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      in Boxing

      Anthony Joshua makes decision on next fight throwing Daniel Dubois rematch into doubt

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA’S rematch against Daniel Dubois has been thrown into doubt after the ace made a huge decision regarding his next fight.The heavyweight ace, 35, is still reeling from September’s defeat against his British rival in front of a record 96,000 crowd at Wembley.Anthony Joshua’s rematch against Daniel Dubois has been thrown into doubtCredit: GettyAJ was KO’d by Dubois in the fifth round of their Wembley battleCredit: GettyJoshua was KO’d in the fifth round by Dubois, having already been put down several times throughout the fight.The huge occasion saw AJ miss the chance to win back his IBF heavyweight title.And boxing fans have been waiting ever since for Joshua to announce details of his rematch with Dubois in either the UK or Saudi Arabia.Boxing supremo Turki Alalshikh had proposed a date on February 22, with Dubois eager to get back into the ring as soon as possible.READ MORE IN BOXINGBut Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn has poured cold water on a fight in early 2025.And a rematch against Dubois looks to be in serious doubt, with Hearn adding that Joshua is not expected to lace up his gloves until next summer at the earliest.After being asked by a fan on Instagram how long AJ would be resting for, Hearn said: “He had five fights in 18 months, he will be fine. Back in the summer.”That lengthy wait does not work for Dubois, who is eager to defend his belt after a dominant performance in London.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSLast week, his promoter Barry Hearn said: “I don’t see (AJ) happening next. We’re looking at a couple of things at the moment and we’ll make a decision.“I was hoping we’d get it down fairly quickly but we won’t. Soon we’ll be in a position where we can close on something, we’re talking to a few other guys.Eddie Hearn provides update on Anthony Joshua’s next fight with two names eyed “I’m hearing that he’s injured. Whatever it is, if things are going to happen, they happen.“It’s taken a while to feel like it won’t happen and unless I get a phone call saying it’s on, then we’ve got to make some decisions.“We’re in the Daniel Dubois business. He’s the champion, he’s the guy who matters to me. “February is when I want to get him out, and he wants to be out.”How AJ punched his way to the topANTHONY JOSHUA punched his way to the top of the world before being knocked off his perch. More

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      in Soccer

      ‘Who does such a thing?’ – Lloris slams Levy for message he had engraved on Spurs stars’ Champions League watches

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      HUGO LLORIS has taken a swipe at Daniel Levy for his decision to hand out posh watches with the word ‘finalist’ engraved to Spurs players ahead of the 2019 Champions League final.Frenchman Lloris, who made 447 appearances for the North Londoners, captained Spurs as they lost to Liverpool to finish runners-up in Europe’s elite club competition that year.Hugo Lloris has hit out Daniel Levy for watches he handed out to the Spurs playersCredit: ReutersBusinessman Levy has been Spurs chairman for 23 yearsCredit: AlamyBut four days before the showpiece Spurs chairman Levy decided to mark the occasion by giving each squad-member a luxury aviator wristwatch, with the support of a sponsor.It was a well-meaning gesture but it was the message etched on the pricey gift that Lloris found tin-earned at the time and still does to this day.Writing in his autobiography being serialised in The Guardian, World Cup winner Lloris said: “At first, we were excited to see the elegant boxes.“Then we opened them and discovered that he’d had the back of each timepiece engraved with the player’s name and ‘Champions League Finalist 2019’.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“‘Finalist.’ Who does such a thing at a moment like this?“I still haven’t got over it, and I’m not alone. If we’d won, he wouldn’t have asked for the watches back to have ‘winner’ engraved instead.“I have considerable respect and esteem for the man and all he has done for the club as chairman – I got to know him – but there are things he is simply not sensitive to.“As magnificent as the watch is, I have never worn it.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“I would have preferred there to be nothing on it. With an engraving like that, Levy couldn’t have been surprised if we had been 1-0 down after a couple of minutes: so it was written.”Spurs did indeed go down 1-0 inside two minutes thanks to a controversial penalty dispatched by Mo Salah, before Divock Origi doubled the lead late on.Tottenham snubbed Ollie Watkins transfer as Jose Mourinho refused to pay price tag and signed flop striker instead The spot-kick, awarded when the ball hit Moussa Sissoko’s body and rebounded onto his hand, still narks Lloris.That is because 24 hours after the final the rules were changed, meaning it would not have been given the following day.While Lloris, who ended up winning nothing during his 12 years with Spurs, left that final disappointment questioning how much the club really wanted to be the best.The 37-year-old, now with LAFC in the MLS, added: “At the post-match reception at the hotel, I had the impression that some people from the club and certain players were not sufficiently despondent at having lost.“When I returned to my room on the night of the final, I think I had the same feeling as Mauricio (Pochettino, the manager at the time) and Harry (Kane): does the club really want to win?“Real Madrid would never have celebrated a lost final, and we shouldn’t have either.”Amazon documentaryLloris also hit out at the subsequent decision “made without the consent either of the squad or the manager” to allow the Amazon cameras in to film their All or Nothing documentary.The goalkeeper said the players had to be “careful all the time” with what they said and how they acted, adding that the show which earned the club £10million was a “constraint” in its filming and “had consequences”.Pochettino’s successor Jose Mourinho ended up being the star of that documentary.But it was the mind of a manager that came after the Special One who Lloris also gave a fascinating insight into – that of Antonio Conte.The firebrand Italian was as “extreme and eruptive” behind closed doors as he appeared to be on the touchline, according to Lloris.A man who struggled to contain his frustration when results started turning for him at Tottenham, whose strong personality meant wingers scared of him “preferred to play on the side of the pitch opposite the dugout”.Conte took Spurs to the Champions League but it all unravelled for him two seasons ago when he left the club in March 2023 having metaphorically torched the club and players in an unforgettable post-match press conference at Southampton.One particular defeat, in which Lloris did not even play, against Slovenian minnows Mura in the Uefa Conference League had Conte raging.Lloris explained: “Even though I wasn’t playing, I was still entitled to his screams and reproaches, just like everyone else.READ MORE SUN STORIES“After the defeat in Maribor, he had screamed: ‘Mura, Mura, who’s Mura?! We lost to Mura!’ I can still hear him.“If a player needed a little love, he’d better not knock at Conte’s door. For Conte, trust is earned in training. He has no filter; he’s sincere, honest.” More

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      in Soccer

      It is unacceptable for Arsenal players to look tired… their arms don’t ache from lifting trophies, slams former star

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      WILLIAM GALLAS has called out Arsenal’s “tired” stars – and demanded they raise their energy levels for a title push. The former Gunners defender won two Premier League titles during his time with Chelsea. Arsenal’s recent blip has seen them fall away in the Premier League title raceCredit: ReutersMartin Odegaard returned against Inter but the Gunners could not avoid defeatCredit: GettyEx-Arsenal star William Gallas has demanded more from the current cropCredit: PA:Empics SportMikel Arteta’s side have faltered in recent matches after a promising start to the campaign. Arsenal have lost two of their last three top-flight games, dropping off the pace in the title race.They go into this weekend’s fixtures seven points behind league leaders Liverpool.Arteta recently complained his team looked “tired” during a Champions League game with Shakhtar Donetsk. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut Gallas – who played for the Gunners between 2006 and 2010 – doesn’t buy the excuse. Gallas told Prime Casino: “Arsenal has won absolutely nothing! Nothing. Why are they tired? “Their arms don’t ache from lifting trophies. Explain to me why they are tired. “Liverpool, they don’t look tired, they look like they’re ready to fight for the title.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSArsenal led twice in a recent 2-2 draw with the league leaders, conceding a late Mo Salah equaliser after dropping deeper into their own half.And Gallas believes the team’s only chance of winning a first title since 2003 is to go on the front foot.Mikel Arteta fumes over penalty decisions as Arsenal lose to Inter Milan He continued: “What Arsenal produced last season, and why everybody was happy, was that they had that confidence, they were not scared of anyone. “I think they have to become fearless again this season to reproduce their best football.”You can’t blame the lack of rhythm and control on the absence of Odegaard. Arsenal player ratings v Inter MilanTOOTHLESS Arsenal were beaten by a superb Italian job in Milan as they lost 1-0 thanks to a controversial penalty.Here’s how the Gunners stars were rated by SunSport’s Tony Robertson.David Raya – 6Unfortunate with the penalty on an otherwise quiet night. Passing was below par with on three out of nine long passes finding their mark.Ben White – 7Dependable as ever at right back. Can’t be blamed for the defeat from a defensive standpoint.William Saliba – 7Marshalled defence well and produced some strong passes.  Three clearances and six duels won said everything about his performance.Gabriel Magalhaes – 7Had a slightly better time in duels than Saliba but was worse on the ball.Jurrien Timber – 7 Had a good rapport with Martinelli down the left flank. Dependable but undone by the controversial penalty call.Mikel Merino – 5 Difficult to see what he brings to the midfield at the moment. Clearly Arteta likes his height and strength, but not on the same wavelength as team-mates tonight. Unlucky to give away the penalty.Thomas Partey – 6Should have been given more licence to roam forward in the second half. But didn’t look like he had the legs to do that job.Bukayo Saka – 6Captain for the night with Odegaard only fit for the bench. Saka was always a threat, but all too often or not chose the wrong option to go inside or out.Gabriel Martinelli – 7Flashes of brilliance and a thorn throughout the clash. Created four chances but team-mates were unable to help him out.Kai Havertz – 6  Couple of flashes of brilliance, including a beautiful curled effort at goal that forced Sommer to punch clear, but needed to be a stronger force up top. Went off with a bloody head in injury time.Leandro Trossard – 6 Buzzed around and had threatening moments. But just didn’t get the ball enough in dangerous positions.”You can’t call yourself a contender for the Premier League title if you can’t play your football when one player is missing.””Arsenal have an amazing opportunity to win the title this season. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Manchester City are not the same team as previous Pep teams from the last few season. Arsenal need to take advantage of that. “Don’t squander the opportunity that you’ve worked so tirelessly over the last two years for.” More

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      in Boxing

      Mike Tyson threw up blood before passing out in medical emergency then ignored doctors’ advice NOT to fight Jake Paul

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      MIKE TYSON has opened up on his mile-high medical emergency – which had him throwing up blood and “defecating tar.”The boxing icon was left hospitalised after he fell ill during a flight from Miami to Los Angeles in May.Mike Tyson has revealed the extent of his summer health scareCredit: EPAThe 58-year-old fell ill during a flight from Miami to LACredit: Instagram / @miketysonHis bout against Jake Paul was postponed following the discovery of a stomach ulcerCredit: GettyTyson, 58, had been due to battle YouTuber Jake Paul, 27, just weeks later in a remarkable comeback dust-up. The fight was postponed following the incident and will now be held next weekend.Iron Mike has revealed doctors found a two-and-a-half-inch ulcer in his stomach.Tyson told Netflix: “A week and a half [before the incident] I was training and I was doing great. READ MORE ON MIKE TYSON”Then I started feeling tired. I was explaining to my trainer, I don’t know what is wrong with me. “Coming [to LA] from Miami on the plane, I went to the bathroom and I threw up blood. “The next thing I knew I was on the floor. I was defecating tar.”The upcoming bout was immediately postponed after Tyson’s health scare, with doctors telling him to “take it slow exercise-wise.”Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA defiant Tyson continued: “I went to the hospital and they found I had an ulcer. It was two and a half inches, it was bleeding. “All my friends were calling me like I was dying. Jake Paul offered WORLD TITLE fight by champ in 2025 if he beats Mike Tyson”I asked the doctor whether I was going to die and she didn’t say no. She said we have options though. That’s when I got nervous.”I just wanted to get out of that f***ing hospital bed. I don’t want to die in a hospital bed. I want to die in the ring.”Tyson and Paul are now due to fight at Dallas’ AT&T Stadium on November 15. Texas Licensing Regulators will assess Iron Mike the day before the bout to check he is medically fit to fight as a pro. Iron Mike and Paul will now do battle on November 15 – if doctors give Tyson the green lightCredit: GettyJAKE PAUL VS MIKE TYSON: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE BOUTThe fight – which is being streamed live on Netflix – could be downgraded from a professional bout to an exhibition depending on the result of Tyson’s scan.And it could even be cancelled entirely if doctors are worried about the heavyweight icon’s well-being. Tyson last stepped into the ring in an exhibition against Roy Jones Jr. in November 2020. Mike Tyson’s controversial comeback Mike Tyson is BACK!Yes, boxing’s youngest heavyweight champ of all time – just 20 when he achieved the feat – is preparing to lace them up again. He faces YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul on July 20 in Texas.The controversial clash – set for the 80,000-seat AT&T Stadium in Dallas – has been scrutinised over the 30-year age gap.Tyson will be 58 by the time the fight for the ages comes around and nearly 20 years removed from his last professional contest.He was last seen in the ring in November 2020 for an exhibition with fellow legend Roy Jones Jr, which ended a draw after eight rounds. Paul is meanwhile 9-1 in the ring, losing only to Tommy Fury in 2023, and has won three times since.His fight with Tyson will also be a landmark first on Netflix, with over 250MILLION subscribers able to watch the bout. Before that, the former heavyweight’s last professional fight was a TKO loss to Kevin McBride in June 2005.Nicknamed The Baddest Man on the Planet, Tyson is one of the most feared boxers of all time. He reigned as the undisputed world heavyweight champion from 1987 to 1990, before retaking the WBA crown in a remarkable comeback six years later.READ MORE SUN STORIESIron Mike won 50 of his 58 bouts, including 44 of those by way of knockout.Paul in the other hand has win ten of his 11 fights, with just one loss to Tommy Fury. More

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      in Soccer

      Viktor Gyokeres set to spark massive summer transfer battle with Man Utd to be joined by Chelsea and Arsenal in race

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      CHELSEA and Arsenal are set to join Manchester United in the battle to sign Europe’s most in-demand player Viktor Gyokeres.The Sporting Lisbon sensation is now widely expected to leave the Portuguese giants at the end of the season.Viktor Gyokeres is being eyed by Chelsea, Arsenal and Man UtdThe No9 has been linked with a move to follow new United boss Ruben AmorimHe could follow his current boss Ruben Amorim to Old Trafford – with United chiefs willing to pay the £63m it would take to sign him.But Sun Online has learned the Swedish superstar’s advisors are pushing for a move to a club in the Champions League.And that’s put Arsenal and Chelsea, who are bidding to qualify for Europe’s top competition next season, on red-alert. The Gunners might have a head start though.READ MORE ON MAN UTDMikel Areta’s side have been scouting Gyokeres over the past 12 months in their search for more firepower up top.But Chelsea are also on the lookout for a prolific number nine and the young Swede would fit the bill.Both clubs are also in a far better position to be able to offer the player the Champions League football he so dearly craves, with United languishing in 13th in the Prem.Sporting reportedly have a gentleman’s agreement with Gyokeres to let him go for less than his release clause which is set at around £84m.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe 26-year-old’s current contract expires in 2028.He has has gone from Championship striker to one of the world’s best in a whirlwind year.Man Utd fans cry ‘please, not you as well’ as Ruben Amorim copies Ten Hag’s worrying comments after Sporting beat City The Swedish forward enhanced his reputation with a hat-trick in a shock 4-1 win over Manchester City on Tuesday night.Sporting would look for around £67m but could accept as little as £63m.And that is likely to interest a host of Prem giants.Amorim ruled out taking him with him to United in January – but said he does expect the forward to look for a new challenge in the summer.He said: “I’ve just made peace with the Sporting fans so I’m not even going to make a joke about it.”Gyokeres is a Sporting player and it’s is a great club, he did a lot for the club. He just has to stay and finish the season at the club.”His 66 goals in 67 appearances has already drawn interest from Saudi Arabia.With Gyokeres likely to stay in Portugal for the rest of the season, United are also being tipped to go for another Sporting star.READ MORE SUN STORIESReports say they are tracking 17-year-old winger Geovany Quenda, who has impressed this season.Amorim is preparing to leave Sporting for Old Trafford next week and could bring a couple of players along with him.The striker could swap sunny Portugal for rainy Manchester More

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      in Motorsport

      Furious F1 drivers release 330-word statement demanding they are treated like ‘adults’ after swearing row

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      FORMULA 1 drivers have hit back at punishments for swearing by calling on FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem to treat them like adults.Defending world champion Max Verstappen, 27, was sanctioned by the sport’s governing body, the FIA, back in September after describing his car as “f***ed” during a media press conference in Singapore.Max Verstappen was sanctioned after swearing in a press conference in SeptemberCredit: GettyThen last month, Charles Leclerc received a €10,000 fine (£8,300) – €5,000 of which is suspended for 12 months – for swearing during a presser for the Mexican Grand Prix.In the wake of his punishment, Verstappen answered a host of questions with “no comment”.When discussing swearing as a rule breach, he then said: “What are we? Five-year-olds, six-year-olds?”Now the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, which includes all 20 drivers on the 2024 grid, have released a statement on the matter.READ MORE IN F1They have urged the sport’s bosses to appreciate a distinction between “swearing intended to insult others and more casual swearing, such as you might use to describe bad weather, or indeed an inanimate object such as a Formula 1 car, or a driving situation”.The GPDA also warned Ben Sulayem about his “tone and language” towards the drivers, insisting their “members are adults” and they “do not need to be given instructions via the media”.The statement went on to raise concerns over the “negative image financial fines bring to the sport”.Three-time world champion Verstappen sensationally revealed the swearing storm could impact his future in the sport if changes are not made.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSGrand Prix Drivers’ Association full statementAs is the case with every sport, competitors must abide by the referee’s decision, whether they like it or not, indeed whether they agree with it or not. That is how sport works. The Drivers (our members) are no different, and fully understand that.Our members are professional drivers, racing in Formula 1, the pinnacle of international motorsport. They are the gladiators and every racing weekend they put on a great show for the fans.With regards to swearing, there is a difference between swearing intended to insult others and more casual swearing, such as you might use to describe bad weather, or indeed an inanimate object such as a Formula 1 car, or a driving situation.We urge the FIA President to also consider his own tone and language when talking to our member drivers, or indeed about them, whether in a public forum or otherwise. Further, our members are adults, they do not need to be given instructions via the media, about matters as trivial as the wearing of jewellery and underpants.The GPDA has, on countless occasions, expressed its view that Driver monetary fines are not appropriate for our Sport. For the past 3 years, we have called upon the FIA President to share the details and strategy regarding how the FIA’s financial fines are allocated and where the funds are spent. We have also relayed our concerns about the negative image financial fines bring to the Sport. We once again request that the FIA President provides financial transparency and direct, open dialogue with us. All stakeholders (FIA, F1, the Teams and the GPDA) should jointly determine how and where the money is spent for the benefit of our Sport.The GPDA wishes to collaborate in a constructive way with all the stakeholders, including the FIA President, in order to promote our great Sport for the benefit of everyone who works in it, pays for it, watches it, and indeed loves it. We are playing our part.He said: “These kind of things definitely decide my future, if you can’t be yourself or you have to deal with these silly things.”I’m now at the stage of my career that you don’t want to be dealing with this all the time. It’s really tiring. Lewis Hamilton celebrates ‘biggest honour of my F1 career’ in front of delighted crowd despite disastrous Brazilian GP”Of course it’s great to have success and win races, but once you’ve accomplished all of that, then you want to just have a good time as well.”If you have to deal with all these kinds of silly things, for me that is not a way of continuing in this sport, that’s for sure.”Last weekend, Verstappen came from 17th on the grid to win the Brazilian Grand Prix.The result sees the Red Bull star take a huge step towards a fourth successive drivers’ championship.He leads McLaren’s Lando Norris by 62 points with just three races remaining. More

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      in Soccer

      Sean Longstaff hints at shock Newcastle transfer exit as academy graduate, 27, admits ‘I want to be valued’

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      SEAN LONGSTAFF has warned Newcastle United that he could move elsewhere unless he feels “appreciated” and “valued” with a new contract.The midfielder, 27, was one of the best performers as the Magpies beat Arsenal last weekend. Sean Longstaff was one of Newcastle’s top performers against ArsenalCredit: RexHe is looking for an improved contract at his boyhood clubCredit: GettyThat followed on from his return to the starting XI for the Carabao Cup victory over Chelsea.The North Shields-born academy graduate is now competing with Brazilian internationals Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton, Italian ace Sandro Tonali, Joe Willock and Lewis Miley for a spot in midfield.After a sticky run of results, Toon are unbeaten in the seven matches he has started this term.Longstaff said: “You’ve got friends who tell you but for me, you can look at stats whichever way you want.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“There’s always going to be people who – you can give them all the stats in the world and they’ll still have an opinion. That won’t change their opinion whether the stats are there or not.“For me I just try to play my game, if we win brilliant, if not I’m just trying to look at what we can do better as a team and we’ll go from there.”While some supporters feel Eddie Howe would be better playing one of the glitzier names instead, Longstaff says he is happy enough earning the praise from his colleagues and coaches rather than the fans.He said: “I don’t flick the ball over someone’s head like Bruno does, that’s what catches the eye but there’s lots of ways to win a football match.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“My job is to make them flourish as best as they can and get in the box and score goals when I can.“I always put the team first, probably to my detriment sometimes.‘F—ing shut your mouth’ – Ian Wright in X-rated rant at giggling Alan Shearer after Newcastle stun Arsenal“I’m a bit too humble for my own good sometimes but whenever I play you know what you’re going to get.“I think you see the best from the people around me when I do play. As long as the changing room appreciates that and the staff appreciate that, it’s all that matters to me.”Longstaff continued: “I think me and the manager have always had a great relationship.“To be fair to him he’s never really listened to what other people think in the past. He’s always played me and I think there’s a reason for that.“There’s stuff I’d love to say to you but I can’t. All I can do is play football and my value will ultimately be shown on the football pitch.“Whether it’s when I’m playing or not playing, eventually if I keep doing the right things then one day everyone will see that and it might be when I’m not here anymore.“If that’s the case that’s the case. I love the manager to bits. I can only thank him for helping my career.”Longstaff says he has a great relationship with Eddie HoweCredit: GettyLongstaff claims he is “not sure” whether a 12-month extension to his current contract, which expires in the summer, has been triggered.But he will not sign anything unless he feels he is getting his market worth after seeing a number of other team-mates, with Anthony Gordon the most recent, receive pay rises.When pressed on if he sees his future at St. James’, he said: “Yeah, if it’s here it’s great. If it’s not, it’s not.“I want to be valued as a player, I want to be appreciated as a player and whether it’s here, great. If it’s not here and it’s somewhere else, it’ll be somewhere else.“In a way I live day to day, game to game and I just try and take in every game. I get to go to work every day and spend it with my best friends.“I don’t know what’s coming ahead, I don’t know what’s coming down the line, I just try to embrace every day and enjoy every minute because ultimately it won’t last forever.”Despite that contract issue going on in the background, Longstaff refuses to try to play down the Toon Army’s aspirations and dreams this season.And he says that securing European football is the very least that Howe’s men must deliver.READ MORE SUN STORIESLongstaff added: “You want to finish in the top four. There’s probably three teams that are definitely going to finish in there and then there’s four or five going for one spot in the CL.“Europe’s the minimum but that’s looking too far ahead, we’re just focusing on week to week, getting better and if we play well and do the things we’re good at we’ll end where we deserve to be.” More

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      in Soccer

      Real Madrid make decision over next manager as pressure grows on Carlo Ancelotti

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      REAL MADRID have reportedly decided who they want to replace Carlo Ancelotti as their next permanent manager.The Italian gaffer led his Spanish side to a league and European double last season, with Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham leading the way.Real Madrid chiefs have decided who they want to replace Carlo Ancelotti permanentlyCredit: GettyReal’s incredible free signing of Kylian Mbappe from Paris Saint-Germain this summer only appeared to cement their status as world football’s top club.But Los Blancos have struggled to replicate last season’s form this term.They are already NINE POINTS behind league leaders Barcelona, who won last month’s Clasico at the Bernabeu 4-0.Bellingham and Vinicius aren’t hitting the target as regularly, with the latter also missing out on the Ballon d’Or.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile Mbappe is yet to deliver the return expected from a player of his calibre.Real have also lost two of their four Champions League group stage games, with AC Milan’s 3-1 win in Madrid on Tuesday piling the pressure on Ancelotti.And the Italian gaffer’s future is now under the spotlight.Indeed, Mundo Deportivo claims Real are already exploring their options should results get even worse.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSeveral names have been touted as interim gaffers, including Real’s sporting director Santiago Solari, club legend and B team manager Raul and academy boss Alvaro Arbeloa.It’s also reckoned Zinedine Zidane could be interested in a temporary return to the Bernabeu in what would be a third managerial spell.Inside Real Madrid’s incredible hi-tech free-kick training as stars use robots to hone technique Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso is being eyed for a Bernabeu returnCredit: GettyWhile Liverpool icon Jurgen Klopp, now Head of Global Soccer at Red Bull, is also mentioned as an unlikely candidate.However, Real chiefs are reportedly unanimous in who they want as their next full-time boss from the summer of 2025.It’s widely expected that even if he clings on to his job, Ancelotti will not last past the end of the campaign.And it’s claimed that Real will then move to make Bayer Leverkusen hero and former star Xabi Alonso their new permanent gaffer.He played 236 times in five seasons for Los Blancos between 2009 and 2014, winning a title and Champions League in the process.Alonso rejected a return to Liverpool over the summer, sparking speculation of a pre-agreement with Real.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd it now appears likely that he will indeed be returning to the Bernabeu regardless of whether Leverkusen successfully defend their Bundesliga title or not.But it’s not all bad news for Ancelotti, who is widely expected to take the Brazil job should fellow target Pep Guardiola remain at Man City.Carlo Ancelotti has now won 28 trophies More