More stories

  • in

    Chelsea ace Enzo Fernandez eyed by TWO European giants for shock transfer after £107m midfielder loses starting XI spot

    TWO European giants are prepared to make an audacious swoop for Enzo Fernandez – whose future at Chelsea is growing increasingly unclear.The Argentine was a shock admission from the Londoners lineup for their weekend clash against Manchester United.Enzo Fernandez was left out of Chelsea’s XI against Man Utd on SundayCredit: ReutersThe Argentine is being eyed by two European giantsCredit: GettyChelsea coach Enzo Maresca insists Fernandez remains in his plansCredit: ReutersManager Enzo Maresca opted for Moises Caicdeo and Romeo Lavia instead saying he prefers their physicality.But the snub leaves a huge question mark over Fernandez’s future at the club.SunSport understands the midfielder is determined to fight for his place at Chelsea. But a source said he has no intention of sitting on the bench for months on end if he falls down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd Inter Milan and Barcelona – two of Europe’s biggest clubs – are now both monitoring the situation.The midfielder has copped flak ever since Chelsea signed him from Benfica for a British record £107million in 2023.TalkSPORT host Rory Jennings claimed recently that he should “never play for Chelsea again” and that he is potentially the “worst” signing in Premier League history.But Maresca has publicly spoken about the sympathy he has for Fernandez’s struggles to live up to his price tag, not least given the turmoil in his personal life.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFernandez, 23, recently split from his childhood sweetheart Valentina Cervantes to live on his own – despite them having a daughter and son together.Maresca said ahead of Chelsea’s clash with United: “They are human beings and if you pay £100m that is not my problem. Premier League’s Biggest Spenders: Top 10 SeasonsFernandez has no goals or assists this season”You want to buy me then you pay that money.”That does not mean that every game you have to be the best. “At the end of the day they are football players and they cannot always be at the top level.The Argentine international recently split from his partnerCredit: ReutersChelsea player ratings vs Man UtdCHELSEA came from a goal down to rescue a point at Old Trafford.Robert Sanchez brought down Rasmus Hojlund with 20 minutes remaining and Bruno Fernandes rolled in what looked to be a decisive spot kick.But Chelsea hit back swiftly as Moises Caicedo’s sweet strike flew into the bottom corner.Here is how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield saw the performances of the Chelsea players in the 1-1 draw…Robert Sanchez – 3Made a few really good saves in the first half, and was much improved after a poor performance last time out against Newcastle.That was until he gave away a reckless penalty on Rasmus Hojlund, which was easily dispatched by Bruno Fernandes.His mistakes are starting to cost Chelsea time after time.Malo Gusto – 2Got in good positions in the first half, but was often wasteful when he got there.Was booked for a late challenge on Manuel Ugarte, before being hooked for Cucurella at half-time after an awful overall showing.Wesley Fofana – 6A strong performance at the back was marred only by the Frenchman letting Rasmus Hojlund escape him before winning a penalty for his side.Showed brilliant recovery pace throughout the game, and made some crucial challenges too.Levi Colwill – 6That was a strong defensive showing from the Chelsea number 6.For a player with a passing range as impressive as his is, it would’ve been nice to see him use it more as Chelsea looked for a goal.Reece James – 5Improved this week, but still showed signs of rustiness as he gave the ball away in dangerous positions a few times.More effective on the right side in Malo Gusto’s position, and more comfortable there as expected with Marc Cucurella on the left.Another 90 minutes in the tank is fantastic news for Chelsea fans.Moises Caicedo – 9Scored a certain contender for goal of the month with a sensational volley from the edge of the box to level the scoring for his side.Effective in breaking up play for the Blues once more, and showed why he is worthy of the £100m price tag Chelsea paid for him.Romeo Lavia – 8Another impressive midfield performance from the Belgian, who shows prowess beyond his years on and off the ball.Seems the perfect pivot partner for Moises Caicedo, and people need to start talking about how Manchester City let him go for peanuts.Noni Madueke – 6Unfortunate to hit the post in the 13th minute with a header following a corner.Worked hard defensively throughout the game too, but was unable to really put his creative abilities to the test.Cole Palmer – 7In the first half, his signature ‘Palmer touch’ got the away supporters off their feet, and he was Chelsea’s most creative outlet on the day.Unable to add another goal or assist to his impressive tally this season, but still had a solid showing.Pedro Neto – 5Showed flashes of brilliance on the left-hand side, and came close with a shot across goal in the second half.Was moved to the right-hand side in the second half, but it was much of the same from there.Nicolas Jackson – 5Pretty invisible up front for Chelsea today.Worked hard and tracked back well when required to, but fans were left confused as to why Christopher Nkunku was left on the bench.In fairness to him, could’ve had an assist if Enzo Fernandez could finish his dinner.SubsMarc Cucurella (for Gusto, 46 mins) – 5A solid showing on the left-hand side. Chelsea look a better team with him in the 11.Mykhailo Mudryk (for Madueke, 70 mins) – 4Tried to light things up on the left hand side, but his spark wasn’t enough to win the game for his side.Enzo Fernandez (for Lavia, 70 mins) – 2Missed an absolute sitter which would have won his team the game after coming on. Looks very short on confidence.Click here to read more Chelsea stories.”At this moment Enzo is not playing but there is no problem with Enzo. “The noise about Enzo is because clubs pay so much money for them, people expect they will always be the best. That is not so.”The only reason he is not playing is just because the physicality I prefer is from (Moises) Caicedo and Romeo Lavia.” More

  • in

    Liverpool boss Arne Slot’s new home is nearer his two Manchester rivals & neighbours include United star

    LIVERPOOL boss Arne Slot’s new home is nearer his two Manchester arch rivals.The Dutchman, 46, has bought a five-bedroom pile in Hale Barns.He and wife Mirjam will be ten miles from Manchester United’s Old Trafford and 11 from Man City’s Etihad Stadium.And it will take him three times longer to reach the Reds’ Anfield HQ.Neighbours will include United duo Matthijs De Ligt and Christian Eriksen.A source said: “There’s a saying, keep your friends close and enemies closer.Read More on Sport”Well, Arne couldn’t be any closer if he tried. It will probably cause a few raised eyebrows but he’s not the first Liverpool man to live in Manchester.“Quite a few players live over there, despite the history between the clubs. It’s a beautiful area.”Slot’s new pad, once home to United’s Victor Lindelof and City’s Gabriel Jesus, has previously been voted Best Luxury Home at the Northern Design Awards.Slot turned down the offer of moving into predecessor Jurgen Klopp’s rented seven-bed home in Formby. Most read in FootballThe £4million mansion north of Liverpool, originally owned by Liverpool great Steven Gerrard, is now up for sale.Liverpool boss Arne Slot’s new home is nearer his two Manchester arch rivalsCredit: GettyHow Arteta dominated Liverpool with stealth Havertz trick before genius Slot switch saved the day More

  • in

    Chelsea star Cole Palmer arrives at training in Royal Mail van after getting lift from local postie

    CHELSEA goal ace Cole Palmer is delivering the goods on and off the pitch — after arriving at training in a Royal Mail van.The £40million star shocked team-mates by getting a lift from his local postie.Chelsea star Cole Palmer shocked his team-mates when he arrived at training in a Royal Mail vanCredit: GettyPalmer, 22, had left his car at Chelsea’s training base in Cobham, Surrey, the previous day when he was driven home by a team-mate earlier this month.Struggling to get back in, he was offered a lift in the mail van after chatting with the driver.A source close to Palmer told The Sun: “Cole is the most normal, down-to-earth guy you could meet, and this is typical of him. “He’s a very friendly lad and is on good terms with all of his neighbours, including the postman.READ MORE IN SPORTS“He didn’t think twice when he was offered a lift to the training ground, although his arrival certainly caused quite a stir.“Not many multi-millionaire stars come to training with a postman.”A Chelsea source added: “Cole is so laid-back he didn’t understand what all the fuss was about.“The other players were hysterical about it. Most read in Football“They found it so funny, and gave him the stamp of approval for his stunt.“He’s a complete one-off, on and off the pitch. “Nothing surprises us with him.”How Cole Palmer might look like as Postman PatPep Guardiola reveals why he sold Cole Palmer with Chelsea star topping Premier League scoring charts amid amazing year More

  • in

    I partied with Rodri & Man Utd’s Alejandro Garnacho at Ballon D’or – Harry Kane let slip plans for Prem League return

    IT was a glitzy night with football’s biggest stars – and I was one of the lucky few invited to attend.More than 500 bottles of Champagne were cracked open before the creme de la creme watched Manchester City’s Rodri and Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati receive the Ballon d’Or.Ellie Henman with her Tottenham hero Harry Kane in ParisCredit: SuppliedEllie with Man Utd’s Alejandro GarnachoCredit: SuppliedMan City’s Rodri picked up the men’s Ballon d’OrCredit: ReutersHe was helped on stage by former Manchester City player George Weah in the closing segment of the eveningCredit: SuppliedBut the caterers scored an own goal when they ran out of platters to serve their nibbles — forcing the chefs to send out waiters holding metal colanders full of macaroni cheese balls.That flash of chaos did not affect the presentation of the only two balls that really mattered — the rotund golden trophies that were carefully wheeled on to the stage in Paris.There was even more fanfare to the moment than I’ve seen at the Oscars and the Baftas.The gongs came in custom-made Louis Vuitton cases, which each took three people to open, while fireworks threatened to set off the fire alarm as the crowd watched in bewilderment.READ MORE IN SPORTSSome hours before then, my evening began by navigating four road closures and more than 200 confused French coppers to get to the Theatre du Chatelet in the French capital on a windy Monday night.Rabid selfie-takersOnce inside, I stood shoulder-to-shoulder with football heavyweights including French legend Marcel Desailly and Barcelona president Joan Laporta — who was flanked by heavies to bat off rabid selfie-takers, myself included.My first port of call was tracking down Harry Kane, the former captain of my beloved Tottenham Hotspur, who on the night picked up the Gerd Muller trophy with Kylian Mbappe as they had both scored the most goals in Europe this season.Grabbing Harry for a chat before he was celebrated for his 44 goals in 45 matches, he admitted he was loving his new life at Bayern Munich.Most read in Football“I’m really enjoying it,” Harry told me with a grin on his face, although he went on to admit his German could still do with a bit of work.“I am learning and doing two lessons a week,” he added. “I have a good teacher at Bayern.Harry Kane scores incredibly rare German hat-trick in Bayern Munich’s 4-0 win over Stuttgart“For me it is difficult but hopefully I will be there for many years and at some stage will be able to talk a bit of German.”But what about coming back to Spurs I plead, given we desperately miss our golden boy.“Maybe one day,” Harry tells me with a somewhat sympathetic smile. Although I suspect, deep down, I may be left wanting.The reception waiters are bringing out posh canapes in great haste but I spy Marcel Desailly waving away cubes of raw cod — which, given they were room temperature, was a wise decision.After I introduced myself, the Chelsea legend gossiped about Real Madrid’s decision to snub the big night after learning star forward Vinicius Junior would not be awarded the top prize.Lamine Yamal with mum Sheila and brother KeyneCredit: RexSpanish footballer Jennifer Hermoso got the first standing ovation of the night as she won the Socrates awardCredit: ReutersEllie hanging out with Marcel Desailly at the bashCredit: SuppliedInsiders at the glitzy bash told me the club’s decision to not send a single delegate caused a big headache and a hurried last-minute switch to the seating plan on the theatre floor.Elsewhere in the bash, Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho was tucked away in a corner of the champagne reception furiously tapping away on his mobile phone as his glamorous female companion stared blankly into space.I am learning and doing two lessons a weekHarry KaneIt wasn’t surprising the striker only had eyes for his iPhone, given just six hours before he arrived his gaffer Erik ten Hag was handed his P45.I chose to not mention the chaos when I started up a conversation but it was clear Garnacho was so deep in the club WhatsApp group gossip that time for a chinwag with me was not on the cards.He sat with schoolboy-like stoicism on the front row next to Harry as the awards began. By this point, more than 500 bottles of Taittinger had been cracked open and the players, Uefa bigwigs and everyone in between were certainly well-oiled.As the players started to take their seats I went down on to the floor and spotted Barcelona’s teenage wonderkid Lamine Yamal — who won the best young player trophy at the ceremony — carrying his toddler brother Keyne around to meet his peers.The tot won hearts when Lamine carried him out on to the pitch after Spain won the Euros this summer and he was the centre of attention at the ceremony.As Keyne was passed from player to player, Lamine looked on proudly as they cooed over him.And later that evening, at just past 11pm, he was among the last to leave as proud Lamine carried the tuxedo-wearing tot down the red-carpeted stars and off to bed. Spanish footballer Jennifer Hermoso got the first standing ovation of the night as she won the Socrates award.Jennifer — the woman at the centre of the storm last July when she was kissed without consent by Fifa’s ex- vice-president Luis Rubiales — was the first woman to be handed the gong and used her time on stage to push for equality.‘Make a better world’She said: “This award is not just mine, but belongs to all my teammates, with whom I share a space where equality is not always a given.“That’s why we all work day by day with the hope and desire to leave women’s football in a better place for the new generations.”She added: “I’d like to tell all women to keep being courageous. Work together in order to make a better world possible.”Two hours in, and the ceremony came to a close with the unveiling of the top award, the Ballon d’Or.Barcelona’s Aitana won the women’s gong for a second year in a row and was handed the accolade by Hollywood actress Natalie Portman.The Black Swan star, who part-owns LA-based football team Angel City FC, told me she was a regular at Paris Saint-Germain games with her teenage son — who worked the theatre floor like a pro and took selfies with everyone from Harry to Rodri.I’d like to tell all women to keep being courageousJennifer HermosoCollecting her prize, Aitana paid tribute to her teammates Caroline Graham Hansen and Salma Paralluelo who were left in second and third place respectively.The pair did not seem too impressed with her sentiments, though, and struggled to raise a smile as Aitana spoke about them.Afterwards, when the Champagne started to flow again, they made a beeline for the dessert table and I stood and watched as they despondently ate miniature cream cakes and poached pears as Aitana swerved the after-party.Man City’s Rodri, who picked up the men’s Ballon d’Or, was helped on stage by former Manchester City player George Weah in the closing segment of the evening.The midfielder is on crutches after undergoing surgery following a nasty injury last month, but refused to pose with his sticks and handed them to a flunky as he stood on stage clutching his prize.“I am feeling much better,” he reassured the crowd. “This is a big injury for me. Football has a lot of risks and this is the first time in my career to have something like this.“I am trying to rest and recuperate and come back stronger.”He was joined by his parents, who were seated towards the back — and when I saw him leaving the theatre, his mother had to fight through a crowd of 20 heavies to reach her boy to give him a kiss.It just goes to show, you are never too old, or too successful, to get a smacker from Mum.Back inside the bash, there was uproar at the decision to shut the bar at 11pm — two hours before the official closing time.READ MORE SUN STORIESWith all the stars gone, though, and the warm, raw cod starting to repeat on the most prestigious of guests, it was best to call it a night.Until next year, Paris.Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati receive the Ballon d’OrCredit: ReutersWaiter and colander full of nibbles after platters ran outCredit: suppliedNatalie Portman, who presented an awardCredit: GettyEllie at the awards in ParisCredit: Supplied More

  • in

    Failed Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag handed £15m payoff after his sacking from Prem giants as he flees UK on private jet

    SACKED Erik ten Hag boards a private jet to the Netherlands after being axed as Manchester United manager yesterday with an expected £15million golden goodbye.The Dutchman, 54, got his marching orders at 11am.Erik ten Hag boards a private jet to Amsterdam just hours after being sacked as Man Utd’s managerCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeThe 54-year-old Dutchman was whisked from his Cheshire home to Manchester AirportCredit: ZenpixThe Dutchman is in line for a £15million payday despite his turbulent spell as managerCredit: AlamyHe was seen smiling at 2.15pm before a Cessna light aircraft flew him home from Manchester to Amsterdam.Less than two hours after the announcement — at 1.30pm — sheepish Ten Hag was seen crouching down in the back of a black ­chauffeur-driven Mercedes S Class.The 54-year-old Dutchman was whisked from his Cheshire home to Manchester Airport — where he was pictured in the gilet and with a rucksack — before his private jet left for Amsterdam at 2.15pm.He is in line for a £15million payoff after a turbulent 2½-year spell and is the fifth manager sacked since Sir Alex Ferguson stepped down after 27 years in 2013.READ MORE ON ERIK TEN HAGUnited chiefs had extended Ten Hag’s £6.5million-a-year deal until June 2026 just 166 days ago.Fellow Dutchman and ex-United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, 48, who was his assistant, has taken over as interim boss.A club insider said: “The dressing room has been like a morgue recently — and it is no wonder Ten Hag has gone.“The owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has told people he acted with his heart not his head when he gave him the extension in the summer. Now he is acting with his head.”Most read in FootballUnited are currently 14th in the Premier League with 11 points from nine games. Andy Mitten, from fanzine United We Stand, said: “I would never celebrate United sacking a manager but this season has been a nightmare and finishing eighth last year is not good enough.“It is a very expensive move after what happened in the summer – and that is the last thing the club needs at the moment and when we’ve made huge pay-offs to managers in the past.”’Something seriously wrong!’ Ex-Prem ref reacts to huge Man Utd call which saw Erik Ten Hag sackedClub owner Ineos handed Ten Hag the extension after a shock FA Cup Final win over rivals Manchester City in May.A separate United source said of the sacking: “This is long overdue and no one could be that shocked the hierarchy have finally acted.“But the way it has been done is chaotic and shows the club is in a mess from top to bottom.“The worst thing the club did was extend Ten Hag’s contract after the FA Cup win. While that was a great achievement, it was so obvious that it glossed over a dreadful season. And it has now cost the owners potentially over £10million.“While there may be room for negotiation, Erik is not going to go without a hefty pay-off.“It is not the first time it has happened recently either with former managers like Jose Mourinho getting huge payouts as well.“It is a symptom of the chaos that has gripped the club since Sir Alex Ferguson left.”Announcing the sacking, United said: “Erik ten Hag has left his role as Manchester United men’s first-team manager.“Erik was appointed in April 2022 and led the club to two domestic trophies, winning the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024.“We are grateful to Erik for everything he has done during his time with us and wish him well for the future. Ruud van Nistelrooy will take charge of the team as interim head coach, supported by the current coaching team, whilst a permanent head coach is recruited.”Ex-United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, 48, who was Ten Hag’s assistant, has taken over as interim bossCredit: AlamyTen Hag has faced criticism over his management of players such as Cristiano RonaldoCredit: GettySporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim is the current favourite to take over as managerCredit: GettyNames in the frame to take over include Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim, ex-Barcelona manager Xavi and Germany’s national team boss Julian Nagelsmann.Ex-England boss Gareth Southgate, who recently hired Jimmy Worrall, a close associate of Sir Jim Ratcliffe as his agent — and Brentford’s Thomas Frank are also contenders for the Old Trafford job.In 2019, United paid £19.6million in compensation after axing Jose Mourinho and backroom staff.Two weeks ago it was revealed Sir Alex is leaving his £2million-a-year role as a United ambassador at the end of the season.That decision was branded scandalous by club legend Eric Cantona and came amid an Ineos-led ­economy drive and after 250 staff lost their jobs in the summer.Ten Hag has faced criticism over his management of players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, who criticised him after leaving in 2022.Management slammedMany of his recruits came from the Dutch league or played under him at previous clubs.Some signings like £85million Brazilian winger Antony have under-performed.RUUD PIC REMOVEDRUUD van Nistelrooy deleted an old social media post of him in black make-up hours after his appointment as interim boss.The 11-year-old image, inset, of him dressed in jewelled headdress and robe as King Balthazar at a charity event in Marbella, Spain, had been re-shared ­thousands of times.Van Nistelrooy had visited a hospital to mark the Spanish Parade of the Three Kings. In a caption with the picture, he wrote: “In hospital with presents for the young and old.”The source added: “There has definitely been a divided dressing room recently. A lot of players did not like Ten Hag and quite a few will be happy with this news.“His man-management has not been great, and the way he has handled stars has got to be called into question.“No one doubts Erik was a likeable and honourable man who worked extremely hard and loved the club. But he could be dogmatic and inflexible — and that is one of the things that caused friction. The players who are happy he has gone are pleased because they didn’t think his tactics would work.“It is not because they didn’t like him as a person.“There is a new energy now Ruud is in charge, and a growing feeling that – if he does well – he will get the job permanently.United captain Bruno Fernandes, 30, said of the news: “Thanks for everything, boss. I appreciate the trust and moments we share together, I wish you all the best in the future.”Pundit and former United defender Rio Ferdinand said: “Erik ten Hag recruited a large part of this squad.READ MORE SUN STORIES“But some of these players have been here for one, two, three managers and we’ve still had the same results.“Someone’s got to come in and change that now.”Ten Hag’s five worst defeatsERIK TEN HAG has suffered some heavy defeats during his tenure as Manchester United manager.5. Copenhagen 4-3 Man Utd, November 2023The damaging defeat saw the Red Devils dumped out of the Champions League.4. Man Utd 0-3 Bournemouth, December 2023It was the first time the Cherries had ever won at Old Trafford with the players being booed off.3. Brentford 4-0 Man Utd, August 2022Perhaps a sign of things to come, in Ten Hag’s second Premier League game, his side was dismantled by the Bees.2. Crystal Palace 4-0 Man Utd, May 2024The heavy defeat to the Eagles saw the Dutchman edge ever closer to the sack.1. Liverpool 7-0 Man Utd, March 2023Man Utd were embarrassed at the hands of their bitter rivals as they crumbled at Anfield as it was the club’s worst defeat in 92 years. More

  • in

    Liverpool put Jurgen Klopp’s £4m mansion on Merseyside’s Millionaire’s Row up for sale after Arne Slot turned it down

    LIVERPOOL FC have put Jurgen Klopp’s £4million home up for sale — after his successor Arne Slot turned it down.The Dutchman and wife Mirjam were shown around the seven-bed home but are deciding on their next move.Arne Slot turned down Jurgen Klopp’s £4million former homeCredit: GettyIn 2019 Liverpool bought it as an investment and are said to have allowed Klopp to stay on rent-freeCredit: GettyThe club have now put the gated property on the market — ending a 20-year linkCredit: PP.Steven Gerrard bought the home in Formby, Merseyside, in 2005 after it was built by a local developerCredit: Willie VassThe club have now put the gated property on the market — ending a 20-year link.A source said: “It was identified by the club as an ideal base for incoming managers.“Arne was offered it when he took over in the summer but has chosen to live elsewhere.“As a result, the club has decided to cut its losses.”Read More on SportEx-Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard bought the home in Formby, Merseyside, in 2005 after it was built by a local developer.The property boasts three living rooms, a games room, swimming pool, two-storey gym, solarium, jacuzzi, sauna and cinema.When Gerrard left for US side LA Galaxy in 2015 he sold the house to incoming Reds boss Brendan Rodgers. He was sacked that October but kept the property and rented it to Klopp.Most read in FootballIn 2019 Liverpool bought it as an investment and are said to have allowed Klopp, 57, to stay on rent-free.The German and wife Ulla were often spotted in a local pub. Removal vans moved in after he revealed he was stepping down.Slot, 46, who impressed at Feyenoord, has enjoyed the best start of any manager at Anfield, winning 11 of his first 12 matches. The club was asked for comment.Fans stunned as Arne Slot ‘cooks’ Man Utd with savage statement after Red Devils’ Tottenham humiliation More

  • in

    Amir Khan and wife Faryal ‘splash out £700,000 on his and hers Rolls-Royces’

    BOXING star Amir Khan and wife Faryal are said to have splashed out £700,000 on “his and hers” Rolls-Royces.The 33-year-old mum announced on social media that they could not decide between a black or red Ghost — so they “bought them both”.Amir Khan and wife Faryal, pictured, are said to have splashed out £700,000 on ‘his and hers’ Rolls-RoycesThe couple could not decide between a black or red Rolls-Royce Ghost, so they ‘bought them both’Boxer Amir also recently spent more than £130,000 on a new motor for his long-suffering wifeA fan claimed the motors were rentals from car dealer Exotic in Dubai where they live.But Faryal insisted: “We buy our cars from Exotic. “They don’t do rentals. “I’ve never needed to rent a car in my life.”Read more on Amir KhanJust a year ago Amir spent more than £130,000 on a new motor for his long-suffering wife after being caught out yet again.But she struggled to crack a smile after getting behind the wheel of the Mercedes G Wagon which was decorated with red ribbons and balloons.Footage posted on social media showed the stony-faced mum climbing aboard the flash car as Amir stood with a giant bunch of roses.But fans on Instagram were quick to call his wife’s mood.Most read in BoxingOne wrote: “Money can’t buy you happiness.”Another added: “This is has to be up there with one of the most tragic things I have seen on social media.”Amir Khan hints he will fight both KSI and Jake Paul as he teases stunning boxing return aged 37The couple were reportedly “on the rocks” following a sexting scandal which saw the former boxing champ meet a woman for hotel sex over a period of four months.Khan had demanded “no holds barred” sex from the woman last year before the fling escalated.His wife found out about the betrayal before calling the woman and threatening to out her. More

  • in

    Gareth Southgate set for knighthood for his England heroics after he is CLEARED over controversial tax scheme

    GARETH Southgate has been cleared over a controversial tax scheme — paving the way for a knighthood in the New Year Honours List.The former England boss, who got the men’s side to two Euro finals, was under Whitehall scrutiny over film investment deals.Former England boss Gareth Southgate is set for a knighthood after being cleared over a controversial tax schemeCredit: GettySouthgate with Prince William ahead of the 2024 Euro finalCredit: AFPA spokesman for Southgate said he was a ‘proud Englishman’ who had ‘always paid his taxes’Credit: GettyHe still needs official approval but a source said: “Now he’s cleared the checks, people are talking about him becoming ‘Sir Gareth’.”It would see him follow in the footsteps of Three Lions greats Sir Alf Ramsey and Sir Bobby Robson.Tax bosses have cleared the way by ruling he did not break rules by investing in a controversial film investment scheme.The decision came after intensive talks between HM Revenue & Customs executives and Whitehall mandarins in recent weeks.READ MORE ON GARETH SOUTHGATESouthgate, 54, stepped down as manager in July after steering the Three Lions to two Euro finals and a World Cup semi-final in eight years.A source said: “Gareth deserves the knighthood and people in high places want to honour him.“He was a tremendous servant to England and came close to leading the team to their first silverware since 1966.“Gareth has also been a great role model and is a hugely respected public figure.”Most read in FootballGareth Southgate drops biggest hint yet over next job amid Man Utd links after stepping down as England managerPlans to knight him if England had won the 2020 Euro final against Italy were reportedly shelved as he had been placed at “amber” on a “tax risk list”.Ministers are traditionally extremely cautious when putting together honours lists.Ex-England captain David Beckham’s tax issues are said to have been a factor in him not receiving a knighthood.A source said: “Now it seems he has cleared all the checks, and people at Westminster are talking about him becoming ‘Sir Gareth’.”Southgate — in charge of England for 102 matches, and pictured with FA patron Prince William before this year’s final against Spain — was among stars to plough cash into Ingenious Media, which invested in fledgling films.But the deals were probed by the taxman over fears that the scheme was simply an artificial way of reducing tax bills.Last year, a spokesman for Southgate said he was a “proud Englishman” who had “always paid his taxes and complied with HMRC throughout his career”.The dad of two is also understood to have put aside the disputed funds “on account” as soon as HMRC challenged the scheme.READ MORE SUN STORIESLast night we approached an agent for Southgate. A Cabinet Office spokesman said: “It would be inappropriate to comment on potential honours recipients.”Stars stumped upGARETH Southgate was among hundreds of high-profile clients to plough cash into Ingenious MediaDavid Beckham, Gary Lineker and Wayne Rooney were other sports stars to have invested with the firm between 2002 and 2010.Film-maker Guy Ritchie, actor Sacha Baron Cohen and Ant and Dec also did so.All were advised that their millions would be boosting Britain’s film industry in a tax-efficient way.Ingenious did fund 60 movies, including Avatar and Life of Pi , but was also found by HMRC to have run tax-avoidance schemes.More than 400 investors ultimately found themselves embroiled in a £434million tax avoidance dispute.And following a tax tribunal ruling, HMRC demanded that investors with Ingenious repaid them.None of those involved was guilty of any wrongdoing.Many of the stars ultimately settled financially with HMRC, while others took legal action against advisers.Southgate’s highs and lows as England bossGARETH Southgate took charge of 102 games for England before quitting in the aftermath of the Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain.But what were the best – and worst matches – from the popular gaffer’s eight-year reign before that devastating Sunday night in Berlin? Here we take a look.THE HIGHS:Colombia 1-1 England (3-4 on pens,) 2018 World CupThis was the night that long-suffering supporters finally started to believe that it was coming home.Despite conceding a late equaliser, England held their nerve to advance to the quarter final of the World Cup 2018 on penalties.It was our first shootout victory for 22 years.Spain 2-3 England, 2018 Nations LeagueFollowing on from the World Cup, England won in Spain for the first time in 31 years with a brilliant Uefa Nations League victory.Southgate’s boys stunned the Seville crowd into silence with a thrilling performance that saw them lead 3-0 at the break thanks to a Raheem Sterling brace and Marcus Rashford.Although the hosts scored two after the break, the way the Three Lions tore La Roja apart excited every fan.England 2-1 Denmark, Euro 2020 semi-finalSouthgate led England to their first major final in 55 years as they beat Denmark after extra-time in the Euro 2020 semi-final.Having fallen behind after half an hour, the Three Lions battled back to send it to extra-time courtesy of an own goal.Then it was captain Kane who converted a rebound after Kasper Schmeichel originally saved his penalty in extra-time to win it.England 3-0 Sengal, 2022 World Cup last 16England had already blown Iran and Wales, 6-2 and 3-0 respectively, away in the World Cup 2022 group stages before they breezed past Senegal.The free-scoring Three Lions recorded another big win to set-up a mouthwatering quarter-final against France – what could go wrong?Italy 1-2 England, Euro qualifiers, 2023On a night when Harry Kane became England’s all-time top scorer, the Three Lions recorded a first away win over Italy since 1961.It was the first game since their 2022 World Cup exit, and it ensured a perfect start to their Euro 2022 qualifying campaign.England 2-1 Holland, Euro 2024 sem-finalThe nation doubted Southgate’s men in the semis of Euro 2024, but they responded with a barnstorming display.Xavi Simons opened the scoring for the Dutch but Harry Kane’s penalty drew us level.And Ollie Watkins slotted in a brilliant winner in injury time to see the Three Lions into their second successive Euros final.AND THE LOWS….Croatia 2-1 England, World Cup semi-final, 2018Having led England to a first World Cup semi-final since 1990, Southgate men made a dream start as Kieran Trippier put them ahead in the early exchanges.But Ivan Perisic equalised as the Croats began to take control.Some of Southgate’s substitutions were then questioned after his team were beaten in extra-time, although many gave him the benefit of the doubt as he returned a hero.Italy 1-1 England (3-2 pens) Euro 2020 finalWill probably never get a better chance to have secured a trophy for the Three Lions than this final of the last European Championship.Luke Shaw gave us the lead after just seconds, but just like against Croatia three years earlier, we sat back and let our rivals back into it.Leonardo Bonucci duly equalised in the second half and the game eventually went to penalties.The unfortunate Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka were all brought on to take a spot-kick, but the brave trio all missed as the Azzurri broke our hearts to take the prize.England 0-4 Hungary, Nations League 2023A year on from the Euros and it was utter embarrassment for Southgate in this Nations League game at Molineux.It was our biggest home defeat since 1928 and the result led to England being relegated from the top group of the Nations League and back to one that contained the Republic of Ireland, Finland and Greece.England 1-2 France, World Cup 2022 quarter-finalsAnother case of what could have been.Having been free-scoring throughout Qatar 2022, many fancied us to go all the way at the World Cup despite taking on the holders in the quarters.We fought back from going behind to level through Kane and many believe that France were then there for the taking had Southgate deployed a more attacking approach.Instead, they seemed content with what they had until Olivier Giroud pounced 12 minutes from time to win it.But there was still one more twist of the knife for England as the usually-reliable Kane skied a late penalty over the bar uncharacteristically as we crashed out. More