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    Man City ‘hero’ and former coach who ‘gave so much to help footballers’ dies aged 87 as emotional tributes pour in

    TRIBUTES have been paid to ex-Manchester City player and coach Steve Fleet who’s died aged 87.The goalkeeper was recently diagnosed with pancreatic and liver cancer.Former club Stockport County confirmed on social media he recently passed away.Fleet, from Salford, Greater Manchester, played for Bolton Wanderers as a schoolboy, before joining City as an amateur in 1953.After retirement he began coaching at County in 1970, which included a brief stint as caretaker manager, before returning to City and coaching its young stars for 25 years.County said in a tribute: “Everyone at Stockport County was saddened to learn about the death of our former goalkeeper, Football League champion and coach Steve Fleet, who passed away at the age of 87. “Everyone at Edgeley Park sends their condolences to Steve’s loved ones at this difficult time.”Fleet had also played for Wrexham for three years from 1963 before joining County as a player and winning the Fourth Division championship in 1966-67.He returned to City and then finished his career on the pitch at Altrincham.In a post shared on X earlier this month, the Once a Blue Man City Former Players Club wrote: “It is with great sadness that we have to tell you about the passing of yet another former City player, Steve Fleet.Most read in Football”Our thoughts are with Steve’s family and friends. He was truly committed to our football club. God bless Steve x.”Steve Fleet played for Manchester City before becoming a coach More

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    Daniel Dubois in talks for undisputed heavyweight rematch with Oleksandr Usyk at Wembley after controversial first fight

    DANIEL DUBOIS is in talks to rematch Oleksandr Usyk at Wembley for the undisputed heavyweight titles. Dubois was beaten by Usyk in nine rounds in August 2023 – but only after controversy struck following a low-blow. Daniel Dubois’ infamous low-blowCredit: TNT SportThe British star has since become IBF champion while Usyk owns the other three WBC, WBA and WBO versions of the gold. And the Ukrainian’s promoter Alex Krassyuk revealed talks are underway for all four belts to go on the line in the capital. Krassyuk told Sky Sports:  “We are now working on this fight, Wembley as one of the options.”Usyk, 38, went down in round five after Dubois, 27, landed a shot below the belt line. READ MORE IN BOXINGBut it caused huge uproar as Dubois and his team insisted the punch was legal and even launched an appeal with the WBA. The result stood and Usyk retained his titles and unbeaten record – setting up two fights in 2024 with Tyson Fury. He won the first via split-decision in May to be crowned the first four-belt heavyweight undisputed champion. But to proceed with the December 21 rematch, Usyk was forced to vacate the IBF title, which Dubois inherited after being elevated from interim champ. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSDubois knocked out Anthony Joshua, 35, in his first defence in September while Usyk beat Fury, 36, on points once more. In the ring afterwards in Riyadh, Dubois stormed in and called out Usyk as part of his plot for redemption. Joseph Parker has theory about Daniel Dubois’ last-minute fight withdrawalHe roared: “Usyk I want my revenge! I want my revenge. I want my revenge for last time. Let’s go. Where is Frank [Warren], let it happen?”Dubois was scheduled to return on February 22 in Saudi against Joseph Parker in a defence of his title. But with just two days to go, he fell ill and Martin Bakole flew in from Congo to replace Dubois on just over 24 hours notice. Parker, 33, knocked out Bakole, 31, in round one and called out both Dubois and Usyk in the aftermath. Usyk and Dubois are in talks for a rematchCredit: Getty More

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    Virgil van Dijk hints Liverpool career could be over in 10 GAMES with no breakthrough in talks over new contract

    VIRGIL VAN DIJK has added to the misery of Liverpool’s Champions League exit by insisting he has “no idea” whether he will be at the club next season.The Reds skipper is out of contract this summer, along with Mo Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold, and the Dutchman claims that anybody who claims to know where he will be playing next term is “lying to your face”.Virgil van Dijk has ‘no idea’ whether he will be at Liverpool next seasonCredit: RexLiverpool boss Arne Slot could lose Van Dijk, Mo Salah and Trent Alexander-ArnoldCredit: RexArne Slot’s runaway Premier League leaders were knocked out of the Champions League in the last-16 in a 4-1 penalty shoot-out defeat by Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday night – having been outplayed by the French champions for the most of the tie.And when asked if he will be back for another crack at winning a second European Cup with Liverpool next season, Van Dijk said: “I have no idea. I still have no idea at the moment. Genuinely.“It is not on hold. Nothing is on hold. Listen, there are 10 games to go [in the season] and that is my full focus. If there is news, you guys will know it. But I don’t even know myself.“Everyone knows there are some conversations behind the scenes but that is about it. At the moment I don’t even know what will happen next year.Read More on Football“If anyone says they do know, they are lying to your face.”Van Dijk, Salah and Alexander-Arnold have all attracted significant interest from abroad, with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich both keen to sign the Dutch centre-half.But Van Dijk, 33, is adamant that he is focused on winning Sunday’s Carabao Cup Final against Newcastle, then securing a second Premier League title – with the Reds 15 points clear of Arsenal.He said: “There are 10 games left, not many, and there are two big prizes we can still get.Most read in Football“We are going to give it everything. We have to feel the disappointment of this [PSG] loss but now it is about recovery. Be ready for a good one.“If we bring this intensity to Wembley with our fans, then I am positive. I am always positive. But I am really looking forward to being back out there.‘The ref made a mistake’ – Virgil van Dijk furious at Bergvall’s winner moments after Spurs star should have seen red“We don’t need any added motivation. We have 10 games, the Carabao Cup Final on Sunday, if you need any added motivation you are in the wrong business.” More

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    Man Utd set for mass squad cull this summer with EIGHT stars set for axe and ‘practically all players for sale’

    SEVERAL Manchester United players are at risk of being axed this summer as co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe plots a complete rebuild.The British billionaire name-dropped five senior stars when giving a damning assessment on the state of Man Utd this week, admitting they are “not good enough” to represent the club.Sir Jim Ratcliffe is prepared to listen to offers for every Man Utd playerCredit: PAThe Red Devils want to offload Casemiro but the midfielder is determined to stayCredit: GettyAntony’s future is still yet to be resolvedCredit: GettyDuring an interview with the BBC, he said: “If you look at the players we are buying this summer, that we didn’t buy, we’re buying Antony.”We’re buying Casemiro, we’re buying [Andre] Onana, we’re buying [Rasmus] Hojlund, we’re buying [Jadon] Sancho.”These are all things from the past, whether we like it or not, we’ve inherited those things and have to sort that out.”For Sancho, who now plays for Chelsea and we pay half his wages, we’re paying £17million to buy him in the summer.”Read More in FootballThe only player that received any praise from the club chief was captain Bruno Fernandes.However, even he could be put up for sale at the end of the season.The Daily Mail has claimed that United will consider offers for “practically every player” when the transfer window opens.Christian Eriksen, Victor Lindelof, Jonny Evans and Tom Heaton are all set to leave Old Trafford as free agents in June.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsBut the Red Devils may find it hard to offload some players – especially without taking a huge loss.Casemiro – who cost United a whopping £70million in 2022 – is determined to see out the remainder of his contract, which expires at the end of the 2025-26 campaign.Man Utd confirm Old Trafford decision with club set to build £2bn 100,000-seater ‘Wembley of the North’ The Brazilian is also the club’s highest earner and pockets £375,000-a-week.Meanwhile, £85.5m man Antony has struggled at Old Trafford since completing his move from Ajax three years ago.With just 12 Man Utd goals to his name, the winger was loaned out to Real Betis in January and has since managed six goal contributions in nine games.Ratcliffe and Co will be hoping that his impressive La Liga form bumps up his value ahead of the summer window.Hojlund is another player who has failed to match expectations following a big-money move.While he showcased some positive glimpses in his debut campaign, the striker has not lived up to his £72m price tag this term.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Mail has also reported that Sancho could return to Man Utd from Chelsea this summer – despite the Blues having an obligation to buy.Should Enzo Maresca decide against keeping the England forward, Chelsea will have to pay a “significant penalty” to withdraw from the agreement.Man Utd ratings vs Arsenal as De Ligt shows exactly why Red Devils signed him but Zirkzee is as frustrating as everIT was a performance that would have pleased Ruben Amorim but a 1-1 draw with Arsenal does little to paper over the cracks at Manchester United.On a day when the Old Trafford crowd protested the owners, the players stood up to show their remains life in a club that fans say is experiencing a “slow death”.There was a lack of clear-cut chances in the opening 45 minutes as both sides goalscoring troubles continued.A moment of magic was needed and Fernandes stepped up as he so often does.Arsenal’s wall was full of man mountains, but Fernandes found the power, dip and accuracy to beat David Raya with his free-kick – even if the wall was marched 11.2 yards back instead of the regulated ten.Mikel Arteta’s side came out swinging in the second-half with their makeshift No9 up top, and it took a brilliant effort from Declan Rice to level the scores.United were able to frustrate them and remain a threat on the counter but eventually had to settle for a point in a much-improved performance.Here is how SunSport’s Martin Blackburn rated the United performances. More

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    Cristiano Ronaldo and Rafael Nadal’s business venture shuts unexpectedly after three years

    CRISTIANO RONALDO and Rafael Nadal’s business has shut unexpectedly after just three years.The pair jointly invested in an Italian restaurant in Madrid called Toto.A restaurant Cristiano Ronaldo has invested in called Toto has shut downCredit: GettyRafa Nadal is also a co-founder of the restaurant groupCredit: GettyIt opened in March 2022 and was part of the Tatel Group, which was co-founded by Nadal.Ronaldo is also an investor in the company, joining in 2018 alongside pop star Enrique Iglesias.However Toto Madrid has now shut down, per El Espanol, though branches in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are still trading.Toto became famed for its carbonara dish Vera Carbonara de Totó, which was reportedly ordered 250 times a week by customers.READ MORE ON RONALDOThe average bill was around £50 and the restaurant even had more than 300,000 followers on Instagram.Ronaldo, 40, has multiple business ventures with a range of products and properties part of his ever-expanding empire.He has a partnership with hotel group Pestana, which opened up a £43million apartment complex in his native Madeira, Portugal.CR7 also owns two hotels and a footwear brand as well as aftershave and underwear companies.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSWhile his sponsorship and endorsement deals include Nike, Armani, Castrol and Tag Heuer.He also has an interest in restaurants and once took the Portugal football team to eat at Tatel de Doha restaurant on Al Maha Island, which is also owned by Nadal and Ronaldo.Cristiano Ronaldo praises event as he attends UFC in Saudi Arabia More

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    Charlie Edwards has brother Sunny back in his corner for Andrew Cain bout after revealing their DAD wanted them to fight

    CHARLIE EDWARDS has brother Sunny in his corner after retirement paved the way for a full reconciliation. The two came up in the sport together, sparring each other in prepration for battle. Charlie Edwards has brother Sunny in his corner againCredit: X @CEdwardsBoxingThe two have feuded in the past but are on good terms againCredit: X @CEdwardsBoxingBut their relationship strained at times over the years – fuelling shock talk of a never-before-seen brotherly battle. And Charlie once revealed it was their dad Larry who wanted the brothers to settle the family feud in the ring. He told the Daily Mail last year: “That’s my dad’s dream. “And I don’t talk to my dad really anymore for a few years now because I’ve grown up and I’m a man now and I don’t like that energy. READ MORE IN BOXING”He always played us against each other, I see it for what it is. The sad thing is it’s his dream that we fight on the big stage, and I don’t know if that’s like a narcissistic thing, but that’s what he would try and do. “But for me, no thank you. I love my family. If I was to put 8oz gloves on and fight my brother and hurt him, I could never live with myself anymore. “I also love my nephews and that’s their dad. Why am I going to do something like that? We don’t need to fight each other.” The Edwards brothers did eventually go up against each other in opposite corners. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSCharlie fought for the European bantamweight title in September against Thomas Essomba – who is managed by Sunny. And Charlie won over 12 rounds – with Sunny standing in the opposite corner – but it ended in a hug between the two.Nick Ball is the British world champ likened to Mike Tyson tipped to fight pound-for-pound KO king Naoya InoueCharlie said after his win: “We’ve always been in competition. He’s always been a sore loser! He’s always quit on Fifa and thrown the controller! “But do you know what? I love my brother dearly, and I thank you for the opportunity as Thomas’ manager.” Sunny, 29, called time on his career in November after losing to 2024 Olympic champion Galal Yafai, 32. But he is still managing fighters and looks to have added a new feather in his boxing cap by becoming a trainer too. Sunny has been out in Portugal – where Charlie lives with his wife Kristin and daughter Sofia – helping coach his older brother. Charlie, 32, returns on Saturday night in a British and Commonwealth bantamweight title fight against Andrew Cain, 28, in Liverpool. And Sunny has been overseeing Charlie’s training alongside head coach Stephen Smith in the Algarve – bringing the two closer than ever. Sunny has been coaching brother CharlieCredit: X @CEdwardsBoxing More

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    Former Chelsea star’s daughter signed up for exciting TV role in popular show after marriage split

    JADE LEBOEUF has signed up for a popular reality show after announcing that her marriage is over.The daughter of Chelsea legend Frank revealed earlier this year that she has separated from husband Stephane Rodrigues.Jade Leboeuf has signed up for The TraitorsCredit: Instagram @jade_leboeufIt comes after announcing she had broken up with Stephane RodriguesCredit: Instagram @jade_leboeufJade is one of 18 French celebs going on the showCredit: INSTAGRAM @jade_leboeufFrank Leboeuf won six trophies at ChelseaCredit: Instagram @jade_leboeufGlamorous Jade is now getting over the break-up by going on the French version of The Traitors.The 34-year-old revealed the news on Instagram, posting a snap of her in one of the show’s red cloaks.She captioned the upload: “In your opinion… Cheater or Loyal?”I am happy to share this beautiful journey with you starting Thursday, April 3 at 9:10pm on M6.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLJade is one of 18 French celebs going on the show and attempting to deceive their competitors for a charity.Ex-tennis star Alize Cornet and former World Cup-winning centre-back Adil Rami are among the others on the series.Jade has signed up after the model and influencer split from fellow reality star husband Stephane.The couple, who have a son named Elon, two, said there was “love, understanding and mutual respect” behind their decision.Most read in FootballAnd that after nine years together, the priority was to “preserve a harmonious family relationship for ourselves and for our son”.Jade’s father Frank, 57, won six trophies at Chelsea in his five years at the club.Chelsea legend’s daughter puts on busty display in low-cut top for stunning holiday snaps as fans call her ‘radiant’Since hanging up his boots, he has gone into acting and punditry.Like his daughter, Frank has also gone on French reality TV, featuring as a peacock on the Masked Singer.Take a look inside Jade’s glamorous life…Jade has built up a loyal following on social mediaCredit: Instagram @jade_leboeufThe stunning model is followed by over a quarter of a million peopleCredit: Instagram @jade_leboeufShe regularly shares risque contentCredit: Instagram @jade_leboeufThe French national works as a modelCredit: Instagram @jade_leboeufShe was used to the limelight from an early age as the daughter of Chelsea legend Frank LeboeufCredit: Instagram @jadeleboeufJade describes herself as a digital creatorCredit: Instagram @jade_leboeufHer posts tend to draw hoards of comments with fans often describing her as ‘beautiful’ and ‘sexy’Credit: instagram @jade_leboeufShe’s not afraid to wear revealing outfitsCredit: jade_leboeuf/instagramSee-through outfits are a favouriteCredit: Instagram @jade_leboeufHer father Frank played for Chelsea from 1996 to 2001Credit: Instagram @jadeleboeufHe won two FA Cups during his time in West London when Jade was still a kidCredit: Instagram @jade_leboeufHe was also a World Cup winner with France in 1998, giving him legendary status in his home countryCredit: INSTAGRAM @jade_leboeufJade is now making her own wayCredit: Instagram @jade_leboeuf More

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    Former Champions League star, 37, ‘asked to leave Anfield for supporting PSG against Liverpool’

    FORMER France international Jeremy Menez was allegedly asked to leave Anfield last night for supporting Paris Saint-Germain against Liverpool on Tuesday.The 37-year-old travelled to England to watch his ex-club face Arne Slot’s side for a place in the Champions League quarter-finals.Former PSG star Jeremy Menez was allegedly kicked out of Anfield on TuesdayCredit: GettyMenez made 110 appearances for PSG as a playerCredit: Getty – ContributorSamir Nasri claimed that the ex-PSG star was kicked out in the 70th minuteCredit: GettyPSG were trailing 1-0 on aggregate prior to the match, but Ousmane Dembele levelled things up after just 12 minutes at Anfield.The two teams could not be separated after 120 minutes and the match went to penalties, where the Parisians prevailed.However, Menez allegedly missed the winning moment after being kicked out of the stadium.Former Premier League midfielder Samir Nasri told French TV channel Canal Plus: “A thought for those who were also kicked out of the stadium.Read More in Football”Jeremy Menez was at the match, he was asked if he was French. After his answer, they told him to leave the stadium… in the 70th minute no less!”Menez made 110 appearances for PSG across three years during his professional playing career.During that time he scored 19 goals and provided 37 assists.The forward also played for the likes of Monaco, Roma, AC Milan and Bordeaux before retiring last year.Most read in Champions LeagueCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsAnd he earned 24 senior caps for the France national team.Following Tuesday’s last-16 clash, PSG boss Luis Enrique said: “Both of the teams deserve to go to the next phase.Liverpool boss Arne Slot left with sense of shock after Champions League penalty shoot-out exit against PSG “They play better than us here, but I think my team at Anfield, in a special stadium, showed great personality and character.”We tried to play our best, but it was difficult as they’re so intense. Both teams deserve to qualify.”The character and personality, even when we shoot at the penalty shootout they showed great character. I think it shows clearly the team we are.” More