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      Pep Guardiola on verge of sensational new Man City deal to extend stay past a decade despite being expected to leave

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      PEP GUARDIOLA is close to agreeing a new one-year contract extension with Manchester City.The 53-year-old’s existing deal is due to expire at the end of the season.Pep Guardiola has agreed a new one-year deal with Man CityCredit: EPAHowever, SunSport understands Guardiola has committed to a deal in principal with the reigning Premier League champions for at least another year.It’s expected he will put pen to paper on a new one-year deal with the option of a further 12 months.Should the terms be fulfilled, it would take his time at the Etihad to a decade.Guardiola joined City back in 2016 following the departure of Manuel Pellegrini.Read More in FootballOver the last eight years, the Spaniard has won 18 trophies including six Premier League titles, the Champions League, two FA Cups and the Club World Cup.But there had been speculation regarding his future in recent weeks amid the club’s legal battle with Prem bosses.The hearing into Man City’s alleged breaches of Financial Fair Play has entered it’s 10th week.City are currently facing 115 charges relating to their financial dealings between 2009 and 2018.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIf found guilty, the Prem giants could face a significant punishment.They may even be expelled from the top division.Man City player ratings: Even Pep Guardiola can’t believe how good Erling Haaland is as new Samba man fails to shine (1)With Guardiola set to stay, he will be forced to lead the Cityzens through the storm of whatever penalty – if any – they receive.Following Man City’s 4-1 defeat to Sporting Lisbon earlier this month, the manager said: “It is a tough challenge, but I am here.”It will be a tough season — we knew that from the start. But this is what it is. I like it, I love it, I want to face it and lift my players and try it.” More

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      Former Premier League chief now owns ‘Spanish Accrington Stanley’ with 6,000-capacity stadium

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      FORMER Burnley chief Mike Garlick has swapped Lancashire for Andalusia to become owner of Spanish third tier side Antequera.After stepping down from his role at Turf Moor in 2020 following ALK Capital’s takeover, the businessman set his sights on a new challenge.Former Burnley chairman Mike Garlick has embarked on a new ventureCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdThe 61-year-old has become owner of AntequeraCredit: PA:Press AssociationGarlick left Burnley in 2020Credit: Getty Images – GettyAnd when the opportunity arose to become Antequera boss at the start of this year, he grabbed it with both hands.”I didn’t want to buy a big club,” he told The Times.”The most enjoyable thing about Burnley wasn’t the day you won something or got promotion but the actual journey — and I wanted a journey.”I looked at Antequera and thought, ‘We could go on a journey here.’Read More in Football”I knew I’d miss the buzz of football and I got offered a lot of different clubs in England but I’m a Burnley fan so I wasn’t that keen.”We already had a house in Spain, near Marbella, and my wife speaks Spanish so why not here? I can get on a plane to Malaga, jump in a car and be here really quickly.”On top of that, they’d been promoted in three of the past five years so they are clearly on an upward trend.”Antequera currently sit second in Primera Federación Group 2 – only behind Betis Deportivo Balompie, the reserve team of Real Betis.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIf they win the group, the Spanish side will earn promotion to the second tier.Otherwise, they may have to do so via the play-offs at the end of the campaign.Bungling Burnley academy manager quits after sending bombshell message slamming ‘mad’ and ‘lazy’ players to WRONG groupGarlick has ambitions of leading the team all the way up to LaLiga.If Antequera achieve the feat, they would represent one of the smallest towns in the division.The 61-year-old continued: “I’ve compared it to Accrington as the population’s just over 40,000 so if we did get into La Liga one day, we’d be one of the smallest-ever towns in there.”Burnley was the smallest town in the Premier League — you’ve got 78,000 people there. It’s a dream but why not try for it?”Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Premier League fines hit nearly £1MILLION after just 11 games with worst teams revealed as behaviour worsens

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      SO much for the Respect campaign — it is already starting to look more like Anarchy in the UK.Well, in English top-flight football, certainly.The biggest fine so far was £125,000 to Nottingham Forest after the spat with ChelseaCredit: PANottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis is still serving a five-game banCredit: PAFor Premier League clubs to be approaching £1million in matchday misconduct fines before the Christmas decorations have gone up is the clearest possible signal that behaviour is heading in the wrong direction.Not just the players and managers are losing control, but assistant bosses, sporting directors and even one notoriously combustible owner.And with the most cluttered part of the entire season about to launch — clubs face as many as 12 matches in just five weeks across various competitions — the FA probably need to hire more staff for its fines department to cover for holiday absences.Whether it is behaviour falling, a response to perceived refereeing inadequacy, or that fines are an increasingly ineffective means of controlling tempers, is a question that may not be possible to answer.Read More on FootballBut what is clear is that almost every week brings another financial penalty or FA misconduct charge, with the current Prem aggregate standing at £917,500.The biggest single fine levied so far was the £125,000 Nottingham Forest were ordered to pay  after the spat sparked by Neco Williams’ shove on Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella in the latter stages of October’s  Stamford Bridge draw.Defender Cucurella was pushed into Blues boss Enzo Maresca, leading to a fracas involving both benches  and players.The melee also cost Chelsea £90,000,  half of which was after the Blues picked up six yellow cards from ref Chris Kavanagh.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMaresca responded not with  any contrition, but praise. He said: “I like the way the team is fighting. I don’t see any problems with that.”Perhaps unsurprising then the Forest game was the second of THREE matches in which Chelsea picked up six bookings this term — costing them £150,000 in total.Premier League referee David Coote update after statement from UEFA and revelation that referees don’t get drug testedForest, in turn, really are walking a financial tightrope following their repeated offences. Last  season’s attack on VAR Stuart Attwell, ‘outing’ him as a Luton fan, cost them £750,000 — plus  a £40,000 fine for boss Nuno Espirito Santo and £24,000 for defender Williams.But it means that Forest started this season with their copybook already blotted.And that was before owner Evangelos Marinakis opted to spit towards officials in the  tunnel after their home loss by Fulham.Marinakis is still serving the five-game ban imposed by an independent commission and which was upheld on appeal.To be fair, so far at least, we have not witnessed the chaos that marred Fulham’s FA Cup defeat at Manchester United in 2023.Cottagers striker Aleksandar Mitrovic received an eight-game ban and the two clubs rattled up fines adding up to £180,000. PGMOL bosses want their officials to report any instances in which they are harassed or feel intimidated, on or off the pitch.More casesLeicester, Tottenham and West Ham have all been punished for collective misbehaviour by players.Southampton skipper Jack Stephens ended up with a five-match ban and £50,000 fine after his furious response to a clear red card against United.Man Utd coach Darren Fletcher and Wolves sporting director Matt Hobbs have both been unable to keep a lid on their frustrations with decisions they did not like.And there have been 14 instances of clubs receiving six or more cards in a match, with Bournemouth and United both guilty on two occasions, each offence adding a further £25,000 to the standard fine.No wonder that within the FA there is a feeling that a light needs to be shone on the snarling petulance being shown time and again on the pitch, from the dugout and even the directors’ box.Wembley chiefs know that what happens in the Premier League is reflected across the country on grassroots pitches, leading to a worrying shortfall in referees.It is an ugly look for the beautiful game and there is little reason to think it will not get worse.READ MORE SUN STORIESMaybe the punishments need to become even more severe, even leading to points deductions. That might, at last, make people think. More

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      Evangelos Marinakis in talks to buy new club with major role for Edu and two Premier League cult heroes already there

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      NOTTINGHAM FOREST owner Evangelos Marinakis is in talks to buy a controlling stake of Vasco da Gama.Marinakis, 57, already owns Greece’s most successful team and Conference League winners Olympiacos, Portuguese outfit Rio Ave and of course historic Premier League club Forest.Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis is in talks to buy a controlling stake of Vasco da GamaCredit: GettyEx-Arsenal sporting director Edu is expected to have an important role in Marinakis’ groupCredit: GettyVasco da Gama is among the most famous Brazilian clubsCredit: GettyMarinakis could add Vasco da Gama to his multi-club groupCredit: GettyThe Greek billionaire appears to be building his own global multi-club group as he’s long been linked with a takeover of Serie A’s Monza as well.According to The Telegraph, the businessman is now looking to add esteemed Brazilian outfit Vasco da Gama.And that will likely lead to a key role for former Arsenal sporting director Edu Gaspar.Edu resigned from the Emirates earlier this month after five successful years with the Gunners as he helped the team turn back into Premier League title contenders.Read More on FootballThe Brazilian chief has linked up with Marinakis and is expected to take over an unspecified role that would see him being in charge of Forest, Olympiacos and Rio Ave.If the ship owner, who saw Olympiacos become the first ever Greek European cup winners, is also successful in his bid for Vasco da Gama then Edu is also expected to be in charge of the Rio de Janeiro club.The Brazilian outfit was previously controlled by 777 Partners before their financial model collapsed earlier this year.The group is now under the control of US insurance giant A-Cap and the clubs are being sold.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSVasco da Gama have quite the Premier League element this season.Rafael Paiva’s side includes the likes of Philippe Coutinho and Dimitri Payet.Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis, Sky Sports Premiere LeagueEx-Liverpool star Coutinho plays on loan from Aston Villa and West Ham hero Dimitri Payet joined from Marseille this year.Ex-Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho plays for Vasco da Gama on loan from Aston VillaCredit: GettyWest Ham hero Dimitri Payet also joined Vasco da Gama this yearCredit: Getty More

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      Spanish newspaper’s XI of best U18 starlets in 2016 goes viral with forgotten English prodigy and ‘9 of them top tier’

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      A 2016 best XI of wonderkids has gone viral on social media – and nine of them have hit the heights.But one English-born ace has fallen off the radar and now plies his trade with an unfashionable German outfit.Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard was among the most promising talents at the timeCredit: GettyArsenal’s Kieran Tierney was also part of the list during his success at CelticCredit: GettyMarca predicted Europe’s best Under-18 talents in 2016Spanish newspaper Marca put together the best XI of Under-18 talents in Europe back eight years ago.Among them was an unknown Monaco kid called Kylian Mbappe, who is now considered by many as the best in the world.In the 2016 version, the now-Real Madrid superstar was joined by Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal.Donnarumma had just taken football by storm with AC Milan before moving to PSG – where he played with Mbappe – in 2021.Read More on FootballRomanian Cristian Manea was at right-back with Arsenal ace Kieran Tierney on the other side, with Liverpool’s Joe Gomez and forgotten England prospect Reece Oxford at centre-back.Rapid Bucharest’s Manea was playing for Belgian outfit Mouscron, on loan from Apollon Limassol, but got lost in the shuffle as did Oxford, who was a revelation at West Ham before joining Augsburg.Gomez is a utility defender for the Reds, while Tierney’s success at Celtic has yet to be replicated at the Emirates due to a raft of injury set-backs.Renato Sanches, Youri Tielemans and Ruben Neves formed the midfield.Most read in FootballSanches was considered the next big thing during his successful stint at Benfica but failed to live up to expectations and even endured a painful loan stint at Swansea.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe midfielder is currently on PSG’s books but returned to Benfica on loan in his bid to rediscover his old form.Tielemans played for Anderlecht at the time and went on to enjoy success with Leicester – where he won the FA Cup – and current club Aston Villa, who are standing out in the Champions League.Meet Ayden Heaven: Arsenal’s next William SalibaNeves burst onto the scene with Porto and became a star at Wolves but has dropped from the spotlight after moving to Saudi Arabia for Al-Hilal.Mbappe was joined by Martin Odegaard and Dominic Solanke up-front.Odegaard was struggling for minutes at Real after his major move from Norwegian outfit Stromsgodset, where he emerged as one of the world’s most promising wonderkids.But the playmaker found his groove at Arsenal and quickly earned the captain’s armband.Solanke played for Vitesse at the time on loan from Chelsea, where he failed to earn a permanent spot and endured a disappointing stint at Liverpool.But the striker showed exactly why there was so much hype around his name with a stunning spell at Bournemouth, which led to a big move to Tottenham last summer.Mixed fan reactionMbappe dominated at Monaco and earned a big move to PSG where he quickly developed into one of the world’s biggest stars and ultimately completed a highly-anticipated move to Real.Fans were left in awe by that nostalgic post, which received some mixed reaction.One fan posted: “Pretty good tbf.”Another commented: “I miss Kieran Tierney.”A third wrote: “As a West Ham fan, Reece Oxford not fulfilling his potential was so sad.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThis fan wrote: “9 out of the 11 are top tier.”And that one stated: “Not a bad return to be fair.” More

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      Roy Keane’s daughter Leah pictured with England ace Taylor Harwood-Bellis for first time as cute throwback pic emerges

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      ENGLAND star Taylor Harwood-Bellis has been pictured with his fiancee Leah Keane for the first time.The 22-year-old recently got engaged to Leah, who is the daughter of Manchester United legend Roy Keane.An old photo of Leah Keane (C) and Taylor Harwood-Bellis (R) has resurfaced on social mediaCredit: X @beckybellisxLeah is the daughter of Man Utd legend Roy KeaneCredit: GettyHarwood-Bellis made his England debut at the weekendCredit: GettyThe couple have kept their relationship private over the years, but an old image resurfaced online this week in the wake of Harwood-Bellis’ Three Lions debut.It dates back to 2019 and was posted by the defender’s twin sister, who joked she was “third wheeling” while out for a meal.In the photo, Harwood-Bellis and Leah are seen enjoying some drinks at a restaurant.After earning his first senior England call-up, the Southampton ace revealed he was with Leah when he found out the news from interim boss Lee Carsley.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said: “I couldn’t quite believe it at first. It was a feeling of pride. I was with my partner.”Then I phoned my dad and he was very proud, the fact I had played for England through the age groups and now I was in the seniors. All my family were delighted.”One of the first people to message was Aaron Ramsdale, he messaged straight away. He’s one of my mates at Southampton.”Harwood-Bellis was handed his England debut against Ireland on Sunday.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe capped off the experience with a goal just 17 minutes after being introduced as a substitute.It was a bitter-sweet moment for father-in-law Keane, who later told ITV Sport: “It’s nice for him, it’s good for him to make his debut.Taylor Harwood-Bellis discusses being called up for the England squad for the first time “He is a really kid good and his family have done a great job.”But asked by presenter Mark Pougatch about the defender joining his family, Keane joked: “It’s not done and dusted yet, things can change really quickly in the Keane household.” More

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      Sliding doors moment saw Antony join Man Utd instead of Liverpool after Klopp looked to sign him as Salah replacement

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      LIVERPOOL almost moved to sign Manchester United flop Antony as a replacement for Mo Salah.The pair both play in the same position at two of the country’s biggest teams.Liverpool almost signed Antony before he joined Man UtdCredit: GettyThe Brazilian was lined up by Jurgen Klopp as a replacement for Mo SalahCredit: RexBut while one cost an eye-watering amount of money, the other has bagged an incredible amount of goals.Salah was deemed pricey at £36million when he joined Liverpool from Roma in 2017.The Egyptian had previously struggled in England with Chelsea.But an amazing debut season saw Salah immediately silence the doubters with 44 goals in all competitions.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe has since gone on to net 221 goals in 366 games for Liverpool.But The Times claims Salah nearly left Anfield two summers ago.The forward’s contract was nearing its end and Liverpool were struggling to meet his demands.It’s reckoned then-Reds boss Jurgen Klopp sounded out Ajax’s Brazilian winger Antony as Salah’s replacement.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSYet a move never occurred after Liverpool eventually stumped up the cash required to extend their star man’s deal.The decision, taken by Fenway Sports Group’s president Mike Gordon, proved to be an extremely astute one.Ruben Amorim takes charge of first Man Utd training sessionSalah has netted an incredible 65 goals since penning his new contract.While in the same time, Antony has managed a return of just 12.He entered the world of English football the same summer Salah signed on after Man United came calling.Erik ten Hag paid £88m to be reunited with his old Ajax star.But Antony’s time in the Premier League has been full of struggles.He has featured in just two of United’s 11 league games this season.And Antony’s future is likely to become even less clear under new manager Ruben Amorim, who does not play with natural wingers in his 3-4-3 system. More

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      Ex-Man Utd ace Cleverley reveals which manager was ‘best coach and best tactically’… and it WASN’T Sir Alex Ferguson

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      FORMER Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley revealed the one manager he thinks was better than the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson from a “tactical” and “coaching” perspective.Cleverley, 35, climbed through the ranks at United after an eight-year stint in the academy and received his first senior call-up under Ferguson in 2008.Tom Cleverley claims there is one manager that stood out more than Man Utd legend Sir Alex FergusonCredit: Getty Images – GettyCleverley claims Marco Silva was the ‘best tactically and the best coach’Credit: PACleverley played under Silva at Watford for about a yearCleverley is following in Silva’s footsteps as he is currently the Watford managerCredit: GettyThe ex-England international spent just over two years playing for Sir Alex and won the Premier League in 2013, just before the Scottish great rolled credits on his glittering 27-year stint at Old Trafford.After five goals and seven assists in 79 appearances, the midfielder left the Red Devils in 2015 for Everton, who loaned him out to Watford two years later where he swiftly made a permanent move.That was where Cleverley claims he met the “best coach” in his entire 15-year playing career.And that was none other than Marco Silva, even though he was in charge of the Hornets for just a year until his sudden departure in 2018.Read More on Man UtdThe ex-United ace claims Silva was capable of setting up a team so that “every decision made such sense to us as players”.Cleverley told The Telegraph when asked about Silva: “The best tactically and the best coach.“I went out every game knowing exactly what he wanted from me. He was clear and thorough with his message.” Cleverley, who retired in 2023, is now following in Silva’s footsteps as he took over as Watford manager in April after an impressive month serving as interim boss.Most read in FootballAnd the rookie head coach, who has gone 13 home games unbeaten, met the Portuguese tactician, who now manages Fulham, in a pre-season friendly at Motspur Park in July.The Cottagers picked up a comfortable 6-1 victory over the Hornets and Cleverley admits: “We got a good serving.”The Premier League’s Top 10 sexiest managers according to AIThe two managers could meet again next season as Watford are currently sixth in the Championship table thanks to their impressive young boss. More