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    ‘Alexander Isak to Arsenal confirmed’ say ecstatic supporters as Newcastle striker poses with Gunners superfan Chunkz

    YOUTUBE superstar-turned-secret “agent” Chunkz blew his mission to convince Alexander Isak to join Arsenal.The social media sensation visited Newcastle’s training ground this week and shared a number of snaps.Arsenal fan Chunkz played secret ‘agent’ with Newcastle ace Alexander IsakCredit: INSTAGRAM @chunkzChunkz also met Will Osula and Bruno GuimaraesCredit: INSTAGRAM @chunkzChunkz, who boasts over 4.5million followers on Insta alone, posed alongside Toon players Will Osula, Bruno Guimaraes and Swedish striker Isak in one.He then followed that up with a photo of him next to Isak giving the thumbs-up while holding his signed shirt.Proud Gooner Chunkz, who turns 25 tomorrow, then revealed that he had used the opportunity to try and convince Isak to join Arsenal, who have been long-term admirers of the goal-getter.Though, despite his efforts, it looks like it was a failed mission.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCaptioning a self of himself travelling on a train, Chunkz first joked “Agent Chunkz in action” before claiming a transfer to the Gunners was “imminent”.But he quickly added alongside a crying with laughter emoji: “Jus joking he said he loves Newcastle. I tried tho.”Speculation over Arsenal’s pursuit of Isak will no doubt mount once the summer transfer window re-opens.But they will face a huge fight as we revealed this week how Newcastle have no desire to sell and instead want to build a team around him.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSIt would also take nearly DOUBLE a reported £83m fee for them to even respond to any potential bids with a “no”.Isak has become one of the most-coveted players on the planet since his club-record £63m buy from Real Sociedad in 2022.Eddie Howe determined to end Newcastle’s trophy drought in Carabao Cup final He has scored 19 goals so far this term and hopes to achieve legendary status by ending Newcastle’s 70-year major trophy drought in the Carabao Cup Final next month.Wembley opponents Liverpool and Chelsea would also both love to sign him.Newcastle, though, are under no pressure to sell and have the hotshot tied down to a contract believed to be worth £130,000-a-week until 2028.And even though initial talks over an improved extension ceased late last year, further discussions are set to take place once this season is over.But this latest move by Chunkz will no doubt further infuriate the Toon Army, who are growing tired of certain Sky Sports pundits trying to tout their talisman to other clubs. More

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    Micah Richards reveals he supports two Premier League teams but it ‘depends if I’m off air or on air’

    MICAH RICHARDS revealed he supports TWO Premier League teams… and his loyalty depends on whether or not he’s on TV.Richards, 36, rose to prominence in 2005 with Manchester City and went on to win the Premier League title in 2012 as well as the FA Cup the year before.Micah Richards revealed he supports two Premier League teamsCredit: SkyRichards supports Manchester City and Arsenal, depending on whether he’s on airCredit: SkyThe former defender amassed a total of nine goals and 11 assists in 245 appearances with City, where he played for 10 years.The ex-England international enjoyed his most prominent years at Man City, so it comes as no surprise when he roots for Pep Guardiola’s side while on air.But Richards revealed he also supports another team when he’s off air… and that’s none other than Arsenal.Big Meeks appeared on the latest edition of A League of Their Own, where he joined host Romesh Ranganathan as well as guests Tony Bellew and Sean Dyche.Read More on FootballBellew asked the former Aston Villa ace: “Meeks, who do you support champ?”Richards responded: “Who do I support? Well, depends if I’m on air or off air.”Bellew insisted: “Well, we are on air then tell us the truth.”Richards replied: “Man City.”Most read in FootballRanganathan jumped in: “Off air: Arsenal!”Richards confirmed: “Yes!”‘How wrong…’ – Kate Abdo mercilessly trolls CBS Sports panel as Henry, Carra & Richards ‘left her out’ of TV outingThat led to quite a mixed reaction with some members of the crowd exclaiming in shock. More

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    Roy Keane’s daughter, 29, thought ‘life was over’ after being diagnosed with same incurable disease as Selena Gomez

    ROY KEANE’S daughter admits she “thought life was over” after being diagnosed with the same incurable disease as pop star Selena Gomez.Caragh Keane, 29, is the second-oldest child of the Manchester United legend, who shares five kids with wife Theresa Doyle.Caragh Keane ‘thought life was over’ after being diagnosed with lupusCredit: caraghkeane/InstagramShe is the daughter of Man Utd legend Roy KeaneCredit: Insatgram / @officialkeane16Caragh suffered joint pain and blistered skinCredit: caraghkeane/InstagramSinger Selena Gomez also has lupusCredit: Instagram/selenagomezBut four years ago, Caragh’s life was turned upside down after being diagnosed with lupus.The chronic autoimmune condition results in severe inflammation, with singer Gomez needing a career break and kidney transplant due to its symptoms.Caragh developed extreme joint pain, blisters and alopecia, forcing her to turn down a “dream teaching position.”And things became even bleaker when she was told she may need to undergo chemotherapy treatment to ease her symptoms.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCaragh told PA Real Life: “Life was over. (There was) no way out. I wouldn’t be here without them (mum and dad).“When I was diagnosed, I mourned the person I had been and the person I felt I should have been.“The fatigue was unbearable but you just power on. I was essentially bed-bound for a month-and-a-half.“I had been experiencing fatigue and memory loss for about six months. Since your immune system is essentially attacking itself, you feel like you only have yourself to blame.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSCaragh took it upon herself to research the links between gut health and inflammation.And after switching to a diet of unprocessed, healthy foods, Caragh’s lupus symptoms incredibly vanished.Roy Keane reveals emotional reaction to Man Utd exit after bust-up with Sir Alex Ferguson Caragh reversed her symptoms by changing her dietCredit: caraghkeane/InstagramShe now runs a company selling healthy grubShe hopes to help other lupus sufferers improve their lifestyleCredit: caraghkeane/InstagramShe has now created a health company, called Superkeen, which sells organic food to help others suffering with lupus, gut issues and other autoimmune problems.Caragh added: “When I look at it now, it’s obviously led me on this journey and I’m grateful for the food moments.“With the main overarching aim of being inclusive and knowing you’re not alone, I hope I can help people.“Everyone’s on their own journey but we’re all in it together.“I started eating real whole foods so I focused on good meat, fish and healthy fats, veggies and fruits, gut-healing foods like bone broth and fermented food, and supplements.“I started noticing my hair growing back and all my blisters started fading on my face.“My joint pain subsided after a few months and then I remember think, ‘There are lots of people out there suffering that don’t know the healing properties of food’.” More

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    Man Utd stars spotted on night out as they hire bowling alley for team bonding trip to help address terrible season

    MANCHESTER UNITED stars hired out an entire bowling alley for a team bonding trip in a bid to save their season.Ruben Amorim’s men have been way off the pace in the Premier League and find themselves 15th in the table.Man Utd stars including Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans enjoyed a team bonding night outCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeAces like Rasmus Hojlund spent several hours at a bowling alleyCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeBruno Fernandes was all smiles as he arrivedCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeStars later walked in groups to a Brazilian restaurant – with (from left to right) Alejandro Garnacho, Manuel Ugarte, Lenny Yoro, Kobbie Mainoo, Toby Collier and Ayden Heaven joined by an unknown man (front)Credit: Eamonn and James ClarkeThe players indulged in fun games before having a biteCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeSunday’s 1-0 defeat at Spurs was United’s 12th loss of the campaign.Fans are praying that the club can find finally find some form with just 13 games to go.United’s next game sees them travel to Everton, who are now managed by former boss David Moyes and sit just one point ahead.But players have taken matters into their own hands by organising a team bonding trip to a bowling alley.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAs rivals Man City lost to Real Madrid and Liverpool drew at Aston Villa, United aces paid a visit to Lane 7 Bowling Alley in Altrincham.The group spent two hours there between 5pm and 7pm.They enjoyed games of 10-pin bowling, darts, basketball, ping pong and pool.United’s players clearly worked up an appetite as they loosened up.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThat’s because after their time at Lane 7 ended, they walked in small groups down Stamford New Road for a slap-up meal at Brazilian restaurant Jardim Rodizio.Harry Maguire, Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro and Matthijs de Ligt led the way on the night out.Gary Neville says he’s seen ‘nothing’ from Man Utd under Ruben Amorim Matthijs de Ligt appeared relaxed on his night outCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeCasemiro was part of the group enjoying their time in AltrinchamCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeMason Mount was stopped for a photoCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeLeny Yoro enjoyed some juice on his strollCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeDiogo Dalot was full of beansCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeRasmus Hojlund, Alejandro Garnacho and Joshua Zirkzee also looked stylish as they soaked up the vibes.Andre Onana, Leny Yoro, Mason Mount and Kobbie Mainoo were also spotted in the group.While Jonny Evans, Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot appeared to be having a grand night out.The team bonding session came on the same day United chiefs revealed that club debt had hit the £1billion mark.The figure rose after United spent £10.4million on sacking Erik ten Hag and staff.While Dan Ashworth’s exit cost £4.1m as total revenue dropped by 12 per cent over the quarter.The group hit up Lane 7 bowling alleyCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeThey were there between 5pm and 7pmCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeUnited’s stars played several games of bowlingCredit: Instagram @lane7_They also enjoyed some dartsCredit: Instagram @lane7_They later dined out at a Brazilian restaurantCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke More

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    ‘I can’t say that, he’s my captain’ – Aston Villa star put in awkward situation live on TNT Sports before Liverpool game

    ASTON VILLA star Amadou Onana was put in an awkward spot before the Premier League match against Liverpool when asked about captain John McGinn.Villa snatched a point against the Prem leaders thanks to a 2-2 draw at Villa Park, where Onana, 23, was sidelined due to a hamstring injury.Aston Villa star Amadou Onana was asked about captain John McGinn on TNT SportsCredit: X formerly Twitter / @footballontntAlan Hutton egged Onana on as he asked him if McGinn is ‘still annoying’Credit: X formerly Twitter / @footballontntOnana refused to comment on Hutton’s tongue-in-cheek statement about McGinnCredit: GettyOnana sang Aston Villa captain McGinn’s praises before the Liverpool gameCredit: RexThe midfielder joined TNT Sports’ pre-match coverage to preview the game and host Lynsey Hipgrave asked him about his skipper’s personality and leadership in the dressing room.McGinn’s former Villa and Scotland team-mate Alan Hutton jumped in with a tongue-in-cheek comment about the 30-year-old.Hutton asked: “Is he still annoying? You can tell, he’s still annoying…”Onana responded with an awkward chuckle before refusing to comment as Hipgrave and Hutton started laughing.Read More on FootballThe Belgium international went on to sing McGinn’s praises after the warm welcome he received from him after his £50million arrival from Everton last summer.Onana responded: “I can’t say that, he’s my captain. But really fun guy, [he] welcomed me and the new boys really really well.”Always up to a joke here and there but we just love him, we love him.”Onana was then asked about McGinn’s unique fashion sense that sees him constantly wearing shorts no matter what the weather is.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut the Belgian maintained his silence and continued to hold a neutral stance.Onana added: “I can’t say much about it, it’s really different to mine.Roy Keane breaks silence on Marcus Rashford’s shock transfer to Aston Villa and has MAJOR concern”But as long as he’s comfortable, that’s all that matters.” More

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    Van Dijk’s awkward slip of the tongue caught live on TV as Arsenal fans say ‘we’re living in his head rent free’

    LIVERPOOL superstar Virgil van Dijk appeared to suffer an awkward slip of the tongue after dropping points at Aston Villa.The Reds drew 2-2 against Villa on Wednesday, which means a win for Arsenal against struggling West Ham on Saturday would find Mikel Arteta’s challengers just five points behind Arne Slot’s high-fliers.Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk appeared to have suffered an awkward slip of the tongueArsenal fans claim they ‘live rent free’ in Van Dijk’s headCredit: GettyThe Merseysiders’ lead is now in peril, considering they are also visiting Manchester City on Sunday before hosting Newcastle at Anfield on Wednesday.Van Dijk, 33, faced the cameras after the final whistle to analyse the game and appeared to misspeak live on TV.The centre-back seemed to mention Premier League title rivals Arsenal instead of Villa when discussing the game.Van Dijk appeared to say: “Listen, credit to Arsen… Aston Villa as well.”Read More on ArsenalArsenal fans caught wind and took to social media, with some claiming that slip of the tongue was a result of the Gunners “living rent free” in his head as pressure piles up in the title race.One fan posted: “Arsenal living rent free in Van Dijk’s head.”Another commented: “It shows he thinks about Arsenal a lot!”And a third said: “The pressure is mounting, they are worried about us.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHoweverm many fans think he actually said something else.They suggest he was instead saying “us” in reference to Liverpool – not Arsenal.In that interpretation, Van Dijk said: “Listen, credit to us. Aston Villa as well.”Mo Salah calls out Jamie Carragher after Liverpool legend urged him to ‘take a leaf out of Virgil van Dijk’s book’Those supporters joined the debate in the comments’ section in their bid to set the record straight.One fan posted: “‘Credit to us, Aston Villa as well’. But nice try.”Another commented: “Think he’s rent free in YOUR head though.”And a third posted: “Arsenal fans always have a new theory every day to make their fans feels happy.” More

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    Fans spot Arne Slot ‘praying Darwin Nunez was caught offside’ as he gives heartbreaking update on Liverpool striker

    FANS spotted Arne Slot “praying Darwin Nunez was caught offside” before the Liverpool boss gave a heartbreaking update on his striker.Slot watched on with nerves as his title-chasing Reds were held to a 2-2 draw at rivals Aston Villa.Arne Slot was seen ‘praying for offside’ as Darwin Nunez missed a sitter against Aston VillaThe Liverpool striker fired wide in front of an open goal as the match finished 2-2Credit: GettyLiverpool went into the break 2-1 down but managed to secure a point through Trent Alexander-Arnold’s equaliser.However, they could have bagged all three points when Nunez managed to find a clear way to goal.The striker was played in as Emi Martinez left his net completely unguarded.But Nunez was unable to hit the target despite being presented with an open goal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe miss left players on both teams stunned.And Slot was seeing speaking to an official immediately after Nunez’s shocking effort.The Dutch boss appeared to ask if Nunez was “not offside?”While at the same time, Slot clasped his hands together as if in prayer.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAfter full-time, he lifted the lid on Nunez’s terrible piece of play.And Slot revealed the forward was taking it extremely badly.New footage of Arne Slot’s interaction with Michael Oliver emerges as mystery surrounds Liverpool manager’s red card He said: “There is one player in the dressing room who feels quite down.“You know who it is. I’m not happy with 2-2. We had big opportunities to go in front.“It was an unbelievable pass from Conor Bradley and power from Dom (Szoboszlai) who made a perfect pass to square it. He made it an open goal chance.”Reds skipper Virgil van Dijk added: “We are disappointed but we fight.“We had chances to win the game, took a bit of a risk at the end so it got more open at times.“We take a point and move on and focus on a big one at Manchester City at the weekend.“In possession we did well, created good opportunities to score a second.“Disappointing to concede from a set-piece. We tried everything and unfortunately it wasn’t enough for three points.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We should have scored for 3-2 but credit to Aston Villa, they made it very difficult.“We have a very tough one on the weekend again, then we play Newcastle, our focus now will be on Man City, a very difficult game, we know that. Do everything in your power to win games, the focus will be that.” More

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    Marcus Rashford verdict: Man Utd loanee looks like astute signing for Villa and effort can’t be faulted vs Liverpool

    MARCUS RASHFORD’S bid to revive his career took a big leap forward with his first Aston Villa start… against the toughest of opponents.The loanee striker from Manchester United played 67 minutes of Wednesday’s 2-2 home draw with Prem leaders Liverpool.Marcus Rashford played his part in a thrilling Prem drawCredit: GettyRashford looked ecstatic after Youri Tielemans levelled for VillaCredit: GettyThe 60-cap Englishman, 27, has much to prove – not just to reignite his club career but also to impress new Three Lions’ boss Thomas Tuchel.Here’s how Rashford fared in a thrilling clash at Villa Park.PACE AND STAMINAThe first thing that stood out was his speed of thought.He almost caught Liverpool out early on with a clever 1-2 with Marco Asensio.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBut when he did get the chance to stretch his legs that old electric pace was evident again.One particular run caught the eye when he scorched across the turf to close down Trent Alexander-Arnold and pressure the usually cool ball-player into gifting possession back to Villa.Crucially, his excellent close control allows him to remain super-speedy when running at defenders.Boss Unai Emery watched on as Rashford showed his commitmentCredit: ReutersBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAs far as stamina goes he was probably running on empty when he was replaced by Jacob Ramsey after 67 minutes by Emery.Most read in FootballPerhaps that’s why he never made those crucial 10 yards up to track Alexander-Arnold’s run when he scored.Marcus Rashford says joining Aston Villa from Man Utd was an easy decisionBut that’s being super critical because he possibly thought Morgan Rogers was responsible for that.EFFORTSpot on. He couldn’t be faulted for his commitment to the cause – in sharp contrast to his final days in a United shirt.Without fuss or fanfare he succeeded in snuffing out the very real attacking threat of Alexander-Arnold …. almost!For the first hour, his pace on the break kept TAA honest in his defensive duties, as the full-back was wary of wandering too far from his former England teammate.And he performed the less glamorous side of the game well too, chasing back and keeping Villa’s shape to seal off most of TAA’s passing channels.If I was being extremely picky I’d suggest he might look back with regret at his failure to track Alexander-Arnold’s run for his equaliser.He certainly put his hands on his knees and looked gutted afterwards as if he felt he might have done more.But I’d say that was a good sign of someone who clearly cares.The transfer-window recruit caused problems for Liverpool keeper AlissonCredit: APUSE OF BALLGenerally tidy.Sure, there were some tell-tale signs of ring-rust when he sent one left-foot cross harmlessly out of the park after half an hour.In general though he linked well and looks to be getting to grips with his new teammates movement and passing patterns.He was cocky and confident enough to nutmeg Alexis Mac Allister to win the free kick which led to Villa’s equaliser.He then whipped in the inswinging free kick which caused panic in Liverpool’s defence and led to Youri Tielemans’ opener.Not every attempted pass came off – sometimes he seemed one step ahead of his teammates – but the understanding will develop given more game time.Rashford whipped in a cross under pressure from Ryan GravenberchCredit: GettySCORING THREATCame close to creating an opener for Villa after 17 minutes when he played a rapid 1-2 with Marco Asensio and fired in a wicked delivery which Virgil van Dijk diverted into his own net.However the Reds defence had stepped up expertly to catch Rashford in their offside trap. Close but no cigar!He came even closer early in the second half when his blistering pace saw him beat Allison to a through ball.With the keeper stranded outside his box Rashford curled in a cute chip which was heading for the net until Ibrahima Konate got back to desperately head clear.From the resulting corner he curled his delivery in and the ball was heading in at the far post until Alisson frantically clawed it clear.He failed to score here but did more than enough to suggest the goals will flow in time.TACTICAL AWARENESSRashford was disciplined and followed Unai Emery’s instructions religiously.Out of possession he tracked Trent Alexander-Arnold and dropped into a mid-block centrally.Rashford had an impressive first full gameCredit: EPAIn possession he pushed high on the inside left channel to try and entice Konate out of his comfort zone in the middle.And though few Villa fans will have noticed it, he had a huge hand in Villa’s second goal too.Whether it was a direct instruction from Emery, or his own initiative, Rashford started drifting into the centre forward position just before half-time.That created room for Lucas Digne to exploit the space Rashford had vacated, allowing the full-back the time and space he needed to pick out Ollie Watkins with his brilliant cross.He has the game intelligence Emery will love.VERDICTIf Ruben Amorim really does believe he’d rather give his 63-year-old goalkeeping coach a seat on the bench than use Rashford – Jorge Vital better dust his boots off!Because all the early signs are Rashford looks as if he will turn out to be an astute signing by Emery.And if Vital can do better than this then he should be in line to START for United this week!Rashford looks to have the bit between his teeth and is ready to re-ignite his stellar career at Villa Park.He won the free kick which led to Villa’s opening goal with a cute nutmeg on Mac Allister.He then delivered the wicked cross which caused chaos in Liverpool’s defence and led to Tielemans’ opener.He also created the space Lucas Digne needed to create Villa’s second for Ollie Watkins.He skinned Alisson for pace in a straight sprint and had a shot cleared off the line by Konate.READ MORE SUN STORIESThat’s not a bad shift for someone who hadn’t started a game since December.Rashford will get better the more game time he gets for Emery who could have a bargain on his hands if he chooses to trigger his £40million option to buy this summer. 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