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      Arsenal’s January transfer priorities have suddenly shifted making alternative to Alexander Isak the perfect signing

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      WHAT Arsenal do in the current transfer window could be the difference between hunting Liverpool down or seeing another title tilt end in heartbreak.The Gunners are so close to a first Premier League title since 2003-04.Mikel Arteta might need signings to compete for the titleCredit: ReutersPerhaps all it will take is one missing piece, one new player who can turn a game and transform one point into three.And now’s the time to bring them in.But who should they be looking to sign, can they get them, and has Mikel Arteta even got the finances to land the players he wants?We answer all those questions and take a look at how the Gunners – in an ideal world – could line up the day after the transfer window closes.READ MORE ON ARSENALWhat do Arsenal need?Before the recent injuries to Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling, all eyes were on the left wing position, with competition needed for the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.There is a view within the club that they need a world class talent on the left to match that of Saka on the right, who has nine goals and 13 assists in all competitions so far this term.In comparison, Martinelli and Trossard have ten goals and five assists combined this season.But with Saka potentially out until at least mid-March after hamstring surgery, and stand-in Ethan Nwaneri also suffering a muscular injury in the 1-1 draw at Brighton, priorities may have changed.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBukayo Saka could be out until mid-MarchCredit: RexSaka has been Arsenal’s stand-out performer this seasonCover on the right wing now seems more pressing.The attack in general has been criticised this campaign, despite the upturn in form of Gabriel Jesus and the steady consistency of Kai Havertz.Mikel Arteta reveals Bukayo Saka is set to miss months after surgery as he gives injury update on Arsenal starBoss Mikel Arteta has suggested signing a top No9 would not solve all their problems, but it would arguably go a long way to giving them the best chance of chasing down Liverpool at the top.Elsewhere, Arsenal appear to be in good shape, with numbers in defence as right-back Ben White eyes a return from knee surgery later this month and plenty of options in midfield.The absence of skipper Martin Odegaard highlighted the need for a back-up playmaker, but that will likely be looked at in the summer instead of this month.Who is the perfect buy?Arsenal and Arteta have been long-term admirers of Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams.The 22-year-old is primarily a left winger, but can play on the right as a right-footer and has become one of Europe’s most talented and sought-after young players.Back in December 2023, the Spaniard – who was man of the match in the Euros final win over England last summer – signed a new four-year deal until 2027.He may have a reported release clause of £48m, but the youngster’s huge wages make any deal problematic this month.Most of Europe are also in for Williams, including Barcelona – who came close to luring him to the Nou Camp five months ago.The player is also very happy at his boyhood club Bilbao. He said in August: “I had many clubs to choose from, but my heart is with Athletic Club, I have a contract and I am very happy in Bilbao.”And then there is Alexander Isak, another player Arsenal and Arteta are huge fans of, especially given his form this season of 13 goals and four assists in 18 Prem appearances.Price is a major sticking point. The Toon value the Swede at £150m – a fee the Gunners are unlikely to fork out in the middle of a campaign.Nico Williams would be a perfect signing on the wingAlexander Isak would be a game-changer up frontWho is more realistic?This is not a market for ‘realistic’ signings, especially in attacking areas in a winter window.Wolves’ Matheus Cunha has been mentioned, but the Brazilian is on the verge of signing a new deal. Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman has also been looked at but for a valuation between £50m and £60m.Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres has been on Arsenal’s radar for some time but could cost between £60m and £80m. Manchester United and former Sporting boss Ruben Amorim are also monitoring the big Swede’s situation.Red Bull Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko was eyed up last summer due to his £54m release clause, but that has now been wiped following his one-year contract extension.Mathued Cunha could be a more realistic optionAdemola Lookman has been linked with a move to the Emirates given his electric form in ItalyHow are the finances looking?Arsenal spent just shy of £70m on defender Riccardo Calafiori and midfielder Mikel Merino in the summer, as well as £27m to confirm the signing of keeper David Raya after his loan from Brentford last term.But they also recouped funds in sales with an initial sum of £70m from Emile Smith Rowe, Eddie Nketiah and Aaron Ramsdale. So, there is money to be spent if needed.Arteta spoke last week of having all their transfer preparations done and being ready to act for the right move for the right price.However, the club – as they normally do in January – will be cautious, especially following the recent departure of sporting director Edu, a position they are not expected to fill permanently until nearer the end of the season.Could anyone be on their way out?Defender Kieran Tierney’s contract expires in the summer and is expected to be on his way out, with Celtic hoping to bring the Scot back home in the coming weeks.Centre-back Jakub Kiwior has also been linked with a move away after just two years in North London, but Arsenal will only sanction a transfer if they can replace the Pole.Then there is the situation with Thomas Partey and Jorginho. Both midfielders see their contracts run out in the summer.Arteta would ideally like to keep both but wants to wait to discuss new deals until later in the season.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt is highly unlikely the pair will depart this month.If everything went to plan, how could Arsenal line up after the January window?With Saka currently out injured, if Arteta could line up his team like this come February 1 he’d be delighted More

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      Glamorous sports presenter breaks silence on Lionel Messi affair rumours after ‘flirty look’ between pair went viral

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      AN Argentine sports reporter has shut down suggestions that she has had an affair with Lionel Messi.Journalist Sofi Martinez has told of the pain that “ridiculous” rumours have caused her and her family.Argentine journalist Sofi Martinez has shut down rumours of an affair with Lionel MessiCredit: Instagram @sofimmartinezMartinez has been accused of an affair with the superstar after multiple interviews between the pairCredit: Instagram @sofimmartinezMartinez is a top journalist in ArgentinaCredit: Instagram @sofimmartinezThe reporter works for ESPN and Argentine outlet TV PublicaCredit: Instagram @sofimmartinezShe has worked on the Olympics, World Cup, Champions League and Formula OneCredit: Instagram @sofimmartinezMartinez is a top presenter and reporter in Argentina where she has gained attention for her work with ESPN and TV Publica.She has worked on the Olympics, Formula One and Champions League amongst other top sporting events.And her time covering the Argentina national team has meant she has had the opportunity to interview Lionel Messi on multiple occasions.However, it’s those strictly professional meetings that have sparked rumours of a romance despite Messi’s seven-year marriage to his childhood sweetheart Antonela Roccuzzo, 36.READ MORE ON MESSISwirling fan theories clung on to “flirtatious glances” between the pair to start rumours that Martinez and Messi had more than a professional relationship.But the reporter has rubbished those claims in an interview on ‘PH: Podemos Hablar’ on Argentine channel, Telefe.She said: “A lot of the time when your exposure increases, it brings things that aren’t so good and my family suffers a lot.”This year, people began to talk more and more about, “What’s up with the way he looks at you,” things like this, and I was caught in the middle of something that made me feel ridiculous to have to clarify.”Most read in FootballMartinez went on to suggest that it is her gender that leaves fans asking questions of her interactions with Messi, explaining that it wouldn’t happen if a male reporter was asking questions of the Inter Miami star.Messi, 37, and wife Antonela have made no comment on the rumours.’It’s unfair!’ fans rage as Kim Kardashian’s son Saint, 8, walks with soccer icon Lionel Messi during team’s openerThe happy couple have been married since 2017 and now have three sons together, Thiago, 12, Mateo, nine, and Ciro, six.The pair are believed to have started dating back in 2007, while they had been good friends since they first met as kids.Rumours around an alleged affair with Martinez stretch back years with close friend, and wife of Cesc Fabregas, Daniella Semaan slamming the initial reports from Brazilian outlet Direto Do Miolo in 2023.Semaan said: “What publication is this that has no meaning.. and has nothing right.”Messi and Antonela have been married since 2017Credit: GettyThe pair met as children and have been dating since 2007Credit: GettyThey have three children togetherCredit: AFPRumours of an affair between Martinez and Messi stretch back to 2023Credit: Instagram @sofimmartinezMartinez has rubbished the rumoursCredit: Instagram @sofimmartinez More

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      How Eddie Howe has transformed Newcastle into trophy challengers without spending Saudi fortune in transfer market

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      EDDIE HOWE has got “the richest club in the world” fighting for honours regularly again despite not being able to blow the big Saudi bucks.The 47-year-old achieved legendary status at Bournemouth by guiding the then-skint Cherries all the way from League Two into the Premier League promised land.Eddie Howe has turned Newcastle into trophy-chasers despite not dipping into the Saudi fortuneCredit: GettyYasir Al-Rumayyan is Newcastle chairman – but his mega money hasn’t been splashedCredit: GettyEddie Howe has had plenty to celebrate lately amid a superb run of form, including a Carabao Cup semi-final to look forward toCredit: GettyNow he is potentially on the verge of writing his name into Newcastle’s history books if he can end their 70-year wait for a major trophy.Howe came mightily close two years ago when he and the Magpies suffered heartbreak in the Carabao Cup final against Manchester United.Qualifying for the Champions League with a fourth-placed finish softened that blow, and now he is eyeing more than just another Wembley outing as he takes Toon to Arsenal for the first-leg of the Carabao Cup semis.Of course, it has been nothing like those early days at Bournemouth for Howe since he took charge in November 2021 just weeks after their Saudi takeover.READ MORE SPORT STORIESThere was a big outlay that January transfer window in order to assure the club’s Premier League status, but despite reaching the Champions League, PSR rules have delayed their path straight to football’s top table.Though, despite the purse strings being tightened and even being forced to sell young starlets against his wishes, Howe still has Newcastle punching with the big boys for silverware.And he has achieved that in a number of different ways – and it started instantly.On his very first day in the job, Howe arrived at 6.45am and worked for a 12-hour shift, a schedule he still repeats almost daily. Most read in FootballNewcastle are absolutely flying and have out themselves in a brilliant title-challenging positionCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe watches every single second of training, even giving some a re-watch on video, and is a renowned workaholic who leaves no stone unturned in his quest for success.And while it is all going good at the moment following their six-match winning run, he decided to take a whole new vantage point while searching for answers during the four-game winless run prior to that.Newcastle workers take blowtorch to Alan Shearer’s statue as it’s given facelift Howe decided to watch sessions from up high on some scaffolding, and whatever he saw from up in the heavens has worked a treat.And it’s not only on the grass that Howe sees as being important – punishments are vital too.While he is no Sergeant Major and disciplinarian, players know not to cross the boss when it comes to the high standards he demands.Howe installed a ‘Wheel of Fortune’ with differing amounts of fines on into the club’s training HQ.Striker Callum Wilson, currently sidelined for at least another month, explained it was brought in for those players who turned up late to work.He said: “We have a wheel and you spin it, and on the wheel there are the figures that you have to pay. The maximum is three figures and it’s kept quite low-key.”Laying down the law and standards for international stars is in a completely different universe to disciplining the players he had in the lower league at Bournemouth.Howe installed a ‘Wheel of Fortune’ with differing amounts of fines on as a unique punishment at Toon HQSo just what is this group of men assembled from all across the globe like to manage?Ahead of taking them to Arsenal, Howe said: “It’s a great group of people. I enjoy coming in everyday and I’m very proud to represent them.“You always have good and bad moments and when you are managing 30 players there are always going to be difficult moments to navigate but they are very respectful generally and very humble. They want to get better and I really enjoy the day to day interactions.”While Howe sometimes looks uneasy being in the limelight, the man he could not have done it all without seems to relish it.And while the players on the pitch have been accused of s***house tactics on the pitch, long-time No2 Jason Tindall, the man affectionately known as “Mad Dog” by the Toon Army, revels in his role as the bad cop off it.Eddie Howe could well win that elusive trophy for NewcastleCredit: AFPHe famously got under the skin of Mikel Arteta and Jurgen Klopp, and over recent weeks has angered both Ruud van Nistelrooy and Unai Emery.Tindall is the yin to Howe’s yang, and the latter won’t go anywhere without him and all of his aggy-antics, just like when he refused to take over at Celtic in 2021 without him by his side.Reflecting on their partnership, Howe said: “We started with no money, no facilities, working with a group of players, and it was just the two of us and we did everything together. You name it, we did it.“We travelled to watch the opposition five hours away in the car together just us and we’ve never changed that approach throughout our journey together.”And he has no problem with his No2’s touchline antics, previously stating: “We’re both really active on the sidelines and I’ve encouraged Jason to be that way. He’s a great guy and he’s been brilliant for me.”But anyone who thinks Tindall is just there for moral support and to play the pantomime villain is very much mistaken.The ‘Most Annoying Man in Football’ has helped transform Newcastle into one of the most inventive and effective set-piece sides in the top-flight with his routines.YEARS SINCE LAST DOMESTIC TROPHYFOR the four Carabao Cup semi-finalistsLiverpool – 1 year (League Cup 2024)Arsenal – 5 years (FA Cup 2020)Tottenham – 17 years (League Cup 2008)Newcastle – 70 years (FA Cup 1955)And those could play a key role this evening if Newcastle are to improve on their dire record of just one victory at the Emirates.Howe, who is without suspended defender Fabian Schar and skipper Bruno Guimaraes plus No1 Nick Pope, said: “We’re aware that there are certain records that we need to do better in and that’s, obviously, one we haven’t done well in historically and we would love to change that.“We can’t talk about it – we have got to deliver it.”READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile, he will also make a late call on Sven Botman, who returned from nine months out in the win at Spurs, saying: “We have to speak to the player, speak to the medical team and the experts that will give me some of the answers to what we do with him next. “Sven is a competitor and hugely driven for the team and himself and wants to do really well in his career so I have no doubts what he will say, but we need to speak to other people and come to the right decision.” More

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      This year more than any other the Carabao Cup is not the Mickey Mouse cup… just ask the four desperate semi-finalists

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      FOR many years, it was the after-thought competition.A cup that nobody really cared about.For years the Carabao Cup was something of an afterthought – but in 2025 it means the world to the four desperate clubs still standingCredit: GettyCan Ange Postecoglou be the man to finally end Spurs’ 17-year trophy droughtCredit: ReutersMikel Arteta is keen to finally win a trophy in front of fans following the behind-closed-doors and largely forgotten 2020 FA Cup finalCredit: GettyAn opportunity to give the reserves an autumn run-out.And the prime candidate to be the first on the chopping board if something had to give in the increasingly crowded calendar.Yet this week, for all four clubs and managers involved in the Carabao Cup semi-finals, it is not just important – it is vital.The chance to exorcise a 50-year-old ghost, prove words of promise have merit and substance, set down a marker or show the challenge for bigger prizes is a real one.READ MORE SPORT STORIESIt means, too, that none of Eddie Howe, Ange Postecoglou, Arne Slot or Mikel Arteta will be thinking of taking anything lightly or resting their best players for future encounters. This matters far too much for that.For Howe and Postecoglou, in particular, the pressures from outside their in-house environment are huge.The Toon boss does not need telling that EVERY Newcastle fan craves silverware – especially as the majority of them were not even alive the last time the club won a trophy.Indeed, even that trophy – the 1969 Inter City Fairs Cup, earned by a 6-2 aggregate final victory over Hungarians Ujpest Dozsa – is no longer viewed by Uefa as being a “real” one, with the European governing body only recognising its successor competition, the Uefa Cup.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOn five occasions since then, the Toon Army has travelled to Wembley desperately hoping to see history made.And on all five occasions, the latest in 2023 when Newcastle lost to give Erik ten Hag his Manchester United false dawn, they have marched back to the North East beaten and bedraggled.Arne Slot rues Liverpool’s missed chances in draw to Man Utd Arne Slot will be keen to lay down a marker with the first available trophy in 2024-25Credit: EPAEddie Howe is under pressure to finally win Newcastle their first trophy since the 1960sCredit: GettyHowe knows more than anyone what a trophy would mean, not just for the club, but also for himself.An underpinning and underlining of the progress he has made despite financial fair play restrictions preventing him from being able to take full advantage of the club’s Saudi ownership.Bringing home the trophy bacon, having beaten Chelsea, Arsenal and either Spurs or Liverpool along the way, would make a huge difference to his authority – and make him a true local hero.But it is almost as important for Arteta, whose side host Newcastle in Tuesday’s first leg.Yes, the Spaniard did win silverware at the end of his first half-season at the Emirates.But the 2020 FA Cup final victory over Chelsea came in front of 90,000 empty seats, three months after it was supposed to be played and with the world still reeling from the pandemic.Arteta and Arsenal have gone close since then but have yet to deliver.Putting a “real” one on the board in March would not only be a statement of intent but also a message to Liverpool in particular ahead of the final Prem straight. The first is always the hardest. Landing the Carabao would be proof, if any of his dressing room needed it, that Arteta and the “process” are worth trusting.The Gunners have failed to win the League Cup since their 2-1 Wembley win over Sheffield Wednesday in 1993.Four-and-a-half miles across North London, Postecoglou had been the author of his own book of increasing pressure.His early season boast that he “always wins a trophy in his second season” might have been about taking the heat off his players but it now appears an albatross around their necks.Yes, Spurs have suffered horribly with injuries, with only Pedro Porro of their first – potentially second – choice back line available to face a Liverpool side who hit them for six before Christmas.But many Tottenham fans are pointing fingers at Postecoglou’s style of play for exposing his players to so many muscle issues – as happened at Celtic, too.For some, ruefully thinking back three decades, Postecoglou is now “Aussie Ardiles” – determined to go all-in even if he has a pair of threes in his best poker hand.And with anger and frustration at chairman Daniel Levy being sung vocally at every game, home and away, and Spurs four points closer to the drop zone than a Champions League spot, Postecoglou is exposed and vulnerable.No such issues for Slot, who has turned the Jurgen Klopp inheritance into a blessing, rather than a curse.Yet even the Dutchman will view a first trophy in English football as a significant milestone.Klopp had to wait until his fourth season to have success. Slot could yet land Liverpool a QUADRUPLE inside 12 months of taking charge.READ MORE SUN STORIESLanding the initial one at the earliest possible opportunity would be a milestone moment. Slot is all too aware of the message it would send out.This year, this week, more than any other, it is definitely not the Mickey Mouse Cup. Just ask the four managers. More

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      My dad’s a Double-winning Arsenal cult hero and I’m ready to do him proud by dumping bitter rivals Spurs out of FA Cup

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      CHRIS WREH has more reasons than most to dump Tottenham out of the FA Cup.Spurs travel to fifth tier side Tamworth on Sunday in the third round.Chris Wreh (centre) is hoping to make his dad proud and score against SpursTamworth striker’s dad is Arsenal hero Christopher WrehCredit: RexTheir striker’s famous dad, Christopher, is steeped in rivals Arsenal history after being part of Arsene Wenger’s 1997-98 Double-winning team.His son Chris, who kicked off his career in the Gunners youth team, is sure to be more pumped up than the rest of his team-mates when Ange Postecoglou’s side come to town.Wreh Jr told SunSport: “I was two when dad won the Double with Arsenal and I’ve supported Arsenal since I was a kid — for obvious reasons.“I had a few years in the Northampton Town youth team before I joined Arsenal’s academy for a season as a kid, but I wasn’t offered a pro contract.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“My current Tamworth boss Andy Peaks gave me my start in men’s football with Rushden & Diamonds after I was released by Arsenal.“So playing against Tottenham has an extra special meaning for me.“Playing Arsenal away was my first-choice tie. But if that wasn’t possible, playing our biggest rivals Tottenham at home is the next best thing.“Unfortunately, mum and dad won’t be at The Lamb on Sunday because dad is still involved in coaching the national team out in Liberia.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“My brother Charlie will be there with some of our cousins and friends.”Christopher became the first African player to win the Prem title in 1998. Watch Arsenal legend Thierry Henry’s hilarious reaction after being called out by boxing champ Oleksandr UsykHe then topped it off by making it into Wenger’s starting line-up for their Double-clinching 2-0 FA Cup final victory over Newcastle United — ahead of Gunners legend Ian Wright.Chris added: “Dad says he will be watching on TV because the match will be shown worldwide, which is amazing.”Wreh Sr scored his most famous Gunners goal in the FA Cup — the only goal of the game in a semi-final win over Wolves at Villa Park to set up that cup win.Chris said: “Wenger rewarded him by starting dad in the final against Newcastle, which they won 2-0.“Ian Wright was on the bench that day which says a lot for dad. They were quite close and he used to call Wrighty, grandad, or old man, while Wright dubbed him ‘The Liberian Lion King.’Wreh Sr scored five goals for ArsenalCredit: PA:Press Association“Dad also scored against Manchester United at Wembley when Arsenal won the Charity Shield at the start of the following season.“To get in that team when they had strikers like Wright, Dennis Bergkamp, Nicolas Anelka and Thierry Henry was a massive achievement and something my mum must have been so proud of.“It showed he had the talent, it’s staggering to think of the level he achieved. “You can’t be a bad player if Wenger signs you twice as he did when he signed dad for Monaco and then again for Arsenal.“Dad knew all about Henry’s quality long before he became a Gunners legend — because they used to share a flat when they were team-mates at Monaco.”Chris may be with National League Tamworth, the lowest ranking club left in this year’s FA Cup, but his family are pure football royalty.He revealed: “Dad was the first African player to win the Premier League but my uncle is even more famous.“My dad’s cousin is George Weah, who was African Player of the Year twice and also won the Ballon d’Or in 1995.“After he retired from football he went on to become the president of Liberia.”Chris cannot wait to rub shoulders with Tottenham’s superstars on Tamworth’s artificial turf.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe 28-year-old said: “I’m hoping Son Heung-min plays. I’ll try to be at the head of the pack of our lads who will be trying to swap shirts with him at full-time.“It’s a massive occasion and easily the biggest game of my career.”He won the Prem, FA Cup and Charity ShieldCredit: PA:Press Association More

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      Hilarious reason Danny Dyer takes credit for West Ham’s Boxing Day victory revealed after Jarrod Bowen nets winner

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      ACTOR Danny Dyer has claimed credit for West Ham’s 1-0 Boxing Day victory — because scorer Jarrod Bowen was allowed to eat his roast spuds on Christmas Day.Hammers striker Bowen, 28, who has to keep to a strict diet, got the all-clear from the club’s nutritionist before the festive feast at fiancée Dani’s dad’s house.Danny Dyer, pictured with Hammers star Jarrod Bowen, has taken credit for his side’s Boxing Day winAfter getting the okay, he called Dani to inform her famous Dad – who had been planning a special energy-fuelling pasta plate for Bowen.Next day, Bowen scored the 59th-minute winner against Southampton in the Premier League clash.Former EastEnders star Danny, 47, a West Ham fan, told a podcast: “We were a bit s**** — and one man won us that game, full of my potatoes and parsnips.“So in a way I’m claiming that victory because he was full up with my grub. He had the energy, he f*** won us that game because he’s such a hero.”READ MORE ON DANNY DYERDani and Jarrod got engaged on a romantic boat trip in Ibiza this summer.The pair escaped for a minibreak, leaving their one-year-old twin daughters Star and Summer at home with family, along with Dani’s son Santiago, three, from a previous relationship.But when you’re Love Island royalty and your hubby-to-be is a Premier League footballer, curating an intimate guest list isn’t easy. In fact, Dani has admitted that it’s something she’s “found so difficult”.Most read in Football“I would say it’s as intimate and small as it can be,” she shared on Instagram today. “I honestly can see why people elope and then have a big party, because the guest list I honestly found so difficult. Dani Dyer is engaged to Jarrod Bowen“I’m getting married in like five months. “I can’t believe it.“I’m so excited for you all to see.”The footballer with Danny’s daughter DaniCredit: Instagram More

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      Mo Salah calls out Jamie Carragher after Liverpool legend urged him to ‘take a leaf out of Virgil van Dijk’s book’

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      MO SALAH called out Jamie Carragher after the Liverpool legend urged him to “take a leaf out of Virgil van Dijk’s book.”The incident came amid Salah’s contract stand-off with his club.Mo Salah called out Jamie Carragher on social mediaCredit: GettyCarragher had his say on Salah’s latest contract hintCredit: AlamyThe Egyptian ace’s deal expires at the end of the season.And Liverpool are yet to reach an agreement over an extension amid links with Saudi Arabia.Salah himself has already declared he’s nearing the end of his Anfield stay.Yet he’s not the only Liverpool star facing a potential free transfer exit.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTrent Alexander-Arnold is reportedly set to join Spanish giants Real Madrid.While Virgil van Dijk is also being lined up by several European sides.But Carragher believes the latter has shown a touch of class by refusing to talk about the situation.And he urged Salah to follow his captain’s example after the forward posted a fresh cryptic message which included a picture of himself with Van Dijk and Alexander-Arnold.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSCarragher said on Sky Sports: “Ooh, I don’t know. You know what I would say. I would say Van Dijk has come out of this whole sort of situation this season as captain of the club in a higher esteem for me.“In the way he’s conducted himself, in the way of his performances on the pitch. In the way he’s led the team. How Man United destroyed Trent in spectacular Liverpool draw amid £100m Real Madrid transfer talks“The way he was yesterday as well and he hasn’t got involved in too much around this. It’s obvs a really important time for all three players.“But I think rather than speak about Trent Alexander-Arnold or Mo Salah I’d probably like to pay tribute to Virgil van Dijk. “I think he’s come across as a real statesman. I think the way he’s handled it. He’s been asked questions and he’s not been away, he’s here to win league and he’s doing his utmost for Liverpool. And fingers crossed he signs.“But I think the other two could maybe look at Virgil van Dijk and take a leaf out of his book.”Carragher’s comments sparked a response from Salah on social media.He said: “I’m starting to think you’re obsessed with me.”Carragher quickly replied: “I’ve always been obsessed with you. Hopefully that obsession will continue next season.”Fans reacted to the online exchange, with one saying: “No way Salah himself made this tweet.”Another declared: “Was NOT expecting that.”READ MORE SUN STORIESOne noted: “Stay focused on the football.”Another added: “Thought this was fake but it’s real!” More

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      Preston North End star Jordan Storey set to stand trial after pleading not guilty to assault charge

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      A FOOTBALLER is set to stand trial on charges of assault and affray.Defender Jordan Storey, 27, is accused of assaulting Tomas Whatmough.He pleaded not guilty at Preston crown court yesterday to two charges from last January.Preston North End’s Jordan Storey is set to stand trial on charges of assaultA trial lasting up to three days was originally scheduled for 2026, but has been brought forward to May 6 this year.The Preston North End stopper has signed a deal to stay at the club until the summer of 2028.Storey has been at the Lancashire club, who currently lie 14th in the Championship, since 2018, making nearly 200 league appearances for them.He has also played for Exeter City and has been out on loan at Preston’s fellow Championship ­outfit Sheffield Wednesday.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLPreston North End have been contacted for a comment.In November, The Sun revealed that a former Premier League prodigy had been jailed for stabbing a teen with a Rambo knife after turning to crime when his career flopped.Causso Darame left 19-year-old Ronnie Evans partially paralysed with “life-changing injuries” after attacking him in a “vicious” robbery.The 25-year-old, who was signed by Swansea City FC when they were in the Premier League, stole the teen’s neck chain and bracelet.Most read in FootballDarame has now been jailed for four years and four months after he admitted robbery and possession of a knife.Portsmouth Crown Court heard the horror unfolded in the early hours of May 12 last year near Ken’s Fried Chicken restaurant.Brighton ace’s home burgled as model fiancee shares security footage More