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      Ex-Chelsea and Arsenal star David Luiz ‘locked in talks over transfer to European giants’ after leaving Brazilian side

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      DAVID LUIZ is in talks to return to European football during the January transfer window.Luiz, now 37, had two trophy-laden spell with Chelsea before leaving the Premier League in 2021 after two years with Arsenal.David Luiz is holding talks regarding a move to Olympiacos, as per his agentCredit: GettyLuiz stood out during two stints at Chelsea before joining ArsenalCredit: PA:Empics SportThe versatile defender returned to his native Brazil where he spent the last three season with Rio de Janeiro giants Flamengo.However the bushy-haired centre-half is now a free agent and could be set to make a shock return to Europe.Luiz’s representative Julio Taran has confirmed he is in talks with Greek side Olympiacos.And Taran revealed that talks with reigning Conference League champions are progressing well.Read More on FootballTaran told Greek journalist Johnny Georgopoulos: “Yes, there are chances David Luiz will play for Olympiacos.”We are in contact with the Greek club.”Luiz is also close friends with Olympiacos star Rodinei, with whom he played for a year at Flamengo until the full-back moved to Greece in 2022.Taran even claimed that the right-back is “pushing” for a reunion with his former team-mate in Piraeus.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe added: “Yes, this is among the reasons [Luiz’s friendship with Rodinei].”Rodinei is like family for David Luiz. Rodinei has spoken highly about David Luiz to Olympiacos management and is pushing for his arrival.”Carragher hits back at David Luiz for title jibe after ex-Arsenal and Chelsea star said ‘it’s funny’ as he never won it Luiz experienced immense success at Chelsea where he amassed 248 appearances across two stints.The defender also won the 2017 Premier League title, two FA Cup trophies, the 2012 Champions League and two Europa League honours. More

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      Moment new AC Milan manager whips out cigar and dances in repeat of iconic celebration after trophy win in second game

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      SERGIO CONCEICAO recreated his most famous celebration after guiding AC Milan to a trophy in only his SECOND game in charge.The Portuguese gaffer guided AC Milan to Supercoppa Italiana glory against their bitter rivals Inter on Monday night.Sergio Conceicao guided AC Milan to Supercoppa Italiana glory in only his second match in charge ofCredit: GETTYThe Portuguese gaffer was in jubliant mood in the dressing room and recreated his viral 2022 celebrationCredit: GettyHe puffed on an expensive-looking cigar as he danced with the trophyCredit: GettyMilan came from 2-1 down to win the match 3-2 thanks to goals from Theo Hernandez, Christian Pulisic and Tammy Abraham.And their epic comeback prompted Conceicao to recreate his incredible viral celebration after Porto’s title win in 2022.Conceicao puffed away on a cigar and bust-a-groove as he danced in front of the trophy.His recreation of the celebration, understandably, went viral.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSOne footie fan commented on the video: “I love Conceicao.”Another said: “Love the energy from Sergio Conceicao!”And another said: “Never want this video to end.”One remarked: “Proper gaffer!”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSergio Conceicao celebrates winning the Supercoppa Italiana with his backroom staffCredit: GETTYAnother chimed in: “Proper gaffer.”Conceicao only took charge of Milan before the turn of the New Year, replacing the sacked Paulo Fonseca.Watch AC Milan star stitch up her OWN gory wound in incredible video thanks to side hustle as a DOCTORHe said of the triumph: “I am very happy for the players, because it was not easy.”The atmosphere wasn’t the best when I arrived, there wasn’t much time to work on the details before these two games and we were up against two top level sides.“The players were magical, they absorbed everything we discussed.”Clearly there are things we need to improve, but they are aware of that.”I feel that with humility, we can have some great months together in the Champions League, Serie A and to take Milan where it deserves to be.“Now we are happy, we celebrate and from tomorrow we will begin to focus on Cagliari.” More

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      James Rodriguez becomes unemployed again as Colombia legend, 33, is released on sixth free transfer in six years

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      JAMES RODRIGUEZ has become unemployed for the sixth year in a row and is reportedly considering a return to the Premier League.The 33-year-old is available as a free agent after his contract at LaLiga side Rayo Vallecano was mutually terminated.James Rodriguez has become unemployed again after leaving Rayo VallecanoCredit: GettyHe moved to Rayo in August but has been restricted to just seven appearances in all competitions.Rodriguez had signed a one-year deal with Rayo, who sit 12th in the Spanish top-flight, with the option of a further 12 months.There are both economic and sporting reasons for the former Real Madrid man’s early departure, according to The Athletic.The Colombia international joined Rayo off the back of winning the Golden Ball at the 2024 Copa America.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe produced six assists to help fire Colombia to the final, only for he and his team-mates to suffer heartbreak with a 1-0 defeat to Argentina.However, Rodriguez has featured just six times in LaLiga this season and predominantly as a substitute.And the former World Cup breakthrough star has not played in the league since a 13-minute cameo against Las Palmas on November 8.Rodriguez moved to Rayo on a free transfer in the summer after leaving Sao Paulo one season into a two-year contract.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe former Bayern Munich forward has had spells at Everton, Olympiacos and Al-Rayyan since leaving the Bernabeu in 2020.He joined the Toffees in 2020 to reunite with his former Madrid and  Bayern Munich boss Carlo Ancelotti.Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozersRodriguez became a favourite at Goodison Park, before being frozen out by Ancelotti’s unpopular successor Rafael Benitez.He starred 26 times for the Toffees, scoring six goals and laying on eight assists, but they could only finish 10th.And a return to Premier League action is not off the table, according to Portuguese outlet O Jogo.The report cites Aston Villa, Wolves, Fulham and Nottingham Forest as all being interested in the Colombian.It was at the 2014 World Cup when Rodriguez burst on to the scene as one of the hottest properties in football.Rodriguez burst on to the scene with Colombia at the 2014 World Cup in BrazilCredit: Getty Images – GettyBut amid offers from Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City, he opted to join Real Madrid after lighting up the tournament in Brazil.Rodriguez went on to win two LaLiga titles and a pair of Champions Leagues with Madrid.He then spent two years on loan at Bayern Munich between 2017 and 2019, adding a pair of Bundesliga titles to his trophy collection.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe returned to Real Madrid for the 2019-20 campaign, before joining Everton on a free in September 2020.He captains Colombia and has been capped 112 times at international level, scoring 29 goals.Rodriguez played 26 times for Everton More

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      Mo Salah names Chelsea icon as one of best friends in football as Liverpool fans ask ‘what about Lovren?’

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      MO SALAH has stunned fans with his list of close friends in football.And not just because a Chelsea legend was the first name he mentioned.Fans say they love Anfield hero Mo Salah even more after he named and explained some of his top footballing palsCredit: TNT SPORTSSalah was with Eden Hazard at Chelsea before his Reds’ moveCredit: Times Newspapers LtdFans were shocked Salah didn’t mention former team-mate Dejan LovrenCredit: AFPThe Liverpool strike hero did mention five Anfield players past and present, including a “crazy” current team-mate linked to Real Madrid.But Salah – who has given a bombshell transfer update saying it his “last year” at Liverpool – neglected to name-check the one star who Reds’ supporters reckoned should have been a banker for the honour.Fans say the way the 32-year-old spoke of his pals is why “you have to love Salah” and everyone must “push for a contract renewal” at Arne Slot’s Prem leaders.However, when asked on TNT Sports to name footballing friends, the first player he talked of notched four goals and an assist in 13 games AGAINST Liverpool.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThat’s the now-retired Eden Hazard, who was the star man during Salah’s 2014-16 Chelsea spell but was never the same after joining Real.In contrast, the Egyptian attacking icon failed to say a word about Dejan Lovren.The Croatia centre-back, 35, played alongside Salah at Anfield from 2017-2020 and is now with Greek side PAOK.Salah did select five Liverpool contemporaries in Konstantinos Tsimikas, Andy Robertson, Dominik Szoboszlai, Bernabeu target Trent Alexander-Arnold and Reds’ skipper Virgil van Dijk.Most read in FootballOne fan revealed he wanted to be a fly on the wall if Salah and Virgil van Dijk chatted about their contract situationsCredit: AFPFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS He told TNT: “Best friends in football? I have many ones…”Me and Eden are very good friends when we see each other.’New MOTD host’ Gabby Logan’s live TV interview with Liverpool boss Arne Slot ends awkwardly “We had so much fun together. But I’m close to Kostas, I’m close to Dominik.”Salah added: “Virgil, with us it gets long because we’ve been together for eight years, so when we sit down and discuss it we always have an incredible time.”We have so much respect for each other.”And he revealed a huge difference in his friendship with the contrasting characters of Alexander-Arnold and Robertson.Salah smiled as he said: “I like Trent a lot but he is crazy. “Trent, you say something. Doesn’t like to talk but I love him.”Robbo more talking, Robbo more listening. They both do what they want, it’s fine.”Fans responded to Salah’s comments almost as one.Replies included: “Lovren?” … “Lovren in tears right now” …”He forgot Lovren”…”Loven crying somewhere”…. and “Poor Lovren”.Another supporter posted: “He is no longer close to Lovren? They used to be best buddies back then.”And fans were also unanimous in their overall verdict on Salah’s enthusiastic words.One wrote: “That’s why u have to love Salah both on and off field and need to push for a contract renewal.”He is someone that will be a brother to everyone in the squad, that is why he is so loyal and close to them all.”READ MORE SUN STORIESA second said: “We all love Mo and no doubts about that.”And a gossip-hungry third fan suggested: “That Virgil sit down with Salah discussing their contracts must have been an epic conversation.”Salah rates Trent Alexander-Arnold as ‘crazy’Credit: GettyLiverpool left-backs Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas made the listCredit: Rex More

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      Sir Alex Ferguson took 27 years to ‘knock Liverpool off their f***ing perch’… Slot could undo that in his first season

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      SIR ALEX FERGUSON famously claimed his biggest challenge as Manchester United manager was “knocking Liverpool off their f****** perch”.When the great Scot left Old ­Trafford after clinching one last  Premier League title in 2013, it was mission f****** accomplished.Legendary Man Utd manager Sir Alex Ferguson took pride in ‘knocking Liverpool off their perch’Credit: PAHowever, the Red Devils are now far from the threatening club they once wereCredit: GettyBut what Fergie achieved during the course of a glorious 27-year reign, new Kop manager Arne Slot is threatening to undo in his debut season.The crown United won 12 years ago was their 20th, putting them two clear of Liverpool at the top of the list of English champions.Jurgen Klopp brought the Merseysiders back to within one of United by clinching the crown in 2019-20.So if Slot can convert his team’s current lead at the top of the table into a trophy lift in May, he will put them level with their North-West rivals.Read More in FootballAnd given Liverpool’s superior European Cup and Champions League record — with six wins to United’s three — the Anfield faithful would once more have the numbers to back their claim to be England’s greatest club.The one crumb of comfort for United fans in recent years is the other lot down the M62 have failed to take advantage of United’s decline in the same way Fergie filled his boots during Liverpool’s barren years.Many Reds supporters would argue their team fell off that perch rather than being pushed by United.Poor recruitment and a failure to exploit the commercial opportunities of the Premier League breakaway cost the Kop dear as much as United’s quality under Fergie.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSArne Slot has carried Liverpool to the top of the Prem table in his first seasonCredit: AlamyIn between Kenny Dalglish’s third and final league title as Liverpool boss in 1990 and Klopp’s victory 30 years later, Ferguson and United were champions 13 times.After Klopp announced his decision to leave Anfield last January — and his second bid for a Quadruple fell even flatter than the first — United supporters probably breathed a sigh of relief.Manchester United vs Newcastle: Player Ratings RevealedThey have seen just how hard it is to replace an iconic manager and to compete with those other noisy neighbours, Manchester City.But Slot has come in to Anfield — and, rather than picking up where Klopp left off, has coaxed new levels from a group of players who looked spent when finishing third in last season’s three-way title race.So the United faithful will travel to Anfield for Sunday’s game fearing not only another hiding on the day but also a more long-lasting kick in the guts at the end of the season.The Red Devils’ recent Premier League record against Liverpool is humiliating, with just one win in the last eight meetings and six goals scored compared to the Reds’ 26.Losing to your fiercest rivals is bad enough, but the manner of the defeats has often been shocking.In the 2021-22 season, Klopp’s Reds won 5-0 at Old Trafford and then 4-0 at home. But United’s real nadir came at Anfield on March 5, 2023 when Liverpool scored seven without reply.So the United faithful will travel to Anfield for Sunday’s game fearing not only another hiding on the day but also a more long-lasting kick in the guts at the end of the season.It was not only the biggest margin of victory in a rivalry dating back to 1894, it also equalled the worst defeat of United’s entire history.Yet most Liverpool supporters would swap a one-off thrashing like that for another championship.And despite their team’s apparent superiority right now, there will be a small voice of caution in the back of the mind of all but the most optimistic fans.Because failing to beat United damaged title bids led by Klopp more than once.United have suffered some embarrassing defeats against Liverpool in recent yearsCredit: AFPIn February 2019, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side held Liverpool to a 0-0 draw at Anfield. The Reds finished one agonising point behind City at the end of the season.And Erik ten Hag’s United drew both league games against Klopp’s side last season.Had Liverpool beaten United at Old Trafford on April 7, they would have been level on points with City and two ahead of Arsenal with six games to go.But after Mo Salah’s late penalty salvaged a 2-2 draw, Liverpool lost at home to Crystal Palace the following weekend and watched another title chance slip away.Losing to your fiercest rivals is bad enough, but the manner of the defeats has often been shocking.There is further encouragement for United fans that their team can still lift themselves when playing Liverpool and form can go out the window in this fiercely-contested derby.Bruno Fernandes grabbed the  winner in a 3-2 FA Cup fourth round victory in January 2021.And most memorably last March, United came from behind twice to beat Liverpool 4-3 in the sixth round and went on to lift the trophy.The hero of that Old Trafford ­victory was Amad Diallo, with a dramatic winner in  stoppage-time at the end of extra-time. Or, to put it another way, in Fergie time.READ MORE SUN STORIESHow the United fans would love another shock win for new boss Ruben Amorim’s side on Sunday.And recapture hope their club can remain alone on the title-winning perch where Ferguson left them.Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s first year at Man UtdSIR JIM RATCLIFFE’S minority takeover at Manchester United was announced on Christmas Eve in 2023 – and a lot has happened at Old Trafford since…December 2023 – Man Utd confirm Ratcliffe’s takeover on Christmas Eve, vowing to invest £245m into Old TraffordJanuary 2024 – Ratcliffe and right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford photographed meeting Erik ten Hag during tour of Carrington January 2024 – Omar Berrada poached from Man City as new CEO February 2024 – Ratcliffe’s £1billion, 27.7 per cent takeover officially completed February 2024 – Former CEO Richard Arnold quits board as Ineos pair John Rees and Rob Nevin addedMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe bans words “awesome” and “lukewarm cappuccino” in bizarre moveMarch 2024 – Matt Johnson appointed head of women’s footballMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe announces plans to build “Wembley of the North” to replace Old TraffordMarch 2024 – Man Utd NYSE share price drops to $13.73 on March 21 – down from $20.52 immediately after Ratcliffe takeover in DecemberApril 2024 – Senior staff club credit cards and private cars cancelled April 2024 – John Murtough quits as football director April 2024 – Jason Wilcox appointed technical director after compensation package agreed with Southampton May 2024 – Ratcliffe turns Carrington “toxic” after sending email to employees slamming “disgraceful” lack of cleanlinessMay 2024 – Work finally starts on leaking Old Trafford roofMay 2024 – Man Utd finish eighth in Premier League, worst-ever finish May 2024 – Ratcliffe gives employees just one week to decide if they want to accept redundancy May 2024 – Staff forced to pay for own transport to FA Cup final and only given one ticketMay 2024 – Pre-match party and hotel for senior staff before FA Cup final axedMay 2024 – Man Utd shock rivals Man City to win FA Cup despite suggestions Erik ten Hag will be sacked regardless of resultJune 2024 – Man Utd announce £50m plans to upgrade Carrington training ground June 2024 – Ratcliffe introduces strict “back to work” policy forcing staff to come into officeJune 2024 – Ratcliffe scores own goal with comments about women’s teamJuly 2024 – Man Utd finally agree deal to bring in Dan Ashworth as sporting director after four months of gardening leave at Newcastle, who received £3m in compensationJuly 2024 – Erik ten Hag signs shock new contract extension until 2026July 2024 – Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake appointed assistant managers, Andreas Georgson first-team coach and Jelle ten Rouwelaar goalkeeper coach. Darren Fletcher’s role changes from technical director to first-team coach. Steve McClaren, Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy depart.July 2024 – Ex-Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell joins on short-term basis as interim director of recruitment July 2024 – Jean-Claude Blanc added to Man Utd board  July 2024 – Man Utd cut down number of staff on US pre-season tour to 125July 2024 – Ratcliffe makes 250 redundancies including popular media man John Allen, historian Cliff Butler and kitman Alex WylieAugust 2024 – Man Utd splash out £199m in the summer transfer window August 2024 – Matchday staff lunchboxes scrapped and some forced to eat beside toiletOctober 2024 – Man Utd stop paying £2m-a-year ambassador salary to Sir Alex FergusonOctober 2024 – Staff Christmas party cancelled October 2024 – “Back to work” policy costing Utd fortune to convert hospitality suites into temporary offices between home matchesOctober 2024 – Erik ten Hag sacked with club 14th in Premier League table, costing club £15mNovember 2024 – Ruben Amorim appointed new Man Utd manager on deal until 2027 after stumping up £10m release clause November 2024 – Coach Ruud van Nistelrooy axed by new manager Ruben Amorim November 2024 – Man Utd chiefs locked in blame game over summer shambles including Erik ten Hag situation and transfer signings November 2024 – Ratcliffe reportedly set to half £40,000 budget paid to Manchester United Disabled Supporters AssociationDecember 2024 – Ratcliffe admits “mediocre” Man Utd “still in last century” December 2024 – Fans protest after OAP and children concessions tickets ditched and minimum home ticket cost up to £66December 2024 – Dan Ashworth sacked after five months as sporting directorDecember 2024 – £100 staff Christmas bonus ditched for £40 M&S voucherDecember 2024 – Ceiling starts leaking during Ruben Amorim’s press conference after 3-0 defeat to BournemouthDecember 2024 – Reports of a mice infestation at Old Trafford as rodent droppings found in food kiosks and plush suites as food hygiene ratings drops to just two starsDecember 2024 – SunSport reveals Ratcliffe cuts £40,000 funding donation to Association of Former Manchester United Players charity More

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      Arsenal head into 2025 bloodied and bruised but have the chance to invigorate their season this month

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      ARSENAL head into the New Year bloodied, bruised – but crucially, still standing.Gabriel Jesus epitomises this, subbed off in injury time at the Gtech Community Stadium with a ripped shirt, bleeding gum and a fat lip following a New Year’s Day comeback win against Brentford.Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus had his shirt ripped in a physical battle at BrentfordCredit: PABoss Mikel Arteta has the chance to kickstart his side’s season this monthCredit: AlamyIt sums up the state of Arsenal right now. The first five months of this campaign have pushed them to their limits, every game leaving its mark on the players and boss Mikel Arteta.Like a staggering boxer in the sixth round, the Gunners are dazed and weary. Suspensions, injuries, illness and damaging results have taken its toll, each one a painful jab to the stomach.And yet, at the halfway stage, Arsenal sit second in the Prem, two games away from a Carabao Cup final spot and on course to reach the Champions League knock-out stages.But the next few bouts over the next month are crucial for Arteta’s men.read more arsenalThey will either be left KO’d on the canvas or eyeing a remarkable Tyson Fury-esque fightback, teeing up a stunning and potentially historic sprint to the finish.It began at Brentford. Jesus cancelled out Bryan Mbeumo’s early strike before Mikel Merino and Gabriel Martinelli netted three minutes apart in the second half to earn three valuable points.Speaking with a swollen lip after a first half collision with the Bees’ Mikkel Damsgaard, Brazilian striker Jesus said: “That’s the Premier League. You have to compete. Sometimes it is hard to fight for the ball, sometimes it is needed.“I always play around tall guys in my position. That’s football. If [his swollen lip] happens and we win the game and I score a goal, I’ll do it every three days.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAcross Arsenal’s next 10 fixtures, they will feature in FOUR competitions. Six of the games are in N5 at the Emirates.Currently six points off Prem leaders Liverpool – who have a game in hand – there is a trip to Brighton on Saturday.Granit Xhaka reveals reason for dramatic new look with ex-Arsenal star having undergone hair transplant Then there are home clashes against Tottenham, Aston Villa and Manchester City with a visit to Molineux to face Wolves wedged in between.There is no room for slip-ups in that run. Should Arne Slot’s Reds increase their already comfortable lead, it could be game over as far as the title is concerned.It is why there should be an added incentive in the cup competitions.Beat Newcastle over two legs in their Carabao Cup semi-final – on January 7 and February 5 – and a first major trophy since their FA Cup triumph in Covid-hit 2020 will be up for grabs.Speaking of the FA Cup, Manchester United are in town in the third round on January 12 before Champions League clashes against Dinamo Zagreb and Girona on January 22 and 29.Sat in third with four wins from six, a top eight finish in Europe’s new league phase format means they avoid the two-legged play-offs in mid-February – games Arteta could do without.Arsenal have been battling an injury crisis for what feels like most of the campaign.Right now, Bukayo Saka is battling to be back before March following hamstring surgery, as is Ben White after his own operation on a troublesome knee.A sickness bug blighted the squad to face Brentford, with Kai Havertz forced to isolate away from his teammates while several others played through the wellness barrier.It is why the recent form of Jesus has been so welcome. Having scored just once in 33 appearances, the Brazilian now has six in his last four in all competitions.The 27-year-old has also kept up an incredible record across his spells at Man City and Arsenal of never losing an English top flight match when scoring, finding the net in 62 outings, winning 57 and drawing five – the longest run in Prem history.READ MORE SUN STORIESJesus said: “I don’t look for this [record] personally. I just want to keep winning, scoring and helping the team, the club to be there always fighting for the title.“I know it is still a long way. We have to look at ourselves and then after we want the top of the league to drop points, but we have to do our jobs.” More

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      Chelsea in major Ben Chilwell transfer dilemma as they face uphill battle to offload £190k-a-week outcast

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      CHELSEA face an uphill battle to offload outcast Ben Chilwell.The England left-back, 28, earns about £190,000 a week and will not take a pay cut just to make it easy for boss Enzo Maresca to get him out.Chelsea could struggle to offload out-of-favour Ben ChilwellCredit: PAThe full-back has made just one appearance this seasonCredit: GettyThe Blues may end up having to hand their Champions League winner a huge severance deal or heavily subsidise a loan to another Prem club.Chilwell has not played a single minute of top-flight football this season and was part of the ‘bomb squad’ told last summer that they have no future at the club under Maresca.Chelsea have until February 3 to get Chilwell and others off the books in the winter transfer window.That includes £20million midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka who has started only one game since August 2023 but still has 3½ years left on his contract.READ MORE ON CHELSEAChilwell is frustrated at his lack of first-team action and unhappy at being so far down the pecking order.He has played only one half of one match this season – a 45-minute appearance as a second half sub against Barrow in the Carabao Cup back in September.Chilwell was not even registered for the club’s Conference League squad for the group stages.Maresca previously said he has sympathy with the likes of out of favour Chilwell but he does not plan to change his stance.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Italian said: “There are players that unfortunately they didn’t play a lot with us in all the competitions, like Chilwell, like Carney.“Probably they are the first that want to leave as they work every day, they train every day, they want to play games — and if they don’t play games they are thinking of leaving.Enzo Maresca’s brutal warning to Chelsea stars after Madueke dropped for Fulham defeat and summer signing axed entirely “So we’re going to see if some of them are coming to knock on the door and say I want to leave. For each player it’s a different situation.”But it will not be easy persuading the England Euro 2020 finalist to accept a pay reduction in order to quit Stamford Bridge.Chilwell joined Chelsea from Leicester in a £50million deal back in August 2020.The full-back has since amassed a total of nine goals and 12 assists in 107 appearances.Chilwell has also won the Champions League as well as the Uefa Super Cup with the Blues in 2021.Chelsea are currently paying more than £200,000 of Raheem Sterling’s £300,000-a-week wages while he is on loan at Prem rivals Arsenal.Chelsea’s Chilwell conundrumCHELSEA know only too well how there is no time for settling in new players during the January transfer window.The ink had barely dried on a then-British-record £107million deal for Enzo Fernandez before he was kitted out in blue and playing 90 minutes on his debut against Fulham in February 2023.It was precisely a week after the midfielder’s swansong for Benfica and less than two months since winning the World Cup with Argentina in Qatar.New year signings have to hit the ground running. It was the same first time around for forward Joao Felix and for winger Mykhailo Mudryk.Which is where the forthcoming attempt to get defender Ben Chilwell out of Chelsea this month hits a major snag.The latest transfer window has just been thrown open and managers in need of a quick fix are scouring the scouting databases to see who can save their season.Chilwell, 28, has played just 45 minutes of first-team football this season — as a second-half sub in a one-sided Carabao Cup victory over League Two Barrow on September 24.Since then he has made the bench once — in the next round when Chelsea got knocked out. And that’s it.Not a single minute of Premier League action, with the first half of the season gone.It is fair to say that a player with more than 200 senior games behind him is rustier than the wreck of the Titanic stuck more than two miles down in the North Atlantic since 1912.Among the many items demanding the attention of new England manager Thomas Tuchel, who started his reign yesterday, Chilwell’s predicament must be one of the most confusing.After all the German, when manager at Stamford Bridge, felt confident enough in his ability to play his attacking left-sider for the shock victory over Manchester City in the Champions League final of 2021.Three-and-a-half years later and he might need help from the police to find his one-time first- choice full-back.On paper, Chilwell looks just the player to bolster any Premier League squad wishing to add pace and experience to its defence.For the likes of Ipswich, Wolves, Southampton, right up to Manchester United — currently missing Luke Shaw — he would be the perfect off-the-shelf cover man. There is no doubting his quality.In the fickle world of football, a player with 21 international caps is considered unsuitable by Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca — and in this business that’s fair enough.But trying to market one of the most high-profile casualties of Maresca’s so-called ‘bomb squad’ is not going to be easy when it is hard to find even a photo of him in Blues kit from the past half a year.Chelsea may well end up following a similar path to that which managed to secure forward Raheem Sterling a last-minute release from mothballs at Stamford Bridge and a loan deal to Arsenal.More than two-thirds of Sterling’s £300,000-a-week wages are still being paid by his parent club.Chilwell — bought in 2020 from Leicester, where he came through the youth ranks — does not earn as much as Sterling. He picks up about£190,000 a week, which is still a hefty sum.But after six months in the doldrums, potential suitors will drive an extremely hard bargain to take a punt on an undoubted top-class footballer.However, he is  one who may need his boiler warmed up like an old locomotive before getting up to full steam.In an ideal world, Chilwell would leave permanently this month. He is surely unhappy not playing and Chelsea would like to get him off the payroll and recoup some cash in the shape of a transfer fee.But that too could be complicated. With the player under contract until 2027, he could choose to perch in the stands and sit tight for the next two and a half years —  earning nearly £25m in the process.That is unlikely. But the option is there to stick it out in the way fellow left-back Wayne Bridge did at Manchester City for four years after being frozen out. More

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      Trent Alexander-Arnold set for NINE-FIGURE payday if he joins Real Madrid as one of world’s best-paid players

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      TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD is set for a £100million pay day if he joins Real Madrid.The European champions were willing to pay £20m to sign the Liverpool right-back, 26, in the current transfer window.Real Madrid are pushing to sign Trent Alexander-ArnoldCredit: GettyThe full-back is set for a huge pay rise if he makes the switchCredit: GettyBut Real’s decision to make their interest official is viewed as a  strategic move to ultimately land him on a free in the summer.And Alexander-Arnold is set to receive a mind-boggling sum if he puts pen to paper for Real.Real are prepared to give the England right back a hefty increase on his £180,000-a-week Anfield wages.But the real money-spinner will be the signing-on fee.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhen Kylian Mbappe moved to Real from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer, he agreed a £128m golden hello – payable over his five-year contract.That was on top of annual wages of £12.8m – which equates to almost £250,000 per week.Although Alexander-Arnold will not be able to match Mbappe’s total package of £192m, he will become one of the best-paid players in the world.Reports in Spain claim the product of the Reds’ academy has told Anfield chiefs he wants to join Real and embrace a new challenge after 20 years at the club.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut Merseyside sources say the club deny this and are still trying to tie down Alexander-Arnold – and fellow out-of-contract stars Salah and Virgil van Dijk – to a new deal.Real Madrid are also allegedly interested in signing William Saliba from Arsenal.Awkward Alexander-Arnold billboard showing Liverpool star posing with ex is erected in MilanHowever, last month the Frenchman 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.”Asked if could envisage staying at the Emirates for a long time, he replied: “Yeah, of course.” More