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    Erling Haaland OUT of Man City squad for crunch Liverpool clash as Pep Guardiola hit with yet another injury blow

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    ERLING HAALAND has not been included in Manchester City’s squad to face Liverpool.The striker is the club’s top scorer this season with 27 goals in 35 games across all competitions this season.Erling Haaland is missing from Man City’s squad to face LiverpoolCredit: GettyHowever, Pep Guardiola has been sweating over the fitness of his talisman since he fell to the floor awkwardly holding his knee following an awkward landing against Newcastle last week.The 24-year-old was named on the bench for City’s mid-week 3-1 defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League knockout play-offs, but failed to make it on to the pitch.Guardiola told reporters in his Friday press conference that a decision was yet to be made about his participation against the league leaders.The Spaniard had said: “I don’t know yet. Tomorrow [Saturday] we will know.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut it has now been confirmed that Haaland will miss today’s Etihad clash after he was missing from the Cityzens matchday squad.It is the first time he has not been named in a squad since the fourth round of the FA Cup against Leyton Orient earlier this month, and the first time it has happened in a league game since April 2024 when he missed a 4-0 win over Brighton.New £59million signing Omar Marmoush was chosen to spearhead City’s attack against Liverpool.Haaland’s absence from the pitch in midweek had seen ex-Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher joke he was suffering with “Rudigeritis” while working as a pundit on CBS Sports.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSWhen asked about the comments, Guardiola said: “Oh, God. Did he say that? Jamie Carragher said that? Oh God. Don’t laugh. I don’t know why he makes that suspicious, you know that?”Did he say that Haaland didn’t want to play the game? It’s not nice — and it’s not true.Pep Guardiola admits ‘best team won’ as Real Madrid knock Man City out of Europe “He was crazy to play the game but had a problem with his knee and could not play.”Carragher responded on social media by clarifying the comment was a joke made at the expense of fellow pundit and ex-Man City star Micah Richards.During Sky Sports Super Sunday broadcast, Carragher was asked again about the comments. The 47-year-old said while smirking: “Listen that illness may have carried over and could be Van Dijkitis.”After a few jokes among the panel, including presenter David Jones, Richards, Daniel Sturridge and Roy Keane, Carragher added: “Listen there’s no doubt, I think I said in this fixture at Anfield, I think [Virgil] Van Dijk has the edge in terms of being slightly better in his position than Haaland is.”But that is a brilliant match up.”READ MORE SUN STORIESHaaland has scored just one goal against Liverpool in the Premier League from four matches, while his overall record against the Reds stands at three goals in eight games.City have beaten Liverpool just once when Haaland has played, while picking up two draws and five defeats. More

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      ‘Oh, God… did he say that?’ – Pep Guardiola left in disbelief at Jamie Carragher’s ‘not nice and not true’ claim

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      PEP GUARDIOLA fumed at “not nice” claims Erling Haaland ducked last week’s Euro blockbuster because he is scared of Antonio Rudiger.The Manchester City striker was an unused sub in their Champions League mauling at Real Madrid with a knee injury.Pep Guardiola fumed at “not nice” claims Erling Haaland ducked last week’s trip to the BernabeuCredit: GettyCarragher questioned Haaland’s place on the bench after City were hammered by Real MadridBut Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher reckons the Norway ace wanted to avoid Real’s fit-again centre-back Rudiger, 31.Speaking as pundit on CBS, he said: “It’s Rudiger-itis is it? Is that what we’re saying here?”Ahead of City hosting the Reds on Sunday, Guardiola shook his head in disbelief when told of Carra’s stunning comments.He said: “Oh, God. Did he say that? Jamie Carragher said that? Oh God. Don’t laugh. I don’t know why he makes that suspicious, you know that?READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“Did he say that Haaland didn’t want to play the game? It’s not nice — and it’s not true.“He was crazy to play the game but had a problem with his knee and could not play.”It comes ahead of the Etihad fixture, which has become increasingly ill-tempered, and Haaland, 24, faces a late test to make the City line-up.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd he will be desperate to make it after Kop legend ­Carragher’s  taunts.Most read in FootballCarragher, 47, said: “So let me work this out. Haaland has gone to the manager this morning and said he’s not fit?Pep Guardiola admits ‘best team won’ as Real Madrid knock Man City out of Europe “Do you think it’s got something to do with Rudiger? Is that because Rudiger is playing?“He’s on the bench so he can’t be injured. I never went to see the manager on the morning of a game and said I’m not fit. So he’s injured, is he?” More

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      Man City to rake in £41m windfall for summer rebuild after picking best possible year for early Champions League exit

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      MANCHESTER CITY can press ahead with their team-rebuilding plans this summer despite their early Champions League exit.Pep Guardiola’s men failed to reach the last 16 of the lucrative competition for the first time since 2013 after Kylian Mbappe’s stunning hat-trick for Real Madrid.Manchester City were dumped out of the Champions League by Real Madrid this weekCredit: GETTYTheir stint in this season’s Champions League has added to Pep Guardiola’s summer war chestCredit: GETTYThat means they miss out on around £9million for reaching the knockout stage proper — along with the chance to go for around £44m more in prize money.Normally that could have hit their summer budget but City are heading for the money-spinning Club World Cup in June and July.The 32 teams are set to bank around £41m apiece just for playing in the USA tournament — with the prospect of doubling that for going all the way to the final.That should help to bridge any shortfall in the City coffers from a rare failure in Uefa’s showpiece competition — which saw them knocked out in the play-off round by Real Madrid on Wednesday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey have secured Champions League football every year since they first qualified in 2011 — but face a battle to extend that sequence into next season.Despite spending more than £175m on four signings last month, Guardiola is keen to bring in more new faces this summer.Germany midfielder Florian Wirtz and Juventus full-back Andrea Cambiaso are targets.City’s elimination at the hands of Real has raised further doubts over Guardiola’s future with the club.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSPep Guardiola insists he will still be in charge of Manchester City next seasonCredit: GettyBut when asked if he’ll be at Eastlands next season, the Catalan told Movistar: “Yes, yes, yes, I’m going to stay [at City]. “We have drawn a very strong opponent at the best moment of the season and when the opponent is superior.’Pep Guardiola is stressed, man’ – Fans fear for Man City boss as Etihad legend spotted with fresh scratches on head”There is no other option than to congratulate them. Ten or 12 years ago we weren’t even in the picture.”It’s a competition with many details, a very emotional competition, and I have very few complaints about how we’ve behaved in Europe.”City will be back in action on Sunday, welcoming title-chasing Liverpool to the Etihad. More

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      Micah Richards reveals he supports two Premier League teams but it ‘depends if I’m off air or on air’

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      MICAH RICHARDS revealed he supports TWO Premier League teams… and his loyalty depends on whether or not he’s on TV.Richards, 36, rose to prominence in 2005 with Manchester City and went on to win the Premier League title in 2012 as well as the FA Cup the year before.Micah Richards revealed he supports two Premier League teamsCredit: SkyRichards supports Manchester City and Arsenal, depending on whether he’s on airCredit: SkyThe former defender amassed a total of nine goals and 11 assists in 245 appearances with City, where he played for 10 years.The ex-England international enjoyed his most prominent years at Man City, so it comes as no surprise when he roots for Pep Guardiola’s side while on air.But Richards revealed he also supports another team when he’s off air… and that’s none other than Arsenal.Big Meeks appeared on the latest edition of A League of Their Own, where he joined host Romesh Ranganathan as well as guests Tony Bellew and Sean Dyche.Read More on FootballBellew asked the former Aston Villa ace: “Meeks, who do you support champ?”Richards responded: “Who do I support? Well, depends if I’m on air or off air.”Bellew insisted: “Well, we are on air then tell us the truth.”Richards replied: “Man City.”Most read in FootballRanganathan jumped in: “Off air: Arsenal!”Richards confirmed: “Yes!”‘How wrong…’ – Kate Abdo mercilessly trolls CBS Sports panel as Henry, Carra & Richards ‘left her out’ of TV outingThat led to quite a mixed reaction with some members of the crowd exclaiming in shock. More

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      Jack Grealish to lead Man City exit list with Pep Guardiola ready to sell EIGHT title-winning heroes in summer purge

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      JACK GREALISH is reportedly set to lead a purging of the Manchester City squad in the summer.Pep Guardiola is set to cull his underperforming stars in the summer after a disappointing season.Pep Guardiola is set to cull his squad in the summer transfer windowCredit: GettyJack Grealish is one player that could leave the Etihad StadiumCredit: GettyKevin De Bruyne’s contract expires at the end of the summerCredit: GettyThe club could also axe John StonesCredit: GettyManchester City were dumped out of the Champions League on Wednesday night by Real Madrid.The European failure has followed an exit from the Carabao Cup and a lacklustre defence of the Premier League title.The club’s only hope of silverware this season is in the FA Cup with a 5th round tie against Plymouth Argyle on March 1.The Cityzens splashed the cash in January with high-profile arrivals of Omar Marmoush, Nico Gonzalez, Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut come the summer transfer window, the club will be looking to trim down the squad.The Daily Star have claimed that EIGHT former title winners would be on their way out of the club.This includes the likes of Grealish, Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, John Stones, Mateo Kovacic, Ilkay Gundogan and Ederson.Kyle Walker is also expected to leave on a permanent deal when he returns from his loan spell at AC Milan.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAll of the players are aged 30 and over, which would suggest Guardiola is keen to add more youth to his squad.As the current season is nearly a write-off for the club, Guardiola must prioritise the future.Man City legend Sergio Aguero’s new career as a racing driver for PorscheManchester City squad agesHere is a look at the ages in Manchester City’s squad…Goalkeepers: Ederson, 31Stefan Ortega, 32Scott Carson, 39Defenders: Ruben Dias, 27Manuel Akanji, 29Nathan Ake, 30John Stones, 30Vitor Ries, 19Abdukodri Khsanov, 20Jahmai Simpson-Pursey, 19Josko Gvardiol, 23Rico Lewis, 20Kyle Walker, 34 – On loan at AC MilanMidfielders: Rodri, 28Mateo Kovacic, 30Nico Gonzalez, 23Ilkay Gundogan, 34Bernardo Silva, 30Kevin de Bruyne, 33Claudio Echeverri, 19James McAtee, 22Attackers:Jeremy Doku, 22Jack Grealish, 29Phil Foden, 24Savinho, 20Oscar Bobb, 21Erling Haaland, 24Omar Marmoush, 26Average age: 26.6The Spaniard will be expected to put faith into the four January arrivals in order to bed them in before next season.However, this must be balanced with results on the pitch with the club still not guaranteed a Champions League spot for next season.Man City have already signed Juma Bah from Real Valladolid and loaned him to RC Lens until the summer.While SunSport revealed City are ready to battle Real Madrid for £85million Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz, who has been tipped as the ‘new De Bruyne’. More

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      ‘Not even half the team that made us park the bus’ – Real Madrid stars’ BRUTAL verdict after smashing ‘fragile’ Man City

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      REAL MADRID stars took just 45 minutes to realise Manchester City weren’t even “half the team” they faced in recent years.Real and City failed to finish in the Champions League’s top eight during the league phase and that set up a blockbuster play-off for a place in the Last 16.Real Madrid realised they weren’t facing the same Manchester City from the last three yearsCredit: RexReal found Man City weren’t ‘half the team’ they faced last yearCredit: GettyReal decided to play attacking football during half-time at Man CityCredit: PAReal dumped Man City out of the Champions League in dominant second legCredit: GettyThe two giants first met at the Etihad last week for the first leg, which Los Blancos approached with the utmost respect and refused to pay any attention to Man City’s immense woes in the Premier League.The Citizens found themselves leading at half-time thanks to Erling Haaland’s opener, and that is when Carlo Ancelotti’s stars came to a sudden realisation.According to Marca, a big conversation took place in the visitors’ dressing room.The visitors understood they weren’t playing against the same City that took them to the limit the last three years, during which they faced off in six thrilling Champions League knockout games.Read More on FootballThat was when Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr, Jude Bellingham and co asked themselves: “What are we doing?”The reigning European champions previously adopted a more defensive strategy, such as last year when they “parked the bus” on the edge of their area in the quarter-finals.However, the Spanish champions knew they could push this team and press higher as Pep Guardiola’s side was nothing like the rivals they remembered.Real stars found their opponents to be “physically bad” when pressed with “lots of gaps, lots of gaps” and a “surprisingly fragile” defence.Most read in Champions LeagueAncelotti’s men returned to the pitch and equalised with Mbappe and kept fighting despite Haaland’s double 10 minutes before full-time as they levelled things up with Brahim Diaz and got the winner through Bellingham during stoppage time.Real used the lessons they learned in the second leg as they only played attacking football, which was completely different than what they displayed last season against City.Man City boss Pep Guardiola responds to late collapse to Real Madrid It paid dividends as Mbappe scored a hat-trick during a dominant display that saw Guardiola’s side being often unable to cross the halfway line.And Man City struggled so much they couldn’t get a shot on or off target until the latter stages of the second half, which saw Nico Gonzalez scoring a consolation goal during stoppage time. More

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      Sir Matt Busby’s medal to be put up for sale – but Man Utd fans will not want to buy it

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      A MEDAL won by Sir Matt Busby in his playing career is going up for sale.The family of the legendary Manchester United boss are selling off his Manchester FA Senior Cup winner’s medal from the 1928-29 season – which he won while playing for CITY.Sir Matt Busby is regarded by many to be Manchester United’s greatest-ever managerCredit: PAHe’s been immortalised outside Old TraffordCredit: TIMES NEWSPAPERS LTDA medal from his playing days for Manchester City is up for saleCredit: PAThe nine-carat gold medal – which is engraved “Manchester City F.C, Winners, M. Busby.” – is estimated to fetch between £8,000-12,000.His private collection of football match programmes between the 1950s-80s will also go under the hammer in live online bidding at Surrey-based Ewbank’s on February 26.Busby joined City as a teenager and stayed there for eight years before moving to Liverpool in 1936.The Scotsman, who died aged 84 in 1994, won the league championship five times for United and lifted the European Cup in 1968 – ten years after he survived the Munich air crash.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHe is considered by many to be the club’s most important manager along with fellow great Sir Alex Ferguson.Fergie surpassed the late Sir Matt as United’s longest-serving manager in 2010.He said of his fellow Scot: “It has been frozen into the memory bank. Man Utd ratings v SpursMANCHESTER UNITED slipped to a 12th defeat in the Premier League with Rasmus Hojlund coming under fire again.Here’s how SunSport’s Katherine Walsh rated the Manchester United players against an underachieving Spurs side – who are now three places above them in 12th – in North London.Andre Onana – 3United can’t do anything with him between the sticks. Can’t be trusted to collect anything.His opposite number Vicario showed him a thing or two after returning for the first time since Spurs thrashed Man City in November.At fault for the first goal when he palmed out a relatively weak bouncing shot into Maddison’s path in the 13th minute.Noussair Mazraoui – 5An OK performance. Clever link-up play with Zirkzee but couldn’t get hold of Spence down the left-hand side.Pulled out an excellent cross for the Dutchman’s headed chance late-on.Matthijs de Ligt – 6His clearance stopped an obvious 2-0 before the half-an-hour mark.Harry Maguire – 5A mixed bag. Long ball over the top for Hojlund’s chance in opening 10 minutes and went on a few attacking runs himself in the first half.Did well to stop Dejan Kulusevski from having a go at the edge of the box. But bizarrely stopped in his tracks when a cross came flying into Son later on.Diogo Dalot – 6A difficult afternoon for the Portugal international as Son and Djed Spence left him for dead a few times.Hesitated when asked to shoot from five yards to make it 1-0 but helped Onana out with some clearances too.Patrick Dorgu – 4A Prem debut to forget. He was almost invisible from the left-hand side. And lacked quality when asked to get involved more in the second half.Was stupidly caught offside with Bruno Fernandes offloading a stunning cross pitch pass and booked late-on.Casemiro – 5Looked every bit a player that hasn’t played Premier League football for two months. Unsurprisingly booked for a late one on Son.Bizarrely dropped to the turf asking for a free-kick when nobody touched him. Was forced to play 89 minutes with eight teenagers on the bench. A difficult afternoon, indeed.Bruno Fernandes – 5Interceptions and breaking up play is not a part of the captain’s game. An uncharacteristically poor cross left United open on the counter.Did get back to stop Son from having a shot at Onana on the hour mark and started ticking in attack in the final 20 minutes.Alejandro Garnacho – 4Looked shaky and cut a frustrated figure after blazing over an absolute SITTER from 10 yards to level the scores.A bit of a shocker and looked a completely different player to the one who got United into the fifth-round of the FA Cup last week.Woke up a bit in the second half as Vicario kept him at bay with several superb stops. But the 20-year-old is clearly better off the bench.Joshua Zirkzee – 6The best of a desperately poor front three. There’s a street player in there and he’s great with his touches at times.But curled wide from 23 yards, stuck a header wide in the 70th minute and kicked an air shot in the final five minutes.Rasmus Hojlund – 3Is Hojlund the worst No 9 in United’s recent history?The young Dane, who was unlucky to have a chance saved by Vicario, was second best in every loose ball and kept losing possession.He was even caught offside after a pass from an Onana goal-kick in the first half – how often do you see that happen?”I think of Sir Matt Busby as being here forever. He started at the end of the war and went right through to winning the European Cup in 1968. Most read in Sport”The timespan [of his reign] seems to be much longer than mine. Academy Man Utd star Dan Gore talks about his admiration for Luke Shaw “Of course, there are emotional issues. He had to rebuild the team after Munich. There was so much emotion. I did not have that. “That is the reason he seemed to have been here forever.”He added: “The most important piece of advice he gave me was not to read the press.”It was great advice and I have not read it since. The issue of ex-players at the club was something I have been addressing for quite a long time. “I wanted to keep all our great players around the club in some capacity. I had Sir Bobby Charlton on the board and Sir Matt was here as well. “People like that are able to understand the dimensions of Manchester United. “That is necessary to understand the role of manager. It was very helpful to me.”Manchester United will be back in action on Saturday, travelling to Goodison Park to take on Everton. More

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      Real Madrid vs Man City prediction: Free betting tips, odds and Champions League preview for huge Bernabeu second leg

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      MANCHESTER CITY have to overcome a 3-2 deficit at Real Madrid on Wednesday if they want to progress in the Champions League.Pep Guardiola’s men conceded two sloppy goals late at the Etihad last week meaning their European ambitions rely on a big result at the Spanish giants.So SunSport have enlisted the help of their betting experts to preview the European showdown and select the best bets, tips and exclusive sign-up bonuses from our leading betting partners.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereNew sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesReal Madrid vs Manchester City previewOn paper, it looks a huge task for Manchester City to overturn a deficit in Madrid this week.On the pitch, you just don’t know what side is going to turn up at the minute. Pep Guardiola’s men looked set to take a lead to Spain when heading into the final five minutes or so in front.To go on to lose the game is quite ridiculous but probably in tone with what City have produced in the past couple of months.They were really good on Saturday, for all that Newcastle just didn’t turn up at the Etihad again, so need to replicate that and more to progress. Their last visit to the Bernabeu was enthralling. A 3-3 draw in the quarter finals last year where they led, trailed, led again and were pegged back late on.Madrid have conceded in five of their last six home games, so City more than likely will get themselves on the scoresheet. It’s the defensive side that will worry supporters.First scorer and correct score predictionsCorrect score: 4-2 at 25/1 with Betfred – HEREFirst scorer: Vinicius Jr 11/2 with talkSPORT BET – HEREReal Madrid vs Man City latest oddsReal Madrid at 10/11 with William Hill – CLAIM HEREOdds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.How to claim..William Hill £60 welcome bonusVisit the William Hill website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: T60Once your account is registered, click ‘opt in’ on the ‘Vegas Promotion’ pageDeposit a minimum of £10 in your main account to receive a £20 Vegas Bonus for use on Selected GamesThen place a bet with a minimum stake of £10 at odds of 1/2 or greater on any football marketOnce that’s settled, your account will be credited with £40 in free betsWilliam Hill: Claim £60 welcome bonus – click here*Real Madrid vs Man City predictions and tipsFrustrationIt looks like Antonio Rudiger is fit to return for the second leg having missed out in Manchester last week.His battles with Erling Haaland were crucial last year and he’s going to fancy getting the better of the Norwegian here.Haaland has been given it back to his opponents more and more in this recent run and that’s a tussle that could quite easily spill over in what’s sure to be a passionate contest.Goals aplentyThese sides have shared 17 goals in the last four fixtures between them in the Champions League.Given City’s defensive concerns, their best form of defence is likely attack. And this attack will cause huge problems to Madrid.Likely to be another high-scoring affair with tie to be decided on the night.*William Hill. 18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. Get £60 Bonus split between Vegas & Sports in the following manner – (i) Deposit £10 to unlock £20 Vegas Free Bet on Selected Games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); then (ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash (excl. £10 deposit) or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). Once settled, receive £40 Sports Free Bets excluding Virtual Markets (4x £10, 7 days expiry). Payment methods & country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply.*Betfred. New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. T&Cs apply.*BetMGM. New customers only. 7 days to place qualifying bet of £10 at 1/1 (2.0) to receive 4 x £10 Free Bets: 1 x £10 football, 1 x £10 horse racing & 2 x £10 Bet Builders. Free Bets cannot be used on e-sports and non UK/IE horse racing. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned T&Cs apply. 18+ GambleAware.org.*talkSPORT BET. 18+ New customers only. Opt in, bet up to £40 (min. £20) on any football market at odds of 2.00+, in 7 days. Get up to £40 in free bets on selected markets. Bonuses expire in 7 days. T&Cs apply, see below. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly*Tote. New customers online only. Eligibility restrictions apply. Only valid with code B10G40 on registration. £10 min qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater across sports or racing (if EW then min £10 Win + £10 Place). Receive £20 Tote Credit, £10 Free Sports Bet and 50 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza within 48 hours of qualifying bet settlement. 7-day expiry on free bets & Tote Credit. Your first bet will be your qualifying bet. One per customer. UK & ROI customers only. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org. Full T&Cs apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGambleAware – www.gambleaware.orgFor help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites. More

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      Man City ready for face-off with Real Madrid over £85m ‘new Kevin de Bruyne’ transfer

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      MANCHESTER CITY are set to go head-to-head with rivals Real Madrid again this summer – in a battle for £85 million midfielder Florian Wirtz.The two old foes – who meet again in the Bernabeu on Wednesday – are both huge admirers of the Germany international.Manchester City are set to go after Bayer Leverkusen star Florian WirtzCity see Wirtz as the ideal long-term replacement for club legend Kevin De BruyneBayer Leverkusen’s star man, 21, is believed to be keen on a switch to the Spanish giants when he does leave his homeland.But Pep Guardiola and his bosses at the Etihad view him as an ideal long-term successor to Kevin De Bruyne.City began their rebuilding programme by splashing out more than £175 million on four new signings in January.That included defensive midfielder Nico Gonzalez and Saturday’s hat-trick hero Omar Marmoush who can play as a No 10 or out wide.READ MORE MAN CITY NEWSBut they know that De Bruyne, who turns 34 in the summer and is also out of contract around the same time, cannot go on forever.Guardiola admitted last week that two long-term injuries mean the brilliant Belgian is ‘not the same’ player he used to be.Homegrown England star Phil Foden will be eyeing the vacancy – but is also versatile enough to be used in a number of different positions.However they are also weighing up their options from outside the club – and Wirtz is among the candidates.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe has 27 goals and assists so far this season for Xabi Alonso’s men – and Leverkusen would love to tie him down to a new contract.His decision could well be impacted by his current coach – with the former Liverpool midfielder in the frame to succeed Carlo Ancelotti at Madrid.’Pep Guardiola is stressed, man’ – Fans fear for Man City boss as Etihad legend spotted with fresh scratches on headBayern Munich – managed by City legend Vincent Kompany – could also enter the race for Wirtz.The youngster has formed a promising partnership with Jamal Musiala for the national team and the German league leaders would love to pair them together at club level too.Meanwhile City are due to welcome new £12.5 million signing Claudio Echeverri to the Etihad this week after he completed his international duty with Argentina Under 20s.The 19-year-old has been dubbed the ‘new Messi’ back in his homeland and arrives with a glowing reputation.He will link up with the first team squad so Guardiola can decide whether he is ready to challenge for a place – or if he should go out on loan next season.Pep and his squad will fly to Spain on Tuesday to prepare for their latest Champions League encounter with Madrid.The holders have a 3-2 lead following a dramatic late win at the Etihad – meaning City have it all to do if they are to avoid an early exit.But they did win at the Bernabeu five years ago – and still have hope they save themselves.Guardiola will make a check on stand-in skipper Erling Haaland who limped off late in the 4-0 win over Newcastle with a knee injury.READ MORE SUN STORIESHowever, the Norway international was snapped during a warm down session at the City Football Academy on Sunday and is expected to be named in the travelling party.This is the fifth time the two clubs have been drawn together in the competition in the last six seasons.Jude Bellingham scored a last-gasp winner at the Etihad last week More