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      Fans love Emmanuel Petit’s ‘Game of Thrones meets Lord of the Rings’ outfit on MNF as Arsenal icon says: ‘I pity Spurs’

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      FANS loved Emmanuel Petit’s Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones outfit as he admitted he “pities Spurs”.The Arsenal legend appeared on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football coverage of Chelsea’s clash against Wolves.Fans compared Emmanuel Petit to a Lord of the Rings characterCredit: X @SkySportsPLPetit insisted that he ‘pities’ Tottenham at the momentCredit: GettyPetit, 54, was a legend at Arsenal, winning the Premier League and FA Cup in 1998.However, he insisted that he has sympathy for their bitter North London rivals.Ange Postcoglou’s side were beaten 3-2 at Goodison Park by Everton on the weekend.The result has left the club slumped in 15th place in the Premier League with 12 defeats already.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe Australian manager’s position has been left under threat with the pressure of the sack mounting.Petit said: “I feel pity for the Spurs fans to be honest.”When I watch them it is the body language that worries me the most.”They are playing with such big players out, and they need to have a plan, and I don’t see that.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I feel pity because Postecoglou when I look at him, because he looks so miserable.”I have respect for him, but he looks like there is nothing else he can do. ‘Cry me a river’ – Match of the Day pundit Ashley Williams cheekily trolled after getting Arsenal ace’s name wrong TWICEPetit’s look was compared to Lord of the Rings hero LegolasCredit: AlamyHe was also likened to a TargaryenCredit: PALucius Malfoy from Harry Potter was also a popular comparableCredit: Alamy”I was at the big game against Arsenal and it was boys against men.”However, viewers were a lot more interested in his outfit and long blonde hair as he was compared to characters from Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones.One posted: “He looks like someone from Lord of the Rings.”A second wrote: “What’s Daemon Targaryen doing on Sky?”A third commented: “Pipe down Legolas.A fourth said: “I thought it was Legolas.”A fifth joked: “Emmanuel Petit looks like he’s just clocked off a shift playing the harp in Rivendell.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAnother added: “Emmanuel Petit looks like Legolas from Lord of the Rings hahaha.”Some fans even compared him to Jason Issacs’ character Lucius Malfoy from Harry Potter.Tottenham’s top 10 biggest signings: Hit or miss?1) Tanguy Ndombele – £52.7mNdombele joined from Lyon in 2019 with huge expectations after shattering Tottenham’s transfer record.But he would go on to play just 91 times for the club, scoring 10 goals and is now set to leave one year before the end of his contract.2) Richarlison – £49.3mRicharlison almost broke the £50m mark when he arrived from Everton in 2022 as Harry Kane’s back-up.And while his tally of 12 goals this season was a significant increase on the three from his opening Spurs campaign, he is being linked with a departure this summer.3) Brennan Johnson – £46.8mJohnson was signed by Ange Postecoglou last summer and has impressed in patches during his first season in North London.He scored five goals and 10 assists in 38 games and will look to build on that in the 2024/25 campaign.4) Cristian Romero – £44.2mRomero initially joined on loan from Atalanta in 2021, before his impressive displays saw him secure a permanent deal the following year.He is two games shy of 100 for Spurs and, while he can be reckless with his tackling at times, is beginning to form a promising partnership with Micky van de Ven.5) James Maddison – £39.4mMaddison was handed Kane’s No10 shirt after arriving at Spurs and hit the ground running with three goals and five assists in his opening 11 matches.But after getting injured against Chelsea in October, he failed to return with the same sharpness – managing just five goal contributions in 15 league matches as he missed out on England’s final 26-man squad for the Euros.6) Davinson Sanchez – £35.7mSanchez joined Spurs from Ajax in 2017 and played more than 200 games across a six-year spell.But he was always considered a somewhat erratic defender who did not play more than 20 games in a Premier League season from 2020 onwards.7) Pedro Porro – £34mPorro was another signing who originally arrived on loan in January 2023, before he signed permanently last summer.He has 54 appearances for Spurs under his belt, scoring seven goals and impressing under Postecoglou this season.8) Micky van de Ven – £34mRapid Dutch centre-back Van de Ven was named Spurs Player of the Season in his first campaign at the club.His pace, athleticism, and technical ability on the ball have made him arguably Postecoglou’s best signing to date.9) Moussa Sissoko – £29.8mSissoko came to North London for a substantial fee after being relegated with Newcastle and went on to enjoy five years at Tottenham, playing more than 200 games.Unfortunately for the French midfielder, he is best-known for giving away a controversial penalty for handball in the first minute of Spurs’ 2-0 Champions League final defeat to Liverpool in 2019.10) Giovani Lo Celso – £27.2mLo Celso joined on loan from Real Betis in 2019 – a deal that was made permanent the following season.He has 10 goals and eight assists in 108 games, with some Spurs fans still unsure about the Argentine. 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      Marcus Rashford offers olive branch to Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim after being told his exile is ‘best for the team’

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      MARCUS RASHFORD has made it known he bears no grudge towards Ruben Amorim.Sources close to the dumped striker insist he is ready, willing and able to face Rangers in Thursday night’s Europa League clash if selected.Ruben Amorim axed Marcus Rashford from the Manchester United squadCredit: GettyRashford admitted he was ready to leave Old Trafford in DecemberCredit: RexThe 27-year-old was axed by Amorim over his performances in training and his declaration last month that he was “ready for a new challenge” away from Old Trafford.He hasn’t played for Manchester United in nine games and has made the bench only once in that time.But it is understood that he has been putting in extra training sessions to keep fit during his absence and is available to play in the Battle of Britain clash.And that he has no issues with Amorim and is ready to give 100 per cent for the shirt.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSAfter leaving him out again for Sunday’s 3-1 defeat by Brighton Amorim doubled-down on his stance over the home-grown star.The boss, who called his side “the worst in Manchester United’s history”, stressed: “It is his choice (not to play).“I don’t want to focus on this bad moment because in the games we lost, Rashford is not here.“I don’t want to put this moment on Rashford. Rashford is out because he is not playing.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”No matter what, I am not going to put out a player I don’t believe is the best for the team.”The Portuguese is unlikely to be moved by the attempt by Rashford’s camp to build bridges and is prepared to see him move on.Ruben Amorim says his team could be the worst in the history of Man Utd United, struggling to juggle finances so critical that they were close to being hit by a Prem points deduction over profit and sustainability rules, want his £315,000 wage off the books.Rashford refused to listen to approaches from Saudi Arabia despite the chance of a £35m per year deal because he fears such a switch would cost him any chance of regaining his England place.AC Milan have dropped interest in him while Borussia Dortmund would like to sign him on loan but would expect United to fund half of his salary.West Ham also have him on their radar with United looking for around £40m.Rashford’s brother and agent Dwaine Maynard wants him to go to Barcelona but the LaLiga club are barred from signing new players due to debts currently running to almost £850m.Why Rashford joining Arsenal is perfect fitBy Martin LiptonMARCUS RASHFORD is at a crossroads.But now the England star has to make the biggest choice he has ever faced – does he care about cash, or about his career?Rashford’s shock admission that he is “ready for a new challenge” after some two decades under the Manchester United umbrella has altered the dynamic around his future.That Rashford might not fit the blueprint of Ruben Amorim – who has now responded to Rashford’s comments – was not exactly a surprise.The Portuguese coach prefers a 3-4-3 formation but appears to have settled on Rasmus Hojlund as his starting central striker and wants two “narrow” inside forwards, with the width coming from the wing-backs.Rashford has always wanted to play through the middle but is often at his best exploiting spaces out wide – and that skillset does not necessarily suit the way Amorim wants to play.Even so, going public with his evident dissatisfaction at being bombed entirely from the squad for the Manchester derby was a major move, even if he vowed there would be “no hard feelings” if he does leave his boyhood club.In truth, Rashford has been leaving United almost from the moment he signed that new £325,000 per week contract in 2023.Something was broken in his connection to the club. His form dropped, his threat dissipated, his issues with the hierarchy deepened.When Erik ten Hag dropped him for hosting a birthday party after a derby defeat, and he later pulled a sickie to miss the FA Cup game with Newport, it felt even then that the writing was on the wall.The facts suggest the love affair has ended. After scoring 30 in all competitions to earn that new deal, he has scored just 15 in the 18 months since it was signed.Amorim’s arrival seems merely to have accelerated what was increasingly inevitable.Now, though, it is up to Rashford to determine what his future will bring.If it is only about the money, then his options might be somewhat limited.It is hard to see a Prem rival coughing up the same £16.9m annual salary – although Rashford’s comments have probably knocked £20m-plus off any transfer fee.But Real Madrid have their fill of big-money strikers and Barcelona’s budget remains restricted by LaLiga financial controls.In Europe, then, that probably leaves PSG – but a move to a one-club league.Or, in the wider world, he could follow the likes of Ivan Toney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Roberto Firmino and Co and head to the Saudi desert. Lucrative, yep. Certainly a different environment – and that may be exactly what Rashford both wants and needs. But the football? Not in a million years.What Rashford needs, above all, is to be able to play for trophies and showcase his talents.There is no better stage than the Premier League – which has far more global eyeballs on it than any other domestic competition.And in that Premier League there is one club crying out for a goalscoring No 9, especially if he can also play down the left channel to balance out the side and widen its threat.Rashford has always been more Longsight than London.Yet Arsenal, and Mikel Arteta, might be the perfect fit.The Gunners’ lack of a proper scorer is one of the major factors many fans feel has hurt their title challenge this year.Gabriel Jesus has never been a natural finisher, while Kai Havertz is still a converted midfielder.And while the link-up between Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka makes their right flank deadly, faith in Gabriel Martinelli on the left is waning.There have not been too many who succeeded at Arsenal after leaving United – although Danny Welbeck was not a flop.Rashford has all the attributes to change that history, if he can reproduce what everybody knows is inside him.And by breaking free, giving himself the chance to start all over, Rashford can make a point to Amorim that will resonate for a very long time. 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      Man City sign Abdukodir Khusanov, 20, in £34m deal with ‘tank’ as quick as Usain Bolt roped in to bolster Pep’s defence

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      MANCHESTER CITY have confirmed the signing of 20-year-old defender Abdukodir Khusanov.The rising star joins in a deal understood to be worth £34million – and he will become the first Uzbek to play in the Premier League.Abdukodir Khusanov has completed his £34m transfer from Lens to Manchester CityCredit: X/ ManCityThe defender put pen to paper on a deal until 2029Credit: X/ ManCityKhusanov will become the Premier League’s first Uzbek playerCredit: GettyKhusanov, 20, has enjoyed a stellar season in Ligue 1 and arrives at the Etihad to bolster Pep Guardiola’s back line. He put pen to paper on a four-and-a-half-year contract with City until 2029.The new No45 said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be joining Manchester City, a club that I have enjoyed watching for a long time.“This squad is full of the best players in the world, and I can’t wait to meet them and play alongside them.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“And of course Pep Guardiola is one of the greatest coaches ever and I am so excited to learn from him and improve my game even more.“This is a very proud moment for me and my family to be joining a great club like Manchester City and I’m more than ready for this challenge.”Director of Football Txiki Begiristain added: “We are very happy that he has joined us and we are all very excited about what he will bring. “For such a young defender, Abdukodir is already very intelligent, as well as being strong, aggressive and extremely quick.  Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“Working with Pep will only make him better and, speaking to him, he is determined to keep improving. “He is a really exciting signing as we aim to keep progressing to maintain one of the best squads in Europe.”How Brighton proved Man Utd don’t trust Ruben Amorim’s tacticsKhusanov left his homeland aged 18 to join Belarusian club Energetik-BGU in 2022.Less than 18 months later, he signed for Lens in July 2023 for £84,000 – and has now moved on for 400 TIMES that figure, having only established himself as a first-team regular starter this season.Under Will Still’s management, the defender has shone as an aggressive centre-back – prompting his gaffer to declare: “Kodir is a tank.”A physical specimen, he is tall, powerful, strong and lightning quick.In fact, his top speed of 37km/h this season is only just shy of the 37.58km/h pace Usain Bolt averaged to set the 100m world record. He is not the best with the ball at his feet, does have a distinct lack of experience – just 24 Ligue 1 appearances and two in the Champions League – and the language could be a barrier as he settles into a new side desperate for him to hit the ground running. City – who have somewhat stopped the rot with a 6-0 thumping at Ipswich to go five unbeaten in the Premier League – find themselves 12 points adrift of leaders Liverpool and seemingly well out of the title race.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey are still in the FA Cup, though, and will hope to scrape through into the play-off round of the Champions League.And Khusanov may not have to wait long to be thrown into the deep end, with City facing PSG and Chelsea this week. Khusanov will rival Micky van de Ven as one of the Prem’s quickest playersCredit: GettyHe will go up against the likes of Gabriel Martinelli againCredit: GettyKhusanov is not afraid to show his aggressive sideCredit: AFP More

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      Footy star’s wife posts sex calendar detailing couple’s bedroom routine as ex-LaLiga ace, 33, shares post

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      A FOOTBALLER’s wife has shared a sex calendar on social media.The spicy venture details the bedroom routine of Deyverson and his partner Karina Alexandre throughout 2024.Karina Alexandre shared her sex calendar with DeyversonCredit: INSTAGRAM @kariina.mvThe calendar reveals when they were intimate with each other in 2024Credit: INSTAGRAM @kariina.mvKarina and Deyverson have three daughters with eachotherCredit: INSTAGRAM @kariina.mvDeyverson, 33, has starred for LaLiga clubs such as Levante, Deportivo Alaves and Getafe during his career.The striker’s best period came at the Brazilian outfit Palmeiras between 2017 and 2022.He made 144 league appearances for the club and scored 31 goals.But he has also enjoyed life off the pitch with his relationship with Karina.READ MORE SPORT NEWSShe has now given fans a glimpse into their intimate life with a post on social media.She shared an image of their sex calendar, which had love hearts on each day that they had been intimate with each other.Karina captioned the image: “My goal in life is to multiply love.”Deyverson shared the post on his own Instagram account and added three love heart emojis.Most read in FootballThe Brazilian went viral in 2021 during his time at Palmeiras after he dived to the ground after being patted by a referee.He is currently playing at Brazilian outfit Atletico Mineiro having joined in August 2024.Meet the new Wags of the Premier League season, from a Belgian interior designer to a Portuguese modelHis contract is set to run until December and he has so far scored twice in 17 appearances for the club.Karina was at his unveiling as an Atletico Mineiro player and regularly shows her support at matches.The couple have three daughters.She is a digital influencerCredit: INSTAGRAM @kariina.mvShe is also a veterinarian according to her social mediaCredit: INSTAGRAM @kariina.mvShe has 246 followers on InstagramCredit: INSTAGRAM @kariina.mv More

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      Erling Haaland and girlfriend Isabel are ‘going to be bigger than the Beckhams’ after he signs landmark £260m contract

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      ERLING HAALAND and girlfriend Isabel Haugseng Johansen are set to be a ‘bigger couple that the Beckhams’.Last week, the Man City ace, 24, inked a bumper contract worth £260million over 10 years.Erling Haaland and Isabel Haugseng Johansen are set to become football’s next power coupleCredit: GettySerial winner Haaland recently inked a new 10-year contract at Man City worth £260mCredit: GettyAn insider believes Haaland and partner Isabel could be bigger than the BeckhamsCredit: InstagramIt could see the Norwegian hotshot play for the Premier League giants until he is 24.Incredibly, his new salary will see him earn an astonishing £500,000-per-week.It’s an astronomical amount that will make him one of the richest footballers ever.Those riches will also allow Haaland and his private partner Isabel, who recently welcomed a child into the world, to live an enviable lifestyle.Read more football newsIn terms of financial standing – an insider believes they could outshine David and Victoria Beckham – who boast a reported £455million fortune.A source close to the couple said: “They are going to be a bigger couple than the Beckhams.”Haaland’s new contract is a landmark deal which until now was unheard of and really puts them both in the spotlight, even though she’s very private and protective.”She knows this deal will attract a great deal of attention. It’s one of the most historic deals in the footballing world ever and means huge money as a result.”Most read in FootballHaaland and Isabel were childhood friends, before they became romantically involved.Erling Haaland signs stunning nine-and-a-half-year Man City contract and ‘one of sport’s most lucrative contracts ever’ They both played for the same football club when they were kids in their native Norway.As Haaland’s career took off, she joined him on his journey – from RB Salzburg to Borussia Dortmund and Manchester City.However, the pretty brunette – who played for Byrne FK in her homeland – has purposefully kept a low-profile.She is believed to work part-time at a fashion store.The source continued: “What is lovely about these two is unlike other football couples, they don’t even need to try and constantly promote themselves – it just comes effortlessly.They will be the wealthiest, most famous couple in the world of football. “She’s come from very humble beginnings, world’s away from what they have now. “She’s a girl who absolutely loves sport and football – that’s how they met and she’s a footballer herself, and is amazingly fit as well as stunningly beautiful and the brands are going to be all over her – not just sporting names but beauty too.   “For them things just happen, and unlike other football couples that are constantly promoting themselves, it just comes effortlessly for them.  “She’s such a lovely girl, who has no airs or graces and has been more than happy to support herself working part-time in a shop. She likes working – not because she has to, but because she wants to.Pretty Isabel grew with Haaland in their native NorwayHumble beauty Isabel played football for Norwegian club Byrne FKRomance blossomed when Haaland’s career took offCredit: Splashread more sport features“She’s known for her kindness, and is happy to talk to everyone. She’s so ‘normal’ by Wag standards – she doesn’t have to try hard and looks good even when playing football. “She’s got the world at her feet, but she’s so humble – she’ll keep both their feet firmly on the ground. With such a mega bucks deal he needs people he can trust and they met at a young age and that’s what’s so lovely about them, he can trust her completely.”With his new contract out there, Haaland could find himself the centre of attention for glam girls lining up to date him.But, family should help him avoid temptation – and the way the couple lead their life, out of the limelight, should make it easier for the lovebirds.The source said: “As with any footballing star there will of course be a string of girls lined up wanting to date him and she will have to have eyes in the back of her head, but she will keep him down to earth and they have a close knit family to support them. “They will be a powerhouse couple. They’ve done some red carpets together before but they don’t seek the limelight and are very choosy – they only do what they want to.”They don’t have to, and this makes her more interesting and creates more intrigue – she doesn’t show off or try to promote herself.”Last summer, Haaland and Isabel were spotted on board a luxury private yacht in Italy.He also owns a £6million holiday home in Marbella, which he visits regularly with Isabel.They enjoy all the trappings that one of the richest sports stars in the world could.But, Isabel isn’t with Haaland for what he offers.The insider explained: “Of course she enjoys the perks of that sort of money and the luxurious lifestyle – the holidays, the shopping – it can get you, but she’s with Haaland for all the right reasons.Isabel celebrates Haaland’s success but prefers to stay out of the limelightCredit: GettyVery rarely do the pair pose on the red carpet togetherCredit: GettyAn insider says Isabel is with Haaland for all the right reasons”She genuinely has a passion for the beautiful game, and that’s the difference – she’s a sports star in her own right and she’s not in it for the luxury. READ MORE SUN STORIES”She also really appreciates everything they have too – she doesn’t take anything for granted.”They’ve both worked hard to get to where they are and she’s not afraid of hard work. They’ll be a breath of fresh air to the footballing world.” More

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      Chris Kamara joins choir in bid to get voice back as Sky Sports legend, 67, gives health update

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      CHRIS KAMARA has joined a choir as he continues his journey to recover his speech.The popular TV star and former midfielder stepped away from his broadcasting roles in 2022 when he was diagnosed with apraxia. Chris Kamara joined a choir to help improve his speechCredit: RexApraxia is a rare neurological disorder which sees sufferers unable to get their words out – even though they know what they want to say. Kamara’s difficult journey has included intense speech therapy.But he has now issued a positive update on his health – with the revelation about his singing exploits. Kamara, 67, told BBC Breakfast he signed up for a choir of Bradford City fans for an upcoming TV series Bantam of the Opera. READ MORE ON CHRIS KAMARAThe ex-Bantams player and manager joked his new venture may not have helped his ability to hit the right notes or sing in tune.But it has certainly helped his confidence and fluency with his words.Kamara said: “Well, the good news is, I could never sing before so it’s not made any difference!”But the truth of the matter is, you get more fluency in your voice when you sing so it’s a form of rehab when you’re trying to get your voice back. Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”Singing helps me.”The Bantam of the Opera choir are being supported by legendary composer Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber and will be involved in Bradford’s 2025 UK City of Culture celebrations.Watch Chris Kamara fight back tears as Soccer Saturday legend receives hero’s welcome from crowd at Leeds vs BrentfordWhat is apraxia of speech?CHRIS KAMARA has been diagnosed with apraxia of speech – but what is it?Apraxia of speech is a condition which makes talking difficult, with sufferers knowing what they’d like to say, but having trouble communicating their words.The NHS says that the condition can be extremely frustrating for people.They explained: “Frequently the person with apraxia will have difficulties with conversational speech. “However they may be good at ‘automatic’ speech tasks such as counting, swearing, repeating rhymes, greetings and farewell.”It’s usually caused by damage to the left side of the brain, such as a stroke.The condition does not affect a person’s understanding and the symptoms of the condition can vary occurring to the severity of the disorder.But this is not Kamara’s first venture into TV singing.Because the ex-Swindon and Brentford man appeared in the 2023 season of The Masked Singer, putting on a Scottish accent, and also on Get Britain Singing. Kamara’s popularity soared during his 24 years on Soccer Saturday, where he had a superb relationship with host Jeff Stelling. The pair were reunited in emotional scenes on Boxing Day when Kammy returned to TV to help Amazon Prime’s coverage of Nottingham Forest’s 1-0 win over Tottenham. Kammy returned to TV screens on Boxing Day to cover Nottingham Forest vs TottenhamCredit: Amazon PrimeBantam of the Opera will follow the Bradford fans’ singing ventureCredit: PA More

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      Andy Robertson and other popular players not pulling their weight in Dream Team

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      LOYALTY is an admirable trait but Dream Team managers need to be ruthless from time to time.If a player isn’t pulling their weight then sticking by them often compounds the problem.Points are all that matterCredit: Dream TeamHere we’ve identified some popular assets who simply haven’t provided enough points lately.Andy Robertson (£3.8m)Liverpool’s long-serving left-back has plenty of credit in the bank with the Anfield faithful but there’s no denying his standards have slipped this season.Arne Slot has been increasingly willing to split the Scotland captain’s minutes with Kostas Tsimikas (£3.2m) as the campaign has progressed.As a result, Robertson has registered four fewer clean sheets than Virgil van Dijk (£4.9m).In attack, the 30-year-old has provided just one assist compared to Trent Alexander-Arnold’s (£5.8m) tally of seven.Robertson has notched just 15 points since the start of Gameweek 15 – the Reds have played ten games in that time.Alexander-Arnold and Van Dijk are ranked first and second respectively among defenders while Robertson is outside the top 15.Most read in FootballRobertson’s form has dropped this seasonCredit: GettyNoni Madueke (£2.5m)The Chelsea winger emerged as an excellent value-for-money option earlier in the season but points have dried up in recent weeks.Madueke raced to four goals and one assist by his sixth appearance of the season and looked mightily effective in combination with Cole Palmer (£6.3m).However, his strike against Southampton in Gameweek 13 is his only goal in all competitions since the October international break.That the England international still appears in 8.9% of teams is remarkable.On a similar theme, Nicolas Jackson’s (£4m) form has tailed off over the last six weeks.Madueke started brightly but has faded sinceCredit: RexRico Lewis (£3.1m)Like Madueke, Manchester City’s adaptable youngster was an affordable gem in the early stages of the season.At one point he was among the most selected assets in the game.However, the defending champions’ form slump hit Lewis hard.Starting with defeat to Tottenham in the Carabao Cup round of 16, the 20 year-old defender has mustered 33 points from his last 15 outings at an average of just 2.2 per appearance.In an attempt to sure things up, Pep Guardiola has opted for more experienced defenders with Lewis once again viewed as a rotation option.Despite his lean run of returns, Lewis remains the ninth-most popular asset in his position.Lewis has played fewer minutes latelyCredit: GettyWilliam Saliba (£4.7m)Sacrilege! The Arsenal centre-back is a class act who has returned more than his fair share of points since he became one of Mikel Arteta’s favourites.But it’s simply true that his usual high standards have slipped a fraction since the festive period.Saliba has scraped together 22 points from his last eight fixtures during a spell when the Gunners have struggled for clean sheets.The Frenchman missed Saturday’s game against Aston Villa with a hamstring injury and while the issue isn’t thought to be serious, this might give gaffers the push they need to seek a replacement.READ MORE SUN STORIESSaliba’s ownership of 23.5% makes him the third most selected defender in the game at the time of writing.As expected, he’s currently among the most transferred-out players ahead of Gameweek 21.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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      Meet the ‘Hampstead socialite’ who captured Mark Chapman’s heart, five years after his beloved wife died

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      MARK CHAPMAN and his younger girlfriend’s romance is moving fast.The Match of the Day host, 51, appeared to be looking in estate agent’s windows in Altrincham, Greater Manchester with Claire Collier, 43, over the weekend.Match of the Day presenter Mark Chapman has fallen for the charms of Claire CollierCredit: Facebook / Clere CollierChapman and Claire were seen walking hand-in-hand in Altrincham, Great ManchesterCredit: BackGridClaire is a Dubai-based – but often visits Chapman in ManchesterCredit: Instagram / Clere CollierPals say he has found happiness with Claire, five years on from being widowed.The pretty blonde regularly posts loved-up snaps of them together on social media as their romance continues to blossom.In October last year, when Mark celebrated his birthday, she gushed over her man on Instagram, calling him “my one love”.Posting an image of the couple together as they went on a country walk, she wrote: “Happy birthday to this one. My one love.read more football news“So proud of all you do, the biggest heart, the kindest soul, the leader of our pack and not to mention devilishly handsome. I love you, happy 51.”The estate agent, who works in Dubai, is twice-divorced, a mother of two, and was once linked with singer Dane Bowers.Despite being based in Dubai — she makes regular UK trips for work and to see Mark in Manchester, where the BBC broadcaster is based.Before she established her career, Claire worked at the Benham & Reeves agency in Hampstead, North London.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSA ‘Hampstead socialite’ – she had an inner circle of celebrity friends.This included drinking pals, radio DJ Chris Moyles and Jason Brown of boyband 5ive.Mark Chapman opens Match of the Day with cheeky one-liner as he is confirmed as one of Gary Lineker’s three successors While she was a close pal of former Eastenders star Christopher Parker, appearing on several red carpet events together.Claire also helped Premier League footballers find rental homes in North London.Meet the woman who has captured Chappers’ heart.Famous tiesClaire grew up in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire.She soon moved to London, where she scored a job at Benham & Reeves in Hampstead, North London.Thanks to the area’s wealthy clientele, she helped the rich and famous find homes.This included sourcing rental homes for wealthy Premier League footballers.Young, and in her early 20s, she frequented the bars and high-end eateries of Hampstead, Belsize Park, and Primrose Hill.Claire has been referred to as a ‘Hampstead socialite’Claire has enjoyed living a glam lifestyle through the yearsHer job and good looks attracted celebrity pals, and she became friends with many showbiz names.A source told The Sun: “Claire was a hugely popular fun time girl among her set of friends.”She loved meeting new people and living in Hampstead, and enjoyed letting her hair down in the bars there.”Because of her good looks and outgoing personality she became a magnet for celebrities.”She knew many famous people and was a real Hampstead socialite.”One of her drinking pals was radio DJ Chris Moyles, who she would often meet up with in the pubs around Belsize Park, as well as 5ive boyband member Jason Brown.Another famous friend was TV presenter Jayne Sharp, a former girlfriend of Chris Evans.Often, Claire would find herself on the red carpet of events supporting famous friends.That included former Eastenders star, Christopher Parker.As he found fame as Spencer Moon on the BBC soap, as well as on Strictly Come Dancing in the noughties, Claire would join the actor at glitzy parties, including at Capital FM’s Rock On! Xmas Party in 2005.However, she soon left London for pastures new.Over the years, Claire has associated with celebs including rugby legend Martin OffiahDJ Chris Moyles was one of Claire’s drinking pals in North LondonClaire poses with pal Jason Brown of boyband 5ive fameCredit: Facebook / Clere CollierActor Christopher Parker pose on the red carpet together in 2005Credit: GettyJayne Sharp and Clere Collier party together at the launch of Room 68 in Hampstead, North London in 2006Credit: Ed Watts / Retna UKread more sport featuresMoving to DubaiFor over 15 years Claire has been working in the Middle East.She initially worked for Benham & Reeves, and has over two decades of experience in international real estate.This included running a Dubai property brokerage, managing a portfolio of investors based in East Africa and working with a US based private equity real estate fund.She has since moved to the American company, Lion Real Estate Group – where she is Director of Capital Markets for the Middle East and Europe.But while things have gone well in her professional life, she has been unlucky in love.Claire has been married twice – most recently to ex-husband James for three years, before they split in 2019.She also had a failed marriage with Dubai-based businessman Tomas Kristiansen Wallin.Claire has two children, Freddie, 12, and Florence, 2, from those former relationships.Claire has been married twice and has two childrenAccording to LinkedIn, Claire works for Lion Real Estate GroupCredit: LinkedinNew loveBefore she fell for Chapman, Claire was reported to have dated Another Level boyband star Dane Bowers.A source revealed to the Mail in 2023: “Dane and Claire have been getting to know each other in recent weeks.”They mix in similar circles and have bumped into each other on a few occasions.”However, it’s new Match of the Day host Chapman she is now smitten with.A source told us in early 2024: “It’s early days but Mark and Claire are in a good place and enjoying each other’s company.”Mark’s focus has always been his children and work, so a relationship was unexpected.”He and Claire are taking things slow and just seeing how it all plays out, but it’s clear to see they are really into each other.”READ MORE SUN STORIESChapman was recently revealed as one of the three presenters of Match of the Day, alongside Kelly Cates and Gabby LoganCredit: PAChapman was previously married to Sara for 19 years, before her life was tragically cut by cancerCredit: TwitterIt is Chapman’s first romance since wife Sara, 44, died of cancer in 2020.He had three children with Sara, who he was married to for 19 years. 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