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      David Beckham reveals unlikely Man Utd idol and admits mum Sandra couldn’t get enough of his thighs

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      DAVID BECKHAM has revealed the highly contrasting reasons he and his mum idolized the same Manchester United legend.Becks as a kid had his eyes on his hero’s technique – while Sandra’s eyes were on the player’s thighs!David Beckham and mum Sandra, seen at Wimbledon last summer, both had their eyes fixed on the treats served up by a Man Utd legend in his pompCredit: GettyThe ex-England skipper “always waited outside” Old Trafford – to get the icon’s autograph.But when it came to watching on the pitch he regularly shared moments of awestruck wonder with his mum.The former Red Devils midfielder, 49, named ex-striker Mark Hughes as the object of his obsession.BBC Wales showed a clip of Becks as a wide-eyed child explaining to an interviewer: “I’m looking forward to seeing Mark Hughes and the stadium.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFast forward four decades, and the 49-year-old Inter Miami co-owner told the TV channel how his admiration for the Welshman, now 61, grew.Becks said: “I was always one of those little fans that used to wait outside and get Mark’s and all their autographs.”Mark did things that not many players can do.”The goalkeeper would kick it 50, 60, 70 yards up and it would just stop dead on those thighs of his.”Most read in FootballMark Hughes impressed Becks with his control and big-game scoringCredit: RexFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd it’s that memory that caused Beckham’s eyes to sparkle – as he a wider family interest in Hughes’ attributes sprung to his mind.The ex-Real Madrid star burst into a smile as he added: “My mum loved his thighs!”How Luke Littler celebrated incredible World Darts Championship win as he beams at message from hero David BeckhamFormer Barcelona and Chelsea ace Hughes spent 13 years with United over two spells, also playing for and managing his country.But his seventh and last stint so far as a club boss ended with Bradford sacking him in October 2023.However, Beckham is clear why Hughes was and still is an icon with United supporters.He said: “He was one of those players that always scored great goals in big games. That’s why Mark was so special. “There’s certain players that played for United over the years that set the tone of the club. We were able to learn from players like Mark.”In fact, the occasion Alex Ferguson first handed Becks the shirt number Hughes had worn remains an electric memory.The one-time PSG wideman said: “The boss turned round to me and he said, ‘Son you’re going to wear No 10 this year’. And I was like, ‘That’s Mark’s number!'”Becks spoke on Hughes for a BBC Wales ‘Legends of Welsh Sport’ showCredit: Getty More

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      How Elon Musk stacks up in the Premier League owners’ rich list as Tesla chief’s dad reveals he wants to buy Liverpool

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      ELON MUSK’S dad claims the eccentric billionaire is looking to buy Premier League leaders Liverpool.The South African tech genius has shown he has the golden touch when it comes to business.Tech billionaire Elon Musk is looking to buy Premier League leaders LiverpoolCredit: GettyDad Errol Musk claims his son could branch into football for his latest ventureCredit: AFPAnd Errol Musk claims his son could now branch out into football after helping Donald Trump soar to the American presidency.Should Musk take charge at Anfield, Liverpool certainly wouldn’t be short of cash.The Tesla entrepreneur and X owner is worth a staggering £339BILLION.But where would that figure put him in terms of wealth against the Premier League’s richest?READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd what does the current top 10 in England’s top flight look like?Here, SunSport lifts the lid on the league’s money men…Current Liverpool owner John Henry has just a fraction of Musk’s wealthCredit: PA10. Liverpool, John Henry: £4.2bnJohn W Henry is Liverpool’s current owner and heads up the Fenway Sports Group that runs the Merseyside club as well as the Boston Red Sox.Henry grew up as the son of soya bean farmers and used that expertise to get into business and went on to become a multi-billionaire.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSTodd Boehly is still yet to taste success at ChelseaCredit: Getty9. Chelsea, Todd Boehly: £5bnBoehly is the face of the new era at Stamford Bridge after fronting the £4.25bn takeover of Chelsea in May 2022.The American oversaw a staggering £1bn worth of spending in just three transfer windows in West London.Inside Elon Musk’s shock Liverpool takeover plot and how fans will be likely to reactJoe Lewis has been in the business world for yearsCredit: Getty8. Tottenham, Joe Lewis: £5bnJoe Lewis first got into business through helping at his dad’s London catering company before selling it off and delving into currency trading.He is now worth around £5bn and invests in many companies, including the ENIC Group, co-owned by Daniel Levy who is worth £500m, that has full possession of Spurs.Josh Harris has teams in many different sportsCredit: Alamy7. Crystal Palace, Josh Harris: £5.7bnHarris may only have 18 per cent of Crystal Palace but the American owner of Apollo Global Management is a big-time player.He has teams in the NBA, NHL and NFL on top of his involvement in a motorsport racing side.Nassef Sawiris has been at Aston Villa for seven yearsCredit: Getty Images – Getty6. Aston Villa, Nassef Sawiris: £5.8bnNassef Sawiris invested in Aston Villa in 2018 following their play-off defeat to Fulham.He is the youngest of Egyptian billionaire Onsi Sawiris’ three sons – with his dad launching the Orascom engineering and construction conglomerate.Shahid Khan and son Tony run the show at FulhamCredit: Getty5. Fulham, Shahid Khan: £9.7bnLike Kroenke, Shahid Khan has plenty of interest in American sports as the owner of NFL side Jacksonville Jaguars.He also co-owns All Elite Wrestling with son Tony.Stan Kroenke has been at Arsenal for many yearsCredit: Getty4. Arsenal, Stan Kroenke: £12bnWeighing in fourth is Arsenal boss Stan Kroenke at £12bn.The Gunners chief made his money through real estate development, particularly shopping centres and apartment buildings.Sheikh Mansour has helped City win plenty of trophiesCredit: Alamy3. Man City, Sheikh Mansour: £17bnSheikh Mansour purchased the club in September 2008 and has transformed them into a trophy-winning machine, culminating in the 2022-23 Treble.Mansour comes from the royal family in the United Arab Emirates and is both vice president and deputy prime minister of the gulf state.Sir Jim Ratcliffe is struggling to make Man Utd clickCredit: AFP2. Man Utd, Sir Jim Ratcliffe: £29.7bnSir Jim successfully obtained 25 per cent of Manchester United just over a year ago.The lifelong supporter made his billions through his petrochemicals company Ineos, which has delved into sport to buy stakes in Ligue 1 side Nice, Lausanne in Switzerland and F1 team Mercedes.Musk will be second on the list if he takes over at LiverpoolCredit: Getty2. Liverpool, Elon Musk: £339bnThe outspoken entrepreneur’s net worth fluctuates on the value of his companies Tesla and SpaceX but he’s currently the world’s richest man.He also owns Twitter and more recently has become a political player after cosying up to President elect Donald Trump.READ MORE SUN STORIESCrown Prince Mohammed bin Salman heads Saudi Arabia’s PIFCredit: AFP1. Newcastle, Saudi Arabia PIF: £538bnFar and away at the top of the pile is the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund.The PIF invests on behalf of the country’s government and therefore has astronomical cash reserves, with a latest estimate of around £538bn. More

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      ‘We could feel our oxygen running out’ – New Chelsea signing reveals terrifying lift ordeal left him fearing death

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      CHELSEA keeper Mike Penders has revealed he feared choking to death … after being trapped in a lift with five team-mates.The Blues paid KRC Genk £17million for the Belgium Under-19 captain last August.Chelsea goalie Mike Penders was trapped in a lift with teammatesCredit: GettyPenders rejoined the Pro League club on loan and is due to begin his Stamford Bridge career next summer after penning a deal until 2032.But the 19-year-old underwent a terrifying ordeal during Genk’s midwinter training camp in Spain.He recalled: “The camp was very positive.  We trained well, and there was a great atmosphere.”But we had quite an experience.  Six of us got into a lift that was supposed to hold up to eight people.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”But it behaved very strangely, and went just a foot before coming to a stop with a jolt.  At first we had a laugh about it.”But the banter dried up once it became clear that we could not get the doors to open.”It became warmer and warmer inside the lift, and we could feel our oxygen supplies running out.  It made us think about what could happen.”We were able to get Wifi reception off and on, so I quickly began surfing on my phone.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”It turned out that we could still survive for five more hours, so that there was no need for us to panic.”Meanwhile we managed to get hold of other team-mates and club staff members.Chelsea Player Ratings”In the end, after three quarters of an hour, someone from the hotel was able to use a special key to release us.”Penders also revealed Blues boss Enzo Maresca is keeping tabs on his progress.He added: “Chelsea are following my performances for Genk closely.”Their head goalkeeping coach often gets in contact with me, and we’ll discuss the videos he was watched of my games.” More

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      Fans only just realising they can watch Arsenal vs Newcastle for FREE as they are hit with broadcasting dilemma

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      FOOTBALL fans will be able to watch the Carabao Cup semi-final between Arsenal and Newcastle for FREE tonight.Two channels will battle it out for ratings in a major broadcasting change.Tonight’s Carabao Cup semi-final will be broadcast live on ITV and Sky SportsCredit: GettyArsenal host Newcastle at the Emirates StadiumCredit: GettyNewcastle will be missing some key playersCredit: GettyThe Carabao Cup is typically shown on Sky Sports – which costs at least £20 per-month.However, ITV has agreed to show two of the four semi-final games this season.The free-to-air network will show the first leg of Arsenal vs Newcastle and the second leg of Liverpool vs Tottenham – which takes place on February 6.Sky Sports will continue to broadcast all four matches.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe final is also set to be shown live on ITV as well as Sky, making it free to view for British audiences.ITV’s agreement with the EFL and Sky also includes 10 Championship matches each full season.Niall Sloane, ITV Director of Sport said: “This deal brings viewers free to air coverage of top level knockout football over the coming years, as well as standout matches from the EFL, adding regular live matches to our highlights shows.”We’re looking forward to bringing fans some superb action and insight from this new, fuller EFL package across the next few seasons.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMark Pougatch is in line to front ITV’s coverage alongside Arsenal legend Ian Wright and former Newcastle star Les Ferdinand.Sam Matterface and Lee Dixon will be on commentary for the semi-final clash.Arsenal player ratings: Ethan Nwaneri is perfect Bukayo Saka replacement but Gabriel Jesus goes missing against BrightonArsenal approach tonight’s match with a series of illness and injury doubts.Bukayo Saka remains sidelined with a hamstring injury, with his replacement, Ethan Nwaneri, also unavailable due to a muscle injury.Meanwhile, Kai Havertz could return after missing back-to-back games through illness.As for Newcastle, Fabian Schar and Bruno Guimaraes will not feature due to their respective suspensions.How Howe turned Toon around WITHOUT Saudi billionsBY GARY STONEHOUSEEDDIE HOWE has got “the richest club in the world” fighting for honours regularly again despite not being able to blow the big Saudi bucks.The 47-year-old achieved legendary status at Bournemouth by guiding the then-skint Cherries all the way from League Two into the Premier League promised land.Now he is potentially on the verge of writing his name into Newcastle’s history books if he can end their 70-year wait for a major trophy.Howe came mightily close two years ago when he and the Magpies suffered heartbreak in the Carabao Cup final against Manchester United.Qualifying for the Champions League with a fourth-placed finish softened that blow, and now he is eyeing more than just another Wembley outing as he takes Toon to Arsenal for the first-leg of the Carabao Cup semis.Of course, it has been nothing like those early days at Bournemouth for Howe since he took charge in November 2021 just weeks after their Saudi takeover.There was a big outlay that January transfer window in order to assure the club’s Premier League status, but despite reaching the Champions League, PSR rules have delayed their path straight to football’s top table.Though, despite the purse strings being tightened and even being forced to sell young starlets against his wishes, Howe still has Newcastle punching with the big boys for silverware.The question is though – how has he done it and how far can he go? More

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      Chelsea ‘leading shock transfer race to sign Kobbie Mainoo from Man Utd’, according to bombshell reports

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      CHELSEA are reportedly leading the race to sign Kobbie Mainoo after talks over a new Manchester United deal reached a stalemate.The Mail sensationally claims that United’s young midfielder could be on his way to Stamford Bridge despite his starring role in Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Liverpool.Chelsea are leading the race to sign Kobbie Mainoo from Man UtdCredit: RexThe Red Devils are eager to tie Mainoo down to a new contract, despite his current run not expiring until summer 2027.But talks over an extension have apparently hit a dead end.It’s reckoned FFP constraints mean United are unable to offer Mainoo similar terms to some of their top earners and no longer see him as untouchable.While the player himself is alleged to have “concerns” over the direction of the club and their lack of challenge for Champions League football.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt reportedly means Mainoo is facing an uncertain long-term future at Old Trafford.And Chelsea are now said to be plotting a move to bring Mainoo to London.Todd Boehly has made it his business to snap up the brightest talents in football.Mainoo is already an important fixture for club and country despite not turning 20 years old until April.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd he fits the profile of a modern-day Chelsea signing.Mainoo has already made 52 appearances for United since his debut two years ago.Watch Kobbie Mainoo leave three young Man Utd fans stunned with gift in wholesome hidden camera video He’s also played 10 times for England and was a key figure in their run to last summer’s Euros final.Should he join Chelsea, Mainoo would compete for a starting spot against Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez and Romeo Lavia.The Blues also have Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Cesare Casadei and Carney Chukwuemeka in their squad.While Andrey Santos and Lesley Ugochukwu are away on loan. More

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      Graham Potter lands new job as West Ham await decision on whether he will replace Julen Lopetegui as manager

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      GRAHAM POTTER has landed a new job… just as he holds talks about becoming West Ham manager.The former Chelsea boss emerged as the leading candidate to replace Julen Lopetegui at the London Stadium this week.Graham Potter has landed a new job with the PFACredit: GettyWest Ham officials have reportedly held talks with him over the role and they are now waiting for a response before they finalise and confirm Lopetegui’s dismissal.It was revealed last month that Potter would be open to the job.But in the meantime, the 49-year-old has landed a new role with the Professional Footballers’ Association.Potter has joined the PFA Business School as course co-director for the certificate in Football Psychology, Emotional Intelligence and Leadership.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe department looks at the emotional challenges players face during a season as well as the mental approach to matches and fatigue.According to the PFA website, the Certificate in Football Psychology, Emotional Intelligence and Leadership will “help students to develop their leadership skills in football and to encourage their players and team to achieve better results.”Reflecting on his own experience when discussing his new role, Potter said: “In the end education helped me become a better person and a better player.”In football sometimes you prepare all week and you lose a game and it doesn’t feel very good.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Whereas studying just gave me a sense that you can work and you can achieve something and nobody can take that away from you. You always have that qualification, you’ve always got it.”So it’s quite a nice balance in the volatile world of football.”Graham Potter in talks to replace West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui Potter has been out of work in management since leaving Chelsea in April 2023.He was dismissed by the Blues just seven months into his time at Stamford Bridge following a run of poor form.Prior to his stint with Chelsea, Potter spent three years with Brighton.The former left-back has also managed Swansea, Ostersund and Leeds Carnegie. More

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      Sir Alex Ferguson can’t stop smiling as he remembers ‘special’ Man Utd receptionist Kath Phipps in emotional tribute

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      SIR ALEX FERGUSON led tributes to “special” Manchester United receptionist Kath Phipps on the day of her funeral.Phipps, a much-loved figure behind the scenes at Old Trafford, passed away last month at the age of 85.Sir Alex Ferguson could not help but smile when reminiscing on his memories of Kath PhippsCredit: The SunSir Alex, pictured here with Kath, had a close bond with the much-loved United receptionistPhipps worked at United for 55 years dating back to the 1960sCredit: GettyThe receptionist worked for United for 55 years – dating back to the 1960s when Sir Matt Busby was manager.She had a lasting impact on some of the club’s biggest legends – including Sir Alex and David Beckham.And those icons were among the vast number of guests in attendance at her funeral on Monday.Club legends Paul Scholes, Peter Schmeichel, Bryan Robson and Roy Keane were also among the mourners at Manchester Cathedral, as well as Ruben Amorim and the entire current men’s first team.READ MORE ON MAN UTDIn addition, several academy stars attended, as did Marc Skinner, Maya Le Tissier and Ella Toone on behalf of the women’s team.Sir Alex was thrilled to see so many players past and present at the funeral as he paid tribute to Phipps.Reflecting on her time at the club, Ferguson said: “55 years! I did 26 and I thought that was unbelievable!”She was a fantastic person and I’m glad that all the players turned up. She would appreciate that.” Most read in FootballThe Man Utd first team squad attended her funeralCredit: SplashDavid Beckham was also in attendanceCredit: GettyFergie also admitted the beloved receptionist would be “happy” with United’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.He explained: “I was pleased the team got a result last night… Kath would be happy with that.Man Utd’s much-loved receptionist Kath Phipps dies aged 85 as tributes paid to ‘heartbeat of United'”When I went to see her at home towards the end, she was happy and content. I thought she had a Coke to drink.”She told me it was a Bacardi and Coke. I asked her what the doctor would think about that. She said, ‘I haven’t asked him.’”It is unusual to have someone who is so committed and who loved people so much.”The people you see here today are here to honour a very special person.”Ferguson could not contain a smile when reminiscing on the time he spent with the beloved Old Trafford icon because of how much she meant to both him and United.He also read a touching eulogy in her honour and said: “I wanted to do that but I was nervous because she deserved something really special.”Peter Schmeichel was among the mournersCredit: GettyPaul Scholes was also thereCredit: Getty More

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      Tottenham trigger Son Heung-min’s contract extension blocking South Korean from negotiating free transfer exit in summer

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      TOTTENHAM have exercised their option to extend Son Heung-min’s contract by a further year.The South Korean icon’s previous deal was due to expire at the end of the season.Son Heung-min is set to stay at Tottenham for a further 12 monthsCredit: GettyBut as SunSport told you last year, Spurs always planned on taking up their right to add another 12 months to the 32-year-old’s terms.They have now done that, meaning skipper Son is contracted until the summer of 2026.The forward has been a fantastic signing since joining from Bayern Leverkusen for £22million in August 2015.Son now has 125 Premier League goals, placing him joint-18th with Nicolas Anelka on the all-time list.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe has 169 goals in total for Spurs, in 431 appearances.Son has not been at his scintillating best this season and started Saturday’s 2-1 home defeat to Newcastle on the bench.But Tottenham still were always keen on tying him down for a further year.Boss Ange Postecoglou likened him to Mo Salah last month, in the sense that critics write off a top player like they both are at their peril.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSon has scored five goals in 17 Premier League appearances this season.He also bagged against Roma in the Europa League, and straight from a corner in the League Cup clash with Manchester United.Son Heung-min tells Tottenham flops to applaud fans after defeat at BournemouthThe Spurs skipper is set to be back in action tomorrow night, when his injury and illness-depleted side take on Liverpool in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final.He will then likely be the star attraction as non-league Tamworth welcome Tottenham this Sunday. More