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      in Boxing

      Billy Joe Saunders snubs megabucks TV deal to ensure he’s fully focussed on Canelo Alvarez showdown

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      BILLY JOE SAUNDERS turned down a big-money TV show to pursue his boxing dream.The Hatfield traveller, 31, was offered the chance to have ITV film his Las Vegas training camp for Saturday’s shot at Canelo Alvarez.
      Billy Joe Saunders has revealed he turned down a TV show ahead of his big fight against CaneloCredit: Instagram @eddiehearn
      But the WBO super-middleweight champion, who could snatch the WBA, WBC and Ring Magazine crowns from the Mexican, declined the offer to ensure total focus on a career-defining fight.
      He said: “ITV approached me to do something out here.
      “They wanted to film me here in Las Vegas, building up to the fight and then carry on back at home.
      “It was a lot of money they offered me as well but I didn’t need the distraction.
      “If I am not having my own kids around me as a nice distraction, then how can I have a load of strangers with cameras?
      “I would rather have my kids around me distracting me, rather than a load of strangers with a camera in my face.
      “Maybe afterwards, maybe so, but let’s get this fight out of the way first.”
      Saunders is understandably concerned with some of the scorecards 55-1-2 Canelo has been gifted in the past.
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      How Canelo and Saunders compare ahead of their bout
      🥊 CANELO VS SAUNDERS: TV, live stream and start time info ahead of the big fight
      Saunders has been joined in the US by his good friend Tyson Fury

      He will have to convince three American judges, in Texas, if the fight goes the distance.
      Canelo grabbed a controversial draw against Gennady Golovkin in 2017 when one judge scored it a 110-118 landslide in his favour.
      And the one-sided 2013 defeat to Floyd Mayweather came despite one official inexplicably calling the showdown a draw.
      Saunders said: “I just want to make sure I get an even playing field. If I get beaten fair and square then I will shake the man’s hand and say ‘fair play’.
      “But I just want to make sure it’s a level playing field and then it could be up there with the greatest upsets by a Brit on foreign soil.”
      Saunders has been tipped to spring a huge shock by Tyson FuryCredit: Instagram / @gypsyking101
      Saunders could return to England as the biggest star in world boxing.
      Canelo is the sport’s largest draw, with the four-weight hero having beaten SIX Brits so far.
      But Saunders believes he can be Lucky No7.
      He said: “I have trained my body to take on an army so there will be no excuses.
      “I have been away in training camp for a long time now with my team and put the hours in.
      “Once I start enjoying the moment I believe I am a very hard man to beat.
      Standing in the opposite corner will be Mexican brute Canelo AlvarezCredit: Getty
      “A win would be up there with all of the great British wins abroad.”
      Saunders has a perfect 30-0 record but you have to go back to 2017 for his last prime performance against dangerous opposition.
      The form book suggests Canelo — who has moved up to win gold at light-heavyweight — will be too big and strong for the southpaw.
      But Saunders thrives on proving his doubters wrong.
      He said: “I can look at everyone’s opinion and I could get carried away with the people who think I will win.
      “But I like to look at the people who think I will lose, that is what gets me going.
      “My last couple of performances I have struggled for that drive of not being the favourite and knowing I need to pull something out of the bag.
      “But I think this is that sort of fight.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Tyson Fury brands Eddie Hearn a ‘w***er’ and claims Matchroom promoter favours Canelo Alvarez to Billy Joe Saunders More

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      in Soccer

      Paul Pogba set for Man Utd transfer exit this summer if Frenchman doesn’t sign bumper new contract

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      PAUL POGBA will be sold this summer if he refuses to commit to signing a new deal at Manchester United.
      Yet United are still confident they can keep him at Old Trafford — even though it will cost a fortune to do so.
      Manchester United are desperate not to lose Paul Pogba on a free transfer
      David De Gea could be sacrificed to cover Pogba’s wage hike
      And that is likely to lead to an exit for David De Gea, as the money saved on the keeper’s wages would help cover the hefty pay hike Pogba would demand.
      The French midfielder, 28, could leave on a free when his contract ends in just over a year, with ex-club Juventus leading the chase. United chiefs are getting twitchy and want talks with his agent Mino Raiola.
      They lost him for nothing when he joined Juve as a teen in 2012 — and paid out £89million to re-sign him in 2016.
      Old Trafford bosses are keen to keep him, despite the fact he will want at least £500,000 a week.
      Yet they  will not be held to ransom by Raiola and are desperate  to see progress  before the Euros.
      United know that waiting until  the tournament ends greatly weakens their bargaining power.
      They want to recoup the £89m fee — but know that is less likely as the summer goes on.
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      And while the saga drags on the Red Devils cannot make plans for a possible replacement.
      West Ham’s Declan Rice, 22, was a top target — but United feel a near £100m fee is too dear.
      Leicester’s Wilfred Ndidi, 24, and Saul Niguez, 26, of Atletico Madrid are also on their hit list.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Donny van de Beek trains with Man Utd More

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      in Soccer

      It’s powerful to see the WSL united alongside the Premier League and EFL in a stand against racism

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      I’M GLAD to see the four-day social-media blackout has included women’s football.Sometimes in the past when men’s football has taken a stand against issues, people haven’t considered how women’s football is affected.
      Alex Scott hopes football’s social media blackout is the start of things to come in regard to tackling onlineabuse
      Casey Stoney called out Mark Zuckerburg for failing to protect individuals from abuse on his social media platforms Facebook and Instagram
      It’s important to understand that female players are hit with the same horrific abuse that male players suffer.
      It’s powerful to see the WSL united alongside the Premier League, EFL and other sports in a stand against racism and discrimination on social media.
      Man United boss Casey Stoney recently called out Facebook and Instagram chief Mark Zuckerburg for not doing enough after Lauren James was racially abused again.
      She was hit with vile comments when she put up a picture of her hugging her little sister on Instagram last week.
      Liverpool’s Rinsola Babajide revealed she had been abused on Instagram, leaving her “feeling sick”.
      And after other users reported racist abuse on Babajide’s account they were stunned when Instagram replied: “We’ve reviewed the account and found that it doesn’t go against our community guidelines.”
      Horrific abuse like that shows how prevalent this issue is.
      Hopefully this weekend’s boycott sends a strong message but I just hope that come midnight on Monday things just don’t go back to normal.
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      We always need to think about how we can keep moving forward and progressing.
      This is the first step but I hope those higher up are planning for what action to take next.
      It shouldn’t just be on the likes of Thierry Henry’s shoulders, after he deleted his social media accounts five weeks ago in a stand against online abuse.
      When we come together it’s powerful.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Prince William joins football’s social media boycott over abuse More

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      in Soccer

      Burnley eye Aaron Ramsdale transfer if they can cash in on £45m-rated England stopper Nick Pope

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      BURNLEY have put Aaron Ramsdale top of their wish-list — if England cap Nick Pope is sold.Sheffield United’s Three Lions Under-21 keeper Ramsdale is wanted as Pope is expected to attract big interest this summer.
      Aaron Ramsdale could yet stay in the Premier League next seasonCredit: Getty
      Ramsdale, 22, has just gone down with the Blades — a year after joining from Bournemouth for £18.5million.
      Should Burnley sell Pope, 29, in the region of £45m then Ramsdale would cost less than half that sum.
      That kind of deal suits Burnley’s new owners who are willing to sell to buy players as long as the new ones have the potential to bring in more in the future.
      Boss Sean Dyche has also considered a return for former No 1 Tom Heaton, but as we revealed he is now in Manchester United’s sights.
      Boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his Old Trafford transfer team are looking for an experienced cover keeper.
      Heaton, 35, is in the frame after losing his place to Emi Martinez.
      He is the type of solid pro who would fit the bill.
      Heaton was a youth keeper at Old Trafford and stayed on their books until 2010.
      The new stopper would have to be happy as an understudy but with the ability to quickly step into the first team.
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      Nick Pope is expected to be on many clubs’ shortlist in the summerCredit: Dave Thompson Telegraph Media Group

      Someone seen as a good role model to their younger keepers would also be a plus.
      Burnley are also leading the race for United keeper Jacob Carney, 20, on loan at Irish side Portadown.
      David de Gea and Dean Henderson have competed for the No1 jersey this season at Old Trafford.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Man Utd boss Solskjaer thanks Sheffield United for developing Dean Henderson into top talent More

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      in Soccer

      Arsenal ace Bukayo Saka upset neighbours by leaving piles of earth outside his home

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      RISING footie ace Bukayo Saka has upset neighbours by leaving piles of earth outside his home.The 19-year-old Arsenal and England star is having a football pitch with changing room installed at the £2.3million mansion he bought only last year.
      Bukayo Saka has upset neighbours by leaving piles of earth outside his homeCredit: Rex
      The footie player is having a football pitch with changing room installed at his £2.3million mansionCredit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers Ltd
      He called in bulldozers to level off the back garden — but they left what residents call a mountain of mud.
      One of his neighbours near Hatfield, Herts, said: “The building work is causing a real eyesore.
      The footie ace called in bulldozers to level off the back garden — but they left what residents call a mountain of mudCredit: The Sun
      One of his neighbours said: ‘The building work is causing a real eyesore’Credit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers Ltd

      “It’s a horrendous sight and a lot of the neighbours aren’t at all happy.
      “The area has a lot of very well-to-do people who don’t expect this sort of thing.”
      But another said; “If he keeps scoring for Arsenal, I’m not bothered.”
      Arsenal legend Martin Keown slams Mikel Arteta for ‘exposing’ Granit Xhaka at left-back against Villarreal More

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      in Soccer

      Philippe Coutinho set for £35m Everton transfer with Toffees already house hunting for ex-Liverpool ace

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      PHILIPPE COUTINHO will join Everton this summer in a £35million deal.The Goodison club are so confident of the playmaker returning to Merseyside, they are already house-hunting for him.
      Barcelona’s ex-Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho is close to joining EvertonCredit: Rex
      Everton’s James Rodriguez could be partnered with Philippe Coutinho next season in a dynamic sideCredit: Getty
      Boss Carlo Ancelotti wants Barcelona’s former Liverpool star to form a South American dream team with Colombian James Rodriguez.
      The Brazilian, 28, has had a miserable time since leaving Anfield for Spain for £145m.
      Barca tried to sell him 18 months later but he ended up on loan at Bayern Munich.
      He won the treble in Germany but was hit by injuries that cost him a permanent move to the Bundesliga.
      He then made 14 appearances on his return to the Nou Camp,  but has not played since late December thanks to a knee injury.
      He had surgery at the start of this month and will not play again this season.
      Everton want to be sure he has recovered fully before committing, but a deal  is thought to have been agreed on paper.
      Liverpool boast the most-valuable squad in the Premier League
      The prognosis is said to be  excellent and plans are well underway to  welcome Coutinho, his wife Aine and their three children.
      Liverpool fans will have mixed feelings that their arch rivals  have pounced for  ‘the Little Magician’.
      Barca are keen to offload him, even for a cut–price fee.
      He was linked with a return to Anfield but, instead, if he recovers the form that made him a huge hit there, he could come back to haunt the Reds.
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      The Everton move shows the ambition of Ancelotti and majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri.
      The Italian manager is determined to turn Everton  into regular participants  in the Champions League.
      The capture of Coutinho would be a big step forward in that aim.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Everton ‘plot shock Philippe Coutinho transfer and hope to land Barcelona and ex-Liverpool star for just £35m’ More

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      in Soccer

      Tottenham end Brendan Rodgers pursuit as hefty £70MILLION price tag puts Spurs off in-demand Leicester manager

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      SPURS have been frightened off by the potential £70million  cost of landing Brendan Rodgers.Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy was confident of finally getting his man, despite the Leicester chief publicly dismissing the prospect of succeeding the sacked Jose Mourinho.
      Tottenham have ended their costly pursuit of Brendan Rodgers as their new managerCredit: AP
      But the Londoners have been unable to come up with a package that would get Rodgers, 48, out of the King Power.
      The Northern Irishman earns up to £10m a season with the Foxes.
      And Tottenham would need to offer a four-year contract of £12.5m a year, plus Leicester’s expected compensation demands of £20m — a similar amount to what Bayern Munich are paying former Spurs target RB Leipzig for Julian Nagelsmann.
      The Carabao Cup runners-up would also have to shell out for the ex-Liverpool manager’s backroom staff.
      Rodgers — who was offered the Tottenham job by Levy in 2012 but instead went to Anfield — will now remain at the King Power.
      He said: “Tottenham is a great club but . . . I’m very happy here. I want to continue my work here.”
      Spurs will now talk to Erik ten Hag, 51, about taking over — but will only do so once his Ajax side have sealed the Dutch title.
      Rodgers, meanwhile, says red-hot striker Kelechi Iheanacho has finally silenced the moaners with his goal run.
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      Daniel Levy will now turn to other targets to succeed Jose MourinhoCredit: Kevin Quigley-The Daily Mail

      The Nigerian, 24, endured a tough start at the Foxes following his £25m move from Manchester City in 2017.
      But 12 goals in nine games have cemented third spot and put Leicester into next month’s FA Cup final.
      Ahead of tonight’s trip to Southampton, Rodgers said: “Kelechi’s gone through spells when there were moans and groans when he came on.
      “But I don’t think there’s any now. That’s a testament to Kelechi.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Harry Kane ODDS-ON to ditch Tottenham this summer with Man City, Man Utd & PSG leading £150m transfer battle More

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      in Soccer

      Ben White transfer race hots up as Man Utd and Arsenal joined by PSG and Dortmund in eyeing £35m-rated Brighton ace

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      BORUSSIA DORTMUND have joined the race for Brighton defender Ben White.Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United and Arsenal remain interested in one of the Premier League’s most talented young central defenders.
      Borussia Dortmund have joined the race for £35m-rated Brighton defender Ben WhiteCredit: Rex
      Brighton will demand about £35million for White, having turned down three bids from Leeds last summer – with the final offer totalling £25m.
      White spent a successful season on loan in the Championship with Leeds last term and has gone from strength to strength on the south coast this year.
      Dortmund already have an eye for English talent having signed both Jude Bellingham from Birmingham and Jadon Sancho from Manchester City.
      They also made a move for Ben Godfrey but instead, he left Norwich for Everton.
      White, 23, has played 34 times for Graham Potter this season and is on the verge of an England call-up after being name-checked by national boss Gareth Southgate.
      While he will take no part in Euro2020, he looks certain to get a call-up for the Autumn World Cup qualifiers.
      Man Utd captain Harry Maguire reportedly urged Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to sign White at the end of the season.
      According to The Transfer Window podcast, Maguire has told his manager he would like to play alongside an English-speaking centre back who understands the culture of Premier League football and will complement his game.
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      It is believed one of the players mentioned in this discussion was White, who has attracted many plaudits since joining Leeds United on loan last season.
      Elsewhere, United have reportedly made Erling Haaland their No 1 transfer target but may wait until next season when his £65m release clause activates.
      The Norwegian striker is Europe’s hottest property with a host of super-clubs prepared to make their moves.
      United are no different with boss Solskjaer eager to land a prolific goalscorer to lead the line.
      According to Eurosport, club chiefs including director John Murtough have determined they will go all out to land Haaland.
      Dortmund are likely to put their star asset up for sale this summer for £130m if they miss out on Champions League football.
      Edin Terzic’s side currently sit fifth, just a point behind Eintracht Frankfurt who occupy fourth.
      If Dortmund decide to cling onto their superstar then his value will half next year due to a clause in his contract.
      The decision remains in the hands of the German side who know a heavyweight rival are likely to stump up over £100m this summer.
      United face serious competition for his signature with Barcelona, Real Madrid and Chelsea all heavily linked.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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