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      Sir Jim Ratcliffe ‘wanted Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos to help fund Man Utd’s £2bn Wembley of the North stadium plans’

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      SIR JIM RATCLIFFE considered Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos as investors for Manchester United’s stadium plans, according to reports.The Red Devils’ co-owner has made clear his desire to build a “Wembley of the North” for the Premier League giants.Sir Jim Ratcliffe has explored ways of financing Man Utd’s new stadiumCredit: GettyRatcliffe hoped to get billionaire Elon Musk on boardCredit: ReutersThere is also the option of keeping Old Trafford and pushing ahead with substantial renovations – with the tired stadium plagued by a leaky roof and an infestation of mice, among other issues.It is understood both plans would cost in the region of £2billion – double what Tottenham splashed on their new home.And The Athletic are reporting Ratcliffe thought about turning to high-profile business tycoons Musk and Bezos to finance the project.It is said the Man Utd chief considered approaching the pair worth a combined £583bn.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHowever, it is “unclear” how seriously Musk and Bezos were considered as potential investors.Other ways of raising funds for the project have included the recent rise in ticket prices, as well as selling naming rights for the new ground.Ratcliffe and Ineos have been criticised since taking control of football operations at Old Trafford.They have overseen the sacking of manager Erik ten Hag, just months after offering him a new contract.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSRatcliffe could propose a new venue on the land next to the current groundJeff Bezos was also cited as a potential investorCredit: GettySporting director Dan Ashworth also recently departed following a brief five-month stint.And new head coach Ruben Amorim is already struggling having lost four of his last six games in charge.Sir Jim Ratcliffe says Man Utd’s ‘Wembley of the North’ could be 100,000-seat mega-stadium if they leave Old TraffordOther controversial Ratcliffe decisions include letting 250 employees go, stopping paying Sir Alex Ferguson’s £2million-a-year ambassadorial salary, cancelling the Christmas party, and axing company credit cards and private chauffeurs.He has also gotten rid of staff lunches, accommodation, extra tickets and post-match parties.What we know about the ‘new’ Old TraffordMANCHESTER UNITED plan to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford.The decision was made after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion.A capacity of 100,000 is expected.It is felt that a club of United’s standing should have a new state-of-the-art facility.The new stadium will be built on land adjacent to the Red Devils’ current home.United are looking to not only build a stadium but regenerate the area of Trafford where the ground will stand.There had been plans to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a scaled down second venue.However, it’s looking increasing likely that it will in fact be entirely demolished.The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.The club have appointed the architects Foster + Partners to come up with a “masterplan”. The company were behind Wembley Stadium.Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.The target is for completion by 2030. More

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      Premier League club announces major stadium changes with new capacity and away fans moved

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      BRIGHTON have moved the section for away fans in their stadium as part of a major stadium change. The new development will see an increased capacity by 800 to a total of 32,500. Brighton have moved the section for away fans in their stadiumThe project – part of a £40million investment – will also see a new fan zone built outside the stadium called The Terrace.The fan zone will have a pre and post-match sports bar, with capacity for up to 1,000 fans in the colder months.It will expand outdoors and cater for up to 2,000 in warmer months – making it the biggest fan zone in the Premier League.Deputy chairman and chief executive Paul Barber said: “I know our fans are looking forward to the opening of the new fan zone and are extremely excited to see these plans come to life. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”It is another incredibly generous investment by our chairman Tony Bloom.”The Terrace will provide a brilliant addition to the matchday experience, as a place to meet friends before and after matches, watch live sport in a modern space, and enjoy a wide variety of food and drink offerings.“We will also be looking to utilise The Terrace for a range of different events and occasions in between matches too, providing a fantastic new venue for fans, the community and visitors to the city to enjoy.“We will be sharing further details between now and the spring, such as opening times and food offerings, but we will work with the best local Sussex suppliers to provide a great range of options.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIn 2027, away supporters will also be relocated to the south-west corner of the Amex.The shift will create a new area for home fans directly behind the goal at the south stand of the stadium.Premier League legend takes over as Northampton Town boss as he returns to management after six years outBrighton currently sit tenth in the league having most recently drawn against West Ham.The Seagulls will host Brentford in their next match on December 27. More

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      Michael Olise looks incredibly awkward as Bayern Munich stars get into Christmas mood by singing Jingle Bells

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      HE could have Olise tried to look interested.But instead Michael Olise just looked incredibly awkward as the Bayern Munich squad belted out ‘Jingle Bells’ in a recent Christmas shoot.Michael Olise has well and truly hit the ground running at Bayern MunichCredit: EPAThe winger is seemingly getting on swimmingly with his new team-matesCredit: GETTYOlise looked incredibly awkward during a recent photo and videoshoot with his team-matesCredit: BAYERN MUNICHThe France international has been in Bavaria for five months following a £50million move from Crystal Palace.Olise has got on swimmingly with his new team-mates on the pitch, bagging nearly double-digit goals and assists in his debut season.But the 23-year-old looked somewhat awkward as the squad posed for Xmas photos and sang ‘Jingle Bells’ during a recent clubshoot.Footage of the German giants singing the Christmas classic went viral on social media.READ MORE ON OLISEAnd all of the squad, including England skipper Harry Kane, got into the spirit of things – except Olise.He looked vacantly towards the camera as the rest of his team-mates gleefully belted out the song.Footie fans were quick to react to his apparent non-enjoyment of the festivities, with one saying: “Man don’t dance.”Another said: “Nonchalant final boss.”Most read in FootballAnd another said: “He’s so cool.”BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMichael Olise has been one of Bayern Munich’s star performers this seasonCredit: APOne remarked: “I swear every video I see of Olise, he looks so annoyed.”Bro looking like he don’t wanna associate with anyone, just play ball.”Michael Olise completes £49.5m Bayern Munich transfer as Crystal Palace release classy farewell statementAnother chimed in: “He’s just a shy guy who needs time to get comfortable.”Wing wizard Olise has taken to life in the Bundesliga like a duck to water.The London-born Frenchman has scored nine goals and provided nine assists in 23 appearances in all competitions this season.Bayern boss Vincent Kompany wasn’t at all surprised by Olise’s incredible start, saying in September: “It’s exactly what we were expecting.”I think he’s really playing a big role, which isn’t easy when you’ve arrived in the Bundesliga and at a club like Bayern.”He will take further steps.READ MORE SUN STORIES”From my point of view, it’s very positive, but I stay calm as well.”Because I know it’s important to continue the way he does in order to experience good times.”Michael Olise is seemingly enjoying his time at Bayern MunichCredit: AFP More

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      Kevin De Bruyne’s wife Michele wows as she goes braless in daring dress leaving fans speechless

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      KEVIN DE BRUYNE’S wife Michele wowed as she went braless in a festive dress to leave fans speechless.The Belgian posted a series of pictures with Manchester City star De Bruyne including one with their three children. Kevin De Bruyne’s wife Michele wowed as she went braless in a dressCredit: Instagram @lacroixmicheleShe posted a series of pictures of the pairCredit: Instagram @lacroixmicheleShe also uploaded a solo photo wearing a maroon dress – as fans rushed to her comment section. One said: “OH SO CUTE.”Another added: “Beautiful couple.”A third gushed: “Gorgeous.”READ MORE ON WAGSOne simply commented: “Beautiful.”Michele reportedly started dating De Bruyne in 2014 when he was playing for Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga.She regularly posts selfies and photos of her family, and has racked up over 620,000 followers on Instagram.De Bruyne admitted that he may not have joined City if his girlfriend had not been pregnant at the time. Most read in FootballMichele gave birth to Mason Milian in 2016.De Bruyne showed his romantic side in December 2016 when he proposed to the blonde stunner beneath the Eiffel Tower in Paris.Pep Guardiola says ‘I’m the manager and I’m not good enough’ as Man City lose again They tied the knot in 2017 with a lavish wedding ceremony in Italy.A year later, their second boy Rome was born on October 31.They welcomed their third son, Suri, on September 5, 2020.The couple began dating in 2014They have three kids togetherCredit: RexMichelle is a big hit on InstagramCredit: Instagram @lacroixmichele More

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      in Boxing

      Jake Paul set to fight Conor McGregor in blockbuster bout despite UFC star claiming he was in talks with brother Logan

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      JAKE PAUL is reportedly on course to pip brother Logan to a grudge match with UFC superstar Conor McGregor.McGregor revealed earlier this month that he’s accepted a shock offer to face Logan in an exhibition boxing match in India next year.Conor McGregor sensationally claimed earlier this month that he’ll boxCredit: GETTYLogan Paul added fuel to the fire via his Instagram storyCredit: INSTAGRAM@LOGANPAULBut his brother Jake is reportedly set to steal the McGregor fight from underneath himCredit: INSTAGRAM@JAKEPAULIt was later revealed by reporter Ariel Helwani that preliminary talks over the bout – which could come together thanks to Indian billionaire Anant Ambani – have taken place but both the UFC and the WWE have yet to be approached.Ambani, however, initially wanted Jake to be the man standing across from McGregor in the crossover clash.And according to a sensational report, he could very well get his wish.ESPN boxing correspondent Salvador Rodriguez claims a grudge match between Jake and McGregor is now “on the table” for mid-2025.READ MORE ON MCGREGORHe wrote on X: “Sources: Jake Paul vs Conor McGregor on the table for July, August or September 2025 in India.”The sensational claim comes just days after Jake revealed he’d be making a “big announcement in January”.A fight between Jake and McGregor has been brewing for the best part of four years.Jake started his pursuit of a multi-million-pound showdown with the MMA mogul in late 2020.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe began taunting McGregor in a series of videos, which included sick jibes at the Irishman’s fiancee Dee Devlin.The pair have traded several jabs over the years, with recently McGregor blasting Jake’s crossover clash with boxing legend Mike Tyson last month.Jake Paul beats Mike Tyson in unanimous decision as crowd boo fightHe said: “A 16-minute spar in sparring gloves. F*** off.”Paul took aim at the UFC’s poster boy late last month after he was found civilly liable to have assaulted a woman – Nikita Hand – at a Dublin hotel in December 2018.McGregor responded a few hours after vowing to appeal the verdict by branding Jake a “little gay nerd.”Jake renewed his war of words with McGregor shortly after the Dubliner went public with his potential exhibition with Logan.He wrote on X: “Now it all makes sense why Conor Mcgregor & his management team have been desperately trying to get MVP to negotiate for a fight between us.”As we told them privately & I’m now saying it publicly.”The only way we’re willing to explore me vs Conor in a pro boxing / mma fight is if Dana White / UFC are at the table directly or make it clear they are ok with discussions.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Conor is washed. Needs the Paul’s. Logan by however he wants.”Former two-division champion McGregor hasn’t fought since breaking his left leg in his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier three-and-a-half years ago.Conor McGregor hasn’t fought since breaking his left leg over three years agoCredit: AP More

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      How long is Bukayo Saka injured for and what games will the Arsenal star miss?

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      BUKAYO SAKA is no doubt one of Arsenal’s brightest stars as he causes a threat to every team he comes up against – but the Gunners will have to continue without him for a while.The England star had to be forced off just 23 minutes into Arsenal’s 5-1 thrashing against Crystal Palace with a hamstring injury.Bukayo Saka is facing a lengthy time on the sidelinesCredit: GettySaka was then later spotted leaving Selhurst Park on crutches.Mikel Arteta admitted in his post-match press conference that he is ‘worried’ about his talisman.And SunSport can explain why as the severity of Saka’s injury has now been revealed.How long is Bukayo Saka injured for?Bukayo Saka is set to be sidelined for up to FIFTEEN games after tearing his hamstring against Crystal Palace.Read more on Bukayo SakaThis is Saka’s third hamstring injury in the 2024/25 campaign after he picked up a similar knock while on international duty with England during the October and November fixtures.However, none of those setbacks were serious enough to keep him out of action on a long-term basis.What games will Bukayo Saka miss for Arsenal?Bukayo Saka will be unavailable for several crucial matches such as the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Newcastle, the FA Cup third-round tie against Manchester United.And the North London derby against bitter local rivals Tottenham.Most read in FootballHere are the 15 matches Saka is set to miss:Premier League unless statedIpswich (H) – December 27Brentford (A) – January 1Brighton (A) – January 4Newcastle (H) – January 7 (Carabao Cup)Man Utd (H) – January 12 (FA Cup)Tottenham (H) – January 15Aston Villa (H) – January 18 Dinamo Zagreb (H) – January 22 (Champions League)Wolves (A) – January 25Girona (A) – January 28 (Champions League)Man City (H) – February 1 Newcastle (A) February 5 (Carabao Cup)Leicester (A) February 15West Ham (H) – February 22Nottingham Forest (A) – February 25What has been said?Boss Mikel Arteta revealed on Monday Saka, 23, will be out for “many weeks” — but the winger is expected to miss a big chunk of this campaign.Arteta admitted: “It’s not looking good. He’s going to be out for many weeks.“I cannot be too specific because I don’t know — but it will be many.“The sample in this case is very small because he had very little issues.“But looking at him, the way he recovers from game to game, we can be hopeful we’ll make that period shorter.”The Spaniard said: “He is gutted. You can tell he has not been injured before as he was really emotional and down. We must lift him up.”Arteta will only dip into the transfer market to replace Saka if “something unbelievable” came up in next month’s window.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe added: “My focus is just about within the squad — the resources we have to be as competitive as possible.“We have many options to do that. But if something unbelievable is available, and if the club is willing to do it, we will have to consider it.” More

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      Devastating Bukayo Saka injury update as Arsenal star faces FIFTEEN games out with hamstring KO

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      ARSENAL’S title hopes have suffered a hammer blow as Bukayo Saka could be out until March.The Gunners star is set to be sidelined for up to 15 GAMES at a crucial stage of the season.Bukayo Saka tore his hamstring against Crystal Palace on SaturdayCredit: GettyThe England winger was seen leaving Selhurst Park on crutchesCredit: The SunSaka tore a hamstring in the first half of Saturday’s 5-1 win at Crystal Palace.Boss Mikel Arteta revealed on Monday Saka, 23, will be out for “many weeks” — but the winger is expected to miss a big chunk of this campaign.Arteta admitted: “It’s not looking good. He’s going to be out for many weeks.“I cannot be too specific because I don’t know — but it will be many.READ MORE ON ARSENAL“The sample in this case is very small because he had very little issues.“But looking at him, the way he recovers from game to game, we can be hopeful we’ll make that period shorter.”Arsenal are third in the Premier League and six points behind leaders Liverpool, having played one more match.The Gunners now face 15 games in all competitions until February 25 — starting against Ipswich at the Emirates on Friday.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSaka has 15 goal contributions in the Premier League this seasonThat does not factor in the possibility of Arteta’s men, who are in four competitions, also progressing in the cups.Arteta will only dip into the transfer market to replace Saka if “something unbelievable” came up in next month’s window.Major Arsenal blow as Bukayo Saka sidelined for ‘many weeks’ after being forced off with injury He added: “My focus is just about within the squad — the resources we have to be as competitive as possible.“We have many options to do that. But if something unbelievable is available, and if the club is willing to do it, we will have to consider it.”England ace Saka left Selhurst Park on crutches.Arteta revealed the England ace, who has scored nine in all competitions and supplied ten Prem assists this season, was devastated.The Spaniard said: “He is gutted. You can tell he has not been injured before as he was really emotional and down. We must lift him up.”Raheem Sterling is the obvious replacement on the right flank but the Chelsea loanee got a knee injury in training.Arteta added: “He’s going to be out for weeks but we need more tests.”15 matches Bukayo Saka is set to missPremier League unless statedIpswich (H) – December 27Brentford (A) – January 1Brighton (A) – January 4Newcastle (H) – January 7 (Carabao Cup)Man Utd (H) – January 12 (FA Cup)Tottenham (H) – January 15Aston Villa (H) – January 18Dinamo Zagreb (H) – January 22 (Champions League)Wolves (A) – January 25Girona (A) – January 29 (Champions League)Man City (H) – February 1Newcastle (A) – February 5 (Carabao Cup)Leicester (A) – February 15West Ham (H) – February 22Nottingham Forest (A) – February 25 More

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      Poyet sees Tottenham’s wild inconsistency under Ange and says things have not changed since he played for them

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      ANGE POSTECOGLOU may be experiencing a wildly inconsistent season – but for Gus Poyet, things at Spurs are the same as they ever were.Tottenham started off last week beating Southampton 5-0 and Manchester United 4-3 in the Carabao Cup – but then were trounced 6-3 at home to Liverpool on Sunday.Gus Poyet played for three seasons at Spurs before going on to be a managerCredit: SportsfileIt means supporters never know what to expect from Postecoglou’s side.But Poyet sees no difference to how things were when he was playing for the club 20 years ago.And the Uruguayan does not believe that will change until the club fundamentally switches at its core.Poyet, who assisted Juande Ramos the last time Spurs won a trophy in 2008, told SunSport via Odds comparison: “It was like that when I played for them. I promise you, it was.Read more in football“We were there, we were able to beat the best team and then have the worst results. I remember being 3-0 up against Manchester United at home and we lost 5-3.“How can you be so good in the first half and so bad in the second half? “This year against Brighton was the same. Two-nil up at half-time and then they lost 3-2.“Things, they don’t change, until there is something from inside, and I mean right from the core, that change. Most read in Football“In Spurs, that core didn’t change over the years. It’s more or less the same.”Some supporters believe that change would involve chairman Daniel Levy and owners ENIC departing the club.Ange Postecoglou’s side have won seven and lost eight in the league – but scored more goals than any other teamThere was a protest ahead of the Liverpool game, and some balloons were released in the 24th minute to signify 24 years of ENIC ownership.But Poyet did not single out Levy or the way the club is run as the core switch that is needed – more a mentality shift akin to opponents Liverpool where everything is calmer.The ex-midfielder, who scored 23 goals in 98 Spurs games between 2001-04, added: “It’s a situation with Spurs where every year is like this wish from everyone that it’s going to be the year that something will change.“For whatever reason, I cannot explain, it’s unique, something always happens.“A bad result, or a terrible second half, or an incredibly bad performance.“The ups and downs are too dramatic. For a team to improve over the years, to be consistent, or to be there, you need to be more calm in the good and bad times.“We can talk about Liverpool, being good for so many years, but because you are competing with someone like Man City who are so good as well, it doesn’t mean you are going to win.“But you need to maintain it and not get frustrated for one bad result or one bad season.“With Spurs, everything is a bit up and down.“It has to come from inside, the consistency, from the core of the club. That’s something that will be important for Spurs if they want to achieve some stability.”A driving factor for the frustration that has engulfed Spurs in recent years is their 17-year wait for silverware.Postecoglou will hope to end that this term and is into the Carabao Cup semi-final, where they face Liverpool.READ MORE SUN STORIESTottenham fans protest ‘Levy out’ with black balloons as Spurs chairman akwardly watches on during Liverpool lossPoyet, who won the FA Cup as a Chelsea player, added: “If I was a Tottenham coach, I would not be thinking about anything else except winning a trophy.“You’re not going to win the Premier League but can I win a cup? Yes. Winning a trophy makes players winners. When you become a winner, it becomes a habit.” More