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      Vinicius Jr ‘REJECTS new Real Madrid contract’ as Saudi league’s stunning £1BILLION offer edges closer

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      VINICIUS JUNIOR has rejected a new contract from Real Madrid amid intense interest from Saudi Arabia, reports suggest.Vinicius, 24, currently pockets a staggering £12.5million per year at Real, with whom he has a contract until 2027 with a release clause worth a whopping €1billion (£830m).Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr has turned down a new contractCredit: RexVinicius has attracted intense interest from Saudi ArabiaCredit: RexHowever, the star forward has been receiving interest from Saudi Arabia as club chiefs are willing to break the bank for his signature with an offer close to his astronomical asking price.Meetings reportedly took place between Vini’s representatives and Saudi officials in December following an initial approach last summer.That led Los Blancos to the negotiating table as they look to tie up the Brazil international with a new long-term contract that would knock back interest from the Saudi Pro League’s riches.Meetings have been held between the reigning European champions and Vinicius’ camp as well as close family.Read More on FootballAccording to The Athletic, however, Real’s opening bid has been turned down by Vinicius and his team.The new offer included a pay rise that didn’t satisfy the Brazilian but talks will continue.Saudi chiefs are willing to take Vinicius’ earnings to a staggering £168m per year.The officials from the Middle East want to offer the Real star that amount over a five-year period, meaning his contract will be worth £865m.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Spanish giants are desperate to keep him and insist it would take a bid close to the player’srelease clause for them to even consider selling.But they will not stand in his way should he be tempted by the cash on the table.Vinicius Jr wins Fifa The Best award after Ballon d’Or controversy while Man Utd ace Garnacho also bags top prizeVinicius is said to be generally happy at Real, where he has won three LaLiga titles, the 2023 Copa del Rey and two Champions League trophies during his successful seven-year spell in Madrid. More

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      New-signing Patrick Dorgu HOOKED off at half-time after bizarrely being played out of position in FA Cup by Ruben Amorim

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      STUNNED Manchester United fans hit out after new boy Patrick Dorgu was thrown straight into the team – but OUT of position.And after a woeful display he was HOOKED at half-time.Patrick Dorgu was used as rarely seen beforeCredit: GettyDorgu was soon battling it out with Leicester’s Jordan AyewCredit: ReutersSome fans reckoned Dorgu looked more comfortable as the game went onCredit: AFPThe Dane started at home to Leicester in the FA Cup at RIGHT wing-back.Yet the 20-year-old was signed as a long-term solution for United’s perennial problems in defence down the OPPOSITE flank.So when here was deployed on what most people reckon is his weaker side, viewers couldn’t contain their bemusement.One blasted, “WTF is going on” and another posted: “Don’t think Dorgu suits it.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe struggled to make an impact on the game and Manchester United went into the half-time break trailing 1-0.Amorim had seen enough, replacing Dorgu with Alejandro Garnacho during the break.Dorgu’s debut came just a day after after his old club Lecce claimed the Red Devils had given them a “now or never ultimatum” over his transfer.The Italians had vowed to keep their hot prospect until the summer.Most read in FA CupCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMany observers were then surprised to see him instantly earn a place in Amorim’s team for Friday’s fourth-round tie.Amorim fielded three centre-backs, with Dorgu in front of the trio on one flank and Diogo Dalot on the left.Which Manchester United stars should stay and go?The deadline recruit was rated highly in Serie A for his attacking forays.And after watching his Old Trafford bow, one cynical observer wrote: “Has Dorgu set up two and scored yet? Oh, he’s playing right wing back, you say?”Many fans simply couldn’t understand Amorim’s tactics.One blasted: “Why should Amorim start Dorgu at the right back and yet we have Dalot!”This Amorim is like he doesn’t want help, buying a left back player and putting him out of position at his debut is really wrong.”But some viewers reckoned Dorgu looked pretty comfortable.One insisted: “Dorgu knows what he’s doing but Dalot doesn’t.”READ MORE SUN STORIESSpeaking at half-time, Manchester United legend Roy Keane also raised the issue of him playing out of position, and questioned if it was “unfair” on the newbie to be given that role for his debut.Amorim’s change was vindicated, with replacement Garnacho shining and inspiring a comeback from the Red Devils who won 2-1. More

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      Fans joke Ian Wright’s coat ‘reminded them to take the bins out’ as Arsenal legend keeps warm on ITV for FA Cup clash

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      ARSENAL legend Ian Wright was the talk of social media on Friday night thanks to his HUGE coat.The 61-year-old was on duty as a pundit for ITV as Manchester United played host to Leicester City at Old Trafford.Ian Wright’s coat caught the attention of fansCredit: GettyThe Arsenal icon wore a big black padded coat while on duty as a pundit for ITVCredit: GettyAnd in order to withstand the freezing February weather, he donned a huge shiny black Adidas puffer jacket.Fans were quick to comment on his choice of coat, with one person taking to social media to write: “Ian Wright’s coat is certainly something!”Another joked: “Ian Wright’s coat just reminded me that I forgot to take my bin out this week. Cheers, Wrighty.”While some others compared him to legendary Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who famously wore a long puffer jacket on the sidelines during his coaching days.Read More in FootballOne said: “Nice gesture from Ian Wright to wear Arsene Wenger coat tonight.”Meanwhile, another commented: “Ian Wright stole Wenger’s coat.”ITV presenter Mark Pougatch even drew attention to the outfit live on air.He said: “Temperatures dropping here at Old Trafford and Ian’s got a new coat.Most read in FA CupCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”He’s up for the cup. He’s got an Arsene Wenger-type coat for the cup.”Wright jokingly responded: “I can do this one up easy!”‘Anyone that has ever played the game knows it’s never a red’ – Arsenal legend Wright rages at Lewis-Skelly sending offIt’s not the first time Wright has left fans in stitches with his choice of coats. He wore a similarly massive jacket last season that saw him compared to the Michelin man.Man Utd’s clash with Leicester was the first of this weekend’s FA Cup fourth round fixtures.The visitors travelled to Old Trafford with 15-year-old Jeremy Monga among the substitutes. More

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      Are there FA Cup replays in the fourth round? Extra-time and penalties rules explained

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      THE FA Cup fourth round is underway with some huge ties taking place.And Football’s oldest competition is taking a slightly different look this season.All eyes are on the iconic FA Cup as the fourth round beginsLast term, Manchester United stunned neighbours Manchester City to win the trophy with a 2-1 victory at Wembley in May.Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo scored the goals as the red half of Manchester went wild in the capital.The win kept Erik ten Hag in a job for a few more months before he was sacked in October.However, in this season’s FA Cup, there is a major change which was already kicked off from the first round proper.Manchester United are the current holdersCredit: RexAre there replays in the FA Cup fourth round?From this season, there will not be replays in the FA Cup fourth round.Instead, the games that are level after 90 minutes will straight head into extra-time and then potentially penalties.This has been the case from the first round proper this season.FA chiefs agreed extra payments to compensate clubs for the abolition of all replays.Most read in FA CupAll 32 teams eliminated at the last 64 stage will be paid £25,000 from Wembley funds, with the winners each receiving £115,000.What FA Cup fourth round games are on TV?Friday, February 7Manchester United vs Leicester City – 8pm – ITV1 / ITVXSaturday, February 8Leyton Orient vs Man City – 12.15pm – BBC1 / iPlayerLeeds United vs Millwall – 12.15pm – not televisedCoventry City vs Ipswich Town – 3pm – not televisedPreston North End vs Wycombe Wanderers – 3pm – not televisedStoke City vs Cardiff City – 3pm – not televisedSouthampton vs Burnley – 3pm – not televisedEverton vs Bournemouth – 3pm – not televisedWigan Athletic vs Fulham – 3pm – not televisedBirmingham City vs Newcastle United – 5.45pm – BBC1 / iPlayerBrighton & Hove Albion vs Chelsea – 8pm – ITV4 / ITVXSunday, February 9Blackburn Rovers vs Wolverhampton Wanderers – 12.30pm – BBC Red Button / iPlayerPlymouth Argyle vs Liverpool – 3pm – ITV1 / ITVXAston Villa vs Tottenham Hotspur – 5.35pm – BBC1 / iPlayerMonday, February 10Doncaster Rovers vs Crystal Palace – 7.45pm – BBC Red Button / PlayerREAD MORE SUN STORIESTuesday, February 11Exeter City vs Nottingham Forest – 8pm – ITV1 / ITVX More

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      Man City boss Pep Guardiola APOLOGISES to Jack Grealish with England man playing just 604 Premier League minutes

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      MANCHESTER CITY manager Pep Guardiola is “so sorry” Jack Grealish isn’t playing enough this season.Grealish, 29, became the most expensive British signing in Premier League history four years ago when he joined City from Aston Villa following a staggering £100million deal.Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola apologised to Jack Grealish for his lack of minutesCredit: GettyGrealish has been struggling for a place in Man City’s starting line-upCredit: RexThe versatile forward hit the ground running under Guardiola, 54, and he was a key part of the treble-winning side during the 2022-23 campaign.However, the England international has significantly slowed down the last two seasons, something that led to a heartbreaking omission from England’s Euro 2024 squad last summer.Grealish has only managed a mere two goals and four assists in 22 appearances across all competitions this term – that adds up to just 604 Premier League minutes.The ex-Villa star hasn’t been part of Guardiola’s starting line-up since January 11 when the Citizens demolished Salford City 8-0 in the FA Cup.Read More on FootballGrealish will be hoping to start in the competition’s fourth round on Saturday at Leyton Orient where the Catalan tactician can rotate.Guardiola addressed the issue with an apparent public apology to his player.However, the City boss insists this is not personal and instead this comes down to better displays by the likes of Jeremy Doku and especially Savinho.Guardiola said: “I’m so sorry he doesn’t get the minutes that maybe he deserves.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”But [in] the end, the contributions from Jeremy or Savinho have been massive this season, this is the only reason why.”It’s not personal, or [that] I don’t like Jack, or I don’t have confidence in him.Brilliant moment Jack Grealish joins Aston Villa fans in Bruges pub on FaceTime after being dropped from Man City squad”Of course when you play one player more minutes than another, you have more confidence [than him] right now. “But I know his attributes, it’s just for the fact that for the impact of Savinho.It’s [Savinho’s] first season; his impact in goals, and assists, the last game at Arsenal made an incredible step-up defensively and challenging duels. And this is the reason why.”SunSport revealed that Grealish’s lack of minutes at the Etihad led to interest from Borussia Dortmund and Inter Milan during the January transfer window amid doubts about his Man City future. More

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      Man Utd vs Leicester live stream FREE: How to watch FA Cup clash today

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      MANCHESTER UNITED’S former striker and interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy looks for MASSIVE UPSET on his return to Old Trafford with Leicester.United are fresh from a 2-0 loss against Crystal Palace, currently sitting in 13th, and are in need of a good cup run to revive their season.Ruud van Nistelrooy travels back to the ground he once played on for Manchester UnitedCredit: RexRuben Amorim has had a tough start to life in EnglandCredit: GettyMAN UTD VS LEICESTER LIVEThe Foxes themselves are in need of a much-needed boost, having lost at The Goodison last weekend and faced the threat of immediate relegation back to the Championship.United knocked out Arsenal in a resilient 10-man display at The Emirates in the third round, whereas Leicester were 6-2 winners over QPR.Ruud van Nistelrooy beat Leicester twice in four games during his interim spell at Old Trafford, scoring eight and conceding two against The Foxes.Despite a big win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, van Nistelrooy has had a mixed start at The King Power and needs a big result against his old side.How to watch Man Utd v Leicester for FREEThe FA Cup remains on freeview TV in the UK, and the game will be live on ITV1.The game will also be available to stream for free on ITVX.Alternatively, tune into SunSport’s coverage of the game for all the action as it happens.The game is the first of the fourth round, kicking off at 8pm GMT on Friday, February 7.What other FA Cup games are happening this weekend?There is a pair of 12:15pm GMT kick offs on Saturday lunchtime, with Manchester City visiting Leyton Orient, and Leeds hosting Milwall.There are six 3pm GMT kick offs, with Wigan hosting Fulham, Ipswich travelling to Coventry, Southampton hositng Burnley and Everton playing Bournemouth among the Premier League sides.Most read in FA CupCardiff also play Stoke, and Preston will host Wycombe at 3pm GMT.League One topping Birmingham will host Newcastle at 5:45pm GMT, and Brighton host Chelsea at 8pm GMT to end the day.Plymouth host Liverpool in Sunday’s main event at 3pm GMT, with Blackburn playing Wolves prior at 12:45pm GMT and Aston Villa vs Tottenham following at 5:35pm GMT.Man Utd stars hit Ruben Amorim as he runs birthday gauntlet in training… and is left holding his backDoncaster host Crystal Palace on Monday night, kicking off at 7:45pm GMT, before high flying Nottingham Forest travel to Exeter at 8pm GMT on Tuesday. More

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      Huge EFL rule change hit by MAJOR setback with request for a vote rejected and ‘no commitment made’

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      The EFL are set to a reject a request from the National League to commit to a vote on granting them three promotion places.SunSport has learned that the matter was discussed at an EFL Board meeting yesterday. The EFL are set to a reject a request from the National League to commit to a vote on granting them an additional promotion placeCredit: GettyThe Board concluded that the promotion and relegation issue should be passed to the clubs for talks at their divisional meetings later this month, with no commitment made to vote at the end of the season.The National League wrote to the EFL earlier this week requesting a vote at their summer AGM so the new promotion and relegation model could be introduced next season. In addition the National League have launched a public 3UP campaign, but have been unable to secure any commitment from the EFL at this stage.The EFL declined to comment, and are planning to write to the National League to explain their position in detail.Read More in FootballAny rule change requires a majority vote from the 72 EFL clubs, including a majority of the 24 in the Championship.The EFL are expected to set out their concerns to the clubs later this month, including the fact that National League clubs are not subject to the same cost control rules.Agreeing the same spending rules is viewed by many as essential before three-up three-down can be introduced, and that will not happen before the end of the season.EFL bosses have previously spoken positively about the idea but a switch would need the formal backing of the clubs.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSNational League chairman Jack Pearce suggested the likely arrival of the Government’s new Independent Football Regulator this summer meant that the EFL had to respond.Pearce said: “The Regulator’s stated objectives include providing financial sustainability, economic resilience and preserving the heritage of the sport. ‘Classless’ – Fans fume as EFL star’s ‘disgusting’ behaviour sparks row that sees manager sent off days after dad died-Locat“In terms of heritage, National League clubs are at the heart of towns and cities across the whole country, with clubs that are part of the fabric of their communities.“An extra promotion place would create an invaluable aspiration for all these clubs and supporters – plus clubs in the leagues below. We simply can’t wait any longer for parity within the game.”Pearce argues that three clubs switching each season would create a “fluid” pyramid while also providing greater opportunity for relegated clubs to “bounce back” into the EFL. More

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      Aston Villa boss Unai Emery opens up on how Marcus Rashford has trained after shock loan transfer from Man Utd

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      ASTON VILLA manager Unai Emery has lifted the lid on how Marcus Rashford has been training after his dramatic exit from Manchester United.Rashford, 27, left United under a cloud after two decades with the club as he fell out of favour soon after the arrival of new manager Ruben Amorim.Marcus Rashford was criticised by Ruben Amorim for the way he trained at Manchester UnitedCredit: Aston VillaAston Villa boss Unai Emery is very happy with the way Rashford trainsCredit: GettySince December 12, Amorim left the star forward out of his squad for every game apart from one, in which he was an unused substitute.The Portuguese tactician then suggested he was so unhappy with the way the England international trained he’d rather pick 63-year-old goalkeeping coach Jorge Vital instead.That led to Rashford joining Villa on loan during the January transfer window.And Amorim admitted he could not get the United star to buy into his plan.Read More on Man UtdHowever, Emery insists he is very happy with the way Rashford trains under him.The Spanish tactician, who pushed hard for that signing, described his new player’s efforts as “fantastic”.Emery said: “Today he trained fantastic, tomorrow again, Sunday match. “We will enjoy each step and then the future is only building with the present.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSRashford is looking to regain his former goalscoring prominence during his temporary stint at Villa, which could become permanent in June.The United academy graduate could make his debut against Tottenham in the FA Cup on Sunday at Villa Park.Marcus Rashford says joining Aston Villa from Man Utd was an easy decisionAnd Emery, who convinced Rashford to join him after a long phone call, is relishing the challenge of helping his new player regain top form.The Villa boss added: “I’m very happy with the window we did, I’m very happy with him,””The conversation I had with him was a very normal conversation with a player and coach, speaking about football.”I only want the best football from him. As a person as well into the dressing room like one more player helping us.”I think his potential is huge potential to exploit. I don’t want to know the reason he is leaving from Manchester but I am very happy keeping him here.”I am very happy to try to exploit and help him recover his performances, individually and collectively. My challenge with him is huge. His challenge with us is exciting.” More