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    ‘It’s hugely important’ – Shay Given fires warning to Newcastle despite Carabao Cup triumph

    SHAY GIVEN hailed Newcastle’s Carabao Cup heroes but warned they need Champions League qualification to reach “next level”.Eddie Howe’s side ended a 70-year domestic trophy drought when beating Liverpool 2-1 at Wembley a fortnight ago.Shay Given spoke to SunSport in his role as brand ambassador for CopyBetCredit: CopyBetThe Magpies ended 70-years of hurt at Wembley this monthCredit: GettyToon’s much-loved former goalkeeper Given was part of the Manchester City squad that lifted the 2011 FA Cup to kickstart their Middle East revolution.But with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules, the Irishman says it will take Newcastle’s Saudi owners a lot longer to get to the top.And that is why they cannot rest on their cup-winning laurels this term and must do everything possible to return to the Champions League.Given, speaking in his role as brand ambassador for sports betting platform CopyBet, told SunSport: “The City lads really kicked on and obviously got the Premier League titles and other things that followed.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“Hopefully it’ll be the same sort of pattern for Newcastle but I don’t think it’ll be straightforward because there’s all sorts of different legislations in place now that might make it take longer.“It’s an unbelievable achievement what they have done to lift that burden after 70 years but there is still a prize to play for with Champions League qualification.“That is, probably for the club to go on to the next level, nearly as important if not more than picking up the Carabao Cup.“What that would mean is they can strengthen again and regenerate the money back into the playing squad. At the end of the day, that’s only where you’re going to really challenge for a Premier League title, Champions League and things like that.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“Eddie Howe and the powers that be in Newcastle understand that as well. So, there’s so much to play for this season in the remaining games. It’s hugely important to get that Champions League spot.”And sealing a return to Europe’s top club competition is not only vitally important for the club coffers and PSR.Eddie Howe fights back tears as he dedicates Carabao Cup to late mum as Newcastle hero Dan Burn says ‘don’t wake me up’It would also help them to keep hold of £150m-rated top scorer Alexander Isak amid interest from Barcelona, Liverpool and Arsenal.And he insists that the Swedish hitman is the perfect man for Howe to build a side around to challenge the big boys.Given added: “The one player in the whole squad I don’t think you can afford to lose Isak.“It would send such a wrong message to everyone. It would put you back and leave a massive hole on what probably is the most important position on your team.“Hopefully Champions League will come and that’ll keep others from trying to lure Alexander away.“He’s the player that you can build around for years to come and he’s the kind of player that you can challenge at the very top with.”Shay Given is a brand ambassador for sports betting platform CopyBet. Visit CopyBet.comKeeping Alexander Isak is a must for the Magpies, says their legendary former goalieCredit: AlamyHow ‘big angel’ Joelinton rescued boss after he fainted in SubwayNEWCASTLE cult hero Joelinton rescued his old boss after he fainted in Subway.And coach Pellegrino Matarazzo still calls the Brazilian his ‘angel’.Matarazzo was Joelinton assistant manager during the midfielder’s spell in Germany with Hoffenheim.Recalling the scary incident, the Matarazzo revealed: “I was standing in the queue and I wasn’t feeling well.“I tried to go over to the Coca-Cola machine to quickly get a drink.”I realised I was about to faint, and I did faint.“When I opened my eyes I saw Joelinton! ‘Rino, Rino, are you okay?'”He was like a small, no a big, angel – Joelinton, what are you doing here?”Read the full story… More

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    David Moyes plotting shock transfer raid on Liverpool and EFL takeover to collapse – latest exclusives from Alan Nixon

    ALAN NIXON is SunSport’s Boss of Goss.Check out this week’s red-hot transfer whispers from our main man in the know…Scotland’s Ben Doak could be set for a surprise move in the summerCredit: PATOFFEE TWISTEVERTON boss David Moyes is ready to jump into the chase for Scotland’s new star Ben Doak in a sensational raid on neighbours Liverpool.Moyes is planning a swoop on his old rivals for the winger when he comes up for sale in the summer at about £25million.The Toffees want a wide man and Doak, 19, is firmly in their sights – despite the rarity of a cross-city move between the clubs.Only a handful have gone from Liverpool to Everton, with Peter Beardsley and the late Gary Ablett among a very elite group.However, Moyes is a huge fan of Doak, whose pace and trickery would add something to his hard-working squad.Bournemouth are keen on the teenager as we revealed, while Crystal Palace’s move for him is now in doubt.Liverpool may prefer Doak to go to the Cherries but Everton’s interest will alert the player, who is set to have a major say on his future.Meanwhile, Toffees’ chief scout Dan Purdy could get a reprieve in the club’s big backroom shake-up.Purdy’s position is under review but incoming chief executive Angus Kinnear is a known fan.Director of football Kevin Thelwell has already gone and a reshuffle is imminent but Purdy may stay on in a new capacity.Ben Doak gives hilarious answers at Middlesbrough Q&A SAIN OF THE TIMESSheffield United are preparing to swoop for Borja SainzCredit: AlamySHEFFIELD UNITED want to sign Norwich’s goal machine Borja Sainz – whether they make the Premier League or not.Blades’ American owners are willing to splash out on the Spaniard, 24, if they are back in the top flight or not.Sainz enters the last year of his deal this summer, and the Canaries may be forced to sell if he does not sign an extension.United are willing to pay over £10million for the 18-goal midfielder – even though they are well off in that position.SKY’S THE LIMITCaleb Kporha is wanted by Frank Lampard at CoventryCredit: GettyCRYSTAL PALACE are fighting to keep teenage right-back Caleb Kporha – with Frank Lampard’s Coventry in hot pursuit.Kporha, 18, has made a first-team debut but is yet to sign a new long-term deal.Cov want to offer a quicker route to starts and that may tempt the ex-Welling starlet.The Eagles want him to stay but will have to offer big terms.Meanwhile, Exeter want to get Palace keeper Joe  Whitworth, 21, back for a second season on loan.CITY SLICKERJuma Bah could make his City bow in the Club World CupCredit: GettyMANCHESTER CITY new boy Juma Bah is hoping for a Club World Cup call in the summer.The giant 18-year-old defender has been a stand-out for Lens on loan  in France and also starred for Sierra Leone against Egypt last week.Bah is due to return to City next season and he wants an earlier chance.Lens would like to keep Bah on loan but he wants City game time – or a Prem stint on loan.WALK-OVERMATT HOLLAND was always one of the fittest players around — and the former midfielder has still got it.Holland, 50, walked a staggering 113 miles in a recent MND charity event – the furthest covered by any of the ex-pros.The ex-Ipswich and Charlton star was one of dozens of former players walking while others joined in after appearing in the Liverpool Legends game last Saturday.KEV DOWN UNDERNewcastle legend Kevin Keegan is proving popular in AusCredit: GettyKEVIN KEEGAN is wanted in Australia – as a special guest at Blacktown City.Legend Keegan came out of retirement to play a couple of games for the New South Wales side in 1985. Now the club want their most famous player back for a bash to mark the 40th anniversary of his two appearances for them.SHREW-D DECISIONSHREWSBURY’S takeover talks with a US group are about to collapse.A lengthy period of exclusivity ends tomorrow and the Yanks have backed away from the deal to buy the League One strugglers, who saw boss Gareth Ainsworth quit on Tuesday.The current regime may look for new buyers at a reduced price once their relegation fate is sealed.WICKED WHISPERWHICH England player was leaking to mates he would be a shock selection in Thomas Tuchel’s first team?The squad man told chums he would be in the side and word spread on the grapevine that he would be named.But nobody in the media ran the tip-off off and, worse still, he was left on the bench to his embarrassment. More

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    Liverpool believe they’ve won £50million Milos Kerkez transfer race as Man Utd set to miss out on Bournemouth star

    LIVERPOOL believe they have won the battle to sign £50million-rated left-back Milos Kerkez.The Bournemouth defender is one of Europe’s most wanted men after a sparkling season.Liverpool are hot on the heels of Bournemouth ace Milos KerkezCredit: GETTYThe Reds believe they’ve nailed down a move for the 21-year-old defenderCredit: AFPManchester United are also keen on the 21-year-old.But a move to Arne Slot’s champions-elect is all but nailed down.Kerkez is under contract until 2028, although Bournemouth will do business if the price is right. He is said to favour Anfield, where he would link up with fellow Hungarian and international team-mate Dominik SzoboszlaiREAD MORE SPORTS NEWSThe two were on Nations League duty together last week.And Szoboszlai would not have wasted the chance to convince him that Merseyside was the best option.Kerkez cost just £14m from AZ two years ago and has been one of the stand-out performers in leading Bournemouth towards their highest-ever Premier League finish.His move raises doubts over Andy Robertson’s long-term Reds future.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKRobertson’s form has shown signs of dipping this season after eight outstanding years.Kerkez will be the first arrival in a busy summer for Kop boss Slot,  set to lose Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid.Arne Slot makes embarrassing blunder in Liverpool press conference as he ‘forgets Cristiano Ronaldo played for Man Utd’ There is also uncertainty over the future of captain Virgil van Dijk and leading scorer Mo Salah, as they have yet to agree new deals.The Reds will be back in action on Wednesday, hosting bitter rivals Everton at Anfield.The arrival of Milos Kerkez at Anfield could spell the end of Andy Robertson’s Kop careerCredit: GETTY More

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    Liverpool owners FSG exploring takeover of forgotten former Champions League club after they fell into decline

    LIVERPOOL owners Fenway Sports Group [FSG] are going head-to-head with Paris Saint-Germain for a takeover of Spanish side Malaga.The former Champions League side have slipped down the leagues following mismanagement in the last decade.FSG owner John Henry is looking to buy MalagaCredit: GettyThey recently went into administration and are attracting attention from potential buyers.Now Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group are weighing up a bid to buy a majority stake in Malaga from Qatari businessman Abdullah bin Nasser Al Thani.FSG representatives are said to have visited Malaga last month to inspect facilities and assess what form any investment should take as they bid to create their own multi-club empire.Malaga spent last season in the third tier for the first time since 1998.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey were promoted and are now sitting 15th in LaLiga 2.Spanish hotel and real estate group Blue Bay owns the remaining 49 per cent.It follows an attempt made by FSG to buy French club Bordeaux following their relegation to the third tier.That move broke down “following extensive and constructive discussions with all stakeholders”.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSFSG are understood to be interested in developing a multi-club model akin to that of the City Group.They bought Liverpool in 2010, adding to their portfolio which includes the Boston Red Sox and the Pittsburgh Penguins.Fans convinced Frimpong will join Liverpool after spotting his Holland camp antics More

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    New football regulator could see teams thrown out of the league and stadiums closed down – the game doesn’t need it

    FOOTBALL has flourished for a century and a half.It is the world’s biggest sport and certainly one of its greater preoccupations.Stars like Man City hitman Erling Haaland have made the Prem special around the world and we must be careful about any changes we makeCredit: APIt is loved by players, ­spectators, TV viewers and children from an early age.It gives £8billion to the Treasury every year.And it provides livelihoods, dreams and dramas, excitement and disappointments.To some it is a life in itself.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSo, what does it need?It is easier to tell you what it does not need — a regulator as judge and jury of professional clubs.Problems are plentiful — they always have been — and our first occupant is due to take their bow fairly soon.There is no question a revolution is on its way and a heck of a lot of money to go with it.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKIt will become law towards the end of the year.The bill passed through the House of Lords this week and they sent it to the Commons.Man City launched probe into Erling Haaland after he ‘left club’s mascot with whiplash’ after hit to back of headI sit in the Lords and the debate convinced me that the introduction of a regulator for professional leagues will bring little reward and a lot of work and expense.Our game has been settling wrangles forever.A regulator hasn’t been required before and isn’t now.He or she will have considerable power in granting each of the 116 clubs a licence to operate — each with separate conditions governed by the law of the land.Breaches of licence conditions could result in teams being thrown out the league, stadiums being closed down or even a stint in jail — although a few nights in the Scrubs do not seem likely.However, a serious offence could result in a named director being fined as much as £75,000 a day.The regulator also has a duty to ensure that each club is sustainable.If it is not, the club may look to sell assets, probably stars players.That’s when the riots could start.Regulators have a patchy record. One of them, Ofwat (the water services regulation authority), has been paddling round the question of dumping waste into many rivers, lakes and the sea.Swimming filthy rivers such as the Wye has become a risk to health. And the post under Ofcom has become slow and indecently expensive.Regulators are seen by many politicians as a cure-all.But, frankly, they would, wouldn’t they?Many fans may also feel this way although I suspect there will be considerable mind-changing when they realise what interference might do to their club.The Premier League’s riches and status have caused envy elsewhere — most obviously within the EFL.Many EFL clubs I speak to hate the idea of being answerable to a regulator with untold powers to tell them what to do and how to run their clubsThis is partly understandable — even if Championship clubs are reasonably well off.That  is, after all, the sixth richest league in the world,  having just signed a new £1billion TV rights deal.But while nine clubs in that division are owned by billionaires, quite a few in the lower divisions are hard up.Accrington Stanley, one of the founding members of the Football League, have not had a home crowd anywhere near 3,000 this season.And for one League Two night game in September their gate was just 791.Of course such poor relations should be propped up — and most Premier League clubs appreciate the fact.That is why we send £1.6BILLION down the pyramid while the PL Stadium Fund has contributed more than £207m towards projects including 577 clubhouses and changing rooms, 832 stands, 682 floodlights and 480 pitch improvements.Further talks on an alternative to politicians’ pet scheme should be held between the FA, the Premier League and the EFL.Many EFL clubs I speak to hate the idea of being answerable to a regulator with untold powers to tell them what to do and how to run their clubs.The initial plan for the new regulator is that a report will be published on the state of the game.This will take 18 months but there is such a lack of detail and clarity in the bill that the bundles of legal challenges will be a nightmare!Neither are the outcomes at all promising.And who would pay for the grandiose schemes?Well, it will be the Premier League of course.READ MORE SUN STORIESEvery penny spent on the regulator is a penny taken away from all the good causes, and all the pyramid funding.And, that’s the real tragedy. More

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    Pep Guardiola suggests Man City trophy bonuses should be scrapped as stars ‘don’t deserve even a watch’ this season

    PEP GUARDIOLA admits he and his underperforming Manchester City stars do not deserve a bonus if they are crowned world champions this summer – not even a souvenir watch!The outgoing Premier League champs head to the States to take part in the first ever FIFA Club World Cup this summer.Pep Guardiola seems to feel his players can’t redeem their seasonCredit: ReutersIt is a competition which City’s Abu Dhabi owners are placing great focus on – and FIFA upped the stakes this week by announcing astonishing prize money.The winners will walk away with around £100 million – roughly what the bottom-placed Premier League club makes over the entire season in TV and prize money.That would normally mean a healthy bonus coming the way of City staff.But straight-talking Guardiola says he and his staff on and off the pitch will not merit it, after their miserable domestic campaign.READ MORE MAN CITY NEWSHe said: “We don’t deserve it this season.“We don’t deserve a bonus this season. The bonus, if you win, I don’t know how much.“You go there, (winning) it’s for the club. The managers, the backroom staff, the players we don’t deserve, not even a watch.”Eye-watering bonuses are part and parcel of the top-level game, with reports that City regulars pocketed around £2 million each for winning the treble two seasons ago – half of that for success in the Champions League.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKNonetheless, Guardiola’s under-achievers can still salvage something from their poor domestic season by winning the FA Cup.Fifth-placed City visit Bournemouth, who have slipped to 10th, in the quarter-finals on Sunday.Why Man City could be dumped out of the FA Cup by Bournemouth | Experts’ best bets – Weekend WagerGuardiola said of the Cherries: “They have a special way of playing and it works with the players and the ideas that they have. “Every team plays in a specific way and they do it really well. Other teams are more direct, other teams want more crosses.”Guardiola is aiming to become only the fourth manager since World War Two to lift the FA Cup for a third time.The other three are certainly managerial legends too – Bill Nicholson, Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger. More

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    Harry Kane leaves fans stunned as he shows off his German in video – and it could be a major hint over transfer future

    HARRY KANE might have just dropped a massive hint over his future amid rumours that the Bayern Munich star is contemplating a return to the Premier League.Kane, 31, left fans stunned after a video circulating online showed him grafting away at learning German.Harry Kane has been learning German while at Bayern MunichCredit: XKane has been linked with a return to the Premier League after continuing his goalscoring success in GermanyCredit: GettyThe England captain joined Bayern Munich in the summer of 2023, calling time on his 13-year tenure at Tottenham.And after one and a half seasons in Bavaria, Kane is still working hard to learn the language.A video circulating online shows the prolific bagsman answering questions about training, meetings and Bayern Munich in German.Fans who have caught wind of the clip are convinced that it’s a major hint that Kane has no plans to leave Germany any time soon.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne wrote: “And there are rumours that he wants to return to England in the summer. You can probably tick that one off for good!”While another added: “Hasn’t there been stories that he wants to go to Liverpool because Mohamed Salah is leaving? Hahaha!”And a third commented: “Kane has settled really nicely in Bavaria, is learning German, is competing for trophies and is a true #Bundesliga superstar. Why would he rush back?”Kane has been in the goalscoring form of his life since moving to the Bundesliga, scoring 76 goals and registering 23 assists in 82 appearances for Bayern Munich.Most read in FootballKane’s German lessonHere’s a little look at what Kane was saying during his German lesson..Q: Why were you not in training?Kane answer: “Because I was ill”Q: Why did you cancel the interview?Kane answer: “Because I am tired”Q: Why do you live in Munich?Kane answer: “Because I play for Bayern Munich”CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut the superstar has been tipped to return to England with rumours of a release clause in his contract and the looming temptation of trying to break Alan Shearer’s all-time Premier League top goalscoring record.In fact, it’s Shearer himself that has suggested Kane should join league leaders Liverpool to cement a legacy in the the English top flight.Harry Kane scores from a distance in Bayern Munich training The Newcastle legend told Betfair: “Liverpool will be looking for a centre-forward in the summer, I don’t doubt that and Harry Kane would be a great option for them because of the size of the club and he’ll score goals.”Whether Harry decides to stay in Germany or he decides to come back to the Premier League, he’ll have options.”I’ve always said that if he comes back to the Premier League then he’ll have a really, really good chance of breaking my record. I’m a huge admirer of him.”Kane, who cost Bayern Munich £104m, is thought to have a release clause in his deal with the club.Reports suggest that Kane could have triggered a clause in his current contract this winter that would have allowed him to leave the Allianz Arena for a fee of around £67m in the summer.While it’s also said that the striker will have the option to activate the clause again next winter, this time allowing him to leave in the summer of 2026 for just £54m.For now, Kane is still tied down with Bayern Munich until 2027.Alan Shearer has tipped Kane to join LiverpoolCredit: Getty More

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    ‘Much more advanced’ – Major update on Mo Salah’s Liverpool future revealed with link to Trent Alexander-Arnold decision

    MOHAMED SALAH is edging closer to sorting out his future after entering “advanced” negotiations, according to reports.Salah, 32, has had contract talk and transfer rumours swirling around him all season with his Liverpool contract expiring in the summer.Mohamed Salah is said to be in advanced negotiations with Liverpool over a new dealCredit: GettyIt comes after reports indicated Trent Alexander-Arnold was set to leave the clubCredit: GettyThe Egyptian King, along with Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold were the three high-profile stars on course to leave the club. However, following reports this week that Alexander-Arnold has all-but agreed terms on a move to Real Madrid, Salah’s future has taken a fresh twist.According to a report by Egyptian outlet Masrawy, Salah’s agent has now entered serious negotiations to extend the attacker’s Anfield stay.A source told the site: “Liverpool’s management has opened negotiations with Rami Abbas, Mohamed Salah’s agent, to renew the Egyptian star’s contract with Liverpool for the time being.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Negotiations between Liverpool and Rami Abbas, Salah’s agent, are much more advanced this time than ever before, and the offer presented is higher than any offer made to the player before.”But this shift in stance from Liverpool, who were previously unwilling to meet Salah’s contract demands, has only come following Alexander-Arnold’s fate heading away from the club.The report adds: “Alexander-Arnold’s imminent departure from Liverpool will be a major factor in Salah’s contract renewal, following the reduction of the club’s high salaries, allowing the Egyptian star to be given what he desires in his new contract with the Reds.”According to Capology, the Englishman currently earns £180,000 per week, while Salah earns £350,000.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSalah is the club’s highest earner at present, while 26-year-old Alexander-Arnold is third in the rankings behind the winger and Van Dijk, who himself earns £220,000 per week.Alexander-Arnold’s new wages in the Spanish capital will reportedly see him earn £240,000 a week.Trent Alexander-Arnold has agreed terms on a move to Real Madrid this summer, according to reports With his expected move Alexander-Arnold will become only the seventh Englishman to play for Real Madrid, adding his name to a list including the likes of ex-Reds Steve Macmanaman and Michael Owen.However, Liverpool could still land a fee for the defender after a new transfer window was agreed to allow clubs to sign and sell players ahead of the Club World Cup, which Real are competing in.Los Blancos are willing to stump up a fee, understood to be around £5million, to sign him on June 1 so he can join England team-mate Jude Bellingham on the plane for the US-hosted tournament.Liverpool fans have not taken the news of the homegrown star’s expected end-of-season departure well, and he will return after the international break to the cauldron of Anfield during a hotly contested Merseyside derby. More