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      Liverpool ready to let Trent Alexander-Arnold join Real Madrid EARLY… but it will cost the Spaniards

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      TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD is set to join Real Madrid from Liverpool for less than £1million in time for the Club World Cup.As SunSport reported in December, Real want the defender to be available for their opening game of next month’s Fifa competition.Liverpool are set to allow Trent Alexander-Arnold to join Real Madrid early for a feeCredit: EPAAnd reports in Spain say Kop chiefs are prepared to let that happen for a token fee, while saving a month of the England star’s wages.Despite suggestions that Alexander-Arnold might join Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk in penning a new deal, Liverpool are resigned to the home-grown full-back leaving for the Bernabeu.His contract expires on June 30 but Real are keen on pushing through a move before then.Two special transfer windows — from June 1 to 10 and June 27 to July 3 — will allow Club World Cup sides to improve their squads.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLReal are said to be willing to pay £850,000 to bring in TAA before the end of his deal, ahead of playing Saudi side Al-Hilal on June 18.Some Reds fans are upset that the club are set to lose the player for so little.They point to the example of Jack Grealish, who signed a new deal at hometown club Aston Villa before joining Manchester City for £100m — money that was used to help transform Villa.Meanwhile Liverpool are keen to tie down versatile forward Luis Diaz with a longer contract.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe Colombian, who has just over two years left on his current deal, has been linked with Barcelona and the Saudi Pro League.Diaz, 28, has enjoyed an impressive season at the Reds.HOW LIVERPOOL WON THE TITLEHe is known to have dreamed of playing for Barca.But there is huge scepticism about the cash-strapped Catalans’ ability to pay big fees. More

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      Man Utd line up axed Chelsea scout with Sir Jim Ratcliffe pinning all hopes on him to transform woeful transfer policy

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      OLD TRAFFORD chiefs are ready to sign up talent-spotting king Jim Fraser — after his Chelsea exile.Fraser spent 20 years at Stamford Bridge before being axed last year.Minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is determined to end transfer failingsCredit: PAPotential Man utd recruit Jim Fraser is seen presenting Alfie Gilchrist with his award as Chelsea Men’s Academy Player of the Year last MayCredit: GettyRichard Fraser discovered many young talents for Chelsea, like Reece James and Mason Mount, and is now set for Old TraffordCredit: AlamyNow his gardening leave is ending and he looks set to  join Manchester United.United are in the process of cutting about 200 jobs behind the scenes and also getting rid of several  scouts.But minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe sees Fraser as a key capture as they plan to sign leading young talent for the future.He was Chelsea academy chief and boasts a huge reputation for unearthing top young stars.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAt the Blues, he helped to discover the likes of Mason Mount, Conor Gallagher, Reece James and Tammy Abraham.Other gems included Marc Guehi, Levi Colwill and Dominic Solanke.This fits with  Ratcliffe’s push to discover talent at United — rather than spend fortunes on risky big-name signings.United’s shake-up  has begun, with leading figures like David Harrison — their director of football operations —  leaving.Most read in FootballThe club’s top brass have tried to delay the announcement of major redundancies until the end of this season.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSCost-cutting chiefs held club-wide reviews, including senior scouting, with many interviewed about their roles.The month-long process ended a few weeks ago but the final cull was not meant to be made public at such a vital moment. ‘Do you know the rules-‘ – Bruno Fernandes gives blunt Spanish interview after red card controversy in Man Utd clashThere were fears the axings would hurt morale in the final weeks of  the season as they chase Europa League glory.It comes as Real Madrid attempt to set up a bizarre deal with United as the Spaniards eye Benfica left-back Alvaro Carreras.Los Blancos reportedly hope to use the 22-year-old’s former club United as a “bridge” to help recruit the £51millon-rated star.The Red Devils sold Carreras for just £5.1m – but with a £15.3m buy-back clause.Real aim to work with United so that the Prem giants activate the defender’s relatively cheap asking price.Madrid could then step in to buy him – for a fee still well below £51m. More

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      Mason Greenwood puts Premier League on red alert with ex-Man Utd striker desperate to return to England

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      MASON GREENWOOD is pining for a return to England —  putting a string of Prem clubs on red alert.The forward, 23, left Manchester United for £26.6million last summer and signed a five-year deal with Marseille in the south of France.Mason Greenwood wants to move back to EnglandCredit: GettyHe has scored 19 goals for Marseille this seasonCredit: AFPHe came through the youth academy at Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyHe has scored 19 goals in 33 appearances for the Ligue 1 side.But he has faced repeated criticism from manager Roberto De Zerbi and was dropped in March for a perceived lack of work-rate.Greenwood — who had charges of attempted rape, assault and controlling and coercive behaviour dropped in February 2023 — is yearning for a return to the UK with partner Harriet Robson and their two young daughters.He signed for Marseille following a successful spell in Spain with Getafe.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAnd a source revealed:  “When Mason first left United he loved Spain.“He and Harriet moved to Madrid and rebuilt their lives.“He loved the fact he could just play football and his life off the pitch was not the subject of such intense focus.“He was really happy to sign for Marseille and loved living in France.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“But he’s been abroad for nearly two years and the novelty has worn off.“Mason’s family visit but he is very introverted and misses his extended family and the friends he has from home.Top 10 highest paid footballersRoberto De Zerbi has been critical of the forward at timesCredit: Getty“A move back to the North West could suit him as he feels the vitriol he previously faced has died down a bit and people may have moved on.”Former Brighton boss De Zerbi dropped Greenwood and criticised his work-rate, saying: “I expect more from him.”Marseille’s Ultras have also unfurled a banner in the stands during games, urging him to  “Get a move on”. More

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      Arsenal boss Arteta shuts down reporter after being asked revealing question ahead of crucial PSG Champions League clash

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      MIKEL ARTETA shut down a reporter after being asked a revealing question ahead of the clash against Paris Saint-Germain.Arsenal travel to France to take on the Ligue giants in the Champions League on Wednesday.Mikel Arteta shut down a reporter after Arsenal’s loss to BournemouthCredit: Sky SportsArsenal looked tired as they threw away their leadCredit: APThe clash is the second leg of the semi-final, with the Gunners losing the reverse fixture at the Emirates.Ousmane Dembele’s goal was enough to hand Paris Saint-Germain a crucial advantage before the game at the Parc des Princes.However, after Arsenal lost 2-1 to Bournemouth in the Premier League, Arteta had to go and face the media.He was asked “did you feel any physical or mental fatigue at all?” about his players.READ MORE ON ARSENALArteta quickly dismissed the suggestion with “No.”He added: “Not mental; fatigue is true but a lot of players had to start.”They were probably conditioned for something else.”Arsenal were the stronger team in the first half against the Cherries.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSDeclan Rice netted the opener after a neat move saw him one-on-one and go around Kepa Arrizabalaga.However, the hosts tired in the second half as goals from Dean Huijsen and Evanilson flipped the scores.Declan Rice in rousing speech as he explains what Arsenal stars MUST do against PSG ‘or we die’Jurrien Timber could be back for the second leg against PSGCredit: GettyArteta did insist that he and his players would take the “anger” from the match forward.He claimed that they would use it against the French.He added: “It did not create the right momentum.”It certainly created a lot of anger, frustration, rage, disappointment and let’s use all of that for Wednesday.”That is what we have to do.”The Spaniard was also asked about the fitness of absentee Jurrien Timber.The Dutchman missed the game against the Cherries but could be back for the Champions League fixture.Read More on The SunArteta said: “Yeah there is a chance.”When pushed for more info, he said it is “for the doctor”.Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates More

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      Relegated Southampton already planning for Aaron Ramsdale transfer exit as they line up EFL star

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      SOUTHAMPTON are checking on Sunderland keeper Anthony Patterson as a replacement for Aaron Ramsdale.Relegated Saints are keen on Patterson, 24, who is proven at Championship level. Aaron Ramsdale is set to leave relegated Southampton after one seasonCredit: PASaints are lining up a deal for Sunderland star Anthony PattersonCredit: GettyThey could go in with an offer if the Black Cats do not go up via the play-offs.England stopper Ramsdale, 26, is expected to leave St Mary’s, either permanently or on loan.Tottenham watched Patterson while they were seeking cover in goal.And the England Under-21 stopper was also being looked at by Burnley.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHis form dipped mid-season at the Stadium of Light.But the North Shields-born No 1 has a chance to put himself in the shop window in the play-offs as Regis Le Bris’ side face Coventry over two legs.Southampton are also looking closely at Angers’ Yahia Fofana, 24.The Ivory Coast No 1 is available for around £10million.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnd they are considering a fresh move for Crystal Palace winger Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, 22.Saints bid £5m plus extras before the Eagles agreed a loan deal with Sheffield United last summer.Disgusted Southampton fans stream out of St Mary’s 27 minutes into Tottenham clash after going 4-0 downMeanwhile, former boss Russell Martin is a managerial target for both Leicester and Rangers.He was sacked mid-season by Saints and replaced by Ivan Juric, who left last month. More

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      Class of 92’s promotion hopes ruined by former team-mate after final day draw drops them out of the play-offs

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      CLASS of 92-owned Salford City’s promotion hopes were ended by a familiar face as they failed to beat relegated Carlisle United.Former Manchester United player Mark Hughes’ side went 2-0 up in 17 minutes, forcing visitors Salford to mount a comeback that they couldn’t quite complete.Ryan Giggs oversaw his team fail to beat Carlisle and miss out on playoffsCredit: ShutterstockThis meant the Manchester team finished the day one point away from Chesterfield who beat Accrington Stanley away from home to claim the final play-off spot in League Two.Goals from Salford’s Cole Stockton and Hakeeb Adelakun cancelled out Carlisle’s Stephen Wearne and Matthew Dennis.But it could have been worse as Matty Young managed to force a brilliant save to deny the hosts late on.Carlisle were relegated before the game kicked off with Hughes, who joined on a rolling contract in February, unable to prevent their slide.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLWhile the Red Devils-owning Salford had been looking upwards towards promotion, the one at the helm of Carlisle might be looking in the other direction.Hughes has said, despite managing Premier League clubs previously, that he is open to following his team down to the National League.The Welshman said: “I have no ego. This has been a tough challenge but one I’d still be up for, so we’ll see.”He took charge with 18 games to go and five points adrift at the bottom of League Two.Most read in EFLBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHughes has improved Carlisle’s form but could not avoid relegationCredit: GettyBut after winning three-in-a-row towards the end of the season he could be the man to bring them back.Since being taken over by former Manchester United players Nicky Butt, Phil Neville, Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes in 2014, Salford have gone from strength to strength.Man Utd legend, 61, set to take charge of National League side as he says ‘it wouldn’t be beneath me’In pursuit of the Premier League, the club climbed to the fourth tier from the eighth in only five years. The draw today will add to Salford’s stalling progress as they are forced to wait another season to reach League One. More

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      Sheffield United set to AXE club scouts as they turn to never-before-seen method to sign new players

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      SHEFFIELD UNITED are turning to an Anglo-American AI talent spotting company to find new players — and that will mean the axe for top scoutsThe Blades are now under American ownership, who plan to run all targets through the databanks and computerised systems of a super-spy company.Sheffield United are set to axe club scoutsCredit: RexManager Chris Wilder is hoping to take the club back to the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyPoker star James Bord is involved in the new system to find playersCredit: POKER VIDEOInsiders reveal Las Vegas-based, London-born James Bord is the middleman involved in finding players, hopefully for the Premier League next season.Bord made a fortune as a poker player before shifting his focus to the computer world, where his companies and ideas have thrived in several fields.Blades boss Chris Wilder signed several players for the promotion push and most were found by the old-fashioned way.However, the Yank owners are convinced that the new methods are the Blades’ future.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd insiders reveal that a couple of January signings were also double-checked for approval by this outfit.United also brought in a couple of young players from abroad in discoveries made by a San Francisco company called shortcircuit.science.Both Bord and business partner Evan Sofer are also the new owners of Scottish club Dunfermline through a company they set up called Park Bench.Links have already been forged between United and the Pars, with the two clubs pushing through a loan deal for Blades midfielder Owen Hampson.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSIf United make the Prem via the play-offs they will be relying heavily on finding the next signings by their new analytic allies.In the meantime, their own scouts could be reduced or made redundant as a result.Football teams that controversially changed their badgeBord’s relationship with United could also grow.He wants to have a stake in an English club and they are firmly in his sights.He already has an interest in Spanish side Cordoba and an outfit in Bulgaria, too.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Premier League release statement after Evanilson’s match-winner against Arsenal is allowed following lengthy VAR delay

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      ARSENAL were left fuming after Evanilson’s match-winning goal was confirmed by VAR following a lengthy review.Bournemouth came from behind to beat Mikel Arteta’s side 2-1 and completed their first ever league double over the Gunners.Evanilson fought off Martin Odegaard as he scored the winner for BournemouthCredit: AlamyEvanilson completed a shock turnaround over ArsenalCredit: RexIt couldn’t have gone worse for Arsenal before their Champions League second legCredit: AlamyThe hosts held the advantage at the break thanks to a Declan Rice goal after 34 minutes, but the Cherries turned the game around in the second half.Dean Huijsen’s header from a long throw brought Bournemouth level in the 67th minute.Before Evanilson netted a scrappy second after battling Martin Odegaard during a corner routine in the 75th minute.The striker’s goal was checked by VAR due to claims from the Arsenal players that the Brazilian had handled the ball. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSStockley Park official Michael Salisbury stuck with the referee’s decision and now the league have explained why.An X post read: “The referee’s call of goal was checked and confirmed by VAR – with no conclusive evidence that Evanilson handled the ball before scoring.”And former England goalkeeper Robert Green agreed with the decision. Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Green said: “In the VAR booth there’s no evidence to say it’s off the hand. It’s not conclusive.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSEvanilson was initially suspended for the match before the FA overturned his red card against Manchester United during the week.The result is a huge boost to Bournemouth’s European hopes as they jumped up to eighth in the Premier League table.Mikel Arteta targets Champions League glory after Arsenal knock out Real Madrid Should the Cherries stay there and Manchester City win the FA Cup, Andoni Iraola’s side would likely qualify for the Europa Conference League.Arsenal fans were fuming with Arteta’s starting line-up before kick-off.The Spaniard fielded his strongest XI against the Cherries, with a huge second-leg clash against PSG to come on Wednesday.His team included all the key players from Bukayo Saka to William Saliba and Myles Lewis-Skelly.This is a far cry from the decision taken by PSG boss Luis Enrique, who leads 1-0 from the first leg.The Spaniard made TEN changes to his Parisian side that secured their 13th Ligue 1 title a few weeks back. More