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      Forgotten former £17million Arsenal striker joins PSV on free transfer just weeks before Champions League tie

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      EX-ARSENAL ace Lucas Perez has made the 14th transfer of his career to the 12th different club after signing for PSV Eindhoven.The 36-year-old sealed a free transfer to the Eredivisie giants just weeks before the two sides face off in the last-16 of the Champions League.Lucas Perez has sealed the 14th transfer of his career by signing for PSVIt comes weeks before Arsenal are due to play the Dutch club, though he cannot be registered to face his old clubCredit: PA:Empics SportHe has signed for PSV after unexpectedly terminating his contract at Deportivo La Coruna in JanuaryCredit: GettyArsenal secured their passage after finishing in the top eight of the new league phase of the competition, while PSV stunned Juventus with a 4-3 aggregate victory in the knockout play-offs.The first leg of the clash will be played in the Netherlands on March 4, with the Emirates playing host to the second leg on March 12.And just weeks before the tie the Dutch club have brought in a familiar face for Arsenal fans.However, Perez will not be eligible to play against the Gunners due to the registration date for the competition passing on February 6.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPerez had been a free agent after unexpectedly ripping up his Deportivo La Coruna contract in January for personal reasons.The Spanish striker has now signed a short-term contract to the end of the season to sign with PSV, where he will wear the No.27 shirt.In a statement, he said: “I can’t wait to show myself to the fans and my new team-mates. “I am very ambitious and am looking forward to delivering many goals and assists. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS”My first impression of the club is very good, I get energy from the people I have already met.”PSV were on top of it right away and did everything they could to bring me to Eindhoven.‘Second again, ole ole’ – Brutal West Ham fans taunt Arsenal with three cheeky chants after stunning the Emirates”That did me a lot of good. Unfortunately, it took a bit longer than planned before a final agreement was reached, due to personal reasons on my part. “I found a solution for that and I am very grateful for the fact that the PSV management remained so patient.”He will join the team’s training group on Monday to work under Peter Bosz.The veteran added: “I am extremely driven to help this club achieve its other objectives, including winning the national title and national cup.””I have worked very hard in recent weeks, both on and off the field. I am more than ready to prove myself here.”Perez originally joined Arsenal in 2016 in a £17million transfer from Deportivo.But he never managed to truly settle in North London despite having a solid record when playing, with seven goals and five assists in 21 games in all competitions.Arsenal loaned Perez back to his hometown club, Deportivo in August 2017 before they sold him to West Ham the following summer.He scored six goals in 19 appearances for the Hammers before they sold him a summer later to Spanish side Alaves.Perez then bounced around from Elche to Cadiz and back to Deportivo for the fourth time in his career.READ MORE SUN STORIESOverall he has scored 62 goals and added 53 assists in 172 games for the Spanish side.His other clubs include Atletico Madrid C, Rayo Vallecano B, Rayo Vallecano, Karpaty Lviv, Dynamo Kyiv (where he never made an appearance), and PAOK Saloniki before signing for Deportivo.Perez also played for West Ham during his time in EnglandCredit: PA:Empics Sport More

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      Why Real Madrid may have no choice but to sell Vinicius Jr with Brazilian set to become billionaire ‘overnight’

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      REAL MADRID might have no choice but to sell superstar Vinicius Junior to Saudi Arabia.Vinicius has been offered a lucrative five-year deal worth a staggering total of €1billion – which works out at £832million.Real Madrid may have no choice but to sell Vinicius JrReal would never be able to match the Saudis’ bid for ViniciusVinicius, 24, has a contract with Real until 2027 and club president Florentino Perez can’t afford to let him go for nothing.Madrid already benefitted from swooping Kylian Mbappe for no transfer fee from PSG.With the Saudi’s not letting up on their pursuit of Vinicius, Madrid would surely receive a world-record fee.In fact, Madrid’s share of the deal is believed to be around £237.5million, according to The Times.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThat would be reasonable profit on a player bought for roughly £37million at the age of 18. In that time, Vinícius has helped win two Champions League titles and three domestic titles among 13 trophies for Real in all. Prising the Brazilian star away from them in his prime would be a huge statement of intent.Vinicius could depart in the most incredible transfer in football history with in excess of €1billion being paid by Saudi Arabia.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSNo club has been named but there are four leading sides – Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli, and Al-Shabab.The Saudi Pro League shares out imported talent as a way of keeping the league competitive.Vinicius Jr wins Fifa The Best award after Ballon d’Or controversy while Man Utd ace Garnacho also bags top prizeAs of now, Madrid do not want to sell.Yet those close to the club suspect it will happen as they fear losing him for nothing in two years time, according to The Times.And Vinicius would be open to becoming the first overnight billionaire footballer.Despite starring for Madrid, the Bernabeu outfit have proved that their next superstar is never far away.Summer signing Mbappe was the star of Wednesday night’s heroics as the Frenchman bagged a stunning hat-trick in Madrid’s 3-1 demolition of Manchester City in the Champions League.Vinicius’ book of grievances include the abhorrent racism he has often faced in LaLiga and missing out on the Ballon d’Or to City midfielder Rodri in the summer.He will still have the World Cup with Brazil as his global showcase.Meanwhile, Saudi once lured players eyeing retirement savings, like N’Golo Kante and Roberto Firmino.Manchester United had hopes of sending Casemiro there too in order to get his £350,00-a-week wages off the bill.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut the Middle Eastern nation’s recruitment plans have shifted towards young, current stars, with a promising football future.Their big January recruit was the explosive Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran, 21, who joined for £70million. More

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      Why is Erling Haaland not playing for Man City against Liverpool?

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      MANCHESTER CITY welcome Liverpool for a blockbuster Super Sunday clash at the Etihad.The Reds can extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table to a whopping 11 points with victory this afternoon.Erling Haaland will play no part against Liverpool this afternoonCredit: GettyMAN CITY VS LIVERPOOL LIVEIt comes after title rivals Arsenal fell to a 1-0 defeat to London rivals West Ham yesterday.Liverpool will fancy their chances against a wounded City side after they were knocked out of the Champions League by Real Madrid on Wednesday night.Arne Slot’s men have been handed a welcome boost before the match with top scorer Erling Haaland not included in the City squad.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhy is Erling Haaland not playing for Man City against Liverpool?Erling Haaland limped off with a suspected knee issue during Man City’s 4-0 win over Newcastle on Saturday, February 15.He was since an unused substitute for their Champions League knockout play-off second leg with Real Madrid on Wednesday night after being deemed unable to start the match.Speaking before the Liverpool clash, Pep Guardiola said that yesterday (Saturday), Haaland “didn’t feel good” after training, which is why the forward is missing this afternoon.It’s the first time the Norwegian goal machine has not been named in the City squad for a Premier League match since April 2024, when he missed a 4-0 win over Brighton.Most read in FootballOmar Marmoush replaces Haaland up top, looking to build on his stunning hat-trick against Newcastle in his last Prem outing.How to watch Man City vs Liverpool?Man City vs Liverpool will be broadcast LIVE on Sky Sports Main Event/Premier League.Sky Sports customers can live stream the match via the NOW/Sky Sports app.Alternatively, you can keep up to date with all the action by following SunSport’s live blog. More

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      Erling Haaland OUT of Man City squad for crunch Liverpool clash as Pep Guardiola hit with yet another injury blow

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      ERLING HAALAND has not been included in Manchester City’s squad to face Liverpool.The striker is the club’s top scorer this season with 27 goals in 35 games across all competitions this season.Erling Haaland is missing from Man City’s squad to face LiverpoolCredit: GettyHowever, Pep Guardiola has been sweating over the fitness of his talisman since he fell to the floor awkwardly holding his knee following an awkward landing against Newcastle last week.The 24-year-old was named on the bench for City’s mid-week 3-1 defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League knockout play-offs, but failed to make it on to the pitch.Guardiola told reporters in his Friday press conference that a decision was yet to be made about his participation against the league leaders.The Spaniard had said: “I don’t know yet. Tomorrow [Saturday] we will know.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut it has now been confirmed that Haaland will miss today’s Etihad clash after he was missing from the Cityzens matchday squad.It is the first time he has not been named in a squad since the fourth round of the FA Cup against Leyton Orient earlier this month, and the first time it has happened in a league game since April 2024 when he missed a 4-0 win over Brighton.New £59million signing Omar Marmoush was chosen to spearhead City’s attack against Liverpool.Haaland’s absence from the pitch in midweek had seen ex-Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher joke he was suffering with “Rudigeritis” while working as a pundit on CBS Sports.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSWhen asked about the comments, Guardiola said: “Oh, God. Did he say that? Jamie Carragher said that? Oh God. Don’t laugh. I don’t know why he makes that suspicious, you know that?”Did he say that Haaland didn’t want to play the game? It’s not nice — and it’s not true.Pep Guardiola admits ‘best team won’ as Real Madrid knock Man City out of Europe “He was crazy to play the game but had a problem with his knee and could not play.”Carragher responded on social media by clarifying the comment was a joke made at the expense of fellow pundit and ex-Man City star Micah Richards.During Sky Sports Super Sunday broadcast, Carragher was asked again about the comments. The 47-year-old said while smirking: “Listen that illness may have carried over and could be Van Dijkitis.”After a few jokes among the panel, including presenter David Jones, Richards, Daniel Sturridge and Roy Keane, Carragher added: “Listen there’s no doubt, I think I said in this fixture at Anfield, I think [Virgil] Van Dijk has the edge in terms of being slightly better in his position than Haaland is.”But that is a brilliant match up.”READ MORE SUN STORIESHaaland has scored just one goal against Liverpool in the Premier League from four matches, while his overall record against the Reds stands at three goals in eight games.City have beaten Liverpool just once when Haaland has played, while picking up two draws and five defeats. More

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      ‘I don’t think I’ve seen a Man Utd team this bad’ – Rio Ferdinand slams flops’ ‘unforgivable’ antics in Everton draw

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      RIO FERDINAND slammed Manchester United’s “unforgivable” performance against Everton and suggested he has NEVER seen his former team play this bad before.Ferdinand, 46, won a raft of silverware with United during a glittering 12-year stint at Old Trafford as he lifted six Premier League titles and the 2008 Champions League trophy.Rio Ferdinand lambasted Manchester United after their draw with EvertonCredit: AlamyFerdinand slammed Man Utd for their ‘unforgivable’ performance at EvertonCredit: ReutersBut the legendary centre-back has seen his beloved team hitting new lows this season by dropping to 15th place in the Premier League table with 12 points separating them from European qualification.And Man Utd’s troubles continued on Saturday when the former England international watched Ruben Amorim’s side draw 2-2 at Everton after finding themselves two goals down by half-time.Ferdinand was left fuming and didn’t hold back on his brutal post-match analysis as he stated this might be the worst United have ever been during his lifetime.The popular pundit lambasted the players’ “embarrassing” display and lack of desire, which he found especially unacceptable.Read More on Man UtdThe ex-Leeds star advised manager Amorim not to hold back on his assessment of the players and let them know how disappointing they were once more in the dressing room.Ferdinand told TNT Sports: “I’m sitting here and I don’t know if I have seen a United team this bad. It has been embarrassing in all different facets of the game.“Yes, we can talk about quality, you talk about talent, but one thing which is unforgivable is a lack of desire.“There’s instances in this game where Man Utd need to look at this Everton team and take examples from it. It’s embarrassing to sit here and watch it.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMan Utd ratings vs EvertonMANCHESTER UNITED fought back from two goals down to draw against Everton at Goodison ParkThe Red Devils were slammed as “embarrassing” by Rio Ferdinand after failing 2-0 down in the first half.But they fought back late on thanks to a stunning Bruno Fernandes free-kick and volley from Manuel Ugarte, who bagged his first goal since his summer arrival from PSG.Amorim’s men were then lucky to escape a penalty in the final moments after VAR overturned the decision.SunSport’s Ken Lawrence has given his ratings of the Manchester United team…Andre Onana – 7United needed him with his game-head on, and his 93rd-minute stop saved a point.Noussair Mazraoui 69′ – 4Looked seriously uncomfortable on the right side of the back three – forced there because of a defensive injury crisisHarry Maguire – 4Out-jumped by Doucoure as the midfielder grabbed Everton’s second and was generally all over the place.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Nowhere for Beto’s opener, completely missing attempted clearance and got away with a 93rd-minute penalty call.Diogo Dalot – 5At least shows willing. Which is more than could be said for some of his team mates at Goodison.Manuel Ugarte – 7Spent most of the game stranded in United’s midfield morass but salvation came with a brilliant strike.Casemiro 62′ – 2The Brazilian is beginning to look like the world’s oldest 32-year-old —he’s become a genuine irrelevance.Patrick Dorgu – 6Made a determined start down the left flank but that enthusiasm was slowly but surely sucked out of him.Bruno Fernandes – 8His free kick was genuine class and once he was dropped deeper started controlling the game.Joshua Zirkzee – 4At £36.5M you would expect an element of ball control but the Dutchman used as a joint No 10 just looks lost.Rasmus Hojlund 69′ – 3Not so much a desperate Dane, more a despairing one although it would help if he had some support.Subs:Alejandro Garnacho 62′ – 7Injected some desperately needed pace and passion. Leny Yoro 69′ – 6Should have been on much earlier.Chido Obi-Martin 69′ – 5The 17-year-old has a presence for sure.“We said they were going to have to come out and roll their sleeves up, because Everton would come out fighting.“Man Utd haven’t done that. They’ve been pressed, they’ve been harried. They haven’t been able to deal with the press at all.Man Utd ratings: Casemiro disappearing into irrelevance as Real Madrid legend saved again by Bruno Fernandes “They have chance after chance to clear the ball. Zero conviction, no-one taking over the situation.“You’ve got to fight. You don’t come to Everton at this place, whatever form they’re in, and think you can roll them over easily. Man Utd have not understood that assignment from the first whistle.“I hope [Amorim] went absolutely ballistic at the players. They were out-run, out-fought, out-jumped, every single department of the game. They were second best.” More

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      ‘Oh, God… did he say that?’ – Pep Guardiola left in disbelief at Jamie Carragher’s ‘not nice and not true’ claim

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      PEP GUARDIOLA fumed at “not nice” claims Erling Haaland ducked last week’s Euro blockbuster because he is scared of Antonio Rudiger.The Manchester City striker was an unused sub in their Champions League mauling at Real Madrid with a knee injury.Pep Guardiola fumed at “not nice” claims Erling Haaland ducked last week’s trip to the BernabeuCredit: GettyCarragher questioned Haaland’s place on the bench after City were hammered by Real MadridBut Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher reckons the Norway ace wanted to avoid Real’s fit-again centre-back Rudiger, 31.Speaking as pundit on CBS, he said: “It’s Rudiger-itis is it? Is that what we’re saying here?”Ahead of City hosting the Reds on Sunday, Guardiola shook his head in disbelief when told of Carra’s stunning comments.He said: “Oh, God. Did he say that? Jamie Carragher said that? Oh God. Don’t laugh. I don’t know why he makes that suspicious, you know that?READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“Did he say that Haaland didn’t want to play the game? It’s not nice — and it’s not true.“He was crazy to play the game but had a problem with his knee and could not play.”It comes ahead of the Etihad fixture, which has become increasingly ill-tempered, and Haaland, 24, faces a late test to make the City line-up.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd he will be desperate to make it after Kop legend ­Carragher’s  taunts.Most read in FootballCarragher, 47, said: “So let me work this out. Haaland has gone to the manager this morning and said he’s not fit?Pep Guardiola admits ‘best team won’ as Real Madrid knock Man City out of Europe “Do you think it’s got something to do with Rudiger? Is that because Rudiger is playing?“He’s on the bench so he can’t be injured. I never went to see the manager on the morning of a game and said I’m not fit. So he’s injured, is he?” More

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      ‘Make it make sense’ – Hope for Arsenal in Champions League as ‘literally unbelievable’ Real Madrid stat emerges

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      ARSENAL fans may be dreading the prospect of playing Real Madrid in the Champions League – but they needn’t fear.The Gunners learned their fate for the last-16 of the Champions League on Friday.Arsenal could end up playing Real Madrid in the quarter-finals of the Champions LeagueCredit: AFPThe north Londoners boast an incredible record against the Spanish giantsCredit: REUTERSMikel Arteta’s troops will first face Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven in the proper knockout stages of Europe’s elite club competition.Awaiting the winner will be whoever comes out on top of the tasty Madrid derby between Atletico and Real.The prospect of facing the 15-time European Cup winners Real has daunted some of the Emirates faithful.But the north Londoners’ record against Los Blancos is impressive, to say the least.READ MORE UCL NEWSThe Gunners are UNDEFEATED against the Spaniards, who booked their ticket to the last-16 by dumping out Manchester City.They have only played one another twice in their history, clashing in the last 16 of the Champions League back in the 2005/6 season.Arsenal fans were left stunned by the stat, with one writing on X: “Literally unbelievable.”Another said: “They’ve never faced a team like this either.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAnd another said: “Tell ’em again.”One remarked: “Let me correct you, Madrid never scored a goal against Arsenal, they are our b******s.”Champions League last 16 draw sees Liverpool take on PSG and Arsenal face PSV Another chimed in: “Wait, Real Madrid have never beaten Arsenal? Make it make sense.”Arsene Wenger’s then-troops kept Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane and David Beckham at bay in the first leg, which they drew 0-0.And club legend Thierry Henry won the return leg with a sensational solo goal, in which he skinned four players before firing the ball past Iker Casillas with his weaker foot.The Gunners ended up reaching the final of the competition that season but suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Real’s bitter rivals Barcelona.Thierry Henry scored the sole goal of the Gunners’ last Champions League clash against Real MadridCredit: AFP More

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      Bumper week of sport sees Cheltenham, Champions League ties, bitter Six Nations rivalry, F1 return and Carabao Cup final

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      EXCITEMENT is building ahead of a jam-packed week of sport coming your way in March.A hectic schedule involving football, horse racing, rugby, F1, darts, tennis and golf lies ahead for fans from March 10 to March 16.Liverpool and Arsenal are in Champions League actionCredit: GettyMarch 11 to 14 is the Cheltenham FestivalCredit: PALewis Hamilton first race for Ferrari is on SundayCredit: GettyWe ease our way in with a Premier League clash as Newcastle head to West Ham on the Monday night.But things start getting chaotic on Tuesday as the Cheltenham Festival begins in the afternoon before the first batch of second legs in the last-16 of the Champions League kick-off that evening.Today’s draw revealed mouth-watering ties like PSG vs Liverpool, Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid and Arsenal vs PSV.The dates of the games are not yet confirmed but there will be four on Tuesday night and another four on Wednesday night – both after huge days at Cheltenham.READ MORE IN SPORTOn Thursday, again the horse racing fills our afternoon before the Europa and Conference Leagues take centre stage.Tottenham, Manchester United and Chelsea are all set to be in action on the night of March 13.Spurs welcome AZ Alkmaar, United face Real Sociedad and the Blues come up against Copenhagen.For those that prefer darts, it is also night six of the Premier League from Nottingham.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBumper week of sportIT promises to be an incredible week of sport from March 10th to March 16thThese are the highlights…March 10: Premier League – West Ham vs NewcastleMarch 11: Cheltenham Festival & Champions LeagueMarch 12: Cheltenham Festival & Champions LeagueMarch 13: Cheltenham Festival, Europa/Conference League, Premier League DartsMarch 14: Cheltenham Festival – Gold Cup DayMarch 15: F1 Australian Grand Prix qualifying, Six Nations including England vs Scotland, Premier LeagueMarch 16: F1 Australian Grand Prix race, Old Firm derby, Premier League including Arsenal vs Chelsea, Carabao Cup Final between Liverpool and NewcastleOn Friday 14, Cheltenham draws to a close on Gold Cup day.It sets fans up for a blockbuster weekend of wall-to-wall to sport.Europa League last 16 draw sees Man Utd face Real Sociedad and Tottenham take on AZ Alkmaar The Six Nations draws to close with THREE games on Saturday as Italy face Ireland, England take on Wales and France battle Scotland.There are also five Premier League games and the first qualifying session of the F1 season from the Australian Grand Prix.The race then takes place early on Sunday 16 morning from 4am before football regains our attention.At 12:30pm, it is the Old Firm Derby between Celtic and Rangers at the same time as Sheffield Wednesday clash with bitter rivals Sheffield United in the Steel City Derby.There are three Prem matches at 1:30pm as Arsenal vs Chelsea and Fulham vs Tottenham.It is then the Carabao Cup final from Wembley as Liverpool come up against Newcastle at 4:30pm.That is before we switch back to the Premier League as Man Utd head to Leicester.READ MORE SUN STORIESIf that was not enough, the weekend also brings us the tennis Indian Wells final in a tournament considered one of the biggest outside of the Grand Slams.And in golf, it is The Players Championship final day from Florida.The Six Nations comes to a close on SaturdayCredit: APThere is Premier League Darts on Thursday nightCredit: PA More