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    Ex-Newcastle and Brighton ace, 33, wakes up unemployed after being released by League One Charlton after just four games

    A FORMER Newcastle and Brighton star has been made unemployed after being released by Charlton.Kazenga LuaLua only joined the Addicks in March and featured four times for the club.Kazenga LuaLua has been released by CharltonCredit: Focus ImagesThe winger used to play for Newcastle and Brighton and Hove AlbionCredit: GettyConnor Wickham is another high-profile exit from The ValleyCredit: RexThe attacker failed to score or assist a single goal during his stint at the Valley under manager Nathan Jones.This meant that the club has decided against handing him a new contract as he now joins the free agents list.LuaLua, 33, did make seven appearances in the Premier League during his career, all of which came at Newcastle.However, it was in the Championship that he enjoyed the majority of his career.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe made 218 appearances in the division scoring 19 goals and assisting 22.LuaLua started his career at Newcastle but made his name at Brighton and Hove Albion.He had three loan spells on the South Coast before joining permanently in 2011.He left the Seagulls in 2018 and joined Sunderland for a short spell.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe winger then had stints at Luton Town, Turkish outfit Genclerbirligi SK and Greek side Levadiakos before joining Charlton.LuaLua has multiple relatives that are also in football with his brother being another former Newcastle star, Lomana LuaLua.His cousins are former Bournemouth ace Tresor Kandol and ex-Prem winger Yannick Bolasie.He is not the only former Premier League ace to find himself without a club after the announcement.Former Crystal Palace, Sunderland and Leeds striker Connor Wickham has also been released by the League One outfit.Wickham also made four appearances for the club since joining in March but did manage one goal and one assist.Other players that have been shown the door at the Valley include ex-Chelsea defender Michael Hector as well as Richard Chin, Diallang Jaiyesimi, Jack Payne, Terell Thomas and Lawis Ward.Who are these famous footballers? More

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    EFL star makes incredible gesture to fans ahead of what is likely to be his final ever game for relegated side

    A ROTHERHAM star is producing an incredible gesture for his club’s long-suffering fans ahead of their final game in the Championship.However, goalie Viktor Johansson insists it “isn’t a goodbye, it’s a thank you” despite “seven or eight big clubs” chasing his signature.Rotherham’s Viktor Johansson is making a stunning gesture to thank fans after relegationCredit: GettyThe Swedish international, 25, arrived at the New York Stadium in 2020 from Leicester and he helped them to League One promotion and EFL Trophy success in 2022.Johansson helped Rotherham survive in the second tier last term but despite some impressive displays this season he has failed to keep the Millers up in the Championship this time.Now a number of teams are plotting a summer swoop for the ex-Aston Villa trainee due to his relegation release clause making him available for just a bargain £1million.Tomorrow’s home clash with Cardiff City could be his final appearance for the club, and he is determined to show his appreciation to the team’s supporters.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe has announced on social media that he will pay for the first 600 fans through the door at a local boozer to have a pint on him ahead of the match.The Cutlers Arms has become a favourite of his father, Tobias, whenever he comes from Sweden to watch him play and it will open at 9am on Saturday.And each pint will come accompanied with a special message and card from the in-demand stopper.Rotherham boss Steve Evans joked: “I think if Viktor’s putting money behind the bar, I’ll be there myself!Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“Viktor’s been a wonderful goalkeeper for the club. Everyone is aware of the huge interest in him.“I’m getting phone calls from managers who want my opinion on what he’s like behind the scenes. They don’t ask what he’s like between sticks. They see that for themselves.Man Utd’s best XI of academy graduates“Whether he’s with us next season remains to be seen but, at the minute, I’m planning with him. He hasn’t gone anywhere yet.“Viktor is a top-class talent. I’ve sat in the stands and watched him and he’s been wonderful.“More importantly, he’s a really good guy off the pitch. He’s really professional.“He’s also really humble, which is different to how you sometimes find players in the Championship who have aspirations.”Sheffield United, Stoke City and Leeds United have all been linked with an interest in Johansson.This was the message posted online by the Swedish stopperCredit: XAnd Evans seems resigned to losing him.He added: “He’s been massive since I’ve come in but I’ve watched him on many occasions prior as well. He’s top class on the pitch and he’s top class off it too.“But we live in the real world and there are seven or eight big clubs in the Championship all looking at him.READ MORE SUN STORIES“If he goes on that journey, we wish him every success. We love him here.“I’ve been fortunate to have [Emiliano] Martinez in goal before, and Johansson in goal. I’ve had two top goalkeepers and it’ll be hard to replace someone of that quality.” More

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    Under-pressure Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag shock name ‘being discussed’ by Bayern Munich to replace outgoing Tuchel

    ERIK TEN HAG is reportedly a shock candidate to replace Thomas Tuchel at Bayern Munich.The German manager will leave the Bundesliga giants at the end of the season.Erik ten Hag is reportedly getting interest from Bayern MunichCredit: GettyManager Thomas Tuchel is leaving the club at the end of the seasonCredit: GettyTuchel, 50, announced his decision to leave Bayern back in February.Last year he won the Bundesliga title by capitalising on Borussia Dortmund’s final game draw to Mainz.However, this season has seen Bayern surrender the title for the first time in 11 years.The club were also knocked out of the DFB-Pokal by third-tier minnows FC Saarbrucken.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLTuchel’s side has reached the Champions League semi-finals and could reach the final after drawing 2-2 in the first leg against Real Madrid.Despite this Tuchel is still set to leave the club and a host of names have been attracting interest to replace him.Bayern had been linked with the likes of Unai Emery and Ralf Rangnick but have so far been unsuccessful.Outlet BILD has now reported that Ten Hag is being discussed at Bayern.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Dutchman is under huge pressure at Manchester United after a disappointing season.The Red Devils dropped out of the Champions League at the group stage and look set to miss out on the top four.Who could be Man Utd’s next manager after Ten Hag?If United decide to pull the trigger on Ten Hag then he could find a new job at the Allianz Arena.The report also adds that Tuchel is interested in replacing Ten Hag at Old Trafford.It is also suggested that he does not want to speak to the club until after Bayern’s Champions League semi-final second leg against Madrid.The match is scheduled for May 8 which could suggest that talks could open up before the season is over.There has already been a host of names linked with the managerial role at United.England boss Gareth Southgate and former Chelsea manager Graham Potter are reportedly of interest.Willy Kambwala wants to become rock at the back for Man Utd… but Erik ten Hag probably won’t be around to see itBy Ken Lawrence
    ERIK TEN HAG insists he is still the right man to take Manchester United forward.
    The Dutchman believes he can recapture their former glories, despite escaping for the second time in a row what could have been humiliation by Liverpool at the weekend.
    And teen Willy Kambwala revealed his “passion” is to become a rock at the heart of United’s defence after making just his second start of the season against their bitter rivals.
    United trailed 1-0 at half-time on Sunday but fought back to take a 2-1 lead before Mo Salah’s 84th-minute equaliser from the penalty spot.
    Ten Hag was pleased with the second-half performance, declaring it “another signal and message for the future,” before adding, “the team and squad have high potential.”
    Yet the Old Trafford chief sounds more and more like he has his finger stuck in a leaky dyke and does not think it is going to hold.
    Comeback or not, United still threw away a lead for the third time in eight days following their 4-3 defeat to Chelsea and 1-1 draw with Brentford — both deep into injury time.
    And his body language suggests he expects to be crossing it to go back to Holland with his P45 this summer
    Read Ken Lawrence’s comment piece in full.
    Or read more from Ken Lawrence. More

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    Chelsea eye £9m transfer to solve problem position with ex-Arsenal star who last played in Premier League 9 years ago

    CHELSEA are reportedly plotting a shock swoop to bring an ex-Arsenal star back to London.Transfer business between the clubs has grown over recent years with both Jorginho and Kai Havertz heading from the Blues to the Emirates.Ex-Arsenal star Wojciech Szczesny has emerged as a shock taget for ChelseaCredit: AlamyWojciech Szczesny has been on top form this seasonBut this ace last played in the Premier League nine years and has since won several big prizes in Italy.Now Mauricio Pochettino could allegedly move to try and snap him up and solve a problem position.Todd Boehly has splashed out over £1billion on players since he took over at Stamford Bridge.That has seen both goalkeepers Robert Sanchez and Djordje Petrovic arrive at the club.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe Spaniard, 26, started the campaign as first-choice after last summer’s move from Brighton.However, an injury allowed Serbian Petrovic, who joined in August from New England Revolution, the chance to shine and he’s kept the No.1 spot since.But Tutto Juve is suggesting that Poch is still not happy with his goalie options.And they state that Chelsea could be set to make another signing in that department by targeting Juventus’ Wojciech Szczesny.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe 34-year-old is believed to be available for around £8.5m and Monza’s Michele Di Gregorio is already looking to replace him.He still has a year remaining on his deal, which is widely-reported to be worth around £125,000-a-week.Pochettino speaks out after Chelsea’s brilliant 2-0 win over Spurs.mp4But the Italian club wants to reduce their wage bill and the Polish international is one of those they are said to be prepared to listen to offers for.Szczesny has made 32 appearances in Serie A so far this season and kept 15 clean sheets as they sit third in the top-flight.He already has experience of England having spent 11 years at Arsenal from 2006 when he joined their academy from Legia Warsaw.The ace made his debut under Arsene Wenger in 2009 and played 181 times for the Gunners after gaining experience on loan at Brentford.Dave Kidd: Why I’ve voted for Cole Palmer to be Footballer of the Year despite Chelsea woesBy Dave Kidd
    THE voting for the Footballer of the Year award closes on Tuesday and, unlike many, I’ve gone for Cole Palmer.
    Most Football Writers’ Association members vote by starting with the likely Prem champs and work backwards. So the winner will be Phil Foden, Rodri, Declan Rice or Martin Odegaard.
    There is dissent if a player from a less successful team wins, like David Ginola from mid-table Spurs in Manchester United’s ’99 Treble- winning year.
    But enjoying a superb individual season in a poor team is a greater achievement.
    And for Palmer — just 21 and in his first season as a regular starter — to have chalked up 23 goals and 13 assists in such a basket-case team as Chelsea, makes him this season’s outstanding player.
    Read Dave Kidd’s full column here
    Or click here to check out all of Dave Kidd’s articles.

    He remains a popular figure with supporters after helping them to two FA Cup successes.However, he grew tired of waiting to be No.1 and, after a two-year loan at Roma, he left permanently for Juventus in 2017.READ MORE SUN STORIESSince then he has won Serie A three times and also has two Coppa Italia medals in his collection.Szczesny has played 249 times in total for the Old Lady.Wojciech Szczesny – The CVAll you need to know about the 34-year-old goalie:
    Clubs:
    Arsenal, Brentford (loan), Roma, Juventus
    International:
    Poland (81 caps)
    Club honours:
    Arsenal
    FA Cup (2014, 2015)
    Community Shield (2014)
    Juventus
    Serie A (2018, 2019, 2020)
    Coppa Italia (2018, 2021)
    Italian Super Cup (2018, 2020)

    The Pole spent seven years at Arsenal under Arsene WengerCredit: PA:Press Association More

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    Football Manager-mad Will Still LEAVES Reims after revealing dream to boss Premier League club

    THE FOOTBALL Manager-mad Will Still has left Reims after recently announcing his dream to manage in the Premier League.The 31-year-old took charge of the French club, where he was previously assistant to Oscar Garcia, in October 2022 with the side languishing in the midst of a Ligue 1 relegation fight.Will Still has left French club Reims after revealing his dream to manage in the PremCredit: GettyHowever, he led them to a 19-game unbeaten run and an 11th-placed finish.Reims are in the exact same position this term with three matches remaining but they have now announced that the Englishman has left with immediate effect.After a meeting with president Jean-Pierre Caillot and general manager Mathieu Lacour on Thursday, his brother and assistant Nicolas, have also left by mutual consent.Still said: “I thank Stade de Reims, President Caillot and Mathieu Lacour for giving me this unique opportunity and for supporting me throughout my journey here.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I will be eternally grateful to Stade de Reims as well as everyone involved directly or indirectly with the club. “I would like to thank in particular all the players with whom I was able to work, all the technical, performance, analytical, medical staff as well as the stewards, but also and above all all the supporters of this wonderful club. “Our 19-match unbeaten streak last season as well as the spectacular matches at Delaune will remain unique moments for me.”Still was born in Belgium to English parents and began his managerial career aged 24, admitting that his love of coaching was born through playing the much-loved Football Manager game.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSStill began his coaching journey at Preston’s Myerscough College where he got the chance to coach North End’s U14 side.He then got in touch with all his contacts in Belgium football asking if there were any opportunities.I’m A Football Manager .. Get Me Out Of HereFormer club Sint-Truiden came up trumps – offering him work as an opposition analyst.He even turned to Football Manager again for tactical guidance – using the game’s database to scout players.Still took various jobs from 2017 – including roles at Standard Liege and second division Lierse.At 24, Liege promoted him to be their head coach – however, when the club went into financial difficulty he was forced to leave.A short stint at Beerschot was followed by talk of him teaming up with Vincent Kompany at Anderlecht.Instead, he moved to France – working with Oscar Garcia as his assistant on a short-term deal.Reims called him back that summer to be assistant, before he took over the reigns from Garcia, who was sacked just two months into the season.Who are these famous footballers?
    Earlier this season he was spotted watching his beloved West Ham in action at the London Stadium – leading to fans calling him a “dream” replacement for David Moyes.Speaking to The Athletic in February, Still said: “Obviously, the Premier League is the ultimate dream for any manager in the world.“I’m not in a rush, either. It’s not that, if I come to England, I have to go to the Premier League, or I have to go to this or that club. “If something fits then it fits, and I’d be just as happy doing that.“I’ve never really had a career plan. I’ve never set a timing on anything. “I’ve just waited for opportunities to come up; see how it feels, see what it’s like.”He added: “I would work for a Championship team without a problem. “What I’ve now understood, I’ve now realised, is how important people are. “And how important finding the right place to be is going to be for my career. READ MORE SUN STORIES”And people who understand the way I work, because I’m a bit different. I’m a bit odd sometimes.“But if there’s a Championship club that’s ambitious, that wants to work in the right way and be open and honest about things, and really try and push to get somewhere, then I would love to do that.” More

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    Real Madrid legend’s son handed ‘maximum’ deal by Spanish giants after shattering goal records for academy

    THE SON of the most-decorated player in Real Madrid’s history has been handed the “maximum” contract allowed by the club.The 14-year-old Enzo Alves is the hottest property in the club’s academy.Real Madrid legend Marcelo’s son Enzo has penned a new Real Madrid contractCredit: Instagram @enzoalvesvThe Brazilian’s son has already represented Spain at international levelCredit: Instagram @enzoalvesvThe hotshot was already tied down to the LaLiga giants until the summer of 2026.However, his exploits have now persuaded them to extend that deal until 2027 – which is the longest limit allowed for under-age players.Enzo is the son of legendary Real Madrid left-back Marcelo.The 35-year-old arrived at the Bernabeu from Fluminense in 2007 and went on to win 25 trophies during his 15 years at the club.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe Brazilian international departed the Spanish capital in 2022 after lifting the Champions League for a fifth time.He joined Greek side  Olympiacos but left after just five months and returned to his homeland and boyhood team Fluminense.Marcelo helped them to win the Campeonato Carioca before then playing a key role in their Copa Libertadores success.But while he has been back adding more accolades to his CV in Brazil, his boy has been doing his best to continue the family legacy in Madrid.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAlves is top scorer for Real’s Cadet B team this term on 17 as they battle it out with neighbours Atletico Madrid, who are tied on 71 points with them, for the title.The forward was born in Spain in September 2009 as Marcelo was just beginning his third campaign at Madrid.Real Madrid star Marcelo’s wild celebrations after his son Enzo scores and nails Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘siu’Alves, who has been spotted performing his dad’s old team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo’s trademark SIU celebration, has also shone on the international stage.Even though his father has been capped 58 times for Brazil, his son has opted to pledge his allegiance to Spain so far at youth level. He is now a regular for the Spanish U15 team and recently scored in a 3-1 victory over Scotland in the Pinatar Super Cup.Can you name the famous fathers?
    Now he is celebrating his new contract extension and was joined by his father, mum Clarice Alves and his brother Liam after putting pen to paper.The teenage ace shared several snaps of the family together at the Ciudad, Real Madrid’s training complex, after committing his future to the club.And he captioned it with: “Happy to be able to continue in the best club in the world. Hala Madrid.”Marcelo is the most-decorated player in Real Madrid’s historyCredit: Rex Features More

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    Champions League giants battling host of EFL clubs for Aston Villa wonderkid after ‘brilliant’ League One loan transfer

    ASTON VILLA are facing a fight to keep young keeper Viljami Sinisalo with Celtic interested in signing the Finnish international.The Glasgow giants need a new keeper for next season as former England no1 Joe Hart has retired from the game.Celtic are interested in VIlajami SinisaloCredit: GettyCeltic boss Brendan Rodgers is looking at a number of targets and has been impressed by £3million-rated Sinisalo who spent last year on loan at Exeter.A number of Championship clubs are also looking at the 22-year-old who has one year left on his current deal at Villa Park, having joined the club five years ago.Sinisalo spent the entire season on loan at Exeter in League One and played 50 games.He helped them reach the last 16 of the Carabao Cup, knocking out Luton on the way.Read More on FootballHe said: “It’s been the best year of my footballing life. It’s been brilliant.”Celtic, meanwhile, have also looked at Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher but he is likely to land a move to a Premier League club.Reports claim Kelleher wants to leave Liverpool this summer in a bid to take his career to the next level.The 25-year-old has been deputy to Alisson since breaking into the first team in 2019.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSReds boss Jurgen Klopp blocked him joining Wolves last summer even though the goalkeeper wanted to make the switch.But with the manager leaving Anfield this at the end of the season, a move could be made possible.Most dramatic Premier League’s final daysLiverpool currently sit third in the Premier League table, five points adrift of leaders Arsenal.Meanwhile, Aston Villa are fourth with 67 points. More

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    Forgotten England wonderkid who won World Cup with Foden wakes up unemployed after release from League Two strugglers

    A FORMER Chelsea starlet that was tipped for the top after World Cup glory has found himself unemployed today.George McEachran played alongside Phil Foden and Jadon Sancho for England at youth level.George McEachran (left) pictured in action for Swindon TownCredit: AlamyThe star helped England to win the U17 World Cup back in 2017Credit: GettyMcEachran was a team-mate of Phil Foden (No.7) for the Young LionsCredit: GettyHe has now woken up unemployed after being released by the League Two clubCredit: RexAnd that star-studded squad beat Spain 5-2 back in 2017 to be crowned U17 world champions under future Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper’s tutelage.McEachran, whose older brother Josh also came through the ranks at Chelsea before dropping into the lower leagues and is now at Oxford United, even achieved success with the Blues first-team.The midfielder was on the bench for the West London club’s 2019 Europa League victory over Arsenal as he collected another medal to add to his collection.He seemed destined for the very top as he headed to the Netherlands the following season Cambuur in the second tier for some regular senior football.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLDespite only featuring twice in the league, he went Dutch again in the next campaign when joining MVV.Both of those spells away failed to propel him into the Blues squad.That led to him eventually being released by the Premier League giants after his contract expired in 2022 without making an appearance for the club he had been at since the age of nine.Fortunately for him Jody Morris and Ed Brand, who both coached him in the Stamford Bridge academy, were at Swindon Town.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd after months of being without a club, Robins boss Morris offered him the opportunity to revive his career in League Two in February 2023.Morris said at the time: “He’ll bring quality. Just in the experience I had with him a few years ago, he’s played at a really good level, he’s won a World Cup for his country and represented England at different age groups.Former Premier League wonderkid who snubbed TEN-YEAR Barcelona contract wakes up unemployed at 32“After his first training session, there were quite a few comments about what the players had just seen from him.“He’s hungry at the moment. His career has stalled for whatever reason and he hasn’t quite hit the heights that he would be hoping for, but I quite liked how he was at the moment.“He just wanted to get down to work and come and train – he messaged Ed (Brand) first and was asking about coming in. “But with the restrictions around bringing someone in at this level, I think the club deserve a big pat on the back for getting someone in of the quality of George.“Albeit, he has a lot to prove and he knows that – but he has a real opportunity here to show what he’s capable of.”He made 16 appearances and impressed enough to earn a 12-month extension last summer but Morris was axed shortly afterwards.McEachran remained a regular under new manager Michael Flynn, who was sacked in January, and current caretaker boss Gavin Gunning.He played 39 matches in all competitions but was unable to stop Swindon from finishing a disappointing 19th in League Two.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd now they have announced that he is one of 11 players, including ex-Premier League men Charlie Austin and Rushian Hepburn-Murphy, that are being released once their deals expire next month.A statement from Swindon read: “We would like to thank all the first-team players who will be leaving us upon the conclusion of the 2023/24 season, and we wish them all the very best in their future careers too.”Josh McEachran came through the ranks at Chelsea but failed to fulfil his potentialCredit: Getty More