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    Real Madrid ‘sound out William Saliba’s entourage over world record fee to sign Arsenal star’ in shock transfer

    ARSENAL defender William Saliba has reportedly emerged as a top transfer target for Real Madrid.The Frenchman has firmly established himself as one of Europe’s top defenders over the last two years.Real Madrid reportedly want to sign William SalibaCredit: GettyAnd his impressive form has attracted interest from some Champions League rivals.Spanish outlet SPORT claims Real Madrid could launch a bid to sign him at the end of the season.But they will likely have to fork out at least £83million for him – which would be a world record fee for a defender.The report also claims Real Madrid chiefs sounded out Saliba’s entourage and received a positive response.Read More in FootballSaliba currently has two-and-a-half years remaining on his Arsenal contract.But last month he gave Mikel Arteta a boost by pledging his long-term future to the Gunners.He insisted: “I feel at home here.”I signed for the club five years ago but it’s only my third season and I’m enjoying everything — the players, staff and fans.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAsked if could envisage staying at the Emirates for a long time, the Frenchman replied: “Yeah, of course.”Saliba is not the only man on Real Madrid’s radar.Arteta looks back on his five years managing Arsenal Los Blancos are also pushing to sign Liverpool full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold.The Reds turned down an approach from the La Liga giants on Tuesday.But Alexander-Arnold is now free to speak to Real Madrid officials about a potential summer move because he is within the final six months of his contract.Earlier this week, reports in Spain suggested Real are confident he will join at the end of the season. More

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    Premier League team of 2024 revealed with no sign of Mo Salah or Erling Haaland… but three Arsenal stars included

    MO SALAH and Erling Haaland have been left out of the Premier League team of 2024.The pair were amongst the highest scorers in the previous calendar year, with Salah arguably the player of the season so far.Mo Salah was a surprise exclusion from the Prem team of 2024Credit: GettyBukayo Saka has the highest WhoScored rating of 2024Credit: GettyErling Haaland missed out to Kai HavertzCredit: GettyBut he was left out of a team of the year that contains just two players from league leaders Liverpool.There are also just two stars from 2023/24 Prem champions Manchester City – Rodri and Josko Gvardiol – and no Erling Haaland.The eleven compiled by stats website WhoScored includes some surprise names, including Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken.The Dutchman has been a brilliant buy for the Bees and recorded an average rating of 6.97 in 2024 – bettering the likes of Alisson, David Raya and Emi Martinez.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThere is also a surprise entrance in central defence with James Tarkowski taking a place alongside Gabriel Magalhaes, despite many suggesting his Everton team-mate Jarrad Branthwaite was the better of the two last year.Gabriel also pips a team-mate in William Saliba despite an impressive year for the Frenchman.There is only one other player in the team that does not play for a Big Six club – Crystal Palace ace Eberechi Eze.Salah misses out on the right wing spot to Bukayo Saka, who has the best average rating in 2024, with Kai Havertz the third Arsenal player included in the centre-forward berth.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSLiverpool are instead represented by Trent Alexander-Arnold and Luis Diaz, who hit form towards the end of the year with three goals and one assist in four games.There are four England players included with Cole Palmer earning a spot thanks to his sensational form throughout the year.’We are far away from that,’ says Mo Salah as Liverpool star sends club another contract warning More

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    Brentford vs Arsenal LIVE SCORE: Premier League updates as Gunners begin the new year with trip to London rivals

    ARSENAL begin 2025 with a short trip to London rivals Brentford TONIGHT.The Gunners go into the match at the Gtech Community Stadium fresh from back-to-back Premier League wins – with their most recent triumph being last Friday’s 1-0 win over Ipswich.Mikel Arteta’s men face a tricky test in their 2025 opener – as they head to a Brentford side with the second-best home record in the league.Kick off time: 5.30pm GMTTV channel: TNT Sports 1Live stream: discovery+Brentford team: To follow…Arsenal team: To follow…FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…Welcome to Brentford vs ArsenalArsenal travel to Brentford this evening to kick off the new year, and we’ll be bringing you all of the updates right here on SunSport.The Gunners wrapped up a strong 2024 with victory over Ipswich, and will be looking to move up to second to keep alive hopes of a title challenge.While the Bees have slipped to 12th in the Premier League after having failed to win in their last three matches in the division.And although they lost 2-0 to Nottingham Forest last time out at the Gtech Community Stadium, their home form has been impressive this season joint top with league leaders Liverpool.Brentford have sealed 22 points at home in the Prem so far in this campaign, with an identical record of seven wins, one draw and one loss to Liverpool’s at Anfield.Copy linkCopied More

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    Jose Mourinho reveals his two biggest regrets from career in football… including brutal Chelsea swipe

    JOSE MOURINHO has revealed the two biggest regrets of his football career in a brutal swipe at former side Chelsea.The Special One is currently in charge of Turkish giants Fenerbahce after an incredible 25 years as a manager.Jose Mourinho aimed a dig at Chelsea as he revealed the biggest regrets of his careerCredit: GettyHis travels have seen him boss sides in Portugal, England, Italy and Spain.And Mourinho has a host of trophies in his cabinet, solidifying his legacy as one of the game’s greatest.However, the tactician admits there are two huge decisions he made in his career which still haunt him to this day.The first saw Mourinho take a dig at old side Chelsea, who he won three Premier League titles with during two glittering spells.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMourinho rejoined the Blues in 2013 after enjoying success with Inter Milan and Real Madrid.But he admits he should not have returned to Stamford Bridge, revealing he regrets not accepting an offer to stay at Real.Mourinho told Corriere dello Sport: “The ‘no’ to Florentino Perez (is one regret). “He said to me, ‘Don’t leave, you’ve done the hard part and the best is yet to come’.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“I knew it was true, but I wanted to return to Chelsea after three years of great challenges in Spain.”Mourinho’s time at the Bernabeu saw him win a LaLiga title while ending Real’s 20-year Copa del Rey drought.Fans call for Jose Mourinho to stick to his word with Millwall hunting for new manager But it was fraught with controversy amid an epic rivalry with Pep Guardiola and Barcelona.While Mourinho also reportedly fell out with several players in the Spanish capital.Upon his return to Chelsea, he won a Premier League title and League Cup before being sacked in December 2015.After staying in England with Manchester United and Spurs, Mourinho ended up back in Italy with Roma.He led them to Europa Conference League glory in 2022 before reaching the Europa League final a year later.Roma controversially lost the match to Sevilla on penalties, leading Mourinho to confront English ref Anthony Taylor in the car park afterwards.He branded the official a “f*****g disgrace”, with Taylor subjected to further abuse from Roma supporters.Mourinho was eventually hit with a four-game ban for his tirade.And he now admits he should have QUIT Roma after the Europa final defeat.READ MORE SUN STORIESMourinho, who remained at the club until he was sacked in January 2024, added: “I have to talk about Budapest, not because of the confusion with Anthony Taylor.“But because I didn’t leave straight away. I should have left Roma straight away, I didn’t, and it was a mistake.” More

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    Ex-England goalkeeper Jack Butland rushed to hospital with ‘serious internal bleed’ just days after wife gave birth

    FORMER England goalkeeper Jack Butland has been rushed to hospital with a serious internal bleed.The 31-year-old, who became a dad for the fourth time just 11 days ago, was due to feature for Rangers in the Old Firm derby tomorrow.Former England goalkeeper Jack Butland was rushed to hospital on TuesdayCredit: ReutersButland announced the birth of his fourth child on December 21Credit: Instagram / @jbutland_The former England star got married to Annabel Peyton in 2022Credit: Instagram / @jbutland_But he will not be available due to a health scare.According to the Rangers Review, Butland was admitted to hospital on Tuesday evening with a “significant” internal bleed.He spent the night under medical care before being discharged this morning.However, the goalkeeper will be sidelined for the Old Firm derby with sources telling SunSport he is not fit enough to play.Read More in FootballButland is understood to be devastated about missing out.The former England international announced the birth of his fourth child on December 21.He was named in the Rangers squad prior to the club’s match against Dundee but withdrew after the warm-up to be with his wife.Butland is currently in his second season with the Scottish side.Most read in FootballThe goalkeeper was due to start for Rangers against Celtic on ThursdayCredit: Kenny RamsayHe joined as a free agent following the expiry of his Crystal Palace deal in July 2023.Prior to that, the goalkeeper spent six months on loan at Manchester United but did not make a first team appearance.Butland made his senior England debut in August 2012 at the age of 19 years and 158 days.He went on to make nine appearances for the Three Lions before falling out of favour.The couple welcomed their fourth child 11 days agoCredit: Instagram / @jbutland_ More

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    League One clash postponed 22 minutes before kick-off with thousands of fans inside stadium

    CRAWLEY TOWN’S clash with Charlton Athletic has been postponed due a waterlogged pitch.The League One game was due to start at 3pm but poor weather has seen it called off just 22 minutes before kick-off.Crawley’s clash with Charlton Athletic has been postponedAfter a morning of high winds and heavy rain, puddles had formed on the sidelines and water laid on the pitchManagers Nathan Jones and Rob Elliot were briefed just before kick-offThe New Years Day match failed it’s second pitch inspection at 2:15pm.Crawley Town’s X account wrote: “Unfortunately, this afternoon’s match against Charlton has been postponed owing to a waterlogged pitch at the Broadfield Stadium. “We apologise for any inconvenience caused and will be back in touch with more communication regarding tickets in due course.”Local reporter Louis Mendez first posted: “The game is off.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSReferee Sunny Singh Gill deemed the surface unplayable following a late call this afternoon.Players were warming up as the officials briefed both managers.A new date for the game will be announced once confirmed.Supporters’ tickets will remain valid for the rearranged match.Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAfter a morning of high winds and heavy rain, puddles had formed on the sidelines and water laid on the pitch. Groundsman Ben Harwood and his staff worked hard to clear water from the turf as the game was a sell-out.But fans fumed at the late call to abandon the match.Matt O’Riley limps off just minutes into Brighton debut after horror Crawley tackleOne wrote: “What a joke? Could have been decided earlier 😡.”A second said: “That is shocking from the referee what about the fans who have travelled?”Another added: “Disgusting to do it now!”One more replied: “Absolute joke. Gutted for our fans wasting their New Year’s Day.”Crawley beat the Addicks at the Valley 2-1 at the beginning of December but both club’s fortune’s have changed since that night.READ MORE SUN STORIESRob Elliot’s side have got one point from four matches while Charlton have won three and drawn two since.The Addicks, led by former Southampton boss Nathan Jones, are currently ninth in the League One table while Crawley are still in 21st. More

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    Nottingham Forest heroes Anthony Elanga and Morgan Gibbs-White enjoy New Years ski trip with stunning girlfriends

    MORGAN GIBBS-WHITE and Anthony Elanga rang in the New Year in style on a winter getaway with their partners.The high-flying Nottingham Forest duo hit the slopes with girlfriends Britney Devilliers and China Navana as they saw in 2025.Morgan Gibbs-White jetted off on a ski holiday with his girlfriend Britney Devilliers for New YearCredit: INSTAGRAM@BRITNEYDEVILLIERSGibbs-White was joined by his Nottingham Forest team-mate Anthony ElangaCredit: INSTAGRAM@BRITNEYDEVILLIERSElanga’s other half China Navana also came along for the tripCredit: INSTAGRAM@CHINANAVANAThe couples stayed in a luxury ski town resortCredit: INSTAGRAM@BRITNEYDEVILLIERSInfluencer Britney posted a snap of her with other half Gibbs-White as they jetted off to a plush ski resort in a private jet.And they were joined by former Manchester United ace Elanga and his girlfriend China.Britney posted a series of snaps of herself and Gibbs-White onboard the plane to her Instagram on New Year’s Eve.Her accompanying caption read: “NYE trip.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe couple looked the picture of happiness, as did Devilliers as she showed off an chic-looking fur jacket in individual snaps.Before sharing the post, Britney posted a series of photos of the plush resort they were calling home.And her story updates included a picture of Gibbs-White and Elanga being all smiles for the camera as they braved the cold.The 24-year-old later updated her story with a snap of their entire group on a mountain.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe couples were joined by some of their other palsCredit: INSTAGRAM@BRITNEYDEVILLIERSThey looked the picture of happiness on the slopesCredit: INSTAGRAM@BRITNEYDEVILLIERSHer accompanying caption for the group selfie read: “NYE tip with the best people.”Neither Gibbs-White nor Elanga reposted the heartwarming snap to their respective stories – although it it was reshared by China.Fans say ‘I’m getting leg cramps just watching’ as ex-Man Utd ace Anthony Elanga shows off insane workout workoutNeither Gibbs-White or Elanga, 24 and 22 respectively, will have risked injury by skiing on the trip.The pair have been in fine form for Forest this season, as the Tricky Trees have shocked the rest of the Premier League as they sit an unexpected SECOND at the halfway stage.England international Gibbs-White has three goals and three Prem assists to his name this campaign.And Elanga – who moved to the City Ground in July 2023 – has matched his team-mate’s haul.Nuno Espirito Santo’s troops will be back in action next Monday, travelling to Molineux to take on Wolves.Morgan Gibbs-White and Anthony Elanga have shone for Forest this seasonCredit: Reuters More

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    Dani Olmo shares cryptic post over Barcelona future after registration REJECTED as six Premier League clubs eye transfer

    DANI OLMO shared a cryptic post over his Barcelona future with six Premier League clubs eyeing his signature.The Spanish midfielder is technically a free agent after LaLiga rejected his registration with Barcelona for the remainder of the season.Barcelona misfit Dani Olmo teased his transfer future with a cryptic messageCredit: Instagram @daniolmoThe ace is technically a free agent after Barca’s appeal to register him failedCredit: Instagram @daniolmoOlmo only joined the Catalans from RB Leipzig last summer in a £50million deal.He was registered for six months on a temporary basis due to Barca’s financial issues.And after the LaLiga giants lost their appeal to keep him in their squad, Olmo’s future is now up in the air.He is now able to strike a free transfer agreement with a new club despite previously vowing to stay at the Nou Camp.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLReports claim the Prem’s ‘Big Six’ sides Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Man City, Tottenham and Man Utd are all hoping to bring Olmo to England.He is likely to be in the crosshairs of other top sides around Europe.But Olmo gave little away last night as he celebrated the start of a new year.The Euro 2024 winner enjoyed a shindig with pals just hours after his latest Barcelona appeal was rejected.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd Olmo posted a cryptic message to social media that read: “It’s 2025 time.”Interestingly, it sparked a flurry of replies from Barcelona players in a hint that Olmo is staying put for the time being.Ian Wright convinced Spain star Dani Olmo is ‘taking the micky out of us’ with pre-Euro 2024 final gestureInigo Martinez posted a series of clock emojis.While Lamine Yamal wrote in Spanish: “Dani Olmo es Culerrrr (Olmo is Barca).”Marc Culer also posted: “Keep calm Dani!!! Tot sortira be (Everything will be fine).”Fans were certainly left perplexed by the situation.One said: “It speaks of poor planning, what exactly was the plan?”Another declared: “Is going to be difficult.”READ MORE SUN STORIESOne noted: “They’re just supporting him emotionally.”Another added: “They should just let it go.” More