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    Man Utd ‘plot shock transfer move for Christopher Nkunku’ with Chelsea star ‘unhappy’ at lack of minutes

    MANCHESTER UNITED have reportedly enquired about Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku.The Red Devils could dip into the January transfer market following the arrival of new head coach Ruben Amorim.Christopher Nkunku is allegedly open to leaving ChelseaCredit: AlamyAnd French outlet L’Equipe claims Nkunku could be at the top of their wishlist.The 26-year-old is reportedly unhappy with his lack of game time at Chelsea.Nkunku has started just one Premier League match for the Blues this season.And manager Enzo Maresca is allegedly open to letting him leave.Read More in FootballThe Frenchman has attracted interest from a number of clubs, including United.It remains to be seen whether Chelsea would allow him join a Prem rival.Nkunku still has five years remaining on his contract with the Blues.The forward joined Chelsea in a £52million transfer from RB Leipzig last June.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHis first season at Stamford Bridge was marred by a series of injury problems.Nkunku has now scored 13 goals in 31 Chelsea appearances – 10 of which have come this season.Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca comments on Cole Palmer injury after draw with Arsenal Man Utd could sign him to replace Joshua Zirkzee, who has failed to impress at Old Trafford since joining in the summer.SunSport revealed last week that ex-manager Erik ten Hag did not even want to sign him. More

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    Mike Tyson smashed me to smithereens in front of his favourite fighter and left me crying… but we became best friends

    MIKE TYSON battered Joe Egan in front of Sugar Ray Leonard so badly it reduced him to tears – but it helped form a brotherhood.Irishman Egan spent two years sparring Tyson from the age of 17 in the Catskills Mountains in New York under the watchful eye of iconic trainer Cus D’Amato. Mike Tyson during his prime boxing yearsMike Tyson with former sparring partner Joe EganEgan recalls regularly being left black and blue due to the brutality of Tyson – who was just a teenager at the time. But one sparring session stuck out in particular as Tyson’s boxing hero Leonard visited the gym – and the poor training partners paid the price.Egan told SunSport: “He has so much love and affection for Ray Leonard. And Ray Leonard has the same love and affection for him.“So we were sparring this particular day in the Catskills and Sugar Ray came to visit him in the gym and Mike put on an exhibition of savagery.READ MORE IN BOXING“That’s the only way you can describe it, he put on an exhibition of savagery with his sparring partners and he smashed us all to smithereens, battered us really, really bad.“And there was a lot of men, including myself, really hurt that day, but it was to impress Ray Leonard. So that was a savage, savage particular sparring session.”Egan was living with Tyson at mentor D’Amato’s house, where everything from cooking to cleaning was taken care of. But after being bashed up in front of the great Sugar Ray, Egan had no appetite for dinner. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSInstead he sobbed upstairs on his own, until Tyson consoled him, mistaking the beating he dished out for homesickness. Egan recalls: “I remember going back to the house and I was crying upstairs in the house. TYSON FEUD Mike Tyson discusses street fight with Mitch Green before Donald Trump saved his career”I was in so much pain, so much pain because I really took a savage beating that day.“And Mike came up, we’re only boys we’re 17 or 18 years of age and Mike came up to the room.“I was crying in my bedroom and I was really bad, I wasn’t coming down for dinner. So Mike came up to see what was wrong, and I’m crying in my bedroom.“And he said, ‘Are you okay brother Joe?’ I said, ‘Yeah, Mike. I’m okay.’ And he said, ‘We know you’re homesick but we’re your family now.’“Now, I wasn’t crying because I was homesick, I was crying because he battered me! “He didn’t come up to gloat, teenage boys can be cruel, ‘Oh, I battered you, haha.’“He didn’t come up to gloat, he came up genuinely concerned for his friend and he put his arm around me and said, ‘Come on Joe, we’re your family now, you don’t need to be homesick.’“I just thought, he’s a good guy and we became the best of friends.”He put on an exhibition of savagery with his sparring partners and he smashed us all to smithereensJoe Egan on sparring Mike Tyson Egan was competing on the Irish national team in Atlantic City when he was spotted by former heavyweight champion Floyd Patterson.Patterson – who had an Irish wife – was also coached by D’Amato and helped put Egan in touch to spar with Tyson. Egan was paid a weekly wage and kept great care of until he returned home after 24 months and several hard sparring sessions later. He lives to tell the tales of withstanding a prime Tyson’s power and remains good friends with Iron Mike today. Tyson, 58, comes out of retirement to face YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, 27, on Friday in Texas. And Paul will join Egan in an exclusive club of those brave enough to share the ring with the Baddest Man on The Planet. Egan, who has launched new company Platinum Prizes, said: “People laugh at me, they say ‘you’re milking it a little bit!’”I’ve earned the right to say I shared the ring with Mike Tyson.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I got battered by Mike Tyson and I stayed on my feet with Mike Tyson and see when I’m on my death bed on my life support machine and my heart’s going, I’m going to say, ‘I sparred Mike Tyson.’“And people laugh but I’ve earned the right to say it. Now, Jake Paul will earn the right to say, I shared the ring with the hardest punching heavyweight of his era and one of the hardest punchers of all time.”Tyson facing off with Jake PaulCredit: AFP More

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    ‘I’ve quit football at 22 to become a churchgoer, I don’t want to play on Saturdays because it’s my day of rest’

    TOP-FLIGHT champion Silvan Wallner has quit football aged just 22 in favour of going to church every Saturday.The defender won the Swiss league title with hometown club FC Zurich two years ago.Silvan Wallner has quit football due to his religionCredit: RexWallner has ten youth-level caps for Switzerland and was tipped to break into their senior side.He landed a move to Austrian Bundesliga side Blau-Weiss Linz in September, penning a two-year deal.But he has now ended his contract by mutual consent after putting faith ahead of football.Wallner insisted: “I am a devout Christian and I read the Bible. I make my own decisions about my life.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I wish to follow Jesus Christ, and as a result, the biblical day of rest has become important to me.”As a footballer this means that I no longer want to play professionally on Saturdays.”This is my personal conviction, which I have reached in the last few days.”I am not yet a member of any church.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”I want to thank with all my heart all the officials, staff and players at Blau-Weiss Linz.”I also say a big thank you to all the people who have accompanied and supported me in my sporting career.”Football stars’ weird phobiasWallner had made just five appearances for Linz, who sit midway in Austria’s 12-team top-flight.He came through FC Zurich and played 49 senior games for the Swiss Super League club.Wallner is a believer in the Seventh-day Adventist Church, who observe Saturday not Sunday as the day of rest.Who are these famous footballers? More

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    If I was a painter or a builder I might not be here – now I’m back in EFL after open heart surgery saved my life

    COLBY BISHOP has revealed he is lucky to be alive after marking his incredible comeback from heart surgery with a goal.The Portsmouth striker scored 21 goals last season as the club won the League One title and were promoted to the Championship.Colby Bishop returned from heart surgery with a goalCredit: RexHe admits he is lucky to be alive after a heart scan picked up a problemCredit: RexHis wife Annabel posted an emotional message on social mediaCredit: Instagram @annabelcbishopBishop underwent a routine heart scan in the summer and it identified an irregularity that required immediate surgery.With his wife Annabel heavily pregnant at the time, the 28-year-old feared his football career was over.The open heart operation was successful, but he has been unable to play this season until making his emotional return on Saturday.Bishop came off the bench in Pompey’s 3-1 win over Preston in the 78th minute and he was on the scoresheet from the penalty spot.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe goal left him “overcome” and “a little bit teary on the pitch”.He told Portsmouth News: “For me, scoring on Saturday has probably got a little more to it than when we won the title.”Three months ago I didn’t know whether this was going to happen again, I didn’t know if I was going to play again. I’m very grateful to be here.”I originally had a heart scan in 2014 at Notts County. I don’t know how, but I’ve missed it since. Most read in Football”I am very lucky, I don’t see it as a detriment, I see it as being very lucky that someone found that.‘If I was a painter or a builder or a dentist, I might not have had that heart scan and something could happen to me.Portsmouth star Colby Bishop to undergo heart surgery”My wife and my first child were at Fratton Park on Saturday, football is everything, but sometimes you have to sit back and think there’s a lot more to life. “It’s just great to know that I’m now OK and I’m going to be OK for my family.”Bishop called up on former Rangers and Brighton defender Connor Goldson and England rugby star Nick Isiekwe for advice as both have continued their sporting careers following heart problems.His wife Annabel has also stood by him every step of the way and she posted an emotional message on social media after her husband’s comeback.She wrote: “Hearing the words your husband needs heart surgery is something you never ever want to hear, especially not at 39 weeks pregnant. “The scariest times were ahead of us, and we had no choice but to schedule surgery for when our baby was just 12-days-old. “Despite the perfect photos posted online, my postpartum reality was actually in a hotel next door to the hospital whilst Colby was in intensive care. “The road to recovery has been hard, incomparable to other football injuries. “But Colby’s strength and dedication has been unbelievable. “Everyone close to him knows just how much he has put into this, to be back three months later. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Watching him step back onto the pitch, whilst holding my baby in my arms was all I ever wished for. “The goal yesterday was more than just a goal, it was everything for our family.”Bishop revealed he was emotional on the pitch during his comebackCredit: Rex More

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    Mike Tyson facing late investigation after health admission and saying he wants to ‘die in the ring’ in Jake Paul fight

    MIKE TYSON is set to be investigated after revealing the full extent of his recent harrowing health scare.The boxing legend thought his days were numbered in May when a two-and-a-half-inch-deep stomach ulcer left him vomiting blood as it wreaked havoc on his insides.Mike Tyson throws down with YouTube sensation Jake Paul early on Saturday morningCredit: GETTYIron Mike looks to be in phenomenal shape ahead of his ring returnCredit: INSTAGRAM@MIKETYSONTyson is fighting a mere six months after having a major health scareCredit: AFPHis admission that he feared for his life will result in a late investigation from the Texas Department of Licensing and RegulationCredit: GETTYThe ulcer flare-up and subsequent hospitalisation forced the 58-year-old to postpone his controversial July clash with YouTube sensation Jake Paul and made him face up to his mortality.Tyson recently revealed doctors didn’t rule out the prospect of him dying from the chronic illness.And the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, who are sanctioning his showdown with Paul early on Saturday morning, are set to investigate his comments.In a statement to World Boxing News, TLDR representative Tela Mange said: “Thorough pre-fight physicals will be conducted by TDLR-appointed physicians, who will discuss Mr Tyson’s medical history with him.”READ MORE ON TYSON VS PAULTyson couldn’t think about anything other than dying a gladiator’s death in the ring when he was going toe-to-toe with his bleeding ulcer.The former undisputed heavyweight champion recalled: “I asked the doctor if I was going to die, and she didn’t say no.”She said we have options though, and that’s when I got nervous.“[I thought], ‘I can’t wait to get out of this motherf****r, man. God, I want to fight and start training.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSJAKE PAUL VS MIKE TYSON: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE BOUT”‘I don’t want to die in the hospital bedroom, I want to die in the ring.”Fan favourite Tyson looks to be in incredible shape for his rescheduled Texas tussle with ‘Problem Child’ Paul.But he had to rebuild himself from scratch after his debilitating ulcer saw him lose nearly TWO STONE.“You wouldn’t believe what I endured from my ulcer, ” he said. “I lost 26 pounds, can you imagine that?”I was so p****d off because I had peaked. I was good, talking s**t, ready. “Mike Tyson’s blunt 10-word response to Eddie Hearn after promoter calls Jake Paul fight ‘disrespectful to boxing’ Tyson will pocket a pretty penny for his Dallas dust-up with social media sensation Paul, who has claimed he’ll leave Cowboys Stadium a whopping £31million richer.But ‘Iron Mike’ insists it’s the addictive feeling of having his hand raised that’s lured him back to the ring, not his mammoth payday.He admitted: “I’m a glory junkie. I love people thinking about me all day.”I’d rather live a short life of glory than a long life of obscurity. It’s just who I am.“This is all I started fighting for—to get all this f***ing status.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’m going to be chasing it for the rest of my life. I know that.”I’m never going to get what I want, because I’m one of those gluttons for pain. I can never get enough.” More

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    Sporting move on from Ruben Amorim as they confirm replacement just hours after new Man Utd boss’ final game in charge

    SPORTING LISBON have finally appointed Ruben Amorim’s permanent successor. The Portuguese giants announced Joao Pereira, 40, as manager just hours after the new Man Utd gaffer’s final game in charge.Sporting have announced Joao Pereira as Ruben Amorim’s permanent replacementCredit: GettyAmorim will begin work as the new manager of Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyAmorim, 39, officially left Sporting today but an alleged issue with his work visa permit is currently holding up his first trip to Manchester.The 39-year-old oversaw a 4-2 comeback victory at Braga on Sunday to continue Sporting’s 100 per cent winning record in 11 league games this term.But Sporting, who sit 11 points clear of Porto, have now formally moved on from Amorim.The club have announced Pereira as their new boss on X with the caption: “A new armband, the same ambition.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSPereira, a former right-back, who played 154 games for Sporting has been involved in coaching there since his retirement from playing in 2021.He has also won EVERY game this season while managing the club’s B team and will be unveiled to Portuguese media at noon on Monday.Pereira was appointed Sporting’s under-23 head coach in 2022-23 after a season as the team’s assistant coach. The former defender was capped 40 times by Portugal and also played for Valencia and Trabzonspor at club level.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut he has big shoes to fill as Amorim leaves Sporting with two Primeira Liga titles. Not only are Sporting unbeaten in the league this term, but they sit second in the Champions League table, behind leaders Liverpool.Manchester United vs Leicester City: Player Ratings (1)Amorim has also avoided defeat in Europe this season, having most recently inflicted a 4-1 loss on Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.The club are aiming to win back-to-back Portuguese league titles for the first time since 1954.United formally hired Amorim on November 1.But Sporting requested extra-time for Amorim to complete his final three games and join during the international break.He replaced Erik ten Hag, who found himself under mounting pressure after a dismal 14 months at Old Trafford.Meanwhile, interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy is set for showdown talks with Amorim to find out if he’ll remain on as an assistant.READ MORE SUN STORIESAmorim’s faces a trip to Ipswich Town for his first game in charge on November 24.The Town are managed by former United assistant Kieran McKenna, who was also a contender to replace Ten Hag, and won their first Prem game since 2002 against Spurs on Sunday. More

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    Lee Carsley facing England crisis with more stars tipped to pull out than ever before after huge Premier League weekend

    ENGLAND interim boss Lee Carsley could face a squad crisis during the international break, with a number of key players expected to withdraw.Carsley will take charge of England for the final time this week.Lee Carsley could be without some key players this weekCredit: GettyBukayo Saka and Declan Rice are doubts due to injuryCredit: GettyTrent Alexander-Arnold is expected to withdraw due to a hamstring strain suffered at the weekendCredit: GettyThe Three Lions conclude their Nations League campaign with a trip to Greece on Thursday followed by a home clash with Ireland on Sunday.But they may be forced to play without some important stars.Mikel Arteta cast doubt over the inclusion of Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice following Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea on Sunday.Trent Alexander-Arnold suffered a hamstring strain against Aston Villa on Saturday and is now expected to withdraw from the England squad.Read More in FootballJack Grealish didn’t appear for Manchester City at the weekend due to a fitness issue which could prevent him from travelling to camp.Kyle Walker could also miss out due to a knee injury.England legend Alan Shearer is now convinced that several Premier League stars will withdraw in order to rest.Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, he explained: “See what happens at international level now with a lot of players, not only Arsenal.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”I think, don’t be surprised if we see a load of pull-outs from international players from their countries.”Rather than going to play in the Nations League or wherever, you’ll actually see them having a bit of a rest.Lee Carsley reveals classy message to Thomas Tuchel and says new England manager has no influence on his squad “I’m sure they’ll come out and say they’re maybe injured or whatever but it’ll be more to have a rest I think.”I think there will be loads of them over the next couple of days.”Gary Lineker went on to suggest that more England players could withdraw from international duty because there is no incentive to impress interim boss Carsley.He added: “Possibly with England as well in particular because you’re going to a manager who’s not going to be there, so it’s not like you’ve got to go and impress or anything like that.”There have been three international breaks already this season – one each month.Last week, Carsley revealed that some replacements are on standby if needed.READ MORE SUN STORIESAfter Sunday’s match against Greece, the Under-21s manager will step down from his interim position with the senior team.Thomas Tuchel will then take over on a full-time basis in January. More

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    Robbie Savage snubs lucrative offer for huge TV show to stay in unpaid manager’s job in 7th tier of English football

    ROBBIE SAVAGE has snubbed a highly-lucrative TV show offer to remain in an unpaid role as manager of Macclesfield FC.The Cheshire-based phoenix club are working their way through the non-league pyramid and currently sit top of the English seventh tier.Robbie Savage turned down a TV job to stay with Macclesfield FCSilk Town are 13 points clear at the top of the Northern Premier League – the third tier of non-league football.But despite the boom that comes with being the ONLY UNBEATEN side left in the top seven tiers, Macclesfield were at risk of losing former Premier League star Savage.After five months in the job, Savage, 50, was asked to step away from Macclesfield and take up a high-paying, but undisclosed, TV job offer.But the former Prem star turned it down and vowed to finish what he started with Macclesfield after a heart-to-heart with his players.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe told The Telegraph: “I’ve sold the dream to players coming here. “I’ve got a kid from Blackburn, James Edmondson, who is magnificent. His family have put their trust in me. “If I was then to leave for self-gain or self-promotion I’m not that person they trust. I’m letting them down. I simply couldn’t turn my back on the club.”Nevertheless, he asked the players in the WhatsApp group chat for their opinion and the answer was a resounding “no”.Most read in FootballJames Edmondson, 19, joined Macclesfield on loan from Blackburn last monthCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”I am genuine. I am meticulous, serious, obsessive. You have to be.”I want the narrative to change – this pantomime villain, this guy. Some people still see me as that.”BBC Sports host Emma Louise Jones calls Robbie Savage a ‘w—er’ and says ‘any excuse’Savage joined as director of football in October 2020 but was named manager in June.Despite not formally earning a wage for his role as team boss, Savage earns a few bucks as a shareholder and board member.Last month, he exclusively revealed to The Sun, that he wished he’d gone into management earlier.At the time of his appointment the club website wrote: “This is a campaign we simply cannot fail.”The former Leicester and Birmingham midfielder added: “It’s true. It means we have to be promoted because anything else is a failure.”I will hand in my resignation, 100 per cent, if we don’t because we have the best team.”Help from old team-mateSavage has suffered only one defeat since making his managerial baptism – in the FA Cup fourth qualifying round at Tamworth.He previously launched a successful media career and has done 15 years as a host on BBC Five Live’s popular 606 phone-in show.Meanwhile, he also offers co-commentary and pundit duties on European nights on TNT Sports. Savage is assisted by Peter Band while his former Leicester teammate Emile Heskey was appointed in a “position-specific role as and when required”.Savage’s appointment saw Michael Clegg, who was appointed as manager in February, leave the club.Macclesfield’s website lists Savage as the third-largest shareholder with 18.7 per cent.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe new club was born in 2020 after Macclesfield Town was wound up in the High Court over debts totalling more than £500,000.The 146-year-old National League club was forced into liquidation during a hearing at the Insolvency and Companies Court.Macclesfield FC are flying high in the Northern Premier LeagueCredit: Ray Bradbury – The SunA new era at Macclesfield FC was born in 2020Credit: Ray Bradbury – The Sun More