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    Julen Lopetegui ‘given two games to save West Ham job’ with ex-Chelsea boss waiting in wings to replace him

    JULEN LOPETEGUI has reportedly been given two games to save his job at West Ham.The Spanish manager was named David Moyes’ successor in the summer following the Scot’s exit.Julen Lopetegui has two games to save his job at West HamCredit: PAThe Hammers were smashed 5-0 in their last match against LiverpoolCredit: ReutersLopetegui, 58, has endured a tough start to his tenure, with the Hammers lingering in the bottom half of the table.West Ham have only won six of their 19 league fixtures, with their last result being a 5-0 thumping by Liverpool at the London Stadium.The devasting result has heaped pressure on the former Real Madrid boss.TalkSPORT have claimed that the West Ham board have given Lopetegui two games to save himself from the sack.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThis means that Lopetegui will have to pick up positive results from two away trips against Manchester City and Aston Villa in the FA Cup.He has already survived the sack this season with a crucial win over Wolves at the London Stadium.The game was labelled as ‘El Sackio’ as he and former Wolves boss Gary O’Neil were under huge pressure.Both survived the aftermath of the match, although O’Neil was axed just six days later after a defeat to Ipswich Town.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe report claims that former Chelsea boss Graham Potter is waiting in the wings should the trigger be pulled on Lopetegui.The English coach has been out of management since he was axed by the Blues in 2023.Graham Potter admits he’s ‘looking at things’ as speculation intensifies that he’ll replace Julen Lopetegui at West HamGraham Potter is reportedly waiting in the wings to replace LopeteguiCredit: AFPHe was in charge at Stamford Bridge for just eight months despite being poached from Brighton and Hove Albion.Former Borussia Dortmund manager Edin Terzic and German coach Roger Schmidt have also been linked to the hot seat in East London.Lopetegui has not had a trouble-free time in charge of the Hammers.In recent weeks, he has had to deal with the horrific car crash that has ruled star striker Michail Antonio out for the foreseeable.His dad, Jose, sadly passed away at the age of 94 earlier this month after suffering from health problems.West Ham youth goalkeeper Oscar Fairs also died aged 15 following a battle with cancer.READ MORE SUN STORIESBefore the loss to Liverpool, West Ham had gone four games unbeaten.This run saw wins over Wolves and Southampton as well as draws against Bournemouth and Brighton and Hove Albion. More

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    Newcastle eye shock transfer swoop for Everton ace Dominic Calvert-Lewin… but are prepared to wait until summer

    NEWCASTLE have targeted Dominic Calvert-Lewin — but are prepared to wait to get him on a free in the summer.The Toon set their sights on the Everton striker, whose deal expires in June, although they are reluctant to pay a big fee next month.Dominic Calvert-Lewin is wanted by the Magpies plus overseas clubsCredit: RexInstead, the Geordies will put all of their cash into a major contract offer for the  one-cap England man to tempt him away from Merseyside. The 27-year-old is happy to stay in the Premier League for family reasons.And he has snubbed approaches from abroad, where Fiorentina are keen on him.The Italians would also offer Calvert-Lewin a huge deal to land him in the summer, with a pre- contract ready and waiting to be signed now.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Newcastle are firm favourites and will wait, which also suits their budget plans.Toon boss Eddie Howe may only make one serious move for a player next month and would need to sell one to bring in any more.Ironically, Everton and Newcastle are the two Prem clubs with the most players whose contracts end in the summer.That means they are vulnerable to swoops from overseas clubs in January.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThat’s because players with just six months remaining on their contracts can negotiate pre-contract deals with clubs from other leagues. Indeed the Prem could be one of the hardest hit top-flights in Europe.Aston Villa star Jhon Duran kicks water bottle in fury after he is sent off against NewcastleThe Toffees and the Magpies both have eight stars poised for the pre-contract countdown.For the Toon that’s Sean Longstaff, Callum Wilson, Fabian Schar, Jamaal Lascelles, Martin Dubravka, Emil Krafth, Mark Gillespie and John Ruddy.And Calvert-Lewin is joined by other household names on the list of Goodison Park aces who might move for nothing at the end of the season.Ex-England wideman Ashley Young, 39, is joined by Abdoulaye Doucoure, Michael Keane, Idrissa Gueye, Seamus Coleman, Joao Virginia and Asmir Begovic. More

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    Chelsea looking to snap up Sporting Lisbon midfield sensation Dario Essugo on cheap but face Leeds transfer scrap

    CHELSEA want to land midfield ace Dario Essugo on the cheap.The Sporting Lisbon prospect, 19, is starring for LaLiga side Las Palmas on loan.Chelsea want to land midfield ace Dario Essugo on the cheapCredit: GettyBut long-term admirers Blues must act fast as Leeds are looking at securing a loan-to-buy deal.SunSport this month revealed how Leeds were keeping tabs on the midfield dynamo. They tried for the 19-year-old in the summer and now want to offer a loan-to-buy arrangement.Essugo played 25 times for Sporting as a teen.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn the summer, former boss Ruben Amorim – now at Manchester United – decided to loan him out.He has spent this season in LaLiga with Las Palmas.Essugo has played 10 times for his loan club so far.And he scored his first goal during a match against Mallorca last month.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS Leeds are also set to sign Australian keeper Robbie Cook after a trial.Cook, 17, was wanted by Manchester United and Sunderland.Ruben Amorim responds to Marcus Rashford’s Man Utd transfer bombshell about wanting ‘new challenge’ More

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    Man Utd facing Harry Maguire dilemma as three European giants able to agree free transfer within days

    MANCHESTER UNITED face a dilemma in the negotiations over Harry Maguire’s future.The England defender is free to sign a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs from January 1 – and THREE European giants are interested.Harry Maguire will leave Man Utd a free agent if the club don’t trigger his extensionCredit: PAMaguire’s current terms expire at the end of the season, but United have the option to trigger an extra year to 2026. But should Maguire agree to move to a team abroad next month, that might remove United’s clause.The matter would become complicated legally if the 31-year-old centre-back wants to push through a free transfer.Should United try to activate Maguire’s extension after he has agreed with another team then Fifa could step in to resolve, according to The Athletic. READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSAnd three European giants are keeping tabs on United’s most expensive ever defender.Napoli are eyeing up a free transfer for Maguire, reports The Athletic.Napoli boss Antonio Conte will have seen Maguire up close for a number of years in the Prem and is weighing up bringing him to Serie A.Conte has been hugely impressed with Scott McTominay, who decided to swap Manchester for Naples in the summer.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFenerbahce, managed by Jose Mourinho — who was a big fan of Maguire when managing United — have a history of signing from the Prem.Fred and Sofyan Ambrabat are in their squad. OLD TRAFFORD STADIUM VT YOUTUBE masterFellow Turkish outfit Galatasaray are keeping track of Maguire’s situation too.In England, Ruud van Nistelrooy admired Maguire during their time together at United, and Leicester City offer an emotional pull for him.Maguire spent two years at the King Power Stadium before moving to United for £80million in 2019.That price tag has often made life tough for Maguire at Old Trafford.But after suffering a dip of form he is enjoying a good season when featuring, particularly at Villa Park and against Manchester City.Maguire was solid at the back against Man City last SundayCredit: GettyAfter pocketing Erling Haaland during United’s 2-1 win over rivals City, Maguire said: “All the signs are positive at the moment.”And the chat that I’m having is really positive. I’ve still got this year to go with an option in their hands.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I was injured when Ruben Amorim first joined, so they’re looking after my minutes – I haven’t been able to play back-to-back games yet. “Hopefully, with 90 minutes under my belt for the first time in two, three months I can play consecutive matches.”Maguire travelled with his teammates but didn’t featureCredit: GettyMan Utd player ratings vs Man City as sensational Amad Diallo turns derby on its headAMAD DIALLO left Manchester City stunned as he turned the derby on its head.The flying winger won a penalty, converted by Bruno Fernandes, in the dying embers to level it up.But the best was yet to come as Amad flicked past an onrushing Ederson before expertly slotting in a dramatic winner from a tight angle deep into injury time.Here’s how SunSport’s Neil Custis rated the Man Utd players…Andre Onana – 6He just does not fill you with confidence. Does not command his area and as we found out midweek in Plzen, his distribution from the back is a major plus for the opposition.Wasn’t tested that much however.Lisandro Martinez – 7Looking a calmer presence under Amorim than he did before when he seemed to want to live up to his nickname from his Ajax days of ‘The Butcher of Amsterdam’.Great through ball at the end to pick out Amad’s run for the winner.Harry Maguire – 8Had a great battle with Erling Haaland which the United man won.The right call to bring the former captain in for such a big game. Looks like he suits the position in the centre of that back three.Matthijs de Ligt 78′ – 7A decent enough performance. Looked more comfortable alongside Maguire than other centre-back partners.Diogo Dalot – 5Mistimed his jump to be beaten to the ball by Josko Gvardiol for the City opener. Did not create enough going forward from his wing-back role.Bruno Fernandes – 8Missed a big chance after being put through by Hojlund and clipping the ball wide.But when the moment comes from the penalty spot he is a cool head in the hottest of atmospheres sending Ederson the wrong way to equaliseManuel Ugarte – 7Sat in front of the back four and negated much of what Phil Foden was trying to do for the home side.Noussair Mazraoui 78′ – 8The best of the summer buys. Used as the right wing back on this occasion and is able to adjust to whatever is asked of him. One of United’s best performers on the day.Mason Mount 13′ – 6Looked very close to tears when he had to come off after early in the game. He is just getting no luck whatsoever with injuries and has not had a decent run since joining the club.Amad Diallo 90′ – 9The greatest moment of his career so far with a memorable derby winner. A brilliant run first of all to meet Martinez’ pass, he then clipped the ball past Ederson and while it was a scuffed finish he got it on target.Had almost grabbed an equaliser with a flick header before that which was well saved by Ederson.Then was alert to Nunes back pass to win the penalty that did lead to United drawing level.Rasmus Hojlund 78′ – 6Most we saw of him was a head to head confrontation with Walker when the City player slumped to the ground and a little fall of his own when he tried to win a pen.But then he provided a great through ball for Fernandes which should have brought the equaliser.SubsKobbie Mainoo 13′ – 6Did a solid job as he came on in a deeper role than Mount and Fernandes moved forwardJoshua Zirkzee 78′ – 6Not the man who is going to come on and change a game, but he did well to hold onto possession in the closing seconds.Antony 78′ – 6Came on to try and make a difference but is lacking the confidence which a lack of starts brings.Leny Yoro 78′ – 6Continues to ease himself back to full fitness after that summer injury.Victor Lindelof 90′ – 6No time to have any influence on the game. 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    Government plans for football will backfire… damaging the Premier League is in NOBODY’S interest

    NO ONE watching this year’s Premier League could think English football isn’t in rude health.Liverpool are on top, with Chelsea in hot pursuit and Aston Villa flying high in the Champions League. Bournemouth, Brentford and Brighton are all pushing for Europe.The Football Governance Bill is currently being debated in ParliamentCredit: AlamyThe Premier League provides support further down the football pyramidCredit: GettyOur second league, the Championship, is thriving like never before.It’s now the sixth richest league in Europe, thanks to the EFL’s £1billion broadcasting deals and the Premier League’s financial support — the most generous of any major league in the world.Incredibly, our second tier is now far wealthier than even the Portuguese or Dutch first leagues.Meanwhile, club insolvencies across the pyramid are at a 30-year low.READ MORE ON FOTBALLBut a lot of our politicians seem to think English football is a fragile house of cards. Other countries would love to have our so-called “problems”.There’s a reason 1.5bn people around the world tune into English football.Because, from top to bottom, our leagues crackle with tension, high stakes and meaning.They are not boring hierarchies where one team dominates in half-full stadiums, but the best competitions on the planet — forged by those willing to take risks, invest millions and back their judgment.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIn what was promised to be a “light touch” regulator concentrating on the issues that are very important to clubs and fans — heritage issues, better fan engagement, proper owners and so on — the Government has given the Independent Football Regulator a so-called “Backstop” power.It’s part of the Football Governance Bill, currently being debated in Parliament, although it is making slower than expected progress. Former Premier League star begins new career as rapper with debut album set to be released – Labour’s own backbenchers have suggested over 150 new clauses they believe should be added to their own Government’s Bill.That’s on everything from forcing clubs to socially engineer the make-up of their season ticket holders, to demanding that fans are defined as only those who have season tickets, regardless of if you can actually get a season ticket at your club or not.The Backstop power gives the Regulator the right to forcibly take money from Prem clubs, even if it harms or affects their own competitiveness.Less cash means less to spend on transfer fees or less cash to pay their players.Not all Prem clubs have endless wealth, that’s why there is over £2bn of debt in the Prem.The Prem is no miserly Scrooge. Every Championship club receives around £7million a season, each League One club gets around £1.5m and each League One club gets over £1m.These payments are a helping hand, agreed freely and with goodwill.And since their inception in 2007, they have increased more than tenfold.But the Government believes this generosity, more money shared than any other league on the planet, should make way for state intervention.The result of which could mean that Prem clubs have to take on more debt (which ironically makes them less sustainable) or invest less in their own team so that fellow owners in the other leagues no longer have to take similar risks themselves. This is trickle-down turned upside-down.The Championship is no soup kitchen queue. It hosts incredibly wealthy owners, nine of them billionaires, who plough millions into efforts to reach the promised land.Yet, a Prem side that has climbed the ladder the hard way,  through calculated risk-taking and sustained investment, may be forced to hand over more millions so that Championship owners don’t have to.That’s even if those owners have mismanaged their clubs, made bad decisions and ­deliberately put their clubs at financial risk.It won’t be their owners that have to face the consequences, it will be the Prem owners who have to pick up their tab!The Prem willingly supports the pyramid with £1.6bn over a three-year broadcast cycle.That’s how I believe it should stay: negotiated, reasonable and always voluntary.That’s why I think the Regulator could well consider £1.6bn is far too generous and decide to cut it back.Or wonder why League Two only get eight per cent of the total PL handout, as the Championship keeps 80 per cent.Or they may decide the Prem should not fund every part of the pyramid themselves and the EFL should support the National League, the league directly below them, rather than asking the Prem to do that for them.Or they may just simply decide to impose far more stringent self-help measures that the EFL will have to implement to ensure they manage their own money better.Any good Regulator will surely see that damaging the appeal of the PL, and creating a competition that’s less vibrant, less exciting and much less appealing is in no one’s interests.Because if that happens, the Premier League will go into reverse and there will be far less money for everyone in the football pyramid.Less money for grassroots football. Less money for the PFA. Less money for the Football Foundation. Less money for the women’s game.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd less money for all the many community projects and charities the PL supports to the tune of over £50m a year.As they say, be careful what you wish for…Who are these famous footballers? More

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    Spurs star James Maddison slashes price of his £2m mansion after bizarre feature puts buyers off

    ENGLAND star James Maddison has slashed £200k of the asking price for his mansion – after buyers were put off by his initials being printed onto the football pitch.The Spurs midfielder has ‘JM10’ etched into the centre circle at his four-bed luxury home in the Midlands – his initials and shirt number.James Maddison has dropped £200k of the asking price for his modern mansionCredit: Jam Press/ FHP LivingThe house comes with a swimming pool and its own football pitchCredit: Jam Press/ FHP LivingMaddison was told by agents to drop the asking price over concerns that the astroturf eyesore could put buyers offCredit: GettyBut agents have told the maestro to cut his asking price after feedback would-be buyers were unimpressed by the reminder of Madder quitting Leicester in a £40m deal.The multi-million pound house, in Nottinghamshire, features a 5G pitch with goalposts next to the outdoor heated pool and is now on the market.And one local said: “It’s a great property if you’re a football fan and want a kickabout every day – but not everybody is.”The kind of person who has millions to spend on a house probably isn’t going to want a big astroturf pitch, especially a personalised James Maddison one.read more on james maddison”To have that ripped up and replaced would cost an awful lot of money, which is apparently why the house hasn’t sold yet.”It is a large space and would make a really nice lawn, but if you are already spending that much I guess you don’t have to spend thousands more on landscaping.”However, the house is still a stunning place and I don’t think it will be too long before it’s snapped up by someone, particularly if James keeps dropping the price.”Although maybe a Spurs fan will come along and be happy to pay full price and keep it as it is. I suppose it would be pretty good to play on the pitch where he honed his skills.”Most read in FootballThe price-cut is almost the average house price of a property in the region – but just a fraction over Maddison’s £170,000-per-week salary.Described by estate agents as a “beautiful Grand Designs-style home”, the property boasts a gym, bar, and games room – where Maddison displayed an impressive collection of pros’ football shirts.Speaking about the set-up previously, Maddison said: “I think if you look around and you see the garden, it’s everything that I probably would’ve dreamed of having as a young boy.”Maddison, 28, has posted videos of the pitch on his Instagram profile in the past, with girlfriend Alexa Kennedy seen taking a series of penalties.Anyone hoping to buy the 4,000 square foot property via a mortgage would face eye-watering repayments of around £14,000 per month.The football pitch could be a hit with football fans and kids who enjoy a kick aboutCredit: Jam Press/ FHP LivingThe house lets in plenty of natural light and is filled with modern twistsCredit: Jam Press/ FHP LivingThe kitchen diner is lit by decadent chandeliers and has marble flooringCredit: Jam Press/ FHP LivingThe owners of the new home would have their own heated pool and fire pitCredit: Jam Press/ FHP Living More

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    Incredible stats show how player who Man Utd let go for FREE and made unemployed is now best in his position in Europe

    DAVID DE GEA is the best goalkeeper in Europe despite being let go by Manchester United, according to the stats.Their decision to let long-term servant De Gea depart on a free transfer and replace him with £41m-recruit Andre Onana was bold.David de Gea is the best goalkeeper in Europe’s top leagues, according to the statsDe Gea enjoyed 14 years with the Red DevilsDe Gea has enjoyed a stunning return to form with Fiorentina after a YEAR away from the pitchAnd now the 33-year-old’s exploits in Italy are starting to raise further question marks about former manager Erik ten Hag’s decision.The Spaniard, who spent 12 seasons at Old Trafford, had to wait 446 days to enter the pitch again.He was often considered the Premier League’s best goalkeeper, and is now getting similar recognition in Serie A.READ MORE FOOTBALLThe stats show that De Gea is making more saves and from a higher quality of shots than any other keeper in Europe.He has saved a staggering 76 per cent of on-target attempts that have come his way so far this term, according to Opta via Fbref.In fact, no other shot-stopper performs better in that metric.And his rating of 7.61 makes him the highest rated goalkeeper in Europe this season, according to match ratings site WhoScored.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDe Gea has been putting in brilliant displays for the Florence-based outfit on a regular basis.The ex-Old Trafford star sits top of the save per cent table, while he is also second in the saves per 90 minutes rankings and sixth in the goals prevented table.Olympic winner Keely Hodgkinson soaks up the atmosphere with Man Utd fans at Old Trafford De Gea has put in multiple man of the match performances this seasonThe Spaniard is adored by those in Florence as Fiorentina sit inside the Champions League spotsHe has five clean sheets so far to his name this term with Fiorentina sitting fourth in Serie A.Replacement Onana comes in close with 70 per cent of on-target shots saved in all competitions.And returning Newcastle keeper Nick Pope has a higher save per cent than Onana, but has faced less shots than the Man Utd No.1At other end – West Ham’s Alphonse Areola has been enduring a nightmare run of form and is low in both save quality and save quantity.Alphonse Areola lost his place in West Ham’s starting XI more than two months agoThis has seen the Hammers DROP the Frenchman and bring in veteran Lukasz Fabianski as they look to fend off a relegation battle going into Christmas.Elsewhere, the freshly-crowned world’s best goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez fell into the same bracket as Areola, as Aston Villa dropped to eighth in the Prem.Martinez has saved just 50 per cent of his opponent’s shots on-target.The Argentine World Cup winner’s recent display in Villa’s 3-0 defeat to Chelsea saw him hauled off injured at half-time.Meanwhile, during his time at United, De Gea won the player of the season award four times.He was also named in the PFA Team of the Year on five separate occasions, including for four consecutive years.READ MORE SUN STORIESWho are these famous footballers? More

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    I sparred Jake Paul for Mike Tyson fight… he paid so well I earned enough money to buy my first house

    BOXER DeAndre Savage left Jake Paul’s fight camp with enough money to buy himself his first home.Savage was among a group of heavyweights selected by Paul’s coaching team in preparation for his November 15 bout against Mike Tyson.DeAndre Savage sparring Jake PaulSavage bought a house with the money made from sparringThe 34-year-old spent weeks sharing the ring with Paul in the YouTuber-turned-boxer’s Puerto Rico training base.But when he returned home he put the money made from camps with Paul, Jarrell Miller and Andy Ruiz Jr into buying a property.Savage purchased a bungalow that sits on 1.5 acres of land – coincidentally from Paul’s head trainer Theo “Third” Chambers. He told SunSport: “From sparring and being in the camp, I made good money.READ MORE IN BOXING”I made good money with Jake and I’ve been in camp with Big Baby Miller this year and I’ve been with camp with Andy Ruiz, so I just put it all together.”I just finished up camp with Jake Paul, so I just took the money that I made and I bought a house. The house is actually Third’s house.”I just figured while I got the money, I’m gonna do something with it instead of blow the money because most fighters they don’t invest in themselves and they just spend the money and blow the money.”So instead of doing that, I’m gonna invest my money into a house and I’ll be able to look at my house and be like, you know, that’s where my money went.”Most read in BoxingJAKE PAUL VS MIKE TYSON: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE BOUTCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSavage was a late bloomer in the sport, only picking up the gloves aged 25 after leaving behind a career in American football. He had 28 amateur bouts before turning professional in 2021 – since amassing a 6-0 record winning all by knockout.DeAndre Savage2And after meeting with Paul’s coach Chambers in Detroit, he was recruited as a sparring partner. Paul, 27, has ten wins and only a single loss to Tommy Fury, 25, on his boxing record as Savage opened up on being inside his camp. He said: “From the outside looking in and listening to everyone else, the world is not taking Jake serious.”But Jake does work hard and he’s still a little green, so I understand the route that he’s taking.”Fighting the UFC fighters and stuff like that and people that don’t really know how to box because he’s still green.I just finished up camp with Jake Paul, so I just took the money that I made and I bought a house.DeAndre Savage “But, Jake sells out the arena, sells the tickets, he’s doing big things that some people wish that they can do and they can’t do it.”But yeah, Jake worked real hard, work real hard. He got some great moves in the ring.”Paul takes on Tyson, 58, in Texas in a clash that has been criticised due to the 30-year age gap.And even Savage is backing the ageing icon to defeat Paul. He said: “Mike Tyson is up in age. I would like to see Mike come and win again because that’s a top two, top three heavyweight ever.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I would like to see Mike Tyson win but if he don’t knock him out early, Mike’s not gonna win the fight.”If he don’t knock him out in the first two rounds, Mike ain’t gonna win the fight.”Mike Tyson facing off with Jake PaulCredit: Rex More