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    Former Tottenham star lashes out and HEADBUTTS opponent just four minutes after coming on

    FORMER TOTTENHAM star Marcus Edwards HEADBUTTED Galeno during Sporting Lisbon’s draw with Porto.The Sporting attacker was only on the pitch for four minutes before he lashed out at the winger.Marcus Edwards clashed with GalenoCredit: sport TVEdwards came through the youth academy at TottenhamCredit: ReutersEdwards, 25, had helped his side battle back from 2-0 down as he assisted Viktor Gyökeres before the striker netted his second goal to level the scores.However, that was not the end of the drama for the Englishman as he clashed with Galeno.The pair tangled on the edge of the pitch before knocking heads together.Edwards then slapped Loader on the side of the head causing the winger to dramatically drop to the floor.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLReferee Nuno Almeida was left with no choice but to send off the Spurs academy product.The match ended in a 2-2 draw with Sporting holding a 17-point lead over third-placed Porto.They are also five points clear of second-placed Benfica with three games to go.Edwards spent 13 years in the Tottenham academy but never made a Premier League appearance for the club.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe had loan moves at Norwich and Excelsior before permanently leaving in 2019 for Portuguese side Vitoria de Guimaraes.After three seasons at the club he made the move to Sporting Lisbon and has become a key player for them.The Premier League’s Top 10 sexiest managers according to AIEdwards has made 109 appearances for the club in all competitions, scoring 21 goals and assisting 26.His form has seen him be linked with a move back to the Premier League.He had also admitted that he would like to move back to England one day.He has a £52million release clause at Sporting.Who are these famous footballers? More

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    Liverpool target Ruben Amorim has ‘verbal pact’ with Sporting Lisbon that could see shock summer exit

    RUBEN AMORIM reportedly has a verbal pact with Sporting Lisbon which could see him leave the club this summer.The Portuguese manager has been linked with becoming the next Liverpool boss.Ruben Amorim has a verbal pact with Sporting Lisbon to leave this summerCredit: RexAmorim has emerged as a target to replace Jurgen Klopp when he steps down at the end of the season.However, his appointment would not come without a fee, although this will reportedly be lower than previously expected.Fabrizio Romano reports that Amorim’s contract includes a £26million buyout clause for Portuguese clubs and £17million for foreign clubs.The report adds, though, that Amorim has a verbal pact with Sporting to let him leave this summer for a fee of just £8.5million.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt comes after SunSport revealed last week that the 39-year-old is considering leaving Sporting at the end of the season.He has been strongly linked with a move to Anfield and the Reds could hold an advantage over other European clubs.Amorim’s agent also represents Liverpool winger Luis Diaz.The former international midfielder has been in charge of Sporting since 2020 and won a league title during his first full season.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRuben Amorim’s managerial career
    2018-19 – Casa Pia
    2019 – Braga B
    2019-20 – Braga
    2020-Present – Sporting Lisbon
    Trophies:
    Braga – Portuguese League Cup (2020)
    Sporting Lisbon – Liga Portugal (20/21), Portuguese League Cup (2021,2022), Portuguese Super Cup (2021)

    His side ended the campaign with just one defeat as they won their first title for 19 years.He has won three other major honours during his tenure and is currently contracted until the summer of 2026.Roberto De Zerbi ruled out of Liverpool boss running but could still quit Brighton this summer to join European giantsAmorim’s side are in pole position to land a league and cup double this term.Saturday’s win over Benfica leaves Sporting four points clear of their rivals with a game in hand.Meanwhile, they are also into May’s cup final after sealing an aggregate semi-final victory over the same opponents in midweek. More

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    Liverpool target Ruben Amorim admits ‘I can’t guarantee I’ll stay at Sporting’ as Reds near Jurgen Klopp replacement

    LIVERPOOL target Ruben Amorim has admitted he could leave Sporting Lisbon.The Reds are on the hunt for a new manager after Jurgen Klopp announced his shock departure. Ruben Amorim wants to focus on winning titles for SportingCredit: EPALiverpool were publicly snubbed by their old midfielder Xabi Alonso last week as he announced his decision to stay with German table-toppers Bayer Leverkusen.That has seen up-and-coming boss Amorim, 39, leap to the top of Liverpool’s wishlist.And the Portuguese chief made no attempt to distance himself from the job when asked on Friday.Asked about his future, Amorim said: “I CANNOT guarantee that I will stay at Sporting next season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”We have time to discuss my future, we will do that at the right time. Now focus on winning titles and then we will see what happens.”The Portuguese will make a decision on his future when Sporting do not win, then he will leave. He said: “Sporting are taking care of their future and I can’t make a decision because I have given my word so I can’t go back on it, which is if we don’t win titles, I will leave the club.”Amorim has a contract with Sporting until 2026 and Liverpool would have to pay to get him.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERHe has a £12.8m release clause at Sporting this summer, which drops to £8.5m in 2025.SunSport revealed last month that Amorim is already reflecting on his future with a switch to the Premier League on his mind.Xabi Alonso announces he will stay at Bayer Leverkusen after showdown talks with clubSporting are top of the Portuguese top flight – leading Benfica by a point with a game in hand – but Amorim is open to departing even if they clinch the title.And Liverpool have the upper hand in talks with Amorim as his agent – Raul Costa – is also a representative of Reds winger and Colombian international Luis Diaz.Sporting ended their 19-year wait for a league title under Amorim in 2021, and have lifted successive league cups in 2021 and 2022.The Portuguese manager has also been linked with the Manchester United job should they part ways with Erik Ten Hag this summer.While Liverpool have also been linked with Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi. More

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    Why is ‘Cristiano Ronaldo retiring’ trending now?

    IT is no secret that Cristiano Ronaldo is nearing the end of his glittering career.The football legend – who has scored more official goals than any player in the sport’s history – is now 39 and in the twilight of his career.Cristiano Ronaldo, 39, has been in the goals for Al Nassr this season – but is nearing the end of his glittering careerCredit: ReutersWhy is ‘Cristiano Ronaldo retiring’ trending?Because of the forward’s age many fans have continued to wonder when Ronaldo will finally hang up his boots.With Euro 2024 this summer, and Ronaldo turning 40 in February 2025, many initially thought this tournament could be the perfect swansong for the Portuguese superstar.Moving to Saudi Arabia, which many see as a ‘retirement league’ despite the host of stars that have flocked to the Gulf on mega wages, has only increased talk that the end is approaching.Ronaldo throwing his support behind the campaign to bring the World Cup to Saudi Arabia also had fans questioning his future.READ MORE CRISTIANO RONALDOHowever, it does not appear likely – at this point – that Ronaldo is going anywhere any time soon.Al-Nassr are still competing at the top of the Saudi Pro League and Ronaldo has been in exceptional form this season.The Manchester United legend has scored an incredible 42 goals in 41 games in all competitions so far this season and is the top scorer in the league.His 29 goals in 24 league matches place him ahead of much younger stars such as Aleksandar Mitrovic, Talisca, Sadio Mane, Karim Benzema and Riyad Mahrez.Most read in FootballCristiano Ronaldo goal record

    GOALS
    Club

    Sporting (2002-03) – 31 games, 5 goals
    Manchester United (2003-09) – 292 games, 118 goals
    Real Madrid (2009-18) – 438 games, 450 goals
    Juventus (2018-22) – 134 games, 101 goals
    Manchester United (2021-23) – 54 games, 27 goals
    Al Nassr (2022-present) – 60 games, 56 goals

    International

    Portugal (2003-present) – 206 games, 128 goals

    CAREER TOTAL = 1,217 games, 885 goals
    *totals correct as of April 3, 2024

    His current contract with Al Nassr also runs until June 2025.With the Real Madrid and Juventus icon earning a reported $215million (£170m) every YEAR he is unlikely to break the contract and leave that much cash on the table.When will Cristiano Ronaldo retire?Ronaldo previously stated he will play until he is at least 40 and then see how he is feeling physically after that.But those plans may well change given how dominant he continues to be – not only in the Saudi Pro League but at international level.Cristiano Ronaldo led Manchester United to the 2008 Champions League and scored 145 goals in two spells for the clubCredit: GettyHe has scored 10 goals in his last 10 Portugal matches and, remarkably, is one of the bookies’ favourites for the Golden Boot at Euro 2024.Ronaldo already has the most international caps in the history of the game – and is the only player with more than 200 appearances for his country.He is also the all-time leading scorer in both international play and overall.Ronaldo’s total tally in all competitions stands at a staggering 885 – more than 50 ahead of closest rival Lionel Messi.The forward may think that an unprecedented 1,000 goals is in his sights.He currently has 885 goals – at the time of writing – leaving him 115 away from four figures. Having scored 47 goals for club and country so far in 23-24, it would only take another two or three seasons to reach the 1,000-goal mark.The most recent reports indicate that Ronaldo is interested in extending his Al Nassr contract until 2027.Cristiano Ronaldo trophy haul
    Manchester United

    Premier League – 2007, 2008, 2009
    Champions League – 2008
    FA Cup – 2004
    League Cup – 2006, 2009
    Club World Cup – 2008

    Real Madrid

    LaLiga – 2012, 2017
    Champions League – 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018
    Copa del Rey – 2011, 2014
    Club World Cup – 2014, 2016, 2017

    Juventus

    Serie A – 2019, 2020
    Coppa Italia – 2021

    Al Nassr

    Arab Club Champions Cup – 2023

    Portugal

    European Championships – 2016
    Nations League – 2019

    Individual (select)

    Ballon d’Or – 2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017
    Fifa World Player of the Year – 2008
    La Liga Best Player – 2014
    Serie A Footballer of the Year – 2019, 2020
    Premier League Player of the Season – 2007, 2008

    That would give him at least another two seasons at club level and put him in the frame to play at the 2026 World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico.Ronaldo has only reached as far as the semi-final stage in five World Cup appearances – he may want one final crack at the Jules Rimet trophy, especially having spent much of the 2022 tournament on the bench.What has Ronaldo said about retirement?Ronaldo has kept pretty tight-lipped about his retirement plans, earlier this year joking that he will play on for another decade.He said: “At the moment when I finish I don’t know to be honest”Of course it will be soon. By soon I mean 10 years more. “I’m joking! I don’t know, let’s see.”Cristiano Ronaldo may want one last crack at the 2026 World Cup – the only title Lionel Messi has over him in the GOAT debateCredit: AP:Associated PressSpeaking before the last World Cup, he also didn’t think that winning a World Cup would have an impact on the GOAT debate with Messi.”Even if I win the World Cup that will continue.”Some people like me more, some less. It’s like in life, some like blondes, some like brunettes.”I have always had to show what I can do year after year. I would love to win this tournament.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’m ambitious but if you tell me I won’t win any more tournaments I would still be happy given all I have won.”In the history books all other records will be there. But obviously a World Cup on the shelf wouldn’t be bad. It would be a dream.” More

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    Barcelona in race against time to appoint Europe’s hottest manager… leaving Liverpool with two different targets

    BARCELONA will battle it out with Liverpool to sign Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorin.The Portuguese coach has been a top contender at the Catalan giants to replace Xavi but has impressed the Reds to succeed Jurgen Klopp at Anfield.Barcelona are in a race against time sign Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben AmorimCredit: GettyLiverpool are now targeting Amorim as Xabi Alonso has confirmed he will stay at Bayer LeverkusenCredit: AFPBecoming a popular target at a series of European clubs the Catalan giants are in a race against time to secure the 39-year-old’s signature.Barca were frontrunners to sign the Sporting Lisbon coach up until last week when it was revealed Xabi Alonso will remain at Bayer Leverkusen.The football world assumed Amorim would head to Spain and Alonso would go to either Anfield or Bayern Munich.But with Sporting’s staggering release clause of £11.1m nothing had yet been confirmed with the Catalan giants.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLiverpool always saw Amorim as their second choice and the Reds have the upper hand in talks as his agent – Raul Costa – is also a representative of Reds winger and Colombian international Luis Diaz.SunSport understands that the Merseysiders have been in contact with Costa on several occasions this campaign in an attempt to sound out Amorim.Amorim joined Sporting in 2020, and signed a new four-year deal back in 2022, but the club acknowledge he is a manager in demand across Europe for his work in Portugal.Sporting ended their 19-year wait for a league title under Amorim in 2021, and have lifted successive league cups in 2021 and 2022.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERMeanwhile, it is understood that the recent appointment of Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes in technical roles had brought some change to the Anfield club’s thinking.Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi and Inter Milan’s Simone Inzaghi are among those on an expanded list at Anfield.Liverpool preparing transfer for ‘next Mo Salah’ but face competition for £51m Eintracht Frankfurt star Julian Nagelsmann is also being considered by a series of clubs after it has been made know the German national team boss is open to going back to club football after Euro 2024.Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi is also on the Reds radar to replace KloppCredit: AFPInter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi is also being targeted by LiverpoolCredit: GettyJulian Nagelsmann could be an option if he chooses to return to club football next seasonCredit: Getty More

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    Arsenal learn price of top transfer target Viktor Gyokeres as they get set to battle Chelsea for Sporting star

    ARSENAL’S top No9 transfer target Viktor Gyokeres is set to be sold this summer for £68million by Sporting Lisbon.The Gunners will have to battle it out with Chelsea for the in-form striker as both Premier League sides are desperate for a talisman.Sporting are set to sell Arsenal’s top transfer target Viktor Gyokeres for £68m this seasonCredit: AFPGyokeres has been in top form for Sporting since moving from Coventry last July in a £20million deal. The 25-year-old has scored 37 goals and 14 assists in 50 games for club and country this season and for Sporting alone he has tallied 22 goals in 24 games.This has sparked interest from Arsenal who have been on the hunt for a powerful striker this year and Chelsea who have also been analysing his performances closely this season.The Swedish international goals have helped Sporting take the top spot in the Portuguese league above local rivals Benfica who they defeated in the cup to line up a potential double this term.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLClub officials are expected to cash in on Gyokeres by demanding £68m this summer.AC Milan have also been linked with Gyokeres but the forward is thought to prefer a move to the Premier League after starting his career with Brighton in 2018.Arsenal have been set on finding a No9 after going a season without a designated striker.They have been keen on Brentford and England star Ivan Toney and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen for some time now.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERBut The Athletic reporter David Ornstein has confirmed that the Gunners are no longer targeting the pair as Arsenal are more interested in Gyokeres alongside Benjamin Sesko and Evan Ferguson.Ornstein said: “The likes of Sesko & Gyökeres are well thought of. As is Ferguson but the price Brighton would want & the season he has had so far perhaps makes him less likely at the moment. I snapped Arsenal legend Cesc Fabregas with worst tackle of my life – I had to get his number and apologise afterwards”I don’t see it being an Osimhen or Toney. There will be other options too.” More

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    One of Europe’s hottest managers Ruben Amorim considers leaving job ahead of potential Premier League arrival

    LIVERPOOL managerial target Ruben Amorim is considering leaving Sporting Lisbon at the end of the season.With Jurgen Klopp ending his nine-year stint at Anfield in the next few months, the Reds’ first-choice replacement Xabi Alonso has announced he will be staying at Bayer Leverkusen.Ruben Amorim is considering his position as Sporting managerCredit: GettyPortuguese coach Amorim, 39, is on Liverpool’s shortlist – and has a £12.8m release clause at Sporting this summer, which drops to £8.5m in 2025.But SunSport understands that Amorim is already reflecting on his future at Sporting with a switch to the Premier League on his mind.Sporting are currently top of the Portuguese top flight – leading Benfica by a point with a game in hand – but Amorim is open to departing even if they clinch the title.Liverpool have the upper hand in talks with Amorim as his agent – Raul Costa – is also a representative of Reds winger and Colombian international Luis Diaz.READ MORE ON PREMIER LEAGUESunSport understands that the Merseysiders have been in contact with Costa on several occasions this campaign in an attempt to sound out Amorim.Amorim joined Sporting in 2020, and signed a new four-year deal back in 2022, but the club acknowledge he is a manager in demand across Europe for his work in Portugal.Sporting ended their 19-year wait for a league title under Amorim in 2021, and have lifted successive league cups in 2021 and 2022.They have also impressed on the European stage, beating Mikel Arteta’s Prem title-chasing Arsenal in the Europa League last-16 last season before losing in the quarters.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Portuguese manager has also been linked with the Manchester United job should they part ways with Erik Ten Hag this summer.Liverpool have appointed a new sporting director, Richard Hughes, who will take over in June, while Fenway Sports Group have reunited with former sporting director Michael Edwards. Who could be Man Utd’s next manager after Ten Hag?The pair will be ultimately responsible for selecting a new manager.Liverpool’s search includes Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi, who also has a release clause of £12m.The Seagulls go to Anfield on Sunday looking to derail Liverpool’s title charge, and Klopp has called Italian De Zerbi a “top coach” in the build-up. More

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    Liverpool forced to abandon plans to replace Jurgen Klopp with Xabi Alonso… and may turn to Europe’s hottest prospect

    LIVERPOOL are unlikely to appoint Xabi Alonso as their new manager, according to reports.The Reds are on the lookout for a boss to replace Jurgen Klopp with him quitting at the end of the season.Xabi Alonso supposedly wants to stay at Bayer LeverkusenCredit: APRuben Amorim is an alternative for LiverpoolCredit: RexBrighton’s Roberto De Zerbi is also an optionCredit: PAAlonso has been the hot favourite to takeover from the legendary German – but the club may now have to look elsewhere.The Times report that Liverpool believe the highly-rated Spaniard wants to stay at Bayer Leverkusen for at least one more season.Alonso’s side have not lost a game in all competitions this campaign and are aiming to lift the Bundesliga, DFB Pokal and Europa League.His possible plans to stay at Leverkusen leave Bayern Munich also needing a re-think.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Bavarian giants also had their hearts set on appointing him as their new boss.Liverpool will now reportedly turn their attention to Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim and Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi.Amorim is supposedly popular among chiefs at Anfield.He guided Sporting to their first league title in 19 years in 2021 and has since lifted two domestic cups and taken them into the knockout rounds in Europe.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAs for De Zerbi, his style of play has caught the eye of several top clubs and he has Premier League experience.The Italian guided the Seagulls into the Europa League last 16 before defeat to Roma in their first ever season in a Uefa competition.Meanwhile, shock reports have linked ex-Manchester United gaffer Ralf Rangnick with the Bayern job.Unearthed video shows Xabi Alonso admitting Liverpool job is his DREAM after Jurgen Klopp quit More