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      BBC Match of the Day could be taken off air as rivals eye £211m Premier League package

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      RIVAL broadcasters could attempt to pinch the Premier League rights from the BBC and force Match of the Day off air, according to reports.The BBC pay £211million to show the highlights programme.
      The BBC risk losing the rights to show MOTDCredit: Getty
      And after controversy regarding host Gary Lineker’s impartiality on social media, which led to him being suspended and then reinstated, other channels are aware they could swoop in to buy the much-loved show.
      Prem chief Richard Masters recently confirmed that the bidding for its TV rights to homeland broadcasters would begin this year.
      There has been no battle for rights for three years as all companies agreed to continue their packages during the pandemic.
      The Telegraph report that the competition this time will be “fiercer than it has been for years”.
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      They report Prem sources as saying the Lineker fall-out will have no bearing on future deals.
      ITV have not shown viewers Premier League football since 2004 when an ill-fated show was axed, leaving the BBC as the only terrestrial channel to have it.
      No decision on whether to bid for MOTD has been made by ITV bosses.
      Reports suggest that they are looking to expand their streaming service ITVX and the football programme could assist with them doing so.
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      Channel 4 also want to expand their sports coverage after recently acquiring England matches in the Nations League and they could enter the race.
      Rumours that Lineker could quit the BBC over the impartiality row have relaxed, yet his deal does expire in 2025 and if they were to lose rights his future could again be in doubt.

      Additionally, the Premier League have ruled out scrapping the 3pm blackout, where matches kicking-off at that time are not televised.
      This could open another opportunity for broadcasters of the EFL and European football. More

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      Ex-Tottenham star Jamie O’Hara storms out of talkSPORT studio after heated debate with ‘absolute idiot of a man’

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      JAMIE O’HARA stormed out of the talkSPORT studio after a heated debate with an “absolute idiot of a man”.Former Tottenham midfielder O’Hara, 36, was on air with former Chelsea ace Jason Cundy on Tuesday night.
      Jamie O’Hara got into a heated debate live on talkSPORTCredit: talkSPORT
      The former Tottenham man could barely believe what he was hearingCredit: talkSPORT
      In the end he took off his headphones and left the studioCredit: talkSPORT
      Following Kevin De Bruyne’s masterclass performance in Manchester City’s 7-0 thrashing of RB Leipzig after a challenge to improve his form by boss Pep Guardiola, the duo clashed over who is the best No10 in the Premier League right now.
      O’Hara is convinced it is still De Bruyne while Cundy threw his support behind Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, who is leading the Gunners in their shock Premier League charge.
      The pair went at it live on talkSPORT for nearly two minutes before O’Hara flung off his headphones and headed for the exit door.
      The exchange started when Cundy said: “Odegaard, right now, is the best No10 in the league.”
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      O’Hara asked: “Is that what you think?”
      Cundy insisted: “Yeah I agree with him.”
      But O’Hara challenged him: “So if I gave you a cup final tomorrow, after watching De Bruyne tonight, you would go Odegaard or De Bruyne?”
      Cundy replied: “Odegaard, this season.”
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      O’Hara shouted back: “You’ve got Harry Kane and Odegaard, I’ve got Erling Haaland and De Bruyne.”
      But keeping his cool, Cundy explained: “It’s fair. Odegaard this season has… I’ve just realised it’s because it’s Arsenal isn’t it? And you’re bitter about Spurs at the minute. What’s going on?”
      A visibly frustrated O’Hara said: “It’s nothing to do with Arsenal. I’ll tell you what’s going on – I’ve been sitting here for 18 months having to work with this absolute idiot of a man who puts Odegaard ahead of Kevin De Bruyne.
      “Have you just watched De Bruyne play tonight? He’s put on a masterclass. You’re telling me if there was a cup final tomorrow, you wouldn’t want Kevin De Bruyne in your team?

      “You’d take Odegaard, whose had a great season don’t get me wrong. Kevin De Bruyne, unbelievable for the last five seasons. Right now, this season?”
      Sending O’Hara into another spin of turmoil with his head in his hands, Cundy replied: “Odegaard. Jay, face the music. I’ve told you. Stand up now and say, ‘My name is Jamie O’Hara, I’m a Spurs fan and Arsenal will win the title.’ Just stand up and say it.”

      O’Hara raged: “Oh Jason. Honestly mate. It’s like working with a brick wall. I can’t deal with this anymore, I need a break, I need a coffee, I’ve got to leave the office.”
      And with that, the former Arsenal academy talent left the room, leaving Cundy baffled.
      Read More on The Sun
      Two-time Premier League player of the year De Bruyne, 31, has racked up four goals and 19 assists in all competitions this season.
      By comparison, Odegaard, 24, has ten goals and six assists, all in the league – and on Monday he was crowned London’s Prem player of the year.
      Martin Odegaard is in rich form for the table-topping GunnersCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      De Bruyne put in a masterclass against RB LeipzigCredit: Alamy More

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      Man City striker Erling Haaland set world record at just FIVE years old as athletic talent revealed

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      MANCHESTER CITY superstar Erling Haaland has been breaking records since the age of FIVE.Haaland’s most recent milestone took place only last Tuesday when he scored a staggering five times for City against RB Leipzig and became the fastest player to amass 30 Champions League goals.
      Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland has been breaking records this seasonCredit: Getty
      Erling Haaland’s milestones kicked off at the tender age of five years oldCredit: Instagram / @erling.haaland
      Erling Haaland broke a long-jump world record for five-year oldsCredit: Refer to Caption
      He bagged all five goals in just 35 minutes to take his total tally to 39 goals in 36 games this season, a figure that saw him break the Citizens’ all-time record set by Tommy Johnson 94-years ago.
      But the star striker’s exploits kicked off when he was in first grade as he broke a long jump world record for five-year-olds.
      The Norway international leapt 1.63m in 2006 during his tender years in Bryne.
      That was of course not the only time the 22-year-old showed athletic prowess as he also exhibited tremendous speed in 2020 while playing for Borussia Dortmund.
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      The Norwegian star was clocked sprinting 60m in just 6.64 seconds, which would have put him in the World Championship athletics indoor final in 2018.
      Sport appears to be in Haaland’s genes as his father and agent Alf-Inge also enjoyed a successful Premier League career playing for Leeds, Nottingham Forest and of course City.
      The ex-Red Bull Salzburg star’s mother Gry Marita also used to be a national heptathlon champion in Norway.
      While his maternal cousins Albert Tjaland and Jonatan Braut Brunes play for Norwegian clubs Bryne and Start.
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      Haaland doesn’t look likely to slow down any time soon having already registered a whopping 28 goals in only 26 Premier League matches.
      Many believe he has what it takes to one day break Alan Shearer’s all-time goalscoring record in the Prem.
      Shearer has been topping the rankings for years with 260 goals in 441 appearances. More

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      Wannabe Man Utd owners spotted at Old Trafford as Qatari banker’s takeover team get VIP stadium tour

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      MANCHESTER UNITED’s potential new Qatari owners arrived for a tour of their prospective purchase this morning.Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani, a member of the Gulf state’s ruling royal family, has tabled a bid believed to be under the Glazers’ £6billion asking price.
      Representatives of Man Utd’s potential new Qatari owners were at Old Trafford this morningCredit: JOHN MATHER/IMAGE VIEWPHOTOGRAPHY
      Mr Shahzad Shahbaz, president of Nine Two Foundation, was in attendance at Old Trafford on behalf of the Qatari bidCredit: JOHN MATHER/IMAGE VIEWPHOTOGRAPHY
      They arrived at the Theatre of Dreams in a convoy of black motorsCredit: JOHN MATHER/IMAGE VIEWPHOTOGRAPHY
      They arrived at the Theatre of Dreams in a convoy of black motorsCredit: JOHN MATHER/IMAGE VIEWPHOTOGRAPHY
      The reps are also believed to have met staff from several departments at Man UtdCredit: JOHN MATHER/IMAGE VIEWPHOTOGRAPHY
      Al Thani’s bid is reportedly worth £5bn but he is promising to wipe the club’s debt and fund upgrades for both Old Trafford and Carrington.
      One of Britain’s richest men, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, and his Ineos group also made a bid.

      Locally-born United supporter Ratcliffe, 70, has pitched that he will put “Manchester back into Manchester United” with a “British bid to make the club a beacon for a modern, progressive, fan-centred approach to ownership.”
      Now all interested parties have been told that they have 10 days to submit their next offer to purchase the club.
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      However, representatives from the Qatari offer were spotted outside of Old Trafford earlier today as they attended presentations by the club.
      Shahzad Shahbaz, president of Nine Two Foundation, was in attendance at Old Trafford on behalf of the Qatari bid as was Yasir Shah, managing director of Bank of America.
      And several lawyers from international law firm Macfarlanes accompanied them.
      The officials representing the Middle East were believed to be meeting staff members of various departments, including football, financial and commercial as well as receiving a tour of the Theatre of Dreams and the Carrington training ground.
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      Both the stadium and training HQ are in need of a revamp, and the trip will have allowed them to assess how much would be needed for a makeover.
      Rival Sir Jim and his representatives will get their turn tomorrow before second offers will then be invited to be made to the US bank Raine Group, who are handling the sale on behalf of the Glazers.
      They will then consult with American owners before determining who their preferred bidder is and then giving them full access to United’s accounts and then further negotiations could take place.
      Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani was not in attendance himself earlier.
      But his team of execs from Bank of America, who are acting for the Qatari and lawyers, travelled up by train from London to the North West instead.
      Ratcliffe, who owns Ineos and Ligue 1 side Nice, is believed to be jetting in himself on Friday from Southern France.
      And two other bidders that are believed to be from the USA are also allegedly in the frame and will be doing the same.
      Yasir Shah (centre), managing director of Bank of America was also spotted with the groupCredit: JOHN MATHER/IMAGE VIEWPHOTOGRAPHY
      A team of execs from Bank of America, who are acting for the Qatari and lawyers, were in attendanceCredit: JOHN MATHER/IMAGE VIEWPHOTOGRAPHY
      They were spotted assembling outside of the club megastore this morningCredit: JOHN MATHER/IMAGE VIEWPHOTOGRAPHY
      Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani is believed to have bid around £5bnCredit: AFP
      Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his team will get their tour of United on FridayCredit: PA More

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      Man Utd ready to join Jude Bellingham transfer race and battle rivals to seal Premier League and British record deal

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are set to join the battle for Jude Bellingham.They are reportedly prepared to seal a Premier League and British transfer record deal this summer.
      Man Utd have joined the race for Jude BellinghamCredit: Getty
      Bellingham, 19, is arguably the hottest property on the market after becoming a star player for Borussia Dortmund and England.
      The ace has already clocked up 164 club games and 22 international caps.
      Having left Birmingham for Dortmund in 2020, Bellingham is expected to return to his homeland this summer.
      Liverpool are leading the race as Jurgen Klopp plans an overhaul of his midfield.
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      And Manchester City are also keeping tabs with Ilkay Gundogan’s contract expiring.
      But the Telegraph claims United could soon emerge as frontrunners after throwing their hat in the ring.
      Erik ten Hag has “genuine interest” in bringing Bellingham to Old Trafford.
      And a source close to the player claims “everything is open” with Dortmund looking to keep hold of him for one more year.
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      If the Germans do agree to let Bellingham go it’ll come at a mighty price.
      They want at least £110million for their star man after also making note of interest from Real Madrid.

      That would see Bellingham break the £100m British record fee paid by Man City for Jack Grealish.
      And it would also be more than £106m record Premier League signing Enzo Fernandez, signed by Chelsea on January deadline day.
      United are also in the market for a new No9 this summer, with Napoli’s Victor Osimhen and Benfica’s Goncalo Ramos linked.
      But Arsenal legend Thierry Henry believes Tottenham star Harry Kane would be the perfect fit for Ten Hag.
      He said: “Because of the Premier League and he knows the league, if I’m Man Utd I go Kane.
      “That doesn’t mean Osimhen is not a good player of whatever, it has nothing to do with that. I think Osimhen can adapt in any league.
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      “But if I’m Man United, I would look at it like OK, this guy doesn’t need to adapt to anything, he has a way of dropping and can allow Marcus Rashford to run in behind him when he drops.
      “Kane can play anywhere also by the way.” More

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      Arsenal ‘s***house’ Aaron Ramsdale hilariously ranks football’s biggest wind-up merchants including Mourinho and Vardy

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      ARSENAL star Aaron Ramsdale has hilariously ranked football’s biggest wind-up merchants including Jose Mourinho and Jamie Vardy.The goalkeeper put ten players and two managers into categories, judging them on their “s***house” abilities.
      Aaron Ramsdale has ranked football’s biggest wind-up merchantsCredit: Reuters
      Ramsdale named Jamie Vardy as one of the bestCredit: Getty
      And Ramsdale cited Jose Mourinho as one of the first wind-up merchants in footballCredit: Reuters
      Ramsdale put Leicester striker Vardy in the best “master of the dark arts” section, citing the time he celebrated by smashing a corner flag after scoring against Ramsdale when he was at Sheffield United.
      The Arsenal No1 told ESPN: “He’s one of the GOATS I think. He’s a master.”
      Vardy has howled like a wolf when netting against Wolves and imitated an eagle when striking against Crystal Palace, who are nicknamed after the bird.
      Joining the 36-year-old at the top was Sergio Ramos.
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      On the Spanish defender, Ramsdale said: “He’s a GOAT as well, isn’t he? They’re just so good at slowing down the game and making it difficult for you.”
      Joining those two in the best s***house category was the always controversial Jose Mourinho.

      Ramsdale said: “Why is there not a GOAT tier? I think he was the first one ever. Master of the dark arts. I think he taught Ramos everything he knows.
      “Ramos has played under him, [Diego] Costa’s played under him, Pepe’s played under him. That’s why he’s the GOAT.”
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      Mourinho’s latest act was the booing of the Lazio Under-14s as he turned up to watch Roma’s youth-team play. Although the claims have been denied by the club.
      Meanwhile, Costa placed in the “wind-up merchant” category and Pepe was put in the “pain in the backside” section with Ramsdale himself.
      The keeper often antagonises opposing fans and players, but he admits he is not on the level of other wind-up greats.
      Elsewhere, World Cup troublemaker Emiliano Martinez and Richarlison, who clashed with Ramsdale earlier this season, completed the second tier.
      In the “cheeky” group were Jordan Pickford, Bruno Fernandes and Luis Suarez.
      Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has caused a stir this season with his touchline antics and he was in a tier alone named “actually he’s a good lad”.
      This is how Aaron Ramsdale’s tier list lookedCredit: ESPN More

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      Former Man Utd star Chris Eagles says his journey was like David Beckham’s and was a Sir Alex Ferguson favourite

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      CHRIS EAGLES has likened his time as a Manchester United prodigy to that of David Beckham.Signed from Watford in 2000, the midfielder would earn several comparisons to the England legend as he emerged at Old Trafford.
      Chris Eagles has opened up on his time at Manchester United as a teenagerCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      David Beckham also moved to the United academy from his home in the southCredit: PA:Press Association
      Like Beckham, Eagles was plucked from well outside United’s catchment area and the Hertfordshire-born player recalled how he made the move.
      The 37-year-old told Ladbrokes: “I went up there for a game and just fell in love with the club.
      “I moved into digs at 14 and at first I was obviously excited because it was like a holiday to me. I loved Manchester, I love northerners.
      “School was difficult because I was a southerner, but training-wise we used to train on Tuesdays and Thursdays and play on Saturdays.
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      “My youth team was frightening; we didn’t lose. In the old days we had myself, Phil Bardsley, Luke Steele, Kieran Richardson, Tom Heaton, Paul McShane, Gerard Pique, Giuseppe Rossi.
      “School helped me a lot; I got much better results because I was away from home and my friends which meant I just concentrated on getting good results.
      “Man United made sure we worked hard and got good grades. The only time I’d have off to come home was in school holidays, but it would never be for a long time.
      “In digs I started off living with a family on my own – I still see them now actually, four times a week, they look after my kids!
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      “Then I was with Fraizer Campbell who stayed for long weekends because he was only from Huddersfield. But I was there more or less on my own.
      “Sir Alex Ferguson had a lot of involvement with me as a kid because he knew I’d moved away from home.
      “I wasn’t too dissimilar to David Beckham in that respect; we’d both moved from London to Manchester as youngsters.”
      Red Devils icon Ferguson gave Eagles his debut in 2003 but he failed to make the cut and left for Burnley after several loan spells.
      But the former prodigy knew that Fergie, 81, held him in high regard as one of his top young stars despite a telling-off for underage driving.
      He continued: “Sir Alex had his certain players like me, Darren Fletcher and Kieran Richardson who he had soft spots for. If I was ever trouble he’d tell me off, though.
      “I drove a car somewhere when I was 15 and Sir Alex found out about it and called me in his office. I was petrified.
      “It’s the worst experience ever because you don’t know what he’s going to do. I can remember standing outside of his office, sweating, going red.
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      “He used to have a folder where he used to keep his notes. It was a hard-back. Every time he walked past me he used to just slap me on the head with it – all in good humour obviously.
      “He was just a great manager, a great guy, and that’s how he got his respect.”
      Eagles spoke highly of Sir Alex Ferguson’s effort with the young playersCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More

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      Southampton vs Tottenham: Premier League latest as Spurs look to boost top-4 hopes against Saints – TV, stream

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      TOTTENHAM travel to bottom of the table Southampton with hopes to solidify their top-4 spot.Antonio Conte’s side got back to winning ways against Nottingham Forest last weekend.
      They will face foot of the table Southampton, who are desperate for any signs of revival.

      Kick off: Saturday, March 18 – 3pm UK time.
      TV channel: Not available to watch in the UK due to 3pm blackout.

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