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      Pep Guardiola worryingly reveals he’s ‘struggling to eat and sleep’ during Man City’s shocking run of form

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      PEP GUARDIOLA revealed he is struggling to sleep and eat amid Manchester City’s disastrous run in the Premier League and Champions League.City have lost seven of their last 10 matches across all competitions, of which they have only won one.Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola revealed he is struggling to sleep and eatCredit: APGuardiola has seen Man City lose seven of the last 10 matchesCredit: EPAThis marks the reigning Prem champions’ worst ever run since Guardiola, 53, took over in 2016.In fact, this is the worst spell the Catalan tactician has ever endured during his 16-year career as manager.This has taken a toll on the ex-Barcelona boss and it showed after City gave away a three-goal lead against Feyenoord, who came back and drew 3-3 at the Champions League last month.Guardiola showed up for his post-match interview with scratches on his face and joked that he wanted to harm himself, before setting the record straight on social media.Read More on FootballCity’s woes grew on Wednesday when they lost 2-0 at Juventus at the Allianz Stadium, where the former Bayern Munich boss got to speak with ex-Brescia team-mate Luca Toni after the final whistle.And the six-time Premier League champion revealed that he “sleeps worse” and can’t digest his food “properly” due to the emotional impact the last few setbacks have had on him.Guardiola told Toni on Prime Video: “Sometimes you don’t need to have a great team to be happy.”There are no players or coaches who don’t play for months because the results aren’t good. All that is normal and can happen.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”I am a person who sometimes gets nervous, I have bad days, I make a lot of mistakes and rudeness makes me nervous.”Do I sometimes lose my head? Yes. I sleep worse and I don’t digest food properly now. I always have to eat light. Only soup at night. Beleaguered Man City boss Pep Guardiola involved in bizarre interview when discussing Rico Lewis red card”But I am the same coach as five months ago, the one who won the Premier League title.”If I’m in a bad mood, it’s bad. But I know it will pass. The same when I’m very happy. I know it will pass.”I sincerely believe that it will be a year of great difficulties. We have to find continuity. “But if we manage to get through to the Champions League, it will not be easy for anyone to face us.”City’s problems have led to a rare sight of Guardiola coming under fire.And ex-England boss Fabio Capello didn’t hold back on his criticism as he described the Barcelona legend as “arrogant and presumptuous”. More

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      Celtic fan who chewed off pensioner’s EAR after Rangers Old Firm clash jailed

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      A THUG who chewed a chunk off a pensioner’s ear after an Old Firm game was jailed today for two years.Alistair Mackay, 53, pounced on Steven Brown, 67, in Glasgow city centre on September 3 2023.Celtic Manager Brendan Rodgers celebrates the single-goal winCredit: AlamyAlistair Mackay, 53, pounced on Steven Brown, 67, in Glasgow city centreCredit: SpindriftRangers and Celtic had earlier played a match at Ibrox which the visitors won 0-1.Celtic fan Mackay – who had earlier watched the game in a pub – got involved in an altercation with a man in a Rangers top.This was separated by Mr Brown who was then attacked by Mackay who bit his ear during the melee.Mackay pled guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to assaulting Mr Brown to his severe injury and permanent disfigurement.Sheriff Tom Hughes said that the matter was linked to a “lethal combination” of alcohol being taken, a man being left with his ear bitten off and “mayhem caused in the city centre.”The sheriff added: “It must be abundantly clear to sensible minded people that this was totally and utterly unacceptable and should not be tolerated in this city.“I am aware that this weekend there will be another match with people being badly injured which will cause problems for people like you turning up before a judge for a serious sentence – for what? “A football match.Most read in Football“A clear message has to go out from the courts that this conduct will not be tolerated and will be taken seriously.“The only possible way to deal with this due to the serious nature of the offence is custody.”Paul Heaton reveals co-singer is a Celtic fan Mackay was also banned from attending football matches for five years.The court earlier heard that Mackay, with two friends, had watched the game and drank in The Barras and Merchant City areas of the city.The trio were walking to Glasgow Central train station when they came across Mr Brown and his friend who were strangers.The pair heard a disturbance and saw Mackay and his friends in a physical altercation with a young man wearing a Rangers top.Mr Brown went to separate the fight and tried to pull Mackay away.Prosecutor Jenny Reid said: “Mr Brown was then involved in a struggle with Mackay and both fell to the ground.”Mr Brown did not feel any pain or pressure to his ear at this time.”However, there was no one close enough to him which would have caused the damage to his left ear.”A witness pulled Mackay off Mr Brown who was bleeding profusely from his ear.Miss Reid added: “A section of his ear appeared to be missing.”Kyogo celebrates after scoring Celtic’s goal during the matchCredit: GettyThe victim later attended hospital where he was found to have “full thickness tissue loss of his left ear from the helix to the lobe.”The wound was closed and he was released from hospital the next day.Meantime, Mackay and his friends walked to Glasgow Central station.Miss Reid said: “As he passed the Grant Arms pub, he was in possession of a piece of Mr Brown’s ear in his right hand.”Mackay, of East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire, turned himself in a month later following a media appeal.READ MORE SUN STORIESRoss Yuill, defending, told the sentencing that his client is unlikely to be in court again.Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Liverpool eyeing shock transfer move for Brighton striker Joao Pedro and ‘invite Jeremie Frimpong’s agent to Anfield’

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      LIVERPOOL are interested in launching transfer swoops for Joao Pedro and Jeremie Frimpong, according to reports.The Reds are set to be active in the market following a quiet summer window.Joao Pedro has impressed while playing for BrightonCredit: RexJeremie Frimpong has attracted plenty of interestCredit: GettyArne Slot’s men only recruited Federico Chiesa during the Dutchman’s first transfer window at the helm.The Italian, 27, has since struggled desperately for fitness, playing just 18 minutes in the Premier League.Liverpool are top of the Premier League after 14 games, with Slot having made excellent use of Jurgen Klopp’s squad.And the Reds boss is expected to be handed further reinforcements in the coming windows.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAccording to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool are interested in Brighton star Joao Pedro.He claims that the Reds are “closely monitoring” the Brazilian’s situation.Liverpool would face stiff competition for Pedro’s signature, with several teams interested.Brighton would be unlikely to sell in January, with a summer switch more likely.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Reds are also monitoring Bayer Leverkusen star Frimpong.His contract is said to possess a release clause of around £33million.Brighton unveil £30m signing Joao Pedro as fans demand he is subbed ON with Seagulls 3-0 down to Everton According to Bild’s Christian Falk, Liverpool invited Frimpong’s agent Dirk Hebe to Anfield for a recent match.Wing-back Frimpong may be seen as a potential replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold.The homegrown star, 26, is set to be out of contract at the end of the season.Alexander-Arnold’s future remains unclear, with Real Madrid having signalled their intention to sign him on a free transfer.The Spanish giants will be allowed to begin negotiating with Alexander-Arnold on January 1.Also set to be out of contract at the end of the season are Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk.The former caused a stir last month by claiming that he is “more out than in” at Anfield. More

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      Premier League strugglers strip midfielder of captaincy after he started huge brawl and shoved team-mate and coach

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      WOLVES ace Mario Lemina has been stripped of the captain’s armband after brawling with West Ham star Jarrod Bowen.Manager Gary O’Neil confirmed Lemina, 31, has been replaced by Nelson Semedo, who will don the armband starting on Saturday against Ipswich Town at Molineux.Wolves have stripped Mario Lemina of the captaincy after sparking a brawl with West HamCredit: GettyLemina and West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen wrestled to the groundCredit: GettyAn enraged Lemina even pushed his own team-mate Toti Gomes and Wolves coach Shaun DerryCredit: RexWolves boss Gary O’Neil decided to replace Lemina with Nelson SemedoCredit: AFPThe midfielder remains part of the squad and will maintain a leading role as a senior player.O’Neil said: “We have a large amount of respect for each other but after the discussions we decided to move the captaincy to Nelson.”So Nelson will captain the group from now on, but discussions were good.”These things sometimes they can be tough to deal with and sometimes you can come out of them in a really good spot and I feel like we have.Read More on Football”I have a lot of respect for Mario and what he’s still going to be able to do for us as well as what he’s done for us before.”When we get the best out of him on the pitch, his level is so high that he’s still going to play a very big part for us which he’s still extremely keen to do.”And he’ll still be around that group of senior players that will lead the team but at this moment we feel it’s best for Nelson to lead the group.”Lemina was demoted after Wolves’ tense 2-1 Premier League loss to fellow strugglers West Ham on Monday at the London Stadium.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe gloves came off at full-time after Lemina appeared to refuse to shake the hand of his Hammers counterpart Bowen.That caused both captains to square up to each other and get involved in a grappling contest.Huge brawl erupts after West Ham beat Wolves with Bowen thrown to ground as tensions boil over following El SackicoThe England international appeared to say “Shake my hand” several times, before shoving his counterpart back and grabbing him by the scruff of the neck.Lemina in turn snatched onto Bowen’s shirt and flipped the winger onto the grass.Players from both sides rushed in and Bowen, as well as the Gabon international, were subsequently booked by referee John Brooks after VAR had checked for violent conduct.An enraged Lemina even pushed his own team-mate Toti Gomes and Wolves coach Shaun Derry.Toti and Derry tried to calm the defensive midfielder down as was West Ham ace Jean-Clair Todibo, who played with him at Nice.Wolves enter a crucial period with fixtures against fellow strugglers Ipswich and Leicester in their next two games.O’Neill is under huge pressure to deliver results.READ MORE SUN STORIESSunSport understands Wolves’ leadership team continue to back their beleaguered boss and do not blame him totally for their poor run of results which has seen them win just twice in 15 league games.But defeats in the coming days could lead to a dramatic twist in the situation. More

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      Arsenal star Bukayo Saka’s girlfriend Tolami Benson puts on busty display in bikini as she relaxes on holiday

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      TOLAMI BENSON has delighted fans with her latest Instagram post.Bukayo Saka’s glamorous girlfriend has built up a big social media following of her own.Tolami Benson wore a green bikini on holidayCredit: INSTAGRAMThe 24-year-old posted a series of snapsCredit: INSTAGRAMTolami has been dating Bukayo Saka since 2020Credit: PATolami, 24, has 200,000 Instagram followers.In her latest post, she shared a series of pictures from a recent getaway.One snap featured a stunning view of the ocean from the beach.In another, she posted a mirror selfie while wearing her green bikini.READ MORE ON ARSENALTolami’s post swiftly received more than 12,000 likes.And several fans rushed to leave a comment.One wrote: “Our star girl.”While a second gushed: “This is why we stan!!!”Most read in FootballA third added: “Star girlie.”Tolami works in public relations as a senior planning executive.Tolami Benson, Saka’s golden girlShe has supported Saka at two major tournaments with England.Earlier this month, Tolami walked the red carpet at The Fashion Awards in London.She looked every inch the superstar as she posed for pictures in her custom black Asos outfit.Tolami stunned in a custom black Asos dressCredit: GettyShe looked incredible as she walked the red carpet at London’s Royal Albert HallCredit: GettyTolami has supported Saka at too major tournamentsCredit: PA More

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      Captaincy options for Gameweek 15: Bukayo Saka v Mohamed Salah set to divide gaffers

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      IT’S a later deadline than usual for Gameweek 15 with Dream Team managers having until 1:30pm to decide their approach.And gaffers may need those extra hours to select a captain as it’s a close debate this time around with strong cases to be made for both Mohamed Salah (£7.6m) and Bukayo Saka (£6.7m).Saka added 29 points to his total in Gameweek 14Credit: Dream TeamBoth Liverpool and Arsenal have an additional midweek fixture in the form of a Carabao Cup quarter-final, though it’s not all that easy to predict to what extent their respective star players will be involved.Salah has played just 50 minutes in the competition so far while Saka fulfilled 99 minutes across the Gunners’ two previous fixtures.However, with a place in the semi-finals at stake, it may be that Arne Slot and Mikel Arteta decide to start their big guns against Southampton and Crystal Palace respectively.Before then, Salah has a home league game against Fulham at the same time Saka welcomes Everton to the Emirates on Saturday.Marco Silva’s side are well organised and have lost just four of their 15 league games this campaign but a trip to Anfield is as daunting a prospect the Premier League offers right now – the Cottagers are also missing some first-choice defenders.The Reds’ Egyptian superstar is Dream Team’s outright top performer having registered 16 goals and 12 assists in 22 games this season.A popular captain for a reasonCredit: GETTYEven if Fulham prove to be stubborn opposition, as they were against Arsenal last time out, Salah could feast against Saints if given enough minutes on Wednesday night.However, Saka is coming off the back of an emphatic 29-point haul in Gameweek 14.Most read in FootballDream Team bosses who captained the England winger as a reaction to the Merseyside derby being postponed were handsomely rewarded and the temptation to keep the armband on him ahead of two home games against bottom-half opposition is very strong indeed.Salah v Saka is set to divide gaffers this Gameweek – both are entirely justified captains.We would probably edge it to the Arsenal man as he has the luxury of two home fixtures and has played more minutes in the Carabao Cup to date but it’s always scary going against Salah.Haaland isn’t a good captaincy choice for Gameweek 15 on paperCredit: GettyErling Haaland (£8.5m) has just one fixture in Gameweek 15, Sunday’s Manchester derby, and with Pep Guardiola’s side having won just one of their last ten games in all competitions, the Norwegian poacher is nowhere near Salah and Saka in terms of the captaincy conversation at this point in time.Elsewhere, Alexander Isak (£5.2m) is a tempting alternative.Newcastle’s No14 has scored six goals in his last eight games in a run that has yielded 68 points.The Magpies have a rare double Gameweek and a favourable one at that with Leicester and Brentford due at St James’ Park in the coming days – the Bees are far weaker away from home.Without European commitments to worry about, Eddie Howe is able to field a relatively strong side in the Carabao Cup in pursuit of a trophy and so Isak should get plenty of minutes in midweek – he scored against Chelsea in the last round of the competition.READ MORE SUN STORIESScore PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOWIsak has been among the goals latelyCredit: ReutersCole Palmer (£6m) won’t be involved against Shamrock Rovers on Thursday night but he deserves a mention in the captaincy debate because he boasts an incredible average of 11.1 points-per-game this season.Chelsea’s talisman took 25 points off Tottenham last weekend and will be unleashed upon Brentford on Sunday night.BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — HERE**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More

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      World Cup 2026 qualifying draw in full as Thomas Tuchel’s England are placed in group full of controversy

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      ENGLAND have discovered who they will face in order to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.The Three Lions, who will be led into the tournament by new German boss Thomas Tuchel, were among the top seeds alongside France and Spain.England and Thomas Tuchel have learned who they will face in World Cup qualifyingCredit: AFPTuchel was in attendance in Zurich to discover England’s fateFormer Arsenal star Robert Pires drew England into Group KWith Tuchel watching on at the draw in Zurich, England discovered they were in Group K and their first opponent was Serbia from pot two.Pot three saw them draw Albania, while the teams out of pot four and five were Latvia and Andorra respectively.Serbia and Albania have controversial history behind them, with Uefa slapping Albanian forward Mirlind Daku with a two-game ban for anti-Serbian chants earlier this year.Uefa also fined Serbia for trying to burn an Albanian flag.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSerbia even threatened to QUIT Euro 2024 over chants directed at them by Albania and Croatia.Having pitted them against each other in Group K, there will be fears of fireworks in England’s group.Elsewhere, Wales landed in Group J with Belgium, North Macedonia, Kazakhstan and Liechtenstein.Scotland were put in Group C against the Uefa Nations League losing quarter-finalist between Portugal and Denmark, as well as Greece and Belarus.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSNorthern Ireland were pit against the winner of Germany vs Italy, as well as Slovakia and Luxembourg in Group A.England’s first games during this campaign will come over the spring international break on March 21-25.Among England’s opponents, Serbia will serve as the toughest test for Tuchel.Thomas Tuchel England Press ConferenceThe Three Lions last faced the team led by Alexander Mitrovic at the Euros during the summer. England prevailed 1-0 in a dour match, with Jude Bellingham scoring the only goal after 13 minutes.Albania and Andorra were in England’s most recent World Cup qualification group and proved easy opponents.Gareth Southgate’s side beat Albania 5-0 at Wembley and 2-0 away, whil Andorra put up even less opposition, with England winning 4-0 at home and 5-0 away.The Three Lions have never played Latvia.World Cup qualifying draw in fullGroup A: Winner GER/ITA, Slovakia, Northern Ireland, LuxembourgGroup B: Switzerland, Sweden, Slovenia, KosovoGroup C: Loser POR/DEN, Greece, Scotland, BelarusGroup D: Winner FRA/CRO, Ukraine, Iceland, AzerbaijanGroup E: Winner SPA/NED, Turkey, Georgia, BulgariaGroup F: Winner POR/DEN, Hungary, Ireland, ArmeniaGroup G: Loser SPA/NED, Poland, Finland, Lithuania, MaltaGroup H: Austria, Romania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus, San MarinoGroup I: Loser GER/ITA, Norway, Israel, Estonia, MoldovaGroup J: Belgium, Wales, North Macedonia, Kazakhstan, LiechensteinGroup K: England, Serbia, Albania, Latvia, AndorraGroup L: Loser FRA/CRO, Czechia, Montenegro, Faroe Islands, GibraltarFans were over the moon at the draw, judging by reactions on X.One wrote: “Tuchel could literally play himself and three lions and still win the group.”Another said: “Serbia is the only challenging opponent, the rest should be easy.”And another wrote: “With Tuchel’s tactics and style of football we should smash all these.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe actual World Cup will start on June 11 2026 with Mexico City hosting the opener, while New Jersey will host the final on July 19 following a record 39 day tournament.The World Cup’s new format will see 12 four-team groups and will also feature a last-32 knockout round for the first time to accommodate the expansion to 48 teams.Thomas Tuchel on a missionFrom Charlie Wyett in ZurichTHOMAS TUCHEL is on a mission to prove himself as England manager after accepting his appointment has not been universally popular.The Three Lions were today given an easy World Cup 2026 qualifying group as they were pitted against Serbia, Albania, Latvia and Andorra.Tuchel, aware that many fans believe an Englishman should have been appointed to succeed Gareth Southgate, said: “There’s no hard feelings for that. Of course, it will always be mixed.“So now I have to prove myself to the people who are maybe a bit concerned. I must prove to them how much it means to me and that it’s a dream job for me that I will give my everything – I’m the man for the job.”England, whose qualifiers start in March, will face Serbia for only the second time with the only other match coming at Euro 2024 when Jude Bellingham scored the winner. Serbia were fined £25,000 for racist abuse during that game and other matches at the tournament so there will be genuine concerns over potential problems when the team heads to Belgrade. England’s Under-21s also suffered horrific racial abuse when they played in the country in 2012 with Danny Rose attacked.England have never played 140-ranked Latvia before while they faced Albania and Andorra in the last set of World Cup qualifiers.Tuchel, who officially starts work on January 1, added: “A difficult group is my first impression. Serbia and Albania, for me, are always known for good individual players and emotional groups, emotional fans, so they are difficult opponents.“It is the first time England play Latvia, so it is a new experience for all of us and, of course, we are favourites against Andorra, but we need to prove it. We have now eight matches to play, whatever comes we want to be ready for it.”The draw was incredibly complicated and England could have been put in a group of four which would have meant no qualifiers until September.Tuchel added: “It was very likely that we got a group five. I want to adapt to everything that is coming, not complain, not look for excuses and not expect or wish for something.“The most important thing is we focus fully on the qualification and we take it seriously and give it our respect and prove a point that we want to go to the USA.”How will the 2026 World Cup work?By Martin LiptonThe 2026 World Cup will be something of a logistical nightmare.Three countries, not one city. In 16 venues, split across four time zones and thousands of miles — rather than the distance between Selhurst Park and Kenilworth Road.With 48 teams, as opposed to the 32 that has been the norm since 1998. More from Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Even, for the first time, a guaranteed slot for Oceania.And, almost certainly, a record 104 MATCHES and 33 days as well.It will be 12 groups of four but the real issues are over the next stage.The easiest way would be the top two in each group, plus the eight best third-place teams, reaching the final 32 and eight games, instead of seven, required to win.Read all about it here. More

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      Huge Everton takeover update as Premier League makes decision over Friedkin Group

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      EVERTON’s prolonged takeover saga has moved a huge step closer to finally ending.American billionaire Dan Friedkin has been trying to purchase the Merseysiders for several months.The Premier League has made a ruling on the proposed takeover at EvertonCredit: GETTYCurrent Blues owner Farhad Moshiri has been eager to sell up shop for some timeCredit: PAAmerican billionaire Dan Friedkin recently agreed a £800m takeover of the clubCredit: GETTYThe Premier League has given the Friedkin Group its blessing to complete the takeoverCredit: GettyThe Friedkin Group tabled an £800million offer for the Toffees in July but it fell apart due to the club’s debt to investment firm 777.Talks, however, resumed in September as current owner Farhad Moshiri is keen to sell up shop and an agreement was reached.And the Premier League has given Friedkin its blessing to purchase the club.That’s according to Sky Sports, who claim the Friedkin Group has “secured approval” from Prem chiefs to become the club’s new owners. READ MORE ON EvertonAnd it’s claimed the Merseysiders are set to have new owners by the end of “next week”. News of The Friedkin Group’s imminent takeover was music to the ears of the Goodison Park faithful.One wrote on X: “Put the world on notice, my club’s back baby.”Another said: “Good for the club.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFarhad Moshiri is set to suffer a massive financial loss once the takeover is completedCredit: GETTYAnd another said: “A long dream becoming true.”One remarked: “New era, new hope.”Everton fans say ‘I feel sick just looking at it’ as new video of Bramley Moore Dock stadium go viral Another chimed in: “Absolute good.”The Friedkin Group, who also own Serie A giants Roma, are set to acquire the entirety of Moshiri’s 94.1 per cent stake in the club.Mosiri, 69, is set to lose a huge amount of cash in the sale. The British-Iranian businessman purchased a 49.9 per cent stake in the club in 2016 just days after selling over £200m worth of shares to associate Alisher Usmanov. He’s plundered hundreds of millions of pounds into the club over the last eight years. He will, however, only walk away from his time on Merseyside with a paltry £25million.Everton will be back in action on Saturday afternoon, travelling to the Emirates to take on Arsenal. More