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    Man Utd facing Harry Maguire dilemma as three European giants able to agree free transfer within days

    MANCHESTER UNITED face a dilemma in the negotiations over Harry Maguire’s future.The England defender is free to sign a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs from January 1 – and THREE European giants are interested.Harry Maguire will leave Man Utd a free agent if the club don’t trigger his extensionCredit: PAMaguire’s current terms expire at the end of the season, but United have the option to trigger an extra year to 2026. But should Maguire agree to move to a team abroad next month, that might remove United’s clause.The matter would become complicated legally if the 31-year-old centre-back wants to push through a free transfer.Should United try to activate Maguire’s extension after he has agreed with another team then Fifa could step in to resolve, according to The Athletic. READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSAnd three European giants are keeping tabs on United’s most expensive ever defender.Napoli are eyeing up a free transfer for Maguire, reports The Athletic.Napoli boss Antonio Conte will have seen Maguire up close for a number of years in the Prem and is weighing up bringing him to Serie A.Conte has been hugely impressed with Scott McTominay, who decided to swap Manchester for Naples in the summer.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFenerbahce, managed by Jose Mourinho — who was a big fan of Maguire when managing United — have a history of signing from the Prem.Fred and Sofyan Ambrabat are in their squad. OLD TRAFFORD STADIUM VT YOUTUBE masterFellow Turkish outfit Galatasaray are keeping track of Maguire’s situation too.In England, Ruud van Nistelrooy admired Maguire during their time together at United, and Leicester City offer an emotional pull for him.Maguire spent two years at the King Power Stadium before moving to United for £80million in 2019.That price tag has often made life tough for Maguire at Old Trafford.But after suffering a dip of form he is enjoying a good season when featuring, particularly at Villa Park and against Manchester City.Maguire was solid at the back against Man City last SundayCredit: GettyAfter pocketing Erling Haaland during United’s 2-1 win over rivals City, Maguire said: “All the signs are positive at the moment.”And the chat that I’m having is really positive. I’ve still got this year to go with an option in their hands.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I was injured when Ruben Amorim first joined, so they’re looking after my minutes – I haven’t been able to play back-to-back games yet. “Hopefully, with 90 minutes under my belt for the first time in two, three months I can play consecutive matches.”Maguire travelled with his teammates but didn’t featureCredit: GettyMan Utd player ratings vs Man City as sensational Amad Diallo turns derby on its headAMAD DIALLO left Manchester City stunned as he turned the derby on its head.The flying winger won a penalty, converted by Bruno Fernandes, in the dying embers to level it up.But the best was yet to come as Amad flicked past an onrushing Ederson before expertly slotting in a dramatic winner from a tight angle deep into injury time.Here’s how SunSport’s Neil Custis rated the Man Utd players…Andre Onana – 6He just does not fill you with confidence. Does not command his area and as we found out midweek in Plzen, his distribution from the back is a major plus for the opposition.Wasn’t tested that much however.Lisandro Martinez – 7Looking a calmer presence under Amorim than he did before when he seemed to want to live up to his nickname from his Ajax days of ‘The Butcher of Amsterdam’.Great through ball at the end to pick out Amad’s run for the winner.Harry Maguire – 8Had a great battle with Erling Haaland which the United man won.The right call to bring the former captain in for such a big game. Looks like he suits the position in the centre of that back three.Matthijs de Ligt 78′ – 7A decent enough performance. Looked more comfortable alongside Maguire than other centre-back partners.Diogo Dalot – 5Mistimed his jump to be beaten to the ball by Josko Gvardiol for the City opener. Did not create enough going forward from his wing-back role.Bruno Fernandes – 8Missed a big chance after being put through by Hojlund and clipping the ball wide.But when the moment comes from the penalty spot he is a cool head in the hottest of atmospheres sending Ederson the wrong way to equaliseManuel Ugarte – 7Sat in front of the back four and negated much of what Phil Foden was trying to do for the home side.Noussair Mazraoui 78′ – 8The best of the summer buys. Used as the right wing back on this occasion and is able to adjust to whatever is asked of him. One of United’s best performers on the day.Mason Mount 13′ – 6Looked very close to tears when he had to come off after early in the game. He is just getting no luck whatsoever with injuries and has not had a decent run since joining the club.Amad Diallo 90′ – 9The greatest moment of his career so far with a memorable derby winner. A brilliant run first of all to meet Martinez’ pass, he then clipped the ball past Ederson and while it was a scuffed finish he got it on target.Had almost grabbed an equaliser with a flick header before that which was well saved by Ederson.Then was alert to Nunes back pass to win the penalty that did lead to United drawing level.Rasmus Hojlund 78′ – 6Most we saw of him was a head to head confrontation with Walker when the City player slumped to the ground and a little fall of his own when he tried to win a pen.But then he provided a great through ball for Fernandes which should have brought the equaliser.SubsKobbie Mainoo 13′ – 6Did a solid job as he came on in a deeper role than Mount and Fernandes moved forwardJoshua Zirkzee 78′ – 6Not the man who is going to come on and change a game, but he did well to hold onto possession in the closing seconds.Antony 78′ – 6Came on to try and make a difference but is lacking the confidence which a lack of starts brings.Leny Yoro 78′ – 6Continues to ease himself back to full fitness after that summer injury.Victor Lindelof 90′ – 6No time to have any influence on the game. 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    Gary Neville’s brutal Secret Santa present for Jamie Carragher ‘rejected’ by Everton

    GARY NEVILLE’S brutal Secret Santa present for Jamie Carragher has apparently been rejected by Everton.The former Manchester United defender bought a gift for his fellow pundit for the Christmas special of the Stick To Football podcast. Jamie Carragher was presented with a unique Secret Santa giftCredit: YouTubeA brick and photo dedicated to Carragher was organised for the new Everton stadiumCredit: YouTubeGary Neville was evidently delighted with his ideaCredit: YouTubeBut it might not have got through the vetting process.Neville presented Carra with a brown envelope wrapped in green paper around the podcast table. The ex-Liverpool man chuckled as he read the paperwork inside – before turning it around and revealing the witty gift.The first certificate congratulated Carragher on his brick at the new Everton Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLIt will read: “Jamie Carragher, forever a blue. From Gary.”And a second certificate confirmed a photo of Carragher abseiling at Anfield will go on the fan wall at the new home of Liverpool’s arch rivals. Carragher initially thought it was a joke before Neville reassured his pal the prank was indeed real. The Red Devils legend quipped: “You were a big Everton fan growing up, weren’t you?Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Don’t forget your roots.”Carragher, who did support the blue team in Liverpool as a child, replied: “Of course.”Gary Neville throws DRINK over Carragher after Liverpool blow Newcastle lead as fans say ‘he was gonna go for him there’But the former centre-back took to his Instagram story to suggest the request from Neville had been turned down.He shared a snap of the personalised tile, complete with the Toffees badge, and added a screenshot of a message sent to him.It said: “Hi Carra, someone at Everton got in touch with me this morning and unfortunately the brick for Everton Way has been rejected.”They’ve dropped this off at mine though… not sure if you still want it.”Carra added the word “unfortunately” with three laughing emojis. Everton are set to move into their stunning £760million ground in time for the start of next season. SunSport revealed the Toffees could recoup part of the money spent on the new stadium by securing a mammoth £220m naming deal with a major company. Carragher grew up a Toffees fan but spent his entire career with LiverpoolCredit: Action Images – Reuters More

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    Aston Villa 2 Man City 1: Champions now have just one win in TWELVE games as Pep facing unprecedented crisis

    PEP Guardiola gave his players three days off and told them to forget about football at the start of the week.Well Manchester City’s stumbling stars either misheard their manager or have a case of terminal amnesia.Pep Guardiola threw a bottle in frustration as his side lost AGAINCredit: RexJhon Duran broke the deadlock inside 16 minutesCredit: GettyBrilliant Morgan Rogers doubled Villa’s lead with a sublime individual goal in the 65th minuteCredit: GettyRogers was ice-cold on Saturday lunchtimeCredit: GettyBecause they certainly couldn’t remember how to play when they ran out at Villa Park, as a season on the slide plummeted to new depths.Beaten for the NINTH time in the past 12 games – anyone suggesting that two months back would have been led to a room with padded walls – and EIGHT away losses on the trot.The manager who was being hailed almost unanimously as the best on the planet, suddenly now insisting himself that he isn’t good enough.A points tally lower than at any stage in the past 15 years, and a return over the past eight games poorer than the entire Premier League bar equally-bad basement boys Southampton.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSNo wonder Guardiola claims that sleeping and eating have become a problem. But not half as much as winning clearly has.Oh and if that wasn’t bad enough, here’s a little salt to tip into the wounds as well…chief destroyer at Villa Park was a man whose footballing days began in a City shirt, too.Morgan Rogers never pulled on a first team shirt before joining the endless list of young talent who were left to carve a career elsewhere. And he ain’t half doing that! Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSRogers did plenty of carving against his old employers, that’s for sure. Right through the centre of their defence, generally speaking.’We played like under-15s,’ fumes Bernardo Silva as angry Man City ace admits ‘we deserved’ Man Utd loss For the manner in which he unselfishly teed up Jhon Duran for the dagger-to-the-heart opener and then for the swivel-and-shoot drive for their second.So much for that feet-up break being the inspirational spark you hoped, Pep. City, in fact, could have been trailing inside 20 seconds.Josko Gvardiol’s ball back to keeper Stefan Ortega, in for the crocked Ederson, never threatened to go close to reaching its target.Instead Duran pounced like a dog on a joint of ham and his eyes lit up at the clear path ahead. His sixth goal in six starts was coming up until Ortega did well to push it behind. A close shave for City, then. But being let off the hook once should have shaken them from their slumbers. Well as it happens, it didn’t in the slightest.Lucas Digne whipped over the corner, Ezri Konsa stooped to flick on a header at the near post and Ortega clawed it out from under the frame of his goal.Replays showed the bulk of the ball had already crossed the line but crucially not all of it had. Villa didn’t have long to wait until there was no argument.Although in truth, City could hardly have shown them a more direct route if they’d laid out signs marked “this way to the goal.”All it took was three swift, incisive and smart passes and Ortega was picking the ball out of his net.Youri Tielemans won Man of the Match against CityCredit: ReutersPep Guardiola hugged a distraught Bernardo Silva as they trudged down the tunnel at full-timeCredit: GettyFirst from keeper Emi Martinez to Youri Tielemans, and then with a killer ball through the middle from the Villa midfielder.This time Rogers was the one racing clear. Yet when he could see the whites of the target, he knocked it square to Duran, who swept into a gaping goal.Whether the Colombian would have been quite as happy to tee up his team-mate given a reversal of roles is doubtful. Villa were certainly happy Rodgers handed him a gimme.For all City saw so much more of the ball, it was hard to claim Unai Emery’s side didn’t deserve their lead.Possession counts for little if you do nothing with it and Pep’s boys very rarely did. Villa, though, were a threat every time they went forward.Duran had a second ruled out for a hair’s breadth offside call and Ortega had to produce a get-down-low stop every bit as impressive as his first minute one to deny Rogers.Duran and Rogers ran the show against Pep Guardiola’s sideCredit: GettyAgain, City’s one-time young hopeful didn’t have long to wait until he put the record straight.This time skipper John McGinn was the architect, dancing his way across the champions’ backline, shimmying to his right, stepping to his left and surely about to shoot.Instead, though, he rolled a square pass to Rogers, who let the ball come across him before driving it back into the opposite corner and beyond Ortega.As for City’s moments to remember? Well there was a low drive from Phil Foden in the first half that Martinez did well to push behind.Then there was a typical late-arrival burst into the box from Gvardiol when he couldn’t get above Jack Grealish’s cross and could only flick over the top.Oh, and we mustn’t forget that stoppage time lifeline from Foden when he finally discovered the way back to goal – for the first time this season – to give City hope.Faint, and not for long, as it happens. You never thought it would be anything but. And certainly nothing but a home triumph would have been fair and just.Pep, as ever, faced up in front of the City fans as the home ones taunted him with chants of being sacked in the morning.READ MORE SUN STORIESEven in the midst of this crisis you’d still laugh that off as unthinkable.But the fact it is looming into vision as a faint possibility shows how bad things have become.Phil Foden got a late consolation at the deathCredit: AlamyGuardiola thanked the away support as his side recorded their sixth Prem defeat of the seasonCredit: Reuters More

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    Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk post-fight press conference stream: How to watch live for free

    TYSON FURY and Oleksandr Usyk step inside the ropes for their long-awaited rematch tonight.And immediately following the big main event you can catch both fighters talking in their post-fight press conference.Tyson Fury speaking post-fight last time outCredit: Queensberry Promotions YouTubeUsyk prevailed by a split-decision victory in their first fight back in May.The Ukrainian superstar badly rocked Fury in the ninth-round, forcing the Gypsy King into a standing count after the ropes held him up.This time round, Fury has weighed in at a career heaviest 20 stone, which is FOUR stones heavier than his rival Usyk.Although Fury was wearing several layers of clothing, including keeping his jacket on.The day prior to the weigh in saw the fighters stare off for over ELEVEN minutes.Here is how to watch every word from the post-fight press conference following the fight.TYSON FURY VS OLEKSANDR USYK 2 TIPS AND ODDSHow to watch the Fury vs Usyk post-fight press conferenceFollowing on from the conclusion of the big fight tonight, post-fight press conferences with the pair will be broadcast.Most read in BoxingThe fighters are expected to do separate post-fight press conferences in the aftermath of the fight.And these are set be shown in their entirety for free on Queensberry Promotions’s and Top Rank’s YouTube channels.Oleksandr Usyk badly rocked Tyson Fury last time outCredit: PAWhen is Fury vs Usyk 2?Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 is taking place on Saturday, December 21.The Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia is hosting the big fight.The ring walks are expected at 10pm BST – this is 1am local time.Fury vs Usyk 2 – top storiesREAD MORE on all the build-up to the blockbuster fight in Riyadh..All the info:News, features and interviews: How to watch Fury vs Usyk 2DAZN PPV, TNT Sports Box Office and Sky Sports Box Office will all be broadcasting Usyk vs Fury once again.The cost to purchase the PPV on TNT and DAZN is £24.99, while the event is priced at £24.95 on Sky Sports.Usyk vs Fury 2 on TNT Sports Box Office can be watched on discovery+, EE TV, Virgin Media TV and Prime Video.You do not need to be a TNT Sports subscriber to buy this event. More

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    Furious Pep Guardiola ‘on the verge of tears’ and hurls water bottle as Man City fall apart AGAIN away to Aston Villa

    PEP GUARDIOLA was left on the “verge of tears” as he saw his Manchester City side flop AGAIN.Before the trip to Villa Park, City had endured a horror run of just one win from 11 games in all competitions.Fans believed Pep Guardiola was on the verge of tears as Man City fell to another defeatCredit: RexGuardiola was seen chucking a water bottle at the floor as his anger got the better of himCredit: RexGuardiola was left miffed by his team collapsing againCredit: GettyThe 2-1 defeat means City have now fallen to nine defeats in 12 gamesCredit: GettyAfter a full week of rest with City not involved in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, they might have been hoping to play their way out of their rut.However, Guardiola and his staff were left down in the dumps once again as Unai Emery’s Aston Villa undid the Cityzens.Jhon Duran had the chance to put Villa ahead after just 11 seconds but was denied by the fingertips of Stefan Ortega.But when Morgan Rogers was found with a brilliant line-breaking pass, he was then on hand to square the ball across goal to the supporting Duran, who duly dispatched the shot to make it four goals in as many starts. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLGuardiola, miffed at his side’s lack of ability to get into the game again, was seen on the touchline casting a dreary expression and was also seen throwing a water bottle as his anger got the better of him.The images were soon shared on social media, with fans believing the Spanish tactician was close to tears.One rival fan said: “Seeing Pep Guardiola on the verge of tears like this gives me insane dopamine rush lmao.”A second said: “We used to see pictures of [Erik] Ten Hag like this every week; now that he’s gone, we see pictures of Pep Guardiola like this every week.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA third said: “Pep Guardiola actually looks on the verge of tears here. City are cooked.”Another said: “Look at Pep man he looks like he wants to cry.”Pep Guardiola admits he ‘doesn’t know what to do’ and reveals he’s considering radical tactical switch for Manchester derby City’s struggles continued after half-time before ex-City academy star Rogers ran past his defender to then arrow a shot into the bottom corner to make it 2-0.Following the goal, Villa fans were heard chanting: “You’re getting sacked in the morning.” Phil Foden scored his first goal of the season in the second minute of injury time to give City late hope of a comeback, but Villa were able to clear their lines and hold on to all three points through a 2-1 win.And the result means City have suffered twice as many losses already this season as they did through ALL of last season, with just one win in 12 with nine of those games ending in defeat.Speaking after the game, Guardiola said: “We made a really good first half, second half we dropped.”We changed our pressing for the reason John [Stones] could not continue. Congratulations Aston Villa and keep going.”In the mid-block, they are so strong. We have good moments, we had chances, more chances than in the [Manchester] United game, but in the second half we dropped and our pressing was not good enough.”We struggled a little bit and we could not drop them well. We found a goal in the end, but too late. We struggle to score and we concede goals.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We have nice personalities in the team and sooner or later we are going to find it.”Guardiola’s side’s run of nine defeats in 12 is not something seen by rivals Liverpool and Man Utd for more than 60 years, while Arsenal have not had such a bad run for almost 50 years.Stars such as Jack Grealish have underperformed this year, with the attacker not scoring for over a year nowCredit: AFPThe defeat saw City fall down to sixth in the Premier League tableCredit: ReutersEx-City star Morgan Rogers and Jhon Duran put City to the sword at Villa ParkCredit: EPAGuardiola has never had a worse run in his management careerCredit: Getty More

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    Boxing beard rules: Should Tyson Fury’s be banned after Usyk complaint?

    TYSON FURY will be out for revenge TONIGHT as he faces Ukrainian heavy-hitter in a blockbuster Riyadh rematch – but his beard could be a problem.The Gypsy King has been sporting a full beard since he arrived in Saudi which was most noticeable on Friday’s weigh-in where he tipped the scales at a staggering Tyson Fury has been sporting a bushy beardCredit: AFPAnd there has been a row in Usyk’s camp who insist that it should be trimmed as they believe it could be used as an advantage during the fight.Usyk’s promoter Alex Krassyuk was most vocal about this and has even pointed to WBC’s regulations to support his argument.Even claiming that they’ll push things “further” if needs be despite the thrilling heavyweight clash just being HOURS away.Fury vs Usyk 2 – top storiesREAD MORE on all the build-up to the blockbuster fight in Riyadh..All the info:News, features and interviews: Should Tyson Fury’s beard be banned after Usyk’s complaint?According to WBC’s regulations, the length of a boxer’s beard is at the discretion of the commission and the supervisor.Read more on Usyk vs Fury 2This was explained on Sky Sports by Usyk’s promoter Alex Krassyuk where he said: “Beard rule is grossly violated.”WBC rules clearly say: ‘A boxer may spouse a trimmed beard and/or moustache as long as, in the discretion of the commission and the supervisor, the facial hair thickness does not: (1) cushion or in any way affect the impact or trajectory of punches; or (2) cause cuts or abrasions to his rival.'”So, Tyson’s beard has to be trimmed. We will push it further.”What is the final verdict?WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman disputed Krassyuk’s interpretation and quickly dismissed the promoter’s beard argument.Sulaiman said: “There’s a regulation and the boxing commission inspected him and there is no issue.”Mind games. These are the mind games for a big fight.”Most read in BoxingWhat has Oleksandr Usyk said?Ukrainian mogul Oleksandr Usyk has revealed that he has no concerns about Fury’s lengthy beard.Speaking to IFL TV, Usyk said: “For me, it does not matter. For me. It does not help Tyson Fury.”How to watch Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2DAZN PPV, TNT Sports Box Office and Sky Sports Box Office will all be broadcasting Usyk vs Fury once again.The cost to purchase the PPV on TNT and DAZN is £24.99, while the event is priced at £24.95 on Sky Sports.Usyk vs Fury 2 on TNT Sports Box Office can be watched on discovery+, EE TV, Virgin Media TV and Prime Video.You do not need to be a TNT Sports subscriber to buy this event. More

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    ‘Christmas cracker from Ally McCoist there’ say fans as TNT Sport commentator rinsed for slip-up live on air

    ALLY McCOIST left fans in stitches after a hilarious slip-up during the Premier League clash between Aston Villa and Manchester City.McCoist, 62, was put on punditry duty by Sky Sports during the early kick-off between the two Prem sides at Villa Park.Ally McCoist suffered a blip while covering Aston Villa vs Manchester CityCredit: PAMcCoist described Jhon Duran’s strike for Aston Villa as ‘one of the goals of the day’Credit: GettyAnd Villa opened the scoring after just 16 minutes when Morgan Rogers broke through City’s defence and set up Jhon Duran inside the area where he beat Stefan Ortega.And McCoist left viewers baffled when he described Duran’s strike as “one of the goals of the day”.The audience were left laughing their socks off as that was literally the first and only goal of the day.One fan tweeted: “Christmas cracker from McCoist there, that’s goal of the day right now. Read More on Football”Yeah 1st goal of the early kick off, I make you right Ally.”Another commented: “Ally Mccoist catching himself mid “that’s one of the goals of the day” before realising it’s the early kick-off.”A third wrote: “Ally McCoist has just said that’s one of the goals of the day, at the first goal in the 12:30 kick off…”This fan said: “Ally McCoist on Villa’s goal vs. Man City: ‘That’s one of the goals of the day!’ Most read in Football”It’s literally the only Premier League goal of the day.”And that one stated: “Ally McCoist with a bold claim for goal of the day so far…”Scotland hero John McGinn laughs off ‘Braveheart’ comparison as he overtakes Ally McCoist in goal scorers list Duran added to Man City’s troubles which has seen the reigning Premier League champions lose eight of their last 11 games across all competitions before visiting Villa. More

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    Peter Crouch jokes he might follow Tyson Fury’s example with wife Abbey Clancy in brutal pre-match jibe

    PETER CROUCH took a brutal dig at wife Abbey Clancy after admitting he might follow Tyson Fury’s footsteps.Appearing on TNT Sports, presenter Jules Breach asked Crouch and co-commentator Ally McCoist about the heavyweight showdown between Fury and Oleksandr Usyk tonight.Peter Crouch joked he would follow Tyson Fury’s footsteps in taking up boxingCredit: TNT SportsFury revealed he has not spoken to wife, Paris for three months as part of his fight prepCredit: AlamyCrouch has been married to model Abbey Clancy since 2011Credit: GettyAs part of the preview for the fight, the Gypsy King revealed how he has not spoken to his wife, Paris, for three months while in camp.When Breach mentioned this to Crouch and McCoist, the former Liverpool and Tottenham striker nodded.He then quipped: “I might take up boxing.”The joke got laughter from Breach and McCoist.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, perhaps fearing repercussions from Abbey later on, Crouch added: “I don’t mean that Jules, it’s Christmas.”Speaking about the actual fight, Crouch said: “It’s going to be an interesting one. “I’d love for Fury to win it but I just think Usyk will.”When you watch him train and his coach it looks like he’s built differently.”Most read in FootballFURY-USYK BETTING TIPS AND FREE BETSMcCoist then reignited the joke, adding: “Me and Crouchy are getting into boxing camp.”Crouch then replied: “We’ll have a bit of sparring.”Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk weigh in ahead of massive fight in Saudi Arabia The 43-year-old tied the knot with Abbey in 2011, having met in 2006. They have two daughters and two sons together.Abbey and Crouch were involved in a steamy advert last month which saw the former England ace tied to a pool table with the model in red lingerie.Though she admitted it was an “excruciating” experience. Fury vs Usyk 2 – top storiesREAD MORE on all the build-up to the blockbuster fight in Riyadh..All the info:News, features and interviews: More