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      Liverpool set to play hardball with Real Madrid over Alexander-Arnold transfer – as squad treat star to Dubai leaving do

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      LIVERPOOL are ready to play hardball with Real Madrid over Trent Alexander-Arnold.The LaLiga giants are hoping to persuade the Reds to let Alexander-Arnold go for a token £850,000 in time to play in the Club World Cup next month.Liverpool are currently not willing to let Trent Alexander-Arnold leave before the Club World CupCredit: PABut Anfield chiefs are in no mood to make life easy for Real.They are unhappy how information about their pursuit of TAA was leaked at key moments in the season.Shortly after rumours emerged that the Spanish side were trying to sign him in January, the right-back put in a terrible performance in the 2-2 draw with bitter rivals Manchester United.So Liverpool do not regard the fee — again leaked through Real’s mouthpieces in the Spanish press —  as a good enough reason to let Alexander-Arnold go before his contract expires on June 30.READ MORE TRANSFER NEWSHe is currently with the squad in Dubai on something of a leaving do.Some feel Liverpool might benefit next season if as many Real players as possible were involved in the month-long Club World Cup in the heat of an American summer.Their first game is on June 18 in Miami.But unless Real improve their offer, the Reds are prepared to make the player and his new club wait.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMeanwhile, the Merseysiders have made a decisive move to replace TAA by triggering the £33.6million release clause of Leverkusen star Jeremie Frimpong.The Holland wing-back, 24, is also a target for Bayern Munich.But he is thought to be keen on a move to Anfield to play under fellow Dutchman Arne Slot, and talks between his agent and the Reds are well advanced.Jamie Carragher ‘shocked’ by Alexander-Arnold boos as he admits ‘most Liverpool players want to play for Real Madrid’ More

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      ‘Have they brought their boots?’ – Jordan Pickford and Man Utd icon cheer on Sunderland in play-off against Coventry

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      TWO Premier League stars cheered on old club Sunderland in an epic play-off – as fans initially wished at least one of them was on the pitch rather than in the stands.Manchester United winger Amad Diallo and Everton’s England keeper Jordan Pickford watched on anxiously – but then in joy as Dan Ballard sunk Coventry in the FINAL minute of extra time. Amad Diallo was a huge fans’ favourite when on loan at the SoLSunderland is Jordan Pickford’s home town and first clubCredit: Shutterstock EditorialDan Ballard sparked wild scenes with his last-gasp Black Cats winnerCredit: Shutterstock EditorialDiallo’s Red Devils team-mate Harry Maguire had also gone back to his roots the previous night – to watch his home-town first club Sheffield United book their place at Wembley. Now there will be two jackpots at stake when the Black Cats take on the Blades in the Championship play-off final on May 24.First there’s a spot in the Premier League – and, second, there’s the £200million that comes with it.Diallo, 22, was a popular and exciting loan hit for the Black Cats in 2022-23.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd local lad Pickford, 31, spent the first six years of his career at Sunderland, albeit with six temporary spells away before Everton pounced in 2017. But it was spotting Diallo in the crowd that appeared to rouse Black Cats supporters most.One posted: “Has Amad brought his boots?” Another wrote: “Amad Diallo was among those in attendance.”Most read in FootballMany just noted the duo were there – with Diallo in a black cap and jacket, while Pickford wore a polo shirt.Club icon Jermain Defoe spent time before kick-off signing autographsCredit: PABEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBoth were seen looking almost as nervous as the fans as the tie went into extra time.Coventry wideman Ephron Mason-Clark had steered the only goal of normal time in the 76th-minute, making the aggregate score 2-2.Sunderland’s Chris Rigg is there youngest-ever outfield player But in the 120th minute Ballard thundered home a header to send the Stadium of Light wild with delight.Diallo will soon be preparing for a tense finale to the season himself.The Ivorian has a Europa League Final to look forward to next Wednesday for United against Tottenham and is no stranger to the Championship play-offs.He suffered heartbreak in them against Luton two years ago when his impressive season-long loan stint at Sunderland came to a painful end.Diallo remains a firm favourite with the Black Cats faithful after his 14 goals and four assists from his 42 appearances.And the North East club still holds a strong place in his heart as he regularly shows his support via social media.Diallo even sent Sunderland a message ahead of Tuesday’s crunch clash.The club posted highlights from a 2-1 win over Luton from 2023 in which Diallo opened the scoring.Spotting it, the attacker shared the post to his story and captioned it with the loving eyes emoji to show his backing for them.Diallo was one of a host of famed players past and present who took part in a guard of honour before kick off.And former 1973 FA Cup-winning hero Jim Montgomery walked through before the club revealed that the SoL’s West Stand was being renamed after the iconic goalkeeper.Legendary striker Jermain Defoe was also at the Stadium of Light – notably signing loads of autographs before kick-off.But it was current top-flight heroes Diallo and Pickford who got much of the attention on social media.”Jordan Pickford and Amad Diallo both at SoL tonight to watch #SAFC,” said one supporter.Another fan played it straight too.Read More on The SunHe posted: “Amad Diallo was among those in attendance for the Championship play-off match between Sunderland and Coventry City at the Stadium of Light.” But now centre-back Ballard will go down in folklore – after sinking Frank Lampard’s Sky Blues at the death.Coventry’s Ephron Mason-Clark celebrated taking the tie to extra time only for Frank Lampard’s men to then suffer agony in the dying secondsCredit: Getty More

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      Taiwo Awoniyi placed in induced coma following abdominal injury that could have been fatal to Nottingham Forest star

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      NOTTINGHAM FOREST striker Taiwo Awoniyi has been placed in an induced coma after undergoing emergency surgery.The 27-year-old went under the knife after sustaining a serious abdominal injury in Forest’s clash with Leicester last Saturday.Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi has been placed in an induced comaCredit: GETTYThe Nigeria international suffered a nasty abdominal injury in Forest’s 2-2 draw with Leicester City last weekendCredit: ALAMYHe underwent urgent surgery on the potentially fatal injury on MondayCredit: ALAMYAwoniyi suffered the injury after crashing into the post in the 2-2 draw at the City Ground and received immediate medical treatment before playing on.But he’d eventually be forced to leave the pitch, with further assessment discovering he’d need to have urgent surgery.The Nigeria international was rushed to the hospital it was confirmed on Monday and initial signs indicated the surgery had been a success.He had surgery on Monday night and remains in hospital, with the rest of the procedure set to be completed on Wednesday.READ MORE ON TAIWO AWONIYIDoctors had hoped to complete the complex procedure on Tuesday but were unable to, which meant that Awoniyi had to be placed in an induced coma.Forest issued a statement shortly after Awoniyi went under the knife but have yet to issue one on his current condition, although he’s understood to be “recovering well” from the ordeal. It read: “Nottingham Forest can confirm that Taiwo Awoniyi is recovering well so far following urgent surgery on a serious abdominal injury sustained during Sunday’s match against Leicester City. “The seriousness of his injury is a powerful reminder of the physical risks in the game, and why a player’s health and well-being must always come first.”Most read in FootballThe statement also addressed owner Evangelos Marinakis’ angry reaction towards manager Nuno Espirito Santo at the end of the game, which they claim was due to his frustration over the handling of Awoniyi’s injury.It continued: “At Nottingham Forest, this principle is not just policy for us; it is the deeply held belief and conviction of our owner. “To Evangelos Marinakis, this isn’t just a football club — it’s family – and he instils that message in all of us.Taiwo Awoniyi left with blood pouring from his face after horror clash with Exeter ace in Forest’s FA Cup frustration”That is why he was so personally and emotionally invested in the situation that unfolded at the City Ground on Sunday.”His reaction was one of deep care, responsibility, and emotional investment in one of our own. “He didn’t just see it as an isolated incident, but as something that reflected the values and unity of the entire team.”In moments like that he demonstrates his leadership, not just through words, but through action and presence. “In the final ten minutes of the game, when he saw our player clearly in discomfort, struggling through visible pain, it became increasingly difficult for him to stay on the sidelines.Read More on The Sun”His deep frustration at seeing our player lying on the ground in severe pain – something no one with genuine care could ignore – triggered him to go onto the pitch.”Awoniyi has made 32 appearances for Forest in all competitions this season, scoring two goals for the East Midlands club. More

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      Sky Sports leave fans ‘thinking they’re hallucinating’ after bizarre gaffe during Sunderland vs Coventry play-off

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      FOOTBALL fans were left baffled when a glitch on Sky Sports altered the score of the Championship play-off semi-final between Sunderland and Coventry.With the score 0-0 (2-1 to Sunderland on aggregate) just 18 minutes into the match, the main graphic on the screen briefly changed.Football fans noticed a glitch on the scoreboard during Sky’s coverage of Sunderland vs CoventryCredit: Sky SportsThe score showed 2-1 to Coventry (3-3 on aggregate) when in reality the score was 0-0Credit: Sky SportsInstead, the scoreboard indicated that it was 2-1 to Coventry on the night and 3-3 on aggregate.Some fans were quick to pick up on the glitch and took to social media to comment.One person wrote: “Did anyone elses Sky Sports glitch out there and display the score as 2-1 Cov and 3-3 agg?”Another commented: “Anyone else see that score change in the Sunderland-Coventry game on Sky Sports? I thought I was hallucinating.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA third said: “Guys did Sky Sports just have the scoreline as Sun 1-2 Cov (3-3) and then changed it back to the pre-game score??? Am I bugging??”While another joked: “Thought I had gone mad, but apparently Sky Sports have spoilers.”Sunderland had the advantage going into the semi-final second-leg at the Stadium of Light thanks to goals from Wilson Isidor and Eliezer Mayenda.Jack Rudoni got on the scoresheet for Coventry to keep the Sky Blues in it.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSunderland went to drastic measures to stop Coventry’s secret weapon ahead of the second leg.The Black Cats allegedly moved the advertising boards surrounding the pitch closer to the sidelines to prevent Coventry’s long throw-in tactic.Frank Lampard shows his disappointment after Coventry defeat to Leeds More

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      Man Utd scrap their end of season awards dinner after worst Premier League campaign in club’s history

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have decided against holding a post-season awards ceremony.Ordinarily, the Red Devils hold a gala dinner at Old Trafford every May to celebrate each team.Man Utd will not have an end of season awards dinner this yearCredit: GettyIt is understood that the decision was made due to the men’s first team’s poor campaignCredit: GettyClub officials also believe it would be inappropriate amid hundreds of ongoing redundancies authorised by Sir Jim RatcliffeCredit: PAGuests pay to watch members of the men’s, women’s and youth teams accept awards for their efforts over the campaign – including the coveted Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award which is voted for by the fans.The Times report that each accolade will now likely be handed out prior to United’s final match of the Premier League season against Aston Villa on May 25.Man Utd officials had not announced a date for the annual gala.SunSport understands they feel there is little to celebrate from the 2024-25 campaign.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThey also believe it would be inappropriate amid hundreds of ongoing redundancies.United have endured their worst Premier League campaign in history this term.On Sunday, they matched their all-time worst-ever tally for home league defeats in a single season.Ruben Amorim and Co now sit 16th in the Premier League table with just two games left to play.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordHowever, they still have a shot at silverware.United will face Tottenham in the Europa League final in Bilbao next week.’I lived at the training ground’ – Former Man Utd transfer chief lifts lid on most expensive window in club historyThe winner is set to secure Champions League qualificiation.Man Utd endured another difficult campaign last term.Having finished eighth in the Prem table, club officials cancelled the end-of-season awards dinner then also. More

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      Man City close in on Premier League’s most expensive EVER transfer as Florian Wirtz jets in for talks

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      PEP GUARDIOLA has held talks with Florian Wirtz as Manchester City stepped up their bid to land the German star in a record £126million deal.The Bayer Leverkusen forward, 22, jetted in to Blackpool from Maastricht in Holland as City look to beat Bayern Munich to his signature.Florian Wirtz’s dad was met by a reporter after the meeting in ManchesterCredit: BildFlorian Wirtz’s mother spotted at a Dutch airportCredit: BildManchester City are hot on the heels of Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian WirtzCredit: GETTYCity have held talks with the 22-year-old over a summer move to the EtihadCredit: GETTYWirtz, one of the hottest properties in Europe, travelled with his agent father to discuss a potential move to the Etihad before returning home last night.Boss Guardiola has identified Wirtz as his No 1 target as he looks to rebuild his City squad and replace club legend Kevin De Bruyne, 33. who will leave at the end of his contract in June.City’s offer would smash the British transfer record, which currently stands at £115m which Chelsea paid Brighton to sign midfielder Moises Caicedo in 2023.Wirtz, his father Hans and mother Karin took a private jet at 10am on Tuesday from Maastricht-Aachen Airport in the Netherlands to Blackpool, according to German newspaper Bild.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey were then driven to Manchester to meet with Guardiola, before flying back at 4:40pm.Apparently, the small airport behind the German-Dutch border had been chosen to avoid attracting attention.However Bild were able to get photos of Wirtz’s mum and dad at the Dutch airport as they returned to their car.A reporter approached Wirtz’s father Hans who shook his hand but chose to remain silent.Most read in FootballWirtz has spoken to Guardiola previously but the attacker is yet to make a final decision on his future with two years still left on his current Leverkusen deal.JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBut his club would rather sell to City than their Bundesliga rivals.He only last month returned from a knee injury, which saw him miss the Champions League last-16 tie with Bayern, but has still scored 16 goals and added 15 assists in 44 games this season.Bayern, who won the Bundesliga this term after losing out to Leverkusen last season, are offering £84m for Wirtz.The German was vital to Leverkusen’s unbeaten title triumph under Xabi Alonso in 2023-24.City have also approached AC Milan to sign Tijjani Reijnders, 26, although they are yet to submit a bid.Milan want around £60m for the Dutch midfielder, which would make him their biggest sale in their history.The two clubs still have a negotiation to complete over right-back Kyle Walker, 34, who is on loan at the Serie A outfit from City for the rest of the season.Leverkusen star Jeremie Frimpong reveals why he snubbed Liverpool and chose Man City last time Reds tried to sign himCity are also interested in Nottingham Forest star Morgan-Gibbs White, 25.However, Newcastle will fight off any City attempt to sign England star Tino Livramento.The 22-year-old has shone since stepping up to become Toon’s first-choice right-back ahead of Kieran Trippier.Read More on The SunChampions League chasing Newcastle do not need to sell any big names.Boss Eddie Howe  said: “The summer window will be a big one for us.”Florian Wirtz was one of Bayer Leverkusen’s star performers last seasonCredit: AFP More

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      Man Utd linked with fairytale transfer as they scout Cristiano Ronaldo Jr’s Portugal debut amid shock Tottenham interest

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      A MANCHESTER UNITED scout saw Cristiano Ronaldo Jr make his Portugal Under-15 debut as a raft of top clubs sent representatives to the match.The 14-year-old son of the legendary former Red Devils No7 was cheered onto the pitch when he came off the bench in a 4-1 win over Japan’s Under-15s on Tuesday.A Manchester United scout saw Cristiano Ronaldo Jr make his Portugal Under-15 debutRonaldo Jr was also eyed by scouts from Tottenham and Bundesliga clubsWearing the same number his father wore with distinction during two spells at Old Trafford, Ronaldo Jr gave a few brief glimpses of his talent during a second-half run-out at the Vlatko Markovic tournament in Croatia.Ruben Amorim’s staff will add the scout’s report to their file on the youngster, who could earn a start in one of Portugal’s remaining matches against Greece or England.United will already know plenty from the 14 months Ronaldo Jr spent at their academy.He played alongside Wayne Rooney’s son, Kai, in the youth set-up when his father returned for an ill-fated second stint under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Erik ten Hag.Read More on Man UtdThe Europa League finalists were among several high-profile clubs to send scouts to the match.United’s Bilbao opponents Tottenham were in attendance with up to 10 Bundesliga clubs also rumoured to be represented in the crowd.Croatian newspaper Sportske Novosti report that Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig, Hoffenheim, Red Bull Salzburg, Inter Milan, Juventus and Atalanta sent spies to cover the game.The Portuguese players caught the eye with their superior technique and tactical appreciation, running out easy winners over the Japanese kids.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBraga forward Rafael Cabral was the star of the match and stole Cristiano Jr’s thunder by bagging a hat-trick before he stepped out onto the pitch.The 14-year-old honed his ball skills by playing futsal from an early age while his mobility allows him to operate just as effectively from the wings as he does from the middle.He is Braga’s top scorer in the youth league with 13 goals this season and leads a seven-strong contingent from the club in Portugal’s squad, which contains no players from the traditional powers of Benfica and Sporting Lisbon.Ronaldo Jr is following in his father Cristiano Ronaldo’s massive footstepsRonaldo had two stints at Man Utd before moving to Saudi Arabia and Al-Nassr More

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      Watford appoint little-known Uruguayan, 42, as new manager after controversial Tom Cleverley axe

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      WATFORD have named a little-known Uruguayan as their new manager.Former Real Valladolid boss Paulo Pezzolano, 42 comes in just a week after the mid-table Championship side sacked Tom Cleverley.Paulo Pezzolano arrives having been axed by Real Valladolid in NovemberCredit: GettyWatford sacked Tom Cleverley last week after 19 months in chargeCredit: PAIncredibly, Pezzolano is the Hornets’ 22nd manager since Gino Pozzo became club owner in 2012.Cleverley’s axing angered many fans after he arrived as interim chief in March 2024 and landed the permanent job a month later.But the ex-Manchester United midfielder paid the price for Watford slipping out of play-off contention in the second half of this season.The Hornets picked up just five wins in 2025.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSCleverley departed after Watford finished the campaign with a 1-1 home draw against Sheffield Wednesday on May 3.However, appointing Pezzolano appears something of a gamble.The ex-midfielder’s only previous managerial role in Europe was his last job.He was in charge of LaLiga team Valladolid from April 2023 until his sacking in November last year.Most read in ChampionshipBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKValladolid went on to finish bottom this term, with just 17 points – meaning relegation.Before that spell, Pezzolano bossed home-country clubs Liverpool Montevideo and Montevideo City, then Mexicans Pachuca and Brazilian team Cruzeiro.Pezzolano has landed his second managerial post in EuropeCredit: GettyWatford’s sporting director Gian Luca Nani said in a statement: “Paulo has a hugely impressive track record working with young players, which is essential when you look at the age profile of our squad.“He has had success at virtually every club, including league titles and promotions, but it is his work on the training ground that impressed the most when we undertook our research.“He has innovative ideas and processes which he transmits passionately to the players. “We believe Paulo is the leader we need as we refocus ahead of the new season. He is fully aware of our ambitions and determination to push for promotion and embraces that challenge.”Nani added: “The club achieved great success when making similar appointments in Slavisa Jokanovic, Javi Gracia and Xisco Munoz.”And we hope our fans welcome Paulo and wish him every success as we try to achieve the owner’s clear aim of challenging for a return to the Premier League.” More