LiveScore Daily: Today's football news in bite-sized chunks

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Follow the leader

Pep Guardiola hailed "leader" Ilkay Gundogan after his two-goal display against Everton saw Manchester City edge closer to the Premier League title.

The German midfielder's delightful double alongside an assist for Erling Haaland at Goodison Park put City within one win of a fourth crown in five years.

With four strikes in his last two games, the 32-year-old looks set to be a crucial man during the final six games of the Citizens' pursuit of the Treble.

Guardiola said of his midfield maestro: "He doesn't talk much but when he does everybody listens, this is the power of a leader.

"He shows every training session his leadership, arriving on time, living the job. He can play holding midfield defensively too in games like against Burnley last season when you need physicality. 

"He is so intelligent, so clever and can handle the pressure really well.

"He can show again and again and again the quality, importance and his commitment to all of us.  just scoring goals, he has the momentum and he can do everything."

A Sab ending

Marcel Sabitzer may have played his last game for Manchester United after the loanee was ruled out for the rest of the campaign with a knee injury.

The Austrian, who joined on loan from Bayern Munich in January, missed Saturday's 2-0 win over Wolves due to a meniscal issue.

Brought in to provide cover following Christian Eriksen's injury, the 29-year-old made 18 appearances for the Red Devils and scored three goals.

A club statement read: "Everyone at the club is disappointed to lose Marcel's services, as the Reds chase a strong finish to the season in the Premier League and FA Cup, and we are grateful for his contribution to our progress so far. 

"Christian Eriksen, who was sidelined when Sabitzer arrived, is back playing regularly again, while Raphael Varane made a successful return at the weekend, following his recent lay-off.

"Alejandro Garnacho scored the clincher late on against Wolves, in his first outing since overcoming an ankle injury. 

"We would like to wish Marcel well in having a speedy recovery."

De Zerbi admits stars could leave

Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi has admitted his side could lose several of their key stars this summer.

The Seagulls have enjoyed a sensational campaign under the Italian boss, with yesterday's 3-0 win over Arsenal lifting them into sixth in the Premier League.

And while the 43-year-old says midfielder Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister — who have both been heavily linked with traditional 'big six' clubs — could depart, he hopes others will stick around.

De Zerbi said after the victory at the Emirates: "Of course, we will lose some players — maybe Caicedo, maybe Mac Allister.

"We have to be ready to bring in another good players. The others, for [Kaoru] Mitoma and [Pervis] Estupinan, I think for them the best solution is to stay with us. 

"I don't know if they are ready to play in the big teams, you can explain better than me to 'play in a big team.' We can offer them the possibility to progress and improve.

"We have to improve in mentality, we are not used to playing three games per week. 

"We won a fantastic game with Manchester United and after four days we played against Everton and didn't use the victory against Manchester United. 

"We started the game with the same shirts of the game against United, and I think this is the most important part to improve."

Chelsea's Silva lining

Thiago Silva's wife Belle has confirmed the Brazilian defender intends to stay at Chelsea next season.

Recent reports have suggested the 38-year-old defensive stalwart was eyeing up a return to Fluminense in his native country this summer.

Supporters at Stamford Bridge unveiled a large banner celebrating their fan favourite during Saturday's 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest and now he looks poised to extend his stay in West London.

Belle wrote on her Instagram story: "Guys, I want to thank everyone who came to me for a hug, for a song — 'Oh Thiago Silva'.

"Thanks so much. We, my family, my husband, my children and me, we are very, very happy here in London, in Chelsea.

"So my family and I are blue, are Chelsea and we stay here. Go Blues!"

Kirb your enthusiasm

England record appearance holder Fara Williams believes Fran Kirby will be the Lionesses' biggest loss at the World Cup this summer.

The Chelsea midfielder, 29, has been ruled out of this summer's tournament in Australia and New Zealand, joining injured captain Leah Williamson as winger Beth Mead remains a doubt.

With all three starting last summer's victorious European Championship final against Germany, the absences deal a huge blow to Sarina Wiegman's side's hopes of another triumph.

Williams, 39, told the BBC ahead of the Women's FA Cup final: "The captain Leah Williamson is huge for this squad. 

"But in terms of players who can't be replaced, I think they've found it really difficult to replace Fran Kirby.

"Her creativity in this team is so key. I'm not sure we've found a player that delivers in the same way as her. 

"I know the players probably don’t see it the same way but I think when she's not in that team, we really struggle."

Kennedy pens new deal

Australia defender Alanna Kennedy has signed a two-year contract extension at Manchester City, keeping her at the club until 2025.

Kennedy, who will miss the rest of the current campaign through injury, joined the Citizens from Tottenham in 2021.

The 28-year-old said: "I'm really happy to be staying here at City — I've loved my time here so far.

"I feel like I still have a lot more to give on a personal level and for the team, so I’m looking forward to continuing our success here.

"I feel as though I have unfinished business here at City. I've worked hard to get myself into a position where I've learned the style, and I have a great relationship with all the girls and staff.

"I feel as though I've got so much more to learn as a player though, and this is an environment where I can do that and get better every day, surrounded by the best players."