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      Eagle-eyed fans spot Erling Haaland’s subtle dig at Myles Lewis-Skelly after Arsenal kid’s red card vs West Ham

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      MANCHESTER CITY superstar Erling Haaland appears to have trolled Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly as their bitter feud continues.Haaland, 24, sparked quite an intense rivalry with the Gunners in September when City drew 2-2 with their unlikely rivals at the Etihad.Manchester City star Erling Haaland appears to have trolled Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-SkellyCredit: Instagram @city_xtraLewis-Skelly trolled Haaland during Arsenal’s victory over Man CityCredit: GettyLewis-Skelly mimicked Haaland’s signature meditation celebrationCredit: APThe star striker scored the opener and threw the ball at opponent Gabriel Magalhaes’ head after John Stones’ last-gasp equaliser.After the full-time whistle, the Norway international got into an angry spat with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and told him to “stay humble”.That sparked a feisty confrontation with the North Londoners’ Gabriel Jesus, who tried to calm Haaland down.Lewis-Skelly, 18, also got involved in the confrontation after his debut and drew the ire of the Norwegian star who looked at him with disdain before mouthing off: “Who the f*** are you?”Read More on ArsenalThe versatile defender got some revenge in the second leg earlier this month as he helped Arsenal pick up a dominant 5-1 victory over the reigning Premier League champions.Lewis-Skelly scored his team’s third goal and mocked Haaland by mimicking his signature meditation celebration.Arsenal used that win to get even with the outspoken Man City star, who was booed by the home crowd throughout the match.Gabriel also laughed at his face after Martin Odegaard’s opener and the Emirates’ DJ played Kendrick Lamar’s 2017 track HUMBLE at full-time.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut now the pendulum has swung back in Haaland’s favour after the Gunners’ title hopes were dealt a devastating blow on Saturday.Arteta’s side lost 1-0 to London rivals West Ham at home and failed to cut the deficit with leaders Liverpool down to five points.Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey gives his verdict on Myles Lewis-Skelly’s red card vs West HamAnd Lewis-Skelly suffered a day to forget as he was sent off for a foul on Mohammed Kudus.The Arsenal academy graduate was initially shown a yellow card but a VAR review upgraded the card as he was deemed to have denied Kudus a goalscoring opportunity and was given his marching orders.Some West Ham fans decided to rub salt into their rivals’ wounds by imitating Haaland’s meditation celebration outside the Emirates in an apparent attempt to mock Lewis-Skelly.The Hammers’ supporters posted the pic on Instagram and the ex-Borussia Dortmund star “liked” it.Haaland appears to have taken one more swipe at Arsenal after the stick he took in north London.However, it is also possible the ex-Red Bull Salzburg star was just pleased to see fans paying tribute to his celebration…Haaland liked a post of West Ham fans trolling Lewis-Skelly outside the EmiratesCredit: GettyLewis-Skelly was sent off during Arsenal’s defeat to West HamCredit: Getty More

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      Jesse Lingard reels off FIVE different celebrations after ex-Man Utd star scores bizarre goal in South Korea

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      JESSE LINGARD performed FIVE celebrations after scoring his first goal of the season as FC Seoul defeated Anyang 2-1 on Saturday.With the K League running from February to November, Lingard and Co have been hoping to get off to a good start.Jesse Lingard was thrilled after scoring his side’s opening goalCredit: RexLingard, 32, dabbed in front of the fansCredit: RexThe former Man Utd star excitedly performed several different celebrationsCredit: RexHaving been appointed FC Seoul’s club captain, Lingard was disappointed as his side slumped to a 2-0 opening day defeat to Jeju United last weekend.But he played an integral role in getting his side off the mark in their home opener, scoring on 49 minutes against local rivals Anyang.On first viewing it appeared that Lingard had brilliantly lobbed the goalkeeper from the edge of the box.But upon further inspection it emerged that the ball had actually been kicked off the former Manchester United man by a defender, before looping into the back of the net.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRegardless of how it went in, thrilled Lingard ran straight to the fans to celebrate.The delighted star initially stuck his tongue out, before performing a dab.He then switched up to a shrug before producing his trademark “J-Lingz” hand gesture.Lingard hugged a pair of team-mates and, for his fifth an final celebration, threw in another dance move.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSLingard also celebrated alongside a team-mateCredit: RexHaving endured a difficult start last year, the former England international is now thriving in South Korea.After yesterday’s match, a fan pointed out on social media: “Shows he is serious about trying to have an impact in Korea as a whole and not just a media move.”Watch Jesse Lingard score screamer as former Man Utd star proves he’s still got it in South Korean league In a recent interview with the Independent, Lingard opened up on how he has found adapting to life in Asia.He said: “I didn’t know what to expect but seeing the love and appreciation really settled me down and got my confidence up.”I started getting a couple of assists, a couple of goals. When people ask for pictures, I always try.”When you finish your career, and you’re not getting the applause you’re used to, it can really hit you. I feel like just enjoying every moment.”Lingard, 32, also revealed that he cried after his final Man Utd training session, as well as opening up on his relationship with Jose Mourinho.FC Seoul are next in action on March 2, when they host Gimcheon Sangmu, a team made up entirely of players completing their mandatory military service, at Seoul World Cup Stadium.The former England star has adapted well to life in South KoreaCredit: Getty More

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      ‘The problem wasn’t him, it was the coaching’ – Inside Antony’s career revival after leaving Man Utd hell for Real Betis

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      MANCHESTER UNITED outcast Antony is back on the road to glory – all thanks to a manager still hailed as an Etihad hero.The Brazilian winger finally found an escape route from his Old Trafford hell with a six-month move to Real Betis in January.Antony has found his goalscoring boots at Real BetisMan Utd flop Antony looks a far happier prospect playing in La LigaCredit: PAThree goals in his first four games made him an immediate hit with fans, in a flying start to life in La Liga.According to one Betis legend, it is all because Antony’s new gaffer has put the freedom and fun back in his game…and that man is ex-City boss Manuel Pellegrini.The Chilean manager has an eternal place in the hearts of City fans as the man who led them to the title in the season always remembered for Steven Gerrard’s slip.And Antony should be just as thankful at swapping the shackles and stress of United for a boss who believes in him again.Read more football newsGabino Rodriguez is a Betis great, after nearly 200 games for his boyhood club, and the man who had a key role in David de Gea’s career during his days as Spain’s Under-21 coach.Now a respected pundit, Rodriguez is convinced Antony has struck gold and in the perfect place to rediscover the form which made him one of the world’s top wide boys.Rodriguez insisted: “It is obviously a bit too soon for a full assessment, but this footballer has class, no doubt about it. Technically he is a very gifted player.“The initial impression is he’s landed on his feet at Betis. He scored in his first game, I can see hunger in him and the fans are very happy.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“Personally I have no doubts that Antony will adapt really well to Pellegrini’s system because the manager likes to play attacking football.“Betis continuously go down the wings and Antony is the type of player who suits this coach well.Antony leaves Man Utd with more yellow cards than goals as £86m Ten Hag flop goes down as one of worst transfers ever“Under another one he would struggle in all aspects, and that’s what happened at United. For me, Antony’s problem wasn’t him, but a coaching one.”While Pellegrini – replaced by Pep Guardiola in 2016 – had a cautious public profile, his side were full of in-your-face flair, hitting 102 goals as he led City to their second Prem crown.It is an approach he has stuck with in four years at Betis, and Rodriguez reckons Antony couldn’t have a better manager to get him back to the top.He added: “Watching how he has developed in the few matches he’s played so far, I think he’s one for a very distinct kind of coach – and the clearest and closest example is Pellegrini.“There are others who take a more defensive approach and focus more on running and marking or covering.“They are the ones who tend to have a more direct style and use long balls. Players like Antony completely disappear in those sort of matches.”The born-again Brazilian is a world away from the one which left Manchester without starting a Premier League game all season.Ruben Amorim decided to let Antony leave on loan in JanuaryCredit: GettyBrazilians Vitor Roque and Antony have developed a good relationship on the pitchCredit: RexInsiders say he is already a popular figure in the dressing room, and a squad containing another couple from his homeland made settling in much easier.Rodriguez revealed: “He has a very good relationship with his compatriot Natan and don’t forget Victor Roque is also Brazilian.“There are other South Americans like Giovanni Lo Celso, Cucho Hernandez and Chimmy Avila too, which does help at the start when you are in a new place.“I’m told Antony has been well-received in the team and didn’t walk in with an air of superiority just because he came from United.“He’s been quite the opposite, very humble, with a real eagerness to work. Things like that are highly valued at Betis.“Antony just needed the type of coach who could spark him – and under Erik ten Hag and now Ruben Amorin, everything surrounding United looked like a funeral.”Antony has scored three times in four games for Real BetisPrevious Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag failed to get the best out of the £80m signingCredit: GettyWhether Betis have the cash to turn the loan move into a permanent one is debatable. Rodriguez reckons they will certainly give it a go.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe added: “I believe there is no definite buying option to his loan, but if he continues playing at this level, I am sure the club will try and find a way to keep him.“The player clearly likes the club and Sevilla is a very welcoming and friendly city. I am sure he is very comfortable here with his family.” More

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      ‘I don’t think I’ve seen a Man Utd team this bad’ – Rio Ferdinand slams flops’ ‘unforgivable’ antics in Everton draw

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      RIO FERDINAND slammed Manchester United’s “unforgivable” performance against Everton and suggested he has NEVER seen his former team play this bad before.Ferdinand, 46, won a raft of silverware with United during a glittering 12-year stint at Old Trafford as he lifted six Premier League titles and the 2008 Champions League trophy.Rio Ferdinand lambasted Manchester United after their draw with EvertonCredit: AlamyFerdinand slammed Man Utd for their ‘unforgivable’ performance at EvertonCredit: ReutersBut the legendary centre-back has seen his beloved team hitting new lows this season by dropping to 15th place in the Premier League table with 12 points separating them from European qualification.And Man Utd’s troubles continued on Saturday when the former England international watched Ruben Amorim’s side draw 2-2 at Everton after finding themselves two goals down by half-time.Ferdinand was left fuming and didn’t hold back on his brutal post-match analysis as he stated this might be the worst United have ever been during his lifetime.The popular pundit lambasted the players’ “embarrassing” display and lack of desire, which he found especially unacceptable.Read More on Man UtdThe ex-Leeds star advised manager Amorim not to hold back on his assessment of the players and let them know how disappointing they were once more in the dressing room.Ferdinand told TNT Sports: “I’m sitting here and I don’t know if I have seen a United team this bad. It has been embarrassing in all different facets of the game.“Yes, we can talk about quality, you talk about talent, but one thing which is unforgivable is a lack of desire.“There’s instances in this game where Man Utd need to look at this Everton team and take examples from it. It’s embarrassing to sit here and watch it.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMan Utd ratings vs EvertonMANCHESTER UNITED fought back from two goals down to draw against Everton at Goodison ParkThe Red Devils were slammed as “embarrassing” by Rio Ferdinand after failing 2-0 down in the first half.But they fought back late on thanks to a stunning Bruno Fernandes free-kick and volley from Manuel Ugarte, who bagged his first goal since his summer arrival from PSG.Amorim’s men were then lucky to escape a penalty in the final moments after VAR overturned the decision.SunSport’s Ken Lawrence has given his ratings of the Manchester United team…Andre Onana – 7United needed him with his game-head on, and his 93rd-minute stop saved a point.Noussair Mazraoui 69′ – 4Looked seriously uncomfortable on the right side of the back three – forced there because of a defensive injury crisisHarry Maguire – 4Out-jumped by Doucoure as the midfielder grabbed Everton’s second and was generally all over the place.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Nowhere for Beto’s opener, completely missing attempted clearance and got away with a 93rd-minute penalty call.Diogo Dalot – 5At least shows willing. Which is more than could be said for some of his team mates at Goodison.Manuel Ugarte – 7Spent most of the game stranded in United’s midfield morass but salvation came with a brilliant strike.Casemiro 62′ – 2The Brazilian is beginning to look like the world’s oldest 32-year-old —he’s become a genuine irrelevance.Patrick Dorgu – 6Made a determined start down the left flank but that enthusiasm was slowly but surely sucked out of him.Bruno Fernandes – 8His free kick was genuine class and once he was dropped deeper started controlling the game.Joshua Zirkzee – 4At £36.5M you would expect an element of ball control but the Dutchman used as a joint No 10 just looks lost.Rasmus Hojlund 69′ – 3Not so much a desperate Dane, more a despairing one although it would help if he had some support.Subs:Alejandro Garnacho 62′ – 7Injected some desperately needed pace and passion. Leny Yoro 69′ – 6Should have been on much earlier.Chido Obi-Martin 69′ – 5The 17-year-old has a presence for sure.“We said they were going to have to come out and roll their sleeves up, because Everton would come out fighting.“Man Utd haven’t done that. They’ve been pressed, they’ve been harried. They haven’t been able to deal with the press at all.Man Utd ratings: Casemiro disappearing into irrelevance as Real Madrid legend saved again by Bruno Fernandes “They have chance after chance to clear the ball. Zero conviction, no-one taking over the situation.“You’ve got to fight. You don’t come to Everton at this place, whatever form they’re in, and think you can roll them over easily. Man Utd have not understood that assignment from the first whistle.“I hope [Amorim] went absolutely ballistic at the players. They were out-run, out-fought, out-jumped, every single department of the game. They were second best.” More

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      Alex Scott and Jess Glynne look loved up as BBC presenter and singer partner attend London Fashion Week show

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      ALEX SCOTT and Jess Glynne looked loved up as they attended a London Fashion Week show.The couple have been dating since 2023 and have regularly attended glitzy events together.Qlex Scott and Jess Glynne attended a London Fashion Week event togetherCredit: GettyScott wore a long coat with some chunky black bootsCredit: GettyThe couple looked loved-up at the showCredit: GettyThey were pictured with singer Ella EyreCredit: GettyThey were snapped outside holding hands as Jess admired Scott.Inside the venue, they were all smiles as they were pictures with each other again.Former Lioness and pundit Scott, 40, opted for a bold look as she wore an oversized coat over a crop top with some chunky black boots.Singer Jess wore an equally bold black coat with orange patterned panelling that had rope buttons and flared trousers.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe couple were also pictured with English singer-songwriter Ella Eyre.The event they attended was the LABRUM London presentation at Abbey Road Studios.They saw performances from rapper Wretch 32 as well as rapper and writer Akala.Scott recently gave an insight into her relationship with Jess, having moved in with each other.Most read in FootballShe told The Times: “I wake up next to my partner, Jess, who has become the same person as me over the past year and a half.”She can see what going to the gym does for me mentally, so she’ll do the same.Alex Scott and Jess Glynne enjoy date night at the Emirates for Arsenal’s win over Man UtdThey have been dating since 2023Credit: Getty”I love seeing [Jess] thrive, I didn’t want to be photographed with Rihanna because I wanted the spotlight to be on Jess.”Back in January, Scott shared pictures of them enjoying a Costa Rican holiday.Ex-Arsenal defender Scott’s 2.1million Instagram followers were awestruck by how “perfect” it all looked 5,415 miles away from London.The month prior, they had a date night at the Emirates to watch Arsenal take on Manchester United.And it was a joyous watch for the former Gunner as they ran out 2-0 winners over the Red Devils.Check out Alex Scott’s most dazzling and daring outfits…Alex looked incredible as she wore a see-through dress and no bra to the GQ AwardsCredit: AlamyScott, who works primarily as a pundit for the BBC, dazzled in a red leather outfit when presenting SoccerAidCredit: RexShe is a presenter on Football Focus and The One ShowAlex made 148 appearances for Arsenal Women – but since quitting playing has appeared in magazines including AttitudeCredit: Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards and Attitude magazine – on sale nowThe former right-back won 140 England Women’s capsCredit: Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards and Attitude magazine – on sale nowScott began dating singer Jess Glynne in 2023Credit: RexThe 39-year-old was spotted sharing a kiss with Jess as the couple went public with their romanceCredit: PAScott loves to dress up and went to town on Halloween with this incredible outfitCredit: GettyShe also dressed up as a scary clown on October 31Credit: Instagram @alexscott2Scott was awarded an MBE in 2017Credit: PAShe attended Wimbledon with partner JessCredit: Getty More

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      Liverpool will probably win Premier League because they have Darwin Nunez to come off bench, says Reds title winner

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      RONNY ROSENTHAL has urged Kop flop Darwin Nunez to silence the hate mob by firing Liverpool to the title.The striker was slammed by boss Arne Slot and ridiculed by fans after his horror miss in Wednesday’s draw at Aston Villa.Darwin Nunez has been backed to shine despite his horror mid-week missCredit: RexRonny Rosenthal knows all about bouncing back from a bad missCredit: RexBut former Anfield star Rosenthal — who also blew a sitter against Villa 33 years ago — declared: “If you’re Nunez, you have only one option — to show what you can do when you’re given the chance.”Liverpool can go ELEVEN points clear at the top of the Premier League with victory at Manchester City today.And Rosenthal, 61, predicted: “Liverpool will probably win the league because they have a top striker like Nunez to come off the bench.”On how the Uruguayan will bounce back from his miss, Rosenthal added: “I don’t think it will affect him. This is part and parcel of the game. Anyone, even the biggest striker in the world, can miss.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“This is not the point, though — the point is to see things over a player’s whole career.“You know, these things will happen every day, any day, anywhere.”However, Nunez’ blunder sparked a rocket from Kop boss Arne Slot, who accused his £64million forward of being lazy.Slot fumed: “You can miss a chance but you cannot miss out on work-rate.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“It is not part of the job of a No 9 to slow down in work-rate. That is something we will talk about.”That blast prompted an immediate reply from Nunez, 25, on X.Sky Sports presenter praised by fans after rarely-seen move in interview with Liverpool matchwinner Darwin NunezHe fumed: “You never see me give up,” before vowing “to give it my all until my last day at Liverpool”.On Slot’s public blast, Rosenthal said: “I’m not here to object to the manager.“But if you’re Nunez, then you know you have only one option — that’s to show what you can do when you’re given the chance.“He doesn’t need to be going on Instagram. My opinion is still that he has the quality.“He will never be a scorer like Mo Salah but Liverpool will probably win the league because they have the luxury of a top striker like him to come off the bench.”Israeli Rosenthal’s own astonishing moment came when he beat Villa’s offside trap, took the ball round the onrushing keeper and had a tap-in from ten yards — only to crash his shot against the bar. Liverpool went on to lose 4-2.But Rosenthal insisted he was unfazed by the incident, adding: “It does not affect me. I’m happy to talk about this whenever. It can happen to anyone. Obviously, if you have the worst miss in the top level, then people will talk about that instead of about a worse one at a lower level.”Ronny Rosenthal produced his horror miss against Aston Villa in 1992Credit: Sky SportsNunez produced his horror miss at Villa Park in mid-weekCredit: Sky SportsNunez arrived at Anfield from Benfica in 2022 but fans remain unconvinced.He has scored 24 goals and produced 13 assists in 86 Premier League appearances.However, his miss provided his doubters with more ammunition as they continue to call for Liverpool to offload him.Rosenthal, though, says the lack of consecutive starts could be one of the things causing issues for Nunez.He believes the 6ft 2in powerhouse still has a huge role to play this season as Slot’s side look to claim Premier League, Champions League and Carabao Cup glory.The ex-winger said: “He’s not a regular starter but I still think Liverpool need someone like him. Nunez will stay in my opinion unless they find something better — but you know it’s not that easy.“He’s got the quality as a player. He just needs the chance to play more. If you are limited on chances, then obviously it’s much more difficult to be consistent.”But the former title winner added: “It will happen eventually that he will leave Liverpool. It’s difficult to say when.“I still think that if he plays more, he will give more end product and his statistics will improve, in my opinion.”Rosenthal left Anfield himself in 1994 and enjoyed three years at Tottenham before finishing his playing days at Watford.He has since achieved great success as a football consultant based in London.The icon regularly works with some of the biggest clubs on the planet and helped discover Cristiano Ronaldo, along with stars such as Vincent Kompany and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.And he also revealed how he even tried to get a teenage Nunez a move to Europe long before his eventual switch from Penarol in Uruguay to Almeria in Spain six years ago.On spotting him as a kid, Rosenthal added: “Nunez is one of a thousand cases where I found players with potential when they are cheap.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I called him years ago when he played in Uruguay to try to bring him to a better league. He referred me to his agent — but I did try.“He’s one of many players who I can see quicker than football clubs can.” More

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      All this week’s transfer exclusives from SunSport’s man in the know with England pair set to switch Premier League clubs

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      ALAN NIXON is Sunsport’s Boss of Goss. Check out this week’s red-hot transfer whispers from our man in the know…Taylor Harwood-Bellis looks set to move on from Southampton in the summerCredit: AlamySAINT EASY SOUTHAMPTON pair Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Aaron Ramsdale are in line for Premier League rescue moves.England cap Harwood-Bellis is fancied by West Ham and could escape from the drop at the end of this season as Saints head back to the Championship.The centre-half, 23, has just changed agent and will be up for a move after signing from Manchester City last year.Classy Harwood-Bellis would cost about £15million and the Hammers are in the market for new faces at the back. Three Lions keeper Ramsdale, 26,  is another who should beat Saints’  slide into the second tier – with his former club Bournemouth on alert.Rambo impressed at Cherries and Sheffield United before his surprise move to Arsenal in 2021.He jumped at a switch to Saints to play but will not fancy the Championship.Bournemouth have goalkeeper Kepa, 30, on loan from Chelsea but should be in the market for a new No 1 and Ramsdale still has fans within the club.ANFIELD ROADLewis Koumas is being eyed by Crystal Palace for a summer swoopCredit: AlamyLIVERPOOL babe Lewis Koumas has joined fellow Red Ben Doak on  Crystal Palace’s wanted list.The Eagles are looking at a handful of new faces in a busy summer and Welsh international Koumas, 19, is on their radar.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSKoumas, currently impressing on loan at Stoke, could be ready for the step up to the Premier League next season.Palace are already jostling with Bournemouth for Scottish winger Doak, also 19, and considering a big offer for him.But Koumas could also be brought in after catching the eye in the second tier. Aaron Ramsdale COMPLETES £25m Southampton transfer as England goalkeeper’s Arsenal career comes to an endNEY BOTHERWATFORD head the race to sign young Colombian strike sensation Neyser Villarreal.The Hornets hope to agree a £5million deal with the 19-year-old’s club Millionarios.Villarreal shone for his country in the recent Under- 20 championship in South America, scoring a hat-trick against Paraguay.Watford want to move quickly as Palmeiras are also tracking him.MARC’D MANMarcus Edwards is a summer target for Sunderland – if they reach the PremCredit: ReutersSUNDERLAND are watching how Marcus Edwards does at Burnley – in case they have a second stab at signing him.The winger, 26, joined the Clarets on loan from Sporting Lisbon in the January window but they only just beat the Black Cats to his signature.But if Sunderland make the Premier League and Burnley fail, they will be back in again.WHICH Championship manager is fuming with his director of football after hearing he had been bidding for players the boss knew nothing about?The experienced coach was stunned to discover some of the targets the club had in the last window.Most were ones he had never been consulted on and fortunately did not sign — but the damage is done between the manager and transfer guru.IN DEMANDInigo Perez is being eyed by Premier League clubsCredit: GettyINIGO PEREZ, the talk of Spain, is ready to come to England at the second attempt.The Rayo Vallecano coach, 37, has been superb this season — and Prem clubs are watching.Perez missed out on a move to Bournemouth because of post-Brexit rules which stopped him from joining boss Andoni Iraola.Now he is a coach in his own right and would qualify.HARD PRESTTHE FA will face a chunky bill for fitting new VAR cameras at Preston’s fifth-round tie against Burnley on Saturday.North End – bossed by Paul Heckingbottom – have never used the system so the FA must find a way of installing all of the tech needed.ROVERS RETURNBLACKBURN are after a new gaffer  — but their pay deal is putting many off.Rovers are offering about £600,000-per-year plus bonuses but it is not attracting targets like Steve Cooper and Gary O’Neil.There is a potential promotion jackpot too but the deal is not attractive to some, even if they are out of work.Meanwhile, Blackburn technical director Adam Owen, 44,  has been taking a bigger part in team affairs behind the scenes.Owen will work closely with the next coach and that boosts interim David Lowe’s chances of staying in charge. More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo’s boxing no-show explained as superstar is spotted at historic sporting event instead

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO did not attend the boxing in Riyadh as expected last night.The Portuguese star, 40, has been to plenty of events since moving to Saudi Arabia, and even sat next to Anthony Joshua for last year’s first fight between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk.A ringside seat had been prepared for Cristiano RonaldoThe Portuguese star was elsewhere alongside Mohammed bin SalmanCredit: Instagram / cristianoAhead of Saturday night’s huge Last Crescendo show, topped by the rematch between Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev, Sky Sports posted a video including a ringside seat labelled “CR7”.As the huge night of boxing action unfolded, however, Ronaldo was nowhere to be seen.With the main event nearing, the former Manchester United star’s absence was finally explained as he posted on social media.Ronaldo uploaded a picture of himself with Saudi Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman.READ MORE IN SPORTThe pair were at the Saudi Cup, the world’s richest horse race.Ronaldo and Bin Salman witnessed Forever Young edge Romantic Warrior in the £16million duel in the desert.The forward wore a traditional Saudi thawb as he grinned for the picture.He captioned it: “Happy to celebrate Founding Day with His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and honoured to attend the Saudi Cup horse race ceremony in Riyadh.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSDimitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev were involved in another classic last nightCredit: GettyMeanwhile, at the boxing, Ronaldo missed an incredible night that included Joseph Parker’s second round knockout of late stand-in Martin Bakole, and Bivol’s tight majority points victory over rival Beterbiev.Ronaldo appeared to be in better spirits at the racing than he had been in 24 hours prior.How Sir Alex Ferguson ‘refused to let Cristiano Ronaldo leave stadium until he signed for Man Utd’ The Real Madrid icon was furious during the closing stages of Al-Nassr’s 3-2 home defeat to Al-Ettifaq.Trailing in the closing stages following a double by former Liverpool star Georginio Wijnaldum, Al-Nassr were reduced to 10 men as new £64m signing Jhon Duran was sent off for lightly slapping rival player Abdulelah Almalki.Ronaldo furiously contested the decision, and even booted a ball away in frustration.The result left Al-Nassr fourth in the Saudi Pro League table, 11 points behind leaders Al-Ittihad after 21 matches.Ronaldo was frustrated towards the end of Al-Nassr’s defeat to Al-EttifaqCredit: Reuters More