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      in Soccer

      Bukayo Saka posts picture from hospital bed after Arsenal star undergoes surgery and faces months on sidelines

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      BUKAYO SAKA has given fans a health update after undergoing surgery.Mikel Arteta confirmed the Arsenal star would be heading to hospital after he was hit with a hamstring injury during their 5-1 win at Crystal Palace before Christmas.Bukayo Saka has posted a health update following surgeryCredit: Instagram / bukayosaka87The Arsenal star was hit by a hamstring injury before ChristmasCredit: RexSaka was seen on crutches following the gameCredit: The SunSaka, 23, limped off the pitch at Selhurst Park with fears he could be out for a prolonged period of time.And those fears came true when Arteta confirmed his star man would need surgery and would be out until at least March.He said: “Yes Bukayo had a procedure and everything went well, but unfortunately he will be out for many, many weeks.”I said many weeks, so I think it will be more than two months. I don’t know exactly how much longer.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSaka has now undergone his operation and provided anxious Gooners with an update on his health by releasing a picture on Instagram.The stricken winger shared a photo to his page showing him in a hospital bed with his right thumb up.He captioned the post: “The majority see obstacles, but few see the opportunities. “Recovery has begun and I’m coming back stronger! Thank you all for your messages #Godsplan.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIn a bid to alleviate the problem caused by Saka’s absence, Arsenal deployed Gabriel Martinelli on the right wing in their 1-0 win over Ipswich.On the game and the Brazilian’s new role, Arteta said: “[It was] Very different we will evolve that. Bukayo Saka is spotted on crutches after Arsenal’s win at Crystal Palace”In the second half I liked it more. It will take a bit of time.”Arsenal face back to back away trips to Brentford on New Year’s Day and Brighton the following Saturday.The Gunners then host Newcastle in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg before taking on Manchester United at the Emirates in the FA Cup third round.Arsenal ratings vs IpswichBy Katherine WalshARSENAL leapfrogged Chelsea back into second in the Premier League table with a 1-0 win over Ipswich.Kai Havertz’s close-range finish midway through the first half proved to be the difference between the title-chasing Gunners and relegation-threatened Tractor Boys. Here’s how SunSport’s Katherine Walsh rated the Arsenal players at the Emirates Stadium…David Raya – 5Cut a lonely figure and must have been cold standing on his goal-line for most of the first half as his team-mates enjoyed 84 per cent possession.Had his first touch on 31 minutes but was called upon more in the second half as Ipswich grew into the game.Jurrien Timber – 6Got the fans on their feet with a glorious run through the middle of the park inside 19 minutes, but his limp long range shot was easily kept out by Muric.Clearly had a licence to roam, cutting in from full-back and driving up the pitch.William Saliba – 7Joined Gabriel in the highest line set-up of the season. The pair of them were at the edge of Muric’s box for most of the first half.The Frenchman was solid in dealing with a boisterous Liam Delap.Gabriel – 8Great game for the Brazilian to ease back into 90 minutes after starting against Crystal Palace on Saturday.Caused his usual nuisance in the opposition area from corners but missed a sitter from a Rice set-piece in the 64th minute.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7Getting more and more impressive each week. The way he moves with that low centre of gravity makes him so hard to dispossess.But a poor clearance saw Ipswich enjoy a first spell of possession before the hour mark.The 18-year-old was poked and prodded by Ipswich striker Delap and Kalvin Phillips at times but dealt with it well.Declan Rice – 7Rice was pushed into a defensive No6 role but didn’t have to stay there long.Energetic as always and added another level of attack he got his foot on the ball and won a dangerous free kick on the edge of the area.Kai Havertz – 8Officially back in midfield in Saka’s absence after having played most of the season up top.But the German was in the perfect elusive centre-forward’s position to tap home with a breakthrough opener inside 23 minutes.Rotated and exchanged the No9 role – perhaps Arteta has found a new partnership that may see them through this spell without Saka.Martin Odegaard – 6Rare off evening for the Arsenal captain but nothing too drastic. Uncharacteristic air ball inside six minutes and wasn’t as sharp in his passing.Perhaps missing the chemistry he has with Saka and lost the ball cheaply at times.Gabriel Martinelli – 6All eyes were on the winger as he filled in for Saka on the right-hand side.The Brazilian perhaps lacks the directness of the Gunners’ starboy, but he saw plenty of the ball and linked up well with Jesus.Whipped the first ball in for Havertz’s goal which came out to Trossard who provided the assist.Leandro Trossard – 7Started on the left and kept the ball alive to steal a yard on Ben Johnson and provide Havertz with a wicked cross and his 12th goal of the season.Troubled Ipswich’s Johnson with his direct running and tireless work rate throughout.Gabriel Jesus – 5Jesus clearly had the bit between his teeth at the moment after last week’s goal rush.Couldn’t quite hold his run well enough when breaking through after 34 minutes for his offside goal. Perhaps over eager at that moment.Looked disappointed when he was subbed off with 20 minutes remaining. More

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      Stoke announce iconic Premier League hardman as caretaker boss as Narcis Pelach sacked after just three months

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      ICONIC Premier League hardman Ryan Shawcross has been plunged into caretaker management with Stoke just two years after quitting playing.The struggling Championship side sacked Narcis Pelach, 36, only three months after appointing the inexperienced Spaniard.Ryan Shawcross quit playing in 2022 and is now stand-in Stoke chiefCredit: PANarcis Pelach arrived in September but has been axed with the Potters just three points and three places above the drop zoneCredit: RexEx-England defender Shawcross will now step up from coaching Stoke Under-21s to taking charge at home to high-riding Sunderland on Sunday.The 37-year-old was involved in some brutal controversies amid 453 appearances for the Potters from 2008-2021.Shawcross was in tears after breaking Aaron Ramsey’s leg in two places in 2010.He saw red for that tackle, which Arsenal chief Arsene Wenger labelled “horrendous” and kept Ramsey out for a year.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe also broke Sheffield Wednesday striker Francis Jeffers’ ankle and injured Gunners’ attacker Emmanuel Adebayor.But as well as critics, Shawcross had his backers, who rated him a fierce but fair tackler.The once-capped centre-back, who retired as a player after a year with Inter Miami, will now be under a different sort of piercing spotlight.The Potters revealed Shawcross will be assisted by Alex Morris, Dean Whitehead and Darren Behcet for Sunday’s Championship clash.Most read in ChampionshipShawcross was upset after breaking Ramsey’s legCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe 19th-placed Potters axed Pelach 24 hours after a 2-0 Boxing Day home defeat to Leeds.Stoke sporting director Jon Walters – who was himself a tough team-mate of Shawcross – took “full responsibility” for the failure of the former Huddersfield interim boss.Football teams that controversially changed their badgeEx-Republic of Ireland frontman Walters, 41, said in a club statement: “Narcis is a talented coach with huge potential.”He works relentlessly hard and I have no doubt that he will go on to achieve success in the future.”However, with the way results and performances have been in recent weeks, we have to accept with hindsight that he has proved not to be the right fit for this club at this time.”I take full responsibility for that and I’m absolutely determined that we will now make the right choice to take us forward.” More

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      ‘It’s more than ridiculous, it’s a disgrace’ – Jim Ratcliffe has gone ‘too far’ with latest Man Utd decision, fume fans

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans are demanding Sir Jim Ratcliffe face the music over his latest cost-cutting at Old Trafford.SunSport exclusively revealed on Friday the Red Devils owner is slashing funding for a charity helping out former players.Sir Jim Ratcliffe has come under fire from Man Utd fansCredit: AlamySunSport revealed on Friday the club was halting payments to a charity helping former playersThe club previously gave £40,000 a year to the Association of Former Manchester United Players, which fears it will fold without the cash.Set up in 1985, the charity helps former footballers who didn’t earn the millions raked in by today’s superstars.,Ratcliffe – who is worth £23.5billion – has recently raised ticket prices and even axed the club’s famous Christmas party. Outspoken United fan and YouTuber Mark Goldbridge is the latest to rail against the cost-cutting measures. READ MORE ON MAN UTDSpeaking on The United Stand, he said: “It’s more than ridiculous – it’s a disgrace.”This football club may be about winning on the pitch, this football club may be about transfers.”But this football club is also [about] community.He added: “This is not what we want at our football club.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Good people are being sacked. Good people are not getting bonuses. And now good people are getting their costs cut.”Fans were quick to agree, with one demanding “answers” from Ratcliffe over the decision to cut the charity support.Ruben Amorim admits he’s in danger of losing Man Utd job if results don’t improve with fans ‘tired’ of disastrous slump One fan fumed on X: “Sir Jim Ratcliffe needs to do an interview and explain what is currently going on with his running of Manchester United. We need answers.”Another argued: “Has any owner in Premier League history made as many PR gaffes as Jim Ratcliffe in his first 12 months in charge? I don’t think so.”A third added: “Genuinely feel sorry for the fans who were excited about Ratcliffe.As I feared a year ago, a Glazer 2.0!”While a fourth commented: “Sir Jim Ratcliffe is targeting the wrong people. He rode in like the Lone Ranger only to reveal he’s one of the 4 horsemen of the apocalypse.”Man 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): 5On the field, United’s fortunes have not improved despite tempting boss Ruben Amorim from Sporting Lisbon.The Portuguese has endured a torrid start to life at Old Trafford.Following a 2-0 defeat to Wolves on Boxing Day, Amorim is now the first United coach since 1932 to lose five of his first ten games. United’s dismal form could also end up costing them in the pocket down the line.According to The Times, United’s contract with kit manufacturer Adidas contains a penalty clause that sees them lose out on £10MILLION for every season they fail to qualify for the Champions League.Inside Man Utd chaos with Dan Ashworth axed just five months into jobBy Neil CustisThe blame game has another victim as things go from bad to worse at Old Trafford.Manchester United’s first sporting director, Dan Ashworth, arrived in the summer and is gone before Christmas.SunSport exclusively revealed in November that there was trouble at mill.That the new senior management team were already blaming each other for the mess the club were in.Chief executive Omar Berrada and Ashworth were trying to wash their hands of it all, claiming they had arrived too late after serving their gardening leave.New part owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe said making decisions was all down to them.Meanwhile, Jason Wilcox thought it was all a mess under previous boss Erik ten Hag but was part of the team that encouraged him to stay after every other candidate ran for cover.Defeat Nottingham Forest in December, after their second-half capitulation at Arsenal a few days previously, proved too much.READ MORE ON MAN UTD’S CHAOS That hefty loss would be coupled with huge amount of losses in broadcasting and match-day income too.The club’s annual report says that players’ salaries change based on their participation in Europe or not.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt reads: “Failure to qualify for the Champions League would result in a material reduction in revenue for each season in which our men’s first team did not participate.”To help mitigate this impact, the majority of playing contracts for our men’s first team include step-ups in remuneration which are contingent on participation in the group stage of the Champions League.” More

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      in Motorsport

      F1’s quickest stars of 2024 revealed with unemployed 21-year-old leaving Verstappen, Hamilton and Co in his dust

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      THE FASTEST driver of the 2024 Formula One season has been revealed.Earlier this month saw the end of the thrilling 2024 F1 season, with the drivers championship title going to Max Verstappen and the constructors title going to McLaren.Max Verstappen was the F1 world champion again but was left behind when it came to top speedCredit: RexIn fact, Williams Franco Colapinto clocked the top speed of the seasonCredit: The Mega AgencyBut the 21-year-old is without a seat next yearCredit: RexThe season featured seven different race winners and 10 different drivers on the podium, while three rookies made unexpected debuts after the field had originally remained the same from 2023.The first of these was Ollie Bearman, who will be joining the grid next season as a permanent addition after three sub appearances.Franco Colapinto and Jack Doohan both transferred in to replace Logan Sargeant at Williams and Esteban Ocon at Alpine respectively.Despite his good work, Colapinto failed to earn a seat as one of six rookies for the 2025 season – the others not already mentioned being Kimi Antonelli, Isack Hadjar, Gabriel Bortoleto and Liam Lawson.READ MORE IN F1Yet remarkably, 21-year-old Colapinto is the star who topped the speed charts for the 2024 season.He secured the quickest top speed of the season at the Las Vegas Grand Prix with a pace of 356.4km/h (221.5mph).In second place for the season with 353.5km/h (219.7mph) was Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso at the Italian Grand Prix at the suitably nicknamed Temple of Speed.In third was another driver who is unemployed for the 2025 season in the form of Daniel Ricciardo, who ran out with a score of 353.2km/h (219.5mph) also at Italy’s Monza circuit.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowever, Colapinto’s speed pales in comparison to the qualifying record set by Valtteri Bottas in 2016 at the European Grand Prix when he was clocked at a staggering 378 km/h (234.878 mph).However, top speed alone is not enough to convert into race points.F1 sensation, 21, who is poised to be Max Verstappen’s team-mate now dating Wanda Icardi’s 32-year-old former love rival Following his top speed achievement during qualifying in Vegas, Colapinto would later crash out by smashing into a wall.Pole position in that race was eventually won by Mercedes’ George Russell with a time of 1:32.312, while Colapinto’s quickest lap time was 1:33.746 set in the first session.That being said, most pole positions for the season were shared by Verstappen and Lando Norris with eight each.Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton failed to win a single pole position, but did earn the award for the fastest lap in a race twice.The winner of this metric was Norris, who lapped the quickest lap during six races.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Liam LawsonFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and Isack HadjarHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon More

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      in Boxing

      Boxing braced for introduction of AI ring girls after first judge at Fury vs Usyk 2 – and fans can speak to them

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      RING girls could soon be in a fight for their livelihood – thanks to AI.Ring card girls have been part and parcel of boxing for several decades.Ringcard girls have been part and parcel of boxing for decadesCredit: INSTAGRAM@IAMSYDNEYTHOMASGlam influencers have recently joined models strutting their stuff around the ringCredit: INSTAGRAM@KOURTNEY_KELLERAI models like Lily Hayes have been tipped to also break into the ringcard girl worldCredit: INSTAGRAM@LILYHAYES2001In recent years, glam influencers have joined the hoards of models strutting their stuff around the ring.But they could soon be embroiled in a fight with their AI counterparts, who have been tipped to gatecrash the party by the creator of Lily Hayes – the most prominent AI influencer on Instagram.Hayes’ creator told The Daily Star: “Technology is moving so fast and sports organisations, who are inherently innovative, are beginning to embrace AI Influencers.”Lily has built an incredible fanbase over the past 12 months, and boxing is a really exciting opportunity for her to break into the mainstream.READ MORE BOXING NEWS”Ring Girls have always been a massive part of boxing, but the interesting thing about AI Influencers becoming Ring Girls is fans can actually connect with them online, 24/7, and in multiple languages in the lead up to, during, and after the event.”There’s some big fights touted for 2025, including Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua at Wembley or in Riyadh so we’d love to get Lily on that card.”Hayes can generate £20,000 a month on Fanvue interacting with her followers, despite not being a real person.A Fanvue spokesperson said: “Fanvue is the platform AI Influencers join to build massive fanbases and monetise their content online.Most read in SportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAn AI judge was introduced for Tyson Fury’s rematch with Oleksandr UsykCredit: GETTY”It can help kickstart their digital careers and quickly open up opportunities with brands and organisations who are looking to innovate with AI Influencers and connect with fans.”Appealing to Gen-Z and Gen-Alpha is the next big challenge for sporting events and marketers more broadly – and AI Influencers are essentially a new marketing channel for them to be able do that. Tyson Fury gives cryptic update on his future after Oleksandr Usyk defeat as retirement rumours circle”We’ve recently seen the exciting possibilities of AI Influencers in F1, with Aston Martin creating an AI clone of Fernando Alonso to reach new demographics of fans – and we’re predicting a lot more of this type of innovation in sport in 2025.”Artificial intelligence, of course, has already made its way into the world of boxing.An AI judge was introduced for the first time earlier this month ahead of Tyson Fury’s do-or-die rematch with Oleksandr Usyk.The three ringside human judges scored the contest 116-112 in favour of defending unified heavyweight champion Usyk.But the AI judge scored the fighter even wider in Usyk’s favour, turning in a scorecard of 118-112.Fury fumed at the judges’ scorecards in the ring, which he STORMED OUT OF after briefly looking at them.Ad he went on an expletive-filled rant after learning the AI judge only gave him two rounds of the Riyadh rematch.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: ” F**k all computers, keep humans. More jobs for human, less jobs for computers.”[And] f**k electric cars too!”Tyson Fury wasn’t a fan of AI’s scoring of his rematch with Oleksandr UsykCredit: PA More

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      in Soccer

      Every out-of-contract Premier League star revealed including crucial Arsenal duo and Real Madrid-linked Alexander-Arnold

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      PREMIER LEAGUE clubs are facing a nightmare January transfer window if they cannot tie major stars down to a new contract.A number of the best and biggest clubs in the land face losing their top stars to foreign clubs due to their contracts expiring in the summer.Mo Salah is one of the biggest stars under threat of being lost to a pre-contract dealCredit: RexArsenal are also set to lose a crucial duo including JorginhoCredit: GettyStars with just six months remaining on their contracts are free to negotiate pre-contract deals with clubs from other leagues. And the Premier League could be one of the hardest hit by this rule.Liverpool trio Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold have been making the headlines over this fear, while reserve goalkeeper Vitezslav Jaros is also in a similar boat contractually.Salah has openly admitted this season could be his last for the Reds, while Alexander-Arnold has been extensively linked with a transfer to Real Madrid.Manchester City are similarly under threat of losing key playmaker’s Kevin de Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan, along with back-up goalkeeper Scott Carson.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLArsenal are also on course to lose two crucial midfielders from their ranks in the form of Thomas Partey and Jorginho, while Kieran Tierney also looks set to be on his way out.Chelsea have no major stars on the list, but do have reserve goalkeeper Lucas Bergström with just six months left on his deal as of Janaury.Across town, Tottenham could be set to lose talisman Son Heung-min, while Ben Davies, Fraser Forster, Sergio Reguilon and Alfie Whiteman are also on this list. Further down the table, Manchester United could end moving for some stars in this market during the window due to their new penny-pinching motivations.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowever, the Red Devils have six stars who could be poached by rivals; Amad Diallo, Harry Maguire, Christian Eriksen, Victor Lindelof, Jonny Evans and Tom Heaton.Likewise, Newcastle have eight stars on the pre-contract countdown with Sean Longstaff, Callum Wilson, Fabian Schar, Jamaal Lascelles, Martin Dubravka, Emil Krafth, Mark Gillespie and John Ruddy.Ruben Amorim responds to Marcus Rashford’s Man Utd transfer bombshell about wanting ‘new challenge’ Everton are the most heavily hit by this threat, with eight stars out of contract next summer.Many other clubs also face this threat with their stars, which are listed below:Nottingham Forest – Chris Wood, Ola Aina, Harry Tofolo, Willy BolyFulham – Kenny Tete, Adama Traore, Raul Jimenez, Carlos Vinicius, Tom CairneyAston Villa – Kourtney Hause, Robin OlsenBrighton – Tariq Lamptey, Jakub Moder, Joel Veltman, James Milner, Imari SamuelsBrentford – Christian Norgaard, Josh Dasilva, Ben MeeWest Ham – Vladimir Coufal, Danny Ings, Michail Antonio, Lukasz Fabianski, Aaron CresswellEverton – Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Abdoulaye Doucoure, Michael Keane, Idrissa Gueye, Ashley Young, Seamus Coleman, Joao Virginia, Asmir BegovicWolves – Nelson Semedo, Mario Lemina, Pablo Sarabia, Craig DawsonCrystal Palace – Tyrick Mitchell, Will Hughes, Jeffrey Schlupp, Nathaniel Clyne, Joel Ward, Remi MatthewsLeicester – Jamie Vardy, Daniel Iversen, Danny WardIpswich -Axel Tuanzebe, Cameron Burgess, Massimo LuongoSouthampton – Kyle Walker-Peters, Adam Lallana, Jack Steptens, Joe LumleyOn the other hand there is some top talent overseas who could in turn be poached by English clubs.In the Bundesliga this includes Bayern Munich quartet Alphonso Davies, Joshua Kimmich, Manuel Neuer and Leroy Sane and Bayer Leverkusen’s Jonathan Tah.La Liga sees Real Madrid’s Ferland Mendy up for grabs, as well as Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke.Ligue 1 side Lille have top stars Jonathan David and Angel Gomes both under threat of sealing moves elsewhere, while Lyon’s Alexandre Lacazette could also leave his club at the end of the season.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Serie A has Napoli’s Frank Anguissa and Alex Meret, AS Roma’s Nicolo Zalewski and Paulo Dybala and Atalanta’s Mario Palasic and Sead Kolasinac and Fiorentina’s David de Gea all with contracts expiring in the summer.Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi, Al-Nassr’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Hilal’s Neymar all also have expiring deals in the summer. More

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      in Boxing

      ‘I had some very dark times & my body has been through hell’ – ‘Voice of Boxing’ opens up on heartbreaking cancer battle

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      ADAM SMITH has bravely opened up on his battle with cancer, which at times left him in a “dark” place.The beloved boxing commentator was diagnosed with an “aggressive” form of bladder cancer in 2023.Former Sky Sports boxing commentator Adam Smith was diagnosed with an “aggressive” form of bladder cancer last yearCredit: GettySmith was days away from dying before having 19 lymph nodes, his bladder and prostate removedCredit: GETTYSmith went through some “dark times” during his recoveryCredit: GETTYA massive tumour situated next to Smith’s bladder wall left him “about four days” away from death.A six-hour operation, in which 19 lymph nodes were removed as well as his bladder and prostrate, saved ‘The Voice of Boxing’.Smith would then undergo three-and-a-half months of gruelling chemotherapy.And the gruelling toe-to-toe battle with the disease took its toll mentally and physically.READ MORE BOXING NEWSHe told DAZN ahead of Tyson Fury’s rematch with Oleksandr Usyk: “I am very lucky and honoured to be doing this job and watching these fine boxers.”Whether it is calling a four-round fight between two debutants or a world title fight, I love it all and am grateful to be doing such a job, if you can really call it a job.”The cancer was brutal, it has been very difficult to fight this disease.”I had some very dark times and my body has been through hell.”Most read in BoxingAdam Smith credits his family for getting him through his battle as much as the doctors who saved himCredit: REUTERSSmith credits the support of his family for getting him through the fight of his life.”My doctors saved me, my family brought me back,” he said. “I had three-and-a-half lonely months in hospital undergoing treatment. Tyson Fury gives cryptic update on his future after Oleksandr Usyk defeat as retirement rumours circle”I was very lucky to make it through. I am very lucky to be alive and I have a different perspective on life after what happened to me.”I wake up in the morning and I am happy, I am not stressed. I am just delighted to have another day.”Reflecting on his health back in September, Smith told The Independent: “I look healthy, but underneath is a wrecked body.“I’ve lost major parts of it. A lot of people are in much worse situations, but it’s a tough new life.”You have tubes at night, it’s not easy. And after the operation, last spring, I got an ileus: my entire body was blocked, food wouldn’t go through for 10 days.Adam Smith thought he wouldn’t win his cancer battleCredit: GETTY”I lost four stone in weight, then I had a twisted bowel. It all went wrong. I was a mess, I was in agony, I couldn’t move.“The hardest thing was learning to walk again; I had to sit on a chair in the shower for a couple of months, because I couldn’t stand.”But my family were unbelievable, Sky were amazing. I still had many, many lonely nights, but I owe everything to my doctors.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I saw my bladder consultant at the end of last year and I said: ‘I have to be honest, I didn’t think I’d make it.’ He said: ‘I’ve got to be honest, I didn’t think you would either.’” More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd staring £10million black hole in the face as Sir Jim Ratcliffe slashes £40k donation to charity helping legends

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are set to lose out on £10m in expected income if they continue on their current trajectory.The Red Devils are in dire form and currently languishing in 14th place in the Premier League.Manchester United’s current form could see them miss out on £10mCredit: AlamyRuben Amorim is yet to turn things around on the pitch with a third consecutive defeat on Thursday leaving United some 12 points off fourth placed Nottingham Forest.It now looks extremely unlikely that Man Utd will qualify for the Champions League this season, a failure that could have a huge impact on the club’s finances.According to The Times, United’s contract with kit manufacturer Adidas contains a penalty clause that sees them lose out on £10MILLION for every season they fail to qualify for Europe’s elite competition.That hefty loss would be coupled with huge amount of losses in broadcasting and match-day income too.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUnited are already flirting with breaching Financial Fair Play (FFP_ regulations and have undergone a number of cost-cutting measures since the arrival of Ineos chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe.Sun Sport exclusively revealed Ratcliffe and the club cut funding to the Association of Former Manchester United Players, a charity set up in 1985 o help footballers from bygone eras who earned nothing like the megabucks of today’s superstars.While Ratcliffe’s other cost-cutting measures have included cancelling senior staff members’ credit cards, stopping staff from using private cars and even asking Man City if they could give United players a lift to the Ballon d’Or in their private jet.Manchester United do have measures in place to try and offset failure to qualify for the Champions League.Most read in FootballSir Jim Ratcliffe has been putting cost-cutting measures in place at Old TraffordCredit: PABEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe club’s annual report says that players salaries change based off their participation in Europe or not.It reads: “Failure to qualify for the Champions League would result in a material reduction in revenue for each season in which our men’s first team did not participate.Ruben Amorim admits he’s in danger of losing Man Utd job if results don’t improve with fans ‘tired’ of disastrous slump “To help mitigate this impact, the majority of playing contracts for our men’s first team include step-ups in remuneration which are contingent on participation in the group stage of the Champions League.”Former Everton chairman Keith Wyness has claimed that United are close to the line with Profit and Sustainability rules (PSR) and FFP.Speaking to Football Insider, Wyness said: “Yes, they are now right on that line for PSR.“The interesting thing is that we know they are on the New York Stock Exchange. If there is a material risk of them breaching PSR, that will have to be declared to the market.“I’m very intrigued by that situation. They’ve had a very poor start to the season.“If they’re not going to make Champions League next year, unless Amorim can bring a big resurrection in the second half of this season, then that will also add PSR pressure.“They’re in a risky situation, so Amorim needs to deliver the goods. There’s pressure on him from day one.”United have to change their on-the-pitch fortunes in order to rescue their financial situation.READ MORE SUN STORIESFor Amorim and his low-on-confidence squad that continues on Monday with a tricky clash against an in-form Newcastle United side.Things don’t get any easier from there either with games against Liverpool, Arsenal and Brighton all on the horizon.United face a tricky run of fixtures More