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      in Soccer

      Man Utd files: Ruben Amorim set to spend £70m for top transfer target Francisco Trincao despite £50m release clause

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are once again without a game this weekend, due to being out of the FA Cup.Ahead of the Red Devils’ return to action next Tuesday, keep up to date with the latest goings-on behind the scenes at Old Trafford with our Man Utd Files.Ruben Amorim’s side have not played since March 16Credit: RexFRANC DISCUSSIONSMANCHESTER United will have to dig deep to land Ruben Amorim’s prime summer transfer target.Amorim is desperate to land former Wolves winger Francisco Trincao as part of a new-look United attacking unit next term.But Amorim’s former club Sporting Lisbon will play hardball – and are likely to demand a fee in EXCESS of the attacker’s £50m release clause.Trincao, 25, is under contract to 2027 after signing a four-year deal in 2023 following a £6m move from Barcelona.Barca, though, retain 50 per cent of his future transfer rights – which is where the going could get tricky for United.Sporting, braced for the departure of Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres, are even more determined not to let Trincao go, to the extent of preparing to offer him a new contract.Even if they can be persuaded to sell, Sporting want to recoup at least £35m.But they only get that if United – or another suitor – is prepared to pay TWICE as much, allowing Barcelona to get a similar share of the proceeds.Amorim is convinced Trincao, with the benefit of that season at Molineux in 2021-22, will be able to make a swift adaptation to the Prem.Yet with the likelihood of no European competition cash – unless United win the Europa League – he may have to consider an even more drastic summer sales policy to free the funds required to land him.Sporting are eager to keep Francisco Trincao this summerCredit: AlamySporting chiefs know that they are likely to lose Viktor GyokeresCredit: GettyTUCH AND GOHARRY MAGUIRE might be forgiven for feeling perplexed by Thomas Tuchel’s comments after his first international window as England boss.Tuchel suggested that he had omitted the United centre-half in favour of Ezri Konsa and Marc Guehi because “they had better rhythm and deserved to be in”.But Maguire was never in a position to be selected having been out for nearly a month with a hamstring injury.His inability to train meant Maguire, 32, was in no condition to add to his 64 caps even if he had been named in the squad. Strange.Harry Maguire was not in a position to be selected by EnglandCredit: GettyBANK TRANSFERSIR JIM RATCLIFFE’S grand plans for the 100,000-capacity “New Trafford” to replace United’s home since 1910 have not been universally welcomed.Some fans have been critical of the design, while the potential £2bn cost of the proposal has left other supporters wondering about the long-term impact on their pocket.But Ratcliffe and Ineos may point out that there were not dissimilar questions raised when United announced plans to move from their then-home at Bank Lane in Clayton, five miles across the other side of the city.Letters printed in local newspapers bewailed the prospect, with one fan moaning: “Bank Street was ours – cramped and muddy, but it felt like home. This new place is a stranger’s house.”There were also complaints about the impact on ticket pricing and questions over whether United could fill their new home.At least, unlike 115 years ago, there will be no open, uncovered terraces at Sir Jim’s palace of entertainment. But, doubtless, the same demands – a team that wins and deserves the stadium.Sir Jim Ratcliffe has launched ambitious new stadium plansCredit: PAMan Utd recently released imaging of their proposed new stadiumCredit: ReutersWELL I NEV-ERIN this most uncertain and stuttering of seasons at Old Trafford, it has been the one constant… Gary Neville will feature somewhere along the way.Passing judgement on good, bad and ugly as a pundit, of course, on why Erik ten Hag should be sacked/keep his job, for example.An interview with Sir Jim Ratcliffe? Gary’s your man. Creating a task force to explore regeneration around Old Trafford? Well he’s got to be on that.What about the voiceover for the magnificent new stadium unveiling? Neville – it’s a no-brainer.Now Manchester United’s omnipresent ex-full back has been asked to pick up another gauntlet… speaking up for the pensioners facing a 57 per cent hike on their season tickets.Slashing the 50 per cent OAP concessions, plus a general increase, means some older fans will have to pay nearly £400 extra. A rise many insist they simply cannot afford.Forums, phone-ins and message board have been flooded with irate supporters who have been Old Trafford regulars for over half a century.Including one fan posting urging Neville to take up the fight on behalf of United’s most loyal and long-standing followers.He wrote: “Please Mr Ratcliffe, explain why you think it’s ok to exploit us. We haven’t made the mistakes you have since your investment, but you want us to pay for it.“How about you cut the price as your employees have not provided good value for money? This is Manchester United Football Club, not JRFC.“He is just a businessman and a number cruncher. Please, please get Gary to speak up for the pensioners.“The extra revenue from the pensioners won’t be enough for any player’s wage for a week…stop this exploitation.”Over to you, GaryGary Neville can often be found somewhere at Old TraffordCredit: ReutersMan Utd fans are set for big price hikesCredit: GettyMan Utd have a tough run of fixtures coming upWARRIOR SPIRITIT was the pre-season promo visit that has led to the unlikeliest of friendships… and most telling of asides. In January Harry Maguire, Mason Mount and Andre Onana visited four-trophy, clean sweep winners Wigan Warriors ahead of the new Super League season.They got a first-hand glimpse of everything… passing, tackling and kicking, with Mount and Maguire joining in with the latter, and were blown away by the spirit and togetherness between the players.The Manchester United trio were so impressed that an expected 45-minute stay lasted well over two hours – and an ongoing affinity for some.As someone whose entire career was spent in the south before joining United last season, Mount was hardly a die-hard RL fan… but he is now, and was back at the Brick Stadium when the Super League season began.For Cameroon keeper Onana it was a totally alien sport, but he struck up an immediate bond with young forward Junior Nsemba, whose parents hail from the same country.Maguire is a long-time RL admirer.. yet it was an aside to one Wigan star on his left that proved most memorable as he joked: “We could do with a spirit half as good as yours.”We think it was a joke, anyway…Harry Maguire and Mason Mount pose with Wigan Warriors star Luke ThompsonCredit: SWpix.comAndre Onana hit it off with Junior NsembaCredit: SWpix.comRUNAWAY LEADERSCHRISTIAN ERIKSEN’S passing ability would be heightened if he had a striker as quick as United fan Usain Bolt to run onto the end of them.But the Danish midfielder and Jamaican sprint legend were on the same side this week when they visited a special programme to help underprivileged youngsters in Manchester.Bolt and Eriksen joined in training drills with kids on the Street League scheme, which is on the shortlist for the Sport for Good prize at next month’s Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid.Win or not, those kids will never forget the time they spent with two genuine sporting icons.Christian Eriksen and Usain Bolt teamed up for a community initiativeCredit: www.olympics.com More

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      in Soccer

      Bukayo Saka returns to training with two word-post as Arsenal get major boost ahead of Real Madrid clash

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      BUKAYO SAKA is on the verge of an Arsenal return.The Gunners star was pictured for the first time back in full training at London Colney today after undergoing hamstring surgery in December.Arsenal superstar Bukayo Saka has returned to full trainingCredit: Instagram / bukayosaka87The England star is in contention to play in the Gunners’ upcoming games after recovering from surgeryCredit: ReutersSaka teased fans in an Instagram post showing him smiling with his thumbs up alongside the caption: “Hello again.”And SunSport understands he is in contention to be included in the squad to face Fulham on Tuesday night ahead of vital clashes against Everton and Real Madrid.Saka, 23, tore his hamstring in a 5-1 Prem win over Crystal Palace on December 21 before having surgery to fix the issue days later.He has missed 19 games in all competitions since then, a run that saw Arsenal knocked out of the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, as well as lose ground in the Prem title race.Read More on ArsenalThe target was always for Saka to make it back for the Champions League quarter final first leg at home to Real Madrid on April 8 – and he looks on course to achieve that.Arteta is keen for Saka to get some minutes under his belt before then, with opportunities to do so at the Emirates against the Cottagers next week before a trip to Goodison Park to face Everton on April 5.Despite his impressive recovery and rehab so far, Arsenal remain wary over pushing Saka too hard too soon. He will likely be given cameo appearances off the bench to prove his fitness and get back up to speed.Saka has stepped up his training load during the international break while his teammates have been away with their countries.Most read in FootballBefore the break, asked how Saka would be progressing, Arteta explained: “Hopefully with more ball at his feet than he has had. “That will mean he is passing the ball and shooting and running and everything. He has done quite a lot already on the pitch working on his own. “Next we need to arrange it with people around him in a more competitive training session and see how he goes with that.”Despite his absence, Saka has been a constant presence in and around the team during his rehab, seen on crutches at the turn of the year supporting from the stands at the Emirates.On the club’s warm-weather retreat to Dubai last month, Saka flew out with the squad to carry on his individualised solo training plan with light gym work.He was also spotted in the Wembley tunnel speaking to Three Lions coach Thomas Tuchel after England’s 3-0 World Cup qualifying victory over Latvia on Monday.Saka’s return has been aided by some much-needed rest, spending time abroad on holiday with his family in late January.Arsenal are in need of some attacking inspiration after Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus were ruled out for the season with hamstring and knee issues respectively, forcing midfielder Mikel Merino to deputise as a centre forward.And manager Mikel Arteta received yet another blow during the international break as Riccardo Calafiori had to withdraw from Italy’s squad after hurting his knee.Saka’s influence cannot be understated. Even after a three-month lay-off, he remains the leading provider of goals and assists in all competitions for Arsenal this term [nine goals and 13 assists].Three points adrift of Prem leaders Liverpool at the time of his injury, Arteta’s men now find themselves 13 points behind with nine games to play.Arteta was desperate to bring in reinforcements during the January window, linked with Red Bull Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, but could not get a deal over the line.Arsenal could be set for another major boost as Real face being without four stars for the first leg.Superstar strikers Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior as well as former Chelsea ace Antonio Rudiger and ex-Gunner Dani Caballos face an official Uefa probe for allegedly making obscene gestures after their victory over Atletico Madrid in the Last-16.Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesVinicius was the most high-profile case as he reportedly took six “shots” at Atletico supporters during and after the clash at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium.Rudiger, on the other hand, was accused of making a throat-slitting gesture to Atleti supporters.READ MORE SUN STORIESCeballos, who spent two years at Arsenal before his return to Madrid in 2021, is accused of making an obscene one-armed gesture with a clenched fist.And Mbappe was reported for touching his genitals in a clearly derogatory manner.Saka underwent surgery on his hamstring and has missed the last three monthsCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Liverpool ‘could hijack Man City transfer for £50m star’ as replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold

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      LIVERPOOL face a £50million transfer duel with Manchester City as they battle to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold.TAA appears certain to join Real Madrid this summer on a five-year deal worth £240,000 a week.Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to join Real this summerCredit: GettyAnd the Reds are looking abroad in their hunt to find a new right-back.Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport reckon Juventus star Andrea Cambiaso is high up Liverpool’s wishlist.The 13-cap Italian reportedly came close to a big-money switch to Pep Guardiola’s City in the January transfer window.And there’s now an extra reason why Cambiaso, 25, is tipped to spark huge interest at the end of the season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLJuventus sacked Brazil-born manager Thiago Motta and his staff this week.In total, it’s understood the Serie A giants will have to pay them 15million euros (£12.5m) in compensation.That means Juve might need to find £25m by the end of June to meet all their financial targets.And they know ex-Genoa ace Cambiaso could raise twice that sum.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKMan City were reportedly close to signing Andrea CambiasoCredit: GettyThe Old Lady brought in former Lazio manager Igor Tudor to succeed Motta, albeit just for the remaining nine games this term.So Juve are likely to delay any major decision on outgoing players until the summer.’Reminded me of Gerrard at Liverpool’ – Cole Palmer told he needs to LEAVE Chelsea and has outgrown the club alreadyCambiaso has been one of their brightest lights this season as they sit a mediocre fifth in the Italian top flight.Similar to Alexander-Arnold, he can operate both on the right of a four-man defence or as a wing-back.After joining Juve in July 2022, Cambiaso is enjoying his best campaign yet. More

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      in Motorsport

      F1 mechanic reveals running joke in pitlane about Nicole Scherzinger and Lewis Hamilton’s on-off relationship

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      A FORMER Lewis Hamilton Formula One mechanic has revealed a running joke in the pitlane about his tumultous relationship with Nicole Scherzinger.Hamilton dated the former Pussycats Dolls singer between 2007 and 2015 in what was a highly publicised on-off relationship.Lewis Hamilton and Nicole Scherzinger had an on-off relationship between 2007 and 2015Credit: GettyFormer F1 mechanic Marc Priestley has revealed how there was a joke about how the relationship impacted his performancesCredit: RexHamilton openly called Scherzinger ‘lucky’ for him at the timeCredit: Getty – ContributorAnd Hamilton was clearly impacted by the shifting circumstances of his love life, with ex-McLaren mechanic Marc Priestley revealing there was a running joke about how it changed his performances on track.Speaking on the Pitlane Life Lessons podcast, Priestley revealed: “When he first came into this sport, we used to joke amongst the team that Lewis’s performance was so intrinsically linked to the state of their relationship.”As in, on a good day, he performed well. When their relationship was in the doldrums, and they were so off and on, it was a bit like an emotional roller coaster.”When he was in these low points in the relationship, you could clearly track the performance in the car to the way their relationship status seemed to be.READ MORE IN F1“We joked that there seemed to be more lap time in keeping those two together than there ever could be with anything we could do with the car!”Hamilton and Scherzinger announced their first split in 2010, three years after they started dating months after his McLaren debut in 2007.They were then back together months later, which sparked a famous Hamilton win at the Turkish Grand Prix that season – his first F1 win in 245 days.Hamilton said at the time Scherzinger was “lucky” for him before they decisively split up in 2015.Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHer eventual final showing in the F1 paddock came at the 2014 season finale in Abu Dhabi when he won his first driver’s championship with Mercedes.Priestley continued: “But there was a serious point to that, in that it was about understanding and appreciating that Lewis’s emotional state clearly affected his performance…Yuki Tsunoda explains why he is the right driver for Red Bull’s Formula 1 team “Lewis is a guy who’s quite emotional. He wears his heart on his sleeve so, without the ability to really control those emotions to the level that some other people might be able to do or might find easier to do, we were faced with an unbelievably talented racing driver whose performance was, in some way, affected by how his emotional state was, which varied greatly at different times over a race weekend or a season.”Priestley explained how Hamilton’s mental state could lead to him coming across as petulant in press conferences with one-word answers before “disappearing” during the evening.He added: “As engineers, our only goal was to try and improve things so that it could be better the next day or the next time out.”To get the driver, who’s a key part of that debrief, in a state where he’s just throwing petulance [with] answers that are unhelpful to you because he’s so down, that’s not in any way productive and doesn’t help us get closer to a solution.”But he’d often go away on a Saturday night, he’d disappear, and I wouldn’t see him on a Saturday evening. He would sometimes even cancel commitments to sponsors and partners. “He would disappear and shut himself in a room, and he probably pondered over it for quite some time, digging himself into an even bigger and deeper hole, is how he’s described it to me in years gone by.”He mulled it over in his mind and continued to tell himself that same story – that he wasn’t doing a good enough job. He would beat himself up emotionally. “He would completely reiterate the negative thought processes that he’d been having that afternoon right through into the night until he went to sleep.”However, Hamilton has always had an amazing ability to shake off negativity and bounce back. One of his most famous phrases is “still we rise”, and Priestley believes that has been one of the biggest parts of his success.He said: “But one thing he was quite good at was waking up the next day with a fresh perspective. He always said to me that this was a new day, a new set of opportunities.””This was a case of coming in to try and do it better. If you ever see a TV interview on a Sunday morning after a Saturday afternoon where he struggled in qualifying, even today, that’s generally what you get.”You get a new Lewis Hamilton where he’s no longer down. He’s no longer struggling with emotions. He’s now got this fresh perspective where he sees nothing but opportunity in front of him.“He may not have expectations that he might have had going into Saturday. His expectations might have had to be reset but, in doing so, he takes away some pressure. “He relieves himself of that burden that was overwhelming him on a Saturday. And we go into Sunday with a Lewis that’s there, ready to take the opportunities, to push like crazy.“How often do we see a way better Sunday than we see him have on a Saturday? That was the same quite often, even way back when he first came into the sport working with us at McLaren.”Hamilton’s final year with McLaren would come in 2012 before he joined Mercedes.He would go on to win six driver’s titles with the Silver Arrows before he joined Ferrari in 2025, ending the most successful partnership F1 has ever seen.The now 40-year-old has had a hit-and-miss start to life with the Scuderia, finishing P10 at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix before winning his first Ferrari race in the Sprint at the Chinese Grand Prix a week later.READ MORE SUN STORIESHamilton finished P6 in the feature race before disaster struck as Ferrari suffered a double disqualification, with the Briton’s car being found to have excessive wear on its skid block.The next race will be at the Japanese Grand Prix, where Yuki Tsunoda has now been confirmed to have swapped with Liam Lawson to be Max Verstappen’s new Red Bull team-mate. More

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      in Soccer

      Chelsea send chief scout to watch explosive Colombia wonderkid with controversial trick ahead of transfer window

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      A SENIOR Chelsea scout witnessed an incredible moment during a spying mission to assess a top South American target in Colombia last night.The Blues’ official was in Bogota to track the progress of teenage forward Neyser Villarreal, who sparked chaos in a derby clash against Santa Fe by standing on the ball.Chelsea are keeping tabs on Millonarios wonderkid Neyser VillarrealCredit: ConmebolVillarreal sparked chaos in a derby clash against Santa Fe by standing on the ballCredit: XThat led to a brawl while Chelsea’s chief scout was watching from the standsCredit: XThe 19-year-old winger was immediately booked by the referee for showboating as tensions between the two rival clubs flared on the pitch and in the stands.Villarreal was the standout player for Colombia’s team at this year’s South American Under-20 championships, where he finished as the tournament’s top scorer with eight goals and four assists.But the Millonarios starlet is no stranger to controversy in his short professional career, having missed training with his club after being inundated with offers to move overseas last month.Porto, Inter Miami and Watford are all keen to sign the talented attacker, who can play in any position across the frontline and has a contract that is currently set to expire later this year.Read More on ChelseaBut now Chelsea have stepped up their interest in Villarreal by sending their top scout in the region all the way from Sao Paulo to Bogota to check up on him.Stamford Bridge is already home to a huge contingent of South American stars and many more have been signed by the Blues and farmed out for experience elsewhere.That number includes Colombian U20 teammate Oscar Perea, who was signed by BlueCo-owned Strasbourg last summer.Villarreal’s ceiling appears to be higher as he caught the eye with his dynamic dribbling and shooting at the South American Under-20 championships.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHis ability to maneuver in tight spaces often saw him draw the attention of multiple defenders, but he easily beat opponents in one-on-one situations with body feints and quick changes of direction.His pace made him a constant threat when Colombia counterattacked and he proved adept at instigating one-twos to break defensive lines around congested penalty areas.Ben Chilwell opens up on being bombed out by Chelsea before Crystal Palace lifelineScouts noted his explosive acceleration made it look like he had an extra gear while the power and accuracy on his shots was also impressive.The teenager may need to work on the consistency of his final ball, but he demonstrated a variety of driven and floated crosses during the tournament as well as some astute decision making in the final third.Although naturally stronger shooting with his right foot, Villarreal showed a tendency to cut inside from the right and attempt curling left-footed shots towards the far post, which showed room for improvement. More

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      in Boxing

      ‘Let’s see who is ducking who’ – Jake Paul reveals how much he is offering Tommy Fury for huge rematch after U-turn

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      JAKE PAUL has revealed how much he will offer Tommy Fury for a rematch – marking a major U-turn. Fury became the first and so far only fighter to defeat YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul – winning a split-decision in Saudi Arabia in 2023.Jake Paul has offered Tommy Fury a rematchCredit: RexFury won the initial fight in 2023Credit: AlamyThat came after he had to twice pull out of the bout, for a rib injury in 2021 and then amid a US visa issues the following year.Talk of a rematch has ensued in the years since and a recent back-and-forth saw Paul claim the “ship has sailed”. But only 24 hours, he posted in a huge U-turn: “I’m offering Tommy Fury $3M to fight me in 2025. “The number is $4M if he can legally get into the US. Let’s see who is ducking who.” READ MORE IN BOXINGFury originally took to Instagram in a rare social media video to hit out at Paul for recently calling out Anthony Joshua.But Paul – after announcing four new female signings to his Most Valuable Promotions banner – countered back at Fury.He posted: “Tommy Fumbles Fury…the ship has sailed mate. I’m trying to build the sport. You are trying to make a payday and hit the pub.”No judgement. We are just different.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFury, 25, then responded: “No worries at all mate, hope that loss doesn’t eat you up too much. “Just know, that you never had enough balls to try and avenge your loss. You’re right, we are different… I’m a winner and you’re a loser.” Jake Paul reveals talks for Tommy Fury rematch and slams Canelo Alvarez over failed fight And Paul, 28, fired back with: “You turned down $6M plus upside to headline Netflix against me. “Your dadager and you may be the two dumbest dingbats the UK has ever created. Oh and you can’t travel to the US you w****r…sooooo”Ship has sailed unless you take $3M and we run it in 2025. Let us know.”You literally have ZERO opportunity other than fighting me or the other jumping jack pullout artist.” Paul most recently beat Mike Tyson, 58, in November with the fight marred in controversy amid the huge age gap between them.Tyson was offered the scrutinised comeback bout after Fury declined the chance to rematch Paul on the streaming service. And over 100 MILLION would watch Paul’s win on Netflix – prompting shock talks to face Canelo Alvarez in May in Las Vegas.But Canelo walked away from the bout to instead sign a four-fight deal with Saudi Arabia’s Turki Alalshikh.And with Paul looking for his next opponent, he called out two-time heavyweight world champion Joshua, 35, on his podcast.Paul said: “I want to fight Anthony Joshua – exclusive – because I know I will f***ing beat Anthony Joshua’s ass.”He doesn’t have a chin, and he has no skill and he’s stiff. I love you Anthony, we’e friends, all this s*** but I want to fight you.”But Fury slammed: “Just wanted to give a little opinion on everything I’ve been seeing on social media lately.”Jake Paul versus Anthony Joshua – just wanted to come on here and remind everybody that that bum couldn’t even beat me when I basically had a broken hand.”I had one hand and he still lost. Jake Paul, I’m still your daddy and everybody weighing this fight up, don’t bother because he ain’t worth a shilling.I’m offering Tommy Fury $3M to fight me in 2025.The number is $4M if he can legally get into the US. Let’s see who is ducking who.Jake Paul “And a loss will always be there Mr Paul. Take it easy and have a good day.”Fury’s last fight saw him beat Paul’s arch rival KSI, 31, via disputed decision in October 2023 but has not returned since following his surgery.He was due to do so against Darren Till in January but he pulled out after the ex-UFC star threatened to KICK him in the head.And hitting back at Paul’s $4m (£3m) offer, Fury said: “Why would I agree to that when it’s less than our first fight AND I beat you. “You’re deluded. You claim to be a good businessman, if you want to talk business properly, I’m there. “But don’t throw me stupid offers you know won’t get accepted.”It’s clear to see that you’re just using the money as an excuse to get away from this rematch. READ MORE SUN STORIES”You brag about making $50M for fights but yet won’t pay up for the only real fight you have left. “Showing your true colours my friend. Keep running scared. I’ll see you very soon…” Jake Paul lost a decision to Tommy FuryCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Jose Mourinho appears to take ANOTHER dig at Allan Saint-Maximin as he congratulates Marco Silva on reaching 500 games

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      JOSE MOURINHO appeared to take another dig at Allan Saint-Maximin as he congratulated Marco Silva on managing his 500th game.Mourinho, 62, has coached Saint-Maximin at Fenerbahce this season.Jose Mourinho made scathing comments about Allan Saint-MaximinCredit: GettyThe winger has endured a tough loan spell in TurkeyCredit: GettyThe former Newcastle favourite signed on loan from Al-Ahli last summer but has since had his professionalism questioned by his boss.When Mourinho dropped the winger for their Europa League clash with Rangers earlier this month, Saint-Maximin wrote on Instagram: “When a lie takes the elevator, the truth takes the stairs. It takes longer, but it arrives in the end.”The Portuguese subsequently hit back: “I didn’t know Saint-Maximin had a gift for poetry. I’m not bad at it either.”When a footballer works well, works hard and trains every day, he can be in good form and climb up the stairs. He doesn’t need to use the lift.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”By contrast, if a player doesn’t train well, turns up late, is overweight and isn’t ready to play a match, then he needs to use the lift – as he’ll soon get tired on the stairs.”When contacted by Portuguese paper A Bola about Silva’s milestone, Mourinho echoed Saint-Maximin’s phrase.The experienced boss said: “Five-hundred? A beautiful number, which with more grey hairs will reach 600… 700…”Congratulations Marco, for a beautiful career, based on talent, work, seriousness, discretion.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKMourinho, 62, has not been impressed with Saint-Maximin’s applicationCredit: GettyThe Portuguese boss did battle with his younger compatriot in EnglandCredit: Getty”You climbed the stairs, where many had the elevator at their disposal.”Congratulations for a career made of results and not perceptions. I admire and applaud you.”Jose Mourinho’s secret Ibrox visitSilva, 47, has also been very complimentary of his compatriot.The Fulham boss said of how Portuguese bosses are viewed in England: “We are certainly well regarded. And we all agree that Jose Mourinho’s influence was transcendent.”After having won what he won in Portugal, arriving in England, having that triumphant entrance and getting Chelsea to play and win titles 50 years later, he ended up being fundamental for the arrival of other Portuguese coaches.”Andre Villas-Boas followed, who had won the Europa League, and I was the third to arrive.”But it was Jose Mourinho who opened the doors for us.”Fenerbahce beat Rangers 2-0 at Ibrox in Saint-Maximin’s absence but were dumped out on penalties having lost the first leg 3-1.They subsequently drew 0-0 at home to Samsunspor ahead of the international break, with Saint-Maximin again not making the matchday squad.The winger has made just four appearances since before Christmas, often being left as an unused substitute.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe has denied Mourinho’s claims about his fitness, claiming to be the same weight as he was in 2022.The Frenchman also wrote on Instagram: “Lies give you flowers – but they don’t bear fruit.”Saint-Maximin has hardly featured in recent weeksCredit: Getty More

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      in Boxing

      ‘Owes it to himself’ – Anthony Joshua in HUGE blow as promoter Bob Arum says retired Tyson Fury has ‘had enough’

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      LEGENDARY promoter Bob Arum has called on Tyson Fury to stay retired – in a huge blow to Anthony Joshua. Joshua was knocked out by Daniel Dubois in September while Fury suffered two points losses on the bounce to Oleksandr Usyk in 2024.Tyson Fury with legendary promoter Bob ArumCredit: Getty Images – GettySo the pair of beaten British legends looked to dust themselves off and settle their score once and for all.But that was until Fury decided to announce a shock retirement in January – leaving AJ & Co in the lurch.Eddie Hearn has refused to lose hope on the dream super-fight – but Hall of Famer Arum – who promoted Fury in America – has other ideas. He told Sky Sports: “He is a good communicator and is an entertainer, but I don’t think he should step in the ring again because I think he’s had enough.READ MORE IN BOXING”Fortunately, in the last few years of his career he earned so much money his family or himself is never going to want for money. “I would advise him not to ever go back in the ring, but to make himself useful as a spokesperson because he can communicate extraordinarily well.”People are intrigued by him and I think he can do a lot of good.”Fury signed with Arum in 2019 and they had nine fights together – including two epic wins over Deontay Wilder.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd Arum – who formerly promoted Muhammad Ali – would be honoured to bring Fury out of retirement if the former champ wanted to. He said: “It’s not for me to support it or condemn it. Nobody is forcing him to do anything.‘I think she’d come around’ – Roman Fury reveals why even Tyson’s wife Paris will be on board for Anthony Joshua fight”If he wanted to come back and wanted Top Rank to be part of the comeback, of course we would be willing to do it.”That’s up to him. I mean, he’s not an uneducated, stupid kind of guy. Tyson Fury is very smart and very bright.”It would be somebody who decided of his own volition to come back, and if he wanted us involved, I would happily be involved.”Eddie Hearn still hopes Joshua will fight FuryCredit: GETTY More