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      Martin Bakole vs Efe Ajagba LIVE RESULTS: Fight ends in controversy after 10 brutal rounds as both fighters want rematch

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      MARTIN BAKOLE returned to the ring against Efe Ajagba in Saudi Arabia.After 10 brutal rounds, the fight went to the judges’ scorecards, and the bout was declared a majority draw.One judge scored it 96-94 in favour of Ajagba, while the two others both had it 95-95.After the fight, Bakole and Ajagba both stated that they thought they had done enough to win the clash and are open to a rematch.The pair met on the undercard of Canelo Alvarez vs William Skull as the Mexican defends his WBA, WBC and WBO super-middleweight titles in Saudi Arabia to set up a thrilling encounter with Terence Crawford. TV/Stream: DAZN PPVCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Alvarez vs Crawford set to headline boxingThat being said, Canelo did the job many expected and has granted the world of boxing what they’ve yearned for:The pair will dispute for the undisputed super-middleweight world champion. Copy linkCopiedAlvarez vs Crawford detailsSaul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez is now set to face Terence Crawford after beating William Scull in Saudi Arabia. Alvarez and Crawford will lock horns on September 12 at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.Crawford – a four-division and two-weight undisputed champion – will have to move up from light-middleweight for the fight with Canelo.Copy linkCopiedBoxing, what boxing? It hasn’t been the most penetrative weekend of boxing so far. In New York, Devin Haney’s unremarkable win was a reactive bout of nothing but timid sparring. Canelo Alvarez vs. William Scull set the record for the fewest combined punches thrown in a 12-round fight with 445 for their dust-up in Riyadh. Copy linkCopiedMorning reading Includes confirmation of a blockbuster fight and return of a living legend: Copy linkCopiedBig hitter struggles to imposeThere is no doubting Martin Bakole can hurt an opponent with the power behind his punches.However, boxing has become far more tactical and he met someone this evening looking to turn off the danger he poses.If the two are to meet again, he will need to find some way to get inside more and let his hands go.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedNo more bad bloodSpeaking with DAZN after the fight, Martin Bakole was quizzed about all the bad blood in the lead up to the fight and whether it was still there.Bakole said this is just what happens in the build-up and declared him and Ajagba brothers as he walks over and embraces him.There is something poetic about two warring parts of Africa putting difference to one side and recognising that they are now brothers.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedBattle of Africa………take twoYou have to wonder what a rematch offers either of these fighters.Aside from the winner maybe getting a shot against Usyk or Dubois.It is unlikely that Parker will want a rematch with Bakole there seems to be nothing in it for the Kiwi to beat him again.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedBakole lucky to drawOver the course of the ten rounds, most scorecards had this down as a win for Efe Ajagba.The majority draw verdict seemed to come as a surprise but you wonder whether they scored Bakola more for wanting to just throw down and fight.While it shouldn’t work that way, Ajagba was looking to use the ring and happy not to get drawn into a slugging match.Despite that, he did land punches but we did not see much in the way of trading blows.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedBoogeyman playing to the crowdAfter the fight, Martin Bakole has said he wants to fight in Riyadh again and thanks the Saudi prince for inviting him to the country.He said he thinks he did enough to win the fight and would be happy to have a rematch,Bakole then asks the crowd if they would like to see a rematch instead between him and Joseph Parker, to a big cheer.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedNot Efe happySpeaking with DAZN after the fight about the result:I won the fight to be honest. I won that fight. It is not up to me, the judges decide. He keep putting pressure, I had to keep going. Of course I want a rematch for sure, I want a rematch in the United States.Efe AjagbaCopy linkCopiedJudges decide on majority drawCopy linkCopiedMartin Bakole vs Efe Ajagba (Round 10)Ajagba’s tactics seemed to have work tonight.Bakole just didn’t get inside and get big shots off often enough.By the time he started to try, Ajagba was so far ahead he could just utilise the ring and stay out of range.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedMartin Bakole vs Efe Ajagba (Round 9)Both fighters start to let their hands go in this round.Bakole is landing some good shots that really rock Ajagba.He replies with some good combos which get through.Copy linkCopiedMartin Bakole vs Efe Ajagba (Round 8)Ajagba starts the round well and moves around and continues to frustrate Bakole, who tries goading him into the middle of the ring.Towards the end of the round, Bakole gets inside and starts landing big head shots that have Ajagba bloodied and drained.The bell comes at the right time for him to have a breather.Copy linkCopiedMartin Bakole vs Efe Ajagba (Round 7)Ajagba is looking to move around the ring more.He knows when he does that, Bakole cannot get a grip of the fight.Bakole occasionally manages to get inside and land some good punches but is also getting caught by counters.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedMartin Bakole vs Efe Ajagba (Round 6)Bakole starts the round coming inside and getting punches off.The problem he is doing this too little and is well down on the card as a result.Not that it will bother Bakole, his plan was always to win this by stoppage and nothing has changed there.Copy linkCopiedMartin Bakole vs Efe Ajagba (Round 5)Much better round for Ajagba there.He started putting some distance between the pair and then coming inside and retreating.Ajagba catches Bakole with some real big hits and bosses the round.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedMartin Bakole vs Efe Ajagba (Round 4)What a great round that was for Bakole.He started to drive forward and get inside and just start spraying big hits all over Ajagba.Towards the end of the round it looks like they are having their effect and it is grinding down Ajagba.Copy linkCopiedMartin Bakole vs Efe Ajagba (Round 3)Bakole is not getting inside to let his hands go.Ajagba is able to come over the top with big right hands and twice rocks his opponent.After that Parker loss you woder if Bakole can take these hits.Towards the end of the round Bakole gets inside and lands a good combination of hard hits with his opponent on the ropes and unable to get away.Copy linkCopiedMartin Bakole vs Efe Ajagba (Round 2)Bakole takes on his instructons from his corner.He starts to look to work Ajagba with body shots.Ajagba is looking to come over the top with counters.He needs to be wary that Bakole will be willing to lose rounds just to try and set up that big knockout punch.Copy linkCopiedMartin Bakole vs Efe Ajagba (Round 1)Ajagba looks to utilise the jab early.Bakole does not have much of a defence and they are able to get through to the head.It is Ajagba who seems to be on the front-foot more and comes inside and fires off a good combination of punches.He retreats and looks to work the body with jabs.Copy linkCopiedMartin Bakole vs Efe AjagbaTwo big entrances from both fighters.Bakole is followed in by a hype man singing to get started.Ajagba is wearing a t-shirt saying ‘RIP George Foreman’ along with vary images of different points of the heavyweight’s career.Copy linkCopiedAjagba saying all the right thingsSpeaking to Sky Sports, Efe Ajagba seems to be expecting a victory here tonight and has started to think about next moves:I’m not overstepping. I’m just focused on Martin Bakole first. After that, when I get the victory, that’s when I’m going to step up to fight who I want to fight next. Whether it’s Usyk or Dubois.Efe AjagbaCopy linkCopiedEfe ready to cause an upsetFor Ajagba, this is a chance to finally validate his potential. After being heralded as a future titleholder early in his career, the Nigerian puncher suffered a setback in 2021, losing a clear decision to the slick Frank Sanchez. Since then, Ajagba has put together five straight wins, most recently edging Guido Vianello by split decision.Still, questions remain. Has Ajagba evolved since the Sanchez loss, or has he simply been matched wisely? Bakole, even in his recent defeat, may prove to be the acid test.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedBakole looking to bounce backThe Congolese contender was stopped brutally in round two by Joseph Parker in February—a fight he took on just 48 hours’ notice. Despite the setback, Bakole retains his promoter’s confidence. He knew what defeat to Parker would mean to his career but he is hoping with an impressive victory tonight, he can wipe that fight from the boxing world’s memory.Copy linkCopied More

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      EFL club sack manager after horror run of just one point in their final 10 games

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      BRISTOL ROVERS have confirmed that Ingo Calderon has been sacked.The EFL outfit swung the axe on the manager less than 24 hours following the end of the League One season.Bristol Rovers have sacked Inigo CalderonCredit: PAHe has called his time at the club a ‘true honour’Credit: RexCalderon, 43, oversaw a disastrous end of the season that saw the club win just ONE POINT in their final ten games.The Spaniard was only appointed in December having signed a two-and-a-half-year deal.However, following relegation to League Two, he has been sacked by the club.A statement read: “Bristol Rovers can confirm that Inigo Calderon has departed his position as Men’s first team Head Coach. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”Miguel Llera, who has been assisting in the coaching department since March, has also left the Club.”Everyone at Bristol Rovers would like to thank Inigo and Miguel for their hard work, dedication and commitment and wish them both every success in their respective future careers.”A thorough process to recruit a replacement is underway and the club will be making no further comment at this time.”Calderon has also released his own statement following the decision.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe insisted that it was a “true honour” to lead the club and paid tribute to the fans.He wrote: “This is my time as Bristol Rovers manager.Football’s weirdest contract clauses revealed including non-Arsenal agreement and a private jet promiseHe spent six years at Brighton during his playing daysCredit: Getty Images – Getty”It has been a true honour and pleasure to have been part of this great club, obviously without the results I would have liked and that this club deserves, but still the pride and clear conscience of having tried everything possible to achieve the best.”Boxing Day at Exeter, the first home game on New Year’s Day, my family celebrating from the stands, the first win at Cambridge, the unconditional support in away games, and especially the games played at the Mem are unforgettable moments that I will always remember.”I’ve always said that a club is made great by the fans and the people who work behind the scenes, and this club is giant.”It’s a time for unity. I can only reiterate my gratitude to the entire Gasheads family, fans, players, staff, board. Now more than ever.”Calderon started his career as a player at Deportivo Alavés.He left Spain for England in 2010 as he joined Brighton and Hove Albion.He played a key role at the Seagulls as he helped them win promotion to the Championship in 2011.He spent six years on the South Coast before having spells with Anorthosis and Chennaiyin before retiring.Read More on The SunBristol Rovers was his first job as a manager and it came to an end after losing to 4-1 to Blackpool on Saturday.The club had already seen their relegation confirmed on Tuesday after Burton Albion drew with Wigan. More

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      in Soccer

      Ex-Brentford striker suffers ‘potentially life-threatening’ injury as two stars rushed to hospital after collision

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      A FORMER Championship striker was rushed to hospital after suffering a “potentially life-threatening” injury in a Bundesliga relegation match.Ex-Brentford forward Philipp Hofmann was involved in a nasty collision with Marvin Pieringer during VfL Bochum’s 0-0 draw at Heidenheim on Friday.VfL Bochum’s Philipp Hofmann suffered a ‘potentially life-threatening’ injuryCredit: GettyHofmann underwent minor surgery after a rib fracture caused a lung collapseCredit: EPAHofmann, who is now recovering in hospital, starred for two seasons at BrentfordCredit: Getty Images – GettyBochum revealed the 32-year-old had suffered a rib fracture in his collision, which had seen the rib drill into his rib skin and trigger a lung collapse.A club statement had called Hofmann’s injury “potentially life-threatening”.The club said the German had undergone a minor operation by means of a thoracic drainage to restore lung function.Bochum added that Hofmann would remain at hospital for observation and treatment until he was fit to be transported.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe was visited in hospital by club Managing Director Dirk Dufner on Saturday morning, who conveyed the best wishes for him to have a speedy recovery.Hofmann played for the Bees for two seasons from 2015 to 2017 while they were in the Championship, scoring four goals in 31 league games.However, it was not the only sickening injury the game saw.Heidenheim goalkeeper Kevin Muller was also rushed to hospital after a clash of heads with Ibrahima Sissoko while punching a ball clear early in the second half left him unconscious.Most read in FootballThe 34-year-old was put in the recovery position by team-mate Tim Siersleben before the match was stopped for 11 minutes, with privacy screens being set up while he was treated by medical staff on the pitch.Muller was then taken to hospital to receive treatment, with a club statement on Saturday confirming he had suffered a concussion from the incident.Heidenheim boss, Frank Schmidt, also confirmed Muller had regained consciousness on the field before he was whisked away for medical checks.The goalless draw in the game left Bochum bottom of the division on 22 points, while Heidenheim occupy the relegation play-off spot two places and four points above them.With only two games of the season to go, Bochum can at best reach the relegation play-offs, where they would then play the third-best team in the Bundesliga 2 – currently Paderborn – to hold on to their spot in the top flight.Meanwhile, Heidenheim are five points from total safety, with Hoffenheim in 15th place occupying the final safe league spot.At the top end of the table, Bayern Munich were forced to postpone their title celebrations – and Harry Kane’s first club trophy – after a late RB Leipzig equaliser in a 3-3 thriller. Heidenheim goalkeeper also suffered a concussion after being knocked unconsciousCredit: GettyPrivacy screens were set up as he was treated by medical staff on the pitchCredit: AP More

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      Rangers 1 Celtic 1: Adam Idah equalises for Hoops as linesman’s offside call overturned by VAR

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      DAIZEN MAEDA’S wife didn’t deliver.When it came to the stoppage time chance her husband had at Ibrox, neither did he.Adam Idah celebrates his equaliser with Celtic team-matesCredit: PACyriel Dessers after putting Rangers aheadCredit: GettyBut then this was an Old Firm derby at Ibrox that saw both teams labour.Mrs Maeda still hadn’t given birth with the Celtic forward having a wasted trip back home to Japan last week.By time up here, though, both Barry Ferguson and Brendan Rodgers were satisfied enough with the outcome – after 90-odd exhausting minutes – knowing neither of their Rangers and Celtic teams did enough to win it.Decisions and VAR checks could have gone differently, sure they could.But the two goals from strikers Cyriel Dessers and Adam Idah saw a share of the spoils on an afternoon when few could have any real complaints.Idah had a great chance to make it 1-0 to Celtic just 36 SECONDS before Rangers took the lead.The striker was put right through on goal but lacked the conviction in the moment.There was a little slip, sure. Most read in FootballBut that shouldn’t have prevented him from hitting the back of the net.Credit to Liam Kelly who made himself as big as he possibly could have made himself.Celtic fans demand ‘build him a statue’ after Daizen Maeda trolls Rangers during four-in-a-row title partyRangers v Celtic player ratingsRANGERS: Kelly 7, Tavernier 7, Balogun 7, Souttar 7, Jefte 5, Diomande 7, Raskin 8, Barron 7, Cerny 5, Dessers 6, Bajrami 5.Gers subs: Hagi 1 (Bajrami, 66), Igamane (1 Cerny, 66), Rice 2 (Hagi, 83), Danilo 1 (Diomande, 90).CELTIC: Sinisalo 7, Ralston 7, Carter-Vickers 7, Scales 6, Taylor 7, Engels 7, McGregor 7, Hatate 7, Forrest 6, Idah 7, Maeda 6.Celtic subs: Bernardo 3 (Engels, 63), Yang  3 (Forrest, 63), Schlupp 1 (Taylor, 79), Kenny 1 (Idah, 84).But it was a definitely miss more than a save.It wasn’t the first time, either, that Idah wasted a fantastic opportunity at that end of the pitch.Early on, with only eight minutes on the clock, he burst forward and had James Forrest supporting him to his right.A good pass and the winger was in.But that’s not what Forrest got and the chance was gone.Later, Idah would show he’s got something to offer in the penalty box when he did score.But it’s wasted opportunities like those which will make Rodgers believe he has to sign a new No9 in the summer.Celtic would have been kicking themselves that they were behind at half-time.They weren’t dominated by any stretch of the imagination. Rangers were denied the lead by a tight VAR call after 24 minutes when Nico Raskin had stepped half a yard off-side at a free-kick whipped into the box by James Tavernier.But Celtic’s press was making it extremely difficult for Rangers to get out of their own half and they should have made more of it.The home side were also finding it difficult to cope with the movement of Arne Engels who kept getting himself into little pockets of space between the Rangers midfield and defence. At left-back, Jefte didn’t know when to get tight on Forrest and when to drop off.Raskin came onto a game, though. The young Belgian was up for it, alright, and got better and better throughout the first-half.Celtic captain Callum McGregor tried desperately to rile him up – and should have been booked for a late challenge on him after half an hour – but Raskin ignored his taunts.If there was someone out there leading the fight for Rangers then it was him.When it came to Dessers’ goal, his finish was cool, calm and collected.Centre-back Liam Scales won’t enjoy watching it back as he was far too weak and timid in his attempt to stop the striker from scoring.But Dessers deserves top marks for being able to keep his composure, especially when he’s had so little involvement in the game until then.Incredibly, before he scored, he’d had just FIVE touches of the ball in the first-half.The game was literally passing him by.And yet, despite that, he was the man celebrating the opening goal as he took his tally for the season to 25.Celtic had to respond in the second-half, and did.Idah’s equaliser on 57 minutes was initially ruled out by an off-side flag with Daizen Maeda seemingly the guilty man.But a VAR check showed the Japanese frontman wasn’t anywhere he shouldn’t have been when Idah fired past Kelly.It initially looked like the Rangers deputy goalkeeper’s line of vision was impacted by Maeda, who was offside, but that wasn’t the case.With the game level again, it felt like Celtic would go up a gear. Rodgers took off Engels and Forrest and replaced them with Hyunjun Yang and Paulo Bernardo.But Rangers were always dangerous on the counter-attack, especially when Ferguson changed Nedim Bajrami and Vaclav Cerny for Hamza Igamane and Ianis Hagi.Cerny was clearly furious with Ferguson’s decision to take him off with the game in the balance.After trudging off, he elbowed the dugout perspex three times.Had he maybe shown that kind of aggression out on the pitch then maybe he would still have been out there.There was absolutely no doubting the Czech’s ability and quality. But he’s seemingly one who doesn’t seem to understand that these games demand more than that.Rangers were soon taking Hagi back off the park after he was hurt by a tackle inside the Celtic box.The Romanian claimed for a penalty but referee Nick Walsh was having none of it and VAR didn’t get involved either.It was maybe always drifting toward a draw.Yet in the final seconds of seven minutes of stoppage time, Maeda had a terrific chance to win the game.He sprinted forward from his own half and had young substitute Johnny Kenny to his left, but wrongly chose to go it alone.That gave Kelly a chance to smoother the ball and he did.Read More on The SunWithin seconds, the final whistle had gone and it was over.Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Scott McTominay set to lose MILLIONS after loaning cash to collapsed firm run by Wag who’s facing allegations of fraud

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      SCOTLAND ace Scott McTominay is set to lose £2.32million he invested in a failed firm run by his glam girlfriend and her dad.The Napoli star, 28, loaned £1million cash plus £1.32million from his own investment company to Ashley Reading and Wag Cameron’s Fortress Capital Partners, documents have revealed.Scott McTominay and Napoli are leading the way in Serie A this seasonCredit: GettyThe Scotland ace pictured with girlfriend Cam ReadingCredit: INSTAGRAMA firm run by Cam and her father has gone bustCredit: InstagramHe is among creditors owed around £20million after the outfit went bust.And on Friday they rejected businessman Ashley’s bid to claw back cash via a Company Voluntary Arrangement.Liquidators had warned investors, including former Manchester United midfielder McTominay, that they were unlikely to get their money back.They said: “Our view is that this CVA is highly speculative. Creditors should be aware that there may be little return.READ MORE ON McTOMINAY“We are unable to definitely say the proposal strikes the balance between the interests of the company and the creditors as there has been limited disclosure of the assets of the director and his family.”It is understood investors stand to get just 3p back for every £1 — meaning McTominay would receive just £66,000.Boyzone singer Shane Lynch, 48, is also set to lose most of his £730,000 investment in the firm.Cameron, 25, has been ordered to hand over hundreds of thousands of pounds from sales of two pads in Dubai and a Spanish villa.Most read in FootballShe and her dad face fraud allegations.On the pitch, McTominay and Napoli are a step closer to winning the Serie A title.Napoli fan gets incredible Scott McTominay tattoo with permanent nod to Scotland hero’s bizarre new nicknameHe played the full game as Antonio Conte’s men secured a 1-0 win away to Lecce thanks to a first-half Giacomo Raspadori goal.The result saw Napoli maintain their three-point lead over title rivals Inter Milan.There are just three games left to go in the season.All three of Napoli’s final games are against sides in the bottom half of the table.They take on Genoa next Sunday before travelling to face Parma.Their campaign ends with a home clash against Cagliari on May 25, where they’ll be hoping to lift the Serie A trophy.Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Merricks vows Birmingham City will give their all in WSL promotion battle with London City Lionesses

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      AMY MERRICKS will urge Birmingham to give it everything in today’s promotion decider with London City Lionesses.And Brum boss Merricks reckons the women’s second tier deserves far more attention than it currently gets.Amy Merricks has guided Birmingham City to 12 wins and four draws in 19 games in the Women’s Championship this seasonCredit: GettyLondon City Lionesses will be out to deny Blues a home win in order to claim the point they need for promotion in the WSLCredit: GettyBirmingham City are expecting approximately a crowd 7,000 for their pivotal clash with London City at St AndrewsCredit: GettyCity must win at St Andrew’s to deny London the Championship title and a place in the WSL for the first time.Blues whose club’s co-owners include NFL legend Tom Brady are bidding to return to the league they helped establish 15 years ago.Ex-Lionesses Under-19 boss Merricks, who took charge of Birmingham City last April, said: “This club was one of the founding members of the WSL and to take it back there would be amazing.”But we have to focus first and foremost on the process to get there. The performance is that process and we’re taking nothing for granted.”Read More Football StoriesToday’s 2:15pm showdown is the first Women’s Championship game to be shown live on Sky Sports.Brum have already sold more than 7,000 tickets but Merrick hopes TV coverage will help attract even more fans to the second tier.She added: “My squad are ready to give everything. I’m really excited and what a great showcase for the Championship.”This is a league that deserves so much more attention. We have so much talent here and we are focused on showcasing the best of ourselves.”Most read in FootballAn away win for London City would see them become the only standalone women’s team competing in the WSL next season. The club, who share their Hayes Lane home ground with League Two men’s side Bromley, have been a force to be reckoned with this term after finishing eighth last term. Since being purchased by USA-born Michelle Kang, the club that was following a May 2019 breakaway from Millwall has undergone an overhaul in recent years. Her December 2023 takeover has been followed by a revamp of London City’s squad. A team whose players include senior internationals such as Sweden veteran Kosovare Asllani, 35, and rising young stars such as defender Teyah Goldie currently on loan from Arsenal. And last June the club appointed France-born Jocelyn Precheur as head coach following his one-season stint as Paris Saint-Germain during which he led the team to a Women’s French Cup win. Among the younger players who have helped London City register 13 victories and three draws from 19 games is England Under-23s player Isobel Goodwin. The forward 22, is set to win the Women’s Championship Golden Boot for this term after scoring 15 goals so far during the campaign. Isobel Goodwin has been in fine form in front of goal for London City Lionesses following her transfer from Sheffield United last SeptemberCredit: GettyGoodwin said:”The Championship is such a big league now and the growth in it each year is getting better and better. Read More on The Sun“Being in the promotion race, it’s just so exciting and this is probably one of the biggest games of my career knowing that we could possibly lift that trophy. “It’s every girl’s dream is to play in the WSL and get promoted. So hopefully we can do that.” More

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      Man Utd star Casemiro ‘in line for massive pay rise if club win the Europa League giving Ruben Amorim huge headache’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED ace Casemiro will pocket a HUGE pay rise if Ruben Amorim’s side win the Europa League, reports suggest.And the midfielder’s new wages would see him making the exact same amount as Cristiano Ronaldo during his second stint at Old Trafford.Casemiro will receive a massive pay rise if Manchester United win the Europa LeagueCasemiro would make the same amount as Cristiano Ronaldo during his second stint at Man UtdUnited have switched their attention to the Europa League as it poses as their only hope for Champions League qualification amid an awful season that has seen them slump down to 15th place in the Premier League.According to The Star, however, winning the trophy would bring a major dilemma for Man Utd manager Amorim regarding what to do with Casemiro.The Brazil international has a clause in his contract which guarantees him a staggering 25 per cent raise if the Red Devils return to the Champions League.The ex-Real Madrid star made that agreement with the Manchester giants before moving from Santiago Bernabeu in 2022 at a time when the Prem outfit weren’t in Europe’s elite competition.Read More on Man UtdTherefore, if United win the Europa League on May 21 in Bilbao then Casemiro will see his salary go up by a whopping £100,000 a week.That would see the Brazilian making £500,000 a week, which is exactly the same amount Ronaldo pocketed from 2021 until 2022.That could pose as a problem for Amorim, who’s been asked to slash the wage bill by minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe.Casemiro has endured an inconsistent three-year spell at Old Trafford but the Portuguese tactician still values him as he managed to regain top form in recent weeks.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe defensive midfielder helped Man Utd destroy Athletic Bilbao with a score of 3-0 in the first leg of the Europa League semi-finals on Thursday at San Mames, which is where the final will take place.Bilbao now have all to do in Thursday’s second leg, therefore United pose as favourites to advance to the final where they could face Premier League foes Tottenham.Rio Ferdinand blasts ‘highly disrespectful’ Jamie Carragher for brutal eight-word assessment of Man Utd star CasemiroBut a triumph in Bilbao, which would see the Red Devils salvaging their dreadful season, will see Casemiro becoming their highest-paid player.And he doesn’t seem keen on leaving before his contract runs out in 2026 as he and his family are happy in Manchester.Therefore, Amorim’s hand may be forced as he also need to raise funds to put together a major squad revamp in search of players that can apply his favoured 3-4-2-1 formation next season. More

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      Arsenal tipped to finish FOURTH by Jamie Carragher as he predicts race for Champions League places

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      JAMIE CARRAGHER has predicted Arsenal will go from playing second-fiddle in the Premier League title race to scraping into the Champions League qualification spots.The Gunners are on a woeful run of league form that has seen them fail to win all but one of their games since April 1, with a 2-1 win over Fulham giving way to just one win in five.Jamie Carragher has predicted Arsenal to finish below two other teams owing to their poor Premier League formCredit: GettyThe Gunners have lost 21 points from winning positions this season and won just one of their last five league gamesCredit: RexMikel Arteta’s side have led in all of those fixtures but failed to win four of them – meaning they have lost 21 points from winning positions this season, their joint-most alongside 2019/20.The run saw draws with Everton, Brentford and Crystal Palace before losing to Bournemouth, while their only win in this period was a 4-0 thrashing of ten-man Ipswich.This ultimately saw them hand the title to Liverpool, who were crowned champions for a record equalling 20th time – although they have shifted focus to their Champions League run.However, the North London club’s dreadful form is threatening to see teams below them in the table catch up to them as the Champions League race heats up.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLManchester City have won four of their last five league games to reinforce their grip on a spot, while likewise Newcastle have won six of their last seven league outings.Below the Middle East owned clubs, Chelsea, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa all remain in contention for the coveted fifth Champions League qualification place, with only goal difference to separate them.And speaking to Sky Sports, former Liverpool star Carragher predicts Arsenal to fall as low as fourth during the run-in.He said: “I still think Newcastle and Manchester City can actually catch Arsenal.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates”Just with the situation Arsenal have in the Champions League… they go to Anfield, they’ve also got to play Newcastle as well. It’s a brilliant race.”Aston Villa have to win in the next couple of games to give themselves a fighting chance.”Arsenal boss Arteta shuts down reporter after being asked revealing question ahead of crucial PSG Champions League clashIf Arsenal were to maintain second spot in the league, they run the risk of eclipsing the record set between Man City and Manchester United in 2017/18 for the most points between the champions and runner up.Should champions Liverpool beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge later today, the gap between first and second will stand at 18 points.The record set by the Manchester clubs in 2018 was a 19-point gap, though that was a season Pep Guardiola’s side became the first-ever English top flight centurions.Liverpool host the Gunners next weekend, so could extend the gap to a colossal 21 points without Arteta’s side losing grip on second.Carragher, 47, also reckons Nottingham Forest and Chelsea will miss out on the final Prem Champions League spot, with Aston Villa leapfrogging them both.He continued: “Playing Spurs and Manchester United in their (Aston Villa) last two games might actually fall into their lap in terms of the Europa League final as well.”I think this is going to go right to the wire. I don’t think Nottingham Forest are going to make it now, Villa might make a late push. I still think Chelsea will find it difficult looking at their fixtures.” More