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      West Ham AGREE terms with Julen Lopetegui to replace David Moyes with manager facing axe after Chelsea thrashing

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      JULEN LOPETEGUI has agreed terms to become the new West Ham manager.The former Wolves boss, 57, who is set to replace David Moyes, has not signed a contract yet, but both parties are happy with the proposed deal.Julen Lopetegui is reportedly set to become the next West Ham managerCredit: PADavid Moyes is expected to leave West Ham at the end of the seasonCredit: AlamyThe news comes after West Ham were thrashed 5-0 by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.Moyes, whose second stint in East London began in December 2019, has seen his side slip to ninth in the Premier League table.The Scot, who was offered a new deal at the end of last year but declined to sign it at the time, has insisted that no decision will be made on his future until after the final game of the season.However, the club have not won any of their last six games in all competitions.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMoyes has also not helped his case by asking for director of football, Tim Steidten, to stay away from him and the first team squad at the stadium and training ground.Pressure is now growing on the club to announce the 61-year-old’s departure before their final home game of the season against Luton on Saturday so fans can give him a send off.Yet Moyes’ spell at West Ham has been a success as he led them to Europa Conference League glory, as well as back-to-back fifth-place finishes.His Hammers contract expires in the summer.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWho is Julen Lopetegui?Julen Lopetegui enjoyed a 17-year career as a goalkeeper for the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona.
      He won the LaLiga title with Real Madrid in 1990 and two Spanish Super Cups with Barcelona, before stepping into management in 2003.
      He began coaching as an assistant for Spain’s U17s side, before stints with Rayo Vallecano and Real Madrid’s B team.
      Lopetegui then returned to the Spain set-up to manage their various age group teams, leaving in 2014 for the Porto job.
      He landed Spain’s top job in 2016 and spent two years at the helm of the national team, but was dismissed before the 2018 World Cup after it was announced he would become Real Madrid boss after the tournament.
      The Spaniard was sacked after just two months at the Bernabeu following a dismal spell.
      He joined Sevilla in 2019 and won the Europa League with them the following year.
      Lopetegui departed Sevilla in 2022 and joined Wolves in the November, guiding them to a 13th place finish.
      He left in August of last year, shortly before the start of the season, before Gary O’Neil replaced him.

      Spaniard Lopetegui left Wolves last summer over spending concerns after finishing 13th in his first season in the Premier League last year.But fans are not happy with the prospect of the former Real Madrid and Spain boss taking over, and would rather the club plumped for Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim.West Ham ban chief from dressing roomKey figures within the club have also pushed Amorim’s case.One supporter has even launched a petition on Change.org asking for 500 signatures, claiming Lopetegui is “not good enough, not ambitious enough”.However, Amorim is no long an option having confirmed he will remain in Portugal.He said: “I’m staying at Sporting. I’m under contract and it’s a special moment for me, for the club.”Now we will try to win the third title together. Let’s try to make it happen.”Hammers slumpThe switch of manager at West Ham comes after their campaign unravelled.Knocked out of the Europa League by German champs Bayer Leverkusen, Moyes has also seen their league form plummet. Their 5-0 loss to Chelsea was preceded by a 5-2 defeat to Crystal Palace, a recent home loss to Fulham and an embarrassing 6-0 defeat at home to Arsenal.They club also exited the FA Cup in the Third Round to Bristol City.Moyes has just two games left in charge should Lopetegui come in.READ MORE SUN STORIESWest Ham play Luton in their final home game this Saturday before closing out the season away at Man City.Pressure is now growing on the club to announce the 61-year-old’s departure before their final home game so fans can give him a send off. More

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      Bayern Munich ‘make contact with Erik ten Hag’s agent’ in shock bid to end Dutchman’s Man Utd misery

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      BAYERN MUNICH have “made contact with Erik ten Hag’s agent”, according to reports.The Dutchman, 54, is coming under huge pressure at Old Trafford and is in danger of being sacked at the end of the season.Erik ten Hag could be set to land another huge job if he is sacked by Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyBut he could walk straight into another top job as Bundesliga giants Bayern consider him for their top job.It has already been revealed that Ten Hag is one of the names on a three-man shortlist alongside ex-Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui and Benfica’s Roger Schmidt.But now Sky Sports understand Bayern have “made contact” with Ten Hag’s agent, Kees Vos, to see if he would be open to the move.No formal talks have taken place, but the Man Utd boss is said to be aware of the interest.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt comes after ex-Red Devils boss Ralf Rangnick rejected Bayern last month to stay on as Austria head coach.The German side are looking for a new manager after it was confirmed Thomas Tuchel will be leaving at the end of the season.Bayern have failed to win the Bundesliga title for the first time since 2012 as Bayer Leverkusen cantered to the crown.However, Tuchel’s men are still in with a chance of winning the Champions League.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBayern drew 2-2 at home in the first leg of their semi-final tie against Real Madrid on Tuesday.If they make it through, it will be Tuchel’s third Champions League final in four years – after his defeat with Paris Saint-Germain in 2020 and triumph with Chelsea in 2021.Three key things Ten Hag is getting wrong at Man UnitedMeanwhile, Ten Hag’s final game as Man Utd boss could be the FA Cup final on May 25 if he is dismissed at the end of the season.He will be determined to avenge last season’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester City at Wembley. More

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      Man Utd have held meetings with Jadon Sancho in shock bid to bring him BACK to club next season despite Ten Hag fallout

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have met with Jadon Sancho in a bid to bring him back to Old Trafford next season.The £73million signing was farmed out on loan back to his previous club Borussia Dortmund after falling out with Erik ten Hag.Man Utd have met with Jadon Sancho over his return to the clubCredit: GettySancho was shipped out to Borussia Dortmund after a fallout with Erik ten HagCredit: PABut Ten Hag insists the meetings are to monitor his performancesCredit: ReutersBut the manager says that meetings have taken place with the winger and United staff have been in Germany monitoring his games.Ten Hag said: “We are close in that process. We are visiting games where Jadon was performing.“We had a visit with him, we talk with him and we will keep going with this process.”Meetings have taken place with now departed Director of Football John Murtough and Director of Player Negotiations Matt Hargreaves.READ MORE IN MAN UTDSancho fell out with Ten Hag last September after he was dropped for the away defeat at Arsenal.Afterwards the boss explained his absence for his poor attitude in training.The player later put out a social media posting effectively calling his manager a liar.While he took that post down, he refused to apologise to Ten Hag for what he did.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe was banished from the first team and made to train on his own and with the academy players, before finally being allowed to leave on loan.His poor form at United has since been at odds with his performances back at Dortmund, where he made his name, not least in last weeks 1-0 Champions League semi-final first leg win over PSG.Five things you didn’t know about Jadon Sancho (2)Now Ten Hag wants to put their differences behind them after this season has finished.He said: “There was a conflict and let’s first finish the season so stay away from this issue, now it is not important.“He has the return of the semi-final, in the league it is not going that well for them and we have four important games in the league and the FA Cup final and then we will see.”Clearly Ten Hag is already looking ahead to what the make-up of his squad will be going into next season, believing he will still be the boss.He admits he needs greater depth after being left exposed by a raft of injuries this season.He said: “That is one of the issues in constructing the squad. We have to construct a squad better, with more depth.”Pundits verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future
      Jamie Carragher – Sacked
      “I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
      Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
      “To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
      Louis Saha – On the fence
      “I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
      Alan Shearer – Sacked
      “I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.”

      There is a certain type of player he is looking for, as well.He said: “I think every manager wants winning attitudes.“Great mentality big personalities to perform under stress is what every manager is looking for. In this club it is extremely important to perform under stress.”A player he most definitely wants to keep is captain Bruno Fernandes who hinted in an interview last week that he will consider his future at United after this summer’s Euros.He said: “That was taken out of context. I know he is Manchester United and he is very happy to be here.”Ten Hag says his skipper is an example to the other players particularly those not prepared to play through the pain barrier.He said: “Bruno is a real fighter. Last year for instance when we played Brighton in the FA Cup semi final, he played with an ankle that was so thick, unbelievable,“Bruno is a very good example for other players.”READ MORE SUN STORIESUnited travel to take on Crystal Palace tonight without Harry Maguire.He has sustained a muscle injury that will keep him out of the last three league games but could make the FA Cup Final and the England international will be ok for the Euros.Man Utd are ‘dynamic and entertaining’… but not in a good way, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
      MUCH guffawing when Erik ten Hag proclaimed his Manchester United side as “one of the most dynamic and entertaining teams” in the Premier League after a 1-1 home draw with Burnley.
      But I agree with him.
      This season I’ve watched live as United beat Liverpool and Wolves 4-3, drew 3-3 with Coventry and Galatasaray and lost 4-3 at Bayern Munich and Copenhagen.
      I also watched on telly as they were beaten 4-3 at Chelsea.
      As a neutral, I can’t remember seeing any team involved in quite so many mental matches during the course of one season.
      The problem is Ten Hag isn’t there to produce chaotic entertainment for the likes of me, he’s there to make Manchester United successful and make their fans happy — which is an entirely different metric.
      Read Dave Kidd’s full column here
      Or click here to check out all of Dave Kidd’s articles. More

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      How Leeds could line up in Premier League after Will Ferrell investment with Phillips returning and cult hero’s son

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      LEEDS UNITED could be bolstered by a series of new signings if they get promoted and have Will Ferrell backing them.Daniel Farke’s side are currently preparing to face Norwich in the Championship play-off semi-final after missing out on second place to Ipswich.Leeds fans are dreaming after Will Ferrell’s investment in the clubCredit: AlamyKalvin Phillips has been linked with a return to Elland Road from Man CityCredit: GettyHowever, Leeds fans received a boost when The Sun revealed that Hollywood star Ferrell has bought a “large” stake in the club after falling in love with English football.The film legend pumped a “large” stake into US owners 49ers Enterprises.Sources close to the Anchorman actor say he is now a proud Leeds supporter after falling in love with English football and he cannot wait to cheer them on at Elland Road.That has now got Leeds fans dreaming about what signings could be brought in to bolster the squad if they manage to secure a return to promised land at Wembley on Sunday 26 May.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLWe have already revealed how Leeds were plotting to take Kalvin Phillips back to Elland Road if they clinched an immediate top-flight return.Phillips spent 12 years at his hometown club before a £42m switch to Manchester City in 2022, a dream move that became a nightmare.He spent 18 months on the bench before being loaned to West Ham in January, where he has endured some miserable displays.Now Leeds want to offer the 28-year-old a chance to rebuild his career and reckon City would do business for around £30m to get him off the books.Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe is not the only former favourite that could return amid reports Barcelona “could sacrifice” Raphinha in order to bolster their transfer kitty.The 27-year-old enjoyed a great two seasons at Elland Road from 2020 and his form led to an international call-up.Leicester brutally troll Leeds with iconic song after winning promotion as Whites left ‘well and truly rattled’The winger has been in good form of late but he has been linked with an exit for months, and with new financial backing, that could see Leeds join the likes of Manchester United in the hunt for the Samba ace.Meanwhile, The Shields Gazette has claimed that Farke’s men are keen on Newcastle’s Sean Longstaff.The 26-year-old has impressed for the Magpies, but any money made from the academy graduate’s sale would go towards new recruits.The Yorkshire Evening Post also threw several names into the mix for potential new recruits – and these ones would not cost a thing.Leeds allegedly failed with a loan swoop for West Ham left-back Ben Johnson, 24.He is believed to have snubbed an extension at the London Stadium and the Elland Road outfit could launch another move when he becomes a free agent in June.The 38-year-old James Milner came through the Leeds academy and made his first-team debut for his hometown club in 2002.He has since gone on to enjoy a brilliant career elsewhere but he is coming to the end of his one-year contract at Brighton.That means that a potential return to his hometown team could be on the cards.Another hometown boy whose name has been mentioned is Oli McBurnie.The big striker has scored six times for relegated Sheffield United and will be a free agent next month.He was previously at Leeds as a schoolboy, and he may jump at the chance to come back and try to keep them in the Premier League.Another player could be Liam Delap – the son of Premier League cult icon Roy Delap.Man City will sell striker Delap to the highest bidder.READ MORE SUN STORIESDelap, 21, has been on loan at Hull after stints at Stoke and Preston and is clearly unlikely to figure in Pep Guardiola’s first-team squad any time in the near future.City will want around £10m for the England Under-21 forward and may include a ‘buy-back’ clause in any deal.Can you name the famous fathers? More

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      Man City ready to sell Premier League cult hero’s son in £10million transfer despite impressive Championship loan

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      MANCHESTER CITY will sell striker Liam Delap to the highest bidder.Delap, 21, has been on loan at Hull after stints at Stoke and Preston and is clearly unlikely to figure in Pep Guardiola’s first-team squad any time in the near future.Liam Delap spent the 2023-24 season on loan at Hull CityCredit: GettyRory Delap starred in the Premier League for Stoke City among othersCredit: Getty Images – GettyCity will want around £10million for the England Under-21 forward and may include a ‘buy-back’ clause in any deal.The forward is the son of former Premier League star Rory Delap.His dad, now 47, starred for Stoke City among others – and became renowned in the Potteries for his incredible long throw.City youngster Liam joined the Prem champions’ academy from Derby in 2019.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe has played six times for City’s first team, scoring once – during a League Cup victory over Bournemouth in September 2020.Delap followed in his father’s footsteps by playing for Stoke during the 2022-23 season – scoring three goals in 23 appearances.In January 2023 he was recalled by City and sent to Preston, where he netted once in 15 games.His best loan spell has come at Hull this season, where he helped Liam Rosenior’s side to a seventh-placed finish.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Tigers missed out on a play-off place on the final day, losing 1-0 at Plymouth Argyle.He scored eight goals in 31 Championship appearances in total for Hull.Stoke legend Tony Pulis reveals Premier League club’s brutal tactic to stop Rory Delap’s iconic long throws Delap still has two years remaining on his City contract.But this could be the summer that he leaves the club behind. More

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      Chelsea ‘offer £77m and two stars including Lukaku to Napoli in sensational swap transfer for Victor Osimhen’

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      CHELSEA are willing to fork out £77million, Romelu Lukaku AND another player for Victor Osimhen this summer, according to reports.The Blues are set to retool once again following another disappointing season.Victor Osimhen could be on the move this summerCredit: RexRomelu Lukaku could be thrown into a Chelsea deal for OsimhenCredit: RexWith Mauricio Pochettino’s side looking light up front at times this term, signing a new striker will be on the agenda.According to Italian transfer expert DiMarzio, the Blues have made initial contact with Napoli regarding a deal for Osimhen.The 25-year-old has been among Serie A’s best strikers since moving to Italy from Lille in 2020.With two years remaining on his contract, this could be the summer that Napoli look to cash in on the Nigerian.READ MORE ON CHELSEAChelsea are claimed to be willing to use forgotten man Lukaku in a deal to sign Osimhen.The Belgian, 30, rejoined the Blues in a disastrous £97.5m deal in 2021.He has spent the last two seasons out on loan – firstly at Inter Milan then this time around at Roma.With two years also still remaining on his deal, the Blues will look to get his salary off their wage bill for good this summer.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIn addition to £77m plus Lukaku, Chelsea are also claimed to be willing to throw in a young player to sweeten the deal.Osimhen helped Napoli to a historic Serie A title victory last season.Watch Man Utd and Chelsea transfer target Victor Osimhen celebrate on top of BUS after Napoli’s stunning win at JuventusThis time around he has scored 14 goals in 22 appearances, having missed chunks of the campaign due to a hamstring injury and Afcon.Lukaku, meanwhile, has netted 11 goals in 29 Serie A appearances for Roma, with 19 in all competitions.Chelsea are likely to face strong competition for Osimhen’s signature.Paris Saint-Germain hold interest in the striker, and plan to enter negotiations imminently.The French champions are set to lose Kylian Mbappe this summer, with the forward confirming that he will be leaving Parc des Princes upon the conclusion of his contract.How Pochettino can solve Chelsea’s midfield crisis thanks to the works of a 13th century poetBy Andy Dillon
      IT IS HIGHLY unlikely that Mauricio Pochettino is familiar with the work of Rumi.
      Whether the renowned Islamic poet and mystic had the tactical dilemmas facing Chelsea’s head coach in mind while dreaming up his scholarly works in 13th century Afghanistan, we will never know.
      It’s fair to say Rumi was not a regular in The Shed at Stamford Bridge.
      Yet one of his most famous quotations strikes right at the heart of Pochettino’s problems trying to transform his team into consistent challengers at the top end of the Premier League.
      It was Rumi who wrote so prophetically: “Two birds tied together. They will not be able to fly even though they have four wings.”
      He could have scribbled that on the back of his programme from so many of Chelsea’s games this season with regard to Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez.
      There is a feeling among regular Chelsea watchers that while it is a blow on a personal level for Fernandez to be ruled out for the rest of the season with his injury problem, it may yet turn to Pochettino’s advantage.
      For it allows Caicedo to roam that patch in front of his defence with greater freedom. Both players are exceptional individual talents.
      Read Andy Dillon’s take on Chelsea’s midfield in full.
      Or check out all of Andy Dillon’s articles. More

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      Ipswich ready to take on Fulham in £10m transfer battle for Coventry star after sealing Premier League promotion

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      COVENTRY midfielder Ben Sheaf is a wanted man after missing out on promotion.The former Arsenal kid is fancied by Luton and turned down the chance to join the Hatters in the last window.Ben Sheaf is wanted by Ipswich TownCredit: GettyJay Dasilva is also attracting interestCredit: GettyNow Sheaf may be ready for a shot at the top flight.Luton could try to change that if they go down — especially if Ross Barkley moves.The Hatters are on the cusp of relegation back to the Championship following their draw to Everton.Rivals Nottingham Forest beat Sheffield United 3-0 on Saturday to put a three-point buffer between the two.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIpswich and Fulham are also interested. The fee will be in the £10million range.Sheaf, 26, has already faced Premier League opposition this season having helped the Sky Blues to the FA Cup semi-final.During the run they beat Wolves at Molineux Stadium before losing at Wembley to Manchester United.Sheaf impressed during the game but came up short in the shootout as he missed the crucial spot-kick that allowed Rasmus Hojlund to send the Red Devils through.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSCoventry’s left-back Jay Dasilva is being watched by German side Freiburg.Dasilva, 26, came through the ranks at Chelsea but never made a Premier League appearance for the club.Arne Slot to make 3 key changes at LiverpoolThe defender had loan spells at Charlton and Bristol City before leaving permanently in 2019.He joined the Robins in 2019 and went on to become a regular at the club.After four seasons at Aston Gate he was released by the club and joined Coventry on a free transfer.Should Dasilva take the chance to move to Germany, then he could find himself playing European football next season.Should Bayer Leverkusen win the DFB-Pokal final against Kaiserslautern, then Freiburg will get a spot in the Conference League if they stay in seventh.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Everton out to beat Newcastle to German midfielder Merlin Rohl as they prepare to sell Amadou Onana in £50m transfer

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      EVERTON lead the race for German midfielder Merlin Rohl as they look for extra magic.The Toffees have been to see the Freiburg player, 21.Merlin Rohl has impressed for Freiburg in the BundesligaCredit: GettyEverton could cash in on Amadou OnanaCredit: GettyNewcastle and Crystal Palace are also on Rohl’s trail — but Everton seem to be at the front of the queue.Rohl is a key part of the Bundesliga side who have done well at home and in Europe, where their Europa League campaign was ended by West Ham.Goodison chiefs hope to sell Amadou Onana overseas for big money to balance their books, possibly picking up a fee in excess of £50million.Rohl is similar to Onana in size and style and a player on the rise for both club and country.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe came from the lower divisions in Germany and has played for his country at all levels up to the Under-21s.And Rohl would only cost about £12m.There could also be interest in Toffees winger Dwight McNeil after a strong finish to the campaign, so the club are aware of the need for new faces.Meanwhile American baseball guru Kevin Malone is in England, ready to make a rescue move for Everton.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMalone ran the LA Dodgers for many years and is head of a consortium who will step in if problems continue with current bidders 777 Partners.Everton drew 1-1 at Luton Town on Friday night.Arne Slot to make 3 key changes at LiverpoolThe Toffees went ahead from the penalty spot as Dominic Calvert-Lewin made no mistake following a foul on Jarrad Branthwaite at a set piece.Sean Dyche’s side were pegged back on the half hour mark after a brilliant finish by Elijah Adebayo.Who are these famous footballers? More