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    David Moyes approached for shock new job as West Ham boss’ future shrouded in uncertainty

    DAVID MOYES has been the subject of a sensational approach from Spartak Moscow, it’s been claimed.The Scot’s future at West Ham has been up in the air for several months.David Moyes has a matter of months left on his West Ham contractCredit: RexSpartak Moscow have made a shock approach for the Scot, according to reportsCredit: REXThere are strong suggestions that the veteran gaffer will leave the London Stadium at the end of the season.And according to reports, he could find himself in the dugout at the Otkritie Arena next season.That’s according to The Daily Mail, who claim Spartak have inquired about his “availability” in recent weeks.The Russian outfit are on the hunt for a new manager following their decision to relieve Guille Abascal of his duties earlier this month.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd it’s claimed they have identified Moyes as a potential successor to the Spaniard.Moyes, however, is said to be “reluctant to commit” to the Moscow club at this moment in time.Moyes’ contract with the Hammers is set to expire at the end of the season. The former Manchester United manager is set to hold talks with club owners after the campaign draws to a close.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSDavid Moyes refused to be drawn on his future at the London StadiumCredit: GETTYA decision over his future is expected to be made during the post-season chat.Moyes has refused to be drawn on his future, saying after his troops’ 2-2 draw with Liverpool last weekend: “I’ve always said we’ll make a decision at the end of the season.’F—ing too big, teeth are too bright.. I’ll be glad he’s gone’, says David Moyes in bizarre X-rated farewell to Klopp”I want things to be right on both sides and I’m quite cool about the whole thing at the moment.”The team are showing up and doing the job.”Moyes’ sole focus at this moment in time is trying to pull off the Hammers’ Mission Impossible to qualify for the Europa Conference League.He said: “Our points total is a good total for West Ham, if you look at our totals over all the Premier League years.”We’ll keep banging at the door. “We finish with a really tough game at Manchester City so the next two games we’ll look to get something.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Today keeps us in the hunt.”West Ham will be back in action on Sunday afternoon, travelling to Stamford Bridge to take on Chelsea. More

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    Jurgen Klopp’s slow death march is a boost for next man in Liverpool hotseat as Arne Slot edges closer to deal

    RARELY can the wearing of a half-and-half scarf be justified.Particularly on the occasion of a passionate Merseyside derby with so much at stake for Everton and Liverpool.Arne Slot might find Anfield less daunting after Liverpool’s title woeCredit: PAJurgen Klopp’s recent plight as Liverpool boss could help his successorCredit: GettyYet if Arne Slot wrapped his neck in red and blue, while squirrelled away in his Rotterdam living room this week, it would be just about acceptable, if not advisable.Replacing outgoing Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp at the end of this season must be exhilarating — but slightly more terrifying for anyone being seriously  considered for the job.Feyenoord chief Slot, 45, has emerged as the No 1 candidate and while it’s the opportunity of a lifetime, it is also one of the toughest gigs going.Klopp has won seven big trophies in eight years but, moreover, restored a sense of entitlement at Anfield.READ MORE TOP STORIESThe feeling that the club is back where it belongs among football’s top feeders.Even if the imposing German was only half his 6ft 3in, those would be big shoes to fill.Wednesday’s 2-0 defeat at Everton has torpedoed the Reds’ title hopes.And, with them, romantic Scouse visions of Klopp, 56, being carried shoulder high through the Shankly Gates with a second Premier League winner’s medal hanging off him.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKEROvernight, the team looks weary and in need of a makeover similar to the manager’s cosmetic tooth job and laser eye surgery.But doom for Klopp is delight for Slot.Most dramatic Premier League’s final daysIt is now odds-on that  the man who has come to symbolise the renaissance on red Merseyside will head off into the sunset with only the Carabao Cup to go with his carriage clock.And how much easier  that makes it for Slot — or whoever takes over — to pick up the baton.Who wants the job of  trying to lead the Kop giants into an entirely new era when the trophy cabinet is bulging with bright, shiny new trinkets?Nobody wants to follow on from a legend.Whichever massively underpaid no mark eventually takes on my job will find it a breeze — because the only way is up. See what I mean?David Moyes found out  to his cost what it’s like attempting to remould Manchester United in his own image as the successor to Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013. Every aspect of life at Old Trafford, from the boardroom to boot room, was soaked in the angry old Scot’s DNA.Even Fergie’s Glaswegian blood brother Moyes felt alien at United.Just to make it even harder, Britain’s most  successful manager signed off in style by winning the  Premier League title by a whopping 11 points from Manchester City to assert United’s local dominance.That’s the stuff of dreams for the bloke being put out to pasture with a trumpet fanfare.But a nightmare for the man coming in needing to get a new tune out of the same instrument.Mo Salah will need replacing and Darwin Nunez must discover consistencyCredit: APMan United still haven’t solved the problem 11  years on.The next Liverpool gaffer will have to replace Mo Salah, even if the 31-year-old Egyptian goal machine does not bunk off to Saudi Arabia this summer.He must turn Darwin Nunez, 24, into a consistent threat who doesn’t shrink on big occasions.Virgil van Dijk is 32 and not the force of nature he once was. The defence needs work with one new centre-back, maybe two.That’s some to-do list, but far better to come in when the team is at a low ebb  to make picking it up that much simpler.The fact Liverpool are contriving to turn what was a genuine shot at a goodbye quadruple for Klopp into a slow death march should at least make one man happy, at least on the QT.HAVE A RETHINKSHOULD Arsenal go on to win the Premier League title, boss Mikel Arteta knows who to thank.Pundit Craig Burley has been a repeat critic of Kai Havertz this term — pulling no punches in his analysis of the German forward following his £65million move from Chelsea last summer.Kai Havertz scored twice vs old club Chelsea to show his value to ArsenalCredit: RexThe former Blues midfielder said in August: “There is nothing in this  Havertz performance or performances that suggest  he is any different, not one iota, from the player who was performing for Chelsea.“The only difference is he’s wearing a red shirt.”Burley went as far as to urge Arteta to drop Havertz,  labelling him the ‘elephant in the room’ regarding Arsenal’s weaknesses.The Gunners battered  Burley and Havertz’s old Blues side 5-0 on Tuesday — with the German netting twice in the second half — to go back to the  top of the table.Havertz has averaged a goal every other game in the past 14 matches and is now considered  a cornerstone of a team making huge strides at home and in Europe.Burley may well have been right in what he said at the start of the season.But you’d have to pay a  fortune for that kind of reverse psychology on Bupa.BAD VIBE ON AMOWHAT a shame West Ham’s attempts to land Ruben Amorim as their next manager look to have collapsed.No surprise there as relations between the Hammers and Amorim’s current club Sporting  Lisbon can’t be that warm.It’s no surprise West Ham’s interest in Ruben Amorin is flounderingCredit: GettyBack in 2017, Sporting infamously labelled West Ham’s porn baron owners David Sullivan and David Gold the “dildo brothers” in a row over a transfer deal.No way was Europe’s most sought-after coach going to come quietly.BREWTIFUL GAME, EH?JOACHIM ANDERSEN and his fellow Crystal Palace players have a WhatsApp group where they discuss their love of coffee.The defender told GQ magazine: “It’s massive for me. We have some connoisseurs here, you know?“I’m in a WhatsApp group called ‘Coffee Talk’ and we talk about everything  —  beans, machines, where to get the best coffee at away games.”How embarrassing that all is!  Whatever happened to good, old-fashioned X-rated pics?BIGWIGS CAN’T LAY INTO REFSNOTTINGHAM FOREST have done nothing new.Football fans have been questioning the integrity of referees for years.And their assistants and VARs when results don’t go their way.Often en masse and at great volume with choice words included as part of a chant.What Forest said on the record last weekend about VAR Stuart Attwell’s allegiance to relegation rivals Luton Town is only what most punters consider ‘bantz’ in the pub.Fans, like the clubs, are also what we call  ‘stakeholders’ in today’s  game.But there is a difference and this is what Forest have forgotten.Whoever sanctioned the  daft statement insinuating Attwell’s judgment could have been swayed by his love of the Hatters reduced themselves to a terrace barrister.While the club’s threat of legal action because pundit Gary Neville labelled them a ‘mafia gang’ only made it worse.However frustrating it might be to see your team going down the gurgler, a few people in the inner circle at a top club cannot behave like the 25,000 in the stands.That’s the price you  pay for making football your job.READ MORE SUN STORIESTOM’S TURNSO it’s congratulations to Tom Cleverley on his appointment as the new permanent boss of Watford — their 11th in the last six years.Given the high turnover  of managers at Vicarage Road, you have to wonder if they even bother with permanent markers to sign the  contracts. 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    Erik ten Hag ‘faces huge 25% pay cut’ to his £9m salary if he somehow manages to keep his job as Man Utd manager

    ERIK TEN HAG faces a 25 per cent pay cut should he keep his job at Manchester United. The Dutchman signed a three-year contract at Old Trafford in 2022 but his role is under serious threat. Erik ten Hag faces a 25 per cent pay cut should he keep his job at Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyUnited sit sixth in the table after beating Sheffield Utd 4-2 at Old Trafford last night, 13 points adrift of fourth-placed Aston Villa, and look to be out of the race for Champions League football.And according to ESPN, failure to reach Europe’s elite will see Ten Hag’s £9million-a-year wages slashed by 25 per cent. It means starting next season with a revised £6.75m yearly salary but there remain questions over Ten Hag’s future.As revealed by SunSport, the ex-Ajax boss appears to be heading for the Old Trafford exit after losing the faith of fans.READ MORE IN football It comes in the wake of blowing a 3-0 lead against Championship side ­Coventry in the FA Cup semi-final and needing penalties to win. United’s hierarchy witnessed the turning of the tide in person as the Red Devils faithful streamed out of Wembley rather than celebrate a shootout.Co-chairmen Avram and Joel Glazer were there with new part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who has assumed sporting control of the club.Behind him was sat new technical director Jason Wilcox.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRatcliffe has made changes at the very top with Omar Berrada poached from City to be the new chief executive and Newcastle’s Dan Ashworth set to be given the sporting director role.Ratcliffe’s right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford will also have a say in the football department.Man Utd’s top targets for the transfer windowThat is increasingly looking unlikely to have Ten Hag at the helm even if he enjoys a shock final win on May 25 against neighbours City.Former Brighton and Chelsea manager Graham Potter is the leading contender to take the job in the summer.England’s Gareth Southgate, Brighton’ Roberto De Zerbi, Brentford’s Thomas Frank and Wolves’ Gary O’Neil are other names linked.Pundits verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future
    Jamie Carragher – Sacked
    “I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
    Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
    “To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
    Louis Saha – On the fence
    “I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
    Alan Shearer – Sacked
    “I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.” More

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    Anthony Joshua reveals job he’d love to do if he wasn’t heavyweight boxer – and it’s right up the muscle man’s street

    AS a two-time heavyweight world champion, boxer Anthony Joshua has faced some tough battles in the ring — but none compares to the grilling he got from one nine-year-old fan.The sporting icon agreed to be interviewed by Josie Bell for children’s current affairs magazine The Week Junior.Anthony Joshua was interviewed by Josie Bell for children’s current affairs magazine The Week JuniorCredit: Mark Robinson for The Week JuniorAJ confessed he would have loved to be a bricklayer or an accountant if he wasn’t a boxerCredit: GettyAnthony Joshua lands a punch on Francis Ngannou during their contest in MarchCredit: GettyAnthony Joshua and Wladimir Klitschko in 2017Credit: GettyYoung reporter Josie, above, quizzed the 34-year-old on a range of topics when they went head to head for the on-camera chat at Finchley Boxing Club in North London, where Anthony used to train as an amateur.The ring legend, who knocked out Francis Ngannou inside two rounds last month, told how he would have loved to be a bricklayer or an accountant if he wasn’t a boxer.And he revealed his favourite film is — unsurprisingly — Rocky.‘I have no fear’But he admitted he has never seen Margot Robbie’s Barbie blockbuster.READ MORE ON ANTHONY JOSHUAThe dad to son JJ, eight, said: “There’s two jobs I like. One would be a bricklayer, because I like building and would always like to make my house bigger. I think everyone wants a bigger house.My favourite film is Rocky. It’s about a guy who has potential. But he has to become his own hero.Anthony Joshua“I’d probably like to be an accountant. Do you know an accountant is someone who counts everyone’s money? So I’m in control of the piggy bank.”He added: “I haven’t actually seen the Barbie film or the Wonka film.“My favourite film is Rocky. It’s about a guy who has potential. But he has to become his own hero. It’s a really good story about a guy who becomes a famous boxer.”Most read in BoxingArmed with a notebook and pen, Josie, from Kenley, Surrey, also asked: “What’s your biggest fear?”Anthony boldly replied: “I don’t have a biggest fear as I have a very positive mind and everything’s fun. Every day is a blessing. So I have no fear.”Anthony Joshua back in frame for world title BEFORE facing winner of Fury vs UsykThe boxer also explained that his favourite subject at school was PE. And he offered some tips on how to handle playground bullies.He said: “If I saw someone getting bullied, I would try and protect them because I don’t think getting bullied is nice. I don’t like bullies.“The best thing you can do is go and find your teacher to let them make sure that they take care of the student.“So I’d try and make sure that they’re protected first. And then I’d try and find a teacher as soon as possible.”Award-winning The Week Junior, aimed at children aged eight to 14, will feature the boxing champ as its cover star in its latest issue, out tomorrow.I hope he takes my advice and goes to see the Barbie movie.Josie Bell, The Week JuniorAfter his interview, Anthony told The Sun: “I knew Josie was going to ask me some seriously tough questions, but I was prepared.“Move over Piers Morgan, there is a new kid on the block.“I really enjoyed hearing from the kids at The Week Junior.”Delighted Josie said of her big assignment: “Anthony was super kind. He answered all my questions.“I was a bit nervous but he helped me loads.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I want to interview more mas- sive stars.”She added: “I hope he takes my advice and goes to see the Barbie movie.”The ring legend told how he would have loved to be a bricklayerCredit: GettyAJ on the cover of The Week JuniorCredit: Mark Robinson for The Week Junior More

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    Rafa Benitez ‘in talks over new job thousands of miles away with club who denied ex-Liverpool boss, 64, major trophy’

    RAFA BENITEZ is the top candidate to take over as manager at Sao Paulo.Former Liverpool, Chelsea, Newcastle and Everton boss Benitez, 64, has been out of a job for a month after being sacked by Celta Vigo.Rafa Benitez is the top candidate to become manager at Sao PauloCredit: GettyBenitez has history with Sao Paulo as they cost him the Club World Cup while at LiverpoolCredit: APAccording to Arquibancada Tricolor, however, the Spanish tactician is the “strongest name” linked with the top job at Sao Paulo.Talks started on Sunday and appear advanced as both parties are confident there will be a “positive outcome”.Negotiations have been brokered by super agent Giuliano Bertolucci, who represents some of the best Brazilian players like Bruno Guimaraes, Gabriel Magalhaes and Marquinhos.If Benitez signs with the Brazilian giants then he will be linking up with the same team that denied him the Club World Cup in 2005.Read More on FootballLiverpool took on Sao Paulo in the final in Yokohama just seven months after the Miracle of Istanbul.The Reds became European champions after beating AC Milan in a dramatic penalty shootout following an unforgettable 3-3 draw in the Champions League final.The Merseysiders were then looking to become world champions when they took on the then Copa Libertadores winners.However, Paulo Autuori’s men prevailed in Japan with a 1-0 victory thanks to Mineiro’s winner.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERBenitez, though, did win the UEFA Super Cup with Liverpool the same year.Steven Gerrard and co defeated then UEFA Cup winners CSKA Moscow 3-1 at Stade Louis II in Monaco.11 forgotten stars who define Liverpool vs Man Utd rivalryDaniel Carvalho opened the scoring for Valery Gazzaev’s men but Djibril Cisse equalised for Liverpool to force extra-time.The Reds sealed the trophy as Cisse completed his brace before Luis Garcia scored the third. More

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    Tiger Woods teases huge announcement with golf legend expected to take new job owing to friendship with ex-Man Utd owner

    TIGER WOODS could soon be named as the USA’s Ryder Cup skipper for 2025 – two years earlier than expected.The golf legend was already tipped for the job in Ireland in 2027 – due to his friendship with the Adare Manor golf-course owner and ex-Manchester United majority shareholder JP McManus.Tiger Woods has thrown his hat into the ring for the Ryder Cup captaincyCredit: ReutersWoods is a pal of ex-Man Utd majority shareholder JP McManus, leading many to think he’d skipper the USA team at Adare Manor in three years’ timeCredit: SportsfileBut the 15-time Major winner, 48, is a strong contender to lead his country at Bethpage Black on Long Island, New York in September next year.Woods has even hinted an announcement could come soon.It follows a mixed Masters last week for the Californian, who has overcome serious injuries, in particular back problems, to resume his top-level career.Woods set a record for making the cut at Augusta 24 times in a row.READ MORE ON TIGERBut he then finished last of the remaining players on 16-over par.His aggregate total of 304 was also his highest ever in 26 appearances at the Masters – worse than the 301 he shot over four rounds in 2022.And although he insists he is knuckling down for the other three majors from May to July, it’s off the course where he could make his next big impact.Woods finally spoke out about the Ryder Cup captaincy when questioned in Augusta.Most read in FootballHe said he would be renewing discussions over the role with the PGA of America’s CEO Steve Waugh following the tournament.Woods explained: “We’re still talking about it.Tiger Woods gives fans ‘all time favourite Masters moment’ by ‘shaking hands with a tree’ on Augusta course“It’s something that Seth and I are going to sit back and talk about after this event.”The US team are smarting from a 16.5-11.5 mauling in Rome in 2023.Unsurprisingly, Team Europe have already announced that Luke Donald has retained the captaincy, with Thomas Bjorn staying as vice-skipper. More

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    ‘That’s all we do’ – Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou left baffled by Eric Dier’s assessment of his training methods

    ANGE POSTECOGLOU has fired back at Eric Dier after he claimed the Tottenham boss “doesn’t do any tactical work” during training.Dier, 30, fell down the pecking order once Postecoglou, 58, was appointed at Spurs last summer and that led to a mere four Premier League appearances this season.Eric Dier claims Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou doesn’t work on tactics during trainingCredit: ReutersTottenham boss Postecoglou insists tactics is all the team works on during trainingCredit: AFPDier has been loaned out to Bayern Munich who are expected to sign him permanently from TottenhamCredit: GettyThe versatile defender was thus shipped out on loan at Bayern Munich in January and he has since turned a corner with a total of 13 appearances already under his belt.The England international then opened up about his experience working under the Aussie tactician and suggested his tactical work leaves much to be desired.Dier previously said when asked whether Postecoglou is the most tactically aware manager he has worked with: “No, interestingly, he really doesn’t do any tactical work.”What he does is, every single training drill from Monday to Friday is drawn up to represent the way that he wants to play.Read More on Football”[Antonio] Conte, I could do it blind, but that was a lot of tactical work Monday to Friday, a lot of 10 versus zero, walkthroughs. You were so well drilled, it would be ingrained in you.”However, Postecoglou hit back at Dier, who is expected to be signed permanently by Bayern in June, insisting he completely focuses on tactics during training.And that has paid off as Tottenham are chasing a top-four finish in the ex-Celtic boss’ debut season in north London.Postecoglou responded: “I don’t know what you mean by tactical work.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”Everything we do is geared on how we are going to play our football, so for me by extension is tactical work.”Whether that’s on us, or whether it’s on the opposition. In fact I would probably say we don’t do anything apart from tactical work.Eric Dier reveals ‘unfair’ Premier League title race decision which gave Tottenham ‘a sucker punch every week'”That’s all we do every day. If we’re working on our fitness, we’re still trying to play our football.”But I haven’t seen the interview so I’m not sure what he’s referencing.”If you’re talking about do we do training where we’re standing around and working on how we’re going to stop an opposition, how we’re going to break down, no we don’t do that.”But I don’t think that’s the only kind of tactical work that exists. I think anyone who trains with us will tell you that all we do is train the way we play. Maybe that’s not tactical work, I don’t know!”This one will have stung Kane the most… what’s the German for schadenfreude?, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
    OF all the trophies Harry Kane has missed out on, this one will have stung the most.
    This was supposed to have been a dead cert. This was nailed-on.
    Bayern Munich had won 11 successive Bundesliga titles, so when the England captain signed for the great Bavarian powerhouse last summer, we all said: “Well, at least he’ll finally win something.”
    Yet on Sunday evening, there were Bayer Leverkusen — known in Germany as ‘Neverkusen’ because they hadn’t previously won the league thanks to several late implosions — cavorting around, 16 points clear, unbeaten in all competitions and confirmed as champions with five games to spare.
    And so the greatest trophy curse in footballing history continues.
    And this one really is freakish because Leverkusen’s story is almost as extraordinary as Leicester City’s miracle title in 2015-16 — the season when Kane won his first Premier League Golden Boot and Tottenham ended up ‘third in a two-horse race’ behind Arsenal.
    Kane is always the runner-up, always the nearly man, always the fall guy, too often a figure of fun for those taking pleasure in the misfortune of others.
    Does anyone know the German word for schadenfreude…?
    Click here to read Dave Kidd’s column in full.
    To read more from Dave Kidd, click here. More

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    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer snubbed international manager job before former Man Utd team-mate took role

    OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER snubbed the Ireland managerial job – allowing former team-mate John O’Shea to take it. The Manchester United legend has been out of work since being sacked by his former club in 2021. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer snubbed the Ireland managerial jobCredit: ReutersSolskjaer has been linked with a host of jobs since leaving United and the Ireland international job was one linked with the Norwegian. But according to Andy Mitten, the man himself has ruled out the move. Mitten posted on X: “Keep getting asked about the Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for Republic of Ireland job story. “Spoke to him. He has no idea where it came from. He has complete respect for the country and did speak briefly about the job in Jan, but decided it wouldn’t be right for him.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDSolskjaer’s former United colleague O’Shea is now poised to take over Ireland permanently after taking charge on an interim basis. The former right-back replaced Stephen Kenny, who left after failing to qualify for Euro 2024. Solskjaer meanwhile confirmed he has rejected approaches since leaving United. He said on The Overlap podcast: “I have a few offers but I’m not ready.Most read in FootballSolskjaer’s Prem managerial stats

    Matches: 127
    Wins: 59
    Draws: 32
    Losses: 36
    Goals For: 212
    Goals Against: 168

    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”It’s got to be somewhere I can be myself not like anyone dictating ‘you need to do this, you need to do that’.”Because when you have been at United and managed them. You learn a few things and you want to do it your way the next time.”Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reveals moment he ‘100 per cent knew’ he was getting sacked as Man Utd manager More