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      Premier League legend dropped from Saudi Pro League squad for rest of this season to make space for £42m January signing

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      AL-AHLI have decided to drop Liverpool legend Roberto Firmino from their Saudi Pro League squad for the rest of the season.The striker has fallen foul of rules on foreign players – after Al-Ahli paid Porto £42milion for fellow Brazilian Galeno.Roberto Firmino will miss the final 15 games of the Saudi top-flight termCredit: RexAl-Ahli newcomer Galeno celebrates beating Al Sadd with Ali MajrashiCredit: ReutersFirmino, 33, is under contract until next year but speculation is growing over an early exit.However, Al-Ahli  are flying in the AFC Champions League.And the 55-cap star can still play in that tournament – the top competition for Asian clubs.Al-Ahli are already guaranteed a spot in the knockout phase after winning six of their first seven Group B matches.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut domestically, amid a blitz of signings from Europe, the Saudi League has limited the number of overseas recruits to 10 per club.And the arrival of 27-year-old winger Galeno from Porto has put paid to Firmino’s domestic season.It comes after the inventive attacker netted five times in 17 league games for Al-Ahli during the current campaign.Al-Ahli manager Matthias Jaissle said: “It was a difficult decision for the club and based on the rules.”Most read in FootballGaleno was a big name at Porto but switched to Al-AhliCredit: RexJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAnd Jaissle appeared to suggest Firmino could still have a major role – away from the final 15 games in the Saudi Pro League.He added: “We appreciate him and he dealt with it professionally. He’s still one of our leaders.”Aston Villa confirm Jhon Duran’s £64million transfer to Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr with blunt 58-word statement But Firmino’s new situation could now spark transfer talk.And Al-Ahli might be amenable to offloading one of their big earners – if he finds a suitable taker. Firmino arrived at the Middle East club in July 2023, having won the Champions League, Prem and FA Cup in eight years with Liverpool.There’s speculation Firmino could now wave goodbye early to Al-AhliCredit: Rex More

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      in Motorsport

      Lewis Hamilton won’t last two years at Ferrari, predicts Bernie Ecclestone who says 7-time champ has ‘lost motivation’

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      BERNIE ECCLESTONE doesn’t believe Lewis Hamilton will be a success at Ferrari. The seven-time F1 champion is making the switch from Mercedes to the Italian giants for the 2025 season.Bernie Ecclestone has talked down Lewis Hamilton’s chances of an eighth F1 championshipCredit: SplashThe 40-year-old has joined Ferrari ahead of the 2025 seasonCredit: GettyHamilton, 40, won his last title in 2020 but is eager to top the standings again. He recently piloted his new Ferrari for the first time ahead of the season opener in Melbourne on March 16. But ex-Formula 1 CEO Ecclestone, 94, doesn’t believe the move will prove a success.Ecclestone told The Telegraph: “He won’t last [two years].READ MORE ON F1″Piero Ferrari, who has taken him there, still thinks they’ve done the right thing. “I hope they have. I hope they haven’t just jumped in and end up wishing they hadn’t.”Ecclestone believes Hamilton’s age will prove a hindrance for the legendary driver.And he isn’t convinced the Stevenage-born star has the same drive he had during his youth. Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSEcclestone continued: “I have thought with Lewis, ‘He’s getting tired. He has lost motivation.’”If he had never won a world championship, it might be different, because then there would be an incentive to win one. But he has won seven.”Fans miss Lewis Hamilton’s first lap in a Ferrari as thick fog engulfs iconic F1 circuit Even Hamilton’s fashion sense wasn’t safe from Ecclestone’s ire in the bombshell interview. He continued: “Lewis gets himself up front in a way where you can dislike him. “How a guy who has won a few world titles and has a few dollars in the bank can dress the way he dresses. I’m not a fan of that.”He has a lot of talent as a driver. As much as people credit him with? No, but still enough to win races. “I don’t know why he does all this other nonsense. He needs to get out of the music business and whatever else.”READ MORE SUN STORIESHamilton will join his fellow F1 drivers in London next month to kickstart the season at a new launch event. For the first time in the sport’s history, all ten teams will come together at the O2 Arena to unveil their new liveries. More

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      Birmingham vs Newcastle live stream FREE: How to watch FA Cup clash today

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      NEWCASTLE and Birmingham face off in a HUGE clash for a place in the FA Cup fifth round.Eddie Howe’s Newcastle have already reached a final this season, beating Arsenal 4-0 on aggregate in the Carabao Cup semi-final.Newcastle reached a second Carabao Cup final in three yearsCredit: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire.Birmingham are looking for an upset against NewcastleCredit: Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty ImagesBirmingham are currently four points clear at the top of League One, with two games in hand over second placed Wycombe.The side are enjoying a good season in England’s third tier, and look poised to return to the Championship at the first time of asking.Newcastle will provide a tougher test than Stevenage away, though, so Chris Davies will need his side to give it everything against the Carabao Cup finalists. How to watch Birmingham vs Newcastle?Birmingham vs Newcastle will be free to watch in the UK.The game will be shown on BBC One.Coverage is also available to stream on BBC iPlayer.The game kicks off at 5.45pm GMT on Saturday, February 8.What other FA Cup games are happening this weekend?Chelsea will travel to Brighton in the final game on Saturday, February 8, at 8pm GMT, following the conclusion of Birmingham vs Newcastle. Sunday, February 9 will showcase three games, with Blackburn vs Wolves starting the day at 3pm GMT.Liverpool travel to Plymouth at 3pm GMT, before Sunday’s action finished at Villa Park as Aston Villa take on Tottenham at 5:35pm GMT.Most read in FA CupOn Monday night, Doncaster will host Crystal Palace at 7:45pm GMT.The fourth round actions concludes at St James Park, as Exeter take on Nottingham Forest at 8pm GMT. More

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      in Soccer

      Who owns Birmingham City?

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      IE has been 14 seasons since the blue side of Birmingham have been able to cherish the glories of Premier League football.Since relegation in the 2010-11 season, the club have meandered in the Championship and met face with higher-ups negligence last season as they were relegated to League One. Ex-owner Carson Yeung had a underwhelming stint as owner before relinquishing duties in 2014 following his arrest for money laundering chargesBirmingham Sports Holdings, formerly Trillion Trophy Asia Limited took over from Yeung as the neglect culminated in an inevitable relegation in 2024Credit: GettyChinese-owned group Birmingham Sports Holdings (BSH), formerly Trillion Trophy Asia Limited, were maligned throughout their tenure.They eventually ceded control to American investment firm Knighthead Capital Management, headed up by financier Tom Wagner, in July 2023.Though the US-based Shelby Companies Limited (SCL) company oversaw relegation to League 1 – the first time the club have been out of the top two divisions since 1995 – they’ve caused a rebirth in response. Blues are undoubtedly the most expensively formed, having spent between £20 million and £25 million ($24.7 million to $31 million) over the summer.READ MORE IN FA CUPThe record-breaking investment that sent shockwaves through the rest of the league, even amongst Hollywood rivals Wrexham – owned by Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mcelhenney. The club is first in League 1 – fourth points and two games in hand ahead of closet rivals Wycombe and are in the fourth round of the FA Cup as they host Premier League Newcastle United. The revival of a once forsaken club is firmly underway so who’s behind the ownership?Tom Brady is occasionally spotted at the Blues’ gamesCredit: GettyMajority owner Tom Wagner and co have spearheaded the club’s rebuild with Premier League football amongst aimsCredit: GettyWho owns Birmingham City?As stated, SCL, fronted by the company’s co-founder Wagner acquired a majority share in the team and complete ownership of the stadium with a 45.96% stake. Most read in FA CupAlthough BSH retains 51% of the shares, Wagner said that Shelby will be “responsible for the operations of the club moving forward” and that “nothing about the way the transaction is structured will prevent us from achieving the long-term goals we have for the club.”Since takeover, swift changes have been ensued, particularly off the pitch. Garry Cook, former Manchester City CEO, was appointed to the same job at Birmingham before stepping down in January this year. Fellow Blues fan and former Microsoft executive Jeremy Dale, who helped broker the deal to bring American owners Knighthead to St Andrew’s, has assumed the role of interim CEO since. The blockbuster arrival of NFL great Tom Brady as minority owner has gained considerable publicity.The seven-time Super Bowl champion quarterback may have the glitz and nosie, but he apparently has no voting rights and serves mostly as the club’s face, spreading the message and drumming up interest across the pond. More

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      FA Cup 4th round games on TV: Channel and stream details for this weekend’s clashes

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      THE FA Cup fourth round gets underway at Manchester United, and you can watch the games for FREE!Manchester United will start off the weekend at home to Leicester, and Exeter host Nottingham Forest to conclude the action on Tuesday night.Manchester United host Leicester in the first live game this weekendCredit: AlamyNottingham Forest look to keep up their good form in this round’s last game at ExeterCredit: RexLower league sides like Doncaster and Exeter have already had to battle through three rounds to get here, and have been given big Premier League ties for their efforts.Last year’s winners Manchester United play at home to Leicester, and runners up Manchester City are away to Leyton Orient.How can I watch this weekend’s games?The FA Cup fourth round is free-to-air in the UK.The games will be shared across the BBC and ITV, with BBC iPlayer and ITVX also streaming the games.The FA Cup fourth round starts on Friday, February 7 and ends of Tuesday, February 11.Which games are being shown on TV?The FA released it’s list of live TV games in January, and a full list is available here:Read more FootballManchester United vs Leicester – Fri, Feb 7, 8pm GMT – ITV1 and ITVXLeyton Orient vs Manchester City – Sat, Feb 8, 12:15pm GMT – BBC One and BBC iPlayerBirmingham vs Newcastle – Sat, Feb 8, 5:45pm GMT- BBC One and BBC iPlayerBrighton vs Chelsea – Sat, Feb 8, 8pm GMT – ITV4 and ITVXBlackburn vs Wolves – Sun, Feb 9, 12:30pm GMT – BBC iPlayerPlymouth vs Liverpool – Sun, Feb 9, 3pm GMT – ITV1 and ITVXAston Villa vs Tottenham – Sun, Feb 9, 5:35pm GMT – BBC One and BBC iPlayerDoncaster vs Crystal Palace, Mon, Feb 10, 7:45pm GMT, BBC iPlayerExeter vs Nottingham Forest, Tue, Feb 11, 8pm GMT, ITV1 and ITVXWhich other games are on this weekend?Saturday, February 8:Leeds vs Millwall, 12:15pm GMTCoventry vs Ipswich, 3pm GMTPreston vs Wycombe, 3pm GMTStoke vs Cardiff, 3pm GMTSouthampton vs Burnley, 3pm GMTEverton vs Bournemouth, 3pm GMTWigan vs Fulham, 3pm GMT More

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      Paul Scholes delivers brutal eight-word verdict on Ruben Amorim’s tactics after Man Utd’s last-gasp win over Leicester

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Paul Scholes has appeared to call out Ruben Amorim for playing new signing Patrick Dorgu out of position.The 20-year-old full-back made his Red Devils debut in the FA Cup comeback win over Leicester on Friday night. Paul Scholes has appeared to hit out at Ruben Amorim’s team selectionCredit: APThe Portuguese boss gave Patrick Dorgu a debut against Leicester on Friday nightCredit: GettyDorgu, 20, was employed as an inverted full-back on the right side, rather than his natural leftCredit: GettyUnited left it late to snatch a dramatic 2-1 victory under the lights at Old Trafford.Harry Maguire was the unlikely hero, netting late on to send the Red Devils into the fifth round.Dorgu, a £25million capture, began the night in an unfamiliar role on the right side of defence.The ex-Lecce star normally operates on the left but slotted dutifully into Amorim’s preferred 3-4-3 system. READ MORE ON MAN UTDDorgu was subbed off at half-time following a tepid first half, with United trailing thanks to a goal from Bobby De Cordova-Reid.Following the game, an unimpressed Scholes wrote on Instagram: “Inverted wing-backs… you saw it at [Old Trafford] first.”Scholes’ former teammate Roy Keane was on punditry duty for ITV during the match.And he was similarly baffled by Amorim playing the youngster out of his natural position.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSKeane said: “They’ve brought new players in, you’re thinking he’s [Dorgu] going to play in his position and he’s playing right wing-back.”You think, is that unfair on players? And you look at the urgency for the goal [Leicester opener], it’s given away cheaply, people not staying with their runners. Luke Littler and AngryGinge lose their heads on live stream after predicting Harry Maguire would score Man Utd winner”I just look at it from United’s point of view and think, my goodness, is this what it’s come to?”Amorim defended his decision following United’s dramatic comeback. Asked directly about Dorgu playing on the right, he said: “He played a lot of times in Lecce on the right.”That is one of the characteristics that we pay attention to a lot, to have a player like him.”He was a little bit anxious in the first touch with the ball. “It’s a different league for him, a different speed of the game, but he did well. READ MORE SUN STORIES”He has space, he has strength, and he’s going to improve a lot. “And we, as a team, we need to play better to help these new guys to perform at the right level.” More

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      in Soccer

      Real Madrid ‘make William Saliba No1 transfer target’ but Arsenal convinced he would be world’s most expensive defender

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      REAL MADRID are prioritising a transfer swoop for Arsenal star William Saliba.Saliba, 23, has been established as one of the best defenders in the Premier League where he has formed a rock-solid duo with Gabriel Magalhaes at centre-back.Real Madrid see Arsenal star William Saliba as an ‘absolute priority’Credit: GettyArsenal wopuld only let Saliba leave for a record transfer feeCredit: RexAnd that has led to immense interest from some of the world’s elite clubs for the Gunners’ star.According to RMC Sport, Real have made the France international an “absolute priority” ahead of the summer transfer window.However, the North Londoners are demanding a massive fee for their star Frenchman.Arsenal see Saliba as the best centre-back in the world following two goals in 33 appearances across all competitions this season.Read More on ArsenalMikel Arteta’s side is not keen to sell the ex-Saint-Etienne star any time soon.However, if Arsenal have no option then they are planning to demand a hefty fee.The same source claims the Premier League giants are convinced Saliba will go down in history as the most expensive defender if he leaves the Emirates.That means Arsenal won’t consider any bid worth less than £80million.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThat is how much Manchester United splashed to sign Harry Maguire from Leicester in 2019 and made him the most expensive defender in football history.Saliba has a contract with Arsenal until 2027, which means the club is in no rush.Meet Ayden Heaven: Arsenal’s next William SalibaThe Frenchman joined the Gunners in 2019 from Saint-Etienne but was immediately sent back on loan to the French outfit to gain more experience.That led to more loan stints to Nice and Marseille until he was finally established in Arsenal’s first team in 2022.Since then, Saliba has stood out for Arteta’s side with a total of seven goals and two assists in 116 appearances. More

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      Man Utd rejected two loan offers from clubs in Italy for struggling striker in closing days of transfer window

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      MANCHESTER UNITED knocked back a couple of cheeky loan bids from Italy to land Rasmus Hojlund in the closing days of the transfer window.AC Milan made a tentative inquiry for the Danish striker, before they switched their sights to Chelsea’s Joao Felix after getting a firm no-go.Man Utd rejected several loan bids from Italian clubs for Rasmus HojlundCredit: GettyAnd former club Atalanta – who sold him to United 18 months ago – got the same answer when they asked about taking him back for the rest of the season.Hojlund, 22, has struggled to make an impact since his £64 million move, and has not scored a goal this calendar year.But with strikers in short supply at Old Trafford, United never entertained the idea of letting him leave.And sources insist Ruben Amorim still has faith that he will come good.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUnited did let two other forwards go during the January window though.Flop winger Antony was packed off on loan to Real Betis.While £325,000-a-week misfit Marcus Rashford joined Aston Villa for the remainder of the season.United opted against signing a replacement for either man, with target Mathys Tel ending up at Tottenham on deadline day.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe Red Devils did manage to make one senior signing for Amorim.A cool £30million was dropped on Lecce left-back Patrick Dorgu – who ended up making his debut on the RIGHT during yesterday’s controversial FA Cup win against Leicester.Fans spot Sir Alex Ferguson YAWNING as he watches woeful Man Utd – but get distracted by who he’s sitting next toHis arrival eventually saw Tyrell Malacia complete a return to Holland with PSV Eindhoven.And United are now fully focused on drawing up targets for this summer’s transfer window. More