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      Shock surge in price of replica Premier League shirts revealed including club whose top now costs £27 more than in 2019

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      PREMIER League sides have hiked the cost of new season shirts – with some rocketing 56 per cent in five years, we can reveal.Half the 20 top-flight clubs charge £80 or more for a standard adult replica jersey.Premier League replica shirts are soaring in priceCredit: RexMany fans are being expected to fork out £70-£80 for a jerseyCredit: GettyForest shirts have gone up a whopping 56%West Ham shirts have gone up 36%Another four want at least £70.The worst are Nottingham Forest who, in 2019, put a £48 price tag on an adult top.It now costs £75.Dr Peter Rohlmann, who is a German sports marketing expert, told The Sun on Sunday: “Ten years ago the price of Premier League replica shirts was the lowest in Europe, but demand from football fans has grown extraordinarily.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“Clubs’ expectations on kit suppliers have also increased, so the battle between manufacturers is becoming stronger and more expansive. Replica shirts are now the most popular merchandise for each football club.”Consumer expert Jane Hawkes insisted the prices are “not remotely justifiable”.She said: “This is another own goal by mega-rich football clubs.“Shirt prices seem to have been soaring since the pandemic and, with no big rise in production costs, it is hard to see any justification.Most read in Football“Pricing merchandise out of reach for loyal fans in a cost-of-living crisis is unfair and could, in the long term, backfire on clubs.”Ahead of the Euros, the England shirt was being sold for £125.Meet the new Wags of the Premier League season, from a Belgian interior designer to a Portuguese modelSome clubs, including Brentford, have tried to help fans by only bringing out a new top every two years.Their 2023/25 home shirt remains one of the cheapest at £60.Tottenham charges £85.Every club was contacted for comment.Tottenham put price increases down to a rise in general manufacturing, materials and shipping costs, and vowed to give fans “the most innovative and high-quality product possible”.A Brentford spokesman said: “We believe in football being affordable for our fans. The two-year cycle not only ensures affordability, but aligns with our commitment to reducing waste and promoting a greener future.”Palace shirts have increased by 20%I spent £338 on gearNEWCASTLE fan Michael Bramley forked out £338 on kit.That included home and away adult shirts, a child’s top, shorts, socks and a kid’s jacket.He says all clubs should have two-year shirt cycles, like Brentford, to help families.Michael, 37, who makes hospital equipment, said: “Last year, we managed to buy our son, Jake, seven, a full kit for £55. But now that’s the price of the shirt.“I’ve seen the prices increasing over the years. Two-year kit cycles should be mandatory to help the fans.“There’s a pressure to buy new shirts every year and Jake wouldn’t go without the new kit.“I hope that working-class families don’t get priced out of going to games and getting the shirts if prices continue to go up.”Model and social media manager Michele Ortiz-McGhee, 36, had to get her nine-year-old son Tom to buy his own Fulham kit.The mum of two said: “He used pocket money because we can’t afford it. We are about to fork out for new school uniform.“My husband and I can’t afford new tops ourselves. The clubs are laughing all the way to the bank. It is so unfair.“There should be a limit put on the price of these tops.” More

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      Paul Pogba puts mansion back on sale for £4m following four-year footie ban

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      PAUL Pogba has put his mansion back on the market for £4million to try to claw back earnings following his four-year footie ban.The ex-Man Utd ace, who failed a drugs test a year ago, bought the home, featuring an indoor football pitch, for £3million in 2016.Paul Pogba has put his mansion back on the market for £4millionCredit: GettyPogba’s Cheshire home was bought for almost £3millionCredit: MercuryHe tried to let out the home in Hale Barns, Cheshire, but had to drop the rent from £27,500 a month to £18,000 when he failed to find a tenant.The sprawling 7,400sq ft mansion is now back on the market.The property boasts an open plan living area, landscaped gardens, a games room, gym, and an indoor footie pitch dubbed the P.P Arena by Pogba.It also has a gated entrance after the midfielder was targeted by burglars in 2022, who broke in while his children were sleeping upstairs.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSPogba had been playing a Champions League game at Old Trafford against Atlético Madrid when he had to rush home, saying it was the family’s “worst nightmare”.The Juventus player was banned from football in February for four years after failing a drugs test.The substance found in his system last August was DHEA, which can naturally boost levels of testosterone.Juventus are terminating his contract, with the incident casting doubt over whether he’ll ever step foot onto a pitch again.Most read in FootballWhile awaiting the verdict over his footie ban, Pogba’s earnings were slashed to just £1,700-a-month – a far cry from the £6.8million-a-season he’d expected.He also faces losing his lucrative sponsorship deals, such as a £31million contract with Adidas.Man Utd legend Rio Ferdinand tells Paul Pogba he ‘needs to speak’ after four-year ban for doping Pogba, who denies wrongdoing, is currently living with his wife Zulay in Italy in a mansion owned by Cristiano Ronaldo. More

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      Multi-millionaire Kyle Walker forced to live in apartment block despite owning two mega mansions after messy love split

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      MAN City ace Kyle Walker is bedding down in an apartment owned by the Premier League champions after his missus booted him out.The £150,000-a-week defender, 34, will captain City against Chelsea tomorrow as they begin the defence of their title.Kyle Walker is staying in an apartment after Annie Kilner booted him outCredit: Social Media – Refer to SourceKilner will not let Man City ace Kyle back into his Cheshire mansionCredit: CavendishBut the private life of England star Kyle remains chaotic after he was exposed for fathering a second child with ex-mistress Lauryn Goodman.He boasts a £27million fortune and owns two mansions worth nearly £4million.But his scorned wife Annie Kilner, 31, is living in one and Lauryn is in the other.Kyle hoped to move back in with Annie and their four kids after family holidays together following this summer’s Euros.READ MORE ON KYLE WALKERHe even allowed the six-month tenancy to lapse on a luxury £3million bolthole he moved into when Annie kicked him out after Christmas.But he is now in limbo at the club’s CitySuites complex after she blocked his return.A source said: “He’s been staying at the club-owned apartments because he’s got nowhere else to go. He thought Annie would have him back after they shared family holidays, but she wouldn’t agree to it.Scorned Annie“He wanted to move some of his stuff back in but she blocked that, too. They’re still trying to work things through.”Most read in FootballShe furiously told him to pack his bags after Lauryn sent her a text on December 27 saying: “Hey it’s Lauryn. I just wanted to quickly tell you that Kyle is the father of our daughter.”Annie, who was heavily pregnant with their fourth child Rezon, announced their split two weeks later. Kyle Walker arrives for court showdown with ex-Lauryn Goodman just days after Three Lions heartbreakIn an exclusive interview with The Sun soon after, Kyle publicly apologised to his estranged wife.He spoke of his desire to save the marriage and described Annie as his “soulmate”.Walker is staying in an apartment owned by Man CityCredit: AlamyWalker also owns the property Lauryn Goodman lives inShe was later at the Etihad Stadium to support him as City won the title for a record fourth time in a row. And she attended all but one of England’s matches at the Euros in Germany.Annie was called and she said, ’Over my dead body,’ so he’s been staying at CitySuitesAn insiderBut Lauryn also travelled to one of them with their son, Kairo, four.The family went on holiday to Turkey and then to their seafront chalet in trendy Abersoch, North Wales, where they celebrated Annie’s 31st birthday.Kyle hoped she would have him back but staff turned his driver away when he arrived at the mansion with his things.The source added: “Annie was called and she said, ‘Over my dead body,’ so he’s been staying at CitySuites.”The 16-storey block opened in 2017 and the club owns two floors regularly used by players and manager Pep Guardiola.READ MORE SUN STORIESResidents get access to a huge spa and 24-hour gym.Kyle’s spokeswoman declined to comment.Walker was recently exposed for fathering a second child with ex-mistress LaurynCredit: PAKyle during the Euros finalCredit: Getty More

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      Jack Grealish’s image rights company banks eye-watering sum from sponsorship deals

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      JACK Grealish’s image rights company has scored big — banking a £7million bonanza from sponsorship deals.Endorsements for the Manchester City winger, 28, raked in the bumper business bonus for Kelandan, the company he runs with dad Kevin.Jack Grealish’s image rights company has scored big — banking a £7million bonanza from sponsorship dealsCredit: PAAccounts filed yesterday at Companies House showed it had assets of £10.5million in November 2023 — a rise from £3.4million in 2022.Gucci, Bose, Puma and Hellmann’s mayo are among the brands with which he has links.And things could get even better in the next accounts — as Jack signed up with soft drinks brand Pepsi in February.A source said of the Pepsi deal, which will see Grealish star in Champions League adverts: “Jack is worth every penny as far as Pepsi are concerned because everything he touches turns to gold.”READ MORE ON JACK GREALISHThe company is one of three he operates.He also has a property business and a holding company, both under the Kelandan banner.The treble-winning £100million winger – a favourite of boss Pep Guardiola – will return to Premier League action on Sunday against Chelsea.Watch sweet moment Jack Grealish says ‘do you still like me-‘ to young Aston Villa fan who asks him to sign shirt More

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      Police probe into racist who abused Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka is dropped after X refuses to reveal yob’s location

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      A POLICE investigation into a racist who abused Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka has been dropped because X/Twitter refused to reveal the culprit’s location.Winger Saka, 22, was targeted with a manipulated image and slur by the yob who said he “needs to be humbled before he ruins this sport any further”.A police investigation into a racist who abused Bukayo Saka has been dropped because X/Twitter refused to reveal the culprit’s locationCredit: GettyIt came after Arsenal’s 2-2 Champions League draw with Bayern Munich in April when the England star went down and appealed for a penalty.Some fans believed he tried to con the referee by throwing himself into the opposition’s goalie.Arsenal contacted X to get the post removed but it took four weeks for it to suspend the account.The Met brought in specialist UK Football Policing Unit detectives to trace the racist.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey found the account-holder was based overseas but X would not say which country so it could not be passed on to the relevant authorities.Labour MP Clive Betts, chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Football, said: “Simply because they are overseas and X is not prepared to take action is not good enough. “If we cannot rely on them to self-moderate then further regulation is required.”Sunder Katwala, of equality think-tank British Future, said: “When the police want to act, it is enormously disappointing if X are refusing to facilitate the effort to prosecute and show that extreme racial hatred should carry consequences.”Most read in FootballArsenal said it was supporting Saka. X has been approached for comment.Bukayo Saka breaks silence on amazing reaction to Watkins’ Netherlands winning goal to fire England into Euro 2024 final More

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      Gareth Southgate splashes out £2.4million on properties for his growing investment firm

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      EX-ENGLAND boss Gareth Southgate has splashed out on a string of new signings – snapping up £2.4 million of properties for his growing investment firm.Canny Southgate, 53, has bought five new homes for his buy to let company – which now holds £6.4 million of property.Gareth Southgate has splashed out £2.4million on properties for his growing investment firmCredit: APSouthgate’s company MAS Investment Holdings – which deals in “the buying and selling of real estate” – bought three apartments at a new development in Birmingham and two properties in Wimbledon, south-west London.Southgate, who resigned as Three Lions boss last month, runs the firm alongside wife Alison. It now owns 16 properties.The new flats in Birmingham cost between £367,000 and £450,000 each and average prices in the Wimbledon development of maisonettes was £667,000.The latest signings are revealed in new paperwork filed at Companies House, which shows loans were secured against the properties.READ MORE ON GARETH SOUTHGATEAnd a source said: “Gareth is tactically astute on and off the pitch, and has stepped up his work on the properties side of things.“He is hoping he has made good signings – and knowing him, he will have done and they will add a lot of value to the business.”Gareth is going to have more time now to focus on business and make sure it is all a success.“It is also a family firm, and he wants to make it work for his wife and their two children so that their futures are secure.Most read in Football“Gareth will not be short of work offers but will also be able to focus on business away from the game.“And this is a sign he is determined to make it work and be a huge success there too.”The Sun’s Shaun Custis and Charlie Wyett discuss Gareth Southgate quitting as England manager and who could replace himSouthgate’s firm, MAS, now owns eight apartments in Birmingham, four properties in London, and four in Manchester.The financial statements show MAS Investment Holdings returning a £65,972 profit on its property dealings.Southgate – tipped for a role in TV punditry – stepped down as England boss after the Three Lions lost in the Euros final to Spain.He said it had been the “honour of my life” to manage the team after 102 games in charge and almost eight years at the helm. More

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      Liverpool ace Trent Alexander-Arnold avoids having to tear down £50,000 padel tennis court

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      ENGLAND star Trent Alexander-Arnold has dodged a balls-up after having a £50,000 padel tennis court built in his garden without planning permission.The Liverpool defender, 25, faced having to tear it down amid fears the noisy games could lead to a volley of complaints from neighbours at his £5million Cheshire pile.Trent Alexander-Arnold has dodged a balls-up after having a £50,000 padel tennis court built in his garden without planning permissionCredit: GettyThe local parish council objected and raised concerns about players disturbing locals in the quiet village of Goostrey, where neighbours include ex-Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.The Campaign to Protect Rural England agreed, saying: “A padel court for private use in no way justifies an intrusion into the open countryside surrounding a village.”There were also concerns the unauthorised construction — 25 per cent smaller than a normal tennis court — would have a negative impact on the countryside.But the footballer, ­dating Jude Law’s actress and model daughter Iris, has now been granted permission retrospectively.read more on footballCheshire East council approved it as long as he removes four floodlights to prevent light pollution.He has also hired ­landscapers to plant trees and hedges for screening.Padel tennis is said to be the world’s fastest growing sport and garden courts are becoming the ultimate outdoor status symbol for the homes of the rich and famous.It’s been championed by celebs including Shakira, supermodel Elle Macpherson and rapper Stormzy.Most read in FootballThe sport was given the royal seal of approval after it emerged Prince William and his wife Kate are hooked on the sport.Who is Iris Law and is she dating footballer Trent Alexander Arnold More

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      Spurs ace Yves Bissouma filmed himself inhaling deadly ‘hippy crack’ just days before the new season kicks off

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      SPURS ace Yves Bissouma filmed himself inhaling deadly laughing gas just days before the new season kicks off.The £55,000-a-week Tottenham star laughed manically between taking hits from a balloon in footage which will dismay the footie player’s boss and millions of fans.Yves Bissouma filmed himself inhaling deadly laughing gas just days before the new season kicks offCredit: RexHe laughed manically between taking hits from a balloonCredit: SuppliedThe footage which will dismay the footie player’s boss and millions of fansCredit: SuppliedThe midfielder last night apologised for his “severe lack of judgment”.He had headed out to party following his side’s last pre-season warm-up match against Bayern Munich in North London on Saturday evening.During a raucous booze-fuelled night, the star, 27, was seen taking nitrous oxide in a chauffeur-driven limo carrying him and pals. The player bafflingly shared the video of himself committing the crime to pals on Snapchat.Read More on SportPossession of laughing gas with intent to get high was made illegal last year, with repeat offenders facing up to two years in jail and an unlimited fine.A witness said: “It beggars belief any Premier League star would openly take hippy crack. It’s a criminal offence and Yves now likely faces a police probe, let alone severe club sanctions.“The new season kicks off next weekend and he has let down every single Spurs fan. “Boss Ange Postecoglou will see red. Sharing the footage himself is utterly brainless.” Most read in FootballUse of nitrous oxide can lead to brain disorders, depression, memory loss, incontinence, hallucinations and nerve damage.Last night, Bissouma said: “I want to apologise for these videos. This was a severe lack of judgment.Football clubs are testing players for laughing gas after epidemic of players doing Class C “hippy crack” – one star left clubless after rejection for nerve damage“I understand how serious this is and the health risks involved, and I also take my responsibility as a footballer and role model very seriously.”Tottenham Hotspur told The Sun: “We are looking into the events.”This will be dealt with as an internal matter.”Bissouma, who joined Spurs from Brighton in 2022, is the latest in a long line of Prem stars to inhale the gas.In May, it was revealed one unnamed player was treated by paramedics months after it emerged he had a nitrous oxide addiction. More