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      Separate rooms, no goodbye & a ‘big f*** you’ – pals reveal brutal truth of Kyle Walker’s crisis talks with Annie Kilner

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      WHEN the black Mercedes people carrier pulled out of the driveway to take Kyle Walker to the airport ahead of a life-changing flight to Italy, talk naturally turned to a fresh start.For those invested in this long-running scandal – and indeed, the uninitiated – that’s certainly how it was framed.As he departed for Italy, it had been hoped this was the fresh start footballing ace Kyle Walker desperately needed – but behind closed doors the atmosphere is anything but positiveCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeAfter 12 miserable months, the former Manchester City skipper was finally on the cusp of escaping a scandal of his own making – and one that has hooked the country with every one of its twists and turns.But as the car eased through the gates of the family’s sprawling Cheshire mansion, there was little euphoria – and even less optimism – about his move to Italian giants AC Milan.Beneath the murky slate grey skies above Manchester, he left a home devoid of any joy or excitement. In fact, friends tell me he and estranged wife Annie Kilner were in separate rooms and could not even bring themselves to say goodbye to one another.One said: “That’s how strained things are at the moment. It’s as bad as it’s ever been.”He didn’t even sit her down and discuss moving to Italy. He just said ‘I’m going, it’s up to you if you come with me’.”They’re not in a great place and are barely talking. “It’s still unclear if Annie will actually join him permanently in Italy. “Everything is up in the air but, then again, it’s been like this ever since the scandal was exposed.”In the days that followed, Kyle was pictured smiling as he signed for his new club on loan and pulled on the iconic shirt of the Rossoneri.Annie Kilner seen for 1st time since REFUSING to watch Kyle Walker’s AC Milan debut as she steps out without ringIt’s believed Walker and wife Annie are barely on speaking terms, and things are ‘as bad as ever’Credit: BackGridInsiders claim the Man City star didn’t even discuss his move to AC Milan with Annie, and made the decision aloneCredit: GettyA new crisis brewing He even asked for the number 32 – a nod to David Beckham who was the same age when he arrived at the San Siro.Fans mobbed him in the street outside Milan’s Via Dante flagship store as he posed for selfies.But despite the 1,000-mile difference, for all the talk of a fresh start, the drama back home was rumbling on in the background and a new crisis brewing.Instagram influencer Lauryn Goodman, 34, the ex-mistress whom he secretly fathered two children with, was naturally at its core.She wanted to move abroad too (although she floated the Middle East as a possible destination rather than Italy) and hoped to use the proceeds from renting out the £2.4million mansion he bought her in East Sussex to fund it.Annie hit the roof, and who could blame her? Ex-mistress Lauryn Goodman was said to also be eyeing up a move abroad with her kids – an idea Walker quickly put an end toThe social media influencer shares two children with the footballer after a fling, and has been a source of contention for Walker and his understandably upset wifeCredit: social.saviour/Instagram’A big f*** you’ She was also less than pleased after learning he had flown some of his pals out to Milan to join him.Annie had planned to fly out to Italy with their boys – Roman, 12, Riaan, nine, seven-year-old Reign and baby Rezon – to watch Kyle unveiled to an adoring crowd in the San Siro.But she pulled out at the last minute. Another source bluntly said: “She had other plans.”She went out partying to celebrate a pal’s 40th birthday and they all dressed up as stars from the 90s. Annie, her hair in braids, went as pop singer Christina Aguilera (minus the leather chaps, of course).One pal described it as a “big f*** you”.But as the row deepened, Annie also threatened to miss Kyle’s Serie A debut in the 1-1 Milan derby on Sunday .She eventually relented and flew out from Manchester Airport on a private jet.Annie and the boys were photographed arriving in Italy before being reunited with Kyle in the lobby of the five star Melia Milano hotel.Kyle held his toddler son Rezon in his arms and beamed the biggest grin as he waved to fans. The family were later pictured having dinner together. But beneath the surface, ahead of his San Siro bow, all was not well.’They live in a vacuum of volatility’One source said: “For a long time now they have operated in a vacuum of volatility.”They don’t know any other way of living.”That’s how they function. If you look back over the last year they’ve lurched from one crisis to another.”It’s not healthy and everyone around them can see it.”No one, not even those closest to them, want Annie to join him in Italy.”Kyle’s family think the space will do him the world of good, whilst Annie’s family can’t bear what he’s done to her.”They would rather they had a complete break from one another.”If that leads to divorce then so be it, it may be what’s best for everyone involved.”Instead of flying out to Italy, Annie decided to attend a pal’s birthday bashCredit: annievkilner/InstagramAnnie missed Kyle’s Serie A debut in the Milan derby, with the pair said to be barely speakingCredit: GettyCanyon-like chasmThe latest row and its fallout was more proof, if any were needed, that a fresh start was only ever an illusion.Take Christmas, for example. Kyle and Annie smiled for a family photo at the foot of their sweeping staircase wearing matching pyjamas.Again, there was talk of a fresh start: a New Year, a new us.Beyond anyone’s wildest expectations (even his), here he was in the family home – albeit banished to the third floor guest room – enjoying Christmas Day a year after he had turned their lives upside down.”[Annie] wants half of his £27million fortune, nothing less. She thinks she’s earned it, given everything that he’s put her through.An insider But the harmonious snapshot belied the canyon-like chasm opened up by his many affairs, not least with Lauryn – one which widened ever more after Annie served him divorce papers in August last year.At the time, when I broke the news, the couple were said to be found enjoying a quiet night in at their sprawling home in Cheshire, watching TV in the living room and sharing a sofa together (the only thing missing was a roaring fire).Friends scoffed at the idea and insisted the image of them curled up together was yet another careful piece of highly spun choreography to present an image of togetherness. It could not have been further from the truth.The pair have put on a united front for the sake of the kids, but are reportedly at loggerheads away from the camerasCredit: Instagram’She wants half… nothing less’ Two weeks after the Christmas snap was taken, pals say Annie and Kyle were once again sharing a room together, only this time they were across a table from one another in a solicitor’s office to discuss the splitting of assets.A source said: “Lawyers from both sides were there.”An offer was presented to Annie which was far lower than she had expected.”She wants half of his £27million fortune, nothing less. She thinks she’s earned it, given everything that he’s put her through.”And she’s determined to stop any share she is entitled to falling into Lauryn’s hands.”She refused to accept the offer outright. Kyle’s lawyer turned to him and said ‘the only thing left then is divorce’.”Kyle just shrugged his shoulders.”The Sun understands Kyle refused to part with half of his fortune during the round table and instead offered to put her name on his bank accounts.In the days that followed, Kyle sought out Manchester City’s director of football, Txiki Begiristain, and asked to exit the Etihad after eight glorious years at the top.City boss Pep Guardiola revealed his captain’s bombshell in his post-match press conference after his side hit eight past Salford in the FA Cup third round.He said: “I prefer to play players whose mind is here.”Now in his mind, for many reasons, he would like to explore if he can go to another country to play his last years.”Annie believes, given everything she’s been through, she’s entitled to half Kyle’s fortune – and she doesn’t want to settle for lessCredit: instagram/annievkilner’Pain and emotion’Kyle’s head was, indeed, elsewhere. After a year of headlines and near constant firefighting, he wanted an escape route.He had tried to leave before – when Lauryn fell pregnant with his second child – but his £15million move to Bayern Munich collapsed.In an interview with me this time last year he said: “Did I want to leave City? No, of course I didn’t.”We’re the best team in the world at the minute, but for me it was a chance to get away from England and the media I was going to get.”I was acutely aware the clock was ticking.”I came very close to moving. We were having conversations. The numbers were there. I was going to a great club, a massive club.”But in the end I couldn’t go.”There is pain and emotion at the moment but I can go to the house, pick the kids up, take them to school, I can take my little lad to football.”I can do the normal stuff that makes me feel normal.”This time round he wanted the move and signed a loan deal with AC Milan that will keep him at the iconic San Siro stadium until the end of the season.There is every chance it will be made permanent, too.For the time being Walker is living out of a suitcase and away from his family, but is said to be settling in as best he canCredit: AFP or LicensorsYet another crossroad For the time-being, Kyle is living out of a suitcase (not for the first time) in a five-star Milan hotel and settling into his new surroundings like a duck to water.He has already found a place to live and has picked up a new BMW motor.Those close to him have seen a marked change already. He appears happier and more content, they say.And so, three years after they married at Mottram Hall in Cheshire in a less than romantic union conducted after the school run, they have reached yet another crossroad.But this one has the feel of something altogether more final.Annie’s decision to file for divorce was designed to provoke a reaction. Friends say she never intended or wanted them to split up for good – she just wanted what she thought was rightfully hers. A ‘no-split’ financial divorce.To begin with, it achieved all that she had hoped.Kyle was at home when the doorbell rang and was naturally stunned to find a man standing on the porch nervously waiting to ‘serve’ the papers.The summer had been eventful both on and off the pitch, but this moved it to fever pitch.Timeline of Kyle Walker & Annie Kilner’s relationshipEarly years – Kyle and Annie first meet in Sheffield when she was 15 and he was 17Euro 2016 – Walker caught messaging Playboy model Carla HoweApril 2019 – Annie dumps Kyle after his alleged romps with reality TV star Laura BrownApril 2020 – Kyle allegedly hosts sex party with two escorts during covid-19 lockdownFebruary 2020 – Lauryn Goodman gives birth to Kairo, her son with WalkerNovember 2021 – Walker and Kilner marry in secretMarch 2023 – Lauryn announces her second pregnancySpring 2023 – Kyle allegedly flashes and kisses another woman in a Vodka Revolution bar in CheshireAugust 2023 – Lauryn gives birth to a daughterJanuary 2024 – Annie announces split from Kyle after two years of marriage. It emerges Kyle is the dad of Lauryn’s second child. Kyle begs for forgiveness in exclusive Sun interview. Lauryn brands him a ‘pathological narcissist’October 2024 – Annie files for divorceJanuary 2025 – Kyle moves to Italy alone, with Annie refusing to join him. Villain to victim Defeat to Spain in the Euros final had been closely followed by a thumping court win over Lauryn (the judge referring to her use of Kyle as an ‘open-ended chequebook’ summed up his impression of the influencer).Judge Edward Hess branded her an “unreliable” witness who chose to further her own case rather than tell the truth.He even accused her of cashing in on his betrayal of wife Annie, 31.She knew he was desperate to keep the birth of their one-year-old daughter Kinara Storm a secret and used it as “leverage” to get what she wanted, the judge said.Her demands included £33,000 for air conditioning at her £2.5million seven-bedroom mansion in Sussex, a £22,000 furnishing fund, £70,000 for a Mercedes GLE, to be replaced every three years, and a £30,000 car allowance for a nanny.On top of that she wanted £14,750 a month in child maintenance for both children, £3,900 a month in childcare costs, a bespoke wood and glass baby gate – and even an iron. Kyle secretly hoped the judgement – scathing of his former lover’s long list of demands – would somehow elevate him from villain to victim.But Annie was seething – she had no idea of the vast sums being funnelled to her love rival.Kyle had hoped his court win against Lauryn over child maintenance would help vindicate him, and turn him from ‘villain to victim’Credit: PAAnnie was said to be fuming about the staggering sums of money being paid to the mother of his two other childrenCredit: Social MediaDish best served coldNevertheless, divorce papers were the last thing Kyle was expecting to receive.The long(est)-running soap opera featuring him as the (reluctant) lead man had just delivered a cliff-hanging sting in the tale.Annie had spoken to friends during the summer months – she had been pictured looking stony-faced at the Euros – and had floated the idea.They had holidayed together as a family in Turkey and on the Llyn Peninsula in Wales.But she needed little encouragement to act and so, out of the blue, served the coldest of dishes to her wayward husband.It set in train a series of events that Annie had not planned for or expected and now has no control over.As Kyle embarks on the next chapter of his footballing career alone, one pal summed it up perfectly: “Their best chance of staying together now is being apart.” More

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      Where Arsenal’s transfer window went wrong with Mikel Arteta more reliant on Havertz than ever and no back-up striker

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      BETWEEN now and May 25, Arsenal will be relying on Kai Havertz more than they wanted to.The January transfer window was supposed to bring relief to a Gunners squad stricken by injuries in attacking areas ahead of a daunting task of catching Liverpool in the Premier League title race.Mikel Arteta did not sign a striker in the January transfer windowCredit: GettyArsenal will now rely on Kai Havertz for the remainder of the seasonCredit: GettyOllie Watkins was one option for the GunnersCredit: PAInstead, it teased, it taunted, and ultimately, it disappointed with no incomings, only flirtations, for a variety of reasons.It leaves boss Mikel Arteta praying that his one and only fit striker in Havertz stays that way until their last Prem game of the campaign away at Southampton. An undeniably huge risk.Reach the Champions League final in Munich, and the German will be required again six days later, having already started 29 of Arsenal’s 37 games in all competitions so far this term.So, what happened this month? Why has Arteta opted for nothing over something with his squad teetering on the brink of collapse?READ MORE ON FOOTBALLTHE INJURIESBukayo Saka requiring hamstring surgery just before Christmas after hobbling off during the 5-1 win at Crystal Palace on December 21 was a big blow.But the turning point of this whole window for Arsenal was Gabriel Jesus’ ACL rupture against Manchester United in the FA Cup third round on January 12 – putting him out for most of 2025.Before then, Arteta was perfectly happy to wait for Saka’s return in early March, safe in the knowledge that he had two strikers in Jesus and Havertz to carry the burden until then.But the Brazilian’s woe was the turning point. From there, Arteta and the club’s hierarchy switched to potential targets, but it is fair to suggest they were already playing catch-up.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSUMMER PLANSWith time running out, Arteta revealed on several occasions that plans for the summer may have to be brought forward in order to bring in the right man in January.That came with complications. Tens of millions would be added on to any summer target they wanted to bring in six months early by selling clubs. Mikel Arteta enjoyed every minute of Arsenal’s thrashing of Man City The Arsenal manager also suggested he had been given “no guarantees” that their summer kitty would not be impacted by a winter splurge.As a result, it would not be worth spending money on a short-term “body” for the sake of it that would hamper what they wanted to accomplish in the off-season.With around £50m already put aside to bring in Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi – due to expiring contracts for Jorginho and Thomas Partey – there was not a lot of wriggle room, especially having passed on selling the likes of Kieran Tierney and Oleksandr Zinchenko this month.And then there was the added blow of Jesus’ injury – a player Arsenal potentially could have sold in the summer to offload his high wages for a replacement, but who now is likely out until Christmas.The decision was made to be financially prudent, especially with a domestic loan out of the question following temporary summer deals for Bournemouth’s Neto and Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling.Come the summer, in Arsenal’s grand plan, they will now have options and financial flexibility when it comes to a new No9.MISSING EDUEdu left Arsenal for Nottingham ForestCredit: ReutersThis window was always going to be tough, especially without the man who had masterminded and pushed through so many of the club’s most important deals over the past few years.Edu resigned as sporting director on November 4 – a huge blow to Arsenal’s chances of recruiting in January, such was his aura and smooth-talking nature in meetings with players and agents.It also came just days before a crucial recruitment meeting in LA with owners Stan and Jose Kroenke.His No2 Jason Ayto stepped in as interim sporting director, with the club convinced they could muddle through without Edu, instead relying on a leadership team of Arteta, managing director Richard Garlick and executive vice-chair Tim Lewis.This appears to have backfired, with Arsenal falling short in this window when it came to timing and decision-making, while Ayto’s lack of experience and market nous was evident.Edu’s replacement will be ready for the summer, an appointment that cannot come soon enough.TOO LONG ON BIG TARGETSBenjamin Sesko was one of Arsenal’s big targetsCredit: ReutersArsenal were prepared for the possibility of needing a striker. The issue came in deciding how far to push and when to step back.The case of Alexander Isak was simple. Arsenal and Arteta highly rate the player, but there was thought to be zero chance Newcastle would let the Swedish star go, while their transfer valuation of over £100m was steep even for a summer bid, let alone January.But in Benjamin Sesko, it can be argued that Arsenal spent too long deciding whether to stick or twist. The Slovenian striker – rated at around £60m – is one they have targeted for the summer.Sesko, 21, has a gentleman’s agreement with Red Bull Leipzig that he can depart at the end of the season, having missed the chance to join Arsenal last term after signing a new long-term contract.Arsenal explored signing him this month, but realised Leipzig were incredibly unwilling given their own top four Bundesliga push, as well as demanding around £80m to even consider it.By the time Arsenal accepted defeat, it was late January, leaving them with limited options elsewhere.It must also be pointed out that Arsenal have spent time focusing on other positions for the future, including trying to convince Rosenberg midfield sensation Sverre Nypan, 18, to choose North London instead of Spanish side Girona – a deal that is not yet tied up.THE WATKINS TEASEArsenal saw a bid turned down for Ollie WatkinsCredit: PAArteta often spoke of being prepared with a list of targets, and deviating from those with a last-gasp bid on someone out of the blue would show they were becoming desperate.But when Arsenal were made aware of Aston Villa’s openness to sell Ollie Watkins, 29, halfway through January, a £45m approach was made nine days later.It was quickly shot down by Villa. They wanted £60m, while those in North London saw that as too hefty for a player turning 30 this year.It was hoped that Villa’s PSR worries would see them buckle, only for Jhon Duran to be sold to Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr for a fee that could hit £71m.How aware Arsenal were of Duran’s future when approaching Watkins is unknown, but perhaps something the club – including Ayto – should have considered when spending valuable time on the negotiations.Desperation also came into play when Alvaro Morata’s name came up very late in the day, only for Galatasaray to show more conviction for the 32-year-old from AC Milan.NWANERI’S EMERGENCEEthan Nwaneri can fill the void left by the injured Bukayo SakaCredit: GettyArteta has been searching for a Saka replacement on the right wing for several weeks now, going through his options one by one to find the best solution.Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard and Raheem Sterling were all tested, but it seems Ethan Nwaneri has proven to the Arsenal boss why he doesn’t need to splash the cash just yet.Since the turn of the new year, the 17-year-old midfielder has scored twice in the Prem – including a curling beauty in the 5-1 demolition of Manchester City – and once in the Champions League.READ MORE SUN STORIESAll three goals have come off the right – an invaluable option to have, one that Arteta could not have predicted he would possess given Nwaneri’s inexperience and youthfulness.Who knows, the injuries to Saka and Jesus may well be the making of Nwaneri in an Arsenal shirt, and he has not cost the club a penny. 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      Man Utd new boy Patrick Dorgu’s shock wages revealed with £25m star earning less than Tom Heaton

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      MANCHESTER UNITED new boy Patrick Dorgu has penned a deal worth around £40,000 a week.Dorgu, 20, was unveiled on the Old Trafford pitch ahead of the Red Devils’ 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace last Sunday.Patrick Dorgu was unveiled at Old Trafford last SundayCredit: GettyDorgu, 20, moved in a deal worth an initial £25mCredit: GettyMan Utd forked out an initial £25million to sign the Dane from Lecce.The Serie A side could be owed a further £4m in performance-related add-ons.While United’s fee for Dorgu was not insignificant, the left wing-back arrives at the club as one of its first team’s lowest earners.According to The Athletic, Dorgu has penned a five-and-a-half year deal worth £40k per week.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThis presents a big salary jump for the youngster, who is in just his third season of his senior football.But it is also a manageable wage for United and among the lowest in their first team squad.Only Altay Bayindir and Kobbie Mainoo earn less than Dorgu.Bayindir, 26, penned his deal to be backup goalkeeper, while Mainoo’s deal was signed in February 2023 and talks have been held regarding a new one.Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYDorgu’s deal puts him below third-choice goalkeeper Tom Heaton, who reportedly pockets £45k a week.While Alejandro Garnacho is the next lowest earner on £50k a week, remarkably below Jonny Evans on £65k.Amorim gives Lisandro Martinez injury update after Man Utd star stretchered off in tears during Crystal Palace defeat United managed to ship out two of their highest earners on loan in the final days of the January window.Marcus Rashford headed to Aston Villa, with Unai Emery’s side committing to paying at least 75 per cent of his £325k a week wages, potentially rising to 90 per cent depending on performance.Antony, meanwhile, headed to Real Betis – with the LaLiga side covering at least 84 per cent of his reported £200k a week salary.Man Utd were unable to bolster in their forward areas this month.A loan deal for Mathys Tel did not materialise, with club chiefs unwilling to fork out £5m on a loan fee.The Bayern Munich forward instead headed to Tottenham, who secured his signature on loan with an option to make it permanent for £45m in the summer.Mathys Tel instead joined Tottenham late on deadline dayCredit: Rex More

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      Jermaine Jenas will RETURN to talkSPORT in just days – after being sacked by BBC for ‘inappropriate texts’

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      JERMAINE Jenas will return to talkSPORT in a matter of days – just months after being sacked by the BBC.The former One Show host was dropped in August last year amid allegations of workplace misconduct.Jermaine Jenas is due to return to broadcasting at the weekendCredit: AlamyJenas on talkSPORT the day he was sacked from the BBCCredit: TalkSportJenas spoke exclusively to the Sun about the scandal in AugustCredit: Andrew StyczynskiOn the same day it was confirmed he had lost his £190k-a-year Beeb job, Jenas, 41, anchored talkSPORT’s drive time show – and is due to return to the radio station for the first time over the weekend.The ex-England and Premier League midfielder is pencilled in to form part of the commentary team for the Aston Villa vs Tottenham match. Bosses at talkSPORT were made aware of his BBC sacking moments before he went on air in the summer.It later emerged he had been dismissed after sending explicit texts to two female colleagues.READ MORE ABOUT JENASIt came after the broadcaster had issued reformed workplace culture guidelines in light of the Strictly Come Dancing and Huw Edwards scandals.Jenas made an initial return to broadcasting in October – at the Emirates stadium covering Arsenal v Liverpool for an overseas network which was not shown on British airwaves.JENAS HAS HIS SAYSpeaking to the Sun at the time of his sacking, Jenas apologised to his wife but denied being a sex pest.He insisted he had done nothing illegal but said he was sorry if he made the women involved uncomfortable. Most read in FootballSpeaking less than 24 hours after The Sun revealed he had been fired from Match of the Day and The One Show following the complaints, Jenas said: “I am ashamed, and I am deeply sorry.He was sacked in an excruciating online meeting with HR and senior corporation execs, including being shown a string of X-rated messages he’d sent.Jermaine Jenas hints at next job as he teases ‘exciting stuff’ he has been working on after BBC axingHe told the Sun: “I am ashamed, and I am deeply sorry.”I have let myself down, my family, friends and colleagues down, and I owe everyone an apology — especially the women with whom I was messaging. I am so, so sorry.“I am sorry for what I have put them through.“I think it would be fair to say I have a problem. I know I self- sabotage and have a self-destructive streak when it comes to my relationship especially, and I know I need help. And I am getting help.“I have made a lot of mistakes, and I am asking myself a lot of questions at the moment. I know there’s a lot of work that needs to be done, and it will be hard.“Before any of this became ­public, I saw my private doctor and after a long discussion, booked in for therapy to try and address these issues, where they stem from, and why I have been doing this and hurting the people I love.“I’m not proud of what I wrote and what I said. And I do consider it cheating, yes, although nothing physical ever happened.“This is all on me and I fully accept there is a level of responsibility that needs to be upheld when you’re a member of the BBC.“And I fell below those standards. I must take the responsibility.“I was given an incredible opportunity and I know it’s on me that right now I feel I have lost everything. I feel like people are judging me and that I am the number one target right now in the country.”Jenas – who had previously been tipped to replace Gary Lineker as MOTD host – revealed he was sacked by the BBC five days after the initial HR consultation process began.The BBC’s Director of Sport Alex Kay-Jelski informed all staff of the former Spurs star’s sudden dismissal only after The Sun had broken the story online.Jenas insisted he thought this “says everything about the BBC’s handling of it all really”.While former colleagues, both on and off screen, had been advised not to contact him due to the legal situation, he says several well-known faces and production staff have offered their support.Jenas said he knows one of the women involved through work and she gave him her mobile number at a boozy work event.They then “frantically” sexted over 24 hours but he claims it ended amicably.Speaking at the West Lodge Park hotel in North London, Jenas denied sending any sexual pictures or videos.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “That was not the case.”After being told of the allegations against him, Jenas lied to his wife Ellie in a desperate bid to stall and “find a way out of this mess”. More

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      Schoolboy Error: Dream Team bosses eagerly recruiting hat-trick hero Chris Wood ahead of FA Cup weekend

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      GAMEWEEK 22 belongs to Chris Wood (£4m).Nottingham Forest’s No11 bagged a hat-trick against Brighton on Saturday in what proved to be the centrepiece of an emphatic 7-0 victory at the City Ground.Wood has surpassed expectations this seasonCredit: Dream TeamMorgan Gibbs-White (£4.2m), Neco Williams (£2.6m), Anthony Elanga (£2.9m) and several others produced performances worthy of individual praise but from a Dream Team perspective, Wood was the standout performer with a whopping 24 points to show for his efforts come full time.The New Zealand international’s 15th, 16th and 17th league goals of the season means he is currently the top performer of the Gameweek.Incredibly, only bonafide superstars Mohamed Salah (£8m) and Erling Haaland (£7.9m) are ahead of Wood in the Premier League Golden Boot race at the time of writing.There can be no doubt the 33-year-old is playing the best football of his career.Such is his reputation right now, he is currently Dream Team’s most transferred-in player ahead of Gameweek 23.Wood took Brighton for 24 points on SaturdayCredit: GettyWhile this may seem perfectly logical on the surface, it’s likely the eager gaffers recruiting Wood this week are guilty of a schoolboy error.Form is obviously a influential factor when making a transfer but Dream Team managers must remember to look forward as well as reflecting on recent events.Bringing Wood into the fold now means enlisting him for Forest’s FA Cup fourth round meeting with Exeter next Tuesday, their only fixture of Gameweek 23.Most read in FootballThe Grecians are on a terrible run of form that has seen them slip to 17th in League One. Wood would surely be a likely scorer if he were to be unleashed upon a defence that has conceded 13 goals in their last three outings but how likely is it that Nuno Espirito Santo will risk his top scorer in such a game?Nuno opted to rest Wood in the third round of the FA CupCredit: GettyForest’s phenomenal league campaign means they are genuine contenders to qualify for the Champions League, a lofty achievement that must now be top priority.Taiwo Awoniyi started up top against Luton in the FA Cup third round and is a strong contender to lead the line against Exeter next week.Wood was given the last 16 minutes against the Hatters last month (returning one point) but his game time is a major concern for Gameweek 23.Some gaffers would say that Forest are playing so well this season that they should aim to win the FA Cup – a fair point.It’s just that a second-string XI should be more than strong enough to beat an Exeter side without a win in their last eight League One fixtures.Perhaps Wood and other first-team regulars will be given more prominent roles in the competition if a place at Wembley comes into view but that’s largely irrelevant for gaffers who have recruited the in-form target man this week.It wouldn’t be a surprise if Wood didn’t feature at all in Gameweek 23Credit: EPALooking further ahead, Wood will start against Fulham in Gameweek 24 (if available) and would certainly be a viable Dream Team option.READ MORE SUN STORIESAfter that, Forest are due to face Newcastle and Arsenal in Gameweek 25 in what is one of the most difficult doubler headers of the lot, on paper at least.Wood has exceeded all expectations this season but even by standards, he’ll have to produce something truly remarkable this month to justify this week’s flurry of transfers.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 NOW More

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      Arsenal held transfer talks over signing forgotten Chelsea flop as Mikel Arteta scrambled to sign striker

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      ARSENAL reportedly held transfer talks to sign a forgotten Chelsea flop.The Gunners were on the lookout but failed to sign a striker in the January transfer window.Mikel Arteta wanted to sign a striker in January transfer windowCredit: GettyThe club held talks to sign Alvaro Morata on loan from AC MilanCredit: APGalatasaray beat Arsenal to the striker’s sigantureCredit: GettyThe club will continue to challenge for the Premier League title with Kai Havertz as the sole striker option.Mikel Arteta, however, did scramble to find a new striker before the winter window slammed shut.Despite links to stars such as Benjamin Sesko and Ollie Watkins, the club came close to signing a former Blue.The Athletic have claimed that Arsenal held talks with the agent of Alvaro Morata during the trip to Girona last week.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe Gunners beat the LaLiga side in the Champions League but took the chance to explore some transfer business.The club spoke to the representatives of Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia.The stopper’s agent also represents Alvaro Morata.Arsenal were believed to be keen on a loan deal for the AC Milan star.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHowever, the North London outfit were beaten to the Spaniard’s signature by Turkish giants Galatasaray.Morata, 32, played at Chelsea between 2017 and 2020. Mikel Arteta enjoyed every minute of Arsenal’s thrashing of Man City But he was sent out on loan to Atletico Madrid for his final year after falling out of favour.Morata netted 24 times in 72 appearances for Chelsea in all competitions.He joined AC Milan last summer and scored six goals in 25 outings before leaving for Turkey on loan.The Euros winner posted a sincere goodbye to the Milan fans on social media.He wrote: “Thank you for giving me the opportunity to wear this shirt.”Milan is an incredible club, even more so the people who work there. Thank you to everyone.” More

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      Newcastle vs Arsenal: Get up to £40 in free bets to spend on football with talkSPORT BET

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      ARSENAL have it all to do on Wednesday night as they look to overcome a 2-0 deficit in the Carabao Cup semi final second leg clash at Newcastle.And brand new talkSPORT BET customers can claim up to £40 in free bets when they register an account and stake at least £20 on the massive semi.Newcastle vs Arsenal: Get up to £40 in free bets – Claim here*Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHow to claim talkSPORT BET offertalkSPORT BETVisit the talkSPORT website HERE*Create an account and Opt In to this promotion via the OFFERS tabMake a depositPlace your first bet up to £40, minimum £20, on any football market, at odds of Evens or greaterYou must do this within 7 days of registrationOnce that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with up to £40 free bets based on your first betFor example, if you stake £20, you will receive 4 x £5 free betsIf you stake £40 you would receive the full 4 x £10 free betstalkSPORT BET: Get up to £40 in free bets – Claim Here*Newcastle vs Arsenal: Get up to £40 in free bets – Claim here*What’s the offer?Brand new talkSPORT BET customers can claim a welcome bonus of up to £40 when they register an account.How to claim?Simply visit the talkSPORT BET website on your mobile device and create an account. Opt in to this promotion via the OFFERS tab and then make a deposit via debit card or Apple Pay.Stake £20 or more on any football market at odds of at least Evens. Remember, you must do this within 7 days of opening your account.What happens next?Once that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with up to £40 free bets based on your first bet bet.For example, if you stake £20, you will receive 4 x £5 free bets. If you stake £40 you would receive the full 4 x £10 free bets:On settlement of your qualifying bet, your account will be credited with the following:£10 free bet – Bet Builder (if your qualifying bet is £20, you will only receive a £5 free bet)£10 free bet – Correct Score (if your qualifying bet is £20, you will only receive a £5 free bet)And the following free bets, which will be credited 24 hours after the first bonus funds:£10 free bet – To Win and Both Team to Score – 90 mins (if your qualifying bet is £20, you will only receive a £5 free bet)£10 free bet – Acca 4+ selection (if your qualifying bet is £20, you will only receive a £5 free bet)You can read the full breakdown of free bets and more on how to claim talkSPORT BET’s welcome offer here**18+ New customers only. Opt in via mobile device, bet up to £40 (min. £20) on any football market at odds of 2.00+, in 7 days. Get up to £40 in free bets on selected markets. Bonuses expire in 7 days. T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsiblyRemember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk More

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      Newcastle vs Arsenal prediction: Free betting tips, odds and Carabao Cup preview for huge semi final

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      NEWCASTLE have a 2-0 lead to defend when Arsenal visit St James’ Park in the Carabao Cup semi final second leg.So SunSport have enlisted the help of their betting experts to preview the cup showdown and select the best bets, tips and exclusive sign-up bonuses from our leading betting partners.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereNew sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesNewcastle vs Arsenal previewIt’s been a long wait since the first leg and plenty has happened in between.But Newcastle will quite rightly take plenty of confidence from their first leg triumph at the Emirates when Arsenal visit this week.It was a reasonably comfortable 2-0 win on the night and home support will be key to getting over the line and to Wembley.Having said that, Eddie Howe’s men have been pretty poor in their last two home games when being thumped by Bournemouth and blowing a 1-0 lead to lose to Fulham just a few days ago.A combination of that and a rousing 5-1 win over Manchester City should give the Gunners hope of turning this around.Arsenal have won four on the spin, scoring 11 goals and conceding just two since that damaging 2-2 draw with Aston Villa.They have lost in three of their last four visits to St James’ Park but an early goal might just change everything….First scorer and correct score predictionsCorrect score: 1-2 at 15/2 with Betfred – HEREFirst scorer: Kai Havertz 6/1 with talkSPORT BET – HERENewcastle vs Arsenal latest oddsOdds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.How to claim..William Hill £60 welcome bonusVisit the William Hill website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: T60Once your account is registered, click ‘opt in’ on the ‘Vegas Promotion’ pageDeposit a minimum of £10 in your main account to receive a £20 Vegas Bonus for use on Selected GamesThen place a bet with a minimum stake of £10 at odds of 1/2 or greater on any football marketOnce that’s settled, your account will be credited with £40 in free betsWilliam Hill: Claim £60 welcome bonus – click here*Newcastle vs Arsenal predictions and tipsWhere there’s a WillPictures of Joelinton in a knee brace are terrible for Newcastle and their supporters. Subsequent news he was visiting a specialist won’t help either.But one door closes and another opens and ex-Arsenal man Joe Willock can add to his former side’s recent misery in cup competitions.Will be chances on the counter attack and chance to make a big impression on big stage.Joe Willock at least 1 shot on target at 6/4 with William Hill – CLAIM HEREWin – but is it enough?The Gunners can get the win on the night but will it be enough?Can’t see Newcastle NOT scoring meaning Arsenal need at least three to keep themselves in the tie.Can get the win on the night but might not manage that.Arsenal to win and BTTS at 31/10 with talkSPORT BET – CLAIM HERE*William Hill. 18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. Get £60 Bonus split between Vegas & Sports in the following manner – (i) Deposit £10 to unlock £20 Vegas Free Bet on Selected Games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); then (ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash (excl. £10 deposit) or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). Once settled, receive £40 Sports Free Bets excluding Virtual Markets (4x £10, 7 days expiry). Payment methods & country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply.*Betfred. New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. T&Cs apply.*BetMGM. New customers only. 7 days to place a qualifying bet of £10 at 1/1 (2.0) to receive 4 x £10 Free Bets: 1x £10 Free Bet on Football, 1x £10 Free Bet on Horse Racing, 2 x £10 Free Bet Builders. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. Full T&Cs apply.*talkSPORT BET. 18+ New customers only. Opt in, bet up to £40 (min. £20) on any football market at odds of 2.00+, in 7 days. Get up to £40 in free bets on selected markets. Bonuses expire in 7 days. T&Cs apply, see below. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly*Tote. New customers online only. Eligibility restrictions apply. Only valid with code B10G40 on registration. £10 min qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater across sports or racing (if EW then min £10 Win + £10 Place). Receive £20 Tote Credit, £10 Free Sports Bet and 50 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza within 48 hours of qualifying bet settlement. 7-day expiry on free bets & Tote Credit. Your first bet will be your qualifying bet. One per customer. UK & ROI customers only. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org. Full T&Cs apply.**Betfred Bet&Get: New customers only. Register by 21.45 on 29/01/25 with PREM45, deposit via Debit Card and bet £10+ (Evs+) on any CL game on 29/01/25. 9 x £5 Free Bets on Bet Builders for EPL games on 01/02/25-02/02/25. Credited on settlement. Eligibility & T&Cs Apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.ukUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More