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      Ruben Amorim plotting shock £50m transfer raid on Sporting’s biggest rivals as he lines up first Man Utd signing

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      RUBEN AMORIM is already working on bolstering his Manchester United defence.The new United boss wants Benfica’s rising star Tomas Araujo, 22, and could push for a £50million deal for the central defender when the transfer window opens in January.Man Utd are lining up a £50m January swoop for Benfica defender Tomas AraujoCredit: RexRuben Amorim managed Benfica’s rivals Sporting Lisbon before joining UnitedCredit: PAAmorim has a meeting with Old Trafford decision makers on Friday and will discuss a move for Araujo.Araujo has been a pillar of the Portuguese giant’s team this season, partnering with former Manchester City stopper Nicolas Otamendi in the backline.The Red Devils have been dealing with substantial injury issues at the back this season, and Amorim has instantly set his sights on his compatriot, who won his first international cap only last week.A product of the Benfica academy, Araujo was targeted by Crystal Palace and Paris Saint-Germain last summer. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLStill, Benfica’s bosses rejected the moves, although some of Europe’s top clubs are closely monitoring the situation.He’s started eight games in the Portuguese league this season, with one assist, helping Bruno Lage’s team bounce back after Roger Schmidt’s firing in October.Benfica have only lost one game since Araujo began getting a regular run of games – he has also started in the last four games in the Champions League.SunSport understands that new Old Trafford chief Amorim has placed Araujo on his wanted list as he begins his United rebuilding job.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAraujo has all the attributes Amorim is after — he is 6 ft 2, a good passer of the ball, and physically strong, with plenty of room for improvement.He can play centrally or on the right side of the defence and is considered the best prospect to come out of Portugal’s most productive academy since current Manchester City star Ruben Dias.Ruben Amorim takes brutal swipe at Ed Sheeran as Man Utd boss admits Sky Sports pundit ‘is the real star’ Super agent Jorge Mendes is looking to establish a working relationship with AmorimCredit: ReutersThe Portuguese rising star has a release clause of 100million euros, as Benfica consider him one of their most significant assets.SunSport understands super agent Jorge Mendes, who has guided Cristiano Ronaldo’s and Jose Mourinho’s careers, is trying to establish a close working relationship with Amorim.The Old Trafford boss, however, is doing things his way.A source close to Amorim told SunSport: “Ruben wants everyone to be on the same page. He won’t change the way he works.”Amorim needs A LOT of time on training pitch to fix Man Utd… unfortunately he won’t get it, writes Charlie WyettIN theory at least, the only way is up for Manchester United, writes Charlie Wyett.We are nearly a third of the way through this Premier League season and it is still staggering to see United lurking in 12th place.They have managed just four wins with a goal difference of 0. Only Everton, Crystal Palace and Southampton have scored less.It is certainly not a false position and a point at Ipswich illustrated the massive job that Ruben Amorim faces.United’s fans sang the name of their new manager throughout the game.They also gave the players rapturous applause on the final whistle and although this was an improvement on some of the performances this season, the bar has been set pretty low.The club’s optimistic supporters will see that their team is only six points off the top four.  Ultimately, though, it is difficult to see United even reaching last season’s final position of eighth as they look worse.United’s patched-up defence will improve – and a three-man formation at the back will help them – but you have to wonder where the goals are going to come from. Marcus Rashford struck after 81 seconds and then went missing for the rest of his 68 minutes on the pitch.Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee were also introduced in that double change midway inside the second half but added absolutely nothing. What a terrible couple of signings they have proved to be and United’s fans would swap both of them for Ipswich’s Liam Delap.Amorim did not celebrate the Rashford goal and paced around his technical area throughout looking uneasy.Each time there was a break in play, he called over players for instructions.Alejandro Garnacho headed over to the touchline on a couple of occasions while there were also words for Diogo Dalot, Casemiro and Jonny Evans.Amorim, a manager with infectious enthusiasm, will be hopeful he can get his message across to all of the players in the next few weeks.But the problem for the Portuguese coach is that this was the first of 10 games in the space of 33 days.What he really needs are spells on the training ground without a midweek game but he does not have that luxury. More

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      Bristol Rovers manager Matt Taylor forced to step away indefinitely due to ongoing family emergency

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      BRISTOL ROVERS manager Matt Taylor has been forced to step away due to a family emergency.The League One boss will step down indefinitely due to an ongoing emergency.Matt Taylor has stepped away from managing Bristol Rovers indefinitely following a family emergencyCredit: GettyA statement from the club read: “Bristol Rovers can confirm that first-team manager Matt Taylor is to take a leave of absence due to an ongoing family emergency.”David Horseman and Wayne Carlisle will take interim responsibility for all footballing duties.”The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Bristol Rovers are with Matt and his family during this difficult period, and we look forward to welcoming him back to work as soon as is suitable.”The Club will be making no further comment and asks that the privacy of Matt and his family is respected during this time.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAssistant manager Wayne Carlisle and first team coach David Horseman will step in as interim bosses in Taylor’s absence.Taylor was in the dugout for Rovers’ 2-0 defeat to Blackpool on Tuesday night.The Pirates currently sit 14th in League One, having won six, drawn three and lost eight of their games.They face Barnsley in the FA Cup on Saturday, their first clash without Taylor at the helm.Most read in FootballFans have sent their well-wished to Taylor amid the news and are right behind their gaffer during his difficult time.One wrote: “Thoughts are with Matt & his family at this difficult time”.While another added: “Family come first despite our love for the club. Thoughts & prayers to MT and his family. Stronger united”.And a third commented: “Such sad news, thoughts with him and his family.”Fellow Football League clubs such as Rotherham, Exeter City and Bristol City also posted messages of support. More

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      Embarrassing moment Champions League star scuffs his lines with ‘one of the worst misses in football history’

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      CHAMPIONS LEAGUE star Ivan Martin had a moment to forget during Girona’s 1-0 defeat the Sturm Graz last night.Martin, 25, missed an absolute sitter to put Girona ahead in the Champions League league phase clash in Austria.Ivan Martin missed a golden chance for his first ever Champions League goal last nightCredit: RexMartin drifted into the back post to find space with the goalkeeper out of placeCredit: DAZNHe was found by a tidy pass from teammate Bryan GilCredit: DAZNMartin unbelievably missed the target, hitting the ball over the barCredit: DAZNThe midfielder was left face down with his head in his handsCredit: DAZNThe attacking midfielder found himself in a golden position to score his first ever Champions League goal during the first half of the match.But what looked to be a certain goal was soon a moment that will have kept Martin up all night as he fluffed his lines and hit his shot over the bar from around two yards out.The former Villarreal man was devastated with his miss and put his head in his hands following the shocking moment.While fans couldn’t believe what they were seeing with the keeper completely out of the equation when Martin missed the target.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOn social media, one wrote: “That has to be one of the worst misses in football history”.While another asked: “Miss of the century?!”A third joked: “That’s impressive tbh it’s so much harder to miss this chance than to actually score”.And a fourth teased: “He should be arrested after the match”.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThings got worse for Martin when his miss came back to haunt him as Sturm Graz scored a 58th minute winner through former Arsenal striker Mika Biereth.Girona have now lost four of their five Champions League games this season, falling to defeats at the hands of PSV, Feyenoord and PSG.Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozers More

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      Roy Keane reveals brutal two-word put down to rude selfie-hunter as Man Utd legend discusses fame with Ricky Gervais

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      ROY KEANE has revealed the brutal two-word put down he said to a rude selfie-hunter.The Manchester United legend has made it no secret that he hates being asked for pictures.Roy Keane revealed his brutal put down to a rude selfie-hunterCredit: YouTube/The OverlapKeane, in the past, has hidden himself from selfie hunters and snubbed a request at an NFL game in London.During a trip to America in 2023, one fan did not take his rejection well.This led Keane, 53, to make a brutal put down in order to fire back at their comments.Keane recounted the story during the latest episode of the Stick to Football podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe said: “There was a guy last year when I was in America meeting some lads.”Everyone was flexing their muscles, and this big guy came over and asked for a picture.”I just said, ‘No, I am waiting for some friends, and I am not taking pictures’.”He just said ‘you know nobody knows who you are around here’ and I just went ‘you do’. It was perfect.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSpecial guest comedian Ricky Gervais agreed with Keane in his dislike of selfies.He said: “I’m worried that I’m going to be running for a train and someone is going to ask for a selfie – I’m going to say, ‘Yes’ and miss the train’.Roy Keane tells fan ‘I’ll wait in the car park’ after furious pitchside confrontation following Ipswich vs Man UtdKeane has often refused to take selfies with fans”I can’t stand someone out there who says that I’m a complete a***hole. I even had someone ask me for one at breakfast today! “Once I was at the urinal and someone asked if he could have a selfie with me.”He put his arm around me and took the selfie. Unbelievable – and I couldn’t say anything.”Now, I haven’t got the selfie, but it’s in his phone!”Gervais also poked fun at Keane for his confrontation with an Ipswich Town supporter after the 1-1 draw with Man United.Keane clashed with the supporter and said: “I’ll wait for you in the car park.”To which Gervais joked: “I’m just glad Roy didn’t want to chat to me in the car park.”Ultimate sports presenters rich listTV sports presenters make a mint.The biggest and best are signed up on yearly deals with the likes of the BBC, ITV and Sky for your viewing pleasure.Laura Woods is dominating the media landscape at the moment, leading TNT Sports’ coverage and ITV’s.Alex Scott and Jermaine Jenas are two of the fresher faces for the BBC’s sporting output.Then, it’s the old guard of Gary Lineker and Mark Chapman who also command hefty fees for their Match of the Day programmes.SunSport has taken a look at how those big names rank and compiled a list of the top 10 highest earning stars that grace our TV screens.With number one worth a whopping £29.4million more than number 10!Read the story and see the full list here. More

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      Frank Lampard CONFIRMED as Coventry manager as Chelsea legend returns to management after 18 months unemployed

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      FRANK LAMPARD has been announced as the new manager of Coventry City.The Championship outfit have announced that the former Chelsea, Everton and Derby County boss will take over at the club.Frank Lampard has been announced as the new Coventry City managerCredit: GettyLampard has penned a two-and-a-half year deal with the Sky Blues, who currently sit 17th in the Championship.A statement from the club read: “Coventry City are delighted to announce the appointment of Frank Lampard as the Club’s new Head Coach.”The 46-year-old has signed a two and a half year contract with the Sky Blues and will take charge of City for the first time this Saturday against Cardiff City at the Coventry Building Society Arena.”Frank will be supported by two new coaches, Joe Edwards and Chris Jones, who he has worked with extensively previously.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Lampard has enjoyed an illustrious career in football, both on and off the pitch.”While Coventry owner and Executive Chairman Doug King said: “I am delighted that Frank Lampard has agreed to join our club as Head Coach.”Frank cut his teeth in the Championship and knows what is needed in this League to be successful.“His experiences thereafter at Chelsea and Everton will ensure he brings to our talented squad clear understanding of exactly what is needed to succeed at the very top level that we as a Club are striving to reach.” Most read in FootballFrank Lampard’s managerial recordHere’s a look at Lampard’s record as a manager…Derby County May 2018 – July 2019P57 W24 D17 L16 Win percentage 42.1%Chelsea July 2019 – January 2021P84 W44 D17 L23 Win percentage 52.4%Everton January 2022 – January 2023P44 W12 D17 L24 Win percentage 27.3%Chelsea (caretaker) April 2023 – May 2023P11 W1 D2 L8 Win percentage 9.1%Overall: P288 W132 D72 L16 Win Percentage 45.83%FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSLampard is set to sit down in front of the press himself this afternoon.Lampard, 46, last held a job in management in June 2023, when he spent two months as Chelsea’s interim boss.I played with Frank Lampard at Chelsea and we never lost.. but I’d still rather line up alongside Steven Gerrard’Taking charge of just 11 games, Lampard managed to guide the Blues to only one victory.The unsuccessful interim period came after Lampard had spent a season and a half in charge of his former club between 2019 and 2021, securing a top four Prem finish and making it to the FA Cup final.The former England international also managed Everton between 2022 and 2023 where he helped keep the Toffees afloat in the Premier League.While he began his managerial career in the Championship with Derby County where he narrowly missed out on promotion to the top flight before earning his first move to Chelsea.Lampard’s first game will come on Saturday as Coventry host Cardiff City at the Coventry Building Society Arena.And fans have welcomed him to the club online, getting behind the Premier League hero already.One said: “Time to get behind him now. Super Frank’s Sky Blue Army.”A second wrote: “Always been better than Gerrard.”READ MORE SUN STORIESA third commented: “Finally! Get in there.”And a fourth said: “Welcome Frank! Time to kick on, and write a new chapter.”Lampard started his managerial career as Derby County boss in the ChampionshipCredit: PA:Press AssociationLampard’s appointment is a kick in the teeth to Coventry faithful – fan’s viewBy Alex JohnsonIt was always going to be tough to fill the boots of a club legend like Mark Robins, a manager who provided many Sky Blues’ with their best-ever memories supporting the club, but the arrival of Frank Lampard has gone down like a lead balloon among the Cov faithful.In his Q&A appearance with fans after firing Robins, owner Doug King emphasised his intention to bring in a tactically minded head coach to get the best out of what is the most expensively assembled squad in Coventry City history.To end up with Lampard, whose former assistant Jody Morris received a lot of the credit for his success at Derby County, feels like a kick in the teeth. This isn’t someone who has won league titles or been praised for his brilliant style of football in the slightest.Coventry fans will get behind Lampard and give him a chance. But to suggest he is an upgrade on Mark Robins after one playoff finish and a 9.1% win percentage in his last job is laughable. More

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      Jude Bellingham waits outside Liverpool dressing room to get bestie Trent Alexander-Arnold’s shirt off Gravenberch

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM went to extreme lengths to make sure to make sure he got bestie Trent Alexander-Arnold’s shirt.The England team-mates put their friendship to the side on Wednesday night as Real Madrid travelled to Anfield to take on Liverpool for their Champions League clash.Jude Bellingham wanted outside Liverpool’s dressing room after their Champions League clash with Real MadridCredit: TNT SPORTSHe seemingly asked Kop star Ryan Gravenberch to get Trent Alexander-Arnold’s shirtCredit: TNT SPORTSMidfielder Gravenberch returned with the top a few moments later and passed it over to BellinghamCredit: TNT SPORTSAnd Bellingham wanted to commemorate the moment by getting his buddy’s matchday shirt, so much so that he waited outside Liverpool’s dressing room after the final whistle.Footage has emerged of the superstar twiddling his thumbs as he waited outside the Reds’ changing room with two Real youngsters.He ended up having a brief conversation with Kop star Ryan Gravenberch, who returned a few moments later to give him Trent’s shirt.Footie fans were quick to comment on the viral clip, with one saying: “Wow this love.”READ MORE ON LIVERPOOLAnother said: “Bro really waited for Trent’s shirt. I know who my GOAT is.”And another said: “Everyone wants Trent’s shirt.”One remarked: “Love this.”Another chimed in: “Jude and Trent have been mates in the England camp. It’s not that deep.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSLiverpool ran out 2-0 winners over the defending Champions League holdersCredit: GETTYThe Reds ran out 2-0 winners thanks to goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo.Kop chief Arne Slot said of the victory: “I think it’s always good to win a game.Liverpool boss Arne Slot gives update on Trent injury “And especially a big game like this because you know you face so many quality players.”For me, it would even mean more if we go into the later stages of the tournament because this is such a strange.”And [a] different set-up in the Champions League that it’s difficult to judge how important these wins are.”If we arrive in the last 16 or the quarter-finals or wherever we can arrive to and we face them again and then we are able to beat them.”That would be maybe a bigger statement than this.”But we are definitely happy with the win, let that be clear.” More

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      Chelsea wonderkid locked in contract stand-off spotted in first-team training ahead of Heidenheim clash

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      CHELSEA wonderkid Josh Acheampong has returned to training with the Blues ahead of their Conference League clash with Heidenheim.Acheampong had previously been frozen out of training amid an intense contract stand-off.Josh Acheampong is locked in contract talks with ChelseaCredit: GettyThe defender (second from left) has returned to training after being frozen out amid the negotiationsThe 18-year-old right-back is highly rated in SW6 but has made just two substitute appearances for the first team so far, with only one of them coming under Enzo Maresca.His current deal expires in 2026 and reports have suggested that Chelsea have opened talks over an extension to secure his long-term future.Acheampong is understood to be the third choice right-back at Chelsea, behind Reece James and Malo Gusto.But fans of his were left frustrated when he wasn’t even included in the matchday squad for games against Bournemouth and West Ham when neither James or Gusto were available earlier in the season.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHowever, it looks as though the teenager could be part of the squad again soon after he was spotted in training ahead of the Blues’ European tie against Heidenheim.Reece James remains injured for Chelsea meaning there is a spot that Acheampong could fill for Maresca’s side.Acheampong is listed in Chelsea’s B-list for the Conference League, meaning he is eligible to play in the competition despite not being named in the A-list squad.However, he wasn’t included in the travelling squad posted on Chelsea’s social media accounts yesterday.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFans were buoyed by Acheampong’s return to training, feeling it could be a sign he has renewed his terms with the club.But Maresca was quick to throw water on the rumours by explaining in his post-match press conference that wasn’t the case.Chelsea legend John Terry reveals moment that ‘broke me’ three days after Champions League final penalty slip vs Man UtdHe said: “There is not any update in terms of contract or these kind of things. “He had a session with us in the last two days with some of the young players. He is not in the squad for tomorrow and we have four or five from the second team with us.”Acheampong hasn’t played for the U21s since September and has been short on game time since talks over a new deal stalled.The England U20 international is rumoured to be locked in talks over an extension with Chelsea said to have made tentative progress in the negotiations.Acheampong is considered as a top talent and has been linked with a move away to the likes of Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich.Chelsea are understood to be keen not to sell their rising star with clubs circling ahead of the January transfer window.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe versatile defender could follow in the footsteps of other highly-rated full-backs that have left Stamford Bridge in pursuit of regular minutes.Both Tariq Lamptey and Tino Livramento took the leap to leave Chelsea and kickstart their careers elsewhere. More

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      Moment blunt Liverpool boss Arne Slot embarrasses reporter with very obvious fact after Ryan Gravenberch question

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      ARNE SLOT left a reporter embarrassed with an obvious fact about Ryan Gravenberch.The incident occurred after Liverpool secured an impressive 2-0 win over holders Real Madrid in the Champions League group stage.Arne Slot embarrassed a journalist over a question about Ryan GravenberchCredit: YouTubeThe Dutch midfielder starred in Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Real MadridCredit: GettyA thriller at Anfield saw both sides miss penalties.But it was the Reds who emerged victorious thanks to goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo.There were impressive performances all over the pitch from Liverpool.Yet it was in midfield where the game was won.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDeployed in a deep solo role, Gravenberch helped his side control the tempo while dominating Real Madrid trio Luka Modric, Eduardo Camavinga and Jude Bellingham.The Dutchman’s top show was his latest this season, having become a key player under new boss Slot.But one reporter was left red-faced when asking Liverpool’s manager a question about Gravenberch.Slot was asked at his post-match press conference whether the Reds’ classy playmaker could be the next Toni Kroos.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe ex-Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Germany star retired after the Euros with seven league titles, six Champions Leagues and a World Cup.Unfortunately for the reporter though, Slot responded with an obvious fact.Liverpool boss Arne Slot gives update on Trent injury The gaffer said: “No, because he (Gravenberch) is Dutch, not German.”Gravenberch is in his second season at Liverpool following a £33million move from Bayern Munich in 2023.He struggled to impress under Jurgen Klopp last term despite clocking up 38 appearances in all competitions.But Gravenberch looks a different player in Slot’s possession-focused side, already featuring in 17 matches.And his dad Ryan Snr reckons Liverpool’s new manager is the exact reason why Gravenberch is playing so well.He said: “We are God-believing people, and we think God sent Arne to us and to Liverpool.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Obviously he’s Dutch so when he explains something to Ryan, he can understand it very clearly. He communicates superbly.“The main thing he’s said to Ryan is: ‘I’m going to play you and so it is on you to maintain playing.’ He was very clear about that and that has worked for both sides.” More