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      Leicester 2 AEK 0: Under and Barnes strike as Foxes seal top spot with cruise

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      CENGIZ UNDER scored his first Leicester City goal as Brendan Rodgers’ side comfortably sealed top spot in their group.
      The on-loan Roma winger powered in a spectacular volley to open the scoring after 12 minutes.

      Cengiz Under fired Leicester in front after 14 minutesCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      And the equally dangerous Harvey Barnes made it two goals in the space of three minutes to all but wrap the game up by the quarter hour mark.
      It means dominant Leicester stayed top of Group G ahead of Sporting Braga and stand the chance of a favourable pairing when the round of 32 is drawn on Monday.
      Turkey International Under caused AEK problems all night as Foxes created a string of chances and should have won by a far more convincing margin.
      Leicester made seven changes from the team that won at Sheffield United on Sunday.

      But Rodgers’ side quickly put to bed any thoughts that they would be going thorough the motions.
      The Foxes back four had a youthful look to it with two 19-year-olds and a 20-year-old joining veteran Jonny Evans.
      But AEK were so ineffective that they rarely tested the Foxes defence.
      Leicester went ahead when Stratos Svarnas failed to deal with Youri Tielemans’ cross and Under smashed his shot home.

      It was a case of job done after 14 minutes when Barnes cut in from the left and found the net at the near post thanks to a deflection off Ionut Nedelcearu,
      Barnes was involved again when he placed an excellent pass for Kelechi Iheanacho who got in a tangle in front of goal and missed a close range chance.
      Wilfred Ndidi’s diving header was just wide of the target from six yards after 43 mnutes.

      Harvey Barnes netted just two minutes later to hand the Foxes a two-goal lead

      And Leicester piled on the pressure with Dennis Praet turning driving from 25 yards – but AEK keeper Panagiotis Tsintotas tipped it over the bar.
      Barnes continued to impress and his solo run after 69 minutes ended with a shot that was inches wide before Sub Ayoze Perez was denied by a scrambling Panagiotis.
      It was Barnes who looked the most likely to score again late on in an outstanding display – but somehow Leicester failed to find the net again. More

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      Diego Maradona’s relatives begin battle over £37million fortune – with at least 16 wanting a slice

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      DIEGO Maradona’s relatives began fighting over his £37million fortune yesterday — with at least 16 battling for a slice.
      The Argentine footie legend, who died from a heart attack last month aged 60, did not leave a will.

      ⚠️ Read our Diego Maradona death live blog for the latest news & updates

      Diego Maradona’s family have started battling for his £37million fortuneCredit: AFP

      Diego – pictured with wife Claudia Villafane and daughters Yanina Dinora and Dalma Nerea – died last month aged 60Credit: Reuters

      The footie legend has five kids including his two eldest children Giannina and DalmaCredit: AFP – Getty

      He is also believed to have seven more love-children Credit: Bongarts – Getty

      Maradona had recognised two sons, both named DiegoCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Maradona, whose Hand of God goal helped end England’s 1986 World Cup run, had five children.
      Their claims were staked at a secret location in Argentina’s ­capital Buenos Aires last night.
      But seven more alleged love-children, plus four of Maradona’s five sisters, were also said to be vying for chunks of his legacy.

      A source in Buenos Aires told The Sun: “The battle for Maradona’s money won’t just be contested — it will be a World Cup.”
      Court papers have revealed his estate includes cash in Switzerland, Dubai and Buenos Aires, property across the globe and a fleet of luxury vehicles.
      Accounts also show funds from ad contracts with big brands ­in­cluding Puma and Coca-Cola.
      Maradona is said to have signed a will in 2012 — but scrapped it four years later.

      Argentine law bans his children being disinherited and requires all to be given equal shares.
      A source said : “With no will, children close to Maradona and some he has never met will all be able to claim an equal share of his fortune.
      “That is clearly unacceptable to children who were part of his life for years and feel they have been cheated.”

      Jana Maradona – a model – was recently recognised by Diego as one of his childrenCredit: Instagram

      Diego Jr was named as Maradona’s son by an Italian court in 1995 – and the legend finally acknowledged him in 2016Credit: Reuters

      Magali Gil claims to have been fathered by Diego MaradonaCredit: Intrusos

      Santiago Lara has appeared on TV appealing for the Maradona family to recognise himCredit: Vivo

      Diego Maradona’s craziest moments
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      Man Utd chiefs want Paul Pogba OUT of the club in January transfer after Mino Raiola’s latest outburst

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      FED-UP Manchester United chiefs want Paul Pogba out of the club in the January transfer window.
      His agent’s disgracefully-timed statement on the eve of United’s crucial Champions League clash with RB Leipzig was the final straw.

      Man Utd chiefs are ready to part ways with Paul Pogba in JanuaryCredit: Rex Features

      Mino Raiola’s latest outburst was the final straw for Old Trafford top brassCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Mino Raiola destabilised boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s preparations — and they lost 3-2 to crash out of the competition.
      Raiola told an Italian sports website that Pogba’s time at Old Trafford was over, that he was not happy and should be sold.
      United had flat out refused to be bullied by Raiola, who has been an irritant during Pogba’s second spell at the club.
      But now the Red Devils top brass are ready to accept defeat and let their £89million club-record signing go.

      They want their money back but may have to drop the asking price as low as £50m to find a buyer for the French World Cup winner.
      Pogba, 27, favours a return to Juventus. The Italian giants would welcome back their four-time Serie A winner — but it is whether they have the cash.
      United could have sold the midfielder to Real Madrid in the summer of 2019 but their £180m fee was never going to be met by the Spaniards and the chance was gone.
      Having got rid of Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez back then, Solskjaer was prepared to let Pogba go too — as long as he got the money to reinvest in his squad.

      Man Utd’s biggest transfers ever, both in and out, including Ronaldo

      Now Pogba has become an unwanted sideshow that is starting to affect the Norwegian’s running of the team.
      He  probably cost Jose Mourinho his job when the former United manager axed Pogba from the team and stripped him of the vice-captaincy.
      The club’s sympathies at the time were with Pogba, believing Mourinho was having a meltdown.
      Looking back now, the board might  revise their thoughts on that.

      Solskjaer left the France star out of the starting XI  against Leipzig on Tuesday but brought him on 16 minutes into the second half with United 2-0 down.
      He scored a header to cut Leipzig’s lead to 3-2 — and almost forced an own goal with a late cross that would have seen United scrape through.
      But his form has been poor in general and he  is unlikely to win back  his place for Saturday’s Manchester derby.
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer speaks about Paul Pogba transfer rumours after Man Utd’s Champions League exit at Leipzig More

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      Jose Mourinho sports a face mask as he struggles with his Christmas shopping

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      SPURS boss Jose Mourinho may be used to having points in the bag, but he looked to be struggling with his Christmas shopping.
      The ex-Chelsea and Manchester United manager, 57, grabbed top brands in West London.

      Jose Mourinho treated himself to a spot of Christmas shoppingCredit: MJ-Pictures.com

      The Spurs boss seemed to struggle with his bulky purchasesCredit: MJ-Pictures.com

      Passing fans stopped to grab a snap with the self-styled Special One as he shopped at Fendi and Zenga.
      He may have treated himself to some shopping to celebrate Spurs’ latest 2-0 win against Arsenal.
      They clinched a famous derby win and headed back to the top of the Premier League.
      And Mourinho seems keen to ride the high – last week he insisted he’s a “very young boss” and will manage until he’s in his 70s.

      He grabbed top brands including Fendi and ZengaCredit: MJ-Pictures.com

      The self-styled Special One might have been taking advantage of some special offersCredit: MJ-Pictures.com
      He said: “There is a difference between success and a successful career.
      “Success can be related with your talent, but can be just the fact you are in a certain place in the right moment, in the right time.
      “Another thing is a successful career, which is based on year after year after year, I always wanted that kind of career. It’s part of my DNA.

      Passing fans stopped to grab a snap with himCredit: MJ-Pictures.com

      “I’m a 57-year-old, very young in relation to my job, so I wouldn’t be surprised if I have 10 to 15 years ahead of me.

      “Everybody saying my career is long, which is true, but I don’t see the end. I feel exactly the same passion, the same desire to learn every day. I think it’s just a pleasure.
      “My white hair for sure has nothing to do with a stressful job!”

      Mourinho was still riding high from Spurs’ 2-0 win against Arsenal over the weekendCredit: EPA

      Jose Mourinho says Spurs accepted what Arsenal did to them in the second half after putting themselves in a very good place before half time
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      Armchair footie fans arguing about the rules can now turn to their own referee — Alexa

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      ARMCHAIR footie fans arguing about the rules can now turn to their own referee — Alexa.
      The Amazon voice assistant has been updated with the official laws of the game.

      Amazon’s Alexa uses ­information from the ­International Football Association Board and former ref Mark ClattenburgCredit: Free for editorial use

      Users of any Alexa-enabled device, including Echo smart speakers, can ask questions such as: “Alexa, can you explain the offside rule?”
      Another frequent query could be: “Alexa, has the handball rule changed?”
      Eric King, director of Alexa Europe, said the new feature had been dubbed “VARlexa” after Video Assistant Referee technology.
      Its ­information comes from the ­International Football Association Board and former Premier League ref Mark Clattenburg.

      Mark Clattenburg helped ‘teach’ the tech to answer questions such as: ‘Alexa, can you explain the offside rule?’Credit: Free for editorial use

      A survey for Amazon’s Prime Video streaming service found that two-thirds of people admit they do not fully understand the rules of the game.
      Eighty-two per cent thought they would enjoy football more if they had a better grasp of the laws.
      And 85 per cent said they felt it would be an advantage to have instant and reliable access to the official rules during live matches.

      Moment Borat tries to order three flashlights with an Alexa but instead receives rubber playthings
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      Arteta defends Aubameyang and reveals Arsenal sent footage of foul throws to FA to demand Bellerin explanation

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      MIKEL ARTETA is standing by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and is ‘proud’ of Arsenal’s response to losing at Tottenham.
      Gunners skipper Auba has not scored a Prem goal from open play since their season opener  and is rested for tonight’s Europa League dead rubber at Dundalk.

      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has an ‘energy and hunger’ of someone set to rediscover his best form, says Arsenal boss Mikel ArtetaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The Gunners believe Hector Bellerin’s throw-ins have been ‘harshly’ penalised and have sent ‘worse incidents’ to the FACredit: Getty – Pool

      Boss Arteta said: “No one’s undroppable but we can’t forget what Auba has done  in recent months and not just years ago.
      “I see how he trains, behaves and how he wants to turn this situation around.
      “He has an energy you wouldn’t usually associate with a player who is suffering and when I see that type of hunger I stay strong in my support of that player.
      ⚽ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news from The Emirates

      “We’re not getting the league  results we expect so of course pressure’s  increasing.
      “We played much better against Spurs than we did when we beat Manchester United but you can’t talk about that when you’ve lost the derby 2-0.
      “I could not be any prouder of the response from the players this week.
      “I have seen a team that is united, wants to fight and has a big belief in what we are trying to do.

      “They all want to push each other  and Auba’s been one of the main guys there.”
      Arteta defended full-back Hector Bellerin after a FIFTH foul throw of the season.

      The Gunners boss said: “It was harsh and we sent images to the Premier League of many incidents much worse.
      “We will keep working with Hector and make sure he does the action properly.”
      ARSENAL (likely): Runarsson, Cedric, Chambers, Mari, Kolasinac, Cottrell, Elneny, Azeez, Pepe, Balogun, Smith Rowe.

      Dundalk vs Arsenal free live stream, TV Channel and kick off time for Europa League match More

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      Man Utd chiefs want Paul Pogba OUT of club in January transfer after Mino Raiola’s latest outburst

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      FED-UP Manchester United chiefs want Paul Pogba out of the club in the January transfer window.
      His agent’s disgracefully-timed statement on the eve of United’s crucial Champions League clash with RB Leipzig was the final straw.

      Man Utd chiefs are ready to part ways with Paul Pogba in JanuaryCredit: Rex Features

      Mino Raiola’s latest outburst was the final straw for Old Trafford top brassCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Mino Raiola destabilised boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s preparations — and they lost 3-2 to crash out of the competition.
      Raiola told an Italian sports website that Pogba’s time at Old Trafford was over, that he was not happy and should be sold.
      United had flat out refused to be bullied by Raiola, who has been an irritant during Pogba’s second spell at the club.
      But now the Red Devils top brass are ready to accept defeat and let their £89million club-record signing go.

      They want their money back but may have to drop the asking price as low as £50m to find a buyer for the French World Cup winner.
      Pogba, 27, favours a return to Juventus. The Italian giants would welcome back their four-time Serie A winner — but it is whether they have the cash.
      United could have sold the midfielder to Real Madrid in the summer of 2019 but their £180m fee was never going to be met by the Spaniards and the chance was gone.
      Having got rid of Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez back then, Solskjaer was prepared to let Pogba go too — as long as he got the money to reinvest in his squad.

      Man Utd’s biggest transfers ever, both in and out, including Ronaldo

      Now Pogba has become an unwanted sideshow that is starting to affect the Norwegian’s running of the team.
      He  probably cost Jose Mourinho his job when the former United manager axed Pogba from the team and stripped him of the vice-captaincy.
      The club’s sympathies at the time were with Pogba, believing Mourinho was having a meltdown.
      Looking back now, the board might  revise their thoughts on that.

      Solskjaer left the France star out of the starting XI  against Leipzig on Tuesday but brought him on 16 minutes into the second half with United 2-0 down.
      He scored a header to cut Leipzig’s lead to 3-2 — and almost forced an own goal with a late cross that would have seen United scrape through.
      But his form has been poor in general and he  is unlikely to win back  his place for Saturday’s Manchester derby.
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer speaks about Paul Pogba transfer rumours after Man Utd’s Champions League exit at Leipzig More

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      Premier League Big Six could ALL enter new-look Champions League as Uefa try to avoid breakaway

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      ENGLAND’S Big Six could ALL be part of a new-look Champions League.
      The latest blueprint unveiled to the Prem elite opens the way for Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United AND Spurs to all share millions in extra Euro revenue from 2024.

      Chelsea and Arsenal could both find their route into the Champions League easier under new plansCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Uefa will work with the European Club Association, led by Juve supremo Andrea Agnelli, to find a competition format the top clubs will acceptCredit: Getty – Contributor

      But the rest of the Prem would have to finish in the top FOUR to get their passport to the big time.
      Uefa chiefs’ latest plan intends to fend off the genuine threat of a breakaway European Super League.
      Europe’s governing body is now working with the European Club Association, headed by Juventus president Andrea Agnelli, to find a format acceptable to the biggest clubs.

      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Uefa is aware that clubs want more games — and more guaranteed TV cash.
      That has seen them adopt the outline plan of a 36-team league, with each side playing an initial ten matches in  seeding brackets to ensure opponents of a  similar strength.
      But in a sop to the biggest clubs in the wealthiest nations, England could be allowed up to SIX sides in the new-look senior competition — plus the FA Cup winners in the Europa League and Carabao Cup holders in the new third-tier Europa Conference League.
      As now, the top four in the Prem would get an automatic place in the elite, along with four sides from Germany, Spain and Italy.

      Secondary leagues would offer two or three places, with further slots accessed through play-off rounds to ensure a nominal path to the high table for every country.
      But two places would be left open to the two clubs from across Europe with the highest coefficient score — calculated by results in Uefa competitions over the previous five seasons — who had not qualified by right.

      And with all of England’s Big Six currently rated in Europe’s top 15, that would give  Prem sides a genuine chance of sneaking in through the back door.
      Yet it is a door effectively shut in the faces of the likes of Leicester, Everton and Wolves, who have not been regular European competitors and are well down the coefficient table.
      Uefa hope the format is agreed at April’s Congress of the 55  associations.
      European Leagues representative Lars-Christer Olsson said: “It should be possible to squeeze in an extra four dates.”

      Peter Schmeichel has frustrated reaction to Man Utd’s loss at RB Leipzig that leaves Jamie Carragher over the moon More