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      Everton 0 Nottingham Forest 2: Red hot visitors keep European charge going thanks to goals from Wood and Gibbs-White

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      THE RISE and rise of Nuno Espirito Santo’s side just got more spectacular thanks to fine strikes from Chris Wood and Morgan Gibbs-White.Their goals produced a Nottingham Forest record – the first time in the Premier League era that they have won five games in a row.Nottingham Forest picked up their fifth consecutive victory against EvertonCredit: ReutersChris Wood opened the scoring for Forest in the first halfCredit: GettyMorgan Gibbs-White sealed the three points for ForestCredit: ReutersForest lost Murillo to an injury during the pre-match warm-upCredit: AlamyThe Tricky Trees also occupy a stunning second place in the table.The surprise team of the season might not still be there by the end of the night but even getting that high halfway through the season remains a massive testament to the way Nuno has made them very real Champions League candidates.He had to deal with what looked like a major blow after defensive rock Murillo was forced to pull out in the warm up.Winger Ramon Sosa replaced him with midfielder Nico Williams dropping to left-back in a rebuild back-four.Read More on FootballBut no problem. Forest’s players are a proper unit, composed, hardworking and, above all, believers.And no supporter of the club would be surprised if Nuno were to walk across the River Trent.The reincarnation of Brian Clough he may not be but still, that’s how much those fans believe in him too in his bid to bring back the glory days of “Ol Big Head.”The rear guard that actually suffered from the start was Everton’s – no thanks to sloppy work from the midfield ahead of them – and they never got over it.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSJames Tarkowski picked up an eighth-minute yellow card for flying through Sosa after losing control of the ball then twice lost Wood, the Kiwi firing wide from decent positions both times.But even in those opening moments it was clear the big striker fancied his chances and in the 15th minute he proved it.Aina shows off his left foot declaring, ‘It’s still hot!!!’Once again the home side lost the ball in a failed attacking scramble and Gibbs-White didn’t hesitate.He went instant and long, finding Wood with a 40-yard pass but if that part of the move was basic what followed was poetic.The striker headed sideways to Anthony Elanga who replied in kind as Jordan Pickford dashed off his line and clipped a right-footed volley perfectly over the advancing England No1.That was his 11th strike of the season and the numbers looked good in a different way too.Forest scored first 14 times in this campaign before arriving at Goodison Park and won nine of those games.They absolutely deserved to be ahead, too against a Sean Dyche side that other than a brief early spurt from the electric Iliman Ndiaye had started flat and formless.Forest eyeing European qualificationTheir approach will have mystified home fans given that the Toffees should have been on something of a high after navigating their way to three successive draws against Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City.The Merseysiders had lost only one of their last seven games and Dyche attempted to perk them up further by replacing Dominic Calvert-Lewin – no goals in 13 straight games – with Armando Broja.Yet in his first start the bustling Albania international, on loan from Chelsea, became a bit like the striker dumped to the bench – a passenger looking on as his team-mates struggled to put a footprint on the game.Forest spent the first half showing exactly why making it to the Champions League is now much more than a dream no Tricky Trees fan would have had at the start of the campaign.They may not be the prettiest team to watch, although that Wood goal was a stunner.But Nuno has them organised, sure of themselves and they can break brilliantly.Everton bereft of ideasThat loss of Murillo in the warm-up didn’t disturb them nor did the absence of skipper Ryan Yates.Meanwhile Dyche’s players, the resourceful Ndiaye apart, just try to grind their way through games with little or no art.They were completely bereft of ideas during a first half that really only underlined that new owners The Friedkin Group have to come up with some transfer dosh next month to bring in badly-needed new inspiration.Dyche replaced Jack Harrison, one of those guilty of ceding possession, for another winger in Jesper Lindstrom but his side looked no less desperate.And Jarrad Branthwaite got very lucky in the 54th minute.He dived into a challenge on Gibbs-White, wearing the armband with Yates suspended, and while the centre-half missed connection with his left leg he clattered into the playmaker with his right.Defensive woesThe fact that he got some of the ball prompted referee Tony Harrington to brandish only a yellow but the defender will still have breathed a sigh of relief.No such luck for his manager Dyche as Gibbs-White produced the killer blow and while his 61st minute finish was impeccable it came only as a result of more tawdry work by the Toffees.Abdoulaye Doucoure mindlessly gifted Elanga possession 30 yards out and the former Manchester United attacker immediately found Wood on the edge of the box.He despatched rapidly across to Gibbs-White who coolly side-stepped a desperate bid for salvation from Doucoure to leave Pickford for dead from ten yards.It could have got worse for the keeper too after he spilled a shot from Sosa before saving his blushes with a double save.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut it was never going to get any better for him and his team that took 81 minutes to get a shot on target.They simply got lost amongst those Tricky Trees.Nottingham Forest’s European dream remains aliveCredit: Alamy More

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      Man Utd staring £10million black hole in the face as Sir Jim Ratcliffe slashes £40k donation to charity helping legends

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are set to lose out on £10m in expected income if they continue on their current trajectory.The Red Devils are in dire form and currently languishing in 14th place in the Premier League.Manchester United’s current form could see them miss out on £10mCredit: AlamyRuben Amorim is yet to turn things around on the pitch with a third consecutive defeat on Thursday leaving United some 12 points off fourth placed Nottingham Forest.It now looks extremely unlikely that Man Utd will qualify for the Champions League this season, a failure that could have a huge impact on the club’s finances.According to The Times, United’s contract with kit manufacturer Adidas contains a penalty clause that sees them lose out on £10MILLION for every season they fail to qualify for Europe’s elite competition.That hefty loss would be coupled with huge amount of losses in broadcasting and match-day income too.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUnited are already flirting with breaching Financial Fair Play (FFP_ regulations and have undergone a number of cost-cutting measures since the arrival of Ineos chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe.Sun Sport exclusively revealed Ratcliffe and the club cut funding to the Association of Former Manchester United Players, a charity set up in 1985 o help footballers from bygone eras who earned nothing like the megabucks of today’s superstars.While Ratcliffe’s other cost-cutting measures have included cancelling senior staff members’ credit cards, stopping staff from using private cars and even asking Man City if they could give United players a lift to the Ballon d’Or in their private jet.Manchester United do have measures in place to try and offset failure to qualify for the Champions League.Most read in FootballSir Jim Ratcliffe has been putting cost-cutting measures in place at Old TraffordCredit: PABEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe club’s annual report says that players salaries change based off their participation in Europe or not.It reads: “Failure to qualify for the Champions League would result in a material reduction in revenue for each season in which our men’s first team did not participate.Ruben Amorim admits he’s in danger of losing Man Utd job if results don’t improve with fans ‘tired’ of disastrous slump “To help mitigate this impact, the majority of playing contracts for our men’s first team include step-ups in remuneration which are contingent on participation in the group stage of the Champions League.”Former Everton chairman Keith Wyness has claimed that United are close to the line with Profit and Sustainability rules (PSR) and FFP.Speaking to Football Insider, Wyness said: “Yes, they are now right on that line for PSR.“The interesting thing is that we know they are on the New York Stock Exchange. If there is a material risk of them breaching PSR, that will have to be declared to the market.“I’m very intrigued by that situation. They’ve had a very poor start to the season.“If they’re not going to make Champions League next year, unless Amorim can bring a big resurrection in the second half of this season, then that will also add PSR pressure.“They’re in a risky situation, so Amorim needs to deliver the goods. There’s pressure on him from day one.”United have to change their on-the-pitch fortunes in order to rescue their financial situation.READ MORE SUN STORIESFor Amorim and his low-on-confidence squad that continues on Monday with a tricky clash against an in-form Newcastle United side.Things don’t get any easier from there either with games against Liverpool, Arsenal and Brighton all on the horizon.United face a tricky run of fixtures More

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      It may be too late for protesters concerned about World Cup 2034 in Saudi thanks to Fifa ‘emperor’ Gianni Infantino

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      THE magical effect of Gulf State money has transformed the Premier League.It will take a while to discover whether these riches will continue.Gianni Infantino operates like an emperor in footballCredit: EPANeither of the two clubs which have hugely benefited, Manchester City and Newcastle, are blowing our socks off so far this season.Pep Guardiola’s City, it is fair to say, have disappointed their fans so far — but not for long, I am sure.Toon lie close to City in mid-table which must be no more than acceptable to Eddie Howe, his players and the masses on the Tyne.There is further heat for the pair over whether any football club should be financed by a state.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA Parliamentary Bill is in the pipeline.At a debate I attended at the House of Lords last week, Lord Scriven made his view clear: “There is a specific issue with the Gulf states.“If people are potentially put to death for being gay in a state, would that debar a state entity or an individual in that government from owning an English club? It is a clear question.”One which like so many others, was not answered. Apparently, a letter answering the question will be put in the “library”.Most read in FootballI hope it doesn’t have to wait as long to get his letter as it has taken the Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy to reply to the Prem clubs she invited in to discuss the Bill.We’ve been waiting five months and counting…Fans baffled as Donald Trump sends bizarre video message to pal ‘Jonny’ Infantino before Fifa Club World Cup drawSimilar funding will be responsible for the 2034 Saudi World Cup, having dodged inspection by the 211 national federations. Or anyone else bar the press and campaigners.Critics point out that hundreds, possibly thousands, of workers died building stadiums for the 2022 World Cup in fellow oil state Qatar.The deaths were barely reported at the time.It may be too late for protestors concerned at this return to a Middle East autocracy because Fifa president Gianni Infantino wrapped up the process before they could make a full case.Infantino bizarrely said he felt “gay, African and disabled” before Qatar and also told women to “pick the right battles”, so he was hardly going to think about the treatment of the fairer sex when awarding the World Cup.Amnesty International reports women “continue to face discrimination in law, inheritance, marriage, divorce and child custody”.But women have been battling for decades against this sort of nonsense, so we won’t be relying on Infantino to fight any corners for us.I’m sure neither City nor Newcastle regard Fifa’s practices as their affair.The Prem already have strict rules about spending on transfers and soon new directives will cover what can be spent on players’ wages.Ownership is, rightly, open to investment from companies all over the world.Nearly half of top-flight teams are ultimately controlled by American investors, as well as by Chinese, Pakistan, Thai, Greek and even English!All of these owners are multi-millionaires and have boardrooms.The oil states have only Arab royalty.Infantino’s behaviour is open to question.Clearly, he likes to operate as an emperor, altering the fixture list in open warfare with Uefa.His Club World Cup intrudes on the close season and relegates the Champions League to a runner-up in importance.Plus, any possibility of an open competition for the 2034 enlarged World Cup has been shut tight.Infantino, a lawyer by trade, knows just how to get his own way and pay.When he was elected Fifa president unopposed in 2023, his annual salary with bonuses was raised by 33 per cent to more than £5million a year.And, as a Swiss-Italian, he now lives in Florida and pays no taxes there.Although some countries, notably Germany, asked questions, he will remain president until 2027 when he is likely to stand again for a further four years.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe new Club World Cup will take place in 11 stadiums for a month next summer in the US.Chelsea and City are our entrants on the basis of Champions League success. Good luck to them. And readers for the coming year. More

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      England’s so-called elite would welcome an escape to a Euro Super League as their time ruling the Prem’s now over

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      THERE’S a reason why the idea of a European super league has been floated again.And a reason why England’s wealthiest clubs won’t be running a mile from the plan.Manchester United were humiliated against BournemouthCredit: RexThe Cherries ripped the Red Devils apart 3-0 at Old TraffordCredit: GettyPep Guardiola has overseen an incredible run at Manchester CityCredit: PAThe Cityzens have lost nine of their last 12 gamesCredit: GettyBarcelona and Real Madrid are backing the latest edition of the Super League schemeCredit: GettyThat reason is: Manchester United 0 Bournemouth 3.The fact the ‘smallest’ club in the Premier League can crush England’s largest club on their own turf, not just in one fluke result but in two consecutive seasons, is definitive proof anything can happen in the world’s richest domestic competition.Bournemouth, Nottingham Forest and Fulham were promoted together in 2022 and all sit in the top half of the table because they have enough cash, and competence, to assemble squads with at least two very decent players in every position.Brighton and Brentford also sit above United, approaching the halfway point of the season.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLWhich torpedoes the idea of the ‘rich getting rich and the poor getting poorer’. Because, in the Premier League, there is no poor.Real Madrid and Barcelona — who are backing the latest Super League scheme — are deeply envious of the Premier League because it’s basically bloody brilliant.United and the rest of the traditional English elite are tempted by a super league because they can no longer guarantee themselves European football — and because it would offer them more money to distance themselves from those well-run upstart clubs.On Sunday, I landed after a seven-hour flight from the Middle East, during which five Premier League games had been played.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSTwo of the results — Tottenham 3 Liverpool 6, as well as Bournemouth’s latest drubbing of United — made me laugh out loud.And yet it’s not even all that surprising any more.Unify League explained after European Super League launches again in new format Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs haven’t had what you’d have once called a single bog-standard, easily predictable result, either positive or negative, in any domestic match since they beat Brentford 3-1 on September 21.Perhaps the 4-1 win over West Ham in October — but even that was the crushing of a local rival, involving a comeback, a red card and a mass brawl.And it’s not just Spurs, of course.A few weeks ago, I predicted, half-jokingly, that there might not be  Champions League football in Manchester next season for the first time in 30 years.Now there is nothing vaguely funny about that statement. In fact, it’s entirely likely.City’s phenomenal meltdown — one win and nine defeats from 12 games in all competitions — has been analysed until the cows come home.But if Real, Barca or any other European powerhouse had suffered similar issues to Pep Guardiola’s side — key injuries and a squad which has aged in fast-forward — their results wouldn’t have been nearly as bad because there’d have been a comfy win or two to pick up.Which would avert the complete confidence collapse  City have suffered.Instead, City lost to Bournemouth and Brighton and was drawn to Crystal Palace. Because they are all decent teams.Before City’s horror run, their previous three league games were single-goal victories over Fulham, Wolves and Southampton.Fulham had a superior ‘expected goals’ count to City at the Etihad. It took a controversial 95th-minute winner to defeat Wolves.Guardiola caused much amusement at the time by praising Russell Martin’s Saints to the hilt after City’s 1-0 home win.Pep wasn’t being patronising. He was being serious.He knew that even the bottom team could visit the champions and cause serious problems.So even City’s 12-game run does not represent such a sudden fall off a cliff edge. It was coming — because the Premier League is too bloody brilliant.United’s crisis has been dragging on for 11 years but the depths of their fall couldn’t be replicated by the richest clubs in Spain, Germany, Italy, France or anywhere else.In 55 league games since the start of last season, United have a goal difference of -2.A decade or so ago, England’s leading clubs were protected against such failures by a Champions League income which gave them a substantial and meaningful wealth gap over the smaller clubs.That has now been negated. The Premier League is so wealthy, so competitive, that the biggest clubs need a bigger cushion to protect themselves from their own failings.In Europe’s other major leagues, that buffer still exists. But Real, Barca and other major Continental clubs know that, as the global fascination with the Premier League grows, the more gloriously unpredictable it becomes.And so, another imaginary super league.This one, laughably called the Unify League because the ‘Ripping Everything To Shreds League’ would sound too obvious, and it would supposedly be based on merit with promotion and relegation and no automatic membership for the elite.Which makes it more palatable than the previous imaginary European super league – which England’s erstwhile ‘Big Six’ all signed up to.The 96-team Unify League would consist of a Star League, a Gold League, a Blue League and a Union League — making it sound as if the whole thing has been concocted by a bored nine-year-old boy in his bedroom.And yet it is backed by Real chief Florentino Perez, substantially more powerful than a bored nine-year-old boy in his bedroom.It has been dreamt up out of fear and envy by those who can’t hack the fact that the Premier League is so bloody brilliant.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd at some point, whether in this decade or the next, one of these imaginary European super leagues — perhaps a worldwide super league involving the Saudis and others — will come to fruition.So, for now, enjoy Tottenham’s lunacy, relish City’s meltdown and savour United’s prolonged crisis. Because the Premier League, in all its current glory, is too good to last. 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      Long-term Man Utd target Zinedine Zidane will only return to management for TWO teams in huge blow to Premier League

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      ZINEDINE ZIDANE would only return to management for two teams… and neither of them play in the Premier League.Zidane, 52, has been a free agent since his departure from Real Madrid in 2021 when his second stint as manager ended.Zinedine Zidane would only like to work for Real Madrid and FranceCredit: AFPZidane rejected Manchester United, Bayern Munich, Juventus and Paris Saint-GermainCredit: SplashThat is despite winning a staggering two LaLiga titles and a record three successive Champions League trophies with Real across two stints.Nevertheless, the French tactician has been inundated with offers the last three years but he rejected every single one of them.Zizou was approached by some of the biggest clubs in the world, including Manchester United, Bayern Munich, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain.Several national teams had also approached the 1998 Ballon d’Or winner but they were also turned down.Read More on FootballAccording to Marca, that is because Zidane would only be keen to work at Real and France at this time.The main reason goes down to loyalty as the Frenchman couldn’t see himself managing any other club or country than his beloved Los Blancos and Tricolores.The same source claims only a “very groundbreaking project” could make him change his mind.That is despite the fact that at this moment it would be “impossible” to work at either of his preferred teams.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSCarlo Ancelotti just recently led Real to their 36th LaLiga title and 15th Champions League trophy.And former team-mate Didier Deschamps has signed a new deal with France tying him up as manager until the 2026 World Cup.Zinedine Zidane suffers embarrassing wardrobe malfunction as he brings out Champions League trophy at WembleyPrevious reports have suggested Zidane would only like to work in a country where he speaks the language, which means he’d only be keen on Spain and France.Zinedine Zidane’s managerial careerZinedine Zidane began his career in management in June 2014 when he was appointed coach of Real Madrid’s B team.Zizou spent 18 months in charge of Real Madrid Castilla before being given his shot at the big time following the sacking of Rafael Benitez.Zidane, 51, took charge of the first team in January 2016 and guided them to a second-place finish in his maiden season at the Bernabeu helm.But he went one better in the Champions League, sealing Real’s 11th European Cup triumph with a shootout victory over Atletico Madrid.The former Los Blancos star went one better in the league in the 2016-17 season, in which they also won the Uefa Super Cup and Club World Cup.A second successive Champions League triumph also followed, with Real beating Italian giants Juventus at the Principality Stadium.He would create history the following season by becoming the first manager to win the tournament three times on the bounce.A 3-1 win over Liverpool saw Real become the first team to win Europe’s elite club competition three times in a row.Zidane announced his resignation five days after the final, insisting the club needed a “change” of direction.He would return to the Bernabeu in March 2019 following Santiago Solari and Julen Lopetegui’s short reigns.A return to the summit of Spanish football would follow in the 2019-20 season, in which Real also scooped the Spanish Super Cup.Zidane would leave the Bernabeu again in June 2021 after overseeing Real’s first trophyless season in 11 years.Zinedine Zidane’s Honours:- La Liga: 2016–17, 2019–20- Supercopa de España: 2017, 2019–20- UEFA Champions League: 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18- UEFA Super Cup: 2016, 2017- FIFA Club World Cup: 2016, 2017 More

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      Glam model Laura Celia Valk bluntly shuts down talk of relationship with Jude Bellingham in three-word statement

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      MODEL Laura Celia Valk rubbished rumours suggesting she is in a relationship with Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham.Bellingham, 21, has shone bright ever since joining Real from Borussia Dortmund in 2023 following a staggering £115million deal.Laura Celia Valk was linked with a relationship with Real Madrid star Jude BellinghamCredit: Instagram @ lauraceliavLaura, though, dismissed all those rumours with a blunt statementCredit: Instagram @ lauraceliavLaura was asked about the Bellingham rumours on InstagramCredit: InstagramLaura is a popular model on social mediaCredit: InstagramBellingham’s personal life has been largely out of the public eyeCredit: RexThe star midfielder has gone on to register a whopping 30 goals and 19 assists in 64 appearances with Los Blancos, with whom he’s already won LaLiga and the Champions League.As the England international’s image continues to grow so do rumours about his personal life.Recent speculation suggested that Bellingham is romantically involved with glam model Laura, 25.However, the internet personality, who shares a series of glam pics across her social media channels, dismissed all the talk during a Q&A with fans.Read Moe on FootballOne of her 567,000 followers asked her on Instagram: “Do you have a boyfriend?”And Laura issued the following blunt response: “No, I don’t.”Details of Bellingham’s private life have remained largely out of the public eye.The ex-Birmingham star spends a lot of his down time with family and mum, Denise, who supports him in Spain.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBellingham had a slow start this season with Real after a dominant run last term.That was after the reigning Spanish champions signed Kylian Mbappe and manager Carlo Ancelotti struggled to find some chemistry between his star players.Jude Bellingham’s glorious England moment brought back in styleHowever, the versatile midfielder has recently turned things around with six goals and three assists in his last seven league matches.Laura has a huge Instagram followingCredit: Instagram / @lauraceliavShe regularly shares glamorous snapsCredit: Instagram / @lauraceliavLaura’s posts receive thousands of likesCredit: Instagram / @lauraceliavShe often posts from exotic locationsCredit: Instagram / @lauraceliavLaura has over half a million followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram More

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      Man Utd and Chelsea ‘locked in transfer battle with European giants’ for former Man City star Leroy Sane

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      MANCHESTER UNITED and Chelsea are keeping tabs on Bayern Munich star Leroy Sane.Sane, 28, enjoyed four successful years at Manchester City, where he won two Premier League titles and the FA Cup, but returned to Germany in 2020.Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham are eyeing Bayern Munich star Leroy SaneCredit: GettySane is also being targeted by Barcelona ahead of the January transfer windowCredit: RexHowever, the winger’s contract runs out in June and there has been no breakthrough in negotiations with the German giants so far.According to Sport, the standstill between the Germany international and the Munich outfit has led to intense interest from some of Europe’s elite clubs.Among them are United, Chelsea as well as Tottenham ahead of the January transfer window.However, the Premier League trio could face competition from Barcelona, who are very interested in Sane.Read More on FootballBarca need more quality down the wings especially after losing Lamine Yamal to injury.That has led to reports suggesting the Blaugrana are keeping tabs on Napoli’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, AC Milan’s Rafael Leao and Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams.However, Barcelona’s financial woes are pushing them towards more affordable cases, such as Sane who could become a free agent in the summer.However, the German prefers to stay in the Bundesliga despite the complicated contract talks with his current club.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBayern would prefer to agree on a new deal with a lower salary, especially considering the options down the wing with Jamal Musiala, Serge Gnabry, Michael Olise and Kingsley Coman available.Sane has scored just five goals and bagged one assist in 19 appearances this season.Leroy Sane shoves Marc Cucurella in Euros clashIn his career at Bayern, he has 53 goals and 51 assists in 194 matches.Sane was once highly thought-of at Man CityCredit: EPA More

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      Trent Alexander-Arnold should take the risk and move to Real Madrid… but Liverpool have a ready-made replacement

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      I SEE Trent Alexander-Arnold has woken up and smelt the coffee — which is why I see him waving goodbye to Liverpool in the summer and signing for Real Madrid.If it were me and I fancied going out for a coffee or a cuppa after training, then I’d prefer to do so in Spain rather than Liverpool. Most would.Trent Alexander-Arnold is out of contract at the end of the seasonCredit: PAReal Madrid are long-time admirers of the versatile defenderCredit: GETTYLos Blancos could very well make a move for the England internationalCredit: GETTYHarry Redknapp has urged Alexander-Arnold to take the risk and join RealCredit: GettyNo disrespect as it’s a great club and a lively city but there is just something magical about Madrid. So you can see the pull for a world-class right-back.It is probably Trent’s dream to play for Real Madrid and he’ll have seen pal Jude Bellingham do the same last year.Bellingham could have gone from Borussia Dortmund to any Premier League club he fancied but the magnetism of the Bernabeu is irresistible.My analogy about coffee seems trivial, of course, but there is so much involved in making a big move.READ MORE ON TRENTLiverpool is a special club but you have to remember he cost them nothing, has given them years of service as a former academy player and now is the time to try a new adventure.Sometimes you can go stale and maybe it is time for him to go and play great football at another great club.With his contract up in the summer there is serious money to be made, too.It is similar but not quite the same for Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSTrent Alexander-Arnold has kept quiet on his Liverpool futureCredit: GettyAlexander-Arnold is 26-years-old, the others in their early 30s. Salah, in particular, might be looking at one last big pay day by going to play in Saudi Arabia.And for a young man like Alexander-Arnold this is the chance to reach for the stars, to play with a team of world-class pros, earn serious cash and win a serious number of trophies.Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Bold £84m Bid for NantesLiverpool is a big draw and Trent is a born-and-bred Scouser — but nothing competes with Madrid.Reds icon Steve McManaman trod the same path many years back and I don’t think he sits around regretting it.The opportunity to become Real Madrid’s next right-back for five or six years is a dream and Trent can absolutely be that player for them.Liverpool have slotted him in to midfield as well as full-back but, while I see a world-class defender in him, he is not a world-class midfielder.Liverpool is a big draw and Trent is a born-and-bred Scouser — but nothing competes with Madrid.Harry RedknappThere should be no debate about where he plays. At the Euros, England tried to switch him into the middle and some of the games passed him by.Midfielders are a different breed, you’ve got to have fantastic awareness to play there.As a right-back you see the whole picture. It’s different. He’s a great passer from there.He should stick to his strengths and be the best right- back in Europe at Real.The Reds have a ready-made replacement in Conor BradleyCredit: REXAnd it’s not as if Liverpool will be left high and dry when he goes as they have an energetic, young replacement waiting in the wings in Conor Bradley, who will fill that void.Another homegrown product, I particularly like Bradley’s pace — and so along comes the next great Liverpool player.We also have to admit that the era of the great one-club man is pretty much dead, too.The opportunity to become Real Madrid’s next right-back for five or six years is a dream and Trent can absolutely be that player for them.Harry RedknappLiverpool have had more than their fair share of loyal players with the likes of Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard.Go back further and there were even more but the way the game is now — as well as the money that is on offer, the ease of travel and communication and such like — makes it easier to go and play abroad.Cross border transfers and the Bosman Ruling has opened up a whole new world to players and you really cannot begrudge any of them wanting to experience it.Conor Bradley has shown all the making of a stellar defenderCredit: GettyKeep it simpleWHY do all keepers think they are Pele these days?Sorry… I mean why do all managers think their goalkeepers are Pele?And I say this after I watched Spurs squeeze through their Carabao Cup quarter-final with Manchester United on Thursday.My old team played well but what is this obsession with playing the ball out from the back every time? It has gone crazy.Keepers playing out from the back is a load of nonsense, Harry Redknapp believesCredit: GETTYEvery coach wants to be Pep Guardiola — even if they do not have the talent of his Manchester City team.When you watch it, the ball goes from the right-back to the keeper, out to the left-back, back again, then they give the ball away.And teams put themselves under needless pressure when sometimes it suits to just boot it upfield.No disrespect to Spurs keeper Fraser Forster, he’s a good player but he isn’t a footballer — he’s a goalkeeper.As a manager the last thing I wanted was my centre-backs bringing the ball out.Harry RedknappYou have got a big centre- forward there in Dominic Solanke, who is great in the air, and I’d want the ball going up to him to win it.As a manager the last thing I wanted was my centre-backs bringing the ball out. They all had their skills and dribbling just wasn’t one of them.Unfortunately it has gone crazy and it’s so stupid. Our teams just can’t do it. They are not good enough to do it as they give the ball away.Fraser Forster’s gaffe against Manchester United shows how risky playing out from the back isCredit: alamyRIP, Oscar FairsI WAS so sad to read of the young West Ham goalkeeper who sadly died in the past week or so.We all worry about trivial things and then football and a family loses their boy due to cancer when he had the world at his feet.I don’t know Oscar Fairs or his family but I really would like to send them my condolences and love at what must be an awful time.West Ham paid a touching to the late Oscar Fairs this weekCredit: REUTERSA Christmas messageWITH Christmas now just around the corner, at my age it’s hard to know what to ask Santa for.READ MORE SUN STORIESSo all I can tell you is that I have got lots of socks — and probably more than the England kit man!Merry Christmas to you all and a Happy New Year. More