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      David Moyes reveals he nearly returned to Everton FOUR TIMES after leaving for Man Utd as he replaces axed Sean Dyche

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      THE Moyesiah was back at Finch Farm — and admits he does not have much time to deliver a miracle.Certainly less than in his first stint. In charge of Everton for 11 years before joining Manchester United in 2013, David Moyes was all smiles as he completed his stunning return to Merseyside.David Moyes admits he nearly returned to Everton FOUR times after leaving Man UtdCredit: PAThe Scot previously spent 11 years managing the ToffeesCredit: PAThe Scotsman revealed he had come close to a Goodison return on numerous occasions before the stars finally aligned.With Everton 16th in the Premier League, one point off the relegation zone, the 61-year-old is out to steady the ship. He wants to ensure the club move to their gleaming new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock as a top-flight club. And maybe, just maybe, he could get Everton back into Europe.As he entered the room, Moyes said: “I see plenty of old faces, mine included,” before posing with the Everton shirt, something which would have seemed impossible a few weeks ago  before Sean Dyche was sacked.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMoyes, whose second spell at West Ham ended in the summer, said: “I’ve had other opportunities to consider other jobs. Quite a few since I’ve left West Ham. I didn’t feel ready for it, anyway.“But this was too big an opportunity to turn down. I want to try to show I can do it again. I’ve come very close to coming back on three or four occasions.“I’ve had talks at different times in my career to come back and for different reasons it’s not quite happened.“That’s football. It used to be going back didn’t sound good but I returned to West Ham and we won a European trophy.Most read in Football“I hadn’t been back at Finch Farm since the day I left. My first day as  manager, I went into a dressing room with David Ginola, Paul Gascoigne,  Duncan Ferguson and Thomas Gravesen.“With me being a really young coach, I was saying, ‘My goodness, they won’t even know who I am’. I walk back in a  different stage of my career. People know me a bit more, the players will know me.Stefan Borson reveals why Everton’s new owner is the best option the club could have hoped for “I know a lot of the players and some of them who I’ve probably tried to sign. I hope that we can get together and work well and make something happen.”Moyes says this opportunity is a shock, following Dyche’s exit. Now he must prepare for tomorrow’s visit of Aston Villa.He said: “Sean was doing a really good job. I didn’t see any changes materialising at the time. I wasn’t necessarily out there looking to go back but, as everybody knows, this is a different beast to me.“There’s a lot of people in this room who have probably seen the last few years at Everton. It’s been a difficult time and I admire a lot of them for steering it through a difficult period.”And Moyes, thanks to the club’s new owners, will be given a few quid to spend in the January transfer window.He said: “The damage has been done through a long period of time but we’ve had a great time here and I’d love to be part of making it better, if possible.  “At the end of it there’s a stadium. The stadium looks the business, looks elite. So we need to start getting some elite players.”In his first spell, Moyes almost steered Everton into the Champions League — until a controversial decision from ref Pierluigi Collina in a play-off at Villarreal in 2005 cost them.Moyes said: “Last time, we got away from relegation trouble and went on to a sixth, seventh and ninth finish in three or four years in the Premier League.READ MORE SUN STORIES“At Everton, I remember feeling like a team who were challenging against the top teams trying to be in Europe. I did it quite quickly at West Ham.“My idea is to try and do everything as quickly as I can here because I am not going to be here for 11 years like I was before.” More

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      THREE Premier League clubs fearing points deductions with charges set to be handed out on PSR D-Day

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      PREM club chiefs could face points deductions – when League bosses lay formal charges for breaching Profitability and Sustainability Rules last season.All the clubs who had posted aggregate losses over the previous two seasons had a hard deadline for their 2023-24 accounts on December 31.Prem club chiefs could face points deductions for breaching Profitability and Sustainability RulesUnder rules voted in by the clubs in 2023, charges must be then laid by League bosses within 14 days, with the cases dealt with and any punishments imposed before the end of this campaign.Clubs are limited to “allowable losses” – once spending on infrastructure, the youth and women’s teams and community projects is taken off – of a maximum £105m over three seasons, with the limit £22m less for any seasons spent outside the Prem.Last term, Nottingham Forest were deducted four points for busting their £61m loss limit by £34m. The City Ground club admitted in March that they were on course for PSR losses of between £12m and £17m. READ MORE IN football That is despite finally being able to include the £47m sale of Brennan Johnson to Spurs in their calculations.But the previous losses meant they entered the season already £9m OVER their 2023-24 loss limit of £83m.Meanwhile, Everton – who had already been hit with a six point penalty for breaches the previous season – lost two more for posting losses of £16.5m.The Toffees, now under new ownership, were looking at a loss of around £90m for the previous two campaigns and were once again sailing close to the PSR wind.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThose sales were part of an end of season transfer merry-go-round which also saw Everton pay £9m for Villa’s Tim Iroegbunam, Chelsea sell Ian Maatsen to Unai Emery’s men for £37.5m and buy youngster Omari Kellyman for £19m.Those deals led to Prem chiefs warning clubs that they must not use loopholes in the rulebook to avoid PSR penalties and that they are duty bound to act “with utmost good faith” towards the competition and rivals.Ange Postecoglou praises hosts Tamworth after hard-fought FA Cup win There were arguments that charging each other potentially inflated fees – with incoming transfers “amortised” over contract lengths while sales can be lodged at full book value – to get round PSR provisions was a breach of that undertaking.Leicester, who successfully argued they were not under Prem jurisdiction because they had been relegated to the Championship last season, are thought to be most at threat after cumulative losses of £124m for the final three seasons before they were relegated.But it is understood that two other clubs may be close to the cut line and could find their figures queried by Prem legal chiefs, opening them up to charges that could have major repercussions. More

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      Pep Guardiola ‘SPLITS from wife after 30 years and three children together’ according to reports in Spain

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      PEP GUARDIOLA has SPLIT from his wife of 30 years, according to reports in Spain.Barcelona-based newspaper Sport report that Guardiola and wife Cristina decided to end their relationship in December while both in Spain.Pep Guardiola and Cristina in July 2024Credit: RexThe couple met as teenagersCredit: GettyThe two pictured in 2013 in MunichCredit: Bongarts – GettySport say their relationship is still “cordial, stable and friendly” despite deciding to part ways. The report claims they have been living apart for nearly five years after Cristina moved back to Barcelona to run her fashion company. But she has been moving from Spain to London – still spending time with Manchester City manager Guardiola. City declined to comment when approached over reports of the split. READ MORE IN football Guardiola is believed to have met Cristina in her family’s clothes store called Serra Claret when he was just 18. He was modelling for designer Antonio Miro in Serra’s shop when he first met Cristina. And even as recently as January 2024, the former midfielder revealed Cristina helps pick out his matchday outfits. Serra Claret stock many brands he has worn on the touchline, such as Dsquared2, CP Company and Armani.Most read in FootballHe told Men In Blazers: “My wife is the best in the world at many things, but especially in fashion.”So she says normally to me, don’t wear this or wear that, so I follow her.Pep Guardiola reveals Kyle Walker has asked to LEAVE Man City with England defender set or £400K-A-WEEK Saudi transfer”I am smart enough to know that when people are much much better than me, follow their advices, and hers is really good.”Despite meeting as teens, they waited a long time to get married.They tied the knot in 2014 in an intimate ceremony in Spain – a private service just for close family in Catalonia.And the two have three children, Maria, Marius and Valentina.Eldest daughter Maria, 24, is a model who has over 900,000 followers on Instagram.Son Marius, 22, currently resides in Dubai and runs three companies – one of them dedicated to advertising and marketing. And youngest Valentina, 17, is focused on studies.Cristina supported Guardiola as a player and then manager – his career as a boss starting with Barcelona in 2008.He won three LaLiga titles and two Champions League trophies with Barca before moving to Bayern Munich in 2013. He left Germany in 2016 after three seasons – in each of which he won the Bundesliga.READ MORE SUN STORIESGuardiola joined City in 2016 and has won SIX Premier League titles during his reign – and also a Champions League in 2023 to complete an historic Treble.But this season has seen a dip in form, with with six losses leaving the club in sixth – 12 points adrift of leaders Liverpool. Guardiola with Cristina and their three kids in 2018Credit: PA:Press AssociationEldest Maria is a modelCredit: INSTAGRAMGuardiola has won six Premier League titles with CityCredit: Getty More

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      Major update on Marcus Rashford’s future as Man Utd outcast’s agent holds transfer talks with European giants

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      BORUSSIA DORTMUND chiefs reportedly held talks with Marcus Rashford’s representatives last week over a proposed move.Rashford has fallen out of favour with new United manager Ruben Amorim in recent weeks.Marcus Rashford’s agent held talks with Borussia DortmundCredit: PAThe 27-year-old has not featured for the club since December 12 – when he played 56 minutes against Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League.He later admitted he was looking for a “new challenge” away from Old Trafford, leaving his team-mates furious.Several clubs have since expressed an interest in signing the forward, including Tottenham, West Ham and AC Milan.But Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg claims Borussia Dortmund have taken a huge step towards a potential deal.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBVB sporting director Sebastian Kehl met with Rashford’s agent last week to discuss the possibility of a transfer.The Bundesliga giants are still in the race to sign him, but it will be difficult to achieve because his demands are currently deemed too expensive.AC Milan also remain interested, with officials prepared to approach Man Utd for talks.Amorim gave an update on Rashford’s future following United’s FA Cup win over Arsenal on Sunday.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAsked if the forward has played his last game for the club, he responded: “I don’t know, We will see.”He is a player for Manchester United, we will see, he has to work. He has to represent his club, and he loves his club, but I have to make choices.Ruben Amorim explains why Marcus Rashford is still exiled at Man Utd despite ‘wanting to play’ “I have already spoken about how I make the choices.”It is what it is, so let’s continue, let’s see the next game and, like I said, I have to make a selection.”Man Utd ratings vs Arsenal as Maguire and Co dig deep to win after Dalot’s moment of madnessMANCHESTER UNITED produced a heroic effort to squeeze past Arsenal and into the FA Cup’s fourth round on penalties.The Red Devils were forced to dig deep at the Emirates following Diogo Dalot’s 61st minute red card.On a freezing cold afternoon in North London, SunSport’s Kealan Hughes rates and slates each United performer…ALTAY BAYINDIR – 8Poor punch up in the air which allowed the ball to fall nicely for Gabriel to finish.Redeemed himself with a brilliant penalty save to keep the score level, before superbly denying Declan Rice twice.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 7Was assured on and off the ball if unspectacular. Got his body on the line as the Gunners pushed for a winner.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 8Solid in defence and kept the backline well organised. Produced the best tackle of the match on the goalline to deny Leandro Trossard a certain goal.HARRY MAGUIRE – 8Commanding in the air and made several key blocks but gave away the penalty which Arsenal missed to go in front.Got away with an earlier error as he failed to clear – the ball landed at Kai Havertz’s feet but he somehow skewed wide with his effort.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 7Had to be on high alert to deal with the movement of Arsenal forwards but it was a task he managed well.DIOGO DALOT – 3Booked for a mistimed lunge on Lewis-Skelly. He followed that up with another silly, late foul on Merino with the ball about to go out of play for his second yellow. Stupid red card.MANUEL UGARTE – 7A firefighter all across the pitch for his side, although spent most of the match in his own half given Arsenal’s dominance.Was booked for one foul too many just before the hour mark and was lucky to escape a red card as he went head-to-head with Havertz after the penalty incident.KOBBIE MAINOO – 6Lively in the middle and kept a close eye on Jorginho. Looked sharp on the ball and showed some clever touches.Should have done better to head clear before Gabriel’s equaliser.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 7Always an outlet on the counter which was much needed for the Red Devils.Made the most of a Gabriel error to burst in on goal and pass across to Fernandes to score.BRUNO FERNANDES – 7Was booked for throwing a trademark tantrum after claiming he was fouled on the edge of the box when lining up a shot.Showed his class with a brilliant first-time finish which he bent around a defender into the far corner.RASMUS HOJLUND – 3Failed to provide the focal point that United badly needed, which meant almost every pass forward was dealt with by the Arsenal centre-halves. Was fortunate there was no VAR to take a look at his apparent elbow on William Saliba, which left the Arsenal star bloodied.SUBSTITUTESAmad (for Garnacho, 80mins) – 6Lively on the counter too but just lacking a bit of quality – though was outnumbered every time he got the ball.Joshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 80mins) – 6Some very clever touches when he came on and provided a presence up front at a time United badly needed it.Toby Collyer (for Mainoo, 80mins) – 5Showed plenty of energy but was missing quality in some areas.Tyrell Malacia (for Ugarte, extra-time) – 6Stuck to his task well.Leno Yoro (for Maguire, 104) – 6Did his job well during the closing stages of the match. Converted his penalty in the shoot-out with aplomb. More

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      ‘Don’t come again.. I know your faces’ – Man City boss Pep Guardiola tells autograph-hunters to ‘live your life’

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      MANCHESTER CITY manager Pep Guardiola went viral after being caught on camera lambasting professional autograph hunters.Guardiola, 53, has endured a turbulent campaign as the defending Premier League champions have slipped down to sixth place in the table with leaders Liverpool 12 points ahead and a game in hand.Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola slammed autograph huntersGuardiola was praised by fans on social media for his reactionGuardiola told the autograph hunters to ‘live their life’Credit: TIKTOK @ctmemorabilia07Guardiola has endured a turbulent campaign with Man CityCredit: AlamyHowever, it appears that hasn’t stopped some opportunists looking to make an easy living by selling merchandise signed by the Catalan tactician.A viral clip has made the rounds showing the ex-Barcelona boss apparently confronting some of them.A group of young people ask the former Bayern Munich manager to sign a few items.The Man City boss appeared to agree to sign some items, but was recorded scolding them for their career choice and warned them to never come back.Read More on FootballGuardiola said: “Don’t come again, I won’t tell you again. I know your faces.”Go to school and prepare yourselves, you don’t want to be here to waste your time.”Honestly, you want to spend the rest of your lives doing this? F*****g hell!”The clip attracted immense viewership across Twitter and TikTok with fans praising Guardiola’s reaction.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOne fan tweeted: “Nothing wrong here. Basically telling youngsters to sort out their lives and do something more important but better. As any father would really.”Another commented: “He’s cooking.”Pep Guardiola reveals Kyle Walker has asked to LEAVE Man City with England defender set or £400K-A-WEEK Saudi transferA third wrote: “Pep is spot on.”This fan said: “They got schooled!”And that one stated: “Fair play to Pep!”A Man City shirt signed by Pep Guardiola can sell for in excess of £500. More

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      If Liverpool beat Forest the Prem title race is over but a win for visitors will resurrect shades of Leicester 2016

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      SIX points clear with a game in hand.Surely only complacency can prevent Liverpool running away with the Prem crown?Chris Wood and Nottingham Forest could dent Liverpool’s Premier League title hopesIf Liverpool beat Nottingham Forest on Tuesday that could practically seal the titleNuno Espirito Santo’s Forest tactics beat Liverpool earlier in the seasonLiverpool boss Arne Slot will be looking for revenge against Forest after the early-season defeat at AnfieldAnother win on Tuesday night and Prem bosses can start planning the title ceremony on May 25.Yet Arne Slot and his men head to the City Ground with questions suddenly being asked.And if Nuno Espirito Santo’s side can repeat their shock September Anfield triumph, then the alarm bells might just start ringing.Liverpool were imperious over the Christmas fixtures, building on the impressive early foundations of the club’s new era.Read More on FootballHitting Spurs for six was a let-off for Ange Postecoglou’s side, even if Slot will not have been impressed with the three goals his team conceded.Then an ultimately comfortable home win over Leicester was followed by another capital day in the capital as West Ham were crushed by five – a margin that might easily have been doubled.Those wins ensured that Arsenal’s return to winning ways in their own crop of fixtures kept Liverpool’s cushion at the top of the pile.And when the Gunners dropped two points at Brighton on Saturday evening – courtesy of the Joao Pedro penalty decision that split opinion – Liverpool had the chance to really make them pay when they hosted a Manchester United side who travelled to Anfield seemingly already plucked and ready for the oven.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOnly it didn’t work out that way.Liverpool delivered arguably their worst display of the campaign and were fortunate that Harry Maguire did not take all three points for United deep in stoppage time.‘The ref made a mistake’ – Virgil van Dijk furious at Bergvall’s winner moments after Spurs star should have seen redFan unhappiness at the apparent contract game being played by Trent Alexander-Arnold saw some home supporters vent at the England right-back, while doubts over the long-term futures of Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk will persist until they put pen to paper on new deals.Further grumblings – and not just at referee Stuart Atwell – came in the wake of another sub-par performance when they returned to N17 against Spurs in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg last week.And while Liverpool would remain favourites even if they slip up at Nottingham Forest, the mood music might start to change – with the possibility that we really are in for a title race, rather than a procession.Slot, long enough in the game to know that a couple of ragged performances are only to be expected given the sheer intensity of the fixture list, has done everything not to show concern.After all, Liverpool did not exactly lose anything last week. They remain in charge of their own Prem destiny and will back themselves to overturn the first-leg deficit when Tottenham arrive on Merseyside next month.But Forest do not have to be told a gameplan by Nuno – they already know it inside out.Unlike many of the sides who have been stripped bare by Liverpool’s attacking insurgencies, Forest will rely on their own approach to catch the visitors on the counter.The defensive solidity that has seen Forest concede just 19 goals – the same as Liverpool and only one more than Arsenal – is a major reason Nuno’s men go into the match in an unexpected third place.Win it and shades of Leicester’s 2016 triumph will be resurrected. After all, Forest will be within three points of the summit.A second Prem defeat of the season for Liverpool would raise Arsenal’s hopes as well, especially as the Reds have to travel to Brentford and Bournemouth either side of hosting Ipswich in their next three top-flight matches.Yet a Liverpool win, ending any talk of a “blip” before it has a chance to gain traction, could be a genuine hammer blow – especially as it would put added pressure on Mikel Arteta’s Gunners ahead of the North London derby on Wednesday.Slot’s team for the FA Cup win over Accrington on Saturday signalled his awareness of the importance of Tuesday’s game in the greater picture.Potential Arsenal title boostLiverpool cannot win, or lose, the league title at the City Ground. There is nearly half a season to go.But three more points in their quest to raise the trophy in front of their own fans for the first time since 1990 – Jurgen Klopp’s 2020 triumph saw muted celebrations in front of an empty Kop because of the pandemic – and it will be hard to see what could stop them.Conversely, anything that opens the door, even by a chink, will bring additional scrutiny of Liverpool’s depth and determination.Arsenal – and Forest – will sense there is a vulnerability. The fans of all three sides will intensify those elements.READ MORE SUN STORIESRemember, too, it was in the corresponding early January midweek fixtures in 2016 that Leicester survived an inquisition by Spurs to squeeze a 1-0 win that was to make a huge difference in the run-in.Who would have thought Forest against Liverpool, two weeks after Christmas, might be the biggest game of the season so far? But it feels like it is. More

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      Alexander Isak is Arsenal’s dream signing but there are six more realistic January striker transfer targets

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      ARSENAL’s desperation for more firepower was glaring in their FA Cup exit to Manchester United.The Gunners produced 26 SHOTS in the third round tie but had just one goal to show for it as several players missed chances to win the match.Mikel Arteta needs more firepower in his squadCredit: AFPKai Havertz has missed big chances in back-to-back defeatsCredit: APStriker Kai Havertz was guilty of missing the best two opportunities to win the game, and also saw his penalty saved in the shoot-out which proved decisive.That has renewed talk that Arsenal need to sign a striker, with former forward Theo Walcott claiming things have gone a bit stale.Walcott told BBC Sport: “It’s like everyone else has said before. Arsenal need a striker at this time because it would have been a completely different story.”Arsenal have gone from being a free-flowing forward line, exciting the crowd, to going a bit stale. You need players to do something differently and they haven’t got that at the moment.”READ MORE ON ARSENALArsenal dream of signing Alexander Isak from Newcastle, and were linked with a move three years ago before he joined the Magpies.But the Swede is now hot property after proving himself as one of the best goalscorers in the Premier League, so the Gunners could be priced out of a move with Newcastle valuing him at a staggering £150MILLION.That means Arsenal will realistically have to look elsewhere this window, and SunSport has taken a look at six targets that could genuinely make the move to the Emirates this month…Viktor GyokeresViktor Gyokeres is prolific in front of goalCredit: EPAAnother Swede, Gyokeres would certainly fit the mould after blossoming at Sporting.Most read in FootballHe made the step up from Championship Coventry seamlessly and has 75 goals in 80 games in Portugal.Gyokeres, 26, scores all types of goals including free-kicks and penalties, and his pace and power could devastate Prem defences in a style akin to Erling Haaland.Arsenal vs Manchester United: Player Ratings (2)However Gyokeres is attracting plenty of attention and has been linked with a move to Manchester United to re-unite with Ruben Amorim.Marcus RashfordMarcus Rashford could leave Man Utd this monthCredit: ReutersAfter being dropped by Amorim the United star looks to be on the way out this month, possibly on loan although £40m could be enough to lure him away permanently.The likes of AC Milan and Juventus have been linked, while some reports have claimed Arsenal have also made contact.The Gunners could do with a goalscoring left winger as Gabriel Martinelli has just six goals this season, while a move for Rashford, 27, could revitalise his career.Victor OsimhenArsenal are long-term admirers of Victor OsimhenCredit: GettyOsimhen has long been linked with a move to the Prem with one of Arsenal, Chelsea or United his likely destination.He made a shock loan move to Galatasaray in the summer but a hefty bid could lead Napoli to recall the striker before selling him on.The Gunners reportedly turned down the chance to sign Osimhen in the previous window as he was too expensive, but with 18 months left on his deal Arsenal could negotiate a lower price.Osimhen, 26, has 13 goals in 17 games this season and could be the focal point Mikel Arteta needs to start winning trophies.Benjamin SeskoBenjamin Sesko turned down the Gunners in the summerCredit: GettyThe RB Leipzig striker ruled himself out of a summer move but with his side out of the Champions League after a disastrous six defeats in six games, he may be more open to a transfer this month.Arsenal are well-known admirers of Sesko, 21, who continues to show an eye for goal in Germany.He has found the net 12 times in 24 games this term, including three goals in Europe, and has time on his side to develop into a world class talent.At around £50m he is more affordable than the previous targets mentioned, although his price will likely rise if he continues his rich vein of form.Randal Kolo MuaniRandal Kolo Muani is available on loan this monthCredit: GettyKolo Muani, 26, has failed to match his £76m price tag since joining Paris Saint-Germain but his ability to play across the front three is exactly what Arsenal need, particularly with Bukayo Saka out injured.He has scored just two goals but he is understood to be available on loan this month, and Arteta may believe he can get the best out of the Frenchman.His signing could also give the Gunners the chance to get one over on rivals Tottenham, who have also been linked to Kolo Muani this month.Evan FergusonArsenal are targeting Evan Ferguson this monthCredit: GettyArsenal are reportedly targeting the Brighton striker for a move this month.He has been linked with a loan switch to Fulham or West Ham but Arsenal could splash the cash to sign him permanently.READ MORE SUN STORIESFerguson has stagnated this season in front of goal with injuries causing him to have a stop-start campaign.But he has previously been compared to Harry Kane and at 20-years-old he still has plenty of time to develop into a Premier League goal machine.Arsenal’s search for a strikerBy Jordan DaviesWITH Thierry Henry in his pomp, Arsenal went 49 Prem games unbeaten from May 2003 to October 2004.Over two decades on, Mikel Arteta’s Gunners are in danger of seeing their season unravel in spectacular style after just one goal from 49 shots across two games.The difference? Among other things, a world class scorer like club legend Henry who netted 39 league goals in that record-breaking 17-month stretch.And if Arsenal are to relive the glory days of Arsene Wenger’s title-winning 2004 Invincibles this term under Arteta, money must be spent on something they have not had since Mr Va Va Voom strutted his stuff in North London.A snarling, selfish, goal-getting machine to drag them over the line for major trophies.That historic 49-game run 21 years ago was ended at the hands of Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United in controversial fashion at Old Trafford thanks to Ruud van Nistelrooy’s emphatic penalty.And in another spicy meeting between the two sides on Sunday, spot-kicks settled an FA Cup third round tie at the Emirates, this time ending with Joshua Zirkzee’s shoot-out-winning strike.But in truth, Arsenal were their own worst enemies, and not for the first time, scoring just once from 26 shots having failed to find the net from 23 shots in their Carabao Cup semi-final first leg 2-0 defeat to Newcastle on home soil.Kai Havertz wasted a hatful of glaring chances against a struggling 10-man United outfit fit for a true marksman in normal time before the German missed the crucial 12-yarder.Arteta has insisted this current crop have an eye for goal, citing broken scoring records over the past two years – bagging more goals [114] in 2024 at their highest rate [2.28 per game] since 1963.And according to the Spaniard, splashing the cash on a proper striker will NOT solve the problem, especially with injuries to key players blighting this campaign so far.Gabriel Jesus is the latest crocked star – the Brazilian facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after being carried off on a stretcher early on against United with a knee injury, while star man Bukayo Saka is set to be out until at least March following hamstring surgery.Arteta reiterated again on Sunday: “I understand guys [signing a striker], but I cannot love our players more. And I focus very much on the ones that we have to perform at the highest level.“That’s it. The rest is not in our hands, in my hands.”But Arteta’s cries for calm and patience are falling on deaf ears, while piercing eyes are turning to co-owners Stan and Josh Kroenke to invest in one defining reinforcement.Arsenal are economically in a good place, but there are currently not in a position to fork out over £100m for top target and Toon sensation Alexander Isak, nor are they willing to rip up their wage structure for a promising talent they like the look of in Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams.Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres and Red Bull Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko are also admired, but they will not be cheap, and can they replicate their form from Portugal and Germany in the Prem?A diamond in the rough who is affordable, under the radar and ready to hit the ground running right now in the toughest league on the planet is required.Whether that exists in this market is another question entirely, something Arteta cannot blame on anyone else after prioritising other areas of his squad in recent windows.And without that final piece to the puzzle, Arsenal are likely to fall short for a third-straight year, finishing second to an Erling Haaland-inspired Manchester City in both 2022/23 and 2023/24.For all the progress and promise, this could very well be Arteta’s Achilles heel – one that ends up leaving an unwelcome stain on a tenure that has teased the fan base with a return to the summit of English Football.Skipper Martin Odegaard – who missed a 72nd minute penalty with the scores at 1-1 – echoed the thoughts of most frustrated Arsenal supporters.He said: “It’s not good enough. We could have been a bit sharper in front of goal, in the last pass, the last shot, the finish, the decision-making.”Of course, Arsenal remain in with a shout of lifting silverware this term, even without an Henry-like figure leading the line.The Carabao Cup final is within reach should they overturn a daunting score line at St James’ Park next month, their quest for the title is not out of reach, even if they remain six points off leaders Liverpool who have a game in hand, and their Champions League form has been promising.Yet we are seeing cracks in the foundations that cannot go ignored, and a feeling it could all come crumbling down before too long. More

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      Bayern Munich set to join Chelsea in Kobbie Mainoo transfer race as Man Utd star demands new £200k-a-week deal

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      BAYERN MUNICH are set to join the race for Kobbie Mainoo, SunSport can reveal.The Manchester United midfielder could be on his way out of Old Trafford if the club are unable to afford his wage demands.Bayern Munich are interested in Kobbie MainooCredit: GettyMainoo – whose current £20,000-a-week contract expires in 2027 – is hoping for a fresh deal worth £200,000-a-week.But United are believed to be reluctant to go that high – which has led to reports Mainoo could leave the club either during this window or over the summer.Chelsea are at the front of the queue for the midfielder, but SunSport has learned that the London club will not be the only side chasing him.German giants Bayern are also long-term admirers and are planning to make a move if he becomes available.READ MORE ON MAN UTDIt comes days after Ruben Amorim challenged Mainoo to show he deserves to join Man Utd’s high earners.Despite Mainoo’s meteoric rise, the England star is one of their lowest earners and wants a ten-fold increase on his salary.Amorim knows the 19-year-old midfielder is a jewel in the Old Trafford crown.Yet the United chief insists Mainoo still needs plenty of polishing and said: “Kobbie has been improving a lot over the last few matches.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“But I think you guys feel like he is the finished product — he is not.“He is really good but can be so much better. He has so much potential to grow up even more.”Man Utd fans say ‘call the game off’ as Ruben Amorim confirms major line-up decision for Arsenal FA Cup clash It has been an amazing 18 months for Mainoo, who is currently earning £20k-a-week.He missed the start of last season with an injury sustained on the summer tour, but after joining the first-team in November and making a huge impact he soon became a regular.Mainoo ended an epic breakout campaign with the deciding goal as star man in United’s FA Cup final win over City.He also impressed in United’s last two games, the impressive draw at Anfield against Liverpool and the FA Cup win over Arsenal at the Emirates.Man Utd ratings vs Arsenal as Maguire and Co dig deep to win after Dalot’s moment of madnessMANCHESTER UNITED produced a heroic effort to squeeze past Arsenal and into the FA Cup’s fourth round on penalties.The Red Devils were forced to dig deep at the Emirates following Diogo Dalot’s 61st minute red card.On a freezing cold afternoon in North London, SunSport’s Kealan Hughes rates and slates each United performer…ALTAY BAYINDIR – 8Poor punch up in the air which allowed the ball to fall nicely for Gabriel to finish.Redeemed himself with a brilliant penalty save to keep the score level, before superbly denying Declan Rice twice.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 7Was assured on and off the ball if unspectacular. Got his body on the line as the Gunners pushed for a winner.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 8Solid in defence and kept the backline well organised. Produced the best tackle of the match on the goalline to deny Leandro Trossard a certain goal.HARRY MAGUIRE – 8Commanding in the air and made several key blocks but gave away the penalty which Arsenal missed to go in front.Got away with an earlier error as he failed to clear – the ball landed at Kai Havertz’s feet but he somehow skewed wide with his effort.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 7Had to be on high alert to deal with the movement of Arsenal forwards but it was a task he managed well.DIOGO DALOT – 3Booked for a mistimed lunge on Lewis-Skelly. He followed that up with another silly, late foul on Merino with the ball about to go out of play for his second yellow. Stupid red card.MANUEL UGARTE – 7A firefighter all across the pitch for his side, although spent most of the match in his own half given Arsenal’s dominance.Was booked for one foul too many just before the hour mark and was lucky to escape a red card as he went head-to-head with Havertz after the penalty incident.KOBBIE MAINOO – 6Lively in the middle and kept a close eye on Jorginho. Looked sharp on the ball and showed some clever touches.Should have done better to head clear before Gabriel’s equaliser.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 7Always an outlet on the counter which was much needed for the Red Devils.Made the most of a Gabriel error to burst in on goal and pass across to Fernandes to score.BRUNO FERNANDES – 7Was booked for throwing a trademark tantrum after claiming he was fouled on the edge of the box when lining up a shot.Showed his class with a brilliant first-time finish which he bent around a defender into the far corner.RASMUS HOJLUND – 3Failed to provide the focal point that United badly needed, which meant almost every pass forward was dealt with by the Arsenal centre-halves. Was fortunate there was no VAR to take a look at his apparent elbow on William Saliba, which left the Arsenal star bloodied.SUBSTITUTESAmad (for Garnacho, 80mins) – 6Lively on the counter too but just lacking a bit of quality – though was outnumbered every time he got the ball.Joshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 80mins) – 6Some very clever touches when he came on and provided a presence up front at a time United badly needed it.Toby Collyer (for Mainoo, 80mins) – 5Showed plenty of energy but was missing quality in some areas.Tyrell Malacia (for Ugarte, extra-time) – 6Stuck to his task well.Leno Yoro (for Maguire, 104) – 6Did his job well during the closing stages of the match. Converted his penalty in the shoot-out with aplomb. More