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      Leicester consider Russell Martin to replace Ruud van Nistelrooy as manager but could face battle with Man City owners

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      RUSSELL MARTIN is emerging as a shock contender to lead Leicester back to the Premier League.Martin, 39, was axed by relegation rivals Southampton but his work in the Championship at Saints caught the Foxes’ eye.Russell Martin is emerging as a shock contender to lead Leicester back to the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyRuud van Nistelrooy is clinging to his job after a disastrous run since succeeding Steve Cooper in November and a decision is set for the end of the season.Leicester face Newcastle at home tomorrow having won just once in the Prem in 2025.The Dutchman, 48, is liked by Leicester’s hierarchy but some within the club are already looking at a change.Sean Dyche is a promotion specialist from his Burnley days and carries an obvious appeal. But Martin has significant support at the King Power.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSFoxes   were promoted playing a passing game under Enzo Maresca last season and they will look for a similar style and approach.Martin had his critics during his time at MK Dons, Swansea and Southampton because he refuses to change his ways. But that may be the attraction to Leicester, who have players who would excel down a level if they played a passing game.Martin has had other interest and is also being mentioned within the City Group as a coach for one of their clubs around the globe because of the way he plays.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSCommenting on his future at Leicester, Van Nistelrooy said: “It needs to be sorted yesterday. I think it’s very important to be aligned on that with the club.“We have to find out over the coming weeks because, of course, coming in December and how the winter window went, taking it into the new season and the challenges we face, it’s very important for me to be aligned and what the possibilities are there.“That alignment has to take place.”Ruud van Nistelrooy is clinging to his jobCredit: Getty More

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      ‘The club has to move on’ – Pep Guardiola reveals he chose to axe Kevin De Bruyne with Man City star prepared to stay

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      PEP GUARDIOLA confirmed it was his decision to call time on Kevin De Bruyne’s Manchester City career.The Belgian announced on Friday he would leave the Etihad this summer after ten glittering years.Pep Guardiola has revealed he is the one who decided to end Kevin De Bruyne’s Man City careerCredit: PAThe Belgian will leave City on a free transfer when his contract expires this summerCredit: ReutersKDB, 33, was open-minded about extending his City stay — and may even have accepted a bit-part playing role as his family are settled in the area.Yet Guardiola had been concerned over his dip in form following injuries.Ahead of the Manchester derby on Sunday, boss Pep said: “Myself  and  the  club  had  to take a decision. It is not easy as he has been extraordinary.“Me, Txiki Begiristain and the club made the decision — and it is what it is.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDe Bruyne will be 34 this summer but is now clear of injury issues that dogged him in the last few seasons.Even so, offering anywhere close to the £375,000-a-week wages the attacking midfielder currently earns would have represented a big gamble by City.Guardiola added: “The club has to move forward, move on. To replicate his numbers is so difficult. To say bye to these players is so difficult“You can only be grateful. The club gave everything to him — and he gave everything to us.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS“I’m incredibly grateful and sad that it will be over in two months.“He’s the only player who has finished his contract. The rest are under contract but still there are many things the club and myself haven’t decided on.”Ex-Man City star Martin Demichelis explains showdown between himself and Spain ace Sergio Canales There will be question marks over several  stars as Guardiola plans a summer shake-up. John Stones, Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji have all had injury-hit campaigns while skipper Kyle Walker left on loan in January.Bernardo Silva and keeper Ederson’s form has also dipped — meaning City are now scrambling to claim a Champions League place.They spent over £170million in January but are set to splash out more this summer.And finding a replacement for De Bruyne is a priority, with Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz, 21, their top target. More

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      WAG Taylor Ward ‘feels safer’ living in Saudi Arabia after quitting UK with ex-Man City star Riyad Mahrez

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      WAG Taylor Ward says she feels safer living in Saudi Arabia with husband Riyad Mahrez after escaping the threat of burglary gangs targeting Premier League stars’ homes.The reality star, 27, told The Sun on Sunday she “can now sleep at night” after making the move to Jeddah, where the ex-Manchester City star, 34, now plys his trade for Al-Ahli following his £30million switch from the Premier League champions.Taylor Ward says she feels safer in Saudi Arabia after moving abroad with footballer Riyad MahrezCredit: Amazon MGM StudiosTaylor says her house in Saudi Arabia is ten times bigger than her home in EnglandCredit: InstagramGangs have targeted several footballers’ multi million pound homes in what’s been dubbed the “Cheshire Golden Triangle” – comprising the prestigious towns of Wilmslow, Alderley Edge, and Prestbury.Some of those houses have been decked out by Taylor’s mum Dawn Ward, an interior designer to the stars, but now she feels secure in the Middle East, so much so she’s allowing her £850,000-a-week husband to splash out on expensive gifts.Taylor said: “I feel way safer in Saudi – I can actually sleep at night now.“My house in Saudi is ten times bigger than my house in England, and if I had to stay on my own somewhere, I would choose Saudi every day of the week.READ MORE TAYLOR WARD“I’ve never stayed on my own in England, ever. We live in an apartment. I’ve never stayed there by myself. I’m just really conscious.“There’s so many burglaries and bad things going on especially in Cheshire. It’s a massive problem.“Living abroad now is great because I don’t bring anything home. It’s not worth it because we’ve been burgled in the past and it puts you off having nice things.“I used to say to Riyad, ‘please don’t buy me a watch for my birthday, please don’t buy me these because I don’t want to be a target.’Most read in Football“Now that we live in Saudi, you actually get the opportunity to enjoy and wear nice things.”Manchester City winger Jack Grealish had his £5.6m house raided on Boxing Day, while he was playing, by a gang who fled with £1m worth of luxury goods including watches and jewellery.Glamorous Premier League Wags to star on new Prime Video reality TV show Married To The Game including Jorginho and Mahrez’s other halves His terrified girlfriend Sasha Attwood was inside the property when the raid took place.Former Liverpool stars Steven Gerrard and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, ex-Everton defender Phil Jagielka have also been previously targeted.Taylor, who shares a 20-month-old daughter with Mahrez and is stepmum to his other two daughters, is one of the five WAGS starring in Prime Video series Married to the Game, which follows the glamorous lives of partners of renowned footballers.The second series, which starts on Monday, sees Taylor joined by Cat Harding, fiancée of Arsenal star Jorginho, Gabrielle Figueiredo, the wife of his Gunners’ teammate Gabriel Magalhães, Chelsea WAG Claudia Rodríguez and boyfriend Marc Cucurella, plus Aston Villa star Leon Bailey and his girlfriend Stephanie Hope.In the debut series streamed last year, Taylor went viral after sobbing when five-times Premier League winner Mahrez told her they were moving to Saudi Arabia following his transfer from Manchester City.But having taken months to finally settle in the Middle East, Taylor now feels at home – although there are some stark differences, especially when it comes to the WAGS out there.She explained: “There’s no champagne. When we used to go to the Etihad it was like a day out and I had a really good relationship with them all at Man City.“We traveled so much, because they were in all the finals, like the Champions League and all that kind of stuff.“We did a lot of trips together and we had a really close bond, which is really nice.Read More on The Sun“That’s slightly different in Saudi. I don’t know the players and the partners as well.“People keep themselves to themselves more out here.”Taylor moved abroad to Saudi Arabia after Manchester City winger Mahrez was transferred to Al-AhliMahrez earns a staggering £850,000 per week at Al-Ahli after leaving Manchester CityCredit: Getty More

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      Illan Meslier’s Leeds career OVER as Whites consider two England goalkeepers in replacement transfer hunt

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      LEEDS are after a new No1 and will move out Illan Meslier — whether they go up or not.The Whites have decided they need a keeper and started to look at options.Leeds United are looking to part ways with goalkeeper Illan Meslier this summerCredit: PANewcastle’s Nick Pope is admired by promotion-chasing LeedsCredit: RexJames Trafford has been linked with Newcastle and LeedsCredit: RexMeslier – who is contracted until June 2026 – has made high-profile errors this season but is not short of admirers.Manchester United keeper scout Tony Coton is a fan of the 25-year-old and may push his case.Meslier was dropped for No 2 Karl Darlow for Saturday’s trip to Luton, which ended in a 1-1 draw at Kenilworth Road.The Championship promotion chasers went 1-0 down inside 15 minutes after Isaiah Jones’ back-post volley from five yards.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSDan James curled in a stunning equaliser less than 14 minutes later to earn a share of the spoils.The Frenchman’s error gifted Swansea a goal in last Saturday’s 2-2 draw.It was the latest in a series of costly mistakes and led to calls from fans and pundits for manager Daniel Farke to make a change.Farke then made the decision to drop Meslier, which he said was to protect the shot-stopper from further scrutiny.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe said: “I work with human beings. For Karl, he is buzzing. For Illan, it’s always a bit difficult to take.”I think, in general, with a goalkeeper, it’s important you don’t change game to game, even after a few mistakes.”Leeds manager Daniel Farke reveals the Sir Alex Ferguson trick he cannot copy And Burnley’s James Trafford is on a shortlist to replace Meslier at Elland Road, alongside Newcastle’s Nick Pope.Pope has made ten appearances for the Three Lions while Trafford was called up to Thomas Tuchel’s squad to face Albania and Latvia.But their chances of signing either goalkeeper will depend where clubs and players are in the summer.Indeed Newcastle themselves are reported to be keen on Trafford, which would put serious pressure on Pope.Meanwhile, Grady Diangana is putting a move to MLS on hold in the hope Leeds and Wolves firm up interest in him. The West Brom winger, 26, will be a free agent in the summer and  two American sides  are after him already.West Brom’s Grady Diangana is keen on a move to either Leeds or, controversially, the Baggies arch rivals WolvesCredit: Getty More

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      Trent Alexander-Arnold set to hire key Everton man ahead of transfer from Liverpool to Real Madrid

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      EVERTON loans manager James Vaughan is quitting his post — and may start to work for Trent Alexander-Arnold.The ex-Toffees striker, 36, is poised to move on and join Liverpool right-back Alexander-Arnold’s team of advisers ahead of his likely move to Real Madrid.Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to add James Vaughan to his team ahead of a Real Madrid switchCredit: GettyFormer Everton striker Vaughan currently works as their loans manager but is set to quitCredit: PA:Press AssociationVaughan came through the ranks at Everton and ended up scoring nine goals in 60 games.His career also took him to clubs including Norwich, Huddersfield and Wigan.But the ace now looks set to link up with Alexander-Arnold’s representatives.The England star is reportedly set to join Real Madrid on a free transfer when his Liverpool contract expires this summer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt’s reckoned Alexander-Arnold has already agreed a five-year contract with the Spanish giants.And he will take home a tasty £240,000-a-week salary, working out at £13million a year.Alexander-Arnold could also pocket a lucrative signing-on fee.While he could even boost his pay packet with a series of performance-related bonuses.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe move will see Alexander-Arnold link up with pal Jude Bellingham, who fuelled rumours of Real Madrid’s free transfer approach earlier this season.While the Spaniards could yet target more Premier League signings in Bournemouth centre-back Dean Huijsen and Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton.Steven Gerrard gives update on return to management after Liverpool legend left Al-Ettifaq Alexander-Arnold’s impending move means he is finally set to call time on his Liverpool career after 21 years.Fortunately for Liverpool, they already have a ready-made replacement in fellow Anfield academy star Conor Bradley.While the likes of Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah can also fill in there. More

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      England football legend and wife plot move to relocate to Dubai as they eye properties and school for kids

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      FORMER England football star Rio Ferdinand and wife Kate are considering relocating to the Middle East, we can reveal.Rio, 46, and Kate, 33, are looking at big-money properties and schools for their younger children in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Bahrain.Kate is married to former Manchester United legend Rio FerdinandCredit: InstagramFriends say the entrepreneurial pair, who live in Bromley, South East London, are keen to find a home in the Gulf.A source said: “Rio and Kate are seriously considering being based out in the Gulf and are looking for a sprawling home with plenty of bedrooms. “They love the lifestyle and sunny ­weather and have lots of friends out there. It’s a very safe place for families and offers a healthy lifestyle, which suits them well.”The pair met in Dubai in 2016 after being introduced out there by mutual friends.READ MORE ON RIO FERDINANDRio proposed to Kate in Abu Dhabi two years later and the couple tied the knot one year on. He has five kids — Lorenz, 18, Tate, 15, and Tia, 12, with first wife Rebecca Ellison who died in 2015; and Cree, four, and Shae, 21 months, with Kate.The source said: “It holds a special place in their hearts as that’s where they met and both could easily travel back and forth for their work commitments in the UK.“As well as his sporting success Rio has a huge business portfolio now and there is lots of potential in the Middle East.”Most read in FootballInsiders at TNT Sports are concerned that pundit Rio, who also has homes in Portugal and Barbados, will leave at the end of the season.Rio Ferdinand fears that Man Utd might not win again in the Premier League this season The former Manchester United captain has worked for the broadcaster for more than a decade and is seen as integral to their coverage.His management firm New Era has signed a partnership with US talent agency WME.A spokesman for Rio and Kate declined to comment.The couple are looking at homes in the sunny GulfCredit: Getty More

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      Arsenal line up ‘next Jamie Vardy’, 16, as Mikel Arteta’s striker transfer hunt takes shock turn

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      ARSENAL are ready to raid Blackburn for England youth striker Harvey Higgins.The Gunners have their sights on the 16-year-old hotshot — and hope to take him in the next few weeks.Arsenal are ready to raid Blackburn for England youth striker Harvey HigginsCredit: GettyStriker Higgins has been tipped to be a future starCredit: X/ academy_brfcMikel Arteta is looking for a new striker this summerCredit: AlamyRovers will only get compensation for their latest discovery, although that could come in at £1.5million.Higgins is already playing for the under-18s but his progress at England youth level has alerted Arsenal.There are hopes that he will follow in the footsteps of Adam Wharton and David Raya in starting their journeys to stardom at Ewood Park.Speak to people connected to the kid and there are early comparisons in the style of play to Jamie Vardy, Leicester’s irrepressible centre forward who is still going strong at 38.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWHiggins loves to chase a ball from over his shoulder and run on before unleashing his strength and finishing ability.The schoolboy has already trained with the Under-21s yet is still in his GCSE year at school.Several top clubs are also interested in the young striker, making competition for his signature intense.And his ability has not gone unnoticed with sponsors, earning him a contract with Puma.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSTop sides in the Serie A are also tracking his progress — and may make a move.Arsenal also made an enquiry for Stoke City defender Jaden Dixon in the January window and they continue to monitor his progress.Arteta gives worrying Gabriel injury update as Arsenal sweat on four defenders ahead of Real Madrid clashRovers are also fighting to keep young defender Silver Eze with big clubs chasing the Italian youth cap.Blackburn only signed Eze, 16, from Accrington Stanley for £120,000 in November but could lose him before he starts a game for them. More

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      Aston Villa 2 Nottingham Forest 1: Visitors miss chance to close gap on Arsenal as hosts move within 1 point of top four

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      ASTON VILLA’S two-goal blast in two minutes ultimately settled a game of two halves.But Unai Emery’s Champions League quarter finalists were made to fight for their seventh win in a row right until the end by Forest, their unlikely rivals for an automatic spot in next season’s competition.Aston Villa moved within one point of Chelsea in the race for top four as Youri Tielemans looks to play PSG in the Champions League nextCredit: RexMorgan Rogers fired Aston Villa in front inside 13 minutesCredit: AlamyThe England star channelled Cole Palmer’s favourite celebrationCredit: AlamyDonyell Malen’s tap-in doubled Villa’s lead within two minutesCredit: PASuper sub Jota Silva pulled one back in the 57th minuteCredit: ReutersWhat brilliant seasons these clubs are having, and what an entertaining game this was, especially in the second half.When the Forest fans struck up an early chorus of “Que Sera Sera”, the home supporters joined in to mark their shared achievement of reaching the FA Cup semi finals at Wembley.It will be Paris in springtime for Villa on Wednesday when they take on PSG in the first leg.On a deceptively cold afternoon in the West Midlands, boss Emery rested a number of key players for a match that was important for both clubs’ chances of playing elite European football next season.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSEmery’s judgement seemed sound when Morgan Rogers and Donyell Malen put the home side ahead with two goals in two first-half  minutes against a Forest team that seemed to be running on fumes.But Nuno Espirito Santo’s injury-hit band of brothers dug deep and rocked VIlla back on their heels after the break.Half-time sub Jota Silva pulled one back and Forest squandered a number of other chances to end Villa’s winning streak.Before the game started, Villa seemed to be giving Forest a lesson in how much they will need to improve if they do make it to the Champions League and want to compete.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSEmery was able to make eight changes to the starting line-up that had won at Brighton yet still field a formidable team.Meanwhile Nuno had to stick with the tried and trusted as injuries to Ola Aina and Taiwo Awoniyi left him without a centre forward and needing to reshuffle.Emery ripped up his own transfer handbook to sign Villa sensation Morgan Rogers, who says HE invented Palmer celebrationForest had looked leggy and a little nervous in beating Manchester United through Anthony Elanga’s early wondergoal.A better, more incisive team than United would probably have beaten them.And Villa, for 15 minutes at least, were a much better and more incisive team than United.Forest were 3-4-3 out of possession but very much a 5-2-3 when Villa had the ball.It mattered not. Ian Maatsen drew a save from Matz Sels, then Marco Asensio and Youri Tielemans went close-ish before Rogers and Malen dealt the visitors a quick one-two combination right in the chops.Visiting centre half Morato looked up from fiddling with a shinpad to find Tielemans was about to clip a lovely pass between him and makeshift wing-back Nico Dominguez. Rogers’ control was exquisite. A quick look up, a couple of confident strides forward, a firm left-footed shot, 1-0.The second goal soon arrived and was also a little gem.Silva was a handful during his second-half cameoCredit: AFPThe weight on Tielemans’ pass to Maatsen was perfect, allowing the Dutchman to throw Ryan Yates off balance and then head to the byline.The cross was tempting, Malen’s run was well timed and the finish, a formality.Emery celebrated with his customary gusto. But the Villa boss was animated for different reasons midway through the half when Forest finally showed their teeth.Elanga attempted to recreate his incredible sprint and finish from the United game but pulled his left-foot shot wide of the far post.Then fellow flying winger Callum Hudson-Odoi found space and was also off target.Villa had lost a bit of momentum but Forest did not register a shot on goal until the 40th minute, when Emi Martinez saved easily from Yates.The visitors needed to find some energy from somewhere and Nuno sent on Silva for Elanga at the break to play as a more conventional centre forward.Villa manager Unai Emery was animated for different reasons midway through the halfCredit: ReutersEmiliano Martinez clashed with Silva as the pair squared up to each other afterCredit: AFPMartinez and Jota came to blowsCredit: AlamyUnfortunately for Forest the first chance to pull one back fell to Neco Williams, who fired wide of the far post after Hudson-Odoi retrieved a deep cross.Then the winger himself had a go from a similar position, with a similarly frustrating resultBut it was third time lucky. Williams crossed from the left, Elliot Anderson swung and missed, and Silva pounced to steer a left-footed shot across Martinez and into the net.Moments later Tielemans stopped Anderson from converting another Williams centre. Then Anderson did get a shot away, only to fire wide.Villa were on the ropes and Emery had seen enough, making a triple change just after the hour.The game had plenty of edge by now, with Silva provoking a clash with Martinez that attracted a few other players.Rogers could have restored the two-goal lead after leaving Murillo in a heap on the halfway line. But a heavy touch meant that Forest goalkeeper Sels could make a save.Back came Forest, Morgan Gibbs-White shooting wide. Sels saved from Asensio and then Tielemans as the game became end to end.Gibbs-White went close twice more, sending a header and then a right-footed shot wide.Read More on The SunSels scrambled away a Marcus Rashford corner, and in stoppage time Murillo hit the bar before Sels denied Rashford again.The Champions League needs both these clubs and their fans next year. More