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      Saudi Pro League ready to offer Marcus Rashford a Man Utd escape route as part of three-man transfer shortlist

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      SAUDI PRO LEAGUE clubs are showing interest in Marcus Rashford, according to reports.The Manchester United star, 27, admitted this week that he is “ready for a new challenge”.Marcus Rashford wants to leave Manchester UnitedCredit: RexRashford was left out of boss Ruben Amorim’s squad entirely for last weekend’s 2-1 win over Manchester City at the Etihad.Ahead of the January transfer window, Saudi sides are keen on swooping for the forward.According to the Telegraph, Public Investment Fund-backed Al-Ittihad, Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr and Al-Ahli are all interested in Rashford.While newly-promoted Al-Qadsiah could also make a move.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhether Rashford would leave European football remains to be seen, particularly given that he wants to resurrect his England career under Thomas Tuchel.It’s claimed that he’d prefer to move to Spain, although a transfer to Real Madrid or Barcelona is unlikely at this time.Rashford’s £325,000-a-week contract runs until the summer of 2028, with a fee of around £40million expected to be enough to convince United to sell.In addition to Rashford, Saudi sides are expected to target Kevin De Bruyne and Mo Salah next summer, with both set to be out of contract.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSRuben Amorim has had his say on Rashford’s situationCredit: GettyAhead of tonight’s League Cup quarter-final clash with Tottenham, Amorim admitted that Rashford’s situation has left him feeling “emotional”.Asked what he would have done during his career if he’d found himself in a similar situation as the forward, Amorim replied: “I would speak with the manager.”Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim says he has no disciplinary issues with Rashford and Garnacho The 39-year-old then added: “It’s hard to explain what I am going to do. I’m a little bit emotional.”I need to prepare for the game and then we will see. Let’s focus on the team, not individual players.”Alejandro Garnacho, who was also left out of last Sunday’s Manchester derby, is believed to have travelled south for tonight’s clash with Tottenham.But Rashford has not been spotted among United’s travelling party.The United academy product was most recently in action in last Thursday’s Europa League clash with Viktoria Plzen, in which he played 56 minutes.Prior to that he made substitute appearances against Arsenal and Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.READ MORE SUN STORIESHis last start came in the 4-0 win over Everton on December 1, a game in which he scored twice.He also netted against Ipswich in Amorim’s first match in charge. More

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      Kieran Tierney’s Arsenal career OVER as Gunners decide against extending former Celtic star’s contract

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      KIERAN TIERNEY’S Arsenal career is over after the Gunners decided against extending his contract.The 27-year-old’s time at the Emirates has been blighted by numerous injury problems.Kieran Tierney is free to leave Arsenal after the club decided against extending his contractCredit: GettyAnd Arsenal have decided the time is right to let him leave.Tierney’s latest setback came in last night’s 3-2 Carabao Cup win over Crystal Palace – his first appearance in six months.The Scot was forced off the field late on, leading to fears he is set for another spell on sidelines.But regardless of the outcome of scans, Tierney’s Arsenal career is now completely over.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHis contract expires in the summerAnd Arsenal have decided against triggering a one-year extension, with the deadline for that action having now passed.The Gunners are even ready to let Tierney go as soon as January, but a free transfer next summer is the more likely outcome.Celtic’s former left-back can strike a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs from next month.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut suitors are likely to wait and see the outcome of his latest injury setback, with Tierney having made just two appearances in as many years for Arsenal.The ace joined them from Parkhead in 2019 for £25million and became an instant hit with fans.Watch Arsenal legend Thierry Henry’s hilarious reaction after being called out by boxing champ Oleksandr UsykTierney won the FA Cup in his first season at the club.But injuries began to take their toll, and the ace has only made 125 appearances across six seasons in north London.Last term saw Tierney join Spanish side Real Sociedad on loan.He played 26 times as they finished sixth in LaLiga while also reaching the last-16 of the Champions League.Tierney is already attracting attention from several teams overseas.And he will have to wait until his Arsenal deal expires if he wants to negotiate with any fellow Premier League sides. More

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      Fans furious Crystal Palace ‘robbed’ in Arsenal clash with Gabriel Jesus ‘clearly offside’ for crucial goal

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      FANS fumed at Crystal Palace being “robbed” against Arsenal with Gabriel Jesus’ goal “clearly offside”. The North Londoners are into the Carabao Cup semi-final following a dramatic 3-2 win against Crystal Palace. Fans were convinced Gabriel Jesus was offsideJesus bagged a hat-trick, while Jean-Philippe Mateta and former Gunner Eddie Nketiah scored for Palace. But controversy struck for Jesus’ second goal as fans were convinced replays proved the striker was offside. Bukayo Saka played through Jesus, who hammered past Dean Henderson as fans fumed online. One said: “Anyone with eyes can see Gabriel Jesus is clearly offside before he scored. READ MORE IN football “Arsenal can consider themselves extremely lucky here. It’s almost like these officials forgot how to do their jobs without VAR.”Another added: “The linesman had a CLEAR view but STILL couldn’t see that Gabriel Jesus was OFFSIDE!”One raged: “Gabriel Jesus is clearly offside in the second goal. Crystal Palace have been robbed!”But another argued: “He’s not. The the defender above him puts him onside.” Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSVAR is not used up until the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup – as Arsenal progressed into the last four alongside Newcastle and Liverpool. Jesus said: “I have scored a lot of goals but sometimes I have this problem with a lack of goals.Enzo Maresca breaks silence on Mykhailo Mudryk’s failed drugs test and gives update on his Chelsea future“I can create, I can make assist, I can run and help the team defending. “When I score everyone sees, but when I don’t they want their striker to score goals and I agree with that.“That is why I am working a lot in training, finishing more, putting myself in a good position to finish the action. I think my hard work has paid off.”Jesus got his hands on the match ballCredit: AP More

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      Southampton 1 Liverpool 2: Arne Slot watches on from stands as much-changed Reds cling on to reach last four

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      ARNE SLOT will have enjoyed the shelter of Southampton’s press box, but he will not have been sitting comfortably.The Liverpool manager, in the stands due to suspension, watched as his much changed side had to hang on to reach the Carabao Cup semi-finals.Arne Slot watched victory from the standsCredit: ReutersLiverpool are into the semi-finalsCredit: RexSouthampton had looked to be waving the holders through to the last four after a tepid first half.It had not been much better than the performance against Tottenham on Sunday which got Russell Martin sacked.Liverpool took advantage, with Darwin Nunez and Harvey Elliott giving them a comfortable lead.But changes at the break and a step up from Saints made for a tense second half – sparked by Cameron Archer’s strike.READ MORE IN football Simon Rusk, the Under-21s coach who only arrived in the summer, was given the ‘privilege’ of stepping in as interim following Martin’s sacking.It is not an attractive job for many coaches, but fans will at least take comfort that Rusk got them showing some fight – eventually.The former Brighton, Nottingham Forest and England youth coach named a strong side given there is little need to save players for their doomed Premier League campaign.Slot had left seven first team regulars, including Mohammed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, on Merseyside.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSVan Dijk’s absence and Ibrahima Konate being injured meant midfielder Wataru Endo started at centre-back, while teenager Trey Nyoni was handed a full debut.If Martin was watching from home, he would not have liked that the first action without him in the dugout was a lumped ball forwards from kick-off.While that drew some ironic cheers, there was soon a sign that Southampton’s woes had not all been down to Martin as more mistakes – and the rank weather – combined to give Liverpool the open.Trent Alexander-Arnold, captain on the night, spun away from Matheus Fernandes deep in his own half and looked to thread a left-footed ball through for Nunez.Jan Bednarek swung a leg at the pass and sent the ball looping towards his own goal, dropping in acres of space for the Liverpool striker.Alex McCarthy dropped instead of coming out to engage Nunez and slipped on the greasy surface, making it easy for the Uruguayan to finish before cocking his ear to the home fans – who had been calling him a “s*** Andy Carroll”.The goal saw Southampton drop, in an effort to avoid crumbling like they did against Spurs, and afforded Liverpool control.But this Southampton defence is one of the most obliging in Europe and, despite having one bank of five and another of four ahead, still left gaps.Darwin Nunez opened the scoringCredit: GettyTrent Alexaner-Arnold embraces NunezCredit: PACody Gakpo drifted into one of those, before exchanging passes with Endo and feeding Elliott.The tenacious midfielder controlled well and saw his shot take a slight deflection off Ryan Manning before nestling in the back of the net.Their progress had been so straightforward in the first half that Slot decided to hook Alexander-Arnold, who had been dictating, at the break.Another one resting up, as Federico Chiesa was sent on for some precious minutes while Joe Gomez was also given the second half off.But Southampton hit back, in comical and clinical fashion.The lively Fernandes looked to thump a ball forwards but sent it square into Endo’s face.With the Japanese midfield starry-eyed on the floor the ball fell for Archer, who cut inside Jarrell Quansah and Tyler Morton before lashing into the far post.St. Mary’s was suddenly alive and would have erupted if, two minutes later, Archer had managed to convert a far easier chance.Harvey Elliot scored the deciding goalCredit: RexIt sent the Reds throughCredit: AFPSub Yuki Sugawara bent a cross into the small striker, whose soft touch allowed Kelleher to save before Morton hooked clear. Neither should have been given a chance.Despite being tested, Liverpool continued to hook the experienced figures as Alexis Mac Allister and then Gakpo were replaced.Amidst the wind and rain there was a sense that, despite all their failings, Southampton had a chance here.They were much improved and caused continuous problems.Liverpool had the opportunity to extinguish that hope, but Taylor Harwood-Bellis recovered to block from Chiesa on the line – as he would do in added time.Rusk sent on towering striker Paul Onuachu, who within seconds had pinched the ball from Nyoni but could not take advantage of the break.The striker, dubbed Tall Paul, should have grabbed a leveller when meeting Kamaldeen Sulemana’s cross, but miss-hit and wasted the opportunity.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe hosts rained long throws and corners into their box and had a huge injury time penalty shout waved away as Quansah dragged down Fernandes.Liverpool were now the ones looking ropey, but just about managed to hang on.Cameron Archer pulled one back lateCredit: GettyThere was late hope for the SaintsCredit: Rex More

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      Newcastle 3 Brentford 1: Sandro Tonali’s first-half double sends Toon one step closer to first trophy in nearly 70 YEARS

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      SANDRO TONALI finally took centre stage at Newcastle – and you can bet your bottom dollar he has the Toon Army dreaming of silverware.The Magpies, who have not lifted a domestic trophy since 1955, are a step closer after the Italian single-handidly downed Brentford.Newcastle sealed qualification to the Carabao Cup semi-finalsCredit: ReutersSandro Tonali fired Newcastle to victory with a braceCredit: AlamyFabian Schar sealed qualification for Newcastle in the Carabao CupCredit: AlamyBrentford got a consolation with a late goal by Yoane WissaCredit: GettyAnd it could prove to be a fairytale finish if the second coming of the Italian Stallion on Tyneside keeps producing nights like this.The midfielder, 24, scored his first goals since his debut in August 2023 and has had to wait since then for a performance as magical as this.Newcastle forked out £55million to bring Tonali to Tyneside to help them end their long drought for a cup.That momentum from his brilliant scoring bow quickly evaporated when he was hit with a ten-month betting ban.Read More on FootballNow he is back and ready to repay the faith and support from Newcastle and their fans by delivering the Carabao Cup.Less than ten minutes were on the clock when Tino Liramento’s low cross from the right was cleared to the edge of the area by the Bees’ backline.But it was met by the charging Tonali, and he drilled home from 20 yards to send St James’ Park wild.The party, however, threatened to be pooped big style when Yoane Wissa was picked out by Kevin Schade in the Newcastle box.Most read in FootballThe Brentford forward attempted to go round Toon goalie Martin Dubravka, who got a touch to the ball, and threw himself to the ground but the ref was having none of it and with no VAR play continued.And the nightmare start soon got even worse for Thomas Frank with the Brentford boss now looking set to be without TWO defenders for the festive period. Former Newcastle boss Alan Pardew reveals why he axed Hatem Ben Arfa despite him being an ‘unbelievable talent’ Sepp van den Berg pulled out of the starting XI with an injury in the warm-up, replaced by Nathan Collins, and then Ethan Pinnock hobbled off.And only a lengthy stoppage for Joelinton to receive treatment for a nasty cut on his mouth stopped the hosts from building up a head of steam.But after both Jacob Murphy and Anthony Gordon had curled wide, it was time for Tonali to get his adoring public back on their feet.Gordon floated a corner in, and with the Bees defence too busy trying to block Joelinton, Tonali had the freedom of the Leazes End to nip in and volley home unmarked.The main man then linked up with Bruno Guimaraes and teed up Murphy, but the woodwork denied him a third before the break.In truth, apart from Tonali, there was not much quality on display and Brentford failed to offer much after the restart.Newcastle score a thirdThey did give Newcastle one scare as Keane Lewis-Potter got away from Livramento and forced Dubravka into action at his near post.Up the other end, Murphy curled another wide after a brilliant move but Toon eventually got a third as the Bees threw in the towel with just over 20 to go.Lewis Hall’s shot was saved after a corner routine, but Bruno reacted quickest and unselfishly rolled the ball across for Fabian Schar to tap home into an empty net.Unfortunately for the Swiss defender and captain Bruno both had already been booked for first half challenges on Fabio Carvalho and Ben Mee respectively.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd in what was the only sour point of the evening, which nearly got better as sub Harvey Barnes was prevented a fourth by the woodwork, that means the key pair will both be suspended for the semi-final first-leg next month.Brentford pulled one back right at the death as Yoane Wissa finished off a counter – but nothing was stopping Tonali from being the talk of the Toon. More

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      Newcastle outcast Miguel Almiron offered Premier League lifeline as three clubs battle it out over January loan transfer

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      NEWCASTLE outcast Miguel Almiron could be loaned out to a Premier League rival in the upcoming January transfer window.Almiron, 30, has hardly featured this season for the Geordies as he has only amassed a mere eight appearances across all competitions.Newcastle outcast Miguel Almiron could be loaned out to a Premier League rivalCredit: GettyCrystal Palace, Leicester and Wolves are all monitoring Almiron from NewcastleCredit: GettyAnd the Magpies are reportedly keen to offload the winger by the end of the season.And SunSport understand the Paraguay international could be set for a loan move in January with three Premier League clubs interested in him.Crystal Palace, Leicester and Wolves are all monitoring Almiron, who is also believed to be desperate to move away from the North East.There is also interest from abroad with Marseille and Stuggart following developments.Read More on FootballThe Toon have decided to sell the forward to comply with Financial Fair Play rules and progress with other transfer targets.An unnamed Saudi Pro League club approached Newcastle last January to buy the Paraguayan. However, the move collapsed after talks between the two sides fell through.Many teams are now showing interest in Almiron and an official offer is expected to arrive soon.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe ex-Atlanta United star has been with Newcastle for the last six seasons. The 2022-23 campaign was his personal best as he scored 11 goals and registered two assists in 34 Premier League appearances.Miguel Almiron shows his skills at Newcastle training Last season, he netted five times and gained three assists in 45 appearances across all competitions. More

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      Marcus Rashford MISSING from Man Utd’s travelling squad for Tottenham clash as Alejandro Garnacho covers up

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      MANCHESTER UNITED ace Marcus Rashford has again been left out of the squad as Ruben Amorim’s team travelled to Tottenham for a crunch Carabao Cup clash.Alejandro Garnacho was recalled by United manager Amorim after he left both the Argentina international and Rashford, 27, out of the team that beat Manchester City on Sunday’s derby.Manchester United ace Alejandro Garnacho has been recalledCredit: ZenpixGarnacho was left out of the Man Utd squad that beat Manchester CityCredit: ZenpixHowever, there was no sign of Man Utd ace Marcus RashfordCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeA lot of Man Utd players travelled to Stockport train station via coachCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeBruno Fernandes took off for Tottenham for the quarter-final clash with TottenhamCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeRashford hinted that he will leave Man Utd soonCredit: GettyGarnacho, 20, had a snood pulled over his mouth and wore a black beanie hat before the trip to north London and Thursday’s quarter-final clash at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.A lot of the Red Devils’ players travelled to Stockport train station by coach after gathering at the airport car park.However, Rashford was unaccounted for at the Manchester giants’ rendezvous point.Rashford outlined his wish to leave United in an interview on Tuesday, having reported unwell for training on Monday. Read More on Man UtdUnited players were given Tuesday off by Amorim. England international Rashford told journalist Henry Winter: “For me, personally, I think I’m ready for a new challenge and the next steps.”Nevertheless, in a press conference before Wednesday’s training session, Amorim confirmed that both Garnacho and Rashford would be in contention to return to the squad against Tottenham.Amorim said: “If they train well then I have to make a choice. We will see see at the end of training.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Of course [I expect a reaction]. I expect the best of each player every day so we will see after training.”Amorim was quite vague when explaining Garnacho and Rashford’s omission from the 2-1 victory against City but insisted it wasn’t due to a disciplinary matter.Man Utd player ratings: Amad Diallo experiences greatest moment of his career but Diogo Dalot doesn’t do enough vs CityThe Man Utd boss said: “It is important to say why, it was not a disciplinary thing. Next week, next game new life, they are fighting for their places.”But for me it is important the performance in training, the performance in games, the way you dress, the way you eat, they way you engage with your teammates, the way you push your team-mates. “Everything is important in our context in the beginning of something when we want to change a lot of things, when people in our club are losing their jobs, we have to put the standards really high.”For that, they have to fight for their place in the team and today the team we proved we can leave anyone outside the squad and manage to win if you play together.”I’m going to say again it was not a disciplinary thing. It’s the small details. You can see the games like I see, there are some things that have to change. “But it is a new life, it’s not a disciplinary thing, it’s the performance in training, the performance in game and then I have to change, to choose players.”If it was disciplinary, I would say that here and it will be a bigger problem but it was not that. “It was just that I want to improve my players and you understand that for so long, for example with Rash, we tried a thing and it doesn’t work. Let’s continue to do the same thing or try something different?”So it’s as simple as that. If they train well with the talent they have we will be so much better with them. Both of them. READ MORE SUN STORIES”But they have to work hard, they do, today they trained really hard so it’s a good thing. New week, new life, let’s see the next one.”According to the Manchester Evening News, this is the full squad for the trip to Spurs: Onana, Bayindir, Heaton, Dalot, Mazraoui, Yoro, De Ligt, Maguire, Lindelof, Evans, Martinez, Malacia, Ugarte, Casemiro, Fernandes, Eriksen, Mainoo, Antony, Garnacho, Zirkzee, Hojlund, AmadMan Utd will face Tottenham in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup in north LondonCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeManager Ruben Amorim and other Man Utd players drove to the train stationCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeMan Utd beat Man City on Sunday in the derby at the EtihadCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeHarry Maguire and co will face Tottenham in the quarter-finalsCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeMan Utd star Casemiro was seen at the train stationCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke More

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      Julen Lopetegui’s dad Jose dies aged 94 as West Ham confirm manager has returned to Spain for funeral

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      JULEN LOPETEGUI will take charge of West Ham on Saturday despite having to return to Spain following the death of his father this week.The Hammers manager, whose side face Brighton this weekend, is back in his home country after his dad, Jose, passed away on Tuesday aged 94.West Ham have confirmed Julen Lopetegui has returned to Spain to attend his dad’s funeralCredit: GettyJose Antonio Lopetegui passed away at the age of 94Lopetegui’s coaching staff are taking training during his absence, though the ex-Wolves manager will be back on Friday to hold a pre-match press conference.The 58-year-old travelled to Spain for three days during the November international break to spend time with his dad.Jose Antonio Lopetegui died after suffering from health problems this year, according to Spanish outlet AS.A West Ham spokesperson: “West Ham United can confirm head coach Julen Lopetegui has returned to Spain to attend the funeral of his father, Jose, who sadly passed away on Tuesday at the age of 94.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“The thoughts and sincere condolences of everyone at the club are with Julen, his family and friends, and we kindly ask that their privacy is respected at this time.“Lopetegui’s coaching team will oversee training during this period.“The club will be making no further comment at this time.”Dad Jose, who was one of 11 siblings, was a renowned stone lifter and somewhat famous in Basque sport.Most read in FootballStone lifting is a traditional sport that involves lifting heavy stones onto the shoulder to test strength and endurance.It is known as “Harri-jasotze” in the Basque County and all eight Lopetegui brothers regularly competed.Tomas Soucek reveals heartwarming video call with Michail Antonio as he dedicates celebration to stricken West Ham starAt the Circo Price in Madrid, Jose was able to lift 182 kilos to the astonishment of the crowd.The eight brothers attempted to set a record of each lifting 188 kg at the same time, but were persuaded not to by their wives, who considered stone-lifting to be a rural pastime not befitting of their new statuses as urban businessmen.Jose was also a seasoned boxer in his youth.Lopetegui’s former club Sevilla, with whom he won the Europa League, also said: “Sevilla FC expresses its condolences to Julen Lopetegui and his family on the death of his father.”The West Ham manager has been under intense pressure due to a poor start of the season.But he has also had to deal with striker Michail Antonio suffering a horror car crash and also the passing of his father.Meanwhile, Lopetegui’s side drew 1-1 at Bournemouth on Monday night.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Hammers are 14th in the Premier League with 19 points from their opening 16 games this season.The Spaniard took over from David Moyes at the London Stadium in the summer. More