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    Gary Lineker in talks to sign new deal with Match of the Day amid speculation over future

    GARY Lineker is in talks to sign a new Match of the Day deal amid speculation over his future.Yesterday reports circulated online that last night’s show could be his final appearance.Gary Lineker is in talks to sign a new Match of the Day deal amid speculation over his futureCredit: GettyHe has hosted the show since 1999 and is now its longest-serving presenterCredit: Pixel8000But the star, 63, is understood to be in talks with BBC executives — and sources told The Sun on Sunday it was “business as usual”.An alleged leaked email appeared to suggest plans were being drawn up at the BBC for his departure.It was said to have included a draft statement for release when Lineker leaves.The Beeb has refused to call the email a fake and instead said nothing had been agreed.Read More on TVThe ex-England striker and the BBC have previously crossed swords over some of his comments in tweets.But a source told us: “Talks are ongoing and it is very much a case of Keep Calm and Gary On despite all the rumours. He will be there for the rest of the season no matter what happens.”Responding to news reports of the alleged leaked email, a BBC spokesman said: “We have nothing to announce and we have not agreed next steps with regard to his contract. He is under contract until the end of the season.”We previously reported how Lineker had volunteered to take a pay cut as part of talks over a multi-year deal.Most read in FootballHe could agree to stay on for £1million — £350,000 less than his current salary.Gary Lineker reveals how his views on Match of the Day can sometimes get him into trouble He has hosted the show since 1999 and is now its longest-serving presenter. Ex-Spurs player Jermaine Jenas, 41, had been reportedly in the running to replace him but was sacked for inappropriately texting two women on The One Show.Lineker was taken off air last year after his tweet compared the language used to launch a government asylum plan to “that used by Germany in the 30s”. Pundits Ian Wright and Alan Shearer boycotted MOTD in solidarity.In 2022, Lineker was found in breach of BBC guidelines for asking whether Tories would “hand back their donations from Russian donors”. More

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    Champions League: Football fans over the moon after realising highlights after back on free-to-air TV

    GLEEFUL football fans were chuffed to realise that Champions League highlights have returned to free-to-air TV.It’s been NINE years since Europe’s top competition left ITV and moved over to TNT Sport.Fans were thrilled to catch Duran’s late winner on free-to-air TV on the BBCAnalysis was provided on Real Madrid’s 1-0 loss to LilleCredit: RexMost football lovers believed it was travesty, with many unable or un- willing, to pay the £53.99 monthly subscription for TNT Sport.While live European matches have not returned to free TV, fans can tune into a Match of the Day-style show on the BBC for highlights of each round.A brief match-by-match highlight compilation is also available from 10pm on the BBC website as well.Both the show and online package can be viewed every Wednesday on a week of Champions League action.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAston Villa’s incredible 1-0 triumph over Bayern Munich at Villa Park was the first game to be shown this week.Emery’s men went ahead via super-sub Jhon Duran’s 79th minute audacious off-the-cuff lob.Liverpool also retained their 100 per cent record in the competition this season with a routine 2-0 win over Bologna with goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Mo Salah.And fans were thrilled to learn that they could catch all of the action for free.Most read in Champions LeagueJhon Duran scored a goal that will go down in Villa’s historyCredit: GettySalah scored a stunner to double Liverpool’s leadCredit: RexFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOne wrote on X: “Champions League highlights on BBC is possibly the best thing ever.”A second said: “The show is quite a breath of fresh air. Really good sampled footage of the games.”Arsenal player ratings vs PSGA third said: “BBC iPlayer has got the Champions League highlights of you didn’t know!”Another wrote: “It died off when they took it off ITV. Hopefully bringing highlights to the BBC will be the start of the comeback but wishful thinking.”While another added: “Feels so strange watching Champions League games and analysis on the BBC. Thank god for that.”Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan seem to take turns hosting, alongside pundits Nedum Onuoha and German footballer Thomas Hitzlsperger.Fans were also pleased to see some fresh faces, with one writing: “It can’t always be likes of Micah Richards, Danny Murphy and Jamie Redknapp.” More

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    Micah Richards makes major change to £2m mansion after neighbours moaned about BBC pundit & ex-Man City star’s home

    MICAH Richards is making a massive change to his £2million mansion – months after his neighbours moaned about the property.The ex-Man City star and current TV pundit, 36, was previously met with neighbour moans after he submitted plans to extend his luxury five-bed pad.Micah Richards has submitted a planning application to extend his North Yorkshire padCredit: GettyThe design drawings show the desired extension at the back of the homeCredit: SuppliedRichards at his home with pal Jamie Carragher as they appear on Channel 4 hit GoggleboxCredit: Channel 4Despite uproar, officials made a decision in his favour and allowed renovations to go ahead.And now he wants to demolish an existing “poorly erected” conservatory to make way for a contemporary-style flat roof extension with steel cladding.Richards submitted plans for works on the lavish property, in North Yorkshire, which already boasts a cinema room, to provide “additional space that meets the needs of the occupants”.In an application submitted to the local council, Richards’ planning agent said: “The extension enhances the visual appearance of the existing building. read more football”It also enhances the visual impact of the surrounding environment.”The extension also improves the functionality of the existing building, providing additional space that meets the needs of the occupants.”This includes adding new living areas and outdoor areas that enhance the usability and convenience of the home. “The proposals will also provide a high quality family home for modern living.”Most read in FootballAnd officials have now granted the ex-baller’s plans.The council said: “In most cases, flat roof extensions will not be supported where they detract from the character and appearance of the surrounding area.Watch Micah Richards’ hilarious reaction after Arsenal hero David Raya reveals favourite CBS pundit in awkward interview”There have been many alterations and ‘domestification’ of the host dwelling… [but while it’s] of differing architectural style, it is of subservient portions and would not dominate the south elevation.”Overall, the development will not detract from the appearance of the host dwelling nor character of the area.”Richards bought his rural retreat for £1.3million in 2021 after hanging up his boots.But it is now believed to be worth £2million.Richards previously built an outdoor annexCredit: SuppliedSketches show the current building and the extension Richards wantsCredit: SuppliedTwo years ago, he won his battle with neighbours to convert a home office outbuilding into an annex, and carry out internal alterations.He also built extra accommodation on the first floor with two new dormer windows and five rooflights, despite objections about overlooking.Richards’ agent added: “The proposed extension is intended to present as a subtle addition to the existing house, that also amends a poor previously erected extension, tying the house together.”The design opens the ground floor internally to the rear with better access from the existing living spaces to the improved garden.”This will provide a much higher standard of accommodation in line with the need of a growing family along with improved amenity through better access to the garden and increased natural light internally.”Officials at the local council are expected to make a decision next month.So far, there have been no objections from neighbours.BIG SPENDERRichards has previously opened up about his big-spending while playing in the Premier League – and issued a warning to today’s superstars.The pundit burst onto the scene at Manchester City in 2005 – signing a big-money contract in the same year – aged just 17.Richards revealed he came into so much money overnight he impulsively spent it.The fan-favourite pundit bought supercars, a luxury mansion in the footballers’ paradise of Hale and even splashed out over £100,000 on a single night out.Speaking to The Athletic, Richards explained: “Imagine going from £500 a week to £5,000 a week… and then going from £5,000 a week to £50,000 a week.”Then you’d get bonuses, appearance money, a signing-on fee that was spread over the length of the contract.”I remember one pay packet was like “£250,000 for a month. I was at the training ground, just looking at my payslip, thinking, ‘Wow. How?'”What can you do? I know what I did. I went straight out and bought myself a Ferrari.”I already had a Range Rover and an Aston Martin, but I thought, ‘It’s time’. I bought myself a Ferrari, an F430. Then a 458 Speciale.”But the spending didn’t stop with cars. Richards continued:  “I started to look at houses in Hale.”I bought this £3m, seven-bedroom house and I was living with two brothers, two cousins, my best mate.”Where I was living was already more than enough, but this is what happens when you’re a footballer.”It’s always, ‘Who has the best house? Who has the best car?’.READ MORE SUN STORIES”You can never just be content. You’ve always got to want more.”Richards’ reps have been contacted for comment.Premier League star in neighbour row over basketball court & firepit builtBY Morgan JohnsonA PREMIER League star in an intense row with his neighbour over a basketball court and firepit has won a battle to keep them.Ben Chilwell, 27, became embroiled in the disagreement when he raised the back garden of his £5m Surrey mansion and erected a retaining wall for a new walkway.But the Chelsea defender failed to get the go-ahead for the Ground Force-style makeover at his luxury five-bed pad which boasts a swimming pool, gym and two games rooms.He needed consent from the local council for the “engineering operation” and faced a possible red card over the unauthorised development.His next-door neighbour objected, citing loss of privacy and overlooking, but the council have now granted retrospective permission for the landscape alterations.In his ruling, a planning officer said: “Despite the change in levels in this part of the garden, it is considered that the works do not significantly alter the overall land levels of the application site.”Moreover, the works are located in the rear garden and would not be visible from the street scene and are therefore acceptable.”The proposed development is considered in terms of scale, form, bulk, height, massing, spacing and design, and there would be no adverse impact on the character of the area or the visual amenities of the street scene as a result of the proposals.”Chilwell wants to plant new laurel and yew hedges to provide screening with further soft planting in grey, green and purple – but no blue.He also wants to splash out on a stone-stepped pool seating area with glass balustrade, and new paving at his home near Chelsea’s Cobham training ground.Documents submitted as part of the planning application reveal that building work on the sunken fire pit and basketball court started in April but has not yet been completed.In a letter objecting, the neighbour wrote: “This increase in height means someone in this section of the garden or on the firepit walkway now has direct line of sight into our garden, terrace and kitchen area.”This is a loss of amenity and the new levels mean we are now overlooked.”We are keen to retain the privacy and amenity of our home, terrace and garden and whilst we would prefer the new ground levels not to be so high we appreciate that some mitigation through screening foliage has now been proposed.” More

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    Inside final Top Gear Stig’s racing career as he’s unmasked as Phil Keen, most successful British GT driver in history

    JEREMY CLARKSON has revealed the identities of Top Gear’s Stigs – including one who was the most successful driver in British GT history.Phil Keen was the final Stig and has enjoyed an illustrious 21-year career on the track alongside starring in the BBC’s hit show.Phil Keen has been unmasked as The StigCredit: RexKeen, right, is one of the most successful drivers in British GT historyCredit: RexHe was the Top Gear Stig between 2010 and 2022Credit: AlamyFormer Top Gear presenter Clarkson revealed Keen was the third and final Stig from 2010 to 2022, when the show was cancelled.Clarkson hosted a viewing party for the final episode of The Grand Tour at his pub on his farm, where he told a crowd: “The original Stig was Perry McCarthy, followed by Ben Collins, followed by Phil Keen. “There isn’t a current ‘Top Gear’ so there isn’t a current Stig, but the last one was Phil Keen.”Keen, 40, joined Top Gear a year after he was crowned champion of the British GT Championship in the Supersport class.READ MORE IN SPORTHe won an incredible eight races out of 14 alongside his team-mate Marcus Clutton.That was the only year he drove in the SuperSport class and he returned to GT3 the next year, featuring in that category on 16 occasions in the British GT Championship.Keen still competes in the class and this year he is in fourth place.He is considered the most successful driver in the championship’s history having finished as a runner-up three years in a row between 2016-18, when he drove for Barwell Motorsport.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBest racing resultsBritish GT Championship Supersport – 1st (2009)Moss Trophy – 1st (2018)Kinrara Trophy – 1st (2017)Radical Challenge SR3 – 1st (2014)Michelin Le Mans Cup – GT3 – 3rd (2017)74th Members Meeting Bruce McLaren Trophy – 2nd (2016)TVR Tuscan Challenge – 3rd (2003)And he holds a record 19 British GT Championship wins, with 12 poles.His total career wins stand at 45, with 92 podiums and 22 poles.I was Top Gear’s original Stig – now I have a job nobody would ever expectKeen is also driving in the European Le Mans Series this year and had picked up two points from four races, despite retiring from two.He currently drives a Ferrari 296 GT3 but most of his success in his career came behind the wheel of Lamborghini Huracan GT3.His other notable wins came in a Jaguar E-Type in the Goodwood Revival – Kinrara Trophy in 2017 and the Stirling Moss Trophy a year later. More

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    Liverpool legend Graeme Souness forced to undergo emergency heart operation after health scare during England clash

    GRAEME SOUNESS revealed he underwent an emergency heart operation after experiencing a health scare while watching England. The Scotland and Liverpool legend was making a cup of tea during England’s 2-0 friendly win over Finland on September 10.Graeme Souness underwent emergency heart operation after experiencing a health scareCredit: GettyHe told the BBC: “We had a bit of a setback last week. “I had a bit of an episode 10 days ago, where I was watching England play Finland got up at half 10 to make a cup of tea, felt chest pains.“Without dwelling on it three days later, I had a couple of stents put into one of my coronary arteries. I feel great. “I’ve got a great cardiologist soil Talwar down in Bournemouth. And he’s looked after me for 15 years and I’m in great hands.”READ MORE IN football Souness has had a history of heart trouble – having been diagnosed with coronary heart disease at 38 and also a triple bypass.He had a stent fitted ten years later as another one of my arteries had become blocked. Then in November 2015, Souness was rushed to hospital after suffering a heart attack at his home.The Sky Sports pundit wanted to take part in an event for DEBRA, the butterfly skin charity.Most read in FootballIt included a cross channel swim and cycle from the channel to Westminster.But Souness suffered a bad shoulder, needing an operation in January. Graeme Souness launches stinging attack on ‘FC Hollywood’ Man Utd and singles out star as ‘not the go-to man’Still he planned to do the cycle part of the challenge last week until his chest pains hit.Souness stop playing in 1991 to move into management with old side Rangers before stints in charge of Liverpool and Newcastle. But more recently he has been a pundit for the likes of Sky, Channel 4 and ITV.Souness is now a football punditCredit: Kenny Ramsay More

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    Gary Lineker in talks with BBC over multi-year deal for Match of the Day after volunteering to take pay cut

    GARY Lineker is in talks with the BBC over a multi-year deal for Match of the Day — after volunteering to take a pay cut.The veteran presenter, 63, could agree to stay on for £1million a year — £350,000 less than his current salary.Gary Lineker is preparing to sign a new six-figure deal with the BBC after volunteering for a pay cutCredit: BBCGary Lineker during his first MOTD appearance in 1999Credit: Pixel8000Lineker, who has hosted the BBC footie highlights show since 1999, is to meet executives next month over a potential deal lasting at least two or three years.Talks are understood to have been briefly delayed following the recent Jermaine Jenas scandal.The shamed former Spurs star, 41, who was reportedly in the running to replace Lineker, was sacked for inappropriately texting two women on The One Show.A source said: “Gary is hugely popular with both fans and players alike. The sense is that, with so much uncertainty and scandal at the BBC, right now viewers are crying out for a safe pair of hands.READ MORE ON GARY LINEKER“Gary adores the BBC, and loves his job, and recognises what an honour it is to host television’s flagship football show, as well as international games.“Gary has long maintained that the BBC provides excellent value for money – and has quite literally put his money where his mouth is, and offered to take a substantial pay cut.”MotD2 host Mark Chapman, 50, has also been tipped to take over when Lineker’s contract expires at the end of the season.Last year the former England striker was reprimanded by the BBC after a critical social media post about the Government’s asylum policy. Most read in FootballHe was forced to miss a show but colleagues loyally refused to fill in for him, so only match highlights were shown instead.The upcoming pay negotiations come as the BBC is under enormous pressure to reduce its wage bill.BBC presenter stunned after going behind the scenes at Match of the Day studio with Gary Lineker Since 2021, it has laid off 1,800 employees and cut budgets across programmes.BBC chiefs are also still trying to claw back £200,000 paid to disgraced newsreader Huw Edwards since his arrest last November over child sex abuse images.BBC director-general Tim Davie said the crimes were “appalling”, adding: “We want the money back and we’ve asked for it back, and we’re waiting to hear back.”A spokesman for Lineker declined to comment, as did the BBC.Lineker is to meet executives next month over a potential deal lasting at least two or three yearsCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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    Alan Shearer snubs Rice, Havertz and Raya and picks just four Arsenal players in combined XI with Man City

    ALAN SHEARER picked only four Arsenal stars in his combined XI with Manchester City.City host the Gunners in what poses as a battle for the Premier League summit that could determine the eventual title winner this Sunday at the Etihad.Alan Shearer picked his combined XI ahead of Manchester City’s clash with ArsenalCredit: GettyAnd it seems like Shearer, 54, believes that the Citizens hold an advantage in terms of star quality as he picked seven of Pep Guardiola’s aces in his combined line-up.The Newcastle legend opted for Ederson over Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya between the sticks – despite his midweek double-save heroics.Kyle Walker made it at right-back with the Gunners’ comeback hero Jurrien Timber on the other side, while his team-mates William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes partner up at centre-back.The BBC pundit then went for a full City midfield with Rodri teaming up with Bernardo Silva and Kevin De Bruyne, while the Gunners’ superstar Declan Rice was left out.Read More on FootballArsenal star Bukayo Saka earned a spot in the right wing up front with Phil Foden on the other side and Erling Haaland spearheading the attack.Kai Havertz was omitted despite a bright start to the campaign with two goals and one assist in four Premier League matches.Many expect an entertaining encounter between the two biggest favourites to lift the Premier League trophy in May.However, Shearer has a different opinion as he expects Arsenal and City to draw in the weekend.Most read in FootballShearer left Arsenal stars Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and David Raya out of his Combined XIAnd the Premier League’s record goalscorer is adamant that wouldn’t be a bad result after Liverpool’s loss to Nottingham Forest last week.Shearer told Betfair: “I am going for a draw in this one.What Arsenal and Mikel Arteta must do to topple Pep Guardiola’s Man City”It’s a long week with both teams having played in the Champions League as well, so a draw for both teams isn’t a bad result, even though Man City are at home.”Liverpool have dropped points already, Arsenal have dropped two points already at home to Brighton, but I don’t think a draw would be a disaster for either team.”Arsenal ratings vs Atalanta as Raya saves uninspiring Gunners in ItalyARSENAL had some David Raya heroics to thank for a points in the Champions League opener.Raya’s stunning double save just after the break spared Thomas Partey’s blushes after the midfielder gave away a penalty.And that was the closest either side came to a goal in the 0-0 draw.Here’s how SunSport’s Joshua Jones rated Mikel Arteta’s men…David Raya – 9Produced a simply stunning double save to stop Mateo Retegui’s penalty and then flung himself across to push away the follow-up rebound header – even better than his effort to deny Ollie Watkins.Robbie Savage labelled it the “best save I’ve ever seen” while Gunners fans lauded their Spanish hero, who has conceded just once in five games so far this term.Ben White – 7Given the daunting task of trying to keep Ademola Lookman quiet inside a rocking Gewiss Stadium but completed the job with his classic relaxed, languid demeanour.William Saliba – 8One of the world’s top centre-backs but did not need to be anywhere near his best – solid enough when called upon, including excellent late sliding tackle in own box.Retegui showed great movement but Saliba will have far sterner tests this season, none more so than up against Erling Haaland on Sunday.Gabriel Magalhaes – 7Like his partner Saliba, Gabriel helped ensure the Arsenal defence came out on top.Starting to run out of words to say about this pair who just concede so few chances.Jurrien Timber – 7Adds an extra dimension to this Arsenal side – showing just how much he was missed when sidelined last season.Arguably had the easiest evening’s work of the four defenders.Thomas Partey – 4Martin Keown described the Gunners’ retraction en masse during the transition as Arteta putting up his own “Thames Barrier”.But Partey nearly allowed the floodgates to open by giving away the penalty three minutes into the second half – only to be rescued by Raya’s heroics.Declan Rice – 6Top awareness to sniff out the Atalanta danger and help control midfield.But squandered a great chance to drive Arsenal forward when he won the ball on the halfway line and could have launched a potent counter.Kai Havertz – 6With Jesus starting up front, Havertz dropped into a deeper role – but he is perfectly comfortable there, too, and can carry the ball forwards.Little to show for his evening, though, but continued to put a shift in defensively until the final whistle.Buakyo Saka – 6Drew the foul from Ederson who collected an early yellow and from the resulting free-kick almost squeezed a low effort into bottom corner but for top save.Given a breather for final 20 minutes with an eye on Sunday.Gabriel Jesus – 5Captain on the night was his typical busy self early on getting himself around but virtually all of his involvement was outside the Atalanta penalty area.Withdrawn before the hour mark.Gabriel Martinelli – 4Struggled to get in the game and then when he did get in, squandered a really good chance when he blazed over.Definitely not hitting top form so far this season and may well find himself among the subs against Manchester City. 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    ‘Brain-breaking’ intro to Champions League MOTD divides fans as BBC decision shows ‘game has never been more gone’

    FANS have been left divided after seeing the intro Match of the Day’s Champions League highlights.The show made its debut on Wednesday night following the opening two matchday fixtures of the tournament.The BBC premiered its Champions League highlights show on WednesdayCredit: BBCLionel Messi featured in the introCredit: BBCZinedine Zidane’s 2002 volley was also shownCredit: BBCThe show is hosted by Jason Mohammad and featured ex-pros Joe Hart and Stephan Warnock as well as French journalist Julien Laurens.The intro features historic moments from the history of the competition.This includes Didier Drogba’s header against Bayern Munich, Tony Watts’ goal against Barcelona for Celtic and Zinedine Zidane’s wondergoal in the 2002 final.Clips were also shown of clubs such as Liverpool, Barcelona and Real Madrid lifting the heralded trophy.READ MORE IN SPORTThe tournament’s iconic music was played over the top at the start of the sequence before Match of the Day’s classic music took over.The majority of fans loved the mash-up of the tunes as they reacted on social media.One posted: “The motd theme with clips from the Champions League is truly brain-breaking. I *love* that BBC have the CL highlights but this is going to take some getting used to.”A second wrote: “Champions League anthem followed by the Match of the Day anthem? Solid from the BBC.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA third commented: “Champions League x MOTD. Backing it.”A fourth said: “Champions League MOTD, what a treat.”Celtic boss quips ‘We play Bayern Munich in the final’ after standout Slovan Bratislava winManchester drew their first game against Inter MilanCredit: GettyLiverpool got off to a winning start over AC MilanCredit: AFPAston Villa won 3-0 over Young BoysCredit: GettyHowever, some were less keen on the combination.One complained: “Mixing the Champions League theme with the MOTD one just doesn’t work.”A second pointed out the running order of the match highlights with Celtic’s 5-1 win over Slovan Bratislava up first.They wrote: “Celtic on first on a Champions League MOTD. The game has never been more gone. The correct decision it’s just a scary world we’re living in.”Manchester City started their Champions League campaign with a goalless draw against Inter Milan at the Etihad Stadium.Liverpool and Aston Villa both started with wins as they beat AC Milan and Young Boys respectively.Arsenal begins their tournament tonight against Italian outfit Atalanta.New Champions League formatEach club will play eight matches in the opening phase – against seeded opposition, in a system designed to ensure that teams play opponents of similar difficulty.The top eight teams in the “final” table will automatically go through to the last 16, where they will be joined by the eight play-off winners of ties between the sides placed ninth to 24th in the table.Despite there being just eight matches in the opening phase, European matches will be spread over 10 midweek slots.The new Champions League format also sees the implication of two additional qualifying spots.They will be awarded to the nations that are top of the “country coefficient” chart each season. More