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      ‘We are far away from that,’ says Mo Salah as Liverpool star sends club another contract warning

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      MO SALAH helped send Liverpool eight points clear at the top of the Premier League before firing off another contract warning.The Egyptian King grabbed one goal and two assists as Arne Slot’s men thumped five past West Ham.Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah revealed a new contract is still ‘far away’Salah led Liverpool to a dominant victory over West HamCredit: GettyBut Salah, who is out of contract in the summer and can start talking to overseas clubs about a move in two days time, revealed a new Reds deal is still “far away”.He said: “No we are far away from that and I don’t want to put anything in the media and people start saying stuff.”Now I am focused on the team.”The only thing in my mind is for Liverpool to win the league, I just want to be part of that.Read More on Football”That is the only thing I have been focusing on since the start of the season.”I will do my best for the team to win a trophy, we are in the right direction. There are a few other teams catching up with us and we need to stay focused and humble and go again.”Luis Diaz opened the scoring before Salah teed up Cody Gakpo with a superb turn and then scored his own goal before the break.Trent Alexander-Arnold’s deflected goal made it four before Salah then laid on Diogo Jota’s 84th-minute goal.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSalah has scored at least 20 goals in all eight of his seasons at Liverpool and has now scored and assisted in eight separate league games this season – setting a new Premier League record.Slot said: “Mo and the word extraordinary is something I’ve heard a lot in the last six months and he truly deserves this and probably in the last eight years, but I’m involved in the last half year.Mo Salah provides huge update on Liverpool contract situation as he breaks Premier League record in Tottenham thrashing”I don’t think he keeps surprising us. We know what a player he is and we know he’s able to do so.”But apart from that, he works really hard for the team also when the other team has the ball and yeah, we can only hope that he can keep bringing these performances in.”But I would like to add that if he scores, there’s also a lead up to him scoring.”So there are also other players that bring him in these positions, but if you bring Mo in these positions, he’s extraordinary.”While Liverpool were rampant, West Ham offered little threat and no fight before being booed off at the London Stadium.Boss Julen Lopetegui said: “We are very sad for our fans. I am very sorry about this. It is true that they deserve more. It has been a bad day for us for sure.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The fans are always right and we understand them for sure.”We are trying to become competitive, sometimes we achieve this but we have to be better in these kind of matches at home in the second part of the season.” More

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      Man Utd’s disastrous slump has worrying similarities to last time they were relegated… but Amorim’s defence is WORSE

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have been enduring their most disappointing Premier League season EVER.Under previous manager Erik ten Hag, United recorded their worst beginning to a domestic campaign as they managed a mere eight points out of their first seven matches in the English top flight.Manchester United are enduring arguably their worst ever Premier League seasonCredit: PAMan Utd have similarities with the team that was relegated in 1974Credit: Rex FeaturesThat form saw the Dutchman finally put out of his Old Trafford misery.United fans hailed the arrival of Ruben Amorim to replace Ten Hag at the beginning of November.But, despite the initial optimism, things have hardly got any better for United.And after just two wins in seven Prem games so far, Amorim has seen his new side stuck in their lowest-ever league position at Christmas, sitting 14th.Read More on Man UtdWorryingly, United’s 22 points from 18 games have them just just eight points above the relegation zone.And it has started to bring back some bad memories from the 1973-74 season, which was when the Manchester giants were relegated from the First Division.Of course, relegation this season feels like an almost impossible scenario, even though their counterparts from the 1970s also bore the stereotypical label of “too good to go down”.Amorim’s success in Sporting Lisbon and the individual quality within the roster suggest that at some point the players will adopt the Portuguese tactician’s philosophy and tactics.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSNevertheless, there are many similarities between the current team and the one that went down to the Second Division.For starters, the 1974 team were relegated after losing their best player at the time and one of the greatest legends George Best, who played his last ever match on New Year’s Day. ‘Who do you think you are’: Sir Alex Ferguson reduced Cristiano Ronaldo to tears after ‘ripping in’ to Man Utd iconOf course Marcus Rashford’s career can’t be compared to that of Best, but the fallen England star is the closest thing to the team’s biggest star and has been enduring a phenomenal decline.The forward is still part of Amorim’s squad but probably not for long after being left out of the team four times in a row.Furthermore, the current team averages 1.2 points per game as opposed to the 0.76 of the 1973-74 side over a 42-game season.However, back then clubs were awarded two points for a win and adjusting the figures to the modern-day system would leave Tommy Docherty’s side at a round point-per-game.And that of course is not a big difference to Amorim’s current flops.Nevertheless, there is one a major difference between the two Man Utd sides – and that is in terms of goals conceded.READ MORE SUN STORIESDocherty’s team averaged fewer goals conceded per game than the current strugglers.United are next in action on Monday against in-form Newcastle at Old Trafford after three consecutive losses across all competitions.Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s first year at Man UtdSIR JIM RATCLIFFE’S minority takeover at Manchester United was announced on Christmas Eve in 2023 – and a lot has happened at Old Trafford since…December 2023 – Man Utd confirm Ratcliffe’s takeover on Christmas Eve, vowing to invest £245m into Old TraffordJanuary 2024 – Ratcliffe and right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford photographed meeting Erik ten Hag during tour of Carrington January 2024 – Omar Berrada poached from Man City as new CEO February 2024 – Ratcliffe’s £1billion, 27.7 per cent takeover officially completed February 2024 – Former CEO Richard Arnold quits board as Ineos pair John Rees and Rob Nevin addedMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe bans words “awesome” and “lukewarm cappuccino” in bizarre moveMarch 2024 – Matt Johnson appointed head of women’s footballMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe announces plans to build “Wembley of the North” to replace Old TraffordMarch 2024 – Man Utd NYSE share price drops to $13.73 on March 21 – down from $20.52 immediately after Ratcliffe takeover in DecemberApril 2024 – Senior staff club credit cards and private cars cancelled April 2024 – John Murtough quits as football director April 2024 – Jason Wilcox appointed technical director after compensation package agreed with Southampton May 2024 – Ratcliffe turns Carrington “toxic” after sending email to employees slamming “disgraceful” lack of cleanlinessMay 2024 – Work finally starts on leaking Old Trafford roofMay 2024 – Man Utd finish eighth in Premier League, worst-ever finish May 2024 – Ratcliffe gives employees just one week to decide if they want to accept redundancy May 2024 – Staff forced to pay for own transport to FA Cup final and only given one ticketMay 2024 – Pre-match party and hotel for senior staff before FA Cup final axedMay 2024 – Man Utd shock rivals Man City to win FA Cup despite suggestions Erik ten Hag will be sacked regardless of resultJune 2024 – Man Utd announce £50m plans to upgrade Carrington training ground June 2024 – Ratcliffe introduces strict “back to work” policy forcing staff to come into officeJune 2024 – Ratcliffe scores own goal with comments about women’s teamJuly 2024 – Man Utd finally agree deal to bring in Dan Ashworth as sporting director after four months of gardening leave at Newcastle, who received £3m in compensationJuly 2024 – Erik ten Hag signs shock new contract extension until 2026July 2024 – Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake appointed assistant managers, Andreas Georgson first-team coach and Jelle ten Rouwelaar goalkeeper coach. Darren Fletcher’s role changes from technical director to first-team coach. Steve McClaren, Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy depart.July 2024 – Ex-Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell joins on short-term basis as interim director of recruitment July 2024 – Jean-Claude Blanc added to Man Utd board  July 2024 – Man Utd cut down number of staff on US pre-season tour to 125July 2024 – Ratcliffe makes 250 redundancies including popular media man John Allen, historian Cliff Butler and kitman Alex WylieAugust 2024 – Man Utd splash out £199m in the summer transfer window August 2024 – Matchday staff lunchboxes scrapped and some forced to eat beside toiletOctober 2024 – Man Utd stop paying £2m-a-year ambassador salary to Sir Alex FergusonOctober 2024 – Staff Christmas party cancelled October 2024 – “Back to work” policy costing Utd fortune to convert hospitality suites into temporary offices between home matchesOctober 2024 – Erik ten Hag sacked with club 14th in Premier League table, costing club £15mNovember 2024 – Ruben Amorim appointed new Man Utd manager on deal until 2027 after stumping up £10m release clause November 2024 – Coach Ruud van Nistelrooy axed by new manager Ruben Amorim November 2024 – Man Utd chiefs locked in blame game over summer shambles including Erik ten Hag situation and transfer signings November 2024 – Ratcliffe reportedly set to half £40,000 budget paid to Manchester United Disabled Supporters AssociationDecember 2024 – Ratcliffe admits “mediocre” Man Utd “still in last century” December 2024 – Fans protest after OAP and children concessions tickets ditched and minimum home ticket cost up to £66December 2024 – Dan Ashworth sacked after five months as sporting directorDecember 2024 – £100 staff Christmas bonus ditched for £40 M&S voucherDecember 2024 – Ceiling starts leaking during Ruben Amorim’s press conference after 3-0 defeat to BournemouthDecember 2024 – Reports of a mice infestation at Old Trafford as rodent droppings found in food kiosks and plush suites as food hygiene ratings drops to just two starsDecember 2024 – SunSport reveals Ratcliffe cuts £40,000 funding donation to Association of Former Manchester United Players charity More

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      Coleen Rooney looks unimpressed as she watches on during Everton defeat with husband Wayne on brink of sack

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      COLEEN ROONEY watched Everton lose to Nottingham Forest while husband Wayne also suffered defeat away at Oxford.The I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here runner-up, 38, went to Goodison Park to watch Wayne’s boyhood club lose 2-0 to high-flying Forest.Coleen Rooney was spotted in the stands at Goodison ParkCredit: PAColeen watched on as Everton lost 2-0 to Nottingham ForestWayne’s Plymouth lost yet again at Oxford on Saturday afternoonCredit: RexColeen looked glum as she sat in her seat on Merseyside alongside sons Kai, 15, Klay, 11, and Cass, 6 – just weeks after being pipped by Danny Jones in the jungle.She returned from Australia in time for Christmas but opted to take her boys to the Everton game rather than Plymouth’s trip to Oxford on Sunday.And her afternoon would have gotten even worse when she realised Wayne’s Plymouth side had been beaten yet again.The Championship outfit went down 2-0 at Oxford on Saturday afternoon.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt extends their winless run to nine matches and increases their relegation fears.Plymouth sit bottom of the table, four points adrift of safety.And Rooney is thought to be on the brink of the sack in Devon.Following their defeat to Oxford, Rooney told BBC Radio Devon: “We didn’t create enough chances and didn’t do enough to stop them scoring their goals.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”With the first one, it comes from a cross and it’s disappointing because we’ve been putting in work to stop crosses and get tighter to the man to stop it.”The second goal comes from when they break out, we didn’t do well enough one-on-one defensively and it has cost us.Wayne Rooney clinging to job after Frank Lampard’s Coventry ruthlessly thrash his ten-men Plymouth team 4-0″I expected a bit more today and we didn’t get it but that’s football, and unfortunately we come away with the defeat.”Rooney joined Plymouth in the summer but has won just five of his 25 games in charge. More

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      Ex-world champ warns Tyson Fury he should ‘RETIRE’ after crushing Usyk rematch loss due to huge ‘risk’

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      TYSON FURY has been urged to hang up his gloves following his crushing loss to Oleksandr Usyk.The Wythenshawe warrior suffered a second straight Saudi points defeat to the slick southpaw in their Riyadh rematch earlier this month.Tyson Fury suffered a second straight defeat to Oleksandr Usyk earlier this monthCredit: GETTYThe Gypsy King is at a career crossroads but has ruled out the prospect of retirementCredit: PAFormer Brit world champ Duke McKenzie reckons Fury should call it a dayCredit: REXFury, 36, is at a career crossroads following his failure to reclaim the unified titles and become a three-time heavyweight champion.A lucrative and long-overdue domestic dust-up with Anthony Joshua will soon be on the table, but former world champ Duke McKenzie Fury should swerve the fight and call it a day.The former three-weight champion told SecondsOut: “There is no need for a rematch.”Tyson Fury should just retire.READ MORE ON TYSON FURY”He’s got nothing more to prove, he’s been heavyweight champion of the world.”[You] can’t ask for more than that, and he’s got more money than he can spend.”McKenzie reckons sticking around for a huge payday against AJ, or anyone else for that matter, could end up being detrimental to the Gypsy King’s health long-term.He continued: “He [Fury] runs the risk now of one or two of the other heavyweights now that should retire that probably won’t.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFury vs Usyk 2 round by round: How SunSport scored the controversial heavyweight thrillerOLEKSANDR USYK took another controversial decision over Tyson Fury to regain his heavyweight throne.Seven months on from their split-decision thriller, this time the scorecards were unanimous 116-112 all in Usyk’s favour.The Gypsy King stormed out of the ring as his promoter Frank Warren was left stunned by the cards.Here’s how SunSport’s Wally Downes scored the fight…Round 1The rules were ignored and Fury arrived at 11:15pm local time with a beard that would make Brian Blessed’s chops feel naked.If we thought his face fuzz looked overgrown, we were stunned to see the size of his belly when the cameras caught him topless in his dressing room.His red shorts were so high that you couldn’t even see much of his gut, an inch higher and the 20st beast would have had the option of tucking his nipples down there too.Fury tried to intimidate Usyk with the final face-off, widening his eyes like a monster but the champ remained ice cold.They swapped jabs and fenced with their lead hands. Usyk drove left hands into his wobbling belly and then clipped him with a head shot to snatch the opener. Usyk.Round 2Usyk lands a scoring one-two to the head as soon as the session starts but then returns to the body and lands lefts, one even makes Fury stumble.But the Gypsy King lands a treble-jab and then a meaty right hand to take the round.Still no signs of the body blows and uppercuts that won him the middle rounds of the May fight. FuryRound 3Three times Usyk scores with a jab to the body and left hand upstairs.Fury struggles to deal with the pressure. Fury lands a little check hook and even tries the southpaw stance.But all his threats to skin and cook the bog-eyed rat or ugly rabbit prove empty. Usyk.Round 4Fury makes a bright start with a chopped right hand.Bit Usyk almost whacks his whiskers off with two left hands that score well.But Fury pings back with a big right hand that forces Usyk back.Then that uppercut returns and cuts through Usyk’s guard. Draw.Round 5Fury takes control instantly when a right hand is the perfect start to the sessionThen the Brit gets warned for rabbit punches as he bids to bully the champ.Usyk is then walked into a lead left uppercut and then he starts shipping body blows. Usyk scuttles off and has to recover. Fury.Round 6Fury in trouble. The challenger’s bloated body starts to sweat and Usyk keeps targeting it with his power-punch left.Then he goes head hunting and clips Fury’s skull.The Morecambe giant is buzzed and worried, his head got rocked backwards. He hides the rest of the round. UsykRound 7A quiet round only really features a crisp Fury one-two and a single Usyk left. Draw.Round 8A one-two-hook works for Usyk as he pushes all of the pace an pressure and Fury tries to hide his 20st target.An accidental clash of heads thankfully leaves no cuts.Fury does launch a limp attack but Usyk smiles back and shakes his shaven head. Usyk.Round 9Fury starts to tire, he has so much timber to lug around and lumberjack Usyk loves chopping him down.He’s too big to dance and rub and counter.He is playing super-fit Usyk’s game. Usyk.Round 10Fury lands a rare uppercut and attacks Usyk’s body. He takes the centre of the ring but then eats a couple of shots.Fury tries to hold and lean and sap at Usyk’s engine. But he is punished with a left to the cheek.Big left from Uysk lands and scatters Fury sweat beads off his head.But Fury cracks back with an uppercut. But Usyk’s pressure and punches win in. Usyk.Round 11These could well be the deciding rounds. Usyk is busier, Fury throws an uppercut but it only grazes his guard.Fury walks onto a tippy-tappy combination but then two serious shots. The wind is coming out of his giant red sails.Usyk is relentless and bouncing and prodding and punching and Fury is 20st and flagging. UsykRound 12Fury starts like a man who knows he needs at least a lockdown but that helps Usyk counter him.A combo of three straight punches score for the Ukraine icon.But Fury keeps swinging and slashing and pulling up the shorts that slip down his back and love handles from all the sweat Usyk has drained out of him.With a section of the ungrateful crowd booing and whistling they slug it out for the final ten seconds finish. UsykSunSport’s scorecards: Usyk 118-112 Fury.”I’d like to see him retire.”Fury has, so far, snubbed the prospect of retirement, with More

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      Jamie Carragher reveals his 2025 predictions including title winner and how long it will take Amorim to fix Man Utd

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      JAMIE CARRAGHER believes only an injury crisis can stop Liverpool from winning the Premier League title. The Sky pundit has backed his former team to pip Arsenal to top spot in May. Jamie Carragher has given his predictions for 2025 across the world of footballCredit: AlamyArne Slot’s Liverpool are setting the pace in the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyCarragher spent his entire 17-year career with Liverpool, appearing over 500 times for the club. The 46-year-old never lifted the Premier League trophy during his time at Anfield.But he believes Arne Slot’s juggernaut are all but unstoppable this season, fresh from another thumping win on the road against West Ham. Writing in The Telegraph, Carragher claims “Chelsea are not quite ready to become champions.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe goes on to predict that “Liverpool will pip Arsenal into second place.”Carragher adds: “My only worry for Liverpool is if they pick up injuries to their big players. “If they can avoid them, they will be difficult to catch.”The former England defender also believes Manchester City will put their recent dismal form behind them and finish fourth.Most read in FootballPep Guardiola’s men won just their second game in 14 matches against Leicester on Sunday. FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOn the other side of Manchester, Carragher is not convinced Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd revolution is yet to get out of the planning stage.The Portuguese coach has seen his team win just four times in 10 games, along with five defeats. Gary Neville throws DRINK over Carragher after Liverpool blow Newcastle lead as fans say ‘he was gonna go for him there’Carragher said: “Ruben Amorim has a bigger job with a blank canvas.”He will need more time and patience, especially in getting underperforming players on big contracts out of the club. “What is happening at United right now is to be expected – a few good results mixed with reminders as to why they needed a new coach.”Despite United’s woes on and off the field, Carragher is convinced Amorim is the right man for the job.Carragher believes Ruben Amorim will come good at UnitedCredit: PAMan Utd ratings vs WolvesBy Ken LawrenceWOLVES landed a shock Boxing Day knockout as Manchester United’s struggles continued.The 2-0 defeat means Ruben Amorim has won just two of the seven Premier League games he has taken charge of.United find themselves 14th in the table and today were not helped by Bruno Fernandes’ red card and Andre Onana letting one in direct from a corner.Here is how SunSport rated the performances…ANDRE ONANA: 4He needed to make an agile save from Jorgen Strand Larsen in the first half, but badly misjudged the flight of Cunha’s corner for the opening goal – his claim that he was obstructed by Matt Doherty was rejected.LENY YORO: 5Recalled but booked after only four minutes for a foul on Cunha, so he was walking on eggshells and was tested by Wolves throughout. Subbed just after the hour mark.HARRY MAGUIRE: 6The England defender did his best to keep United in the game when they were under pressure for long periods – at least he helped to stem the tide until the dying seconds and had a header on target in stoppage time.LISANDRO MARTINEZ: 6Teamed up well with Maguire to stop Wolves from winning this more easily, he stood his ground and produced some important challenges in the latter stages before Wolves caught him on the break with the last action of the game.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI: 5Tenacious and determined, but was one of several players given a torrid time by the best player on the pitch – Cunha.MANUEL UGARTE: 5Dispossesed too easily at times, struggled against a lively Wolves attack and was eventually taken off as one of Amorim’s subs following Fernandes’ red card.KOBBIE MAINOO: 5Looked a threat early on, created some good openings, but he was booked after the break as United looked short on ideas. Faded and was subbed.DIOGO DALOT: 6Brought a tremendous save from Jose Sa in the first half in what was a rare bright spot for United – but he had no major influence on a poor team display.AMAD DIALLO: 5Lacked awareness of his team-mates sometimes and looked a shadow of the player who turned the Manchester derby around less than two weeks ago.BRUNO FERNANDES: 3Sent off early in the second half for a second yellow after a challenge on Nelson Semedo, but the captain had cut a frustrated figure before that.RASMUS HOJLUND: 5Became visibly annoyed at times at a lack of service from his team-mates, he had no joy up front and was subbed with 10 minutes left.SUBSCasemiro (for Mainoo, 63 mins): 6Christian Eriksen (for Ugate, 63 mins): 6Antony (for Yoro, 63 mins): 6Alejandro Garnacho (for Amad, 79 mins): 5Joshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 79 mins): 5He reckons the Red Devils will be a “better, more consistent team by December 2025, especially when Amorim has a full pre-season and new players to implement his ideas.”Carragher was also asked to name his Champions League winner – but hedged his bets.The 2005 winner believes either Inter Milan, Bayern Munich, Liverpool or Real Madrid will lift Big Ears come May. He added: “No one wants to draw Real in the knockout phase because it does not matter how poorly they are playing, they always find a way to get through.”Bayern also look good and are always in contention by the latter stages. READ MORE SUN STORIES”And then, of course, there is Liverpool, who have a 100 per cent win record so far. “They are the four sides everyone else will want to avoid.” More

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      Conor McGregor ‘CONFIRMS’ £400m Logan Paul boxing match in India with UFC star set to receive INSANE purse

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      CONOR MCGREGOR has appeared to suggest a shock showdown with Logan Paul has been FINALISED.The Notorious revealed earlier this month that he was in preliminary talks over an exhibition boxing match with the YouTube sensation.Conor McGregor revealed earlier this month that he’s in talks to box Logan Paul next yearCredit: GettyMcGregor revealed his proposed clash with Paul would take place in India next yearCredit: GettyThe Notorious has seemingly confirmed that the fight has been finalisedPaul added more fuel to the fire on InstagramCredit: INSTAGRAM@HAPPYPUNCHAnd the 36-year-old has suggested the fight – which is set to be financed by Indian billionaire Anant Ambani – is on the brink of being announced.Veteran MMA journalist Emmett Glenn reported on Sunday that McGregor is now gearing up to face the social media sensation in a Mumbai melee next year.Glenn also revealed both men are set to earn a whopping £200MILLION ($250m) each for the South Asian slugfest.The crossover clash is said to be set to take place at the Wankhede Stadium and will be part of the country’s “Visit India’ tourism campaign.READ MORE ON MCGREGORAnd McGregor seemingly confirmed Glenn’s report by quoting his post on X with a Indian flag and a love-heart emoji.Casual and hardcore fight fans were quick to comment on the seemingly done deal, with one saying: “$250M each for an exhibition fight?”That’s more than most world title fights pay!”Another said: “Money talks, $250M is crazy for each.”Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd another said: “I’m tired of these gimick fights. Dude is scared to go back into the UFC.”One remarked: “Holy s**t that will be wild! $250 mil each??”Conor McGregor names his top five MMA fighters of all time including WWE legend and actor nicknamed ‘The Handsome One’ Another chimed in: “Lots of money for a boring fight.”YouTube phenom Paul added even more fuel to the fire by liking an Instagram post citing the report.It was revealed last week that neither the UFC nor the WWE, who McGregor and Paul are respectively contracted to, have been approached about the bout.Both entities, however, are under the TKO Group Banner – meaning the possible punch-up would be incredible easy to make.Former two-division champion McGregor hasn’t fought since breaking his left leg in his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier in July 2021.His next outing will be his first since being found civilly liable for assaulting Nikita Hand at a Dublin Hotel in December 2018.The Irishman – who was accused of “raping and battering” Ms Hand – has vowed to appeal the verdict of last month’s civil trial at Dublin’s High Court. More

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      ‘He’s tired’ – Pep Guardiola lets slip Erling Haaland has become a DAD with partner Isabel Johansen after Man City win

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      PEP GUARDIOLA let slip Erling Haaland has become a DAD in his Manchester City post-match interview.Haaland scored his first goal in five games as City secured a much-needed victory over Leicester on Sunday.Erling Haaland has been a shell of his usual self this seasonCredit: REXThe Norwegian ended his mini-drought in Man City’s 2-0 win over Leciester on SundayCredit: REUTERSManager Pep Gurdiola has leapt to the defence of the under-fire NorwegianCredit: RexGuardiola casually revealed Haaland has welcomed his first child into the world with girlfriend Isabel JohansenCredit: SPLASHAnd his boss revealed the strike came at the end of a memorable week for the Norwegian superstar and partner Isabel Johansen.Guardiola, who celebrated his 500th game in charge with his team’s first win since December 4, said: “Sometimes, Erling has been judged badly but it’s part of football.“He’s tired, he’s played a lot of minutes.“He’s become a father for the first time in the last few days, a lot of emotions and an exciting few days for him.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHaaland was so pumped that he turned the air blue after his second-half header sealed the points for the struggling champions.The Norwegian striker said: “S**t happens.“It’s always a relief when you score.“Leicester did a really good game, we knew it was going to be difficult.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSErling Haaland and Isabel Johansen have been dating since they were both at Borussia DortmundCredit: Getty“It’s been a difficult time. I’m just happy we’re winning.”Guardiola seconded that emotion after City had won just one and lost NINE of their previous 13 games in all competitions.Erling Haaland does pull ups on cliff edge and runs with wolves as Man City ace stars in insane Beats by Dre advert The City boss said: “The right word to use, more than happiness, is relief.“As a performance it hasn’t been the best, I couldn’t expect differently.“Against Everton, the performance was better by far but today we won and that’s what we need to clean our minds and souls and see we can win games.“I know the last 13-14 games have not really been good but comparing that to 500, we have to be so pleased and so happy with what we have done together.“We have done a lot of things that will be a memory forever.“Maybe that period, the month and a half to two months that feels like 500 months, will make you realise how nice it was.Erling Haaland and Isabel Johansen have yet to officially announce the birth of their first childCredit: GETTY“Hopefully we can come back. Maybe we will not be what we were but closer than now. “Leicester boss Ruud van Nistelrooy was left to rue captain Jamie Vardy missing a golden chance as his side failed to turn an encouraging display into points.The Dutchman said: “That’s why it hurts a bit that we didn’t take anything off the game, because of the performance.“We created these moments in a great way.READ MORE SUN STORIES“As a striker, you need a bit of luck in taking these moments.“But of course it’s where games are decided.” More

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      West Ham 0 Liverpool 5: Salah scores 20th goal of season as Reds dismantle hapless Hammers to pile pressure on Lopetegui

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      JURGEN KLOPP shocked English football and caused total panic on Merseyside in the first month of this year by announcing his departure from Liverpool.Yet we leave 2024 with Klopp’s old team in unbelievable shape, better than any of us could have imagined once Klopp dropped the bombshell that he had run out of steam.Liverpool thrashed West Ham at the London StadiumCredit: PALuis Diaz broke the deadlock after 30 minutesCredit: GettyCody Gakpo doubled Liverpool’s leadCredit: GettyMo Salah added a third goal before the breakCredit: GettyLiverpool dominated large periods of the gameSalah racked up three more goal contributions following an impressive displayLiverpool now enter 2025 with a proper swagger. They are eight points clear at the top of the Premier League, and threatening to run riot in the second half of the season.Yes, the big problem for Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea and even second-placed Nottingham Forest, is that this team under Arne Slot is only just starting to go through the gears and they are getting better and more menacing by the week.Liverpool took apart a feeble West Ham at the London Stadium and could have got seven or eight if they really wanted to.Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo, Mo Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and substitute Diogo Jota chipped in with the goals against Julen Lopetegui’s awful team.After a run of four games without defeat, Lopetegui has a bit of credit and you cannot judge any side against this current Liverpool team who are currently the best in the country by some distance.Two of Liverpool’s scorers were playing their last games before they are free to talk to clubs overseas from January 1.Salah struck for the 17th time in the Premier League this season while he also delivered a couple of assists bringing that tally to 13.Alexander-Arnold grabbed his first goal of the season while completing the out-of-contract trio is Virgil van Dijk and he will not have many easier games than this at the back this season.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIt was another dismal 90 minutes for West HamCredit: ReutersTrent Alexander-Arnold fired in a fourthCredit: GettyLiverpool move eight points clear at the top of the tableCredit: RexDue to Lukasz Fabianski’s injury, keeper Alphonese Areola was making his first start since being dropped in October and was threatening to deliver a one-man supershow to defy the leaders.But after finally being beaten by in-form Diaz, who seems to enjoy playing in his more central wrong, it went horribly wrong for Areola and the rest of his team who could desperately do with a new central striker arriving next month as second half sub Niclas Fullkrug does not look the answer.’Spending my night watching fog on Prime Video’ – Fans slam ‘unwatchable’ Liverpool vs Leicester matchLiverpool, who lost the injured Joe Gomez before the break, now face Manchester United on Sunday and that is certainly a fixture which will not scare them.Yet no-one frightens Slot’s team, not in England, not in Europe, as they also lead the Champions League table.At first today, Liverpool missed a few chances. You would have put a fair amount of money on Salah to score from close range but he fired a shot too close to Areola although it was still a decent save.The Egyptian then delivered a brilliant pass to create an opportunity for Curtis Jones but he, too, could find no way past Areola who then delivered his best save of the half was to push over an effort from Luis DiazYet finally, Diaz got the goal that Liverpool had been threatening and it all became a bit straightforward after that.The Colombian was trying to thread the ball towards Jones but the pass came off Vladimir Coufal and bounced back into Diaz’s path.Diogo Jota added a fifth with an accomplished finishCredit: APAreola was not getting anywhere near a drilled first-time shot into the corner.Liverpool’ keeper Alisson, barely troubled all game, was saved by his left post as Mohammed Kudus came agonisingly close to grabbing a leveller and after that, it was downhill all the way for West Ham.Diaz delivered a sublime first touch to Salah, he skilfully got past Dinos Mavropanos but lost control of the ball and it bobbled towards Gakpo who had a simple tap-in.Before half-time, it just got worse for the locals, some of whom decided to head home once Areola failed to keep out a shot by Salah.It all started when Carlos Soler had been robbed of the ball by Alexis Mac Allister.READ MORE SUN STORIESAlexander-Arnold, whose previous goal came away to Fulham in April, chipped in with a strike, Ryan Gravenberch delivering the assist, although the 25-yard drive took a heavy deflection off Max Kilman.With six minutes left, Salah led a counter attack and West Ham’s defence could not get near him before he rolled the ball to Jota, who had replaced the impressive Gakpo, and Areola could only get a hand to the shot. More