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    Man City slapped with huge fine over furious stars surrounding ref and Erling Haaland had meltdown in Tottenham clash

    MANCHESTER CITY have been slapped with a fine after they lost their temper during a 3-3 draw with Tottenham. Many of the Treble-winning stars like Erling Haaland surrounded referee Simon Hooper after he blew too early for a foul while Jack Grealish was through on goal.
    Man City have been fined for their players’ behaviourCredit: PA
    Erling Haaland screamed and shouted at ref Simon HooperCredit: Rex
    The Norwegian striker was knocked over on the half way line by Emerson Royal but managed to pick himself up and pass to his team-mate racing towards the net.
    But the official did not play the advantage and instead pulled the game back for a foul, sparking fury amongst the City players.
    Haaland completely lost his rag and sprinted towards Hooper shouting at him.
    At full-time, he then stormed off the pitch and was involved in an altercation with Spurs players.
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    Haaland was seen shouting: “F*** off, f*** off”.
    And his rage didn’t end there as he later tweeted a video of the decision with the caption “WTF”.
    Ruben Dias, Mateo Kovacic and Ederson also all confronted the ref.
    Haaland has escaped any direct punishment for his behaviour.
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    But the same cannot be said for his club with Man City fined £120,000 by the FA.
    A statement read: “Manchester City admitted that they failed to ensure their players did not behave in an improper way during the 94th minute.
    “An Independent Regulatory Commission imposed this sanction following a hearing.” More

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    Tottenham superhero Dejan Kulusevski lifts lid on secret weapon that gives him ‘a little more power’ under Postecoglou

    DEJAN KULUSEVSKI is proving to be a superhero for Spurs – and the Swedish international now claims a special Zorro mask is giving him special powers.The Tottenham midfielder delivered another fine performance in Friday’s 2–0 win at Nottingham Forest and created Richarlison’s opener before grabbing the second.
    Tottenham ace Dejan Kulusevski has drastically improved under Ange PostecoglouCredit: PA
    Kulusevski revealed his protective mask as the secret behind his newfound successCredit: AP
    Kulusevski, 23, claimed he felt inspired by wearing the protective item for only the second time after breaking his nose in the last minute of the 2-1 home loss to West Ham on December 7.
    The mask got its first outing in the 4-1 win over Newcastle 72 hours later and Kulusevski will be keeping it for Saturday’s home game with Everton.
    He said: “It feels good – it gives me a little more power. I like it. I push the secret button on the mask and off we go.
    “I’ve not worn it before. I’ve just broken my nose and this is what I have to do to protect it. The doctor says to keep it for one month – we will see.”
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    Kulusevski continues to be at the heart of all of Tottenham’s creativity.
    Since initially arriving on loan from Juventus on January 31 2022, he has delivered 17 Premier League assists.
    Only four players, Mohamed Salah (23), Kevin De Bruyne (22), Bukayo Saka (20) and James Maddison (19) have a higher number.
    After being urged to add goals to his game by new Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou, Kulusevski has started to become more of a threat up front and the strike at Forest was his fifth of the season.
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    Tottenham defender Ben Davies, impressed with Kulusevski,  said: “He’s actually been very, very good for us this year. It’s not just about how good he is on the ball. He holds it up, secures it but off the ball as well.
    “I’m pretty sure he runs the most in our team as well. He runs miles every single game. We’re very lucky to have him.
    “He’s such a good player. Obviously, we see it day in, day out, but we want him to be more aggressive. The message has been: ‘Stop looking for your team-mates and actually back yourself a bit more’.
    “And now you’re seeing it. He’s direct, he’s putting in crosses that are on the money nine times out of 10. He’s got much more confidence in his shooting now as well and he’s getting the rewards for that.”
    Kulusevski is happy that Spurs delivered a second successive win against Forest after a dodgy run of five matches without a victory.
    He said: “We were very disappointed with what happened. We played well but we still lost games and now we’re winning and still doing well. We can’t control what’s gone on in the past, we just look forward.
    “We conceded some silly goals, we could have controlled things much better. We have to grow, we’re still a young team. The football is there. The football has been there in every single game but we can grow as individuals.” More

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    Tottenham legend Teddy Sheringham tells Ange Postecoglou to beat Arsenal to top transfer target in January

    TOTTENHAM legend Teddy Sheringham has urged Spurs to beat Arsenal to the signing of Ivan Toney in January.Spurs have found success since moving Heung Min Son to a No9 role but have struggled to blow teams away despite creating numerous chances.
    Sheringham has urged Spurs to move for a strikerCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
    He thinks Ivan Toney would be the perfect fitCredit: PA
    Although they’ve scored in every game they’ve played this season, Spurs have only scored more than two goals in a game twice this season – against Burnley and Newcastle.
    And former striker Sheringham believes that Brentford’s Toney would be the perfect solution for them to become a free-scoring side.
    Toney is currently suspended for a gambling ban but will be free to play again on January 17.
    Brentford want £100million for the striker who is also being courted by Arsenal and Chelsea.
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    On bringing Toney to the club, he told Gambling Zone: “Everyone is talking about Arsenal getting Ivan Toney in January.
    “He seems to be the only player in the centre forward position that might be available in the next window. I would love to see Tottenham nick him off of Brentford and get there before Arsenal do.
    “Toney has got something about him. He carries himself well and can take on the mantle of being the main man at a club.
    “Everyone is suggesting that he could be the icing on the cake for Arsenal, but I think he could be a big, big player for Tottenham at this moment in time.
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    “He could spearhead Tottenham’s attack. Sonny isn’t really a centre forward. He loves to run in behind, but he doesn’t play like a centre forward – you need a focal point in your team.
    “You need that man that brings it all together. A player that can lead the line, stretch defences, hold the ball up and bring others into play. I see Ivan Toney as a player that is more than capable of doing that.”
    Sheringham also said that he’s delighted with the job Ange Postecoglou has done since taking over, but said he needs more squad depth if he is to fulfil his ambitions at Spurs.
    Sheringham said: “The future looks bright under Ange. He has Romero back now, Van de Ven will be back in the New Year and both of those players give you defensive stability.
    “A great season would see Tottenham get into a Champions League spot and win the FA Cup. That would be a great season. You can’t ask for more than that.
    “Winning the FA Cup on its own would be a great season, but the club will be looking at the financial rewards qualifying for the Champions League brings, which allows you to bring in better players.
    “For Tottenham to keep moving in the right direction and to give the club the best possible chance of qualifying for the Champions League, they need more quality. Without a doubt.”
    Spurs travel to Nottingham Forest tonight at 8pm.
    A victory move level on points with Manchester City in fourth but remain behind them due to City’s superior goal difference. More

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    Man Utd ‘joined by City, Spurs and Liverpool in sending scouts to watch England Under-21 wonderkid for 2024 transfer’

    MANCHESTER UNITED must battle THREE other top-six Premier League clubs for Hayden Hackney, according to reports.The England U21’s midfielder will likely leave Middlesbrough in the summer.
    Hayden Hackney is on the radar of both Manchester United and Manchester CityCredit: Rex
    Hackney was called up to the U21 squad in SeptemberCredit: Alamy
    United must fend of interest from Manchester City, Liverpool and Tottenham – who all have their eye on the defensive midfielder.
    The Mail report that talent-spotters were in attendance at Boro matches in recent months, and Spurs are among those most interested.
    Premier League scouts attended his last game away at Bristol City before he picked up a hamstring injury.
    Interestingly, most of those top six clubs have not watched the team during his three game absence.
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    Both Manchester clubs are monitoring him, with United said to be more keen.
    Hackney’s manager is United legend Michael Carrick, who guided Boro to fourth in the Championship last year.
    The England star signed a new four-year contract in the summer, but there is an acceptance he will snapped up if Boro fail to win promotion to the Premier League.
    United midfielder Casemiro failed to replicate last season’s form before his injury, and Sofyan Amrabat will likely miss out on a permanent move.
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    While Liverpool are also interested with Wataru Endo and Thiago Alcantara both in their thirties.
    Hackney has made 16 league appearances this season, and a further four in the EFL Cup.
    He also won five caps for England’s under-21s over the autumn, playing alongside current Liverpool star Harvey Elliott.
    Despite a good start, Middlesbrough have dropped to 12th, losing three of their last five.
    However, the club remain six points away from the playoff spots. More

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    Would Tottenham be better off with Harry Kane? Fans have their say on The Sun’s brilliant new football show The Tap In

    SUNSPORT has launched its brand new football show that goes behind the goals and into stands to give fans a unique look into the beautiful game. This week Will Pugh and Izzy Barker are joined by podcasters, and Tottenham fans, Chris Cowlin, James Black and Craig Darman.

    They discuss the troubles brewing for Erik Ten Hag at Old Trafford and Manchester United’s struggle for form as well as Arsenal’s chances of losing grip on their title race again.
    Chris Cowlin did not miss out on the opportunity to ruffle a few feathers on the other side of the North London divide.
    He said on the show: “Arsenal bottled the league last season and I think they’ll probably do the same this season.
    “I believe Manchester City will go onto win the Premier League. I don’t think Arsenal have got enough quality to go on and win the title.’
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    The show also dives into all things Spurs with a lively debate in the segment SUPER-GLOU or IM-POST-ER.
    They touch on Harry’s Kane’s pursuit of trophies, Son Heung-min’s influence in the team and the development under new manager Ange Postecoglou.
    As well as Big Ange bombing out Eric Dier in the midst of an injury crisis.
    Cowlin said: “I hate that term Spursy, we’re going to lose that under Ange Postecoglou.
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    “He has transformed this football club in the six months he has been at the club. The feel good feeling is back.
    “That style and entertainment we haven’t seen under many different managers, Jose Mourinho, Antonio Conte, Nuno Espirito Santo.
    “That party feeling is back.”
    The show also offers you that chance to hear from the horse’s mouth about how James Black created a Spurs chant based on Robbie Williams’ Angels in honour of Postecoglou.
    You can also see how they fair in our entertaining weekly fan challenge The Perfect Delivery.
    Click here to watch the full video on The Sun Sport’s Youtube channel. More

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    How ‘Cristiano Ronaldo money’ blocked Man Utd from signing Harry Kane before Bayern transfer

    MANCHESTER UNITED failed to sign Harry Kane last summer because he would have cost them “Cristiano Ronaldo money”.United had been keeping tabs on Kane for almost 10 years as he set the world alight at Tottenham and became record goalscorer for the club as well as England.
    Manchester United tried to sign Bayern Munich star Harry Kane in the summerCredit: Getty
    Man Utd didn’t sign Kane because he would have cost as much as Cristiano RonaldoCredit: Getty
    According to The Mail, the Red Devils tried to finally get their star man in the summer when the striker had only one year left on his Spurs deal and was adamant he wouldn’t extend this time around.
    The North Londoners’ chairman Daniel Levy was under immense pressure by owner Joe Lewis to sell the 30-year-old in order to avoid losing the club’s greatest asset for free the year after.
    However, Levy, who is well known for being an immensely tough negotiator, was not at all keen on letting the England captain going to a Premier League rival, even though the player wanted United.
    Therefore, United would definitely have had to splash a staggering amount to seal a deal with the Tottenham bigwig.
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    However, the Manchester giants would also have to spend a staggering amount on the forward’s wages.
    Kane would have cost Erik ten Hag’s side a total amount similar to Ronaldo during the Al-Nassr superstar’s second stint at Old Trafford.
    It’s understood that the Tottenham legend’s salary at Bayern Munich is in the neighbourhood of £500,000 per week, including signing-on fee and bonuses.
    Therefore, United would have found themselves back at the same situation they were in when Ronaldo returned in 2021.
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    The Red Devils would be dealing with an expensive contract of a player in his thirties that wouldn’t have much resale value at the end of his deal.
    That led to United backing off and Kane ultimately moving to Bayern after a £104million deal with Tottenham.
    And the centre-forward has already amassed a staggering total of 22 goals and seven assists in 19 appearances with the German champions. More

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    Hugo Lloris lined up for shock Premier League transfer switch after four-month Tottenham exile

    NEWCASTLE are set to make a second shock transfer swoop for Hugo Lloris as the Magpies look to replace Nick Pope, a report claims.The Tottenham outcast was exiled from Ange Postecoglou’s squad in August and is yet to feature on any of Spurs match-day teamsheets.
    Hugo Lloris is lined up for a Premier League transfer switch to NewcastleCredit: Getty
    Pope, 31, is set to be sidelined for up to five months after dislocating his shoulder in the Magpie’s 1-0 victory against Manchester United.
    And last week Eddie Howe made it clear he intends to stick by second-choice shot-stopper Martin Dubravka despite their 3-0 loss against Everton.
    But after their 4-1 defeat against Spurs on Sunday and now conceding seven goals in his last two games, Newcastle might be tempted to bolster their goalkeeper ranks in January.
    Forgotten star Lloris is lined up as one of the contenders to fill in Howe’s No1 spot, according to the Mirror.
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    Newcastle tried and failed with a deadline-day loan deal for Lloris in September but the move was turned down by the Frenchman.
    The report claims the World Cup 2018 winner felt it was too late to leave Spurs even though it was clear he would not be a part of Postecoglou’s squad this term.
    Lloris’ current deal runs out in the summer of 2024 and has still not featured in any of the Aussie’s matchday line-ups.
    To have ” the chance to save some funds” the Lilywhites are keen to move Lloris on in the new year.
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    Newcastle are likely going to consider a loan until the end of the season hoping for Pope to have a speedy recovery.
    Spurs’ former captain also joins David de Gea who has also been on the Magpie’s radar.
    The free agent left Man Utd in the summer after spending 12 years at the club.
    Also, Paris Saint-Germain’s Keylor Navas, who spent the second half of last term on loan at Nottingham Forest, could enter Newcastle’s transfer list. More

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    Tottenham star Vicario hits back at Wilson after Newcastle ace branded him ‘disrespectful’ for ‘pulling faces’

    CALLUM WILSON branded Tottenham keeper Guglielmo Vicario disrespectful after Newcastle were spanked in North London.Gloating Vicario mocked Magpies sub Wilson by pulling a face at the England striker when he missed a second-half header.
    Callum Wilson branded Tottenham keeper Guglielmo Vicario disrespectfulCredit: Reuters
    Gloating Vicario mocked Magpies sub Wilson by pulling a face at the England striker
    Wilson spoke out after the defeat
    The pair then clashed at the end, just three days after Toon stars had a bust-up with Everton’s Sunderland-born keeper Jordan Pickford following his taunts in a Goodison Park defeat.
    Fuming Wilson said: “There’s a way to win, isn’t there?
    “We saw it in the week when Everton were winning and Jordan Pickford was messing around. The goalkeeper after my header starts pulling faces and messing around.
    “It’s just a lack of respect I thought. I said my piece, we’re grown men and we move on.”
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    But Tottenham’s No 1 hit back by posting on Instagram: “Respect is given . . . to everyone that respects me!”
    Wilson in the summer mocked Richarlison on his podcast with Michail Antonio.
    Antonio said: “He’s scored four times this season. Three of the times he’s been offside [and] he’s taken his top off four times this season.”
    A laughing Wilson added:
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    “He’s got four yellows – he’s almost on a suspension.”
    Spurs took light of the situation as they posted a mocked up image of the Michael Jordan meme with the words… “and I took that personally.”
    Spurs struck through Destiny Udogie, a Richarlison double and Son Heung-min’s penalty to end a run of four defeats in five games, with Joelinton replying late on for Toon. Defender Cristian Romero was lucky to escape with a yellow card for a nasty-looking tackle on Wilson.
    Injuries are mounting for Toon and boss Eddie Howe said: “I was pleased to see Callum get up from that because it looked dangerous. But we can’t use that as an excuse.

    “Physically we looked fatigued and there was not much we could do about it. We have to park this game quickly but take lessons from it.”
    Amazingly, Richarlison’s goals were the first with his feet since joining from Everton for £50million in 2022.
    He had returned from groin surgery. Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou said: “Since he’s come back, he feels a lot better physically and I think that’s helped him mentally as well.
    “It wasn’t just his goals, it was his general work-rate, energy and physicality.”
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    Postecoglou switched Son back out wide, despite him netting nine Prem goals as a central striker this term.
    The Spurs boss added: “With Sonny, he’s still our best finisher and I thought getting him back on the left would give us some more avenues to score goals.”
    Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou embraces with Son Heung-minCredit: Reuters More