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    Modric has head in hands and Vinicius Jr can’t look as Valencia’s Diakhaby suffers horrific freak injury vs Real Madrid

    VALENCIA star Mouctar Diakhaby suffered a horrific freak leg injury in his side’s draw with Real Madrid on Saturday.Players on both teams were left close to tears after the defender went down in an accidental collision with Vinicius Jr.Players were close to tears as Mouctar Diakhaby suffered a horror leg injury against Real MadridCredit: AFPThe Valencia star went down after an accidental collision by Vinicius JrCredit: AFPThe Brazilian was unable to watch the dramatic scenes unfurlCredit: GettyLuka Modric had his head in his handsReal’s Brazilian winger couldn’t look during the aftermath as medics rushed onto the field.And Croatia legend Luka Modric was left with his head in his hands as Diakhaby writhed in pain on the ground.The tragic incident occurred in the 86th minute of the 2-2 draw at the Mestalla, which ended in a red card for Jude Bellingham after his 99th minute winner was ruled out as the ref had already blown the final whistle.As Vinicius Jr went down following a challenge, he tumbled straight into the legs of Diakhaby.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe centre-back fell awkwardly on top of Vinicius Jr as one leg appeared to get caught.And he immediately yelled out in pain as players signalled straight away for medical help.Many stars on the pitch looked close to tears as the reality of the scene became clear.Vinicius Jr couldn’t look at Diakhaby in pain as he stared at the ground in disbelief instead.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBrahim Diaz covered his mouth in shockCredit: GettyPlayers on both sides looked close to tearsCredit: GettyAntonio Rudiger appeared extremely distressedCredit: APDiakhaby was stretchered off the field by medicsCredit: APAnd teammate Modric buried his face in his hands as Valencia’s star defender was stretchered off the field.Antonio Rudiger also appeared greatly distressed, while Brahim Diaz covered his mouth in shock.Kylian Mbappe watches PSG clash with his mum after being subbed at HALF TIME with Real Madrid transfer Before Diakhaby’s injury, Valencia had been 2-0 up but were pegged back by Vinicius Jr’s brace.The visitors thought they bagged a winner in the 99th minute through England star Bellingham.He leapt highest in the box to head Diaz’s cross into the home side’s net.But his celebrations were brutally cut short after realising ref Jesus Gil Manzano had ended the game while the cross was in the air.Irate Bellingham was even shown a red card for his furious protests as the official headed off the Mestalla pitch.Madrid’s former Chelsea defender Rudiger was also dismissed in the aftermath.Manzano had initially indicated seven minutes of additional time after Diakhaby’s injury.That time had passed, but Carlo Ancelotti’s side were piling on pressure searching for a winner and Manzano blew with Madrid’s attack in full flow.The draw costs Bellingham and Co the chance to go nine points clear of surprise package Girona at the top of LaLiga.And now talisman Bellingham – the league’s top scorer with 16 goals – will face a ban.READ MORE SUN STORIESMadrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni wasted no time in slamming the officials on social media.Just minutes after the whistle, the Frenchman wrote on X: “That’s embarrassing.” More

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    Barcelona ‘open talks’ with Prem legend about becoming manager with bizarre clause that will let him keep current job

    BARCELONA have contacted Portugal boss Roberto Martinez over the prospect of replacing Xavi in the dugout this summer, reports suggest.The Barca manager has announced he will leave his post in June once the season is complete and club chiefs are rigorously searching for his replacement.Barcelona have contacted Portugal manager Roberto MartinezCredit: GettyMartinez has been offered the chance to continue coaching Portugal after replacing XaviCredit: RexA number of candidates have been touted, including the likes of Barcelona B coach Rafa Marquez, ex-Germany and Bayern Munich boss Hansi Flick and Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi.Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has also been linked with the Blaugrana but he quickly dismissed those rumours as “totally fake news”.According to FootballTransfers, however, Barcelona have approached Martinez, 50, over the possibility of taking over the top job at the Nou Camp.The Catalan giants are offering the ex-Swansea, Wigan and Everton boss an initial one-year deal with the option for one more.Read More on FootballBarcelona are also on board with the Spanish tactician juggling his current job as Portugal’s head coach, which will allow him to continue working with Cristiano Ronaldo and Co.Barca have been keeping tabs on the Premier League hero for a long time as they almost signed him in 2021 before ultimately turning to Xavi following Ronald Koeman’s dismissal.Club president Joan Laporta is a big admirer of Martinez, who has close ties to Barcelona because of his relationship with the Cruyff family. The ex-Wigan star is godfather to one of the sons of Jordi Cruyff, who is the son of Barcelona legend Johan.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSReports suggest Martinez has previously expressed interest in coaching the Spanish giants.The Catalan head coach is no stranger to success as he shocked the world when he won the FA Cup with Wigan in 2013 after beating Manchester City in the final.Sports reporter Melissa Reddy works up a sweat as she shows off her gym routineHe also led Belgium to third place in the 2018 World Cup as well as the top spot in the FIFA rankings.Roberto Martinez’s Managerial Record

    2007-2009: Swansea
    2009-2013: Wigan
    2013-2016: Everton
    2016-2022: Belgium
    2023-: Portugal

    Trophies: League One (Swansea – 2007-2008), FA Cup (Wigan-2013) More

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    Ex-Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel ‘open to replacing Xavi at Barcelona but wants to take Erik ten Hag’s job at Man Utd’

    THOMAS TUCHEL would consider bossing Barcelona – if he can’t get the Manchester United job.That’s the claim from Germany after the ex-Chelsea chief agreed to leave Bayern Munich this summer.Thomas Tuchel could land another huge role when he leaves BayernCredit: GettyAnother former Blues’ manager, Graham Potter, is the current favourite to succeed Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford – closely followed by Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane and ex-Wolves manager Julen Lopetegui.But SportBild journalist Christian Falk says Tuchel’s “priority” is a Premier League return – with United topping his wishlist.However, if Ten Hag holds onto his position, or if new Red Devils’ minority owner sir Jim Ratcliffe looks elsewhere, then Barca could beckon.Nou Camp legend Xavi has refused the Spanish giants’ request to U-turn on his pledge to quit as boss at the end of the season.READ MORE TOP STORIESAnd the race to replace him appears wide open.Falk has named Tuchel as a willing contender – but the ex-PSG chief faces tough competition from fellow German Hansi Flick.It leaves at least four of Europe’s traditional giants – United, Real, Bayern and Liverpool – staring at major managerial decisions this summer.Indeed, Tuchel has also been mentioned as an option to follow Jurgen Klopp at Anfield.Most read in FootballHOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALLIt appears Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso is so far Liverpool’s top target.But Bayern have also been linked with the former Spain midfielder, who played for the Bundesliga club as well as the Reds and Real.I won iconic Treble at Man Utd… but I fear I’ll have to BUY a football club to ever land another managerial job More

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    Kylian Mbappe’s mum ‘jets to Madrid to find incoming Real star a new home as transfer moves step closer’

    KYLIAN MBAPPE’S mother has allegedly been house-hunting in Spain ahead of her son’s move to Real Madrid.The 25-year-old French superstar is out of contract at Paris Saint-Germain in June.Kylian Mbappe’s move to Real Madrid has reportedly moved a step closerCredit: GettyThe star’s mum Fayza Lamari, top right, has allegedly been house hunting in MadridHe is widely-believed to have decided to join Real on a sensational free transfer, although there are still a few final details to sort.Even though he will technically be a free agent, the World Cup winning forward’s signing will not come cheaply.Numerous reports claim Mbappe is set to earn MORE than Jude Bellingham’s entire £114m transfer fee with his signing-on bonus.It was also claimed he had made three staggering financial demands in order to complete the move.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThose were believed to have been met with Mbappe reported to have agreed a five-year contract to move to the Bernabeu.Another fresh update then claimed that Madrid are willing to sign the star’s younger brother Ethan, 17, in order to help finally get their man.Mbappe’s entourage, which is led by his mother Fayza Lamari, made the special request to Madrid, with their president Florentino Perez agreeing to the request.Now Relevo have stated that his mum and agent Fayza has been in the Spanish capital to find a house for her boy ahead of his long-awaited switch.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSShe has been weighing up the logistical and safety elements where he will live, with a popular spot close to the training ground looking like the preferred spot.La Moraleja is around ten minutes away from Valdebebas, where Madrid’s huge training complex and HQ is located, and is said to be a top choice.PSG take training to the next level with ROBOT WALL as fans joke ‘all this to convince Mbappe to stay’While La Finca, another popular spot with the Madrid squad, is a slight second preference.Meanwhile, this report also states that the Valdemarin area, where Bellingham lives, is another option.Madrid are set to hand Mbappe a £85.5m signing-on fee upon his arrival, which will make him become the club’s highest earner, surpassing Bellingham, that’s despite taking a pay-cut and accepting a lower wage.Mbappe came close to making the move in 2022, but announced a two-year extension with PSG instead. But he caused a stir at the French side last summer after refusing to sign a new contract.The Ligue 1 giants subsequently accepted a huge £259million offer from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal for him, but Mbappe rejected the move.He was briefly axed from the squad and sent to train with PSG’s “undesirables” – a group of players not wanted by the club.However, he made a return at the start of the Ligue 1 campaign and has since scored over 30 goals so far this term.The star could be moving to La Moraleja, which is 9km from the Real Madrid training HQ More

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    Erling Haaland’s agent ‘meets with Barcelona and discusses Man City star’s future’ in hint at huge transfer

    ERLING HAALAND’S agent has held a meeting with Barcelona in what could be a hint at the forward’s future.Footage captured from Spanish outlet Jijantes shows Barca sporting director Deco meeting with superagent Rafaela Pimenta.Erling Haaland could be on his way to BarcelonaCredit: Alamy💣 EXCLUSIVA @JijantesFC‼ Cumbre del BARÇA con los agentes de HAALAND ‼Deco, el director deportivo azulgrana, se ha reunido hoy con Rafaela Pimenta y Maxwell, agentes del delantero noruego, entre muchos otros. El futuro de Haaland, el gran sueño de Laporta, uno de los… pic.twitter.com/lFKPtXTQdF— Jijantes FC (@JijantesFC) February 28, 2024

    They allege that Haaland’s future was discussed at the meeting.The 23-year-old has previously been linked with Spanish giants Real Madrid.However, it seems Barcelona want to try and steal a march on their LaLiga rivals by pipping them to the signing of the Manchester City ace.Haaland has a contract at Man City running until 2027 which sees him earn £375,000 a week before bonuses. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt then eclipses the £850,000 mark when bonuses and incentives are added.Reports in Spain suggest the Norwegian’ has a £171.6million (€200m) release clause in his contract that will become active in the summer. The value of the clause is set to decrease in every transfer window beyond 2024 until its expiry.A “big dream” of Barcelona president Joan Laporta is said to have been one of the points of discussion at the meeting.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPimenta took over the agency left behind by Mino Raiola following his passing in April 2022.Haaland netted five goals in Man City’s 6-2 win over Luton in the FA Cup.His hat-trick in the game was the 18th of his club career, with two more coming for his country.He has already scored 27 goals in all competitions this season, which comes on the back of a record-breaking 52-goal campaign last season.Top 10 highest paid footballers in the world revealed with no Premier League players making the top five More

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    Mason Greenwood ‘does NOT want to return to Man Utd’ despite new boss saying he’s open to having star striker come back

    MASON Greenwood does not want to return to Manchester United despite Sir Jim Ratcliffe leaving the door open, according to reports.The 22-year-old striker last played for the Red Devils in January 2022.
    Mason Greenwood does not want to return to Manchester United, according to reportsCredit: Reuters
    Sir Jim Ratcliffe did not rule out a return for GreenwoodCredit: PA
    He is said to be enjoying his new life in Madrid with his partner Harriet Robson and babyCredit: Facebook
    He joined Spanish LaLiga side Getafe in September on loan for the rest of the season.
    United’s new investor Ratcliffe, who completed a deal to buy 27.7 per cent of the club, did not rule out a return for Greenwood.
    He said: “It’s a fresh decision. We will make a decision. I do not know if he could still have a future.
    “All I can do is talk about the principle of how we will approach decisions like that.
    Read more Sports News
    “Is he the right type of footballer? Are we happy with that? Is he a good person or not?
    “The process will be: Understand the facts not the hype and then try and come to a fair decision on the basis of values which is basically whether he is a good guy or not.
    “Could he play sincerely for Manchester United and would we be comfortable with it and the fans would be comfortable with it?
    “It’s quite clear we have to make a decision. There is no decision that’s been made.”
    Most read in Football
    But it has now emerged Greenwood, who is under contract until 2025, would be “reluctant” to accept any offer of a return.
    The Athletic reported that Greenwood feels as though United should have given him more support after he was arrested on suspicion of rape and sexual assault in January 2022.
    All charges were subsequently dropped, but the England man would “face greater pressure and scrutiny” if he returned to the Premier League.
    He is also said to be enjoying his new life in Madrid with his partner Harriet Robson and baby and is able to stay “away from the spotlight” while playing in LaLiga.
    It comes as Greenwood wants an investigation into whether Jude Bellingham called him a “rapist” dropped.
    Real Madrid’s Bellingham appeared to mouth a slur after tackling the Getafe player this month.
    Spanish footie bosses launched a probe, which could see Bellingham, 20, hit with a ban.
    But a source said: “Mason has told them he doesn’t want Jude to be punished and has asked them to drop it.
    “He doesn’t want bad publicity and wants to get on with playing football.
    READ MORE SUN STORIES
    “He was very upset at the time as he didn’t expect it from someone like Jude.
    “But he knows he’s always likely to be a target for that kind of stuff so he’s accepted he’ll need a thick skin.”
    The striker joined Spanish LaLiga side Getafe in September on loanCredit: Getty
    Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham appeared to mouth a slur after tackling the Getafe player this monthCredit: Rex
    Greenwood’s potential future optionsMASON Greenwood’s long-term future in football still remains unclear.
    Greenwood is out of contract in 2025 and is largely expected to leave Old Trafford in the summer.
    But the star has enjoyed a good season at Getafe and has been linked with other clubs.
    Here are his four main options:
    Stay at Manchester United
    Greenwood’s United career was largely thought to be over when he moved to Getafe on deadline day last September.
    But new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has since hinted that the 22-year-old could be handed a path back to Old Trafford.
    Ratcliffe left the door open for Greenwood to play for United again after saying a “decision” needed to be made.
    Sir Jim said: “He’s on loan obviously but he’s not the only one. We’ve got one or two footballers that we have to deal with and we have to make a decision on so we will do that.”
    Barcelona
    The Spanish giants are understood to have been monitoring the former Manchester United star all season.
    Greenwood has reportedly told his advisors that Barcelona is a “dream move”.
    One source told SunSport: “Barcelona want to sign Greenwood, and he wants to move there.
    “The next step is for the clubs to come to an agreement.”
    Barca are even said to be willing to offer the 22-year-old Lionel Messi’s legendary No10 shirt to convince him to join.
    Atletico Madrid
    The Red Devils academy graduate has also attracted interest from Atletico Madrid.
    Marca previously reported, via Estadio Deportivo, that the club have held talks with United as they step up their pursuit.
    Atletico had a chance to take in Greenwood up close during their derby meeting in mid-December. 
    Whilst the former England international didn’t get on the scoresheet during the testy 3-3 draw, Getafe were able to frustrate the Champions League side and escape the Metropolitano with a point. 
    Make Getafe move permanent
    Greenwood has been building back his form as a regular starter at the La Liga side.
    He seems to have been enjoying his football and is thought to be interested in staying in Spain long-term after settling in the national capital.
    Greenwood has scored seven goals and provided five assists in 25 appearances.
    But several unnamed Italian clubs have also been linked with making moves for Greenwood in the summer. More

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    Real Madrid ‘agree to sign Kylian Mbappe’s brother Ethan, 17, as part of deal to lure PSG superstar to Bernabeu’

    REAL MADRID have reportedly agreed a deal to sign Mbappe – although they are still waiting to secure the signature of Kylian.The 25-year-old French superstar is out of contract at Paris Saint-Germain this summer.
    Ethan Mbappe is allegedly set to join big brother Kylian at Real MadridCredit: Rex
    A number of reports have emerged that he has decided to join Real on a sensational free transfer.
    Despite technically being free, the World Cup winning forward’s signing will not come cheap.
    Some reports have even claimed that Mbappe is set to earn MORE than Jude Bellingham’s entire £114m transfer fee with his signing-on bonus.
    We also recently revealed how other news outlets had claimed he had made three staggering financial demands in order to complete the move.
    READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
    Those have allegedly been met with Mbappe believed to have agreed a five-year contract to move to the Bernabeu.
    Now a fresh update has claimed that Madrid are willing to sign the star’s younger brother Ethan, 17, in order to help finally get their man.
    The midfielder is also currently at PSG but is mainly part of their youth side and has featured for them in the UEFA Youth League.
    Ethan does have three senior appearances and even played alongside Kylian on his debut.
    Most read in Football
    But he now looks set to be heading to Spain with his sibling.
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    OK Diario director Eduardo Inda explained on El Chiringuito show that Mbappe’s entourage, which is led by his mother Fayza Lamari, made the special request to Madrid.
    They asked that they also sign Ethan, who becomes a free agent himself on June 30.
    Top 10 highest paid footballers in the world revealed with no Premier League players making the top five
    Madrid president Florentino Perez was keen to make the family happy and allegedly quickly agreed.
    Ethan is now set to link-up with Madrid’s B team this summer when his brother finally moves to Los Blancos.
    The Mbappe brothers are not the only big brother-little brother duo who have rising stock in football.
    Jude and Jobe Bellingham, who star for Real Madrid and Sunderland respectively, have had a meteoric rise in the last 12 months.
    There are also Chelsea brother and sister Reece and Lauren James, as well as Serbian national team duo Sergej and Vanja Milinkovic-Savic. More

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    Xabi Alonso ‘not interested in Bayern Munich, Liverpool or Real Madrid’ as World Cup winner predicts next move

    XABI ALONSO is going to snub Liverpool, Bayern Munich AND Real Madrid – according to Germany legend Lothar Matthaus.Former Bayern star Matthaus would love Alonso to be the next boss of his old team, but reckons the Spaniard will spurn interest from a number of big clubs to stay for at least one more year at Bayer Leverkusen.
    Bayern Munich and Germany legend Lothar Matthaus believes Xabi Alonso is going nowhere this summerCredit: Getty
    Matthaus said: “His dream may be to one day coach Bayern, Liverpool or Real Madrid. But, in my opinion, he is not done at Leverkusen yet.
    “Xabi is not someone who gets carried away by big names, he has celebrated too many successes as a player for that. 
    “He, in addition, is not going to be guided by the economic aspect. What matters to him is what he has built and who he has built it with. 
    “He knows where he comes from and what he owes to others. That’s why I don’t think he’s going to sign for another club next season.”
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    Former Kop idol Alonso is believed to be Liverpool’s top choice to replace Jurgen Klopp when the German leaves Anfield at the end of the season.
    But another of the Spaniard’s former clubs, Bayern, are also in the market for a new head coach after confirming that Thomas Tuchel would be on his way this summer.
    And Real Madrid, another club that Alonso graced as one of the most stylish midfielders of his generation, have also been linked with him.
    Matthaus, who won seven Bundesliga titles with Bayern and the 1990 World Cup with West Germany, knows exactly where he would like Alonso to pitch up next.
    Most read in Football
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    Matthaus, 62, now a Sky Germany pundit, said: “As for the search for Tuchel’s successor, I would first like to say one thing: Xabi Alonso has to top Bayern’s list because of his resume, his authority and his successful work at Leverkusen. 
    “I can’t think of any coach in Europe or the world who fits Bayern Munich better than Xabi Alonso.
    Xabi Alonso and De Zerbi are two names who could replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool in the summer
    “But Alonso is focused on Bayer Leverkusen and I think that is good. Xabi Alonso is not yet interested in Bayern Munich, nor in Liverpool or Real Madrid. 
    “He is only interested in winning three titles with Leverkusen in the next two and a half months.
    “The way he was a player, he is the same now as a coach.
    “He is true to his character. The stories that are unfolding now and in the coming weeks and months don’t matter to him. 
    “He has no pressure and can take things easy.” More