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    Man City to bank a guaranteed £53million in next year’s revamped Champions League before they kick a single ball

    MANCHESTER CITY will earn a guaranteed £53million in next year’s Champions League – without kicking a ball.The Etihad side will be able to land £133.5m if they win every game – up from the £117m they earned for last season’s triumph.Manchester City will earn a guaranteed £53m in next year’s Champions LeagueCredit: PAMan City pose as a certainty to compete in next season’s revamped Champions LeagueCredit: AFPAnd England’s other representatives can all gross huge sums, with Liverpool just fractionally behind City in the new money table.Pep Guardiola’s side can add an extra £3.67m if they retain their title at Wembley in June and then win the Uefa Super Cup for the second year running – taking their potential European earnings to £137.21m.But French giants Paris Saint-Germain will be Europe’s top pre-season earners under a new calculation system agreed by Uefa’s top brass.The revamped competition, with 36 teams in the expanded Champions League, will be worth a total of £372m more to participating clubs from next season.Read More on FootballThat sees the round by round prize fund increase from maximum earnings of £72.9m per club to £94.9m.The new system will see all teams play eight opponents – with four games at home and four away – to create a “final” table.The team top of that table will collect £8.6m, in addition to their starting bonus of £15.9m and £1.8m for every league stage win.Further bonuses for each stage reached in the competition – with the top eight teams in the table going straight through to the last 16 and the clubs ranked ninth to 24th playing off to join them – boost the performance prize fund by 43.4 per cent to a total £1.35billion.Most read in FootballBut City will also benefit from a new calculation for the remaining £730m available to the clubs, which sees the previous “TV market pool” and controversial “coefficient” calculations merged together.It sees around 80 per cent of the remaining cash distributed by a calculation of performances in European football over the past five seasons and the size of the individual TV pot paid by broadcasters in each nation.Martin Lipton reacts to the Champions League draw as Arsenal face old foesTNT Sport are paying £305m per season for live coverage of all but 17 of the 189 matches, with Amazon Prime screening the others – the first pick of Tuesday games – and highlights on BBC for the first time.But the total of those deals are thought to be slightly under the £411m per year cable outfit Canal+ are paying for rights in France.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERIt means PSG will take the biggest share of that pot – £30.9m – followed by City on £30.1m and Liverpool, assuming they finish in the Prem top four, on £29.2m.If Arsenal, Tottenham or Manchester United qualify, they will all take in excess of £23m from that pot.The remaining approximate 20 per cent will be determined by a 10-year ranking of European performances, although no longer including bonus points for past title wins.City are certain to be third in that list – behind Real Madrid and Bayern Munich – earning a further £7.3m.READ MORE SUN STORIESLiverpool are set to pick up £6.23m from that pot for a total “value pillar” share of £35.43 compared to City’s £37.28m.The new prize fund, though, means clubs will earn LESS money per game than under the current system even if the gross figure is higher. More

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    Man Utd flop reveals he’s turned to DNA TESTING to get his career back on track after injury hell

    DUTCH hotshot Memphis Depay has revealed how he got his career back on track thanks to DNA testing.The Atletico Madrid striker – whose goal saw his side through to a penalty shoot-out Champions League Round of 16 win against Inter Milan – was dogged by injuries since his move from Barcelona last year.Memphis Depay has revealed how he got his career back on track thanks to DNA testingCredit: GettyDepay has dogged injuries since his move from Barcelona last yearCredit: Kenny RamsayDepay is best known to British fans for his disappointing spell at Manchester United from 2015-2017.While his debut season went well during the 2016-17 season Memphis made only four appearances all of them as a substitute and had a total playing time of just 20 minutes in the Premier League.The 30-year-old who is set to face Scotland tonight, said: “We looked at my physical strength. Maybe sometimes so much force is released that my muscles can’t hold it for a while.”Then you have to see whether something needs to change in the way of training and playing matches.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”So we started looking into everything, including via DNA tests, so see what exactly my body needs in terms of nutrition and hydration.”Luckily I have stayed away from injuries for a while now, so confidence in your body increases.”I am in that phase now. That confidence translates into goals and assists.”I have come a long way in life so I’m not going to give up anything in my career due to injuries.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERFollowing his United hell, he reinvigorated himself at Lyon, becoming their star player and helping them reach the Champions League semi-finals in 2020, beating Manchester City on the way.That earned him his move to Barcelona, and then to Atletico.His record for the Netherlands is superb – he has 44 goals in 88 internationals.Man Utd hero Lee Sharpe opened up about the most unforgettable hairdryer treatment he ever received from legendary manager Sir Alex FergusonThe Atlético Madrid player will play two friendly matches with the Dutch national team during the international break.He will hope to feature against Scotland later, and on March 26, the national team will face Germany. More

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    Real Madrid plot shock raid on Newcastle for £100million star who has ‘burning desire’ to play in Champions League

    REAL MADRID are reportedly readying a swoop for Newcastle star Bruno Guimaraes.The 26-year-old Brazilian midfielder moved to St. James’ Park in January 2022 for £35m and has become one of Europe’s most sought-after players.Real Madrid reportedly scouted Bruno Guimaraes against Man City last weekendCredit: AlamyThe former Lyon ace has scored 13 goals and assisted another 13 in 96 appearances for the Magpies.And we revealed earlier this month how Guimaraes is now attracting interest from a host of teams across the continent.He remains under contract with Newcastle until 2028 after signing an extension earlier this season.However, that deal reportedly includes a £100m release clause on the star’s own insistence.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLNow talkSPORT claims that Eddie Howe and the Toon “are bracing themselves for Real Madrid to step up interest” this summer.They claim that the LaLiga giants had scouts watching him in last week’s 2-0 FA Cup quarter final loss to Manchester City.Guimaraes also allegedly has a “burning desire” to be playing regularly in the Champions League.He did achieve that on Tyneside before theory group stage exit this term, but Newcastle will need a miraculous turn of results to qualify for it again next season.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe Magpies are also looking at the prospect of having to offload a star name in order to help them remain on the right side of Premier League spending rules.And any figure they receive close to his release clause would result in a huge profit on the Samba ace.Lee Clarke wants son Bobby to make ‘dream’ move to NewcastleNewcastle are currently 10th in the Premier League and out of all cup competitions, something Guimaraes has admitted has left him “disappointed” when quizzed about the campaign this week.Ahead of Brazil’s clash with England at Wembley, he said: “This season we have been struggling.“I think we’ve had many problems with injuries and suspensions but this is part of the process. When I signed for the club I knew that this would happen.“Things have happened too quickly. During my two years at the club, we reached a final, unfortunately, we didn’t win but we got there after 20 years which was massive for the club.”When he was asked about Newcastle having to sell in order to meet PSR rules, Guimaraes said: “I don’t know. I am not involved in that.“We never know what is going to happen but I’m happy at the club. Of course, I’m disappointed about our season but I think we still have a chance to finish at least seventh, Europa League or Conference League.“But about the club staff, I cannot speak too much. I don’t know what is going to happen in the future but what I can say is I am so grateful for Newcastle.” More

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    Jude Bellingham was fiercely defending forgotten England man NOT Erling Haaland in viral debate with Aurelien Tchouameni

    REAL MADRID midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni has revealed what he and Jude Bellingham were arguing about during a viral debate.Earlier this week, a video of the two Los Blancos stars locked in a dressing room debate went viral on social media.Aurelien Tchouameni has revealed who he and Jude Bellingham were speaking about in a debateCredit: RMC SPORTFans initially thought they were discussing Kylian Mbappe and Erling HaalandCredit: X formerly TwitterBellingham was actually defending Eric DierCredit: GettyMany fans believed they were discussing Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland, with the names of each player bleeped out.Bellingham could be heard saying: “He’s an unbelievable guy,” before Tchouameni responded: “We don’t care.”The England international then said: “He’s better than your boy.”However, his Real Madrid team-mate hit back, replying: “No brother, no. Please. Please. Please.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile many fans were initially convinced the discussion centred around the two best forwards in the world, Tchouameni has confirmed that it was actually about Bayern Munich stars Dayot Upamecano and Eric Dier.The Frenchman said: “We have to set the record straight because as soon as I arrived in the selection, that was the first question I was asked.”We weren’t talking about Kylian and we weren’t talking about Erling.”We were talking about Dayot (Upamecano) and Dier.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSEric Dier joined Bayern Munich in JanuaryDayot Upamecano is a key player for Bayern”Why? Because it was the day before our Champions League match and we were watching Bayern-Lazio if I’m not mistaken. I think it was Bayern-Lazio in the Champions League, yes that’s it.”And so in fact Jude (Bellingham) was talking about Dier and I was talking about Dayot. So today we are going to re-establish the truth. I know it will sell less but that is what happened.”Rudiger sent flying into crowd after flattening Tchouameni as Alaba slaps Diaz celebrating last-gasp Real Madrid winnerTchouameni went on to admit that he thinks Mbappe is the better player.He continued: “The strongest and most complete? So…I’m going to say Kylian for everything.”I prefer Kylian. Afterwards, Erling Haaland is also one of the best players in the world and everyone can have their opinion.”Mbappe has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid ahead of the summer transfer window.The forward is set to leave Paris Saint-Germain when his contract expires at the end of the season. More

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    Fans fume at Champions League scheduling that ‘should be illegal’ as Arsenal vs Bayern Munich has huge fixture clash

    FOOTY FANS labelled the Champions League quarter-final schedule an “absolute scandal” with Arsenal and Manchester City on at the same time.The Gunners edged past Porto on penalties after a 1-1 aggregate score as David Raya proved to be the shootout hero.Arsenal play Bayern at the same time City face Real MadridCredit: GettyFans are angry over the schedulingCredit: AFPThat secured their place in the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time in 14 years but supporters were raging when a Chelsea legend picked them out against Bayern Munich.Meanwhile, holders City sailed into the last-eight by defeating Copenhagen 6-2 on aggregate.And, for the third successive year, they will meet Real Madrid in the knockout stages.Arsenal host Bayern at Emirates Stadium, with no away fans allowed, in the first leg while City head to Spain.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNow Uefa have confirmed the date and timings for their full quarter-final line-up – and it has left English armchair fans fuming.Arsenal and City’s first legs will both take place at 8pm on Tuesday 9 April.And the crucial return matches will be on Wednesday 17 April.One fan reacted to the news by posting: “Who the hell organise these schedules man.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAnother added: “This should be illegal.”A third wrote: “How can these two games be at the same time.”Will Pugh and Rob Maul discuss Arsenal, Man City and Liverpool’s chances in the Premier League title raceA fourth asked: “Which genius decided to put Bayern-Arsenal and City-Madrid at same time???”While more blasted: “Absolute scandal… on the same night.”It turns out Uefa had no choice but to make them play on the same night as they are on the same side of the draw.The two winners meet in the semi-final.Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta’s sides will both be in action at the same timeCredit: Getty More

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    Supercomputer predicts who will land last Champions League spot with Man Utd hopeful after Villa and Spurs drop points

    THE supercomputer is back and this time it has predicted who will land the last Champions League spot.Currently, Aston Villa are in the fourth spot in the Premier League but Tottenham and Manchester United are also chasing down Unai Emery’s side.Super computer predicts whether Aston Villa can hold onto their Champions League spotCredit: GettyMan Utd had an excellent weekend with fans guessing if they will snatch the spot from VillaCredit: GettyTottenham dropped points after being thrashed 3-0 against Fulham while Aston Villa struggled to only secure a point against West Ham.Whereas Manchester United had a terrific extra-time victory against Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Sunday.Fans are now second-guessing who is going to land that final guaranteed Champions League spot this season.And the Bettingexpert’s supercomputer, BETSiE, has run the numbers from last season, pre-season and the current season to see how the title race will unfold.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLVilla are set to hold onto their Champions League spot while Tottenham and United must settle for a Europa League spot as they are set to finish fifth and sixth respectively.There is still some hope for Tottenham though – as it’s possible the Premier League will be awarded FIVE places in the Champions League which would mean they qualify.Meanwhile, Chelsea are set to make an impressive comeback to finish seventh and snap up the last European spot.And for Mikel Arteta Arsenal will end their trophy drought as they are in line to finally secure the Premier League title.Most read in FootballThis will ruin Jurgen Klopp’s grand farewell as the German boss will leave Anfield and the end of the season.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERLiverpool crashed out of the FA Cup on Sunday Amad Diallo’s 121st-minute goal which saw their hopes of a historic quadruple being crushed.But now it looks that the league title will also be out of their reach leaving them to fight for Europa League victory.BBC commentator ‘loses all composure’ as he goes wild on-air during Man Utd’s epic FA Cup win over LiverpoolOn the other end of the table, Nottingham Forest have slumped into the relegation zone after being slapped with a four-point reduction for breaching Profit and Sustainability Rules.And now Forest’s relegation probability has increased from 5.6 per cent (before deduction) to 22.7 per cent.But Nuno Espirto Santo’s side are tipped to avoid demotion by four points with Luton projected to finish below them at 18th. More

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    Harry Kane limps off injured just days before England clash and weeks before Champions League showdown with Arsenal

    HARRY KANE has been forced off injured for Bayern Munich just days before England’s next international matches and weeks before their Champions League clash with Arsenal.The 30-year-old netted his 31st Bundesliga goal of the season against Darmstadt to break a 60-year record for most goals scored in their debut season in the division.Harry Kane limped off against Darmstadt in the Bundesliga days before the international breakCredit: GettyIt comes weeks before Bayern Munich’s Champions League clash with ArsenalCredit: ReutersKane’s goal gave Thomas Tuchel’s team the lead before the Bavarians went on to win the game 5-2. However, in the 82nd minute, Kane was substituted off after colliding with the post.He was replaced by former Stoke and Paris Saint-Germain forward Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting.And it could put the Three Lions captain in doubt for England’s upcoming international matches against Brazil and Belgium on March 23 and March 26 respectively.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFollowing the international break, Bayern are up against Arsenal in the Champions League quarter finals and a crunch Bundesliga clash.If Kane’s injury is more than a niggle he could miss the German giants clash with Borussia Dortmund in Der Klassiker on March 30.The first leg of the tie will be on April 9 at the Emirates, though no German fans will be allowed to attend the London match after Uefa slapped Bayern with a ban for throwing fireworks on the pitch against Lazio.Meanwhile, the second leg will be played out at the Allianz Arena in Munich on April 17.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERReacting to the injury, one fan said: “Harry Kane injury OMG.”A second fan said: “Harry Kane injured,” paired with a crying emoji.Harry Kane brutally exposes Jamie Carragher and refuses to ‘lie on national TV’ in hilarious interview A third said: “I just hope Kane injury isn’t serious.”Another said: “Hopefully Kane has not picked up a bad injury.”If the injury turns out to be serious, Kane may even be a doubt for England at this summers European Championships.It would likely mean one of Ivan Toney or Ollie Watkins would lead the line for the Gareth Southgate’s side, which could be tested over the upcoming break if Kane is ruled out.Here is Bayern Munich’s outlook for the next five games More

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    Why a Man City win over Newcastle in FA Cup could be Premier League title boost to Arsenal and Liverpool

    MANCHESTER CITY are once again on the hunt for another historic Treble following their success last year. However, progression into the FA Cup and Champions League semi-finals could have a big impact on their Premier League title hopes.Man City’s match with Tottenham in April may be rearranged to the end of the seasonCredit: AFPIt hinges on Man City beating Newcastle in the FA CupCredit: GettyMan City’s clash against Real Madrid could also be pivotal to their title raceCredit: AFPMan City drew Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter finalThat is because Man City’s league clash with Tottenham may have to be rearranged to the final week of the season.The Athletic explained a Man City win over Newcastle later today will see the Spurs match pencilled in for April 20 rearranged.Then if Pep Guardiola’s outfit also progress past Real Madrid – who they drew in Friday’s Champions League draw – the only space left to play the Spurs away game will be in the final week of the season.This means it will likely be the second to last game.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWith Champions League qualification possibly going down to the wire for Ange Postecoglou’s side – depending on how the chasing pack including Manchester United can fair – it will mean City will be in for a tough test.And this may hand Arsenal and Liverpool a significant title advantage.However, Spurs fans have seen the other side of the coin, and joked that they could hand City the title over bitter rivals Arsenal.One fan said: “Tottenham Hotspur Stadium when City go 5-0 up with 5 Spurs own goals to beat Arsenal to the title,” with a video of fans celebrating by locking arms and jumping up and down.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERA second said: “A whole stadium celebration, WE WILL BE THEREEEEEE.”A third said: “Take one for the team and lose, can’t let Arsenal win it, COYS.”Will Pugh and Tom Barclay discuss Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes ahead of ‘biggest game in 20 years’ against Man CityAnother joked: “The only time I’ll be happy if they win against us.”Spurs are next in action against Fulham later today. You can follow all the action with SunSport’s live blog. More