Crystal Palace

MANCHESTER UNITED are one of multiple Premier League clubs interested in Jobe Bellingham, younger brother of Real Madrid star Jude.

Bellingham, 20, followed in his brother’s footsteps when he left newly-promoted Sunderland to join German giants Borussia Dortmund in the summer.

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But now, according to reports from German outlet Bild, the midfielder’s next move could bring him back to the UK.

The highly-rated prospect has struggled to find minutes under manager Niko Kovac after starting in the opening two games of the season.

He has played just 74 minutes in the four league games since those games, and could grow frustrated at the lack of opportunities at the club, having been the main man at Sunderland last season.

These frustrations didn’t take long to boil over, with Jobe’s father Mark Bellingham reportedly storming to the dressing room to confront club officials after the youngster was substituted at half-time in their season opener against St Pauli.

The fallout from the scene saw the families of all players banned from the dressing room at Signal Iduna Park.

And it was not the only distraction affecting the youngster off the field, following news emerging on Monday that Mark and Jobe’s mother Denise Bellingham have appeared to separate after more than twenty years together.

United would pose an interesting option for the Stourbridge native to rekindle his meteoric rise, with their midfield struggles being one of their biggest issues under Ruben Amorim this season.

There is a sense that despite having much left to prove on the biggest stages, Bellingham could make an instant impact at Old Trafford.

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However, if game time is the deal-breaker in Dortmund, then tales such as that of the consistently snubbed teenager Kobbie Mainoo could be a warning sign to steer clear.

Bellingham joined the Germans in summer for a fee of £27million, and it is hard to picture the Red Devils getting him for anything less than that.

Another club interested in the England youth international’s services is reportedly Crystal Palace, who were also interested in him while he was with the Black Cats.

Palace have been excellent this season, sitting four places above United in sixth, despite having European football to contend with.

He could partner Eagles starlet Adam Wharton, or potentially open the door for an exit for the 21-year-old, who United are also interested in.

EX-FOOTIE star and manager Iain Dowie faces being made bankrupt after being taken to court by the taxman.

Cult hero Dowie, 60 – who coined the term “bouncebackability” – has been hit with the bankruptcy petition by HMRC with a hearing due at the High Court.

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It comes almost two decades after ex-Luton, Southampton and West Ham striker Dowie was clobbered with a huge legal bill after leaving Crystal Palace as manager.

A court ruled in 2007 that Dowie deceived Palace into waiving a £1 million compensation clause when he quit.

And a source said: “It looks like Iain’s financial problems might date back to that legal action – there doesn’t seem to be any other reason for it.

“It is a shame for him as he’s such a likeable bloke, but he hasn’t cashed in with punditry as much as some other ex-players and he probably could have done.

“But Iain is a bright bloke and I am sure he will bounce back.”

After leaving Palace, Dowie joined Charlton – but left the Addicks after just 15 games.

His contract contained a clause that Palace would receive £1 million in compensation if Dowie left to join another club.

The 59-cap Northern Ireland international worked as a sales manager and a Sky Sports pundit since his football career ended.

In 2023, Dowie told how he had landed a new position – as a mortgage advisor at a law firm.

He joined Alexander Grace Law, based near Burnley, as a business director leading its re-mortgaging team.

Dad of two Dowie, whose wife Debbie was also working for the company, said: “While people may wonder how I’ve gone from the football pitch to the office I have been working within the conveyancing arena for some four years now and when I was asked if I would come on board with them it was a no-brainer.”

Last year Dowie – who scored 105 goals in 388 league games – said he was lucky to be alive after suffering cardiac arrest during a spin class at a gym in Chorley, Lancs.

After he was treated by other gym-goers and paramedics, Dowie backed calls for more people to learn CPR and said he survived due to the “brilliance of everyone involved”.

Dowie famously used the word “boucebackability” to describe a Crystal Palace comeback and it entered the Oxford dictionary in 2005.

A spokesperson for the star did not respond to a request for comment.

EDDIE NKETIAH sealed a comfortable win as Crystal Palace set a new club-record 19-game unbeaten run.

The former Arsenal striker came on for Jean-Philippe Mateta at the break to fire home from Yeremy Pino’s brilliant 58th-minute cross.

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Daniel Munoz had headed the Eagles into a 31st-minute lead against the Ukrainians in Poland.

That broke their existing 56-year record.

But they ended the game with 10 men when Borna Sosa was sent off for a second yellow with 14 minutes left.

Jean-Philippe Mateta was given a boost before kick-off by being named in the France national team for the first time for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers with Azerbaijan and Iceland.

Les Bleus boss Didier Deschamps said: “He’s not exactly young, even if he went through almost all the youth national teams. 

“Wherever he plays, he has the ability to score goals. He has an interesting profile.”

And Mateta almost got Palace off to a flying start.

Adam Whartons pushed a ball toward Daniel Muniz down the right and his low first-time cross found the striker lurking at the near post.

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But Taras Mykhavko was quick to get a block in with Mateta set to pounce.

And the Dynamo defender just managed to get a ball forward to Mateta to clear the danger.

Palace moved in front with a peach of a goal.

Yeremy Pino appeared to have overhit a free-kick from the right yet Munoz somehow managed to get up to it and steer a brilliant header into the top right corner.

And Palace were denied a second when Borna Sosa slid in to attack a brilliant Wharton’s 20-yard diagonal pass.

But keeper Ruslan Neshcheret managed to get his body in the way to block the attempt.

Mateta broke through just before the break with only keeper Ruslan Neshcheret to beat but he blazed over.

Nketiah had the ball in the net after coming on at the break when he got on to a Wharton pass but was fractionally offside.

But moments after he did get his goal — converting with a lovely finish from Pino’s cross.

Palace were having fun. Wharton again released Nketiah but Neshcheret managed to deflect it behind.

Sosa, who had been booked three minutes earlier for hacking down Shola Ogundanam, received his marching orders for barging over Tymchyk.

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OLIVER GLASNER, Fabian Hurzeler and Andoni Iraola are among the coaches under consideration to replace Ruben Amorim if he is sacked by Manchester United.

Amorim suffered his 17th Premier League defeat out of 33 games in charge of United against Brentford on Saturday, who have lost three of their six league matches this term.

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Although Amorim retains the club’s backing, United are keeping an eye on potential replacements amid their alarming form.

Club sources insist they do not have a successor to Amorim lined up but accept the speculation around the manager’s role.

Erik ten Hag was dismissed after four defeats from the first nine league fixtures last term, though the United hierarchy is more invested in Amorim, the first managerial appointment under co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

United initially placed an emphasis on Premier League-proven signings in the summer with Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo and could apply that to their next managerial search.

That has had an impact on former England manager Gareth Southgate’s chances – he has not managed in the Premier League since Middlesbrough were relegated in 2009.

Southgate has suggested he may not return to management while his friend and ally, United director Sir Dave Brailsford, is no longer visible at the club after his disastrous attempt to improve performance at Old Trafford.

Glasner guided Crystal Palace to their first piece of silverware in the FA Cup last season and the Eagles are the only unbeaten side in the top flight, having ended Liverpool’s winning run with a 2-1 triumph on Saturday.

Iraola took charge of Bournemouth two years ago and led them to ninth last season.

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Despite the high-profile departures of Dean Huijsen, Ilya Zabarnyi and Milos Kerkez, the Cherries are currently third.

Hurzeler replaced Roberto De Zerbi at Brighton at the start of last season and presided over an eighth-place finish.

The Seagulls beat Chelsea 3-1 on Saturday to rise to tenth.

Glasner, 51, uses the same 3-4-2-1 system that Amorim is wedded to, which could be a deterrent.

The Austrian has European pedigree from his time at Eintracht Frankfurt, whom he led to Europa League glory in 2022.

Palace have so far failed to tie down Glasner on a new contract as his current one expires at the end of the season.

Iraola’s deal also runs out in the summer of 2026, while Hurzeler is tied to Brighton until 2027.

Meanwhile, reports suggest Xavi would be extremely keen on the Old Trafford gig.

However, there is not believed to have been any interest from the Red Devils as yet.

Amorim insists he’s right man

Amorim signed a two-and-a-half year contract with United when he was appointed as Ten Hag’s replacement last November but the club finished 15th last season, their worst top-flight finish since the team was relegated in 1974.

United have invested £256.82million in six signings on Amorim’s watch but the team have plunged to 14th following Saturday’s loss.

Sunderland travel to Old Trafford next week before the October internationals and United resume their schedule against Liverpool at Anfield on October 19.

United are winless in their last ten at Anfield and have not won there since January 2016.

Asked if he can turn it around at United, Amorim replied: “I’m always confident as I know what to do.

“When you lose, you go back to the same place and you fight again for one win that can help you to create the momentum.”

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CLUB football is back for the Premier League this weekend after the international break.

After the last round of fixtures, a chaotic transfer deadline day followed as clubs splashed out £375million on new talent to take the overall spending for the window to over £3BILLION.

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And with that wave of new arrivals, including emergency loans, the conclusions of blockbuster sagas and shrewd deals, there will be several new faces for fans to watch.

SunSport has taken a look at stars who could make their debuts this weekend, including two club-record signings.

Kicking off the team in goal is new Manchester City star Gianluigi Donnarumma, who arrived on deadline day from Paris Saint-Germain for £26million.

New £18m Manchester United star Senne Lammens could have been selected just as easily, but they can let their goalkeeping do the talking during the Manchester Derby on Sunday.

Arsenal’s Piero Hincapie – signed on loan from Bayer Leverkusen with a £45m option to buy – put in a great display for Ecuador against Argentina and will partner £13m Bournemouth signing Veljko Milosavljevic and West Ham loanee Igor Julio in defence.

There are three more loanees to consider going forward: Tottenham’s Randal Kolo Muani, Nottingham Forest‘s Oleksandr Zinchenko and Aston Villa‘s Jadon Sancho, who all arrived in the twilight hours of the summer window.

Harvey Elliott followed Sancho to the struggling Villans from Liverpool on an initial loan with a £35m obligation to buy next summer.

The front three is where the majority of the star power and cost come into play.

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Alejandro Garnacho, a £40m sale from Man Utd to Chelsea, was not a deadline day switch but was only announced after the Blues’ most recent game at Stamford Bridge – meaning he will be in line for his debut this weekend.

Newcastle star Nick Woltemade is the club’s record signing at £69m.

The 23-year-old German looked impressive during the Under-21 Euros this summer, while he scored 17 for Stuttgart last season.

But he – alongside fellow new Toon ace Yoane Wissa – will have big boots to fill following Alexander Isak‘s record-breaking £130m departure to Liverpool.

Isak’s saga dragged on all summer and was on and off and then on and off again, before possibly the move of the summer was finally put to bed on deadline day.

Elsewhere, there are the likes of Kevin, Fulham‘s own £35m record-breaking arrival from Shakhtar Donetsk, Jaydee Canvot at Crystal Palace and Brian Brobbey at Sunderland who could also make first appearances for their new clubs at the weekend.

OLIVER GLASNER has won his battle with Steve Parish over captain Marc Guehi.

The most successful manager in Crystal Palace history slammed his foot down and demanded that he did not lose his skipper this late in the window.

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Glasner made it abundantly clear in public that he wanted Guehi to stay following the win over Aston Villa.

Within the club some feared he could even walk if the defender was sold.

Off the back of the FA Cup win in May and the victory over Liverpool in the Community Shield, this is the prime time for Glasner to throw his weight around.

Not that Palace did not try to land a fee for Guehi, who could now leave for nothing in a year’s time.

From January he will be able to reach a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs, with Real Madrid and Barcelona interested.

Liverpool agreed a £35million deal with the Eagles for the England man and the 25-year-old even completed his medical in London.

The Premier League champions had submitted a deal sheet to give them more time to get the move over the line, but within the hour the deal was dead.

Palace had attempted to sign replacements, including Brighton’s Igor Julio. The defender’s deal was progressing before West Ham swooped and signed the Brazilian.

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The two clubs were in talks at the beginning of August and even then remained apart over the fee.

Guehi spoke to media after scoring against Aston Villa in a 3-0 win on Sunday.

Asked how he has dealt with the speculation, he said: “I can’t say I like the limelight too much.

“A lot of cameras in my face all the time and constantly talking about me. I’m glad I’ve got a good club, good teammates around me.

“When you focus on what’s important, the football, it makes it a lot easier. Glad my family could be there to help me, and the staff, and everyone at Palace, so, yeah it’s good.”

It is a positive end to the summer for Glasner, but there are now huge questions over his relationship with chairman Parish.

Parish has often spoken of how the fiery Austrian has driven the club to new levels, but the former Eintracht Frankfurt boss has not hidden his feelings all summer.

After a slow transfer window a year ago was followed by a desperate start to the season, there were promises things would be different this time around.

But it has taken the Eagles until the final week to act on big signings, once Eberechi Eze had moved to Arsenal.

Glasner hit out at their “passive” summer and suggested he would not entertain talks over a new deal if the window was not to his liking.

Like Guehi, he is out of contract at the end of the season.

Palace did complete a deadline day deal for teenage defender Jaydee Canvot, while Odsonne Edouard joined Lens in a permanent deal.

They also submitted a deal sheet to sign Manor Solomon on loan from Tottenham.

Bilal El Khannouss, a Palace target this summer, joined Stuttgart on loan from Leicester City.

MARC Guehi struck a blow for the good guys as he left Eagles’ boss Oliver Glasner with something to remember him by.

The Palace captain may be moving to pastures new inside the next 24 hours if his proposed move to Liverpool gets the green light.

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But his farewell present was a curling shot that underlined the star quality the Reds are paying for as Unai Emery’s chaotic summer imploded at Villa Park.

Guehi struck Palace’s second goal, building on Jean-Philippe Mateta’s first-half penalty on a night to forget for Villa’s boss.

And Ismaila Sarr rubbed salt into very open wounds by adding a third 12 minutes from time, nodding home after the hosts’ defence had followed the example of keeper Emi Martinez – and gone AWOL.

The Argentinian was left out because his mind was “elsewhere”.

The two-time winner of the world’s best keeper award was nowhere to be seen – apparently his mind was unable to cope with the prospect of a potential move away from Villa Park with Manchester United mulling over an offer.

He was declared unfit to play. And that went too for Emery’s side who spent a large chunk of this going around in circles.

Not so Guehi who may have a money-spinning switch to the champs in the offing.

His name was sung loud and proud by the visiting supporters who were appreciative of his professionalism.

And he had the benefit of celebrating in front of them as Villa’s proud unbeaten record was shattered.

Before tonight, Emery’s side were unbeaten on their own patch in the Premier League over the past 12 months.

But Palace are Villa’s bogey side – and they had a field day.

Glasner’s men have held the upper hand against Villa recently, winning four and drawing one of their last five encounters, including in the FA Cup semi-final four months ago.

As if to hammer home the point, the visiting contingent reminded the hosts of that 3-0 defeat, taunting them with “Did you cry at Wembley?” within seconds of the game getting underway.

By that stage, Villa’s stadium announcer had put a red line through his usual pre-match script which involved introducing the “world’s best” keeper Martinez to the home crowd.

Emery also mumbled his way through a pre-match television interview in which, when quizzed about the Argentinian’s absence, merely repeated the name of the Argentinian’s replacement, saying: “Marco Bizot, Marco Bizot.”

It was a bizarre reply to a fair question. Villa’s boss confirmed last Friday that he “didn’t expect” any of his main stars to leave the club.

It was almost as if any late interest had completely thrown the Spaniard – knocked him out of his stride. Palace then did the same to his team out on the green stuff.

Despite the excitement of a trip to Norway to face Fredrikstad in the Conference League on Thursday evening, Palace came with a game plan that stifled Villa at every turn.

The Eagles looked polished and took a 21st-minute lead when Mateta pulled away from Villa’s two centre-backs to receive a ball from Tyrick Mitchell on the left flank.

The Frenchman spotted Daichi Kamada making a run and threaded a pass into him.

The Japan international pushed the ball past Bizot whose outstretched leg clipped him. Stuart Attwell pointed to the spot.

The Dutch keeper couldn’t stop himself moving as Mateta dithered during his run-up and the Frenchman rolled the ball into the net.

Emery chose to blood Evann Guessand, a £26million signing from Nice, from the start. He showed some nice touches but it was the evergreen Ollie Watkins who posed the greatest threat.

The England international made something out of nothing when John McGinn simply booted the ball down the middle of the pitch, Dean Henderson standing up well to the striker’s shot.

Emery chose to shake it up at the interval. By that stage, Villa were yet to find the net and it was to another Argentinian – a forgotten one – that he turned.

Emi Buendia sparked a response – but it was all huff, puff and no end product.

Guehi then showed them how to do it as Villa failed to clear a Mitchell cross.

Palace moved forward on the left and Guehi took aim with a stunning effort that left Bizot grasping at thin air.

Sarr then sealed the points with a close-range header following a long throw allowing the visiting skipper to leave on a high.

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CRYSTAL Palace welcome Nottingham Forest to Selhurst Park for a huge Premier League clash TODAY.

The match comes after Palace‘s bitter European battle with Forest, which saw the Eagles demoted to the Conference League and the Tricky Trees promoted to the Europa League at their expense.

More drama came off the field this week as Nuno Espirito Santo said his relationship with Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis is “not the same” – fueling speculation over a potential departure.

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EBERECHI EZE’S transfer from Crystal Palace is NOT expected to happen before the Eagles’ Conference League tie on Thursday.

Tottenham are pushing to land the England attacker and there were doubts over whether he would play in yesterday’s goalless draw at Chelsea.

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But boss Oliver Glasner never doubted Eze, who had a stunning free-kick ruled out at Stamford Bridge, would be available despite uncertainty over his future.

Glasner said: “He was picked because he’s a Crystal Palace player, and he’s a very good

“He trained the whole week, so there was no reason not to pick him.

“He will come to the Crystal Palace training ground today, Tuesday off, we take Wednesday and I expect him to be back playing for us against Fredrikstad.”

Eze, 27, wants to join Spurs, who over the weekend are understood to have made an opening offer in the region of £60m.

His potential departure will also depend on whether or not Palace can land a replacement before the window closes.

They are chasing Leicester’s Bilal El Khannouss and Club Brugge midfielder Christos Tzolis.

Glasner added: “The players are giving the answer week by week, it was the same last week against the Community Shield, winning against Liverpool on penalties.

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“Then starting here against the Club World Cup champions.

“It just shows that this group is such a great group of characters.

“We have no influence on all the noise and all the rumours around us, but we know what we want to do, we know how we want to play, and this is what we want to show every single game.

“The players did great.

“They didn’t just show they are great footballers, but they are great people and that’s what I expected.”

Eze previously had a £60m release clause, including a further £8m in add-ons, but Glasner confirmed that has now expired and said his star man’s future was in the hands of club bosses.

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Glasner added: “I’m quite calm.

“I also know, we have two weeks to go and I know Ebs’ clause is gone.

“So it’s the club’s decision, and we will see what happens.”

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Ticket struggles

Chelsea fans are furious at the club’s new ticketing system, after the club warned fans to arrive early to their Premier League opening game.

Loyal supporters have been left queuing well outside the stadium, with fans’ tickets NOT working as they try to enter the stadium. 

The new system has already been blasted an ‘Absolute shambles’ as Blues’ fans wait outside the Bridge in the hopes of getting a glimpse of a ‘Special unveiling’ at 1pm.

One supporter who paid as much as £230 for a ticket has been told his ticket is invalid, and remains outside the ground as the club look to resolve the issue.

Chelsea incentivised fans to arrive early for the game, seemingly in anticipation that the new system at Stamford Bridge might have some teething problems.

The club offered 50% off of drinks to anyone who arrived between 12pm-1pm, with the turnstiles open since 12:30pm.

Fans outside the ground told SunSport that the app would not load as they got to the gates to show their tickets, and those who’s app would load would then face their tickets disappearing before entry.

While on X, one posted: “My match tickets have disappeared from the Chelsea app despite activating them this morning. Is anybody having this issue or know a solution?”

And another said: “All the fans struggling to get in for the game. Do better @ChelseaFC.”

CRYSTAL PALACE fans have been struck by another bout of tough luck as the Premier League has rescheduled their upcoming match with Aston Villa

The match, scheduled to be held at Villa Park on Friday August 29th, has been moved to a 7pm Sunday kick-off.

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The move adds insult to injury following the confirmation of their demotion to the Europa Conference League for the upcoming season.

The rescheduling has been made to accommodate the second leg of the Eagles’ opening fixture of that competition.

They will face either Fredrikstad or Midtjylland on August 28th.

The decision has piled the misery on to fans who are only just coming to terms with the brutal rejection of their CAS appeal on Monday.

Some fans have taken to social media to voice their dissatisfaction with the impractical timing of the fixture.

One fan said: “7pm on a Sunday is outrageous.”

Another sarcastically pointed out the difficulties the fixture can bring travelling fans.

They said: “Oh brilliant. That will be fun with an early shift the next day.”

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The game’s 9pm finish will cause havoc for fans making the over-200-mile round trip from Selhurst Park to Villa Park.

The topsy-turvy week just keeps getting more conflicting for fans following their surprise victory over Liverpool to secure the Community Shield on Sunday.

Ecstasy made way for disappointment as news emerged of their defeat at CAS the following day.

Now news has emerged that Spurs have joined Arsenal in their pursuit of Palace talisman Eberechi Eze.

And now Liverpool have reportedly agreed terms with Palace captain Marc Guehi over a move to Anfield.

Should one or both of those deals go through, the club will be in dire shape ahead of their season opener at Chelsea this weekend.

THERE are just four days to go until the new Premier League season kicks off.

Champions Liverpool wasted no time in dropping nearly £300million to bolster Arne Slot’s squad ahead of their title defence.

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But as managers across the division make their final preparations ahead of this weekend, chairmen will be trying to get some more players in through the doors in time for the curtain-raisers.

SunSport rounds up ten mega-money transfers that could get done THIS WEEK…

ALEXANDER ISAK

The Newcastle striker’s future has been one of sagas of the summer – will he stay or will he go?

Liverpool had a £110m offer rejected as the Toon want £150m but how helpful could a sulking, unhappy Isak be for Eddie Howe?

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SAVINHO

The Brazilian winger only joined Manchester City a year ago – seen as very much the replacement for Riyad Mahrez.

But Tottenham have entered talks over the wide man – although City would not entertain offers under £50m.

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MARC GUEHI

The Crystal Palace captain led his side to a second Wembley trophy in three months on Sunday – but could line up for opponents Liverpool this season.

Steve Parish admitted the Eagles will sell if the right bid comes in as Guehi enters the final year of his deal. Newcastle have also been interested.

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YOANE WISSA

The mass exodus at Brentford this summer may not be over just yet if Wissa follows Thomas Frank, Bryan Mbeumo, Christian Norgaard and Mark Flekken out of the Gtech.

Newcastle reportedly had a £25m bid turned down but look set to go back in for the DR Congo international, with Liverpool monitoring the situation.

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KEVIN

Another Brazilian winger, this time it is Kevin who could be on the move – and heading to the Premier League.

Fulham submitted an offer of £32m but Shakhtar Donetsk are trying to hold out for £43m.

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CARLOS BELEBA

Manchester United want to bring in another midfielder before the window closes – and would love Baleba in time for the start of the new season.

The Cameroon star is only 21 but Brighton will not let him go on the cheap, so much so that the Red Devils may well need to pay a record-breaking £115m-plus for the holding midfielder.

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XAVI SIMONS

Chelsea are after a young, exciting attacker – again. This time it is Xavi Simons being lined up.

RB Leipzig will want at least £60m but the Blues may try and strike a deal which sees Christopher Nkunku return to his former club – plus Tyrique George.

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ALEJANDRO GARNACHO

Copy and paste from above – but this time it is Alejandro Garnacho who could be on his way to Stamford Bridge with talks underway.

He is part of the ‘bomb squad’ deemed surplus to requirements by United gaffer Ruben Amorim, who will happily see the back of the Argentine wideman who was left out of the USA pre-season tour.

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NICOLAS JACKSON

But with all the incomings at Chelsea – including strikers Joao Pedro and Liam Delap – there may be a major exit, too, with Jackson third-choice No9.

Jackson would prefer a switch to Newcastle, but the Toon will only bid for him should Isak leave – and they are determined not to let that happen.

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EBERECHI EZE

Just like his skipper Guehi, Eze continues to be linked with an exit away from Selhurst Park.

With the Ademola Lookman deal seemingly off the cards, Arsenal may swoop for the Palace talisman in a package worth £55m to £60m – although Tottenham may attempt to hijack the transfer if they can’t get Savinho.

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View of SunSport’s Martin Lipton from Wembley

Penalties, then. But the longer that went on, the more likely Palace were to win it.

Credit to Glasner and his side.

They might have caved in with the way Liverpool started, boosted by that terrific Etitike opener.

But they refused to buckle, trusted in their game plan and got stronger and stronger as the match wore on.

Indeed, Mateta, set up by Richards, had a great chance to clinch it.

The disruption of the Jota “silence” was a black mark for the Palace fans. A huge one.

After that, though, they were relentless in creating a wall of noise, backing their team, slaughtering Uefa and Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis.

It was the palace supporters who created the atmosphere. Then again, Liverpool are used to this place. For Palace, it is still something new.

As is a shoot-out for a trophy.

CHELSEA’S Champions League qualification clash with Nottingham Forest has been picked for TV.

The Premier League has confirmed which fixtures will be broadcast on the last day of the season.

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Chelsea’s visit to Nottingham Forest will decide which team qualifies for next season’s Champions League.

The match will be shown on Sky Sports, with the broadcaster also set to air Liverpool vs Crystal Palace.

Kick-off times for the two fixtures remain the same – Sunday 4:00pm – with all ten matches starting at the same time.

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CRYSTAL PALACE have made history after beating Manchester City in a pulsating FA Cup final.

Eberechi Eze was the Eagles’ hero as Oliver Glasner’s men held on for a dramatic 1-0 win.

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It sealed Palace’s first-ever domestic major trophy in their 119-year history.

Eze lashed the underdogs ahead against the run of play in the first half, finishing beautifully from a Daniel Munoz cross.

Dean Henderson was inspired in the Palace goal, making multiple superb saves – including from Omar Marmoush’s penalty.

But there was a question on whether he should have remained on the field after appearing to handle outside the box.

In the end, Palace secured a deserved win through a superb rearguard action and some highlight performances.

Here’s how SunSport’s Dan King rated Glasner’s history makers at Wembley.

Dean Henderson – 9

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Early saves from Erling Haaland and Josko Gvardiol.

Should not have been on pitch to save Omar Marmoush’s penalty, having somehow escaped a red card for earlier handball.

Made another good stop from Jeremy Doku.

Less busy in second half until two late saves from Echeverri.

Marc Guehi – 8

A captain’s performance as part of Palace’s three-man defence until forced off.

Absolutely crucial header under his own crossbar after a Henderson save.

Took a ball hard in the face and had to leave field.

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Maxence Lacroix – 7

Least impressive of the centre backs but still solid enough as Palace stood firm in the first half.

Important header away from Haaland early in the second and more responsibility after Guehi went off.

Kept Haaland pretty quiet.

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Chris Richards – 9

Calm and composed under City pressure.

Always seemed to be in the right place to tidy up when attacks broke down.

Won some important headers. and made some important interventions.

Excellent partnership with Munoz.

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Tyrick Mitchell – 7

Played his part in withstanding the City siege.

Seemed to have undone all his and Palace’s good work with challenge on Silva that conceded the penalty.

But kept his head well and dealt well with Savinho.

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Daniel Munoz – 9

Kept his cool defending in the box, unlike Mitchell, making important challenge on Nico O’Reilly in second half.

Brilliant cross for Eze goal and another which Sarr almost converted.

Had goal rightly ruled out for offside in build-up.

Tireless display.

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Adam Wharton – 8

Very disciplined performance without the ball, holding his position and choosing moments well to make challenges.

Some decent passes, too, when the time was right.

Easy to see why City and others want him.

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Daichi Kamada – 8

Plenty of energy right from the start, albeit not always with the outcome he would have wanted.

Passing improved as the game went on and made an excellent challenge on Silva early in the second half.

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Ismaila Sarr – 6

Was not always pressing as high as Glasner wanted and not offering much of an outlet when Palace did regain the ball.

Could have made it 2-0 but didn’t quite catch his first-half shot.

Did not really improve after break. 

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Eberechi Eze – 7

Fine volleyed goal was probably his first meaningful contribution.

Was not defending as boss Glasner wanted and unable to impose himself in final third.

Fierce effort that was blocked was only moment of second half.

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Jean-Philippe Mateta – 7

Found Munoz out wide in the build-up to opening goal but otherwise pretty ineffective, resorting to some play-acting in the first half.

Won the odd header as Palace cleared their lines in second half but a frustrating day.

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Substitutes

Jefferson Lerma (for Guehi, 61) – Had filled in at centre back before but never in such circumstances. Did himself and the club proud with a nerveless half hour: 7

Eddie Nketiah (for Mateta, 78) – Needed to offer more than the man he had replaced and just about did, at least by buying fouls: 6

Will Hughes (for Wharton, 87) – The cult hero came on to try to see the game out: 6

CRYSTAL PALACE are taking on Manchester City in a stunning FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium!

The Eagles headed into the match on the back of a mixed season in the league, but have ended the campaign in good form.

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Palace boss Oliver Glasner has had a huge impact on the side since his arrival at Selhurst Park in February 2024.

Glasner said ahead of the FA Cup final: “I’m very pleased. Not just with the improvements, but I think with the environment we have created here at the training ground and also in the club.

“We are very ambitious, everyone is working very hard to progress, and this is the main reason why we are where we are now at the end of the season.

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“We are really settled in mid-table and looking at the teams in front of us more than looking at the teams who are behind us.

“We are also playing the FA Cup final and very pleased with what has happened in the last 15-16 months.”

Have Crystal Palace ever won a trophy?

Crystal Palace won the Second Division twice in their history – in 1979 and in 1994.

They have also been promoted via the playoffs four times – 1989, 1997, 2004 and in 2013.

However, what is considered a top-flight honour has eluded the club so far.

While the club have now reached three FA Cup finals, including taking Manchester United to a replay in 1990.

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United won 1-0 in the replay after the original clash ended in a 3-3 draw.

Before their final in 2025, the last time Palace were in an FA Cup final was in 2016.

Palace also played United that day, but lost 2-1 after extra-time in a match famed for manager Alan Pardew’s dance with the side 1-0 up.

Winning the FA Cup today will send The Eagles into the Europe.

The last and only time they played in Europe was the 1998 UEFA Intertoto Cup, but were knocked out in the third round to Turkish side Samsunspor.

DREAM TEAM managers are putting their faith in Erling Haaland (£7.8m) ahead of Gameweek 36.

Not only is Manchester City’s No9 the second-most popular recruit this week, he’s currently the most selected captain.

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Mohamed Salah (£6.8m) has been the most popular skipper almost every week since he established a healthy lead at the top of the rankings but many gaffers are reverting to Haaland because Pep Guardiola’s side are one of just four teams with two fixtures to fulfil this Gameweek.

There’s the small matter of the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace this Saturday before a Premier League meeting with Bournemouth at the Etihad on Tuesday night.

The Norwegian poacher returned from injury against Southampton last weekend and mustered just two points but his overall record of 30 goals and 352 points remains highly impressive.

Rotation is the lingering spectre that haunts almost every Man City asset and Haaland may be particularly susceptible having just returned from a spell on the sidelines, with Omar Marmoush (£4.8m) a more than competent understudy.

But it goes without saying that Haaland is capable of earning enough points to justify the captain’s armband in just 15 minutes if everything clicks, such is his goalscoring pedigree.

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There’s no shortage of options for Dream Team bosses who want to take on Haaland in Gameweek 36.

Bruno Fernandes (£7m) has been a near-permanent inclusion among the captaincy candidates in the second half of the campaign and with good reason.

Manchester United’s captain averages eight points-per-game having notched 19 goals and 19 assists in all competitions this term.

Ruben Amorim has said that his team selection to face Chelsea this evening will not be overly disrupted by preparations for Wednesday night’s Europa League final.

If we are to take the Red Devils’ boss on his word then Fernandes is surely in line to start against both the Blues and Spurs this coming Gameweek.

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Elsewhere, Eberechi Eze (£5.1m) is a tempting option as someone who would provide a key point of difference.

Crystal Palace’s No10 is the most-popular transfer target ahead of today’s 6pm deadline but not currently among the most selected captains.

Eze excelled in Gameweek 35 with an 18-point haul at Tottenham’s expense and is therefore well placed to provide healthy returns again with Man City and Wolves in his sights.

However, it’s hard to predict Palace’s starting line-up on Tuesday night as they don’t have much to play for in the league.

If the Eagles triumph at Wembley then Eze and friends may still be partying by the time they’re due to host Vitor Pereira’s side.

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Lastly, we’ll include Ollie Watkins (£4.4m) and Morgan Rogers (£4.3m) in the captaincy candidates.

Aston Villa only have one fixture this coming Gameweek but it might be a profitable one.

The Villains are due to host Spurs this evening and there’s every chance Ange Postecoglou will name a weakened XI to prioritise the Europa League final.

The North Londoners haven’t got the tightest defence at the best of times – they’ve shipped 82 goals in all competitions this season! – and so Villa’s most prominent attackers could thrive against a second-string outfit with other things on their mind.

Make sure to select your captain (and vice captain) before 6pm today!

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THIS pair of diehard Crystal Palace fans have spent £20,000 to get home from a US holiday for the FA Cup final before flying back out. 

The side’s Wembley clash against Manchester City on May 17 falls three days into Mark and Anna Newlands’ ten-day trip to New York. 

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The couple booked it months ago for a cousin’s birthday before the Eagles got to the final.

So they have bought flights to get back the day before and will return to the US the day after. 

Mark said they would miss the big birthday but their relatives understood. 

The retired risk manager, 61, from Newbury, Berks, said: “The club is in my DNA.

“We have to be there.

“I’m not bothered if this is sensible or not. It’ll be worth every penny.” 

Anna, 62, is just as devoted to the South London club and did not hesitate when Mark suggested the plan. 

The pair, pictured at the semi-final win over Aston Villa, hope it will be third time lucky after Palace lost their two previous finals. 

The couple’s son James, also a Palace season ticket holder, is attending the final although he is not on the New York trip — while their daughter Alice will stay in the Big Apple. 

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