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      in Soccer

      Robbie Keane’s hopes of dream first job in English football dashed as Middlesbrough rule out Premier League legend

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      ROBBIE KEANE’S hopes of a first management job in English football have been dashed, SunSport understands.Middlesbrough brutally sacked ex-Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick on Wednesday, after failing to make the play-offs again this season.Robbie Keane is not a contender for the Middlesbrough job, SunSport understandsCredit: GettyMichael Carrick was sacked by Boro this weekKeane, 44, was immediately named on the shortlist less than 24 hours after Carrick was axed.The Republic of Ireland and Tottenham legend is coming off a title-winning season with Hungarian side Ferencvaros.The season before he also lifted a title, taking the Israeli Premier League with Maccabi Tel Aviv, where he won the double.That was Keane’s second job as a head coach, having started out at Indian side ATK upon his retirement in 2018.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSDespite these latest reports, and some emerging in Ireland that he has actually rejected the job, SunSport understands that Keane is NOT and was never on Boro’s shortlist to become boss.The club have sounded out several potential candidates, including names that have already been touted such as Rob Edwards and Steve Cooper.There is also an interest in Danny Rohl, whose situation remains complicated at Sheffield Wednesday.SunSport understands that unless a huge name comes out of the left-field, Boro are likely to go with somebody already proven in English football management, which would rule Keane out.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Irishman, 44, was No.2 to Jonathan Woodgate during the 2019/20 campaign but the pair were axed after a dire run led to them dropping to 21st in the Championship table.However, they are also in no rush to make an appointment with the squad not due to return for pre-season training for several more weeks.Middlesbrough fans will agree with Carrick sacking and there’s a perfect man ready to replace him Chairman Steve Gibson and head of football Kieran Scott are still letting the dust settle after axing Carrick and no new appointment is likely to be confirmed until at least the middle of next week.Former Championship-winning Nottingham Forest gaffer Cooper, out of work since he was sacked after 12 games at Leicester, is a top contender on the shortlist to replace Carrick.Carrick and his assistants Woodgate and Graeme Carrick – his younger brother – have also departed the club.The 43-year-old, who was the division’s longest-serving manager, led Boro from the 21st in the table in October 2022 to the play-offs.That was followed by an eighth-placed finish and a run to the League Cup semi-finals but, despite a positive first half of this season, they eventually ended a disappointing 10th.Keane was a Premier League great with Spurs, scoring 126 goals in 349 appearances, also playing for Liverpool, Aston Villa, West Ham, Leeds and Coventry.Middlesbrough have spent 15 of the last 16 seasons in the Championship.Steve Cooper has been linked with a shock return to management with Boro More

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      in Soccer

      Arsenal sell forgotten star for £6.5m three years after he last played – and they could rake in more for him this summer

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      ARSENAL have added around £6.5m to their summer transfer kitty after Nuno Tavares completed a switch to Lazio.The Portuguese full-back spent last season on loan at the Italian club – having also been loaned out by the Gunners to Marseille and Nottingham Forest over the past two seasons.Nuno Tavares has been sold to Lazio by ArsenalCredit: GettyThe full-back spent the last season with the Serie A giants on loanCredit: Shutterstock EditorialBoss Mikel Arteta was left unimpressed by the 25-year-old after making 22 Prem appearances in his debut 2021/22 campaign following an £8m move from Benfica.SunSport understands that within his Lazio loan deal, there was an obligation to buy should they not be relegated from Serie A.The Italian side ended up finishing seventh this term.With Lazio considering selling Tavares straight on this summer for an immediate profit – despite signing him up on a three-year deal – Arsenal would also benefit with a sell-on of up to 25 per cent.READ MORE ON ARSENALTavares is Arsenal’s first sale of the summer, expected to be one of many with defenders Jakub Kiwior, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Leandro Trossard linked with moves away.Kiwior is being looked at by several clubs in Italy, Zinchenko is being monitored by Borussia Dortmund and Trossard has admirers in Saudi Arabia.Both Jorginho and Kieran Tierney are leaving on free transfers, while Raheem Sterling and Neto are returning to their parent clubs after season-long loans.Arsenal are making room for several incomings in what Arteta has described as a “big summer”, which could see them splash £200m.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKMidfielder Martin Zubimendi is on the brink of having his £51m move from Real Sociedad confirmed, with Thomas Partey also close to signing a new deal with his contract expiring this month.A No.9 is at the top of new sporting director Andrea Berta’s list, targeting £60m-valued Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres and £69m-valued Red Bull Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko.David Raya reveals Arsenal career changed overnight following two-hour meeting Other areas are also in need of bolstering. Arsenal want a new No.2 to challenge David Raya. Espanyol’s £25m-valued Joan Garcia is of interest, but would need to compete with Barcelona for his signature.Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesA defender could also be needed, but Arteta is currently happy with his options in Zinchenko, Kiwior, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Riccardo Calafiori, Jurrien Timber, Ben White, William Saliba and Gabriel.Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams – worth around £50m – remains highly-rated by Arteta.But his sky-high wages are proving an issue with Arsenal unwilling to break their current financial structure. More

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      in Boxing

      Three-weight world champion Vasiliy Lomachenko retires after more than 400 FIGHTS in lengthy video

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      BOXING great Vasiliy Lomachenko has announced his retirement – bringing the end to an iconic career. Lomachenko has the greatest amateur record of all time, winning 396 times with just one loss – which he avenged. Vasiliy Lomachenko has announced his retirement from boxingCredit: Instagram / @lomachenkovasiliyLomachenko retires as a three-weight championCredit: GettyAs a professional, the masterful southpaw won titles at feather, super-feather and lightweight. And he dazzled fans with his incredible footwork, combination punching and speed. He beat George Kambosos last May in Australia but has not fought since – rejecting talks to later fight Gervonta Davis. It cast doubt over his future in the sport – and now Loma has confirmed his retirement in a lengthy Instagram video. READ MORE IN BOXINGHe thanked his family, including his dad and coach Anatoly, his manager Egis Klimas, long-time promoter Bob Arum and the fans. Loma turned pro in 2013 – a year after the London Games – and did so after winning double Olympic gold. He wanted to fight for world title on his DEBUT – but was unable to do so without a ranking. Loma beat Jose Luis Ramírez in four quick rounds before challenging Orlando Salido for the WBO featherweight title. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut Salido – a part-time Uber driver – upset Loma and used veteran tactics to edge out a points decision. That did not deter Loma, though, as he bounced back with victory over Gary Russell Jr in his next fight to become champ after just three bouts. ‘Back to the grind in a few days’ – Anthony Joshua shows off results of elbow surgery as boxing star closes in on returnThe southpaw sensation then went on an unbeaten run over 13 fights and five years – winning titles at 126lb, 130lb and 135lb. Loma fought at lightweight despite being vastly oversized by his opponents – something that would inevitably catch up with him. Teofimo Lopez stunned him in 2020 to win the unified titles and three years later, Devin Haney would controversially beat Loma on points. Loma returned 12 months later to stop Kambosos in 11 rounds – winning back the IBF belt – but he later vacated the strap. And despite being linked with big-money bouts against the likes of Davis and Shakur Stevenson – it marked the end of the road for one of the sport’s greatest. Loma was a fighter inside and outside of the ring – signing up to defend his country after Russia’s invasion in February 2022. He enlisted with the Territorial Defence Forces – but eventually returned to boxing to resume his career. Read More on The SunLoma hangs up his gloves with 418 total fights – amateur and pro – 414 wins, just four losses and a host of gold medals and world title belts. Lomachenko beat George Kambosos in his last fightCredit: EPAHe suffered a controversial loss to Devin HaneyCredit: GettyLomachenko was beaten by Teofimo Lopez in 2020Credit: Handout – GettyLomachenko was a double Olympic championCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      in Boxing

      ‘It took years off my life’ – Fabio Wardley lived off ice cream and noodles after brutal Frazer Clarke fight

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      FABIO WARDLEY resorted to a diet of ice cream and noodles after his brutal fight against Frazer Clarke. The pair put on a thriller over 12 rounds in March of last year – which ended in a draw. Fabio Wardley’s horror nose injury against Frazer ClarkeCredit: GettyHe was unable to chew for days afterwardsCredit: PAThe bout ended a draw with Wardley winning the rematch by KOCredit: ReutersWardley was left covered in blood due to his busted nose and a jaw injury left him barely able to chew in the days after. He told The Times: “It’s a fate that you have to accept if you do this sport properly. “I probably should’ve gone to the hospital afterwards. I remember being sat in my hotel room and I couldn’t sleep because my head was pounding, like vibrating. “When I lay down, I felt sick. If I sat up, I felt sick. My face looked like the Elephant Man. My nose was stitched up. READ MORE IN BOXING”I’d bitten my tongue about 100 times. I couldn’t chew for three days because of my jaw, so I just ate ice cream and noodles, but that’s part of it. “Those fights are going to happen and you might get knocked out, but if you carry that around with you and hesitate because you’re scared of it, it could have a negative impact on how you fight and almost make it more likely to happen. You’ve got to just take it on the chin.”Wardley scored a knockdown in round five and Clarke had a point off to even the judges scorecards. But Wardley won the rematch six months later with a brutal first-round knockout that left Clarke hospitalised. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSNow the Ipswich super-fan returns on Saturday at Portman Road against Australian Justis Huni. Huni won the amateur World Youth Championships in 2016 – the same year Wardley had his first unlicensed white collar bout. Fabio Wardley prepares for dream Portman Road homecoming fight Wardley said: “Huni is another opponent from a completely different end of entry in boxing terms. “After starting in white-collar, anything was a win. This wasn’t realistic, but you always imagine.”Wardley had four fights on the unlicensed circuit – winning them all by KO – after foregoing an amateur career. Now he is on the cusp of a world title shot as part of one of British boxing’s most unlikely success stories.Wardley said: “I fought at the O2, then I headlined the O2, I’ve fought in Saudi Arabia as the chief support to Tyson Fury and to Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol. “It keeps feeling like we’ve peaked and that it can’t get any better and now I’m fighting at the stadium in my hometown. “I’m genuinely on the edge of a world title, which sounds crazy for me just to say.”Wardley facing off with Justis HuniCredit: Instagram @justis_huni More

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      in Boxing

      ‘Back to the grind in a few days’ – Anthony Joshua shows off results of elbow surgery as boxing star closes in on return

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA has shown off the results of his elbow surgery as he plots his return to the ring. AJ went under the knife two weeks ago to fix the arm injury that has kept him out of action.Anthony Joshua has shown off the results of his elbow surgeryCredit: Instagram / @anthonyjoshuaJoshua shadowboxed two weeks after surgeryCredit: Instagram / @anthonyjoshuaAJ is plotting a return to the ringCredit: Instagram / @anthonyjoshuaAnd Joshua has given a small glimpse into his recovery as he shadowboxed on social media. Posting to his Snapchat account, he posted: “2 weeks post operation. Back to the grind in a few days.” Joshua, 35, was knocked out by Daniel Dubois, 27, at Wembley and looked to be targeting an immediate rematch. But that failed to materialise with Dubois now rematching Oleksandr Usyk on July 19 in London – two years after losing to the Ukrainian. READ MORE IN BOXINGTyson Fury, 36, was last year beaten by Usyk, 36, twice and subsequently announced his retirement in January a month after losing the rematch. But AJ’s promoter Eddie Hearn is hoping the unpredictable Gypsy King will make a U-turn and return to fight Joshua. Talks are ongoing with Saudi boxing boss Turki Alalshikh over a new two-fight deal. And Hearn told BoxingScene in late May: “He’s had the operation, which went very well, and now he’s just sort of rehabbing it.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“I believe about six weeks till he can punch again properly, and that kind of lends itself to a September, October, November fight.”That gives us a chance to see what happens with Dubois against Usyk.”That gives us a chance to see if Mr. Fury will ever return, and maybe something else.”But he’s definitely fighting this year and looking forward to it.”Tense moment Anthony Joshua and Mahmoud Charr face off ahead of proposed two-fight deal More

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      in Soccer

      Argentina lined up to play controversial friendly in RUSSIA this year despite Fifa ban

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      ARGENTINA are set to play Russia in an international friendly this November, according to reports.The Russian national team has largely been shunned since the country’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.Lionel Messi is currently on international duty with ArgentinaCredit: GettyRussia were kicked out of the 2022 World Cup, and have been banned by Fifa ever since.Argentine football reporter Gaston Edul claimed last month that a meeting could be on the cards.And further reports from Telegram in Russia suggest that a game is in the works for the November international break.Such a deal would see the world champions travel to Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium for a match.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA preliminary agreement has reportedly been agreed, with the Luzhniki having been reserved for dates between November 10 and 18.Should the match go ahead, it is unlikely that big stars such as Lionel Messi will participate.That’s because Western sponsors would likely be uncomfortable with their partners playing in Russia.Russia’s ban has seen them not play in Fifa or Uefa competitions since 2021.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKRussia played Grenada in a friendly back in MarchCredit: GettyRussia’s last competitive game came against Croatia nearly four years agoCredit: GettyTheir last competitive match was a 1-0 defeat at Croatia on November 14, 2021.They have since participated in 16 friendlies, primarily played in Moscow.Donald Trump claims letting Russia qualify for World Cup 2026 could be ‘incentive’ to end Ukraine warRussia’s opponents have included Qatar, Iraq, Cameroon and Serbia.US president Donald Trump recently claimed that participation in the 2026 World Cup could be an incentive for Russia to end their invasion of Ukraine.During a chat with Fifa president Gianni Infantino, Trump, 78, was at first not even aware that Russia were banned.He asked: “I didn’t know that. Is that right?”To which Infantino replied: “That is right.”They are banned for the time being from playing but we hope that something happens and peace will happen so that Russia can be readmitted.”Read More on The SunTrump then said: “That’s possible. Hey, that could be a good incentive, right? We want to get them to stop. We want them to stop.”Five thousand young people a week are being killed – it’s not even believable.”Donald Trump met with Gianni Infantino last monthCredit: Reuters More

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      in Boxing

      ‘He’s miles off’ – Brit heavyweight ace tipped for stardom ‘shouldn’t be in conversation’ for world titles, says rival

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      RISING British boxing star Moses Itauma has been warned against taking on world titles fights at this stage of his career.Heavyweight rival Dave Allen reckons the 20-year-old has the talent, but lacks the necessary experience to challenge a world champion.Moses Itauma has been tipped for stardomCredit: PAItauma won the WBO Inter-Continental heavyweight bout against Mike Balogun in MayCredit: PAItauma’s professional record stands at 12-0 with his most recent win against Mike Balogun in the WBO Inter-Continental bout in Glasgow. The Slovak-born Brit dropped his American opponent Bologun, 41, three times in two rounds, before ending it with a TKO.And WBA Intercontinental Heavyweight Champion Dave Allen has given his opinion on the breakthrough star.Allen told talkSPORT: “I think he’s the real deal, but to go from the opposition he is facing to a Joseph Parker would be irresponsible matchmaking.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“People are talking about Itauma boxing for a world title soon, he is miles off it right now.”“He can beat anyone in two or three rounds at the moment. But we haven’t seen him go past that yet. “I think he’s an incredible prospect, but that’s all he is still.” The rising heavyweight star turned professional two years ago and already has 10 KOs on his record.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAllen recognised Itauma’s talent, but believes he should take a more calculated root to a shot at a world title.He added: “We haven’t even seen him box for a British title yet. Demsey McKean is British title level, he shouldn’t be in that conversation for Joseph Parker yet.’Back to the grind in a few days’ – Anthony Joshua shows off results of elbow surgery as boxing star closes in on return“Not for talent, offensively he is already one of the best heavyweights in the world. But he hasn’t been hit back and hasn’t been hit under pressure.”Allen named Anthony Joshua’s rival Jermaine Franklin as the perfect opponent to take him past the first rounds.The 33-year-old said: “We need to see him in with someone who gives him a fight, I think someone like Jermaine Franklin.“I think he can become world champion, but talk of titles right now is just too much, he’s miles off.”Itauma, who is Frank Warren’s fighter, was initially tipped as the teenager to break Mike Tyson’s youngest world champion record at the age of 20 years and four months.He will likely return on July 19 on the undercard of Oleksandr Usyk’s rematch with Daniel Dubois.Dave Allen said Itauma isn’t ready for a chance at a world titleCredit: Shutterstock Editorial More

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      in Soccer

      How Chelsea’s £30million transfer signing Liam Delap can reinvigorate ex-Man City pal Cole Palmer in Blues masterplan

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      CHELSEA are ready to rock and roll thanks to Liam and Cole.Blues ‘brothers’ Liam Delap and Cole Palmer were made in Manchester, at City’s academy, but have been reunited at Stamford Bridge.Liam Delap (left) and Cole Palmer celebrate a goal for Manchester City’s academy sideCredit: AlamyDelap has joined Palmer at Chelsea for £30millionCredit: GettyAnd £30million Delap, who netted 12 Premier League goals last season for relegated Ipswich, is the perfect striker for Enzo Maresca’s Masterplan.He can reinvigorate Palmer – and if this pair start firing, opposition defences will have to build a Wonderwall to stop them.They will even be side by side with shirt numbers – Delap has taken No9 and Palmer is now No10.Palmer is delighted Delap has opted to join the Blues.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said: “I’m excited to play with him. I was messaging him asking If he was coming and that.“I played with him at Under 18s, 21s. We went to the first team together.“‘He’s a great striker, one of the best in the Premier League. You can see from last season.“So I think he’ll help us a lot and hopefully score lots of goals.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhen the Blues signed Palmer, 23, for £42.5m, in what now looks like a cut-price deal, not many knew the talent that they had on their hands – but anyone who had watched City’s youth sides knew, including the club’s former academy coach Maresca.Delap, 22, can play a vital role for the Blues – he’s electric with his pace, direct running and movement. ‘To do what-‘ – Cole Palmer left confused as he’s asked to name his Premier League Mount RushmoreHe starred alongside ‘secret agent’ Romeo Lavia and Palmer in the youth team under Maresca, his understanding with the latter potentially being what will make him such a potent threat next season.But it will also improve Palmer, who tailed off last season despite netting 15 Prem goals.It might seem like it’s half the world away, but in one City Under-21 game against Spurs, they ran out 6-1 winners with Delap hitting a hat-trick, Palmer scoring twice and Lavia netting the other.Delap and Palmer wasn’t always a Harry Kane and Son Heung-min partnership where both would rack up huge goal contribution numbers – though that did happen enough.It was more about Delap’s movement and interplay allowing Palmer to be even more dangerous and get into the box with more ease.We’ve seen in games this season that because Palmer has been a lone threat at times, he can be doubled up on and nullified – but with Delap in the side that becomes much more difficult.In City’s youth team, Palmer, Felix Nmecha and Samuel Edozie benefited from Delap’s movement, as he would occupy the centre backs and allow Nmecha and Palmer to get shots off inside the box.In Manchester, Maresca knew how to get the best out of Delap by giving him the same kind of freedom Nicolas Jackson has been given up front, as he could drift wide or drop deep on the premise that when needed he would be in the right place at the right time to get the finishing touch.When you add the incoming Estevao Willian to that mix, as well as the ever-improving Noni Madueke and Enzo Fernandez – some might say they will be unstoppable.Read More on The SunIt will be interesting to see how the Blues go at the Club World Cup in America, which will hardly be an Oasis of calm.They will hope Liam and Cole have more success in the USA than Liam and Noel.Join SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford Bridge More