Manchester United Transfer News: Islam Slimani Linked With Move to Old Trafford

Manchester United needs a striker to help Anthony Martial and Wayne Rooney, and it may have found a solution in an Algeria international.

The Sun Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen. United has not had a natural goalscorer since.

Its greatest in the 21st century, of course, was Ruud Van Nistelrooy, who scored 150 goals in five seasons at United, the vast majority of which were struck from close range.

Slimani has a long road to travel before he can ever be considered in the same breath as Van Nistelrooy, but he does appear to be what United needs to jog itself from its moribund ways. This would be a fine move for all concerned.

Robert Lewandowski's wife posts shirtless snaps of Bayern Munich star on Instagram

Robert Lewandowski might be one of the best footballers on the planet right now, but he's not above being embarrassed by his loved ones on social media like the rest of us! 

The Bayern Munich forward has had a spectacular 2015, with the highlight being his five-goal performance against Wolfsburg in September, which has since resulted in him being handed FOUR Guinness World Record certificates for the incredible match, which saw him come off the bench to hit five goals in a shade under nine minutes. 

He also finished fourth in the voting for this year's Ballon d'Or award, which was presented to Lionel Messi on Monday evening withCristiano Ronaldo and Neymar rounding out the top three. 

Some might be disappointed by failing to bag the award, but Lewandowski's wife took to social media to share her pride that her husband was the fourth best player in the world.

But...she chose to show that pride by putting up a side-by-side picture of the star as a skinny youngster in his best mock bodybuilding pose and a more recent picture of him without his shirt after a recent game looking every inch the world-beating, dedicated athlete his performances suggest that he is.

Doesn't he look sweet?

Mechanic sentenced for lighting estranged wife on fire with a blowtorch

A ex-mechanic turned maniac who lit his estranged wife on fire with a blowtorch in 2013 and then tried to do the same to his former boss was slammed with 35 years to life behind bars on Thursday.

Carlos Diaz’s actions “were calculated, were callous and frankly, judge, they were cold-blooded," Assistant District Attorney Randolph Clarke Jr. argued at Diaz's sentencing.

Clarke, who recommended an even stiffer sentence of 50-to-life, argued that Diaz was supremely selfish for the Inwood attack and that “instead of taking responsibility for his failed marriage, he took revenge.”

“This defendant did not care about anything or anyone but himself,” the ADA added.

Diaz was found guilty at trial in December of attempted murder, assault, attempted assault and attempted arson.

Diaz's attorney Erin Darcy had argued that Diaz's problems stemmed primarily from untreated mental illness — but Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Gregory Carro was not swayed. He said that while Diaz may suffer from psychiatric issues, his terrifying conduct was deliberate and intentional.

"I fully also believe he understood his actions and they were wrongful and intentional," Carro said.

Darcy said a 20-to-life sentence would have been appropriate. Diaz is set to be deported to the Dominican Republic upon his release from prison.

Darcy said that on the surface and prior to his arrest, Diaz appeared to be a functional, hard-working man who supported his family and cared for his two children.

But the reality was a much different picture, she argued.

Looking closely, "you would see a very mentally ill man deteriorating rapidly, untreated, undiagnosed, suffering year after year," the lawyer said.

Diaz, through a Spanish interpreter, expressed remorse.

“I regret what happened. My heart is broken,” Diaz said. “I am not that.:

Cathy Zapata, his former wife, gave emotional testimony at the trial about the pain she suffered during and after the incident.

Diaz left her suffering in a parking lot when he left her ablaze and went to a body shop he used to work at. There, he tried to harm his former boss — but his attempt was foiled.

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Singer Celine Dion's husband, René Angélil, dies after cancer battle

Celine Dion's heart will have to go on without the love of her life, husband Rene Angelil.

René Angélil, the husband of award-winning Canadian singer Celine Dion, died at the age of 73 after a long battle with cancer, Dion announced.

"It's with profound sadness that we are announcing that René Angélil, 73, died this morning at his Las Vegas home after a courageous battle with cancer. The family wishes to mourn in private," her website said. "Other information will be provided in the next few days."

The 73-year-old Angelil, who guided the French-Canadian singer to superstardom, "passed away this morning as his home in Las Vegas after a long and courageous battle against cancer," a rep told People Magazine in a statement.

Angelil, who was 26 years his wife's senior, had originally been diagnosed with throat cancer in 1999 and staved off the disease twice before.

                                       DENISE TRUSCELLO/WIREIMAGE

Celine Dion and Rene Angelil endured plenty of scrutiny because of their age difference and the Angelil's professional role in her life, but their marriage was strong. 

Dion immediately cancelled the scheduled Saturday and Sunday shows of her Las Vegas residency at the Caesars Palace in the wake of the news — but planned to return for the Feb. 23 show, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported.

The "All By Myself" singer returned to her residency in August after taking a year off to take care of her husband as he underwent aggressive treatments.

She told USA Today at the time of her return that Angelil's dying wish was to "die in my arms."

Sources close to the singer told the gossip site TMZ that the death was unexpected, since the businessman felt better in recent weeks.

During their high-profile courtship, the couple endured plenty of scrutiny because of their age difference and the Angelil's professional role in her life. But the romance proved to be as strong as the lyrics of a Dion ballad since their 1994 marriage.

He stepped down as her manager in June 2014.

Angelil leaves behind three children with Dion — René-Charles and twin 5-year-old boys Nelson and Eddy — and three other adult children from a previous relationship.

Mohamed Elneny completes move to Arsenal from Basel

Mohamed Elneny has completed his move to Arsenal from Basel

Arsenal have secured their first signing of the January transfer window by completing a deal for Basel midfielder Mohamed Elneny, according to Sky Sport.

The 23-year-old was in London on Wednesday to complete the formalities on a four-and-a-half year contract having already undergone a medical with the current Premier League leaders. 

Arsene Wenger confirmed following his side's 3-3 draw with Liverpool that a deal for Elneny had been completed and hoped to have him available for the Super Sunday clash with Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium.

Arsenal have now confirmed Elneny's arrival at the Emirates Stadium, subject to the completion of the regulatory processes.

Elneny, who has been capped 39 times by Egypt, started his career in his homeland with El Mokawloon before joining Basel in 2013. 

He has helped Basel win three successive league titles in Switzerland and also helped them reach the Europa League semi-finals during his first season at the club, losing to eventual winners Chelsea.

Elneny made 28 appearances for Basel this season, scoring six goals.