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    Pep Guardiola on verge of sensational new Man City deal to extend stay past a decade despite being expected to leave

    PEP GUARDIOLA is close to agreeing a new one-year contract extension with Manchester City.The 53-year-old’s existing deal is due to expire at the end of the season.Pep Guardiola has agreed a new one-year deal with Man CityCredit: EPAHowever, SunSport understands Guardiola has committed to a deal in principal with the reigning Premier League champions for at least another year.It’s expected he will put pen to paper on a new one-year deal with the option of a further 12 months.Should the terms be fulfilled, it would take his time at the Etihad to a decade.Guardiola joined City back in 2016 following the departure of Manuel Pellegrini.Read More in FootballOver the last eight years, the Spaniard has won 18 trophies including six Premier League titles, the Champions League, two FA Cups and the Club World Cup.But there had been speculation regarding his future in recent weeks amid the club’s legal battle with Prem bosses.The hearing into Man City’s alleged breaches of Financial Fair Play has entered it’s 10th week.City are currently facing 115 charges relating to their financial dealings between 2009 and 2018.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIf found guilty, the Prem giants could face a significant punishment.They may even be expelled from the top division.Man City player ratings: Even Pep Guardiola can’t believe how good Erling Haaland is as new Samba man fails to shine (1)With Guardiola set to stay, he will be forced to lead the Cityzens through the storm of whatever penalty – if any – they receive.Following Man City’s 4-1 defeat to Sporting Lisbon earlier this month, the manager said: “It is a tough challenge, but I am here.”It will be a tough season — we knew that from the start. But this is what it is. I like it, I love it, I want to face it and lift my players and try it.” More

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    Former Premier League chief now owns ‘Spanish Accrington Stanley’ with 6,000-capacity stadium

    FORMER Burnley chief Mike Garlick has swapped Lancashire for Andalusia to become owner of Spanish third tier side Antequera.After stepping down from his role at Turf Moor in 2020 following ALK Capital’s takeover, the businessman set his sights on a new challenge.Former Burnley chairman Mike Garlick has embarked on a new ventureCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdThe 61-year-old has become owner of AntequeraCredit: PA:Press AssociationGarlick left Burnley in 2020Credit: Getty Images – GettyAnd when the opportunity arose to become Antequera boss at the start of this year, he grabbed it with both hands.”I didn’t want to buy a big club,” he told The Times.”The most enjoyable thing about Burnley wasn’t the day you won something or got promotion but the actual journey — and I wanted a journey.”I looked at Antequera and thought, ‘We could go on a journey here.’Read More in Football”I knew I’d miss the buzz of football and I got offered a lot of different clubs in England but I’m a Burnley fan so I wasn’t that keen.”We already had a house in Spain, near Marbella, and my wife speaks Spanish so why not here? I can get on a plane to Malaga, jump in a car and be here really quickly.”On top of that, they’d been promoted in three of the past five years so they are clearly on an upward trend.”Antequera currently sit second in Primera Federación Group 2 – only behind Betis Deportivo Balompie, the reserve team of Real Betis.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIf they win the group, the Spanish side will earn promotion to the second tier.Otherwise, they may have to do so via the play-offs at the end of the campaign.Bungling Burnley academy manager quits after sending bombshell message slamming ‘mad’ and ‘lazy’ players to WRONG groupGarlick has ambitions of leading the team all the way up to LaLiga.If Antequera achieve the feat, they would represent one of the smallest towns in the division.The 61-year-old continued: “I’ve compared it to Accrington as the population’s just over 40,000 so if we did get into La Liga one day, we’d be one of the smallest-ever towns in there.”Burnley was the smallest town in the Premier League — you’ve got 78,000 people there. It’s a dream but why not try for it?”Who are these famous footballers? More

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    Premier League fines hit nearly £1MILLION after just 11 games with worst teams revealed as behaviour worsens

    SO much for the Respect campaign — it is already starting to look more like Anarchy in the UK.Well, in English top-flight football, certainly.The biggest fine so far was £125,000 to Nottingham Forest after the spat with ChelseaCredit: PANottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis is still serving a five-game banCredit: PAFor Premier League clubs to be approaching £1million in matchday misconduct fines before the Christmas decorations have gone up is the clearest possible signal that behaviour is heading in the wrong direction.Not just the players and managers are losing control, but assistant bosses, sporting directors and even one notoriously combustible owner.And with the most cluttered part of the entire season about to launch — clubs face as many as 12 matches in just five weeks across various competitions — the FA probably need to hire more staff for its fines department to cover for holiday absences.Whether it is behaviour falling, a response to perceived refereeing inadequacy, or that fines are an increasingly ineffective means of controlling tempers, is a question that may not be possible to answer.Read More on FootballBut what is clear is that almost every week brings another financial penalty or FA misconduct charge, with the current Prem aggregate standing at £917,500.The biggest single fine levied so far was the £125,000 Nottingham Forest were ordered to pay  after the spat sparked by Neco Williams’ shove on Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella in the latter stages of October’s  Stamford Bridge draw.Defender Cucurella was pushed into Blues boss Enzo Maresca, leading to a fracas involving both benches  and players.The melee also cost Chelsea £90,000,  half of which was after the Blues picked up six yellow cards from ref Chris Kavanagh.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMaresca responded not with  any contrition, but praise. He said: “I like the way the team is fighting. I don’t see any problems with that.”Perhaps unsurprising then the Forest game was the second of THREE matches in which Chelsea picked up six bookings this term — costing them £150,000 in total.Premier League referee David Coote update after statement from UEFA and revelation that referees don’t get drug testedForest, in turn, really are walking a financial tightrope following their repeated offences. Last  season’s attack on VAR Stuart Attwell, ‘outing’ him as a Luton fan, cost them £750,000 — plus  a £40,000 fine for boss Nuno Espirito Santo and £24,000 for defender Williams.But it means that Forest started this season with their copybook already blotted.And that was before owner Evangelos Marinakis opted to spit towards officials in the  tunnel after their home loss by Fulham.Marinakis is still serving the five-game ban imposed by an independent commission and which was upheld on appeal.To be fair, so far at least, we have not witnessed the chaos that marred Fulham’s FA Cup defeat at Manchester United in 2023.Cottagers striker Aleksandar Mitrovic received an eight-game ban and the two clubs rattled up fines adding up to £180,000. PGMOL bosses want their officials to report any instances in which they are harassed or feel intimidated, on or off the pitch.More casesLeicester, Tottenham and West Ham have all been punished for collective misbehaviour by players.Southampton skipper Jack Stephens ended up with a five-match ban and £50,000 fine after his furious response to a clear red card against United.Man Utd coach Darren Fletcher and Wolves sporting director Matt Hobbs have both been unable to keep a lid on their frustrations with decisions they did not like.And there have been 14 instances of clubs receiving six or more cards in a match, with Bournemouth and United both guilty on two occasions, each offence adding a further £25,000 to the standard fine.No wonder that within the FA there is a feeling that a light needs to be shone on the snarling petulance being shown time and again on the pitch, from the dugout and even the directors’ box.Wembley chiefs know that what happens in the Premier League is reflected across the country on grassroots pitches, leading to a worrying shortfall in referees.It is an ugly look for the beautiful game and there is little reason to think it will not get worse.READ MORE SUN STORIESMaybe the punishments need to become even more severe, even leading to points deductions. That might, at last, make people think. More

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    Evangelos Marinakis in talks to buy new club with major role for Edu and two Premier League cult heroes already there

    NOTTINGHAM FOREST owner Evangelos Marinakis is in talks to buy a controlling stake of Vasco da Gama.Marinakis, 57, already owns Greece’s most successful team and Conference League winners Olympiacos, Portuguese outfit Rio Ave and of course historic Premier League club Forest.Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis is in talks to buy a controlling stake of Vasco da GamaCredit: GettyEx-Arsenal sporting director Edu is expected to have an important role in Marinakis’ groupCredit: GettyVasco da Gama is among the most famous Brazilian clubsCredit: GettyMarinakis could add Vasco da Gama to his multi-club groupCredit: GettyThe Greek billionaire appears to be building his own global multi-club group as he’s long been linked with a takeover of Serie A’s Monza as well.According to The Telegraph, the businessman is now looking to add esteemed Brazilian outfit Vasco da Gama.And that will likely lead to a key role for former Arsenal sporting director Edu Gaspar.Edu resigned from the Emirates earlier this month after five successful years with the Gunners as he helped the team turn back into Premier League title contenders.Read More on FootballThe Brazilian chief has linked up with Marinakis and is expected to take over an unspecified role that would see him being in charge of Forest, Olympiacos and Rio Ave.If the ship owner, who saw Olympiacos become the first ever Greek European cup winners, is also successful in his bid for Vasco da Gama then Edu is also expected to be in charge of the Rio de Janeiro club.The Brazilian outfit was previously controlled by 777 Partners before their financial model collapsed earlier this year.The group is now under the control of US insurance giant A-Cap and the clubs are being sold.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSVasco da Gama have quite the Premier League element this season.Rafael Paiva’s side includes the likes of Philippe Coutinho and Dimitri Payet.Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis, Sky Sports Premiere LeagueEx-Liverpool star Coutinho plays on loan from Aston Villa and West Ham hero Dimitri Payet joined from Marseille this year.Ex-Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho plays for Vasco da Gama on loan from Aston VillaCredit: GettyWest Ham hero Dimitri Payet also joined Vasco da Gama this yearCredit: Getty More

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    Erling Haaland does pull ups on cliff edge and runs with wolves as Man City ace stars in insane Beats by Dre advert

    MANCHESTER CITY striker Erling Haaland takes centre stage in the latest Beats by Dre advert set in Norway.The short film shows of the 22-year-old’s incredible strength and endurance.Erling Haaland stars in the latest Beats by Dre campaignThe striker is seen doing pull-ups on the edge of a cliffThe striker ends the advert waking up under a blanket of snowIt opens with Haaland meditating among a pack of wolves in the forest before he embarks on a run through the Norwegian mountains.The striker is then seen jogging on a spinning log in the middle of a calm lake.He continues his workout by doing pull-ups on the edge of a cliff before chopping a pile of wood and walking across hot coals with his bare feet.It ends with Haaland waking up under a blanket of snow, putting on his sky blue headphones and staring down the camera.Read More in FootballThe ad is for Beats’ latest campaign titled: “Ordinary is for everyone else.”Haaland’s presence in the Premier League has been far from ordinary since he joined Man City two years ago.In his first season in England, the striker broke a record set by Andy Cole and Alan Shearer to become the highest-scoring Prem star in a single campaign.He already has two Golden Boots to his name, as well as two Premier League titles, the Champions League, the FA Cup and the UEFA Super Cup.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHaaland is understood to be in line to become the Prem’s top earner.The striker has reportedly been offered a new deal at Man City that will make him the highest-paid star in the history of England’s top flight.Pep Guardiola applauds ‘unbelievable’ Erling Haaland’s stunning acrobatic goal He currently earns £375,000-per-week at the Etihad, but City bosses are willing to up that to £500,000-per-week.The proposed deal allegedly runs until the end of the 2028-29 campaign.Who are these famous footballers? More

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    Man Utd XI for last trip to Ipswich includes professional tennis player and star who retired at 45

    MANCHESTER UNITED last faced Ipswich Town at Portman Road more than 20 years ago.But this Sunday Ruben Amorim gets his first taste of being United manager when they visit the Tractor Boys.Ruben Amorim is set for his first game in charge of Manchester United against Ipswich TownCredit: GettyThe Red Devils last played the Tractor Boys in the Premier League in 2002Credit: ReutersRoy Carroll was in goal for the Red DevilsCredit: PA:Press AssociationThe goalkeeper played his last game at the age of 45Credit: PacemakerThe Portuguese boss has replaced Erik ten Hag in the Old Trafford hot seat and got straight down to work in training.Amorim would love Sunday’s match to go the same way as the last league encounter between the clubs.That ended in a 1-0 away victory for United under Sir Alex Ferguson.Much has changed at the club since April 2002 – and obviously the starting XI.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHere is a look at the starting team from that match and what those players are up to…Roy CarrollIn goal for United was the Northern Irish stopper Carroll.He stayed at Old Trafford until 2005 and went on to have stints at West Ham, Rangers and Derby County.He continued his career abroad as he played for Danish outfit Odense Boldklub and Greek sides OFL and Olympiacos.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSCarroll returned to England in 2014 with Notts County and continued his career right up until 2021.However, he made a shock return to playing in 2023 – aged 45 – as he came out of retirement to play for Ballinamallard United in Northern Ireland.Ruben Amorim gives first Man Utd interview and reveals number one priority to revive fallen giantsPhil NevillePhil Neville started in the defence for United against Ipswich in 2002Credit: GettyHe is now the manager of Portland TimbersCredit: APNeville started the match against the Tractor Boys at left-back.The defender also stayed at the club until 2005, when he left for Everton.Neville was at the Toffees up until he retired in 2013 and moved into coaching roles at United and Valencia.In 2018, he was named the manager of the England Women’s team, stepping down in 2021.He then had a stint as the head coach of Canada and is now in charge of the MLS outfit Portland Timbers.Wes BrownWes Brown had established himself in the Red Devils squad by 2002Credit: PA:Press AssociationThe former defender declared bankruptcy in 2023Credit: GettyBrown was one of the two centre-backs in a defence that kept a clean sheet.He stayed at United until 2011 and went on to have spells at Sunderland, Blackburn and Indian side Kerala Blasters.The Englishman retired in 2018 and started a car firm.In 2023, he was declared bankrupt despite his £50,000-per-week wage during his career.John O’SheaJohn O’Shea played 394 times for Man UnitedCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdHe is now the assistant manager of the Republic of IrelandCredit: AlamyO’Shea partnered Brown in the heart of the defence.The Irishman also left the club in 2011 as he joined Brown at Sunderland.He stayed at the club until 2018 after suffering back-to-back relegations to League One.He retired in 2019 after a year with Reading and has most recently been the caretaker manager and assistant boss of the Republic of Ireland.Denis IrwinIrwin retired two years after the clash at Portman RoadCredit: PA:Press AssociationHe went on to work in the mediaCredit: SportsfileIrwin was coming to the end of his playing days when he lined up against Ipswich.He retired in 2004 after a two-year spell at Wolves.After hanging up his boots, the Irishman moved into the media and started working as a presenter for MUTV.He has gone on to become a columnist at Ireland’s Sunday World newspaper and a contributor to RTE.Nicky ButtNicky Butt played in the midfield that dayCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdHe was part of the group that invested in Salford CityCredit: PAButt was in the engine room against Ipswich.He stayed at United until 2004 then enjoyed a good spell at Newcastle until 2010.He retired in 2011 after playing for Hong Kong outfit South China.He most recently was CEO at Salford City but stepped down in October.Butt was one of the United legends that invested in Salford back in 2014.Michael StewartMichael Stewart only made seven league appearances for the clubCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdHe is now working in the media after a failed bid in politicsCredit: Kenny RamsayScotsman Stewart made one of his handful of Premier League appearances for United in this match.The midfielder left the club in 2005, having only made 14 appearances in all competitions.He spent the majority of his career in Scotland with Hibernian and Hearts of Midlothian.He ended his playing days back in England with Charlton Athletic in 2011.After retiring, Stewart entered politics as attempted to become the SNP candidate for Edinburgh West at the 2015 General Election but failed to win the party’s nomination.He has since worked as a pundit for BBC Scotland and for the Scottish Sun.Luke ChadwickLuke Chadwick was another piece in the midfield against IpswichCredit: Getty – ContributorHe has also worked in club mediaCredit: GettyChadwick was another part of Ferguson’s midfield.He left United in 2004 and continued playing until 2016.The midfielder had stints at clubs such as West Ham, Stoke City, Norwich City, MK Dons, and Cambridge Town before his final club Soham Town Rangers.He was most recently the Director of The Football Fun Factory, which is a coach provider, and he runs his own branch.Roy KeaneRoy Keane was one of the biggest stars at the club at the timeCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdHe is now a star pundit on Sky SportsCredit: GettyKeane was the final midfielder in the team at Portman Road.He controversially left United in 2005 for a single season at Celtic before retiring from playing.Keane then tried his hand at management with stints at Sunderland and Ipswich Town.He also coached under Martin O’Neill at the Republic of Ireland and Nottingham Forest.He has now become a fan-favourite pundit on Sky Sports with fans often hailing his analysis.Keane recently praised future son-in-law Taylor Harwood-Bellis after he scored on his England debut.Diego ForlanDiego Forlan struggled during his two years at Man UnitedCredit: ReutersHe has recently become a tennis playerCredit: EPAForlan, was one of two strikers to start the match, has possibly had the biggest career shift.The Uruguayan forward struggled to show his best form during his two-year spell at the Red Devils.He left in 2004 and went on to become one of the best in Europe during his stint at LaLiga sides Villarreal and Atletico Madrid.He retired from football in 2018, but that did not end his sporting career.Earlier this month, he was the wildcard entry into the 2024 Uruguay Open main doubles draw.However, he and his partner, Argentine Federico Coria, were beaten in straight sets.Ruud van NistelrooyRuud van Nistelrooy was the match-winner against Ipswich TownCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdHe was recently the interim coach at Man UnitedCredit: PAVan Nistelrooy was the match-winner against Ipswich with his 45th-minute goal.The Dutchman was one of the most prolific strikers during his time in the Premier League.He left Old Trafford in 2006 for Real Madrid and ended his career in 2012 at Malaga.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe former striker has since turned to coaching and was the interim boss at United following Erik ten Hag’s sacking.He won three of four games during his unbeaten time in charge of the club before he was axed by Amorim. 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    Premier League clubs fear huge delay to introducting semi-automated offsides amid concerns over major glitch

    PREM clubs fear the promised semi-automated offside technology may not now be introduced until NEXT season.Clubs agreed to bring in the system this term at their April meeting after Prem chiefs agreed a deal with US-based Genius Sports.Semi-automated offside technology is used in the Champions LeagueThe tech utilises ‘mesh tracking’ of 10,000-plus data pointsCredit: FIFAAt the time, it was announced that the new system would not be available until after one of the autumn international breaks.That was to ensure thorough testing of Genius’ system of 28 special cameras, which utilise “mesh tracking” of 10,000-plus data points on the surface of each player rather than the limb and skeletal tracking concepts used by Uefa and Fifa.Earlier this season, it was confirmed that more testing was required before Prem bosses could give the green light, with the introduction of the technology pushed back until after Christmas.But club bosses anticipate they will be told this week that they should not expect all the remaining wrinkles to be ironed out in time for the system to run live before the end of the season.READ MORE ON SPORTAn update from PGMOL and the Prem executive is due to discuss the current state of play amid concerns about semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) which were heightened in Spain before the international break.A glitch in the system used in La Liga meant Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski was wrongly ruled offside after scoring against Sociedad when a defender’s boot was mis-identified as being worn by the Polish striker.Barca sporting director Deco spoke about the decision after the game and suggested that another system is needed as a back up.He said: “I don’t think VAR, and not just because of this game, has fixed what in theory it was going to fix.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I don’t understand if it’s semi-automatic, not automatic, if someone has to press the button.”It’s like having a car and not knowing if it’s automatic, if it’s hybrid … someone will have to explain it to us.Fans left stunned at worst VAR offside line in history as they joke ‘absolutely NOT rigged’ – but all is not as it seemsRobert Lewandowski was failed by the technology earlier this seasonCredit: Getty”Why is it semi-automatic? I am lost. I still don’t know if the boots were yellow [Lewandowski’s] or black [Sociedad defender Nayef Aguerd’s].”We don’t want to go there because we don’t want excuses, but there’s a question: what happened?”Where’s the error occurred, if there’s an error? If not, no problem, but we need an explanation because we’re lost with what semi-automatic means.”If there’s an involvement from VAR, if the referee really can’t do anything.”If the semi-automatic system doesn’t work, then we need to return to another system. This isn’t a Barca issue, it’s about improvements for all teams.”Some things have improved, but in other areas we still have one person’s interpretation. We still have controversial decisions, like the one at (Real Sociedad’s ground) Anoeta on Sunday, which was probably incorrect.”Prem bosses want to ensure the new system is foolproof before its introduction although the delay after the pre-season promises are an embarrassment. More

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    Neymar buys £43million penthouse in exclusive Bugatti block in Dubai with private CAR elevator straight to his door

    NEYMAR has given his property portfolio the ultimate lift – just as his career could be on the way down.The Brazil legend swooped to buy a £43million penthouse in Dubai – complete with a private CAR elevator to his door.Bugatti Residences offers amazing luxury, even for DubaiCredit: BugattiNeymar has splashed out on a design that stands out from the restCredit: BugattiThe former Barcelona and PSG ace is struggling to return after injuryCredit: GettyDevelopers say the site is inspired by the French RivieraCredit: BugattiNeymar’s new purchase looks unique, even in money-laden DubaiCredit: BugattiNeymar’s Al-Hilal future is in doubt as injury has reduced him to seven appearances in 15 months on a £2.5m-a-week contract.But it hasn’t stopped the Saudi Pro League flop, 32, purchasing a futuristic mega-pad in the neighbouring United Arab Emirates that is jaw-dropping even by his standards of luxury.Building developer Binghatti say the 128-cap ex-Barcelona striker has snapped up one of the so-called Sky Mansions in the exclusive Bugatti Residences block.Naturally, there’s a private swimming pool with sweeping views of downtown Dubai.READ MORE FOOTBALL STORIESAnd there’s also no need to step out of your vehicle to rise to your own mansion – thanks to personal elevators.Binghatti say the setting “pays homage to the French Riviera”.They also boast: “Floor-to-ceiling windows flood each residence with natural light supported by high ceiling and open-plan living spaces, creating an airy and spacious atmosphere.”A fitness centre and members-only club are included too.Most read in FootballNeymar has spent big, despite doubts over his Middle East futureCredit: BugattiFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOpulence and innovation are in abundance at the exclusive residenceCredit: BugattiBut Al-Hilal will be more concerned about how often Neymar can appear on the pitch than how he will get on with his new neighbours when he’s in Dubai.There’s growing speculation the Saudi top-flight leaders are looking to offload the ex-PSG star, even before his contract expires next summer.Neymar breaks down in tears and reveals ‘each day I am away is a day of suffering’ after injury hellRejoining Barcelona was mentioned at one point, but most of the current talk involves a return to his home country.However, Palmeiras ruthlessly ruled out interest due to his fitness problems, with club president Leila Pereira saying they are “not a medical department”.And Neymar’s agent dampened rumours of a move to his first club Santos.But amid all his injury issues, one thing has remained stable for the three-time Champions League winner.That’s his opulent lifestyle and habits.Just weeks ago he purchased waterfront land in Miami for £20.5m.Inevitably, it sparked transfer links with David Beckham’s Inter Miami surged, notably the possibility of recreating Barcelona’s famous “MSN” front three with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.Neymar is also now back with his model partner Bruna Biancardi, the mother of his daughter Mavie.The couple are far from coy in sharing pictures from private jets and exotic holidays.He’s reportedly lined up his own £7m private island off the coast of Brazil.The Canadian owner of the six-acre hideaway off a port town in Rio de Janeiro is said to have cut the price by more than £3m.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut that would still mean Neymar having to dig deep for about… three weeks’ pay.However, he has always insisted playing football is his greatest stimulation – so the priority is to press the button on his future and rise again.The distinctive property includes personal elevators to ‘transport vehicles’Credit: BugattiHere’s how the huge residence looks to its ‘neighbours’Credit: Bugatti More