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      Lost lads are filling void with callous, manipulative & toxic influencers like Andrew Tate, warns Sir Gareth Southgate

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      FORMER England manager Sir Gareth Southgate has lashed out at “manipulative and toxic influencers” — and insisted young males need better role models.He said teenage boys are spending too much time gaming, gambling and watching pornography, and risk falling under the spell of internet personalities like vile Andrew Tate.Sir Gareth Southgate has lashed out at ‘manipulative and toxic influencers’Credit: BBCHe said teenage boys risk falling under the spell of internet personalities like the vile Andrew TateCrossbow killer Kyle Clifford was under the influence of misogyny ‘poster boy’ TateCredit: PASir Gareth, 54, spoke out after it was revealed crossbow killer Kyle Clifford was under the influence of misogyny “poster boy” Tate, 38, when he murdered his ex-girlfriend, her mum and her sister.His comments, at the BBC’s annual Richard Dimbleby Lecture, also come as Netflix hit Adolescence, starring Stephen Graham and teen Owen Cooper, highlights toxic masculinity.The Centre for Social Justice also released a “Lost Boys” report about the problem.Sir Gareth said many young men end up “searching for direction” and fill the void with a “new kind of role model who do not have their best interest at heart”.read more on gareth southgateHe said: “These are callous, manipulative and toxic influencers, whose sole drive is for their own gain.“They willingly trick young men into believing that success is measured by money or dominance, never showing emotion, and that the world, including women, is against them.“They are as far away as you could possibly get from the role models our young men need in their lives.”Sir Gareth delivered the 46th Richard Dimbleby Lecture at the University of London.Most read in FootballIt has been held in honour of the broadcaster most years since 1972.Previous speakers have included King Charles and Bill Gates.In his speech, Sir Gareth continued: “As real-world communities and mentorship declines, young men end up withdrawing, reluctant to talk or express their emotions.Stephen Graham and Ashley Walters’ acclaimed drama Adolescence smashes huge Netflix record by DOUBLE after taking world by storm“They spend more time online searching for direction and are falling into unhealthy alternatives like gaming, gambling and pornography.“And this void is filled by a new kind of role model who do not have their best interest at heart.”Sir Gareth, who led England to two Euros finals, added: “Young men are suffering. “They’re feeling isolated. “They’re grappling with their masculinity and with their broader place in society.“We need leaders to set the right tone — to be the role models we want for our young men.“We have to show young men that character is more important than status; that how you treat others is more important than how much money you make.“That values matter — courage, humility and integrity over selfishness, greed, arrogance. “The culture we create today will shape the kind of men that we inherit tomorrow.”During his speech, the former centre-back spoke about his penalty miss in England’s 1996 Euros semi-final defeat to Germany.Gareth consoles Jude Bellingham after England’s loss to Spain in the Euro 2024 finalCredit: AlamyHe said: “Missing that penalty was undoubtedly a watershed moment that made me a stronger, better man. “It forced me to dig deep and revealed an inner belief and resilience I never knew existed.”Sir Gareth stepped down as England boss last July, two days after England lost to Spain in the Euro 2024 final in Germany.He was credited with reviving the Three Lions’ flagging fortunes and was then knighted in the New Year Honours for services to football.Sir Gareth also referred to the Centre for Social Justice report, which warned young men were “in crisis” amid an increase in those not in education, employment or training.He said: “Too many young men are isolated. Too many feel uncomfortable opening up to friends or family. “Many don’t have mentors — teachers, coaches, bosses — who understand how best to push them to grow.“And so, when they struggle, young men inevitably try to handle whatever situation they find themselves in alone. “Young men end up withdrawing, reluctant to talk or express their emotions.”The former Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and Middlesbrough star also warned that young men are often denied the chance to fail — and learn from their mistakes.He said: “If we make life too easy for young boys now, we will inevitably make life harder when they grow up to be young men.“Too many are at risk of fearing failure, because they’ve had too few opportunities to experience and overcome it. “They fail to try, rather than try and fail. “If I’ve learned anything from my life in football, it’s that success is much more than the final score.“True success is how you respond in the hardest moments.”Sir Gareth recently visited the “brilliant” OnSide youth zone in Oldham. He said: “I saw children from all backgrounds playing, talking, having fun. READ MORE SUN STORIES”There was online gaming but no one was on it.“If we can create the right environments for [youngsters] they will still want to go and play and that might be a very important message.”Owen Cooper in Netflix’s Adolescence, which highlights toxic masculinityCredit: Courtesy of Netflix. More

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      Former Premier League star sacked by Crawley in 62-word statement with League One side 12 points adrift of safety

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      CRAWLEY TOWN have sacked manager Rob Elliot amid an intense relegation scrap.Elliot, 38, took over as Crawley boss just five months ago.Crawley Town have sacked manager Rob Elliot just five months after he took overCredit: RexElliot leaves with Crawley 12 points away from safety in League OneCredit: RexAnd he leaves with the club a massive 12 points away from safety in League One.The former Premier League ace managed 33 matches but lost 19 and only won six.Crawley released a short statement thanking the ex-Newcastle goalkeeper.The Red Devils also announced that Louis Storey will take over as interim manager, with Anthony Sweeney as an interim assistant.Read More on FootballCrawley released the following statement: “Crawley Town Football Club has today parted company with Manager Rob Elliot.”Louis Storey will take control of the squad as Interim Head Coach, with Anthony Sweeney supporting him as Interim Assistant Head Coach.”The club would like to thank Rob for all of his efforts during his time at the Broadfield Stadium and wish him all the best for the future.”Crawley was the second team Elliot managed as he was also in charge of Gateshead where he also played beforehand.Most read in EFLThis comes after a 20-year playing career for the likes of Charlton, Newcastle and Watford.The former keeper stood out with the Magpies where he spent nine years and amassed 68 appearances.My dad’s a former Premier League star and TV presenter – I’m making my own way after transfer to League One clubThat was after seven years with Charlton where he played 109 times between the sticks.Elliot also registered four caps with the Republic of Ireland before his retirement last year. More

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      Newcastle settle kit war with controversial ex-owner Mike Ashley after Sports Direct BANNED from selling Toon shirts

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      NEWCASTLE UNITED have settled a kit war with former owner Mike Ashley.The Sports Direct chief took his former club to court after his shops were banned from selling official Toon kit.Newcastle’s kit war with Mike Ashley has been sealed in courtCredit: AlamyThe Toon ended their 70-year wait for silverware on SundayCredit: RexHe also lodged a £1.5million claim against the St James’ Park side.Ashley’s store has been unable to flog this season’s kit – with fans only able to snap them up from the club’s official store, adidas and JD Sports.His losses from the ban are likely to have increased after the club lifted the Carabao Cup at the weekend.Newcastle’s win ended their 70-year trophy drought – and fans will be eager to snap up the historic kits.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRecent club accounts revealed the club was “confident of success in the case.”However, Newcastle, adidas and JD Sports have now reached a confidential agreement with Ashley and Sports Direct.The agreement – called a ‘Tomlin Order’ – is legally binding and enforceable if either side doesn’t stick to it.Sports Direct lawyers had previously said preventing the “home of football supplies” from selling cheaper shirts would harm fans.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe Sports Direct boss sold the club to a Saudi-led consortium in 2021.Newcastle were approached for comment.Fans think the Wealdstone Raider is a time traveller after his incredible Newcastle Carabao Cup prediction goes viral More

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      ‘I think it’s very different’ – John Terry reveals how Cole Palmer is ‘leading’ Chelsea in unorthodox way

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      COLE PALMER is leading Chelsea by example, according to the club’s greatest ever captain.John Terry has been blown away by Palmer’s performances – even though the forward has not scored in two months.Chelsea star Cole Palmer is leading by example, says John TerryCredit: GettyTerry has been blown away by Palmer’s performances despite his recent strugglesCredit: PATerry, 44, works as a coach at his beloved Blues’ academy and witnessed first hand how deceptively strong wispish-looking Palmer is with the way he outstripped his team-mates in a recent bleep test at the training ground.Terry, speaking in a tell-all interview with SunSport, said: “He probably doesn’t think, ‘I’m a leader here’, but he’s leading the group and going, again, there’s my standards.”This is the standard you probably need to get up to. You need to get as fit as me to stay longer in the game and all of that. So it’s those bits.“He’s probably leading the way he likes to lead. A lot of players do that.Read More on Chelsea”From afar people look at captains and leadership as if you’ve got to be that big vocal guy, screaming, shouting, barking orders. “I think it’s very different. A lot of players now do it in the way they’re playing. He certainly falls under that category.”He’s been incredible for us. He’s taken a lot of the heat in terms of our dip, but also in terms of our first part of the season. “It was probably all him, with his goals, with his contribution, with the work rate, with everything Chelsea were doing well. It revolved around him.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford Bridge”Teams have obviously identified that he’s the big threat and there needs to be a real focus. So that’s come into play. Chelsea have had a dip also.”Palmer was threatening to take the Premier League Golden Boot award at his height this season after scoring 14 goals but has fallen away in recent weeks – like the whole Chelsea team who were once considered title contenders.Cole Palmer’s girlfriend Connie Grace opens up on their relationship for the first time in new documentary He missed his first penalty in 15 for club and country in the 1-0 win over struggling Leicester earlier this month but it was then revealed he had insisted on playing despite suffering with stomach problems.Terry said: “He’s personally not in his best form, but in terms of the quality that he brings to us, he’s just a fantastic player to have.”Do I think he’ll come back to his best? Of course he will. He’s an incredible talent and he’ll continue to show those signs as well.”John Terry was speaking on Chelsea and the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup. Watch every game from the FIFA Club World Cup on DAZN for free. Sign up today:  https://www.dazn.com/competition/Competition:dc4k1xh2984zbypbnunk7ncic More

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      Ex-Man Utd star Mason Greenwood ‘could be AXED by Marseille in summer’ after De Zerbi said he ‘wasn’t showing enough’

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      MASON GREENWOOD could be on his way out of Marseille this summer following a “lack of effort”, according to reports.Greenwood, 23, has fallen out of favour in France after his “attitude” was called into question by manager Roberto De Zerbi this month.Mason Greenwood could be sold by Marseille this summerCredit: GettyThe forward, who joined Marseille from Manchester United in the summer, had been a regular starter for The Olympians all season, but had had to settle for cameos from the bench against Lens and PSG in recent weeks.And manager De Zerbi seemed to hint that things need to change if Greenwood wants to keep his place in the side.The former Brighton boss said: “No one can have more respect for him than I do.”But that doesn’t change anything: I expect more from him. He has to do more, because what he is currently showing is not enough.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”If he wants to achieve his ambition of becoming a champion, he has to be more consistent, sacrifice more and be more determined.”Greenwood remains Ligue 1’s second top scorer this season and has had a stellar first year in the French top flight.However, RMC reporter Florent Germain, via BFM Marseille explained that if the one-time England international doesn’t react to De Zerbi’s comments he could be sold at the end of the season.He said: “He is a player that can make a big difference but honestly, if he doesn’t react, questions will be asked about a departure for Greenwood this summer.”Most read in FootballMarseille manager Roberto De Zerbi has called on Mason Greenwood to make changesCredit: AFPJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordRMC Sport have also reported that there is a a perceived “lack of effort” and “nonchalance” with Greenwood’s “attitude” inside the club.Greenwood was linked to a number of different clubs last summer with the likes of Barcelona, PSG and Juventus all rumoured to be keen on the star in the past.Ex Man Utd star Mason Greenwood welcomes 2nd child with partner Harriet Robson after starting new life in FranceAnd despite already raking in £27m for their academy graduate, Man Utd could be in line for another financial boost if Greenwood is flogged in the summer.The Red Devils are thought to have included a 50 PER CENT sell-on clause in the bagsman’s contract – meaning they will earn half of any profits that Marseille get from a sale. More

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      John Terry warns Chelsea fans it could be FIVE YEARS before club compete for a title and urges them to be ‘very patient’

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      JOHN TERRY believes it could be “three to five years” before Chelsea celebrate another Premier League title.But despite spending more than £1billion on new players he has also called for patience from fans desperate to see the Blues dominating English football again.John Terry warned Chelsea fans it could be a long wait for another Premier League titleCredit: Getty Images – GettyThe Blues are in a transition period this season after massive spending on transfersCredit: GettyTerry embodies the most successful period in Chelsea history with his immense haul of trophies from a glittering 19-year career as captain, leader and legend as the supporters say.In a wide-ranging interview in which he also hailed Cole Palmer’s leadership, Dan Burn’s heroics and gave his view on Thomas Tuchel as England boss, five-time Prem champion Terry said: “In terms of where we were 20 years ago, we’re not there. But we’re in a transition period. “As ex-players and fans we need to be very patient with that. And I say that with a ‘very’ in front of it because I think we’re three to five years off competing for the Premier League in my opinion.“But it was always going to be a process. When you sign young players – and we lost a bit of experience with Thiago Silva and those guys last year – there was going to be a process. “Even at the start of the season when things were going well, I expected a little drop from the players just because of that lack of experience and the game time. “So I’m comfortable with the direction we’re going in.”Man City have been off it this year but they’re still a top side. “As long as we keep seeing progression and closing the gap towards Liverpool, Arsenal, Man City, because they’ve got to be the targets for everyone.”Join SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford BridgeThe only trophy Terry, 44, failed to collect during his time at Stamford Bridge – which spanned three decades – was Fifa’s Club World Cup.Chelsea and Manchester City are the two English representatives at the revamped 32-team tournament in the USA this summer. ‘Reminded me of Gerrard at Liverpool’ – Cole Palmer told he needs to LEAVE Chelsea and has outgrown the club alreadyWhere once it was seen as a two-week exhibition event in the Middle East, the best sides in Europe and the rest of the world will be on display.Terry works two days a week at the renowned Chelsea academy which launched him on the road to stardom.He believes the Club World Cup can be a springboard for the youngest squad in the top flight this season aged 23 ½ to gain valuable experience in the hunt for future glory.The former centre-back said: “If there’s one thing in the group you miss, it’s probably a bit of experience. As ex-players and fans we need to be very patient. And I say that with a ‘very’ in front of it because I think we’re three to five years off competing for the Premier League in my opinion.John Terry“So adding that on with competing and adding better players to the squad every year, playing in this Club World Cup is going to give the club £52million. That helps towards buying another player, another striker maybe, or defender, goalkeeper, midfielder, whatever that looks like.“We’re a big club, that’s what we’ve represented over the last 20 years. We want to be part of that.“We want to be competing against the best sides. It goes back to this, the Fifa Club World Cup. You want to be competing against the best sides, the best teams, the best players and testing yourself. And Chelsea are used to that.“It’s the trophy that passed me by. One I didn’t win. As players, you want to win all the trophies possible and test yourself against the best players and best teams. “This gives you the opportunity to do that.  People’s perception of it is new and people don’t like change. It’s going to take time.”Cole Palmer is a ‘leader’ in the Chelsea teamCredit: GettyThe forward sets the example – and not just with his goalscoringCredit: GettyIf Chelsea are to get their hands on the Club World Cup – and more importantly the Premier League trophy in years to come – JT knows Palmer will play a key role.But while many will immediately think of Palmer’s goals and assists, even amid a two-month goal drought and first missed penalty, Chelsea’s greatest-ever captain is impressed by his leadership. Terry witnessed first hand how deceptively strong wispish-looking Palmer is with the way he outstripped his team-mates in a recent bleep test at the training ground.JT added: “He probably doesn’t think, ‘I’m a leader here’, but he’s leading the group with his standards – ‘This is the standard you probably need to get up to. You need to get as fit as me.'”From afar people look at captains and leadership as if you’ve got to be that big vocal guy, screaming, shouting, barking orders. I think it’s very different now. “A lot of players now do it in the way they’re playing. He certainly falls under that category. Cole’s probably leading the way he likes to lead. “He’s been incredible for us. He’s taken a lot of the heat in terms of our dip, but also in terms of our first part of the season.From afar people look at captains and leadership as if you’ve got to be that big vocal guy, screaming, shouting, barking orders. I think it’s very different now.John Terry”It was probably all him, with his goals, contributions, work rate. Everything Chelsea were doing well revolved around him.”Teams have obviously identified that he’s the big threat and there needs to be a real focus.” Another man who is proving to be a big threat is Newcastle’s Burn, who opened the scoring in the Carabao Cup final win just days after receiving his maiden England call-up.And Chelsea-mad Terry reckons Blyth-born Burn’s love for the Toon is a brilliant advert for football. Terry, who played 717 times for the Blues after joining the club aged 14, said: “I know Dan and see him every now and then. I am just delighted for him because obviously Newcastle means to him what Chelsea means to me.”When you’re that player and it’s your club growing up that you’ve loved and everything it means the world to you.”All of us at the weekend were Newcastle supporters. It’s great to see. “Newcastle are probably Premier League supporters’ second team everyone loves. I think they’re really exciting to watch.”Big Dan’s been brilliant as well. I’m delighted for him to get called up to the England side as well. “He obviously has a real threat at set plays. “He’s done great and been really consistent over the last couple of years with Newcastle. Being part of that journey back to where they want to be, I am so delighted for him.”Dan Burn’s love for Newcastle is brilliant for footballCredit: AFPBurn received his first England call-up from new manager Thomas TuchelCredit: GettyBurn is part of Tuchel’s first squad since replacing Gareth Southgate as Three Lions boss.The former Chelsea boss was a controversial selection as the German got the nod over English candidates, including Burn’s club boss Eddie Howe, but has been brought in with the sole goal of winning the World Cup next year.Terry crossed paths with Tuchel during his 18-month stint as Chelsea boss from January 2021 to September 2022 – which included lifting the Champions League. Patriotic JT admits it is an adjustment having an England manager who hails from one of our great sporting rivals. But he believes the next generation of England coaches could mature while Tuchel is in charge.Terry said: “It wouldn’t be top of my list, but we’ve had foreign managers before, not German, but being England we have to get the best.ENGLISH WINNERS OF THE CLUB WORLD CUPFOUR English sides have won the Fifa Club World Cup – including Chelsea2008 – Manchester United (beat LDU Quito 1-0)2019 – Liverpool (beat Flamengo 1-0)2021 – Chelsea (beat Palmeiras 2-1 aet)2023 – Manchester City (beat Fluminense 4-0)”If the FA identify him as being the best, whether he’s from Brazil or Germany or wherever, let’s get him. “Have we got the level of coaches at that top, top level that have won major trophies and Champions Leagues? No, we haven’t. “We saw Eddie Howe winning the other day, which is really refreshing.”We see Frank Lampard doing well, so really setting the tone for the next generation of managers and young English managers need to be encouraged by that.”Hopefully one day we can have the best English manager as the England manager. “As a country, we need to be getting the best. Tuchel falls in that category, so absolutely why not? He’s a very good coach as well.” Terry is enjoying seeing pal Frank Lampard succeed at CoventryCredit: AFP – GettyThe former England skipper will keep a close eye on how Tuchel gets on with the Three LionsCredit: PA More

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      ‘I’ll never speak to them again’ – Phil Jones opens up on emotional moment he quit Man Utd WhatsApp group after retiring

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      PHIL JONES says leaving the England and Manchester United WhatsApp groups were some of the most difficult moments of retirement.The 33-year-old left boyhood club Blackburn Rovers to sign for Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United and won the Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League.Phil Jones retired from professional football in AugustCredit: ReutersThe defender has recalled leaving the Man Utd WhatsApp groupCredit: GettyJones spent 12 years at Old Trafford and also won 27 caps for the Three Lions, but after a number of injury struggles he called time on his playing career last summer.Discussing the hardest parts of retirement, he revealed that departing the WhatsApp groups was one of the toughest.Jones said: “Believe it or not, it was quite emotional. I’d been on the WhatsApp for years and banter and you’re sending people pictures and all sorts.“I remember sitting in the bedroom going like, ‘Lads, it’s been a pleasure and blah blah blah. Some I’ve played with a lot, some I’ve only just met, but it’s been an absolute pleasure. I wish you all the best and I’ll be your biggest supporters.’ It was a tough moment actually.Read More in Football“Do you know what I gave it a minute and there was no response. I was like ‘gone, gone, gone, I’m gone!’ No-one cares. But that’s it. It’s football. “Things move so quickly and people come in. I played with people for six years. I will never see them again. I’ll never speak to them again.”Jones admitted he could not watch football for the first six months, saying: “I found myself getting really bitter towards the game and that’s not who I was, but I needed that time to reflect and come to terms with what happened and how it happened. “I look back now and I’m in a great place.”Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordJones then embarked on a return to the game, doing a football directorship course and then completing his Uefa coaching A Licence while working with United’s U18 squad.He sat down with SunSport while doing his FA Pro licence badge at St George’s Park last week and said: “It was nice for the first few weeks, but then after that I was getting itchy feet and ready to embark on something, which is why I went down the director’s route just to give me a different sort of focus to football. Phil Jones reveals how Sir Alex Ferguson convinced him to sign for Man Utd “But my bread and butter is on the grass and it’s what I really enjoy doing. I know exactly what I want to do, where I want to be.“I’m ambitious as I was as a player. I wanted to play at the highest level, compete against the best players in the world.“I love being out on the grass, working with kids, watching players develop. Whether that’s at United, or that’s elsewhere, I love watching new players come through. “I’ve been lucky enough to help out with U18s at United, which has given me a different perspective on the game now.“I don’t watch a game any more, you’re analysing it a little bit differently. I love the game. I love everything about it. I love being involved in it.”It’s given me a purpose and I’m really ambitious and it’s something that I really want to go into.”Jones has seen the likes of Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard both endure difficulties in the dug-out but is still determined to do it rather than earn an easier living as a pundit.He added: “I just feel that I’ve got too much to offer with the managers I played under and the players I played with just to go, you know what, I’ll leave it there.I found myself getting really bitter towards the game and that’s not who I was“I want to be involved. I love being involved. The media work I’ve enjoyed. I’ve enjoyed it more than I actually thought I would but my bread and butter is certainly on the grass and coaching and going into that.“Listen, I’m not naive enough to think that I’m going to become a head coach or a manager in the next two or three years. “I understand that now I’m on the other side of the ladder where I’ve got to work myself up and build myself up. But I’m absolutely ready to do that and my family knows that.“When I visualise and try to manifest where I want to be in five years time, absolutely, I want to be the guy taking the team. “I want to be the guy making the decisions and having support and backing from the club and the owners and choosing that right moment to step in at that time.“I want to win games of football and I win at all costs. Whether that means I have to change personnel, whether that means I have to go down a different route to get results. It’s a results business game. Of course we all want to play expansive, attractive football but it doesn’t always work like that.”Jones, who had awful luck with injuries in his career, also backed Luke Shaw to bounce back from his “terrible” spell on the sidelines.Jones coached United’s Under-18 team for a seasonCredit: GettyHe said: “I feel so sorry for Mason (Mount) and Luke. The feeling for me was almost an embarrassed feeling.“You’re at Man United, the biggest club in the world and all you want to do is play football. “I love playing football, I just loved playing football like a little kid, and when you can’t do something, you have something taken away from you, it’s difficult to deal with.“You have the fans, you have social media. I can absolutely sympathise with them.“What I would say is they’ve got to come back to a state where they feel comfortable playing. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Medical staff these days will always try and promote you to come back sooner, but they’ve got to feel right in themselves, feel confident that they’re ready to come back and play and compete at a high level.“I absolutely sympathise with them. It’s a really, really terrible and tough place to be.”Man Utd ratings vs LeicesterMANCHESTER UNITED leapfrogged Tottenham into 13th in the Premier League by beating Leicester.Rasmus Hojlund was left to run in behind and shoot low into the bottom corner from an angle to open the scoring on 28 minutes.The Danish striker had not found the net since December 12 – a run of 21 matches.Alejandro Garnacho saw a goal chalked off for offside but there was no taking his snap-shot finish off him on 67 minutes.And skipper Bruno Fernandes rounded off the comfortable 3-0 win in style in the closing stages.Here’s how SunSport’s Graham Hill rated the Man Utd stars. More

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      Man City’s Erling Haaland splashes out on rare £4m Bugatti with 277mph top speed, space-age features & iconic doors

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      SUPER-RICH soccer ace Erling Haaland has ordered an incredible Bugatti dream car for £4 million.The Manchester City striker – who recently penned a record nine-and-a-half-year £200 million contract – is buying a space age Bugatti Tourbillon.The Bugatti Tourbillon has a price tag of $4 million and a 1,800 horsepower engineCredit: GettyErling Braut Haaland of the Norwegian national football team during a training session in MarbellaCredit: RexIts 1,800 horsepower petrol and electric hybrid V16 engine catapults the sleek supercar to 62mph in an astonishing two seconds and rockets on to 124mph in five seconds.And the monster motor – which features iconic “butterfly” doors – has a top speed of 277mph.Norwegian superstar Haaland, 24, has joined forces with billionaire car collector pal Ole Ertvaag to snap up one of just 250 Tourbillons being made by the legendary Italian firm.The ultra exclusive model has a list price of around £3.2 million but Haaland and his co-buyer will fork out a fortune in tax owing to Norway’s strict low emissions laws.Read more SportThey are also expected to pay huge sums on customising the car – which will be crafted and styled to their exact specifications.Tycoon Ertvaag – a season ticket holder at City rivals Manchester United – has a fleet of supercars and insists on registering them all in his native Norway.More than 90 per cent of all new cars sold in the uber-green Scandinavian nation are now all-electric thanks to heavy charges levied on petrol vehicles.The pair are now planning to register their Tourbillon in Norway before April 1 when laws change to push import taxes of petrol-driven hybrid vehicles even higher.Most read in FootballA Norwegian source told The Sun: “The taxes will push the cost of the car to £4 million provided it’s registered in time.“But the cost is not a deal breaker for people as rich as Erling Haaland and he will love the chance of being able to drive his Bugatti on trips back home.How Man Utd could clinch a win in Fulham FA Cup clash – Expert’s best bets | Weekend Wager“It’s a truly amazing car both in terms of looks and performance – and the only question remaining is whether it will be delivered in sky blue Man City colours.”Powerhouse Haaland – who has bagged 29 goals for City this season – and fellow investor Ertvaag, 62, bought a £2.62 million Mercedes AMG together last year.The pair are both from the Rogaland region of Norway and share a passion for fast cars and football and already have joint property investments, along with Erling’s ex-city star dad Alfie.Erlings’ new Bugatti is set to become the star car collection, which already includes a Rolls-Royce Cullinan. A Mercedes AMG, a Ferrari Monza SP2, a Range Rover Sport and an Audi RS6 Avant Quattro.Erling Haaland pictured playing for Manchester City during a Premier LeagueCredit: Getty More