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      Real Madrid star Luka Modric, 39, buying £1.1m house in SWANSEA after shock investment as he’s tipped for transfer

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      REAL MADRID superstar Luka Modric is set to buy a £1.1million house on the outskirts of Swansea, leaving excited fans gobsmacked.The Ballon d’Or winner is snapping up a five-bedroom mansion in the Gower village of Three Crosses, according to a well-placed source.Luke Modric is set to leave Real MadridCredit: GettyModric, 39, was spotted at the property and his arrival quickly became the talk of the wealthy neighbourhood.It comes after he confirmed he’s leaving Real Madrid – leaving Swans at fever pitch he’ll soon be joining the Championship side.One neighbour said: “We don’t host many Galacticos in Swansea so it was a bit of a surprise to see him on our doorstep.“But it’s a fantastic house close to the beach and I’m sure he will enjoy exploring the Gower and the local restaurants.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I doubt we have as many fancy nightclubs as they do in Madrid, but we have plenty of good pubs where he will be made to feel very welcome.”Father-of-three Modric is buying the huge mansion with a pool table from former Swansea footballer Leon Britton, who put the property on the market in 2017.Modric still owns a £10.1m home in Madrid but decided to create a base in the Welsh city after taking a minority stake in Swansea City, whose training ground is a short drive from the mansion.Former Tottenham midfielder Modric was announced as a co-investor and owner in Swansea City last month having become the most decorated player in Real Madrid history – winning six Champions Leagues, six Club World Cups, five European Super Cups, four LaLiga titles, two Spanish Cups, and five Spanish Super Cups.Most read in ChampionshipCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Swans finished 11th in the Championship and it is hoped that the backing of the star – worth an estimated £56m and married to glamorous Vanja Bosnic, who acts as his agent – will help them push for promotion to the Premier League.In a statement released through the club, Modric said: “This is an exciting opportunity. Swansea has a strong identity, an incredible fanbase, and the ambition to compete at the highest level.Luka Modric passed out in a cubicle and had to be carried out by a bouncer on his first Tottenham night out, says Jenas v2“Playing at the highest level, I believe I can provide my experience to the club. My goal is to support the club’s growth in a positive way and to help to build an exciting future.”Modric and Leon Britton were approached for comment.Leon Britton starred for the Swans across two spells between 2003 and 2018Credit: AFP More

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      Forgotten former Liverpool winger leading contender to become next Hull City manager after stint in SLOVENIA

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      FORMER Liverpool star Albert Riera is a leading contender to become the next Hull City boss.Riera is currently manager of NK Celje, who are fourth in Slovenia’s top flight going into the final day. Albert Riera is a leading contender to become the next Hull City managerCredit: GettyThe ex-Anfield winger has worked wonders in his second stint as the club’s boss but is thought to be keen on managing in England.And Hull are on the lookout for a new man in charge after they sacked Ruben Selles at the end of the season.Selles had steered Hull to Championship safety on the final day but it was not enough to save his job.The Spaniard was the third manager to be dismissed by Hull owner Acun Ilicali in the last year along with Liam Rosenior and Tim Walter.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSFormer Sunderland and Rangers boss Michael Beale has been interviewed by Hull for the vacancy.While ex-Newcastle midfielder Emre Belozoglu joins Riera on the club’s four-man shortlist.Riera steered NK Celje to a huge quarter-final berth in the Europa Conference League despite finishing 21st out of 36 teams in the league phase.After beating Cypriot side APOEL in the knockout play-off, Celje beat Swiss side Lugano via penalties in the last 16.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut the club crashed out in the final eight after losing 4-3 on aggregate to Serie A side Fiorentina. A wideman in his playing days, Riera first moved to England in 2006 when Manchester City loaned him in from Espanyol.Former Premier League club closing in on return to EFL despite finishing 23 POINTS behind play-off opponentsIn 2008 he joined Liverpool and spent two years at Anfield, scoring five goals and providing nine assists in 56 appearances.However, his time at the club was cut short after he was suspended by then-manager Rafa Benitez.The Spaniard made comments to the Spanish press regarding his first team opportunities and was subsequently exiled and transfer listed.Riera also played for Olympiacos, Galatasaray, Watford, Udinese, Zavrc and Koper.Since hanging up his boots, Riera has managed alongside Slovenian club NK Olimpija Ljubljana as well as French side Bordeaux.Riera began his managerial career with Olimpija in July 2022 and went on to win the league title in his first season.Riera spent two seasons at LiverpoolCredit: Reuters More

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      Boxing supremo Turki Alalshikh ‘holds talks’ over shock takeover of Championship club after series of approaches

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      BOXING chief Turki Alalshikh has held takeover talks with a Championship club, according to reports.The Saudi Arabian has become a prominent figure in the boxing world, brokering some of the biggest fights in the sport in recent years.Turki Alalshikh dropped a hint about which club he could buyCredit: GettyHis official role as the chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority means he has varied business interests.And it appears he is set to get involved in English football after recently selling LaLiga 2 club Almeira, which he purchased in 2019, to Saudi investment group SMC.Several Championship clubs and one Premier League team have approached Alalshikh in recent months in hopes of striking a deal, according to the Daily Mail.And it has been claimed Millwall have engaged in talks with the boxing supremo.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRumours were sparked further when Alalshikh reacted to a Millwall post on X this week, commenting: “🔥🦁”However Millwall have insisted the club is not for sale and denied talks were held.Alalshikh appears to have held an interest in buying an English club for some time.Last month Simon Jordan claimed he told the promoter to buy Sheffield Wednesday when asked about investing by Alalshikh.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAlalshikh has an estimated net worth of £2.14billion and is the owner of the Ring Magazine.He previously owned Egyptian football club Pyramids from 2018 to 2019. More

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      Luka Modric tipped to make ‘tremendous’ Championship transfer after Real Madrid exit

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      LUKA MODRIC and Real Madrid have announced he will be leaving the club after the Club World Cup this summer.In an emotional statement, the 39-year-old confirmed “the time has come” for him to move on from the Spanish giants.Luka Modric has confirmed he is leaving Real Madrid after 13 yearsCredit: AFPThe midfielder won 28 trophies since joining in 2012Credit: PAIt has been confirmed he will leave after the Club World CupCredit: AFPHe became a co-owner of Swansea last monthCredit: RexEx-Madrid ace Fernando Morientes told him to seal a transfer there for next seasonCredit: GettyModric has been with the club since 2012 and has won an incredible 28 trophies, including six Champions League titles, four La Liga titles, two Copas del Rey and six Club World Cups.But the ex-Tottenham star has been urged to make a “tremendous” transfer from Champions League to Championship by joining Swansea, who Modric became a shock co-owner of last month.Former Madrid striker Fernando Morientes backed him to make the switch to Wales next season.Speaking to CasinoHawks, who offer the latest online casinos, Morientes said: “Luka Modric playing for Swansea would be tremendous.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I’m sure there would be a lot of excitement among the fans. A player like Luka Modric, even if he’s at the end of his career, would be welcome I’m sure and he would be excited for the project.”Obviously, we shouldn’t expect him to be 100 per cent or at his best because he’s at a certain age, but even when he came on against Barcelona, the feeling of Madrid in midfield changed. “He probably doesn’t have the level of competitive rhythm that a game like that demands, but he’s so intelligent, he’s so good in midfield, he has so much quality that he could continue to give a few good seasons. “I think he could have a couple of good seasons in England, without a doubt and I’m convinced the excitement he would generate among the fans would be tremendous.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKModric is said to have wanted the club to trigger a contract extension that would have seen him spend one more season at the Bernabeu, but the decision was made not to activate it.The Croatian will now have the chance to add a seventh Club World Cup accolade before he completely calls quits on his time with Los Blancos.Watch moment frustrated Luka Modric walks out of interview after reporter’s question following Croatia’s Euro 2024 drawThe refreshed competition being held in the USA will start on June 14 while the final will be on July 13.Modric and Co. qualified for the tournament by winning the Champions League in 2021/22 and 2023/24. In an Instagram statement on his exit, he said: “The moment has arrived. The moment I never wanted to come, but that’s football, and in life everything has a beginning and an end.”I arrived in 2012 with the hope of wearing the jersey of the best team in the world and the ambition to do great things, but I couldn’t have imagined what came next.”Playing for Real Madrid changed my life as a footballer and as a person. I’m proud to have been part of one of the most successful eras of the best club in history.”The club’s statement on the decision said: “Real Madrid C. F. and our captain Luka Modrić have agreed to bring an end to his unforgettable time as a player at our club following the Club World Cup, which the team is preparing to play starting 18 June in the United States.Luka Modric leaving statement in fullLuka Modric’s leaving Real Madrid statement in full on Instagram:Dear Madrid fans:The time has come. The moment I never wanted to come, but that’s football, and in life everything has a beginning and an end… On Saturday I will play my last match at the Santiago Bernabéu.Llegué en 2012 con la ilusión de vestir la camiseta del mejor equipo del mundo y con la ambición de hacer cosas grandes, pero no me podía imaginar lo que vino después.Playing for Real Madrid changed my life as a football player and as a person.I am proud to have been part of one of the most successful eras of the best club in history.I want to thank the club from the bottom of my heart, especially the president Florentino Perez, my teammates, coaches and all the people who have helped me during all this time.Throughout these years I’ve experienced incredible moments, comebacks that seemed impossible, finals, celebrations and magical nights at the Bernabéu… We won everything and I was very happy. Very very happy.But beyond the titles and victories, I carry in my heart the affection of all Madrid fans. I really don’t know how to explain the special connection I have with you and how supported, respected and loved I have felt and feel. I will never forget each ovation and all the gestures of affection you have shown me.Leaving with a full heart. Filled with pride, gratitude and unforgettable memories. And even though, after the Club World Cup, I’m no longer going to wear this shirt on the field, I’ll always be a Madrid fan.We’ll see each other again. Real Madrid will always be my home For a lifetime.Hala Madrid and Nothing ElseLuka Modric.”Real Madrid wishes to express its immense gratitude and appreciation for a player who has become a true legend both of our club and world football…”Modrić is one of only five players in football history who have won 6 European Cups, and is also the player with the highest number of trophies in Real Madrid’s 123-year history.”On an individual level, Modrić won the Ballon d’Or, was named FIFA The Best Men’s Player, and UEFA Men’s Player of the Year in 2018. “He has been included in the FIFA FIFPro World XI on six occasions, and was also named Champions League Best Midfielder twice.”Modrić has made 590 appearances for our club, scoring 43 goals. He has also won a Golden Ball and Silver Ball at the Club World Cup.”The club statement also confirmed the Santiago Bernabéu will pay tribute to Modric on their final home game of the season this Saturday.Read More on The SunReal president Florentino Perez said: “Modrić will forever remain in the hearts of all madridistas as a unique an exemplary footballer who has always embodied the values of Real Madrid. “His football has captured the imagination of madridismo and fans all over the world. His legacy will live on forever.”Real Madrid statement on Modric exit in fullFull Real Madrid statement on Luke Modric leaving after Club World Cup:Real Madrid C. F. and our captain Luka Modrić have agreed to bring an end to his unforgettable time as a player at our club following the Club World Cup, which the team is preparing to play starting 18 June in the United States.Real Madrid wishes to express its immense gratitude and appreciation for a player who has become a true legend both of our club and world football.Modrić arrived at Real Madrid back in 2012, and has gone on to be a key component of one of the most successful periods in our club’s history. Over the course of 13 seasons in our colours, he has won 28 titles: 6 European Cups, 6 Club World Cups, 5 European Super Cups, 4 LaLiga titles, 2 Copas del Rey and 5 Spanish Super Cups.Modrić is one of only five players in football history who have won 6 European Cups, and is also the player with the highest number of trophies in Real Madrid’s 123-year history.On an individual level, Modrić won the Ballon d’Or, was named FIFA The Best Men’s Player, and UEFA Men’s Player of the Year in 2018. He has been included in the FIFA FIFPro World XI on six occasions, and was also named Champions League Best Midfielder twice.Modrić has made 590 appearances for our club, scoring 43 goals. He has also won a Golden Ball and Silver Ball at the Club World Cup.With the Croatian National Team, he has played 186 times, making him his country’s record holder for international caps. He won the Golden Ball at the 2018 World Cup in Russia and the Bronze Ball at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez has said, “Luka Modrić will forever remain in the hearts of all madridistas as a unique an exemplary footballer who has always embodied the values of Real Madrid. His football has captured the imagination of madridismo and fans all over the world. His legacy will live on forever.”Real Madrid wishes Luka Modrić and his family all the best in this new chapter of his life.The Santiago Bernabéu will pay tribute to him this Saturday at our team’s final league game of the season. More

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      Tom Brady’s Birmingham release FIFTEEN players including former Premier League star just weeks after promotion

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      BIRMINGHAM CITY have released FIFTEEN players just weeks after the club’s promotion to the Championship.Tom Brady’s ruthless side acted decisively after breaking the all-time EFL points record with 108 on their way to winning in League One.Part-owner of Brimingham City Tom Brady has released 15 players after winning promotionCity won automatic promotion from League One on April 8Credit: PAFormer Premier League star Grant Hanley has been released following the end of his six-month dealGrant Hanley and Lee Myung-Jae – who both joined the club in January – have been released following the expiration of their contracts.Scotland defender Hanley, 33, made 79 appearances in the Premier League across spells with Blackburn and Norwich City.While Luke Harris, Kieran Dowell and Ben Davies have returned to their parent clubs following respective loan spells.Boss Chris Davies has kept his main men and reportedly wants around six key signings this summer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe brutal sword saw TEN youngsters axed and told to find other clubs.Ben Beresford, Junior Dixon, Taylor Dodd, Laiith Fairnie, Harley Hamilton and Josh Home will all leave this summer.Joining them out the door are Femi Olofinjana, Sahid Kamara, Stoyan Pergelov and Oliver Sayer.Meanwhile, long-serving striker Lukas Jutkiewicz has retired from football following nine years and 358 appearances for the Club.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBirmingham said: “We thank each player for their efforts during their time at Blues and wishes them every success in their future careers.”The club were keen to keep Rangers star Davies on a permanent basis, but a deal with the Scottish side couldn’t be met.Tom Brady and Tom Wagner branded ’embarrassment’ for Wembley antics after Birmingham’s cup final defeat to Peterborough Teams often let go of players after a promotion to upgrade their squad for the higher league, manage finances, and create space for new signings.Fellow newly promoted side Wrexham also released a hefty amount of their squad after each of their three back-to-back promotions.Wrexham’s latest cull saw owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney say goodbye to eight players who helped them climb the ranks.This includes former Premier League star Steven Fletcher, who has previously stated that it was not his choice to leave.Local lad Jordan Davies, Mark Howard, Harry Dean, Brad Foster, Josh Adam and Liam Hall will all miss out on Championship action too. More

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      Six-cap England international wakes up unemployed at 33 as he’s released after playing just 11 minutes in four months

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      JONJO SHELVEY has been left unemployed following a brutal end-of-season cull by Burnley.The former England international joined the Clarets in January after having his contract with Turkish outfit Eyupspor ripped up. Jonjo Shelvey joined Burnley as a free agent in JanuaryCredit: Instagram @burnleyofficialThe Clarets have released the England midfielder, who only played 11 minutes for them last seasonCredit: GETTYBut the 33-year-old only managed 11 MINUTES of football during his stint at Turf Moor.And the Burnley brass have opted not to offer him a new deal.A snippet of a club statement read: “Jeremy Sarmiento will return to Brighton & Hove Albion following his time at Burnley, whilst Nathan Redmond and Jonjo Shelvey will both depart the Clarets upon expiry of their contracts on 30th June.” The Clarets thanked the departing Shelvey and Redmond for their service.The statement added: “Burnley Football Club thank all the leaving players for their contributions and wish them all the very best for their future career.”Shelve started his career with Charlton Athletic, whom he left in the summer of 2010 to join Liverpool. He’d spend three years with the Merseysiders, a stint which included a loan move to Blackpool, before joining Swansea City. A move to Newcastle United would follow in the summer of 2016 and he’d stay on Tyneside until 2023.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSJonjo Shelvey joined Burnley after having his contract with Turkish outfit Eyupspor ripped upCredit: INSTAGRAM@EYUPSORKULUBNottingham Forest would secure his services on a two-and-a-half-year deal in January 2023, but he’d leave the City Ground the following September in a shock move to Caykur Rizespor. He joined Eyupspor last August and would make just six league appearances for the Super Lig before the cancellation of his contract.Jonjo Shelvey completes shock Championship transfer after six-cap England star, 32, saw contract TORN UP by Turkish clubShelvey made his England debut in 2012 in a 5-0 win over San Marino at Wembley. He’d make five more appearances for the Three Lions in 2015, the last of which came in a 2-0 Friendly win over France. More

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      EFL play-off finals to kick off one minute later than scheduled as part of ‘truly groundbreaking’ campaign

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      EFL play-off matches at Wembley this season will all kick off one minute later than originally scheduled.The Home of Football is gearing up to host the Championship, League One and League Two playoff finals later this month. Wembley play-off matches will kick-off one minute later this seasonCredit: GettyLuton Town’s Tom Lockyer suffered a cardiac arrest on the field and is now a British Heart Foundation ambassadorCredit: PAEFL bosses have signed up to a new initiative alongside the British Heart Foundation.The Every Minute Matters campaign aims to inspire supporters to learn CPR.More than 270,000 people have already learned the life-saving skill thanks to the campaign, which launched during last season’s play-offs.In a bid to raise awareness, each match at Wembley will now kick off 60 seconds later than billed. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAs a result, Sunderland’s showdown with Sheffield United has now been scheduled for 3.01pm on May 24.Leyton Orient will face Charlton for a place in the Championship on May 25, with the game now underway at 1.01pm.And Walsall’s League Two playoff final against AFC Wimbledon will kick-off at 3.01pm on Monday, May 26.Luton Town’s Tom Lockyer suffered a cardiac arrest during a Premier League game against Bournemouth in December 2023.Most read in FootballThe 30-year-old is now a British Heart Foundation ambassador and is backing the initiative. Lockyer said: “I was just one of the more than 30,000 people who suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest every year in the UK. Tom Lockyer shows defibrillator fitted into his chest after Luton captain suffered cardiac arrest in Bournemouth clash”I am lucky to be alive today, but the reality is that less than 1 in 10 people usually survive, which is why it’s vital that we continue to raise awareness. “The symbolic kick-off times are the perfect way to make our lifesaving message impossible to ignore. “Over the course of the last year, the EFL community – fans, players and the clubs – have come together and united behind the Sky Bet Every Minute Matters campaign to achieve something I never thought possible. “And now, as we approach the business end of the season, the Sky Bet Play-Off Finals provide an incredible platform to continue to spread the word and bring the curtain down on a game-changing year in the fight against cardiac arrest.”Dr Charmaine Griffiths, Chief Executive of the BHF, added: “The Every Minute Matters campaign has been truly groundbreaking by encouraging hundreds of thousands of people to start learning vital CPR.  “With millions of eyes on the Play-Off Finals, it’s incredible to get the support of the EFL in our bid to encourage more fans to learn this lifesaving skill. “It only takes 15 minutes to learn with our free online tool RevivR, and knowing it could make the difference between life and death in the event of witnessing a cardiac arrest.” More

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      Oxford United’s Sam Long extends legendary career at club until at least 2027 as boss Gary Rowett plots for new season

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      SAM LONG has signed a new deal to remain at Oxford.The 30-year-old defender has been at the club all his career. Sam Long has signed a new one-year contract at Oxford UnitedCredit: GettyHis new contract keeps him tied to Oxford until at least 2027.There is also an option for an extra year.Long, who had one year left on his current deal, is known as Mr Oxford because he has never played for another side since joining the club at the age of eight.He has played 272 first-team games for the club having made his U’s debut against Accrington in 2013.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLLong played a big part in Oxford’s season where they avoided relegation and ended up 17th.Boss Gary Rowett has been impressed with Long and was keen for him to commit his future to the club.Rowett took over in December and also admits Oxford will be looking into Europe to sign players this summer.He said: “We always want to find a blend.Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS“I’ll be very surprised if we don’t sign some players from European leagues this summer.“I think there’s great value there.“I’ve seen it before where not only is there great value to improve your team, but there’s great value to create an asset that maybe you can sell on at some point in the future as well, which is important.”Championship club could be left without a stadium as EFL deadline loomsCan you name the famous fathers? More