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      ‘My salary is less than my rent, I snubbed offers from Saudi Arabia to play in the fourth tier’

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      ANDY CARROLL has revealed that his modest Bordeaux salary doesn’t even cover his rent.The former England striker, 35, signed for the French crisis club last month.Andy Carroll has already achieved cult hero status in French footballCredit: AFPBordeaux, champions of France as recently as 2009, were demoted to the fourth tier in the summer after being forced to revoke their professional status.As they began to pick up the pieces for life in France’s National B, they secured the signature of Carroll from Amiens.Having been a regular for the Ligue 2 side last season, the target man wasn’t short of more lucrative options.But he opted to pick the project that excited him most.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt had been speculated that Carroll has been earning €3,500 (£2,900) a month at Bordeaux.But in an interview with L’Equipe, the former Newcastle, Liverpool and West Ham star revealed that is not the case.He said: “No, it’s a lot less than that.”I won’t tell you the exact figure but to give you an idea, since I moved here, I rent a pretty little house and my salary is less than my rent.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”If I joined Bordeaux, it clearly wasn’t for the money. I had offers from elsewhere to play in Saudi Arabia, but that didn’t interest me.”Carroll, who split with wife Billi Mucklow in July, has quickly earned hero status at his new club.Andy Carroll ‘playing 5D chess’ as former England star steals show on debut after dropping down to fourth tierHe has scored braces in his opening two matches for Bordeaux, with fans marvelling at the intimate stadiums he’s played at.On continuing to follow his passion, Carroll told RMC Sport: “To be honest, it even costs me money to have gone to play for the Girondins.”But I play football and I’m simply happy to play football.”I want to be part of the history of this club and to be honest it’s not a question of money. In my career, it’s never been a question of money.”This season, NBA star LeBron James will make history by playing alongside his son Bronny in the NBA.Carroll has admitted that he would like to emulate the basketball icon by playing with his son Lucas.He added: “I would love to continue playing every Saturday at least until I’m 40, whatever the level.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The goal is to be a LeBron James, that is, to play on the same team as my eldest son, Lucas, who is 14.”It would be wonderful to experience that, in Bordeaux or elsewhere.”Carroll, 35, wants to play with his sonCredit: AFP More

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      ‘I wasn’t contacted about the England job,’ admits Eddie Howe as he gives verdict on Thomas Tuchel appointment

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      EDDIE HOWE is not angry about being overlooked by the FA for the England job and believes Thomas Tuchel was the “best” foreign candidate available.SunSport revealed there was no contact with Howe, 46, as the FA spoke to 10 different managers.Newcastle boss Eddie Howe confirmed he was never contacted by the FA for the England jobCredit: GettyThomas Tuchel became the new England manager as he replaced Gareth SouthgateCredit: SplashHowe believes ex-Chelsea boss Tuchel is a great England appointmentCredit: AlamyThe Newcastle boss was touted as one of the favourites to take charge of the Three Lions until the FA named the German as their new boss.The decision has been met with mixed reaction, but when asked on what his thoughts are about Tuchel, Howe revealed: “Firstly, speaking about Thomas himself, I’ve got a relationship with him and was lucky and fortunate enough to go and see him work at Chelsea when I was out of work.“What a brilliant guy, great person, great coach. I had two days with him and thought that he was fascinating and I really enjoyed his company.“I really wish him well and think that he’s a great appointment. I hope that he leads England to many trophies.Read More on Football“I have always said, and I’ve been very clear on this going back years and years, my preference would have been for an English coach but if you are going to go foreign then go for the best and I certainly think Thomas is that.”The FA claimed to have interviewed ten candidates, but the Toon chief says he was not one of them and there had been “no contact” from the FA.Howe was the choice of many to lead the Three Lions into the World Cup, and when asked if he was angry that he had not even been approached for talks, Howe replied: “Absolutely not. “The FA have to do what is right for them and only they know the processes and decisions that they have made.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“I’m not the type of person to analyse that and my focus is on Newcastle and trying to win games.“That’s hard enough to do being 100 per cent focused and I’ll always remain that way to my work but know if you drop your levels then your job becomes impossible. I’ve never allowed myself to do that.”Thomas Tuchel England Press ConferenceHowe is perceived by many to be a future England manager, but does he feel that too?“I don’t visualise that,” he insisted. “I just think about Newcastle and trying to lift a trophy here would be my goal and I’m immersing myself in what I’m in currently. So no other thoughts have entered my head.“So I don’t take on that feeling and just try to do the best I can.”Howe has faced constant questions about the England job, despite stating from the off that he wanted to stay at St James’, and admits there is some relief that the chase for Gareth Southgate’s replacement is over.He said: “There was no-one more pleased than me to see Thomas get the job, really, and take it because it’s just a distraction – not that it distracts me, but you can see it’s unsettling at times when certain things are said and written about.“The more that everyone can focus on Newcastle – which has always been my only concern – the better.”Howe focused on NewcastleEven though it appears FA chiefs overlooked him this time, is it a job that interests him in the future?“Who knows,” responded Howe. “I’ve always said that you can never predict what’s going to happen in management, you can never plan too far ahead. I certainly don’t.“I’m a day-to-day planner, while certainly acknowledging that Newcastle – I’ve always said this – has a future and we have to make sure we make the right decisions long-term. “But the job takes so many twists and turns, you can’t look too far ahead. I think that’s negative, actually, if you do that, so in terms of my own career and what’s five, 10 years ahead, I don’t know, I’ve got no idea.“But I’d never say that managing England isn’t something I’d like to do maybe one day if given the opportunity, but my focus is Newcastle, Newcastle, Newcastle.”Howe was then asked directly if he would have spoken to the FA if they had knocked on his door, to which he replied: ‘Hypothetical questions are very dangerous to answer. England still the pinnacle “Listen, I will talk to anyone who knocks on my front door… but not in the respect of entering conversations about leaving Newcastle.”Everton boss Sean Dyche has stated that the England job is perhaps no longer the pinnacle for English coaches.But Howe feels differently, saying: “I think if you are looking to get into international football and you have got that passion for international football then absolutely yes.“It just depends on your viewpoint. If you look domestically and you love the day-to-day aspect of the job then obviously you’ll have a different answer.“For me, as a kid I loved World Cups, European Championships, I was obsessed with England trying to win something and I really do hope that Thomas can do that for the country.”And Howe, whose side face Brighton on Saturday in the Premier League, refused to be drawn on the credentials of other English coaches that were overlooked, saying: “Yes, of course there were candidates. But I’m not going to critique the FA’s decision. The decision is down to them.READ MORE SUN STORIES“They know a lot more than I do. They will have all the information. I don’t think it’s for me to judge that decision.“But there are people out there who I think are very, very good who are English and they’re available. I’m sure the FA did their work on that and they’ve come to their decision.”Forgotten England stars could benefit from Tuchel appointmentWITH Thomas Tuchel announced as the next England manager, a few forgotten stars might be hopeful of a return to the international set up.The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager usually uses a 3-4-3 formation.That could provide an opening for Mason Mount, who’s not been involved in the England set-up since the World Cup in 2022.The now Manchester United star enjoyed his most successful spell under Tuchel while the pair were at Stamford Bridge.Tuchel could also offer lifelines to other previously capped players such as Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Eric Dier.RLC has excelled since his move to AC Milan and with England struggling to find a partner for Rice, he could be the surprise answer.Meanwhile, Dier played for Tuchel at Bayern Munich as part of a back-three last season.The defender did enough to convince the club to make his loan move permanent after he had fallen out of favour at Tottenham.Click here to see the full England XI who could play under Tuchel.Inside FA’s thrilling chase for TuchelTHE FA’s path to securing Thomas Tuchel’s signature was not a straightforward one.They tried to lure Pep Guardiola from Manchester City over the summer.They even made contact with Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti after deciding to target trophy-laden foreign gaffers.The FA’s determination to go international was summed up by their decision NOT to interview Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.Initial talks with Tuchel saw him express a slight interest in replacing Gareth Southgate.But he was waiting to see what would happen at Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag’s future under the spotlight.Man Utd owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe eventually decided to stick with Ten Hag – and that opened the door to the FA getting their man.Read the full story on England’s thrilling pursuit of Thomas Tuchel. 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      Captaincy options for Gameweek 8: Time for gaffers to revert to the safety of Erling Haaland?

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      DREAM TEAM managers who chose to captain Bukayo Saka (£6.5m) over Erling Haaland (£9.1m) in Gameweek 7 were handsomely rewarded.Just prior to the international break, Arsenal’s ‘Star Boy’ took Southampton for 20 points while Manchester City’s No9 mustered just four against Fulham.Saka has outperformed Haaland over the last few GameweeksCredit: GettyThis outcome meant those who opted to double Saka’s return benefited from a significant swing over those who backed Haaland.In fact, the England international has outscored the Norwegian poacher since the start of Gameweek 4 and the latter’s lead at the top of the rankings has been cut to just nine points as a result.It’s simply a fact that gaffers who have captained Saka over Haaland for the last month have had their actions justified.Now the pertinent question is whether the Gunners’ No7 is the optimum skipper for Gameweek 8?One potential blockade is that Saka is an availability doubt having been forced off with an injury while on duty for the Three Lions.Saka looked in discomfort at Wembley during the international breakCredit: SplashIn this morning’s press conference, Mikel Arteta offered some reassurance when he told reporters: “Not a serious injury, he’s evolving really well. We are hopeful.”Arsenal are set to face Bournemouth and Shakhtar Donetsk in Gameweek 8 and given Saka is statistically the most in-form player in Dream Team (based on points earned across last three games) he would obviously be a strong captaincy choice if passed fit.That being said, this may be the Gameweek to revert to the familiar safety of Haaland.Most read in FootballPep Guardiola’s side travel to Molineux this weekend, where they were beaten last season, but a repeat of that upset seems unlikely with Wolves currently bottom of the table having conceded the most leagues goals this season.Haaland will be licking his lips at the prospect of facing Wolves’ defenceCredit: GettyCity will then host Sparta Prague in the Champions League in midweek – another relatively favourable match-up.Haaland may not have scored in his last two league outings (a drought by his standards) but it’s worth remembering he has 11 goals to his name in all competitions in 2024/25 – no other Dream Team asset has scored more than six.Certainly the case for captaining Haaland is a strong one, as is usually the case.Score 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 NOWElsewhere, Mohamed Salah (£7.6m) is always among the most-selected skippers but his fixtures aren’t as appealing on paper.Liverpool host fourth-placed Chelsea in the standout Premier League game of the weekend before travelling to RB Leipzig on Wednesday – the German outfit are level on points with Bayern Munich at the top of the Bundesliga at present.Bold gaffers might look to target Tottenham’s double header of West Ham and AZ Alkmaar, both to be played in North London, by captaining Dominic Solanke (£4.4m), James Maddison (£4.5m) or the in-form Brennan Johnson (£3.8m).Johnson’s scoring streak puts him in the captaincy conversationCredit: AFPIt’s a tempting punt on paper but one that will only appeal to managers who enjoy taking risks and going against grain.With Saka seemingly not 100% fit, Haaland appears to be the safe choice for Gameweek 8.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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      Former Man Utd star Nani ‘reported to police for swiping shirt from fan – after claiming it was STOLEN’

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      FORMER Manchester United winger Nani has been accused of stealing a fan’s shirt after being asked to sign it.The alleged incident, which has been reported to the police, took place outside the stadium of Portuguese club Estrela Amadora – where the 37-year-old now plays.The alleged incident involved an unofficial version of Portugal’s Euro 2016 jersey – which Nani wore as they won the tournamentCredit: AFPNani was allegedly filmed talking with the fan about the shirtCredit: Youtube / josemarquesphotographyIt is claimed the shirt was purchased on VintedCredit: Youtube / josemarquesphotographyA video shared on social media shows Nani talking to the fan while in the driver’s seat of his car.A photo of the police report was shared on Reddit and translated into English by one user.It is alleged the Portugal shirt taken was an unofficial version of the jersey they wore during their Euro 2016 triumph and was bought on Vinted.SunSport has approached Nani for comment.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe claim reads: “Good evening, As the title says, unfortunately today, an athlete from Estrela da Amadora stole a shirt from me that was meant to be autographed by him.”About three or four weeks ago, I was browsing Vinted and found an UNOFFICIAL match shirt (not worn by him), but it had the patches applied to make it look like a match shirt. “The seller clearly stated that it wasn’t official, nor was it worn in a match. I bought the shirt and received it on Wednesday.”Excited, today, Thursday, I went to the Estrela da Amadora stadium after training to get his autograph. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”As soon as he saw it, he immediately asked where it came from and where I got it from.”I consistently explained that I had bought it and even showed proof that it had nothing to do with him or his belongings. “He grabbed the shirt, asked to take it off my hanger, then put it on the passenger seat of his car, rolled up the window, and drove off.”For a few minutes, I was in complete shock at what had just happened… “Even the people around me said they would have gone straight to the police. So that’s what I did.”And some people even recorded video and gave me their contact details to serve as witnesses.”I just froze there for a moment. I went to the police, filed a report, and now I have the case number. “I fully intend to get the shirt back, or at the very least, my money. What can I do at this point? I know where he’ll be tomorrow. Should I call the police and have them confront him to get my shirt back?”I’m feeling really down and have no idea what to do…Ronaldo and Rio laugh as they reminisce about ‘making Nani cry’ at Man Utd “(P.S. I have video footage of Nani taking the shirt, putting it in his car, and driving off.)”Nani won four Premier League titles, two League Cups, the Champions League and Club World Cup across an eight-year spell at Man Utd.He scored 41 goals and provided 70 assists in 230 appearances for The Red Devils.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe has also played for Sporting Lisbon, Fenerbahce, Valencia, Lazio, Orlando City, Venezia, Melbourne Victory and Adana Demirspor.At international level, he earned 112 caps for Portugal between 2006 and 2017, scoring 24 goals. More

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      Sir Alex Ferguson reveals he snubbed Arsenal and Tottenham as he opens up on why Man Utd was only club for him

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      SIR ALEX FERGUSON has revealed he rejected Arsenal and Tottenham before taking the Manchester United job.Red Devils fans learned earlier this week that the club have stopped paying the legendary Scottish manager’s £2million-a-year ambassadorial salary.Sir Alex Ferguson rejected Arsenal and Tottenham before joining Manchester UnitedCredit: PAFerguson revealed the story to Scotland legend Ally McCoistCredit: Ally’s Social Club/TNT SportsIt ends his 11-year spell in the role – which he began just months after announcing he was stepping down from his position as head coach in 2013.Ferguson, 82, won 13 Premier League titles, two Champions Leagues and five FA Cups during a hugely successful 27-year stint as boss.But history could have been very different had he agreed to offers from either of the big North London clubs.Ferguson, who was managing Aberdeen at the time, also revealed Wolves had submitted a proposal to him.READ MORE ON MAN UTDSpeaking to Rangers and Scotland icon Ally McCoist on TNT Sports’ YouTube channel, he said: “I turned down Arsenal and I turned down Wolverhampton Wanderers and I turned down Tottenham.”I said [to Aberdeen chairman Dick Donald] that maybe it was time for me to leave, blah, blah, blah, and he said to me ‘don’t talk like that’.”You should go only to one club – Manchester United. I never budged until that came long. When it came along, I couldn’t get there quick enough.”I have to say there was a lot of trepidation about it. Travelling down that morning, in the plane with Martin Edwards and the lawyer Maurice Watkins, I was asking a lot of questions and I wasn’t getting all the answers.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFergie axe comes at the right time – and he knows itBy Phil ThomasIT is over a decade since he left the dugout but Sir Alex Ferguson has lost none of his sense of timing.When to sell, when to buy, when to change and ultimately when to go, Fergie has always been in a class of his own.Over the years there were countless decisions which had everyone scratching their head — but Sir Alex always knew the time was right.Some were more obvious than others. Like the night Manchester United won the Treble on the back of his substitutions.Others less so, like the summer of 1995 when terrace legends Mark Hughes, Paul Ince and Andrei  Kanchelskis were sold at the peak of their powers.The whole of football thought the manager had lost his marbles.But Fergie knew better, as he chose that year to unleash his “you win nothing with kids” Double heroes.Just as he knew best when it came to right-hand men.Brian Kidd, Steve McClaren, Archie Knox and Co — an endless list of world-class coaches who all came and went.And, of course, the biggest decision of all. Calling time on 26 years in which he had gone from the brink of the bullet to English football’s greatest-ever gaffer.The majority of people are convinced Ferguson stepped down because he knew United’s era of dominance was over.Maybe not the nosedive to come but certainly that an almighty rebuild was just around the corner. Another mass overhaul, yet not one he was prepared to oversee.Now another end has arrived. Not as dramatic or as out-of-nowhere, admittedly, but an end nonetheless.Next summer Fergie will leave his 12-year role as global ambassador. Many see it as the most ruthless swing of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s cost-cutting axe — and they are wrong.For while he is trying to save every penny in making United great again —  how’s that going, Sir Jim? — Ferguson has not suddenly and callously been told he is surplus to requirements.This decision was a two-way call. An amicable parting. Football’s own conscious uncoupling, in Chris  Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow lingo.And not, incidentally, a departure which means we will no longer see Fergie at Old Trafford on a matchday.That  simply  will  not  happen.   He  will still be there rain, wind or shine . . .Only now as a high-profile non-executive director, rather than a man with the ear — and the sway — behind the owners’ biggest decisions.Like he was when urging United to re-sign Cristiano Ronaldo in 2021.Admittedly not his finest hour, rather an indication of the influence he still retained.Back then, until just before  Ratcliffe and his Ineos team arrived, in fact, Ferguson had the owners’ ear. Almost a hotline to the Glazer family, you could say.And those days are done.Not that Sir Alex is bereft at the thought. For a start, some of the staff sackings have enraged the Scot — long-serving photographer John Peters and kitman Alec Wylie, for example.This is not a cosy-cosy relationship with Ratcliffe being severed.If anything, it is closer to the opposite. And as Fergie the Red, in every sense The Boss — those who played under him still call him that  — knows, trousering £2million or so a year in such tight times is not a good look.Fair enough, not an amount anyone would turn down in normal circumstances.Yet when many in the steerage class are losing their livelihoods, it is not something that would have sat well with him.There is also the practical side of things as well.At the end of December, Sir Alex will be 83 years old, albeit still a freakishly fit 83 years old.Yet even though the grey matter remains oh-so-sharp and the mind clear as a bell, the bones grow creakier and even Superman had to put his feet up on occasion.That does not mean you will not see shots of Fergie alongside Ratcliffe at various points — Sir Jim loves too much the associated glamour of being pictured with the greatest.But any idea of Sir Alex having an emperor’s thumbs-down power has gone for good — and quite frankly that is something which suits both sides.”Wee Gordon Strachan used to phone me quite a lot and I didn’t get a great picture through that. I knew all the players, world-class names in many ways.”I was determined to install something I did at Aberdeen and St Mirren, and that was to produce young players.”Sir Alex Ferguson steps away from ambassador duties at Manchester UnitedFerguson went on to become Man Utd’s most successful ever manager and one of the greatest coaches of all time.But reports claim he has now been “blocked from the Man Utd dressing room” after losing his ambassadorial position.He will remain a non-executive director and be welcome at matches.But the axing of his seven-figure salary is the latest in a long-line of cuts made by new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.He has also cancelled senior Man Utd staff’s private cars and reduced lunch privileges on match-days.The full episode of Ally’s Social Club with Sir Alex Ferguson will be available to watch on TNT Sports’ YouTube channel from midday today and broadcast on TNT Sports 1 at 10.30am on Saturday. More

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      Roy Keane’s stunned reaction as he discovers Fifa are trialling bold rule change he suggested

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      ROY KEANE provided a brilliant response when Howard Webb revealed that Fifa are trialling a bold rule change that he suggested.Former Premier League referee Webb, 53, joined Keane and Co for a wide-ranging conversation on officiating.Roy Keane provided a brilliant responseCredit: Stick to FootballHoward Webb discussed a potential rule changeCredit: Stick to FootballKeane’s response had the panel in stitchesCredit: Stick to FootballHaving hung up his whistle in 2014, Webb became the chief refereeing officer for the PGMOL in 2022.In his job, the Yorkshireman has had a hands on role in the implementation of VAR in the Premier League.This week he joined Keane, Gary Neville, Jill Scott, Ian Wright and Wayne Rooney on Stick to Football, brought to you by Sky Bet.During the conversation, Neville brought up that Keane had recently suggested changing the implementation of technology in officiating to a system in which coaches would receive one challenge per match.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAsked if this was something that could be feasible, Webb revealed: “We’ll only really know by seeing it in practice.”Interestingly enough, at the moment is the Under-17 Women’s World Cup, England are playing there, we talked about it earlier Jill, and we’ve just finished the Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia, the 17s is in Dominican Republic.”They’re using this on trial, so each coach has two challenges a game, it’s called…”At this point, Webb was interrupted as Wright slapped Keane on the arm and joked: “You’re wasted here!”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSKeane, 53, then joked: “I’m wasted here! I should be working for Fifa or something.”Through laughter, Scott quipped: “Can you imagine Roy, head of Fifa?”Roy Keane reveals he has ‘given up’ with Man Utd as he, Rooney and Neville lay into Ten Hag’s ‘disgusting’ flops The former Man Utd skipper then put on a pretend stern face as he replied: “What’s wrong with that Jill? What’s wrong with that?”As Neville howled with laughter, Keane continued: “I’ve worked at the highest level, I’ve played at the highest level… I’m sitting here eating chocolate.”Webb went on to boldly claim that there have only been two VAR errors so far this season, a significant reduction on the number recorded at this time a year ago.He said: “I don’t think we managed expectations well in terms of VAR. We knew it was always going to be a situation where it was going to do well on those clear situations, the ones where you think, ‘That’s clearly wrong on first view’.”We have this independent panel which has got ex-players on it, and they judge each decision each week, and according to the panel there has only been two VAR errors this season compared to 10 at the same time last year.”We’ve been better at hitting the mark but that can change and we’re not going to get complacent, but it’s been better. For me, the biggest thing of all is that it’s been quicker.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The average delay last season through VAR was 70 seconds per game and this year it’s 25 seconds.”I said to the guys, ‘Don’t ponder for too long, if you see a situation that jumps off the screen then get involved, but if you’re having to think about it too much then just say check complete because we’ll leave it with the referee on the field’. That’s why the term, ‘Referee’s call’ is useful.”Ultimate sports presenters rich listTV sports presenters make a mint.The biggest and best are signed up on yearly deals with the likes of the BBC, ITV and Sky for your viewing pleasure.Laura Woods is dominating the media landscape at the moment, leading TNT Sports’ coverage and ITV’s.Alex Scott and Jermaine Jenas are two of the fresher faces for the BBC’s sporting output.Then, it’s the old guard of Gary Lineker and Mark Chapman who also command hefty fees for their Match of the Day programmes.SunSport has taken a look at how those big names rank and compiled a list of the top 10 highest earning stars that grace our TV screens.With number one worth a whopping £29.4million more than number 10!Read the story and see the full list here. More

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      Arsenal tipped to sign former Man Utd star, 24, they could get on a free transfer next summer

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      ARSENAL legend Lee Dixon tipped his former club to sign ex-Manchester United ace Angel Gomes, whom they could get for free in the summer.Gomes, 24, has been turning heads ever since rolling credits on his 11-year stint at United where he started out at the age of 6 in the academy.Arsenal legend Lee Dixon tipped his former club to sign Lille star Angel GomesCredit: GettyDixon predicted Arsenal could get ex-Manchester United ace Gomes for free in JuneCredit: AFP or licensorsDixon insists England star Gomes would be a ‘superb’ fit for Arsenal boss Mikel ArtetaCredit: GettyThe versatile midfielder moved to France in 2020 and has since amassed a staggering 123 appearances, despite spending a season on loan at Boavista.That earned the defensive midfielder an England call-up by interim boss Lee Carsley and he proved he can play an integral part in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.Gomes has been so good he left United fans scratching their heads and wondering why he was let go.Dixon, 60, urged his former club to capitalise on the Red Devils’ inability to hold on to the England international, whom he described as a “superb” fit and the perfect partner for Declan Rice in midfield.Read More on ArsenalThe former full-back predicted the North Londoners could indeed sign the United academy graduate for next season as his contract with Lille runs out in June.Dixon told plejmo.com: “I think Angel Gomes would fit in at Arsenal superbly.”His qualities are clear to see, he’s a very good link-up player and we’ve seen that he can play alongside Declan Rice.”He’s got a lot of potential and although there will be plenty of clubs looking at him, I could see him at Arsenal next season.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSArsenal keep strengthening in their bid to win their first Premier League title since the Invincibles’ campaign in 2004.Dixon believes it is important to end that duck and urged his former club to also work on finally winning their first ever Champions League title.Mikel Arteta lauds Arsenal’s win over PSG The England international is adamant that titles need to be won and even claimed that manager Mikel Arteta would be deemed a “failure” if he failed to win any major trophies at the Emirates.Dixon added: “If Mikel Arteta leaves Arsenal without winning the Premier League or Champions League at Arsenal you’d have to say it’s been a failure because that’s what he is there to do, to win the biggest trophies.”He would be the first to say that and of course we don’t know how long he will be in the job, but not winning one of those would be a massive disappointment.”It’s a tough competition to win of course, but Arsenal’s defence could be the key to winning the Champions League for the first time.”It’s so tough to win, as Arsenal have proved over the years since they got to the final, they haven’t come anywhere close since.”It’s tough with all the big teams and you do need a bit of luck, but you have to have a firm base and they have got that with their defence now.”They’ve got that solidarity to build on and they need to get through the winter months with few injuries, that is the challenge for all the clubs in Europe.”Arsenal legend Dixon believes Gomes would be a stunning partner for Declan Rice in midfieldCredit: Getty More

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      Man Utd flop Donny van de Beek shuts down reporter when asked about struggles under Ten Hag

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      DONNY VAN DE BEEK was evasive when asked about his struggles at Manchester United under Erik ten Hag.The Dutchman, 27, left Old Trafford in the summer after four difficult years.Donny van de Beek scarcely played for United under Erik ten HagCredit: GettyThe midfielder also worked under Ten Hag at AjaxCredit: GettyVan de Beek had excelled at Ajax under Erik ten Hag, earning rave reviews for his performances in the Eredivisie and Champions League.United shelled out £39million to sign him in September 2020, but the move did not work out.Having struggled for game time under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick, Van de Beek returned to Old Trafford in the summer of 2022 following a loan spell at Everton, with his old boss Ten Hag having joined.His fortunes scarcely improved, however, as he started just one Premier League match under his Dutch compatriot before suffering a devastating knee injury in January 2023.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLVan de Beek went on to make just two more appearances for United before being loaned to Eintracht Frankfurt in January, then leaving permanently for Girona in the summer.While speaking to The Athletic from his new club’s Catalan training ground, Van de Beek was asked about the differences between his experiences under Ten Hag at Ajax and Man Utd.Shying away from the question, he said: “I don’t know… I think it’s difficult. Should we move on to the next subject?”Van de Beek denied that pressure is the root cause of United’s struggles, but did express sympathy for his former team-mates.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe said: “I think it’s difficult. I was there, so I know it’s not easy for the players. They are still very good players when you see them all. It’s not easy to see them in this situation.”I know they can do it, but it is not easy with everyone, and for the players… I hope they can change this situation.”Frank Lampard praises Van de Beek for ‘keeping his counsel’ through Man Utd nightmareVan de Beek joined Girona in the summer for an initial £417,000, although this fee could potentially rise to £7.5million.Having been eased in at first by boss Michel, he has begun to establish himself at Montilivi, playing his first full 90 minutes as Girona beat Athletic Bilbao before the international break.He also recently scored his first goal in more than two years during his side’s Champions League home debut against Feyenoord.On how he felt as the ball hit the net, Van de Beek admitted: “It was so good. It gives you confidence as a player to live these kinds of moments. You feel again the adrenaline in your body and feel that if you were tired before, now you are not any more.”‘DIFFICULT TIMES’Asked about how his new home differs from his previous clubs, Van de Beek said: “Here, everyone is really close, they all know each other, this is quite different from what I’ve seen in the past.”It’s nice to see how they all try to help and make you feel as if you were at home. They have the ambition to improve. I think all this helps me, too.”The football part always has to be right, but this was also a very important element given the moment of my career. I have had some difficult times in recent years.”Van de Beek now plays alongside plenty of players that Premier League fans will be familiar with at Girona.His fellow ex-United star Daley Blind is among their ranks, as well as former Tottenham quartet Paulo Gazzaniga, Arnaut Danjuma, Bryan Gil and Pau Lopez.READ MORE SUN STORIESHaving not been picked for his country since 2021, Van de Beek will return to club action against Real Sociedad tomorrow, following the conclusion of the international break.He will then have another opportunity to shine in Europe on Tuesday, as Girona host Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League.Van de Beek recently scored his first goal in more than two yearsCredit: RexNine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten HagERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.Gareth SouthgateEnjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.Kieran McKennaTalks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.Roberto De ZerbiAllegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.Thomas FrankBrentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.Marco SilvaFulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.Mauricio PochettinoFell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.Thomas TuchelMade a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.Ruben AmorimSporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.Roberto MartinezPortugal manager was considered in the early stages. More