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    Arsenal and Man City ‘dream’ of signing midfielder who rejected Liverpool but Reds have not given up hope

    ARSENAL and Manchester City could battle for Martin Zubimendi next month, according to reports.The midfielder has caught the eye of Europe’s top clubs with his performances for Real Sociedad and Spain.Arsenal and Man City want to sign Martin ZubimendiCredit: GettyMan City are in the market for a defensive midfielder with key man Rodri out for the season.Arsenal are also understood to be interested in Zubimendi, who reportedly turned down a summer move to Liverpool.Fabrizio Romano revealed the clubs who are monitoring the 25-year-old, though explained why a January move could prove tricky.He told Men in Blazers: “There is a player who is a dream target for all the top clubs around Europe – for Liverpool, Man City, Arsenal and many others – it’s Martin Zubimendi.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“They all want to sign Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, the real point is that Zubimendi at the moment is still not opening the door to a January exit.“Next summer could be different but for January the situation is still quiet around him so I’m not sure it will be possible.”Zubimendi is believed to have a £51.7million buyout clause in his Sociedad contract, although even if that is triggered it could prove difficult to persuade the Spaniard to leave.He said earlier this year: “The best solution is staying. I want to grow and develop here.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowever sources insist Zubimendi has had a change of heart and is keen to play in the Premier League after all.And that has put City on high alert.Mikel Arteta reveals Bukayo Saka is set to miss months after surgery as he gives injury update on Arsenal star More

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    Newcastle will demand more than £150MILLION for Alexander Isak as Arsenal face transfer battle with Liverpool

    NEWCASTLE have reportedly set an eye-watering price tag of more than £150MILLION on Alexander Isak.The Swedish striker has been in fine form this season, with 11 goals in 16 Premier League appearances.Newcastle has set a huge price tag on Alexander IsakCredit: GettyMike Arteta is a long-term admirer of IsakCredit: ReutersArne Slot is on the lookout for a potential replacement for Mohamed SalahCredit: EPAIsak, 25, has only been outscored by Erling Haaland and Cole Palmer in England’s top flight in 2024.The Telegraph has reported that the Magpies quoted a price tag of £150m last summer.This was done in a move to block a potential exit of the Swedish international.Isak still has three and a half years left on his contract at St James’ Park.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe report has added that Newcastle will look to extend his deal at the end of the season and will not lower the asking price.The likes of Arsenal and Liverpool have been linked with moves for the striker.The Reds could make a move for Isak should Mohamed Salah leave the club at the end of his contract.European giants Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona and Real Madrid are also believed to be tracking Isak.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe interest from the top clubs could start a bidding war and drive Isak’s fee towards a world record number.Neymar’s move from Barcelona to PSG in 2017 is the current record at £198m.Alexander Isak shows off his razor sharp shooting ability in Sweden training The report has claimed that Newcastle are “relaxed” about his situation and have “no interest” in cashing in.A sale would boost Newcastle’s PSR position, with the club currently limited in its ability to sign new players.Contract talks broke down earlier in the year, but Isak has insisted it does “not affect” him.It has been claimed that the constant links over Isak’s potential exit have left Newcastle “bewildered” and believing that it is an attempt to “unsettle” him.Manager Eddie Howe recently hailed the striker’s personality as one reason behind his effectiveness in front of goal.He said: “He is calm, cool, he is what you see on the pitch. READ MORE SUN STORIES”He doesn’t get overly emotional, which for a striker is a great quality.”That coolness you see and calmness in front of goal is part of his personality.” More

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    Inside Laura Woods’ romantic Christmas with Love Island star fiancee Adam Collard as he kisses her growing baby bump

    LAURA WOODS and fiancee Adam Collard enjoyed a romantic Christmas together as the Love Island star kissed her growing baby bump.The loved-up pair cosied up together during the festive period after enjoying a whirlwind romance.Laura Woods and Adam Collard enjoyed a romantic Christmas break togetherCredit: Insagram / @adamcollardCollard kissed Woods’ bump as they expect their first child togetherCredit: Insagram / @adamcollardThe pair lived their best lives on holiday up northCredit: Insagram / @adamcollardCollard made sure to hit the gym on his breakCredit: Insagram / @adamcollardWoods wrapped up as she enjoyed the wild weatherCredit: Insagram / @adamcollardThe pair gifted each other with plenty of presentsCredit: Insagram / @adamcollardWoods, 37, and Collard, 29, delighted fans when they started dating last year.In July, TNT Sports star Woods announced that she and Collard were expecting their first child together.And in September, they became engaged after Collard got down on one knee during a trip to Cornwall.Woods previously showed off her blossoming baby bump while on TV duties last month and was even presented with a touching gift from Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut a latest photo dump from Collard gave fans a new look at the expectant parents.The couple were all smiles as they posed for the camera while enjoying the Christmas break.Woods cradled her stomach as the pair displayed warm smiles.And in another snap, Collard leaned over to kiss Woods’ baby bump as she appeared to play with his hair.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhile more showed Woods opening several carefully-wrapped Christmas presents.Other photos revealed the couple also enjoyed a trip to Whitby, staying at Saltmoore hotel which brands itself as “a new wellness-led sanctuary, nestled between the wild North Sea and heather-draped moors.”Inside Adam Collard and Laura Woods’ romantic engagement as Love Island star gets down on one knee at five star hotel in CornwallCollard posted a photo dump of their latest exploitsCredit: Insagram / @adamcollardThe duo took a trip to WhitbyCredit: Insagram / @adamcollardThey stayed at Saltmoore hotelCredit: Insagram / @adamcollardWoods and Collard enjoyed some delicious mealsCredit: Insagram / @adamcollardThey could not get enough of their surroundingsCredit: Insagram / @adamcollardThe pair even tucked into fish and chipsCredit: Insagram / @adamcollardCollard tagged his photos with a caption that read: “A festive bunch. Home and away. Merry Christmas everyone x.“A surprise stay from my girl to @saltmoore. What a place. Couldn’t recommend them enough.”Woods and Collard enjoyed several delicious-looking meals during their time away, including a mouth-watering roast dinner plus fish and chips.A brief clip also saw Woods walking on a very windy beach while staying wrapped up from the cold.While Collard made sure to remain active over the festive break with a sweaty gym session.Fans reacted with delight to the pictures, with one saying: “Hope you had the best Christmas.”Another declared: “You two are so so good together.”READ MORE SUN STORIESOne noted: “Love you two together.”Another added: “Beautiful family.”Woods announced her pregnancy in JulyCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsyShe and Collard have been together since last yearCredit: InstagramThey got engaged in Cornwall in SeptemberCredit: INSTAGRAM @laurawoodsyThe couple are head over heels for each otherCredit: InstagramFans love seeing them togetherCredit: Instagram @adamcollardThe pair will welcome their new child in 2025Credit: Instagram @adamcollard More

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    Demarai Gray tells Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq he wants to QUIT as he is lined up for Premier League transfer return

    DEMARAI GRAY has told Al-Ettifaq he wants to leave next month amid interest from Fulham.The Saudi club’s boss Steven Gerrard is backing a sale at the right price for the Jamaica winger and the club want £5million.Fulham are interested in signing Demarai GrayCredit: GettyGray, 28, has not settled since his £8m move from Everton last year. His family is in England and he wants a Prem return.Fulham held talks with Gray before he moved to Saudi and manager Marco Silva is still keen.The Portuguese coach has led Fulham to eighth place in the top flight and will be given money for January’s transfer window to boost a squad now targeting European qualification.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCrystal Palace and Besiktas also showed interest in Gray previously, before he opted to move to Saudi.He scored 12 goals in 75 games for Everton, and has had spells at Bayer Leverkusen and Leicester after starring for Birmingham at an early age.Fulham could fund a move for Gray by selling wantaway star Andreas Pereira.Brazilian side Palmeiras are tracking Pereira, and have reportedly made a £14m bid for his services.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut it is understood Fulham will only consider selling if the midfielder requests a transfer.Pereira was dropped from the side earlier this month after reportedly stating it would be “very cool” to join Marseille amid interest from the French club.Awkward moment Fulham commentator ‘dangerously close’ to calling Chelsea star Pedro Neto ‘a very bad word’ More

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    Man City start search for Kyle Walker replacement with Nottingham Forest star on transfer wishlist

    NOTTINGHAM FOREST’S Ola Aina is on Manchester City’s wishlist as they cast a net for Kyle Walker’s long-term replacement.Nigerian international Aina, 28, has been a stand-out Premier League ever-present in Nottingham Forest’s stellar season.Manchester City are on the lookout for a replacement for Kyle WalkerCredit: AFPNottingham Forest full-back Ola Aina is on the club’s wishlistCredit: GettyForest snapped him up on a free when he was released by Italian side Torino last year.They are keen to tie him down quickly as his contract runs out at the end of this season.The full-back, a product of Chelsea’s academy, has not been angling for a move and is hugely popular with City Ground fans.But the Southwark-born star would find it hard to ignore interest from City.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd his ability to play on either flank suits Guardiola.Walker has been a City mainstay for seven years but at 34 has finally shown signs of his age this term.And Brighton’s brilliant young midfielder Carlos Baleba will also be on the radar of Pep Guardiola.Baleba, 20, is another Brighton signing who was something of an unknown when they paid £23million to Lille for him last season.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe has a growing list of admirers but a contract that runs until 2028 means he would not come cheap.Meanwhile, Ederson could leave at the end of the season — with sources claiming City would listen to offers around £25m.Pep Guardiola admits he ‘doesn’t know what to do’ and reveals he’s considering radical tactical switch for Manchester derby The keeper, 31, turned down the chance to head to Saudi Arabia last summer after a plea from Pep.Yet with one more season on his contract, City will not stand in his way if they can get the right fee.Guardiola would look to bring in a new stopper but also hand more chances to current back-up Stefan Ortega — and extend his terms beyond 2026. More

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    ‘He’s on another level — top quality’ – Premier League star compared to legendary Johan Cruyff leaving team-mate in awe

    WOLVES defender Matt Doherty claims Brazilian star Matheus Cunha  is ‘Cruyff-like’ at times.Doherty could start today against former club Tottenham — after coming on as a late sub there on his first return last season.Matheus Cunha is being hailed as Wolves’ very own Johan CruyffCredit: RexThe Dutch master was one of the greatest players in historyCredit: CorbisAnd the 32-year-old says Wolves are revitalised after two wins out of two for new boss Vitor Pereira took them out of the bottom three over Christmas.But Doherty says Cunha is playing a huge part after dazzling in the 2-0 Boxing Day win over visitors Manchester United.As well as scoring direct from a corner and making the second, the 25-year-old forward produced a string of touches that had fans on their feet — and drew comparisons with Dutch legend Johan Cruyff.Doherty said: “He’s on another level — it’s top quality, when he’s confident, like that. It’s hard to play against.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I was saying to the other lads, it’s difficult to make the game look that easy at times.“There’s maybe more than a handful in this league who can make it look that easy. And he’s one of them.“We’re fortunate to have him. Against Manchester United, he was just on it all game.“He was taking balls out of the sky, he was Cryuff-like — doing things you would normally be expecting Manchester United players to do.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“It’s not showboating. That’s his way of getting out of any pressure.“You’re not showboating when it’s 0-0 — that’s just his brain working better than everyone else’s.”Wolves fan goes to extreme measures to distract Justin Kluivert taking a penalty in loss to BournemouthMatt Doherty hopes Cunha can inspire Wolves to a third straight win, this time against SpursCredit: PACunha is still facing a potential Premier League ban following his post-match bust-up with an Ipswich security guard after Wolves’ home loss on December 14.That could be a blow as Doherty hopes Wanderers can pull clear of relegation danger by becoming the kings of swing. Wolves’ in-swinging corners are being used as a weapon — and Cunha netted direct against United, just as Spurs did earlier in the month in the Carabao Cup.Doherty says Wolves are working on set-pieces — scoring from them and not conceding either.And he was at the centre of Cunha’s goal against United, with keeper Andre Onana claiming the defender had impeded him.Doherty was having none of that, though, and said: “Football’s a contact sport, isn’t it? Keepers are not untouchable.“I understand sometimes if a keeper’s in the air and he gets nudged and it’s a foul because of that.“But no, I was just there to block — and I think he was behind me anyway.“There was little bit of contact but it just flew in the far corner. That can happen for a goalkeeper as well, it’s tough for them.“We are practising set-pieces, I assume everybody knows that. But that’s what we were going for at the corner.“We were going to put it right in on top of it and see what happens.“It also happened in the first half and I don’t know how the keeper kept it out, I didn’t believe it. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Set-pieces are a huge part of the game. They can win those matches. They were causing us problems, and we were losing a lot of games from it.“So now we’ve stopped conceding at set-pieces, and we seem to be winning games.”Johan Cruyff’s career statsThe man who invented the ‘Cruyff Turn’ also won three Ballon d’Or’s…Ajax, 1964-1973: 329 games, 257 goalsBarcelona, 1973-1978: 227 games, 85 goalsLos Angeles Aztecs, 1979: 26 games, 15 goalsWashington Diplomats, 1980: 26 games, 10 goalsLevante, 1980-1981: 10 games, 2 goalsWashington Diplomats, 1981: 5 games, 2 goalsAjax, 1981-1983: 46 games, 16 goalsFeyenoord, 1983-1984: 44 games, 13 goalsNetherlands, 1966-1977: 48 games, 33 goalsTrophiesAjax: Eredivisie x8, Dutch Cup x5, European Cup x3, European Super Cup, Intercontinental CupBarcelona: La Liga, Copa del ReyFeyenoord: Eredivisie, Dutch CupManagerial careerAjax, 1985-1988: P117 W86 D10 L21Barcelona, 1988-1996: P430 W250 D97 L83Catalonia, 2009-2013: P4 W2 D2 L0TrophiesAjax: Dutch Cup x2, European Cup Winners’ CupBarcelona: La Liga x4, Copa del Rey, Spanish Super Cup x3, European Cup, European Cup Winners’ Cup, European Super Cup More

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    Man Utd vs Newcastle: Get £40 welcome bonus when you stake £10 on football with Tote

    MANCHESTER UNITED and Newcastle United couldn’t be in more different form heading into a meeting between the sides at Old Trafford on Monday.And bookmakers Tote are celebrating by offering brand new customers a whopping £40 in free bets and bonuses to spend on the Premier League action when you sign up and stake £10!Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereMan Utd vs Newcastle: Get £40 welcome bonus — claim here*How to claim..Tote special offerVisit the Tote website HERE*Register a brand new account using the Promo Code: B10G40Deposit and place your first bet of at least £10 on either horse racing or football at odds of Evens or greaterOnce your Qualifying Bet is settled you will receive a £40 welcome bonusMan Utd vs Newcastle: Get £40 welcome bonus — claim here*Man Utd vs Newcastle: Get £40 welcome bonus — claim here*Tote have a fantastic promotion available for brand new customers with a colossal £40 welcome bonus up for grabs.It’s easy to claim. Simply visit the Tote website and register a new account using the Promo Code: B10G40Once that’s sorted, deposit and place your first bet of at least £10 on either racing, football or other sports at odds of Evens or greater.Once your Qualifying Bet is settled — win or lose — you will receive £20 Tote Credit, £10 Free Sports Bet and 50 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza.Man Utd vs Newcastle: Get £40 welcome bonus — claim here*Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk*Tote. New customers online only. Eligibility restrictions apply. Only valid with code B10G40 on registration. £10 min qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater across sports or racing (if EW then min £10 Win + £10 Place). Receive £20 Tote Credit, £10 Free Sports Bet and 50 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza within 48 hours of qualifying bet settlement. 7-day expiry on free bets & Tote Credit. Your first bet will be your qualifying bet. One per customer. UK & ROI customers only. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org. Full T&Cs apply. More

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    Man Utd vs Newcastle prediction: Betting tips, odds and Premier League preview

    STRUGGLING Manchester United round off 2024 by welcoming a flying Newcastle to Old Trafford on Monday night.SunSport betting experts have previewed the festive contest and selected the best bets, tips and exclusive sign-up bonuses from our leading betting partners.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereNew sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesFirst scorer and correct score predictionsJacob Murphy to score 1st at 9/1 with William Hill – CLAIM HERECorrect score – 1-3 at 16/1 with Betfred – CLAIM HEREMan Utd vs Newcastle previewThese two sides couldn’t have arrived at this game in differing form.Yet another Manchester United defeat on Boxing Day, this time 2-0 at strugglers Wolves.Matheus Cunha opened the scoring 10 minutes after Bruno Fernandes was sent off in the second half, with Hwang Hee-chan adding a second with the final kick of the game.That’s now three defeats on the spin for Ruben Amorim and his side – and five from their last seven outings.The bad news keeps coming with Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte – collecting his fifth booking of the season – both suspended for this one.You wonder if a recall for Marcus Rashford is far away…And it’s one of the league’s in-form sides that visits, with Newcastle winning four on the bounce in all competitions.They’ve scored 11 goals and conceded NONE in their last three Premier League games, too.The 3-0 win over Villa coming off the back of successive 4-0 wins and Eddie Howe’s side go into the contest in fifth place after a slow start.Newcastle have also won three of the last four meetings between the teams….Man Utd vs Newcastle latest oddsOdds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.How to claim..William Hill £60 welcome bonusVisit the William Hill website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: T60Once your account is registered, click ‘opt in’ on the ‘Vegas Promotion’ pageDeposit a minimum of £10 in your main account to receive a £20 Vegas Bonus for use on Selected GamesThen place a bet with a minimum stake of £10 at odds of 1/2 or greater on any football marketOnce that’s settled, your account will be credited with £40 in free betsWilliam Hill: Claim £60 welcome bonus – click here*Manchester United vs Newcastle predictionsAway winYou just can’t see past Newcastle for this one, surely?The Toon are flying at present and now have a settled back four and stand-in goalkeeper all performing well.With United missing their captain too, you struggle to see the creativity in the side from the middle of the park and Newcastle’s midfield is even more superior as a result. Newcastle to win and 4 or more goals in the game at 9/2 with William Hill – CLAIM HEREAttacking optionsNewcastle have options off the bench and there’s a good chance they could rotate one or two here.But Jacob Murphy’s impact has been huge in December, starting all six of the games and registering four assists and three goals in the process.Can have another big part to play, especially attacking that United left side.Jacob Murphy to score anytime at 16/5 with Betfred – CLAIM HERE*William Hill. 18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. Get £60 Bonus split between Vegas & Sports in the following manner – (i) Deposit £10 to unlock £20 Vegas Free Bet on Selected Games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); then (ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash (excl. £10 deposit) or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). Once settled, receive £40 Sports Free Bets excluding Virtual Markets (4x £10, 7 days expiry). Payment methods & country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply.*Betfred. New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. T&Cs apply.*BetMGM. New customers only. 7 days to place a qualifying bet of £10 at 1/1 (2.0) to receive 4 x £10 Free Bets: 1x £10 Free Bet on Football, 1x £10 Free Bet on Horse Racing, 2 x £10 Free Bet Builders. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. Full T&Cs apply.*talkSPORT BET. 18+ New customers only. Opt in, bet up to £40 (min. £20) on any football market at odds of 2.00+, in 7 days. Get up to £40 in free bets on selected markets. Bonuses expire in 7 days. T&Cs apply, see below. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly*Tote. New customers online only. Eligibility restrictions apply. Only valid with code B10G40 on registration. £10 min qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater across sports or racing (if EW then min £10 Win + £10 Place). Receive £20 Tote Credit, £10 Free Sports Bet and 50 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza within 48 hours of qualifying bet settlement. 7-day expiry on free bets & Tote Credit. Your first bet will be your qualifying bet. One per customer. UK & ROI customers only. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org. Full T&Cs apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk More