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    Michael Schumacher’s close pal Jean Todt gives rare health update after ‘regular’ visits to see stricken F1 star

    MICHAEL Schumacher’s close pal and ex-Ferrari boss Jean Todt has opened up about his “regular” visits to the stricken Formula One legend.The seven-time world champion, now 56, has not been seen in public since his horror skiing accident in 2013.Michael Schumacher’s close friend and former boss Jean Todt, left, has given the latest update on the stricken starCredit: AP:Associated PressTodt revealed that he visits Schumacher ‘regularly and with affection’Credit: AFPThe ex-Ferrari and FIA boss previously said Schumacher is ‘no longer the Michael we knew’Credit: AFPHis family has remained fiercely private about his condition, with only a select few given access to the German ace.Todt, who led Ferrari during Schumacher’s dominant era, remains one of the family’s closest confidants.Speaking to La Repubblica, the former FIA president revealed he still visits Schumacher frequently and cherishes their friendship despite the tragic turn of events.“The family has decided not to answer the question (on his condition). A choice that I respect,” Todt said. Read more on Schumacher“I see him regularly and with affection, him and his family. “Our bond goes beyond the past work. It is part of my life, which today is very far from Formula 1.”BEHIND CLOSED DOORSTodt’s words offer a rare glimpse into Schumacher’s life behind closed doors.He has previously acknowledged that his old friend “is no longer the Michael we knew”, but has remained steadfast in his support.Most read in MotorsportThe Frenchman is one of the very few people allowed to visit Schumacher, joining a tight circle that includes his former teammate Luca Badoer, longtime manager Sabine Kehm, and ex-Ferrari ace Felipe Massa.It is believed that Schumacher and Todt still share their love for racing, with reports suggesting they watch Formula One together whenever possible.Watch as Schumacher ‘blackmailer’s’ son is DRAGGED off cam by lawyerGRANDDAD SCHUEYThe F1 legend is now set to become a grandfather for the first time after his daughter Gina announced her pregnancy just three months after her wedding.The 27-year-old shared the exciting news on Instagram, writing: “Impatiently awaiting the arrival of our little girl.”She accompanied the message with a picture of a foal standing next to pink balloons.Gina and Iain Bethke pictured in 2017Credit: GettyMichael carrying Gina as a toddlerCredit: RexGina married longtime partner Iain Bethke at the family’s £27million Majorca villa last September, with initial reports claiming Schumacher was present.Guests were reportedly forced to hand over their phones to prevent any leaks.But Schumacher’s former F1 teammate Johnny Herbert later dismissed the speculation as “A1 fake news”.“It will always be a closed shop,” Herbert told Flashscore. READ MORE SUN STORIES“The most recent rumour was he attended his daughter’s wedding.”Unfortunately, from what I understand that was all A1 fake news and no truth in it.”Michael Schumacher’s years-long recovery from cruel ski accidentMCIHAEL Schumacher’s life changed forever on December 29, 2013, when a skiing accident left the seven-time F1 champion with a severe brain injury. Since then, his family has fiercely protected his privacy, while only a select few remain in contact with the stricken racing legend.December 29, 2013 – The skiing accident: Schumacher suffers a life-threatening head injury while skiing off-piste in Méribel, France. He falls and hits his head on a rock, causing severe brain trauma despite wearing a helmet. Airlifted to a hospital in Grenoble, he undergoes two emergency surgeries. Doctors place him in a medically induced coma to reduce swelling in his brain.January 2014 – Schumacher fights for his life: Schumacher remains in a coma. Doctors describe his condition as “critical but stable.” His family, led by wife Corinna, remains at his bedside. The world’s F1 community rallies behind him, with fans holding vigils outside the hospital.June 2014 – Awakening from coma: Schumacher is brought out of his coma after nearly six months. His family confirms he is no longer in a coma but gives no further health details. He is transferred from Grenoble to a rehabilitation facility in Lausanne, Switzerland.September 2014 – Back home: Schumacher is moved to his family home on the shores of Lake Geneva. His wife Corinna announces he will continue his recovery at home, with a dedicated medical team.2015–2018 – Years of silence: Reports suggest Schumacher is receiving round-the-clock medical care at home, costing £50,000 per week. Jean Todt reveals he still visits Schumacher and that they watch F1 races together.September 2019 – Schumacher secretly transferred to Paris: French media reports that Schumacher is taken to Paris for stem cell therapy at the Georges-Pompidou Hospital. The procedure is led by renowned surgeon Dr. Philippe Menasché. Details of the treatment remain undisclosed.December 2019 – Manager issues rare statement: Schumacher’s longtime manager Sabine Kehm says his condition will remain private. She dismisses speculation and false reports about his health.September 2021 – Netflix documentary “Schumacher” released: A new Netflix documentary, Schumacher, provides rare insights into his life. Corinna speaks publicly about his condition for the first time, saying: “Michael is here. Different, but he’s here, and that gives us strength.”December 2023 – 10 years since the accident: Schumacher turns 55. The anniversary of his accident is marked by tributes from the F1 world. Jean Todt confirms he still sees Schumacher regularly and describes his visits as “full of affection.”September 2024 – Daughter Gina’s wedding: Gina Schumacher, 27, marries longtime boyfriend Iain Bethke at the family’s £27million Majorca villa. Reports claim Schumacher attends the wedding, but close friend Johnny Herbert later calls it “A1 fake news.” Guests are reportedly required to hand over their phones to prevent leaks.December 2024 – Schumacher to become a grandfather: Gina announces she is pregnant, three months after her wedding. She shares the news on Instagram, writing: “Impatiently awaiting the arrival of our little girl.” More

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    Meet Aston Villa signing Marco Asensio’s stunning Wag, who worked as a waitress in a nightclub and is now an architect

    DESPITE losing Jhon Duran during the transfer window, Aston Villa were able to bolster their attack.In came Man Utd outcast Marcus Rashford, to much fanfare from Villa’s support.Meet Marco Ascensio gorgeous wife Sandra GaralCredit: instagram @ssandragaralStunning Sandra is an architect and interior designerCredit: instagram @ssandragaralAston Villa new boy Marco Asensio began his romance with Sandra in 2019Credit: instagram @ssandragaralWhile, intriguingly, former Real Madrid star Marco Asensio joined on loan from PSG.The 29-year-old Spain international had fallen out of favour at the Parc des Princes under Luis Enrique.So, it’ll be a relief for Asensio that fellow Spaniard Unai Emery could offer him valuable game time instead.Off the pitch, the attacking midfielder is very settled. He married longterm love, Sandra Garal in 2023.Read more football newsThe glam Wag has emerged as one of football’s most popular partners, as SunSport reveals.Who is she?The Spanish beauty, 30, graduated from Madrid’s Superior Technical School of Architecture.She is an architect and interior designer by profession – and runs her own business.But, it’s not all work and no play for Sandra who is a total fashionista.Most read in FootballOn her Instagram, where she over 362,000 followers, she shares her enviable lifestyle.Top ten Premier League managers’ WagsThat includes fashion shoots peddling online brands, including yoga wear from alo and jewellery by Luxenter.She plays the role of Wag well – looking glam in designer wear.Last year she attended Milan Fashion Week, where she shared glimpses inside the shows of Louis Vuitton and Elisabetta Franchi.How they metThe couple met at a nightclub in Madrid in 2019.Sandra was reportedly working as a waitress when Asensio laid eyes on her.Early on, they kept their romance private.However, that same year they were guests at Asensio’s former teammate Sergio Ramos’ wedding to Pilar Rubio.Sandra and Asensio said their ‘I do’s’ at Mallorca’s La Fortaleza, in an intimate ceremony attended by close friends and family.Asensio’s father was his best man, while guests included Gareth Bale and Rafael Nadal.Fashionable Sandra met Asensio when she worked as a waitress in a Madrid nightclubCredit: instagram @ssandragaralSandra regularly shows off her amazing bikini body on social mediaCredit: instagram @ssandragaralAscensio and Sandra got married in 2023 after dating for four yearsCredit: instagram @ssandragaralread more sport featuresThe winger has his own charity, Marco Asensio Foundation which is dedicated to supporting children with cancer and their families.Instead of wedding gifts, they asked guests to make contributions to the organisation.Don’t mention Dua Lia…Bizarrely, before Asensio met Sandra he was linked to pop sensation Dua Lipa.The Houdini singer performed in the opening ceremony of the Champions League final featuring his old club, Real Madrid and Liverpool.However, Dua Lipa soon dismissed the reports – insisting she’d never met Asensio.READ MORE SUN STORIESStylish Sandra attends the Louis Vuitton event at Milan Fashion WeekCredit: instagram @ssandragaralSandra always cuts an elegant figure and loves dressing to the ninesCredit: instagram @ssandragaralSandra shares her enviable lifestyle on Instagram to 362,000 followersCredit: instagram @ssandragaralAsensio was linked to Dua Lipa who performed at the 2018 Champions League finalCredit: Getty Images – GettyAddressing the rumours, she wrote on social media: “I haven’t even met Marco Asensio and it is highly unlikely I ever will as my Liverpool supporting manager would never forgive me.”Dua Lipa’s loss was Sandra’s gain, and if his loan at Villa Park is a success maybe we will see her permanently on our shores. More

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    Thomas Tuchel ready to fast-track Myles Lewis-Skelly into England squad after Arsenal starlet’s incredible breakthrough

    ENGLAND manager Thomas Tuchel is monitoring Myles Lewis-Skelly ahead of a potential call-up.The Arsenal full-back, 18, has become a regular for Mikel Arteta’s side of late.Myles Lewis-Skelly has been an Arsenal regular of lateCredit: GettyThomas Tuchel is reportedly considering the Arsenal full-backCredit: GettyWith the Three Lions having struggled at left-back, Lewis-Skelly could be fast tracked into the senior squad.Tuchel, 51, is said to hold some reservations over the Gunners teenager’s age and lack of experience.Lewis-Skelly has not even yet debuted for England’s Under-21s, let alone the senior side.With Tuchel short at left-back, however, Lewis-Skelly has a chance to quickly becoming part of the squad.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAccording to The Times, Tuchel has twice personally checked in on the Arsenal academy graduate’s progress.They add that England staff are “stepping up” their scouting of Lewis-Skelly.Tuchel is set to take charge of the Three Lions for the first time against Albania at Wembley on March 21.Three days later his side will host Latvia in a further World Cup qualifier.Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYLewis-Skelly, who has made 10 Premier League appearances for Arsenal, will hope to be involved.Luke Shaw has been England’s preferred left-back in recent years but has been dogged by injuries.’I’m getting emotional’ – England manager Thomas Tuchel’s comments on Cole Palmer leave Chelsea fans close to tearsThe Manchester United star has played just three times this season, but could be in line to return in the FA Cup this weekend.Meanwhile, Ben Chilwell will hope to return to contention after joining Crystal Palace on loan from Chelsea.Chilwell is a player Tuchel knows well from his time at Stamford Bridge.Lewis Hall has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign with Newcastle and earned his first two caps earlier this season.While Djed Spence has recently excelled at right and left-back for Tottenham.Tuchel did not attend Arsenal’s clash with Manchester City on Sunday.READ MORE SUN STORIESInstead he headed to Italy to watch AC Milan’s 1-1 draw with city rivals Inter.The match was Kyle Walker’s Milan debut, while Fikayo Tomori and Tammy Abraham were also in action.Tuchel watched Kyle Walker in action last weekendCredit: Rex More

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    LaLiga chaos as referees willing to go on STRIKE after Real Madrid statement claiming decisions are ‘manipulated’

    LALIGA referees are reportedly considering going on strike after a letter from Real Madrid questioning their integrity.In a bombshell statement, the Champions League winners said “decisions against Real Madrid have reached a level of manipulation and adulteration of the competition that can no longer be ignored.”LaLiga referees are willing to go on strike after Real Madrid issued a statement claiming their decisions were ‘manipulated’Credit: AFPReal Madrid were left furious after this challenge on Kylian Mbappe was only punished with a yellow cardCredit: DAZNVinicius Jr also saw a goal disallowed due to this off-the-ball challenge from MbappeLos Blancos were left furious with the quality of officiating during their 1-0 loss at Espanyol.Vinicius Jr saw a first half goal disallowed for an off-the-ball foul by Kylian Mbappe.And Espanyol’s Carlos Romero was only shown a yellow card for a studs-up lunge on Mbappe, before going on to score the winning goal.The Real Madrid letter also stated: “The scandal generated by this match has once again had worldwide repercussions, with the international press denouncing the biased use of VAR in Spain and the lack of credibility of Spanish refereeing.”READ MORE ON REAL MADRIDAnd the club called for the VAR audio footage of the incidents in question to be released immediately.But, answering a question from a caller, Cope journalist Isaac Fouto claimed that some referees in LaLiga are in favour of going on strike in response to the accusations.He said: “There are referees from the First Division who believe that they should go on strike.”But he added: “The strike is either everyone [or no-one]… some have said they will go, but everyone has to go.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”It is being considered, it is being considered in the environment. If this takes this turn, the competition will stop.”Following the Real Madrid letter, the Spanish FA [RFEF] released a statement backing its officials.Wholesome moment Jude Bellingham leaves a young Real Madrid fan crying with happiness as he hands him his shirtThe RFEF commented: “The refereeing task, by its very nature, is subject to review and analysis.”But this cannot lead to generalised accusations that cast doubt on their integrity, as this not only affects the referees themselves, but also erodes the credibility of soccer as a whole.“It is important to reflect on the consequences of this type of systematic questioning of refereeing. “Constantly delegitimizing the work of referees outside the established channels generates a climate of mistrust that benefits neither Spanish football nor its competitions.”Meanwhile Carlo Ancelotti has come out and said that the refereeing is better in the Premier League than LaLiga.The Real Madrid boss said: “What league has the best referees? Difficult to say. It’s a tough job. “What I can say is referees suffer less pressure in England, so they do their job better.” More

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    Derek Chisora vs Otto Wallin: Start time, TV channel, live stream, undercard for heavyweight clash

    DEREK CHISORA and Otto Wallin prepare for battle as they go head to head in a heavyweight clash in Manchester.Derek Chisora has already vowed to end his sparkling career after his 50th fight, and enters his 49th and penultimate fight on Saturday, February 8.Derek Chisora saw off Joe Joyce last summer in LondonCredit: GettyOtto Wallin looks for a 28th victory against Derek ChisoraCredit: ReutersWith a record of 35-13-0, Chisora has fought the best of the best in the heavyweight division.His last bout was a sensational unanimous decision victory over Joe Joyce in July last year, but with only two more to retirement, Otto Wallin will want to put a stopper in his retirement tour.Swedish boxer Wallin has a record of 27-2-1 after 30 fights, most recently in a losing effort to Anthony Joshua in Riyadh.His first loss was to Anthony Joshua’s fellow British fighter, Tyson Fury, in 2019.When is Derek Chisora vs Otto Wallin?Derek Chisora vs Otto Wallin will take place on Saturday, February 8The card will be live on TNT Sports from around 6pm GMT.Ring walks are expected around 10pm GMT.The CO-OP Live in Manchester will host the event.What TV channel is Derek Chisora vs Otto Wallin and can it be live streamed?Derek Chisora vs Otto Wallin will be live of TNT Sports.TNT Sports will stream the action live to viewers in the UK.Non-members can take out a monthly subscription for £29.99 to watch the fight.Coverage is expected to get underway at around 6pm GMT.Full cardDerek Chisora vs Otto WallinWilly Hutchinson vs Zach Parker for the vacant WBC silver light-heavyweight championshipNathan Heaney vs Sofiane KhatiJack Rafferty vs Reece MacMillan for the British, Commonwealth & WBC super-lightweight championshipMasood Abdulah vs Zak Miller for the Commonwealth featherweight championshipNelson Hysa vs Todorche Cvetkov for the WBO European heavyweight championshipWalter Fury vs Joe HardyJoe Copper vs Artjom SpatarLewis Williams vs Cristian UwakaLeighton Birchall vs TBAJermaine Dhilwayo vs Mark Butler More

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    How net transfer spend of Premier League ‘Big Six’ compares since Pep Guardiola’s arrival with Man Utd outspending City

    PEP GUARDIOLA hit the panic button in the January transfer window.After the worst run of his managerial career – which included five defeats in a row before collapsing against Feyenoord – he sanctioned a whopping £182million outlay to try and rescue Manchester City’s season.Pep Guardiola is spending his way out of trouble amid a difficult season for Man CityCredit: GettyMan City have splashed the cash in January including £64m on Omar MarmoushCredit: GettyCity started off their New Year spending spree by landing centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov for £33.6m.The Premier League’s first Uzbek player was followed to the Etihad by fellow defender Vitor Reis for £29.6m.Guardiola then bolstered his attack with the biggest signing of the January transfer window in England, dropping £64m on Omar Marmoush from Eintracht Frankfurt.Juma Bah joined for £5.1m and then City ensured they secured the four biggest deals of the month by snapping up £50m Spanish midfielder Nico Gonzalez on deadline day. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTogether with Savinho as their main new acquisition back in the summer for £21m, City spent more than £200m on players this season. But they also made £159m in sales.More than half of that came from Julian Alvarez’s exit to Atletico Madrid while Joao Cancelo headed to Saudi Arabia and once again the cash added up by letting a host of academy graduates go. But City’s £201m expenditure and £42m net spend were both far exceeded by neighbours Manchester United.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSRuben Amorim’s main signing in January was the £29m dropped on left-back Patrick Dorgu – adding to the £200m spent in the summer on the likes of Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui and Manuel Ugarte. With only £86m raised in departures, the 2024-25 net spend was £143m. Meet Man City signing Nico Gonzalez, who is son of Pep Guardiola’s former team-mate and could be £50m Rodri solution And that was the biggest of the ‘Big Six’ this season – therefore extending their ‘lead’ as the overall biggest net spenders among the elite English clubs since 2016, when Pep Guardiola arrived. 1. MAN UTD – £1billionSince 2016, Manchester United have spent a staggering £1.37billion on new players.Paul Pogba’s £89m arrival that year remains the club record, although Antony (£85.5m), Harry Maguire (£85m), Romelu Lukaku (£75m), Jadon Sancho (£73m) and Rasmus Hojlund (£72m) all arrived in massive deals.Their biggest signing this season was Leny Yoro for up to £52m. United’s record sale remains Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid for £80m in 2009 so the highest fee received in the period since 2016 is the £73m they got from Inter Milan for Romelu Lukaku in 2019.Ironically, the money banked for Mason Greenwood (£26.6m) and Scott McTominay (£25m) in the summer are among the biggest United sales of all time.Across the period from 2016, United have sold £371m worth of players – the lowest in the ‘Big Six’ – to take their overall net spend to just about exactly £1bn. Man Utd are the biggest net spenders in the Premier League – and unveiled new signings Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven on SundayCredit: Getty2. CHELSEA – £836millionChelsea’s crazy spending has gone to even more bonkers levels since Todd Boehly took over in 2022. But in the last nine seasons, the total is barely believable: a staggering £1.97bn. This season’s £54m deal for Pedro Neto does not even make the top ten on their list – behind the likes of Wesley Fofana (£75m), Kai Havertz (£70m) and that man Lukaku again (£97.5m).Chelsea are the only English team to have spent £100m-plus on two different transfers – the £106m for Enzo Fernandez and £100m, possibly rising to £115m, for Moises Caicedo. But while Chelsea are the biggest Prem spenders, they are also the biggest Prem sellers, racking up £1.13bn in player exits – including £88m (Eden Hazard to Real Madrid), £65m (Havertz to Arsenal) and £60m (Mason Mount to United) – as their net spend works out as £836m. That was helped by fetching big money for Ian Maatsen (£37.5m), Lewis Hall (£28m), Conor Gallagher (£36m) and Lukaku (£25.2m) this term. Pedro Neto doesn’t even crack the top ten biggest Chelsea transfers in the last nine seasons, even at £54mCredit: AP3. MAN CITY – £695millionWe’ve already discussed City’s spending this season but how does that play into the overall picture in the Guardiola era?In total, the Etihad giants are second for outlays on £1.46bn.Marmoush’s arrival is fourth in their all-time list, just behind Ruben Dias and then a way off Josko Gvardiol (£77m) and record-signing Jack Grealish who cost £100m.As with Chelsea, though, City fetch some hefty prices for selling off a wave of youngsters good enough for many teams but just not quite at Guardiola’s required elite level. The Alvarez deal could rise to £81.5m while the money for Taylor Harwood-Bellis (£20m), Liam Delap (£15m), Sergio Gomez (£8.4m) and Tommy Doyle (£4.3m) racks up.After Alvarez, City’s other biggest sales in the period are Raheem Sterling, Ferran Torres, Gabriel Jesus, Leroy Sane and Cole Palmer (all between £47.5m and £40m). And the total tally is a net spend of £695m with Guardiola in the dugout.4. ARSENAL – £688millionCity’s net spend is just £7m or so more than Arsenal’s over the same period – but they have six more Premier League titles, four more League Cups, an extra Champions League and an extra Club World Cup to show for it, and the same number of FA Cups. Arsenal’s total is £688m in the red – including approximately £23m this season with approximately £100m spent and £77m received. David Raya (£27m), Riccardo Calafiori (£42m), and Mikel Merino (£31m) were the major arrivals but Emile Smith Rowe (£27m), Aaron Ramsdale (£18m) and Eddie Nketiah (£25m) all departed. Arsenal have not been afraid to spend big, splashing out £60m on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and £72m on Nicolas Pepe before the more recent arrivals of £65m Kai Havertz and £105m Declan Rice. The Smith Rowe deal is their fifth-biggest sale ever – and Nketiah ninth – while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain tops the pile on £35m to Liverpool in 2017.Riccardo Calafiori is Arsenal’s biggest purchase of 2024-25 at £42mCredit: Getty5. TOTTENHAM – £580millionTottenham are just shy of the £1bn spending mark since 2016 – on £995m.That includes £145m this season on record arrival Dominic Solanke (£65m), £40m on Archie Gray, £25m on Wilson Odobert and £12.5m on goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky who came in during January. Other major outlays were Richarlison (£50m), Dejan Kulusevski (£25m), James Maddison (£40m), Pedro Porro (£37.3m), Micky van de Ven (£35m) and Brennan Johnson (£47.5m). As for their sales, they total £415m in the time frame – the big one being Harry Kane leaving for Bayern Munich at the beginning of last season for an initial £86m.Kyle Walker’s move to Manchester City in 2017 was worth around £50m but the biggest sales this season were Oliver Skipp to Leicester (£20m), Emerson Royal to Milan (£12.8m) and Joe Rodon to Leeds (£10m). And that all means Spurs are down £580m on transfer fees since 2016.Dominic Solanke set back Tottenham £65m last summerCredit: Getty6. LIVERPOOL – £282millionPerhaps it is no surprise to see Liverpool with the best net spend of the ‘Big Six’ on a mere £282m over the past nine seasons. In fact, the Reds have actually made a profit in the 2024-25 campaign by only buying Federico Chiesa for £10m and raising £50m in sales from Fabio Carvalho (£20m), Sepp van den Berg (£20m) and Bobby Clark (£10m). It continued a wise – and successful – transfer strategy that has seen Liverpool sell big and then wait to find the right players at the right time for the right price. In the pre-2016 era not included in these figures, Liverpool sold Luis Suarez, Fernando Torres and Raheem Sterling.They then secured an eye-watering £145m from Barcelona for Philippe Coutinho in 2018, making up more than a quarter of their £505m in sales during the set period. READ MORE SUN STORIESLiverpool have not been afraid to splash the cash too – £787m in total since 2016 – with te overall £85.3m deal for Darwin Nunez in 2022 their record signing ahead of Virgil van Dijk (£75m), Alisson (£67m), Dominik Szoboszlai (£60m) and Naby Keita (£53m). Interestingly, Liverpool’s £282m net spend since 2016 is significantly less than West Ham (£451m) and Newcastle (£396m) and just £8m more than Aston Villa after they sold Jaden Philogene (£20m), Diego Carlos (£8.5m) and Jhon Duran (£64m) in January.Liverpool have made a £40m profit this season, signing only £10m man Federico ChiesaCredit: Getty More

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    Major Newcastle stadium update with club leaning towards new £1.6billion venue that would overlap St James’ Park

    NEWCASTLE chiefs are edging towards building a new £1.2billion stadium, according to reports.Toon bosses want to either expand or leave their traditional St James’ Park home.Newcastle could look to leave their St James’ Park homeCredit: GettyThe new stadium could be built adjacent to St James’ Park over a portion of Leazes ParkCredit: Getty – ContributorBoard members have been exploring the possibility of departing St James’ Park for a new stadium.According to the Telegraph, Newcastle’s new stadium would overlap the current ground’s Leazes and Milburn Stands.The rest of it would stand over what is currently part of Leazes Park.One stumbling block could be that Leazes Park is a protected Victorian-era green space.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLClub bosses hope that by only needing a small portion of the park, and by building new green space nearby, members of the public and council could be persuaded.The new stadium would hold just under 70,000 supporters.This would make it the second-biggest club football stadium in the country.In building their new stadium, Newcastle would likely opt for a similar path followed by Tottenham, who also built adjacent to their former home on land they already owned.Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYNewcastle’s new stadium could be built adjacent to the current groundThe road that currently runs behind the Milburn Stand would not be altered by new plans.But the car park by the current Leazes Stand would need to be demolished.Premier League stadium given subtle makeover during international breakIt’s hoped that Newcastle could continue playing at St James’ Park after work was to get underway.A temporary relocation is not out of the question, although they would not groundshare with rivals Sunderland.The most realistic option would be to play at Murrayfield in Edinburgh, around 120 miles away.Newcastle would hope to have a possible new stadium finished in time for the 2031-32 season. Despite leaning towards building a new ground, no decision has yet been made.The Newcastle board will eventually present their final preference to the club’s Saudi owners, who will have the ultimate say.Rather than building a whole new stadium, the Toon could still opt to renovate the Gallowgate End.READ MORE SUN STORIESThis could still take the overall capacity to in excess of 60,000, while likely being a much quicker job than a total rebuild.No decision has yet been made and all avenues are still being explored.The Gallowgate End could be renovatedThe Gallowgate End could undergo significant changesCredit: Rex More

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    Meet Nico O’Reilly, 19, who could replace Rodri and was denied Chelsea transfer as Man City feared ‘another Cole Palmer’

    NICO O’REILLY did not expect to play a minute when he was selected in Manchester City’s squad for their four match pre-season tour of the USA in July.But three weeks later he had scored against Barcelona in Orlando – and also had a Community Shield winner’s medal in his pocket after holding his own against five-time Champions League winner Casemiro against rivals Manchester United at Wembley.Nico O’Reilly (left) celebrates Man City’s Community Shield triumph with fellow youngsters Rico Lewis, James McAtee and Oscar BobbCredit: GettyO’Reilly (right) scored his first City goal in the 8-0 FA Cup demolition of SalfordCredit: RexThe midfielder celebrates his strike with Jeremy DokuCredit: RexHe started the Carabao Cup victory over WatfordCredit: GettyThe youngster was also in the starting XI for the Carabao Cup defeat by SpursCredit: AlamyO’Reilly recovering from a serious ankle injury sustained in 2023He was denied a deadline day move to Chelsea, as City feared another ‘Cole Palmer’ situation and one of their academy lads starring in West London.HOW DOES HE PLAY AND WHO DOES HE REMIND YOU OF?Well, anyone who follows City’s youngsters should forget what they thought they knew about O’Reilly – because Guardiola has other ideas.The boss announced in the States – to the surprise of everyone – that O’Reilly, 19, could be a deputy for Rodri as a holding midfielder.Praise doesn’t come much higher than that at City.READ MORE IN BOY WONDERSHowever it raised some eyebrows as he has generally played further forward – even as a No10 or a false nine – while coming through the academy system at City.But maybe his versatility is what appeals to the Etihad boss, who does like a midfielder who can fill a variety of positions  After a spell on the sidelines with injury last season, the England Under-20 star returned to training and Guardiola was shocked by how much he had grown.The hope at City is he can use that physicality and grow into the role that Rodri plays so effectively as he reads the game particularly well.Most read in FootballHe also showed that he is much more than just a stopper with his superbly taken goal against Barcelona in Orlando.That was more like the O’Reilly they knew at the City Football Academy – where he had a reputation for scoring eye-catching goals.He netted his first for the senior side in the 8-0 FA Cup demolition of Salford.Arsenal teenager Jacker Porter made his Gunners debut against Bolton and became a record breakerHis Under-21 coaches say he would be capable of doing a variety of different jobs for Pep and that he has all the attributes to be a top player.TELL US ABOUT HIS RISEHe’s been playing for his boyhood club City since the under-nines and has come through in the same cohort as Rico Lewis.He made the bench for Pep Guardiola’s first team at Brighton in spring 2023 but then a serious ankle injury stopped his progress. However he has picked up where he left off. At City they still talk about a scorpion kick he scored against Middlesbrough for the youth team and a 40-yard lob against United in the junior derby.  WHAT ARE THE EXPERTS SAYING? Ben Wilkinson is now boss of City’s EDS but has seen O’Reilly come through the ranks. He said: “Historically, he’s played as a No8 – or a No10 in the academy.“But his ceiling is very high – and he’s got more attributes than people give him credit for. His technical level is very high. Hopefully he can put his physicality into his game because he’s got a lot of things you need to be a top midfielder.“His performances were one of the highlights of the tour so hopefully Pep has learned if he needs to use him then he can.He’s a guy who will be a playerGuardiola on O’ReillyGuardiola himself said: “He’s a guy who will be a player. He was injured for a long time last season.“He came back in the middle of the season, trained with us and I said ‘Wow. This guy is big.”He’s about 6ft 2in and has a presence about him.WHAT DOES THE NEXT 12 MONTHS HOLD? Guardiola insisted he would be part of the first team squad this season and he has played a couple of times despite the return of Ilkay Gundogan making an already congested scrap for midfield places even more crowded. READ MORE SUN STORIESO’Reilly started in the Carabao Cup against Watford and Tottenham – and made his Champions League bow against Sparta Prague before netting in the FA Cup against Salford.He will hope there is more to come, especially after the move to London was rejected.MORE BOY WONDERSHERE are some more in our Boy Wonders series More