Wake Forest keeps Detroit Mercy at arm's length for winWHEN Mo Salah whipped off his shirt the other day and showed off that impressive six pack, I thought one thing — hope my missus isn’t watching. It was the same for most blokes up and down the country. I didn’t have muscles like that even in my prime as a player. We didn’t do weights in my day. Advertisement 5 A lot of blokes will be relieved if ripped Mo Salah leaves Liverpool next summer Credit: Rex 5 Arne Slot has to accept his star man is going to exit on a free transfer Credit: Getty As well as giving the ladies a treat, that exhibition of his amazing abs also underlines what a fantastic athlete Salah is, as well as one of Liverpool’s all-time greats and still a formidable footballer. Even at 32, if you gave him a three-year contract next summer, he isn’t going to suddenly fall off a cliff with his fitness or his play. But if I were in Arne Slot’s place, as his manager at Anfield, I’d be thinking that Salah is gone after this season, no matter what cryptic messages he puts out to muddy the waters over his future. If he hasn’t signed by now, then to me Salah is gone, despite those comments about the club not coming up with a new offer like he did. Advertisement READ MORE IN FOOTBALL Fan brawl Moment huge brawl breaks out in West Ham vs Arsenal with punches thrown Let’s be honest, next summer he could head over to Saudi Arabia and pocket a £100million signing-on fee alone. And that’s without his wages on top. His transfer market worth must be £80-100m. Last summer Liverpool could have got more than that but the move to Saudi’s Pro League didn’t come off — that surprised me. Now of course, in the age of the Bosman free transfer, a lot of what Liverpool would have collected will go Salah’s way. He has a choice. If he is purely football driven, stay at Anfield. But even for someone like him, if clubs are dangling crazy figures in front of you, it becomes difficult to turn down. Advertisement Most read in Football Gossip MONEY TALKS Ex-Rangers star yielding 'several concrete enquiries' from Premier League clubs IN THE HAT Full list of teams in Scottish Cup fourth round draw as Prem big guns enter Exclusive SOLD FIRM Scott Brown's stunning new £2m mansion used to belong to Rangers supremo FAB FINISH Rangers loan flop scores stunner as he and unsung Scotland star take down Barca FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS He could have gone last year but was probably thinking that most of the £100m or even £200m Liverpool would have got for him, will be going his way in 12 months’ time, so he is sitting it out. In some ways if he wins the Premier League title again with Liverpool this season, it seems like a fitting way to go out. Jamie Carragher slams Mo Salah over 'selfish' interview after Liverpool star reveals he's 'more out than in' 5 Advertisement You have to be honest and think to yourself that this uncertainty has been dragging on for so long now that it makes things even more certain. That he is leaving. The carefully-scripted speeches, designed to keep people guessing, are just there to stop him burning his bridges with the fans. He doesn’t want to go out in bad faith with supporters — and I get that. Next summer he can leave and then sit down and write his own cheque for a deal to take him to Saudi. Advertisement He could go to any club in the world — Real Madrid maybe? But even they would struggle to compete with the money on offer in the Middle East. And imagine what a superstar he would be out there. It suits him as a Muslim, for starters, and to have players like him around at any club would be incredible for others in the squad. A fantastic example to set for young hopeful pros Harry Redknapp Younger players can look at guys like Salah and Cristiano Ronaldo, watch how they train, that they don’t eat rubbish, don’t drink, don’t abuse their bodies. Advertisement They can watch and learn what is required if you want to be like Mo Salah. A fantastic example to set for young hopeful pros. It’s a world away from when I started out in management at Bournemouth. We were talking £200-a-week contracts back then, long before the advent of the Bosman Ruling. When I was at West Ham we sold Rio Ferdinand to Leeds for £18m — a lot of money back then. The chairman, Terry Brown, said to me he thought it would be one of the last big transfers because with the incoming Bosman Ruling, all players would choose to run their contracts down and leave for free. Advertisement That was his belief and you can understand his feelings at the time, yet the transfers have just got crazier. If nothing else, Salah leaving England next summer would be a great relief to blokes everywhere who have been sucking their stomachs in since those pictures of his rack came out. 5 Frank Lampard needs to bring in a wise head to assist him at Coventry City Credit: Getty BEING FRANK IF I could offer one piece of advice to Frank Lampard on his return to management with Coventry it would be to get a wise, old head on his staff. Advertisement Not me, I’ve had it, but someone that is a little bit more experienced than him, that he can talk to. When I went to Portsmouth as manager, I brought in Jim Smith. I was an experienced manager myself by then but he was still brilliant for me to have around. Frank has got a difficult job on at Coventry and to have an older man on the team to sound out would be a huge benefit. But fair play to Frank for coming back into the game. He has got so much to offer. His football knowledge is immense and his reputation as a player, and the way he carried himself as a player, will hopefully rub off on the squad. Advertisement It’s about getting the right job. For example, people are waiting for Wayne Rooney to fail in every job. But he has gone to Plymouth and although it is a big club, they don’t have money. They just about stayed up last season. Wayne’s up against it from the start. Yet I have sat down with him and spoken about football and he has the makings of a terrific manager. You just need the right club at the right time. Advertisement 5 Kieran McKenna and Ipswich have been impressive this season Credit: Reuters TRACTOR NOISE WATCHING Ipswich this season makes me think they are the best placed to spring a surprise and stay up. The way they play, the energy, the atmosphere at Portman Road, especially last Sunday against Manchester United, really warmed me to them. Read more on the Scottish Sun SIP SIP HOORAY Exact time Coca-Cola truck arrives in Scotland tomorrow for Xmas tour FESTIVE CHEER Scots Xmas market tops London's Winter Wonderland as 'most stunning' in UK Kieran McKenna has a good side there and comes across so well. Advertisement I’m rooting for them.
Stock market today: Asian shares are mostly lower, with most world markets closed for Christmas BANGKOK (AP) — Shares are lower in Tokyo and Shanghai, two of only a handful of world markets open on Christmas day. Oil prices rose. On Tuesday, stocks closed higher on Wall Street in a shortened holiday session. Gains in Big Tech stocks helped the S&P 500 to a 1.1% gain, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.9%. The Nasdaq composite climbed 1.3%. American Airlines shook off an early loss and ended mostly higher after the airline briefly grounded flights nationwide due to a technical issue. Treasury yields held steady. The yield on the 10-year Treasury was little changed at 4.59% Undersea power cable linking Finland and Estonia hit by outage, prompting investigation FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Finland’s prime minister says authorities are investigating an interruption in a power cable under the Baltic Sea between his country and Estonia. Petteri Orpo said on X that power transmission through the Estlink-2 cable suffered an outage Wednesday. Authorities have been on edge about undersea infrastructure in the Baltic after two international data cables were severed in November and the Nord Stream gas pipelines between Russia and Germany were blown up in September 2022. Japan to maximize nuclear power in clean-energy push as electricity demand grows TOKYO (AP) — A Japanese government panel has largely supported a draft energy policy calling for bolstering renewables up to half of Japanese electricity needs by 2040. It also recommends maximizing the use of nuclear power to accommodate the growing demand for power in the era of AI while meeting decarbonization targets. Cabinet is expected to formally approve the plan by March following a period of public consultation. The policy says nuclear energy should account for 20% of Japan’s energy supply in 2040, with renewables expanded to 40-50% and coal-fired power reduced to 30-40%. Biden will decide on US Steel acquisition after influential panel fails to reach consensus WASHINGTON (AP) — A powerful government panel has failed to reach consensus on the possible national security risks of a nearly $15 billion proposed deal for Nippon Steel of Japan to purchase U.S. Steel. The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States on Monday sent its long-awaited report to President Joe Biden, a longtime opponent of the deal. Some federal agencies represented on the panel were skeptical that allowing a Japanese company to buy an American-owned steelmaker would create national security risks. That's according to a U.S. official familiar with the matter. Both Biden and President-elect Donald Trump opposed the merger and vowed to block it. Nippon Steel says it is confident the deal will go ahead. Nissan and Honda to attempt a merger that would create the world's No. 3 automaker TOKYO (AP) — Japanese automakers Nissan and Honda have announced plans to work toward a merger that would catapult them to a top position in an industry in the midst of tectonic shifts as it transitions away from its reliance on fossil fuels. The two companies said they signed an agreement on integrating their businesses on Monday. Smaller Nissan alliance member Mitsubishi Motors agreed to join the talks. News of a possible merger surfaced earlier this month. Japanese automakers face a strong challenge from their Chinese rivals and Tesla as they make inroads into markets at home and abroad. What a merger between Nissan and Honda means for the automakers and the industry BANGKOK (AP) — Japanese automakers Honda and Nissan will attempt to merge and create the world’s third-largest automaker by sales as the industry undergoes dramatic changes in its transition away from fossil fuels. The two companies said they had signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday and that smaller Nissan alliance member Mitsubishi Motors also had agreed to join the talks on integrating their businesses. Honda will initially lead the new management, retaining the principles and brands of each company. Following is a quick look at what a combined Honda and Nissan would mean for the companies, and for the auto industry. Survey: Small businesses are feeling more optimistic about the economy after the election A survey shows small business owners are feeling more optimistic about the economy following the election. The National Federation of Independent Businesses’ Small Business Optimism Index rose by eight points in November to 101.7, its highest reading since June 2021. The Uncertainty Index declined 12 points in November to 98, following October’s pre-election record high of 110. NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg said small business owners became more certain about future business conditions following the presidential election, breaking a nearly three-year streak of record high uncertainty. The survey also showed that more owners are also hoping 2025 will be a good time to grow. Heavy travel day starts with brief grounding of all American Airlines flights WASHINGTON (AP) — American Airlines briefly grounded flights nationwide due to a technical problem just as the Christmas travel season kicked into overdrive and winter weather threatened more potential problems for those planning to fly or drive. Government regulators cleared American flights to get airborne Tuesday about an hour after the Federal Aviation Administration ordered a national ground stop, which prevented planes from taking off. American said in an email that the problem was caused by vendor technology in its flight operating system. Aviation analytics company Cirium said flights were delayed across American’s major hubs, with only 37% leaving on time. Nineteen flights were cancelled. Nordstrom to be acquired by Nordstrom family and a Mexican retail group in $6.25 billion deal Century-old department store Nordstrom has agreed to be acquired and taken private by Nordstrom family members and a Mexican retail group in a $6.25 billion deal. Nordstrom shareholders will receive $24.25 in cash for each share of Nordstrom common stock, representing a 42% premium on the company’s stock as of March 18. Nordstrom’s board of directors unanimously approved the the proposed transaction, while Erik and Pete Nordstrom — part of the Nordstrom family taking over the company — recused themselves from voting. Following the close of the transaction, the Nordstrom Family will have a majority ownership stake in the company. Stock market today: Wall Street rallies ahead of Christmas Stocks closed higher on Wall Street ahead of the Christmas holiday, led by gains in Big Tech stocks. The S&P 500 added 1.1% Tuesday. Trading closed early ahead of the holiday. Tech companies including Apple, Amazon and chip company Broadcom helped pull the market higher. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.9%, and the Nasdaq composite climbed 1.3%. American Airlines shook off an early loss and ended mostly higher after the airline briefly grounded flights nationwide due to a technical issue. Treasury yields held steady in the bond market. The yield on the 10-year Treasury was little changed at 4.59%New York state Sen. James Skoufis announced his long-shot bid for chairman of the Democratic National Committee on X on Saturday. Skoufis, who paints himself as an outsider, underdog and part of a new generation, said he intends to point to his successful record in his district that favors President-elect Donald Trump. Arguing for a new script, Skoufis said , "Voters have spoken, and we need to listen, not lecture. We need to be strong fighters again." "I may be an outsider, but I know how to win," he continued. "I will throw out the DNC's stale, Beltway-centered playbook so that we rebuild, stop ceding ground to Republicans and start winning again -- everywhere. Not just the party, but the country depends on it. We can win this fight together." MORE: DNC chair election set for Feb. 1, party official says Skoufis, who has served in the New York legislature since 2013, joins the field with Martin O'Malley, the former Maryland governor who has served as commissioner of the Social Security Administration since December 2023, and Ken Martin, a vice chairman of the DNC who also leads the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party. Jaime Harrison, the current chairman, is not seeking a second term. The election of a new DNC chair will take place at the party's winter meeting in National Harbor, Maryland, on Feb. 1, 2025. Harrison announced earlier this week that there will be four forums for candidates to make their cases to DNC members, who will also select a vice chair, treasurer, secretary and national finance chair, after the party lost the presidency and couldn't obtain a majority in either the Senate or the House in the 2024 elections. "As my time as Chair comes to a close and we prepare to undertake the critical work of holding the Trump Administration and Republican Party accountable for their extremism and false promises, we are beginning to lay out the process for upcoming DNC officer elections in the New Year," Harrison said in a statement . "The DNC is committed to running a transparent, equitable, and impartial election for the next generation of leadership to guide the party forward." MORE: Democrats plan to elect new party leader just days after Trump's inauguration The DNC's Rules and Bylaws Committee will meet on Dec. 12 to determine the Rules of Procedure for the contest, including what will be necessary to gain access to the ballot. In 2021, candidates needed the signatures of 40 DNC members, which is expected to hold for the 2025 race. The 448 DNC members voting at the winter meeting includes 200 state-elected members from 57 states, territories and Democrats Abroad; members representing 16 affiliate groups; and 73 at-large members elected by the DNC, ABC News previously reported .
Fulks puts up 26, Milwaukee defeats IU Indianapolis 88-81
Wake Forest keeps Detroit Mercy at arm's length for winAdamson’s Matt Erolon and Joshua Yerro during a win over UE in UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net Adamson battles Ateneo at the close of the UAAP men’s basketball tournament’s elimination round, with the Falcons knowing that no less than a win at FilOil EcoOil Centre would let them live another day in Season 87. A playoff for the last Final Four berth is at stake for the Falcons in the 5:30 p.m. contest, and while Ateneo will be playing for practically nothing but an ending to a forgettable season with a win, the Blue Eagles are not just going to roll over and die. Adamson will come into the game with a 5-8 record and could claim a tie for No. 4 with University of the East with a win, hence a one-game playoff for the right to battle La Salle in the Final Four. The powerhouse Green Archers ended eliminations with a 12-2 record. Second-ranked University of the Philippines (11-3), which also has a twice-to-beat bonus, and No. 3 University of Santo Tomas (7-7) will battle in the other half of the Final Four. And the Soaring Falcons will be trying to conquer a foe that has denied them of Final Four spots the last two seasons. “You respect your opponent and you respect yourself and you can only do that if you go out and give it your best shot every game,” Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin said. “That’s what you can expect from us in the final game against Adamson.” The Blue Eagles hope to force a four-way tie from fifth to eighth spots at 5-9 and make it the first time in the Final Four era that no bottom team will end up with double-digit losses. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy .Seventeen days after the polls closed, the two-term Democratic senator called Republican challenger Dave McCormick to congratulate him on his win. “As the first count of ballots is completed, Pennsylvanians can move forward with the knowledge that their voices were heard, whether their vote was the first to be counted or the last,” he said in a video posted on X . The concession comes after 16 of 67 counties finished recounting ballots cast, with results showing Casey falling even further behind. Of 702,000 ballots tallied again, McCormick, who declared victory three days after the election, increased his lead by seven votes. During my time in office, I have been guided by an inscription on the Finance Building in Harrisburg: “All public service is a trust, given in faith and accepted in honor.” Thank you for your trust in me for all these years, Pennsylvania. It has been the honor of my lifetime. pic.twitter.com/RSXEFwdge8 The close margin – less than 17,000 ballots or 0.2% – triggered an automatic recount last week, to which Casey could have objected. Counties have until Tuesday to finish the job. Elizabeth Gregory, spokeswoman for McCormick, said in a release “there’s only five more days until the obvious happens.” “Another day closer to this waste of time and money being over,” she said. “We all know how this will end. We’ll be there in five days.” The campaign had maintained there were not enough votes left in the state to overcome the gap . Chief strategist Mark Harris said Casey’s decision to opt for the recount, estimated to cost $1 million, won’t change things. The Associated Press, reached the same conclusion on Nov. 7 when declaring the former hedge fund CEO turned Republican nominee the winner . The flip padded the Republican majority in the U.S. Senate to 53-47 and ended the Casey family’s six-decade presence in state and national political office. “During my time in office, I have been guided by an inscription on the Finance Building in Harrisburg: ‘All public service is a trust, given in faith and accepted in honor,’” Casey said. “Thank you for your trust in me for all these years, Pennsylvania. It has been the honor of my lifetime.”