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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

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      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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      Love cheat Kyle Walker ‘shows he’s a changed man’ after marriage scandal as he promotes Salvation Army event

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      LOVE cheat Kyle Walker is on his best behaviour off the pitch — as he flies the flag for The Salvation Army.The Man City star, 34, was joined by ex-Wales striker John Hartson, 49, at a football tournament staged by the charity.Kyle Walker promotes a Salvation Army event with fellow footballer John HartsonCredit: PP.Walker has recently been allowed back into his family home after it was revealed he was unfaithfulCredit: GettyThursday’s event in Manchester aimed to raise awareness of homelessness and mental health.It comes after Walker was allowed back home by wife Annie Kilner after he fathered two kids with Lauryn Goodman.He was allowed back just over three weeks ago and is said to be “working on his marriage”.A source said: “Walker’s really trying to give something back and show he’s a changed man.READ MORE ON KYLE WALKER“He’s been in the bad books for so long and wants to show he’s learned from his mistakes.“Walker was all smiles at the charity event and meeting the players meant so much to them.”Hartson, 49, presented the trophy to winning side The Orchard, from Bradford, and spoke to players about his career and own struggles battling cancer and a gambling addiction.He said: “I thoroughly enjoyed today. The standard of football has been great, they’ve played seven or eight games, and their fitness levels are so good.Most read in Football“The camaraderie is great, there’s a lot of respect for each other.“People have been sharing their stories with me, some who have lost their way at some stage in their life but are working really hard to get back on track.Kyle Walker moves back in with wife Annie Kilner after fathering second child with ex“It’s been great that The Salvation Army put this special day on. I think the guys really appreciate it.“For that one day everyone can forget what’s going on outside.”Hartson spoke to players about his career and own struggles battling cancer and gambling addictionCredit: Getty Images – GettyKyle and Annie Kilner have been together since they were teenagersCredit: Refer to CaptionThe England icon fathered two kids with Lauryn Goodman behind Annie’s back More

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      My premature son nearly died after being born under 4lbs… but I couldn’t use trauma as excuse for shambolic defeat

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      DENZEL BENTLEY has explained to SunSport how he went into his British title loss as a red-hot favourite – while terrified his 3lb baby son would lose his fight for life.The Battersea middleweight was tipped to dominate Stoke hero Nathan Heaney last November and defend his Lonsdale belt with relative ease.Denzel Bentley has opened up to SunSport about his newborn son’s fight for lifeCredit: GettyThe middleweight star lost to Nathan Heaney just weeks after little Cairo was bornCredit: GettyBentley refuses to blame his loss on the trauma surrounding his son’s first few weeksCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunBut Heaney put on a masterclass to cause the upset and whack 29-year-old Bentley’s world-title pursuit.In trademark Peacock Gym style, Bentley refused to use his personal plight – and that of little Cairo’s – as an excuse.For almost a year SunSport was happy to leave the traumatic tale untold in respect of Heaney’s performance and Bentley’s privacy.But as the little tyke approaches his first birthday, we asked Daddy Cool to look back on those events.READ MORE ON BOXINGBentley explained: “The fight was November 18 and he wasn’t due until the second to last week of November and then he turned up mid-October, six weeks early.”But I had already agreed the fight and I was already in camp, we had done around six weeks with about three to go, then boom, he pops up.”I didn’t know what to do. It was traumatic for me and my missus, because of the way he arrived, doctors were saying that if we had left it 30 minutes longer he might not have made it.”He was in intensive care for about 10 days so I am only doing gym-hospital-home.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I stopped everything else, nothing else mattered, I forgot about everything else.”It was a shambles and then as soon as I finally got him home, I had to go to Manchester for fight week and the fight.Daniel Dubois ‘turned Anthony Joshua’s legs to jelly’ during brutal sparring session, says ex-Team GB boxing star”I genuinely did not want to be there, I wanted to be at home with my son.”I spent every minute on the phone to my missus asking what the news was, what the updates are, what the midwife has said, what’s he weigh – because he was under 4lbs – is he healthy, is he on track, is he behind?”And – because I cannot be there physically – I just want to get the fight out of the way and get home.”I probably should have pulled out but if I was taken back in time I probably would still take the fight again – because I don’t want to live with regrets.ANTHONY JOSHUA VS DANIEL DUBOIS: All the information you need ahead of huge world title fight at Wembley”I had to crack on and I underestimated Nathan because I thought I could beat him on my worst day.”But it was my mistake, this is not an excuse, I felt I could beat him.”I didn’t want to use it as an excuse, I see fighters make excuses and I don’t like it.”I didn’t want to speak about it until I came back and put on some proper performances that show that different mindsets produce different performances.”When will the little terror learn he played such a pivotal role in briefly derailing his father’s career?Bentley laughed: “He has a month left.””Once he turns one, he can listen to what he caused and get a clip round the ear.”In a much more serious tone, the throwback fighter and doting parent told us: “My son never asked me to bring him here.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I brought him into the world so it’s up to me to make sure he is secure and he can live the life he deserves to live.”Watch Riyadh Season Card: Joshua v Dubois, live on TNT Sports Box Office from 4pm on Saturday 21 September. Find out more at tntsports.co.uk/boxoffice More

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      Anthony Joshua made a mistake for Oleksandr Usyk fight… because he didn’t ask me to spar in camp and I was shocked

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA remains the king of British boxing by mentoring young princes like Moses Itauma who want to take his crown.Three years ago – when 34-year-old AJ was preparing for his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk – the 6ft 3in freakishly-talented southpaw was desperate for sparring rounds and looked like a tailor-made suitor.Moses Itauma admitted he was shocked after being overlooked by Anthony Joshua in sparringCredit: GettyThe talented southpaw currently boasts an unbeaten 10-0 recordCredit: GettyItauma is part of the same Ben Davison gym as London 2012 hero AJCredit: GettyTeam AJ bizarrely overlooked the Chatham wonderkid, despite his identical frame and similar style to the Ukrainian genius.The snub left the Kent teenager Itauma feeling shocked and confused.But now the 19-year-old prodigy is part of the same Ben Davison gym as the London 2012 legend.And they have been bumping biceps and brains in the compact Harlow sweatbox.READ MORE ON BOXINGInstead of overlooking or undermining the latest generation of British giants looking to knock him off the throne, Joshua is doing everything he can to raise Itauma up to his level.The 10-0 prospect told SunSport: “I was shocked when they never asked me back for the second Usyk camp because I would have loved to have been part of that.”I was confused by it but it’s not a question you want to ask a team-mate now – ‘Excuse me mate, why didn’t you invite me for the Usyk camp?’”I have the privilege to train in the same gym as him now and I was on a walk the other day and I was thinking what I would call him now?Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”And it’s a mentor. Because I go to him with a lot of questions about boxing, in the ring and things out of it, I ask him a lot and he always helps me.”I am just happy to be in this position.”Daniel Dubois ‘turned Anthony Joshua’s legs to jelly’ during brutal sparring session, says ex-Team GB boxing starEight years ago, when AJ’s Saturday night opponent Daniel Dubois burst onto the pro scene without much of a senior amateur record, he allegedly grabbed the attention of hall-of-fame promoter Frank Warren by flooring Joshua in Team GB sparring.And four years ago, when schoolboy Itauma was popping up in gyms all over the country – STILL IN HIS UNIFORM – he was earning a fearsome reputation as a babyface killer even the biggest and best didn’t want to work with.The comparison between Dynamite Dan and ice-cool Itauma seems clear, but he bats it off like a rival’s jab.He explained: “When everyone first turns professional, we all need a story to sell and that’s what they sold with Dubois, dropping AJ, or whatever happened,”My story is different. I have a big amateur pedigree and my sparring story is that from a young age I was sparring everyone.”But I have never come out and said I have knocked out anyone, because sparring stories are just sparring stories, everyone has one.ANTHONY JOSHUA VS DANIEL DUBOIS: All the information you need ahead of huge world title fight at Wembley”I believe Frank Warren has said he signed me based off of footage he saw of a sparring session – but I don’t know who I was sparring with.”I never found out who it was but I could understand the story because I do well in those spars and that’s where I get my confidence from.READ MORE SUN STORIES”If I was holding my own against guys with world titles and world title shots, at 15, now I am 19 and I can wonder what I might be like in another four year’s time.”Watch Riyadh Season Card: Joshua v Dubois, live on TNT Sports Box Office from 4pm on Saturday 21 September. Find out more at tntsports.co.uk/boxoffice. More

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      Football match descends into chaos as red cards dished out for no reason by prankster referee

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      FOOTBALLERS abandoned a game when red cards got dished out for no reason — from a TV prankster referee.The Sunday league match descended into chaos when four players were sent off within minutes.Sunday League footballers abandoned a game when red cards got dished out for no reason — from a TV prankster refereeThe match descended into chaos when four players were sent off within minutesPlayers from Bow Badgers and Limehouse Tigres stormed off and refused to carry onLads from Bow Badgers and Limehouse Tigres stormed off and refused to carry on at the ­famous Hackney Marshes in East London.They were then told Norwegian Mads Hansen was only pretending to be a bad ref for his TV show.Mads hoodwinked the players when he turned up on Sunday with a brand new kit, two linesmen and GoPro camera.He told the players he was on a “referee exchange” after roping both coaches into the plan.read more on footballHe then proceeded to hand out eight cards, including four reds, to mounting disbelief.Mads explained: “We wanted to help the real unsung heroes, the amateur refs. “So we decided to be as terrible refs as absolutely possible — so the players would miss the real refs. “I think we succeeded. They told us we’d ruined their day.” Most read in FootballThe Hackney and Leyton League Division 3 match was then played with a real ref, and Limehouse won 3-2.A Bow Badgers spokesman said: “It was the first time a Badger player has scored a goal after being sent off.”The prank will air on Mads’ TV show, Dommerjaevel.Refs’ chief Howard Webb reveals Declan Rice red card was correct – but Arsenal wronged by different incorrect decisionReferee Mads Hansen was only pretending to be a bad ref for his TV showCredit: X More

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      Ben Chilwell chased by two Premier League rivals despite ‘bomb squad’ outcast being welcomed back into Chelsea fold

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      CRYSTAL PALACE and Ipswich are both tracking Ben Chilwell and could make a move for the defender in January.The full-back almost left Chelsea over the summer but stayed at Stamford Bridge after failing to find a new club.Ben Chilwell is being chased by two Premier League after he was frozen out at ChelseaCredit: GettyChilwell looked to a mini-comeback after being included in the Blues Premier League squad listCredit: GettyOliver Glasner’s Crystal Palace are interested in ChilwellCredit: ReutersKieran McKenna’s Ipswich are another would-be suitorCredit: GettyHowever, sources say the ex-Leicester City star is concerned about the lack of game-time he is likely to get in West London – and is open-minded to a transfer.That has put Palace and Ipswich on red alert over a deal for the 21-cap England international.Chelsea are also thought to be keen to explore the option of letting Chilwell leave as they grapple with the demands of trying to manage a massive squad.It comes just weeks after it seemed Chilwell had secured a dramatic pathway back into the fold at Chelsea after being named in their Premier League squad.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe £50million defender was one of the infamous members of the so-called ‘bomb squad’ banished from training with the rest of the squad by manager Enzo Maresca during the transfer window.But after failing to find a new club, Chilwell was later included on the 25-man list of players for top-flight games this season in a surprise U-turn.The 27-year-old’s last appearance for Chelsea was as a two-minute substitute in the FA Cup semi-final defeat to Manchester City back in April.He then became one of 13 big-name players forced to work alone when the club’s summer spending spree took the size of the squad to 42 players at one point.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSChelsea managed to offload many of those stars in a frantic finish to the latest transfer window.Raheem Sterling joined Arsenal, Trevoh Chalobah is on loan at Crystal Palace and Kepa Arrizabalaga joined Bournemouth on loan too.Chelsea fans can’t name their OWN PLAYERS after another wild transfer window under owner Todd BoehlyNo deals could be done for Chilwell and he will now remain at Chelsea until at least January.His long-term place at Stamford Bridge looks shaky with Marc Cucurella, Renato Veiga and Levi Colwill ahead of him in the pecking order at left-back.Chelsea ratings vs Bournemouth as Sanchez and Sancho are heroes… and Palmer strugglesCHELSEA needed a late moment of magic from Christopher Nkunku to snatch all three points from Bournemouth.Marcus Tavernier crashed a super strike against the crossbar early on and Robert Sanchez saved an Evanilson penalty before the break.Jadon Sancho came on for his debut at half-time and made the difference for the Blues as he set up Nkunku’s winner.Here’s how SunSport’s Graham Nickless rated Maresca’s men…Robert Sanchez – 8Man-of-the-match show with first-half penalty save from Evanilson and a handful of excellent saves.But rather fortunate to stay on the pitch after denying Evanilson a clear goalscoring opportunity with a deliberate foul that led to the spot-kick.Axel Disasi – 5The right-back was given an uncomfortable night down the right side.Given the runaround by Cherries dangerman Antoine Semenyo and was replaced just after the hour.Wesley Fofana – 6Did his best to keep a clean sheet when run ragged by the home strikers.Luckily for the centre-back, he could rely on Sanchez to keep them out.Levi Colwill – 6Did his best to calm the storm that came the Blues’ way for most of the match.Made sure he kept record-signing Evanilson away from notching his first Premier League goal.Marc Cucurella – 7Always busy and making a nuisance of himself when he wasn’t being buffeted by Semenyo’s marking.But overdid it with one stupid, deliberate shoulder barge on the Bournemouth winger.Renato Veiga – 5Suffered like most of his team-mates to open up the home side’s defence.The Portuguese midfielder didn’t see enough of the ball to make an impact.Moises Caicedo – 7The captain was always looking for that defence-splitting pass when he wasn’t on defensive duty.Gave an example to others around him who weren’t putting in a decent shift.Noni Madueke – 5Was quite mad attempting an early shot at the home goal that ended up as a throw-in.And it didn’t get much better than that for the winger who was hauled off just after the hour.Cole Palmer – 5Rested by England for tired muscles and there wasn’t much energy in this performance.But the Cherries, worried by his reputation, did target him in the first half.Pedro Neto – 5Failed to make any impact on the wing but could claim he had little or no service.Boss Maresca had seen enough and brought on Sancho to replace him at half-time.Nicolas Jackson – 5Chelsea fans won’t want to suffer another nine years of this from the big striker.Had one shot comfortably saved and another blocked but will need to show more upfront for his ludicrous long contract.SUBSJadon Sancho (for Neto) – 8Was booked 11 minutes after coming on then, looked likely throughout second half and set up Nkunku’s equaliser on super debut.Tosin Adarabioyo (for Disasi) – 6Was seldom troubled.Joao Felix (for Madueke) – 5Tidied up in midfield.Christopher Nkunku (for Jackson) – 8Burst through three players to score and snatch the winner. 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      Phil Foden’s son, 5, set to become star by entertaining fans as a YouTuber

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      FOOTIE ace Phil Foden’s five-year-old son is set to smash the net again — with his own YouTube channel.Ronnie already has five million Instagram followers after dancing on the pitch following his dad’s 2023 Champions League triumph with Manchester City.Phil Foden’s five-year-old son Ronnie is getting his own YouTube channelCredit: GettyRonnie was nicknamed ‘The Dude’ by City fans and has since become the unofficial mascot for the teamCredit: GettyNow the cheeky chap could cash in on his fame by entertaining fans as a YouTuber after dad Phil, 23, and mum Rebecca, 22, set up a channel for him.A source said: “Ronnie loves being the centre of attention and is a big fan of some of the YouTubers so Phil and his mum have set up an account.“He could end up making loads of money from it.”Speaking about his son’s celebrations in Istanbul, Phil said: “His personality has made him who he is. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”He just reminds me of myself when I was a kid and he’s very funny.”Ronnie was nicknamed “The Dude” by City fans and has since become the unofficial mascot for the team.And after their latest Premier League title in May, he was seen trying to open a bottle of champagne to the amusement of fans.He has a modelling contract and is on a talent group’s books despite only just starting school.Most read in FootballPhil and Rebecca also share daughter TruePhil Foden’s girlfriend Rebecca Cooke gives birth to boy with England star to fly back to Euro 2024 for Slovakia clash More

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      Glum-faced Newcastle ace Kieran Trippier ditches wedding ring as his marriage crisis deepens after partying with blonde

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      GLUM-faced footie ace Kieran Trippier is seen without his wedding ring as his marriage crisis deepens.The Newcastle United and former England full-back, 33, was snapped looking miserable at a train station on Saturday.Glum-faced footie ace Kieran Trippier is seen without his wedding ring as his marriage crisis deepensFrankie Carmichael is a regular in Newcastle’s hotspots and was named online after he was filmed lifting a reveller up in a barSpeculation over his eight-year marriage to Charlotte intensified after the mum of three stayed away from the EurosCredit: GettyTrippier wrapped his arms around the woman before hoisting her aloftCredit: facebook/frankie carmichaelIt comes after we yesterday revealed the party-girl caught up in speculation surrounding his troubled personal life.Frankie Carmichael, 27, is a regular in Newcastle’s hotspots and was named online after he was filmed lifting a reveller up by the bottom inside a packed karaoke bar in May last year.He wrapped his arms around the woman before hoisting her aloft. He and his teammates were celebrating Champions League qualification and ended up in Cosy Joes in the city.Read More on SportTrippier’s wife Charlotte, 35, was in Madrid at the time.Speculation over their eight-year marriage intensified after the mum of three stayed away from the Euros, including the final against Spain.In a message online, she wrote: “Sooner or later you get over the s*** you swore you’d never get over and it’s the best feeling in the world.”Their £3.8million home was put on the market before they took separate summer holidays.Most read in FootballTrippier has retired from international duty and asked for a transfer at Newcastle after losing his place in the team — appearing as a sub in yesterday’s game at Wolves.Kieran Trippier goes viral during Newcastle’s clash at Bournemouth after painful moment is caught on Sky Sports camerasNeither have commented on their relationship but Charlotte has removed her wedding ring.Trippier has retired from international duty and asked for a transfer at Newcastle after losing his place in the teamCredit: AFP More