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      in Soccer

      Chelsea’s Academy Player of the Season Tino Livramento is pacy attacking full-back, who has captained England youth team

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      MASON Mount, Reece James, Billy Gilmour and now Tino Livramento.All of these exciting young stars are recipients of Chelsea Academy Player of the Year Award, with the latter crowned this year’s winner for some outstanding displays for Chelsea’s U23 team.
      Chelsea youngster Tino Livramento is the club’s latest Academy Player of the YearCredit: Getty

      18-year-old Livramento is a pacy full-back, in the mould of Cafu, who is earning rave reviews from the coaching staff in Cobham.
      A regular in the Andy Myers’ U23 team, the attacking defender has also impressed first team boss Thomas Tuchel, who named the Croydon-born youngster on the bench against Arsenal and Manchester City.
      And it is fully expected that he will push Cesar Azpilicueta and Reece James for a starting berth next term.
      BLUE SINCE A BOY
      The South Londoner has been with the Blues since he was just eight years old and has risen steadily through the ranks.
      But it’s during this campaign Livramento has really stood out at right wing-back for the development squad.
      Despite only turning 18 in November, the speedster has appeared 20 times in the Premier League 2.
      His gallops forward have also led to six assists and two goals.
      And he’s certainly competitive, with four yellow cards and one red to his name already.
      Livramento is a pacy full-back with bags of potentialCredit: Getty
      In his 20 Premier League 2 games Livramento has provided six assistsCredit: Getty
      Livramento also knows how to find the net, scoring twice this campaignCredit: Getty
      EARNED A PROMOTION
      Back in January, Livramento was promoted to first team training before an FA Cup tie against Morecambe when Frank Lampard was boss.
      But new manager Thomas Tuchel didn’t want to stand in the way of the exciting talent’s progress.
      The German has continued Lampard’s philosophy of giving kids the experience of mingling with the senior stars.
      In terms of playing time, his game might be best-suited for Tuchel’s 3-4-3 system with a pushed-up high right wing-back.
      This season Livramento has been promoted to first team training and has impressed Thomas TuchelCredit: Getty
      Livramento was included in the matchday squad against ArsenalCredit: Getty
      THE FANS ARE CALLING FOR HIM
      With Chelsea still not mathematically sure of a top-four finish for Champions League football next season, it seems unlikely that Livramento will appear for the Blues in their final game away at Aston Villa.
      But that hasn’t stopped Chelsea’s supporters from begging Tuchel to give him his bow.
      Having been on the bench against both Arsenal and Manchester City, he could find himself involved in the matchday squad.
      And because of his physicality and pace, he certainly won’t look out of place on the pitch.
      CAPTAIN IN THE MAKING?
      Chelsea are famous for grooming future captains at the club – just think John Terry.
      And in Livramento, they could have another leader in the ranks.

      Livramento has captained England’s U17 team and could be a future leader for the BluesCredit: Getty

      The England youth star, who has appeared for the Three Lions at U16 level all the way through to U19, has captained his country.
      Given his meteoric rise, could we see Tino leading his club at Stamford Bridge?
      Don’t best against it.
      Chelsea’s Billy Gilmour discovers he’s in Scotland’s Euro 2020 squad More

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      in Boxing

      Former world champ Carlos Molina looking to roll back the years with ‘dominant’ performance against Sam Eggington

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      BOXING veteran, former world champion and self-professed ‘king of the ring’ Carlos Molina laughs as remembers his early days in the professional game. “I actually became a world champion without ever eating vegetables, that’s crazy,” Molina laughs in an exclusive interview with SunSport.
      Carlos Molina takes on Sam Eggington live and free on Channel 5 this SaturdayCredit: Hennessy Sports
      Carlos Molina is hoping to earn another world title shotCredit: Hennessy Sports
      “When I was younger I could stay up late, eat what I want, recuperate and not feel anything at all.
      “I feel great even at 37 years old. I put that down to always being busy and active. I don’t take time off, I’m always in the gym and this is something I love, I don’t just do it for a job.
      “I’m training smarter, much smarter than I was when I was younger.”
      And duty calls on Saturday night at the Coventry Skydome, where Molina takes on Sam Eggington in a middleweight clash for the WBC Silver title.
      Molina couldn’t pass up the opportunity to fight for another career trinket, having won the IBF super-welterweight world title against Ishe Smith back in 2013 on the Floyd Mayweather-Canelo Alvarez undercard.
      The former world champ anticipates a night of simple boxing, but the cliche that Mexican fighters like to brawl could ring true come Saturday night, particularly against a fighter like Eggington.

      Molina naturally watched Mexico’s greatest fighters growing up in and around the sport, so wants to honour their legacies too.
      “I’ve seen some of Sam’s fights,” he adds. “The opportunity popped up, it’s for the WBC Silver middleweight champion and it’s my goal to become world champion again.
      “I’m number eight now and with a win that should place me in the top five.
      “My style is different, it’s smart, I don’t like getting hit but at the same time I’ll go to that Mexican style also if I need to.
      “When I started fighting, I really got into it around the first Morales-Barrera fight. I was an amateur fighter at the time and it got me so excited.
      “And since I was a little kid we used to watch Julio Cesar Chavez fight, we’d get together as a family, have food, hang out and make a big deal about his fights.

      “But my favourite fighter of all time is Salvador Sanchez, he’s a technician. He’s my favourite by far.”
      Molina’s ‘King’ Moniker came from longtime trainer Victor Mateo, who anointed him with the nickname as a young fighter, walking around the Wisconsin gym he thought of like he owned it.
      “My first ever trainer in Wisconsin when I started boxing called me King,” he says. “I used to walk around like it the gym like it was mine, I was the king of the ring. It just stuck with me, every time I’m in the ring Im the king and I feel most comfortable with.
      “Everything my trainers said when I first started about potentially fighting for a world title came true. It all starts with the mentality, wanting it, getting it and finally achieving it.
      Sam Eggington will be looking to capture the WBC Silver title vs MolinaCredit: Getty
      Carlos Molina won his only world title in 2013 against Ishe SmithCredit: Hennessy Sports
      “The Ishe Smith fight was my greatest moment. As soon as I started boxing I wanted to go all the way and win a world title.”
      Molina isn’t sure about an exact outcome in his fight with Eggington, whose fights can be as unpredictable as it gets in the ring, but he’s completely clear on one thing.
      “I’m absolutely going to have one of my best performances,” Molina says.
      “I’m going to dominate from the beginning to the end of the fight, total domination. And if a knockout comes, I’m going to go for it, for sure. I don’t want to leave it up to the judges. But the main goal is to dominate.”
      Sam Eggington vs Carlos Molina is live and FREE on Channel 5 from 10pm on Saturday May 22. More

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      in Soccer

      Sheff Utd’s Daniel Jebbison was scouted by the Blades at a UK Football Trials event in 2018 and is now an Arsenal target

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      SHEFFIELD United’s teen Daniel Jebbison is being raved about as the next big thing, but he could’ve been one who slipped through the net.The 17-year-old Canadian exploded onto the scene on his full debut by scoring the winner against Everton at Goodison Park last weekend.
      Daniel Jebbison celebrates his first ever Premier League goal for Sheff Utd against EvertonCredit: PA
      But in 2017, a future in football looked unlikely when his family relocated from Ontario to England, as his English mother moved for work.
      A year later, Jebbison took part in the UK Football Trials – an event that’s attended by scouts from all over the country searching for a talent that may have been missed.
      There, a Blades scout found the tall, athletic forward, offered him a trial and soon he was signed on a pro contract as he rose through the ranks.
      His epic rise has seen the youngster linked with Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal.
      LEARNED TO PLAY IN CANADA
      Jebbison got his football education in Oakville, a small town of around 200,000 people in the Greater Toronto area.
      He began playing for semi-professional club ANB Futbol from the age of six.
      However, in 2017 – with his mum scoring a job in the UK – the family left Canada behind.
      The Jebbison family moved to the UK from Canada in 2017 – a year before Daniel signed for the BladesCredit: Instagram / @danjebbison
      Jebbison could’ve slipped through the net after leaving his native CanadaCredit: Instagram / @danjebbison
      Jebbison was without a club – and any dreams of football stardom appeared to be squashed.
      That is until fate handed him a lucky break.
      UK FOOTBALL TRIALS
      In 2018, Jebbison attended a UK Football Trials event in Birmingham that would change his life.
      He was joined by his older brother, Micah who also showed promise as a footballer.
      Daniel revealed in a Q&A on the UK Football Trials website: “I chose to attend your event because I really wanted to play football at a higher level and I knew I had an opportunity with you.”
      After attending the UK Football Trials event in Birmingham in 2018, Jebbison was scouted by Sheffield UnitedCredit: Rex
      [embedded content]
      And it proved to be a big success.
      Ash Foyle, Sheffield United’s former Head of Academy Recruitment, explained: “We sent a scout down to UK Football Trials and he was impressed with the two brothers so we got them in to the academy.”
      But only one would make it.
      PUT THROUGH THEIR PACES
      The pair were invited to a six-week trial with the Blades, followed by two academy matches shortly after.
      Unfortunately for Micah, it was deemed a step too far. But for Daniel the sky was the limit.
      Blessed with pace and athleticism, Jebbison gave Everton a torrid time at Goodison ParkCredit: Getty
      Jebbison’s drive and determination helped him reach the topCredit: Instagram / @danjebbison
      Foyle said: “Dan played in the UDAN tournament and did really well, he created a few goals and showed enough pace and athleticism for us to sign him.”
      Jebbison inked a deal in 2018, and his drive and determination has seen him get a first-team opportunity merely four years after arriving on our shores.
      “When I found out they wanted to sign me, it felt amazing and I just wanted to push even harder and go even further in my career,” he said.
      CAPPED BY ENGLAND YOUTH
      In recognition of his excellent form for the Sheffield United, four goals in as many games in the Youth Cup, and one in two U23 games, a chance at international arrived back in March.
      Jebbison debuted with the England U18s in a 2–0 win over the Wales U18s in a friendly.
      Discussing his call-up, he revealed: “I felt amazing. I felt so honoured and I am so thankful.”
      Jebbison is now an England youth internationalCredit: Rex
      Sheff Utd teen Jebbison made his international debut against Wales in a 2-0 friendly win back in MarchCredit: Getty

      And it was an experience he loved every minute of and won’t forget.
      “The training with England was short, sharp and they pushed us to keep fit and not fatigue,” Jebbison told UK Football Trials.
      “When I first stepped onto the pitch in the England kit I felt amazing. I was focused and ready to give it my all. I enjoyed every last second.”
      Everton v Sheffield United as it happened More

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      in Boxing

      Sam Eggington delighted with ‘better than expected’ career as he gears up for war with grizzled veteran Carlos Molina

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      SAM EGGINGTON is under no illusions about the direction of his storybook career so far.The Birmingham brawler just wants to continue nabbing every opportunity he can.
      The 27-year-old has already fought 36 times as a professional, topped the bill on more than one occasion for Matchroom and will be headlining his second consecutive fight night under the Mick Hennessy banner this weekend.
      Sam Eggington takes on Carlos Molina on May 22 on Channel 5Credit: Hennessy Sports
      Sam Eggington was last in the ring in December, when he beat Ashley TheophaneCredit: Hennessy Sports
      Eggington comes up against former super-welterweight champion Carlos Molina, in a fight which should see both styles blend beautifully in a middleweight clash for the WBC Silver strap.
      Having picked up the BBBofC fight of the year award last year for his clash with Ted Cheeseman, before going on to stop Floyd Mayweather stablemate Ashley Theophane in December, Eggington wants to put on a show once again.
      Molina, who has fought the likes of Ishe Smith, Erislandy Lara, James Kirland and Josh Kelly, will step into the ring at the Coventry Skydome to try to stop Eggington in his tracks.
      But Eggington will be having none of it.
      He told SunSport: “I’m obviously predicting a win. Plan A is the stoppage and if we get to plan B then fine. But I’m going for the stoppage.

      “It’s hard to say if he’s the best but he’s definitely the most experienced I’ve fought. Is he the best? I’m not sure.
      “I’ve been in with bigger punchers, I’ve been in with better boxers but it depends, I’m sure he can mix it up and he’s still probably one of the best I’ve fought.
      “But I’m always working on boxing, I’ve neglected it in the past and if it comes down to a dog-fight then I’ll bring it. I’m not going to back off and get nervous about it. I can have a tear up just fine.
      “I’ve got to win as a world title has got to be the aim, I’ve done everything else. If I’m not looking for a world title then I’m just here to get punched in the face aren’t I? So I’ve got to have that ambition of picking up a world title.
      “I’ll be very unhappy if I retired without even having the opportunity to box for a world title, that’s definitely the aim.

      “This fight is for the WBC Silver at 160lbs, it was an opportunity I couldn’t not take. I’ll win it well and then we’ll see what comes up after but I’ve always just rolled with the punches.”
      Roll with the punches Eggington certainly has. He’s endured some tough, gruelling losses in his career, none more so than his shock defeat to Hassan Mwakinyo in 2018.
      But he also has some nice, glossy wins on his resume, including one against former world champion Paulie Malignaggi on the David Haye-Tony Bellew undercard.
      Eggington admits he’s never been one to watch his previous performances, or analyse fighting styles. He doesn’t even like watching boxing on the weekends for the most-part.
      “The only way I can explain it is I can’t imagine a chef coming home from work and wanting to cook a fancy dinner,” Eggington laughs. “I’m not bothered about watching boxing at home.
      “I enjoy watching, sometimes on a weekend I’ll think ‘I can’t wait for this one’ but other times my missus will say ‘ain’t the boxing on tonight?’ And I’ll say ‘yeah but so is Coronation Street…’.
      Sam Eggington is hoping to secure a world title shot with a win over Carlos MolinaCredit: Getty
      Sam Eggington beat Paulie Malignaggi by stoppage back in 2017Credit: Getty
      “I’m not one of those that pays for all the pay-per-views, I’m a bit of a casual fan really. Some people love it and it helps them.
      “As soon as I knew the outcome, there’s no chance I’m watching it back. I’m not interested in watching it. I know it’s odd but the most boxing I’ve ever watched was the contender series when I was 12 years old. I used to love that s**t I swear to God.
      “I’ve been top of the bill and on PPV shows but it doesn’t really register with me, I’ve loved this and wanted to do this my whole life so I’m not really phased by it all and I certainly don’t need to watch fights back. It’s never affected me.”
      Eggington is as rough as they come in the ring. He knows he’ll never be polished, but the confidence remains he’ll get to fight for an elusive world title at some point down the road.
      Sam Eggington has won the British, Commonwealth and European titles in his careerCredit: Hennessy Sports
      After all, the plan when he turned professional was to show up on small-hall shows and play the journeyman part for his entire career.
      For the best, it hasn’t worked out like that. Eggington has achieved way more than he ever thought was possible, winning British, Commonwealth and European titles along the way.
      “When I turned pro I wanted to be a journeyman, I was all set to do that,” he adds. “I was never going to be a Mayweather and win 50 fights outright. It’s been rocky and there have been fights I shouldn’t have lost, but it’ll make for a great book one day.
      “My career has been better than expected. When I won the Midlands title it was better than I expected. I was a kid with little amateur background, it was all juniors then I decided to turn over so I could earn some dough.
      “If I could box like Canelo Alvarez tomorrow then I would. But that’s just not how it works. I’ll just keep on taking the opportunities presented to me.”
      Sam Eggington vs Carlos Molina is live and FREE on Channel 5 from 10pm on Saturday May 22. More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd star Fred gets shock chance for Brazil as boss Tite calls him up ahead of vital World Cup games

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      NINE Premier League players were called up by Brazil coach Tite for next month’s World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay.Keepers Alisson and Ederson, centre back Thiago Silva, strikers Gabriel Jesus, Roberto Firmino and Richarlison, and midfielders Douglas Luiz, Fabinho… and Fred.
      Man Utd midfielder Fred has been called-up to the Brazil squad for crucial World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and ParaguayCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      The recall of the little Manchester United left footer is something of a surprise – perhaps even to United fans.
      Tite was questioned about it in Friday’s virtual press conference.
      He leant on data from his physical preparation specialist Fabio Mahseredjian, he pointed out that Fred is way above average both in terms of the ground he covers, and in the ground he covers at pace.
      This, more than any eye catching ability, is useful to Brazil – for reasons that may much to do with their quarter final defeat to Belgium three years ago. 
      The Belgians won the game in the first half coming for the space down the Brazilian left – where full back Marcelo has never been a great defender, and Neymar ahead of him is given freedom to create.
      After Russia 2018 Tite gave up on Marcelo, and originally went with cautious full backs on both flanks.
      A poor run of results towards the end of 2019 forced a rethink. Now Renan Lodi of Atletico Madrid is allowed to attack from left back – meaning that the space behind him has to be protected.
      In last year’s four rounds of World Cup qualifiers Brazil won all their games with Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz performing a key role balancing out the side on the left of midfield.
      WIN £50,000! Play Dream Team Euros – our FREE fantasy football game
      Fred has been called up by Tite following the suspension of Douglas LuizCredit: AFP or licensors
      Exciting Raphina hasn’t been called up despite his impressive form for LeedsCredit: Eddie Keogh Telegraph Media Group
      But he is suspended for the next game, at home to Ecuador – and so in comes Fred as cover.
      There is no place for Raphinha of Leeds, though supporters of his club have been arguing for his inclusion. But there is no surprise in his absence. 
      Firstly, Raphinha is far better known in Yorkshire than he is in Brazil. He is one of an increasing number of Brazilians who have made their name abroad.
      And also, Brazil have more wide strikers than they know what to do with. There is intense competition for places.
      His best chance is the Copa America, due to be staged in Colombia and Argentina in a month’s time.
      A wave of social unrest in Colombia means that a change of venue cannot be ruled out, but with the local football authorities desperate for revenue, it is highly likely that the competition will go ahead, somehow and somewhere.
      Brazil will be hopeful of regaining the Copa America they last won in 2019Credit: AFP

      The problem here for Brazil’s coach is that the local championship does not shut down – so any home based players who are called up will miss more than a month of club matches.
      In this situation, should Tite prefer to give a rest to his usual first choices, it might be interesting to have a look at the likes of Raphinha.
      The Leeds winger, then, faces an anxious few weeks while he waits to see if the Copa America will indeed go ahead – and if he will have a part to play in the competition.
      Who are the favourites for Tottenham’s Harry Kane transfer More

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      in Boxing

      Inside Tyson Fury’s eventful trip to America with cousin Tommy as wife Paris joins him after he meets Beckham and Shaq

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      TYSON FURY is living the American dream.The Gypsy King, 32, who risked the wrath of wife Paris by having oil rubbed on him by female fans while he was poolside in Las Vegas recently, is set to face Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia on August 14.
      Tyson Fury is living the American dream during his training campCredit: instagram.com/princejohnjamesfury1
      Fury is being put through his paces by trainer Javan ‘Sugarhill’ Steward in Las VegasCredit: Instagram/gypsyking101
      Paris and Tyson Fury are reunited after he was seen with bikini-clad fans
      And for the dream bout, the Wythenshawe-born fighter is already working hard in a training camp in the USA.
      After flying out to Nevada, Fury has been working in the gym with Javan ‘Sugarhill’ Steward.
      But, it hasn’t been all play for the WBC champ – who was seen hanging out with David Beckham at an Inter Miami game, as well as polishing off a dinner with basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal
      And he’s now been joined by his pregnant wife Paris.
      HARD WORK PAYS OFF
      Back in April, Fury kick-started his preparations for the blockbuster contest by flying out to Las Vegas for some gym work.
      He linked up with legendary cutman Jorge Capetillo, who uploaded a couple of videos of the pair in action at Top Rank’s private gym.
      In the first clip, Capetillo can be seen wrapping Fury’s fists.
      While in the second, Fury’s speed and agility are put to the test during the workout.
      Ahead of Billy Joe Saunders’ contest with Canelo Alvarez, Fury also met up with ‘Superb’ in Texas for a week.
      The pair did some cardio work – running and cycling. Of course, Fury got there by private jet with Tommy Fury and his son, Prince John.
      Cutman Jorge Capetillo wraps Fury’s fists
      Fury headed to Texas to join Billy Joe Saunders working out before his fight with Canelo Alvarez
      Fury does some cardio work with SaundersCredit: Instagram / @gypsyking101
      PARIS HAS FLOWN OUT
      After photos emerged of Tyson with his female fans poolside, wife Paris has flown out to Miami to be with him.
      The pregnant 31-year-old reunited with her beloved and they shared a picture on Instagram together.
      Fury wrote: “Wow! look what i bumped in to in miami the hottest blonde about, @parisfury1 my queen 👸 has arrived….. usa.”
      Now, she can keep a closer eye on her man!
      SWEET AS SUGAR
      Javan ‘Sugarhill’ Steward has been Fury’s trainer since 2019, after Fury parted ways with Ben Davison.
      Not only have the pair been working on a strategy to defeat Joshua on the ring, they’ve also had plenty of fun along the way.
      Aside from sparring together, they’ve also been hitting the town in some flamboyant wear since April.
      The two appear to have a very close relationship – inside and outside the ring.
      Fury and Javan ‘Sugarhill’ Steward have formed a close relationship
      Steward works on Fury’s footworkCredit: Instagram
      Jorge Capetillo works on Fury’s neck musclesCredit: Instagram / @ jorgecapetillo02
      LOTION GATE
      It’s not all work and no play for Tyson, and his brother Tommy.
      The pair have been enjoying the luxuries of their Las Vegas hotel, topping up their tans by the pool.
      And, of course, they’ve had plenty of attention, especially, Tyson who was pictured getting some suntan lotion rubbed on his body by a female fan.
      The incident even had fans guessing if wife Paris was furious with her husband, posting pics of herself without her wedding ring.
      Rest assured though, she’s in the US now with Tyson.
      Fury gets some suntan lotion rubbed into his torso by a female fanCredit: Mega
      Tommy and Tyson Fury show off their impressive tansCredit: instagram
      Fury pokes fun at Paris Fury removing her wedding ring in photos onlineCredit: Instagram/gypsyking101
      HE’S INTER MIAMI
      When you’re Stateside it’s always good to check out the local sports teams.
      And when is owned by another English sporting hero, it would be even ruder not to.
      Fury and his family went to David Beckham’s Inter Miami last week to see a 2-0 loss to Montreal Impact.
      And not only did they meet Becks, they also got a snap with DJ’s David Guetta and Cedric Gervais .
      The supergroup posed for a snap – with Fury wearing the most astonishing of shirts.
      The Fury family enjoy the Inter Miami game
      Fury met David Beckham and DJ’s David Guetta, first from left, and Cedric Gervais
      CELEBRITY GUESTS
      While in America, Fury has been mixing with other sports stars.
      And when you are as famous as the Gypsy King, they’ll all want to meet you too.
      As well as that invitation from Becks, he was spied having dinner with basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal.
      Fury also made his son Prince John’s dream come true by taking him to a WWE event, where he met Rey Mysterio.
      The WBC heavyweight champion has been in America training for his undisputed title fight with Anthony Joshua.
      Fury met up with Shaquille O’Neal in America

      Prince John and Tyson Fury pose with WWE hero Rey MysterioCredit: Instagram

      A MARVELOUS ROBE
      When you’re the champ (and worth around £40million), splashing out on quality garments is essential.
      And for Tyson, it’s important he’s comfortable too.
      On Insta, we’ve seen a new addition to his wardrobe – a gold Versace robe that costs £355.

      He hasn’t been shy wearing it out either, often seen cruising around his Las Vegas hotel lobby with it draped around his shoulders.
      However, he better be careful. The robe comes with an apparent curse – UFC stars Conor McGregor and Israel Adesanya, as well as Saunders all lost their next fights after been seen wearing one.
      Will Tyson be next?
      Fury has been practically living in his £335 Versace robeCredit: Instagram/gypsyking101
      The robe has cursed fighters including Conor McGregor before, so will it affect Fury?Credit: Twitter @Tyson_Fury
      Prince John James Fury, 9, lives it up in Miami with dad Tyson More

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      in Soccer

      Goalkeepers who scored in the Premier League, after Liverpool star Alisson’s dramatic late winner against West Brom

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      THE keeper’s up!Liverpool’s goalie Alisson rescued the Reds with a dramatic late-winner against West Brom in the 95th minute to keep their hopes up for a top four finish.
      Brazilian Alisson rises above the West Brom defence to head homeCredit: Getty
      Liverpool’s stars celebrate Alisson’s dramatic winner against West BromCredit: AFP
      The Brazilian, 28, became the sixth goalkeeper to score in the Premier League after netting with a soaring header.
      But who else managed to find the back of the net after coming out of goal?
      Here are the five who did it before.
      Peter Schmeichel, 2001
      Post Manchester United, the Great Dane kept sticks for Aston Villa in his twilight years.
      And even though he was carrying a thigh injury, that didn’t stop Schmeichel coming up for a corner in stoppage time in a game against Everton.
      Incredibly, after Steve Staunton’s corner broke for him at the far post he was able to volley the ball home.
      In doing so, he became the first No1 to score in the Prem, but it wasn’t enough to rescue his side from losing 3-2.
      Peter Schmeichel became the first goalkeeper to score in the Premier LeagueCredit: PA
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      Brad Friedel, 2004
      The ex-Liverpool shot-stopper managed the same feat in similar circumstances as Schmeichel three years later – but in more dramatic circumstances.
      With his Blackburn team trailing Charlton 2-1, the American arrived in the penalty box to distract opposition defenders.
      The ball somehow cannoned to him, and he stuck out a left foot to deflect the ball into the net for an equaliser in the 90th minute.
      Astonishingly, Charlton won the game 3-2 with a Claus Jensen goal in stoppage time.
      Brad Friedel wheels away after scoring a dramatic equaliser for BlackburnCredit: Getty
      [embedded content]
      Paul Robinson, 2007
      Look away, Ben Foster.
      When Spurs star Paul Robinson had a free kick on the left of his penalty box, his plan clearly was just to knock it long and aim for his centre forward.
      However, the ball took a weird bounce over a poorly positioned Foster and into the goal up the other end.
      Afterwards Watford boss Adrian Boothroyd said: “I’ve never seen anything like that before to be honest, but it’s a freak goal and Ben Foster will bounce back and fulfil his potential as one of the best keepers in England.”
      Paul Robinson scored a freak goal against WatfordCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Tim Howard, 2012
      Anything Robinson can do, Tim Howard can do better.
      The ex-Everton goalie received a pass back, launching a long ball forward from his own area.
      The wind at Goodison played a huge part – carrying the ball 101 yards, via another awkward bounce over a hapless Adam Bogdan in the Bolton goal.
      Howard didn’t celebrate the goal, and when the final whistle went said: “It’s not nice, it’s embarrassing, so I felt for Adam.”
      Tim Howard refused to celebrate his goal and had sympathy for Ben FosterCredit: Dave Pinegar – The Sun
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      Asmir Begovic, 2013
      The last goalie to score in the Premier League before Alisson was Begovic eight years ago.

      And it was another embarrassing moment for his fellow No1 – Artur Boruc.
      The Bosnian launched the ball forward after it passed back to him, while playing for Stoke against Southampton.
      His clearance carried to the Pole’s box, only to bounce over Boruc, and into an empty goal.
      Asmir Begovic was the last goalie to score in the Premier LeagueCredit: Action Images – Reuters More

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      in Soccer

      Cheaper alternatives to Erling Haaland that could save Europe’s top clubs millions in the transfer market

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      THIS summer Erling Haaland will be the biggest transfer target in football.The Norwegian hotshot, 20, is being hunted by the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona, Chelsea, and both Manchester clubs in a deal that will likely cost over £100million.
      Erling Haaland is one of the most sought-after strikers in the world, but could cost clubs over £100mCredit: Getty
      But not everyone can afford to pay that kind of fee, especially because the ongoing coronavirus pandemic has meant clubs have less financial muscle than before.
      No, they and their scouts will have to be a bit more savvy when it comes to looking for the ‘next Haaland’ – a player who started his career at unfashionable Molde before moving to RB Leipzig for £7million.
      Here’s SunSport’s guide to who could fit the bill for Europe’s penny-pinchers, including their value on Transfermrkt.com
      PATSON DAKA
      Like Haaland, Zambian striker Daka is sharpening his finishing at Red Bull Salzburg before an inevitable big-money move.
      At 22, time is on his side to continue to improve and his goalscoring record is just as impressive as the man whose boots he was asked to fill.
      In his past two seasons, the 6ft 1in prolific hitman has scored 60 goals in 85 games.
      Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea are some of the Premier League clubs said to be interested.
      Transfermrkt value: £20m
      Patson Daka is following in Haaland’s footsteps at RB Leipzig and scoring goals for funCredit: Getty
      GIANLUCA SCAMACCA
      At 6ft 5in, Italian centre-forward Scamacca, 22, is just as dominant as Haaland physically.
      He’s not quite got the numbers goalscoring-wise as the Borussia Dortmund striker, but the Sassuolo-owned target man has been flying at Genoa on-loan this campaign.
      A dozen goals in 29 appearances in all competitions for a mid-table side in Serie A shows he can find the net.
      For Italy’s U21 team, the Juventus target is more prolific with eight goals in 14 games.
      Transfermrkt value: £7m
      At 6ft 5in Scamacca has the same physical presence as HaalandCredit: AP
      DARWIN NUNEZ
      Uruguayan Nunez is a real presence upfront, standing at 6ft 2in.
      In all competitions this term, the Benfica striker has managed 14 goals in 39 games – with a better rate in the Europa League of five goals in eight games.
      He has been capped by his country, appearing four times and scoring twice.
      But given Benfica paid £20million for him in 2020, he won’t come cheap.
      Transfermrkt value: £20m
      Darwin Nunez has shown his quality in the Europa League for Benfica this termCredit: EPA
      ADAM HLOZEK
      The youngest on the list, Czech striker Hlozek is said to be interesting Premier League side West Ham.
      The 18-year-old has been in blistering form for Sparta Prague this season – scoring 11 goals in 17 league games.
      And he’s already made his international debut for the Czech Republic against Slovakia at the end of last year.
      Incidentally, Hlozek is also a record breaker – being the youngest Sparta player ever after making his debut in 2018 aged just 16 years, 3 months and 16 days.
      Transfermrkt value: £10m
      18-year-old Adam Hlozek has 11 goals in 17 games for Sparta PragueCredit: Alamy
      MYRON BOADU
      The Dutch striker, 20, is a product of AZ Alkmaar’s talent factory and is a master poacher.
      AC Milan and Liverpool are said to be keeping tabs on Boadu, who exploded on to the scene in the 2019-20 season – scoring 20 goals in 39 games in all competitions.
      This year, his numbers have tailed off a little with four goals in 13 games – but he’s still highly-thought of.
      Boadu made his debut for Holland against Estonia in 2020 Euro qualifier against Estonia, scoring the fifth goal in a 5-0 rout.
      Transfermrkt value: £10m
      Myron Boadu, 20, enjoyed a breakout season in 2019-20 scoring 20 goals in 39 gamesCredit: Rex
      BRENNER
      Last year, Brazilian Brenner, 21, was one of the most talked about talents in South America.
      He was even linked with a move to Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal after a stunning season at Sao Paulo, where he scored 22 goals in 38 games in 2020.
      However, MLS club FC Cincinnati managed to beat a host of Europe’s top clubs to his signature – with clubs reluctant to spend the £10million fee during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
      He has one goal in his first three games so far.
      Transfermrkt value: £10m
      Brenner is now playing in the MLS after starring at Sao PauloCredit: Rex
      JOSE MACIAS
      Mexican striker Macias, 21, has scored goals at his parent club Guadalajara, as well as Leon in Liga MX.
      In his first 115 games, he’s managed 42 goals and proven he’s got an eye for goal.

      International boss Gerardo Martino has been keen to blood the prodigy into the Mexico national team, and already he’s thriving.
      Four goals in his first five games shows that’s he’s ready for a new challenge, possibly in Europe.
      Transfermrkt value: £10m
      Jose Macias, right, has 42 top flight goals in Mexico’s top flight, as well as four international goalsCredit: AFP More