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      Football should trial return of pints in the stands… but can minority of fans be trusted to show we’re past dark days?

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      AS ladies say ‘cheers’ to drinking alcohol in the stands at Women’s Championship matches, the chance of a return to a beer or two on all the men’s terraces are about as high as Accrington Stanley winning League Two.Actually, Accrington’s average attendance of 2,509 would be a very good ground at which to start serving alcohol as policing any noisy drunks would be a simple process.There isn’t a measurable risk of violent drunks at Women’s Championship matchesCredit: GettyKarren Brady is happy to let responsible drinkers drink, it’s the rest of them she worries about . . .Credit: PABut it isn’t going to happen at Wham Stadium which, incidentally, is not named after (the late and great) George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley’s pop pairing.Nor anywhere else, at least not in the near future.Drinking alcohol within view of the playing field was stopped in 1985 after a sequence of events involving noisy, sometimes violent, spectators.There are no moves to change the law although there are many ways of buying alcohol beyond a pitch view, and a recent study showed Chelsea fans top the beer table, drinking on average six pints a game.Read More on FootballAt that rate, they might need a half-time substitution for their liver more than their team.The police and stewards are on the look-out for drunks or people bringing alcohol into grounds although some still try. A Leeds supporter succeeded in 2012 and, should anyone need convincing that the ban should end, the facts were he assaulted Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Chris Kirkland after running on to the pitch.It transpired that the offender drank countless cans of lager and a bottle of vodka on the journey to the ground. In Sheffield he then drank at least seven pints of cider.Most read in FootballBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesI feel woozy even writing that. He was jailed for 16 weeks and banned from football grounds for six years.There isn’t a measurable risk of violent drunks at Women’s Championship matches and it made sense supporters should be able to drink wisely during this trial.Watch Ireland captain Katie McCabe star in hilarious Adidas ad ahead of new WSL season with ArsenalIt’s a different crowd, reflected in the fact government data revealed there had been no arrests recorded at women’s football matches.The end of restrictions is positive for several reasons — extra revenue, another attraction for people to attend, and even a tot to cheer fans of the losing side.Supporters of a return to drinks during play can point to rugby and cricket for freedom from limitations.At the Ireland v Scotland match a record 137,000 pints of beer were sold at Stade de France.There was a mass brawl, but that was on the pitch between the players. Drinkers at cricket are often asleep anyway.Women tend to follow the rules rather than consider them a nuisance. We despise violence and bad behaviour, both of which are much more prevalent among men and it is unlikely many will see pie-eyed woman causing trouble at matches.Maybe solution lies in compromiseI would love to make a bonfire of all restrictions but I don’t think it would be possible or responsible.Ultimately, the question isn’t just about alcohol — it’s about trust. Have fans moved on from the dark days of the 80s? Can clubs strike the right balance between modernisation and maintaining order?In football, intensity and passion run high. Add alcohol to this and it can be a problem.The last thing clubs or fans want is a descent into chaos because of a few irresponsible drinkers.The landscape of football has been transformed in those 40 years. Stadiums are safer, crowds are more diverse, and family-friendly atmospheres have replaced toxic environments of the past.Perhaps the solution lies in compromise. Limited trials at selected matches could provide data on whether ending the ban works.READ MORE SUN STORIESGuidelines would have to be stringent and include steps such as alcohol-free zones, stricter ID checks, and time-limited drinking.I am happy to let responsible drinkers drink, it’s the rest of them I worry about . . . More

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      Inside Kyle Walker & Annie Kilner’s move to Milan to put sex scandals behind him – but will he escape Lauryn Goodman?

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      TOUCHING down in Italy to embark on a new chapter of his career, Kyle Walker now wants to say “arrivederci” to his scandals back home.The England defender, 34, sealed his loan move to Serie A giants AC Milan on Thursday after eight highly successful but incident-packed years with Manchester City.Kyle Walker sealed his loan move to Serie A giants AC Milan in ItalyCredit: AlamyLong-suffering wife Annie Kilner will keep close eye on Kyle as he enjoys life in the new cityCredit: BackGridKyle, Annie and their kids in Christmas PJs on InstagramCredit: InstagramReality star Lauryn Goodman continues to make their lives a misery and told pals she wants to follow the footballer wherever he goesCredit: AlamyHe hopes to start afresh by moving away from the goldfish bowl of Cheshire and the constant noise ­surrounding his dalliances with Lauryn Goodman — mistress and mother of his two love-children.Kyle’s marriage to embattled wife Annie Kilner, 33, is dangling by the thinnest of threads.An insider told The Sun: “Annie has made it clear to friends she is making the move to Italy for the sake of her family, telling them, ‘I’m doing it for the boys’.“Getting away from the UK and the noise surrounding Kyle’s sex scandals is what they desperately need. They feel smothered.Read More on Sport“It’s been a traumatic 12 months and they now just want to put it behind them and attempt to lead some sort of normal existence for a while.”Last night Kyle said on Instagram: “Signing for this incredible club in 2017 was a dream come true.“Seven years later, winning 17 trophies . . . is something I could only have dreamt as a child.“To my teammates: from the moment I walked through the door, thank you for the great memories and all the success we have shared.Most read in Football‘Annie feels terrorised by it all’“To [manager] Pep Guardiola, thank you for believing in me . . . your guidance has helped shape me into the player I am today. I’ll be forever grateful.“To Annie and all my family who have been there and supported me on this journey, thank you.Kyle Walker lands in Italy to complete AC Milan loan deal“Lastly, to the fans — thank you for embracing me as one of your own from day one.”The insider added: “Annie is still intent on going through with the divorce, which Kyle won’t oppose, but the longer they remain together, the more chance they have of eventually reconciling against the odds.“Kyle accepts that he is taking his problems with him and won’t ever escape what he has done.“This is an opportunity for him to get some breathing space and for the couple to work out their next steps.”Annie and their four boys will fly to Italy by private jet from Manchester Airport ahead of Milan’s Serie A showdown against Parma tomorrow.They will be in the San Siro to watch Kyle unveiled to the Rossoneri but will return to the UK hours later as Kyle settles into life in Milan with his new teammates.Wag Zoe Cristofoli is the partner of French defender Theo HernandezCredit: Instagram @zoe_cristofoliStunning Instagram model ­Agustina Gandolfo is the wife of Inter captain Lautaro MartinezCredit: https://www.instagram.com/agus.gandolfo/?hl=enIlaria Belloni is the partner of Kyle’s new captain with the Rossoneri, Davide CalabriaCredit: InstagramCatwalk queens at Milan Fashion Week last yearCredit: GettyThe star cannot play for the seven-time European champions until next month, due to Brexit red tape.The full-back’s new club is finding the couple and their four children a mansion to live in, rather than a hotel, which is a more common move for new signings.The pair are already eager to start ­getting used to Italian culture.For now, Annie is said to be keen to maintain their kids’ schooling in the UK until they have found a home in Milan — but that will hinge on Kyle securing a permanent move.Annie will begin making plans, while back in the UK, to move the family. She is keen for them to begin a new life abroad as soon as possible — once schools have been identified and they have worked out where they want to live.AC Milan’s English trio includes Ruben Loftus-CheekCredit: RexTammy Abraham also plays for the RossoneriCredit: GettyFikayo Tomori will also be one of Walker’s new teammatesCredit: GettyIn the meantime, they expect to fly between the UK and Italy, to be with Kyle as he begins the next chapter in his footballing career.Once they do find a home, would-be interior designer Annie will have the chance to put her own stamp on the property and turn it into a proper home, where their three eldest children Roman, 12, Riaan, eight, and six-year-old Reign, will be home-schooled, while she dotes over five-month-old Rezon.If the move to Milan works out, sparking an extended spell beyond this season — his £4.2million loan deal includes an option for him to stay permanently until 2027 — it is likely they will be enrolled in a top international school nearby.The move to Italy also means that the couple will have put several countries between themselves and reality star Lauryn, 34, who continues to make their lives a misery.The influencer has told pals she wants to follow the footballer wherever he goes in a bid to force him to have a relationship with their two young kids — Kairo, four, and one-year-old ­Kinara.And that is despite Kyle paying for her £2.4million West Sussex mansion and providing £12,500 a month in child maintenance.They could go to the ends of the Earth and still not escape LaurynAn insiderThe insider added: “They could go to the ends of the Earth and still not escape Lauryn.“Because of what he’s done, she is going to be in their lives for a long time to come and there’s nothing they can do about it.“It’s all Annie thinks about. She feels terrorised by it all and worries constantly about what Lauryn is likely to do next.”Kyle informed Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola of his wish to move abroad earlier this month after he was left out of the Premier League champions’ squad for their FA Cup third-round clash against Salford City, despite being fit and available to feature.The Catalan manager said at the time: “Two days ago Kyle asked to explore the options to play abroad at the end of his career.“He arrived eight years ago with us and we start to win, win, win, win, and he has been important for the national team and, of course, with our team.“But he has said he wants to explore in his mind and in his heart.”The switch comes 12 months after the defender told The Sun in a bombshell interview in January last year that he was close to agreeing a move to top German outfit Bayern Munich in July 2023 to escape his looming baby scandal.Packed with lavish nightclubs and barsClubs in the lucrative Saudi league were first mooted as his likely destination, buoyed perhaps by an expensive impending divorce.But Kyle’s determination to remain playing at the top level and win 100 caps for England (he’s just seven appearances away from the feat) under new boss Thomas Tuchel made the move to Italy a more attractive option.And he did not need much ­persuasion to join, as both Milan clubs — AC Milan and Inter — are top-tier sides, while the city is regarded as a Wags’ paradise.After all, it is the home of luxury fashion brands including Prada, Versace, Giorgio Armani, Dolce & Gabbana and Gucci, and their respective stores are commonly ­visited by Wags with expensive tastes who also compete for front-row seats during the star-studded Milan Fashion Week shows.The cosmopolitan nightlife is also a big pull, as locals identify with the “work hard, play hard” mantra, while the city is packed with lavish nightclubs and bars, often frequented by footballers and their glamorous partners.Kyle and Annie will have help settling into their new surroundings courtesy of AC Milan’s English trio Tammy Abraham, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Fikayo Tomori. Striker Tammy, 27, who joined Milan from Serie A rivals Roma, has a long-term partner in lifestyle blogger Leah Monroe, 25, and is the father of her one-year-old son Amari.His former Chelsea teammates Ruben, 29, and Fikayo, 27, both appear to be single.But they have been previously linked with Love Island stars Amber Davies and Amber Gill respectively.The two Milan clubs currently possess some of Italy’s most talked-about Wags, who will soon be mingling with the Walkers at the San Siro — the iconic 80,000-seater stadium both teams share.Annie feels terrorised by it all and worries constantly about what Lauryn is likely to do nextAn insiderStunning Instagram model ­Agustina Gandolfo, 29, is the wife of Inter captain Lautaro Martinez, 27 — the Argentinian striker who won the World Cup alongside Lionel Messi in Qatar in 2022.The blonde boasts her own brand as a fitness and healthy lifestyle expert — and an impressive one million followers on Instagram.She also runs her own restaurant in Milan called Coraje.A regular sight in the Wags’ section at Walker’s AC Milan, meanwhile, is tattooed model Zoe Cristofoli, partner of French defender Theo Hernandez, 27.The influencer, 29, loves getting inked so much she even owns her own parlour Ink Studio Lagrange, based in Turin. She is also a part-time DJ.Then there’s Ilaria Belloni, the partner of Kyle’s new captain with the Rossoneri, Davide Calabria, 28.The pair are considered to be one of Italy’s most glamorous couples and have attended Milan Fashion Week’s Giorgio Armani catwalk show together. And with a Master’s degree in marketing, communication and ­digital strategy, Ilaria, 28, is no ordinary Wag.The city’s footie partners are also no strangers to their own sex scandals.The wife of former Inter striker Mauro Icardi, 31, was rumoured to have been having an affair with his teammate Marcelo Brozovic, 32, which forced the Argentinian striker out of the club in 2019.READ MORE SUN STORIESWanda Icardi, 38, who was previously married to her husband’s international teammate Maxi Lopez, 49, sued an Italian gossip website for allegedly claiming the pair enjoyed a steamy affair.By the sounds of it, Kyle’s going to fit right in.Both Milan clubs — AC Milan and Inter — are top-tier sides, while the city is regarded as a Wags’ paradiseCredit: GettyThe two clubs share the San Siro — the iconic 80,000-seater stadiumCredit: Getty More

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      Premier League TV games for March announced including Arsenal’s massive games against Man Utd and Chelsea

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      THE PREMIER LEAGUE have officially announced the broadcast selections for March.Ten matches from the English top flight will be aired live on television.Arsenal’s trip to Old Trafford is among the Premier League matches to be aired on TV in MarchCredit: PAThe Gunners’ clash with Chelsea will also be aired on the teleCredit: GETTYSky Sports have landed seven of those games, with rivals TNT Sports bagging three.Struggling defending Prem champions Manchester City kick off March’s televised matches on March 8 with a trip to Nottingham Forest.The pick of the bunch is Mancheser United’s clash with Arsenal on March 9, which will be aired on Sky at 16:30.Sky have also landed a tasty London derby between the Gunners Chelsea on March 16.READ MORE PREMIER LEAGUE NEWSA kick-off time for the match, however, has not yet been finalised. Liverpool’s showdown with Aston Villa is set to be the early kick off (12:30) on March 15.But the match could be rescheduled if the Kop club reach the Carabao Cup final or if Villa play in the Champions League the Wednesday before.The televised fixtures don’t just feature the Premier League’s current highfliers.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBroadcasters have also picked up matches involving the league’s relegation battlers.Brentford vs Aston Villa, Wolves vs Everton, Tottenham vs Bournemouth, West Ham vs Newcastle, Bournemouth vs Brentford and Manchester United vs Leicester make up the remainder of March’s televised fixtures.Sky Sports presenter praised by fans after rarely-seen move in interview with Liverpool matchwinner Darwin NunezUnited’s trip to the King Power on March 16 will be the final Prem match before the fourth international break of the season,The break will commence from March 17 and finish on April 1. More

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      Mikel Arteta consulting Arsenal stars on which striker to sign as he desperately seeks firepower before deadline

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      MIKEL ARTETA is consulting his Arsenal stars on which striker to sign before the transfer window slams shut.Arsenal are desperately looking for extra firepower in the January window with injuries to Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus leaving the North Londoners desperately short up top.Injuries to Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus have left Arsenal struggling up topCredit: PAManager Mikel Arteta is open to bringing in a new striker before the window shuts on February 3Credit: REUTERSThe Spaniard is consulting WITH his players over what type of forward to signCredit: GETTYBut with just over a week until the window shuts, Arteta appears no closer to bringing in a new face with key target Benjamin Sesko looking likely to remain at Red Bull Leipzig barring a hefty late bid.The north Londoners have also been linked with moves for Alexander Isak, Dusan Vlahovic and Matheus Cunha.Following Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over Tottenham last week, Declan Rice said: “We’re a bit short [in attack]. I’m not surprised if we are going to do something.”Asked if his players have spoken to him about new signings ahead of today’s [SAT] clash at Wolves, Arteta said: “Not like that, but we have all been there, we all look at each other.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWS“We have had very, very short numbers for many, many weeks and they recognise the situation, we all do. “That’s why we are trying to do what is right for the club, the team, that’s our intention.”Arteta says he “always” consults his players about potential incomings or specific individuals he is trying to bring to the club.He added: “That’s getting us away from the computer and what the data is saying. It is real. I have seen it, I sense it.Most read in SportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“A player can score a lot of goals, great. How does this player react when he hasn’t scored for six or seven games? “This is what I am interested in.Arsenal Dominates Dinamo Zagreb: Player Ratings Revealed “Watch an interview with a player who hasn’t scored for six games, and then what kind of goals does he score? “Against which teams in which context? Is it first half or second half?“Is it only with his right foot, only headers, only in open spaces? “Does he like the physical contact of this league?“So when you have a player that has spent a lot of days with [a transfer target], that is really valuable information to have.”Arteta has the backing of owners Stan and Josh Kroenke to do business this month.But key decision-makers are taking into account the impact it could have on their summer plans and future targets, as well as how it will affect the make-up of the squad.A domestic loan is off the table having already acquired back-up keeper Neto from Bournemouth and Raheem Sterling from Chelsea last summer on a season-long deal.Neto is yet to make an appearance for the club – having been cup-tied for the Carabao Cup upon his arrival – but Arteta has quashed any suggestions of cancelling one of those loans to accommodate another.Defenders Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko have been linked with moves away this month, the latter attracting interest from Borussia Dortmund, which could free up space and funds for a striker.RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko is at the top of the Gunners’ wishlistCredit: GettyBut Arteta said: “It’s about balance as well, depending which player it is [being sold]. “If that is a player that is going to give us space or if it is going to limit us again in a certain position.“It all depends. The rules are quite tricky well. “It’s not just what you bring and what you sell, it’s actually what resources do you have available after that.”On a more positive note, Arteta could have defensive duo Myles Lewis-Skelly and William Saliba back for the trip to Molineux.Left-back Lewis-Skelly missed the Champions League victory over Dinamo Zagreb with a jarred knee picked up in last weekend’s 2-2 draw with Aston Villa – but scans have shown “nothing serious”.Centre-back Saliba has been struggling with a hamstring strain that has also kept the Frenchman out of Arsenal’s last two outings – and could be rested for next weekend’s game against Manchester City.Arteta said: “Whether it is too early or not [for them to face Wolves], we don’t know. READ MORE SUN STORIES”They will definitely be in for next week. This week, let’s see how it goes.”Right-back Ben White is also close to a return following knee surgery in November, preparing to train with the senior squad over the next week. More

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      Rangers hit by Storm Eowyn as footage shows huge part of Ibrox roof being ripped OFF and crashing to the ground

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      STORM EOWYN is causing havoc up and down the country, with gale force winds and torrential rain. And football has not been unaffected, with stadia taking some serious damage from the conditions. Footage has captured parts of the roof of Ibrox being blown away by the stormOne SPFL game has already been called off due to damage caused by the storm, and part of another club’s stadium roof has caved in from the wind.And now Rangers’ Ibrox Stadium has become the latest victim, with footage showing strips of the roof being blown clean off.More to follow.Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Injuries & suspensions update ahead of Gameweek 21: Manchester United defenders among doubts

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      DREAM TEAM brings you all the latest injury, suspension and availability news for Gameweek 21 in one convenient location.Pep Guardiola has confirmed that January signings Omar Marmoush, Vitor Reis and Abdukodir Khusanov will all be included in Manchester City’s squad this weekend.However, Ruben Dias and Jeremy Doku will not feature against Chelsea on Saturday.As for the Blues, Enzo Fernandez and Levi Colwill could return but Romeo Lavia will be unavailable for a little while longer.Cole Palmer is said to be feeling “better” after playing through ankle pain against Wolves on Monday night.Marmoush is in line to make his debut for Man City this weekendCredit: GettyNoussair Mazraoui skipped Manchester United’s Europa League game against Rangers as a precaution after picking up a knock against Brighton last weekend.The Morocco international is the eighth-most popular defender in Dream Team at the time of writing – it’s not clear whether he’ll be involved against Fulham on Sunday night.Red Devils’ centre-backs Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt will also be assessed having been forced off on Thursday night.Rodrigo Bentancur returned for Tottenham against Hoffenheim in midway but striker Dominic Solanke will be sidelined for approximately six weeks.Pape Matar Sarr, Djed Spence, Yves Bissouma are all considered doubts at this stage as Spurs’ injury crisis continues but Ange Postecoglou said the latter “should be right” for Leicester’s visit to North London.Most read in FootballMikel Arteta told journalists he is confident William Saliba and Myles Lewis-Skelly will be available for Arsenal’s clash with Man City on February 2nd, the assumption being this weekend comes too soon for the pair.Mazraoui is a popular selection in Dream TeamCredit: GettyCurtis Jones won’t be involved when Liverpool welcome Ipswich to Anfield on Saturday but the midfielder may travel to PSV in midweek.Diogo Jota and Joe Gomez remain sidelined for the Reds.Both Crysencio Summerville and Jarrod Bowen have a chance of making West Ham’s squad at Villa Park on Sunday but remain doubts at this stage.David Moyes explained to reporters that Dwight McNeil will see a specialist regarding his troublesome knee injury and may even require surgery.Callum Hudson-Odoi is due to be assessed before a final decision is made ahead of Nottingham Forest’s trip to Bournemouth on Saturday – the winger has a groin issue.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 NOWARSENALInjuries: Takehiro Tomiyasu, Ben White, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Myles Lewis-Skelley (doubt), William SalibaSuspensions: NoneASTON VILLAInjuries: Pau Torres, Amadou Onana, John McGinn (doubt), Ross BarkleySuspensions: NoneBOURNEMOUTHInjuries: Luis Sinisterra, Alex Scott, Julian Araujo, Marcos Senesi, Marcus Tavernier, Adam Smith, Evanilson, Enes Unal, James HillSuspensions: NoneBRENTFORDInjuries: Aaron Hickey, Josh Dasilva, Gustavo Nunes, Ethan Pinnock, Igor ThiagoSuspensions: NoneBRIGHTONInjuries: James Milner, Ferdi Kadioglu, Jason Steele, Jack Hinshelwood (doubt), Evan Ferguson (doubt), Mats Wieffer, Igor Julio, Matt O’Riley (doubt), Lewis Dunk (doubt)Suspensions: NoneCHELSEAInjuries: Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile, Enzo Fernandez (doubt), Romeo Lavia, Levi Colwill (doubt)Suspensions: Mykhailo MudrykCRYSTAL PALACEInjuries: Matheus Franca, Cheick Doucoure, Adam Wharton, Jefferson Lerma, Chadi RiadSuspensions: NoneEVERTONInjuries: Tim Iroegbunam, James Garner (doubt), Dwight McNeil, Youssef Chermiti, Armando Broja, Seamus ColemanSuspensions: NoneFULHAMInjuries: Kenny Tete, Reiss NelsonSuspensions: NoneIPSWICHInjuries: Chiedozie Ogbene, Conor Chaplin, Sammie SzmodicsSuspensions: NoneLEICESTERInjuries: Ricardo Pereira, Abdul Fatawu, Mads Hermansen, Wilfred NdidiSuspensions: NoneLIVERPOOLInjuries: Joe Gomez, Diogo Jota, Curtis JonesSuspensions: NoneMANCHESTER CITYInjuries: Oscar Bobb, Rodri, Nathan Ake, Ruben Dias, Jeremy DokuSuspensions: NoneMANCHESTER UNITEDInjuries: Luke Shaw, Victor Lindelof (doubt), Mason Mount, Jonny Evans, Noussair Mazraoui (doubt), Matthijs de Ligt (doubt), Leny Yoro (doubt)Suspensions: NoneNEWCASTLEInjuries: Jamaal Lascelles, Nick Pope, (doubt), Callum Wilson, Harvey BarnesSuspensions: NoneNOTTINGHAM FORESTInjuries: Ibrahim Sangare, Callum Hudson-Odoi (doubt)Suspensions: NoneSOUTHAMPTONInjuries: Ross Stewart, Juan Larios, Jack Stephens, Tyler Dibling, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Aaron Ramsdale (doubt)Suspensions: NoneTOTTENHAMInjuries: Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Wilson Odobert, Guglielmo Vicario, Destiny Udogie, Timo Werner, Yves Bissouma (doubt), Dominic Solanke, Djed Spence (doubt), Brennan Johnson, Pape Matar Sarr (doubt)Suspensions: NoneWEST HAMInjuries: Michail Antonio, Jarrod Bowen (doubt), Jean-Clair Todibo, Niclas Fullkrug, Crysencio Summerville (doubt)Suspensions: Konstantinos MavropanosWOLVESInjuries: Sasa Kalajdzic, Enso Gonzalez, Boubacar Traore (doubt), Yerson Mosquera, Toti Gomes (doubt), Mario LeminaREAD MORE SUN STORIESSuspensions: None More

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      Loris Karius handed dramatic pay cut with TV presenter wife Diletta Leotta now earning more than ex-Premier League star

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      LORIS KARIUS is set to earn less than TV presenter wife Diletta Leotta at Schalke, according to reports.The former Liverpool goalkeeper, 31, is attempting to resurrect his career with the second-tier German side.Loris Karius is looking to resurrect his career with SchalkeCredit: GettyKarius, 31, is married to TV presenter Diletta LeottaThe couple have been together since 2022Credit: The Mega AgencyKarius has barely played in recent years, making just two appearances since February 2021.Remarkably, one of these outings came in Newcastle’s 2023 Carabao Cup defeat to Manchester United, while the other was in a Premier League loss to Arsenal.The German had been without a club since leaving St James’ Park earlier this season.But this month he pulled the gloves back on, signing for Schalke until the end of the season.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAccording to German paper Bild, Karius has signed, by elite football standards, a modest contract.They claim that he will receive around £125,000 between now and the end of the season, equating to approximately £5,700 a week.Schalke’s higher earners, for example, are said to pocket around £10k a week.Bild add that Karius’ wife Leotta earns around £840k a year for her presenting work, as DAZN’s lead Serie A host in Italy.Most read in BundesligaSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYLeotta recently took part in the Club World Cup draw ceremonyCredit: EPAThe Italian is DAZN’s lead Serie A presenterCredit: GettyThis means that she will pocket significantly more than Karius.Leotta is not set to move to Germany with Karius, instead staying in Milan. Glam presenter Diletta Leotta shows off underboob in tiny black dress as fans call Prem Wag ‘magnetic attraction’The former Champions League finalist is said to be living with a friend in Dusseldorf.Karius is optimistic about revitalising his career back in Germany.Upon signing, he said: “I had very good discussions with the Schalke officials and I’m looking forward to training with the team.”Schalke 04 is a big club with passionate fans, I’ve always felt that at my games in the arena.”Karius will not automatically become Schalke’s No1.He will compete with current incumbent Justin Heekeren for the position.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe former Anfield stopper has been with Leotta since 2022, with the pair welcoming their first child in August of the following year.They wed in a private ceremony in Sicily last summer.Karius and Leotta wed in Sicily last summerCredit: INSTAGRAMThe happy couple welcomed their first child in 2023Credit: The Mega AgencyLeotta shares many glam pics across her social media channelsCredit: Instagram @dilettaleotta More

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      West Ham technical director Tim Steidten AXED after fall-out with two managers and £127.5m splurged on transfers

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      WEST HAM are finalising the exit of technical director Tim Steidten.The German, who has clashed with two of the three Hammers managers he worked with, has been frozen out of the club’s January business.West Ham are set to axe technical director Tim SteidtenCredit: PASteidten, 45, was banned from the club’s Rush Green training ground by former boss Julen Lopetegui in December.He was also barred from the first team changing room at the London Stadium by ex-gaffer David Moyes.It would seem he fell out with both managers because he was openly working on their replacements while they were still in the dugout.Chairman David Sullivan took more control of transfer business this month after being concerned by the level of signings in the summer when £127.5million was spent with little impact.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThere have been eyebrows raised over deals for Luis Guilherme, Guido Rodriguez and Niclas Fullkrug.Fullkrug arrived on a four-year-deal for £27.5m from Borussia Dortmund but will miss six months of his first season at the club due to injury.Teenage winger Guilherme was signed for an initial £20m from Palmeiras but has played just 50 minutes of football for West Ham and talks have already been held over selling him to Saudi Arabia.Steidten was involved in the early stages of Graham Potter’s appointment, but vice-chair Karren Brady took charge to agreed the deal.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe ex-Chelsea boss has also moved to bring in his long-term recruitment expert, Kyle Macaulay, from Stamford Bridge.Macaulay started this week as the club’s new head of recruitment, effectively replacing Rob Newman who left that post in the summer.West Ham manager Graham Potter gives update on Michail Antonio after horror injury Potter insisted that Macaulay’s arrival would not impact Steidten’s position, but it has long been expected that the German would leave the London Stadium this year.Moyes and Steidten clashed over recruitment policy, with the Scot preferring targets with Premier League experience over the options the technical director proposed.Steidten has landed some key signings for the Hammers, including Mohammed Kudus from Ajax, but often rubbed colleagues up the wrong way by posing for pictures with new signings on private jets.While Sullivan and Brady are taking an active involvement in any deals this month, Potter will have significant influence and Macaulay’s arrival backs that up.The two have worked together since Potter’s days at Ostersunds and during his spells at Swansea, Brighton and then Chelsea.Potter said: “Kyle’s in. Kyle’s been part of my staff for the last ten, however many years I’ve been coaching since Sweden.”I know him well and he knows me well. It’s a good link between the coach and the club in terms of recruitment.”In terms of the hours and depths of conversations that you have to have around recruitment.”It’s easier to have with Kyle than it is for me because clearly I’m on the pitch and I’m working with the 20-odd players that we’ve got here.”I’m really happy with that appointment. It’s something that was always going to happen. It was just a case of when. I’m obviously delighted he’s here.”Steidten arrived from Bayer Leverkusen in July 2023 having previously worked at Werder Bremen.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt is not clear at this stage whether West Ham will look to appoint another technical director in the near future.The Hammers have won just seven of their 22 games this season.Macaulay (right) has already taken on many of Steidten’s dutiesCredit: Getty More