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    Marcus Rashford steps up bid to quit Man Utd as he holds talks with agency who landed massive £86m transfer move

    MARCUS  RASHFORD  stepped up efforts to find a way out of Manchester United after his latest snub.The forward admitted last month he is ready for a new challenge having spent his whole career at Old Trafford.Marcus Rashford is planning his Old Trafford exitCredit: GettyThe 27-year-old was an unused sub in Man Utd’s loss to Newcastle on MondayCredit: AFPAnd Rashford, 27, is in talks with leading sports agency Stellar in the hope of landing a move this month.He is currently represented by brother Dwaine Maynard  – but the £325,000-a-week star is now keen to get more people working on his exit.And Stellar famously paved the way for Gareth Bale’s huge £86m move to Real Madrid in 2013.Rashford was left sitting on the bench during Monday’s 2-0loss to Newcastle having been restored to the squad  — 18 days after last playing for the Red Devils.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBut boss Ruben Amorim suggested before kick-off it was mainly because he was short of bodies, with Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte suspended.And even as the hosts chased a way back into the game, Amorim brought on Alejandro Garnacho and Antony instead.United would be open to selling the forward in this window if it helps their new manager bring in a signing – with Nuno Mendes a prime target.The Paris Saint-Germain wing-back, 22, is keen to answer an SOS from his former boss Amorim.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMendes worked with the fellow Portuguese at Sporting Lisbon and would welcome a reunion.PSG will want around £45million as he still has 18 months on his deal.Man Utd hero Lee Sharpe warns Marcus Rashford potential exit could come back to haunt club if he joins Prem rivals Yet United would only be in a position to buy if they can offload players.Rashford’s sale would help as he is homegrown and that would be a major boost in terms of Profit and Sustainability Rules.Asked about new signings this week, Amorim said: “We don’t have that possibility in January.Sports agency Stellar helped broker Gareth Bale’s move to Real Madrid in 2013Credit: AFPWhy Rashford joining Arsenal is perfect fitBy Martin LiptonMARCUS RASHFORD is at a crossroads.But now the England star has to make the biggest choice he has ever faced – does he care about cash, or about his career?Rashford’s shock admission that he is “ready for a new challenge” after some two decades under the Manchester United umbrella has altered the dynamic around his future.That Rashford might not fit the blueprint of Ruben Amorim – who has now responded to Rashford’s comments – was not exactly a surprise.The Portuguese coach prefers a 3-4-3 formation but appears to have settled on Rasmus Hojlund as his starting central striker and wants two “narrow” inside forwards, with the width coming from the wing-backs.Rashford has always wanted to play through the middle but is often at his best exploiting spaces out wide – and that skillset does not necessarily suit the way Amorim wants to play.Even so, going public with his evident dissatisfaction at being bombed entirely from the squad for the Manchester derby was a major move, even if he vowed there would be “no hard feelings” if he does leave his boyhood club.In truth, Rashford has been leaving United almost from the moment he signed that new £325,000 per week contract in 2023.Something was broken in his connection to the club. His form dropped, his threat dissipated, his issues with the hierarchy deepened.When Erik ten Hag dropped him for hosting a birthday party after a derby defeat, and he later pulled a sickie to miss the FA Cup game with Newport, it felt even then that the writing was on the wall.The facts suggest the love affair has ended. After scoring 30 in all competitions to earn that new deal, he has scored just 15 in the 18 months since it was signed.Amorim’s arrival seems merely to have accelerated what was increasingly inevitable.Now, though, it is up to Rashford to determine what his future will bring.If it is only about the money, then his options might be somewhat limited.It is hard to see a Prem rival coughing up the same £16.9m annual salary – although Rashford’s comments have probably knocked £20m-plus off any transfer fee, even next month.But Real Madrid have their fill of big-money strikers and Barcelona’s budget remains restricted by La Liga financial controls.In Europe, then, that probably leaves PSG – but a move to a one-club league.Or, in the wider world, he could follow the likes of Ivan Toney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Roberto Firmino and Co and head to the Saudi desert.Lucrative, yep. Certainly a different environment – and that may be exactly what Rashford both wants and needs. But the football? Not in a million years.What Rashford needs, above all, is to be able to play for trophies and showcase his talents.There is no better stage than the Premier League – which has far more global eyeballs on it than any other domestic competition.And in that Premier League there is one club crying out for a goalscoring No 9, especially if he can also play down the left channel to balance out the side and widen its threat.Rashford has always been more Longsight than London.Yet Arsenal, and Mikel Arteta, might be the perfect fit.The Gunners’ lack of a proper scorer is one of the major factors many fans feel has hurt their title challenge this year.Gabriel Jesus has never been a natural finisher, while Kai Havertz is still a converted midfielder.And while the link-up between Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka makes their right flank deadly, faith in Gabriel Martinelli on the left is waning.There have not been too many who succeeded at Arsenal after leaving United – although Danny Welbeck was not a flop.Rashford has all the attributes to change that history, if he can reproduce what everybody knows is inside him.And by breaking free, giving himself the chance to start all over, Rashford can make a point to Amorim that will resonate for a very long time.”It’s not the case that I  can spend a lot of money changing the team.”Amorim views the left wing-back position as a top priority as he is currently using Diogo Dalot out of position on that side.Meanwhile, midfielder Casemiro, 32, could be the subject of fresh interest from Saudi Arabia this month. 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    Wayne Rooney ready to fill new house husband role as Coleen chooses between clutch of lucrative TV offers

    WAYNE Rooney yesterday bagged a new role for 2025 as house husband — after leaving his manager’s job at Plymouth.His exit comes as wife Coleen plans a TV career after her successful stint on I’m A Celebrity.Wayne Rooney has left his manager’s job at Plymouth ArgyleCredit: RexMeanwhile, wife Coleen is ­mulling over a clutch of ‘very attractive’ telly offersCredit: RexColeen is ­mulling over a clutch of “very attractive” telly offers while hubby Wayne prepares to take over the reins at home, sources said last night.The couple are preparing for a sudden reversal of roles after Wayne, 39, left the ­manager’s seat at struggling Plymouth Argyle yesterday.The former England and Manchester United striker will return home to their four children – ­leaving Coleen, 38, to focus on her flourishing TV career in the wake of her star turn on I’m A Celebrity.The Sun understands she is weighing up “four or five” TV deals which could see her sitting ­alongside the likes of screen stars Holly ­Willoughby, Lorraine Kelly and Cat Deeley.READ MORE ON WAYNE ROONEYColeen, who finished second on I’m A Celeb, said after leaving the jungle that she was looking forward to seeing her boys and Wayne before considering her next move.But sources insisted last night it was now “her time to shine” after Championship outfit Plymouth Argyle announced that Wayne had left by mutual consent following a dismal run of form.A source said: “Coleen is sad that Wayne has lost his job because she knows how much work he put into it and how much he loves being a football manager.“But every cloud has a silver ­lining and it means that he will be back home with her and the boys and will give her more confidence that she can grab hold of whatever opportunities come her way.Most read in Football“Since leaving Australia she has tried to focus on her kids as it was very hard to be away from them for so long.“But she is aware there is huge interest in her and offers from TV companies and shows have been flooding in. There are four or five very attractive offers already on the table.Wayne Rooney hits out at speculation he took mystery woman back to his flat and says ‘it’s simply not true’“Wayne being back home will allow her to give them her full consideration.“Wayne’s football career has always taken precedence and rightly so given how successful he’s been. But it seems like it’s now Coleen’s time to shine. She’s supported him for the past 20 years so now it might be his time to play second fiddle to Coleen.”Coleen — who lives in the North West with sons Kai, 15, Klay, 11, Kit, eight and Cass, six — told last month how she had previously turned down TV offers because she had “a lot going on”.She said of her decision to do I’m A Celebrity: “I was ready to go in. My kids are that little bit older and I felt like I could leave them and be at ease. And also, within myself, I have had a lot going on in the past and I haven’t felt ready. Whereas I thought, ‘You know what, give it a go’. I love the show and it was a challenge. I don’t regret anything.”Meanwhile her husband — who enjoyed a glittering playing career before embarking on management — has been struggling at the other end of the country at Plymouth.The team has not won since November 5, enduring several heavy defeats, before losing 2-0 to relegation rivals Oxford United on Sunday.The club said yesterday: “Plymouth Argyle can confirm that the club and Head Coach Wayne Rooney have mutually agreed to part ways with immediate effect.“We would like to thank Wayne and his team for all their efforts and wish them well for the future.”It came less than 24 hours after Wayne angrily hit out at allegations he had taken a mystery woman back to his rented flat.He explained that she and a male friend had innocently given him a lift.Wayne said: “I am aware of a video circulating online. The video shows a man and woman looking around my apartment. The couple kindly gave me a lift home and were in there at the same time as my son who was visiting.”Coleen, who was pictured with her children watching Manchester United at Old Trafford on Monday night, was said to be “unconcerned” by the video.Coleen will focus on her flourishing TV career in the wake of her star turn on I’m A CelebCredit: RexRooney burst on to the scene as a 16-year-old at Everton before moving to Manchester United, where he became the club’s all-time top scorer, with 253 goals.He landed a string of trophies during his time at Old Trafford, including five Premier League titles and the Champions League. He also won 120 caps for England and scored 53 goals.After a spell in the States with DC United, Rooney joined Derby County as a player in January 2020, before being appointed manager 12 months later.Derby were relegated from the Championship at the end of the following season, but had been in administration and suffered a 21-point deduction. He quit the club in June 2022.Rooney then went back across the Atlantic to the MLS with DC United the following month, winning his first game in charge.But his side picked up just nine points from their last 14 games and they mutually parted ways at the end of the season.The former England captain then joined Birmingham City in October 2023 with the club in sixth place in the Championship.But he lost his job in January last year after losing nine of 15 games and spent time out of football before Plymouth Argyle came calling in May.Rooney’s Argyle side were struggling in the Championship when he was axedCredit: GettyNow unemployed, Wayne is ready to be a house husband and care for his four boysCredit: Coleen Rooney/InstagramColeen was pictured with her children watching Manchester United at Old Trafford on Monday nightCredit: InstagramHE’S EX MANAGER OF MONTHOUTGOING Plymouth boss Wayne Rooney appears as the January star of the club’s 2025 calendar.One fan posted online: “This is awkward.”Another joked: “They put him in January and he didn’t even survive that long!”A tale of two RooneysWAYNE and Coleen Rooney have been together for more than 20 years.Here we look at the paths their lives have taken.Wayne made his pro debut for Everton at 16Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdColeen released fitness DVD Coleen McLoughlin’s Brand New Body in 20052002: Wayne makes pro debut for Everton at 16.Later becomes Premier League’s then-youngest goalscorer.Clothing shop worker Coleen starts dating Wayne aged 16.2003: Wayne becomes England’s youngest scorer against Macedonia, four months after debut at 17 against Australia.Coleen accepts Wayne’s garage forecourt proposal before landing a small role in soap Hollyoaks.2004 to 2006: Wayne stars at the Euros before a £30million move to Manchester United.Coleen releases fitness DVD Coleen McLoughlin’s Brand New Body in 2005.Appears on Tonight with Trevor McDonald about sister Rosie’s Rett syndrome in 2006.2007 to 2010: Wayne wins first Premier League title in 2007 and first Champions League trophy in 2008.Coleen releases series of books, ITV series Coleen’s Real Women, and fronts campaigns for Asda and Littlewoods.Couple wed in 2008.First son Kai born in 2009.2010 to 2018: Wayne breaks Sir Bobby Charlton’s goalscoring records for England and Man United.Re-signs for Everton in 2017 then joins MLS side D.C. United in 2018.Coleen gives birth to Klay in 2013, Kit in 2016 and Cass in 2018.2019 to 2023: Wayne is player-manager at Derby County from 2020 to 2022 then D.C. United manager for 15 months.Coleen makes infamous Wagatha Christie post on social media in 2019 claiming Rebekah Vardy had leaked stories from her Instagram.Their High Court libel trial features in a Channel 4 drama, Disney+ and ITV documentary and West End play.READ MORE SUN STORIES2024: Wayne becomes Plymouth Argyle manager in May. Sacked seven months later.Coleen is runner-up in I’m A Celebrity . . . Get Me Out of Here. More

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    Michail Antonio shares emotional post as he speaks out for 1st time since being discharged from hospital after car crash

    WEST Ham star Michail Antonio has posted an emotional message online for the first time since he was discharged from hospital following his horror car crash.The Hammers striker broke his leg in the smash involving his £260,000 Ferrari, which saw him airlifted to hospital earlier this month.Michail Antonio has posted an emotional message after being discharged from hospitalCredit: InstagramThe Hammers star broke his leg in a horror car crash earlier this monthCredit: STEVE BELLBut he promised fans he would be back on the pitch ‘soon’Credit: GettyHe was discharged earlier today and has now broken his silence on the ordeal.Taking to his Instagram, Antonio thanked emergency services and the football community – and promised to be back in action soon.He wrote: “Every year around this time, I’m asked what I’m grateful for, and every year I’ve struggled to find the right words. “But this year, I know exactly what I’m grateful for: being alive.READ MORE MICHAIL ANTONIO”I’ve spent so many years taking life for granted. I made plans for the next day, the next year, always assuming tomorrow was guaranteed.”What I’ve been through recently has opened my eyes. “Life is fragile, and every single moment matters. Michail Antonio’s incredible riseBy Jon BoonThe outpouring of love from the football community for Michael Antonio has been massive, with the striker recognised as a big character in the game.The Wandsworth-born forward started from humble beginnings – playing for non-league Tooting & Mitcham United.After impressing in 2008, he was offered a trial at Reading – some five divisions up – and Alan Pardew duly snapped him up.However, he later revealed he got kicked out by Tooting, after he refused to sign a contract.Antonio said: “They kicked me out because I refused to sign a contract.“I was like: ‘If someone comes in for me I don’t want to be tied down. I want to be able to go and not you out price me’.”Following spells at Sheffield Wednesday and Nottingham Forest, in 2015 he was plucked from the Championship in a £7million deal by West Ham.He’s been there ever since, winning a player of the year award, twice being named Premier League player of the month and lifting a European trophy.Away from football, Antonio has bravely opened up about his mental health struggles in recent times.The Jamaica international was recently asked by Gary Lineker on the Rest is Football podcast what he would like to do when he retires from the game.He revealed: “I want to go into entertainment.”So more on the basis of A League of Their Own, Play to the Whistle…”Read more about Michail Antonio’s incredible rise and life away from the game.”I’m so grateful to God for giving me the strength to keep going and for allowing me to still be here.”To the emergency services, the NHS, the Air Ambulance, everyone at the Royal London and Cromwell hospitals and everyone from top to bottom at West Ham United FC. “The medical team, the board, all of the staff, my teammates and the amazing West Ham fans… I honestly could not have got through this without you. thank you from the bottom of my heart. Most read in Football”To my loved ones who stood by my side throughout everything, I can’t express how much you mean to me.”Lastly, to the whole football community thank you for all the love and support you’ve shown me. It has truly meant the world. “I love you all and I am endlessly grateful for every one of you.West Ham fans pay emotional tribute to Michail Antonio with ninth-minute applause”Happy New Year- and I’ll be back on that pitch soon.”Ongoing enquiriesThe striker was trapped in the wreckage of the supercar for more than an hour before ambulances arrived on the scene.Cops have since ruled out booze or drugs as the reason for the crash, with investigators also reportedly working on the assumption that no third party was involved.There hasn’t even been mention of excessive speeding, raising the possibility that it could have been a freak accident.A source said: “Drink and drugs have already been ruled out, and officers are not currently looking for anyone else.“There is no smoking gun as far as cops are concerned right now – but they have to investigate because the smash was so serious and caused such extensive injuries.“Just because cops are involved doesn’t mean a crime has been committed.”A classy touchIn response to the crash, West Ham has raised almost £60,000 for NHS and Air Ambulance charities to thank staff for their rapid response.For their first game in the wake of the smash, players all wore shirts bearing Antonio’s name.These were then signed and auctioned off for a collective £29,613, which was then matched by the club’s board.Hammers captain Jarrod Bowen said: “It’s been special to see the West Ham family and the wider football community come together in support of Mic over the last month.“We are all grateful for the care that both the NHS and Air Ambulances UK have given to Mic during a challenging time for him and his family.READ MORE SUN STORIES”And for what they continue to do every single day for people around the country.”Pulling together during difficult times is what being a part of West Ham United is all about and on behalf of the team I want to thank everyone for helping us to raise an incredible amount of money for two great causes.” More

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    Burnley complete transfer of Peru defender Oliver Sonne, 24… whose auntie is a world famous supermodel

    BURNLEY have signed defender Oliver Sonne from Danish outfit  Silkeborg.The Peru right-back becomes Clarets boss Scott Parker’s first signing of the January window and has penned a four-and-a-half-year deal.Oliver Sonne has signed for Championship side BurnleyCredit: GettyThe Peruvian is hoping to help the Clarets back to the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyThe right-back’s aunt is world-renowned supermodel Helena ChristensenCredit: GettySonne, 24, is the nephew of supermodel Helena Christensen and played more than 100 times in Denmark’s top flight. After his reveal on New Year’s Eve, he said: “I’m super excited!”To be here and experience the club and the facilities . . . it’s mind-blowing. “It’s a massive club with great ambitions.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”The ambition is to go back up to the Premier League and I will fight to make that happen.”Christensen, 56, is a former Miss Universe Denmark. She won the crown in 1986, going on to represent Denmark at the Miss Universe pageant later that year. Helena launched a pro modelling career and has since fronted magazines including Vogue, Elle, and Tatler. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSShe is also a former Victoria’s Secret Angel.Christensen was even named as one of the Magnificent Seven alongside Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell and Elle McPherson in the mid-1990s.Bungling Burnley academy manager quits after sending bombshell message slamming ‘mad’ and ‘lazy’ players to WRONG groupSonne has previously followed in his aunt’s footsteps, modelling for Gucci and Armani.He said: ” I had a period where I did it a lot [of modelling]. “I did some really cool things abroad with some of the top brands that we young people buy for a lot of money. “So it was a lot of fun trying to be on that side of it all.”Christensen is a former Victoria’s Secret AngelCredit: GettyShe was also crowned Miss Universe DenmarkCredit: ReutersSonne joins Burnley with the club third in the Championship, three points off Sheffield United in second. Parker’s side are hoping for an instant return to the Premier League after relegation last season. More

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    Juventus to offer Joshua Zirkzee January escape route after Man Utd career hit nightmare low… but only on loan

    JUVENTUS are lining up a loan move for Joshua Zirkzee after his Manchester United career hit a new low on Monday night.The Dutch international forward was subbed after just 33 minutes of the 2-0 home defeat to Newcastle on Monday night.Juventus are preparing a loan move for Man Utd misfit Joshua ZirkzeeCredit: AlamyAnd United fans welcomed the decision before jeering as the £35million forward left the pitch to be replaced by Kobbie Mainoo.Zirkzee looked to be visibly upset as he made his way straight down the tunnel but he was back in the dug-out for the second half.While Ruben Amorim has pledged to support the 23-year-old, his future at Old Trafford is looking increasingly uncertain.He is well regarded in Italy having made enjoyed an impressive spell with Bologna to earn his move to United in the summer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd during that time, he worked under Thiago Motta – who is now in charge of the Turin giants and would be delighted to work with him again.However the chances of Juventus giving the Red Devils a welcome cash windfall this month are slim and any approach is likely to be on a loan basis.United are looking to raise some cash to support Amorim’s attempts to bring in new faces in the winter window.Zirkzee has appeared in all 19 of his club’s Prem games so far, scoring three goals, but has been made a scapegoat for their problems by some fans.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAmorim says he and the club will put an arm round Zirkzee’s shoulder following his ordeal.The United boss said: “You have to think about the tea, the player was suffering during the game and we needed another midfielder.Manchester United vs Newcastle: Player Ratings Revealed“It was tough to do it but I’ve talked with Joshua on it and at that moment it was important for him to come out.“I know he’s a really good guy. When he went down the tunnel, I understand some guys can be in a bad way – but it is life.“He is a really good lad. We will support him and continue.” More

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    Wantaway Man Utd star Marcus Rashford grins as he enjoys lunch with team-mate day after warming bench in Newcastle loss

    WANTAWAY Manchester United star Marcus Rashford grinned as he enjoyed lunch with a pal.The England forward was spotted dining at the upmarket Cibo Restaurant in Hale Village just one day after warming the bench in his side’s 2-0 defeat to Newcastle.Marcus Rashford was all smiles as he enjoyed lunch outCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeThe Man Utd star was joined by teammate Tyrell MalaciaCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeRashford was an unused sub in last night’s defeat to NewcastleCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeMalacia was also left on the bench at Old TraffordCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeRashford was recalled to Ruben Amorim’s match-day squad for the first time in five games after being axed for the 2-1 derby win at Manchester City.But the ace did not see any action on the pitch despite United crashing to their sixth defeat in 11 games under Amorim.The result also marked their fourth defeat on the bounce ahead of trips to Liverpool and Arsenal.Yet Rashford appeared to take the latest snub in his stride as he joined teammate Tyrell Malacia — another player who has lost his spot under Amorim — and pals for lunch on Tuesday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 27-year-old wore a hooded jacket as he protected himself from the cold while entering and leaving the restaurant.Rashford did not seem to be fazed by doubts over his future either as he flashed a smile and shared a laugh with friends.It now remains to be seen whether he remains at United by the end of the January transfer window after declaring he is ready for a “new challenge.”Rashford left his club stunned with the bold admission following his axe from December’s derby win.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe said: “For me, personally, I think I’m ready for a new challenge and the next steps.“When I leave it’s going to be ‘no hard feelings’. You’re not going to have any negative comments from me about Manchester United. That’s me as a person.Manchester United vs Newcastle: Player Ratings RevealedRashford had failed to make the previous four matchday squadsCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeHis future remains unclear after his transfer exit commentsCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeRashford cut a glum figure on the bench last nightCredit: RexUnited suffered their fourth defeat in a rowCredit: Reuters“If I know that a situation is already bad I’m not going to make it worse.“I’ve seen how other players have left in the past and I don’t want to be that person.“When I leave, I’ll make a statement, and it will be from me. It’s disheartening to be left out of a derby, but it’s happened, we won the game so let’s move on.“It’s disappointing but I’m also someone as I’ve got older I can deal with setbacks.“What am I going to do about it? Sit there and cry about it? Or do my best the next time I’m available?” More

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    Liverpool REJECT Real Madrid bid for Trent Alexander-Arnold in January swoop with star set for free transfer in summer

    LIVERPOOL have rejected an audacious swoop from Real Madrid for Trent Alexander-Arnold.The England full-back is out of contract on Merseyside in the summer. Liverpool have rejected Real Madrid’s January approach for Trent Alexander-ArnoldCredit: GettyAlexander-Arnold came through the youth setup at Liverpool and has been with the club since 2006. He could leave on a free transfer in the summer unless he pens a new contract and can start talks with European clubs from January 1.The 26-year-old has yet to indicate if he wishes to leave his boyhood clue for a fresh challenge.But that hasn’t stopped Madrid from targeting the Three Lions star for a shock move in January. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe offer for Alexander-Arnold from Real was a “club-to-club approach rather than a formal offer,” according to the Daily Mail.It was “rejected” out of hand by Liverpool, who hold a “desire” to keep Trent on the books. Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti is keen to sign a new right-back to bolster his injury-hit squad.Dani Carvajal looks set to miss the remainder of the season for the reigning La Liga champions, who trail rivals Atletico by one point at the summit. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMadrid have aggressively pursued free transfers in recent seasons, offering lucrative contracts to tempt stars to the Bernabeu.David Alaba, Antonio Rudiger and most recently Kylian Mbappe were all signed this way. Fans hail ‘agent Jude Bellingham’ as England star is spotted with Real Madrid transfer target in nightclubEarlier this week, reports in Spain suggested Real were confident Alexander-Arnold will join at the end of the season.They wanted to secure a deal in January given their injuries, but they accept a summer transfer if it is the only option.Alexander-Arnold has played 332 times for Liverpool since making his debut almost a decade ago. He has won the Premier League, Champions League, the FA Cup, two League Cups and a Club World Cup with the club. Liverpool, who currently lead the Prem title race, could also lose both Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk to free transfers in the summer.Both players are out of contract in May and are yet to sign a fresh deal. More

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    ‘I was the victim of police brutality’ – ex-SPFL Premiership star accuses cops of beating him up on CHRISTMAS DAY

    FORMER Hibs star Stephane Omeonga has claimed he was arrested and beaten up by police – on CHRISTMAS DAY.The Belgian midfielder had two loan spells at Easter Road, making 27 appearances.Stephane Omeonga in action for Hibs during his time at Easter RoadCredit: Alamy Live NewsHe also turned out for Livingston whilst in ScotlandCredit: Andrew BarrHe has claimed he was ‘beaten up’ by Italian police officers on Christmas DayCredit: STEPHANE OMEONGAHe shared video footage of a copper appearing to put him in a headlockCredit: STEPHANE OMEONGAOmeonga went on to play 57 Premiership games in two seasons for Livingston before joining Israeli club Bnei Sakhnin two summers ago.He has now accused Italian cops of mistreating him after he attempted to fly to Tel Aviv last week, claiming he suffered “total humiliation.”The 28-year-old posted a video on social media that appeared to show him being manhandled off a plane after an argument with police.Liege-born Omeonga wrote on Instagram: “On December 25th, I was a victim of police brutality.”During a flight between Rome and Tel Aviv, after boarding the plane and taking my seat, a steward approached me about an alleged issue with my documents and asked me to leave the aircraft.”Confident in the validity of my documents, I calmly asked him what kind of issue.”The police were called, and I was handcuffed and forcibly removed from the plane. Once outside the aircraft, away from the view of witnesses, the police violently threw me to the ground, beat me, and one of them pressed his knee against my head.”I was then taken in a police vehicle, handcuffed like a criminal, to the airport. An ambulance arrived, but in a state of shock, I was unable to respond to the paramedics’ questions. Shortly after, I heard over the police car’s radio, ‘He refused medical care; everything is fine.’ Most read in Football”This was completely false, I asked them to take me in the ambulance with them scared to what the police could do to me.”Next, I was placed in a grey room, without food or water, and left in a state of total humiliation for several hours. Upon my release, I learned that a police officer had filed a complaint against me for injuries allegedly caused during the arrest, even though I was handcuffed.Hibs players celebrate 2-1 over Edinburgh rivals Hearts in Boxing Day derbyFurthermore, to this day, I have not received any justification for my arrest.”As a human being and a father, I cannot tolerate any form of discrimination. This arrest is just the visible tip of the iceberg. “Many people who look like me cannot find work, have no access to housing, or cannot participate in the sports they love, simply because they are Black.”We must stand united and raise our voices to educate those around us—our colleagues, neighbours, and friends—about this issue that plagues our society and hinders its progress. Peace.”Omeonga won eight Belgium Under-21 caps.Of Congolese descent, in addition to Hibs and Livi he also played for Italian sides Genoa, Avellino and Pescara as well as Cercle Brugge in his homeland.READ MORE SUN STORIESSunSport has approached the Italian National Police for comment.Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More