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      Alan Shearer predicts Premier League table in full with Chelsea to finish NINTH and Man City denied title

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      ALAN SHEARER has made a bold set of Premier League predictions as he names the table in FULL ahead of the new season starting on Friday.Manchester City are aiming for an historic fifth consecutive title with Arsenal the favourites to challenge their dominance.Alan Shearer has made his Prem predictionsCredit: GettyHe backs Arsenal to overcome their demons and lift the titleCredit: RexBut his projections are bad news for Chelsea and Todd BoehlyCredit: GettyAnd Shearer backed the Gunners to do just that – and overcome their 21-year title drought to be crowned Prem champions for the fourth time.He did press that Arsenal need to land themselves a “statement” striker before the window slams shut to give them a real chance.The Newcastle icon expects Chelsea’s misery to continue, predicting the Blues to finish NINTH after they climbed up to sixth last season.Shearer can hardly be blamed though – Chelsea did come 12th two years ago and are onto their fourth manager of the Todd Boehly era.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSStamford Bridge chiefs have forked out £185m on ten new faces this summer to rank the American’s total bill up to £1.2billion.Shearer told Betfair: “I don’t see Chelsea getting into the top four at all. They’re not ready yet.”While the Match of the Day star also predicted Newcastle to pip Manchester United and Tottenham to a fourth place finish, while Liverpool will come third under new boss Arne Slot.The Red Devils finished eighth last season – their worst ever position- and have brought in some clever signings, but Erik ten Hag is forecasted to struggle to find a way for his side to gel again.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAlan Shearer’s full Premier League tableShearer added: “It’s a big season for Ten Hag and Man United because they’re going to have to improve massively in the league.”He is projecting a tight relegation battle but thinks the three who got promoted, also including Ipswich and Leicester, will go straight back to the Championship.Fans can’t stop laughing at Roy Keane’s blunt response to bizarre Mikel Arteta Arsenal ‘pickpocket’ storyThe ex-Southampton man is predicting the Saints to be relegated and former Premier League winners Leicester to finish rock bottom.Shearer believes Aston Villa will follow in Newcastle’s footsteps and drop from fourth to seven amid the constraints of playing Champions League football this season.As for the golden boot race, Shearer, who knows a thing or two about putting the ball in the back of the net, thinks Man City’s Erling Haaland will claim his third successive award.Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. More

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      Eagle-eyed fans spot moment Kylian Mbappe ‘got the Rudiger treatment’ after scoring first Real Madrid goal in Super Cup

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      EAGLE-EYED fans were quick to spot Kylian Mbappe’s debut goal for Real Madrid was celebrated in true Antonio Rudiger fashion.Mbappe, 25, scored his first Los Blancos goal – assisted by Jude Bellingham – to round off a 2-0 win over Atalanta in the Uefa Super Cup in Warsaw.Kylian Mbappe ‘got the Rudiger treatment’, claim fansCredit: BEinSPORTSRudiger was joined by every Real Madrid player as they celebrated Mbappe’s debut goalCredit: GettyMbappe fired Madrid 2-0 up in the Uefa Super Cup finalCredit: SplashThe former Paris-Saint Germain winger started as the Real Madrid No9 after completing “the world’s most expensive free transfer”.Mbappe found himself in the right place near the penalty spot to finish off a brilliant Bellingham move into the top corner in the 68th minute.The France international darted to the corner flag to celebrate his first goal of his new career, where he was joined by his team-mates.While the French superstar celebrated with his trademark arms folded routine, Bellingham was on the other side of the pitch, screaming and punching the air with delight.Most read in FootballAnd Rudiger, who often slaps his Real pals on the head when they score, dispensed the same treatment on Mbappe after he bagged.The German defender began jokingly smacking him all over his head, back and legs as the whole team huddled to congratulate Mbappe.Defender Eder Militao also got involved as he leaned over the huddle before slapping the top of his head.Fans found the celebration amusing with one supporter reacting saying: “Mbappe got the Rudiger treatment.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnother added: “Rudiger hitting Mbappe, I’m laughing my head off, we are the best team in the world👏.”A third swooned: “That is the only way to welcome him. Rudiger is crazy🤣.”Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe features in advert for ‘Chinese Instagram’A fourth noted: “Rudiger never lets up. He is relentless with this!🤣”Bellingham was named Man of the Match by the Uefa panel and Carlo Ancelotti fully agreed with the verdict.He said: “He is a great player, there is no debating it. His second half performance was astonishing, especially as he has only been training for seven days.”Meanwhile, Madrid’s ticket prices have exploded after Mbappe’s arrival at the Santiago Bernabeu.German publication Bild quoted Spanish newspaper Marca, who claim the cheapest ticket has jumped from €55 (£47) last season, to €95 (£81) for their season opener against Valladolid.Kylian Mbappe ‘snaps up £15m mansion in Beckham’s old neighbourhood’ next door to Real Madrid legend and Hollywood starBy Gerard CouzensKYLIAN MBAPPE has reportedly splashed out more than £15million on a mansion in Madrid.The French superstar, whose drawn-out transfer to Real Madrid has finally being confirmed, is said to have finalised the purchase late last month.Respected Spanish daily La Razon says the house he has bought is in the exclusive Madrid suburb of La Moraleja, where David Beckham spent most of his time living when he was in the Spanish capital.And it says his neighbours will include former Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos and his stunning model wife Pilar Rubio as well as Hollywood star Richard Gere and his Spanish publicist wife Alejandra Silva.La Razon said Mbappe had considered the gated estate of La Finca where Jude Bellingham lives and Cristiano Ronaldo still owns property as an option.But it reported the 25-year-old, who threw an extravagant party for 250 guests at a stylish Italian restaurant a short walk from the Eiffel Tower, ended up opting for La Moraleja a 15-minute drive from Real Madrid’s Valdebebas training complex because it was “more comfortable.”Read more on Mbappe’s property hunt. More

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      Real Madrid’s extortionate new ticket prices revealed as Kylian Mbappe transfer leads to 73 per cent increase

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      REAL MADRID’S ticket prices have exploded after Kylian Mbappe’s arrival at the Santiago Bernabeu.Real finally landed Mbappe, 25, in the summer as a free agent from Paris Saint-Germain and he is expected to pocket £12.8million per year after tax as part of a five-year deal.Real Madrid’s home ticket prices have increased by 73 per centCredit: GettyReal fans will have to dig deep in their pockets to watch Kylian Mbappe in actionCredit: ReutersBut fans who want to watch the France international, and the rest of the Galacticos, live in Madrid will have to dig deep into their pockets.German publication Bild quoted Spanish newspaper Marca, who claim the cheapest ticket for the first home game of the season against Valladolid on August 25 costs a staggering €95 (£81).Last year, the cheapest ticket at the Bernabeu cost €55 (£47), which means there was a whopping 73 per cent increase in prices.Even the most expensive “normal” ticket outside of business seats and VIP boxes is now significantly more pricey as it now costs €210 (£180).Read More on FootballAway fans are also affected as they will have to pay almost €100 (£86) for a seat right at the top under the stadium roof.Real are one of four La Liga clubs, along with Villarreal, Rayo Vallecano, Espanyol and Barcelona, that refused to sign an agreement that an away ticket cannot cost more than €30 (£26).The above prices may even seem relatively cheap at some points this upcoming season.It is expected costs will rocket even higher when Carlo Ancelotti’s play in the Champions League or against bigger sides in LaLiga.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSReal’s season officially kicked off on Wednesday when they beat Europa League holders Atalanta for the European Super Cup.Mbappe made his official debut and led Los Blancos to a 2-0 victory at the Kazimierz Gorski National Stadium in Warsaw.Real Madrid’s stadium looks unrecognisable as it prepares for ‘never-before-seen’ presentation of Kylian MbappeThe star striker scored on his Real bow after Federico Valverde opened the scoring for the reigning European champions.But it was England star Jude Bellingham who was man of the match as after he assisted Mbappe’s goal.Real landed Mbappe as a free agent from Paris Saint-Germain More

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      Real Madrid 2 Atalanta 0: Jude Bellingham wins MOTM after setting up Mbappe for debut goal in UEFA Super Cup cruise

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM picked out a pocket of space for Kylian Mbappe to run into and there was only ever going to be one outcome.Here was a ruthless, devastating combination we are certain to see countless times over the next few years.Real Madrid have won the Uefa Super CupCredit: GettyJude Bellingham was named man of the matchCredit: AFPKylian Mbappe scored his first goal in Real Madrid coloursCredit: GettyHaving finally got the move he has wanted for so long, Mbappe ushered in this latest Galacticos era with a goal on his debut to make it 2-0 in the Uefa Super Cup against Atalanta in Warsaw.While the French superstar celebrated with his trademark arms folded routine, Bellingham was on the other side of the pitch, screaming and punching the air with delight.Mind you, to have Mbappe in his team, no wonder he is bloody delighted.Despite having a slow start to the game in Poland, Bellingham really got stuck into the Italians. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe was responsible for Real’s improvement and while he also had a hand in the first goal scored by Federico Valverde just before the hour, his overall play was impressive and he got a warm round of applause when being replaced near the end.Mbappe’s arrival from Paris Saint-Germain was always going to have a massive impact not just at the Madrid club but also on Bellingham.And the Englishman now looks certain to be back in central midfield, the beating heart of this team, but with a licence to get forward and cause carnage as part of a devastating combo with Mbappe and Vinicius Junior.Bellingham only returned from holiday last week following Euro 2024 where, apart from his stunning equaliser against Slovakia, he was guilty of some seriously under-par performances.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSo the sight of Bellingham once again tearing up La Liga will be even more frustrating to those who saw him toil in Germany.Looking at this Real team, though, they have really got all their glitz and glamour back. SunSport’s Latest Transfer HeadlinesIn the last few years, they have still managed to dominate Europe by finding a way to win, however unspectacular.But now – thanks to Mbappe – they have got a side to match any of their previous all-singing, all-dancing, Galactico teams.Clearly, Bellingham will absolutely love playing with Mbappe. But playing back in a more central position will help him develop his strengths.He was stuck out on the left in the second half of last season by Ancelotti – and then by Southgate for the Euros.Federico Valverde opened the scoring against AtalantaCredit: GettyIt is the first trophy the pair have won togetherCredit: GettyHis numbers in Spain were good. Spectacular, in fact. Bellingham registered 23 goals and 12 assists, although Ancelotti needed hom to deliver those figures because the club were missing the final piece in their jigsaw.In Mbappe, they now have that man. Yet this summer, it has been all change at the Bernabeu as Mbappe has been joined by Brazilian teenager Endrick, while Nacho and Joselu have ended up in Saudi Arabia and Toni Kroos has retired, which leaves a huge hole in midfield.Although in the second half, Bellingham proved that he can be the man who pulls the strings.Ancelotti played with a front three of Vinicius Junior, Mbappe and Rodrygo.Bellingham was centre left, Federico Valverde centre right, with Aurelien Tchouameni in the defensive anchor role.Before the game, Ancelotti said: “Defensively, the system depends on Bellingham and if he is on the level of Valverde or pushing forward, so it can be a 4-3-3 or a 4-2-3-1. “It’s a small difference, but one we see when we don’t have the ball. Vinicius and Mbappé can swap positions, too. Mobility is going to be crucial.”Initially, he did get many chances to get forward. “When he did, Bellingham controlled the ball with his chest but in trying to score, ended up sinking his foot into Atalanta keeper Juan Musso, earning him a yellow card.Yet Bellingham eventually turned on the style. He found Vinicius Junior who skipped past a player and delivered the assist for Valverde.After having one shot blocked and another saved, Bellingham then displayed terrific vision by seeing an area for Mbappe to run into and deliver a killer finish.The former Birmingham star was not the only English export on show last night. Londoner Ademola Lookman, the former England under-21 international who now plays for Nigeria, wrote himself into Atalanta folklore by scoring a hat-trick in the 3-0 Europa League final win over Bayer Leverkusen.Also coming off the Atalanta subs’ bench was Ben Godfrey, a £10million arrival from Everton. After finishing the season on Merseyside, he would not have expected his next game would have been playing against Mbappe in a Uefa final.READ MORE SUN STORIESPrior to a season featuring expanded formats for both the Champions League and the Club World Cup, Real are the team to beat.And over the next nine months, expect Bellingham to add to his medal collection.Kylian Mbappe ‘snaps up £15m mansion in Beckham’s old neighbourhood’ next door to Real Madrid legend and Hollywood starBy Gerard CouzensKYLIAN MBAPPE has reportedly splashed out more than £15million on a mansion in Madrid.The French superstar, whose drawn-out transfer to Real Madrid has finally being confirmed, is said to have finalised the purchase late last month.Respected Spanish daily La Razon says the house he has bought is in the exclusive Madrid suburb of La Moraleja, where David Beckham spent most of his time living when he was in the Spanish capital.And it says his neighbours will include former Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos and his stunning model wife Pilar Rubio as well as Hollywood star Richard Gere and his Spanish publicist wife Alejandra Silva.La Razon said Mbappe had considered the gated estate of La Finca where Jude Bellingham lives and Cristiano Ronaldo still owns property as an option.But it reported the 25-year-old, who threw an extravagant party for 250 guests at a stylish Italian restaurant a short walk from the Eiffel Tower, ended up opting for La Moraleja a 15-minute drive from Real Madrid’s Valdebebas training complex because it was “more comfortable.”Read more on Mbappe’s property hunt. More

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      How pundits predict Premier League title race will unfold with Man City slump and Arsenal to finally end drought

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      THE Premier League RETURNS this weekend to cap off an incredible summer of sport.And predictions aplenty have already been made for what promises to be another exciting season in the English top flight.The Premier League resumes action this weekendCredit: THE TIMESDefending champions Manchester City will bid to win an incredible FIFTH straight titleCredit: PAPlayers-turned-pundits like Paul Scholes have been chiming in with their predictions for the seasonCredit: GETTYWill Pep Guardiola be able to guide Manchester City to an unprecedented FIFTH straight Premier League title?Or will Arsenal finally be able to break the Sky Blues’ stranglehold on the league and end their 21-year-long wait for domestic glory?Footie fans up and down the country have been chiming in with their predictions for the new season, which kicks off on Friday night.Pundits galore – both those on TV and those in their YouTube armchairs – are starting to weigh in with their thoughts on outcomes for the new campaign.READ MORE PREM NEWSAnd SunSport has rounded up predictions from some of the biggest names in the game for you to cast your eye over.Paul ScholesThe former Manchester United and England midfielder told beIN Sports: “I think the favourites are the same as last year. “Man City will be favourites, closely followed by Arsenal.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”I do expect Arsenal to be the team to win it this year. I think they’ve progressed over the last couple of years under Mikel Arteta.Most read in Football”I just think this year is the time where they are ready to win it. Incredible timelapse video shows Premier League stadium transform for multiple different sports weeks before new season”It’s not going to be easy, there’s going to be a lot of competition because the top seven or eight teams in England are all good teams.”But I just think Arsenal will be the team to break the Manchester City cycle this season.”Jamie CarragherThe Liverpool legend told Sky Bet: “I’ll go Man City, Arsenal, Liverpool. Fourth? I think that will be… I’m gonna go [with] Tottenham.”Fifth, I’m gonna go [with] Manchester United. And sixth, I’m gonna for; I’ll go with Aston Villa.”Jamie Carragher reckons Manchester City’s reign of dominance will continueCredit: GETTYMark Lawrenson“I think that Arsenal can finally pip Manchester City to the title this season, they’ve got better season by season.”Mikel Arteta is a driven man, and nearly all of the players there are players he has brought in.“Signing Riccardo Calafiori as well, they will hardly concede.”Scoring has been a little bit of a problem for them, but I think they’ll sign a striker before the end of the transfer window.”That could be what secures them the Premier League title.”Mark Lawrenson is tipping Arsenal for Premier League gloryCredit: AlamyMichael Owen”Arsenal and Manchester City will go in virtually everybody’s top four predictions,” the former Liverpool and Manchester United man told Casino Hawks. “And I think Liverpool will probably be in there as well despite there being some questions over how well Arne Slot will fit in.”I had a thought about Newcastle but Aston Villa are solid and look to be still improving.”In terms of the order, my thought process is if City are not gonna win it, they could actually drop away a little bit.”It’s almost like if City are not gonna be really in the race after 10 games then their priority could go elsewhere – I think there could be a big surprise this season.”I’m going to go for Arsenal first, Liverpool second, Aston Villa third and Manchester City fourth.”Michael Owen reckons Arsenal will lift the Prem trophy aloft at the end of the seasonCredit: GettyAdrian ClarkeThe former Arsenal midfielder said: “Manchester City will be favourites to win their fifth consecutive title, but I do feel it could be Arsenal’s time to be champions.”The team has improved under Mikel Arteta season after season, and if that happens again the Gunners will reach 90 plus points.”With a few additions and fire in their belly, I fancy Arsenal to end their wait for the title.”He added: “I see the title race being more of a two-horse race this season as Liverpool adjust to Arne Slot’s rebuild at Anfield.”I do feel that Tottenham Hotspur have a great chance of landing top four this season, but Ange Postecoglou will want more players to come in before the end of August that suit his style.”Several high-profile pundits believes Arsenal’s title drought will come to an endCredit: REXGary NevilleFormer Red Devils right-back Gary Neville revealed his top four predictions on Stick to Football, brought to you by Sky Bet.Neville backed Man City to make it five-in-a-row with Arsenal following closely behind in second.Controversially, the outspoken pundit stuck Manchester United in third and Tottenham in fourth – leaving Liverpool to miss out on a spot in the top four.Explaining his decision, he said: “I think that Tottenham fell away badly [last year], but they’ve got something.”I think they’ve got something and I’m going for Tottenham [above Liverpool.”Later adding that he thinks Liverpool may not even make the top six under new boss Arne Slot.Gary Neville thinks Man City will come out on top once againCredit: PAIan WrightArsenal icon Ian Wright has backed his former side to finally lift the league title after missing out to City for the past two seasons.Wrighty told The Overlap, brought to you by Sky Bet, that he thinks the Gunners will finish first with City in second, and Manchester United and Aston Villa making up the final two spots in the top four.Backing Villa to have another great season, he said: “You can’t not have Villa in the top four.”Not with the way they’ve been moving and the signings they’ve made.”I thought Liverpool, but I’ve changed my mind. We’re making predictions before we know everything, but they’ve made a few really good signings.”Adding: “That manager [Unai Emery] knows what he’s doing. They’ve got a goalscorer, a really good midfield.”[Amadou] Onana has gone there, they have [Ian] Maatsen at left back and [Ezri Konsa] at the back. I’m telling you man, their whole spine is brilliant.”Ian Wright has backed his former club to finally lift the league title againCredit: GettyRoy KeaneRoy Keane, also speaking to the Overlap, brought to you by Sky Bet, explained he expects Man City to retain their title with Arsenal chasing behind in a close second once again.The Man Utd legend backed his old club to finish third and Aston Villa to sneak in behind them and grab fourth spot.Speaking on that final top four spot, Keane said: “I don’t think it’ll be Spurs. Villa have got more chance than Spurs.”Adding that Unai Emery will be able to balance Villa’s Champions League campaign with their Premier League fixture list.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe explained: “I think he’s used to European football that manager, he knows it.”The format has changed in the Champions League this year, it’ll be different – I’m telling you.”Roy Keane has faith in Manchester United to restore their spot back in the top four, but thinks Man City will still come out on top as championsCredit: Getty More

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      Get £50 in free bets for Real Madrid vs Atalanta in European Super Cup with Betfred

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      REAL MADRID and Atalanta meet in the European Super Cup on Wednesday – and Betfred have a Super offer to mark it.New customers who register a brand new Betfred account and stake £10 on the Euro showdown will be rewarded with £50 in free football bets!Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereGet £50 in free bets for Real Madrid vs Atalanta in European Super Cup with BetfredYou can’t accuse Real Madrid of resting on their laurels, despite a conquering seasons last time out.The Champions of Europe wrapped up the signing of superstar Kylian Mbappe to add to their roster of world class talent already.Vinicius Jr has been linked with an eye-watering move to Saudi Arabia this week, so his involvement will be watched intensely.Fitting Mbappe into that dominant forward line will be key and they’ll be warm favourites to defend that crown.Serie A side Atalanta come into this game as underdogs but earned their right to take part in this contest.The 3-0 Europa League final win over Bayer Leverkusen – who’d enjoyed an unbeaten campaign domestically and in Europe up until that point – rocked European football.How to claim..Betfred welcome offerVisit the Betfred website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: SUMMER50Deposit £10 using a Debit CardPlace your first bet of £10 or more on any qualifying Sportsbook markets, at odds of Evens or greaterOnce that bet has settled, Betfred will credit your account with £50 in Free BetsBetfred: Get your £50 in free bets – Claim here*They’ve tried to strengthen in the summer, having multiple bids for Celtic’s Matt O’Riley knocked back.New to Betfred? You’re in luck! YOU are eligible to claim this spectacular Euro 2024 offer!Simply register a brand new account with Betfred HERE* using the Promo Code: SUMMER50 and deposit a minimum of £10 using a debit card.Once that’s done and dusted, stake a tenner on any qualifying sports market at odds of Evens or greater, including the Euros.After that, you’ll receive the following free bets and bonuses;3 x £10 to use on any Sportsbook Markets2 x £10 to use on Accumulators (4+ selections)Betfred: Get your £50 in free bets – Claim here*Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.begambleaware.orgFor help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.*New customers only. Register with SUMMER50 between 31/05/24 – 14/07/24. First bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. Full T&Cs apply. More

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      Real Madrid and Barcelona in Trent Alexander-Arnold transfer battle as Liverpool bid to stop star running down contract

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      REAL MADRID and Barcelona are watching Trent Alexander-Arnold’s  situation at Liverpool closely.The Liverpool vice-captain, 25, is out of contract next year and has been strongly linked with a move to the European champions.Trent Alexander-Arnold has developed into one of the world’s best right backs but his next step is unclearCredit: EPAReports in Spain say both LaLiga clubs think the England ace is willing to leave following the progress of 21-year-old right-back Conor Bradley.The Reds will offer Alexander-Arnold a new deal that would increase his £180,000-per-week wages — but they are not willing to break the bank.And rumours have swirled that he may leave to join England team-mate Jude Bellingham at the Bernabeu.The pair were also spotted holidaying in Los Angeles together last month, where Alexander-Arnold was seen signing a Madrid shirt for a fan.Read more transfer newsAnfield bosses also have to sort out what to do with Mo Salah, 32, and Virgil van Dijk, 33, who are the only two players at Anfield who earn more than Alexander-Arnold.All three players contracts will expire in June 2025.It still seems unlikely Liverpool would cash in on their academy graduate this summer as it would be a wrench for both parties.But Real and Barca, along with other top clubs, are looking at what might be possible in the next 12 months or so.Most read in FootballJude Bellingham and Trent Alexander Arnold holidayed together in LACredit: InstragramFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHis assist tally and chance creation from right back have led to calls for him to be utilised further forward despite misgivings about that from former boss Jurgen Klopp.Alexander-Arnold is arguably the most complete passer in the game bar Kevin De Bruyne, and has scored 15 goals for Liverpool and provided 58 assists, a record for defenders in the Premier League.SunSport launches weekly Football League feature called ‘What the EFL-!’New boss Arne Slot prefers a more orthodox right back, with Northern Ireland international Bradley mooted as the more natural fit there.Meanwhile, Liverpool legend Michael Owen said Madrid might prove too irresistible of a destination for Alexander-Arnold.Owen told Casino Hawks: “Obviously Real Madrid at the moment are the best team in Europe, they are the biggest team in the world and have that iconic kit and their players… It’s the best stage in Europe.”I had a similar thing at that stage of my career, and I decided that it was an opportunity that I couldn’t pass up. “I don’t know if it’s an opportunity for Trent or a possibility, but he’d have a lot to think about if they came in for him.”Liverpool are the only Premier League club yet to sign a player in the summer transfer window but are expected to bring in a new defensive midfielder.Real Sociedad and Spain star Martin Zubimendi – who has a £51.7m release clause – is a top-priority for new boss Arne Slot.Slot snubbed Spurs, hates defending and has a PASS named after himBy Dan KingLIVERPOOL’S new manager Arne Slot was a good enough player to have a type of pass named after him.But it is as a manager that the Feyenoord head coach is really making his mark.Like another bald Dutchman, Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, Slot earned his stripes bossing smaller sides before being given a chance at one of the Netherlands’ big three.But the question Liverpool are pondering is whether Slot would make a better fist of running one of the biggest clubs in the world than Ten Hag so far has at Old Trafford.Slot, 45, was certainly easier on the eye as a player than centre back Ten Hag.“The Arne Slot Ball” was something he perfected as a silky No 10 – a back-to-goal, first-time, 180-degree spin and flick behind the defensive line for a winger to run on to deep in the opposition half.Click here to read all about the incoming Liverpool boss. More

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      Premier League legend immortalised in ‘shambolic’ waxwork sculpture leaving fans lost for words

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      A PREMIER LEAGUE legend was immortalised in “shambolic” waxwork – leaving fans lost for words. Several sports stars have been sculptured over the years for the likes of Madame Tussauds.This waxwork of a Prem legend left fans horrifiedCredit: Reddit u/No-Philosopher5239Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham are among those with celebrated wax figures. But sometimes, they do not always go to plan. Ronaldo infamously had a disastrous statue unveiled during his time with Real Madrid. But perhaps this waxwork of Manchester United icon Wayne Rooney in Gdansk tops the lot. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe model Rooney – wearing a red and black Adidas tracksuit – bares little resemblance to the former England captain. Fans were left in bemusement as one said: “This isn’t just bad. Bad is too good of a word to explain this. “Tragic is getting closer to the mark. Horrific might be better yet. But I think I’m going to go with shambolic. “Yes, shambolic is a good word for this.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnother added: “I love bad waxworks.”One joked: “That is sensational.”Rooney, 38, won the Champions League and five Prem titles with United and retired from playing in 2021. He has since moved into management and has taken charge of Championship Plymouth Argyle ahead of the new season. Wayne Rooney reveals gruelling weight loss technique he would do after turning up at Man Utd pre-season 7lbs too heavy More