AFTER a week filled with drama off the pitch, Real Madrid chief Florentino Perez maintains that the European Super League project is still alive.
Meanwhile, we've got exclusive updates on Tottenham's interest in Brendan Rodgers and transfer news from Arsenal, Man City and Chelsea.
Follow ALL of the latest updates below after an explosive week in the world of football…
- William Pugh
GOOD MORNING FOOTY FANS
Here are your main headlines on Sunday morning:
There were Premier League wins for Chelsea and Sheffield United as Liverpool drew 1-1 with Newcastle, conceding a 95th-minute Joe Willock goal.
West Ham boss David Moyes was left fuming after VAR sent off Fabian Balbuena for a CLEARANCE in their 1-0 defeat to the Blues, with Timo Werner scoring a rare goal.
Reports suggest Reds owners Fenway Sports Group rejected a £3BILLION offer to buy the club before the European Super League farce began.
Speaking of owners, thousands of Manchester United fans protested against the Glazers outside Old Trafford – burning an American flag at one stage.
Boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has insisted the controversial owners will not sell the club – despite their embarrassing European Super League climbdown.
Rivals Manchester City, meanwhile, are rumoured to be in talks with Red Star Belgrade for wonderkid Andrija Radulovic, an 18-year-old winger who destroyed Tottenham in the Uefa Youth League last year.
And finally, Thierry Henry has hailed his 'happiest moment' as English football unites in a stand against racism and all online abuse, with all clubs boycotting social media platforms for four days next weekend.
- Thomas Blow
GLAZER TAG
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says the Glazers will not walk away from Manchester United after their Super League slapdown.
Hundreds of United fans protested outside Old Trafford on Saturday over the American owners’ involvement in the European Super League.
Solskjaer said: "I think the owners that signed up for this proposal have a job on their hands, of course they have.
"We’ve had an apology from Joel and that’s important. He’s told us how committed he is to helping us go forward.
"Unity and everyone coming together for one common goal is the best way forward."
Manchester United fans protest outside Old Trafford in a bid to remove club’s owners
- Thomas Blow
BLANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND
Thierry Henry hailed his ‘happiest moment’ as English football unites in a stand against racism and all online abuse.
The Prem, EFL and the women’s game will boycott Twitter, Facebook and Instagram over four days next weekend.
From 3pm on Friday, April 30, through to the end of Bank Holiday Monday on May 3, every club will switch off their social media accounts.
Prem legend Henry has been at the forefront of the fight after removing himself from social media last month.
He said: "English football coming off social media is a powerful statement. Everything that tries to destroy the beauty and the happiness of our game — we should fight it.
"This is my happiest moment. Football stands for something. Not only money.
"What happened with the European Super League was about standing up for values — and so is this."
- Thomas Blow
GIGGS’ NEW LOVE
Ryan Giggs has found love with a lingerie model — as he waits to appear in court charged with assaulting two women, including his ex-girlfriend.
The former Manchester United star, 47, was seen out with Zara Charles, 33, in Hale, Cheshire, days before he was also charged with coercive and controlling behaviour against ex Kate Greville, 36.
A source said: “Zara has been supporting Ryan over the last few months.
“She’s a great, upbeat girl. Ryan has been completely open with her about his situation. They seem very strong together.”
Giggs was, on Friday, charged with assaulting two women.
One alleged victim is his ex Kate and the other — a woman in her twenties — is believed to be her younger sister.
- Thomas Blow
BLADES WIN
Sheffield United have won just their fifth Premier League game of the season, defeating Brighton 1-0 at Bramall Lane.
A first-half strike from David McGoldrick was enough to give the relegated side all three points.
Brighton sit seven points above the relegation zone with five games to play -and will no doubt be regretting this sitter from Neal Maupay.
- Thomas Blow
HIBS REACH SEMIS
Hibernian are through to the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup after beating Motherwell in a penalty shoot-out.
The match finished 2-2 after 90 minutes and the two teams still couldn't be separated following extra time.
Here's the winning penalty…
- Thomas Blow
LIONS WARNING
Police issued a “strong” warning about Covid rules when called to a party attended by England aces Ben Chilwell and Mason Mount.
The Chelsea pair and team-mate Billy Gilmour were at Chilwell’s £4million home last Sunday.
Police attended after neighbours complained about a large gathering.
Rules allow households to meet outdoors in groups of six, but not indoors unless in a support bubble or exempt.
Last night a source for Chilwell, 24, Mount, 22, and Scottish international Gilmour, 19, said none had been found to be in breach of Covid rules or were directly spoken to by police.
But the police visit is likely to worry England boss Gareth Southgate who has spoke of his concern about squad discipline.
- Thomas Blow
YES SERB
Manchester City are in negotiations to sign Red Star Belgrade starlet Andrija Radulovic, SunSport understands.
Scouts from the Premier League leaders have been watching the winger for over a year.
And SunSport understand that the Citizens made contact with Red Star last month to open talks.
Man City scouts have been impressed by the Serbian youth international.
Radulovic, 18, delivered good performances in last season's Uefa Youth League, scoring in a 2-0 win against Tottenham Hotspur.
- Thomas Blow
SET THE BENCHMARK
James Milner broke the Premier League record for most appearances as a substitute during Liverpool's 1-1 draw against Newcastle.
The ex-England star, 35, has enjoyed a long career in the top-flight with Leeds, Newcastle, Aston Villa, Manchester City and now the Reds.
In fact, at the time of his debut for Leeds, Milner became the second-youngest player in Premier League history, aged 16 years and 309 days.
Now, more than 18 years later, Milner has put his name in the history books.
The three-time Premier League champion climbed off the bench to replace Diogo Jota with 30 minutes to play in the game against Newcastle.
And in doing so, he overtook Peter Crouch for most substitute appearances in the league's history.
Click here to find out the 10 most subbed on players in Premier League history.
- Thomas Blow
1-0 BLADES
Sheffield United have taken the lead against Brighton in this evening's Premier League clash.
David McGoldrick's strike means it's 1-0 to the Blades with 40 minutes played.
Here's the goal…
- Thomas Blow
CHELSEA RATINGS ARE IN
Timo Werner's goal handed Chelsea a huge Champions League boost as they beat top four rivals West Ham 1-0.
The Blues edged a nervy game at the Olympic Stadium as the Hammers finished with ten men.
But who was Chelsea's best player today? And did anyone have a game to forget?
Click here to read SunSport's Chelsea player ratings.
- Thomas Blow
WAS THIS A RED?
West Ham's Fabian Balbuena was sent off after he caught Chelsea's Ben Chilwell with his follow-through.
Did referee Chris Kavanagh make the right call?
Here's the incident…
- Thomas Blow
WERN TO WATCH
Chelsea found themselves at the centre of yet another huge football shock story as Timo Werner scored a goal.
The dust has yet to settle on their outrageous bid to join a European Super League and now the misfiring German has only gone and hit the target.
Werner’s first since mid-February and only his second in the Premier League this year was enough to settle this tepid episode of the battle for the top four.
Victory means Chelsea cement their spot in the Champions League places for now while West Ham concede a three point cushion to their big-spending rivals with five games to go.
Click here to read SunSport's match report.
- Thomas Blow
KYL-ER BLOW
Kylian Mbappe has handed Paris Saint-Germain a major injury scare ahead of their Champions League clash with Manchester City.
The French forward limped off with a suspected thigh injury in the 87th minute of the 3-1 victory over Metz.
Two goals from Mbappe and a late strike by Mauro Icardi ensured the French champions headed to the top of Ligue 1.
But their afternoon was soured with the potential injury to their key man.
PSG are set to take on Manchester City on Wednesday in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final.
- Thomas Blow
KEPT AT BAY
Bayern Munich were thwarted by Mainz as they missed out on winning the Bundesliga title with three games to spare this afternoon, losing 2-1.
Hansi Flick's men found themselves two goals down at the interval, having delivered a lacklustre performance.
And even the returning Robert Lewandowski couldn't inspire them to a comeback, although the Pole did get on the scoresheet late on.
Click here to read SunSport's match report.
Credit: AFP
- Thomas Blow
NU MOVE
Nuno Espirito Santo has rejected the idea of becoming Tottenham's next manager.
The Wolves boss asserted his commitment to his current job by stating he still has a contract he aims to honour.
He said: "I have a contract. It is my decision to sign a contract and that is what I want to say.
"When I make a decision like that there is no doubts in my mind. There are no doubts at all.
"I am going to be here on Friday at 8.30 in the morning to prepare our game against Burnley."
- Thomas Blow
BERGE KING
Arsenal have been warned off a transfer for Sander Berge with Paul Heckingbottom expecting the ace to stay at Sheffield United.
The Star claims both Arsenal – and north London rivals Tottenham – are interested in Berge after the Blades were relegated to the Championship.
But interim United boss Heckingbottom has said: "Sander hasn’t spoken about the future. If he is here, that will be out of my hands.
"But I’m expecting him [to stay], yes. He’s contracted to us, don’t forget that, and what a player he would be to help us get back.
"The only thing Sander is bothered about at the moment is getting fit, that’s what’s driving him on."
Credit: Jamie McPhilimey – The Sun - Thomas Blow
NHO SLACKING
Fernandinho gave Manchester City stars a New Year's Day rollicking in a crisis meeting to spearhead the club's title charge.
Manager Pep Guardiola had moaned to the Brazilian about attitudes within the camp after a poor training session on December 31.
So the club captain stepped up as the leader of the group to get things sorted – before the team embarked on a staggering winning run towards the Premier League title.
Speaking to The Players' Tribune, Fernandinho said: "I’m usually not a guy who makes big speeches, but a few months ago I really had no choice.
"It was December 31, New Year’s Eve. We were eighth in the Premier League table. And we had just finished training. And Pep wasn’t happy.
"It was not a good session. The attitude, the body language, the effort from some players, it was just obvious: misplaced passes, players not tracking back, not running, not looking interested.
"This was not us. This was not the team that had won two titles in a row, or that had set a record points total.
"Pep told me that not everyone was at 100 per cent. And, in this team, when you come to train, you do it at 100 per cent, or you stay home. Once you enter the pitch, there is no conversation, no negotiation.
"He was right. And he made it clear that the responsibility for keeping those standards rested with me."
Credit: The Sun - Thomas Blow
FOWL PLAY
Sheffield Wednesday are almost out of their misery after a collapse against Middlesbrough, losing 3-1.
The Owls must win their final two games to stay up after late goals from Josh Coburn and Duncan Watmore delivered a hammer blow to their survival hopes.
Stand-in boss Jamie Smith said: “There’s still a belief we can stay up.
“We have still got a chance as mathematically it’s still possible. We will keep fighting.”
Wednesday host Nottingham Forest in a must-win fixture before a potential final day shoot-out with relegation rivals Derby.
Smith added: “We have to go get three points – whatever it takes.”
Credit: PA - Thomas Blow
NO DEAL
Liverpool's owners Fenway Sports Group have rejected a staggering £3BILLION bid to buy the club, according to reports.
The Reds' American owners, led by John W Henry, have come in for monster criticism lately.
Fans protested with banners outside Anfield ahead of Saturday's lunchtime draw with Newcastle following the club's involvement in the controversial European Super League.
And now, the Mirror claim Henry rejected a huge bid – believed to be from the Middle East – BEFORE the chaos unfolded.
FSG have lost around £120million in revenue due to the pandemic, with fans not allowed at Anfield, according to the report.
But Henry and Co were unwilling to sell up, knocking back the bid – believed to be close to £3bn.
Credit: Rex - Thomas Blow
NEW ERROR
Thousands of 'New Era' Super League football shirts have been put on sale for just £2 after the competition's calamitous collapse.
Last Sunday, it was revealed 12 clubs had signed up for the controversial breakaway tournament.
But by Tuesday, the European Super League was dead in the water after NINE clubs – including all of the Premier League's Big Six – withdrew following an incredible fan backlash.
However, within that 48-hour window, a well-known high street store had designed a 'New Era' football shirt for each of the six English clubs involved.
The unnamed chain bought a staggering 70,000 tops and had planned to sell them for £29.99.
However, Wholesale Clearance UK have now decided to take the jerseys off their hands and try to sell them themselves for just £2, a sensational 93 per cent price slash.
Credit: NC
- Thomas Blow
PSG GO TOP
Paris Saint-Germain have gone top of Ligue 1 with a 3-1 victory at Metz.
Mauricio Pochettino's side took the lead in the fourth minute when Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring.
Metz equalised just after half-time when Fabien Centonze made it 1-1, but Mbappe's second goal in the 59th minute restored PSG's lead.
A late Mauro Icardi penalty confirmed the win and they are now two points ahead of Lille, who have a game in hand.
Here is Mbappe's first goal…
- Thomas Blow
FAN OF THAT
Manchester United star Nemanja Matic has hailed his manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for showing 'we respect our supporters' by confronting angry protesters this week.
A group of fuming fans stormed Carrington on Thursday morning, in protest at the club's decision to break away as part of the European Super League.
The fans brought banners with them, featuring anti-board messages including 'Glazers Out' and '51 % MUFC 20'.
Matic and Solskjaer, as well as ex-players Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher confronted the angry supporters.
And the Serbian, 32, believes that the incident is a 'positive thing'.
He told Sky Sports: "We saw the fans here in our training ground and that was very nice from our manager to decide to go out and speak to them."
Credit: Getty - Thomas Blow
WELCOME BACK
Watford have joined Norwich by sealing promotion to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
The Hornets needed to beat Millwall at Vicarage Road to secure their spot back in the big time.
And it was club-record £40million signing Ismaila Sarr who ensured a top-two finish with a narrow 1-0 victory.
Watford had the champagne on ice and wasted no time in celebrating their success on the pitch.
The players then launched Xisco into the air after his appointment in December sparked a remarkable run of form to seal promotion.
In his 24 games in charge, he has picked up 54 points – more than anyone else in the Championship.
Credit: Getty - Thomas Blow
BLUE MOVE
Chelsea are fully focused on landing either Erling Haaland or Romelu Lukaku this summer as Thomas Tuchel prioritises a new striker, according to reports.
The Blues – like rivals Manchester City and United – need a No9 when the transfer market reopens.
And according to Bild's Christian Falk, Chelsea are prioritising either of Europe's leading hitmen.
But the report adds the West Londoners are not pursuing a chase for Haaland's Borussia Dortmund team-mate Jude Bellingham.
Chelsea have struggled in front of goal this season.
Tammy Abraham, frozen out under Tuchel, penalty-specialist Jorginho and Mason Mount lead the scoring charts with six Premier League goals.
Credit: Reuters
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