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      Former Man Utd star goes incognito in scarf and hat at Ligue 1 clash but is instantly spotted by fans

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      A FORMER Manchester United star tried to go incognito to watch a Ligue 1 clash.But he was instantly spotted by fans. A mystery footballer went undercover at Lens vs PSGCredit: Insatgram @raphaelvaraneHe wrapped up warm in a club red-and-yellow scarf plus a matching hatCredit: Insatgram @raphaelvaraneThe local hero posed for photos with fansCredit: Insatgram @raphaelvaraneThe ex-Red Devils man took his seat amongst the supporters for Lens’ French Cup clash with Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday night.Will Still’s side took the lead on 66 minutes but their lead lasted just four minutes before substitute Goncalo Ramos equalised.Luis Enrique’s men prevailed 4-3 in the penalty shootout to book their spot in the last 32. And that left the defender in disguise gutted.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe World Cup winner decked himself out in a red-and-yellow Lens scarf to cover his face.He completed the look with a matching beanie hat and a black coat. But it did not take long for fans to work out who it was.Especially because the superstar came through as a youngster at the club. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe shone in the first team to earn himself a move to one of the world’s biggest clubs in 2011 – then joined United a decade later.But have you worked out who the mystery footballer is?OLD TRAFFORD STADIUM VT YOUTUBE masterIt is none other than Raphael Varane.Varane, 31, spent ten years at Real Madrid following his transfer from Lens, winning four Champions Leagues.But things did not work out so well for the 93-cap France international at Old Trafford as he struggled for form and fitness amid the club’s ongoing woes.Varane headed to Cosmo in the summer on a two-year deal but sustained a knee injury and opted to retire.After his secretive trip to watch Lens, days after helping to conduct the Women’s Euro 2025 draw, the local hero posted the snaps on Instagram – including selfies with the adoring Lens faithful.He captioned the Instagram upload: “Back to the source… Don’t try to explain to them, they can’t understand ❤️💛’RECOGNISE THOSE EYES'”Love football, the emotions. This is what it is all about!!” Plenty of fans were loving Varane’s undercover fiesta of festive football.One said: “Love you Raph.”Another wrote: “Legend.”A third added: “I recognise those eyes haha.”READ MORE SUN STORIESA fourth replied: “Bro is enjoying retirement.”And a final user joked: “Varane dressing like a hooligan.”Varane came through and made his name at Lens, earning a move to Real MadridCredit: GettyHe spent three seasons with Manchester United and won the FA Cup in MayCredit: GettyHe helped conduct the Women’s Euro 2025 drawCredit: AFP More

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      Long-term Man Utd target Zinedine Zidane will only return to management for TWO teams in huge blow to Premier League

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      ZINEDINE ZIDANE would only return to management for two teams… and neither of them play in the Premier League.Zidane, 52, has been a free agent since his departure from Real Madrid in 2021 when his second stint as manager ended.Zinedine Zidane would only like to work for Real Madrid and FranceCredit: AFPZidane rejected Manchester United, Bayern Munich, Juventus and Paris Saint-GermainCredit: SplashThat is despite winning a staggering two LaLiga titles and a record three successive Champions League trophies with Real across two stints.Nevertheless, the French tactician has been inundated with offers the last three years but he rejected every single one of them.Zizou was approached by some of the biggest clubs in the world, including Manchester United, Bayern Munich, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain.Several national teams had also approached the 1998 Ballon d’Or winner but they were also turned down.Read More on FootballAccording to Marca, that is because Zidane would only be keen to work at Real and France at this time.The main reason goes down to loyalty as the Frenchman couldn’t see himself managing any other club or country than his beloved Los Blancos and Tricolores.The same source claims only a “very groundbreaking project” could make him change his mind.That is despite the fact that at this moment it would be “impossible” to work at either of his preferred teams.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSCarlo Ancelotti just recently led Real to their 36th LaLiga title and 15th Champions League trophy.And former team-mate Didier Deschamps has signed a new deal with France tying him up as manager until the 2026 World Cup.Zinedine Zidane suffers embarrassing wardrobe malfunction as he brings out Champions League trophy at WembleyPrevious reports have suggested Zidane would only like to work in a country where he speaks the language, which means he’d only be keen on Spain and France.Zinedine Zidane’s managerial careerZinedine Zidane began his career in management in June 2014 when he was appointed coach of Real Madrid’s B team.Zizou spent 18 months in charge of Real Madrid Castilla before being given his shot at the big time following the sacking of Rafael Benitez.Zidane, 51, took charge of the first team in January 2016 and guided them to a second-place finish in his maiden season at the Bernabeu helm.But he went one better in the Champions League, sealing Real’s 11th European Cup triumph with a shootout victory over Atletico Madrid.The former Los Blancos star went one better in the league in the 2016-17 season, in which they also won the Uefa Super Cup and Club World Cup.A second successive Champions League triumph also followed, with Real beating Italian giants Juventus at the Principality Stadium.He would create history the following season by becoming the first manager to win the tournament three times on the bounce.A 3-1 win over Liverpool saw Real become the first team to win Europe’s elite club competition three times in a row.Zidane announced his resignation five days after the final, insisting the club needed a “change” of direction.He would return to the Bernabeu in March 2019 following Santiago Solari and Julen Lopetegui’s short reigns.A return to the summit of Spanish football would follow in the 2019-20 season, in which Real also scooped the Spanish Super Cup.Zidane would leave the Bernabeu again in June 2021 after overseeing Real’s first trophyless season in 11 years.Zinedine Zidane’s Honours:- La Liga: 2016–17, 2019–20- Supercopa de España: 2017, 2019–20- UEFA Champions League: 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18- UEFA Super Cup: 2016, 2017- FIFA Club World Cup: 2016, 2017 More

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      Mo Salah shatters two Premier League records including long-standing Wayne Rooney title after Spurs heroics

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      MOHAMED SALAH’S incredible form this season has seen him shatter two Premier League records.The Liverpool ace got himself a brace of goals and assists during the Reds 6-3 win at Tottenham on Sunday.Mohamed Salah has smashed two Premier League records already this seasonCredit: AlamyIt includes one record he previously held alongside Wayne RooneyCredit: Getty – ContributorIt took his league-only tally for goals up to 15, while he has now chipped in with 11 assists for team-mates as well.For the 32-year-old it marks the sixth Prem season in which he has both scored and assisted at least 10 goals.He previously shared the record of five with Evertonian and Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney.It is also the fastest he has reached this milestone, but also makes him the first player to ever reach double figures goals and assists in a Prem season before Christmas.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSalah also carved a new place in Liverpool’s history books.The Kop king has now gone clear of Scotsman Billy Liddell – who played for the Reds between 1938 and 1961 and scored 228 goals in 534 games – to now stand on 229 goals as outright fourth on their all-time top goalscorer list.Having joined the Anfield club in 2017, he has reached this feat in 373 appearances.If he can maintain his good form, Salah has a great chance of surpassing Gordon Hodgson’s tally of 241 goals this season.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowever, he remains some way behind Roger Hunt and Ian Rush on 285 and 346 respectively.Salah would need to stay at the club for a while longer yet to get near those figures.Gary Neville tells Jamie Carragher to ‘f off’ after Liverpool legend performs incredible U-turn on ‘selfish’ SalahThe Egyptian stars future has been the talk of intense speculation, with Salah free to negotiate pre-contract deals with foreign clubs in January due to his contract expiring in the summer. Asked about his contract following the Spurs game, Salah said there had been no update on negotiations.Comments from Salah last month where he hinted he was “probably more out than in” saw him blasted as “selfish” by Jamie Carragher.Salah’s 10+ goal and assist seasonsSalah’s 10+ goal and assist seasons at Liverpool2017/18: 32 goals, 10 assists2019/20: 19 goals, 10 assists2021/22: 23 goals, 13 assists2022/23: 19 goals, 12 assists2023/24: 18 goals, 10 assists2024/25*: 15 goals, 11 assists*ongoing More

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      Premier League cult hero Lee Cattermole ‘leaves coaching job’ just ONE WEEK after joining

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      LEE CATTERMOLE has departed from Bristol Rovers just a week after being appointed as first-team coach.Cattermole, 36, was hired by the Rovers only last week, just four days before the club announced the dismissal of manager Matt Taylor.Lee Cattermole has departed his role as first-team coach at Bristol RoversCredit: Getty – ContributorCattermole has switched to coaching after retiring in 2020Credit: PA:Empics SportThe ex-England youth international was classed as a club appointment with “a focus on the developement and implementation of set pieces.”After Taylor’s exit, the former midfielder was placed as interim manager alongside Dave Horseman.However, Cattermole left Bristol Rovers just three days before his first match in charge at Exeter.Horseman will now be in interim charge of the Gas until a new permanent appointment is made.Read Moe on FootballThe exact reason behind Cattermole’s departure is currently unknown.However, it is understood the ex-Sunderland star was never under consideration for the managerial vacancy.The ex-defensive midfielder rolled credits on his football career in 2020 after a year in the Netherlands with Venlo.Cattermole started his coaching career in January 2022 when he returned to former club Middlesbrough as the Under-18s lead coach.Most read in FootballThe ex-Wigan star left almost a year later and didn’t return to coaching until his appointment at Bristol Rovers.Cattermole’s football career started at Middlesbrough, where he joined the senior squad in 2005 after seven years in the academy.Premier League stadium looks unrecognisable in incredible new plans to redevelop main stand He then moved to Wigan in 2008 where he spent one year before his transfer to Sunderland.Cattermole spent 10 years with the Black Cats before his retirement in the Eredivisie. More

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      Premier League’s biggest underperformers revealed with Man City still not the worst despite dismal slump in form

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      THE Premier League’s biggest over and underperformers by squad value have been revealed.We’re hurtling towards the half-way point in the season and as the busy festive schedule begins, it’s becoming more clear which teams are living up to the billing and which ones are falling behind expectations.Manchester City are not the league’s biggest underperformers despite their abysmal formCredit: GettyThere’s already been some surprise packages in Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth, while everyone has been shocked by the dire form of Pep Guardiola’s Man City side.And now we can compare how each side has shaped up so far this term in comparison to their overall squad value.The league’s biggest overperformers are in fact Bournemouth, who have the 14th most expensive squad in the league, but are currently flying high in fifth in the table.That means their £325m valued squad is some NINE places higher than they should be.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNottingham Forest and Fulham are the joint-second biggest over-performers this term with both sides punching seven spots above their weight.Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have played their way into FOURTH in the league with some exciting football this term, that’s far exceeding their squad value of £362m – which is the 11th highest in the league.While Fulham’s £288m squad should be in 16th spot, but are instead battling in the top half of the table in ninth.League leaders Liverpool are also overperforming with their squad value of £802m actually making them the fourth most expensive squad in the league.Most read in FootballBournemouth are overperforming their squad value more than any other teamCredit: GettyNottingham Forest’s sensational start to the campaign makes them the second biggest overperformersCredit: ReutersLiverpool are overachieving by sitting atop the tableCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhen it comes to underperforming you would be forgiven for assuming that Manchester City’s near £1BILLION squad value – the highest in the league – would make them the biggest flops as they languish in seventh place.But their six-place differential is actually only the second worst underperformance of the season, with neighbours Manchester United underachieving even more.Old Trafford starts LEAKING midway through Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd press conference as fans say ‘perfect metaphor’United’s £659m squad is the fifth highest value in the league, meaning they are SEVEN spots below where they should be as they lag in the bottom half of the table in 13th.Spurs are the league’s third biggest underperformers this season as they sit six places behind where they should be, having only done enough to sit 11th in the table despite their £647m squad.Elsewhere Arsenal are just one spot behind their expected position, while Chelsea sit one place above where they should be. Manchester United are the league’s biggest underachieversCredit: GettyArsenal should be in second spotCredit: RexChelsea’s season has seen them overperform despite their bumper squad valueCredit: ReutersAnge Postecoglou’s Tottenham are massively underperforming their squad valueCredit: Getty More

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      Major Arsenal blow as Bukayo Saka sidelined for ‘many weeks’ after being forced off with injury

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      BUKAYO SAKA will be sidelined for “many weeks” after he was forced off through injury, Mikel Arteta has confirmed.Saka was subbed off in the 24th minute of Arsenal’s 5-1 win at Crystal Palace on Saturday with a muscle injury.Bukayo Saka will be out for ‘many weeks’ after picking up a muscle injuryCredit: ReutersSaka was spotted on crutches following the gameCredit: The SunMikel Arteta has confirmed Saka will be out for some timeCredit: RexThe Arsenal ace, 23, was spotted walking on crutches following the game.And the Gunners have now been handed a nightmare update on his fitness going into the new year.Speaking to reporters, Arteta said: “It’s not looking good. “He’s going to be out for many weeks.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”It’s a huge blow, but it’s going to be a big exercise for us to overcome another challenge.”Saka’s appearance against Palace saw him celebrate his 250th appearance for the North London club.Asked whether there was a fear the winger might not play again this season, Arteta answered with a definitive: “No.”He added: “I would be very optimistic that he will be well again well before the end of the season.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSArteta was also quizzed on Saka’s mentality in making his comeback following his injury, given how much he has played so far in his career.The Spaniard said: “Another part of player development is that at some stage at this level you’re going to get injured, unfortunately badly. Bukayo Saka is spotted on crutches after Arsenal’s win at Crystal Palace”He could have been much worse or [it could have] been something else.”It’s how you react to that and overcome that situation and it is a great learning process for him.”It is what it is, he is injured we cannot change it but we are going to use this time to help him for the following years in his career.”Saka has played an incredible 144 games for Arsenal and England since August 2022.Arteta has also revealed that Raheem Sterling will be sidelined for “weeks” as well.He said: “Raheem Sterling will also be out for weeks. He’s suffered an injury, it’s his knee.READ MORE SUN STORIES”He will be assessed again in the next days to understand how long he will be out.”Arsenal’s next game sees them host Ipswich on Friday evening.Arsenal ratings vs Palace as Gunners stuff Eagles at Christmas with Gabriel Jesus rebornGABRIEL JESUS produced his first Premier League goals since January on a day he could have had a hat-trick to continue his good form.Gabriel Martinelli impressed and got on the scoresheet but Arsenal did suffer a blow in the first half as Bukayo Saka limped off with injury, while William Saliba had a rare off day.Here is how SunSport’s Martin Lipton rated the Gunners display at Selhurst Park.David Raya – 8Lucky to escape a “Fraser Forster” moment as he played Thomas Partey into all sorts of problems early on before he was beaten by Sarr’s curler soon afterwards.But then bailed out Gabriel to foil Mateta when he seemed certain to equalise once again and made more key saves from Sarr and Mateta at the start of the second half. Often there at the biggest moments.Jurrien Timber – 6Dutch defender looked slightly uncomfortable at times on the right as he gave Palace far too much attacking leeway.Booked for taking an age and a half over a throw-in as well although it was not a costly one.William Saliba – 5All over the place in the first half as he seemed determined to open the door to the home side.Saliba stood off Sarr and paid the price as Palace levelled and then made another blunder only for Raya to save from Mateta. Not exactly a dominant performance.Gabriel – 6Saliba’s wobbles meant his partner-in-chief had to stand up and be counted more than normal but he was not at his best either and a booking after half an hour had him walking a tightrope.More of the same after the break. Fortunately Palace’s defensive deficiencies took the sting out of their attacking armoury too.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7Youngster is grabbing his unexpected opportunity to make a first-team impact with an understanding of the inverted nature of the Arsenal full-back role.By some distance the best of the four defenders in the Arsenal back division.Thomas Partey – 7Asked to take care of the defensive midfield task but soon to the fore with the lay-off that allowed Jesus to put the Gunners back in front inside the first 14 minutes.Did what was needed defensively and willing to venture forward when the opportunity was there. Solid throughout.Martin Odegaard – 8When the Norwegian turns up, Arsenal turn up.At Selhurst, Odegaard was the orchestrator in chief from the start, dropping deep to pick up possession and then keeping it simple and effective. The skipper is a leader.Kai Havertz – 8Back in midfield having played most of the season up top but he was in the perfect centre-forward’s position to tap into the empty net when Jesus’ header came back off the post.Home hands went up but there were only the five Palace defenders playing the German onside. A tidy display on the ball but did leave his side slightly open defensively.Bukayo Saka – 7The early loss of the England winger to a worrying knee injury could be a major blow to Arsenal’s title chances.Always the out-ball, Saka had signalled his ongoing threat as he made space to deliver the cross that led to Jesus’ early opener. He could be missing for a while now.Gabriel Jesus – 9Midweek hat-trick against Glasner’s men earned him only fourth Prem start of the season and how he took the chance with the early double and another effort off the post that led to a simple Havertz goal.The Brazilian had been waiting more than 10 months for a top flight goal and got two in eight minutes. One against the woodwork and another missed sitter, too. He must want to play Palace every week.Gabriel Martinelli – 8Took the corner that led to Jesus’ second but then switched to the right flank after Saka limped away and supplied the cross which ended with Havertz making it three before netting himself from close range.Arteta will need that level of return from the Brazilian over the coming weeks if this title challenge is going to be a real one.Subs:Leandro Trossard (for Saka, 25) – 6Belgian will have to step up if Saka is out for a long spell after his injury and his low cross ended up bringing the Arsenal fourth.Declan Rice (for Havertz, 58) – 8England star came on to secure the game after Arsenal’s sloppy start to the second half and set up Martinelli with his first touch before steering home the fifth.Riccardo Calafiori (for Lewis-Skelly, 58) – 6Martinelli’s strike meant the game was over before the Italian had touched the ball. That makes it easier.Ethan Nwaneri (for Gabriel Jesus 86) N/A More

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      Major broadcasting change as Carabao Cup semi-finals to be shown on free-to-air TV

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      THE Carabao Cup semi-finals will be shown on free-to-air TV this season.ITV have announced that they will be showing two of the four legs for the semi-final clashes live on ITV1 and ITVX in a major broadcasting change.The Carabao Cup semi-finals are set to shown on free-to-air TVCredit: GettyFans are used to the Carabao Cup being shown on Sky Sports with supporters needing to pay a subscription fee in order to watch their teams in action.But that’s changed this season with ITV agreeing a deal with Sky to be able to show the some of the semi-final games on free-to-air TV.The deal was announced back in May, but ITV have now revealed their selections for their two televised games.The broadcaster will show the first leg of Arsenal vs Newcastle and the second leg of Liverpool vs Tottenham.The other two legs will still remain on Sky Sports.The deal won’t just see fans get to watch the semi-finals for free, but also the final too.The agreement between the broadcasters also allows ITV to show 10 Championship matches each full season, and five matches in the second half of the current campaign.Niall Sloane, ITV Director of Sport said: “This deal brings viewers free to air coverage of top level knockout football over the coming years, as well as standout matches from the EFL, adding regular live matches to our highlights shows. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”We’re looking forward to bringing fans some superb action and insight from this new, fuller EFL package across the next few seasons.”The deal will run until the end of the 2026/27 season.Fans will be able to watch the first leg of Arsenal vs Newcastle on ITVCredit: AlamyThe second leg of Liverpool vs Tottenham will also be free-to-airCredit: AlamyArsenal player ratings: Gabriel Jesus resurrects Gunners career with three fine finishes but Sterling still yet to shine More

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      Glam model Laura Celia Valk bluntly shuts down talk of relationship with Jude Bellingham in three-word statement

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      MODEL Laura Celia Valk rubbished rumours suggesting she is in a relationship with Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham.Bellingham, 21, has shone bright ever since joining Real from Borussia Dortmund in 2023 following a staggering £115million deal.Laura Celia Valk was linked with a relationship with Real Madrid star Jude BellinghamCredit: Instagram @ lauraceliavLaura, though, dismissed all those rumours with a blunt statementCredit: Instagram @ lauraceliavLaura was asked about the Bellingham rumours on InstagramCredit: InstagramLaura is a popular model on social mediaCredit: InstagramBellingham’s personal life has been largely out of the public eyeCredit: RexThe star midfielder has gone on to register a whopping 30 goals and 19 assists in 64 appearances with Los Blancos, with whom he’s already won LaLiga and the Champions League.As the England international’s image continues to grow so do rumours about his personal life.Recent speculation suggested that Bellingham is romantically involved with glam model Laura, 25.However, the internet personality, who shares a series of glam pics across her social media channels, dismissed all the talk during a Q&A with fans.Read Moe on FootballOne of her 567,000 followers asked her on Instagram: “Do you have a boyfriend?”And Laura issued the following blunt response: “No, I don’t.”Details of Bellingham’s private life have remained largely out of the public eye.The ex-Birmingham star spends a lot of his down time with family and mum, Denise, who supports him in Spain.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBellingham had a slow start this season with Real after a dominant run last term.That was after the reigning Spanish champions signed Kylian Mbappe and manager Carlo Ancelotti struggled to find some chemistry between his star players.Jude Bellingham’s glorious England moment brought back in styleHowever, the versatile midfielder has recently turned things around with six goals and three assists in his last seven league matches.Laura has a huge Instagram followingCredit: Instagram / @lauraceliavShe regularly shares glamorous snapsCredit: Instagram / @lauraceliavLaura’s posts receive thousands of likesCredit: Instagram / @lauraceliavShe often posts from exotic locationsCredit: Instagram / @lauraceliavLaura has over half a million followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram More