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    Real Madrid activate Dean Huijsen’s £50million release clause with Bournemouth star, 20, on brink of transfer

    REAL MADRID have reportedly activated the release clause in Dean Huijsen’s Bournemouth contract.The defender has impressed in his debut season in the Premier League and attracted a number of suitors.Real Madrid have activated Dean Huijsen’s release clauseCredit: GettyHe has formed a great partnership with Illya ZabarnyiCredit: AlamySunSport exclusively revealed that Real Madrid added Huijsen, 20, to their list of targets back in January.Now, the Athletic have claimed that the LaLiga giants have agreed to pay his £50million release clause.It is also suggested that Los Blancos are now working to finalise the signing.This includes talks over Huijsen’s personal terms with his representatives, who are in Madrid.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe Spanish international has made 30 appearances in the Premier League for the Cherries this season.He has chipped in with three goals and has also formed a solid partnership with Illia Zabarnyi in the backline.Andoni Iraola’s side have only conceded 43 goals in the league which is the third best record.Only Liverpool and Arsenal have had more stubborn defences while Manchester City and Chelsea have also allowed 43 goals.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHuijsen joined Bournemouth last summer on a six-year contract from Serie A giants Juventus.He cost the club just £12.6m, which means they are set for a tidy profit.Bournemouth star Dean Huijsen forced to deny being stoned after ‘weird’ questionReal Madrid’s move to Huijsen will disappoint Prem sides such as Chelsea and Liverpool.The two clubs were among those interested in raiding the Vitality Stadium for its prized asset.Real Madrid had been in the market for a new centre back with the likes of Aymeric Laporte and William Saliba tipped with moves. More

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    Man City to help bankroll transfer spree by selling forgotten star to Como for £25m – despite him playing just twice

    MANCHESTER CITY are set to complete a stunning deal by selling a forgotten star for a fee that would see them almost triple their profit for the midfielder.That transfer would also help City raise the cash for a busy summer transfer window that could see them breaking the Premier League record for the most expensive signing.Manchester City are set to sell forgotten man Maximo Perrone to Como for £25mThat money will help Man City complete a record deal for Bayer Leverkusen star Florian WirtzAccording to The Mail, Man City loanee Maximo Perrone is expected to complete a permanent move to Como.Perrone, 22, moved to the Etihad in 2023 from Velez Sarsfield following a £9million deal.However, the former Argentina youth international never managed to break into Pep Guardiola’s first team and only made two substitute appearances.That led two loan stints – one at Las Palmas last season before joining Como in August.Read More on FootballPerrone has been so impressive in Serie A that Cesc Fabregas’ side have nicknamed him as a “compass” and the “Swiss watch” who keeps the team “ticking”.The defensive midfielder, who has laid on three assists in 24 appearances with the Italian outfit, is also keen to stay.And now Como are set to sign the Argentine for a whopping £25million.That works as a massive financial boost for manager Guardiola who will be looking to erase his worst ever managerial season with a dominant run next term.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Spanish tactician is looking to start strong by splurging a staggering £126m on Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz alone.Wirtz, 22, is seen as the successor of City legend Kevin De Bruyne, who is leaving the club in June after 10 glittering years in Manchester.Florian Wirtz talks about his highlights playing for Bayer Leverkusen Guardiola has already met the playmaker and held talks with him as well as his parents.And the Prem giants are stepping up their bid by offering Leverkusen an astronomical fee that would be only 56m less than the total sum they spent during the January transfer window for five signings.However, it’s claimed Liverpool also held talks with Wirtz on Tuesday, with the Premier League champions keen to land the No10. More

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    Liverpool hold secret meeting with Florian Wirtz as they look to hijack Man City’s transfer for £126m Leverkusen star

    LIVERPOOL have held a secret meeting with Florian Wirtz in an effort to hijack Manchester City’s transfer, according to reports.The German superstar jetted in talks with the Citizens ahead of a potential £126million transfer.Liverpool are interested in Florian WirtzCredit: GettyThe German star could cost up to £126millionCredit: GettyPep Guardiola’s side were hoping to convince the attacking midfielder to choose the Etihad over Bayern Munich as the Bayer Leverkusen ace is as the No1 target to replace Kevin De Bruyne.The club had spoken to the player’s father and agent, Hans, ahead of what would be a British record transfer.The £126m fee would surpass the £115m that Chelsea forked out for Moises Caicedo from Brighton in 2023.However, fresh reports have claimed that Liverpool are ready to hijack the deal.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLGerman outlet Bild claimed the Reds held a secret meeting with Wirtz on Tuesday.His contract at the BayArena is set to expire in 2027 but he is expected to move this summer.Bayern Munich are also heavily interested in signing the talented German international, 22.Bild also suggested the Bundesliga champions are confident that they will win the race for his signature.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSIt claims that the club chiefs are “confident” that Wirtz will keep his “promise” and move to the Allianz Arena. Wirtz has excelled yet again this season despite Leverkusen failing to defend their Bundesliga title.Leverkusen star Jeremie Frimpong reveals why he snubbed Liverpool and chose Man City last time Reds tried to sign himThe midfielder has contributed ten goals and 12 assists in just 30 league appearances.Meanwhile, Man City have also approached AC Milan to sign Tijjani Reijnders, 26, although they are yet to submit a bid.Milan want around £60m for the Dutch midfielder, which would make him their biggest sale in their history.The two clubs still have a negotiation to complete over right-back Kyle Walker, 34, who is on loan at the Serie A outfit from City for the rest of the season.City are also interested in Nottingham Forest star Morgan-Gibbs White, 25.However, Newcastle will fight off any City attempt to sign England star Tino Livramento.The defender, 22, has shone since stepping up to become Toon’s first-choice right-back ahead of Kieran Trippier. More

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    Why Liam Delap is right to pick Chelsea with Blues increasingly confident of signing £30million Ipswich striker

    LIAM DELAP and Chelsea could be a match made in heaven as the Blues grow increasingly confident of signing Ipswich’s £30million striker.Delap, 22, is set to be on the move just one year after joining the Tractor Boys from Man City in a deal worth just £20m.Liam Delap could be a perfect fit for Chelsea and vice versaCredit: AlamyA move would see the Ipswich star reunited with Enzo MarescaCredit: PAHe has scored 12 Premier League goals this season.And that has seen several clubs join the race for his signature this summer.Manchester United are keen as Ruben Amorim searches for more firepower.But SunSport can exclusively reveal that Chelsea are now leading the race for Delap.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd a move to Stamford Bridge could be the perfect outcome for both parties.For starters, Chelsea now resemble a mini-Man City following Todd Boehly’s £1billion rebuild.Former academy star Cole Palmer is the club’s top player.Romeo Lavia has also become a fan favourite – at least when he’s fit enough to play.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSBehind the scenes, recruitment chief Joe Shields knows Delap well from their time together at City’s academy.But most importantly, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca was his manager at City’s academy.Liam Delap tipped to snub Man Utd and Chelsea for EVERTON transfer after fans spot gesture following match vs ToffeesDelap would play in the same side as Romeo Lavia and Cole PalmerCredit: AlamyThe pair enjoyed a fine working relationship together.And Maresca hailed Delap before both of Chelsea’s fixtures against Ipswich this season, with the forward scoring in his side’s 2-0 home win in December.However, Delap and Chelsea also match up in terms of playing style.The hitman’s intelligence and movement off the last line creates plenty of space.Delap could thrive off the clever passes pinged in by Palmer and Enzo Fernandez.His athleticism and strength would also help break down teams that sit in a deeper defensive block.Delap’s movement off the last line helps to create plenty of space for both himself and his team-matesIn the above example, we see a clever movement from Delap where he first creates the attack before timing his arrival into space to finish comfortably.He picks up the ball and drives forward before releasing it wide.The forward then moves into the space to pick up the cross and finish first time.Chelsea could definitely benefit from having a stiker with this kind of movement in his locker.Chelsea raids on Man City starsCHELSEA have become adept at nicking some of the talent factory from rivals Man City – and it doesn’t look like stopping any time soon.Liam Delap would become the EIGHTH high profile name to move to Stamford Bridge from The Etihad, sometimes via a couple of other clubs in between.Enzo MarescaChelsea’s current head coach was once part of Pep Guardiola’s backroom staff at City — and is such of devotee of his former boss he’s known as Diet Pep. Maresca, 45, – who also spent a season as Leicester manager – worked as manager of City’s Under-23 team.Joe ShieldsChelsea’s Co-Director of Recruitment and Talent, who was poached from Southampton, where he spent just two months after leaving Man City in 2022. Glenn van der KraanVan der Kraan was at City before joining as Chelsea’s academy technical director last October. He was head of coaching at City’s academyCole PalmerThe 23-year-old England star made the switch from Man City to Chelsea in 2023 for £40million, potentially rising to £42.5m. Palmer, pictured here with Lavia at Man City in 2021, has become the star man at Chelsea with 37 goals in 68 games for the club.Romeo LaviaThe Belgium international midfielder, 21, joined Chelsea from Southampton for £53m in 2023. Before that he spent two years at Man City, making one appearance for the first team.Jadon SanchoSancho, 25, spent two years at Man City where he was rated very highly.  But they sold the young winger to Dortmund for £8m in 2017, and he then joined Man Utd for £73m in 2021. Currently on loan at Chelsea.Tosin AdarabioyoThe 6ft5in centre back was at Man City’s academy for four seasons, and made his debut for the first team aged 19. Now 27, he spent four years at Fulham before moving to Chelsea on a free transfer last summer.Delap also has a sharp sense when it comes to scoring.His ball anticipation and first-move timing is impeccable.The centre-forward’s tendency to attack space while running across defenders means he is often arriving at the right time to meet crosses.Despite his size, Delap also boasts plenty of pace.Cole Palmer has not had a striker playing with him this season who he can rely on to make runs in behindDelap is able to read the pass before it’s madeHis surprising speed helps stretch the game while opening up gaps in the final third.And creative team-mates like Cole Palmer could take advantage with clever dribbles towards goal while forcing the opposition backwards.Read More on The SunIt now remains to be seen where Delap ends up once the season is over.But should he accept a move to Chelsea, it is highly likely to be the right choice.Join SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford Bridge More

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    Why Inter Milan want Joshua Zirkzee in shock transfer despite Man Utd striker’s struggles in Premier League

    INTER MILAN are interested in signing Joshua Zirkzee this summer, according to reports.The Champions League finalists are set to enter the market for a striker to compete with first choice pairing Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram.Joshua Zirkzee has been linked with a move to Inter MilanCredit: GettyManchester United star Zirkzee has emerged as a shock option for a San Siro move after a tough first year in England.The 23-year-old joined United from Bologna last summer but has managed just seven goals in all competitions.Reports from Corriere dello Sport claim Inter believe they can get Zirzkee on loan with an option or obligation to buy.Simone Inzaghi desperately wants to bolster his squad depth in attacking areas.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe club believe the drop in quality from Martinez and Thuram to back-up options Joaquin Correa and veteran pair Marko Arnautovic and Mehdi Taremi is too large.Inter are enjoying another strong season but have fallen behind leaders Napoli in the Serie A title race with two games to go.They also crashed out the Coppa Italia semi-finals and lost the Supercoppa Italiana final.Inter reportedly think that signing another top quality striker will see them have enough to go all the way in every competition.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe club also like that Zirkzee offers them “tactical solutions” and they believe his “technical quality and creativity” suits playing in a strike partnership.A move back to Italy has been rumoured since January with Juventus also said to be keen.Casemiro STAYING at Man Utd? Amorim’s Shock U-Turn Explained!But Juve’s interest may have been cooled due to them sacking manager Thiago Motta, who got the best from Zirkzee at Bologna.The Dutchman is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury sustained in April and is set to miss the rest of this season.United want to sign a new striker this summer, with Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres and Ipswich’s Liam Delap among those linked.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford More

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    The incredible XI Man City could have had for FREE instead of spending up to half a BILLION pounds in 2025

    MANCHESTER CITY could have had a line-up full of superstars – without paying a penny.The City academy has produced some gems in recent years, but few remain at the club.Pep Guardiola is plotting a big rebuild this summerCredit: AlamyMan City sold Cole Palmer to Chelsea in 2023Credit: GettyDelap left City last summer and is now in high demandCredit: RexCity are eyeing Florian Wirtz in a record dealCredit: GettyPep Guardiola still has the likes of Phil Foden, Nico O’Reilly and Rico Lewis at his disposal thanks to the youth department, yet is set to spend hundreds of millions to revamp his squad this summer.But had they done things differently, City could have already possessed some of the most talented players in the league.In demand striker Liam Delap was let go last summer and is on the radar of several Prem clubs, including Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester United, as is former City goalkeeper James Trafford, who kept 29 Championship clean sheets this season.Chelsea have been big beneficiaries of City’s academy set-up and now boast three former Cityzens – Cole Palmer, Romeo Lavia and Tosin Adarabioyo.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Blues have also been linked with another ex-City star, Morgan Rogers.The midfielder has been a standout player this season for Aston Villa and earned his first England caps.Another player who could make a move this summer is Jeremie Frimpong, who played for City’s academy between 2010 and 2019 before moving to Celtic.The right-back has since helped Bayer Leverkusen win the Bundesliga and could make a £33million switch to Liverpool when the transfer window reopens.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSTwo other City players have impressed playing abroad too – Michael Olise at Bayern Munich and Eric Garcia, who looks set to win LaLiga with Barcelona.City’s former academy stars did not cost anything for the club to bring in, and some have since fetched eye-watering fees.Patrice Evra claims Samir Nasri told him he made a mistake snubbing Man Utd for CityIt appears the club is set to break the bank once again to get back to title-winning ways.City’s top priority is Leverkusen talisman Florian Wirtz, who could cost a British record £126m.City have also approached AC Milan to sign Tijjani Reijnders although they are yet to submit a bid.Milan want around £60m for the Dutch midfielder, which would make him their biggest sale in their history.Newcastle full-back Tino Livramento is also on Pep Guardiola’s radar.Liverpool target Jeremie Frimpong spent nine years in the City academyCredit: Shutterstock EditorialMichael Olise has found success since leaving the Cityzens as a youngsterCredit: Getty More

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    Liverpool’s plan for Jeremie Frimpong revealed with Bayer Leverkusen wing-back to be played in new position

    ARNE SLOT has a bold tactical plan for Jeremie Frimpong if Liverpool can get a deal over the line.The Premier League champions will be in the market for a Trent Alexander-Arnold replacement this summer as he heads to Real Madrid.Jeremie Frimpong is linked with a move to LiverpoolCredit: GettyBayer Leverkusen star Frimpong is supposedly the club’s top target at right-back.The 24-year-old has a release clause worth around £33million but an agreement is still some way off.But shock reports from Sky Germany claim Frimpong might not play the same role as Alexander-Arnold.The Dutchman plays as an incredibly forward-thinking right-wing-back under Xabi Alonso.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd Liverpool “plan to use him on the right flank in an attacking role – similar to his position at Leverkusen.”It is unclear if this means Slot is planning a formation change to a back three or whether the setup will remain the same on paper with a tactical tweak.Alexander-Arnold often drifts into central midfield, while Frimpong is more comfortable overlapping.He has even played as a conventional winger in the past and he could get a run of games there while Mo Salah is away with Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe tournament runs from December 21 to January 18, meaning Liverpool’s main man could miss a busy time of the season.Slot is set to go on a spending spree this summer as the club also want a centre-back, left-back and striker.Fans convinced Frimpong will join Liverpool after spotting his Holland camp antics The boss is set to be handed Liverpool’s biggest ever transfer budget. More

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    World’s third-highest paid defender set to be unemployed after ripping up £390k contract with Cristiano Ronaldo’s side

    AYMERIC LAPORTE is set to become unemployed after ripping up his contract at Al-Nassr.The former Manchester City star is the third-highest-paid defender in the world with a weekly paycheck of £390,000.Aymeric Laporte is set to leave Al-NassrCredit: GettyHe joined the club back in 2023 from Manchester CityCredit: GettyOnly former Chelsea flop Kalidou Koulibaly and Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk earn more than the Spaniard.Koulibaly is on an eye-watering £553,225-per-week at Al-Hilal while Van Dijk recently signed a £400,000-per-week deal at Anfield.Laporte, 30, made the move to Saudi Arabia in 2023 and has made 69 appearances for the club.He signed a three-year deal with Al-Nassr that was due to expire in 2026.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, he could walk away from the club – and his monster salary – before it ends.Spanish outlet AS reports Laporte has endured a “difficult relationship” with manager Stefano Pioli.He was left out of the squad for Al-Nassr’s Asian Champions League semi-final defeat against Kawasaki Frontale.Laporte will not be short of options should he leave the club in the coming days.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSReal Madrid were previously linked with a move for Laporte before he left Man City.The LaLiga giants are again in the market for a defender but are more likely to swoop for a younger player.Cristiano Ronaldo Jr, 14, given dad’s number and copies iconic pose as he makes Portugal debut with grandma watchingElsewhere, Ligue 1 outfit Marseille are among the favourites to snatch up the 40-capped ace.Laporte has been joined by some star names at Al-Nassr such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, Jhon Duran and Marcelo Brozovic.He has previously admitted to making the move to Riyadh for non-footballing reasons.He said: “To be honest, many of us have also come here not only for football.”Many of us are happy with that, but I am also looking for something beyond that is not the economic part and such.”In terms of quality of life, I expected something different because in the end here you spend three hours a day in the car.”Riyadh is a waste of traffic, of time wasted in the car.”Laporte’s career by numbersHere is a look at Aymeric Laporte’s career…ClubAthletic Bilbao, 2012–2018Appearances – 222Goals – 10Manchester City, 2018–2023Appearances – 180Goals – 12Al-Nassr, 2023-presentAppearances – 69Goals – 9International Spain, 2021-presentCaps – 40Goals – 2Honours:Supercopa de Espana x1, Premier League x5, FA Cup x2, EFL Cup x3, Community Sheild x1, Champions League x1, Uefa Super Cup x1, Euros x1, Nations League x1 More