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      Matheus Cunha set for Man Utd transfer from Wolves with Red Devils to trigger £62.5MILLION release clause

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly closing in on the first signing of their summer rebuild with the transfer of Matheus Cunha.The Red Devils are set for a squad overhaul under Ruben Amorim after their worst-ever Premier League season.Matheus Cunha is set to join Man Utd from Wolves in a £62.5m dealCredit: GettyCunha has scored more goals than every Man Utd star bar Bruno FernandesCredit: RexAnd that window is set to be kicked off with the signing of Wolves ace Matheus Cunha.According to Sky Sports, Man Utd transfer chiefs will trigger the £62.5million release clause of the 25-year-old when the season ends next week.The club are said to be aware of what conditions they need to meet to trigger that clause.Man Utd are yet to directly contact Wolves about the offer, but those formalities are anticipated to happen once the current Premier League campaign ends.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCunha has scored 17 goals and added six assists in 34 games across all competitions for the Molineux outfit this season.That impressive form has put him firmly in the sights of several top clubs.However, Cunha wants to play for Man Utd, with a deal over personal terms said to be almost agreed.His tally of goals places him behind only Man Utd club captain Bruno Fernandes – who has 19 goals and 19 assists respectively.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordMeanwhile, only three other players; Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund and Amad Diallo have reached double figures for the season, although Amad has played at least nine games fewer than his team-mates.Cunha was seen chatting to Amorim when their two clubs played at Old Trafford last month, with Wolves playing out a 1-0 win over Man Utd thanks to Pablo Sarabia’s free-kick.EXCLUSIVE: Man Utd, Spurs and ARSENAL fans take epic 32-hour ‘bucket list’ ferry trip to Bilbao for Europa League finalHe is the first name wanted by Man Utd chiefs as they look to desperately bolster their attacking options after a record-breaking season for how poor the club’s forwards have been.Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap is also said to be on the list of targets for attacking reinforcements, with the English forward said to be available for £30m after a relegation release clause became active.Man Utd have also been linked with deals for attackers including Viktor Gyokeres, Benjamin Sesko, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Bryan Mbeumo and Moise Kean.As well as strikers, the Old Trafford outfit shopping list reportedly includes new centre-backs, a goalkeeper and centre midfielders.The club will be playing a make or break Europa League final on Wednesday against Tottenham.SunSport’s very own Dave Courtnadge has joined Man Utd, Spurs and Arsenal fans on a 32-hour cruise to Bilbao ahead of the final.Man Utd vs Spurs – Europa League final: Kick-off time, TV channel and live stream info for Bilbao clash More

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      Five Arsenal stars at risk as ruthless Arteta prepares for squad overhaul after sending clear transfer message to board

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      THERE was a noticeable change in tone during Mikel Arteta’s Emirates address on Sunday.Last season, having taken Manchester City to the final day and agonisingly missing out on the Premier League title by two points, the Arsenal boss was emotional but indignant.Mikel Arteta gave an impassioned speech to the Emirates faithful after Arsenal’s home game of the seasonCredit: GETTYThe Spaniard insisted his troops would continue to chase silverware with ‘enthusiasm and positivity’Credit: GETTYThe Spaniard could wave goodbye to five players this coming summerCredit: GETTYWith a beaming smile, Arteta said in May 2024: “Don’t be satisfied, because we want much more than that and we are going to get it.”Twelve months on – stood on the Emirates pitch once more having confirmed a third-successive second-place Prem spot – there was an anger and frustration weighing down Arteta’s words in the aftermath of a 1-0 victory over Newcastle.The Spaniard said: “We had a dream, it was to bring the big trophies to you guys. Unfortunately we haven’t been able to do it.“But make sure that chasing that dream doesn’t get blurry. READ MORE ARSENAL NEWS”Make sure we chase that dream with enthusiasm and positivity towards next season.”Ahead of one of the biggest summers at the club for years, Arteta then did something he had previously been reluctant to do in public: call out the owners.Arteta told Sky Sports: “Finish the season, go to the beach, enjoy a few days and make sure the ones upstairs do what they have to do.”It was clear-cut, unmistakable and cheekily blunt that will remind the board just how important this transfer window is, and how they cannot afford to make any mistakes.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSIn a clear message to Stan and Josh Kroenke – the holders of the purse strings in North London – Arteta knows he is a few missing pieces away from guiding the club to major honours, and they need to walk through the door over the next few weeks and months.Otherwise, for the first time in his five-and-a-half-year reign, the until-now loyal and loving fanbase could turn against their beloved coach and demand change in the pursuit of titles. Mikel Arteta will be sacked by Christmas if Arsenal are not in top two, warns former Gunners starIn order to avoid that, Arteta will be ruthless not only with incomings but outgoings too. No one will be safe from the chop, even previously reliable faces.He admitted in his post-Newcastle press conference: “We need players because the squad is really short, and on top of that we are losing four or five players that are going to end [their] contracts, and their loans are finished. “So, we need to be sharp, very disciplined in what we want to do, and make sure that we are strong next season.”Those “four or five” include two loanees – keeper Neto from Bournemouth and winger Raheem Sterling from Chelsea.Sterling is not expected to be extending his time at Arsenal, but remains in the dark over his future in England with a lack of communication from parent club Chelsea throughout this campaign.His loan has been viewed as a disappointment, with Arteta expecting a much bigger impact from a player he learned to love during his assistant coach days at Man City, bringing him in on deadline day last summer in a late call to add another body to the squad.However, there are those who will rightly argue that Sterling has been given little chance to build up any sort of momentum on the pitch, even during Bukayo Saka’s three-month injury absence from December to March, starting just seven games in all competitions since the turn of the year.Arteta has already moved on from the 30-year-old, opting against bringing him on in what would have been his last chance to play in front of the Emirates fans last weekend.While 18-year-old Ethan Nwaneri has proved he can provide back-up for Saka on the right wing, Arteta will push to sign a left winger this summer, which will threaten starting spots for the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.Jorginho and Oleksandr Zinchenko could be on their way oit of the Emirates this summerCredit: GETTYLeandro Trossard and Raheem Sterling are also set for exitsCredit: GETTYScotland international Kieran Tierney is set to rejoin CelticCredit: SHUTTERSTOCKShould top target Nico Williams be signed from Athletic Bilbao, then Trossard could be moved on to raise funds – the Belgian has just one year left on his current contract and has been linked to a Saudi move.Arteta’s ruthlessness is also needed at left-back. Kieran Tierney’s return to Celtic is expected to be completed soon with his deal expiring at the end of the term, while Oleksandr Zinchenko has drawn interest from Borussia Dortmund after losing his place to academy star Myles Lewis-Skelly. The Ukrainian’s leadership, influence in the dressing room and positional flexibility is highly valued by Arteta, but again, with 12 months left on the 28-year-old’s deal, this could be a chance to cash in on a player they spent £35m on from City in the summer of 2022.And then there is the midfield dilemma. On the pitch with his family and friends after the Toon victory, Jorginho, 33, acted like he was saying a fond farewell with his contract soon up and a chance to return to his birthplace, Brazil, to see out the rest of his career.Thomas Partey is in a similar position, but sporting director Andrea Berta is believed to be keen to explore a contract extension for the 31-year-old, even with a £51m deal already agreed for Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi.Arteta admitted last week that he knew Arsenal’s squad was too small before this season even started. So, with five potentially out the door, at least five will be targeted to replace them.Read More on The SunZubimendi for £51m. Williams for £50m? Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres for around £60m? Espanyol keeper Joan Garcia for around £25m?This will be a summer of great change at Arsenal, and Arteta knows it is required to achieve great things. More

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      Man Utd files: Seven strikers targeted across two transfer wishlists in case United miss out on Champions League

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      MANCHESTER UNITED’S summer striker search will be shaped by Bilbao on Wednesday night.Beating Tottenham to lift the Europa League will make a £100million-plus difference to United’s finances – as well as bringing silverware and a ticket back to the Champions League elite.Viktor Gyokeres is a target for Manchester UnitedCredit: Shutterstock EditorialSo too is RB Leipzig striker Benjamin SeskoCredit: Shutterstock EditorialLiam Delap is set to leave Ipswich after the club’s relegation from the Prem and is at the top of United’s wishlistCredit: AlamyUnited scouts have scoured the market over the past six months, desperate to give Ruben Amorim the attacking weaponry he needs to take the Old Trafford club back into Premier League title contention.Yet if Ange Postecoglou and his Spurs players are parading around San Mames in joy after the final whistle, the knock-on effects for United’s recruitment drive will be huge.United’s talent-spotters have kept tabs on Viktor Gyokeres, Benjamin Sesko, Moise Kean, Liam Delap, Mateo Retegui and Jean-Philippe Mateta as well as Udinese’s “Tower of Pisa” Lorenzo Lucca.Both Gyokeres, 26, and Sesko, 21, are also targets for Arsenal, who have reportedly made the Sporting Lisbon striker No1 on their shortlist.Swede sensation Gyokeres is one of Europe’s hottest properties after netting 53 goals so far this term, with Portuguese champions Sporting willing to let him go for around £60m.Amorim knows his former star well but he is unlikely to come to Old Trafford without top-level European football.Likewise, RB Leipzig star Sesko’s reported £64m release clause would be out of United’s price range, too, given their PSR concerns – unless Amorim can shift out a swathe of his current players.Delap, 22, would cost just £30m thanks to a relegation clause in his Ipswich contract and is believed to be the Red Devils’ top target.The former Manchester City striker has impressed in an often lonely and forlorn role, scoring 12 Prem goals and showing power and intelligence.But there are questions, too, over whether he would join United without European football, especially if fellow admirers Chelsea qualify for the Champions League.How Europa League final will be decided – four key Man Utd vs Tottenham tactical battlesSunSport understands the Blues – managed by Delap’s former City academy coach, Enzo Maresca – are confident of landing the England Under-21 international.Should United miss out on Champions League football, it would mean shopping in a different market – less Harrods, more Waitrose.Ex-Everton forward Kean, Atalanta’s Retegui and Lucca are among the fallback options.Italy star Retegui, 26, has 23 goals in 31 games for Atalanta this term, with Liverpool reportedly also interested.Kean, 25, flopped in the Premier League with the Toffees but has revived his career with 17 league goals in 30 games for Fiorentina this season, while 6ft 7in Lucca has netted 11 Serie A goals for mid-table Udinese.Amorim’s scouting team have also identified Crystal Palace’s Mateta, 27, following his 14-goal breakout season.The Frenchman, who showed his value once more in Palace’s FA Cup triumph at Wembley on Saturday,  would cost around £30m, with the Eagles already resigned to losing him in the summer.United are also big fans of Marcus Thuram at Inter Milan but a deal could be tricky as his agent does not get on with Red Devils CEO Omar Berrada.Lorenzo Lucca is Udinese’s ‘Tower of Pisa’ up frontCredit: GettyEverton flop Moise Kean, now at Fiorentina, is a surprise target for UnitedCredit: GettyMateo Retegui of Atalanta is also on their listCredit: GettyJean-Philippe Mateta – another target – celebrates Crystal Palace’s FA Cup winCredit: GettyWIL POWER UNITED hope technical director Jason Wilcox could be their trump card in the battle with Chelsea for Delap.Ruben Amorim has identified the England Under-21 striker as one of the men who could solve their chronic goal-scoring problems next season.And Wilcox knows him well through his work at the City Football Academy while Delap was coming through the ranks.He was the head of the youth set up at the Etihad when Delap joined from Derby in 2019. That personal relationship might give United an advantage.Man Utd technical director Jason WilcoxCredit: GettyTURKISH DELIGHT TURKISH champions Galatasaray could give United a way out of their increasingly troublesome Jadon Sancho predicament.United believed they had seen the last of the former England winger when he was sent on loan to Chelsea with a £25m obligation to buy him at the end of this season.But Chelsea are understood to be ready to send Sancho, 25, back to Old Trafford for a £5m “penalty” repayment, leaving Amorim with another player he knows the club do not want.With Sancho having a year of his contract remaining, United need to raise just under £15m for him this summer to avoid a PSR “loss” on any move.Galatasaray, who clinched the Turkish crown this weekend, are gearing up for their Champions League return and are ready to come in with a bid.Sancho, though, who broke through at Borussia Dortmund after leaving Manchester City when he was just 17, might be more tempted by a return to the Bundesliga, especially with Bayer Leverkusen expected to undergo a major rebuild following the departure of Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid.Jadon Sancho is wanted by Turkish champions GalatasarayCredit: GettyFRIENDLY FIRE HARRY MAGUIRE and Amad Diallo were among a handful of players on media duty when United held their Europa League open day – and all seemed to be harmonious between the pair.That might not be the case on Saturday though – as two of their former clubs go head to head at Wembley in the Championship play-off final.Maguire took time out from his busy season to watch Sheffield United complete their demolition of Bristol City last Monday night.And 24 hours later, Amad sent a good luck message to his old team-mates at the Stadium of Light – which maybe helped inspire their dramatic late winner against Coventry.Neither player is likely to be at Wembley for the final as Man United play Aston Villa in their last Prem game of the season the following day.Harry Maguire watched Sheffield United’s play-off semi-finalCredit: GettyFAN FRIENDLY THOUSANDS of United supporters are heading to Bilbao – many of them with tickets for the game and some without.But all will be encouraged to visit the designated fan zone at Etxebarria Park – which is described as ‘one of the largest green zones in the city’.It is surrounded by green hills and offers magnificent views of Bilbao – according to the local tourist board – so supporters should be quite happy there.Local police are not anticipating too much trouble but the Spurs faithful will be directed towards the Amezola area of the city for their fan zone.Man Utd’s designated fan zone at Etxebarria ParkCredit: AlamyPICTURE THATDAVID DE GEA netted a whopping £22.8 in image rights while at United.The Spanish star – set for a return to Old Trafford in a pre-season friendly with Fiorentina – built up a fortune of £22,755,059 in Bedamarse Ltd, the company he used to handle his off-field pay. The keeper’s fortune shot up £3.5m in his last season at Old Trafford, the equivalent of £67,300 a week, according to accounts.The mega pay came on top of De Gea’s £375,000 a week wages.As well as image rights payments, De Gea signed a number of lucrative sponsorship deals with the likes of Adidas, Pepsi and EA Sports.David de Gea netted a whopping £22.8m in image rights while at Manchester United.Credit: PALEAVING A MARC MARCUS RASHFORD paid himself a huge £12.2m dividend last year.The forward paid himself the huge sum from his investment company, MUCS Enterprises.Rashford also took out an interest free loan from the business worth £6.6m.The company made a profit of £6.2m in 2024.And despite pocketing the huge sums, his firm still has assets worth £5.6m.The on-loan Villa striker has also hit the jackpot with his investment properties.The total value of his rental properties jumped by almost £700,000 last year – from £7.1m in 2023 to £7.8m, according to latest paperwork for his rental firm, MUCS Properties Limited.Marcus Rashford paid himself a huge £12.2m dividend last yearCredit: RexGETTING SHIRTY MANCHESTER UNITED and Liverpool may be miles apart in the Premier League, but the fierce rivals both banked £123m in kit sales last season.The pair received the whopping sum from kit and merchandise sales, according to a fresh Uefa report.Only Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich pocketed more than the Premiership giants.Jude Bellingham helped Real Madrid top the charts with club sales worth £165m last season.The England man’s shirt is the most popular in the club’s official stores.Bruno Fernandes jerseys are the biggest sellers at Old Trafford, while Mo Salah’s shirt is among the most popular for champions Liverpool.Man Utd banked £123million in kit sales last seasonCredit: GettyWAYNE TO GOWAYNE ROONEY has won a £200,000 windfall after defeating HMRC in a long-running dispute.The United legend, 39, has landed the huge sum after closing down the firm he used for his lucrative sponsorship deals and image rights as a player.He has been waiting for three years for the payment after placing his company, called Stoneygate 48 Limited, into voluntary liquidation.Company liquidators said: “We have continued to be in contact with HMRC over a substantial tax refund which was due. This has resulted in a substantial but, in our opinion, partial repayment. We are seeking clarification of whether anything else is due.”The Manchester United legend received £22.2m after closing down the firm, including £11.9m in cash and more than £9mfrom the sale of properties.Wayne Rooney has won a £200,000 windfall after defeating HMRC in a long-running disputeCredit: GettyFROM THE GROUND UP UNITED’s new stadium bill could reach £4BILLION, according to industry experts.A number of experts have warned in private that the Red Devils’ ambitious plans for a 100,000-seater arena could spiral out of control.The new stadium will replace Old Trafford, which has been the Red Devils’ home since 1910.Ineos chief and club co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe put an ambitious five-year target on the build.It would see United move into their new ground for the 2030-31 campaign.But industry insiders believe that United’s plans could cost double the club’s £2bn budget.A concept of Man Utd’s new stadiumCredit: PA More

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      Chelsea star Christopher Nkunku at centre of six-way transfer race with Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim a huge admirer

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      CHELSEA star Christopher Nkunku is at the centre of a six-way transfer race this summer.The talented Frenchman is pushing for an exit from Chelsea, two years after a £52million switch from RB Leipzig.Six clubs are battling to sign Christopher Nkunku this summerCredit: GettyAnd SunSport can reveal that London rivals Arsenal are among those lining up a move for Nkunku.The Gunners are desperate to boost their firepower and Mikel Arteta sees the 27-year-old as a good option to add to his squad.But five other clubs are heavily in the race to secure Nkunku’s services.Manchester United, who made a move for the player during the January transfer window, are planning to go back this summer. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRuben Amorim is a huge admirer of the player, and believes his Premier League experience makes him a superb option for his Old Trafford rebuild.Liverpool also like Nkunku due to his versatility and previous goal record at Leipzig, where he netted 58 goals in his final two seasons.And West Ham, who will undergo a major rebuild, are plotting an ambitious raid of their own after ex-Chelsea boss Graham Potter identified Nkunku as a star target.But there’s also strong interest from overseas, with Champions League finalists’ Paris St Germain among those to be monitoring developments. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThey are believed to big admirers of Nkunku and think he could be a perfect addition to the stunning playing style Luis Enrique has created.Atletico Madrid are also interested in the player, with uncertainty over the future of Liverpool-linked ex-Man City forward Julian Alvarez.Cole Palmer eats sandwich and ketchup as Brit music legend makes cameo in brilliant Chelsea kit release videoIf Alvarez does go, then Nkunku is seen as the first option for a replacement.The Frenchman has endured a frustrating season for Chelsea and is fully expected to push for a move away.Just seven of his 22 starts this term have come in the league, with Nkunku instead a regular in the Conference League and domestic cups.He’s thought to prefer the idea of a move to a club in the Champions League, which would make Arsenal, Liverpool, Paris St Germain and Atletico Madrid the leading contenders. Chelsea would prefer to see the player move abroad as, despite his limited playing time, boss Enzo Maresca knows Nkunku has a lot of ability and knows selling him to a rival club could be risky. More

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      Aston Villa set to make £25m transfer move for midfielder Habib Diarra – but Chelsea chiefs will have final say

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      ASTON VILLA are making a fresh £25million move for Strasbourg’s Senegal star Habib Diarra.Villa have checked on the 21-year-old creative midfielder for the past few weeks after taking a huge interest last season.Aston Villa target Strasbourg star Habib Diarra but their bid could be affected by ChelseaDiarra will be sold by the French club at the right price.They have already turned down £15m from Eintracht Frankfurt but are open to a Premier League swoop.Unai Emery plans to move around some of his squad and there could be space for a new No10 next season as they go for glory at home and abroad.Everton and Nottingham Forest have also been watching Strasbourg games in Ligue 1 recently.Read More on ChelseaHowever, Villa’s interest in the versatile midfielder is the strongest and most deep-rooted.Nevertheless, Chelsea could play a role in the player’s future as Strasbourg have the same owners as the Premier League giants with BlueCo in charge of the French outfit.Diarra swapped from playing for France at Under-18 level to Senegal.He has already won nine caps and is now ready for the next stage in his club career.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMeanwhile, Frank Lampard’s Coventry are leading the race to sign Villa right-back Kaine Kesler-Hayden.Sky Blues are willing to pay £5m plus extras for the academy product, who had a good season on loan in the Championship at Preston.Villa will sell Kesler-Hayden, 22, as they trim their squad and the player knows his time at his first club is nearing an end.Former youth team captain Kesler-Hayden, 22, has been on loan five times and managed three first-team appearances. More

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      ‘This is the attitude’ – Arsenal fans love Josh Kroenke’s transfer message to them ahead of huge window

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      ARSENAL director Josh Kroenke confirmed the club will invest on transfers this summer to “get behind winning” the Premier League.The Gunners are facing a potential second-place finish for the third year in a row under manager Mikel Arteta with a section of supporters questioning the decision not to sign a striker since 2022.Arsenal director Josh Kroenke confirmed the club will invest on transfers this summerArsenal are prioritising a striker this summer, with Sporting Lisbon star Viktor Gyokeres a favouriteReal Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi is set to become Arsenal’s first summer signingJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesHowever, Josh, 45, wrote in Sunday’s match-day programme before the clash with Newcastle at the Emirates that the necessary investment will take place with new sporting director Andrea Berta on board.The son of the Gunners’ majority shareholder Stan Kroenke added that the board are “crystal clear” on the transfer they want to make.Josh wrote: “We’re still pursuing second place in the Premier League for the third year running, but we all want to win it. “We plan to invest to get behind winning and doing better next season.Read More on Arsenal“Our sporting director, Andrea, will play an important role in this. We are crystal clear on exactly what we need to do and the way in which we want to do it”.A number of Arsenal fans loved Josh’s confidence and the presence of a plan by the board.One supporter tweeted: “That is the attitude.”Another commented: “Hope they back it up this summer. No excuses.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA third wrote: “Get that cheque book out.”This fan said: “Good to hear, Josh.”And that one stated: “Thankful to be an Arsenal fan.”Arsenal look set for a busy summer as they are ready to land Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi for a whopping £50million.The North Londoners are also looking for an elite striker, with many claiming that is the last piece of the jigsaw required to finally win their first Premier League title since 2004.Arteta’s side are very keen on Newcastle superstar Alexander Isak but he will prove a very tough man to sign.Therefore, Arsenal are also keeping tabs on the likes of Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.Gyokeres seems the likeliest candidate to move to the Emirates this summer.Read More on The SunThe Gunners could land the Sweden international for just £60m and make him one of their highest earners with his proposed contract costing the Gunners over £7m a year.Sesko had been a massive target since last summer before signing a new deal with Leipzig.Newcastle star Alexander Isak poses as Arsenal’s biggest targetRB Leipzig star Benjamin Seiko has been a big target since last summer More

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      Emi Martinez ‘wanted by Man Utd and Barcelona’ in shock transfer after keeper hints at Aston Villa exit

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      EMI MARTINEZ is wanted by Manchester United and Barcelona after he hinted at an Aston Villa exit, according to reports in Argentina.Martinez joined Villa from Arsenal in 2020 – following eight years in North London where he was loaned out six times.Emi Martinez is wanted by Manchester United and Barcelona, say reports in ArgentinaCredit: AlamyAnd he emerged as one of the best keepers in the league, also cementing his place as Argentina No1 before their 2022 World Cup win.But Martinez – whose contract expires in 2029 after extending it in the summer of 2024 – appeared to hint that he is leaving the club.He was seen tearfully waving to fans following Villa’s 2-0 home win against Tottenham – suggesting he is preparing for an exit. And according to Argentine TV channel DSports, United and Barca are both interested in signing Martinez and the keeper has offers from both. READ MORE ON MAN UTDUnited No1 Andre Onana has suffered inconsistent form since arriving from Inter Milan in 2023 in a deal worth £47.2million.Old Trafford legend Wayne Rooney even suggested the club should re-sign David de Gea – who left on a free with Onana replacing the Spaniard.Marc-Andre ter Stegen is still Barca’s main stopper but the German has played only seven times this season due to a horror knee injury.Former Arsenal keeper Wojciech Szczesny – who joined in 2024 after coming out of retirement – has played 30 times in Ter Stegen’s place. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe 35-year-old Pole’s contract expires at the end of the season – after Barca were crowned LaLiga champions – but there is an option to extend. Villa boss Unai Emery, meanwhile, remained tight-lipped on Martinez’s future despite the World Cup winner’s emotional gesture to fans.Wayne Rooney names three players Man Utd should sign this summer including transfer for iconic former starEmery said: “We will see. Of course, it is the last match (of the season) here, and I don’t know. We will see about the team, the players.”Of course, they are responding on the field, at the moment they are responding and they are so, so focused in how we are preparing and playing each match.”But Sky Sports pundits Jamie Redknapp and Roy Keane seem more convinced that it was a goodbye from Martinez. Redknapp said: “What a signing he has been. Amazing player, great goalkeeper, but it looks like he was waving goodbye.”Trying to find someone to fill that void will be very difficult.”Keane added: “He has been a good character, some people like him. He can be annoying at times with some of his antics.”But he has been a great signing for them, he’ll be a big loss as it does look like he his saying his final goodbyes.”Martinez was in tears gesturing to Villa fansCredit: Getty More

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      Ashley Young, 39, to be unemployed as Everton release three stars including former Chelsea and Arsenal players

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      ASHLEY YOUNG is one of three players being released by Everton.The Toffees have confirmed that the 39-year-old will depart at the end of the season.Ashley Young has been released by the ToffeesCredit: AlamyUpon news of Young’s upcoming exit, boss David Moyes gushed over the veteran star.The Scot, 62, said: “Since my return to the Club, I’ve seen what a great professional Ash is and know the leadership qualities he has brought to the squad during his time at Everton.”His versatility, experience and know-how have also been really beneficial to the team and me.”In addition to Young, goalkeepers Asmir Begovic and Joao Virginia are also to depart.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMoyes added: “Asmir and Joao have also worked really hard and conducted themselves impeccably.”On behalf of everyone at the Club, I want to thank all three players for their service and we wish them all the very best for the future.”Young joined Everton on a free transfer in 2023, having previously turned out for Watford, Aston Villa, Manchester United and Inter Milan, in addition to earning 39 England caps.The full-back has gone on to play 68 times for the Toffees.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAsmir Begovic has been released by EvertonCredit: AlamyOn Thursday, online Everton expert The Bobble claimed that the Toffees were set to offer Young a new deal.Earlier today, Young replied to the post: “Well I’m gonna burst your bobble this time.”David Moyes post match press conference, Chelsea vs EvertonHe then went on to add: “I’d like to thank both Sean (Dyche) and David (Moyes) for giving me the opportunity to play for this Club.”To all the staff that have been on this journey thank you all for everything you’ve done and in whatever way you’ve helped trust me.”Then of course You Players, I have loved every minute of every day being in and sharing the dressing room with you, we’ve had ups and downs, people going against us; but Our Togetherness inside Our dressing room has got us through tough times.”I just want to say keep being Together and move into the new stadium giving the Evertonians what they deserve, which I believe is good football, hunger, fight, desire and Winning.”Now to you fans, you’re a tough bunch, haha, but thank you for your support. I’ve had my doubters and haters, I’m all for it as I know you have seen the Passion, Determination, Fight and Winning Mentality I have had all throughout my career. Keep getting behind that team as you say farewell to Goodison and welcome Bramley-Moore Dock.”Tomorrow is going to be full of so many emotions for everyone but let’s leave Goodison smiling and happy.”Per Sky Sports’ Dharmesh Sheth, Young is not planning to retire and has been contacted by clubs both in England and overseas.Despite still playing, Young, who will turn 40 in July, has already launched his punditry career.The former Man Utd skipper worked as a pundit for talkSPORT at Euro 2024.He has also appeared on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football and Prime Video’s Champions League coverage.Begovic, meanwhile, rejoined Everton from Queens Park Rangers last summer for a second spell backing up Jordan Pickford.The Bosnian, 37, appeared 10 times during his first spell at Goodison Park, but has not played this season.Begovic has also turned out for the likes of Chelsea, AC Milan and Portsmouth during his career.Read More on The SunVirginia initially joined Everton’s academy following a three-year spell with Arsenal.The Portuguese stopper made eight first team appearances for the Toffees.Joao Virginia has made eight first team appearances for the ToffeesCredit: Rex More