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    Ex-Man Utd star Cristiano Ronaldo wears rare £114,000 gold Rolex set with rubies and sapphires

    CRISTIANO RONALDO has been filmed wearing a crazy £114,000 gold Rolex covered in rubies and sapphires.Footage and a photo of the Al-Nassr forward, 38, showing off the incredibly pricey piece was released by the Saudi Arabian club earlier this week.
    Cristiano Ronaldo donned the expensive watch while wearing full club gear
    Ronaldo was seen wearing the Rolex watch in an Al-Nassr video
    The incredible Rolex is worth £114,000
    It is thought to be the Rolex GMT-Master II in yellow gold.
    The watch also features the luxury watchmaker’s sought-after red and blue gemstone pattern, known as the Pepsi bezel.
    Ronaldo and his partner Georgina Rodriguez are no strangers to expensive jewellery.
    Back in 2020, Ronaldo was spotted wearing a £370,000 Rolex watch made from 18-karat white gold and encrusted in diamonds.
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    And last year, Georgina sported close to £1.6MILLION worth of jewellery as she showed off her incredible collection to fans.
    Her outfit included a stunning £250,000 ruby necklace, a matching £150k bracelet, and a selection of rings with a combined value of £50k.
    On top of that her 18 carat white gold Rolex GMT master II, set with diamonds, retails for a whopping £400k.
    She also sported a £600k Cartier diamond engagement ring which includes a large sapphire and is encrusted with diamonds.
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    Meanwhile, Ronaldo has begun to enjoy life on the pitch in Saudi after bagging four goals for Al-Nassr on Thursday.
    The Man Utd and Real Madrid legend had scored just once in his opening three matches for his new club.
    But now he is well and truly off the mark as Al-Nassr bid to move clear of the chasing pack at the top of the Saudi Pro League.
    Ronaldo has now scored five goals since joining Al-NassrCredit: AP More

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    Most prolific loan goalscorers ever as Arsenal’s Folarin Balogun outshines Mbappe… but he’s not No1

    ARSENAL academy graduate Folarin Balogun has emerged as one of the most prolific goalscorers in Europe this season.The 21-year-old is currently enjoying a successful loan spell in France with Reims.
    Folarin Balogun is the top goalscorer in Ligue 1Credit: Getty
    And his red-hot form has seen him rack up an impressive total of 15 goals in 22 league games, making him the top scorer in Ligue 1.
    He has outscored the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi, Neymar, Alexandre Lacazette and Wissam Ben Yedder so far this season, leaving many Arsenal fans excited for his return to north London.
    Balogun has already established himself among the highest-scoring on-loan strikers of all-time.
    Those who have achieved similar success include the likes of Romelu Lukaku, Emmanuel Adebayor and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
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    SunSport has looked back on some of those memorable loan spells from the past decade to see how Balogun compares.
    Duvan Zapata – 23 goals (2018/19)
    Duvan Zapata scored 23 goals for Atalanta during his loan spellCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    In July 2018, Sampdoria agreed to loan Zapata to Serie A rivals Atalanta for two seasons.
    The Colombia international scored 23 goals in 37 league appearances during his first season in Bergamo – only Sampdoria striker Fabio Quagliarella netted more.
    Atalanta finished third in the table that season, 16 points above Sampdoria in ninth.
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    Following his two-year loan, Zapata signed a permanent contract with the Black and Blues and has been with the club ever since.
    Bafetimbi Gomis – 20 goals (2016/17)
    Bafetimbi Gomis scored 20 goals for MarseilleCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Gomis was loaned out by then-Premier League club Swansea to Marseille in 2016.
    By the end of his season-long loan at the Stade Velodrome he had netted 20 goals in 31 Ligue 1 games, making him one of the league’s top scorers.
    He is now playing for Turkish Super Lig club Galatasaray.
    Paco Alcacer – 18 goals (2018/19)
    Paco Alcacer joined Dortmund permanently after his successful loan spellCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Alcacer joined Borussia Dortmund on a season-long loan in August 2018 after falling out of favour at Barcelona.
    By the end of the 2018/19 campaign he had scored 18 goals in 26 Bundesliga appearances – only Robert Lewandowski scored more.
    Dortmund chiefs were so impressed by his form that they decided to sign him on a permanent deal midway through the campaign, so in February 2019 the German giants signed him for around £20million.
    Alcacer now plays for Sharjah in the UAE Pro League.
    Emmanuel Adebayor – 17 goals (2011/12)
    Emmanuel Adebayor joined Tottenham on loan after leaving ArsenalCredit: Graham Hughes – The Times
    In 2011, then-Manchester City star Adebayor was loaned to Tottenham – just two years after leaving Arsenal.
    The striker scored 17 times for Spurs to help them to a fourth-place finish, but his parent club went on to win the Premier League.
    He eventually signed a permanent deal with the Lilywhites before moving across London to Crystal Palace in 2016.
    Adebayor now plays for Togolese club AC Semassi.
    Romelu Lukaku – 17 goals (2012/13)
    Romelu Lukaku spent a season on loan at West Brom from ChelseaCredit: Getty
    Lukaku joined West Brom on loan from Chelsea in August 2012, one year after signing for the west London club from Anderlecht.
    He scored 17 goals in 35 games for the Baggies, but despite his impressive form he was loaned out again the following season.
    On the final day of the 2013 summer transfer window, Lukaku joined Everton on another season-long loan.
    During his time at Goodison Park he scored 15 goals in 33 appearances.
    As a result, the Toffees signed him for a club-record fee of £28m the following summer.
    Following his time at Everton, Lukaku enjoyed spells with Manchester United and Inter Milan respectively before returning to Chelsea for a club record fee of £97.5million in 2021.
    But after falling out of favour he returned to Inter Milan on a season-long loan last summer.
    Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 16 goals (2011/12)
    Aubameyang scored 16 goals in less than six months for St EtienneCredit: AFP – Getty
    In January 2011, Aubameyang joined St Etienne on a six-month loan from AC Milan.
    He scored 16 goals for the French side during that short space of time and his loan was subsequently extended for the following season as a result before he signed on a permanent basis.
    The striker then shot to stardom at Borussia Dortmund before joining Arsenal in January 2018.
    But, three years later his contract with the Gunners was terminated following a series of disciplinary breaches.
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    In February 2022, he joined Barcelona on a free transfer but returned to London to join Chelsea just seven months later.
    He has since fallen down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge and is expected to leave during the summer transfer window. More

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    Jamie Carragher left baffled as Rafa Benitez reveals feelings on his old clubs Liverpool and Everton ahead of derby

    JAMIE CARRAGHER is stunned by Rafa Benitez’s split loyalties ahead of Monday night’s Merseyside derby.The Spanish manager’s old clubs Liverpool and Everton meet  at Anfield in a clash that’s crucial for unwanted reasons.
    Rafa Benitez lasted just seven months in charge of Everton, having bossed big rivals Liverpool for six yearsCredit: AP
    Benitez’s Liverpool reign peaked with an amazing Champions League final comeback win against AC Milan, inspired by skipper Steven GerrardCredit: Getty
    The Reds’ expected title challenge has turned into a mid-table struggle, while the Toffees need victory to move out of the Prem drop zone.
    And former Liverpool defender Carragher is amazed at Benitez’s inability to choose between the two sides.
    The ex-Real Madrid and Newcastle chief won the Champions League in 2005 and FA Cup the following year as Anfield boss from 2004-2010.
    But in his last job he lasted just seven months at Goodison Park.
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    Everton sacked him in January 2022 after nine defeats in 13 games left them 15th, six points above the relegation spots.
    Now the Toffees have posted a quote from Benitez revealing: “I can’t say” – when asked about his derby preference.
    And ex-England star Carragher replied to the tweet with two ‘mind-blown’ emojis.
    Benitez gives his full verdict in a new book by Peter Kenny called “Crossing the Park: The Men Who Dared to Play for Both Liverpool and Everton”.
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    The only other person to manage both clubs was William Barclay… in the 19th century!
    In fact, the Dubliner was both teams’ first boss – for Everton from 1888-89 and Liverpool from 1892-1896.
    Benitez wrote: “When I first arrived at Anfield I was surprised by the people, they were very friendly.
    “They tried to help with adapting to the new place from day one.
    “Then at Everton, there were a lot of friendly people, but the difference was that some looked at you differently, they couldn’t forget the past with Liverpool.
    “I feel at home in Merseyside, my family is completely at home here and that is important. 
    “The Liverpool fans are still kind and close today, many of the Everton fans know what actually happened and are, let’s say, friendly.
    “I can’t say I’m more Liverpool or Everton today. Logically, in six years there were a lot of highs at Liverpool, but I still have good friends amongst the Everton fans.”
    Eormer long-serving Liverpool ace Jamie Carragher was surprised Benitez seemingly couldn’t pick between his two old Merseyside clubsCredit: Rex More

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    Erik ten Hag’s axed Ajax successor Alfred Schreuder OUT of running for Leeds job after fruitless trip to Man Utd game

    ERIK TEN HAG’S sacked Ajax successor Alfred Schreuder is reportedly OUT of the running to take charge at Leeds.The former Hoffenheim and Club Brugge boss was spotted at Elland Road on Sunday as the hosts lost 2-0 to Ten Hag’s Manchester United.
    Former Ajax boss Alfred Schreuder will not be taking charge at LeedsCredit: Getty
    It sparked talk that Schreuder was in line to replace Jesse Marsch following the American’s exit this month.
    But The Athletic claims there will be no immediate return to football for Schreuder, who was himself sacked by Ajax in January.
    Adding that a deal “was not close” despite talks being held after the United match, Schreuder has now returned to Holland following yesterday’s visit.
    And Leeds will press on in their efforts to find a new long-term gaffer before Saturday’s six-pointer against fellow strugglers Everton.
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    Schreuder was the fourth big name linked with the Elland Road vacancy last week.
    Leeds first failed with an approach for Carlos Corberan, who ended up penning a new deal with West Brom.
    And they were then rebuffed in their efforts to poach highly-rated Andoni Iraola from high-flying LaLiga minnows Rayo Vallecano.
    But three was not the magic number when Leeds were also snubbed by Arnie Slot on Friday.
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    The Feyenoord boss confirmed: “It is true that I will stay with Feyenoord, I can say that with this one. That is clear, fans do not have to be afraid.
    “It was a compliment that a club like Leeds was interested, but we are doing something great with Feyenoord.
    “We are in a great position in the league, the cup and Europe. There is no disappointment. It’s certainly not a punishment to stay here.” More

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    Moment Chelsea fan laughs in hospital bed after being knocked out while goading West Ham

    THIS is the moment a Chelsea fan laughs in a hospital bed after being knocked out while goading a West Ham fan.Trouble flared up before the London derby on Saturday, which saw one football fanatic taken away in a wheelchair.
    The moment a football fan laughs in a hospital bed after being knocked unconsciousCredit: Twitter
    The Chelsea supporter was knocked out by one punchCredit: Twitter
    The lad was wheeled away after being knocked to the ground by one punchCredit: Twitter
    The Chelsea fan was knocked unconscious by one punch from a West Ham supporter.
    A video has since emerged of the Blues fan making light of his situation.
    Laid up in hospital he said: “You’ve got to have a laugh”.
    People crowded around as the altercation unfolded over the weekend.
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    Footage shared on social media showed the Chelsea fan stepping forward to engage in a verbal confrontation with the rivals.
    He is then recorded shouting and squaring up to an older West Ham supporter.
    One West Ham lad can then be seen taking a swipe which brutally floored him.
    A group of Hammers chanted “Irons, Irons” as the lad was put into the recovery position.
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    Cops confirmed that a 22-year-old man was arrested after the brutal punch.
    Another viral video circulating shows how the fan who punched the Chelsea supporter was led away by several police officers.
    A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: “A 22-year-old man was arrested before kick-off at the London Stadium today after an alleged assault on another man.
    “The man has been taken into custody.”
    Chelsea star Reece James mentioned the attack after the game on Instagram.
    Posting on his story he said: “The news has crossed my attention that a fan was punched and knocked out before today’s game.
    “I totally understand rivalry and the tension between teams in big games but violence is no answer.
    “I hope he’s okay. Appreciate the travelling fans as always. Stick with us and stay safe. See you in Dortmund.”
    Shocking footage of the altercation was put on social mediaCredit: Facebook More

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    How Southampton could line up under Wayne Rooney including some familiar faces from Man Utd

    SOUTHAMPTON are searching for their third new manager of the season following the sacking of Nathan Jones.The 49-year-old Welshman survived just three months in the position before being given the boot by Saints bosses on Sunday.
    Wayne Rooney has been linked with the Southampton vacancyCredit: Getty
    It means the south-coast outfit are looking for another new head coach – 14 games after Jones’ predecessor Ralph Hasenhuttl was axed.
    A number of candidates have been mooted as possible options including Jesse Marsch, Steven Gerrard, or even Hasenhuttl once more.
    But a shock name that has been thrown into the hat is DC United boss and record England scorer Wayne Rooney.
    The Man Utd legend, 37, is reportedly “interested” in the vacancy… and his arrival could spell a host of changes in the Southampton team.
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    How Southampton could line up under Rooney
    Christian Benteke is playing under Rooney at DC UnitedCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Nathan Tella is on loan at Burnley from SouthamptonCredit: Getty
    Rooney could bring a couple of his trusted lieutenants back to England with him.
    Among them is former Man Utd talent Ravel Morrison – who has played under Rooney at both Derby and DC United.
    Ex-Liverpool, Aston Villa and Crystal Palace striker Christian Benteke is also plying his trade at DC United but could be open to a European return.
    Rooney could also call on his Man Utd connections to bring in other reinforcements.
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    And one man who is seeking first-team football is full-back Brandon Williams – who has played just 95 minutes of football this season.
    The Red Devils were prepared to send him on loan to Norwich in the 2021/22 campaign and may be willing to do the same again in the coming months.
    Saints loanee Nathan Tella, who has scored 14 goals for Burnley this season, could also return to the fray.
    But all of these possible signings and loan players will be looking at the result of Southampton’s relegation fight.
    They sit bottom of the table with just four wins from 22 games, a run which has left them four points adrift of safety.
    Ravel Morrison played against Rooney and then under him at DerbyCredit: Getty
    Brandon Williams has struggled for game time at Old TraffordCredit: Getty More

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    8%-owned striker Ivan Toney on course for 200+ Dream Team points this season – transfer time?

    NOT all prolific goalscorers at Championship level are able to transfer their skills successfully to the Premier League.Ivan Toney (£5.4m), however, has proven to be a centre-back’s nightmare at top-flight level since Brentford’s promotion.
    Last season, the Bees’ No17 scored 12 goals and provided five assists in 33 league appearances – a superb effort for a newly-promoted side.
    This campaign, he’s already scored 14 goals (and provided three assists) with only Harry Kane (£8.2m) and runaway leader Erling Haaland (£8.8m) ahead of him in the Golden Boot race.
    A well-earned slice of luckCredit: GETTY
    Granted, Toney latest strike was served with a sizeable slice of luck given the PGMOL have issued an apology to Arsenal for video assistant Lee Mason’s mistake in incorrectly checking for an offside in the build-up.
    Had VAR been properly employed, Brentford’s equaliser would have been chalked off although Toney certainly won’t be breaking out the violins for the Gunners over the matter.
    What matters to Thomas Frank’s side is that they’re now unbeaten in ten league fixtures and a point earned at the home of the leaders may well prove to be hugely valuable in their quest for European qualification this season.
    It goes without saying that if they are to maintain their pursuit of the Europa Conference League/Europa League then their top scorer will need to keep leading the line in the effective manner to which opposition defenders have become accustomed, much to their chagrin.
    Poor William Saliba (£3.1m) was given a ragged time by Toney at the weekend with the latter winning all but one of his 13 aerial duels, a freakish statistical achievement.
    From a Dream Team perspective, it was the 26-year-old’s all-round performance that contributed to him bagging the Star Man award just as much as his goal.
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    Mixing it with the big boysCredit: GETTY
    A 13-point haul in north London has taken Toney’s total for the campaign to 133.
    Mohamed Salah (£7.7m), Kane, Marcus Rashford (£6.1m) and Haaland are the only forwards with more points to their name at the time of writing.
    Even more impressively, Toney averages six points-per-game in 2022/23 – Haaland and Rashford are the only assets in his position who boast a superior rate.
    Barring injury setbacks or suspensions, he should register 20+ Premier League goals this season and, more importantly, 200+ Dream Team points.
    Double centurions are relatively rare, last season just six forwards reached the milestone.
    Premier League is the Bees sole focus for the rest of the seasonCredit: GETTY
    One potential issue for Toney (and his backers) is that Brentford’s calendar contains their remaining 16 league fixtures and nothing more.
    Without European or FA Cup commitments, the streetwise target man may find it difficult to keep pace with busier assets in the final third of the campaign but he’s not to be underestimated.
    Toney’s current ownership of 8.1% makes him the ninth-most selected forward in the game but the fact he’s less popular than Darwin Nunez (£4.8m), Gabriel Martinelli (£3.1m) and Son Heung-min (£5.2m) should raise a few eyebrows. More

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    How Man Utd could line up under Elon Musk with world’s second richest man to spend millions on Kane, Bellingham and more

    ELON MUSK has become the latest billionaire linked with a Manchester United takeover – fuelling speculation of a transfer splurge.The unpopular Glazer family revealed in November they were willing to listen to offers for either a stake in the club or an outright purchase.

    British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe – who happens to be a United fan – is in the race alongside rival Qatari investors.
    But according to the Daily Mail, Twitter and Tesla owner Musk is also monitoring the situation.

    It is not the first time the South African-born second richest man in the world has teased taking over United.
    With a net worth of around £157BILLION, United fans would be dreaming of an unlimited transfer budget.
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    Keeper David de Gea is still yet to renew his contract, which expires at the end of the season, leading to speculation over his future.
    Porto and Portugal’s Diogo Costa is among those linked with United alongside Bayern Munich’s Yann Sommer.
    United are building a solid foundation at the back but Inter Milan’s Denzel Dumfries is believed to still be a transfer target.
    In midfield, England team-mates Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham are two of United’s long-standing targets.
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    So too is Wolves’ Ruben Neves, which would compliment a midfield already made up of Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro.
    Going forward, Barcelona’s 20-year-old sensation Ansu Fati has emerged as someone United are monotiring.
    But it is the striker position that has fuelled the most rumours, with England captain Harry Kane still linked with the club.
    Victor Osimhen is an alternative but Napoli are understood to value the Nigerian at over £100m.
    But if wannabe astronaut Musk takes over, out of this world fees for players will quickly become the norm. More