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      Former wonderkid, 28, quit football for Strictly Come Dancing after rainbow flick over Man Utd ace in training

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      KAI WIDDRINGTON’S fancy footwork extends well past the dancefloor.The Strictly Come Dancing star, 28, decided against following his dad into football as he swapped his boots for tap shoes.Kai Widdrington poses with dance partner Helen SkeltonCredit: GettyWiddrington’s twinkle toes could have been put to use in footballCredit: RexThe Strictly star was on trial for Southampton’s academyCredit: PAAnd one current Manchester United ace may be glad he did after Widdrington, who was competing against him at Southampton’s academy, embarrassed him in training.Kai – the son of Aldershot boss Tommy Widdrington – told talkSPORT’s Hawksbee and Jacobs show: “That was the best thing that happened to me you know.”I always use the analogy of Billy Elliot, I mean my dad’s from the North East right and I’m telling my dad at 12 years old.”I got a contract offer from Southampton to be a left-back and I’m a right-footed left-back so I could play with both feet.READ MORE FOOTBALL”So I was half decent right and I was quite quick and I turned it down to dance with the British champion. Bearing in mind at this time I wasn’t very good, but apparently she fancied me right.”So I was like ‘yeah go on then!'”CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWiddrington’s competition for a full-back spot was United flier Luke Shaw, also 28.He revealed to the Daily Mail: “I remember rainbow flicking Luke Shaw once in training.Most read in FootballStrictly fans can’t believe Kai Widdrington’s ‘real age’ after it’s revealed on the show “I’d never done that in my life, I was on trial wearing blades on an astroturf and getting rinsed, so I rainbow flicked.”He’s probably not bothered now on quarter of a million pounds a week at Manchester United!”Kai’s brother Theo plays under their former footballer father with the Shots.But unlike Billy Elliot, he had plenty of support from his dad.He added: “The tipping point for me was Sunday football was obviously on a Sunday and [dancing] competitions were on a Sunday. So I had to choose basically and I just loved dancing that little bit more.”The conversation I had with my old man was like ‘listen Dad, I just love dancing that little bit more’ and to be fair to him, I was never worried to tell him. That’s how I knew it was going to be OK.”You know, during the week where he’d be training with Salisbury or wherever else he was, he would drive me two hours to have an hour lesson then drive me back, he was the most supportive dad.”He was and wasn’t the Billy Elliot dad!”Luke Shaw came through Southampton’s youth ranksCredit: Action Images – ReutersDad Tommy added: “Kai has no regrets about football. He is Premier League in terms of what he is doing.READ MORE SUN STORIES”He was world champion at 14 in Latin American dancing. He could have signed for Saints when we moved to the south. The bloke who was left back at the time was Luke Shaw!”I remember them saying to me when he went on trial ‘I am not sure he is better than the one we have got (Shaw) but we will keep him.'”Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Real Madrid legend Raul’s agent reveals world record offer from Premier League giants – but he ‘didn’t consider’ it

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      REAL MADRID legend Raul once received a world record offer to join Chelsea – but “didn’t consider it” as he opted to stay in Spain.Raul, 46, is a Bernabeu legend after spending 16 years leading Real’s attack.Chelsea tried and failed to sign Raul from Real Madrid for a then-record £70m in 2003Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdRaul opted to remain at Real, going on to become their all-time appearance makerCredit: GettyHe won six LaLiga titles and three Champions Leagues during a glittering career in the Spanish capital.Raul is Real’s third top scorer of all time with 323 goals.And he still holds the record for most appearances with 741 games.However, things could have panned out differently for Raul had he jumped ship.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSeven years before his 2010 departure for Schalke, Chelsea are claimed to have made an offer for Raul.In 2003, Roman Abramovich had just purchased club and was looking to make some statement signings.Chelsea spent huge fees on stars like Hernan Crespo, Damien Duff and Juan Sebastian Veron.And they even managed to lure superstar midfielder Claude Makelele from the Bernabeu too.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERHowever, Chelsea also tried to sign Real team-mate Raul at the same time.According to his agent, the Blues offered a then-world record £70m for the striker.7 times Arsenal vs Chelsea games EXPLODEDChelea did end up signing Raul’s team-mate Claude Makelele in the same windowCredit: GettyBut Raul, who joined Real’s academy in 1992 and is now boss of their reserves, had no interest in discussing a Stamford Bridge switch.Gines Carvajal said in 2010: “Many English clubs asked in the past for Raul, but the only formal proposal was the one of Chelsea.“(Then Chelsea manager Claudio) Ranieri wanted Makelele and Raul. So the same people of Chelsea who negotiated for Makelele made contact with me and Madrid.“They offered €100million (then a world record £70m), but Raul didn’t consider the offer because he just didn’t think of leaving Madrid.“I believe that generally clubs know that Raul is the captain of Madrid and, as it happens with players as (Ryan) Giggs, they know that there are not many options for them to change clubs.”Raul’s career statsThose numbers in full:

      Real Madrid, 1994-2010: 741 games, 323 goals

      Schalke, 2010-2012: 98 games, 40 goals

      Al Sadd, 2012-2014: 61 games, 16 goals

      New York Cosmos, 2015: 32 games, 9 goals

      Spain, 1996-2006: 102 games, 44 goals

      Trophies: LaLiga x6, Spanish Super Cup x4, Champions League x3, Uefa Super Cup, Intercontinental Cup x2 (Real Madrid); German Cup, German Super Cup (Schalke); Qatar Stars League, Emir of Qatar Cup (Al Sadd); North American Soccer League, North American Supporters’ Trophy, Soccer Bowl (New York Cosmos) More

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      Mo Salah tipped to leave Liverpool after £200m transfer bid with three replacements identified

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      A FORMER Liverpool player has told Mo Salah that this summer is the “perfect time” to quit the club – and suggested three potential replacements.The Egyptian has achieved legendary status at Anfield thanks to his 209 goals since his arrival from Roma in 2017.Mo Salah has been told that this summer is the ‘perfect’ time to leave LiverpoolCredit: EPAThe 31-year-old has found the net 23 times this term despite suffering some injury issues but he has just over a year left on his contract.Salah has been linked with a move away several times over the past 12 months – while Liverpool are believed to have rejected a £200million bid from a Saudi Arabian club for him last summer.But with boss Jurgen Klopp exiting Merseyside at the end of the season, ex-Reds full-back Jose Enrique insists it could also be the best time for Salah to wave farewell as well.The Spaniard, who spent five years at Liverpool from 2011, told Grosvenor Sport: “If the right offer comes then I think Salah will leave because I think he was actually trying to leave last summer.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“They were offered something like £200m for him last summer and that was a real offer.“When you get an offer like that, usually it means there is already an agreement between the player and the club.“I think Salah had already agreed to go and I believe that he will finally go to Saudi Arabia this summer.”Enrique continued: “Jurgen Klopp is leaving so it is the perfect time for Salah to go.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“There is a new cycle happening at Liverpool and lots of changes, so it is perfect for him.“This will likely be the final big contract of his career, so I think he’ll leave for Saudi Arabia.”Top 10 highest paid footballers in the world revealed with no Premier League players making the top fiveAnd Enrique even suggested three names that Liverpool could move for as a replacement for Salah – including two Premier League stars.He added: “Mohammed Kudus is someone that I think could be a replacement for Salah.“Even last summer I would have said that and now of course he is playing really well for West Ham.“You could also throw in someone like Ebere Eze from Crystal Palace, but there aren’t really any obvious replacements out there.“Leroy Sane from Bayern Munich is a possibility because he is in a bit of situation with his contract there at the moment.“He is the kind of name that they need to bring in and he could be an option.” More

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      Premier League icon, 39, will ‘never forget’ Carragher’s behaviour on England duty – leaving Richards stunned

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      NIGEL REO-COKER praised Jamie Carragher for being the “nicest one” in the England squad back in 2006.The former West Ham and Aston Villa man, 39, was named as a stand-by midfielder by Sven-Goran Eriksson for the World Cup 18 years ago.Jamie Carragher earned 38 England caps across an 11-year international careerCredit: PA:Empics SportNigel Reo-Coker praised Jamie Carragher for how he treated him while on England dutyCredit: CBSCarragher could not resist a cheeky joke at Reo-Coker’s expenseCredit: CBSCarragher, 46, was one of the main 23 players selected in the squad for the tournament in Germany.And Reo-Coker has now hailed the Liverpool legend for how he treated him as a fringe player on the periphery of the Three Lions set-up.Speaking on CBS Sports, he said: “Jamie, to be fair, when it was one of the World Cup squads [2006] and I got called up, you were the nicest one to me out of all those players there and I’ll never forget that.”Carra hilariously responded to the comment by lifting his arms out aloft, while fellow pundit Micah Richards raged at the compliment.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEx-England right-back Richards replied: “That is definitely not true.”Before Carra added: “I look after people.”Yet despite Reo-Coker’s kind words, Carragher could not resist a sly dig.He said: “You know why, Nige? You know why that was? Cos you found it really tough and you struggled didn’t ya?”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSEveryone in both the US and UK studios began laughing, before Carra added: “I’m only joking.”Reo-Coker never ended up receiving an England cap despite playing 23 games for the Under-21s across a four-year period.’OMG he really went there’ – Fans stunned at Jamie Carragher’s savage jibe as he predicts Champions League winnersCarragher featured 38 times for England between 1999 and 2000.He went to three major tournaments – Euro 2004 and the World Cups in 2006 and 2010 – but featured just six times across the three competitions.Reo-Coker never earned an England senior cap despite 23 appearances for the U21sCredit: Getty More

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      Arsene Wenger pinpoints major ‘advantage’ Arsenal have over Man City and Liverpool that could decide Prem title race

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      ARSENE WENGER believes that Arsenal still have one “advantage” over Manchester City and Liverpool in the race to be champions.The Gunners are looking to try and win the Premier League for the first time since the legendary Frenchman guided the Invincibles to title glory in 2004.Arsene Wenger was in charge the last time Arsenal won the title in 2004Credit: PA:Press AssociationThe Frenchman believes that they still hold an ‘advantage’ in this title raceCredit: GettyCity, who are looking to win the league for a record fourth-straight season, climbed into top spot after thrashing Luton 5-1 on Saturday.Liverpool then suffered a shock 1-0 home defeat to Crystal Palace on Sunday lunchtime but Arsenal failed to take advantage of that slip-up.Mikel Arteta’s side were beaten 2-0 at home by Aston Villa to leave both them and Jurgen Klopp’s Reds two points behind the leaders with six games to go.Many feel that City are now favourites having ensured that the title is now in their own hands – but Wenger, 74, remains optimistic for his old team Arsenal.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLDiscussing last weekend’s results, he told beIN SPORTS: “It was a complete surprise. “When you play for the championship, at home, with a few games to go, and you have the opportunity to make a difference, you have to take it.“The surprise of the weekend is that Man City have their noses in front again, nobody expected that.“Maybe one of those teams can have a bad result but not both, that was quite surprising.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“But Arsenal still have an advantage with the goal difference so even if Man City draw a game and we win, we will be in front of them.”Arsenal currently have a goal difference of plus 49, compared to City’s 44 and Liverpool’s 41.Arsene Wenger reveals Arsenal star Mikel Arteta signed after his own failed attempt However, Wenger did admit that Arsenal may end up paying the price for not going more attacking and trying to get the three points during last month’s goalless draw at City.He added: “There was a bit of frustration on the day because okay, it’s a good point and well-fought point because City didn’t create anything.“But you also had the feeling that by pushing a bit more the three points were available there. We will know at the end of the season.“Usually when you play a big opponent and you can finish them off, you want to do it.”ARSENE WENGER’S ARSENAL RECORDHere’s some of the feats that the Frenchman achieved during his 22 years in charge:
      Premier League:
      1998, 2002, 2004
      FA Cup:
      1998, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2014, 2015, 2017
      Community Shield:
      1998, 1999, 2002, 1004, 2014, 2015, 2017
      Champions League:
      Finalist 2006
      Uefa Cup Final:
      Finalist 2000 More

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      Arsenal and Liverpool ‘make contact with Eintracht Frankfurt’ over mega-money summer transfer

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      ARSENAL and Liverpool have “made contact” with Eintracht Frankfurt over a deal for defender Willian Pacho, according to reports.The centre-back, 22, has started all but one of the German club’s Bundesliga games this season.Willian Pacho only joined Eintracht Frankfurt last summer but has had a superb seasonCredit: GettyPacho has been ever-present for Frankfurt in the 2023/24 campaignAnd his impressive displays have seen his asking price skyrocket as some of the Premier League’s biggest clubs circle for his signature.Pacho joined Frankfurt from Royal Antwerp last summer for just £7.6million.Now Sky Sports are reporting the 2022 Europa League winners want between £43-51m in the summer.Pacho, who has already earned 10 caps for Ecuador, is under contract with Frankfurt until 2028.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLArsenal and Liverpool are both understood to have “held discussions”, with Frankfurt “aware” of their interest.But the strength of Frankfurt’s contractual situation with the player means they can demand a substantial fee.And manager Dino Toppmoller recently revealed he believes the centre-half can become one of the best in the world.Toppmoller said: “He’s doing a great job, and is getting better all the time.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”He’s really reliable and has world-class potential.”Frankfurt sit sixth in the Bundesliga table and are poised to qualify for the Europa Conference League.Arsenal’s title chances are ‘100% gone’ according to club legend who savages ‘lazy’ Gunners after Aston Villa shockerBut they are just three points ahead of Augsburg, so could still miss out on European football. More

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      Man Utd’s sexiest fan puts on busty display in bikini to go snorkelling as fans envy ‘very lucky photographer’

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      GASPING fans needed to take a deep breath after seeing Manchester United’s “fittest fan ever” prepare for snorkelling in a bikini.Followers who were “jealous” of Therese Gudmunsen’s photographer on a Bali beach even pronounced her a “princess” of THREE domains!Therese Gudmundsen dazzled admirers in her photoshootCredit: Instagram @thereseutdTherese’s fans wished they were snorkelling in BaliCredit: Instagram @thereseutdSip and dip is her policy as she drunk by the oceanCredit: Instagram @thereseutdPoor Therese will soon be busy with royal duties after admirers hailed her as: “Very beautiful and wonderful, our Red Devil princess”… “Viking princess”… and “Scandinavian princess”.The Norwegian influencer strode out of the crystal-clear ocean in pictures reminiscent of a famous scene from the first James Bond movie, Dr No.Ursula Andress as Honey Ryder emerged from the sea on to silky sand in front of Sean Connery’s Bond in the 1962 classic.And Therese’s fans must have been screaming “Oh, Oh, heaven!” when they saw her latest photoshoot.READ MORE TOP STORIES”Just wow. Very lucky photographer of yours,” said one of her 295,000 Instagram followers.”Wonderful. I am now officially jealous,” confessed another. General verdicts on her snaps from Thailand included: “You look stunning, absolutely stunning!”… “gorgeous” … and “Fittest United Fan Ever”.One diligent coastal observer warned: “Mermaid alert.”Most read in FootballAnd another follower thoughtfully posted: “Happy lovely snorkeling.”Therese is seen online as often in United kit as she is in swimwear, having long been called the club’s “sexiest fan” anywhere in the world.Real Madrid fans brutally snub Man City for tour of Old Trafford as Man Utd fans say ‘they know who the biggest club is’She also impressed Red Devils’ supporters last summer with a tribute message for departing goalkeeper David de Gea.And you don’t need to speak Norse code to know how Norway’s top export to Old Trafford since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s playing days feels about United.Not even the Red Devils’ erratic form has deterred her from excited visits to the Theatre of Dreams this season. After all, you can’t keep a Gudmun down!Therese has been a beacon of light for many fellow Man Utd fans this seasonThe social media star looks serene in a green crop topCredit: Instagram / thereseutdThe Norwegian tries to work out why the Red Devils are so inconsistentTherese’s followers have a thirst for her snaps but it might be the final straw for boss Erik Ten Hag if United miss out on a European spotCredit: Instagram @thereseutd More

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      Darts star Luke Littler, 17, brutally trolls Liverpool as Man Utd fan shares hilarious WWE-inspired post

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      DARTS star Luke Littler has brutally trolled Liverpool with a WWE-inspired Instagram post.Jurgen Klopp’s side suffered successive defeats to Atalanta and Crystal Palace last week.Luke Littler poked fun at Liverpool on InstagramCredit: InstagramLittler is a Man Utd fanCredit: AlamyThe Reds lost 3-0 to the Serie A side in the first leg of the Europa League quarter-finals on Thursday, leaving their treble hopes hanging by a thread.And they fell down to third in the Premier League table following a 1-0 defeat to Palace on Sunday.Manchester United fan Littler was eager to taunt Liverpool fans in the wake of both results.The 17-year-old reposted a video on his Instagram story which showed three WWE fighters.Read More on Luke LittlerTwo of the wrestlers had Atalanta and Crystal Palace badges superimposed on them while the other had a Liverpool badge.The duo then took down the single wrestler with some brutal blows, with the caption reading: “Liverpool this week 😂💀.”Littler also poked fun at Liverpool following Thursday’s Europa League loss.He took to Instagram to share the scoreline, simply commenting: “Oh dear 🙈.”Most read in FootballLittler poked fun at Klopp’s side from the Utilita Arena in Birmingham on night 11 of Premier League Darts.After beating Rob Cross in the quarter-finals and Luke Humphries in the semi-finals, the teenager lost 6-3 to Michael van Gerwen in the final.Raymond van Barneveld opens up on ‘row’ with Luke Littler after saying he was ‘a bit done’ with the teenagerBut thanks to his recent results, he remained top of the table with 26 points. More