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      Man City targeting Premier League flop to take over as sporting director after Txiki Begiristain bombshell

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      MANCHESTER CITY have allegedly earmarked former Newcastle midfielder Hugo Viana as a potential replacement for outgoing chief Txiki Begiristain.Sporting director Begiristain will step down from his position at the end of the season.Man City chief Txiki Begiristain is set to leave at the end of the seasonCredit: PAFormer Newcastle midfielder Hugo Viana is believed to be in the frame for the jobCredit: EPAViana spent four years at St James’ ParkCredit: PA:Press AssociationSunSport revealed this week that he will play a key role in identifying and appointing his replacement.Begiristain aims to have a new man in place by January and will then spend six months helping the new chief settle into their new role.While Begiristain’s successor is yet to be revealed, ex-Newcastle star Viana is believed to be in the frame.The 41-year-old spent four years at St James’ Park as a player following his move from Sporting Lisbon in 2002 and made 61 appearances.Read More in FootballSince retiring, Viana has taken up a senior position in football.He is currently director of football at Sporting Lisbon, having accepted the job in 2018.Manchester United identified him as a potential candidate for the position of chief operating officer at Old Trafford earlier this year.He caught the attention of Sir Jim Ratcliffe by assisting the transfer of Bruno Fernandes in 2020.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut taking over from Begiristain at Man City would be an even harder job.City have won 14 major trophies under the guidance of the Spaniard, including the Champions League and six Prem titles.But they are currently in the midst of a huge legal battle with the Premier League.A hearing is underway into allegations that City broke PL rules more than 100 times in relation to sponsorship deals, player and manager contracts and failure to cooperate with the investigation.City deny all the charges. An initial verdict is expected in the spring, but the saga is unlikely to end there and Begiristain will be gone before everything is resolved.Man City vs the Premier League: Q&ABy Martin LiptonBOTH Manchester City and the Premier League were claiming a win after their legal scrap over Associated Party Transactions.SunSport sifts the claims to try to explain the latest issues.What was the case about?City were furious that Prem bosses brought in new tougher regulations – by the smallest possible majority under League rules – in February. They were aimed at blocking clubs bypassing financial controls by earning “unfair” amounts via sponsorship from a company with the same owners, or selling players on the cheap to teams under the same ownership umbrella.Why were City so upset?The Etihad club argued that the rules were illegal and had been deliberately aimed at them by rivals and were both flawed and politically driven. They also branded the “two thirds support” rule that has been part of Prem regulations since its inception as a “tyranny of the majority”This was an Arbitration Tribunal – explain that?Under Prem rules, any club has the right to ask for Arbitration if they are unhappy about the regulations or due process. The three retired judges heard evidence in June and their full ruling was distributed to the 20 Prem clubs on Monday afternoon.And what did they say?Depending on who you listen to, they either totally vindicated one side or the other. The actual answer is that there were “wins” for both City and the Prem. But it’s your choice which ones meant more.OK, what were City’s wins?Maybe the most important one in terms of the repercussions. That both the new rules and the previous version – brought  in after Saudi Arabia’s PIF bought Newcastle in 2021 –  were “unlawful” as they exclude shareholder loans to clubs in any APT calculations.  City also won over their claims that the rulebook prevented them from responding to Prem decisions over whether two proposed deals with Abu Dhabi companies represented “Fair Market Value”, access to the “databank” of comparable deals and the time it took for decisions to be reached.That sounds pretty big. So what about the Prem’s side?The key finding as far as the League is concerned is that the Tribunal backed the concept of APT rules as well as the Fair Market Value tests. Additionally, City’s challenges to the actual decisions on the two proposed deals “failed”. Prem bosses insist the “rulebook has been found to comply with competition and public law standards and is an effective and necessary system”.Is that it, then?Of course not. That shareholder loan issue is a big deal, given that it is believed owners have loaned around £1.5bn at low or preferential rates across the Prem. Those loans will almost certainly have to be calculated at commercial rates now, unless the owners convert them into shares. But the League is convinced the main thrust of the rules remains valid.And what will be the impact on the “115 charges” case?Probably nothing. That is an allegation of breaking the rules, while this matter was City questioning whether one small element of the current rulebook was legitimate. But City are using the same legal team, headed by £10,000 per hour Lord Pannick KC. And the stakes on the bigger case are a great deal higher. More

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      Champions League club appear to play in special kit in order to comply with fussy Uefa rule

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      SPORTING LISBON were forced to make a subtle change to their kit for their Champions League opener to comply with Uefa rules.The Portuguese champions played host to Lille on Tuesday night as they returned to Europe’s premier competition after one year away.Sporting Lisbon wore this new kit for their Champions League openerCredit: GettyThis is the club’s usual home strip with three white lines through the shirtCredit: ReutersAnd they kicked things off in style with a comfortable 2-0 win – which included a stunner from defender Zeno Debast.Former Coventry striker Viktor Gyokeres also got on the scoresheet for the hosts.It was the first of Sporting’s eight fixtures in the new-look Champions League.The others will come against PSV, Sturm Graz, Manchester City, Arsenal, Club Brugge, RB Leipzig and Bologna.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, the strip Sporting wear in domestic competitions has been altered for European matches.That is because Uefa rules dictate that if a shirt has three or more colours, one must be “clearly dominant”.Sporting’s shirt contains white, green and black stripes.But in order to ensure one was the focal point of the shirt, one of the white stripes near the bottom of the jersey was changed to black by designers Nike.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThis meant the black dominated the shirt, meaning the kit did not break any Uefa regulations.It is expected they will have to do the same for their remaining games when they wear their home strip.Jamie Carragher ‘absolutely cooks’ Micah Richards live on TNT Sports after cheeky Champions League jibe More

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      England’s newest star Angel Gomes brought crashing back to Earth as he is SENT OFF in of Champions League defeat

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      ENGLAND star Angel Gomes went from hero to zero as he was sent off in the Champions League.The 24-year-old made his Three Lions debut in the win over Ireland and then put in a man of the match performance against Finland last week. Angel Gomes was sent off in Lille’s defeat to SportingCredit: APHe was given a second yellow just seconds after conceding the opening goalCredit: EPANow back with his club Lille, Gomes played in their Champions League opener away at Sporting Lisbon yesterday.But the midfielder was sent off in the first-half for two bookable offences.He picked up his first yellow card just 21 minutes after kick-off for stopping a counter-attack by chopping down ex-Wolves winger Trincao.And then with 40 minutes on the clock, Gomes caught the back of Viktor Gyokeres’ leg after he cleverly spun away from him.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLithuanian referee Donastas Rumsas decided it was worthy of another booking and sent the former Manchester United wonderkid for an early bath.The second booking came a matter of seconds after Gyokeres had opened the scoring for Sporting.And with Lille down to ten-men, they were unable to overturn the deficit and lost 2-0.Zeno Debast scored the other in what was a goal of the season contender.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDuring his time with England, Gomes’ composure on the ball and hard work out of possession saw him earn praise from manager Lee Carsley.Carsely said: “He absolutely loves football. He watches football, he’s interested in tactics, he knows all the player in any league.Jamie Carragher ‘absolutely cooks’ Micah Richards live on TNT Sports after cheeky Champions League jibe”If you ask him for any feedback you need to be prepared that he is going to give you some feedback on the session or how we’re going to build up, or the positions.”He’ll help in terms of he will often say about some build-ups that he’s done at other clubs or what he’s played against, because obviously he’s playing in France so he sees different things.”He fully deserves it (his call-up).”But since returning to the French club, it has all being going wrong for him as he was an unused sub as Lille lost to newly-promoted Saint-Etienne 1-0 last weekend. More

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      Fans say ‘what a blast from Debast’ as Sporting star scores Puskas Award contender with 30-yard rocket

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      FANS were left gushing over a wonder-strike from Sporting Lisbon star Zeno Debast that’s already a contender for the Puskas Award.The incredible moment occurred in the 65th minute of last night’s Champions League clash against French giants Lille.Zeno Debast scored a wonder-goal for Sporting Lisbon against LilleThe strike is sure to be a Puskas contender – scroll down to see the full videoHosts Sporting were already 1-0 through Viktor Gyokeres, while Lille were a man down after having new England star Angel Gomes sent off.The Portuguese champions piled on the pressure and were looking to make their advantage count when Debast struck.The Belgian centre-back, 20, only joined Sporting this summer from Anderlecht for £18million.And his defensive displays had already won plenty of admirers.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut nobody was expecting him to pull the trigger on an outrageous 30-yard rocket that sped through the air and cut across the box into the roof of the net.Sporting fans let out an incredible roar as they watched in amazement.And as the ball crashed into Lille’s goal, Debast turned around before sprinting off to celebrate his first goal for the club.It ended up being the final goal of the game, sealing a 2-0 victory for Sporting.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd viewers at home were left stunned by Debast’s exquisite technique.One said: “What a blast from Debast.”Jamie Carragher ‘absolutely cooks’ Micah Richards live on TNT Sports after cheeky Champions League jibeAnother declared: “OMG top thunder strike.”One noted: “Sweetest goal you’re going to see for a long time.”Another added: “What a strike son.”Debast’s goal was the icing on the cake as Sporting bagged their first three points of the campaign.They already lead the Portuguese Primeira Liga table with five wins from five.Star striker Viktor Gyokeres has an incredible nine goals in all competitions so far.And if Debast can continue to hit the occasional stunner from deep, it could be hard to look past Sporting retaining their title under Ruben Amorim.Owen Hargreaves Season PredictionsHARGREAVES ON BELLINGHAM“I SAW the Super Cup and Jude Bellingham played the best game of his life.“He’s playing a bit more in his natural position, a little bit deeper. He’s the perfect midfield player.“Jude is just going to get better and better with Kylian Mbappe and Endrick.“I know a lot of people have not seen much of Endrick but to go with him and Rodrygo, Valverde, Modric, Courtois and Alaba, Rudiger, Carvajal . . .“That is some collection of players, it’s amazing.”HARGREAVES ON CHAMPIONS LEAGUE DARK HORSES“PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN, just in the way Luis Enrique plays. He plays such aggressive football and they’ve got so many really good ball players.“I’m happy to see they’re focused on young French players. That’s probably what they should have done long ago.“Inter are really good. They’ve got a clear identity to how they play under Simone Inzaghi.“Marcus Thuram came on a free, it’s amazing no one else picked him up.“They’re not the most offensive team but often those teams do really well in the Champions League.“They don’t make mistakes in silly moments.”HARGREAVES ON PREM CONTENDERS“MANCHESTER CITY have the best squad and they’re using four centre-backs so defensively they’re a bit more stable.“Arsenal need a little bit more experience in the Champions League. “To win the Champions League might take a little bit more time in the transfer windows. But they’re going to win trophies, it’s a question of when.“Liverpool have crazy firepower. Federico Chiesa is an amazing player and he’ll suit the Premier League because he’s crazy explosive.“I’m excited for Aston Villa as Villa Park is going to be one of the best atmospheres in Europe this season.”HARGREAVES ON PLAYERS TO WATCH OUT FOR“MICHAEL OLISE is going to be great at Bayern Munich.“Playing at Crystal Palace he probably didn’t get the notoriety he deserved but he’s such a good finisher and technically really good.“Endrick at Real Madrid is cool because people don’t know a lot about him. He’s still so young but he’s just got it.“Florian Wirtz at Bayer Leverkusen is an amazing player with a really unique style. His numbers from last season were crazy.“As a young kid, putting himself in the Ballon d’Or conversation is rare. He’ll be playing at Real Madrid or Man City in a couple of years. More

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      Five clubs Bruno Fernandes could transfer to in summer as Man Utd captain hints he’s ‘thinking about’ leaving

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans were left stunned by the news that Bruno Fernandes could quit this summer.The Portuguese midfielder, 29, is in his fifth season with the club since joining from Sporting Lisbon.Bruno Fernandes dropped a huge hint that he could leave Man UtdCredit: GettyFernandes signed in January 2020 in a transfer costing an initial £47million which rises to £68m.But, undoubtedly, he has been the most successful buy in the period since Sir Alex Ferguson retired.The skipper has produced 54 goals and 40 assists in 157 Premier League matches.However, Sir Jim Ratcliffe is preparing for a huge clearout at United in order to try and free up funds for new additions.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAnd Fernandes, who penned an extension until 2026 two years ago, responded to that by saying: “Obviously, it doesn’t just depend on me, does it?“A player always has to want to be here, but at the same time, you have to want him to stay. At the moment, I feel there’s that on both sides.“I’m not thinking too much about the future, not least because, obviously, this season hasn’t been at the level I’d hoped for, either individually or collectively, so far.“So, if you want me to be very honest, if I have to think about not continuing in the Premier League, it won’t be until after the Euros because nothing will be able to take my focus away from the FA Cup final and the Euros, as there’s nothing more important than that at the moment.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThose remarks will have raised eyebrows both at Old Trafford and across Europe as a host of clubs plot a potential swoop.And here are five places that United captain could end up:’He’s won nothing’ – Roy Keane and Ian Wright in heated argument over Man Utd captain Bruno FernandesBARCELONAAnother club that is planning a brutal clearout by putting all-but three stars on the transfer list, including Robert Lewandowski.And if they can raise the necessary funds, then Fernandes could be somebody they look to to try and transform their midfield.His agent Jorge Mendes already enjoys a good relationship with the Catalans and a report emerged last month that he has offered them the United captain.REAL MADRIDFernandes would be the ideal replacement for the soon-to-be departing Luka Modric in the heart of the midfield.They have been long-term admirers of the star, who they were keen on while he was still at Sporting, and were scouting him at the 2022 World Cup.But with Kyliann Mbappe expected to sign on a mega-money package, funds could be tight at Madrid.JUVENTUSAnother club that was previously linked with Fernandes before United swooped for him.Two years later they were still allegedly “in love” with the Portugal ace and Juventus could potentially launch a move to finally get their man.PSGJust like Juventus, the French giants also wanted him prior to his switch to Old Trafford.With Mbappe set to leave Parc des Princes this summer, that would open up some huge space on the wage bill.And that could lead to PSG attempting to snap him up.READ MORE SUN STORIESSAUDI PRO LEAGUEThe Saudis are expected to try and bring a host more stars to try and bolster their league again this summer.And if Fernandes is available, there is no doubt that they would love him to join his Portuguese team-mate and ex-United colleague Ronaldo out in the Middle East.Pundits verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future
      Jamie Carragher – Sacked
      “I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
      Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
      “To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
      Louis Saha – On the fence
      “I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
      Alan Shearer – Sacked
      “I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.” More

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

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      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

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      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

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      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