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      Vinicius Jr offered deal ‘Real Madrid will never reach’ worth €1BILLION to join Saudi football revolution

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      REAL MADRID are facing a major threat from Saudi Arabia in their bid to hold on to star man Vinicius Jr.Vinicius, 24, has a contract with Real until 2027 and is currently the club’s joint-highest earner along with star team-mate Kylian Mbappe, both of whom make about £12million per season.Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr has received a €1billion contract offer from Saudi ArabiaCredit: GettyReal would never be able to match the Saudis’ bid for ViniciusCredit: RexBut Los Blancos want to tie the forward down to a new long-term deal and have commenced negotiations with his representatives these past few months.According to AS, however, Saudi chiefs are determined to bring the Brazil international over to the Middle East “no matter what”.So much so that they are offering Vini a lucrative five-year deal worth a staggering total of €1billion (£832,000,000).That is a bid the reigning European champions could never match for last year’s Ballon d’Or runner-up.Read More on FootballThe same source claims Vinicius wants to stay in Madrid but will claim his new status as a global star means he can make higher financial demands.Real president Florentino Perez has refused to meet with Saudi delegates interested in signing the Brazilian and instead referred them to the player’s whopping €1bn release clause.Nevertheless, interest from the Saudi Pro League is not expected to disappear any time soon and that is why the reigning Spanish champions want to speed up talks with Vinicius.Perez wasn’t expected to hold contract talks with the Brazil star until this coming summer but the ongoing competition has forced his hand.Most read in FootballThat is why Real chiefs have contacted the ex-Flamengo star’s camp to find out his financial demands.The winger issued a response and he is now awaiting the club’s next move.Jude Bellingham’s furious reaction to Valencia goalkeeper after Vinicius Jr sent off in heated Real Madrid clashNevertheless, the popular player strongly hinted he wants to stay at the Santiago Bernabeu for a long time.Vinicius told TNT after Tuesday’s Champions League victory at Manchester City: “It’s very exciting to be able to open talks with Madrid about my renewal.“I have a contract until 2027, but I have always said that I want to play here for a long time, to be able to make history and to receive the affection of the fans along with the president, all the players and the coaching staff. “And God willing, hopefully in the next few days all the negotiations can be resolved and I can stay here for much longer.” More

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      Former Nottingham Forest flop gets suspended jail sentence for illegally filming ex-girlfriend during sex

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      NOTTINGHAM FOREST flop Hwang Ui-jo has landed a prison sentence – after a court found him guilty of illegally filming his ex-girlfriend during sex.The South Korea striker spent two years on Forest’s books after a 2022 move from Bordeaux.Nottingham Forest flop Hwang Ui-jo has been found guilty of illegally filming his ex during sexCredit: AFPHe has been handed a suspended prison sentence of one yearCredit: GettyBut he never played for the Premier League side, instead going out on a series of loans.Hwang, 32, appeared 18 times for Norwich last season – scoring three goals for the Championship club.But he was charged with filming two women during sex without their consent on four occasions in 2022.And Seoul’s Central District Court handed him a one-year suspended jail term on Friday after convicting him of charges relating to one of the women.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe court said: “Considering that he filmed them with a cellphone during sexual intercourse against their will, the number of times the crime was committed, and the specific details of the filmed material, the nature of the crime is not good.”Given the seriousness of the socially harmful effects of illegal filming, it is necessary to punish strictly.”The court said Hwang’s punishment had been reduced as he had previously expressed his remorse, and the videos had been shared on social media by a third party.The striker has been with Turkish club Alanyaspor since joining them on an initial loan from Forest last year.Most read in FootballHe previously spent three seasons with Bordeaux, scoring 29 goals in 98 games for the French Ligue 1 club.Hwang has so far played 11 times for Alanyaspor this season, scoring five goals.Last season he featured eight times for the Turks, scoring just once.His contract with the Super Lig side expires this summer. More

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      Man Utd, Everton and Alan Shearer lead tributes as much-loved Scottish football writer Patrick Barclay dies at 77

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      MAN UTD, Everton and a host of English Premier League clubs led the tributes after the death of respected Scottish football journalist Patrick Barclay at the age of 77.Massive football names such as Alan Shearer and Robbie Fowler also paid tribute to Barclay, who grew up in Dundee and started his career in journalism at the Dundee Evening Telegraph.Patrick Barclay presents Wayne Rooney with his Football Writers’ awardCredit: PAChairman of the FWA Patrick Barclay presents the trophy to Gordon BanksCredit: PAHe stayed a Dundee fan all his days but was best known for his work south of the border where he worked for the Independent, the Guardian/Observer, the Times and the Telegraph.He also wrote biographies on Jose Mourinho and Alex Ferguson and for many he will be best known for his contributions to the Sunday Supplement newspaper review show on Sky Sports.The Football Writers’ Association south of the border wrote: “It is with the greatest sadness that we must announce the death of our dear Patrick Barclay. “A celebration of Patrick’s life will be held at a later date. Meanwhile, we hope that the family’s wish for privacy is respected.”Shearer wrote: “Ah no. Such sad news. RIP Paddy.”Fowler shared his condolences with a broken heart emoji: “A great man…RIP Patrick.”Man Utd wrote on social media: “Paddy will always be held in great esteem by everyone at Manchester United and we send our sympathies to his loved ones at this time.”Fulham Football Club added: “We’re so sorry to hear this sad news about Paddy. Most read in Football”Our thoughts and best wishes go out to his family and all who knew him.”And Barclay’s beloved Dundee wrote: “Everyone at Dundee Football Club was saddened to learn of the passing of journalist and Dundee supporter Patrick Barclay. Iconic Scottish boss Jim Duffy opens up on nearly signing Paul Gascoigne for DUNDEE, friendship with GIanluca Vialli and arriving at Hibs via helicopter”The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Patrick’s family and friends at this sad time.”Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      ‘He tried to be the best, but unfortunately…’ – Cristiano Ronaldo’s ex-team-mate doesn’t hold back in Messi GOAT row

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      ANGEL DI MARIA shared his strong view on the heated GOAT row between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.Di Maria, 37, has played with both Ronaldo, 40, and Messi, 37, throughout his celebrated career.Angel Di Maria addressed the GOAT debate between Lionel Messi and Cristiano RonaldoCredit: GettyBenfica star Di Maria played with Ronaldo at Real MadridCredit: AFPDi Maria has also competed with Messi at ArgentinaCredit: AFPThe Benfica star spent four years with CR7 at Real Madrid and 16 years with the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner at Argentina – one of which also saw them linking up at Paris Saint-Germain.And after spending almost two decades with both football legends, the Manchester United flop is adamant fellow Argentine great Messi is the all-time best.The winger addressed Ronaldo’s recent interview on LaSexta where he once more stated his assertion that he is the greatest.However, the ex-Argentina international insists the numbers beg to differ as Messi has won everything and has more Ballon d’Or honours compared to the Portugal captain’s five.Read More on FootballThe ex-Juventus star admits Ronaldo is also one of the greatest players, but was born “at a bad time” when his biggest rival was “touched by the magic wand”.Di Maria told Infobae: “I already know him [Ronaldo], I was with him for four years. “I’m not surprised by Cristiano’s statements, he always made those statements, he wanted to impose what he wants to be , what he always tried to be, to be the best.”He was born in a generation… at a bad time when another one was born who was touched by the magic wand.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”It shows in numbers, it shows in everything. One having eight Ballon d’Ors, the other five, there is a very big difference. “Having been world champion is another very big difference, one having two Copa Americas and the other only one Euro Cup is also a big difference.How Sir Alex Ferguson ‘refused to let Cristiano Ronaldo leave stadium until he signed for Man Utd’ “There are many differences, many. And then, you see it in the games, do you understand me? “You see it in every minute of the game that one makes an effort in everything and the other plays as if he were in the backyard.”Everyone knows what Leo is going to do and he hits the same goal as always and keeps doing it. “He’s been doing the same thing for 18 or 20 years and everyone says, ‘You know what he’s going to do’. “Well, go mark him if you know what he’s going to do. And he does the same. “And he’ll still be 40 years old and he’ll still be doing tiki taka, tiki taka. That’s how it is, but Cris is like that too, he always declared himself that way, he was always the same. “For me Leo is the best in the world and the best in history without a doubt and then we’re at Benfica and he [Cristiano] is from the rival [Sporting Lisbon].”Ronaldo recently stated his assertion that he’s the best of all timeCredit: APDi Maria is adamant Messi is the greatest of all timeCredit: Alamy More

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      FA Cup TV games CONFIRMED with Plymouth fans facing nightmare journey home from Man City clash

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      PLYMOUTH ARGYLE fans face a nightmare journey home from Manchester after the next round of FA Cup TV games were confirmed.The remaining eight fixtures are set to take place on the first weekend of March.TV games for the next round of the FA Cup have been revealedCredit: ReutersAnd the FA Cup fifth round games have now been divvied up between national broadcasters ITV and the BBC.But Argyle fans will be feeling hard done by after their trip to Manchester City, a reward for KO’ing Liverpool, was given a 5.45pm kick-off time by ITV4 on Saturday March 1.The journey up from the south west alone will take nearly six hours.And supporters face being stranded in Manchester overnight, with the final train back to Plymouth leaving at 6.25pm — 40 minutes after kick-off.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe train doesn’t even get back to Devon until nearly midnight.And it means any fan who wants to catch it will likely be unlikely to see more than a few minutes of the game, given the 1.4 mile distance between the Etihad and Manchester Piccadilly station.Man City vs Plymouth is just one of FOUR matches taking place on Saturday March 1.Crystal Palace vs Millwall kicks off at 12.15pm on BBC One.Most read in FA CupJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSWhile Preston vs Burnley starts at the same time on BBC iPlayer.Bournemouth vs Wolves is also taking place at 3pm.Alex Scott given a fright by BBC presenter’s comment after picking last ball of FA Cup draw But it is the one game of the weekend that will NOT be on TV, and has instead been selected as the featured broadcast for BBC Radio 5 Live.The day before, Friday February 28, sees Aston Villa host Cardiff at 8pm on ITV1.Sunday March 2 then boasts Newcastle vs Brighton, which kicks off at 1.45pm on ITV1.That game is later followed by Man United vs Fulham at 4.30pm on BBC One.And the last match of the round features Nottingham Forest vs Ipswich on Monday March 3, which kicks off at 7.30pm on ITV4.FA Cup fifth round fixtures in fullFRIDAY 28 FEBRUARYAston Villa v. Cardiff City at 20:00 GMT on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV PlayerSATURDAY 1 MARCHCrystal Palace v. Millwall at 12:15 GMT on BBC One and BBC iPlayerPreston North End v. Burnley at 12:15 GMT on BBC iPlayerAFC Bournemouth v. Wolverhampton Wanderers at 15:00 GMT on BBC Radio 5 LiveManchester City v. Plymouth Argyle at 17:45 GMT on ITV4 and ITVXSUNDAY 2 MARCHNewcastle United v. Brighton & Hove Albion at 13:45 GMT on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV PlayerManchester United v. Fulham at 16:30 GMT on BBC One and BBC iPlayerMONDAY 3 MARCHNottingham Forest v. Ipswich Town at 19:30 GMT on ITV4 and ITVX More

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      Michael Noonan’s mam shares hilarious ‘back to school’ snap hours after Shamrock Rovers teen makes football history

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      MICHAEL Noonan is back hitting the books this morning after hitting the back of the net on Thursday evening.The teen prodded home the winner for Shamrock Rovers in Norway yet was back in Dublin by last night.To top it all off, it was his debut for the Tallaght outfit after recently joining from St Patrick’s AthleticWe imagine all of that adrenaline made sleeping on the flight back rather trickyCredit: @sandie_noonanHis proud mother Sandie shared the evidence on social media, captioning the above snap: “And back to school he goes…”In the immediate aftermath of his winner in the first leg of Rovers’ Europa Conference League tie with Molde, she’d exclaimed: “I think it’s safe to say I’m the proudest Mam in the whole world tonight!”In bagging the game’s only goal, Michael made European club footballing history.He became the youngest scorer in modern UEFA club competitions – since group stages began in 1991 and not including preliminary rounds – at 16 years and 197 days.Even playing in Europe in February is uncharted territory for a League of Ireland club as the Hoops became the first side to progress beyond the group stage.And now they face Molde next Thursday in Tallaght with a one-goal advantage and a great chance to continue going where no Irish club has gone before.That the match winner was Noonan was a fairytale story.Stattos had to dig deep to find a younger scorer in Europe with Nii Lampty being 16 years and 78 days when scored for Anderlecht in 1991 before group stages existed.Most read in FootballHis inclusion just a few weeks after his move from St Patrick’s Athletic was a big call by Stephen Bradley but he declared in advance that the teenager was ready.And he never looked out of place as he ran the line well, and got one Molde player booked and another sent off when cynically brought down during the first half. ‘You’re in cuckoo land’ – Roy Keane lays into Ian Wright claiming James Maddison is Tottenham’s missing linkValdemar Lund could have no complaints when he dived in to bring down the striker when the last man.But the goal scored was all about Shamrock Rovers the team rather than just the boy wonder.With the man advantage, the Hoops were hunting the ball in all areas of the pitch as Molde looked to slow the game down to get some control.And it paid off for the Hoops on 27 minutes as they pressed high on the right as Dylan Watts chased midfielder Mats Moller Daehli all the way back into his own penalty area.As his goalkeeper moved out to make an angle for a pass, Watts pounced to win possession and fire into the six-yard box.And there was Noonan to do what he has done all the way through academy football and tap the ball home.He celebrated in front of the 200 Shamrock Rovers that had travelled over with them.READ MORE SUN STORIESWatts also got plenty of plaudits on what turned out to be a night to remember for the Hoops.Back home, the likes of Des Cahill have led the mind-blown online reaction to Noonan now holding such an incredible slice of the footballing record books. More

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      ‘Emotions got the better of me’ – Liverpool boss Arne Slot breaks silence on red card controversy and mystery over ban

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      ARNE SLOT has broken his silence after being sent off following Liverpool’s dramatic 2-2 draw at Everton. The league leaders looked moments away from going nine points clear after goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Mohamed Salah. Arne Slot broke his silence after being sent off following Liverpool’s 2-2 draw at EvertonMichael Oliver sent Arne Slot off after Liverpool’s draw with EvertonCredit: ReutersCurtis Jones and Abdoulaye Doucoure were sent off for their clashCredit: ReutersBut in the EIGHTH minute of stoppage time, Everton defender James Tarkowski hammered home a last-gasp leveller. It sent Goodison Park into a frenzy – but the drama was not over there. Abdoulaye Doucoure would goad the travelling Liverpool support – sparking a clash with Curtis Jones. And both were sent off after they started a mass brawl between opposing players of the Merseyside rivals. READ MORE IN football Anfield boss Slot was also shown red for his involvement in the chaos – and he then skipped the post-match press conference. But ahead of Liverpool’s home game with Wolves on Sunday, the Dutch manager spoke out but refused to give details over his ban. He said: “There’s an ongoing process now and I think I have to respect that we have to respect that so can’t go into details. “What happened was that the extra time, five minutes that ended up being eight, happens a lot. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”The emotions go the better of me. I would love to do it differently and am looking to do it differently next time as well, but I don’t want to disturb the ongoing process.”The Premier League deleted a statement suggesting Slot will face a two-match touchline ban for alleged “offensive, insulting, or abusive language”.New footage of Arne Slot’s interaction with Michael Oliver emerges as mystery surrounds Liverpool manager’s red card So the process is still under review meaning the Dutchman could be in the Liverpool dugout over the weekend while the investigation carries on. But Jones will miss the match following two yellow cards. Slot added: “The good thing is we have played so many games. He got a second yellow I assume so that’s only one game. “Next Wednesday there is a game, he comes back from an injury so he already missed a few games.”I liked him a lot when he came on. It was our best part of the game, the only part of the game where I felt a bit of comfort and where it felt like a bit of control. That is maybe because we went 2-1 up.”I like a lot that he stands up for the team but I think there are also other ways to do that for the team and the fans. “I will talk with him about that. But it is the same for me, I should have acted differently after the game as well.”But it is an emotional game and sometimes people make the wrong decisions in an emotional moment and that’s what I did.”With Jones also out, Liverpool face more injury misery with Cody Gakpo to be sidelined along with Joe Gomez is out and Tyler Morton. READ MORE SUN STORIESSlot said: “Joe Gomez is out and Tyler Morton is out. Cody is a bit of a doubt as well, so let’s wait [to see] how he is today.”I had to take him off because of an injury, because he got a knock, so let’s see how he is today.” More

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      Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson wanted by Atletico Madrid with two Premier League rivals ready to do battle for transfer

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      ATLETICO MADRID are plotting an ambitious summer move for Nicolas Jackson – but could face competition from TWO Premier League sides.The Chelsea striker, who is currently injured, has performed well this season bagging nine Premier League goals so far.Atletico Madrid are considering a move for Nicolas JacksonCredit: GettyBut there is still a question mark over whether he has the quality to lead Chelsea back to the top of the table which remains the west London club’s ultimate ambition.The Blues have been linked with moves for a new striker.And if they do enter the transfer market in the summer for a No9 it could push Jackson towards the exit.Atletico have long admired the player and the Spanish giants would be at the front of the queue should he become available.Read More in FootballBut SunSport understands Aston Villa and Newcastle are also monitoring developments.Aston Villa know that they face a fight to keep hold of their forward Ollie Watkins in the summer, with Arsenal keen to resurrect a deal for the player.And Alexander Isak could leave St James’ Park if Eddie Howe can’t deliver Champions League football.Earlier this month SunSport revealed that Newcastle were monitoring potential replacements. Bournemouth’s Justin Kluivert is firmly on their radar.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSJackson has scored nine Prem goals this seasonThey’ve watched the Cherries striker several times this season and believe he could be persuaded to follow in his father’s footsteps, Patrick Kluivert, who was a favourite on Tyneside.But Jackson, a proven Premier League goalscorer, would also appeal to Newcastle and they are closely monitoring developments.Shock new footage appears to show Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson slapping Nottingham Forest rival in face More