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      Trent Alexander-Arnold will be forced to break from nine-year tradition at Real Madrid thanks to little-known rule

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      TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD will not be able to wear his No66 shirt at Real Madrid due to a little-known rule.The Liverpool star’s contract expires this summer and he is ready to leave Anfield for free.Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to leave Liverpool for Real Madrid this summerCredit: GettyHe will be forced to ditch his No66 shirt due to a LaLiga ruleCredit: AlamyAlexander-Arnold will reportedly sign a five-year deal at Real Madrid and pocket £240,000-a-week.His move to Spain sees his spell at boyhood club Liverpool come to an end and his nine years wearing the No66 is also over.That is because a LaLiga rule prevents players having kit numbers above No25, corresponding to the size of a team’s squad.Only youngsters who are not registered in the senior squad, but can still play, are allowed to wear a higher digit on their back.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHis future Real Madrid team-mate Raul Asencio is an exception to the rule amid a breakthrough season in the No35 shirt.The No66 has become synonymous with Alexander-Arnold after he was given it when he first started training with the first-team in 2016.It was handed to him as it was a free number and not low enough to think he was an established part of the Liverpool side.But Alexander-Arnold quickly broke into the starting XI in the unique number and has decided to keep it ever since.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKWhile playing for England, he has donned the No2, No7, No8 and No10 shirts.Despite him seemingly leaving Liverpool on a free, the club are still set to rake in cash from Real Madrid.’He’s going to Tranmere after this’ – Roy Keane rips into Trent Alexander-Arnold after ‘school boy’ defending vs Man UtdThe Champions League holders want to complete the signing in time for the revamped Club World Cup, which starts on June 15.Alexander-Arnold’s deal does not expire until June 30 and Real Madrid are therefore willing to pay around £5million to break the contract early so he can join his new team in the US for the tournament. More

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      Arsenal’s Martin Zubimendi deal ‘faces being hijacked by Real Madrid with £50m transfer plotted’

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      ARSENAL’S bid for Martin Zubimendi is at risk of being hijacked by Real Madrid.The Gunners have been keeping tabs on Real Sociedad star Zubimendi, 26, ever since last year when they tried to lure him away from Spain.Arsenal’s bid for Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi could be hijacked by Real MadridCredit: GettySociedad star Zubimendi has also been linked with LiverpoolCredit: RexThe North Londoners are going toe to toe with Premier League rivals Liverpool for the midfielder’s signature – with the midfielder having dramatically snubbed the champions-elect last summer.Now, according to El Partidazo de COPE, Arsenal – and the Reds for that matter – are now facing serious competition from Real who are pushing hard for the Spain international’s signature.As per the same source, Zubimendi’s agent is listening to offers ahead of the summer transfer window.And Real president Florentino Perez is making his move as he understands his team’s advantage.Read More on ArsenalThe reigning European champions can guarantee the talented Spaniard Champions League football next season as well as silverware in the near future.Sociedad, on the other hand, are 12th in Laliga with 17 points separating them from the top four.This comes after Imanol Alguacil’s side were eliminated from the Europa League in the Last 16 by Manchester United.Real are more than willing to meet Zubimendi’s €60million (£50m) release clause and the potential arrival of Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso in the dugout will have no affect regarding their plans.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesThe same report claims the final decision now lies on the defensive midfielder.Zubimendi is highly rated and has been compared to Chelsea and Real legend Claude Makelele, Barcelona hero Sergio Busquets and Manchester City star Rodri.Myles Lewis-Skelly lost for words after finding out he has broken England recordArsenal and Liverpool were very keen to sign him last summer but he was persuaded to remain at his beloved Sociedad by manager Alguacil and sporting director Roberto Olabe.The pair prepared a presentation and pulled on the player’s San Sebastian heartstrings with pictures of his favourite local tapas restaurants and mountain hikes he enjoys in the Basque Country.The talented No6 has amassed a total of two goals and two assists in 38 appearances this season. More

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      Liverpool set to rake in millions from Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Real Madrid transfer despite star being out of contract

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      REAL MADRID are ready to land Trent Alexander-Arnold in time for the Club World Cup.The Liverpool right-back, 26, has agreed a £240,000-a-week five-year deal to join on a free transfer this summer.Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to join Real Madrid this summerCredit: GettyReal Madrid could pay the Reds £5m to sign the full-back in time for the Club World CupCredit: GettyAlexander-Arnold’s Anfield contract runs until June 30 — but the Club World Cup kicks off on June 15.Real are now willing to stump up a fee, understood to be around £5million, to sign him on June 1 so he can join England team-mate Jude Bellingham on the plane for the US-hosted tournament.They are willing to pay out now having had an approach over a transfer knocked back by Liverpool on New Year’s Eve.The Reds refused as they were determined their vice-captain stayed to help boss Arne Slot end his first season in charge with the Prem title.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDutchman Slot was also wary over releasing the player due to a shortage of defenders in his squad.But with Anfield owners the Fenway Sports Group now resigned to losing the England international, who is sidelined with an ankle injury, they could decide to grab some money from his departure.They would not only get a fee but also save a month’s wages on the Scouser, who is on £140,000-a-week at Anfield.Last September, Alexander-Arnold insisted that discussion on his future “would not be played out in public”.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut it is now common knowledge that he is leaving the club he joined as a six-year-old.His last appearance is likely to be in the home clash with Crystal Palace on May 25 — the final day of the Prem season.Moment Mo Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold are pulled apart after apparent spat during Liverpool training Liverpool are still sweating on the decisions by Mo Salah and skipper Virgil van Dijk, who both have their contracts ending on June 30.But FSG and boss Slot are understood to be confident Dutch centre-back Van Dijk and Egyptian striker Salah will sign new deals. More

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      ‘I couldn’t believe it’ – Ronaldo still stunned by how Brazil team-mate drank his £8,000 bottle of wine

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      RONALDO has a vintage reason for remembering a jaw-dropping incident with a team-mate.The former Barcelona and Real Madrid striker played alongside Vampeta for both Brazil and Inter Milan.Ronaldo has told of his shock when his pal opened some special wineCredit: GettyVampeta had an unusual reaction to spotting the bottleCredit: AP:Associated PressAnd even though the midfielder played only eight games for the Italians, he still made a special mark on Ronaldo – or at least his wine collection.The 98-cap legend had spent 10,000 euros – about £8,000 – on a bottle of Petrus wine.Arguably the most famous ‘plonk’ in the world, the brand from Bordeaux originated in the 18th century.Petrus wine takes three or four decades to reach its best – but Vampeta needed just a few seconds to do his worst!READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRonaldo, 48, told Brazilian podcast Charla what unfolded when the 51-year old saw the bottle.He said: “I bought a bottle of Petrus wine. I brought it home more for its symbolic value, being the most famous wine in the world. “I had no intention of opening it because the bottle dated back to the year of his birth – 1500.BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”They had told me it hadn’t even been a good year! Most read in Football”Well, Vampeta opened it, took some plastic glasses, poured it, drank it and made a disgusted face saying, ‘It’s damn hot, is there ice in it?'”Erling Haaland’s salary is only ninth biggest in football with Chelsea flop Koulibaly earning more than Man City starIf that wasn’t enough for poor Ronaldo to deal with, he explained that Vampeta wasn’t quite finished.The ex-PSV Eindhoven hero added: “Then he started putting an ice cube in each glass.”And I couldn’t believe it because, as I said, it was just a wine for display.”There was no suggestion Vampeta was aware of the wine being so special.And it’s also unclear what Ronaldo meant by the date “1500”.That’s because the earliest trace of the Petrus vineyards in Pomerol, Bordeaux, appears to be the 1750s.Interestingly, however, the 19 years of especially fine vintages for the elite brand include 2000… the year Vampeta was making his own unique contribution to its history! Wine connoisseur Ronaldo twice won the World Cup with BrazilCredit: AFP More

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      What happened to the six Englishmen who played for Real Madrid with Trent Alexander-Arnold set to join exclusive club

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      TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD is set to become just the seventh Englishman to play for Real Madrid in the professional era.The Liverpool full-back, 26, has agreed terms with the Spanish giants.Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to seal his Liverpool exitCredit: GettyAlexander-Arnold has reportedly sealed a five-year contract worth £240,000 a week.The England star will link up with international team-mate Jude Bellingham in the Spanish capitalOver the last four years playing for the Three Lions together, the duo have forged a strong friendship.So they will be thrilled to team up at club level for arguably the biggest team in the world.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPrior to the professional era, Englishmen Charles Wallace, Guillermo Linney and Arthur Johnson played for Los Blancos.While a further trio – Lindsey, Stampher and Vickerstaff – also played for Real Madrid in the club’s early years, although their first names are not known.The six England stars to have played for Real Madrid in the modern era have had mixed fortunes.Ahead of Alexander-Arnold’s blockbuster free transfer, SunSport takes a look at how each of his English Real Madrid predecessors have fared.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKLAURIE CUNNINGHAM (1979-1984)Real Madrid splashed out £950,000 to sign Cunningham from West Brom in 1979.As one of the “Three Degrees” alongside Cyrille Regis and Brendon Batson, Cunningham had left an unforgettable mark at the Hawthorns.’He’s going to Tranmere after this’ – Roy Keane rips into Trent Alexander-Arnold after ‘school boy’ defending vs Man UtdThe left winger became an instant hit in the Spanish capital, scoring twice on his debut.Cunningham helped his side to the LaLiga title in 1980, and played in the European Cup final against Liverpool the following year.Following a loan spell with Manchester United, Cunningham moved to Marseille in 1984.Having played for Leicester, Charleroi and Wimbledon, Cunningham returned to Madrid with Rayo Vallecano in 1988.The following year he tragically died in a car crash in the city aged just 33.Laurie Cunningham signed for Real Madrid in 1979Credit: PA:Empics SportCunningham had achieved legend status at West BromCredit: GettySTEVE MCMANAMAN (1999-2003)Like Alexander-Arnold is set to, McManaman left boyhood club Liverpool for the bright lights of Madrid in 1999.A silky winger, McManaman proved to be a hit in Madrid.The Bernabeu crowd immediately took to their new English hero, with his floppy hair and nonchalant flair.McManaman helped Real win six trophies in four years, and scored his side’s second goal in their victorious 2000 Champions League final.He went on to leave Madrid in 2003, spending the final two years of his career with Manchester City.After hanging up his boots, McManaman worked as a pundit for Setanta Sports, BT Sport and ESPN.Now 53, he can regularly be seen on TNT Sports’ football coverage, especially when Liverpool or Real Madrid are playing.Steve McManaman was popular with Real Madrid’s fansCredit: AFPMcManaman, 53, is now a TNT Sports regularCredit: GettyDAVID BECKHAM (2003-2007)In 2003, Real Madrid made Manchester United superstar Beckham their latest Galactico.Golden Balls joined a squad boasting the likes of Ronaldo, Raul, Zinedine Zidane and Roberto Carlos in the Spanish capital.Despite his love for high-end fashion and the celebrity lifestyle, Beckham became much beloved in Spain for his incredible work rate, professionalism and of course, quality.Despite boasting a star-studded squad, the fabled La Decima – a tenth Champions League triumph – eluded Real Madrid during his four-year stint.He didn’t leave empty-handed, however, winning the LaLiga title in 2007 before leaving for LA Galaxy.Since Beckham hung up his boots in 2013 he has continued to have several endorsement deals; including the likes of Adidas, Armani, Pepsi and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.Beckham, 49, also owns MLS side Inter Miami, and played a big role in their groundbreaking deal for Lionel Messi in 2023.David Beckham spent four years as a GalacticoCredit: AFPBeckham brought Lionel Messi to Inter MiamiCredit: APMICHAEL OWEN (2004-2005)Like McManaman before him, Owen quit Liverpool for Real Madrid.But the former Ballon d’Or winner endured a frustrating season at the Bernabeu, finding himself stuck behind Ronaldo and Raul.Twelve months on from Owen’s £8million switch, Real Madrid doubled their money by flogging him to Newcastle.Owen then spent three years with Liverpool’s rivals Man Utd, before one final year at Stoke.Immediately after hanging up his boots, Owen signed up to be BT Sport’s primary co-commentator upon the channel’s launch.In addition to his punditry work, the former striker has enjoyed several other ventures.Owen, 45, has his own clothing range with Peacocks, while he also appeared on The Masked Singer.Michael Owen scored 16 goals for Real MadridCredit: AP:Associated PressOwen, 45, appeared on The Masked SingerJONATHAN WOODGATE (2004-2007)Woodgate endured one of the most infamous debuts of all time after switching Newcastle for Real Madrid in 2004.The luckless defender went through injury hell following the £13.4m transfer, having to wait 17 months before playing his first game.Just 25 minutes in, the England international headed into his own net. Things then got even worse when he was sent off just after the hour mark.Woodgate played just 14 times that season, before a loan move to Middlesbrough effectively ended his Real Madrid career.After signing permanently for Boro, Woody earned a move to Tottenham in January 2008. He won the League Cup barely a month later, and remains the last Spurs player to score a winning goal in a cup final.Following spells with Stoke and back at Middlesbrough, Woodgate retired in 2016.He has since gone into coaching, managing Boro and Bournemouth.Woodgate, 45, returned to Middlesbrough once again in 2022, where he works as a first team coach under Michael Carrick.Jonathan Woodgate signed for Real Madrid in 2004Credit: EPAWoodgate now works as a first team coach under Michael Carrick at MiddlesbroughCredit: AlamyJUDE BELLINGHAM (2023-present)England superstar Bellingham sealed a blockbuster £115m transfer from Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid in the summer of 2023.The move has been a resounding success, with the midfielder immediately excelling in Spain.Bellingham scored on his debut, and went on net five times in his first four LaLiga matches.The image of the 21-year-old with his arms outstretched has quickly become an iconic one.READ MORE SUN STORIESBirmingham’s finest has already won LaLiga and the Champions League during his young career.And with Alexander-Arnold soon to be alongside him, Bellingham will feel that he can add plenty more to his already impressive trophy tally.Jude Bellingham’s celebration is already iconicCredit: GettyBellingham is close friends with Alexander-ArnoldCredit: AP More

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      ‘We all know’ – Real Madrid target Dean Huijsen WON’T be a Bournemouth player next year, says team-mate Justin Kluivert

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      JUSTIN KLUIVERT is resigned to losing Bournemouth team-mate Dean Huijsen.Real Madrid are taking an increasing interest in the Spain defender after a stellar breakthrough season in the Premier League.Dean Huijsen is a target for Real Madrid this summerCredit: GettyJustin Kluivert expects his team-mate to leave BouremouthCredit: AlamyCentre half Huijsen, 19, won his first senior cap as he helped his country see off Kluivert and Holland in a Nations League penalty shootout yesterday.Kluivert said: “He plays for Bournemouth with me. He is a great player. Spain has a phenomenon for so many years.”He is truly amazing. He came to England in the summer and adapted fantastically.”He is so young and he already plays for Spain – and he plays like this.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I’m sure he will have a lot of offers in the summer. And we all know that next year he won’t be with us at Bournemouth.”SunSport exclusively revealed in January that 15-times European champions Madrid have lined up a move for the blossoming defender.He has a £50million release clause in his contract having cost Bournemouth just £15m last summer from Juventus, and has also been linked with Premier League rivals including Manchester United.It took Huijsen until December to nail down a place in Andoni Iraola’s side but has not looked back since, featuring 27 times this season.Most read in FootballHe was called up to the senior Spain squad for the first time this month.Huijsen, who was born in Amsterdam but moved with his family to Marbella as a kid, previously represented Holland at Under-19 level.Wolves fan goes to extreme measures to distract Justin Kluivert taking a penalty in loss to BournemouthDean Huijsen earned his first two caps for Spain in this international breakCredit: Rex More

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      Barcelona forced into major stadium decision as Nou Camp reopening delayed AGAIN

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      BARCELONA’S move to their new stadium has been delayed AGAIN.Barca left the Nou Camp in 2023 and have since been playing at the Catalan city’s Olympic Stadium.Barcelona’s return to the Nou Camp has been delayed once moreCredit: BARCELONABarcelona left the Nou Camp in 2023 and have since been playing at the Olympic StadiumCredit: BARCELONABarcelona fans were informed they will play the rest of their LaLiga and Champions League matches at the Olympic StadiumCredit: BARCELONABarcelona were expected to return to the Nou Camp in NovemberCredit: RexThe legendary ground, which will be renamed the Spotify Camp Nou, is undergoing reconstruction that will see it hold a capacity of around 105,000 – the highest in Europe.The Blaugrana were initially expected to return in time for the club’s 125th anniversary last November.Barcelona president Joan Laporta then claimed the club would be back in the stadium by March.According to ESPN, however, the Catalan giants have now informed fans the club will finish the season at the Olympic Stadium, where they will play all remaining LaLiga and Champions League matches.Read More on FootballSupporters got the news via email on Thursday.Things have slowed down due to the fact more work is required on the second tier than initially planned.This comes after a recent report from Relevo claimed the earliest the Catalans could move would be October 2025.The same source added the stadium’s roof will not be installed until summer of 2026.Most read in FootballBarcelona are pushing for the LaLiga title despite playing away from their home.They currently top LaLiga, but bitter rivals Real Madrid are second with the same amount of points.Delayed Camp Nou appears far from completion as new video shows slow progress of £1Atletico Madrid are four points behind the El Clasico foes amid an exciting season.Hansi Flick’s side are also in the Champions League quarter-finals where they will face Borussia Dortmund. More

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      Champions League giants ‘ready to WITHDRAW 70,460-seater stadium from hosting World Cup’

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      ATLETICO MADRID are prepared to pull out of hosting games at the 2030 World Cup, reports claim.As many as 23 venues have been proposed for the biggest show in sport in five years’ time- which will be held across a record SIX countries.Atletico Madrid are prepared to withdraw from hosting games at the 2030 World CupThe club won’t push for the Metropolitano to be one of the 32 stadium venuesSpain, Portugal and Morocco will be the main hosts in 2030 in a year where the World Cup will celebrate its 100th anniversary. It is the first time the competition will be played in Spain for 48 years, and its first time ever in the latter two.For its centenary celebrations, the first three matches of the 2030 World Cup will be held in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay.This is to commemorate the first World Cup final in 1930, where hosts Uruguay beat Argentina 4-2 in the final.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe final venues for the tournament have not been confirmed, although most grounds are bidding for a spot.But Atletico Madrid are reportedly shelving their 2030 World Cup hosting bid.The LaLiga club won’t push for the Metropolitano to be one of the 32 stadium venues, according to Spanish outlet Relevo.It comes as Fifa requires stadiums to be available more than a month before the 2030 tournament for its preparations.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut Atletico are keen to exploit the commercial benefits of hosting concerts and events during the peak summer calendar.Reports claim that Atletico would lose around £20million by not being able to use its stadium during June and July.Inside £49m ‘Stadium of the Year’ which saw world record set and is more popular than the Bernabeu And club believe that hosting one or two group stage matches is not worth losing out on the concert money.Meanwhile, Atletico are also predicting that they’ll likely play second fiddle to fierce city rivals Real Madrid in 2030.The new and iconic Bernabeu will compete with Barcelona’s Nou Camp to host the World Cup final. Meanwhile, Valencia’s Nou Mestalla Stadium is set to have its World Cup hosting rights restored after work restarted following 16 years.The skeleton of what had been dubbed “the world’s best stadium” had been lying dormant as construction work halted in 2009.The aim is to complete the 70,000-capacity stadium by the summer of 2027 after the club unveiled its sixth set of plans since the original announcement in 2006.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd the president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), Rafael Louzan, has now suggested the ground will be one considered for 2030.Meanwhile. the Metropolitano has all-but been confirmed as the host stadium for the 2027 Champions League final, according to the president of the Spanish football federation (RFEF).2030 FIFA World Cup venues – proposed full listAnoeta Donostia, SpainCamp Nou Barcelona, SpainGran Canaria, SpainLa Cartuja, SpainLa Rosaleda SpainRiyadh Air Metropolitano, SpainNueva Romareda, SpainRCDE Stadium, SpainEstadio Riazor, SpainSan Mamés, SpainSantiago Bernabéu, SpainEstádio da Luz, PortugalEstádio do Dragão, PortugalEstádio José Alvalade, PortugalAdrar Stadium, MoroccoHassan II Stadium, MoroccoFez Stadium, MoroccoMarrakesh Stadium,MoroccoPrince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, MoroccoIbn Batouta Stadium, MoroccoEstadio National del Paraguay, ParaguayEstadio Monumental, ArgentinaEstadio Centenario, Uruguay More