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      Real Madrid ‘open transfer talks with Trent Alexander-Arnold’ with Liverpool star’s contract expiring in the summer

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      REAL MADRID have made contact with Trent Alexander-Arnold’s representatives over a blockbuster free transfer, according to reports.Alexander-Arnold’s Liverpool contract is set to expire at the end of the season.Trent Alexander-Arnold has been linked with Real MadridCredit: RexThe England full-back, 25, has not ruled out penning a new deal to extend his stay at Anfield.But Real Madrid chiefs are eager to lure him to Spain.According to Spanish outlet Relevo, the LaLiga giants have contacted Alexander-Arnold’s representatives on several occasions.Their report adds that Real bosses feel that Alexander-Arnold’s friendship with Jude Bellingham could work to their advantage.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe duo have developed a close bond while playing for England together.Alexander-Arnold has played 318 times for boyhood club Liverpool since debuting in 2016.Prior to this season, he had experienced his entire club career under Jurgen Klopp.He has started every Premier League and Champions League game so far under Klopp’s successor Arne Slot.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut in five of the eight contests, he has been substituted.Last month, Alexander-Arnold was quizzed regarding his future.Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Bold £84m Bid for NantesHe said: “Look, I have been at the club 20 years now.”I have signed four or five contract extensions and none of those have been played out in public – and this one won’t be either.”I have always said I want to captain the club – that is an aim and a goal of mine, whether that happens is out of my hands. I want to be a Liverpool player this season is what I will say.”The most important thing is always trophies if I am honest. This season we are looking really good.”Alexander-Arnold has so far won a Premier League title, Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup and Club World Cup with the Reds.While he has also earned 31 England caps.The right-back isn’t the only Liverpool key man set to be out of contract next summer.Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah’s deals are also set to expire in June 2025.Slot, 46, was this morning asked about the contract statuses of his three key men.He said: “Contracts? I was hoping you didn’t use that word.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It’s the same boring answer as always and I could really understand if you ask me this every two weeks but every other day.”People think I am boring with the same answer. Try asking after the international break.”Arne Slot was tight-lipped when asked about Alexander-Arnold’s contract situationCredit: Reuters More

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      Kylian Mbappe OUT of France squad after Real Madrid nightmare but five Premier League stars called up

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      KYLIAN MBAPPE has been left out of Didier Deschamps’ France squad.The Real Madrid forward, 25, will not be available for Les Bleus’ matches against Israel and Belgium later this month.Kylian Mbappe was in action from the bench as Real Madrid lost 1-0 to LilleCredit: GettyMbappe suffered an injury scare during his club’s 3-2 win over Deportivo Alaves last month.He was substituted after feeling an issue in his hamstring, and following subsequent tests was expected to be missing for three weeks.The former Paris Saint-Germain star has recovered earlier than expected from his injury, and was deemed fit enough to make a 33 minute cameo from the bench against Lille last night in the Champions League.He was unable to turn the tide, however, with Real Madrid falling to a 1-0 defeat to the Ligue 1 side, who boast Mbappe’s younger brother Ethan among their ranks.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDespite Kylian having returned to fitness, Deschamps has opted against calling him up.Mbappe has played 10 times for Real Madrid since quitting PSG for the Spanish capital in the summer.He has so far scored seven goals for his new team, and had bagged in his last four appearances prior to getting injured.Mbappe’s Real Madrid team-mates Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga will join up with France following their club’s clash with Villarreal this Saturday.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut Ferland Mendy has been left out.Despite Mbappe’s absence, Deschamps will have plenty of attacking quality to call upon.Watch Jude Bellingham’s expletive-laden instructions to Mbappe and Co at half-time of Real Madrid drawIn-form PSG winger Bradley Barcola will be involved, as will his club team-mates Ousmane Dembele and Randal Kolo Muani.Bayern Munich star Michael Olise is also in the squad, as is Inter Milan’s Marcus Thuram.There is a recall for Chelsea star Christopher Nkunku, who has played just 29 minutes for his country since being ruled out of the 2022 World Cup on the eve of the tournament.In addition to Nkunku, Premier League stars William Saliba, Ibrahima Konate, Lucas Digne and Wesley Fofana have all been called up.France’s squad is jam-packed with quality More

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      Spanish media turns on Jude Bellingham as England star slammed for ‘declining’ after Kylian Mbappe transfer

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM has “declined” following Kylian Mbappe’s arrival at Real Madrid, according to a Spanish media outlet.The 21-year-old enjoyed an outstanding debut season at Real Madrid, winning both the Champions League and LaLiga.Jude Bellingham has ‘declined’ this season, according to the Spanish mediaCredit: ReutersKylian Mbappe joined Real Madrid in a free transfer this summerCredit: GettyHe managed 36 goal involvements in 42 appearances for Los Blancos, making him one of the club’s most influential players.But Spanish outlet AS claims Bellingham has suffered a “decline” this term.The midfielder has managed just two assists in seven games since the start of the campaign.He is yet to score.Read More in FootballLast season, he scored six goals and assisted two in his first seven matches.With former Paris Saint-Germain striker Mbappe having joined Real Madrid in a huge free transfer this summer, Bellingham’s role in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad has changed.The England star now plays in a slightly deeper position, meaning his attacking impact is limited.But AS suggests it has negatively affected his game.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBellingham’s average stats comparedA recent article from the popular Spanish publication read: “In Bellingham’s case, the decline is much more palpable: he has only two assists, without goals, in seven games played.”Last season, after seven games, he had scored six goals. These figures should not be compared coldly, because his role now, since the arrival of Mbappe, is very different, but the Englishman is still looking for his best version as a midfielder.”Jude Bellingham follows Cristiano Ronaldo in launching YouTube channel with behind-the-scenes footage of England starReal Madrid suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to Lille on Wednesday.New signing Mbappe started the match on the bench and was introduced in the second half.However, he failed to make an impact.At full-time, manager Ancelotti said: “It was complicated, it was not our best game and we have to clean our heads.”It seemed that we were improving, but we took a step back with this match.”Lille have been better than us. We could use a stroke of attention and a little criticism.” More

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      Champions League: Arsenal’s opponents Girona set unwanted competition record as fans claim ‘they’re cursed’

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      GIRONA set an unwanted Champions League record during their clash with Feyenoord last night.The Catalan side lost 3-2 to the Dutch giants in their first ever Champions League match on home soil.Girona were beaten 3-2 in their first ever Champions League home matchCredit: GettyGirona’s team sheet featured a host of names that will be familiar to British football fans.Former Manchester United star Donny van de Beek started in midfield, with Tottenham loanee Bryan Gil and former Spurs stopper Paulo Gazzaniga also in the XI.Summer signing from Aberdeen Bojan Miovski got the nod up top, while ex-Tottenham, Everton and Bournemouth ace Arnut Danjuma came off the bench alongside former Championship duo Yaser Asprilla and Cristhian Stuani.Girona began their Champions League campaign a fortnight ago with a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat at Paris Saint-Germain.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe tournament debutants held their own until the 90th minute, when Gazzaniga scored a nightmare own goal.In last night’s 3-2 defeat to Feyenoord, Girona scored two further own goals – setting an unwanted record in the process.Michel’s men had actually taken the lead on 19 minutes, when David Lopez scored their first ever Champions League goal.But they were pegged back just four minutes later, with Yangel Herrera turning into his own net.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThis moment saw Girona become the first side to ever concede own goals in each of their opening two games in the competition.It also saw them become the first team to have their first two Champions League concessions be via own goals.Arsenal set to play Champions League decider in half-empty stadium with tiny away allocation thanks to little-known rule Remarkably, more records would tumble as the extraordinary encounter progressed.Teenager Antoni Milambo put the visitors 2-1 in front on 33 minutes, before Feyenoord were awarded a penalty just moments later.Having given the ball away in the build-up to the spot kick, Gazzaniga made amends by saving Ayase Ueda’s subsequent effort.Girona thought they’d levelled just after half-time, only for their goal to be disallowed for an offside in the build-up.They then spurned a huge opportunity on 67 minutes, with Miovski this time being denied from the penalty spot.Yangel Herrera scored an unfortunate own goalCredit: GettyPaulo Gazzaniga saved Ayase Ueda’s penaltyCredit: GettyThe home faithful did finally have an equaliser to cheer on 73 minutes, however, when Van de Beek converted following good work by his Dutch compatriot Danjuma.Incredibly, Girona gifted Feyenoord their lead back just six minutes later, with Ladislav Krejci this time turning into his own net.The Czech international’s nightmare moment saw the match become the first in Champions League history to feature two missed penalties and two own goals.Try as they might, Girona could not conjure another equaliser, with Feyenoord winning a bonkers encounter 3-2.Former Man Utd star Donny van de Beek celebrates his goalCredit: GettyFeyenoord celebrate Ladislav Krejci’s own goalCredit: AFPAmazingly, the memorable match was watched by under 10,000 fans.That’s because due to Uefa rules, Girona were forced to operate with a reduced capacity.Their Estadi Montilivi home usually holds 14,624 spectators.But Uefa competitions ban temporary structures, thus reducing the stadium’s capacity by more than 5,000 seats.READ MORE SUN STORIESThis rule will also be in effect when Arsenal visit Girona.The two sides are set to meet in Catalonia on January 29.The match was forced to be played in front of a reduced capacityCredit: Reuters More

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      Real Madrid stunned as Lille end their mammoth 36-GAME unbeaten run with 1-0 win in Champions League

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      REAL MADRID’S 36-game unbeaten run collapsed as Lille stunned the Champions League holders.Jonathan David’s penalty also stopped Los Blancos equalling a club record of 15 straight games in Europe’s top club competition without defeat.Jonathan David hails his penalty winner for LilleCredit: GettyJude Bellingham shows his frustration as Real slumped 1-0Credit: GettyReal striker Kylian Mbappe came on for defender Eder Militao but it proved in vain as Lille pulled off an early shock in this season’s Champions LeagueCredit: ReutersCarlo Ancelotti’s LaLiga champs have stuttered all season.Yet until now they had not tasted a loss since Atletico Madrid KO’d them 4-2 after extra-time in the Copa del Rey in January.And Real’s last Champions League reverse was as long ago as May 2023 – a 4-0 semi-final second-leg loss to Manchester City at the Etihad.But Lille were as impressive for the first hour as Los Blancos were subdued for large spells.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd only Real keeper Andriy Lunin’s breathtaking double save denied Canadian striker David.Finally, in first-half stoppage-time, VAR ruled Eduardo Camavinga had blocked Edon Zhegrova’s free-kick with his arm.And David – long linked with Premier League clubs – fired home the resulting spot kick.Real’s England midfielder Jude Bellingham was booked as his side struggled.Most read in Champions LeagueDavid tucks his spot-kick winner as Real’s Aurelien Tchouameni looks onCredit: AFPFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut Kylian Mbappe – returning following a thigh problem – came off the bench to help Ancelotti’s men pile on the pressure late on.Ex-Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger had a header cleared off the line.Kate Abdo stuns in bold outfit live on CBS Sports for Champions League coverage sending fans into meltdownArda Guler then nodded a gaping chance straight at Lille stopper Lucas Chevalier. Nonetheless, the French hosts will feel they deservedly held on for one of their finest ever victories.And to make things worse for Mbappe, his 17-year-old younger brother Ethan, who only missed out on playing for Lille due to a muscle problem, was shown by TNT Sports LEADING the home team’s dressing-room celebrations.And for Real their mediocre form now faces its most intensive examination.Barcelona are three points clear of Los Blancos in LaLiga.And Real are at home to third-placed Villarreal on Saturday.But it’s in the Champions League where Ancelotti might suffer the most heat.Real did beat Stuttgart 3-1 in their opener last month.But after Wednesday’s loss, they face Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan and Liverpool next.Ancelotti’s side will still expect to finish in the top 24 and advance to from the new-look group stage.READ MORE SUN STORIESHowever, they will need positive results in some tricky clashes if they are to finish in the top eight and punch a fast-track ticket to the last 16.If they finish between 9th and 24th in the 36-team league, they will face an extra two-legged knockout tie. More

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      I’m a former Champions League winner – fans tried to kill me by throwing a cement-covered chair at me

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      FORMER Champions League winner Santiago Canizares claims fans once tried to kill him by throwing a cement-covered chair at him.The former Real Madrid and Valencia goalkeeper opened up over life between the sticks following Thibaut Courtois’ clash with Atletico fans in Sunday’s derby.Santiago Canizares claims fans tried killing him with a concrete chair on the pitchCredit: AFPThe former goalie was a Champions League winner with Real MadridCredit: GettyThe Belgian, formerly of Atletico and Chelsea, was enemy No1 at the Wanda Metropolitano as Real Madrid secured a 1-1 draw.But Courtois was ruthlessly targeted by Atleti ultras throughout the game, with some evenhurling lighters and other objects at him.Late on in the match, the pelting became so much that the game was halted for a period of time as fans were ordered to calm down.And Canizares recalls facing issues of his own while protecting his net.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne moment even saw fans rip up a concrete chair before hurling it at the now-54-year-old.And Canizares reckons Courtois’ treatment was nowhere near as bad, while also pointing out that the Real stopper also made a gesture to provoke Atletico’s fans.Speaking to Radio Marca, he said: “In my time, goalies were treated very badly. I was a goalie who was treated much worse than any doorman today.“One day, they threw a seat at me which they tore up with the cement rubble. If it had hit me, it would have killed me.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“A worker went out and removed it. This is attempted murder. The goalie was not protected.”Reflecting on Courtois, Canizares added: “He didn’t do well the other day, but that is an ethical and moral situation that is very different from making Courtois a victim of throwing objects.Spanish goalie Santiago Canizares goes off the road in his Suzuki in stunning Rally race crashCanizares revealed his thoughts on Thibaut Courtois being abused by Atletico Madrid fansCredit: GettyCanizares also won two titles with ValenciaCredit: Getty“Let’s not deflect, whoever doesn’t behave should go out on the street.“Courtois is the first to gesticulate and what he does enriches football because it has a component of passion.”Canizares’ fine career saw him start off with Real Madrid.But before he kicked a ball for the club, he enjoyed loans at Elche, Merida and Celta.Canizares then got his big break with Los Blancos in 1994 as their No2 stopper, winning two titles in the process.But in the 1997/98 season he made 34 appearances and went on to win the Champions League.It proved to be his final year at Real through, with Valencia moving for him.READ MORE SUN STORIESCanizares remained with them for a decade as he clocked up 416 games.And he retired in 2008 with a further two LaLiga titles, while also losing two Champions League finals.Santiago Canizares’ career statsReal Madrid B, 1989-1990: 37 gamesElche (loan), 1990-1991: 9 gamesMerida (loan), 1991-1992: 38 gamesCelta (loan), 1992-1994: 82 gamesReal Madrid, 1994-`998: 55 gamesValencia, 1998-2008: 416 gamesSpain, 1993-2006: 46 gamesTrophiesReal Madrid: LaLiga x2, Spanish Super Cup, Champions LeagueValencia: LaLiga x2, Copa del Rey, Spanish Super Cup, UEFA Cup, UEFA Super Cup, UEFA Intertoto CupSpain: Euro U16s, Olympic Gold More

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      Euro 2024 winner Robin Le Normand suffers ‘traumatic brain injury’ after severe blow in final minutes of Madrid derby

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      ATLETICO MADRID defender Robin Le Normand suffered a “traumatic brain injury” during their derby draw with Real Madrid.The Spain international, 27, sustained the blow in the latter stages of Sunday’s clash at the Wanda Metropolitano.Robin Le Normand sustained the brain injury against Real MadridCredit: RexAtletico have confirmed Le Normand has suffered a subdural hematoma – which is when blood collects between the skull and the surface of the brain.It is understood he has not travelled to Portugal for their Champions League clash with Benfica on Wednesday.A statement from the club read: “Robin Le Normand suffered a severe blow to the head in the final minutes of the Madrid derby, for which he underwent a series of tests and was assessed by specialists who determined that he suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) with subdural haematoma.”In the process of returning our player to competition, the guidelines set out in the protocol established for this type of trauma will be followed.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMarca are reporting a “serious injury has been ruled out”, but his immediate absence will be a disappointment for Atletico manager Diego Simeone.Le Normand has started all but one of Atletico’s nine matches so far this season.He also featured for Spain against Serbia and Switzerland in their two Nations League games last month.Atletico’s 1-1 draw with Real Madrid ended in chaos after the match was suspended for around 15 minutes due to home fans throwing objects onto the pitch.Most read in FootballThibaut Courtois was targeted with missiles as he attempted to take a goal kick.The referee sent both sets of players down the tunnel, while Atletico’s players and head coach Simeone urged the fans to stop.England fans heartbroken as Spain score late to WIN Euro 2024The match eventually resumed with Real Madrid leading 1-0, but Atletico equalised in stoppage time through Angel Correa. More

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      Barcelona and Spain legend Andres Iniesta retires and plans to formally announce decision on sentimental date

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      ANDRES INIESTA is set to retire from professional football, according to reports.The legendary midfielder has been without a club since July after his contract expired at UAE side Emirates Club.Andres Iniesta is set to retire from footballCredit: GettyIniesta is the second-most decorated player in Barcelona’s historyCredit: GettyHe won a staggering 37 trophies with the Spanish sideCredit: Getty Images – GettyHe scored the winning goal in the 2010 World Cup finalCredit: AFPAnd the 40-year-old will announce he is hanging up his boots on October 8, according to Relevo.It comes after Iniesta teased his future endeavours on his Instagram page.The Spaniard, who scored the winning goal in the 2010 World Cup final against the Netherlands, posted a video to his social media of him painting onto a mural of himself.He captioned the post: “COMING SOON. 8, 10, 24,” a date synonymous with his shirt number.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIniesta’s incredible career stretches over 22 years, having made his pro debut with Barcelona in 2002.He went on to appear in 674 games for the Blaugrana, scoring 57 goals and adding 135 assists.His exploits for the Catalan giants saw him land 37 trophies – the second most in the club’s history behind only Lionel Messi’s haul of 35 – including nine La Liga, four Champions League and three Club World Cup titles.Playing alongside Xavi and Sergio Busquets, Iniesta is also considered to have been part of arguably the greatest midfield trio football has ever seen.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIniesta would eventually leave the club in 2018 to join Japan’s Vissel Kobe on a free transfer.He would go on to spend five years in the J-League, winning the league, Japanese Cup and Japanese Super Cup.Eight of the greatest players to never win the Ballon d’Or despite their incredible careersEmirates Club, whom he joined in 2023, would prove to be his final team as he made 23 appearances for them, scoring five goals and adding one assist.On the international stage Iniesta earned 131 caps for Spain, scoring 14 goals – including the decisive winner in the 2010 World Cup final.Iniesta also won the European Championship twice at senior level, as well at Under-16 and Under-19 level. His individual accolades were nothing to sneer at either, being named as Uefa’s Best Player in Europe in 2012, the Player of the Tournament at Euro 2012 and La Liga’s Best Midfielder on no less than five occasions.Away from the pitch, he has also been honoured with Prince of Asturias Awards, the Gold Medal of the Royal Order of Sporting Merit, the Queen Sofia Award and the Grand Cross of the Royal Order of Sports Merit.Reacting to Iniesta’s social media post seemingly confirming his retirement, one fan said: “This man retiring without winning the Ballon d’or is a crime.”A second said: “Good luck legend.”A third added: “Legend.”Another said: “THANK YOU FOR YOUR FOOTBALL.”Speaking back in July, Iniesta suggested he would be open to returning to Barcelona.He said: “I would like to go back to Barca at some point. But obviously, I still don’t know when or how; it’s something nobody knows. READ MORE SUN STORIES”We’ll see how it all goes. I want to continue playing until I feel that the moment has come to stop.”Given the mural in Iniesta’s Instagram video is one of him in a Barcelona shirt, there is a chance his announcement on October 8 will see him return to his former club in some capacity.Andres Iniesta’s incredible careerHonoursBarcelona: La Liga x9, Champions League x4, Copa del Rey x6, Spanish Supercup x5, Uefa Super Cup x2, Club World Cup x3Vissel Kobe:J-League, Emperor’s Cup, Japanese Super CupInternational:World Cup – 2010, European Championship – 2008 and 2012Stats: Barcelona (2002 – 2018) – 674 appearances, 57 goalsVissel Kobe (2018 – 2023) – 134 appearances, 26 goalsEmirates Club (2023 – 2024) – 23 appearances, 5 goalsSpain (2006 – 2018) – 131 appearances, 13 goals More