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      Top footie clubs, players and agents cough up £800million after HMRC blitz

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      TOP footie clubs, players and agents have coughed up £800million since HMRC began a tax avoidance probe.The huge tally of unpaid taxes since 2005 includes £75million in the last year.And latest HMRC figures reveal 396 investigations are ongoing — including potential abuses at 33 professional clubs.Newcastle United recently settled a £10million tax dispute that dated back to Mike Ashley’s ownership of the club.Chelsea are being probed having reported themselves to the Premier League after spotting issues as Todd Boehly’s consortium took over ownership from Roman Abramovich.Manchester United are under investigation too, while legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson faces scrutiny over his ACF Sports Promotion firm.Read more on unpaid taxEarlier this year, ex-Man City defender Benjamin Mendy was forced to sell his £5million Cheshire mansion to repay an £800,000 tax debt.Meanwhile, the number of tax investigations in football is likely to rise as a result of inquiries into “dual representation” transfer deals. The deals would see agents claim to work for both a club and a player and split their fee between them.HMRC believes agents work mostly for players and therefore should pay more tax.Most read in FootballOfficials warn they will no longer accept a 50/50 split as the “standard approach”.Ex-England ace Emile Heskey facing bankruptcy in latest battle with taxmanEx-Man City defender Benjamin Mendy was forced to sell his £5million Cheshire mansion to repay an £800,000 tax debt More

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      Shaken Pep Guardiola admits title race could be over NEXT WEEK as ‘fragile’ Man City suffer fifth defeat in a row

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      SHAKEN Pep Guardiola admitted “fragile” Manchester City are in crisis after suffering a FIFTH successive defeat.The four-in-a-row champions’ title defence is in tatters after Guardiola’s heaviest home loss as City boss — days after signing a new two-year deal.Man City will be eight points adrift of Liverpool if Arne Slot’s men beat Southampton… and play the Reds nextBrennan Johnson slide in to score Spurs’ fourth in stoppage time at City where thumped 4-0Credit: ReutersPep Guardiola was far from happy after losing a fifth game in a rowCredit: ISNTVGuardiola said: “Of course everything is not fine. In eight years we have never lived this kind of situation. In this moment we are fragile.“There are no fairytales in life and sport. Sometimes you have to live through these situations.“You have to accept it. You can’t blame each other, you have to stay together.“It would be a mistake to change. Run away? Absolutely not, we have to stand up more than ever. What will define us is when we fail, we stand up and face it.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSGuardiola, who suffered a FIFTH successive defeat for the first time in his managerial career, added: “We are concerned when we don’t win. It’s normal.“There would be a problem if my players were not worried or that I wasn’t worried.“I don’t know what will happen this season, but not for one second will I not believe in the players.“There is no team in the world that can sustain success for eight, nine, ten years in a row.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“We will analyse it, go to the next game and see what happens.”A double from birthday boy James Maddison, plus goals from Pedro Porro and Brennan Johnson sealed Spurs’ Etihad rout.Moment Pep Guardiola launches furious F-word rant at ‘unacceptable’ Phil Foden captured in Man City documentaryThe defeat leaves City five points behind Prem leaders Liverpool, who play at rock-bottom Southampton today.It was the first time since Chelsea in 1956 that the top-flight champions have lost FIVE games in a row.Spurs’ stunning victory also ended City’s 35-match unbeaten home Prem run.A defeat to Liverpool at Anfield next Sunday could see them 11 POINTS adrift and, asked if that gap would be too big to overcome, Guardiola said: “Yep, because Liverpool keep winning.”Delighted Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou said: “I’m proud of the lads. To come to City is a daunting prospect. It challenges every part of you.“We had to be disciplined and work hard — and play decent football — and we did that.”And he heaped praise on two-goal Maddison.Postecoglou said: “He was outstanding. Madders was great.”Maddison, 28, added: “That’s a birthday I’ll look back on quite fondly.“To come here to the champions and perform like that and get the result. You have to cherish these ones, they don’t come around often.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We were brilliant. It was everything we wanted to show of a top Spurs team.“We were clinical, we pressed at times. We weathered the storm, had determination and scored four brilliant goals.” More

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      ‘We’ll send the MRI’ – Arteta hits back at Saka injury doubters as Arsenal star scores after missing England duty

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      MIKEL ARTETA says he will send a scan of Bukayo Saka’s injury to anyone claiming the winger was fit for England duty.Three Lions skipper Harry Kane questioned the commitment of some players after Saka and eight others withdrew from the latest squad.Mikel Arteta has hit back at critics of Bukayo Saka after he withdrew from England duty with injuryCredit: GettySaka scored in Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest on SaturdayCredit: GettySaka scored for Arsenal on Saturday after recovering from his thigh injury.Boss Arteta said: “We can send them the MRI scan, it’s very simple.”Saka scored one and made one in the 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest.Arteta added: “The communication was very clear between the medical staff of Arsenal and the national team.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“He needed time to heal. He has done one training session.”Saka and club-mate Declan Rice were named in Lee Carsley’s original 26-man squad for the Nations League games against Greece and the Republic of Ireland.Both had come off in the 1-1 draw at Chelsea.Arsenal sent Saka for a scan and the results were shared with England’s medical team who said the player should remain with the Gunners for treatment.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSRice pulled out as he was playing with a broken toe.Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill also withdrew, as did Manchester City’s Jack Grealish and Phil Foden, plus Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite — those five all played for their clubs yesterday.Moment Jude Bellingham gives Arsenal transfer hope after fan asks him to join GunnersSouthampton’s Aaron Ramsdale (finger) and Trent Alexander-Arnold (thigh) of Liverpool also called off Three Lions duty.Kane, who was himself carrying a knock, did not hide his disappointment.He had said: “England comes before anything. It comes before club.”Palmer, 22, played 90 minutes before and after the international break.But his Blues boss Enzo Maresca denies Chelsea are pressuring him to put club before country.He snapped: “Absolutely not. I’m not thinking about Harry Kane, or what he’s saying.” More

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      Nicky Butt attends Man Utd charity gala with mystery blonde as he’s seen with date for first time since split from wife

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      NICKY BUTT attended a Manchester United charity gala with a mystery blonde as he was seen out with a date for the first time since splitting from his wife.Club legend Butt, 49, was accompanied by the glamorous new woman as he returned to Old Trafford for the event on Saturday evening.Man Utd icon Nicky Butt has been spotted with a mystery womanCredit: mancpicss66The glamorous blonde arrived with Butt at Old Trafford for a charity eventCredit: mancpicss66She wore a white dress despite the blustery conditionsCredit: mancpicss66Butt’s mystery woman protected herself from the rain with an umbrellaCredit: mancpicss66His companion looks glamorous in a short white dress and sparkly high heels despite the blustery conditions.She protected herself from the rain with an umbrella as United favourite Butt, who was dressed in a suit, bravely faced the wet breeze uncovered.Six-time Premier League winner Butt was previously married to Shelley Barlow.They got hitched in 2008 and had two children together.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut the couple split in 2019 when Butt was arrested for alleged domestic assault – before later seeing charges dropped.Police were called to a property in Hale, Greater Manchester and said they found a woman at the address who had suffered a small cut to her hand which did not require hospital treatment.Butt denied attacking Barlow and also pleaded not guilty to causing £800 of criminal damage to her Apple iPhone 7.And in February 2020 the assault charge was dropped after the Crown Prosecution Service declared there wasn’t enough evidence.Most read in FootballA CPS spokesperson said at the time: “We have a duty to keep all cases under review and following the receipt of new material have decided to discontinue this prosecution.“Mr Butt has agreed to accept a caution for criminal damage.”Sir Alex Ferguson booked me a flight home from my holiday and hauled me back to Man Utd – I hadn’t done anything wrongButt and his mystery date braved the Manchester rainCredit: mancpicss66Butt returned to his old club for the eventCredit: mancpicss66Butt’s date looked glamorous despite the weather conditionsCredit: mancpicss66In June this year, Butt was banned from driving for 12 months after admitting causing serious injury by careless driving.The former United star smashed into victim Andrew Fielding while driving carelessly in his Land Rover Defender through Burnley.Fielding suffered a broken left leg, which needed metal rods inserted following an operation, and severe bruising.Butt admitted causing serious injury by careless driving and was banned from getting behind the wheel for 12 months — while also being ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid work.Butt separated from wife Shelley Barlow in 2019Credit: PA:Press AssociationButt played 387 times for United during 12 seasons under Sir Alex Ferguson, winning six titles, three FA Cups and one Champions League.Butt also played for Newcastle and Birmingham before ending his career in 2011 with Hong Kong side South China.He also won 39 caps for England between 1997 and 2004.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd until 2021 Butt coached youth sides at former club United.He is also a part-owner of Salford with Class of 92 pals Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Gary Neville, serving as CEO until quitting last month. More

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      Biggest illegal streamers of Premier League matches revealed – is your club among the worst offenders?

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      FANS of Manchester rivals City and United are the biggest illegal streamers of the Premier League, stats show.There were one million dodgy viewings of this season’s Community Shield featuring the teams.Top 10 cities for illegal streaming in the UKAnd the Manchester derby is 33 per cent more likely to be viewed illegally than any other fixture in the division.Overall, there are 287 illegal streams per 100,000 fans in the Manchester area — likely for games involving City or United.Footie supporters in Newcastle were the next biggest offenders at 270 illicit showings per 100,000.Birmingham, Liverpool, Wolverhampton and Leeds also feature in the list.Read more on illegal streamingBetting site Footy Accumulators came up with its table by analysing online search data for illegal football streaming by area on match days.Its researchers found there were 700,000 illegal streams per Premier League match. And with 1.8 million per game worldwide, it means the UK is responsible for almost 40 per cent of such showings.A spokesman said: “Our results clearly show Manchester is the UK’s number one hotspot for illegal football streaming followed by the fanatical fans of Newcastle United.“Every Premier League game is a must-watch for die-hard fans but there is no excuse for illegal streaming.”Most read in FootballBut the illegal streaming table was not restricted to areas with top-flight teams.Plymouth, who have never played in the Premier League, had 211 per 100,000. And Norwich, last there in 2021/22, had 178 per 100,000 people.Triller offers fans who illegally streamed Jake Paul vs Ben Askren last chance to pay £36 PPV fee or face £108k fine Manchester rivals City and United are the biggest illegal streamers of the Premier LeagueCredit: AFP More

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      Kyle Walker and ex-lover Lauryn Goodman in fresh row over intercom security system at her £2.4m home

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      FOOTIE ace Kyle Walker and ex-lover Lauryn Goodman are having a doorbell ding-dong.Lauryn was offered a Ring Doorbell after the hi-tech intercom security system at her home failed.Kyle Walker and ex-lover Lauryn Goodman are having a doorbell ding-dongCredit: GettyLauryn was offered a Ring Doorbell after the hi-tech intercom security system at her home failedCredit: AlamyBut the TV personality, who has son Kairo, four, and daughter Kinara, one, by England and Man City star Walker, insists the cheaper alternative will not provide the peace of mind she needs for her family. Defender Walker, 34, has previously agreed to maintain the £2.4million property in Sussex. A Control4 system had allowed Lauryn, 33, to vet visitors on CCTV and open the gate of her drive.A source said: “The system kept failing, which worried her.Read More on Sport“She felt quite vulnerable. They are a top footballer’s kids living there and security is essential.“So she got in touch with Kyle’s property manager and asked if they could have it fixed.“They told her no and instead offered a Ring Doorbell system, which doesn’t have nearly the same level of security and won’t open the gate. She’s angry.”It is the latest fallout between Lauryn and Walker — served divorce papers by wife Annie, 32, mum to his four kids.Most read in FootballA source close to Walker said: “As per the court order all housing issues are made directly to what is essentially the temporary landlord who deals with requests from Lauryn. “Should Lauryn have any issues she knows to ask the landlord to raise it with Kyle should they not be able to come to an agreement. Kyle Walker’s wife Annie Kilner files for divorce and gears up to fight for star’s £27m fortune”Kyle is completely unaware of any issues Lauryn has with the property and would urge her to follow the procedures put in place by the court which protect her and the children.”Walker has been served divorce papers by wife AnnieCredit: Tim Stewart More

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      Man Utd and Man City ready for £65m Viktor Gyokeres transfer scrap as BOTH sides think they have secret weapon

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      RUBEN AMORIM will scrap with old pal Hugo Viana for Sporting Lisbon ace Viktor Gyokeres next year.The striker, 26, became hot property under gaffer Amorim at Sporting and his release clause could see him move for £65million.Viktor Gyokeres has been sensational since joining Sporting LisbonCredit: ReutersRuben Amorim is interested in bringing the striker to Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyManchester United are sure Amorim’s arrival as their boss will secure his signature.But they face a battle with Manchester City and Viana, who will take over as their director of football after he leaves Sporting next summer.Viana oversaw the Sweden star’s bargain signing from Coventry last year.And it proved to be a masterstroke as Gyokeres has since flourished into Europe’s most in-demand striker, with 58 goals for club and country in 2024.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAmorim refused to fuel the speculation at his first United press conference on Friday.But he did admit he hopes Gyokeres stays injury-free and keeps scoring.The new Red Devils boss said: “Viktor Gyokeres is a Sporting player.”He has a game tonight [Friday] and I hope he plays well, doesn’t get injured and continues to be successful at Sporting.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPep Guardiola will be hoping to bring Gyokeres to Manchester CityCredit: ReutersPortuguese Viana, 41, played a key role in Amorim becoming Sporting boss in 2020.But will want to pip him to the post for Gyokeres at City.SunSport’s Man Utd reporter Neil Custis gives verdict on Ruben Amorim’s first press conference and says ‘he has something different’The release clause rules out a bidding war but sets the scene for an intriguing tug-of-war instead.Man Utd have struggled to score goals so far this season, netting just 12 in 11 Premier League games.Meanwhile, neighbours Man City suffered a fifth successive defeat in all competitions on Saturday as Tottenham thrashed them 4-0 at the Etihad.Erling Haaland has scored 12 goals in all competitions, but the team’s next highest scorers are Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic on three.Three Sporting stars Amorim could swoop for after joining Man UtdRUBEN AMORIM has ruled out poaching any of his Sporting Lisbon players in the January transfer window.But the Portuguese side’s chiefs expect Amorim will come calling in the summer – with his cheque book wide open.Here’s are three Sporting starts United could swoop for… but they won’t come cheap:VIKTOR GYOKERESAge: 26Position: StrikerCost: £84millionSwede has shone since joining Sporting last summer from Coventry — catching the eye of all Europe’s top clubs.Hit 43 goals in 50 games last season and boasts 18 strikes already this term.GONCALO INACIOAge: 23Position: DefenderCost: £50millionBall-playing centre-back was handed his debut by Amorim and has since become a key figure in Sporting’s recent title successes.Can also slot in at left-back if required and has 12 caps for Portugal.MORTEN HJULMANDAge: 25Position: MidfieldCost: £40millionDane is one of the top holding midfielders in Portugal — and made skipper by Amorim.He could be the man to replace Casemiro. More

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      David Moyes lined up to replace Sean Dyche as Everton boss by prospective new owners

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      DAVID MOYES will be a target for a dramatic return to Everton after the American takeover.The Scot had a successful decade as manager at Goodison before leaving for Manchester United in 2013.David Moyes is being lined up for a return to Everton by the club’s prospective new ownersCredit: ReutersSean Dyche is under huge pressure at Goodison ParkCredit: GettyAnd now Moyes could go back as the stars align.Businessman Dan Friedkin is working on completing his takeover from Farhad Moshiri and is also seeking allies in local Everton fans Andy Bell and George Downing.Their timeframe depends on Moshiri sorting out problems with previous owners and lenders.But the signs are very positive of a change in the coming weeks.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBoss Sean Dyche wants to keep the Toffees out of trouble himself.But if he is sacked, the new regime are thinking of a short-term fix with an experienced replacement.Moyes is liked by some of the prospective new team as a man who knows the club and what it takes to survive in the Premier League.The chance of an Everton return would appeal to the Scot, 61, if the contract is right for him and he is convinced about the new owners, their ideas and the budget.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMoyes has been out of work since May when he left West Ham — another club to which he went back for a second time.And if he could repeat what he did for the Hammers, it would be a great result for Everton.Everton star Iliman Ndiaye’s incredible rise from Sunday League to £15million Premier League star in just six yearsFriedkin has other names in the frame.But three-time LMA manager of the years Moyes is a serious contender. More