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    Man Utd ‘break the internet’ as Matthijs de Ligt transfer announcement goes wrong

    MANCHESTER UNITED’S finally announced the arrival of Matthijs de Ligt and his Bayern Munich team-mate Noussair Mazraoui.The Dutch defender joined the club in a £43million transfer this week.De Ligt was announced as a Man Utd player on Tuesday eveningCredit: GettyNoussair Mazraoui was announced 15 minutes laterCredit: GettyHe was officially unveiled as a United player on Tuesday, much to the delight of fans.But so many people clicked on the announcement that it caused some problems on the website.Fans said they were unable to access the website link and shared screengrabs of the issue on social media.One person said: “Can’t see the De Ligt update in the app.”Read More on Man UtdWhile another joked: “We broke the internet.”De Ligt became the third player to sign for Man Utd this summer following the arrivals of Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro.Upon his arrival at Old Trafford, he said: “As soon as I heard that Manchester United wanted me, I felt an excitement about the opportunity for a new challenge at such an historic club.”In the conversations that followed, I was impressed by the vision that the football leadership set out, and the role they saw for me in it.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSome fans struggled to access the Man Utd website following Matthijs de Ligt’s announcementCredit: Manchester United”Erik ten Hag shaped the early stages of my career, so he knows how to get the best out of me and I cannot wait to work with him again.”I know what it takes to succeed at the highest level, and I’m determined to continue that record at this special club.”New Man Utd signings Matthijs de Ligt hits Sexy Fish restaurant on first night out in Manchester Just 25 minutes after unveiling De Ligt, the Red Devils announced the signing of Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich.The Morocco international said: “It’s an incredible feeling to be a Manchester United player, and I cannot wait to walk out at Old Trafford wearing the red shirt.”I know that I’m joining the club at an exciting time; everyone I’ve spoken to has the same ambition for us to win trophies together and I can feel the determination to achieve that.” More

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    Ben Chilwell’s Chelsea future ‘in doubt’ with England star, 28, assessing transfer options just days before new season

    BEN CHILWELL is assessing his options at Chelsea ahead of the closing weeks of the transfer window.The Blues full-back’s Stamford Bridge future is reportedly in doubt just days before the start of the new season.Ben Chilwell is assessing his options ahead of a potential Chelsea exitCredit: GettyChelsea begin their campaign at home to Premier League champions Manchester City on Sunday.However, Chilwell could be saying goodbye to supporters after four years in West London.According to talkSPORT, the 28-year-old would not be blocked from leaving the club as he assesses his options.Instead, Chelsea are prepared to let him leave if they receive a suitable offer before the window closes on August 30.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLManchester United were previously linked with a move for the defender earlier this summer.Chilwell had to settle for limited game time during pre-season as he struggled to force himself into Enzo Maresca’s plans.The new Chelsea boss has even admitted the former Leicester man does not fit his playing style.He currently faces competition at left-back from Marc Cucurella, who starred for Spain as they won Euro 2024.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSChilwell will also be hoping to force his way back into the England squad this season under new interim boss Lee Carsley.Gareth Southgate left the defender out of his side for the Euros after including him for the March friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.Ben Chilwell’s Unauthorized Home Renovations Spark DisputeChilwell had to settle for limited game time during Chelsea’s pre-season campaignCredit: GettyAs a result, he remains with one goal in 21 caps for the Three Lions.Chilwell has also scored nine times for Chelsea in 106 appearances since signing from the Foxes in 2020.He also penned a new deal in April 2023, with three years remaining on the contract.However, he struggled with injuries last season which limited him to just 13 league appearances.Chilwell’s woes included a lengthy hamstring injury and multiple knee issues during the campaign. More

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    Liverpool open to selling one of Jurgen Klopp’s last ever signings after slipping down Anfield pecking order

    LIVERPOOL are still open minded to selling Wataru Endo – and Celtic are now monitoring the player.The Scottish champions are believed to be huge admirers of the midfielder who is thought to have slipped massively down the pecking order at Anfield.Wataru Endo could be set to leave Anfield after just one seasonCredit: APEndo was one of Jurgen Klopp’s final signingsCredit: PANew manager Arne Slot is believed to regard Ryan Gravenberch and Stefan Bajcetic as better options in the midfield holding role.And that’s put the future of Endo – who is thought to want to play first team football this season – in doubt.Marseille have already had a bid rejected for the player this summer.But they could go back in with a new offer before the window closes.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey are likely to face competition from Brendan Rogers who thinks securing Endo could help boost his side both domestically and in Europe.But the transfer fee – thought to be around £15m – may put the player out of Celtic’s reach.Earlier this month it was reported that Liverpool would be willing to sell Endo if they are able to replace him with Martin Zubimendi.But even after missing out on the Spain international they could still let Endo go.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSEndo played in 29 of Liverpool’s 38 Premier League games last seasonLiverpool have seemingly entered the market for a new midfielder and are ready to pounce on a target, something that was very much needed according to Jamie Carragher.Speaking on The Overlap, the former defender discussed limitations in the squad, saying: “Liverpool definitely lack legs and energy in midfield.The Sun’s Neil Custis gives his verdict as Man United blown away by Liverpool in final pre-season friendly”If you think of how they finished last season, it was Mac Allister, Endo and Harvey Elliott as the midfield three.”All got great strengths but none of them can run and when I look at that position – I say it’s a fear.”Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. More

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    Jamie Vardy snubbed lucrative transfer to reunite with former manager after Leicester won Premier League promotion

    JAMIE VARDY was offered the chance to reunite with Dean Smith this summer.The Leicester legend, 37, scored 18 league goals last season as the Foxes secured promotion back to the top flight at the first time of asking.Club legend Jamie Vardy has now spent 12 years at LeicesterCredit: AlamyDean Smith offered Vardy the chance to join him at MLS side CharlotteCredit: ReutersShortly after winning the Championship, Leicester lost manager Enzo Maresca and star playmaker Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to Chelsea.They could have seen Vardy walk out of the exit door too had he accepted Smith’s offer to join him at MLS side Charlotte.Speaking to GiveMeSport, Smith revealed: “I did text him [Vardy] and see if he wanted to come over to America.”I knew that it was going to be hard once he took Leicester back to the Premier League. [I love] his enthusiasm for the game.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”He doesn’t train as much as he used to, and he won’t get as many minutes as he used to, but if he’s used right he’ll be really, really good [this season].”You saw the goals he scored in the Championship last year.”Smith coached Leicester for eight games at the end of the 2022/23 season as they were relegated from the Premier League.He won just two matches in charge and left in June 2023, two months after taking the job.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe scored 18 goals in the Championship last seasonAfter six months unemployed, he joined Charlotte in December last year and has won 10 of 27 games, with the club sixth in the Eastern Conference.Meanwhile, Vardy is set to begin his 13TH season with Leicester when they host Tottenham in their Premier League opener on Monday.Fans tell Jamie Vardy ‘never change’ as footage emerges of Leicester star slide tackling a KID during title celebrationsHe has scored 136 goals in 307 Premier League games for the 2016 champions. More

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    Chelsea make £56m Joao Felix bid as Atletico Madrid ace says ‘yes’ to transfer that could save Conor Gallagher deal

    CHELSEA have made a £56million bid for Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix, according to reports.And the transfer could save Conor Gallagher’s transfer to Atletico as the English midfielder’s future remains in the balance.Joao Felix could be set for a return to ChelseaCredit: GettyConor Gallagher’s move to Atletico Madrid remains in the balanceCredit: GettyFelix, 24, spent the second half of the 2022/23 season on loan at Stamford Bridge, scoring four goals in 20 games.He returned to Diego Simeone’s side and then spent the last campaign on loan at Barcelona where he registered 10 goals and six assists in 44 appearances.Now, after four seasons, 131 appearances and 24 goals for Atletico, he could finally be set for a permanent switch.According to Ojogo, Chelsea have submitted an offer of £54m for the Portuguese international.READ MORE ON CHELSEAAn initial sum of £30m would be paid up front, with the remainder of the fee to be transferred at a later date.Fabrizio Romano understands Felix has said “yes” to a second stint at Chelsea as negotiations continue between the two clubs.It is also said to be a “crucial” factor in the completion of Gallagher’s move to Atletico.Chelsea looked set to offload academy product Gallagher in a £34m deal to ease the club’s concerns regarding Profit and Sustainability rules.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSGallagher featured in all but one of Chelsea’s Premier League games last seasonBut then a deal for Atletico striker Samu Omorodion to move the other way collapsed, putting the Gallagher deal in jeopardy.Now a bid for Felix has reignited hopes of the England international being offloaded.Chelsea have raked in staggering £1.6BILLION from transfers as top selling clubs of 21st Century are revealedGallagher, 24, has been at Chelsea for 16 years and broke through into the first team in 2019.He has played 95 games for the club, scoring 10 goals and providing 10 assists. More

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    Ipswich on verge of huge Sammie Szmodics transfer with Tractor Boys just £500,000 short of Blackburn’s valuation

    IPSWICH are haggling over a deal for Blackburn striker Sammie Szmodics — with the teams just £500,000 apart on a fee.They have been debating the guaranteed sum starting point and Ipswich are at £8.5million but will not budge to the £9m demanded.Ipswich are haggling over a deal for Blackburn striker Sammie SzmodicsCredit: RexThe package for Szmodics, 28, includes extras for goals, a survival bonus and even a promotion pay-out if Ipswich are relegated but then come straight back up to the Prem.However, the negotiators cannot sort out the first sum, to the frustration of all parties and the player.Szmodics is coming off the season of his life, hitting 31 goals in all competitions despite Blackburn struggling to 19th.Everton registered their interest in the Ireland international before midfielder Amadou Onana joined Aston Villa.READ MORE IN footballPrem newcomers Ipswich eyed a move for Szmodics after signing Liam Delap from Manchester City last month.Szmodics signed a new deal in November 2023, tying him to Ewood Park until 2026, with the option of a further year. He previously told the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast: “I have two and a half years on my contract and so it is out of my hands.”It’s a case of me enjoying my summer and seeing what’s out there. I don’t think anyone would begrudge me if a Premier League team came knocking.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”It is everyone’s dream to play in the Premier League. I don’t know if that opportunity will arise but I don’t think anyone could be blamed if they have the chance to play in the top flight.”Look at Adam Wharton, he’s 20 and flying at Crystal Palace, he’s Blackburn through and through. I am 28 now and I want to test myself.”Chelsea have raked in staggering £1.6BILLION from transfers as top selling clubs of 21st Century are revealed More

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    Ivan Toney could be set for shock transfer abroad having been linked with moves to Arsenal, Man Utd and Chelsea

    ENGLAND star Ivan Toney is a top target for Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli, according to shock reports.The Brentford striker has been heavily linked with an exit as he has just one year left on his contract.Ivan Toney is wanted by Saudi Pro League chiefsCredit: ReutersSunSport exclusively revealed that the Bees were initially ready to slash their asking price to just £30million for Toney.But after new striker Igor Thiago picked up a knee injury that is set to rule him out until December, the club were having a re-think about selling their main man.A host of Premier League clubs have been linked with a move for Toney – including Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea, Tottenham and West Ham.But reporter Fabrizio Romano claims there is interest from the Saudi Pro League.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe reports that Toney is one of the “main strikers being considered” by chiefs in the Middle East.Al-Ahli have supposedly had an interest since January.The report also claims that the player is “assessing his options” and is yet to make a decision on his future.But his choices could now be limited as United have signed Joshua Zirkzee, Spurs have completed a deal for Dominic Solanke and Niclas Fullkrug has joined West Ham.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSToney scored four goals in 17 games last season after serving an eight-month betting ban.He was also a member of the England squad that fell just short in the final to Spain.A move to Al-Ahli would see him team-up with ex-Prem stars Edouard Mendy, Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino.Man Utd transfer target Ivan Toney talks about his experience playing for England More

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    Saudi Pro League ready to raid Premier League again for Mo Salah and Kevin de Bruyne despite quiet transfer window

    THE Saudi Pro League WILL bid for Mohamed Salah or Kevin De Bruyne this summer — if an opportunity arises.But following last summer’s game-changing shopping spree, the transfer market’s biggest new powerhouse is prepared to wait until the time is right to make superstar signings for the next phase in its development.The Saudi Pro League could still come in for Mo SalahCredit: AlamyDe Bruyne has also been linked with an exit away from Manchester City after nine years at the clubCredit: GettyAlthough there is still time for things to change, Saudi clubs have kept their powder relatively dry so far.Saudi Pro League sides splashed out about £700MILLION last summer, a total that put the league behind only the Premier League, Ligue 1 and Serie A.Of that £700m, £560m was spent on Prem players and represented nearly half the league’s income from overseas clubs, fuelling a record top-flight outlay of £2.36BILLION.Liverpool pair Jordan Henderson and Fabinho and Chelsea trio N’Golo Kante, Kalidou Koulibaly and Edouard Mendy all moved to the Middle East.READ MORE FOOTBALLBut Moussa Diaby’s £50.5m transfer from Aston Villa to Al-Ittihad is the only major deal done so far this summer.The money is still there if Saudi clubs need it. The Player Acquisition Centre of Excellence had an eight-year budget for international transfers when it was established last year.At least a couple of big-name arrivals can be expected soon.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut there is an acceptance Salah and De Bruyne may be tricky to sign now and could be available for no fee if they do not agree new contracts.There is another good reason why it might make sense to wait until at least January.Best ten new Premier League kits for next seasonAll of the Saudi Pro League’s media rights contracts expire at the end of the upcoming campaign, due to start later this month and end in May.Bringing in a new superstar now would not boost the current TV revenues of £100m per year.Only £10-15m of that comes from broadcasters outside the Arab world.But that could change dramatically with the right signing at the right time and players like Salah and De Bruyne would increase rights in every market.The emphasis of future transfer spending will be on quality rather than quantity. And the desire to make the league more competitive is set to see talent spread around more evenly in future.A knock-on effect of the lack of Saudi spending has been a factor in restricting Prem spending so far.Dr Tom Bason, from Coventry University’s Centre for Business in Society, said: “Last year’s window was kick-started by the cash injection from Saudi Arabia”Whether that was a transfer fee which allowed clubs to spend money or clubs being able to get players on big contracts off the books.“Without Saudi money, many clubs just don’t have as much cash to spend.”But Peter Hutton, an Saudi Pro League board member, said: “The growth of the league is a long-term project. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Solid budgets are in place for the league to acquire players, and the new players are positive influences as we try and raise standards.”Liverpool, Manchester City and the rest of the Premier League should not be lulled into a false sense of security.Jordan Henderson joined Al-Ettifaq last summer, before leaving for Ajax in JanuaryCredit: GettyAston Villa star Moussa Diaby has made the switch this summerCredit: Reuters More