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      Gary Lineker gives six-word update on Match of the Day future as BBC host, 63, drops fresh quit hint

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      GARY LINEKER has given an update on his Match of the Day future and hinted he could quit the BBC.The 63-year-old has been the Premier League highlight show’s host since 1999.Gary Lineker has given a fresh update on his BBC futureCredit: BBCLineker, who has also presented England World Cup and Euros games, sees his deal with the Beeb expire this summer.He has held talks with chiefs over extending his stay but plans have also been drawn up for his departure.In an interview with Esquire Magazine, Lineker was asked if was stepping down from the Match of the Day hotseat.He replied: “I could do. Whether that will be the case I don’t know. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”At some point, I have to slow down somewhere… I’m getting old.”Lineker is open to staying at the BBC, with The Sun exclusively revealing that he has offered to take a pay cut.The former Leicester, Tottenham and Barcelona striker could sign a new deal for £1million per year, which is £350,000 less than his current salary.Lineker remains relaxed about his contract situation, saying: “There are bigger problems in the world that is for sure.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”I’m coming to the end of my contract in the summer, so it is natural at some point to have conversations and they have started.”Pundits Alan Shearer and Micah Richards are also in discussions over their futures.Should Lineker leave – Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan and Alex Scott are among the bookies favourites to fill his boots.Gary Lineker’s BBC pay negotiations More

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      ‘The game is gone’ Fans outraged as Noel Gallagher joins commentary for TNT Sports for Man City Champions League clash

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      FANS couldn’t believe what they were hearing when they realised which unexpected superstar was on TNT Sports’ Champions League coverage.Darren Fletcher and Ally McCoist were joined by music royalty in the gantry for their broadcast of Sporting Lisbon vs Manchester City.There was an unusual addition to the commentary team for TNT Sports’ coverage of Man City vs SportingCredit: PAThe pair were accompanied by Man City superfan and Oasis star Noel Gallagher.Gallagher wasn’t only on the commentary team for TNT, but also down pitch-side ahead of kick off to discuss his beloved City’s form.Supporters are used to seeing the Rock ‘N’ Roll Star in the crowd at City games, but his presence on the broadcast is Half the World Away from his usual Tuesday night.Fans reacted to the unbelievable moment on social media.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLOne wrote: “So bizarre that Noel Gallagher is on co-commentary on TNT Sports tonight”.While another added: “Noel Gallagher adding a lot to commentary tonight. So enthusiastic.”A third posted: “Why is Noel Gallagher on punditry duty for TNT Sport?!”And a fourth commented: “No way that’s Noel Gallagher on commentary. I thought it was just some random ex-City player”.Most read in FootballAnother wrote: “Is Noel Gallagher seriously on commentary on the City game? The game is gone.”Oasis superstar Noel Gallagher joined TNT Sports in the gantry for commentary on the gameGallagher joined the TNT Sports coverage pitch side tooCredit: ReutersGallagher will have been looking down on a familiar sight when watching on the game.That’s because the City players were wearing his handwriting on the back of their shirts for the occasion.Pep Guardiola reveals ‘incredible’ Noel Gallagher sends him text message before and after Man City gamesTheir cup font has been designed by Gallagher with the 57-year-old writing out every player name and number to create the unique look.The Oasis icon also helped design a kit for Man City, honouring the 30th anniversary of album ‘Definitely Maybe’.The kit, dubbed ‘Definitely City’, will be worn for select European fixtures this season, and was donned by players in City’s Champions League opener against Inter Milan earlier in the campaign.The font on the back of Man City’s shirts is Gallagher’s handwritingCredit: ReutersGallagher helped design an Oasis themed kit for Man City this season tooCredit: Manchester CityThe superstar posed with Pep Guardiola for the ad campaignCredit: Manchester City More

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      Sporting Lisbon fans unveil stunning two-tier Ruben Amorim banner bigger than centre circle ahead of exit for Man Utd

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      SPORTING fans unfurled a huge banner in tribute to Ruben Amorim ahead of this evening’s clash with Manchester City.Amorim, 39, was taking charge of his final home game in charge of the Portuguese giants ahead of his move to Manchester United.Sporting fans unfurled an incredible bannerCredit: GettyAmorim, 39, accepted the adulation of the fansCredit: GettyThe Portuguese’s side took on Manchester CityCredit: ReutersRather than show any bitterness towards their outgoing coach, Sporting fans expressed their immense gratitude.Ahead of kick-off they unfurled an enormous banner even bigger than the centre circle.It featured an illustration of Amorim with his arms folded, as well as the five trophies he won as Sporting boss.The banner read “Obrigado” – Portuguese for “thank you”.READ MORE ON RUBEN AMORIMAmorim joined Sporting as boss in 2020 following a season at Braga.As their boss he won two league titles, two domestic cups and one Super Cup.He will take charge of his final game in charge away to his former side Braga on Sunday.Amorim is then set to formally begin work as Man Utd boss on Monday.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAhead of the clash with Man City, Amorim was involved in an awkward exchange with a British reporter.In his pre-match press conference, Amorim was asked about potentially getting one over United’s rivals City by Sky Sports’ Gary Cotterill.Dimitar Berbatov tips Viktor Gyokeres to follow Ruben Amorim to Man Utd When the incoming Man Utd boss politely refused to speak English, Cotterill bizarrely claimed: “It’s like a cold shoulder to your English fans.”Amorim laughed off the comment, and was backed up by hordes of fans online.The banner read ‘Obrigado’ – meaning thank you in PortugueseCredit: EPA More

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      Declan Rice could miss Chelsea clash as Mikel Arteta admits Arsenal star ‘wasn’t feeling good the last few days’

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      DECLAN RICE is a doubt for Arsenal’s clash against Chelsea next Sunday.Mikel Arteta has confirmed the midfielder will need to be assessed for the weekend clash.Mikel Arteta could be without £100m midfielder Declan Rice for Sunday’s clash against ChelseaCredit: ReutersRice missed training on Tuesday morning and did not travel with the squad to take on Inter MilanCredit: GettyIt comes after Rice, 25, did not travel with the squad for the Gunners’ Champions League clash with Inter Milan on Wednesday.The £105million star played for the full 90 minutes against Newcastle on Saturday, before missing training on Tuesday morning.Speaking to reporters before the trip to Italy, Arteta said: “Declan unfortunately picked up an injury against Newcastle. “He was able to finish and he wasn’t feeling good the last few days. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”We’ll have to assess him on Thursday and see if he’s ready for Chelsea.”It is a potentially huge blow to Arsenal given their already stacked medical room.Club captain Martin Odegaard remains sidelined, while Riccardo Calafiori and Takehiro Tomiyasu will continue to be absent with knee injuries.Kieran Tierney is another who remains sidelined as he is yet to return to full training.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSArsenal now sit below Chelsea in the Premier League table after Enzo Maresca’s side rescued a point in a 1-1 draw with Manchester United on Sunday.The North London side were also rocked this week by the news that Edu was stepping down from his position of sporting director.Huge Arsenal boost as Martin Odegaard returns to training ahead of Inter Milan clash The Invincibles star is set to join Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis’ footballing empire in a triple-your-money deal.The news was confirmed in a statement on Monday evening.Arsenal and Edu resignation statement in fullEdu Gaspar has today resigned from his position as our Sporting Director.Edu, our former player and Invincible, re-joined us in the role of Technical Director in July 2019. He progressed through the club and was promoted to Sporting Director in November 2022, where he oversaw men’s, women’s and academy football.   We thank Edu for the part he has played in our renewed football strategy and driving the club forward with the values of Arsenal in his heart. Edu said: “This was an incredibly hard decision to make.”Arsenal has given me the opportunity to work with so many amazing people and the chance to be a part of something so special in the club’s history. It has been a special journey and I thank Stan, Josh, Tim and Lord Harris for the support they’ve given me.  “I’ve loved working with so many great colleagues across our men’s, women’s and academy teams, especially Mikel, who has become a great friend. “Now it is time to pursue a different challenge. Arsenal will always remain in my heart. I wish the club and its supporters only good things and all the very best.”Our Co-Chair, Josh Kroenke, added: “We respect Edu’s decision and thank him for his immense contribution and dedication to drive the club forward.  “Everyone at the club wishes him well. We are all so fond of him and the positive energy he brings to everything and everyone.  “Change and evolution is a part of our club.  We remain focused on our strategy and winning major trophies. Our succession plan will reflect this continued ambition.”Edu’s 35 signings rankedEDU oversaw the arrival of 35 players during his time at the club.Some worked out better than others.Here, SunSport ranks them from worst to best…35. Nicolas Pepe (£72m)34. Willian (Free)33. David Luiz (£8m)32. Runar Alex Runarsson (£2m)31. Mat Ryan (Loan)30. Fabio Vieira (£34m)29. Neto (Loan)28. Marquinhos (£3m)27. Nuno Tavares (£8m)26. Matt Turner (£5m)25. Cedric Soares (Free)24. Albert Sambi Lokonga (£17m)23. Pablo Mari (£5m)22. Dani Ceballos (Loan)21. Raheem Sterling (Loan)20. Jakub Kiwior (£17m)19. Jorginho (£12m)18. Riccardo Calafiori (£42m)17. Kieran Tierney (£25m)16. Takehiro Tomiyasu (£20m)15. Mikel Merino (£28m)14. Aaron Ramsdale (£24m)13. Oleksandr Zinchenko (£30m)12. Gabriel Jesus (£45m)11. Kai Havertz (£65m)10. Jurrien Timber (£38m)9. Gabriel Martinelli (£6m)8. David Raya (£27m)7. Leandro Trossard (£20m)6. Thomas Partey (£45m)5. Ben White (£50m)4. Gabriel Magalhaes (£27m)3. Declan Rice (£105m)2. William Saliba (£27m)1. Martin Odegaard (£30m)Click here to read more Arsenal stories. More

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      England hit with four-man injury list as Harry Maguire leads stars ruled out of Nations League decider in Greece

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      HARRY MAGUIRE will miss England’s Nations League deciders against Greece and Republic of Ireland.Interim manager Lee Carsley is set to name the squad for his final two games in charge before Thomas Tuchel takes over.Harry Maguire is set to miss out on England’s clashes with Greece and FinlandCredit: GettyManchester United defender Maguire, 31, has not played since October 6 due to a calf problem.He featured in Carsley’s first match against Ireland but was left out of the last squad for the games with Greece and Finland.United team-mate Kobbie Mainoo, 19, is struggling with a muscle injury.Manchester City’s Jack Grealish, 29, looks set to miss out with injury, while Etihad pal John Stones, 30, has a foot problem.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSEngland were stunned by Greece at Wembley last month.Vangelis Pavlidis gave the brilliant visitors a deserved lead on 49 minutes.Jude Bellingham thought he’d rescued the Three Lions a point when he levelled three minutes from time.But Pavlidis would have the final say, netting four minutes into stoppage time to secure all three points.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSJack Grealish and John Stones are set to miss outCredit: SportsfileKobbie Mainoo is struggling with a muscular injuryCredit: ReutersCarsley’s men recovered three days later to beat Finland 3-1 in Helsinki.They trail Greece by three points going into their two final matches of the group stage.’I wasn’t contacted about the England job,’ admits Eddie Howe as he gives verdict on Thomas Tuchel appointment The Wembley clash with Ireland will be Carsley’s last in caretaker charge.New boss Tuchel will officially take over on January 1.Inside FA’s thrilling chase for TuchelTHE FA’s path to securing Thomas Tuchel’s signature was not a straightforward one.They tried to lure Pep Guardiola from Manchester City over the summer.They even made contact with Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti after deciding to target trophy-laden foreign gaffers.The FA’s determination to go international was summed up by their decision NOT to interview Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.Initial talks with Tuchel saw him express a slight interest in replacing Gareth Southgate.But he was waiting to see what would happen at Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag’s future under the spotlight.Man Utd owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe eventually decided to stick with Ten Hag – and that opened the door to the FA getting their man.Read the full story on England’s thrilling pursuit of Thomas Tuchel. More

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      Premier League chairman reveals 40,000-seater new stadium plan as he confirms ‘it’s on the to-do list’

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      A PREMIER LEAGUE chairman has admitted that he hopes to raise his club’s stadium capacity to 40,000.Their current ground houses 29,673 supporters.A Premier League club has revealed exciting new plans for their stadiumCredit: BBCTheir chairman has revealed that he’d love to increase the capacity to 40,000Credit: BBCAhead of this season, the former FA Cup winners made some promising improvements.They upgraded media facilities upon their return to the top flight.While they introduced new VIP executive lounges.Among their next goals is to significantly increase the stadium’s capacity.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSIpswich Town have been planning to redevelop the Cobbold Stand, which was built in the 1970s and houses away fans, as well as home supporters.During an appearance on BBC Radio Suffolk, chairman Mark Ashton was asked about the Cobbold Stand by Town fans.He said of the stand, which houses 750 season ticket holders as well as the away end: “It’s on the to-do list – it’s not the top of the to-do list, I must be honest with you.”Why? Because I’m certainly not going to take a stand down in the midst of a Premier League season, that’s just not the right thing to do.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIpswich’s Cobbold Stadium houses 750 season ticket holders as well as the away endCredit: GettyAshton has instead thought of a solution that would prevent those 750 season ticket holders being left stranded during a redevelopment.He added: “There’s a train of thought that says ‘no’, the next development there is the West Stand.Nottingham Forest owner Marinakis wants 50,000-seat City Ground “Which sees an increase in capacity in the West Stand, of surprise, surprise, circa 4,000 people.”So when you take down the Cobbold Stand people don’t lose their season tickets and they could move across.”While the expansion of Portman Road is on the radar, Ipswich are instead prioritising making improvements to their Playford Road training facility.They are set to submit a planning application for the training ground upgrades in the next fortnight.On the pitch, Kieran McKenna’s men are yet to win in 10 Premier League matches this season.They have been competitive, however, collecting five draws thus far.READ MORE SUN STORIESThis weekend they will seek their first Prem win in more than 22 years when they take on McKenna’s former side Tottenham.The contest will take place in North London on Sunday afternoon, with Spurs first travelling to Istanbul for a Europa League clash with Galatasaray.Boss Kieran McKenna is hoping to mastermind Ipswich’s first Prem win in more than two decadesCredit: Rex More

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      Michael Oliver and David Coote accused of new VAR blunder – but little-known rule proves they got decision SPOT ON

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      PREMIER LEAGUE referees have come under fire once again, this time on the European stage.Michael Oliver and David Coote have been lambasted by fans after being accused of making a huge blunder during Girona’s clash against PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League tonight.Premier League officials have been slammed after fans accused them of making a mistake in a Champions League fixtureCredit: RexFans slammed Prem official Michael Oliver for missing what they thought was an obvious error during PSV vs GironaCredit: AlamyPSV star Malik Tillman took a throw-in with his foot on the pitchCredit: xThe long throw-in directly resulted in a goalCredit: xOliver was the man in the middle for the league phase match, while Coote was acting as the VAR for the fixture.And fans have slammed the pair for what they thought was an error in the early stages of the game.Both Oliver and Coote appeared to miss the fact that PSV star Malik Tillman seemingly stepped onto the pitch while taking a long throw-in to set up the game’s opening goal.The former Rangers and Bayern Munich midfielder delivered a huge throw into the box that was tucked away by Ryan Flamingo in the 16th minute.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut fans and viewers were convinced that Tillman had stepped onto the pitch with his left foot when still holding onto the ball.On social media, one slammed: “No-one talks about referees in the Champions League until it comes to Michael Oliver and David Coote allowing a scandalous goal to count in the PSV vs Girona game. “Speaks volumes about the standards of PGMOL really”While another fumed: “PSV just scored a goal where their player was on the pitch when he threw the throw in in.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”No wonder our officials get a bad rep they really are poor.”However, a little-known rule means that Coote and Oliver actually got the decision CORRECT.Malik Tillman’s foot was actually touching the line, meaning the action was legalCredit: xMan Utd legend Paul Scholes names his top 5 toughest Champions League opponents of all time Uefa’s ruling around throw-ins only requires a player to “have part of each foot on or behind the touchline”.Tillman’s right boot was well behind the line, while his the heel of his left foot was still making contact with the byline – meaning his throw-in was perfectly legal.Despite getting this decision right, Oliver and Coote were guilty of making a huge blunder in the Premier League last month.The pair was accused of “getting Erik ten Hag sacked” after their mistake saw West Ham awarded a match-winning penalty in the Manchester United’s 2-1 defeat to the Hammers – a match which ultimately proved to be the Dutchman’s last.The Times have since reported that the PGMOL’s chief refereeing officer Howard Webb believes that the pair made the incorrect decision to award a penalty that day.On that occasion it was Coote who was the match official at the London Stadium, while Oliver was acting as the VAR.David Coote incorrectly awarded West Ham a penalty against Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyCoote’s decision saw United lose and Erik ten Hag sackedCredit: Getty More

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      Man Utd legend Paul Scholes names his top 5 toughest Champions League opponents of all time

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      PAUL SCHOLES has named his five toughest opponents from his days playing in the Champions League.The former Manchester United and England midfielder has certainly come up against some of the competition’s greatest ever players.Paul Scholes has revealed his top five toughest opponents in the Champions LeagueCredit: Youtube/The OverlapScholes won the competition twice during his playing daysCredit: AFPScholes, 49, played 124 TIMES in the Champions League, winning the competition on two occasions.And across his 17 seasons amongst Europe’s elite, Scholes faces the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid and Juventus. But, somehow, the United icon managed to whittle down his top five opponents in conversation with The Overlap Fan Debate, brought to you by Sky Bet.When quizzed on who those top five stars were, he said: “‘I played some incredible teams – that great Barcelona team, the Real Madrid team when it was the proper Galactico’s, Juventus…READ MORE ON MAN UTD”I’ll go for [Lionel] Messi, Xavi, [Andres] Iniesta, [Clarence] Seedorf.”I’m trying to think of midfield players and that Real Madrid team was incredible – Redondo, Ronaldo, [Luis] Figo, [Zinedine] Zidane, and Raul.””When we were trying to win Champions Leagues, those teams were ridiculous. It’s the same with England, the teams we had to come up against like France and Spain.”When pushed for a definitive top five by co-host Jamie Carragher, Scholes stuck with a Spanish league theme.Most read in FootballScholes named Lionel Messi as one of the best players he played against in EuropeCredit: ReutersHe also said Zinedine Zidane was amongst his best competitorsCredit: GettyAndres Iniesta and Xavi Hernandez were also named by ScholesCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAdding: “Messi, Xavi, Iniesta there’s two straight away. Zidane [and] …I love R9 [Ronaldo Nazario].”Scholes didn’t just come up against some of the best players around, but played alongside them too.Manchester United vs Chelsea: Player Ratings Breakdown (2)His Champions League exploits saw him line up alongside the likes of David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Roy Keane.But despite regularly being alongside world class team-mates, Scholes admitted he and his United pals couldn’t touch Barcelona’s midfield trio of Xavi, Iniesta and Sergio Busquets in the 2009 Champions League final.He said: “They never gave you time to tackle them.”They know where everyone is on the pitch and they know where the opposition are so you think you can get to them but before you know it it’s gone.”All of a sudden you’re just running around in circles.”I think Xavi and Iniesta were different players. Xavi was amazing at controlling a game, along with Busquets. He probably doesn’t get the credit he deserves because the three of them were sensational.”Iniesta was a little bit different because he could go past people.”Scholes added Ronaldo Nazario to his list of incredible opponentsCredit: GettyScholes also discussed facing Barcelona’s midfield trio of Sergio Busquets, Iniesta and XaviCredit: AFP – Getty More