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      Gabriel Jesus set for months out after suffering suspected ACL injury as Arsenal target loan transfer as cover

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      ARSENAL have been dealt a major injury blow with Gabriel Jesus out for months with a suspected ACL tear.The Brazilian striker had only recently returned to Mikel Arteta’s starting XI.Gabriel Jesus has suffered a suspected ACL injuryCredit: PAThe Arsenal star went down during his side’s FA Cup defeat to Man UtdCredit: GettyJesus was stretchered off and will now be out for monthsCredit: AFPJesus, 27, netted three goals in Arsenal’s previous four games before starting the FA Cup defeat to Manchester United on Sunday.But his FA Cup adventure was cut short following a collision with Bruno Fernandes.Jesus collapsed in a heap before writhing on the ground in pain.He then received lengthy treatment from medics before being stretchered off the field.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd the Athletic claims Jesus is now facing a long time on the sidelines after suffering an injury to his ACL.Further specialist reviews are scheduled for Tuesday to establish the full extent of the damage.But the striker is now all-but guaranteed to miss the remainder of the season.Arteta admitted: “We know more now. Not looking good at all.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”We need one more specialist and we will have more information this afternoon. I don’t want to confirm anything until the final report. It is the doctor’s job.”We were very worried at the time and we are very worried today.”Arteta not sure about trophy hopes after ‘incredible’ Arsenal loss With Jesus set for an extended period away from the pitch, Arsenal could be forced to dip into the January transfer market.The Gunners could explore a potential loan deal for a striker, but they will not be able to sign anyone from the Premier League due to their two allocated slots being taken up by Raheem Sterling and Neto.Instead, they will have to look abroad.Arteta and Co may reignite their interest in Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic before the window closes.Arsenal pushed to sign him three years ago but lost out to Juve just before the January deadline.However, the Serie A giants could be open to letting him go this month.They reportedly offered him to Manchester United as part of a swap deal for Joshua Zirkzee last week.READ MORE SUN STORIESDiscussing the possibility of signing another forward this month, Arteta added: “We are actively looking in the market, the same since day one. We would be naïve not to do that.”We are trying and let’s see what we are able to do.”Arsenal ratings vs Man Utd as Martinelli looks lively but wasteful Havertz costs Gunners another trophy chanceKAI HAVERTZ missed two sitters and a penalty in the shoot-out as Arsenal were dumped out of the FA Cup.The Gunners huffed and puffed but failed to find a winner, even after extra-time, against Manchester United’s 10 men.And it all went wrong in the penalty shootout as Altay Bayindir saved Havertz’s effort.Here is how SunSport’s Kealan Hughes rated the Arsenal stars…DAVID RAYA – 6Could do nothing about United’s goal and produced a stellar stop to deny Zirkzee in extra-time.JURRIEN TIMBER – 7Very effective on the overlap and worked well being fed by Odegaard.Tested a couple of times by Alejandro Garnacho who proved a problem on the counter-attack.WILLIAM SALIBA – 7Dealt with Hojlund well although the striker did not pose much of a threat.GABRIEL – 6Terrible error to lose possession to Alejandro Garnacho who was put through on goal and set up Bruno Fernandes to score.Made amends with a brilliant finish Bukayo Saka would have been proud of.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 5A quiet game at left-back, probably should have got forward more particularly after United went down to ten men and had Garnacho filling in at right-back.JORGINHO – 5Kept things ticking over in the middle and was always an outlet for his team-mates.MIKEL MERINO – 4Anonymous in the middle. Difficult to see what he brings to this Arsenal side.Missed a good chance to put his side ahead moments after the equaliser and was taken off shortly after that.MARTIN ODEGAARD – 7A pleasure to watch. Made everything happen, his ability to turn on the ball in the middle of the park created opportunities time after time.But he missed the chance to win the game from the penalty spot.GABRIEL JESUS – 6Lovely pass to break the lines and put through Martinelli, who found the back of the net but was offside.Fell awkwardly when defending a cross in the first half and was carried off on a stretcher.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7Was the main attacking threat in the first half with his direct style causing the visitors all sorts of problems.Produced good movement and a finish to match but his goal was disallowed for offside.KAI HAVERTZ – 3Won the penalty after a deft touch past Maguire.But he missed two sitters including one just three minutes from time to win the match, and his penalty miss proved decisive in the shoot-out.SUBSTITUTESRaheem Sterling (for Jesus, 40mins) – 6Looked sharp when he got the ball and did well in the build-up to Havertz winning the penalty.Declan Rice (for Merino, 73mins) – 6Almost scored with what might have been his first touch but his header was brilliantly saved.Should have grabbed the winner in the dying moments but his low effort was again superbly matched by Bayindir.Leandro Trossard (for Lewis-Skelly, extra-time) – 5Will wonder how he didn’t score after Matthijs de Ligt produced a goalline clearance to deny him.Blazed over with an effort from just outside the box.Thomas Partey (for Timber, 101mins) – 5Put in a few good crosses. Came close to a winner with an effort that was deflected narrowly over the bar.Kieran Tierney (for Jorginho, 113mins) -His arrival onto the pitch was greeted with a big cheer but he did not have much time to impact the match. More

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      If Liverpool beat Forest the Prem title race is over but a win for visitors will resurrect shades of Leicester 2016

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      SIX points clear with a game in hand.Surely only complacency can prevent Liverpool running away with the Prem crown?Chris Wood and Nottingham Forest could dent Liverpool’s Premier League title hopesIf Liverpool beat Nottingham Forest on Tuesday that could practically seal the titleNuno Espirito Santo’s Forest tactics beat Liverpool earlier in the seasonLiverpool boss Arne Slot will be looking for revenge against Forest after the early-season defeat at AnfieldAnother win on Tuesday night and Prem bosses can start planning the title ceremony on May 25.Yet Arne Slot and his men head to the City Ground with questions suddenly being asked.And if Nuno Espirito Santo’s side can repeat their shock September Anfield triumph, then the alarm bells might just start ringing.Liverpool were imperious over the Christmas fixtures, building on the impressive early foundations of the club’s new era.Read More on FootballHitting Spurs for six was a let-off for Ange Postecoglou’s side, even if Slot will not have been impressed with the three goals his team conceded.Then an ultimately comfortable home win over Leicester was followed by another capital day in the capital as West Ham were crushed by five – a margin that might easily have been doubled.Those wins ensured that Arsenal’s return to winning ways in their own crop of fixtures kept Liverpool’s cushion at the top of the pile.And when the Gunners dropped two points at Brighton on Saturday evening – courtesy of the Joao Pedro penalty decision that split opinion – Liverpool had the chance to really make them pay when they hosted a Manchester United side who travelled to Anfield seemingly already plucked and ready for the oven.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOnly it didn’t work out that way.Liverpool delivered arguably their worst display of the campaign and were fortunate that Harry Maguire did not take all three points for United deep in stoppage time.‘The ref made a mistake’ – Virgil van Dijk furious at Bergvall’s winner moments after Spurs star should have seen redFan unhappiness at the apparent contract game being played by Trent Alexander-Arnold saw some home supporters vent at the England right-back, while doubts over the long-term futures of Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk will persist until they put pen to paper on new deals.Further grumblings – and not just at referee Stuart Atwell – came in the wake of another sub-par performance when they returned to N17 against Spurs in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg last week.And while Liverpool would remain favourites even if they slip up at Nottingham Forest, the mood music might start to change – with the possibility that we really are in for a title race, rather than a procession.Slot, long enough in the game to know that a couple of ragged performances are only to be expected given the sheer intensity of the fixture list, has done everything not to show concern.After all, Liverpool did not exactly lose anything last week. They remain in charge of their own Prem destiny and will back themselves to overturn the first-leg deficit when Tottenham arrive on Merseyside next month.But Forest do not have to be told a gameplan by Nuno – they already know it inside out.Unlike many of the sides who have been stripped bare by Liverpool’s attacking insurgencies, Forest will rely on their own approach to catch the visitors on the counter.The defensive solidity that has seen Forest concede just 19 goals – the same as Liverpool and only one more than Arsenal – is a major reason Nuno’s men go into the match in an unexpected third place.Win it and shades of Leicester’s 2016 triumph will be resurrected. After all, Forest will be within three points of the summit.A second Prem defeat of the season for Liverpool would raise Arsenal’s hopes as well, especially as the Reds have to travel to Brentford and Bournemouth either side of hosting Ipswich in their next three top-flight matches.Yet a Liverpool win, ending any talk of a “blip” before it has a chance to gain traction, could be a genuine hammer blow – especially as it would put added pressure on Mikel Arteta’s Gunners ahead of the North London derby on Wednesday.Slot’s team for the FA Cup win over Accrington on Saturday signalled his awareness of the importance of Tuesday’s game in the greater picture.Potential Arsenal title boostLiverpool cannot win, or lose, the league title at the City Ground. There is nearly half a season to go.But three more points in their quest to raise the trophy in front of their own fans for the first time since 1990 – Jurgen Klopp’s 2020 triumph saw muted celebrations in front of an empty Kop because of the pandemic – and it will be hard to see what could stop them.Conversely, anything that opens the door, even by a chink, will bring additional scrutiny of Liverpool’s depth and determination.Arsenal – and Forest – will sense there is a vulnerability. The fans of all three sides will intensify those elements.READ MORE SUN STORIESRemember, too, it was in the corresponding early January midweek fixtures in 2016 that Leicester survived an inquisition by Spurs to squeeze a 1-0 win that was to make a huge difference in the run-in.Who would have thought Forest against Liverpool, two weeks after Christmas, might be the biggest game of the season so far? But it feels like it is. More

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      Bayern Munich set to join Chelsea in Kobbie Mainoo transfer race as Man Utd star demands new £200k-a-week deal

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      BAYERN MUNICH are set to join the race for Kobbie Mainoo, SunSport can reveal.The Manchester United midfielder could be on his way out of Old Trafford if the club are unable to afford his wage demands.Bayern Munich are interested in Kobbie MainooCredit: GettyMainoo – whose current £20,000-a-week contract expires in 2027 – is hoping for a fresh deal worth £200,000-a-week.But United are believed to be reluctant to go that high – which has led to reports Mainoo could leave the club either during this window or over the summer.Chelsea are at the front of the queue for the midfielder, but SunSport has learned that the London club will not be the only side chasing him.German giants Bayern are also long-term admirers and are planning to make a move if he becomes available.READ MORE ON MAN UTDIt comes days after Ruben Amorim challenged Mainoo to show he deserves to join Man Utd’s high earners.Despite Mainoo’s meteoric rise, the England star is one of their lowest earners and wants a ten-fold increase on his salary.Amorim knows the 19-year-old midfielder is a jewel in the Old Trafford crown.Yet the United chief insists Mainoo still needs plenty of polishing and said: “Kobbie has been improving a lot over the last few matches.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“But I think you guys feel like he is the finished product — he is not.“He is really good but can be so much better. He has so much potential to grow up even more.”Man Utd fans say ‘call the game off’ as Ruben Amorim confirms major line-up decision for Arsenal FA Cup clash It has been an amazing 18 months for Mainoo, who is currently earning £20k-a-week.He missed the start of last season with an injury sustained on the summer tour, but after joining the first-team in November and making a huge impact he soon became a regular.Mainoo ended an epic breakout campaign with the deciding goal as star man in United’s FA Cup final win over City.He also impressed in United’s last two games, the impressive draw at Anfield against Liverpool and the FA Cup win over Arsenal at the Emirates.Man Utd ratings vs Arsenal as Maguire and Co dig deep to win after Dalot’s moment of madnessMANCHESTER UNITED produced a heroic effort to squeeze past Arsenal and into the FA Cup’s fourth round on penalties.The Red Devils were forced to dig deep at the Emirates following Diogo Dalot’s 61st minute red card.On a freezing cold afternoon in North London, SunSport’s Kealan Hughes rates and slates each United performer…ALTAY BAYINDIR – 8Poor punch up in the air which allowed the ball to fall nicely for Gabriel to finish.Redeemed himself with a brilliant penalty save to keep the score level, before superbly denying Declan Rice twice.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 7Was assured on and off the ball if unspectacular. Got his body on the line as the Gunners pushed for a winner.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 8Solid in defence and kept the backline well organised. Produced the best tackle of the match on the goalline to deny Leandro Trossard a certain goal.HARRY MAGUIRE – 8Commanding in the air and made several key blocks but gave away the penalty which Arsenal missed to go in front.Got away with an earlier error as he failed to clear – the ball landed at Kai Havertz’s feet but he somehow skewed wide with his effort.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 7Had to be on high alert to deal with the movement of Arsenal forwards but it was a task he managed well.DIOGO DALOT – 3Booked for a mistimed lunge on Lewis-Skelly. He followed that up with another silly, late foul on Merino with the ball about to go out of play for his second yellow. Stupid red card.MANUEL UGARTE – 7A firefighter all across the pitch for his side, although spent most of the match in his own half given Arsenal’s dominance.Was booked for one foul too many just before the hour mark and was lucky to escape a red card as he went head-to-head with Havertz after the penalty incident.KOBBIE MAINOO – 6Lively in the middle and kept a close eye on Jorginho. Looked sharp on the ball and showed some clever touches.Should have done better to head clear before Gabriel’s equaliser.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 7Always an outlet on the counter which was much needed for the Red Devils.Made the most of a Gabriel error to burst in on goal and pass across to Fernandes to score.BRUNO FERNANDES – 7Was booked for throwing a trademark tantrum after claiming he was fouled on the edge of the box when lining up a shot.Showed his class with a brilliant first-time finish which he bent around a defender into the far corner.RASMUS HOJLUND – 3Failed to provide the focal point that United badly needed, which meant almost every pass forward was dealt with by the Arsenal centre-halves. Was fortunate there was no VAR to take a look at his apparent elbow on William Saliba, which left the Arsenal star bloodied.SUBSTITUTESAmad (for Garnacho, 80mins) – 6Lively on the counter too but just lacking a bit of quality – though was outnumbered every time he got the ball.Joshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 80mins) – 6Some very clever touches when he came on and provided a presence up front at a time United badly needed it.Toby Collyer (for Mainoo, 80mins) – 5Showed plenty of energy but was missing quality in some areas.Tyrell Malacia (for Ugarte, extra-time) – 6Stuck to his task well.Leno Yoro (for Maguire, 104) – 6Did his job well during the closing stages of the match. Converted his penalty in the shoot-out with aplomb. More

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      AC Milan hit by little-known rule which means they CANNOT sign both Marcus Rashford and Kyle Walker in transfer window

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      AC MILAN must choose between Kyle Walker and Marcus Rashford as a little-known rule stops them from signing both.The two England stars have been linked with January loan moves to the Italian giants.Kyle Walker is looking to leave Man CityCredit: AlamyMarcus Rashford wants out of Man Utd on loan this monthCredit: GettyItalian papers say Milan want Rashford and WalkerSunSport understands Walker is wanted by Inter Milan, with La Gazzetta dello Sport reporting that their city rivals are also keen.But Milan cannot bring him and Rashford to the Rossoneri together due to Serie A rules.The club has just one spot remaining in their squad for a British player following a change in regulations after Brexit.Restrictions say Italian teams can only bring in two non-EU squad members each year, with one bonus English or Albanian ace permitted.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMilan signed Serbian international Strahinja Pavlovic and Brazil star Emerson Royal in the summer to fill their two non-EU slots.And with just their bonus English spot available, the San Siro club must therefore choose Walker or Rashford.The rules state: “Serie A clubs only, while respecting the current laws on foreign worker entry flows into Italy, the registration of only one British professional footballer and one Albanian professional footballer per club, coming from abroad, is allowed, outside the limitations provided.”New players with British or Albanian citizenship, registered as per the above, may transfer exclusively to other Serie A clubs during the 2024/2025 season, in a transfer period different from the one in which they were registered coming from abroad.”Walker has been linked with a move away from Manchester City and boss Pep Guardiola revealed yesterday that he is willing to quit the champions.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSGuardiola said: “Two days ago, Kyle asked to explore the option to play abroad.”Saudi Arabia clubs are also keen on Walker and they are supposedly ready to pay him £400,000-a-week.Which football clubs could Marcus Rashford join?But SunSport understands a move to Middle East is not being considered as Walker wants to earn a place in England’s 2026 World Cup squad.As for Rashford, there is strong interest from Milan about a loan deal.His agent and brother Dwaine flew to Italy to meet with chiefs last week.The Manchester United man’s former team-mate Zlatan Ibrahimovic plays a key role in Milan’s recruitment. But SunSport understands Rashford’s whopping £325,000-a-week wages are proving a major stumbling block.The Red Devils may have to pay half of his wages to facilitate his move away.Closer to home, West Ham and Tottenham are reportedly keen on Rashford.The player has expressed his desire to leave Old Trafford, having not featured in any of United’s last six games.Rashford revealed his intention to quit last month, saying: “For me, personally, I think I’m ready for a new challenge and the next steps.”When I leave it’s going to be, ‘No hard feelings.'”You’re not going to have any negative comments from me about Manchester United. That’s me as a person.”If I know that a situation is already bad I’m not going to make it worse.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’ve seen how other players have left in the past and I don’t want to be that person.”When I leave, I’ll make a statement, and it will be from me.” More

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      Kyle Walker, 34, lined up for shock Inter Milan loan transfer in January window after asking to quit Man City

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      WANTAWAY ace Kyle Walker is being lined up for a sensational loan move to Inter Milan, SunSport can reveal.The Manchester City star, 34, dramatically asked to quit the club for a move abroad.Kyle Walker is ready to swap Man City for Inter MilanCredit: GettyAnd SunSport now understands Inter Milan are leading the chase for the England right-back.Representatives for the player have been in contact with the Serie A giants and a deal is being thrashed out.Walker’s desire to leave the Etihad was announced by boss Pep Guardiola after their 8-0 mauling of Salford in the FA Cup.Pep revealed he was left out of the third-round thrashing after informing the club of his wish to leave.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA source said: “It’s fast moving but the deal is on the table and it’s being worked on.”A loan move to Inter Milan will give Kyle the opportunity to start afresh.”His difficulties off the pitch are well documented and he needs space to reset.”He simply can’t get that in the Premier League.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”The club and his agent are in touch with Inter Milan and there’s an expectation this deal can be done quickly.”Walker is desperate to reach 100 caps for the Three Lions and currently has 93.Roy Keane fumes at ’embarrassing’ Kyle Walker dive during Man City’s clash against Man UtdHe would need to make the plane for the World Cup next year to become the first black footballer to get a century of caps.The source added: “He hasn’t given up on that dream.”That’s why Saudi is and always has been a non-starter. Kyle is a fierce competitor.”He wants to leave a legacy at the end of his career.”Walker went to see director of football Txiki Begiristain on Thursday to seek an exit from the Etihad.Guardiola said: “Two days ago, Kyle asked to explore the option to play abroad.”He asked after the Treble, when Bayern Munich wanted him, but the offer was not good enough.”I prefer to play players whose mind is here. Kyle asked to explore but it doesn’t mean it’s going to happen because you never know.”We cannot understand the success that the club had these years without Kyle. It is impossible.”He has been our right-back and given us something we didn’t have. He’s been amazing.”But now in his mind, for many reasons, he would like to explore if he can go to another country to play his last years.”Asked if Walker would be granted his wish if he said he wanted to leave, Guardiola said: “Of course. I’m convinced there’s no one in our job that doesn’t want to be here, who can perform and be exactly what they want to be.”READ MORE SUN STORIESWalker has won 17 major honours with City since his £50million move from Tottenham in 2017.His accolades include six Prem titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups and the Champions League. More

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      Man City set to win transfer race for Sierra Leone defender Juma Bah despite 18-year-old stalling approach from rivals

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      MANCHESTER CITY are set to win their scrap for Sierra Leone centre-half Juma Bah this week — despite massive opposition.City hope their sales pitch of signing the 18-year-old from Real Valladolid and loaning him out for the next 18 months still appeals to the player.Juma Bah has become a regular in LaLiga this seasonCredit: GettyBah stalled on the move when Inter Milan, Lens and Fenerbahce made contact.But City have been in for the teenager in a big way for the longest time of all suitors.Everton and Crystal Palace are still waiting for encouragement — but the lure of City may end the chase in the next couple of days.The 6ft 5in defender has become a regular in LaLiga this season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHaving begun the campaign out of the team, Bah has started five of Valladolid’s last six games.City’s defence is set to take on a different look this month.The reigning Prem champions are closing in on a £33.6million deal for RC Lens centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov.While skipper Kyle Walker has told club chiefs that he wants to leave the Etihad.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAfter Walker was left out of City’s 8-0 FA Cup drubbing of Salford yesterday, manager Pep Guardiola said: “Two days ago Kyle asked to explore the option to play abroad.”He asked after the treble, when Bayern (Munich) wanted him but the offer was not good enough.Erling Haaland swears in live TV interview after Man City win as Sky Sports reporter laughs nervously“He went to (director of football) Txiki (Begiristain) of course, and I prefer to play other players whose mind is here.“Maybe I’m wrong but I still am pretty convinced that there’s no-one in our job that doesn’t want to be where they are who can perform.“Kyle asked to explore, but it doesn’t mean it’s going to happen because you never know.”He has been our right-back and given us something we haven’t had.“He’s been amazing but now in his mind he would like to go to another country and play for other reasons.”Kyle Walker has asked to leave Man CityCredit: Getty More

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      Pep Guardiola reveals Kyle Walker has asked to LEAVE Man City with England defender set for £400K-A-WEEK Saudi transfer

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      PEP GUARDIOLA revealed Kyle Walker was left out of their FA Cup drubbing of Salford because he wants to QUIT the Etihad.The Manchester City boss initially said the reason for skipper Walker’s absence was tactical.Kyle Walker has asked to leave Man City for a £400,000-a-week move to Saudi ArabiaCredit: GettyPep Guardiola revealed Walker’s request after axing him for the win over SalfordBut after the 8-0 win Pep admitted it is because the right-back hopes for a fresh start abroad.Walker – who has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia on a £400,000-a-week deal – has won six Prem titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups and the Champions League since joining in a £50million deal from Spurs in 2017.But he has struggled for form this season and was expected to make a confident-boosting return against the Division Two side.Guardiola said: “Two days ago Kyle asked to explore the option to play abroad.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”He asked after the treble, when Bayern (Munich) wanted him but the offer was not good enough.“He went to (director of football) Txiki (Begiristain) of course, and I prefer to play other players whose mind is here.“Maybe I’m wrong but I still am pretty convinced that there’s no-one in our job that doesn’t want to be where they are who can perform.“Kyle asked to explore, but it doesn’t mean it’s going to happen because you never know. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”He has been our right back and given us something we haven’t had.“He’s been amazing but now in his mind he would like to go to another country and play for other reasons.”Kyle Walker’s wife Annie is SCRAPPING her £27m divorce bid as cheating Man City star eyes £400k-a-week moveWalker’s request comes after SunSport exclusively revealed wife Annie Kliner is scrapping her £27million divorce bid.An insider said: “It was just a few months ago that Annie served Kyle with divorce papers, but she’s having second thoughts.“He’s a top target for the Saudi Arabia clubs and if he decides to take a deal it’ll be life-changing — and not just because of the massive amount of money he’ll be making.”Walker is now back in the marital home, those close to Annie said.Wife Annie Kliner is scrapping her £27million divorce bidCredit: Refer to CaptionWalker has moved back into the marital home, SunSport revealedThey added: “Annie is no fool. She sought legal advice about the finances last year and knows that the deal in Saudi is worth a lot.“Annie says it’s not about the cash but keeping their family together, yet his earning potential is something she will have thought about.“She is savvy and has been mapping out a plan for a long time. “Annie always puts the children first but she has to think about herself too.READ MORE SUN STORIES”And financially she wants to know she would be secure whatever happens between them.“Kyle has assured her that whatever happens, she would have the financial support.” More

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      Meet Abdukodir Khusanov, the £33m ‘Tank’ Uzbek defender who sprints like an Olympian and is joining Man City from Lens

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      MANCHESTER CITY are closing in on signing Abdukodir Khusanov from Lens.The Premier League champions have reportedly agreed a £33.6million deal to land the youngster this month.Abdukodir Khusanov is the ‘Tank’ set to join Manchester CityCredit: GettyThe young centre-back has developed into one of the best defenders in Ligue 1Credit: GettyHis 37km/h top speed rivals the pace Usain Bolt set in the 100mCredit: AFPBut who is the rising star set to make his switch to the Etihad – and what kind of a player are City signing?First of all, Pep Guardiola is getting a proper defender.Khusanov, 20, is no creative player who has been shoehorned into playing at the back.He is a defender’s defender – and seemingly relishes preventing strikers scoring, coming out in the 94th percentile for his defensive stats in Ligue 1 this term. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd he is a physical specimen of a man: 6ft 1in tall, powerful, strong, athletic and quick. Very quick.Khusanov clocked a staggering top speed of 37km/h – 22.9mph – earlier this season.To put that into context, Usain Bolt averaged 37.58km/h to set the 100m world record of 9.58 seconds, albeit reaching 43.99km/h during the 2009 race.In the 2023-24 Premier League season, the 37km/h barrier was broken just twice – both by Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven who managed 37.38km/h and 37.23km/h. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSo it’s safe to say that Khusanov would add a whole new dynamic to City’s back line with his lightning pace.He capitalises on his physical attributes to be strong in the air and even stronger in the challenge.Meet Man City’s Nico O’Reilly: Rodri’s heir?His aggressive pressing style and love of a battle with a striker means he is perfectly comfortable stepping out to squeeze opponents or intercept as well as in one-v-one situations, drawing comparisons to Ruben Dias.He is not dirty, only picking up two yellow cards this season, but does love a last-ditch slide tackle and did see red for a studs-up challenge on PSG’s Achraf Hakimi in November. His Lens manager Will Still summed it up succinctly: “Kodir is a tank.” Interestingly, though, Khusanov is not your typical Guardiola centre-back because he is not the best with the ball at his feet. He averages fewer touches, passes and forward carries than his centre-back partners Kevin Danso and Facundo Medina – albeit playing in the middle of a back three – and certainly has room to grow in his range of passing.This will be particularly important when lining up in a Guardiola team that dominates possession. It has been a staggering and rapid rise for Khusanov as he finds himself on the brink of his transfer to England. The Uzbekistan international and Olympian – who would become the first Uzbek to play in the Premier League – left his homeland aged 18 to join Belarusian club Energetik-BGU in 2022.Less than 18 months later, he signed for Lens in July 2023 for £84,000 – and is now set to move on for 400 TIMES that figure, having only established himself as a first-team regular starter this season.But City fans’ excitement will be curbed by two important factors. Khusanov is not very experienced.The youngster – who ironically has only celebrated five birthdays as he was born on February 29, 2004 – went into 2025 with still only 24 Ligue 1 appearances to his name.He has two in the Champions League from last season’s group stages, including a 6-0 thrashing by Arsenal.The other slight area for concern is verbally.READ MORE SUN STORIESKhusanov has been described as a very quiet person and add in the further complications of the language barrier upon arriving in England and that could mean he takes time to settle.But if struggling Guardiola is so keen to spend big cash and waste no time in bringing him in, he must be confident he can get the best out of Abdukodir Khusanov as City’s next defensive stalwart. Khusanov would become the first Uzbek to play in the Premier LeagueCredit: Instagram @abdukodir_khusanov_He is not afraid to stand up for himself and show aggressionCredit: AFPThe 18-cap international left his homeland aged 18 to move to BelarusCredit: Instagram @abdukodir_khusanov_The youngster signed for Lens from Energetik-BGU in 2023Credit: Instagram @abdukodir_khusanov_Pep Guardiola will know there is room for improvement with the ball at his feetCredit: GettyKhusanov was on the end of a 6-0 stuffing by Arsenal in the Champions LeagueCredit: GettyHe could rival Micky van de Ven as the Prem’s fastest footballerCredit: Getty More