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    ‘Antony’s aura is enough’ – Fans stunned as Real Madrid’s title challenge derailed at Man Utd loanee’s Real Betis side

    FANS have hailed Antony’s “aura” after Real Betis dented Real Madrid’s title hopes.The LaLiga hopefuls were beaten 2-1 at the Benito Villamarin and missed out on the chance to go top of the table.Antony played all 90 minutes against Real MadridCredit: APReal Madrid missed out on the chance to go top of LaLigaCredit: GettyIsco netted the winning goal from the spot for the hostsCredit: EPAAntony, 25, played the full 90 minutes for Betis as he continued his impressive run of form.The Manchester United winger did not score or assist but proved to be a constant thorn in the visitors’ side.Brahim Diaz did fire Carlo Ancelotti’s side into the lead in the tenth minute.However, Antony’s team-mates Johnny Cardoso and former Real star Isco turned the match on its head.READ MORE ON ANTONYCardoso scored the equaliser before Isco converted from the spot after Antonio Rudiger brought down Jesus Rodriguez in the box.But fans on social media are convinced that the result was down to the “aura” of Antony.One posted: “Antony’s aura is enough for a victory.”A second commented: “Antony’s impact is strong.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA third wrote: “Antony aura it is.”A fourth said: “Hail Lord Antony.”Antony shows his excitement as he joins Real Betis Antony is enjoying playing for Manuel PellegriniCredit: EPAHe has already scored twice in LaLigaCredit: ReutersAnother added: “Let’s all laugh at United for loaning out Antony.”The result leaves Real tied on 54 points with leaders Barcelona but the Catalonians have a crucial game in hand.Antony joined Betis on loan until the end of the season from the Red Devils.He has already made a good impression in Spain with two goals and two assists in his first five outings in LaLiga.His appearance against Getafe was cut short after he was sent off.But the suspension was then overturned – allowing him to play against Real.Old Trafford bosses will be hoping his good form continues so he can be sold for a hefty fee in the summer.Antony has admitted that he has regained his “confidence” since moving to Spain.He has also insisted playing under Betis boss and former Man City and West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini has helped him.He told Estadio Deportivo: “The most important thing to regain my confidence was to reconnect with myself.”I found myself here and that’s why I’m very happy at Betis. Every day I feel more secure.”Pellegrini is very important to me. Before signing with Betis, I spoke with him, and he gave me a lot of confidence.”His experience and history give me energy every day to do well.”When I made the decision to come here, it was to find myself again, as I mentioned before.”There is always pressure, but the greatest pressure I felt was when I was living in the poor neighbourhoods of Brazil, thinking about my family and everything.”The club forked out an eye-watering £85.5million on the Brazilian back in the summer of 2023.Manager Ruben Amorim has been asked about the winger’s upturn in form since leaving Manchester.The Portuguese coach has insisted the different physicality level in Spain has helped Antony to shine.He told TNT Sports: “When you play against any team in England, the physicality is there.”If you don’t have physicality, you will struggle a lot.”Antony is so much better now in Spain. It’s [because of] a lot of factors but I guarantee you it’s physicality.”The former Ajax man has also revealed that he is “happy” in Betis but has remained coy on his future.Antony has been tipped to make a permanent exit from Old Trafford in the summer, but he is remaining tight-lipped on his future.He said: “I’m very happy here, but I don’t know what will happen in the future.”I always say that I enjoy every day with the club, the city and everything that surrounds me, and I give my best for the team.”It’s still too early to talk about my future.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I know how much money they paid for me.”I worked and continue to work hard to perform at the highest level, but I don’t focus on transfer prices, neither mine nor any other player’s.”Ruben Amorim has addressed Antony’s success since leaving on loanCredit: GettyHe is not concerned with his price tagCredit: Getty More

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    Arsenal face competition from Liverpool as they chase free Joshua Kimmich transfer after Bayern contract talks collapsed

    ARSENAL and Liverpool are set for a tug-of-war transfer battle over Joshua Kimmich.Bayern Munich star Kimmich is out of contract in the summer and the Bundesliga giants have pulled the plug on new deal talks.Arsenal and Liverpool are set to battle it out for Joshua Kimmich ahead of the summer transfer windowCredit: APTrent Alexander-Arnold is set to move to Real Madrid in the summer and Kimmich could fill inCredit: GettyBut Kimmich is now free to speak to foreign clubs, with several Prem sides and Barcelona keen to snap up the German World Cup winner.The Gunners want midfield reinforcements with Jorginho, 33, and Thomas Partey, 31, out of contract this summer.Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi has already been lined up for a £51million switch to North London.But Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is an admirer of Kimmich, who can also play as an inverted full-back.Read More on ArsenalFringe players — like Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko — could be sold to raise funds.While Liverpool also want to strengthen their midfield having failed to do so last summer.Kimmich could also replace England full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold who has been linked with a free move to Real Madrid.Barca’s ex-Bayern boss Hansi Flick coached Kimmich, but the Spanish side still have financial troubles.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSKimmich has been a key player for Bayern for several yearsBayern Munich currently lead the Bundesliga table and are eight points clear of Bayer Leverkusen.They face Stuttgart on Friday evening, although Kimmich will not feature due to a hamstring problem.Mikel Arteta urges Arsenal to ‘step up’ as focus switches to Champions League Ahead of the match, Vincent Kompany said: “We only have our sights set on Stuttgart.”But he probably won’t be travelling with us. The game is probably too early for him.” More

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    Arsenal ‘in Joshua Kimmich talks’ as Gunners step up transfer chase after Bayern Munich contract offer ‘withdrawn’

    ARSENAL are stepping up their interest in Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich, reports in Germany say. Kimmich’s future in Munich is in question following speculation that the Bundesliga leaders withdrew a contract extension. Arsenal are reportedly stepping up their interest in Bayern Munich’s Joshua KimmichCredit: GettyHis current deal expires in 2028 and according to Sky in Germany, Arsenal have held talks with the midfielder over a move. It comes amid speculation 33-year-old Jorginho is ready to leave the Gunners in the summer when his deal expires. But they are believed to be in competition with at least two others clubs outside of Germany for Kimmich.Bild that first reported Bayern had withdrawn their contract offer to the 30-year-old Champions League winner.READ MORE ON ABut an extension has not been ruled out completely with Bayern said to still want to keep Kimmich – who can also play at right-back. Arsenal have been linked with Kimmich for over a year now – with Germany team-mate Kai Havertz rumoured to have helped in talks. Bayern are top of the Bundesliga by eight points and travel to Stuttgart next – but Kimmich is ruled out due to a hamstring problem.Manager Vincent Kompany said: “We only have our sights set on Stuttgart. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”But he probably won’t be travelling with us. The game is probably too early for him.”Kimmich went off injured in Bayern’s 4-0 win over Frankfurt in their last match. He has 36 appearances this season with one goal to his name. Benni McCarthy and John Barnes troll Sammy Kuffour about 1999 Champions League Final More

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    Man City announce £12.5m ‘new Messi’ arrival 24 days AFTER transfer window closed following £182m spending spree

    MANCHESTER CITY have announced the signing of wonderkid Claudio Echeverri.The 19-year-old joined the club from River Plate last January in a £12.5million deal but remained on loan in his homeland of Argentina until last month.Claudio Echeverri has joined up with the City squad after his spell at River Plate endedCredit: AFPEcheverri, who has been dubbed as the “new Lionel Messi”, has now finally been unveiled after arriving in Manchester to join up with the City squad for the rest of the season.The attacking midfielder is eligible to make his debut in the FA Cup fifth round tie against Plymouth on Saturday.Echeverri revealed he spoke to former City stars and compatriots Sergio Aguero and Martin Demichelis ahead of his move to England.He said: “They told me it was a great club with amazing players and a beautiful history.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I knew about it [the relationship between Argentina and City]. Aguero, in particular, stands out.”He’s a legend here at City because of everything he achieved and the incredible player he was.”I used to watch him play and, honestly, it’s an amazing feeling to be here.”City chief Txiki Begiristain added: “Claudio is one of the finest talents to emerge from South America in recent years.  Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“We knew as soon as we watched him play we wanted him to become a Manchester City player.  “All the natural elements are there – his touch, technique, eye for goal and dribbling ability. Our job now is to take those attributes and shape Claudio into a world-class player.”Fans plead with Pep Guardiola as they spot secret Mo Salah charm offensive after Liverpool loss Echeverri captained and scored six goals for Argentina at the Under-20 South American Championship after finding the back of the net four times for River Plate last season.He is the latest youngster through the door at the Etihad following a £182m splurge in January to freshen Pep Guardiola’s squad.City spent a reported £60m on Omar Marmoush, £50m on Nico Gonzalez, £33m on Abdukodir Khusanon and £30m on Vitor Reis. More

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    Man City set sights on Newcastle star Tino Livramento to replace Kyle Walker as summer transfer plans revealed

    MANCHESTER CITY have set their sights on Newcastle star Tino Livramento, according to reports.The defender is viewed as a potential replacement for veteran Kyle Walker.Tino Livramento is reportedly wanted by Manchester CityCredit: RexHe could be the replacement for Kyle WalkerCredit: GettyWalker’s future at the Etihad appears to be over following his loan exit in January.The 34-year-old left Manchester City for AC Milan on a deal until the end of the season.The Telegraph has claimed that Livramento is being monitored by Pep Guardiola’s side.The former Southampton ace has excelled since his arrival at St James’ Park in 2023.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe joined Newcastle on a five-year contract in a transfer worth £32million.Livramento, 22, has since made 50 appearances for the Magpies in the Premier League.He even earned his first international cap for England in the 5-0 win over the Republic of Ireland in November.Livramento overcame a horror ACL injury that he suffered against Brighton in 2022.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe report has also suggested that Livramento is not the only full-back target.It is claimed that Man City are also considering a move for Juventus defender Andrea Cambiaso.Micah Richards reveals he supports two Premier League teams but it ‘depends if I’m off air or on air’ Andrea Cambiaso is also under consideration by Man CityCredit: GettyCambiaso, 25, joined the Old Lady in 2022 but spent his first season out on loan at Bologna.He has since established himself in Turin and has earned 13 caps for Italy since March 2024.Man City are also said to be interested in adding a new No8 to the squad.The incoming star would be a replacement for veteran llkay Gundogan.The German, 34, is on course to trigger a one-year extension to his contract.He has struggled to show his previous form since he returned to the club from Barcelona.The midfielder has recently received interest from Galatasaray with the Turkish club willing to offer him a two-year deal.Manchester City squad agesHere is a look at the ages in Manchester City’s squad…Goalkeepers: Ederson, 31Stefan Ortega, 32Scott Carson, 39Defenders: Ruben Dias, 27Manuel Akanji, 29Nathan Ake, 30John Stones, 30Vitor Ries, 19Abdukodri Khsanov, 20Jahmai Simpson-Pursey, 19Josko Gvardiol, 23Rico Lewis, 20Kyle Walker, 34 – On loan at AC MilanMidfielders: Rodri, 28Matheus Nunes, 26Mateo Kovacic, 30Nico Gonzalez, 23Ilkay Gundogan, 34Bernardo Silva, 30Kevin de Bruyne, 33Claudio Echeverri, 19James McAtee, 22Attackers:Jeremy Doku, 22Jack Grealish, 29Phil Foden, 24Savinho, 20Oscar Bobb, 21Erling Haaland, 24Omar Marmoush, 26Average age: 26.6 More

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    Man Utd should give Paul Pogba THIRD chance – he’s better than anything else they’ve got, claims Treble winner

    MANCHESTER United should give Paul Pogba a THIRD chance because he’s still better than any of their current midfielders, claims Old Trafford legend Dwight Yorke.And Treble-winning hero Yorke reckons United are not safe yet from relegation and need all the help they can get.Paul Pogba is a free agent after leaving JuventusCredit: ReutersPogba has already had two spells at Manchester UnitedCredit: AFPThe Red Devils midfield has underperformed this seasonCredit: GettyDwight Yorke believes the Red Devils should hand the midfielder another chanceCredit: EPAPogba, 31, is available on a free transfer after serving a doping ban and Yorke believes United should take a punt on the former France international.Yorke said: “I would give Paul Pogba a third chance, definitely, because of what United currently have and because of what we know he is capable of producing.“United have struggled, and Pogba is a damn good player.“Even though he’s 31, I think he’s far better than what we have now. And if you’re going to get a player for free, who’s far better than all our players in midfield, then you do it.READ MORE ON MAN UTD“With two months left, I would say, ‘Let’s have a look’. Give him a contract.“You’ve got time here to prove yourself. You can come and play and help us out with the situation.“I’m sure Pogba would be very keen. Maybe he might want a long-term deal because of the security.”United’s penny-pinching bosses would balk at a mega-money deal for former Old Trafford star Pogba, who twice left Old Trafford for Juventus.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut beleaguered boss Ruben Amorim is floundering after a comeback draw at Everton left his team deep in the bottom half of the table.Yorke is refusing to rule out United being relegated and delivered a withering verdict on Amorim and his underperforming players in an interview with casinobeats.com.’I take responsibility but…’ – Paul Pogba breaks silence as ex-Man Utd star gives first interview since doping banAnd the former Trinidad and Tobago international contrasted Amorim’s struggles since arriving at Old Trafford in November with the immediate impact that former United boss David Moyes made on his return to Everton.Ruben Amorim has lost nine of his 22 games at the clubCredit: GettyMan Utd ratings vs EvertonMANCHESTER UNITED fought back from two goals down to draw against Everton at Goodison ParkThe Red Devils were slammed as “embarrassing” by Rio Ferdinand after failing 2-0 down in the first half.But they fought back late on thanks to a stunning Bruno Fernandes free-kick and volley from Manuel Ugarte, who bagged his first goal since his summer arrival from PSG.Amorim’s men were then lucky to escape a penalty in the final moments after VAR overturned the decision.SunSport’s Ken Lawrence has given his ratings of the Manchester United team…Andre Onana – 7United needed him with his game-head on, and his 93rd-minute stop saved a point.Noussair Mazraoui 69′ – 4Looked seriously uncomfortable on the right side of the back three – forced there because of a defensive injury crisisHarry Maguire – 4Out-jumped by Doucoure as the midfielder grabbed Everton’s second and was generally all over the place.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Nowhere for Beto’s opener, completely missing attempted clearance and got away with a 93rd-minute penalty call.Diogo Dalot – 5At least shows willing. Which is more than could be said for some of his team mates at Goodison.Manuel Ugarte – 7Spent most of the game stranded in United’s midfield morass but salvation came with a brilliant strike.Casemiro 62′ – 2The Brazilian is beginning to look like the world’s oldest 32-year-old —he’s become a genuine irrelevance.Patrick Dorgu – 6Made a determined start down the left flank but that enthusiasm was slowly but surely sucked out of him.Bruno Fernandes – 8His free kick was genuine class and once he was dropped deeper started controlling the game.Joshua Zirkzee – 4At £36.5M you would expect an element of ball control but the Dutchman used as a joint No 10 just looks lost.Rasmus Hojlund 69′ – 3Not so much a desperate Dane, more a despairing one although it would help if he had some support.Subs:Alejandro Garnacho 62′ – 7Injected some desperately needed pace and passion. Leny Yoro 69′ – 6Should have been on much earlier.Chido Obi-Martin 69′ – 5The 17-year-old has a presence for sure.Yorke said: “We’re in 15th place. People still think that we are safe. I am not so sure.“There’s still a long way. And the more games you are losing, the harder it gets.“Amorim is in a difficult place right now. He needs to find a way out.“I do believe that despite the challenges of where United are, as a manager, you’ve got to stabilize the club.“How could David Moyes go to a team that was struggling more than United and suddenly turn that around?“Moyes has done well at Everton but certainly we’ve got better players at United. Somehow, he’s managed to turn it around while we continue to struggle.”“I’m not saying that Amorim’s not a good manager. We’re not asking you to beat Liverpool, we’re not asking you to beat Arsenal.“All we’re saying is, just win some football matches against teams that you should be beating.READ MORE SUN STORIES“And if you’re not going to win against the big boys, and you’re not going to start winning against the small boys, when are you going to start?”To read the full Dwight Yorke interview, go to https://casinobeats.com/dwight-yorke-interview/ More

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    Brazil icon’s 18-year-old son making his own way in football as he seals transfer to European club

    BRAZIL icon Adriano’s 18-year-old son is making his own way in football after sealing a transfer to a European club.Adriano Carvalho is still in his teens but is now looking to cement his status as a potential superstar.Adriano Carvalho has signed for Portuguese club Academica de CoimbraCredit: X @serranofc_rjHe is the son of football icon AdrianoCredit: GettyThe youngster has been playing for Serrano in his native Brazil since 2022.But now he has penned a deal taking him to Portugal.Adriano Carvalho has signed a contract with Academica de Coimbra.They play in the third tier of Portuguese football.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd he is now hoping to emulate his dad’s success in Europe.Adriano, 43, was considered to be the next big thing when he burst onto the scene with Flamengo in 2000.After spells at Inter Milan and Fiorentina, he banged in 23 goals in just 18 months for Parma before rejoining Inter in 2004.Adriano ended up scoring 83 goals in six years at the San Siro, while also winning three titles and two Italian Cups.Most read in FootballBut fitness issues and the death of his father sparked a sharp decline in performances as Adriano’s star faded quickly while goals dried up.The latter stages of his career took the striker to Sao Paulo, Flamengo, Roma, Corinthians, Atletico Paranaense and finally Miami United.Brazil legend Adriano seen partying in the street with no shoes on weeks before returning to play one last match at 42Adriano was one of the world’s most feared strikers at Inter MilanCredit: GettyHe also enjoyed success with BrazilCredit: GettyAdriano, who retired in 2016, also played 48 times for Brazil. He netted 27 goals for his country while winning the Copa America in 2004.Adriano admits he has been living a party lifestyle ever since and described himself as “football’s biggest waste” in November.He said: “Do you know what it feels like to be a promise? I know. “Including an unfulfilled promise. Football’s biggest waste: Me. “I like that word, waste. Not only because of how it sounds, but because I’m obsessed with wasting my life.”I’m fine like this, in frantic waste. I enjoy this stigma.”Adriano’s career statsFlamengo, 2000-2001: 59 games, 16 goalsInter Milan, 2001: 14 games, 1 goalFiorentina (loan), 2002: 15 games, 6 goalsParma, 2002-2004: 44 games, 26 goalsInter Milan, 2004-2009: 163 games, 73 goalsSao Paulo (loan), 2008: 29 games, 17 goalsFlamengo, 2009-2010: 51 games, 34 goalsRoma, 2010: 8 games, 0 goalsCorinthians, 2011-2012: 7 games, 2 goalsAtletico Paranaense, 2014: 4 games, 1 goalMiami United, 2016: 1 game, 1 goalBrazil, 2000-2010: 48 games, 27 goalsTrophiesFlamengo: Serie A, Campenoato CariocaInter Milan: Serie A x3, Coppa Italia x2, Italian Supercup x3Corinthians: Serie ABrazil: U17 World Cup, South American Youth Championship, Copa America, Confederations Cup More

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    Forgotten former £17million Arsenal striker joins PSV on free transfer just weeks before Champions League tie

    EX-ARSENAL ace Lucas Perez has made the 14th transfer of his career to the 12th different club after signing for PSV Eindhoven.The 36-year-old sealed a free transfer to the Eredivisie giants just weeks before the two sides face off in the last-16 of the Champions League.Lucas Perez has sealed the 14th transfer of his career by signing for PSVIt comes weeks before Arsenal are due to play the Dutch club, though he cannot be registered to face his old clubCredit: PA:Empics SportHe has signed for PSV after unexpectedly terminating his contract at Deportivo La Coruna in JanuaryCredit: GettyArsenal secured their passage after finishing in the top eight of the new league phase of the competition, while PSV stunned Juventus with a 4-3 aggregate victory in the knockout play-offs.The first leg of the clash will be played in the Netherlands on March 4, with the Emirates playing host to the second leg on March 12.And just weeks before the tie the Dutch club have brought in a familiar face for Arsenal fans.However, Perez will not be eligible to play against the Gunners due to the registration date for the competition passing on February 6.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPerez had been a free agent after unexpectedly ripping up his Deportivo La Coruna contract in January for personal reasons.The Spanish striker has now signed a short-term contract to the end of the season to sign with PSV, where he will wear the No.27 shirt.In a statement, he said: “I can’t wait to show myself to the fans and my new team-mates. “I am very ambitious and am looking forward to delivering many goals and assists. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS”My first impression of the club is very good, I get energy from the people I have already met.”PSV were on top of it right away and did everything they could to bring me to Eindhoven.‘Second again, ole ole’ – Brutal West Ham fans taunt Arsenal with three cheeky chants after stunning the Emirates”That did me a lot of good. Unfortunately, it took a bit longer than planned before a final agreement was reached, due to personal reasons on my part. “I found a solution for that and I am very grateful for the fact that the PSV management remained so patient.”He will join the team’s training group on Monday to work under Peter Bosz.The veteran added: “I am extremely driven to help this club achieve its other objectives, including winning the national title and national cup.””I have worked very hard in recent weeks, both on and off the field. I am more than ready to prove myself here.”Perez originally joined Arsenal in 2016 in a £17million transfer from Deportivo.But he never managed to truly settle in North London despite having a solid record when playing, with seven goals and five assists in 21 games in all competitions.Arsenal loaned Perez back to his hometown club, Deportivo in August 2017 before they sold him to West Ham the following summer.He scored six goals in 19 appearances for the Hammers before they sold him a summer later to Spanish side Alaves.Perez then bounced around from Elche to Cadiz and back to Deportivo for the fourth time in his career.READ MORE SUN STORIESOverall he has scored 62 goals and added 53 assists in 172 games for the Spanish side.His other clubs include Atletico Madrid C, Rayo Vallecano B, Rayo Vallecano, Karpaty Lviv, Dynamo Kyiv (where he never made an appearance), and PAOK Saloniki before signing for Deportivo.Perez also played for West Ham during his time in EnglandCredit: PA:Empics Sport More