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      Unai Emery to Newcastle odds tumble as Jurgen Klopp blasts Saudi takeover while Tuchel backs it – transfer latest

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      STEVE BRUCE will still be in charge of Newcastle for this weekend’s match against Tottenham, but for how long?Frank Lampard is edging ahead of Brendan Rodgers in the odds to become the Toon’s next manager.
      However, the odds on former Arsenal boss Unai Emery are tumbling after he led Villarreal to the Europa League.
      Speaking about the takeover, Jurgen Klopp compared it to the Super League but his fellow German had kinder words to say.
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      Stay up to date with all the latest from around the clubs with our live blog…
      BRING IT RON
      SunSport Exclusive by Neil Custis
      Cristiano Ronaldo has told Ole Gunnar Solskjaer: ‘I’m fit to start every Premier League game.’
      The Portuguese star delivered the message to Manchester United boss Ole after being on the bench for the 1-1 draw with Everton a fortnight ago.
      A United source said: “Ronaldo was extremely disappointed for being benched.
      “Ole presumed that he was tired after the Villarreal game, so he decided to only put him on early in the second half.
      “But Cristiano told him that he will tell him when he isn’t fit to play and that he wants to play in every single league game.
      “He also told him that he has come here to win trophies and that United need to play their most important players in all of the games.”
      PALS 4 EVRA
      Manchester United’s 2008 Champions League winners banter ‘every two minutes’ in a WhatsApp group set up to keep their good times alive.
      Patrice Evra told Amazon Prime Video’s winter sports schedule launch: “For many players, when they retire, what we miss the most is the dressing room.
      “All the banter, all the stories. Everything happens inside.
      “I spoke with [Edwin] van der Sar when he retired and I said, ‘how are you doing?’ And he said, ‘Patrice, I just miss you guys’.
      “We are lucky, the United group – we still have a WhatsApp group.
      “We are everyone, so every morning we just laugh off each other. We have still got that.
      “It is most of the players from 2008 when we won the Champions League. It is really active. Every two minutes.
      “Rio created it. We just keep connected and have a laugh. It was not just a team, it was like a family.”

      FULL TIME: PSG 2 ANGERS 1
      It was unconvincing, but PSG made it nine wins out of 10 against surprise packages Angers at Parc des Princes this evening.
      Mauricio Pochettino’s side found themselves 1-0 down at the break, courtesy of an Angelo Fulgini effort for the visitors.
      But the French giants hit back in the second-half, equalising through Danilo Pereira.
      Kylian Mbappe then wrapped up the three points just a few minutes from the end, scoring from the penalty spot after a VAR call.
      Kylian Mbappé. Never in doubt 😤Scores the winning goal in the Nations League Final last week 🏆Scores the winning penalty in the league this week ⚽Getting back to his best 🤝 pic.twitter.com/ZcxXGm5uyA— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) October 15, 2021

      RIGHT CHOICE
      Arsenal are stepping up their bid to sign a new right-back in January, according to reports.
      Boss Mikel Arteta is said to have drawn up a shortlist with three potential targets to slot into the Gunners defence.
      Transfer website Fichajes report that Arsenal are looking at Brighton’s Tariq Lamptey, Norwich City’s Max Aarons and James Justin from Leicester.
      Arsenal have a conundrum at the right-back position and are looking for a long-term solution.
      The Gunners have been using Calum Chambers and Cedric Soares to fill in alongside new signing from Bologna Takehiro Tomiyasu.
      The report from Fichajes also states that the Arteta wants to adopt a more attacking right-back than the current options at his disposal.
      RED AIRWAYS
      Manchester United took to the skies for their away trip to Leicester this weekend.
      The Red Devils jumped on a private jet for the 100-mile journey down to the King Power Stadium.
      And their stars would hardly have had time to buckle their seatbelts on the 10 MINUTE flight.
      United opted for the aerial route after the M6 was unexpectedly closed on Friday.
      The squad would usually make the trip to the Midlands by coach but with the motorway shut they made the short hop via aeroplane instead.

      SPURS TEST SHOCK
      Tottenham have been rocked by two players reportedly testing positive for Covid – potentially ruling them out for THREE matches.
      Boss Nuno Espirito Santo admitted he faced ‘huge issues’ ahead of Sunday’s Premier League trip to newly-rich Newcastle.
      And if the positive tests are confirmed the Spurs stars face a ten-day isolation period.
      Football.london suggest the ‘problems’ Santo talked off focus on two players being found to have the coronavirus following international duty in the past week.
      He told the media: “After the international break there are always huge issues that happen.
      “We have problems but I will not say before the game.”
      Confirmed positive tests would rule Tottenham players out against Newcastle and West Ham in the Prem, plus the Europa Conference League clash at Vitesse Arnhem.
      Football.london suggest Spurs are ‘confident’ the duo concerned have not come into close contact with other players.
      WON’T JACK IT IN
      Jack Wilshere has dismissed claims he’ll retire before 30 but admits he would be interested in coaching when he hangs up his boots one day.
      Wilshere, 29, was released by Bournemouth at the end of last season and is still a free agent after failing to find a club in the summer.
      Speaking to Sky Sports News about his future, Wilshere said: “At the moment I am doing my coaching badges and the club is helping me with them and I am helping some of the Academy kids out as well.
      “It is certainly something I enjoy and maybe something to look at in the future but for now I still want to play. I feel like I still have a lot to give and something to prove which is why I don’t want to finish playing now and start a coaching career just yet.
      “It’s nice to be back seeing some old faces who I spent a lot of my life with. Fitness-wise I am getting there and it’s great to be back training with good players and the quality is only going to be beneficial for me moving forward.
      “I’m there until January and there’s no news on any clubs but hopefully something will come up then.”

      MORE PHIL JONES
      Manchester United defender Phil Jones has been glowing in his praise for boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
      Of his arrival, initially as caretaker in December 2018, he told United’s club media: “I think it was exactly what we needed at the time, someone who knew the club.
      “He knew it inside out, won so many things, so that was important. Until the end of that season, it was just about enjoying playing football again. I think we lost enjoying playing, going onto the pitch on Saturdays, Sundays, Wednesday nights, whenever it was.
      “He definitely brought that back, the lads were smiling, the lads were happy. I’m not saying it wasn’t like that under Jose at all but I’m saying that different styles, managers have different impacts and yeah, he was great. He’s done so well to stamp his authority on the team and get the team to where we are now.”
      PHIL-LING GOOD
      Man United defender Phil Jones has thanked boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for his recent words of support.
      The former England star, who has not played a first team game since January 2020 because of injury, said: “Yeah, that was really nice. I spoke to him after and said ‘thank you for the words’, because it meant a lot.
      “It really did because there’s nothing [that means] more [as] a footballer, for someone, managers, staff, coaches, players, to have your back.
      “To feel really supported by him was a nice feeling. At the time, I needed that and it was nice.”

      HAIR RAZOR
      David Beckham was once subjected to something even more serious than the infamous Sir Alex Ferguson hairdryer treatment.
      He explained in new book Fergie: Under The Hairdryer: “Before the 2000 Charity Shield at Wembley against Chelsea I decided to have a change of hairstyle. I went for a mohawk, which I knew wouldn’t be to his taste.
      “In the end, I was too scared to let him see it, so the day before the game I went into training with a beanie hat on, trained in the beanie, walked back into the hotel with the beanie on, kept it on during dinner and the next morning’s breakfast.
      “And I still had it on when we made the coach journey to Wembley.
      “Of course the moment was arriving in the dressing room when I would have to reveal my new hairstyle, which I knew would send him into a frenzy.
      “Sure enough, within seconds of the unveiling, he yelled at me, ‘Go and shave it off!’ I thought he was joking. ‘No, I’m being serious, now go and shave the ruddy thing off!’
      “So off I went to try to find a pair of clippers from somewhere and, just before we’re ready to go out for the warm-up, I was in the Wembley tunnel shaving my mohawk off.”
      BREAKING – SPURS HIT BY COVID
      Two Tottenham players have tested positive for Covid-19, according to reports.
      Spurs are set to take on Newcastle on Sunday as the Premier League returns from a two-week break.
      But according to football.london, boss Nuno Espirito Santo will be down two players after they tested positive for coronavirus.
      The Portuguese hinted at trouble during his press conference earlier today, when he said: “After the international break there are always huge issues that happen. We have problems but I will not say before the game.”
      WHITE WATCH
      Arsenal star Ben White has revealed that he NEVER watched football when he was growing up.
      And old habits die hard as the defender still doesn’t watch the sport he’s devoted his life to.
      The England international explained that because he was always playing the game, there was no time to sit down and see it on TV, which is still the case now.
      The 24-year-old told Sky Sports: “No I never watched football when I was younger, still don’t now.
      “I just loved the game, I was always playing it – never watching it. So I don’t know too much about older generations.”
      PLAYER POWER
      Demba Ba has revealed how player power fought back against Rafa Benitez during his time at Chelsea.
      He told The Athletic: “Big players will take responsibility on the pitch but also off it when things don’t go the right way.
      “I remember when we lost 2-1 to Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final, Rafa was criticising our lack of intensity after the game.
      “But John Terry went: ‘No gaffer, the problem is that our training lacks intensity.’ Rafa’s training was mostly tactical, but the players wanted it to be more full-blooded.
      “So the two of them had a frank exchange of views in front of everyone, and the next day, the whole team got together to talk things through as well.
      “We didn’t lose any more games after that.”
      EAGLES SOARING
      Mikel Arteta believes that Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira is having a positive impact at Crystal Palace.
      He said: “Well, he has already a couple of experiences [as a manager] and he knows the league really well.
      “You can see the touch that he is trying to put in the team and the things he is trying to implement there.
      “Obviously, Patrick knows the league much better probably than any other manager because he has experienced it himself as a player and it’s great that he’s had the opportunity to do that.”
      JESS SIGN HERE
      Jesse Lingard’s future is up in the air at Manchester United.
      But boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed the club are eager to extend the attacking midfielder’s contract.
      He said: “We want to prolong his contract because we see him as an important player for us.
      “It’s up to him – and maybe up to me – to give him more playing time because he deserves to.
      “Hopefully, we can get a deal sorted for Jesse because we really rate him.”
      TUCHY SUBJECT
      Chelsea take on Brentford in the season’s first west-London derby on Saturday as they look to cement their place at the top of the Premier League.
      The Blues will make the short journey to the Brentford Community stadium to face the high-flying newly promoted side and know it’ll be anything but an easy ride.
      Here’s how SunSport’s George Moore believes Thomas Tuchel will line his side up against the Bees.

      FERR GOODNESS SAKE
      Manchester City could be without Spain international forward Ferran Torres until the New Year.
      The former Valencia forward has broken a bone in his foot while playing in the Nations League finals during the international break.
      Pep Guardiola said: “Torres will be out for two to three months. He has a bone injury In the foot, the metatarsal.
      “The injury can happen here or in the national team, I know perfectly the manager for Spain and he treated Ferran as well as possible.
      “They tried to take care of him but sometimes it happens, it happened with Phil (Foden), Kevin (De Bruyne). It happens because there are lots of game.
      “Ferran will go to Spain for a few weeks. Then he’ll come back and we hope in two-and-a-half or three months he will be ready.”
      GOOD WAN
      Aaron Wan-Bissaka WILL be available for Manchester United’s Champions League clash with Atalanta next week.
      The full-back, 23, was initially set to miss the match after receiving a two-match ban following his red card against Young Boys.
      But following a United appeal, Wan-Bissaka has had his ban reduced, meaning he will be ready for selection.
      A Uefa statement read: “The appeal lodged by Manchester United has been upheld. Consequently, the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body’s decision of 23 September 2021 is amended as follows:
      “‘To suspend Manchester United player, Mr. Aaron Wan‐Bissaka, for the next one (1) UEFA club competition match for which he would be otherwise eligible, for rough play.'”
      WHY NAI MAN
      Ex-Arsenal boss Unai Emery’s odds to replace Steve Bruce at Newcastle have dramatically shortened.
      The Toon boss, 60, has survived the sack this week, but is not expected to be in the position for much longer.
      Brendan Rodgers and Frank Lampard were among the early favourites to succeed Bruce.
      But in the last few hours, Emery’s odds have shorted to 5/1 with most bookies – making him second only to Lamps in the betting.
      Credit: AFP
      GUARD UP
      Pep Guardiola has told Raheem Sterling that no Manchester City player is guaranteed minutes on the pitch.
      And he urged the forward to do his talking on the pitch when he gets the opportunity to play.
      Sterling spoke out about his future this week – saying he will not commit to a new contract at the Etihad until he knows he is going to play regularly.
      That has not happened since he was axed in the wake of the Manchester derby defeat to United back in March.
      Guardiola said: “I cannot assure them, I spoke to them many times about that, I cannot assure how many minutes each one plays.
      “Always they have to speak on the pitch. Not Raheem, all of them.
      “They know they are going to play minutes, but I’m not a guy that plays only 11 players, all of them are involved.”
      AUR GO ON THEN
      Monaco starlet Aurelien Tchouameni is ‘on Man United’s radar’ if the Red Devils fail to agree a new contract with Paul Pogba.
      The midfielder, 28, is out of contract at Old Trafford at the end of the season – but club chiefs haven’t given up hope on seeing him pen an extension.
      Should he not do so, however, they will turn their attentions toward Tchouameni.
      ESPN report that the 21-year-old will cost in the region of £45million.
      Credit: Getty
      BARC TO THE TOP
      Manchester United star Paul Pogba has been offered to Barcelona, according to reports.
      The Frenchman, 28, is out of contract next summer.
      And according to ESPN, agent Mino Raiola has touted his services to a number of clubs ahead of his free agency – with Barca the latest to be contacted.
      Juventus, PSG, Real Madrid and even a host of Prem clubs have also been made aware of Pogba’s availability.
      KROOS CONTROL
      Liverpool are reportedly keen on bringing in Real Madrid ace Toni Kroos next summer.
      Kop boss Jurgen Klopp is said to be a huge admirer of the 31-year-old German midfielder who he sees as the ideal man to revamp Liverpool’s midfield.
      And according to El Nacional, the Reds could be able to snap up Kroos for just £20m.
      Despite being a key member of Madrid’s squad since joining in 2014 from Bayern Munich for £21m, Kroos has only made two appearances for them this season.
      As Kroos is no longer a first-team regular, Los Blancos may be willing to cash in on him while they still can, before his contract ends in 2023.
      THE RON DECISION
      Man United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has defended his rotation policy, after coming under fire for benching Cristiano Ronaldo against Everton last time out.
      The Norwegian said: “If you can go and play six games in six days and play the same XI every time, it’s great.
      “But it is about rotation. We need to get to April and May with everyone firing. We got to May in the final stretch of last season and we were too tired. I manage the players for the club.”
      On Ronaldo specifically, he added: “It’s nice to have him on the pitch, he’ll always come up with the goods. The more we have him on the pitch, the better.
      “He’s an exceptional player, exceptional finisher, goalscorer, exceptional pro, it’s hard to leave him out.”
      NUNO ON KANE’S STRUGGLE FOR FORM
      Tottenham boss Nuno Espirito Santo remains fully behind Harry Kane despite his slow start to the season.
      The England captain has struggled since returning from the Euros in the summer.
      And speculation over his form has been surrounded by his desire to leave the club prior to the start of the campaign.
      But Nuno insists Kane is still offering things to the team regardless of his struggles in front of goals.
      He said: “It’s normal. Harry sure is used to it. We know Harry is much more than goals, he is about what he does for the team.
      “Harry is a fantastic football player, one of the best and naturally goals will come.”

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      in Soccer

      Bruce Newcastle press conference latest, Lampard leads Rodgers in odds, Messi news, Chelsea updates – transfer latest

      by

      STEVE BRUCE is facing the media for the first time since the Newcastle takeover.Frank Lampard is edging ahead of Brendan Rodgers in the odds to become the Toon’s next manager and Bruce is under intense scrutiny.
      There will no doubt be uncomfortable moments for the Magpies boss, who is expected to be replaced in the next few weeks.
      Thomas Tuchel is also expected to speak to the press this afternoon with the Chelsea manager sweating over the fitness of the Antonio Rudiger and Christian Pulisic, but any injury problems for Thiago Silva appear to have been overcome.
      Borussia Dortmund boss Lucien Favre is also in the running to replace Steve Bruce.
      Meanwhile Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed he thought sporting director Leonardo was playing a joke on him when he was informed Lionel Messi would be joining PSG.
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      AUR GO ON THEN
      Monaco starlet Aurelien Tchouameni is ‘on Man United’s radar’ if the Red Devils fail to agree a new contract with Paul Pogba.
      The midfielder, 28, is out of contract at Old Trafford at the end of the season – but club chiefs haven’t given up hope on seeing him pen an extension.
      Should he not do so, however, they will turn their attentions toward Tchouameni.
      ESPN report that the 21-year-old will cost in the region of £45million.
      Credit: Getty
      BARC TO THE TOP
      Manchester United star Paul Pogba has been offered to Barcelona, according to reports.
      The Frenchman, 28, is out of contract next summer.
      And according to ESPN, agent Mino Raiola has touted his services to a number of clubs ahead of his free agency – with Barca the latest to be contacted.
      Juventus, PSG, Real Madrid and even a host of Prem clubs have also been made aware of Pogba’s availability.
      KROOS CONTROL
      Liverpool are reportedly keen on bringing in Real Madrid ace Toni Kroos next summer.
      Kop boss Jurgen Klopp is said to be a huge admirer of the 31-year-old German midfielder who he sees as the ideal man to revamp Liverpool’s midfield.
      And according to El Nacional, the Reds could be able to snap up Kroos for just £20m.
      Despite being a key member of Madrid’s squad since joining in 2014 from Bayern Munich for £21m, Kroos has only made two appearances for them this season.
      As Kroos is no longer a first-team regular, Los Blancos may be willing to cash in on him while they still can, before his contract ends in 2023.
      THE RON DECISION
      Man United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has defended his rotation policy, after coming under fire for benching Cristiano Ronaldo against Everton last time out.
      The Norwegian said: “If you can go and play six games in six days and play the same XI every time, it’s great.
      “But it is about rotation. We need to get to April and May with everyone firing. We got to May in the final stretch of last season and we were too tired. I manage the players for the club.”
      On Ronaldo specifically, he added: “It’s nice to have him on the pitch, he’ll always come up with the goods. The more we have him on the pitch, the better.
      “He’s an exceptional player, exceptional finisher, goalscorer, exceptional pro, it’s hard to leave him out.”
      NUNO ON KANE’S STRUGGLE FOR FORM
      Tottenham boss Nuno Espirito Santo remains fully behind Harry Kane despite his slow start to the season.
      The England captain has struggled since returning from the Euros in the summer.
      And speculation over his form has been surrounded by his desire to leave the club prior to the start of the campaign.
      But Nuno insists Kane is still offering things to the team regardless of his struggles in front of goals.
      He said: “It’s normal. Harry sure is used to it. We know Harry is much more than goals, he is about what he does for the team.
      “Harry is a fantastic football player, one of the best and naturally goals will come.”

      BRUCE ON ASHLEY’S 14-YEAR REIGN
      Newcastle boss Steve Bruce has reflected on former owner Mike Ashley’s 14-year relationship with the club.
      He said: “The two years I’ve had managing this club have been difficult, and we all understand that.
      “We all want Newcastle to be at the top end of the league, and unfortunately we have been at bottom end more in the last 10 years.
      “He has given me the opportunity to manage this club and I will always be grateful for that.”
      TUCHEL ON NEWCASTLE TAKEOVER
      Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has given his take on the Newcastle takeover.
      When asked whether people should be worried about where the money has come from for the new Saudi regime, he said: “I think it’s normal people have concerns.
      “We trust the Premier League, they have accepted and they are the authorities. They have allowed it and Newcastle have new owners.
      “The new owners seem to be promising for a famous club in England and it seems we have a new competitor for titles and places in the top ranking.
      “We play in the toughest league and it always seems to get tougher.”
      NO TIME TO WASTE
      Steve Bruce is hell-bent on convincing Newcastle’s new owners that he is the right man to take them forward – despite admitting he’s only spoken to them for 10 MINUTES.
      Asked whether he hopes to remain long-term, he said: “I’ll have a crack. I’ll try my utmost and if they see fit, great.
      “I’m not going to give up hope. The way it is, the way it looks in the future, who wouldn’t want the opportunity to manage Newcastle? Certainly I would, and I’m sure hundreds of others would.
      “Any manager would love this opportunity to be sitting in my seat, and I’ll make a fist of it.
      “I met the new owners on Monday for a brief ten-minute conversation and they just said ‘carry on until I hear otherwise’. That’s what I’ve done and the players have trained magnificently well.
      “It’s not about me and the 1,000th game. I’ve played 950 times and won domestically everything there is to win. There comes a stage when it’s not about me.
      “It’s about the club going forward and getting the results on Sunday. I’ve tried to keep my respect and my dignity, which has probably served me well over the last 20-odd years. That will remain.
      “They (Staveley and husband Mehrdad Ghodoussi) are very, very good people. If the takeover takes this great club forward then great.”

      BARC-ING MAD
      Barcelona have hatched an elaborate plan to join the race to sign Erling Haaland, according to reports.
      The Catalans are in serious debt and most assumed they wouldn’t be able to afford the Norwegian’s wages and the vast fee his agent Mino Raiola will command.
      But they have devised a cunning scheme to get themselves in the running, according to Mundo Deportivo.
      The Catalans are in crippling debt of around £1BILLION.
      They were recently offered a £1.3bn loan by a Dubai-based company but will still have to tread carefully in the transfer market.
      However, club chiefs see Haaland as a perfect signing on and off the pitch.
      They feel he’ll produce a regular stream of goals in the long term as well as being a commercial gold mine as far as shirt sales and brand exposure goes.
      Haaland has a £65m release clause that kicks in at the end of this season.

      TABLE TOPPERS
      Brighton are officially the most improved team in the Premier League as things stand after seven games played.
      Chelsea and Manchester United have also bettered their points tallies and league positions this campaign compared to the same stage of the 2020/21 season.
      Second-placed Liverpool are a position and a point worse off, while Arsenal and Tottenham have both picked up two less points than they had at this stage last season.
      The Gunners were ninth in the league after seven games last campaign, while Jose Mourinho’s Spurs were fourth.

      BLEW MOON
      Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski could be on his way to Manchester City according to his agent Pini Zahavi.
      City have been linked with a move for the 33-year-old since he expressed his desire to leave Bayern this summer.
      And their pursuit has been given a major boost by his agent Zahavi who told Sport Bild that the Etihad is a ‘possible destination’ for Lewandowski.
      However, Pep Guardiola’s side will have to fend off stiff competition from Premier League rivals Chelsea, who are also interested in the Polish hitman.
      The European Champions were previously in contact with Zahavi about signing Lewandowski, according to reports.
      It’s clear to see why Lewandowski’s in such high demand after he scored 48 goals in 40 games in all competitions last season.

      BRUCE ON HIS FUTURE
      Steve Bruce is expected to be sacked in the coming weeks as the new owners of Newcastle look for a new manager.
      But the 60-year-old was asked whether he believes he can convince the owners to keep him at the helm.
      He said: “I’ll have a crack and try my utmost, who wouldn’t want this opportunity?
      “Any manager would love to sit in my chair, so I will make a fist of it and try my utmost. I will try my best for the club.”
      BRUCE’S MESSAGE TO NEWCASTLE FANS
      “I know it will be ridiculous atmosphere which we will all looking forward.
      “Whatever they think of me the most important thing is to see team win and I don’t think it will be an atmosphere like we’ve seen before.
      “The team trained well this week and I hope we can win this match.”
      BRUCE ON 1,000TH GAME
      Steve Bruce was also asked whether or not the events of the last week have soured his 1,000th game as a manager, which will take place against Tottenham on Sunday.
      He said: “It’s not about me, the 1000th game, I played 950 times, won everything there is to win domestically so it’s not about me.
      “It is about the club going forward and more importantly getting a result on Sunday. We need a win to get us moving up the table.”
      BRUCE ON MEETING NEW OWNERS
      “There were no discussions on my future. It was all about the team, injuries and how we are looking for the weekend.
      “It was very informal and I have to say they were very good people. It was good to see them. Lets not forget it is a great thing that has happened for the club and the city. If it takes this great club forward then great.”
      BRUCE ON A TURBULENT WEEK
      “I’ve had to use all my experience this week. I had a brief ten minute conversation with the new owners and now I’m carrying on until I hear otherwise.”
      BRUCE FACING QUESTIONS NOW
      Here comes Newcastle boss Steve Bruce as his press conference gets underway.
      Quotes to come…
      BRUCE SET TO SPEAK
      Steve Bruce’s press conference is coming up very shortly.
      We expect to hear from the Newcastle manager at 2:15pm BST.
      GUARDIOLA ON NEWCASTLE TAKEOVER
      The latest manager to give his take on the Newcastle takeover is Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.
      He said: “Looks like Newcastle fans are happy.
      “It’s a business that has taken over a club and the people are happy. I’m far away from the reasons why the decision was made.”
      LIV-ID
      Jurgen Klopp raged against those in charge of fixture scheduling as he revealed several first-team players will miss Saturday’s clash with Watford.
      Liverpool visit Vicarage Road in the lunchtime kick-off and face a trip to Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, who do not have a game this weekend.
      That fact has irritated Klopp, but not as much as the decision to play the game between Brazil and Uruguay on Thursday night.
      As a result, Brazilians Fabinho and Alisson will not be able to play against Watford – they will fly straight to Madrid instead.
      In his pre-match press conference Klopp said: “Somebody decided to give Brazil the opportunity to play last night.
      “And then somebody made the decision for us to play on Saturday at 12:30. It’s not in our hands.
      “Atletico [Madrid] are not playing at the weekend and they are our next opponents in the Champions League. That would not happen here.
      “We have known it for a while so we have decided that the boys would not be here and they would go straight to Madrid.
      “Trent [Alexander-Arnold] and Diogo [Jota] are available but Thiago I do not know. It takes time and it’s disappointing so we have to wait.
      “Curtis Jones has come back with a slight injury from England U21s and is unavailable.”

      SOLSKJAER ON NEWCASTLE TAKEOVER
      Manchester United boss Solskjaer has also given his thoughts on the recent Saudi takeover of Newcastle.
       He said: “It has not been my focus but I noticed it has happened.
      “It is going to change the picture. I didn’t think it would go through but it has. It’s a fantastic club with traditions.
      “Long-term it will be interesting to watch. It has been the talk of football. It is results they want but it is not my focus. I don’t want to join the political discussion.”
      SOLSKJAER ENJOYING ATTACKING STYLE
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says it is ‘nice to be an attacking player’ in his side at the moment.
      “We have added some exciting players going forward and scored goals,” the Norwegian said.
      “It’s a nice time to be an attacking player.
      “We need to keep that going. We need to make sure we are hard to play against. I can’t think Atalanta or Liverpool – it’s only Leicester that I can think about.
      “We are looking forward to this run. All the best players want to play against the best teams and we have some of the best teams coming up.”
      BENITEZ UNHAPPY WITH INTERNATIONAL BREAKS
      It’s safe to say Everton boss Rafa Benitez is not a huge fan of the frequent international breaks.
      He said: “It is the same for everyone. You feel a little bit frustrated that you cannot carry on as you want, then you are waiting to see if you have any injuries.
      “It is what it is, and we have to make sure we manage every player and every game and training session.
      “After (the breaks) finish, we have lots of games at Christmas; modern football is like that, too many games and you have to travel everywhere and it is quite demanding.”
      SOLSKJAER GIVES SELECTION UPDATE
      Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has updated the media on his squad’s fitness following the international break and ahead of their clash with Leicester tomorrow.
      He said: “[During the] internationals sometimes, it’s a time to cross your fingers.
      “Raphael [Varane] is out for a few weeks. Victor [Lindelof] and Eric [Bailly] played and got good game time.
      “Fred and Edinson [Cavani] played a full game but we’re not counting on them and giving them time to recover. Harry [Maguire] also had his first time on the grass, so we look quite strong.
      “[Marcus] Rashford is in the squad. I can’t tell you if he will start but has worked really hard. Has been bright this week. Fit and raring to go.”
      TORRES OUT FOR THREE MONTHS
      Away from Newcastle for a moment, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has confirmed Ferran Torres could be out for between two and a half to three months.
      The Spanish forward suffered a metatarsal injury in his foot while away on international duty.
      Meanwhile, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Ilkay Gundogan are back in contention for the game against Burnley this weekend.
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      Lionel Messi to PSG ‘was a joke’ – Poch thought, Lampard leads Rodgers in next Newcastle manager odds – transfer latest

      by

      FRANK LAMPARD is edging ahead of Brendan Rodgers in the odds to become Newcastle’s next manager.Borussia Dortmund boss Lucien Favre is also in the running to replace Steve Bruce.
      Meanwhile Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed he thought sporting director Leonardo was playing a joke on him when he was informed Lionel Messi would be joining PSG.
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      Stay up to date with all the latest from around the clubs with our live blog…
      POLICE FRUSTRATED BY PREM RESPONSE ON ONLINE ABUSE
      Manchester City, Brighton and Norwich are the only Premier League clubs to say they are willing to work with police to help players deal with online racist abuse.
      Chief Con Mark Roberts wrote to all 92 clubs across the four divisions in the summer as the National Police Chief Council’s football lead.
      But he was left disappointed by the commitment shown – with the lack of interest from the top flight particularly alarming.
      Online hatred has surged since Euro 2020 and clubs have said they will take a firm stance to stamp it out.
      But Roberts said: “We hear all the slogans, we hear all the commitment. But when we try to take some positive steps to support player and clubs, we need a bit more than words.
      “Only 49 have come back with a positive response and so far only eight clubs have facilitated us getting the officers, PFA and Kick it Out in to speak to the players.”
      RAHEEM: I NEED TO PLAY TO BE HAPPY
      Raheem Sterling says he cannot be truly happy if he is not playing regularly and scoring goals.
      So that explains why the last seven months have been so difficult for the Manchester City forward.
      Despite starring for England at the Euros, Sterling has scored just twice in his last 26 appearances for the champions, many of which have been from the bench.

      He lost his place for the big games after the Manchester derby defeat to United at the Etihad in early March.
      And as a result City boss Pep Guardiola has made him a substitute for most of the key matches since, including recent league trips to Chelsea and Liverpool.
      Sterling has started just four games so far this season, of which only two have been in the  League. And most of his opportunities have come as a No 9 — a position he is trying to perfect, although he knows it will take time.
      Sterling said: “When I play football, that is where I get my happiness from. And, of course, with family as well but football has a special place in my heart.
      “With everything that comes with football, money, being able to do nice things… at the end of the day, if football for me is not at a certain standard, I’m not really at my happiest.
      “If I want my happiness at a certain level, I need to be playing football, I need to be scoring goals and enjoying myself.”
      NEW DEVILS
      Man Utd are being tipped to sign a new midfielder next summer as they look to bolster their already impressive squad.
      But how would the Red Devils look with a fresh feel to the centre of their side?
      Check out how United could line up next season:

      POGBA AND HAZARD SHOULD BE ON TOON LIST
      EXCLUSIVE: Chris Waddle called on old club Newcastle to dream big – by targeting players like Manchester United’s Paul Pogba and Real Madrid playmaker Eden Hazard, writes ETIENNE FERMIE.
      Following their controversial Saudi takeover last week, Toon legend Waddle told SunSport: “Paul Pogba’s out of contract isn’t he?
      “Now people might say about Newcastle — but money talks.

      “If they sell the dream about what we’re going to win and achieve, it might.”
      Ex-England winger Waddle, 60, added: “And then, do you raid the big teams?
      “Your Bayern Munichs and teams like that and say ‘we want him, we want him’.
      “Test them. Could you get somebody like Eden Hazard out from Real Madrid? On loan even until the end of the season and then pay a fee.
      “Federico Chiesa, yes. Moussa Diaby. Anthony Martial, not fitting in to Manchester United — all available. Donny van de Beek.
      “And then do you test teams like Arsenal for your people like Emile Smith Rowe?
      “What about Kalvin Phillips at Leeds? Declan Rice. Marco Asensio at Real Madrid.”
      I THOUGHT OUR MESSI BID WAS A ‘JOKE’
      Mauricio Pochettino admits he thought PSG sporting director Leonardo was ‘joking’ when he revealed the French giants hoped to sign Lionel Messi.
      PSG landed the legend on a two-year deal soon after Barcelona’s shock announcement they could no longer keep the six-time Ballon d’Or winner, 34.

      Now PSG boss Pochettino has revealed: “Leonardo called me and said: ‘The possibility is there. Would you like it or not?’
      “The good thing is that he called me to ask. I said to myself: ‘Is it a question?’ I thought it was a joke, no? 
      “Everyone had assumed that Messi would continue at Barcelona,” Pochettino said.
      “Many clubs, if not all clubs, dreamt of having Messi, with him being a free agent. 
      From the moment that PSG showed an interest, Leo wanted to come here. Everything happened very fast.”

      GIROUD TURNED DOWN ‘WEIRD’ SPURS MOVE
      Ex-Arsenal and Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud claims he rejected Spurs over the summer because it would have been too “weird”.
      The French World Cup winner, 35, who instead joined AC Milan, told the Mirror:“Tottenham was interested and Jose Mourinho (at Roma) was interested. 
      Credit: Getty
      “But I was so close to signing for Inter, for Lazio, I was desperate for game time
      “Tottenham was there but, to be honest, it was not a clear option because the race for the Premier League top four made it difficult for anything to happen.
      “But also in my heart, as a proper ex-Gunner, and as we always say: ‘Once a Gunner, always a Gunner.’
      “It would have been very weird to have played Tottenham. That’s why it didn’t happen.”
      NO OD GAMES
      EXCLUSIVE: Callum Hudson-Odoi has told England boss Gareth Southgate he is not playing games over his international allegiance.
      Questions have been raised about the Chelsea winger’s ambitions after he twice rejected call-ups to the England Under-21s.
      Hudson-Odoi is also being courted by Ghana chiefs who hope he will switch flags and abandon England to feature more.

      Players can now change national teams if they have played no more than three competitive games for one country before the age of 21.
      Hudson-Odoi, 20, has three caps for the Three Lions – winning the last of them back in 2019.
      But he held clear-the-air talks with the FA and assured bosses he is not holding them to ransom.
      Hudson-Odoi said his sole focus is to become a key man for the Blues – in the hope it will earn him a senior recall.
      ‘BARCA AND MILAN IN FOR LINGARD’
      Barcelona and AC Milan are tipped to join the race for Jesse Lingard when his Manchester United contract ends next summer.
      The England midfielder is thought to have rejected a new United deal and is sure to interest Prem rivals such as former loan club West Ham.
      Now ESPN say a string of European outfits are also on Lingard’s trail.
      Clubs outside England can negotiate with the 28-year-old from January 1.
      Credit: Getty
      STERLING ‘OPEN’ TO CITY EXIT
      Raheem Sterling is open to a move away from Manchester City if he is not given assurances of regular football.
      And the England ace says playing abroad is still something that appeals to him amid interest from Barcelona and others.
      SunSport revealed on Tuesday that the former Liverpool man, 26, has put contract talks on hold at the Etihad after a difficult few months.
      Raheem Sterling shows off his skills in training
      Sterling has less than two years left on his existing deal and wants to know how much he will play before committing to a new one.
      The star is happy to adapt to playing as a striker for City, rather than his normal left-wing role — but needs game time to improve in that position.
      Three-time Prem title winner Sterling said: “If there was the option to go somewhere else for more game time, I would be open to it.
      “Football is the most important thing to me — challenges that I have set myself from a young age and dreams as well.
      “As an English player, all I know is the Premier League.
      “I’ve always thought maybe one day I’d love to play abroad — see how I would come up against that challenge.”
      Barca are monitoring his situation and could make a move in January, although Etihad sources indicate the club will not sanction a move mid- season.
      STAVELEY: TOON WILL SPLASH OUT
      Newcastle director Amanda Staveley has vowed to provide her new club with ‘heavy investment’.
      But the businesswoman admits Newcastle “can’t have the world’s greatest players with a really terrible changing room”.
      Toon fans have been pinching themselves since last week’s stunning £300million Saudi takeover.

      Boss Steve Bruce is expected to be sacked soon.
      And it could even happen before this weekend’s game against Tottenham, with Frank Lampard tipped to come in.
      Meanwhile, a host of top talents have been linked with moving to the North-East.
      Chelsea’s Timo Werner is the latest to be lined up by ambitious Newcastle.
      But Staveley says the new consortium will be providing a balanced injection of cash. That’s because it’s not just Newcastle’s squad that needs fixing, but behind the scenes too.
      However, Staveley told The Chronicle: “We’re going to invest, heavily, obviously. But we have to do it within the confines of the rules of the Premier League.”
      IS HAALAND PERLING YOUR LEG WITH TREBLE TRICKSHOT?
      Manchester United and City target Erling Haaland bamboozled social media with a crazy penalty trickshot… but did he fake it?
      The Borussia Dortmund striker somehow managed to balance three footballs on top of each other, carefully placing them in position.
      At the first attempt, the second ball rolled off – giving the impression he managed to get the physics just right next time around.
      Erling Haaland wows social media with crazy three-ball penalty trick… but did the Man Utd transfer target fake it
      With the three footballs seemingly standing freely, he took a few paces back and then stepped up to sidefoot the highest ball into a target in the top left corner with that lethal left foot of his.
      The other two balls remained perfectly stacked up – and Haaland, kitted out in full Dortmund gear, repeated the trick twice more to obliterate the target and reacted in apparent shock at pulling it off.
      The Bundesliga’s official Twitter account posted the 38-second clip on Thursday afternoon and within four hours it had racked up 5.5million views.
      But while it looked mightily impressive, fans on social media were not sure whether the shots were quite as authentic as they appeared.
      One wrote: “The fact that none of the balls fell off when he hit the top one is… hard to believe.”
      FA CHARGE HASENHUTTL
      Ralph Hasenhuttl has been charged by the FA for comments about Mike Dean after Southampton’s 3-1 loss at Chelsea on October 2.
      He advised referee Martin Atkinson to check the monitor for a possible red card against James Ward-Prowse for a foul on Jorginho.
      Atkinson proceeded to do so and then upgraded the yellow card he had awarded to the Saints skipper to a straight sending-off.
      Hasenhuttl joked in his Zoom press conference later: “You know that when Mike Dean is the VAR, he will send him to have a look at it (the monitor) – and then it was okay from me, I think. He gave it. But this is his job, I don’t want to say it is his fault because I haven’t seen it so far…”
      The Austrian has now been slapped with the prospect of a fine for his words and Saints have until Tuesday to appeal it, though it seems unlikely they will.
      NO DEJA BLUE IN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
      Ex-Chelsea defender Frank Lebeouf warns fans it is ‘almost impossible’ for the club win the Champions League again this season.
      The Blues won their second ever Champions League trophy in May, overcoming Manchester City 1-0 in Porto thanks to a goal from Kai Havertz.
      But former Chelsea centre-back Lebeouf, 53, has warned the club not to get their hopes up again, suggesting they were ‘lucky’ to win last year.
      Lebeouf told Labrokes: “A failure for a big club like Chelsea, Liverpool or both from Manchester is to win nothing.
      “I’m not sure if any of the fans of those four clubs would be happy with just the Carabao Cup. 
      “The club doesn’t care about it and the fans don’t care about it, what they want is at least the FA Cup, if not the Premier League or Champions League.

      “Only one team can win each competition, though, and Chelsea have been lucky enough to win the Champions League last season but it was kind of a miracle really.
      “Tuchel came in and changed some stuff and it worked and nobody expected Chelsea to win. 
      “Right now an FA Cup would be nice for Chelsea and the Premier League or the Champions League would be absolutely fantastic.
      “The Champions League is the most unrealistic of the three because it was only Real Madrid that was able to win it three times consecutively.
      “I would love Chelsea to win it just two times in a row but this is why it is unrealistic.
      “Chelsea won it last season and to win it again would be great but almost impossible if we read the stats.”
      AGREE WITH FERGIE?
      Alex Ferguson has stirred up fierce social media debate by claiming Arsenal’s unbeaten 2003-4 Premier League season to win the title “stands above anything else”.
      That’s quite something coming from a Manchester United boss who won the Treble amid fierce rival with Arsene Wenger’s Gunners.
      It’s difficult to compare or measure such outstanding achievements but few could doubt Arsenal’s Invincibles’ campaign holds an iconic fascination.
      And the documentary movie Arsene Wenger: Invincible’ is out next month.

      STILL THE TOP DROG
      Didier Drogba is arguably Chelsea’s greatest ever striker.
      And at 43, three years after his retirement, the Ivory Coast icon remains a powerful presence and poacher up front – as shown by this treble for a Marseille legends team.
      🔥 𝙃𝙚’𝙨 𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙜𝙤𝙩 𝙞𝙩 🔥Chelsea hero Didier Drogba scored a hat-trick for his Marseille legends side in a charity match against former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger’s UNICEF XI team… pic.twitter.com/lzrAChSJa6— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 14, 2021

      ‘RON BOOSTS CHANCES OF POGBA STAYING’
      Paul Pogba is no longer the biggest name in town after the return of talisman Cristiano Ronaldo to Manchester United this summer.
      But reports say the France international ‘loves’ having CR7 alongside him at Old Trafford.
      And that is thought to have done United’s chances of agreeing a new deal with the midfielder the world of good.

      The Athletic reports Ronaldo’s arrival has reinvigorated Pogba, who is also enjoying more of an attacking role in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s plans.
      The 28-year-old is into the final year of his contract at Old Trafford.
      The likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus have joined long-time suitors Real Madrid in circling for his signature.
      Pogba is allowed to talk to foreign clubs in January with the threat of leaving United on a free transfer next summer.
      He recently revealed he still speaks to former Juve team-mates but signalled he would wait until the end of the season to decide his future.
      UEFA TO PROBE ‘RACIST ABUSE’ AT ELANGA
      Uefa will investigate an incident of alleged racist abuse aimed at Manchester United’s Anthony Elanga.
      The alleged incident is said to have occurred at the end of Sweden’s Under-21 Euros qualifier against Italy on Tuesday.
      Elanga, who was taken off in the 72nd minute, was involved in an incident with opposition players after the final whistle.

      And the Swedish Football Association claim that the United winger, 19, was racially abused by an Italian player.
      European soccer’s governing body said in a statement: “In accordance with Article 31(4) of the Uefa Disciplinary Regulations, a Uefa Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed to conduct a disciplinary investigation regarding the incidents.”
      The Italian Football Federation (FIGC), however, has denied the allegations.
      They said: “The FIGC categorically denies that an opponent was subject to racist abuse by an Under-21 National Team player during yesterday’s match.
      “We understand that no such incident was observed by the match officials or the UEFA delegate.”
      ON CLOUD NINE
      A host of Premier League clubs have chipped in to hire a private jet to get their South American stars back in time to play this weekend.
      The Daily Mail says Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City are ‘understood to be involved in clubbing together for an aircraft’ which costs ‘six figures’.
      Brazil’s World Cup qualifying clash with Uruguay will kick off at 1:30am on Friday UK time.
      That has nine players from England’s top-flight involved, and they will take off immediately after the clash in Manaus.

      United striker Edinson Cavani and midfielder Fred, Man City’s goalkeeper Ederson and forward Gabriel Jesus plus Liverpool pair Alisson and Fabinho will all be on-board.
      And the report claims that Leeds United’s Raphinha is also expected to fly back too.
      Chelsea star Thiago Silva and Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz are set to travel home as well.

      JESSE: BRUNO’S GOT MY BACK
      Jesse Lingard has revealed the overwhelming support he has received from his Manchester United midfield team-mate Bruno Fernandes during his troubled past season and a half.
      England ace Lingard is tipped to exit Old Trafford when his contract runs out next summer, despite returning from West Ham following a successful half-term on loan.
      Credit: Getty
      The 28-year-old wrote in The Players’ Tribune: “After that Bruno Fernandes referred to me as the ‘best player in the Premier League’ in an interview with United … me!!
      “Can you believe that?!? That’s coming from Bruno!
      “I’ve got a lot of love for Bruno. He was dropping me messages of support throughout my loan.
      “To get that recognition from someone at his level was just amazing.”
      BA BOOT SALE
      It’s usually a life of fast cars and private jets for professional footballers.
      But Demba Ba has revealed how he once had to hide in a car boot to force a transfer to West Ham.
      The Senegal striker was desperate to move to the Premier League from Hoffenheim back in 2011.

      With the Hammers then embroiled in a relegation battle, bosses at Upton Park were desperate to keep news of Ba’s arrival a secret.
      That meant he had to rely on a friend to smuggle him into the training ground to avoid being spotted by any waiting reporters.
      Ba told The Athletic: “They said they didn’t want journalists to find out, so I obeyed.
      “It wasn’t the biggest boot. It was like ‘boom, boom’, I’m hitting my head at every corner.”
      Ba joined West Ham in January 2011 after seeing a move to Stoke fall through when Potters medical staff discovered a problem with his knee.
      WAYNE EXPECTS GAIN FOR KANE AFTER PAIN
      Wayne Rooney has backed Harry Kane to recover from his current dip in form.
      And the Manchester United legend says he can think of hundreds of reasons why Kane, 28, will soon be scoring for club and country.
      The Spurs striker suffered a rare international substitution after failing to sparkle in England’s 1-1 draw with Hungary on Tuesday, and has yet to get off the mark in the Premier League this season.

      But England’s greatest ever marksman Rooney insists Kane is still the man he expects to join Alan Shearer and himself in the Premier League’s exclusive 200-goals club.
      The Derby County boss said: “Harry Kane is one of the best strikers in the world but when you don’t score, unfortunately, people have their opinions, which they’re entitled to of course.
      “Personally I think it’s a bit of an over-reaction if I’m honest because it’s the first game for a while he hasn’t scored for England.
      “Even for Tottenham he’s still scored a few goals this season, although not in the Premier League.
      “However Harry is a good enough player and a big enough person to come through this little sticky period.
      “All strikers go through moments where you don’t score. Tottenham are not in the best vein of form themselves and that’s down to the team.
      “The moment Harry gets his first goal in the Premier League he’ll get back to scoring on a regular basis.”
      BRIGHTON ROCKED BY WELBECK AND ALZATE INJURIES
      Brighton have been rocked by serious injuries to Danny Welbeck and Steven Alzate.
      Both players picked up their respective problems in the 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace before the international break and both required surgery.
      Striker Welbeck, 30, has damaged his hamstring while midfielder Alzate, 23, hurt his ankle.

      Both are expected to be out for a considerable amount of time.
      Albion boss Graham Potter said: “It’s (Danny’s) hamstring. It’s been ongoing a bit and in the end surgery seemed to be the best solution for him.
      “Obviously it’s devastating for Danny and for us. We’re disappointed, of course.
      “He’s had the surgery, it all went well. He’ll be back stronger than ever, I think.
      “It’s just going to take a bit of time for that process to happen, same with Steven.
      “Steven’s is his ankle when he fell awkwardly. It’s really disappointing for them.
      “But what I’ve got to think about is how to help them recover and come back stronger.”
      UTD NAME RON PLAYER OF MONTH
      Cristiano Ronaldo has completed a September player-of-the-month double to underline his remarkable return to Manchester United.
      After winning the Premier League award, United handed the 36-year-old their own gong.
      That was certainly a less controversial choice than the Prem made – as many felt Mo Salah’s all-round attacking contribution for Liverpool had edged out Ron’s goal-getting.

      SULE AND COUTINHO ‘ON TOON WISHLIST’
      Newcastle are reportedly tracking Niklas Sule and Philippe Coutinho as they look to flex their new financial muscles.
      German newspaper Bild claims the Magpies are considering January moves for the pair following their blockbuster Saudi-led takeover.
      Bayern Munich centre-back Sule has 37 caps for Germany and is into the final year of his contract with the Bundesliga giants.

      The 26-year-old would be free to sign a pre-contract agreement on Tyneside ahead of a move next summer if a deal cannot be done in January.
      Brazil forward Coutinho has struggled to settle at Barcelona since moving to Catalonia from Liverpool in 2018.
      He knows Sule from his time on loan at Bayern after spending the 2019-20 season temporarily at the Allianz Arena.
      The 29-year-old is being eyed along with Chelsea’s Timo Werner as Newcastle’s new owners look to reinvent their attacking options.
      EVRA’S LOVE AND WAR WITH VIDIC
      Patrice Evra has revealed he once went “three months” without speaking to fellow Manchester United legend Nemanja Vidic – forcing boss Alex Ferguson to CHANGE Rio Ferdinand’s position so that the defence could still communicate properly.
      Evra told United’s official website: “We had a fight, and didn’t speak.
      “We played together and we didn’t even say a word. I never told him to go left or go right. He was the same.

      “Ferguson had to swap Rio Ferdinand to play on the left side with me.
      “It was like that for three months until, after a game, I remember he came to me in the dressing room and gave me a high-five.
      “Everyone was like ‘finally’ because we were best friends together, Vida and me. We have a deep story together.
      “I love him so much. We struggled but we were really real, me and him.
      “If we were doing something wrong, we’d argue but, in the same way, it was a really great relationship.”
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      in Boxing

      Tyson Fury vs Deontay Wilder 3 LIVE REACTION: Bronze Bomber SURGERY on broken hand, Fury arrives home – latest updates

      by

      TYSON FURY and his family are back in the UK after the Gypsy King’s stunning win in Las Vegas. Fury partied with DJ Steve Aoki in Sin City until 3am after his incredible KO victory over Deontay Wilder.
      In a truly unbelievable third round, Fury dropped Wilder before being dropped TWICE himself.
      And the Bronze Bomber would be knocked to the ground four times before eventually succumbing to defeat and getting taken to hospital.
      Fury roared: “Like the great John Wayne said I am made from pig, iron and steel baby!
      “I was down a couple of times and hurt and Wilder is a tough man too after he got up a few times too.
      “It was a great fight tonight, worthy of any trilogy in the sport, I always said I am the first best and he is second.
      “But I went over to show love and respect and he didn’t want it to so I will pray for him.”
      It was suggested that Wilder could hang up his gloves after the loss, but his trainer Malik Scott has revealed he will fight on.
      And SunSport can reveal he will be out until MAY next year, with the American needing surgery on a broken hand.

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      Follow ALL the updates with our live blog below…
      BOB’S YOUR UNCLE
      Tyson Fury’s American promoter admits he was “completely wrong” for launching a foul-mouthed sexist rant at boxing presenter Kate Abdo.
      He told iFL TV: “As far as Kate is concerned, I was completely wrong.
      “We had made a deal with the producer televising the weigh-in and agreed no stare-down.
      “So when she called for a stare-down, particularly after seeing the fighters’ animosity, verbally, at that press conference, I exploded. But it wasn’t her fault.
      ‘The producer reneged and she gets the instructions in her earpiece and she was told to order the stare-down.
      “She is a terrific commentator, terrific reporter and she wasn’t the one I shouldn’t have directed my ire so I was completely wrong.”

      GETTING WILD
      Deontay Wilder will NOT retire after his gruelling loss to Tyson Fury – with the motivation to return by May 2022.
      The likes of Anthony Joshua are among the targets next year “no matter” the result of AJ’s rematch with Oleksandr Usyk, says co-manager Shelly Finkel.
      He told SunSport: “My gut says the big fights. It’s not on the drawing board now, but he would love to get Fury back again. 
      “But again, it’s early and we have to get through Usyk and Joshua and see a couple of other possibilities.
      “It’s a massive fight [Wilder vs Joshua], no matter what happens in the Joshua – Usyk fight. 
      “And I’m not sure that Usyk, even with his great skills, will be able to deal with the size of Fury.”
      WAR ENSEMBLE
      Frank Warren has named Tyson Fury the No1 heavyweight in the world but left Anthony Joshua OUT of his top five.
      AJ is only sixth on the list – with FOUR other Brits ahead of him.
      What do you make of Warren’s choices?

      HOLY KOW
      Heavyweight star Adam Kownacki has been banned from blowing his nose after his devastating defeat to Robert Helenius on Saturday night.
      He took a battering from the first bell, having his orbital bone fractured before the eventual sixth-round stoppage.
      And in documents reported by the Mirror, he now can’t even blow his nose as he recovers.
      The doctor’s report said: “You have a fracture of the orbital floor and will need to follow up with an ophthalmologist and plastic surgeon.
      “Do not blow your nose. Elevate your head use ice packs.”
      JOSH YOU WAIT
      With Tyson Fury beating Deontay Wilder, Anthony Joshua has become boxing’s forgotten man.
      He will fight Oleksandr Usyk in a rematch next spring.
      But what if AJ loses that one too?
      SEE WHO JOSHUA COULD FIGHT HERE

      FIGHT CLUB
      Tyson Fury claims his mum has NEVER been to one of his fights.
      He told the Telegraph: “She has never been to one of my fights, amateur or pro, and never been in the public eye at all. 
      “My mam doesn’t care if I’m world champion or not, as long as I’m healthy and happy. 
      “You could give my mother that table full of £50 notes and diamonds and it wouldn’t change who she is, ever.”
      CHAMP VS CHAMP
      Frank Warren wants Anthony Joshua to ditch his rematch against Oleksandr Usyk so Tyson Fury can fight the Ukrainian in an undisputed blockbuster.
      He told TalkSport: “If AJ was to step aside and let us get the Usyk fight on, maybe he could fight the winner?
      “Usyk has got a rematch clause with AJ, that’s no secret. If AJ wants to step aside then I’m sure we can easily make that fight, but will he step aside? I doubt it! Maybe he will, I don’t know.
      “From our perspective, we would love to do that fight, but if we can’t and Tyson wants to keep boxing, he’ll have to defend his title, if he doesn’t want to keep boxing, so be it.”
      CAN’T TY HIM DOWN
      Tyson Fury’s former trainer has revealed the tiny detail which enabled him to get up from the hard knockdown against Deontay Wilder.
      Ben Davison was in Fury’s corner for his first fight against Wilder.
      He said on Twitter: “The instinct and timing to brace upon the impact and only give his forehead, tucking his chin down was the key to being able get up!”
      FACE THE USYK
      Oleksandr Usyk’s promoter Alexander Krassyuk wasn’t impressed by Tyson Fury’s epic heavyweight clash with Deontay Wilder.
      During an appearance on talkSPORT, the Ukrainian said: “The fight we saw on Saturday night [Fury vs Wilder] was not an impressive one.
      “As a fight, it was a huge performance. But as a boxing match, it didn’t look like [one].
      “There were two warriors trying to hit each other with anything they could just to kill each other.”
      Krassuyk reckons the third instalment of Fury vs Wilder didn’t show anywhere near the amount of skill and technique displayed in Usyk’s dethroning of Anthony Joshua last month.
      He continued: “But on the boxing side and technical side, I didn’t see anything really special from both fighters.”
      PAYEDAY
      David Haye has called out Tyson Fury for a fight AGAIN and says he’ll only return to boxing to face the ‘No1 heavyweight on the planet’.
      He told iFL TV: “I’m 100 per cent serious. I’ve said that the only person I’d put my body through a come back for would be for the number one heavyweight on the planet.
      “There’s no reason why I’d punish myself and do what I need to do to put myself in a position to give myself any time of chance if it isn’t for the big one.
      “It doesn’t get any bigger than that. I’d be like a 1000/1 underdog, for good reason.
      “Hopefully when team Fury crunch the numbers… something’s going to happen in the next two months when they’re going to be looking for an opponent. I know how big time boxing works.
      “When he works out what money is generated with a Hayemaker fight vs any of the other options, although on paper they may be more respectable… he knows it’s out there.”
      NO AVERAGE JOE
      UFC commentator Joe Rogan has hailed Tyson Fury for the momentous victory in his trilogy fight with Deontay Wilder.
      The Wythenshawe warrior retained his WBC heavyweight title last weekend with a stunning 11th-round KO victory in Las Vegas.
      Combat sports fans across the globe were quick to praise the Brit for his first title defence, including boxing-mad Rogan.
      Alongside a screengrab of the fight, Rogan wrote on Instagram: “All hail the @gypsyking101.
      “One of the greatest heavyweight fights of all time. Incredible.”
      WILD DAYS ARE OVER
      Barry Hearn believes Deontay Wilder ‘looked a beaten man’ and could retire from boxing after his second loss to Tyson Fury in Las Vegas.
      He told Boxing Social: “Some fight, some fight. It might be the last time we see Deontay Wilder out there.
      “He looked a beaten man mentally and physically on the night, and subsequently the way he’s been talking.
      “It was a comprehensive demolition job by Tyson.
      “I think most of us predicted a win for Tyson Fury but didn’t perhaps see the drama we were going to get. It was a great fight for heavyweight boxing.
      “A great fight for Tyson Fury who seems to be so confident he could walk through walls at the moment.”
      SIDELINED
      Tyson Fury has been handed a medical suspension following his sensational victory over Deontay Wilder.
      The Wythenshawe warrior retained his WBC heavyweight title in an epic Las Vegas trilogy fight courtesy of a stunning 11th-round knockout.
      But the former lineal heavyweight champ had to battle through adversity to register his first-ever title defence.
      Fury, 33, was dropped twice in the fourth round and took several more of Wilder’s devastating right hands in the ensuing rounds.
      And as a precaution, the Nevada State Athletic Commission have given him a standard 45-day suspension.
      Former WBC champ Wilder, meanwhile, has been handed a six-month suspension by the NSAC.

      NO LOVE LOST
      Tommy Fury is finally set to take on rival Jake Paul this December in a huge £1m-PLUS grudge match.
      The Love Island star and YouTuber have been embroiled in a bitter war-of-words over the last year.
      His promoter Frank Warren told IFL TV: “At the moment we’re working through the terms, we’re quite close and I’m hoping we can get it over the line.
      “It’s a great fight for Tommy. It’s a very lucrative fight for him. Financially how can you not turn that down.
      “I think he wins it. It’s captured everyone’s imagination, it’s all they were talking about out in the States.
      “Hopefully we’ll finish it off this week and we can move forward. It’ll be in late November, December.”
      WILD ADVICE
      Canelo Alvarez has offered Deontay Wilder some words of wisdom following his brutal loss to Tyson Fury.
      During an appearance on The Last Stand Podcast, the Mexican said: “Great fight, great fight.
      “I think Wilder needs more condition, more moves.
      “He doesn’t know how to move the head. It is difficult when you don’t have that condition and you don’t know how to move.
      “That is why Tyson Fury beat him. Tyson Fury is a great fighter.”
      DEON DOWN
      Deontay Wilder has been handed a six-month suspension after his brutal battering at the hands of Tyson Fury.
      The American slugger was demolished by the Brit and finally KOd in the eleventh-round over the weekend.
      It came after a fight of the century candidate between the pair with FIVE knockdowns at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
      But Wilder has now been banned from getting back into the ring until April next year at the earliest.
      The 41-2-1 heavyweight was dropped three times during the savage battle in front of a packed-out crowd.
      He was taken to hospital straight after the bout for scans on his head and hands.
      GOOD MORNING BOXING FANS
      Tyson Fury claims he could be one fight from retirement.
      And his thrillogy victim Deontay Wilder faces hand surgery as the cost of his second defeat to the Brit adds up.
      Fury retained his WBC heavyweight crown with a victory over American Wilder that Mike Tyson rated one of the all-time great bouts.
      Now the Gypsy King could fight Anthony Joshua’s conqueror Oleksandr Usyk to unify the world titles, or hope the Ukrainian steps aside to allow a crowd-pulling clash with AJ.
      But Fury said: “I don’t know what’s going to happen.
      “I’ve got one fight left on my contract with Top Rank and ESPN and we’ll see what that is.
      “But I’m not thinking about boxing right now. I don’t know how many fights I’ve got left.
      “I don’t know if I need to fight any more.”
      Meanwhile, Fury’s promoter Frank Warren claims his man “beats Joshua in every department”.
      Warren said: “Tyson always felt, and I think anybody who watched the fight against Wilder would agree, that he had AJ’s number.
      “He’s got a great chin, a bigger heart, he punches as hard as AJ – I don’t care what anyone says, look at those knockdowns against Wilder.
      “And, by the way, would AJ beat Wilder? I don’t think he would have done, on that performance I saw.”
      Fellow promoter Eddie Hearn Hearn told iFL TV: “Wilder shouldn’t be disheartened – because Fury is a brilliant fighter.
      “But I don’t know how much he’s going to want it after that. I just think Fury’s got his number and absolutely terrorised him mentally.”
      TYSON’S BOX AND CAB
      Tyson Fury finished his journey home from Las Vegas with a 244-mile TAXI ride from Heathrow to Morecambe.
      The Gypsy King endured a gruelling 24 hour trip back to the UK via Atlanta following his heroics at the weekend.
      Fury, 33, partied long into the night alongside brother Tommy and wife Paris after his epic victory over Deontay Wilder on Saturday night.

      Following his well-earned celebrations, the WBC heavyweight champion jetted from Vegas to Atlanta, before catching a connecting flight to Heathrow.
      Rather than face boarding a third plane to Manchester, however, the shattered Gypsy King had other ideas.
      Alongside Paris and brother Shane, Fury booked a cab to take them back to his home in Morecambe.
      According to the Mirror, the journey set him back £261… a fee that won’t make too much of a dent after he earned more than £18million on Saturday night.
      Ironically, Fury’s cab ride took an estimated four hours – when his final flight may have had him home in one or two.
      ‘FURY BETTER THAN AJ IN EVERY WAY’
      Tyson Fury beats Anthony Joshua ‘in every department’ according to the Gypsy King’s promoter Frank Warren.
      The prospect of the two Brits ever fighting took a major when Oleksandr Usyk comfortably outpointed Joshua – before Fury KO’d Deontay Wilder in theri trilogy bout.

      Warren told talkSPORT: “Tyson always felt, and I think anybody who watched the fight against Wilder would agree, that he had AJ’s number.
      “For me, he beats him in every department. He’s got a great chin, a bigger heart, he punches as hard as AJ – I don’t care what anyone says, look at those knockdowns against Wilder.
      “And, by the way, would AJ beat Wilder? I don’t think he would have done, on that performance I saw.
      “But does he [Fury] want the fight still? If it’s there and if it was to happen, that’s a choice he’ll make.
      “I still think it would be a massive draw, everybody has got an opinion about what would happen in that fight, but for me there’s only one winner there.”
      TYSON: MUM’S THE WORLD
      Tyson Fury claims his mum has NEVER been to one of his fights.
      And she doesn’t care about the Gypsy King being world champion so long as he is ‘healthy and happy’.

      Fury is world boxing’s No1 after defeating Deontay Wilder in Saturday’s Las Vegas trilogy battle.
      He had been hoping to fight Anthony Joshua in an all-British, world heavyweight unifier.
      But AJ lost his belts to Oleksandr Usyk last month and has already triggered his rematch clause – with that fight likely taking place in March.
      Fury will now consider his options after becoming king of the ring.
      But one person who isn’t too interested in his next step is Fury’s mum, Amber.
      The Gypsy King told the Telegraph: “She has never been to one of my fights, amateur or pro, and never been in the public eye at all. 
      “My mam doesn’t care if I’m world champion or not, as long as I’m healthy and happy. 
      “You could give my mother that table full of £50 notes and diamonds and it wouldn’t change who she is, ever.”
      STEP ASIDE, AJ
      Promoter Frank Warren wants Anthony Joshua to ditch his rematch against Oleksandr Usyk so Tyson Fury can fight the Ukrainian in an undisputed blockbuster.
      Warren was beaming in Las Vegas at the weekend after watching his man deliver a sensational 11th-round KO of Deontay Wilder in their trilogy fight.
      Frank Warren says Tyson Fury beats Anthony Joshua in every department and opens the door to super fight
      That successful WBC title defence has cemented Fury as one of the greatest heavyweights ever.
      Joshua, meanwhile, will attempt a revenge mission after instructing his promoter Eddie Hern to thrash out terms for the Usyk rematch.
      Joshua was easily outboxed by the former cruiserweight king in front of 65,000 fans at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on September 25.
      But Warren has urged AJ to consider stepping aside to let Fury go toe-to-toe with Usyk for all the belts.
      Speaking to talkSPORT, the 69-year-old said: “If AJ was to step aside and let us get the Usyk fight on, maybe he could fight the winner?
      “Usyk has got a rematch clause with AJ, that’s no secret. If AJ wants to step aside then I’m sure we can easily make that fight, but will he step aside? I doubt it! Maybe he will, I don’t know.”
      ‘HE’S GOT BOTTLE’
      Eddie Hearn has heaped praise upon Deontay Wilder for his role in one of the most thrilling boxing encounters in recent memory despite losing to Tyson Fury in Las Vegas.
      The Bronze Bomber knocked his opponent down twice in the fourth round and looked set to win at one point, but he started being dominated by the Briton as he tired.
      Hearn told iFL TV: “His credibility was on the floor before Saturday. He got absolutely hammered in the last fight and he was full of excuses.
      “His credibility was shot to pieces. Now I think it’s gone through the roof because although his tank was empty, he stuck in there.
      “In any normal situation, I feel the corner would have pulled him out. But he deserves credit. He’s got bottle.
      “I still think he’s in a good position. Wilder shouldn’t be disheartened because Fury is a brilliant fighter.
      “But I don’t know how much he’s going to want it after that. I just think Fury’s got his number and absolutely terrorised him mentally.”
      DEONTAY NEEDS HAND SURGERY
      Deontay Wilder will have surgery for a broken hand before setting his sights on a May 2022 return fight – with Anthony Joshua eyed.
      Wilder was brutally knocked out by Tyson Fury in round 11 of their trilogy bout, but only after twice flooring his British rival in the fourth.
      But it was there that the American, who carried 41 knockouts into the fight, broke one of the most lethal right hands in boxing history.

      As a result, he will go under the knife next week after returning home to Alabama following the gruelling Las Vegas thriller.
      His co-manager Shelly Finkel told SunSport: “Deontay broke his right hand behind the third knuckle and he has to have that fixed next week.
      “He has to have surgery, the knuckle is OK, it’s the bone behind the knuckle that broke. He’s sore but he was OK, he was home yesterday.
      “He’s healing and at this point, if everything is OK, after the hand surgery he’ll probably look to enter the ring mid next year, like April or May.”
      Wilder, 35, blamed his rematch loss to Fury, 33, last year on everything but a masterclass from the Gypsy King, who he initially drew with in 2018.
      His excuses, which were stuck by but never proven, ranged from Fury fighting with WEIGHTS in his gloves and his water being SPIKED.
      But after 11 epic rounds in their trilogy decider, Wilder’s reputation has been resorted despite failing to reclaim the WBC title.
      IRON MIKE HAILS ‘ALL-TIME GREAT’ FIGHT
      Mike Tyson has dubbed Tyson Fury’s win over Deontay Wilder one of the best fights in boxing history – with both reaching ‘all-time great status’.
      The British star, 33, recovered from two knockdowns to KO the Bronze Bomber in the 11th round of a thrilling fight in Las Vegas to retain his WBC heavyweight belt.
      Fans immediately called it an instant classic, with Iron Mike, 55, claiming it’s ‘one of the greatest’ fights in boxing history.

      Tyson tweeted: “Fury vs Wilder fight will go down as one of greatest.
      “Not for skill, but for action and excitement.
      “That fight was all guts, heart & determination.
      “Everybody won Saturday night.
      “The fight was bigger than the hype. Both of them reached all time great status…”
      RIO WANTS FURY VS AJ AT OLD TRAFFORD
      Rio Ferdinand has urged ‘inspirational’ heavyweight superstar Tyson Fury to fight Anthony Joshua.
      And the former Manchester United defender wants the two British boxers to face off in a huge showdown at Old Trafford.
      Fury’s sensational stoppage win over Deontay Wilder on Saturday night in Las Vegas underlined his status as the king of the heavyweight division.

      Ferdinand told Vibe with FIVE YouTube channel: “That fight for me goes down as one of the best ever. It was unreal. He gets knocked down, gets up, knocks him out.
      “Fury is one of the greatest athletes of our generation. He’s an inspirational guy.
      “I want Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua at Old Trafford. Tyson, get it done! Please get that fight at Old Trafford.”
      The Gypsy King and AJ were on course to face each other in a massive British fight.
      But the showdown fell through after Wilder went through the courts to secure a third fight.
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      Tyson Fury vs Deontay Wilder 3 LIVE REACTION: Bronze Bomber to undergo SURGERY, Fury arrives home in UK – latest updates

      by

      TYSON FURY and his family are back in the UK after the Gypsy King’s stunning win in Las Vegas. Fury partied with DJ Steve Aoki in Sin City until 3am after his incredible KO victory over Deontay Wilder.
      In a truly unbelievable third round, Fury dropped Wilder before being dropped TWICE himself.
      And the Bronze Bomber would be knocked to the ground four times before eventually succumbing to defeat and getting taken to hospital.
      Fury roared: “Like the great John Wayne said I am made from pig, iron and steel baby!
      “I was down a couple of times and hurt and Wilder is a tough man too after he got up a few times too.
      “It was a great fight tonight, worthy of any trilogy in the sport, I always said I am the first best and he is second.
      “But I went over to show love and respect and he didn’t want it to so I will pray for him.”
      It was suggested that Wilder could hang up his gloves after the loss, but his trainer Malik Scott has revealed he will fight on.
      And SunSport can reveal he will be out until MAY next year, with the American needing surgery on a broken hand.

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      Follow ALL the updates with our live blog below…
      TYSON’S BOX AND CAB
      Tyson Fury finished his journey home from Las Vegas with a 244-mile TAXI ride from Heathrow to Morecambe.
      The Gypsy King endured a gruelling 24 hour trip back to the UK via Atlanta following his heroics at the weekend.
      Fury, 33, partied long into the night alongside brother Tommy and wife Paris after his epic victory over Deontay Wilder on Saturday night.

      Following his well-earned celebrations, the WBC heavyweight champion jetted from Vegas to Atlanta, before catching a connecting flight to Heathrow.
      Rather than face boarding a third plane to Manchester, however, the shattered Gypsy King had other ideas.
      Alongside Paris and brother Shane, Fury booked a cab to take them back to his home in Morecambe.
      According to the Mirror, the journey set him back £261… a fee that won’t make too much of a dent after he earned more than £18million on Saturday night.
      Ironically, Fury’s cab ride took an estimated four hours – when his final flight may have had him home in one or two.
      ‘FURY BETTER THAN AJ IN EVERY WAY’
      Tyson Fury beats Anthony Joshua ‘in every department’ according to the Gypsy King’s promoter Frank Warren.
      The prospect of the two Brits ever fighting took a major when Oleksandr Usyk comfortably outpointed Joshua – before Fury KO’d Deontay Wilder in theri trilogy bout.

      Warren told talkSPORT: “Tyson always felt, and I think anybody who watched the fight against Wilder would agree, that he had AJ’s number.
      “For me, he beats him in every department. He’s got a great chin, a bigger heart, he punches as hard as AJ – I don’t care what anyone says, look at those knockdowns against Wilder.
      “And, by the way, would AJ beat Wilder? I don’t think he would have done, on that performance I saw.
      “But does he [Fury] want the fight still? If it’s there and if it was to happen, that’s a choice he’ll make.
      “I still think it would be a massive draw, everybody has got an opinion about what would happen in that fight, but for me there’s only one winner there.”
      TYSON: MUM’S THE WORLD
      Tyson Fury claims his mum has NEVER been to one of his fights.
      And she doesn’t care about the Gypsy King being world champion so long as he is ‘healthy and happy’.

      Fury is world boxing’s No1 after defeating Deontay Wilder in Saturday’s Las Vegas trilogy battle.
      He had been hoping to fight Anthony Joshua in an all-British, world heavyweight unifier.
      But AJ lost his belts to Oleksandr Usyk last month and has already triggered his rematch clause – with that fight likely taking place in March.
      Fury will now consider his options after becoming king of the ring.
      But one person who isn’t too interested in his next step is Fury’s mum, Amber.
      The Gypsy King told the Telegraph: “She has never been to one of my fights, amateur or pro, and never been in the public eye at all. 
      “My mam doesn’t care if I’m world champion or not, as long as I’m healthy and happy. 
      “You could give my mother that table full of £50 notes and diamonds and it wouldn’t change who she is, ever.”
      STEP ASIDE, AJ
      Promoter Frank Warren wants Anthony Joshua to ditch his rematch against Oleksandr Usyk so Tyson Fury can fight the Ukrainian in an undisputed blockbuster.
      Warren was beaming in Las Vegas at the weekend after watching his man deliver a sensational 11th-round KO of Deontay Wilder in their trilogy fight.
      Frank Warren says Tyson Fury beats Anthony Joshua in every department and opens the door to super fight
      That successful WBC title defence has cemented Fury as one of the greatest heavyweights ever.
      Joshua, meanwhile, will attempt a revenge mission after instructing his promoter Eddie Hern to thrash out terms for the Usyk rematch.
      Joshua was easily outboxed by the former cruiserweight king in front of 65,000 fans at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on September 25.
      But Warren has urged AJ to consider stepping aside to let Fury go toe-to-toe with Usyk for all the belts.
      Speaking to talkSPORT, the 69-year-old said: “If AJ was to step aside and let us get the Usyk fight on, maybe he could fight the winner?
      “Usyk has got a rematch clause with AJ, that’s no secret. If AJ wants to step aside then I’m sure we can easily make that fight, but will he step aside? I doubt it! Maybe he will, I don’t know.”
      ‘HE’S GOT BOTTLE’
      Eddie Hearn has heaped praise upon Deontay Wilder for his role in one of the most thrilling boxing encounters in recent memory despite losing to Tyson Fury in Las Vegas.
      The Bronze Bomber knocked his opponent down twice in the fourth round and looked set to win at one point, but he started being dominated by the Briton as he tired.
      Hearn told iFL TV: “His credibility was on the floor before Saturday. He got absolutely hammered in the last fight and he was full of excuses.
      “His credibility was shot to pieces. Now I think it’s gone through the roof because although his tank was empty, he stuck in there.
      “In any normal situation, I feel the corner would have pulled him out. But he deserves credit. He’s got bottle.
      “I still think he’s in a good position. Wilder shouldn’t be disheartened because Fury is a brilliant fighter.
      “But I don’t know how much he’s going to want it after that. I just think Fury’s got his number and absolutely terrorised him mentally.”
      DEONTAY NEEDS HAND SURGERY
      Deontay Wilder will have surgery for a broken hand before setting his sights on a May 2022 return fight – with Anthony Joshua eyed.
      Wilder was brutally knocked out by Tyson Fury in round 11 of their trilogy bout, but only after twice flooring his British rival in the fourth.
      But it was there that the American, who carried 41 knockouts into the fight, broke one of the most lethal right hands in boxing history.

      As a result, he will go under the knife next week after returning home to Alabama following the gruelling Las Vegas thriller.
      His co-manager Shelly Finkel told SunSport: “Deontay broke his right hand behind the third knuckle and he has to have that fixed next week.
      “He has to have surgery, the knuckle is OK, it’s the bone behind the knuckle that broke. He’s sore but he was OK, he was home yesterday.
      “He’s healing and at this point, if everything is OK, after the hand surgery he’ll probably look to enter the ring mid next year, like April or May.”
      Wilder, 35, blamed his rematch loss to Fury, 33, last year on everything but a masterclass from the Gypsy King, who he initially drew with in 2018.
      His excuses, which were stuck by but never proven, ranged from Fury fighting with WEIGHTS in his gloves and his water being SPIKED.
      But after 11 epic rounds in their trilogy decider, Wilder’s reputation has been resorted despite failing to reclaim the WBC title.
      IRON MIKE HAILS ‘ALL-TIME GREAT’ FIGHT
      Mike Tyson has dubbed Tyson Fury’s win over Deontay Wilder one of the best fights in boxing history – with both reaching ‘all-time great status’.
      The British star, 33, recovered from two knockdowns to KO the Bronze Bomber in the 11th round of a thrilling fight in Las Vegas to retain his WBC heavyweight belt.
      Fans immediately called it an instant classic, with Iron Mike, 55, claiming it’s ‘one of the greatest’ fights in boxing history.

      Tyson tweeted: “Fury vs Wilder fight will go down as one of greatest.
      “Not for skill, but for action and excitement.
      “That fight was all guts, heart & determination.
      “Everybody won Saturday night.
      “The fight was bigger than the hype. Both of them reached all time great status…”
      RIO WANTS FURY VS AJ AT OLD TRAFFORD
      Rio Ferdinand has urged ‘inspirational’ heavyweight superstar Tyson Fury to fight Anthony Joshua.
      And the former Manchester United defender wants the two British boxers to face off in a huge showdown at Old Trafford.
      Fury’s sensational stoppage win over Deontay Wilder on Saturday night in Las Vegas underlined his status as the king of the heavyweight division.

      Ferdinand told Vibe with FIVE YouTube channel: “That fight for me goes down as one of the best ever. It was unreal. He gets knocked down, gets up, knocks him out.
      “Fury is one of the greatest athletes of our generation. He’s an inspirational guy.
      “I want Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua at Old Trafford. Tyson, get it done! Please get that fight at Old Trafford.”
      The Gypsy King and AJ were on course to face each other in a massive British fight.
      But the showdown fell through after Wilder went through the courts to secure a third fight.
      FURY IN HINT QUIT
      Tyson Fury has hinted he could retire in the near future after knocking out Deontay Wilder in their trilogy bout.
      The 33-year-old defended his WBC heavyweight belt for the first time over the weekend after blasting away the Bronze Bomber in Las Vegas.
      Fury, who was dropped twice in the fourth round of their epic encounter, sent his American rival crashing to the canvas three times in their third meeting.

      And the Gypsy King has admitted he is unsure what the future holds for him despite being linked with clashes against Anthony Joshua, Oleksandr Usyk and Dillian Whyte.
      He told the Telegraph: “I don’t know what’s going to happen.
      “I’ve got one fight left on my contract with Top Rank and ESPN and we’ll see what that is.
      “But I’m not thinking about boxing right now. I don’t know how many fights I’ve got left.
      “I don’t know if I need to fight any more. I don’t know what the future holds.”
      U SAY USYK HAS NO CHANCE VS TYSON
      Tyson Fury would topple Oleksandr Usyk, according to an overwhelming majority of SunSport readers who voted in our poll.
      Ukrainian Usyk displayed every ounce of his masterful southpaw style when he outclassed Anthony Joshua in late September.
      And Fury put on a similarly stunning display in his trilogy bout with Deontay Wilder, which he won by knockout in round 11.
      A debate has since emerged on who would win between the two unbeaten heavyweight champions.
      But 91.1 per cent of fans favoured Fury in our survey.
      The mere 8.9 per cent siding with Usyk is surprising, such was the quality of his win over AJ.
      But Fury’s ability to get off the deck twice in one round to later KO Wilder is evidence of why he is the division’s No1.
      I’D RETURN TO MY HAYE DAY TO FIGHT FURY
      David Haye has insisted he is STILL ‘100 per cent serious’ about fighting Tyson Fury.
      That is despite watching as Fury brutally knocked out Deontay Wilder in 11 epic rounds in Las Vegas.
      Haye, who tipped the Gypsy King to lose to Wilder, in September returned after three years out and beat his friend Joe Fournier, 38, in an exhibition.
      Afterwards, he called out Fury and revealed that is the only fight he would come back to professional boxing for.
      And Haye once more doubled down on the challenge when reflecting on Wilder’s gruelling trilogy bout defeat.
      Here is how Fury and Haye stack up against one another.

      NO WEIGH
      Oleksandr Usyk’s promoter said Deontay Wilder looked ‘really awful’ after his massive weight gain.
      Usyk’s promoter Alexander Krassyuk criticised the decision to pile on the pounds, and said not even Tyson Fury has what it takes to beat his man.
      Krassyuk told SunSport: “Well, Fury won and he deserved the victory.
      “The first thing I didn’t like was the shape of Wilder. He made this extra weight which didn’t make him look good.
      “He looked awful, really, really awful because he couldn’t make it with his body, he didn’t get used to that extra weight and he didn’t feel good.
      “In the fourth round he was already done and survived the rest of the fight till near the end.
      “But Fury looked fresh though he had some extra weight on his body, he performed better movements and his conditioning was much better.
      “But I didn’t like the way he won because Wilder, let’s say, was ‘dead’ after the fourth round, it took Fury more than six rounds to finish the fight so he didn’t try to box but tried to knock him out, to severely damage him.
      “It definitely wasn’t a boxing match. Coming back to Usyk, both guys – Wilder and Fury – in the shape they performed in the fight are a sweet dessert for Usyk because none of them performed with boxing skills.
      “If Usyk shows his technique, his style of technique I don’t think either Fury or Wilder can do anything serious to Usyk.”
      WALK THE WALK
      Oleksandr Usyk had already envisioned beating Anthony Joshua TWICE – while on a night time park walk with his promoter.
      Usyk’s promoter Alex Krassyuk told SunSport: “I can tell you about my conversation with Usyk. It was when the arbitration said Fury and Wilder have to have a third fight.
      “So, before that I spoke to Eddie Hearn and agreed that a fight between Usyk and Joshua we have to make happen together.
      “So, I called Usyk and we had a meeting with him. We were walking in the park in the night time, just walking and talking.
      “I told Usyk the following, that we are now in a position mandatory challenger for almost two years and finally we have received our chance.
      “And without taking into consideration of all the obstacles that we had on the way, including interim championship, including all other kinds of obstacles, Covid, etc, finally we are in a position to make this fight happen.
      “Usyk was very happy to hear about this news and he said to me that this is something he had been waiting to hear for a long time.
      “I told him that although he’s the mandatory challenger, but most likely AJ being a star in the UK and being cautious and well-protected by his promoter Eddie Hearn, there’s going to be a rematch clause.
      “And Usyk said, ‘That’s even better news because I will have a chance to beat AJ twice!'”
      FURY-WILDER TRILOGY STATS
      📊The final numbers for the Fury-Wilder trilogy: • Fury out landed Wilder, 316-177• Fury out landed Wilder in 25 of 30 rounds • Fury landed 40% of his power shots• Wilder landed in single digits in 26 of the 30 rounds • Wilder landed just 19% of his total punches pic.twitter.com/t0U5RX45f0— Dan Canobbio (@DanCanobbio) October 11, 2021

      FUR REAL?
      Tyson Fury has battered Oleksandr Usyk in a shock poll with fans comprehensively backing the Gypsy King.
      Ukrainian Usyk displayed every ounce of his masterful southpaw style when he outclassed Anthony Joshua in late September.
      And Fury put on a similarly stunning display in his trilogy bout with Deontay Wilder, which he won by knockout in round 11.
      A debate has since emerged on who would win between the two unbeaten heavyweight champions.
      But according to SunSport readers, there is no doubt, with 91.1 per cent in favour of Fury.
      The mere 8.9 per cent siding with Usyk is surprising, such was the quality of his win over AJ.
      But Fury’s ability to get off the deck twice in one round to later KO Wilder is evidence of why he is the division’s No1.

      WORTH THE WEIGHT?
      David Haye has insisted he is STILL ‘100 per cent serious’ about fighting Tyson Fury.
      That is despite watching as Fury brutally knocked out Deontay Wilder in 11 epic rounds in Las Vegas.
      Haye, who tipped the Gypsy King to lose to Wilder, in September returned after three years out and beat his friend Joe Fournier, 38, in an exhibition.
      Afterwards, he called out Fury and revealed that is the only fight he would come back to professional boxing for.
      And Haye once more doubled down on the challenge when reflecting on Wilder’s gruelling trilogy bout defeat.
      Here is how Fury and Haye stack up against one another.

      FURY’S KEY LIFE MOMENTS

      ‘ON CLOUD NINE’
      Paris Fury has shared she is is still feeling so proud of her husband Tyson Fury after his incredible win in the heavyweight boxing fight against Deontay Wilder in Las Vegas at the weekend.
      The mum-of-six flew over to the US to support her love in the lead-up to the fight as well as from ring-side in a stunning blue sparkly dress.
      Sharing a snapshot of the two of them enjoying a slap-up breakfast the morning after Tyson’s well-deserved win, the 32 year old gushed she was still “on cloud nine”.
      She said: “What a night . . . what a fight! The last 48 hours have been epic and I’m still on cloud nine.
      “It meant everything to be there with Tyson, he’s worked so hard for this and he brought it home like the great champion he is!”
      FURY’S FIVE FIGHT RETIREMENT PLAN
      Here was Tyson Fury’s five fight wishlist prior to the Deontay Wilder trilogy clash.
      It may well have changed now following Oleksandr Usyk’s win over Anthony Joshua.

      KING HAS COME HOME
      Tyson Fury arrived back in the UK after his heroic win against Deontay Wilder.
      The Gypsy King retained his throne as WBC champion with a brutal round 11 knockout against Wilder.
      Afterwards, Fury spent the night and following day celebrating the heavyweight thriller with his family and friends.
      But he then travelled back home with his entourage, landing at Heathrow T3 from a flight believed to have been from Los Angeles.
      Fury touched down around 11am, and was pictured by SunSport queuing up at passport control.
      Ever the people’s champ, the father-of-six lined up like everyone else, proving he doesn’t need special treatment.

      ‘BOXING WINS AGAIN’
      Deontay Wilder’s trainer Malik Scott has shared his respect of both fighters in an emotional Instagram post.
      He praised his fighter’s heart and paid sure to pay credit to Tyson Fury, who he called one of the best heavyweights of all time.
      The post read: “Combatants: @bronzebomber Ah brother you already know I will walk with you through any storm and stand by your side regardless of any circumstances and our bond is forever unbreakable.
      “What you and Fury did last night was unbelievable and the heart you two showed was astounding, love you brother✊🏾
      “@gypsyking101 Tyson, Incredible fighter you are. You have a very uncanny way of bringing out the best in people and I really embraced this mission with open arms knowing we were going up against one of the best heavyweights of ANY era.
      “And with my man @kronksugarhill being your head trainer made the task even more intriguing.
      “Last night we were great but you guys were greater. Congratulations on a victory well earned. ‘Boxing Wins Again.”
      QUITE A-WHYTE
      Dillian Whyte knows he is finally one fight away from challenging for the WBC heavyweight title.
      The British contender was once their No1 ranked challenger for over 1,000 days without getting his shot at the belt.
      But a win over Otto Wallin will put Whyte as WBC mandatory for Tyson Fury’s title, which was recently retained against Deontay Wilder.
      Fury, in theory, should be next for Whyte if he wins against Wallin, but there are still obstacles to be overcome.
      The Gypsy King is just one of many several mega-fights for the Body Snatcher.
      Here are five possible opponents for Whyte after the Wallin fight:

      Tyson Fury
      Andy Ruiz Jr
      Anthony Joshua
      Deontay Wilder
      Otto Wallin rematch

      ‘HE’S GOT BOTTLE’
      Eddie Hearn has heaped praise upon Deontay Wilder for his role in one of the most thrilling boxing encounters in recent memory despite losing to Tyson Fury in Las Vegas.
      The Bronze Bomber knocked his opponent down twice in the fourth round and looked set to win at one point, but he started being dominated by the Briton as he tired.
      Hearn told iFL TV: “His credibility was on the floor before Saturday. He got absolutely hammered in the last fight and he was full of excuses.
      “His credibility was shot to pieces. Now I think it’s gone through the roof because although his tank was empty, he stuck in there.
      “In any normal situation, I feel the corner would have pulled him out. But he deserves credit. He’s got bottle.
      “I still think he’s in a good position. Wilder shouldn’t be disheartened because Fury is a brilliant fighter.
      “But I don’t know how much he’s going to want it after that. I just think Fury’s got his number and absolutely terrorised him mentally.”
      DON’T COUNT ON IT
      Deontay Wilder only has himself to blame after Tyson Fury was given a longer count after being knocked down.
      Fury was floored for the second time in round four but managed to beat the count to fight on.
      But fans and pundits – including American boxing legend Andre Ward – complained that the count was extended.
      Footage reveals the reason referee Russell Mora stopped counting at five was because Wilder was not in a neutral corner.
      It was at that point Mora stopped to signal for the American to move into the neutral corner before his count resumed.
      The official was just sticking to the rules set out by the Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports.
      It reads: “When a knockdown occurs, the downed boxer’s opponent shall go to the furthest neutral corner and remain there while the count is being made.
      “The referee may stop counting if the opponent fails to go to the neutral corner, and resume the count where he/she left off when the opponent reports to or returns to the neutral corner.”

      BOB’S YOUR UNCLE
      Tyson Fury’s promoter Bob Arum has hailed the WBC champion after his sensational victory over Deontay Wilder.

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      in Soccer

      England 1 Hungary 1 LIVE REACTION: Stones cancels out Sallai opener as Three Lions drop points in World Cup qualifier

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      ENGLAND were held at home by Hungary as Gareth Southgate’s men dropped points in their quest for the 2022 World Cup.Southgate made a raft of changes, but there were unsavoury scenes early in the game with Hungarian fans fighting police in the away end.
      Roland Sallai smashed the visitors ahead after Luke Shaw gave away a penalty, but John Stones’ header levelled the scores in a frantic first-half.
      The Three Lions pushed hard for a winner in the second period but were unable to land that crucial blow.

      Final score: England 1-1 Hungary

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      GOODNIGHT
      That’s all from us at Wembley. It may have ended level in terms of the football but the England knee once again proved more powerful than the Hungary fists.
      The performance and result may be a disappointing one, but the Three Lions remain unbeaten in Group I and on course for Qatar – if such a thing can be celebrated.
      One more win should do it with four points needed to be certain, and with games at home to Albania and in San Marino next month, it is almost a certainty. It’s almost time to start planning Christmas 2022 around the knockout fixtures.
      That’s the international break over with so it’s back to domestic matters. Join us soon for an action-packed Premier League weekend but until then, thank you and goodbye.
      SOUTHGATE REACTION
      A frank Gareth Southgate has admitted that his England team were well below par in this evening’s draw with Hungary. However, he responded to questions about the tactical experiment involving Phil Foden and Mason Mount alongside Declan Rice in midfield by suggesting such tweaks cannot be judged on one game.
      It was a disappointing performance. Full credit to Hungary, they caused us a tactical problem. We weren’t fluid and I didn’t think we played at the level that we need to. We’ll have to think about the balance of the team, but individually we can be better as well. We made lots of simple mistakes with the ball.Gareth SouthgateITV Sport

      NOT YET I AND DRY
      After dropping points for only the second time in Group I, England still require four points from their remaining two games – at home to Albania and away in San Marino – to be certain of their place at the Qatar 2022 World `Cup.
      Poland have moved above Albania after their 1-0 win in Tirana, a match that was held up after objects were thrown from the crowd following Karol Swiderski’s 77th minute goal.
      Elsewhere, Andorra registered their biggest ever World Cup Qualifying win and a first away from home after winning 3-0 in San Marino.

      Albania 0-1 Poland
      England 1-1 Hungary
      San Marino 0-3 Andorra

      Credit: UEFA.Com
      FULL TIME STATS
      Hungary took the lead with their one attempt on target, and, although England hit back, they failed to turn either their dominance on the ball or a series of set-pieces into a winning goal in the second half.
      Credit: UEFA.Com
      FT: ENGLAND 1-1 HUNGARY
      A frustrating night for England as it finishes all square with Hungary at Wembley. The hosts couldn’t build on John Stones’ first half equaliser, and rarely tested Peter Gulacsi in the visitors’ goal after the break. Captain Harry Kane had scored in 15 consecutive qualifying matches before tonight, but looked off the pace for long periods this evening before being replaced by Tammy Abraham.

      PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!THE FINAL WHISTLE GOES!
      ENGLAND 1-1 HUNGARY
      90+4. In space at the far post, Watkins almost makes a dream entrance with a late winner. Instead, he slips and loops a volley into the hands of Gulacsi.
      ENGLAND 1-1 HUNGARY
      90+2. This is unfortunate for Tammy Abraham.
      The substitute has only been on 15 minutes, but won’t last the match. He limps off looking hurt having collided with an opponent. On comes Ollie Watkins.
      ENGLAND 1-1 HUNGARY
      90. Four minutes of stoppage are signalled by the fourth official as the paper aeroplanes continue to rain down from the stands.
      ENGLAND 1-1 HUNGARY
      89. In the final minute, Shaw mishits a shot and an offside Abraham heads wide of an open goal.
      That definitely sums it all up.
      ENGLAND 1-1 HUNGARY
      87. Mason Mount bursts into the box in his attempt to keep an overhit cross alive, and promptly falls over.
      That kinds of sums it all up.

      ENGLAND 1-1 HUNGARY
      85. Five minutes of the 90 left, and I can’t that say I’m disappointed.
      I mean, I can say I’m disappointed with England’s performance, I’m just not disappointed that I can soon head home for a bowl of soup.
      ENGLAND 1-1 HUNGARY
      83. That was a chance! And it fell at the feet of Filip Holender!
      The Hungary substitute is gifted far too much space for the final ten minutes of any game let alone a competitive international, and has time to line up a curler inside the penalty area. He takes aim and gets the angle right, but there’s not enough dip to find the top corner.
      ENGLAND 1-1 HUNGARY
      81. Stones gets his head on the end of another England set-piece, this time a deep free-kick aimed at the penalty area, but plants his downward header straight at Gulacsi.
      In fact, the whistle had already gone for a foul against the England defender, who appears to have hurt himself in his collision with a defender.
      After some treatment to his wrist, Stones is up and able to continue.

      ENGLAND 1-1 HUNGARY
      80. Now it’s Hungary’s turn to make a double substitution. Janos Hahn replaces Roland Sallai while Balint Vecsei takes over from Andras Schafer.
      ENGLAND 1-1 HUNGARY
      78. It’s still not happening for England. Has anyone got David Nugent’s number?
      ENGLAND 1-1 HUNGARY
      76. A double change for the hosts.
      Jordan Henderson and Tammy Abraham are on with Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling heading off.
      The departing pair have so often been England’s saviours in recent years, but with them out of form, scoring has looked hard work this evening.

      ENGLAND 1-1 HUNGARY
      74. Kane in on goal! Off target! And offside too, for good measure.
      The striker’s night summed up in one sliced volley wide that wouldn’t have counted anyway.
      The England captain looks a pale imitation of the striker we know he is, and his evening looks as though it’s about to end early.
      ENGLAND 1-1 HUNGARY
      73. A rare second half attack from the visitors brings them a corner. The Hungarians send their big men up, but the England defence stay alert and clear their lines without fuss.
      ENGLAND 1-1 HUNGARY
      70. Sterling through on goal! Well saved by Gulacsi!
      The Hungary goalkeeper reacts superbly, darting off his line as soon as Kane had sent the forward into the box with a superb dissecting pass.
      Perhaps the better option for Sterling would have been attempting to go round Gulacsi but instead he tried to slide in a first-time shot and saw it promptly smothered.

      ENGLAND 1-1 HUNGARY
      67. Szabolcs Schon has worked hard up front to keep the England defence busy and now he’s earned himself a rest.
      It’s a like-for-like change that sees Filip Holender on for the last quarter of this contest.
      ENGLAND 1-1 HUNGARY
      65. Approaching the midway point of the second half, and England continue to struggle in their attempts to break Hungary’s defence down.
      ENGLAND 1-1 HUNGARY
      63. England make their substitution, but it’s Jack Grealish who is departing rather than his Manchester City teammate Phil Foden.
      Bukayo Saka comes on, and Grealish doesn’t look best pleased. One of England’s livelier performers, the former Aston Villa man may have reasons to feel aggrieved.
      ENGLAND 1-1 HUNGARY
      62. Close!
      Stones nearly gets his second of the night from the corner by getting up in front of Zsolt Nagy to glance a header towards the back post. It looks set to find the far corner, only to agonisingly drop just wide instead.
      ENGLAND 1-1 HUNGARY
      61. England win another corner, and Foden comes across to take it.
      It may be the midfielder’s last involvement with Gareth Southgate readying a change.
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      in Soccer

      Portugal 5 Luxembourg 0 LIVE REACTION: Ronaldo nets hat-trick as hosts continue their march towards 2022 World Cup

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO was at his very best as the Portuguese inspired his side to a 5-0 win over Luxembourg.
      Final score: Portugal 5-0 Luxembourg

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      THAT’s ALL FOR TONIGHT
      Portugal are back in control of Group A thanks to a Ronaldo hat-trick in Algarve.
      The 36-year-old has now scored ten international hat-tricks…… incredible.
      There’s only a couple of games to go in the group stages of the qualifiers, but you’d expect Portugal to get through.
      Serbia are going strong, though.
      And if both win their next game, there will be just two points between them when they clash in the final group game. Thay could be tasty.
      Goodnight.
      HAT-TRICK HERO
      Ronaldo’s game by numbers.

      RON TOP
      Cristiano Ronaldo has now scored ten international hat-tricks.
      Another record broken by CR7.
      Credit: GETTY IMAGES
      Credit: GETTY IMAGES
      FT STATS: PORTUGAL 5-0 LUXEMBOURG
      Commanding display by Fernando Santos’ men.

      FT: PORTUGAL 5-0 LUXEMBOURG
      Defensive midfielder Palhinha got Portugal’s fourth of the game, heading home from a corner.
      And Ronaldo finished the game off, meeting Neves’ free-kick at the back post tosecure his hat-trick.
      He extends his lead at the top of the all-time international top scorers list.
      Portugal are now back on top of Group A and they’re in prime position to secure their place at next year’s World Cup.
      PEEEEEEEEEEEEP!
      THE FULL-TIME WHISTLE GOES IN ALGARVE!
      EASY WIN FOR PORTUGAL AND A RONALDO HAT-TRICK!
      PORTUGAL 5-0 LUXEMBOURG
      90+2. Cancelo wins Portugal a free-kick 25 yards from goal.
      PORTUGAL 5-0 LUXEMBOURG
      90. The fourth official holds his board up and there will be three additional minutes played at the end of the second half.
      Credit: GETTY IMAGES
      PORTUGAL 5-0 LUXEMBOURG
      89. It’s been easy for Portugal tonight.
      PORTUGAL 5-0 LUXEMBOURG
      87. Portugal win a free-kick 45 yards from goal.
      Neves steps up and clips the ball towards the far post, picking out Ronaldo, who’s unmarked.
      The 36-year-old sets himself and heads the ball into the back of the net to complete his hat-trick!
      GOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAALLLL!!!
      RONALDO SECURES HIS HAT-TRICK!!!
      IT WAS MEANT TO BE!!!

      PORTUGAL 4-0 LUXEMBOURG
      85. Leao takes on his marker and manages to get to the byline.
      The forward tries to cut the ball back towards the penalty spot, but his effort is blocked behind for a corner-kick.
      PORTUGAL 4-0 LUXEMBOURG
      83. There’s a short break in play, not quite sure what for, but Ronaldo is complaining about it.
      He’s got just over five minutes to grab his third goal of the game.
      One chance is all it takes……. can Portugal get the ball to the 36-year-old?
      Stick around to find out!
      PORTUGAL 4-0 LUXEMBOURG
      81. Rodrigues tries to lose his marker with some fancy footwork, but Nunes is in no mood to play games.
      The Portugal man gives the Luxembourg forward a little tug and the referee blows up for a free-kick.
      PORTUGAL 4-0 LUXEMBOURG
      79. DOUBLE SUBSTITUTION!
      Fernandes and Silva are replaced by Guedes and Nunes.
      PORTUGAL 4-0 LUXEMBOURG
      78. Ronaldo feeds the ball wide to the overlapping Mendes.
      The left-back hangs a cross up at the far post, but the danger is cleared towards the edge of the penalty area.
      Neves takes the shot on first time, but his effort sails well over the crossbar.
      PORTUGAL 4-0 LUXEMBOURG
      76. Leao wins the ball back for Portugal and drives his team up the pitch.
      The forward tries to slip the ball in behind Luxembourg’s backline for Fernandes to run onto, but the keeper sees the ball out for a goal-kick.
      Good play by Leao.
      PORTUGAL 4-0 LUXEMBOURG
      74. A Luxembourg player is down holding his head after clashing with Dias.
      The referee is over to check on him, but it looks like he’ll be fine to continue.
      PORTUGAL 4-0 LUXEMBOURG
      72. DOUBLE SUBSTITUTION!
      Palhinha is replaced by Wolves’ Neves, and Leao is on for Andre up front.
      Chance for the AC Milan forward to impress in front of the home crowd on his competitive debut.
      PORTUGAL 4-0 LUXEMBOURG
      71. Rodrigues has a chance to pull one back for the visitors.
      He gets a shot off, but he’s brilliantly denied by Roma’s Patricio, who tipped the forward’s effort wide of the far post.
      Luxembourg corner.
      PORTUGAL 4-0 LUXEMBOURG
      69. The corner is whipped into the six yard box and the towering Palhinha heads the ball into an empty net!
      The Luxembourg keeper was caught in no man’s land.
      GOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAL!!!
      PALHINHA ADDS A FOURTH FOR PORTUGAL!!!
      GAME OVER!!!

      PORTUGAL 3-0 LUXEMBOURG
      67. SAVE!
      Cancelo delivers a wicked cross into Luxembourg’s penalty area.
      Ronaldo cushions the ball up and pulls off a spectacular overhead kick, but the keeper tips his effort over the bar!
      What a save.
      PORTUGAL 3-0 LUXEMBOURG
      65. SUBSTITUTION!
      Moutinho is hooked off for Mario, who had a brief loan spell at West Ham a couple of years back.
      PORTUGAL 3-0 LUXEMBOURG
      63. Sanches goes on a run for the visitors and manages to break free of two markers.
      The 17-year-old gets a shot off, but gets it horribly wrong and his effort goes well wide of the target.
      Not a bad initial run, though.
      Credit: GETTY IMAGES
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      in Boxing

      Tyson Fury vs Deontay Wilder 3 LIVE REACTION: Gypsy King parties in Vegas, Bronze Bomber WON’T retire – latest updates

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      TYSON FURY’S family and friends have been enjoying themselves in Las Vegas after beating Deontay Wilder to retain his heavyweight world titles.Fury partied with DJ Steve Aoki in Sin City until 3am after his incredible KO win over the American.
      In a truly unbelievable third round, Fury dropped Wilder before being dropped TWICE himself.
      And the Bronze Bomber would be knocked to the ground four times before eventually succumbing to defeat and getting taken to hospital.
      Fury roared: “Like the great John Wayne said I am made from pig, iron and steel baby!
      “I was down a couple of times and hurt and Wilder is a tough man too after he got up a few times too.
      “It was a great fight tonight, worthy of any trilogy in the sport, I always said I am the first best and he is second.
      “But I went over to show love and respect and he didn’t want it to so I will pray for him.”
      It was suggested that Wilder could hang up his gloves after the loss, but his trainer Malik Scott has revealed he will fight on.

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      KING HAS COME HOME
      Tyson Fury arrived back in the UK after his heroic win against Deontay Wilder.
      The Gypsy King retained his throne as WBC champion with a brutal round 11 knockout against Wilder.
      Afterwards, Fury spent the night and following day celebrating the heavyweight thriller with his family and friends.
      But he then travelled back home with his entourage, landing at Heathrow T3 from a flight believed to have been from Los Angeles.
      Fury touched down around 11am, and was pictured by SunSport queuing up at passport control.
      Ever the people’s champ, the father-of-six lined up like everyone else, proving he doesn’t need special treatment.

      ‘BOXING WINS AGAIN’
      Deontay Wilder’s trainer Malik Scott has shared his respect of both fighters in an emotional Instagram post.
      He praised his fighter’s heart and paid sure to pay credit to Tyson Fury, who he called one of the best heavyweights of all time.
      The post read: “Combatants: @bronzebomber Ah brother you already know I will walk with you through any storm and stand by your side regardless of any circumstances and our bond is forever unbreakable.
      “What you and Fury did last night was unbelievable and the heart you two showed was astounding, love you brother✊🏾
      “@gypsyking101 Tyson, Incredible fighter you are. You have a very uncanny way of bringing out the best in people and I really embraced this mission with open arms knowing we were going up against one of the best heavyweights of ANY era.
      “And with my man @kronksugarhill being your head trainer made the task even more intriguing.
      “Last night we were great but you guys were greater. Congratulations on a victory well earned. ‘Boxing Wins Again.”
      QUITE A-WHYTE
      Dillian Whyte knows he is finally one fight away from challenging for the WBC heavyweight title.
      The British contender was once their No1 ranked challenger for over 1,000 days without getting his shot at the belt.
      But a win over Otto Wallin will put Whyte as WBC mandatory for Tyson Fury’s title, which was recently retained against Deontay Wilder.
      Fury, in theory, should be next for Whyte if he wins against Wallin, but there are still obstacles to be overcome.
      The Gypsy King is just one of many several mega-fights for the Body Snatcher.
      Here are five possible opponents for Whyte after the Wallin fight:

      Tyson Fury
      Andy Ruiz Jr
      Anthony Joshua
      Deontay Wilder
      Otto Wallin rematch

      ‘HE’S GOT BOTTLE’
      Eddie Hearn has heaped praise upon Deontay Wilder for his role in one of the most thrilling boxing encounters in recent memory despite losing to Tyson Fury in Las Vegas.
      The Bronze Bomber knocked his opponent down twice in the fourth round and looked set to win at one point, but he started being dominated by the Briton as he tired.
      Hearn told iFL TV: “His credibility was on the floor before Saturday. He got absolutely hammered in the last fight and he was full of excuses.
      “His credibility was shot to pieces. Now I think it’s gone through the roof because although his tank was empty, he stuck in there.
      “In any normal situation, I feel the corner would have pulled him out. But he deserves credit. He’s got bottle.
      “I still think he’s in a good position. Wilder shouldn’t be disheartened because Fury is a brilliant fighter.
      “But I don’t know how much he’s going to want it after that. I just think Fury’s got his number and absolutely terrorised him mentally.”
      DON’T COUNT ON IT
      Deontay Wilder only has himself to blame after Tyson Fury was given a longer count after being knocked down.
      Fury was floored for the second time in round four but managed to beat the count to fight on.
      But fans and pundits – including American boxing legend Andre Ward – complained that the count was extended.
      Footage reveals the reason referee Russell Mora stopped counting at five was because Wilder was not in a neutral corner.
      It was at that point Mora stopped to signal for the American to move into the neutral corner before his count resumed.
      The official was just sticking to the rules set out by the Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports.
      It reads: “When a knockdown occurs, the downed boxer’s opponent shall go to the furthest neutral corner and remain there while the count is being made.
      “The referee may stop counting if the opponent fails to go to the neutral corner, and resume the count where he/she left off when the opponent reports to or returns to the neutral corner.”

      BOB’S YOUR UNCLE
      Tyson Fury’s promoter Bob Arum has hailed the WBC champion after his sensational victory over Deontay Wilder.

      SEAL THE DILL
      Dillian Whyte believes that the WBC must give Tyson Fury ‘no choice’ but to face him next.
      Whyte told Sky Sports News: “Fury has the belt. Wilder had the chance to fight me for three years but didn’t.
      “Hopefully now the WBC forces my position and Fury has no choice. It’s a massive British fight, a major fight for Britain.
      “Fury is an unpredictable man who might say: ‘I am done!’
      “I hope we can make a fight when I get past Wallin. But Fury is a difficult guy to plan. I haven’t heard a word from him about making a fight.”
      EDD-ING THAT WAY
      Tyson Fury should fight Dillian Whyte next. That is the view of Anthony Joshua’s Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn.
      Fury successfully defended his WBC heavyweight champ belt in Las Vegas at the weekend – with Whyte now mandatory challenger.
      There have been calls for the Gypsy King to face Joshua or his recent assailant Oleksandr Usyk but Hearn is having none of it.
      He told IFL TV: “Dillian Whyte is the mandatory for Tyson Fury, and that’ll be called in 30 days time.
      “Obviously, Dillian has a massive fight at the O2 with Otto Wallin, but he’s the mandatory challenger for Tyson Fury.
      “It’s a brilliant fight. I’d like to see Tyson back in the UK. He hasn’t boxed in the UK in three years or four years. It’s a massive fight for the division.
      “You’ve got to give Dillian credit for going in there. He fought [Alexander] Povetkin before, and he had to come back and win that rematch.
      “Now he goes in for another tough fight against Otto Wallin, and he’s ready to make a statement on October 30 and then move forward and fight Tyson Fury. He’s mandatory now.”

      GOOD MORNING BOXING FANS
      Much of yesterday’s discussion was dominated by talk of Tyson Fury’s potential opponents, with Eddie Hearn and David Price suggesting he should fight WBC mandatory Dillion Whyte.
      Hearn told iFL TV: “As fans, we should be calling for Tyson Fury vs Dillian Whyte. Imagine the build-up, imagine the fight.
      “It does well over a million PPV buys, sells out a stadium. That is the fight. The winner fights the winner of Oleksandr Usyk vs Anthony Joshua II.”
      But John Fury disagrees, arguing his son should only look to fight Usyk next.
      He told talkSPORT: “He’s got to go for Usyk or nothing in my idea. It’s Usyk next or nothing.
      “I wouldn’t bother with the rest of them, they’re not in Tyson’s class.
      “Would Dillian Whyte deal with Deontay Wilder? No. So why would you want to put him in with my son and get him knocked out?
      “At the end of the day, he just got knocked out by a 42-year-old man (Alexander Povetkin) via a slap by the back of his hand.”
      Elsewhere, David Haye has volunteered himself to be Tyson Fury’s next opponent in the ring.
      The Brit retired in 2018 but would happily return to fight Fury – a man he regrets not facing while he was still an active boxer.
      He told iFL TV: “I’m just saying, there’s gonna be a time where they’re gonna need an opponent.
      “And ideally you want an opponent that makes the most money. So FYI, the Hayemaker’s in the gym.”
      ‘ON CLOUD NINE’
      Paris Fury has shared she is is still feeling so proud of her husband Tyson Fury after his incredible win in the heavyweight boxing fight against Deontay Wilder in Las Vegas at the weekend.
      The mum-of-six flew over to the US to support her love in the lead-up to the fight as well as from ring-side in a stunning blue sparkly dress.
      Sharing a snapshot of the two of them enjoying a slap-up breakfast the morning after Tyson’s well-deserved win, the 32 year old gushed she was still “on cloud nine”.
      She said: “What a night . . . what a fight! The last 48 hours have been epic and I’m still on cloud nine.
      “It meant everything to be there with Tyson, he’s worked so hard for this and he brought it home like the great champion he is!”
      DADDY FURY
      Boxing great Tyson Fury exchanged Las Vegas for ‘La, La, La, Lancashire’ as the Gypsy King returned home after 12 rounds of partying following his historic win.
      The best heavyweight on the planet plans to waste no time keeping his feet firmly on the ground today swapping his gruelling training runs for the school one.
      The WBC champion’s return to dad duties comes after a chaotic weekend that saw him defeat American Deontay Wilder for the second time in one of the greatest fights in history.
      After the historic win on Saturday night at the MGM Grand, knocking out the Bronze Bomber in the 11th round, Fury led Las Vegas in 24 hours of partying.

      BOX CLEVER
      Tyson Fury should come back to the UK and fight Dillian Whyte.
      That’s according to former British champ David Price, who also believes Anthony Joshua would knock out Deontay Wilder if they end up meeting next year.
      But Price believes the Gypsy King should take on mandatory WBC challenger Whyte in front of a bumper UK crowd.
      He told talkSPORT: “The Joshua fight was going to be a mega fight, but I wouldn’t rule out or write off the Dillian Whyte fight for a couple of reasons.
      “Number one, Dillian Whyte would be a worthy opponent because of the position he has got himself in. The knockout loss to [Alexander] Povektin, he got straight back in, put it right the best way possible.
      “Apart from that, he has had other good wins while he was the mandatory contender. He’s not been treading water, he’s got in with big names, potential banana skins and come through them.
      “I think the other reason is that Tyson Fury deserves a good homecoming fight and where better to do it than a domestic opponent who also has a name in his own right?
      “I think it is the one that makes sense because everyone else is tied up for the time being and, obviously, Fury is going to need a bit of time out after that fight.
      “Maybe in spring or summer, somebody can put him and Whyte in a stadium, I think that is the homecoming that he deserves.”
      ‘CAREER COULD BE OVER’
      Dillian Whyte believes Deontay Wilder may have risked his fighting career by going 11 rounds with Tyson Fury.
      Wilder’s corner refused to throw in the towel – likely on Wilder’s wishes – but Whyte thinks that decision could prove costly long-term.
      Whyte told Sky Sports: “[Wilder] took a lot of punishment. He could’ve finished his career potentially.
      “Last time Mark Breland I think saved his career [when he threw in the towel in the rematch].
      “This time he took way too much punishment and a lot of his corner were yes-men and they just allowed him to take too much punishment, which can be very detrimental to a fighter’s confidence and his body.
      “He seemed pretty beat up. He was struggling from round three onwards badly.
      “I know he says, ‘I’m a king and I’ll go out on my shield’ – but I think they allowed him to take too much punishment. It could affect him mentally, he could never wanna fight again, it could end his career. We’ll have to see.”
      ‘HE’S GOT BOTTLE’
      Eddie Hearn has heaped praise upon Deontay Wilder for his role in one of the most thrilling boxing encounters in recent memory despite losing to Tyson Fury in Las Vegas.
      The Bronze Bomber knocked his opponent down twice in the fourth round and looked set to win at one point, but he started being dominated by the Briton as he tired.
      Hearn told iFL TV: “His credibility was on the floor before Saturday. He got absolutely hammered in the last fight and he was full of excuses.
      “His credibility was shot to pieces. Now I think it’s gone through the roof because although his tank was empty, he stuck in there.
      “In any normal situation, I feel the corner would have pulled him out. But he deserves credit. He’s got bottle.
      “I still think he’s in a good position. Wilder shouldn’t be disheartened because Fury is a brilliant fighter.
      “But I don’t know how much he’s going to want it after that. I just think Fury’s got his number and absolutely terrorised him mentally.”
      ‘BOXING WINS AGAIN’
      Deontay Wilder’s trainer Malik Scott has shared his respect of both fighters in an emotional Instagram post.
      He praised his fighter’s heart and paid sure to pay credit to Tyson Fury, who he called one of the best heavyweights of all time.
      The post read: “Combatants: @bronzebomber Ah brother you already know I will walk with you through any storm and stand by your side regardless of any circumstances and our bond is forever unbreakable.
      “What you and Fury did last night was unbelievable and the heart you two showed was astounding, love you brother✊🏾
      “@gypsyking101 Tyson, Incredible fighter you are. You have a very uncanny way of bringing out the best in people and I really embraced this mission with open arms knowing we were going up against one of the best heavyweights of ANY era.
      “And with my man @kronksugarhill being your head trainer made the task even more intriguing.
      “Last night we were great but you guys were greater. Congratulations on a victory well earned. ‘Boxing Wins Again.”
      ‘BEST EVER’
      Tommy Fury has shared a photo of brother Tyson and team behind him which helped him defeat Deontay Wilder.
      The photo includes trainer SugarHill Steward alongside Fury brothers Tommy, Shane and Hugh.
      Tommy Fury captioned the photo: ‘The best to ever do it!’

      DEONT BACK DOWN 
      Deontay Wilder will NOT retire after his trilogy defeat to Tyson Fury, his trainer Malik Scott has revealed.
      Speculation has been rife that the Bronze Bomber could pack it in after his second consecutive defeat to the Gypsy King.
      But such a course of action is not even on the American’s radar, cornerman Scott has revealed.
      Speaking to iFL TV, he said: “Deontay has set his family financially secure so he doesn’t have to fight to make a living.
      “But retiring is not in his plans at all and not something we’ve discussed.”
      MORE FROM HAYE
      David Haye has volunteered himself to be Tyson Fury’s next opponent in the ring.
      The Brit retired in 2018 but would happily return to fight Fury – a man he regrets not facing while he was still an active boxer.
      He told iFL TV: “I’m just saying, there’s gonna be a time where they’re gonna need an opponent.
      “And ideally you want an opponent that makes the most money. So FYI, the Hayemaker’s in the gym.”
      DAD’S FURYOUS
      Deontay Wilder ‘tarnished’ his heroic effort against Tyson Fury by refusing to show respect after their epic trilogy fight.
      Fury went over to the American moments after his sensational 11th-round KO victory to give him props for his Herculean effort.
      But a dejected Wilder refused to give it up to the WBC champ, much to the annoyance of the 6ft 9in Gypsy King’s dad, John.
      During an appearance on talkSPORT, he said “His behaviour, Wilder, before and after – it would make anybody’s blood boil, wouldn’t it?
      “As a man like I am – if you get beat by the better man you say, ‘Put our differences to one side, well done.’
      “For my money, he tarnished his performance, Wilder.
      “It was a great performance, not knocking it, he fought his heart out, he fought like a warrior.
      “But his behaviour at the end just let him down totally.”
      ‘HE’S NUMBER ONE’
      David Haye admits Tyson Fury proved him wrong by defeating Deontay Wilder for a second time.
      The Brit suggests the manner of the victory shows Fury is the best heavyweight in the world.
      Haye had predicted Fury would lose his third bout with Wilder – suggesting the American would be fitter and more dangerous with his right hand.
      Haye told iFL TV: “I definitely got it wrong. He took Wilder’s best – the heaviest single punching heavyweight probably ever.
      “That same shot has knocked out 41 people in the past. That performance shows he’s number one.”
      WHYTE HAS HIS SAY
      Dillian Whyte hopes the WBC will enforce Tyson Fury to fight him since he is the current mandatory.
      And the heavyweight boxer thinks the fight would be good for the country – delivering the all British heavyweight fight in place of Anthony Joshua, who is busy trying to regain his titles from Oleksandr Usyk.
      Whyte told Sky Sports:”Hopefully the WBC force the position and he’ll have no choice but to fight me.
      “It’s a massive British fight, it’s a major fight for Britain. Two British fighters fighting for the heavyweight world championship, that’d be great.”
      FURY FROCH SHOCK
      Carl Froch believes WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury could RETIRE after his emphatic win over Deontay Wilder.
      Fury held on to his world title and kept his unbeaten record in professional boxing intact on Saturday, knocking Wilder out in round 11.
      And now the 33-year-old has put his rivalry with Wilder to bed, Froch believes Fury could retire as there’s ‘nothing left for him to do’.
      Froch said in his Sky Sports Column: “There is nothing left for him to do. I wouldn’t be surprised if he retired.
      “Depending upon how much he loves the sport, and how much he wants to go in there and do it all again, I wouldn’t be surprised if Fury says: ‘I have done my bit and now I am finished’.”

      ‘HE’S NOT BIG ENOUGH’
      John Fury is one man who opposes Eddie Hearn’s suggestion of Tyson Fury taking on Dillian Whyte next.
      Fury senior believes his son would not be motivated to take on the Brit as he is big enough.
      He admits he has told Tyson to take on Oleksandr Usyk or nobody – but given the Ukrainian has a rematch against Anthony Joshua first it seems Fury is in need of a different opponent to keep ring-sharp.
      Fury told talkSPORT: “He’s got to go for Usyk or nothing in my idea. It’s Usyk next or nothing.
      “I wouldn’t bother with the rest of them, they’re not in Tyson’s class.
      “Would Dillian Whyte deal with Deontay Wilder? No. So why would you want to put him in with my son and get him knocked out?
      “At the end of the day, he just got knocked out by a 42-year-old man (Alexander Povetkin) via a slap by the back of his hand.
      “Tyson can’t get up for them kind of fights. He wouldn’t raise his game for that fight as he’s not big enough. And then he goes in there with a lacklustre attitude and you don’t see the best of Tyson.
      “You only see the best of Tyson when he’s against the best. A challenge like he had (against Wilder) and it was a great fight. For me, I told him: Usyk or don’t bother.”
      ‘IMAGINE…’
      Eddie Hearn believes Boxing fans should be calling on Tyson Fury to return to Britain to fight Dillian Whyte next.
      Whyte, a Matchroom fighter, will is the WBC’s mandatory to take on Fury next.
      First he must overcome a tricky opponent in Otto Wallin but should Whyte defeat the Swede, he will have a shot at a world title bout.
      And Hearn believes a Fury vs Whyte fight would be huge, telling IFL TV:”As fans, we should be calling for Tyson Fury vs Dillian Whyte. Imagine the build-up, imagine the fight.
      “It does well over a million PPV buys, sells out a stadium. That is the fight. The winner fights the winner of Oleksandr Usyk vs Anthony Joshua II”
      ‘A GREAT FIGHT’
      Tyson Fury has received a congratulatory message from UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov following his victory over Deontay Wilder.
      The Gypsy King closed the book on his rivalry with the American last weekend with a sensational 11th-round KO in Las Vegas.
      Celebs and sporting figures around the world took to social media after the fight to shower Fury with praise.
      And former UFC lightweight champ Nurmagomedov has added his name to the long list with a video message for the Brit.
      The Russian – who recorded the message while watching his training partners spar – said: “Tyson, congratulations, congratulations.
      “It was a very good fight. And my coach wants to say congratulations.”

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