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      Real Madrid ‘interested in TWO Man Utd defenders’ with Ruben Amorim ‘willing to allow fan favourite to leave’

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      REAL MADRID are reportedly keeping tabs on TWO Manchester United defenders ahead of the January transfer window.Real have endured a mixed start this season after winning LaLiga and the Champions League titles last term.Real Madrid are keeping tabs on Manchester United fan favourite Lisandro MartinezCredit: AlamyReal are also targeting Diogo Dalot after an impressive season with Man UtdCredit: AlamyMan Utd manager Ruben Amorim is willing to let Martinez goCredit: GettyAnd their plight has has not been helped by a defensive injury crisis, with Dani Carvajal, David Alaba, Ferland Mendy and Eder Militao all out.Carlo Ancelotti is already looking for ways to reinstate Los Blancos as the team to beat in the coming transfer window.And, according to talkSPORT, he has, for some reason, set his sights on Old Trafford.The Madrid boss is said to be keeping tabs on United’s defensive duo Lisandro Martinez and Diogo Dalot.Read More on Man UtdMartinez, 26, has been one of the Red Devils’ biggest fan favourites since his arrival from Ajax in 2022 thanks to his talent and passion.Nevertheless, new Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim would be open to letting the centre-back go as he looks to impose his own philosophy.Real also appear impressed with Dalot, 25, who enjoyed an impressive campaign at Old Trafford last season and was voted as the Players’ Player of the Year.The full-back stood out by showing his ability to cover both flanks amid the Manchester giants’ injury crisis, before struggling to match that form so far this season.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSReal would find that useful with ageing right-back Carvajal suffering a devastating injury that ruled him out for the season.Ancelotti has also been unable to find the right man to cover at left-back.Awkward Alexander-Arnold billboard showing Liverpool star posing with ex is erected in MilanThe same report claims the Italian tactician has set his sights on other Premier League targets as well.One of them of course is Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose contract runs out in June.Tottenham ace Cristian Romero is also being monitored by the Spanish giants.Real manager Carlo Ancelotti has set his sights on the Premier LeagueCredit: Rex More

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      Dortmund star Nico Schlotterbeck rushed to hospital after horror injury leaving manager in ‘shock’

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      BORUSSIA DORTMUND centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck was rushed to hospital after suffering what appeared to be a serious injury against Barcelona.The 25-year-old fell awkwardly on his ankle while attempting to equalise late in the Champions League match.Nico Schlotterbeck suffered a horrific ankle injury against BarcelonaCredit: GettyHe was stretchered off after full-timeCredit: GettyThe defender landed awkwardly after going for a headerCredit: RexWith the score 3-2 to Barcelona at Signal Iduna Park, a free kick from Pascal Gross found Schlotterbeck in the box.The defender’s headed effort flew narrowly over the crossbar and he severely twisted his ankle while landing.Referee François Letexier immediately called the team doctors over before ending the match for full-time.After receiving some immediate treatment, he was eventually stretchered off the pitch.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe was later filmed being loaded into an ambulance.Dortmund manager Nuri Sahin provided an update on Schlotterbeck’s injury during his post-match press conference.He explained: “The sight was terrible. We have to deal with this shock.”If you look at the images, it doesn’t look good. A sleepless night awaits.”Most read in Champions LeagueBVB sporing director Sebastian Kehl later added: “His foot is thickly bandaged. We’ll await the diagnosis tomorrow.”And midfielder Emre Can said: “He was in a lot of pain on the pitch. I hope it’s not too bad.”Dortmund went on to lose the match 3-2 against Barcelona.Raphinha opened the scoring for the visitors just after half-time.Serhou Guirassy then equalised but Ferran Torres restored Barcelona’s lead.Guirassy levelled things up again, but Torres responded by netting the winner in the 85th minute. More

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      World’s best XI revealed with Mo Salah and Lamine Yamal snubbed as fans fume at ‘joke’ goalkeeper pick

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      FIFPRO have revealed their world’s best XI – and there are some big names missing.Five Premier League stars made the cut and were joined by some of LaLiga’s best.FIFPRO announced their world’s best XI and left out some big namesLiverpool superstar Mohamed Salah didn’t make the cutCredit: GettyBarcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal wasn’t in despite his club and country heroicsCredit: GettyManchester City goalkeeper Ederson was named in goal, much to the dismay of some fans.Real Madrid’s Dani Carvajal and Antonio Rudiger team up with Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk in defence.City talisman Kevin De Bruyne covers the right flank with Real and England star Jude Bellingham on the other side.The Citizens’ star and Ballon d’Or winner Rodri teams up with Toni Kroos, who recently retired after a brilliant season with Los Blancos.Read More on FootballReal megastars Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr link up with City striker Erling Haaland up front.But some fans were not happy with the final product as there were some big names missing.Among them were Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, Arsenal’s William Saliba and Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, despite his heroics for club and Spain.One fan tweeted: “This is a joke. What is Ederson doing in it?Most read in FootballAnother commented: “Mbappe isn’t even a rw, they really doing anything to exclude Salah.”A third wrote: “Lamine Yamal robbed.”Ballon d’Or 2024 results1: Rodri, Man City and Spain2: Vinicius Jr, Real Madrid and Brazil3: Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid and England4: Dani Carvajal, Real Madrid and Spain5: Erling Haaland, Man City and Norway6: Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid and France7: Lautaro Martinz, Inter Milan and Argentina8: Lamine Yamal, Barcelona and Spain9: Toni Kroos, Real Madrid and Germany10: Harry Kane, Bayern Munich and England11: Phil Foden, Man City and England12: Florian Wirtz, Bayer Leverkusen and Germany13: Dani Olmo, Barcelona and Spain14: Ademola Lookman, Atalanta and Nigeria15: Nico Williams, Athletic Bilbao and Spain16: Granit Xhaka, Bayer Leverkusen and Switzerland17: Federico Valverde, Real Madrid and Uruguay18: Emi Martinez, Aston Villa and Argentina19: Martin Odegaard, Arsenal and Norway20: Hakan Calhanoglu, Inter Milan and Turkey21: Bukayo Saka, Arsenal and England22: Antonio Rudiger, Real Madrid and Germany23: Ruben Dias, Man City and Portugal24: William Saliba, Arsenal and France25: Cole Palmer, Chelsea and England26: Declan Rice, Arsenal and England27: Vitinha, PSG and Portugal28: Alejandro Grimaldo, Bayer Leverkusen and Spain29: Mats Hummels, Roma and Germany30: Artem Dovbyk, Roma and UkraineLamine Yamal sends brutal message live on TV after being called out by Adrien Rabiot ahead of Euro 2024 semi-final Another said: “Is there anything else he [Palmer] needs to do to prove himself?”And a further comment read: “Where’s Saliba?” More

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      Horror moment Barcelona star finds his TOOTH on the pitch after losing it in battle with Real Betis defender

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      BARCELONA star Dani Olmo lost his TOOTH after clashing with Real Betis defender Marc Bartra during a La Liga match on Saturday.The 26-year-old was fouled by Bartra in the 30th minute at Benito Villamarin Stadium.Dani Olmo was fouled by Marc Bartra during Barcelona’s match against Real BetisCredit: AFPThe Spaniard lost his tooth following the collisionCredit: AFPHe eventually found it on the fieldCredit: AFPAfter being tripped by the centre-back, Olmo fell to the ground, accidentally headbutting the back of his ankle on the way down.He lost a tooth as a result and immediately began searching for it on the grass.Luckily, the Spaniard was able to find it relatively quickly.Visibly frustrated, Olmo appeared to briefly complain to the referee before playing on.Read More in FootballThe match ended 2-2 following a dramatic late equaliser from Betis super-sub Assane Diao.Robert Lewandowski opened the scoring for Barcelona just before half-time with a tap-in from the edge of the six-yard box.Former Tottenham star Giovani Lo Celso then equalised from the penalty spot, but Ferran Torres restored the visitors’ lead with just under 10 minutes left to play.In the final stages of injury time, Diao equalised with a stunning flick into the bottom-left corner.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe result was enough to see Barcelona remain top of the La Liga table with 38 points.Meanwhile, Real Betis are mid-table in 11th.Spectacular Timelapse of the works in the Spotify Camp Nou More

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      I wanted to quit football to be a FARMER after Barcelona transfer turned into a nightmare

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      BARCELONA ace Vitor Roque considered quitting football at the age of 19 and becoming a farmer due to the pressures he encountered at the Nou Camp.Barca signed Roque, 19, from Athletico Paranaense in January for an initial £30million fee but struggled to impress in Catalonia and that led to a loan move to Real Betis.Barcelona ace Vitor Roque considered early retirement due to the pressures at the Nou CampCredit: GettyRoque considered quitting football and moving back to his farm in BrazilCredit: GettyThe striker only managed a mere two goals in 16 appearances with the Blaugrana and played second fiddle to star man Robert Lewandowski.The Brazil international has claimed the fee Barcelona paid, plus his whopping €500m (£414m) release clause, led to some significant pressure and anxiety.So much so, that Roque even considered early retirement to find peace in his farm in Brazil.However, the talented forward found a way to regroup and is impressing at Betis with five goals and one assist in 19 appearances.Read More on FootballRoque told ESPN: “Yes. I thought I want to go to the farm there [in Brazil] and be calm, without anyone worrying me, because sometimes it’s difficult… a lot of pressure. “But it’s just about moving forward, having mental strength, continuing to work with great humility and things turning out well. “Little by little, I am regaining my complete happiness and confidence, too.”I already had a lot of anxiety about making things work out. I think what created the pressure was the price they paid for me, which was a very expensive investment in recent years. Most read in Football”I wasn’t completely ready to resolve the situation or to help the team in the way I wanted, I would have liked to. “I would have to have time to adapt, have time to get used to the players, and the club, and it didn’t turn out the way I liked. Man City manager Pep Guardiola sings song for Barcelona’s 125th birthday”And it serves as a learning experience for the next season.” More

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      Arsenal receive huge transfer boost as star man William Saliba pledges future to club amid Real Madrid interest

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      WILLIAM SALIBA has handed Arsenal a massive boost by pledging his long-term future to the club.Spanish giants Real Madrid have made the centre-back, 23, their  No 1 summer target.Saliba joined Arsenal in 2019 and has been a regular for three yearsCredit: GettyBut the Frenchman insisted: “I feel at home here.“I signed for the club five years ago but it’s only my third season and I’m enjoying everything — the players, staff and fans.”And, asked at an Arsenal in the Community visit to Islington’s Ashmount Primary School if he  could envisage staying at the  Emirates for a long time, Saliba replied: “Yeah, of course.”Arsenal splashed out £27million to sign the then 18-year-old from Saint-Etienne in July 2019 before loaning him back.READ MORE TOP STORIESTwo more loan spells at Nice and Marseille followed.But the 6ft 3in ace has now made 102 appearances under Mikel Arteta, establishing himself as one of world’s top defenders.The boyhood Arsenal fan signed  a new four-year  deal at the club last summer.But Carlo Ancelotti’s European champions are battling a defensive injury crisis.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd ex-Bernabeu defender Rafael Alkorta, 56, said: “I love Saliba,  I would definitely sign him.”Meanwhile, the Gunners hope to move four points behind Prem leaders Liverpool with victory at Fulham on SundayArsenal dubbed the ‘new STOKE CITY’ live on Amazon Prime by Man Utd legend after corner masterclassSaliba’s backline colleagues Gabriel and Riccardo Calafiori face fitness assessments.Fellow defenders Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu are still out injured.Arsenal will definitely not have to take on frontman Reiss Nelson.Fulham aren’t allowed to field the loanee against his parent club. More

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      How I uncovered Real Madrid’s sneaky Gareth Bale pursuit when I met him at airport a YEAR before world record transfer

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      Who would have thought the foundations of a £86million world record transfer would be laid in a Balkan city with a population less than 100,000 people.Well, that was the case for Gareth Bale in October 2012.A forgettable Wales clash in Croatia put the wheels into motion for Gareth Bale’s move to Real MadridEleven months later, the then-Tottenham star would complete his transfer to Real MadridCredit: APBale joined Los Blancos for an £85m feeCredit: ReutersIn addition to his five Champions League titles he would go on to guide Wales to a Euro 2016 semi-finalCredit: GettyThe then Tottenham star had been playing in a 2014 World Cup qualifier for Wales in the Croatian city of Osijek.Bale and Wales may have lost 2-0 to Igor Stimac’s well-drilled side in Croatia’s fourth largest city but the result came as no surprise.The scoreline simply proved a sideshow to the main event of flying Spurs winger Bale fast becoming the talk of Europe because of his electrifying displays for both club and country.Here he was no different with his lung-bursting runs catching the eye once again in a struggling Welsh team.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd I stumbled upon a great follow-up which turned out to be the start of Bale’s mega money move to the Bernabeu 11 months later.Back then, I was an agency reporter for Westgate in Cardiff, supplying copy for the nationals.As well as filing for several daily and Sunday newspapers, I was asked to provide post-match analysis for radio station TalkSport.I agreed I would go on air while we waited to board – in quite possibly the smallest airport I’ve ever been in – before we flew with Chris Coleman’s men from Osijek immediately back to Cardiff.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSI was on the radio for probably five minutes, finished the call, turned around and noticed everyone else had gone on to the plane.I was literally the last person to leave departures and head across the tarmac to the waiting plane.I tried following Gareth Bale’s diet to see if I could be as good as himI looked up only to see Wales’ talisman Bale a couple of steps in front of me.Tuesday, October 16, 2012, was a time when he didn’t have a bodyguard standing by his side at every moment.To put his status into context at that time, Barcelona had been keen on the pacy wideman in the previous summer following his emergence under Harry Redknapp and Andre Villas-Boas.But now talk was growing of the mighty Real Madrid.After a rocky start, Bale would go on to become a Real Madrid legendCredit: PA:Press AssociationThough he was, at times, happy to lap up Wales fans’ jokes that he was more loyal to the national teamCredit: Sky SportsOnly an hour or so before this, I’d been speaking to Luka Modric about his close pal Bale with my SunSport colleague Martin Blackburn in the mixed zone at the stadium.Modric had played alongside Bale between 2008 and 2012 before he moved from Spurs to Real in his own £30million deal just three months before.Whispers were quickly doing the rounds in the mixed zone that the classy midfielder had handed over a Real shirt to his former team-mate as a souvenir.Or perhaps a sweetener towards a future move!So fast forward back to the airport and I instantly spotted Bale was clutching a white plastic bag in his hand.There was no time to hesitate.”Is that a Real Madrid shirt in there?”, I asked.Bale replied: “Yes”.Before I had time to say anything else, Bale walked to the rear of the plane and I wandered off to the back where the rest of the travelling press pack were allocated their seats.I couldn’t believe my luck. Confirmation of the rumour mill swirling around post-match.As I went to sit down on the flight back to Wales, I said to a few of my peers; “I’ve got an even better follow up story.”We already had in the bag Modric beaming about Bale being on a par with Cristiano Ronaldo.The usual come and join me plea in journalistic terms.I recall as Modric was moving through the mixed zone, I kept asking him questions as he walked so we had more quotes for the story.A tad embarrassing maybe but it got the job done.And it also made staying at the drab and dreadful Hotel Silver for two nights worthwhile.That night, plaudits were ringing from Bale’s ears – even in defeat – as you could see he was a special world-class talent performing in front of your eyes.The defeat all but ended Wales’ hopes of qualifying for the 2014 World Cup but Bale was on the rise – and he took his country along with him thereafter with their Euro 2016 semi-final heroics.Modric was in no doubt that Bale was good enough to play for Real, he wanted him to make the same move to the Spanish capital and how it would be a treat to have the best two wingers in the world.His comments did not go down well with AVB, who ordered the ex-Spurs player to stop meddling in their affairs.AVB claimed Bale was not for sale. Yeah, sure.Talk of the deal continued for months.The summer of 2013 turned into a Bale transfer saga which went to the wire after Spurs chairman Daniel Levy dug his heels.Eventually the Welshman, then 24, was paraded as Real’s £86million signing on September 1, 2013 infront of 80,000 fans at the Bernabeu.Bale may not have ever reached the heights of Ronaldo or Lionel Messi but the five-time Champions League winner was one of the top five players in world football for a decent period.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe remains British football’s greatest export.And we’ll always remember Osijek. More

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      ‘Absolute joke of a player’ – Lamine Yamal returns to Barcelona after injury with ‘filthy’ assist

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      FANS hailed Lamine Yamal’s brilliance after the Barcelona wonderkid laid on a sensational assist last night.The winger, 17, has recently suffered with an ankle injury.Lamine Yamal provided a sensational assist with the outside of his left footCredit: GettyYamal, 17, was in brilliant form for BarcaCredit: GettyYamal was absent from two LaLiga matches as well as Barca’s 3-0 Champions League win over Brest as he recovered from the issue, while he was also forced to withdraw from Spain duty last month.He returned on Saturday with a 45 minute cameo in Barcelona’s shock 2-1 home defeat to Las Palmas.But the teenage sensation looked back up to speed as he played the full 90 in his side’s 5-1 demolition of Mallorca.Ferran Torres had given Barca the lead on 12 minutes, profiting from a shambolic defensive mix-up to score.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLVedat Muriqi levelled for the home side on the stroke of half-time, but it was all Barcelona from there.Having missed two chances to score himself, Yamal earned a penalty early on in the second-half as he was fouled in the box.Skipper Raphinha stepped up to convert the spot kick, and would soon be celebrating again.Yamal’s cross for Raphinha’s second of the evening was a thing of beauty, the La Masia graduate sumptuously curling a cross perfectly into the Brazilian’s path with the outside of his left boot.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSImmediately after prodding the ball home, the goalscorer pointed back at Yamal in recognition of his fantastic pass.The winger’s amazing assist quickly gained traction online.ITV pundits gush over Yamal and reveal what they did at 16 from working on building sites to drinking cider in a fieldOne fan wrote on X: “That assist from Lamine Yamal is absolutely filthy.”While a second gushed: “Absolutely superb football player.”A third called him an “Absolute joke of a player”.And another added: “That lad is special.”Barca ran up the score late on, with Frenkie de Jong and Pau Victor adding further goals to cap off a 5-1 win.Hansi Flick’s side are four points clear of Real Madrid at the top of LaLiga, although Carlo Ancelotti’s men possess two games in hand.READ MORE SUN STORIESBarcelona will be back in action this Saturday when they travel to Real Betis.Yamal and Co then face a tricky Champions League trip to Borussia Dortmund next Wednesday.Yamal and Co were in rampant form against MallorcaCredit: Reuters More