The recent announcement of the deal struck between 888 Holdings and Jet to acquire a number of brands, including Costa Bingo, has sent more than a few ripples through the online gaming industry.

Greater Manchester Police are appealing for infromation after a bomb threat at a William Hill gambling shop in Eccles, Salford, left staff but ‘understandably shaken by this traumatic ordeal’ yesterday morning.

A poll by bookmaker William Hill to identify the most ‘weather hardened fans’ gave United 23% of the vote – not surprisingly coming behind the Premier League’s two North-East sides Newcastle United and Sunderland.

Made from recycled bottles, each strip has the words ‘We are City’ on the inside of the neck as Manuel Pellegrini’s boys seek to land back-to-back league titles for the first time.

The 18 x 25ft artwork, made by a team of expert florists using 25,000 red and white flowers shipped in from Van Gaal’s homeland, is on display at the National Football Museum.

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United may increase lead as City face sticky Toffees challenge