMGM. Play the new £1million Golden Goals game this season by predicting Premier League scores at https://www.betmgm.co.uk. BeGambleAware 18+Arsenal boss Arteta hinted he was going to use Havertz in midfieldCredit: The Times More

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      Real Madrid’s extortionate new ticket prices revealed as Kylian Mbappe transfer leads to 73 per cent increase

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      REAL MADRID’S ticket prices have exploded after Kylian Mbappe’s arrival at the Santiago Bernabeu.Real finally landed Mbappe, 25, in the summer as a free agent from Paris Saint-Germain and he is expected to pocket £12.8million per year after tax as part of a five-year deal.Real Madrid’s home ticket prices have increased by 73 per centCredit: GettyReal fans will have to dig deep in their pockets to watch Kylian Mbappe in actionCredit: ReutersBut fans who want to watch the France international, and the rest of the Galacticos, live in Madrid will have to dig deep into their pockets.German publication Bild quoted Spanish newspaper Marca, who claim the cheapest ticket for the first home game of the season against Valladolid on August 25 costs a staggering €95 (£81).Last year, the cheapest ticket at the Bernabeu cost €55 (£47), which means there was a whopping 73 per cent increase in prices.Even the most expensive “normal” ticket outside of business seats and VIP boxes is now significantly more pricey as it now costs €210 (£180).Read More on FootballAway fans are also affected as they will have to pay almost €100 (£86) for a seat right at the top under the stadium roof.Real are one of four La Liga clubs, along with Villarreal, Rayo Vallecano, Espanyol and Barcelona, that refused to sign an agreement that an away ticket cannot cost more than €30 (£26).The above prices may even seem relatively cheap at some points this upcoming season.It is expected costs will rocket even higher when Carlo Ancelotti’s play in the Champions League or against bigger sides in LaLiga.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSReal’s season officially kicked off on Wednesday when they beat Europa League holders Atalanta for the European Super Cup.Mbappe made his official debut and led Los Blancos to a 2-0 victory at the Kazimierz Gorski National Stadium in Warsaw.Real Madrid’s stadium looks unrecognisable as it prepares for ‘never-before-seen’ presentation of Kylian MbappeThe star striker scored on his Real bow after Federico Valverde opened the scoring for the reigning European champions.But it was England star Jude Bellingham who was man of the match as after he assisted Mbappe’s goal.Real landed Mbappe as a free agent from Paris Saint-Germain More

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      Arsenal step up efforts to seal Mikel Merino transfer as Edu flies to Spain… but ‘may need to sell to buy’

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      ARSENAL sporting director Edu has been in Spain hoping to wrap up a deal for Mikel Merino.Real Sociedad ace Merino, 28, wants to join the Gunners with the clubs locked in talks over the Spain midfielder.Arsenal are in talks over a move for Mikel MerinoCredit: GettyThe midfielder helped Spain win the Euros this summerCredit: GettyHe was missing from their pre-season friendly squad against Union Berlin on Friday amid rumours he is heading to the Emirates.Merino was part of the Spain squad that won Euro 2024 and he scored the winner against Germany in the quarter-final.Mikel Arteta is said to have wanted the midfielder for some time with Arsenal in talks over his signing.It is believed agreeing personal terms with Merino would be straightforward once a bid is accepted.READ MORE ON ARSENALReal Sociedad are keen to keep Merino and have offered him a new deal with his contract set to expire next year.However the player’s representatives have reportedly informed the club that Merino intends to sign for the Gunners.But Arsenal may not be able to complete a transfer until they sell players, with Eddie Nketiah tipped to leave.Marseille were in talks to sign the striker but refused to match Arsenal’s £27million asking price.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBournemouth are interested in Nketiah as a potential replacement for Dominic Solanke.Arsenal also had to let go Emile Smith Rowe this summer to fund a move for Riccardo Califiori.Arsenal release 2024-25 third kit with bold new colour as fans say ‘I speak for us all when I say we’re in love with it’ More

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      How Man Utd could line up with Marcos Alonso and Ivan Toney as target shock new transfers

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      MANCHESTER UNITED could bring in two more signings before the transfer window closes later this month.Erik ten Hag has already splashed out nearly £140million on Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Joshua Zirkzee and Noussair Mazraoui.Manchester United are understood to be interested in Marcos AlonsoCredit: GettyIvan Toney has also been linked with a switch to Old TraffordCredit: RexBut they could yet welcome more arrivals in the next fortnight, with the deadline of August 30 looming large.Former Chelsea left-back Marcos Alonso, 33, who is now a free agent, has been linked with a move to Old Trafford after leaving Barcelona at the end of last season.Man Utd remain short on left-back options with Luke Shaw out until the international break and Tyrell Malacia still absent after knee surgery.Brentford striker Ivan Toney, 28, has also been mooted as a potential target for Man Utd.READ MORE ON MAN UTDA £60m price tag and a possible fight with Chelsea could put the Red Devils off, but they may feel they need extra firepower up top to go with Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee.If Alonso and Toney are to come in, Man Utd could line up against Liverpool on August 31 with nearly half their team as new signings.Andre Onana will remain the keeper, but three of the back four may be fresh faces.Alonso, De Ligt and Mazraoui could all slot in alongside Lisandro Martinez.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHow Man Utd could line up with Alonso and ToneyCasemiro and Kobbie Mainoo will likely remain at the base of the midfield.But the shake-up in the forward line could see Marcus Rashford drop to the bench.Man Utd fans gush ‘Adidas are absolutely killing it’ as ‘genius’ video showing off 2024-25 third kit is releasedThe most likely option off the left is Alejandro Garnacho, with Zirkzee on the other flank and Bruno Fernandes behind Toney.Man Utd kick off the Premier League season on Friday night when they host Fulham.They then travel to Brighton on August 24, before taking on Liverpool at Old Trafford in the final match before the international break. More

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      Man Utd hold shock transfer talks over Marcos Alonso with former Chelsea and Barcelona star now a free agent

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are considering a swoop for former Chelsea left-back Marcos Alonso, according to reports.Erik ten Hag’s defensive injury woes have continued into the new season, with Luke Shaw ruled out until the international break with a fresh calf problem.United have considered a move for free agent Marcos AlonsoCredit: GettyAlonso was out injured for most of last season as Barcelona finished second in La LigaUnited remain short on left-back options with Tyrell Malacia still out after his knee surgery caused him to miss the whole of last season.And according to The Athletic, ex-Chelsea star Alonso has been discussed as a potential option by Old Trafford chiefs.The 33-year-old is a free agent after his contract with Barcelona expired at the end of last season and he would be open to returning to the Premier League.The former Champions League winner with Chelsea was limited to eight appearances last season owing to a back injury.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAlonso joined Stamford Bridge in 2016 in a deal worth £24m from Fiorentina and made 212 appearances for the Blues, scoring 29 goals.Ten Hag was forced to rely on centre-back Victor Lindelof and defensive midfielder Sofyan Amrabat to fill the void at left-back last term.Meanwhile, star centre-half Lisandro Martinez was forced to play on the left-side of defence during the Community Shield on Sunday.The Red Devils suffered a 7-6 defeat on penalties to Manchester City following a 1-1 draw at Wembley.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut Man Utd have had a welcome boost with the signing of right-back Noussair Mazraoui, 26, from Bayern Munich.The Dutchman’s ability to play on the left was a factor in United picking him to replace Aaron Wan-Bissaka who joined West Ham for an undisclosed fee this week.Paul Scholes says ‘that is a massive concern for me’ as Man Utd legend opens up on ‘second-rate’ De Ligt transfer Meanwhile Matthijs de Ligt, 25, also joined United in a combined deal with Mazaroui worth £60m, including add-ons.The Red Devils have been heavily linked with a move for PSG midfielder Manuel Ugarte, whose agent Jorge Mendes arrived in England to broker a deal on Tuesday. More