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      Liverpool should consider Gareth Southgate to replace Klopp and stop him going to Man Utd, says former club star

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      GLEN JOHNSON has urged former club Liverpool to replace Jurgen Klopp with Gareth Southgate.The German, who guided the Reds to Carabao Cup joy last month, shocked the Kop in January by announcing that he would leave the club this summer.Glen Johnson has tipped Liverpool to replace Jurgen Klopp with Gareth SouthgateCredit: GettyThe England manager has also been linked with a sensational move to Man UtdCredit: GettyWhile he looks to sign-off with a treble by winning the Premier League title and Europa League, Liverpool are still searching for his replacement.Xabi Alonso is a leading contender after his stunning season in charge of Bayer Leverkusen while Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi is another to have been linked.However, ex-Liverpool full-back Johnson believes that the current England manager would be an ideal choice if he becomes available.He told Betfred: “If he’s available in the summer, then you’ve got to look at all the options.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“He’s done a brilliant job with England, so there’s no reason why he can’t be successful with a club like Liverpool as he’d be dealing with a similar standard of players.“You’d need to have the chat because you can’t just dismiss him if he’s available.”The England boss, 53, has recently been mooted as a potential successor to Erik ten Hag if Manchester United give him the boot – something Southgate has refused to discuss.However, Johnson says that he does not believe that United’s players would react as well to Southgate as his trusted lieutenants do for the Three Lions.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe said: “I’m not sure because despite being a top bloke and great manager, I believe Gareth gets more respect from the players in the England squad because he’s English.“Foreign players in Manchester United’s squad are initially not going to have that same level of respect for Gareth as the English players do.Gareth Southgate admits ‘we don’t like losing’ but takes positives from Brazil loss“It would take a bit of time for him to win them over and if he can, then he’s more than capable of being successful.”When pressed on whether Southgate could deliver success at Old Trafford, Johnson added: “There have been a number of good, successful managers that have gone into the job at Manchester United and have struggled, so it wouldn’t be guaranteed success for Gareth if he was to take the job.“Manchester United are a huge club, with great support and on paper, they have a very good squad too.“A top manager like Gareth could come in, get rid of a lot of the deadwood, provide that team with a good backbone and make Manchester United successful again.”However, there’s been a lot of good managers that have taken that job in recent years and have failed.” More

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      Man Utd will bring in England’s entire coaching staff if they sack Ten Hag and replace him with Gareth Southgate

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      MANCHESTER UNITED will look to bring England’s entire coaching staff to Old Trafford this summer, SunSport can reveal.Gareth Southgate is now the red-hot favourite to replace Erik Ten Hag if the Dutchman is axed at the end of the season.Man Utd will move for England coaches like No2 Steve Holland if Gareth Southgate becomes bossCredit: GettySir Jim Ratcliffe could axe Erik ten Hag at the end of the seasonCredit: AFPAnd United insiders say the club wants the England manager, his assistant Steve Holland and coaches Paul Nevin and Martyn Margetson.A source said: “There is a huge amount of admiration within Old Trafford for the job Gareth and his coaching staff have done with England in recent years.“They recognise that success is not just about Southgate, it’s also about the DNA he’s built within his coaching squad at England.“So any move for Gareth would also mean a move for his lieutenants as this would help ensure he has the best chance of making a success of things at Manchester United.READ MORE ON MAN UTD“Jim Ratcliffe and his team are determined that the club really returns to its roots which is why there is a massive focus on young players and recruiting the best of British.“The club also thinks Gareth has shown in his job with England that he can handle big characters and big personalities, so he wouldn’t be phased by managing at a club like United. “One of the biggest draws for United is that Southgate would immediately have the support of the spine of English players running through the club – Maguire, Shaw, Mainoo and Rashford, which would give him a solid base from which to build. “They think Southgate could turn Rashford back into the world class talent everyone at the club believes him to be.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER“It’s for all those reasons that, at the moment, he is seen as the outstanding candidate should they decide to change direction in the summer.”Southgate’s England contract expires at the end of the year.Scott McTominay reveals two strict rules implemented by Erik ten Hag at Man UtdMan Utd will move for coach Paul Nevin to assist SouthgateCredit: GettyGoalkeeper coach Martyn Margetson is also in United’s sightsCredit: GettyHe has not ruled out staying with the Three Lions through to the 2026 World Cup.But an offer from United could change all that.Southgate said last month: “There’s a fair chance half the coaches won’t be here after the Euros. That’s international football.”You’ve got to see how the summer goes – it’s as simple as that. “I know what we’re capable of achieving in the summer, I know what my own benchmark of success would be, after that I’m not really thinking about anything else.”We’ve got to deliver a performance and you’ve got to make the best decisions for everybody. I won’t be in a position to make that decision before the tournament.”Meet Gareth Southgate’s teamThe three men United are ready to take from England to seal a deal for Southgate…
      STEVE HOLLAND
      A familiar name to Chelsea fans, he served as the Blues’ No2 between 2011 and 2017.
      Working with the likes of Roberto Di Matteo, Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte, he helped deliver several trophies including two Premier League titles and the club’s first-ever Champions League.
      He has been by Southgate’s side since 2013 after the pair worked together with England’s U21s and would be a key ally at Old Trafford.
      PAUL NEVIN
      One of England’s main coaches, Nevin first linked up with the Three Lions in 2018 as part of the FA’s BAME initiative.
      He then departed to join West Ham in 2020 before returning in a dual role with England a year later.
      Nevin is now assistant manager at Strasbourg, Chelsea’s sister club, under Patrick Vieira, and juggles the position with his England role.
      MARTYN MARGETSON
      One-time Wales international has been England’s goalkeeping coach since 2017.
      He has also held roles at Cardiff, West Ham, Crystal Palace and Everton after becoming a loyal Sam Allardyce devotee.
      Margetson was most recently at Swansea with Steve Cooper until 2021, and has been solely committed to England ever since. More

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      Arsenal made Ousmane Diomande transfer target while scouting ANOTHER star as they’re set for £50m battle with Chelsea

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      ARSENAL are mulling over a summer bid for Sporting Lisbon central defender Ousmane Diomande.SunSport revealed earlier this month that the Gunners took notice of the 20-year-old Ivorian during a scouting mission at a Sporting vs Benfica clash out in Portugal.Ivorian defender Ousmane Diomande is a transfer target for ArsenalCredit: GettyThe main focus of that trip was to see Sweden’s Viktor Gyokeres, 25, ahead of a potential move for the red-hot forward with 36 goals in 39 games in all competitions so far.However, Diomande also stood out – and SunSport understands Arsenal are considering their options regarding an imminent move for the centre-back.Chelsea are likely to rival them for the player, who has a release clause of around £68.6million, but that fee could drop to £50m with significant contractual add-ons included.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is interested in strengthening his defence, providing depth and cover for their first-choice centre-back pairing of Gabriel and William Saliba.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLDiomande has played the majority of this campaign for Sporting in a back three, so is comfortable featuring in wide positions – something Arteta likes in his defenders.Ideally, Arteta would go into the start of next season with four central defenders at his disposal, adding to Saliba, Gabriel and Jakub Kiwior.But any bid depends on how much money they can raise through sales, as well as how much they are willing to spend in other areas, such as in attack.Arsenal’s priority going into the summer is a No9 – and Gyokeres is among the list of names the club are considering splashing out on.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERBrentford’s Ivan Toney is also a consideration, but Arteta will likely wait until the end of the season before deciding on the profile of striker his team needs compared to the options he already has.Gabriel Jesus has spent a lot of this season injured, while Kai Havertz has contributed from deeper positions when leading the line.What happened to Highbury?A winger is also on Arteta’s wish list, providing cover for Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.In the meantime, Aaron Ramsdale, Eddie Nketiah, Reiss Nelson and Cedric Soares could all be leaving the club in a summer clear-out. More

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      Roy Keane brutally told he’s ‘let himself go because his wife’s away’ as Man Utd legend’s appearance is mocked

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      ROY KEANE was brutally told that he had “let himself go” during the latest episode of Stick to Football.The Manchester United legend took no prisoners during his iconic career in the Premier League and for the Republic of Ireland.Roy Keane was brutally mocked ‘for letting himself go’ on The OverlapCredit: YouTube @The OverlapJill Scott then started mocking the icon’s mobile phoneCredit: YouTube @The OverlapAnd he is famed for his furious rants while working as a pundit on Sky Sports, his most recent slamming United’s “criminal defending” against Liverpool.However, we have seen a softer side to the fiery 52-year-old during his appearances on The Overlap: Stick to Football, brought to you by SkyBet.He is a regular on the show alongside Gary Neville, Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher, ex-Arsenal forward Ian Wright and England Women’s Euro winner Jill Scott.And it was the latter who started the cheeky pop at Keane on the latest episode as she walked on set while her co-star received the final touches to his make-up.READ MORE ON MAN UTDShe said to the make-up artist performing the honours: “He’s let himself go you know because his wife is away. He hasn’t even had a shave.”Scott wasn’t done as the star-studded cast took their seats, saying: “Notice how she didn’t say ‘he hasn’t?’”Keane replied by claiming that he had shaved that very morning as a cheeky grin appeared on his face.Within seconds they were then mocking Keane’s old iPhone.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“Look at this phone, the richest guy in the world. Can we start with this phone,” said Scott holding up the Irishman’s mobile.The irritated Keane responded: “It is my phone. What is the problem?”’Phil would be dead now’ – Roy Keane jokes Man Utd legend stopped him killing Gary Neville’s brotherThe amused Neville jokingly asked the producers whether they could get his former team-mate a new one as Scott grabbed it back off him.“It’s still got the button,” she said while hitting it with her finger.Keane then ended the fun and games with a tongue-in-cheek warning to the Lionesses legend as he said: “Be careful the way you’re using your finger there.”Keane has been married to Theresa Doyle since 1997 and together they have five children.He rarely mentions his wife in public, but he did once open up about their relationship in a revealing interview with the Sunday Times in the early 2000s.He said: “I don’t really mention her in public, but in fairness to her, she has been a rock in my life. Just brilliant. She reads me better than I read myself.“I wouldn’t say Theresa likes every part of the package. She knows I haven’t got a halo over my head.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Actually, that’s what she likes about me. She also knows I am not the nastiest person in the world.”Keane and Theresa have five children together, Shannon, Caragh, Aidan, Leah and Alanna, while they also have two grandkids – a granddaughter and a grandson.Keane and Theresa (right) pictured back in 2005Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More

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      I tried Lukas Podolski’s kebab… Arsenal cult hero’s sandwich was no ordinary doner

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      LUKAS PODOLSKI is a goalscorer, a World Cup winner – and a kebab-making expert.The former Arsenal and Germany star is now worth nearly £180million after building his own business empire.Lukas Podolski has gone from starring from Arsenal to becoming the king of kebabsCredit: SplashSunSport’s Dean Scoggins headed to Germany to try one out for himselfCredit: The SunHe has four restaurants in his beloved Cologne and 30 across Germany, with more planned to open soon, so I went to check it out.Yards from Cologne’s famous Cathedral, this is no ordinary kebab shop, it’s sleek, there’s a video screen on the wall playing Poldi’s goals for Germany, Arsenal and FC Koln and you’re immediately hit by the smell of freshly-baked bread.I went for the Poldi Sandwich, more of a classic kebab, I’m told by the server. But you can also get an open pizza, a salad served with the meats or even a falafel kebab.OK, this is no ordinary kebab.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSThe Poldi Sandwich comes with that signature fresh bread, a cross between a roll and a pitta bread that is fluffy and light inside but golden brown on the outside..not like that limp pitta you get in your local.I chose doner meat, but there’s chicken on offer too, a load of salad and chilli sauce, with a little yoghurt.Served on a board, it was huge and I considered a knife and fork.. but no, just apply to face.The meat was delicious and fresh, the salad crunchy and the chilli sauce… lively! Thank goodness for that bit of yoghurt.Most read in FootballAnd the bread didn’t disappoint either – holding the whole thing well enough so you’re not wearing it by the end.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKEROverall, it’s an absolute winner.Podolski has previously launched a music festival, sports centre and a football tournament featuring influencers, former players and fans.Former Arsenal star Lukas Podolski explodes about McDonald’s as he defends prices of his kebab chainPodolski has become a successful businessman after winning the World CupCredit: GettyHis kebab shop is the talk of CologneCredit: The SunOur man Dean headed to the brilliant German city for a tasteCredit: The SunHe also owns a bar and sports shop in Cologne and is a regular at FC Köln’s home games in his private box.Podolski spent three years with the Gunners, winning the FA Cup in 2014 and earning in the region of £100,000 a week.But his business acumen has seen him raise his net worth to a reported £177.5million.The former Bayern Munich man scored 21 goals in 82 appearances for the North London club before heading on loan to Inter Milan in 2015.Podolski, now 38, is actually still playing and is now into his third season with Polish side Gornik Zabrze.He has scored three goals in 17 appearances this term, including a trademark screamer against Piast Gliwice earlier this month.READ MORE SUN STORIESAt international level, Podolski was a member of Germany’s World Cup-winning squad in 2014.Overall, he scored 49 goals in 130 caps for his country before his final appearance against England in 2017.Podolski is not the richest ex-Arsenal star as Mathieu Flamini is worth £10billion
      To many fans suprise being worth £180million does not make you the richest ex-Gunner.
      Methieu Flamini billion pound chemical company, ‘GF Biochemicals’ has turned the former midfielder into one the richest people in the world, as he is now reportedly worth £10billion.
      In an attempt to revolutionise the energy industry back in 2008 shortly after his exit from Arsenal Flamini co-founded the company with his economics graduate business partner, Pasquale Granata.
      Nearly 16 years after it was set up, the company is estimated to be worth £21 billion.
      This is 40 times more than Cristiano Ronaldo’s £500 million net worth.
      The company has succeeded in a major way thanks to its ability to mass-produce levulinic acid – a fuel made from plant waste that can be used in the creation of plastics.

      Podolski is a big kebab fan and uses the finest ingredientsCredit: The SunThe shop was busy and full of hungry fansCredit: The SunOur man Dean thoroughly enjoyed his grubCredit: The SunPodolski celebrates winning the 2014 FA Cup final with Arsenal after beating Hull More

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      Man Utd ‘have plan in place’ to move quickly if Ten Hag is sacked – with two men set to make the decision

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are putting plans in place should they decide to sack Erik ten Hag, according to reports.However, the manager is NOT currently in danger of losing his job.Erik ten Hag is expected to be in charge at the start of next seasonCredit: GettyDan Ashworth is set to have a key say on Ten Hag’s futureCredit: ReutersCEO Omar Berrada will make the call on a new managerCredit: PAPressure eased on Ten Hag after United’s dramatic FA Cup quarter-final win over Liverpool, and they now face Coventry in the last four next month.It means he is now likely to be in charge at the start of next season.But Sir Jim Ratcliffe is developing a strategy to replace Ten Hag quickly if things change, claim The i.If the boss is axed, it will be new CEO Omar Berrada and sporting director Dan Ashworth making the call.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBerrada has left Manchester City and will start his new job this summer as he looks to help Ineos transform Man Utd.Meanwhile, Ashworth is also set to arrive at Old Trafford soon when a compensation fee is agreed with Newcastle.The decision on whether to keep Ten Hag or not will be made by the duo and not Ratcliffe or right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford.They instead want to put their faith in “football experts”.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERRatcliffe also thinks the club have been “reactive not proactive” under the Glazers and believes having a strategy in place to appoint a new manager is good planning.A poor end to the season with United failing to qualify for the Champions League will reportedly work against Ten Hag in discussions over his future.His contract expires in the summer of 2025.The likes of Graham Potter, Roberto De Zerbi, Gareth Southgate and Julian Nagelsmann have all been linked with taking over.Inside Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s amazing lifestyle More

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      I’m a former Belgium star whose Premier League career was tragically cut short after 3 games – I nearly lost my leg

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      LUC NILIS was one of the first Belgian superstars to grace the Premier League – before his career was tragically cut short.The now 56-year-old was one of the most prolific forwards in Europe back in the 1980s and 90s and enjoyed great success.Former Belgium star Nilis’ career was tragically cut short after his move to EnglandCredit: EPAThis forward played in two World Cups for his countryCredit: ReutersHe suffered a horrific injury after colliding with Ipswich goalie Richard Wright in 2000Credit: Action ImagesHaving made the breakthrough at Winterslag in his homeland, Anderlecht swooped to sign him in 1986 and he spent eight years banging them in for the Belgian giants.Four title successes followed as well as three Belgian Cups as he scored 124 times in 223 league matches for the club.He left Anderlecht in the summer of 1994 to join Dutch big boys PSV Eindhoven, and he topped the Dutch scoring charts in his first season there.Nilis tasted a lot more joy in Holland, winning the Eredivisie twice and the KNVB Cup as part of a deadly strike duo with the original Ronaldo.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHis unselfishness even led to the Brazilian legend naming him as his favourite strike partner years later.Nilis would later partner future Manchester United icon Ruud van Nistelrooy there but opted for his own big move to the Premier League in 2000 as a free agent.However, that switch to Aston Villa turned into nothing short of a nightmare as a horrific injury almost led to him having his leg amputated.Nilis scored on his debut in the Intertoto Cup and followed that up with a strike on his top-flight bow against Chelsea.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERBut weeks later he was involved in a nasty clash with Ipswich Town goalkeeper Richard Wright.The star suffered a double compound fracture of his right shin, but even worse was to follow.Top ten greatest Premier League players of all time as Kevin de Bruyne and Cristiano Ronaldo both miss out on top spotThe injury became infected and he was even told that he might have to have part of his leg removed.Speaking about the ordeal, he said: “It was the worst moment of my life to be told I might have to lose part of my leg – that will live with me forever.“It was such a bad break that it led to complications and it was nearly a disaster.”Fortunately for him that was not required, but the severity of the damage forced him into an early retirement.Nilis is still fondly remembered by Belgian football fans and scored ten goals in 56 matches for his country while also representing them at two World Cups.And even though he was unable to kick a ball again professionally, he is still involved in the beautiful game.He has worked at numerous clubs in various coaching roles in Belgium, Holland, Turkey and was even assistant of Jordan.He then tried his hand at management in 2021 for Belisia Bilzen in Belgium, but that was only for a season.READ MORE SUN STORIESAfter a brief spell coaching in Genk’s academy, he is now the striker coach at Belgian outfit Patro Eisden in the second tier.And there is no doubt that he will be tuning in to watch his former Villa team-mate Gareth Southgate’s England take on Belgium at Wembley on Tuesday.Luc Nilis almost lost his leg after the horrific injury became infectedCredit: AP:Associated PressBrazilian Ronaldo loved being his strike partner at PSVCredit: PA:Empics Sport More

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      Man City handed huge Premier League title boost as England star’s injury not as serious as first feared

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      MANCHESTER CITY have been handed a huge title boost with Kyle Walker’s injury not as serious as first feared.The right-back sent shockwaves through the Etihad when he limped off for England during their 1-0 friendly defeat to Brazil at Wembley.Kyle Walker could be fit for Man City’s title clash against Arsenal this weekendHe went off injured in England’s defeat to Brazil on SaturdayWalker was unable to shake off a hamstring problem and was removed by Gareth Southgate after 20 minutes on Saturday.It led to fears that he could miss City’s crunch title showdown against table toppers Arsenal on Easter Sunday.However, Walker’s injury is not as bad as first appeared to be.He is back at City after being ruled out of England’s friendly against Belgium tonight.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd club chiefs are keeping a close eye on his hamstring as they reckon it is tight rather than strained.Walker will now be wrapped in cotton wool ahead of the weekend showdown with the Gunners.And Pep Guardiola will be desperate to have one of his star players ready for the season-defining clash.Walker has been at City since 2017 after a £50million move from Tottenham.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERHe’s since scored six times in 292 outings, winning five titles, two FA Cups and a Champions League.Walker, who has 82 caps for England, is not the only City player currently being nursed back to full fitness.Top ten greatest Premier League players of all time as Kevin de Bruyne and Cristiano Ronaldo both miss out on top spotGoalkeeper Ederson hopes to make a stunning return after getting injured in the 1-1 draw with fellow title hopefuls Liverpool earlier this month.Kevin De Bruyne was also withdrawn during that match and missed the 2-0 win against Newcastle ten days ago.But like Walker, both men could be ready to return against Arsenal, handing Guardiola a fully-fit squad to choose from. More