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      in Soccer

      Premier League wage bill hits record £4bn – with hapless Man Utd’s bloated budget revealed…where does your club rank?

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      PREMIER League wages hit a record £4billion last season, a new study has discovered.It means the 500 stars who make up Britain’s top league pocketed an average of £8million a year during 2023/24.Erling Haaland is city’s top earner after negotiating a deal worth £500,000 a week in JanuaryCredit: GettyMo Salah has pledged his future to Liverpool in a new dealCredit: GettyAnd Manchester City players were the Prem’s top earners, taking home a combined £413million.The figures have been collated by football blogger Kieron O’Connor, who runs The Swiss Ramble football finance blog.He says striker Erling Haaland is city’s top earner after negotiating a deal worth £500,000 a week in January.Liverpool came runners-up in the pay stakes, with the Anfield squad taking home £377million.Read More on SportMo Salah is the club’s top earner and recently banked a pay rise after committing his future to Anfield, taking him to £400,000 a week.All Premier League clubs have revealed their accounts from the 2023/24 season, with the figures showing the post-Covid pay bubble continues to climb.The clubs’ combined wage bill has jumped from £2.9billion in just six years, the equivalent of 38 per cent.The wage bills also show the Big Six became the Big Five, with a huge gap opening up between the highest-paying sides.Most read in FootballKieron reveals City and Liverpool are joined by Man Utd (£365million), Chelsea (£338million) and Arsenal (£328million) in the huge pay stakes.Aston Villa had the sixth-largest wage bill, which came in at £252million — a gap of £76million to Arsenal.Arsenal wages 2024-25 revealedTottenham and Newcastle also paid out more than £200million.This year’s FA Cup winners Crystal Palace were the league’s highest achievers last season, finishing tenth despite only four clubs having a smaller wage bill.Man Utd underachieved, finishing eighth, despite having the third- largest wage bill. The three clubs with the lowest wage bills were relegated last season — Luton Town, Sheffield Utd and Burnley.Luton’s wage bill was the lowest in the league, paying out £57million to its squad.The figures were released before today’s final round of games, with Liverpool already crowned champions.’A bit crazy’While Haaland himself admitted his salary was “a bit crazy” when his new ten-year deal was announced in January, wages of the best Prem stars are well below that of other sporting stars around the globe. A study by Forbes magazine put Haaland 27th on the list of top earners when comparing him with greats such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe. And his money pales into insignificance when compared to NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who signed a £410million deal in 2021.And last December the New York Mets baseball team agreed to pay slugger Juan Soto £628million for a 15-year deal.Clubs must remain vigilant as there is still much work to be done to restore pre-pandemic profitabilityAleksander Ceferin Haaland’s outgoing teammate Kevin De Bruyne has previously told how he believes top footballers are underpaid, despite earning £400,000 a week.When asked in 2022 if he got paid too much, the Belgian linked with a move to Serie A winners Napoli, responded: “No. I compare it to a singer at a concert and 60,000 people come. I look at it logically.“There are millions of people watching the football on TV, there’s 60,000 watching the games, the income of a club is £500million to £600million. Yeah, it’s a lot of money, but is it too much?“If the club can afford it, it’s not too much.”In March, figures revealed player wages across Europe had reached £15.1billion in 2023/24, up by 6.5 per cent on the previous year.Following the release of the latest Uefa Club Licensing Benchmarking Report, the governing body’s president Aleksander Ceferin warned teams about paying excessive amounts to their players.‘Players are the stars’He said: “While most clubs appear to be managing player wage increases responsibly, other costs are rising rapidly, putting greater pressure on operating margins than ever before. Clubs must remain vigilant as there is still much work to be done to restore pre-pandemic profitability.”Premier League clubs have to pay within Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) each year or face punishment. Everton and Nottingham Forest faced points deductions for breaching the rules.In February, it was reported the Professional Footballers’ Association, which acts for players, threatened the Premier League with legal action if it brought in a salary cap.Clubs voted last year to explore the introduction of a spending cap from the start of the 2025/26 season as part of a new system of financial controls.It will limit clubs to spending 85 per cent of their total revenue on wages, transfer payments and agent fees.Sponsorship consultant Nigel Currie said: “The players are the stars, they are the talent and the reason millions tune in every week and buy the kits.Read More on The Sun“The Premier League is hugely successful, the wealthiest football league in the world, and that will continue.“There will continue to be massive financial implications for players. Sponsorships will go through the roof in terms of value.”SAUDIS UP SALARIES DESPITE earning a fortune, the salaries of Premier League stars are nowhere near what is on offer in the Saudi Pro League.Here is what the big names earn each week at their clubs there.Cristiano Ronaldo,£3.2million, Al-NassrKarim Benzema, £1.6million, Al-IttihadRiyad Mahrez, £850,000, Al-AhliSadio Mane, £650,000, Al-NassrIvan Toney, £490,000, Al-AhliN’Golo Kante, £400,000, Al-Ittihad More

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      in Soccer

      Alex Scott shows off midriff in retro Arsenal kit and sips bubbly with Jess Glynne at Women’s Champions League final

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      ALEX SCOTT went down memory lane with partner Jess Glynne – as they watched Arsenal Women make history.The football presenter sipped champagne with singer Glynne in the Lisbon stands as they wore retro tops and cheered the Gunners to glory in the Women’s Champions League final.Jess Glynne and partner Alex Scott chose 1980s’ Arsenal topsCredit: PAScott watched her old team win the Women’s Champions LeagueCredit: GettyThe ex-Lionesses star looked as toned as ever as she balanced the bubblyCredit: PAGlynne and Scott saw history made at the Estadio Jose Alvalade venueCredit: PASub Stina Blackstenius’s brilliant 74th-minute strike edged out favourites and holders Barcelona 1-0.Scott, 40, was in the Arsenal side on the only other occasion they lifted the crown – in 2007 when it was called the Uefa Women’s Cup.And she looked as toned as she did back then – in a cropped yellow shirt revealing her impressive abs.Glynne was seen grinning as the couple looked on in classic short-sleeved tops from 1988-90, midway during Arsenal’s JVC sponsorship era.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEx-defender Scott walked down steps with a glass of bubbly in each hand.Yet at times Glynne looked to be enjoying herself even more than the famous ex-Gunner.The 35-year-old smiled and laughed as the couple settled in for the action at the Estadio Jose Alvalade stadium in the Portuguese capital.In fact, they could not have looked more relaxed – in contrast to the tense final that developed below them on the pitch.Most read in FootballBarcelona’s Irene Paredes slid in to net an own goal – only for VAR to deny Arsenal that opener as crosser Frida Maanum was ruled offside.But although the Spaniards were often on top, Leah Williamson masterminded the Gunners’ fierce defending.Scott celebrated victory as if she was still a playerCredit: GettyGlynne might have been even happier than Scott, judging by this picCredit: PAAnd Blackstenius came on to fire a first-time winner for WSL runners-up Arsenal following a sublime pass from fellow substitute Beth Mead.Scott was ecstatic at the end after making her way down to the pitch – celebrating with arms as wide as any of the club’s current players.It was sheer joy from the BBC star, who as a player won 140 caps for the Lionesses and lifted the WSL crown five times with Arsenal.Scott’s relationship with Glynne became public two years ago.She’s since called it “special” and has promised to protect it.Meanwhile, the couple have regularly shared blissful snaps – including a spectacular adventure holiday in Costa Rica in January.A glimpse into Scott’s glam life…Alex made 148 appearances for Arsenal Women – but since quitting playing has appeared in magazines including AttitudeCredit: Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards and Attitude magazine – on sale nowThe former right-back won 140 England Women’s capsCredit: Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards and Attitude magazine – on sale nowScott began dating Jess Glynne in 2023Credit: RexShe was spotted sharing a kiss with Jess as the couple went public with their romanceCredit: PAScott loves to dress up and went to town on Halloween with this incredible outfitCredit: GettyShe also dressed up as a scary clown on October 31Credit: Instagram @alexscott2Scott was awarded an MBE in 2017Credit: PAShe attended Wimbledon with partner JessCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Jack Grealish facing up to fact he will have to quit Manchester City if he wants to play for England at World Cup

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      JACK GREALISH fears he may have to quit Manchester City to realise a World Cup dream.The out-of-favour playmaker is mulling over his next step, hoping for a potential adventure with England next summer.Jack Grealish fears he may have to quit Manchester City to realise a World Cup dreamCredit: GettyAnd it looks increasingly likely he will cut ties with City to try to secure that international spot.Grealish is desperate to travel to North America but knows remaining on the outside at the Etihad will not help convince Three Lions chief Thomas Tuchel.The forward is aware that he can form part of the German’s plans only if he is fit and performing at the highest level. He was left out of Tuchel’s latest squad announced on Friday.READ MORE IN football The Brummie has also been sidelined by club manager Pep Guardiola — and his treatment during City’s FA Cup final last week has solidified thoughts that it may be time to move on.Argentine Claudio Echeverri, 19, was brought on instead of the £100million man to make his first appearance for the club.Grealish was left kicking his heels on the sidelines.If the situation continues, any hopes he had of representing his country will disappear.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe 29-year-old has two years left to run on the six-year deal he agreed back in 2021 when he joined from Aston Villa.But his £300,000-a-week wage packet will prove a stumbling block to any move.’I will quit’ – Pep Guardiola gives Man City ultimatum over squad issue that is ‘impossible for my soul’One step would be for the player to go out on loan. In the past he has been linked with Newcastle but boss Eddie Howe has Anthony Gordon filling that left-side attacking space.Harvey Barnes, too, played there during his formative years, so that appears a non-starter.But there are likely to be other takers — potentially abroad — if Guardiola and Grealish agree it is best for him to take a break from the Etihad.Grealish is mulling over his next stepCredit: Reuters More

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      in Boxing

      Moses Itauma floors ex-NFL star Mike Balogun THREE times before brutal KO to tee up Oleksandr Usyk undercard fight

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      MOSES ITAUMA scored a sensational second-round knockout over Mike Balogun to send shivers down the heavyweight division.The 20-year-old Chatham southpaw dropped the brave American twice in the opener with long and violent left hands.Moses Itauma scored a sensational second-round knockout over Mike BalogunCredit: PAHe floored the American three timesCredit: PAAnd then he unleashed a magnificent lead right hook, for the hat-trick, and forced ref John Latham to wave the off without even needing a count.After five months out – getting ignored and rejected by high-profile names – Itauma blasted away the cobwebs and the Maryland man in six minutes.The Kent king-in-waiting said: “I appreciate Mike Balogun.  He is one tough cookie.“I couldn’t believe he got up from the second one. Thanks to Mike Balogun for taking the fight, because nobody else would.READ MORE IN BOXING”I don’t have to worry about doing rounds, but my team wants to see me in a 10-rounder. And then I want in with the big dogs.”Balogun swung shots back in the opener but Itauma showed a rapid and wise defence, to pair with his incredible power.And manager Francis Warren revealed he is set to reappear on July 19 on the Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois rematch at Wembley.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWarren said:  “This guy is going from strength to strength. We’ll pick some guys who’ll take him some rounds. Most read in Boxing”If he carries on this trajectory, we’ve got a global star on our hands.” Itauma celebrates his KO winCredit: SNS More

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      in Soccer

      TNT Sports forced to apologise as two Arsenal stars swear on live TV after Alessia Russo broke down in interview

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      TNT SPORTS were forced to apologise twice as Arsenal’s stars got lost in the emotions of winning the Women’s Champions League.Katie McCabe and Leah Williamson both swore on live TV as they let out their emotions following a 1-0 victory over Barcelona, while Alessia Russo was reduced to tears by the incredible victory.Arsenal won the Women’s Champions LeagueCredit: ReutersThe Gunners lifted the trophy for the first time in 18 yearsCredit: AFPKatie McCabe accidentally swore live on TNT Sports as she was overcome with emotionCredit: TNT SportsMcCabe, who was overcome with emotion after 10 years with the Gunners, couldn’t help but drop the f-bomb when she was describing just how hard she and her teammates worked for the win.In her interview on TNT she said: “I’m just in disbelief to be honest. Well no, actually, I believe it.”Because we suffered together today. Barcelona threw absolutely everything at us and we f*****g – sorry – we kept it together. We rode it out and we rode the storm.”TNT’s hosts didn’t let the impassioned x-rated answer sit for long without an apology, as the lead presenter said: “Apologies for the language there”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd it wasn’t long before another apology was issued as captain Leah Williamson suffered a similar faux pas during her chat to the broadcaster.She said: “I don’t believe it, I’m going to f*****g cry. Sorry, I’m crying. “This team has been together for a really long time and we’ve been working really, really hard to get to the next level. “And to do it on the biggest stage, and I think some people just had the game of their lives and that’s what you need, and we did it. I’m just so happy.”Most read in FootballLeah Williamson was close to tears as she swore live on TNT SportsCredit: TNT SportsCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIt wasn’t just a few accidental foul-mouthed slip-ups that showed how much this win meant for Arsenal though, as England star Alessia Russo showed with her pitch-side tears.Crying after helping Arsenal end a near 20-year wait for European glory, Russo said: “It feels surreal. We knew we could [win]. We believed since the moment our Champions League journey started.”We knew that we had the capabilities, we knew that we could be good enough. It was just about going and doing it, and we’ve done it.”It was all thanks to the brilliance of substitute Stina Blackstenius who scored just seven minutes after being introduced as a second-half substitute to grab the only goal of the game.Arsenal had dug deep to defend well against a Barcelona side that are widely considered as the best team in the world on paper.While, like Williamson said, every Gunners star seemed to put in the best performance they possibly could to ensure European glory would be returning to North London for the first time since 2007.Alessia Russo was left in tears after the victoryCredit: TNT SportsStina Blackstenius scored the game’s only goal as a second-half substituteCredit: APThe Gunners pulled off a massive underdog victoryCredit: Reuters More

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      in Motorsport

      Lando Norris ‘confirms girlfriend rumours’ as stunning model who dated football superstar spotted cheering him in Monaco

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      LANDO NORRIS’ relationship with Margarida Corceiro IS back on.The former girlfriend of football superstar Joao Felix looked on anxiously with Norris’ McLaren team as the Brit took pole in Monaco.Margarida Corceiro appeared to have a great time watching Lando NorrisNorris took an excellent pole position for Sunday’s Monaco GPCredit: Shutterstock EditorialCorceiro has a huge following on social mediaCredit: Instagram / @magui_corceiroThe TV actress is edging up to 2m followers on InstagramCredit: magui_corceiro/instagramCorceiro, a Portuguese TV actress with 1.9million Instagram followers, was first seen in public with the 25-year-old F1 star in the spring of 2023.Norris was spotted driving a Fiat Jolly with the model in the back of the funky, open-top  four-seater.Suggestions they were an item rose in April last year when they watched tennis’ Monte-Carlo Masters together.The couple were understood to have split last August but the fact they are back together appears to have been confirmed by Corceiro cheering on the Bristolian ahead of Sunday’s Grand Prix.READ MORE IN SPORTThe 22-year-old clutched her hands together nervously as Norris edged out the Ferrari of local hero local hero Charles Leclerc for pole.It was a look of love and pride from Corceiro, with her boyfriend now eyeing a race victory that would cut McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri’s Championship lead.She is understood to have been with her previous partner Felix from 2019 to 2023.They reportedly got together when Corceiro was 17  and the Portugal winger was 20.Most read in MotorsportCorceiro is a Portuguese model, like Norris’ previous partnerCredit: magui_corceiro/instagramDuring their relationship she wrote on social media: “Joao and I achieved goals together for a few years, in a phase of change, growth and learning.”Not having been together as a couple for some time, I am lucky enough to be a part of his life.”Lando Norris punished by F1 bosses with five-second penalty after being snitched on by rival Max VerstappenEx-Atletico Madrid hero Felix, 25, is now on loan at AC Milan from Chelsea.Romance wise, Norris was previously best known for having dated another Portuguese model in Luisinha Oliveira. Now he and Corceiro are in glamorous Monaco – as he chases glory in what is commonly regarded as F1’s flagship GP.She modelled lingerie for IntimissimiCredit: Instagram / @maguui_corceiroCorceiro is in the sporting limelight againCredit: Instagram / @magui_corceiro More

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      in Soccer

      Jobe Bellingham takes swipe at Sky Sports pundits in live TV interview before awkward moment with panel at Wembley

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      JOBE BELLINGHAM took a swipe at the Sky Sports pundits who doubted if Sunderland’s youngsters had the minerals for promotion.The Black Cats came into the Wembley showdown off the back of horror league form losing five on the bounce. Jobe Bellingham took a swipe at the Sky Sports punditsThey saw off Frank Lampard’s Coventry in the semis to face Sheffield United the play-off final.And Bellingham & Co had to come from behind to win 2-1 with academy graduate Tom Watson scoring a 95th minute winner. Regis Le Bris has put trust in his youthful squad this season, with Bellingham only 19, Chris Rigg, just 17 and Eliezer Mayenda, 20.It had led to questions over their experience – but the players did their talking on the pitch. READ MORE IN football And Bellingham said: “I always believed, you have to believe. “When you’ve got supporters like this and a group of lads like that, you always have to believe.”I always believed and I know people doubted us and that’s understandable, we lost a few games, people talk about momentum.”But I think we did enough, we showed enough throughout the season for people to at least give us some credit going into the play-offs.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”The typical “inexperienced” by all the ex-pros that speak on Sky but we’ve just proved that don’t matter.”You need experience, of course, with youth like at Sunderland you play loads of games you get that experience. Sky Sports forced to apologise as Sunderland star swears on live TV after last touch for club earns them promotion”You get experience by failing and we failed together so many times and in the end we come good.”Sky pundits Curtis Davies and Jobi McAnuff then probed Bellingham on what ex-pro criticised them. But he said with a smile: “I didn’t say criticising!”Sunderland are now back in the Premier League for the first time since 2017. And Bellingham said: “I’ve been part of this great team so every player has made a name for themselves here. So really proud.”Bellingham celebrates with the play-off trophyCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Arsenal 1 Barcelona 0: Blackstenius climbs off bench to win Gunners first Women’s Champions League in 18 years

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      STINA BLACKSTENIUS stunned Barcelona by firing Arsenal to Champions League glory wrecking the Catalan giants hopes of a European three-peat.The Sweden ace, who has a knack for netting tournament-winning goals, bagged one that saw the Gunners win the contest for the first time in 18 years.Arsenal have won the Women’s Champions LeagueCredit: APThe Gunners stars posed with their medals after beating Barcelona 1-0Credit: AFPStina Blackstenius scored the winning goal as Arsenal won the Women’s Champions LeagueCredit: AFPArsenal returned to European glory for the first time in almost 20 yearsCredit: APThe Gunners were massive underdogs heading into the finalCredit: PAEmotional scenes at full-time showed how much it meant to the Arsenal fansCredit: APWith Arsenal under the cosh the Sweden striker was called into action by boss Renee Slegers, along with Beth Mead in the 69th minute at the home of Sporting Lisbon in Portugal.The duo did not disappoint with Blackstenius pouncing on Mead’s classy reverse pass to drill low a shot beyond keeper Cata Coll six minutes later.The striker, who bagged Arsenal’s winner in the Women’s League Cup, was mobbed by her team-mates with Barca’s players looking stunned to go behind.The Gunners also had a goal chalked off in a tense encounter which they were jeered by a largely partisan crowd of 38,356 onlookers.READ MORE IN SPORTDespite the jeers of Barca’s fans, with just 5,000 Gunners supporters present, Slegers capped Arsenal’s renaissance by guiding the team to football’s top club prize.Respect and belief were the buzzwords around her camp as time drew near to the team’s biggest European game in 18 years.It was almost two decades ago (2007) that Arsenal claimed a Champions League trophy for the first time.Gunners legend Ian Wright, watching from the stands, had urged Slegers side to embrace the moment.Most read in FootballIan Wright watched on from the standsCredit: PAArsenal chairman Josh Kroenke was seen chatting to Uefa president Aleksander CeferinCredit: PAArsenal legend Alex Scott watched alongside partner Jess GlynnCredit: PACASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFor periods of the game they certainly did with some of Arsenal’s top brass watch from the stands including co-owner Josh Kroenke and managing director Richard Garlick.The queens of Spain’s top-flight have pretty much demolished most of their Champions League rivals, lifting the trophy three times in the last four years.Ever since their first triumph in 2021, with Chelsea thrashed 4-0, they have been a force to be reckoned with.From the WSL this season, Manchester City were the only side able to lay a glove on Barcelona in Europe, with their tactically smart 2-0 win in the group stage.WSL champions Chelsea tried and failed to get past them conceding eight times across their two-leg semis tie.So the odds were very much against Arsenal at the home of Sporting where a large Barcelona contingent roared the holders on.After some panicky defending in their box early on, Slegers players appeared to settle into the game restricting the holders to just ONE first half shot on target.The Gunners thought they had taken the lead after Irene Paredes poked home an own-goal but a VAR check found Frida Maanum was offside.Read More on The SunAfter Claudia Pina had a 58th minute shot blocked and Barca fired some efforts narrowly over the bar.Arsenal took the lead much to the Catalan giants dismay. And they held out to capture the trophy for the first time in almost 20 years.Blackstenius found the bottom corner from inside the area to score the only goalCredit: AFPArsenal put on a defensive masterclass to stop Barcelona from scoringCredit: AFP More