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    Former Barcelona star Dani Alves cleared of raping woman at nightclub after appeal

    DANI ALVES has been cleared of rape following a successful appeal. The former Barcelona star was sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison after being found guilty of raping a woman in a Barcelona nightclub in December 2022.Dani Alves has won his appeal to have his rape conviction overturnedCredit: APHe was ordered to pay £130,000 to the victim and stay away from her for nine-and-a-half-years.Alves, who has been on bail since March last year, appealed the decision as he claimed the sex was consensual.The Catalan High Court of Justice have overturned his conviction over “inaccuracies and inconsistencies” that were found.A court statement read: “The Appeals Section of the Superior Court of Justice of Catalonia has unanimously upheld the appeal of footballer Dani Alves, who was sentenced by Section 21 of the Provincial Court of Barcelona to 4 years and 6 months in prison for a crime of sexual assault on a young woman in a Barcelona nightclub on December 31, 2022.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”The full bench of the Appeals Section, composed of judges María Angels Vivas, Roser Bach, Maria Jesus Manzano, and judge Manuel Álvarez, does not share the conviction expressed by the Barcelona Court and points out that its exposition contains ‘a series of gaps, inaccuracies, inconsistencies, and contradictions regarding the facts, the legal assessment, and its consequences.“The court thus dismisses the appeals of the prosecution – which requested the partial annulment of the sentence and, alternatively, an increase in the penalty to nine years – and of the private prosecution – which sought to raise the penalty to 12 years – and acquits the defendant, nullifying the precautionary measures imposed.”The appeal judges ruled Dani Alves’ accuser was an “unreliable complainant” as shown by video evidence and the fact she denied a sexual act had taken place which had been corroborated “with very high probability” by DNA tests.They added: “It cannot be concluded that the standards required by the presumption of innocence have been met.Most read in Football“The trial court’s ruling uses the term credibility as a synonym for reliability in its analysis, and it is not.“Credibility corresponds to a subjective belief, which cannot be verified, associated with the person giving the statement.“Reliability, on the other hand, pertains to the statement itself.”Alves’ mum Lucia Alves, who attended his rape trial and caused controversy by naming and picturing her son’s female accuser in a social media post she later removed, reacted today on Instagram.She posted a photo of the footballer with her and her husband and wrote: “Thank you my God for everything.”There has not yet been any comment from Alves or his model wife Joana Sanz, who gave the Brazil international a second chance despite admitting she was seeking a divorce following his arrest.The couple were pictured hand-in-hand in April last year in the first snap of them together in public after Alves’ trial.They also took advantage of their day out in the sunshine to eat at an exclusive restaurant in Barcelona city centre and go shopping.In January Tenerife-born Joana posted a photo taken in their car of them interlocking hands next to a bouquet of flowers.READ MORE SUN STORIESAlves was sacked by Mexican side UNAM Pumas following his arrest in Barcelona at the start of last year when he flew back to Spain to attend his mum-in-law’s funeral.He was held for more than 14 months on remand in prison and released with bail conditions which included an international travel ban and the obligation to sign on at court every Friday. More

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    Harry Kane leaves fans stunned as he shows off his German in video – and it could be a major hint over transfer future

    HARRY KANE might have just dropped a massive hint over his future amid rumours that the Bayern Munich star is contemplating a return to the Premier League.Kane, 31, left fans stunned after a video circulating online showed him grafting away at learning German.Harry Kane has been learning German while at Bayern MunichCredit: XKane has been linked with a return to the Premier League after continuing his goalscoring success in GermanyCredit: GettyThe England captain joined Bayern Munich in the summer of 2023, calling time on his 13-year tenure at Tottenham.And after one and a half seasons in Bavaria, Kane is still working hard to learn the language.A video circulating online shows the prolific bagsman answering questions about training, meetings and Bayern Munich in German.Fans who have caught wind of the clip are convinced that it’s a major hint that Kane has no plans to leave Germany any time soon.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne wrote: “And there are rumours that he wants to return to England in the summer. You can probably tick that one off for good!”While another added: “Hasn’t there been stories that he wants to go to Liverpool because Mohamed Salah is leaving? Hahaha!”And a third commented: “Kane has settled really nicely in Bavaria, is learning German, is competing for trophies and is a true #Bundesliga superstar. Why would he rush back?”Kane has been in the goalscoring form of his life since moving to the Bundesliga, scoring 76 goals and registering 23 assists in 82 appearances for Bayern Munich.Most read in FootballKane’s German lessonHere’s a little look at what Kane was saying during his German lesson..Q: Why were you not in training?Kane answer: “Because I was ill”Q: Why did you cancel the interview?Kane answer: “Because I am tired”Q: Why do you live in Munich?Kane answer: “Because I play for Bayern Munich”CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut the superstar has been tipped to return to England with rumours of a release clause in his contract and the looming temptation of trying to break Alan Shearer’s all-time Premier League top goalscoring record.In fact, it’s Shearer himself that has suggested Kane should join league leaders Liverpool to cement a legacy in the the English top flight.Harry Kane scores from a distance in Bayern Munich training The Newcastle legend told Betfair: “Liverpool will be looking for a centre-forward in the summer, I don’t doubt that and Harry Kane would be a great option for them because of the size of the club and he’ll score goals.”Whether Harry decides to stay in Germany or he decides to come back to the Premier League, he’ll have options.”I’ve always said that if he comes back to the Premier League then he’ll have a really, really good chance of breaking my record. I’m a huge admirer of him.”Kane, who cost Bayern Munich £104m, is thought to have a release clause in his deal with the club.Reports suggest that Kane could have triggered a clause in his current contract this winter that would have allowed him to leave the Allianz Arena for a fee of around £67m in the summer.While it’s also said that the striker will have the option to activate the clause again next winter, this time allowing him to leave in the summer of 2026 for just £54m.For now, Kane is still tied down with Bayern Munich until 2027.Alan Shearer has tipped Kane to join LiverpoolCredit: Getty More

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    Roy Keane left emotional on ITV as Man Utd hardman reveals ‘it’s nice to be recognised’

    MANCHESTER UNITED legend Roy Keane has admitted that he felt “emotional” after winning a prestigious award.The 53-year-old was named Pundit of the Year at the British Sports Journalism Awards on Monday.Roy Keane has admitted he felt emotional after finding out he had been named Pundit of the Year while on ITV SportCredit: ITVKeane was covering England vs Latvia when he found out he won the awardCredit: AlamyKeane has continued to be a regular on Sky Sports this season, covering the Premier League on a weekly basis.He also covers international football for ITV Sport and featured several times on ITV1 during Euro 2024 last summer.Away from television, he appears on the Stick to Football podcast every week alongside Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher, Ian Wright and Jill Scott.And in the latest episode of the podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet, he admitted it was “nice to be recognised” for his work.READ MORE ON MAN UTDKeane said: “I feel quite emotional at winning the Pundit of the Year award at the Sports Journalists’ Association Awards.”It’s nice being recognised but I don’t have the ego about wanting to win the award – it’s all about working as a team and we’re a team on the podcast, and I’m also part of a team at Sky Sports.”Keane was working as a pundit on ITV1 for England vs Latvia when he was named Pundit of the Year at the SJA awards and therefore could not receive his trophy in person.The Man Utd icon also showed his soft side when discussing his family on the podcast.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordHis daughter, Caragh, was a special guest on this week’s episode.Discussing his relationship with his five kids, he admitted: “I miss them when they’re away.”Roy Keane shows soft side in moment with daughter who suffers from incurable illness Caragh appeared on the podcast to talk about her business, Superkeen.Having been diagnosed with lupus, a chronic autoimmune condition, at the age of 25, she launched the health company in a bid to help others in the same position.Her cereal includes non-processed ingredients that are beneficial for gut health.Reflecting on how the business came about, Keane said of Caragh: “When you started you asked me to support you, I said ‘Yeah go for it girl’.”Then we set up a business meeting… ‘Can I have some money daddy?’ That was the business meeting!”I said yeah, take it, whatever you need. It was more than what I thought to get a company up and running, it’s been hard work.” More

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    Kenya keeper Patrick Matasi SUSPENDED as he is investigated over match-fixing after bizarre defeat to Cameroon

    KENYA have suspended goalkeeper Patrick Matasi amid an ongoing investigation into alleged match fixing.The keeper is being investigated over his performance in Kenya’s 4-1 defeat to Cameroon last October.Patrick Matasi is being investigated over alleged matchfixingCredit: AFPThe keeper was at fault for two goals in a match against CameroonHe was easily rounded by Christian Bassogog for one goalQuestions were raised over Matasi’s role in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, which saw Engin Firat resign as Kenya manager after the match.It is alleged Matasai, 37, received an anonymous call ahead of the match to devise a “plan”, report Marca.Kenya have called for anyone with information to come forward to assist with their investigation.The Football Kenya Federation released a statement which reads: “The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) is aware of videos circulating online involving goalkeeper Patrick Matasi, raising concerns about possible match manipulation.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”FKF upholds the integrity of football and has launched an official investigation in collaboration with Fifa, CAF, and other relevant authorities. “We reaffirm our zero-tolerance policy on match manipulation and are committed to safeguarding the credibility of our competitions.”This investigation will adhere to FKF’s Anti-Match Manipulation Regulations and FIFA guidelines, ensuring a fair, transparent, and thorough process. “The rights of the player and his club will be respected, and appropriate action will be taken based on the findings.Most read in Football”We encourage anyone with credible information to assist in this investigation. All reports will be handled with strict confidentiality. Information can be submitted via integrity@footballkenya.org.”FKF will provide further updates as the investigation progresses.”Marcus Rashford sells Lamborghini supercar for £450,000 and buys incredibly rare £177,000 Audi Matasi made a big error for Cameroon’s second goal as Martin Hongla’s shot bounced out of his hands and into the back of the net.He was also slow to come out and scoop up the ball for the fourth goal, allowing Christian Bassogog to round him to score. More

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    I nearly quit football after mum died but fell in love with the game again in -5C Slovakian second tier, says Evanilson

    AS EVANILSON thawed his freezing hands in warm water in a small town in Slovakia, it hardly felt like a turning point in his career.Yet it was in the unlikely setting of second-tier club Samorin that the Brazilian teenager would rediscover his love of football after the death of his mother.Evanilson is enjoying life on the south coast with AFC BournemouthCredit: Robin Jones / AFC BournemouthThe striker is no stranger to the cold thanks to his time in the Slovakian second tierEvanilson spoke to SunSport’s Dan King about his journey to the Premier LeagueCredit: Robin Jones / AFC BournemouthAnd get back on the long and winding road that has led him to an FA Cup quarter-final against Manchester City on Sunday.Evanilson, 25, still vividly recalls the shock to the system of leaving Rio giants Fluminense and arriving for a loan spell at their partner club in central Europe in January 2018.The Cherries star told SunSport: “I left 40 degrees in Rio to go to minus-five. I had never seen snow before. It was very difficult to adapt.“The first time I trained I couldn’t finish the session because I was too cold. I didn’t understand the importance of wearing gloves, so when I finished I put my hands in hot water because they were almost frozen.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAlthough Evanilson’s extremities were numb, inside he was feeling intense grief for the death of his mother, Madalena.It had been hard enough to leave his home in the northern city of Fortaleza to join Fluminense’s academy when he was 13.The striker, whose full name is Francisco Evanilson de Lima Barbosa, said: “The north of Brazil is a very isolated place compared to the action of Rio and Sao Paulo. I didn’t want to go but my dad insisted.”Evanilson soon emerged as one of the club’s hottest talents. But after the sudden death of Madalena when he was 17, he had to be talked out of quitting football altogether.Most read in FootballEvanilson thought about hanging up his boots while at FluminenseCredit: GettyEvanilson opened up on navigating the loss of his mother MadelenaCredit: Robin Jones / AFC BournemouthHe said: “It affected me drastically. I was really close to my mum. I went back to Fortaleza and I didn’t want to go back to Rio and play.”Evanilson’s family and the club persuaded him to return — and then to move thousands of miles to Slovakia.Inside Man City’s £300MILLION new stadium upgrade with futuristic Etihad project to rival AnfieldHe said: “I didn’t want to go to Samorin initially because my friends that came back to Brazil from there didn’t say too many good things about it. But my manager at the time said, ‘Look, it will transform your life as a professional player’.“So then I thought the best solution was to go, after I got over the death of my mum.”It helped Evanilson that Gustavo Leal, his former coach with Fluminense’s Under-17 team, was at Samorin, too, along with other young on-loan players.Evanilson said: “There were three or four of us, so I wasn’t completely by myself. That was positive. Nobody could speak the language so we would stick together.Between 40 degrees and -5 is perfect.Evanilson“I lived with two of the players and I think that saved me. We would take it in turns to clean, cook, wash-up, we would eat Brazilian food every day.“It was a really rich experience for us all. I felt I really grew from there.“It defined me as a footballer. I fell in love with the game again.”Evanilson played just six times for Samorin, scoring three goals.But what he learnt about the very different style of football in Europe and the physical challenge of playing against grown men would stand him in good stead.On his return to Brazil, Evanilson scored 11 times as Fluminense won the U20 Rio state championship.Evanilson poses outside Bournemouth’s training facilityCredit: Robin Jones / AFC BournemouthArt attack-erBy Dan KingAS a young child, Evanilson was a  budding artist rather than a footballer.But the influence of dad Valdenir and Cristiano Ronaldo led him to express himself on the pitch as well as on paper.Evanilson said: “When I was young I preferred to paint and do other activities not to do with football.“My dad was involved with football in Fortaleza and  was pushing me.“Ronaldo became my main inspiration because of his work ethic and technical ability. I would watch him  on YouTube.”But mum Madalena still continued to encourage  his artistic flair.He said: “I still have the drawings I used to do for my mother.”Those sketches have been all the more precious to the 25-year-old  since mum Madalena died when he was 17.He also paid tribute to his wife Mariana for helping him through the trauma,  saying: “She is vital to the person I am today. It’s not a case of a WAG — we met when I was 15 and a nobody.“When my mother passed away, she embraced the situation, she made her house available so I could stay there. I appreciate she was there all the time.”Now Evanilson and Mariana are parents themselves to daughter Maria Alice.He said: “I do even more art now because of my daughter.“She inspires me to paint. I will look  at something, draw it and she will paint the drawing.”Evanilson celebrates his family with body art in the form of tattoos.On his right arm he marks three- year-old Maria Alice’s birth, while he remembers his late mother on his chest.He added: “Nobody dies if the person  is present in your heart — that’s what I have written there.”After one false start in the first team, he started to live up to his nickname of Levanilson, after one of his idols, Polish superstar Robert Lewandowski.So in 2020, when still only 20, Evanilson crossed the Atlantic again, this time to join Porto. He was following in the footsteps of another striker from Fortaleza, Mario Jardel, who scored 169 goals in 175 games in a trophy-laden spell with the Portugal giants.And another Brazil-born Porto legend, Pepe — then in his second spell at the club — took Evanilson under his wing.SunSport used the international sign language for Pepe — smashing a fist into your palm, elbowing, kicking — to suggest to Evanilson that it was hard to believe that the notorious hard-man defender was really a big softie.Evanilson laughed and said: “I was surprised, too! There is a side to him where he is kind and helpful but on the pitch it is a different story. “Pepe was the best person in terms of guiding me where I wanted to go.“He really embraced me and where I had come from because he was from Brazil as well.“It was good to have that year where I had to work really hard and Pepe guided me through it.”Evanilson fired Porto to the double in 2021-22 and was linked with a move to Manchester United.Evanilson joined Porto in 2020Credit: GettyFellow Brazil-born star Pepe took the striker under his wingCredit: GettyEvanilson admitted even he was surprised how soft notorious hard-man Pepe really wasCredit: Robin Jones / AFC BournemouthBut after enjoying the most prolific season of his career, with 25 goals in 2023-24, last  summer he became Bournemouth’s club record signing for an initial £31.5million.Why swap almost guaranteed Champions League football with Porto for a club that has never played in Europe?Evanilson said: “I always dreamed about playing in the Premier League.“I knew very little about Bournemouth but I’ve been so impressed since I arrived. The club gave me a really good presentation.“l had offers from other clubs but the offer from Bournemouth inspired me the most.“Even former team-mates at Porto are really impressed with the style of play. It suits me, that combination of the physicality and the high level of technique required.“My next goal is to play in Europe. I want to play for Bournemouth in the Champions League. I am very optimistic we can do that.”But the next challenge is to repeat November’s historic victory over City and earn an FA Cup semi-final at Wembley.The forecast for Sunday afternoon on the South Coast is sunshine and 15°C, so ideal  conditions for the boy from Brazil.Evanilson said: “Between 40 degrees and -5 is perfect. I’m not training with gloves because the temperature has risen.”But in the Slovakian snow Evanilson learnt about much more than appropriate clothing.READ MORE SUN STORIESEvanilson, a devout Catholic, said: “Nobody dies if the person is present in your heart.“That’s how I feel about it. I always pray to her. My mum is always present.”Evanilson became Bournemouth’s record signing in the summerCredit: Robin Jones / AFC BournemouthThe striker scored as Bournemouth beat Man City 2-1 in NovemberCredit: GettyEven help you PepBy Dan KingBRAZIL hotshot Evanilson wants to ruin Pep Guardiola’s season and “make history again”.Bournemouth host Manchester City in Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final after ending the champions’ 32-match unbeaten Prem run in November.The Cup is now Guardiola’s only hope of a trophy this season.But Cherries striker Evanilson, who scored in the 2-1 Vitality Stadium triumph, told SunSport: “We really showed who we are and that has inspired us to go  for a good result on Sunday.“If we work hard, we can beat them and make history again.”That win was Bournemouth’s first victory over City at the 22nd attempt. Now the Cherries are aiming to reach the FA Cup semis for the first time in their history.Evanilson, 25, added: “The November game was an amazing day for me — but it  was more important for the club in breaking City’s unbeaten run.”Evanilson made his name at Fluminense, who play their home games at the legendary Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.Now he has his sights set on helping the Cherries earn a semi-final next month at another world-famous venue in Wembley.Evanilson explained: “When I was a boy in Rio, my dream was to play in the Maracana. It always inspired me.“That dream came true and now I hope I can replicate that at Wembley. I know how important that stadium is for every player.” More

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    Bournemouth vs Man City: Get up to £40 in free bets to spend with talkSPORT BET

    MANCHESTER CITY are eyeing another FA Cup semi final when they head to Bournemouth in the last-eight this weekend.And brand new talkSPORT BET customers can claim up to £40 in free bets when they register an account and stake at least £20 on the cup showdown.Bournemouth vs Man City: Get up to £40 in free bets – Claim here*Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHow to claim talkSPORT BET offertalkSPORT BETVisit the talkSPORT website HERE*Create an account and Opt In to this promotion via the OFFERS tabMake a depositPlace your first bet up to £40, minimum £20, on any football market, at odds of Evens or greaterYou must do this within 7 days of registrationOnce that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with up to £40 free bets based on your first betFor example, if you stake £20, you will receive 4 x £5 free betsIf you stake £40 you would receive the full 4 x £10 free betstalkSPORT BET: Get up to £40 in free bets – Claim Here*Bournemouth vs Man City: Get up to £40 in free bets – Claim here*What’s the offer?Brand new talkSPORT BET customers can claim a welcome bonus of up to £40 when they register an account.How to claim?Simply visit the talkSPORT BET website on your mobile device and create an account. Opt in to this promotion via the OFFERS tab and then make a deposit via debit card or Apple Pay.Stake £20 or more on any football market at odds of at least Evens. Remember, you must do this within 7 days of opening your account.What happens next?Once that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with up to £40 free bets based on your first bet bet.For example, if you stake £20, you will receive 4 x £5 free bets. If you stake £40 you would receive the full 4 x £10 free bets:On settlement of your qualifying bet, your account will be credited with the following:£10 free bet – Bet Builder (if your qualifying bet is £20, you will only receive a £5 free bet)£10 free bet – Correct Score (if your qualifying bet is £20, you will only receive a £5 free bet)And the following free bets, which will be credited 24 hours after the first bonus funds:£10 free bet – To Win and Both Team to Score – 90 mins (if your qualifying bet is £20, you will only receive a £5 free bet)£10 free bet – Acca 4+ selection (if your qualifying bet is £20, you will only receive a £5 free bet)You can read the full breakdown of free bets and more on how to claim talkSPORT BET’s welcome offer here**18+ New customers only. Opt in via mobile device, bet up to £40 (min. £20) on any football market at odds of 2.00+, in 7 days. Get up to £40 in free bets on selected markets. Bonuses expire in 7 days. T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsiblyRemember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – gamcare.org.ukGambleAware – GambleAware.orgRead our guide on responsible gambling practices.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites. More

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    Bournemouth vs Man City prediction: Free betting tips, odds and FA Cup preview

    MANCHESTER CITY return to FA Cup action this weekend with a difficult tie at Bournemouth in the quarter finals.It’s City’s last chance of silverware this season but they head to a Cherries side only four points behind them in the league table at this stage.SunSport have enlisted the help of their betting experts to preview the cup tie and select the best bets, tips and exclusive sign-up bonuses from our leading betting partners.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereNew sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesBournemouth vs Man City previewIt’s a big competition now for Manchester City as the FA Cup is their last remaining opportunity for silverware this season.That seems mad to say for a side that has dominated English football in recent seasons.But it’s all eggs into this basket as they try to win this competition and remain in a battle for the top four.It’s also not going to be easy against a Bournemouth side who are only four points behind them in the table and who BEAT them in their last game on the south coast.The Cherries hit a bit of a bump in the road before the international break though with three defeats in their last five games and drawing the other two – though one was in the previous round of this tournament where they won on penalties.Both teams have scored in three of the last four games at the Vitality and this one should be entertaining once again.First scorer and correct score predictionsCorrect score: 2-2 at 9/1 with Betfred – HEREFirst scorer: Omar Marmoush 5/1 with talkSPORT BET – HEREBournemouth vs Man City latest oddsBournemouth at 19/10 with William Hill – CLAIM HEREOdds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.How to claim..William Hill £60 welcome bonusVisit the William Hill website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: T60Once your account is registered, click ‘opt in’ on the ‘Vegas Promotion’ pageDeposit a minimum of £10 in your main account to receive a £20 Vegas Bonus for use on Selected GamesThen place a bet with a minimum stake of £10 at odds of 1/2 or greater on any football marketOnce that’s settled, your account will be credited with £40 in free betsWilliam Hill: Claim £60 welcome bonus – click here*Bournemouth vs Man City predictions and tipsJustin timeJustin Kluivert played over 70 minutes in both of the Netherlands’ games with Spain in the break.It was a reward for what has been a top season with Bournemouth with 12 goals and six assists in his 28 league appearances.Penalty taker too so when it comes to scoring goals, he’s always worth one to keep an eye on. Bournemouth will most likely score.Both halvesNot only am I backing Bournemouth to score, I’m backing them to do so at least twice.That break might’ve come at the right time for them and just as they did against City last time out, they can notch either side of the interval.Bournemouth to score in both halves at 2/1 – CLAIM HERE*William Hill. 18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. Get £60 Bonus split between Vegas & Sports in the following manner – (i) Deposit £10 to unlock £20 Vegas Free Bet on Selected Games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); then (ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash (excl. £10 deposit) or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). Once settled, receive £40 Sports Free Bets excluding Virtual Markets (4x £10, 7 days expiry). Payment methods & country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply.*Betfred. New customers only. 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Only valid with code B10G40 on registration. £10 min qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater across sports or racing (if EW then min £10 Win + £10 Place). Receive £20 Tote Credit, £10 Free Sports Bet and 50 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza within 48 hours of qualifying bet settlement. 7-day expiry on free bets & Tote Credit. Your first bet will be your qualifying bet. One per customer. UK & ROI customers only. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org. Full T&Cs apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – gamcare.org.ukGambleAware – GambleAware.orgRead our guide on responsible gambling practices.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites. More

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    Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham future ‘in serious doubt’ as club ‘make decision on top target to replace him’

    ANGE POSTECOGLOU’S Tottenham future is in serious doubt with club chiefs reportedly identifying Andoni Iraola as their top target to replace him.The Spurs boss is feeling the heat after winning just 10 of his 29 league matches this season.Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola is the No1 managerial target for TottenhamCredit: GettyAnge Postecoglou’s position is in serious doubt this summerCredit: PATottenham sit 14th in the table as a result, 10 points off the top half.And the Athletic claims Postecoglou’s position is now coming under intense scrutiny.It’s reckoned that even if Spurs go on to win the Europa League, the Australian’s long-term future is covered in question marks.And Tottenham chiefs have now agreed upon their top target to replace Postecoglou this summer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBournemouth manager Iraola has been identified as Spurs’ No1 choice to take charge in north London.The Spaniard has worked wonders since moving to the south coast almost two years ago.Bournemouth are just four points off fifth place, which is almost certain to seal an extra Champions League spot.And Iraola has even been linked to the Real Madrid job as Carlo Ancelotti’s position remains shrouded in mystery.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSBut Spurs are determined to win the race for him, despite needing to pay a £10million release clause to secure Iraola from his Cherries contract.Should they miss out on him, Tottenham also fancy Fulham boss Marco Silva.Ange Postecoglou snaps at journalist over question ahead of Tottenham vs AZ AlkmaarHe has one year left on his Cottagers deal but SunSport understands that negotiations for an extension are close.Brentford’s Thomas Frank has also caught the eye and was previously targeted by Johan Lange during the Spurs technical director’s time at Aston Villa.Exclusive – new contract for SilvaBy Tom BarclayFULHAM are in talks with boss Marco Silva over a new contract.The Portuguese, 47, has been a sensation in West London since taking over in 2021, taking the club into the FA Cup quarter-finals and chasing a Champions League dream this term.And with his current deals only having a year to go in the summer, the Cottagers are keen to tie him down to fresh terms.Their need has also been greatened by Silva being among the list of possible candidates to take over at Tottenham should the North Londoners part ways with Ange Postecoglou.Postecoglou’s future at Spurs will likely hinge on the club’s Europa League campaign.If the Aussie can be successful by going deep in the competition – or better yet, winning it – he is expected to be safe.But go out in the quarter-finals to Eintracht Frankfurt after the international break and it could be curtains, given how poorly the club’s Premier League campaign is going.Spurs lost their 15th league game of the season last weekend, ironically at the hands of Silva’s Fulham.The ex-Watford boss, who has an £8.6million release clause in his current deal, is believed to be admired among the Tottenham hierarchy, along with Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola.Yet Fulham do not want to lose him, given the stellar job he has done, and will hope to persuade him to commit his long-term future to them.Silva took over a recently-relegated Fulham in 2021 with his reputation having taken a hit following his axing by Everton two years prior.But he proved his quality by instantly winning the Championship, before guiding the Cottagers to tenth and 13th in the following two Premier League seasons.Sunday’s win against Spurs in Silva’s 200th Prem match as a manager moved Fulham into eighth, just four points off the top four.The former Hull chief was in his native Portugal on Monday to be presented with a coach of the year award at the Gala D’O Gaiense by compatriot Carlos Queiroz.Silva spoke at the do of how England is the place to manage right now – two years on from snubbing a lucrative switch to Saudi Arabia with Al Ahli.He said: “After two or three years of my coaching career, I was already thinking about training abroad.“But you have to think about the best championship in the world, which was a goal.“I didn’t expect to have so many games in the Premier League but I am very pleased to have reached this number.”Silva is one of four Portuguese bosses managing in England’s top flight, along with Manchester United’s Ruben Amorim, Nuno Espirito Santo at Nottingham Forest and Vitor Pereira at Wolves.The double Prem centurion added: “All of us there know the Premier League has a different competitiveness and requires very great preparation.”Speaking of his own achievements so far, after receiving his gong, Silva said: “The most special year is yet to come.” More