New York State

LOUISE Redknapp wowed fans as she posed in a bikini top on her girls’ holiday to New York.

The 50-year-old star shared a snap of herself enjoying the sunny weather in the Big Apple.

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Louise Redknapp looked stunning in holiday snaps from New York[/caption]

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Her and a pal stripped off in the Big Apple[/caption]

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Louise posted photos from her rooftop pool[/caption]

Throwing her hands in the air, Louise flaunted her toned figure in the top and low cut shorts.

She captioned her shots: “A little girls trip with Sue.”

Fans were quick to comment on her holiday snaps, with one saying: “Wow u look incredible”.

Another said: “Still stunning after all these years!”

Louise found love again almost two years ago with boyfriend Drew, 41.

Since then, they’ve appeared inseparable, often enjoying music events and spending their summers attending festivals, including Glastonbury and Boardmasters.

If Louise hasn’t been going to festivals, she’s been performing at them, with the singer launching a comeback with her Greatest Hits celebrating her career to date.

She’s also just released her fifth solo album Confessions.

The Strictly winner was with ex Jamie Redknapp for 20 years and they share two sons.

“What’s great is (Drew) is brilliant on a friendship level with the boys,” she told The Sun last month.

“They get on great with him. And that, for me, is super-important. There’s just a real mutual respect there. Obviously Beau is still at school, but we spend a lot of time together.”

The nine-year age gap inevitably led to Drew being described as her “toyboy” and Louise being referred to as a “cougar”.

But it’s “water off a duck’s back,” she added.

“For me, age is irrelevant – within reason – but he’s not 22. I think it’s more about the person and the life experiences and the connection that’s important.”

However, Louise isn’t thinking about walking down the aisle a second time.

“Oh, I’m not even thinking that far ahead. I’m not even going there. Manifesting is a real hint to Drew.

“I’m not going to lie and say it isn’t. But it’s also a life lesson to be present in the here and now, so I’m not thinking down the line. I’m enjoying my relationship, my kids, my album and my life.”

After their split her ex Jamie went on to marry model Frida Andersson in 2021.

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Louise with sons Charley, 20, and Beau, 16[/caption]

ARSENAL fans are banking on Martin Odegaard to bag 30 assists next season, after seeing him partnered up with a “proper top-tier cf”.

Odegaard, 26, struggled to find his best form for the Gunners after returning from a major ankle injury.

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Martin Odegaard expertly combined with Erling Haaland as Norway beat Italy 3-0[/caption]

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Odegaard played a lovely pass into Haaland[/caption]

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The midfielder waited for Haaland to run before playing the ball[/caption]

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Haaland then got on the end of it, rounded the goalkeeper and slotted home[/caption]

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And Arsenal fans are licking their lips to see what Odegaard could do with transfer target Benjamin Sesko[/caption]

Part of the reason for that lack of form was due to Arsenal being without a recognised frontman for much of the season.

Kai Havertz was preferred in striker role by Mikel Arteta when available, but when he suffered a season-ending injury in February the Gunners opted to play Mikel Merino there.

Merino, to his credit, performed well, but fans of the north London club still called for them to sign a top tier striker to get winning major honours again, rather than having near misses.

Arsenal transfer chiefs are said to be working to find that player, with Benjamin Sesko heavily linked with a transfer to the Emirates from RB Leipzig.

Sesko, 22, has a similar profile to Manchester City ace Erling Haaland.

Fans watching Norway‘s World Cup qualifier with Italy on Friday had the chance to see Odegaard in action with Haaland.

And it’s safe to say the link-up has raised expectations among the Arsenal faithful for next season.

With the score already 2-0 after goals from Alexander Sorloth and Antonio Nusa, Odegaard picked up the ball in midfield in the 42nd minute.

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He then spotted an expertly-timed run from Haaland and played a perfectly weighted pass into the 24-year-old’s path.

Haaland then dribbled the ball around Champions League winning goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma before squeezing the ball into an empty net.

Arsenal fans reacting to the goal on social media were thrilled to see Odegaard’s contribution.

One fan said: “He’s feasting this season with Sesko. He finally gets a runner.”

A second said: “Teta needs to give the man willing runners.”

A third added: “He’d have 30 assists a season with a proper top-tier cf.”

Another said: “All he needs is a big striker.”

A fifth said: “Sesko is gonn eat nice.”

A sixth wrote: “See that vision. Sesko will cook.”

The most recent reports suggested Sesko would cost around £60million, despite his club wanting to bag £85m for him.

Elsewhere, they have been linked with a blockbuster move for Real Madrid star Rodrygo and Chelsea outcast Kepa Arrizabalaga as they eye a back-up for David Raya.

Norway’s win tonight also put them in a strong position at the top of Group I, with three wins in as many games.

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BARCELONA have turned down an ambitious swap offer from Chelsea to sign highly-rated midfielder Fermin Lopez, according to reports.

It’s claimed that the Blues approached Barcelona about swapping out-of-favour forward Christopher Nkunku for the 22-year-old talent.

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The Blues have tried to sign Fermin Lopez[/caption]

A report from popular Spanish football show El Chiringuito de Jugones, claims that Chelsea tabled an offer worth around £60million – including Nkunku – to try and prise him away from the Nou Camp.

However, Barcelona officials have outright rejected the approach, with manager Hansi Flick keen to keep hold of the two-time Spain international.

Barcelona are interested in bringing in a new forward this summer, but are thought to consider Liverpool winger Luis Diaz as their number one target – who has admitted he is talking to other clubs.

Nkunku, 27, looks destined for a Stamford Bridge exit after making just nine Premier League starts under Enzo Maresca this season.

The Frenchman’s £52m move to SW6 in 2023 has proved unsuccessful so far, with the former RB Leipzig man managing only six Prem goals in his 38 league appearances for the Chelsea.

Lopez has also struggled for consistent minutes at Barcelona, falling behind the likes of Dani Olmo, Raphinha and Gavi in the pecking order for the Catalan giants.

However, he is still understood to be considered a crucial part of Barcelona’s future – picking up 18 goal contributions across all competitions this season.

It’s claimed that the only way Barcelona would let Lopez go would be if the Euro 2024 winner pushed for an exit himself in search of more regular minutes.

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Lopez will have one eye on making Luis de la Fuente’s Spain squad for next summer’s World Cup, something he will have to be playing regularly to achieve.

Chelsea have already added Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap to their ranks since the conclusion of the current campaign, signing the England youth star for £30m.

But they will need to find a replacement for outgoing loanee Jadon Sancho, who is returning to Manchester United following the expiration of his loan deal in West London.

Chelsea opted against activating a buy clause in Sancho’s contract, choosing instead to pay Man Utd a £5million penalty fee for deciding against completing a permanent deal.

Meanwhile forgotten Blues goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga – who spent the season on loan with Bournemouth – could be on his way to London rivals Arsenal.

The Gunners are interested in signing the Spanish shot-stopper as backup to number one David Raya – seeing his £5m release clause as an attractive market opportunity.

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A MURDER investigation has been launched after a woman, 32, was found dead inside a home.

Police were called to a property in Portsmouth, Hants, at 7.37am on Thursday morning.

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Samantha Murphy, 32, was found dead inside the property[/caption]

Officers discovered the body of Samantha Murphy inside a house on Wadham Road.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary have arrested two men, both aged 32, on suspicion of murder.

They remain in police custody at this time.

The force is also appealing for information that could help them locate a gold suitcase which “may assist with the investigation”.

In a statement, they said: “Detectives in Portsmouth have launched a murder investigation and made two arrests, after the discovery of a woman’s body in Portsmouth.

“We were called at 7:37am on Thursday 5 June to a report that the body of 32 year-old Samantha Murphy had been located at a house on Wadham Road in Portsmouth.

“Her family have been informed and are being supported by officers.

“Our investigation is ongoing to establish what happened, the death is currently being treated as suspicious.

“As part of our investigation, a 32 year-old man from Petersfield and a 32 year-old man from Havant have been arrested on suspicion of murder.

“They remain in police custody at this time.

“As part of our enquiries, officers have identified a gold suitcase, which they believe could be in the Portsmouth area.

“They are keen to locate this suitcase, as it may assist with the investigation, and ask that anyone with any information please call 101 quoting reference number 44250245282.”

District Commander, Chief Inspector Fifi Gulam-Husen added: “We understand that this is a concerning incident for the local community and specialist officers are working as a priority to establish the full circumstances.

“The Neighbourhood Policing Team will be carrying out regular patrols in the area and anyone with questions or concerns can speak to these uniformed officers”.

THE thrills and spills of the summer transfer window are finally here – with some huge deals already in the pipeline.

Liverpool have made an offer worth £113million for Florian Wirtz, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.

Elsewhere, Rodrygo has become the ‘number one’ target for Arsenal on the wing, with the Gunners looking to strengthen out wide.

In other news, Brentford have revealed their price to be around £70 million for star player Bryan Mbeumo, as Manchester United look to bring him in.

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SOLAR panels will be slapped on almost every new build home in England under sweeping green rules due this year.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband called it “just common sense” and claimed it would save families £500 a year.

New regulations will force developers to fit panels unless buildings are in deep shade or another rare exemption applies.

The Home Builders Federation said it backed fitting more panels but cautioned against introducing “burdensome” paperwork which it said could harm government efforts to build 1.5 million new homes by 2029.

The crackdown will be part of the Future Homes Standard, due to be published this autumn with a transition period for builders to adjust.

It goes further than a Tory plan, which let firms off the hook entirely if they couldn’t meet the 40 per cent rooftop coverage target.

The announcement comes days after Labour scrapped planning rules to make installing heat pumps easier as part of its push to hit net zero by 2050.

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has slammed the target as “impossible” without “a serious drop in our living standards or by bankrupting us”, while Reform UK want it ditched altogether, warning it’s pushing up energy bills for working families.

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Solar panels will be slapped on almost every new build home in England under sweeping green rules due this year[/caption]

AN extract from the Lord’s Prayer is more recognisable than a famous line in Star Wars, according to a poll. 

More people also identified Jesus Christ’s ancient teaching than the national anthem. 

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Archbishop of York says The Lord’s Prayer remains a ‘steady guide’ that still resonates with people of all faiths and none[/caption]

Some 80.3 per cent knew “Give us this day our daily bread” is from the Lord’s Prayer, also known as the “Our Father”. 

It beat the 79.9 per cent recognising “May the Force be with you” from the Star Wars films. 

“To be or not to be” from Shakespeare play Hamlet was identified by 73 per cent.  

Some 63 per cent matched “happy and glorious, long to reign over us” with God Save The King in the Church of England’s poll of 2,000-plus people. 

The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, said the findings suggest the prayer remains a “steady guide” and something which continues to “resonate with people of all faiths and none”. 

Mr Cottrell is leading a “tour” of events at churches and cathedrals across the north of England as part of his Faith In The North initiative, with a focus on the prayer. 

He said: “These results reflect what we’ve been hearing across the north of England through our Faith In The North initiative, which invites people to explore the Lord’s Prayer. 

“Lines like ‘Give us this day our daily bread’ speak powerfully to today’s challenges, reminding us to seek sufficiency, not excess, and to consider what ‘enough’ truly means.”

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More Brits recognised a line from the Lord’s Prayer than ‘May the Force be with you’ from Star Wars, according to a new poll[/caption]

JORDAN PICKFORD has clung on to England’s No.1 jersey without breaking sweat for seven years.

But manager Thomas Tuchel — who officially took over on New Year’s Day — warned that reputations are out the window in the build-up to next year’s World Cup.

And that put 75-cap star Pickford, 31, on notice that he now faces a battle to keep his spot.

That is despite claiming the Everton ace is back to his best after the return of boss David Moyes to the Toffees.

Dean Henderson, fresh from helping Crystal Palace to their historic FA Cup win last month, has just two England caps but will now provide some stiff competition over the next 12 months.

There are high hopes for Burnley youngster James Trafford, who has also spent the week at the Three Lions’ training camp in Girona.

Southampton veteran Aaron Ramsdale — although not selected for this squad — is liked by Tuchel.

But the 27-year-old needs to find a top-flight club in England or elsewhere following Saints’ relegation.

At Espanyol’s RCDE Stadium on Saturday, the player in goal for Tuchel will be able to enjoy the sun without having to break sweat.

But the German is expecting some fierce competition between the sticks, which was not the case under former manager Gareth Southgate.

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Tuchel said: “It will always be a fight for every position and there is no exception for the goalkeepers.

“At the moment, Jordan is in a good place mentally and performance-wise.

“It helped him to stabilise himself at Everton with the change of manager with David Moyes.

“He became very, very stable and also emotionally stable and we’re very happy with that.

“Jordan has been in goal for a long, long time and he earned  his place with consistent performances at a high level in international football.

“All three of our goalkeepers are not involved in European football. They’re not used to European football, which would be ideal. It’s not a problem, though.

“Jordan behaves and trains at the highest level and we’re very, very happy with him.

“He’s doing everything at the moment to keep his place because he feels Dean stepped up and found another level, another gear.

Alternative goalkeeper options

“Dean got a big title with his club and was a key figure in the campaign, so that helped his confidence a lot.”

And then there is 22-year-old Trafford, who kept 29 clean sheets in 45 matches as Burnley won promotion back to the Premier League.

Tuchel added: “James had a long, long break after his  fantastic season with Burnley.

“He hasn’t been on the pitch for four weeks, he finished the season the earliest. That’s a little bit of a disadvantage for him, it’s not his fault but he is pushing strongly.

“That’s what we expect from him and he is at the moment a competitor for Dean Henderson and Jordan Pickford.

“Hopefully, he can prove  himself next season and then the race is on.”

Fitness challenges

It is not ideal that England, who won their opening World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia in March, are in such a weak group.

Andorra will be no trouble but the qualifier away to Serbia in September is a decent test, while there is also a Wembley friendly with Wales the following month.

This week has seen Tuchel test his players on how they deal with the heat as the conditions will be baking-hot at the World Cup next year in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

And he is trying to work out how his players can be at peak fitness, because he admits the squad were in their best shape during the mid-season 2022 World Cup.

Tuchel said: “The majority of our players play in the toughest league in the world and they are used to a kind of rhythm that is very unique.

“The tournaments are normally played after a long season and  it is not maybe an advantage for us but it is just a fact. It is maybe not a coincidence players felt the most comfortable in the Qatar World Cup.

“Suddenly, the demands of the Premier League became an advantage because they were  in the middle of it and felt they had an advantage over other players.

“It can be that at some point we need to adjust our style of play when it comes to tournament football and when it comes to knockout football.

“Everyone wants to win. Everyone wants to win in style. Can you really play the same game in 40C heat and humidity that you play in 20C in an evening match?

“So, these are some questions I don’t have all the answers  to and I don’t have to right now, because we still have one year to go but we are on it to answer them.”

BUKAYO SAKA is struggling with an injury he picked up on the final day of the season for Arsenal.

The winger could miss the World Cup qualifier against Andorra as he has only trained the last two days.

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Bukayo Saka is out of the England squad for the clash with Andorra[/caption]

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It is a bitter blow to Thomas Tuchel’s plans[/caption]

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Saka also missed Tuchel’s first England squad in March through injury[/caption]

Saka returned at the end of the season after missing three months with a hamstring problem.

Tuchel said: “Until that latest injury he was more or less always available, always playable every three days.

“He had this consistency in his game and in his body, which made him very unique.

“He was decisive for England, he took responsibility, he bounced back after a decisive and dramatic penalty miss (Euro 2020 final).

“It’s nice to see that he’s back because he wanted to be back, and you straight away see when he comes in, he is comfortable to be with the squad.

“He knows what it takes to be a national player.

“He came into camp with a little bit of discomfort from the last match against Southampton, so we took care of him and treated him individually.

“It was the first training session that he started and finished with the group today. Yesterday, he started with the group but did not finish with the group, so let’s see.

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“I’m not sure if we take the risk for this game.

“The decision has not been taken, but he will be available for the Senegal match, and he plays a major role in our thoughts on how to build a competitive team.”

In addition, Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins will play no part against Andorra or Senegal on Tuesday in Nottingham.

The striker withdrew from Tuchel’s party as a precaution because of what the FA described as a “minor” issue.

Tuchel said: “Ollie Watkins has a discomfort in his upper thigh or groin area in the muscle and we decided not to take any risks.

“He will go home to continue treatment and we will not take any risks in case he gets an injury. It’s very minor.”

Watkins was the top-scoring Englishman in the Premier League last season with 16 goals, one ahead of Chelsea‘s Cole Palmer.

The Villa star scored the dramatic late winner in last summer’s European Championship semi-final against Holland.

Watkins’ withdrawal leaves Tuchel with captain Harry Kane and Saudi-based Ivan Toney as his two centre forwards.

England do not intend to bring in a replacement and so will have 25 players for Saturday’s World Cup qualifier against Andorra and Tuesday’s home friendly against Senegal.

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Ollie Watkins has also pulled out of the squad[/caption]

MANCHESTER UNITED are ready to win the race for Viktor Gyokeres.

The Red Devils recently revealed total operating expenses have dropped by £41.6million to £162.1m in the latest quarterly club accounts after Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s brutal cost cutting.

That is despite the cash spent on the Glazers’ debt spiralling to a staggering £1.2BILLION.

United’s gradual U-turn in club finances means they are ready to pip Arsenal to land Sporting Lisbon striker Gyokeres.

The Gunners are keen on the former Coventry hitman, 27, but are also chasing RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko.

Sweden striker Gyokeres, who scored 54 goals in 52 games for Sporting last season, has an £85m release clause.

But it is understood that the Portuguese side would accept a fee closer to £60m this summer.

United boss Ruben Amorim is now ready to raid his former club after the boost in their accounts.

Yet the Glazers’ debt still casts a long shadow over the fallen giants, whose wage bill was down a huge £20m to £71.2m compared with a year ago.

United  have now spent an astonishing £1.2bn on the debt in 20 years of the Americans’ ownership.

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According to the BBC, £815m in debt interest repayments; £166m in dividends to shareholders; £197m in external net debt repayments and £10m in management and administration fees to the Glazer family companies has left the club since the Glazers bought it in June 2005.

Meanwhile, chief executive Omar Berrada warned United must improve after a humiliating season in which they finished 15th in the Premier League and lost the Europa League final against Tottenham.

He said: “We were proud to reach the final of the Europa League but ultimately were disappointed to finish as runner-up in Bilbao.

“We had a difficult  season in the Premier League, which fell below our standards, and we have a clear expectation of improvement next season.”

United have already agreed to pay £62.5m to land forward Matheus Cunha from Wolves.

And they are chasing a £55m deal for Brentford ace Bryan Mbeumo as they attempt to stay within the Prem’s Profit and  Sustainability Rules.

But Amorim will also need to offload a clutch of big-name players from a group  including Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony and Casemiro.­