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    Is Fabrizio Romano a time traveller? Fans spot his eerie sub ‘leak’ during Liverpool’s win over Chelsea

    FORGET mystic meerkats, uncanny octopuses and even good old-fashioned crystal balls – this eerie Anfield tale might freak you out.Fans reckon Fabrizio Romano metamorphosed from transfer guru to “time traveller” – as he spooked them out with his mid-match messages in Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Chelsea.Liverpool’s Diogo Jota was at the centre of a fun ‘time-travel’ conundrum after he got injured in the 2-1 victory over ChelseaCredit: APJota had to be replaced by Darwin Nunez after just 30 minutesCredit: RexThe journalist’s millions of followers already believe he is in the loop with his transfer insights – but never before in a TIME loop.Romano saw the Reds return top of the Premier League with Arne Slot’s 10th victory in 11 matches since his summer arrival as boss.But amid a new blitz of VAR dramas, the Italian sparked a conspiracy – with the mysterious timing of his posts about Diogo Jota.The Liverpool winger was caught up in a major first-half talking point.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWith the score goalless, the Portuguese hero escaped through the middle but was hauled down by Tosin Adarabioyo.The Chelsea centre-back was only booked, leaving Arsenal fans furious as they claimed William Saliba’s red-card foul 24 hours earlier was identical.Jota never fully recovered from the knock, meaning he was replaced by Darwin Nunez on the half-hour.Unfortunate, you might think, but nothing untoward.Most read in FootballHere’s how Fabrizio Romano sparked a mystical mysteryFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSExcept, as one fan posted: “16:43pm: Fabrizio Romano tweets Diogo Jota has left the pitch with an injury despite him not.”17:02pm: Diogo Jota leaves the pitch with an injury. Is this brother a time traveller…?”Watch Wolves’ incredible player announcement video that savages both Chelsea and Fabrizio Romano in single strokeA second observer added: “At least now we know why he knows all the transfer news? He’s a time traveller.”A third supporter noted: “He also got the replacement correct.”And a few went even further down the “sub leak” rabbit hole with suggestions like: “This just proves that football is scripted.”But others attempted to ease the conundrum by pointing out: “He left the pitch for a few minutes earlier and Nunez was warming up.”At least Romano didn’t share extra-early details of how Jota suffered his blow.Otherwise it might have been a case of Whack to the Future.Romano baffled his millions of followers by posting as fact something that only happened 19 minutes laterCredit: Sportsfile More

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    Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris provides Jordan Henderson transfer update 13 years after £20m departure to Liverpool

    REGIS LE BRIS refused to rule out Jordan Henderson making a romantic return to Sunderland in January – but says no transfer talks are underway.The Wearsider, 34, came through the ranks at his boyhood club before signing for Liverpool in a £20m deal in 2011.Speculation has been mounting that Jordan Henderson wants a return to SunderlandCredit: GettyThe star came the the academy on Wearside but was sold to Liverpool in 2011Credit: AFPHe went on to enjoy great success at Anfield, captaining them to the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, European Super Cup and the Club World Cup.The England midfielder’s 12-year stay with the Reds came to a controversial end in the summer of 2023 as he headed to Saudi Arabia side Al Ettifaq for mega wages.The move turned into a disaster as he played just 19 games for the team managed by Steven Gerrard due to his family being unable to settle in the Middle East.Henderson headed back to Europe in January with Ajax but he has started just twice in the Dutch top-flight this term.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThat has led to his representatives allegedly trying to engineer a move back to the Stadium of Light to help Le Bris’ young squad in their promotion charge.Ahead of Sunday’s trip to Hull City, the Black Cats boss bluntly replied “no” when asked directly whether Henderson’s name had been discussed as a potential target.However, when asked if he was the type of player that he would like to bring in, he did not rule out a potential swoop.The Frenchman said: “He’s obviously a strong and famous player.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“At the minute the transfer window is not open, so we can speak about many players but we don’t have the choice at the moment.”Sunderland legend Julio Arca certainly believes that it would be a no-brainer to snap him up if the opportunity arises.Jordan Henderson’s prickly interview goes viral after seven-word reply to reporter’s blunt question and fans love itThe 43-year-old Argentinean, who spent six years at Sunderland and helped them to the 2005 Championship title, told SunSport: “I haven’t seen Jordan play a lot recently or what standard he is at but he is someone local that has gone on to do really well.“He did great for the club while he was here and he can bring a lot of experience to Sunderland’s young players.“It’s good to have experienced players like that as, even if they don’t play all the time, they can help in the changing-room and in certain games. “Some people will think that Jordan cannot play in every game, but he can bring a lot more than just the football playing side.”Sunderland have history when it comes to reunions with ex-stars and they have produced mixed results.Strikers Jermain Defoe and Danny Graham both endured miserable second stints with the Black Cats while the likes of Grant Leadbitter and Paul Bracewell both enjoyed further success.Regis Le Bris says ‘no’ talks have taken place so far regarding HendersonCredit: AlamySunderland legend Julio Arca would love to see Henderson returnCredit: GettyAnd another ex-Sunderland fan favourite Martin Gray, who came through the ranks at Roker Park to help the club win promotion in the 1990s, issued a warning to Henderson.The 53-year-old said: “You look at his achievements since leaving Sunderland and you just think, ‘Wow, where has that come from?’“Not many thought that he would go on to become the person he has and achieve the success he has with Liverpool and England.“You need experience but you need energy as well. “He could come and take some of the pressure off of the younger lads but if it doesn’t go well for you then it can leave a bit of a sour taste due to what you have achieved since you left.Martin Gray did issue a warning to the veteran midfielderCredit: Getty“I think it’s a big decision to make and if your legs are starting to go or you start picking up little niggles then the punters can turn on you very quickly.”Meanwhile, Ajax manager Francesco Farioli, who took over in the summer, sung the praises of Henderson when asked about the Sunderland links but refused to confirm the veteran was staying in Amsterdam.He said: “He is an exceptional player who possesses great quality and leadership.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Having captained his team to a Champions League victory, I believe he can effectively communicate the essence of a winning mentality and a strong work ethic.“There are many valuable ways in which he can make a significant contribution to a young team like ours.”Who are these famous footballers? More

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    Chelsea, Liverpool and Man Utd ‘in tense academy row as they accuse each other of BLOCKING scouts from games’

    MANCHESTER UNITED, Chelsea and Liverpool have become embroiled in an academy row following a controversial summer transfer, according to reports.It’s claimed that the dispute has led to scouts from the three clubs being denied access to academy games this season.Rio Ngumoha was highly-rated at Chelsea before making the switch to LiverpoolCredit: GettyThe issues are alleged to stem from the transfer of talented 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha from Chelsea to Liverpool in the summer.According to The Athletic, the Blues have been accused by several sources of denying opposition scouts access to academy matches.Chelsea are said to have denied the claim, countering that they in fact have had applications for scouts to attend games at Liverpool denied.The Reds have also denied such allegations, but added that they would likely turn Chelsea down in future, given that the agreements are supposed to be reciprocal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn addition to Liverpool, Man Utd are also said to have had applications to attend Chelsea youth matches this season denied.The Red Devils were also interested in signing Ngumoha from the Blues, prior to his Anfield switch.Figures from the three clubs are claimed to have met last week with the aim of easing tensions.But no agreement has yet been found.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSunSport has contacted Chelsea for comment.Ngumoha has featured three times for Liverpool’s Under-18s in the U18 Premier League this season.Cole Palmer has fewer touches but is more deadly thanks to Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea tactics He has also played in two Uefa Youth League matches for the Reds.The winger has been capped by England up to Under-16 level.As per The Athletic, Liverpool Under-18s boss Marc Bridge-Wilkinson said of Ngumoha last month: “He is here because he’s got potential to go and reach the first team, but besides that, there’s no pressure from us.” More

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    Liverpool sent a private jet to sign me and Klopp called me a mix of Fabregas and Gundogan – but I turned him down

    NOT many players can say Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool all wanted to sign them – but Piotr Zielinski can.From the VIP treatment at Jurgen Klopp’s house to Bruno Fernandes begging him to move to Old Trafford, the midfielder is used to a convincing sales pitch.Piotr Zielinski was wanted by a host of Premier League clubsCredit: RexJurgen Klopp flew him to Liverpool on a private jetCredit: PABut despite several chances to move to the Premier League, Zielinski has always felt his home was in Italy.The Poland star was just 14 when Bayer Leverkusen and Liverpool were keen on him.But he did not want to leave his homeland and decided to stay put.Eventually, he went to Udinese in 2011 and Serie A has been his playground ever since.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 30-year-old joined Napoli five years later and went on to play 364 times for the club, winning the league title there in the 2022/23 season.He joined Inter Milan in the summer – but some of the world’s biggest clubs chased his signature during his time in Udine and Naples.He told the Foot Truck podcast: “At one time, Fernandes wanted me to end up at Manchester United. “We are still in touch and we talk quite often. We played together at Udinese and in one of the matches we practically single-handedly beat Milan.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Liverpool sent a private jet to Florence for me and I flew with my agent Bartlomiej Bolek.”We drove up to Klopp’s house afterwards, we had a great conversation. It was the first time I had flown like that. How Liverpool’s Jude Bellingham plan backfired with Trent Alexander-Arnold”He said that for him I was a mix of Ilkay Gundogan and Cesc Fabregas.”We watched a Premier League match at his place on his giant TV, I had never seen anything like that either.”Arsenal and Barcelona were also once interested, with his move to Spain not materialising because Napoli demanded players in a swap deal.And when his contract running down in 2022, West Ham tried to sign him before they ended up with Lucas Paqueta.Zielinski revealed: “It was also close, Napoli were already convinced about the offer, they threw in £30million.”They were already looking around for medical care for my wife and child and where I was going to live.READ MORE SUN STORIES”But Luciano Spalletti took me aside and asked me what was going on and I said I would rather stay to fight for the title. “He said I want you to stay and I stayed because I did not really feel London either.” More

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    Ten Hag faces further embarrassment as Liverpool ‘eye transfer’ for star, 21, Man Utd let leave for just £5m months ago

    LIVERPOOL are interested in ex-Manchester United star Alvaro Carreras, according to reports.The left-back switched the Red Devils for Benfica in a £5million deal back in May.Alvaro Carreras is wanted by Liverpool just months after leaving Man UtdCredit: GettyErik ten Hag is under immense pressure after Man Utd’s poor start to the seasonCredit: GettyBut just five months after his transfer, Spanish outlet AS claim he has caught the eye of Liverpool.Carreras’ contract at Benfica runs until 2029 and there is thought to be a release clause that Arne Slot’s side could trigger – though the amount is unknown.The 21-year-old spent the second half of last season with the Portuguese giants on loan.He previously had loan spells at Granada and Preston.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCarreras never made a first-team appearance for Man Utd – but he was named on the bench for several Premier League games.He was highly-rated at the club, winning the Under-23s player of the season award in 2022.Erik ten Hag’s side have had a nightmare start to the season and left-back has been a problem position amid Luke Shaw’s injury.It makes the decision to let Carreras go even stranger, with one supporter saying: “We are very stupid as a club.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnother added: “With our issues at left-back we went ahead and sanctioned a move for the only fit left-back.”Meanwhile, reports in Portugal state that Man Utd have a buy-back option in Carreras’ contract.A day in the life of workaholic Ten Hag revealed by ex-Man Utd coach who jokes ‘his wife is on verge of divorcing him’Why NOBODY is the right man to replace Erik ten Hag at Man UtdSunSport’s DAVE KIDD says Erik ten Hag’s time at Man Utd is up… and explains what’s wrong with all the potential candidates to replace him.THIS is a mid-table squad at an underachieving club, with a lot of unwanted players on big money.And Ratcliffe is an instinctive cost-cutter who may not pay top dollar to the next manager.If this club wasn’t called ‘Manchester United’, it wouldn’t be an especially desirable job.The good news for United is that their new sporting director, Dan Ashworth, is a very decent judge of a manager.He has been instrumental in three previous managerial appointments — Gareth Southgate for England, Graham Potter for Brighton and Eddie Howe for Newcastle.None were wildly popular at the time, all were conspicuous successes.Interestingly, Ashworth’s No 1 choice for the Newcastle job was Unai Emery, who turned him down to stay at Villarreal but has since proved that judgment right by excelling at Aston Villa.Emery may well deliver the coup de grace to Ten Hag on Sunday — especially with Bruno Fernandes suspended and Kobbie Mainoo an injury doubt.And the Spaniard would be an excellent fit for United — yet there is next to no chance that he would abandon Villa’s Champions League campaign to take the Old Trafford job, not least because he isn’t a stark raving madman.Howe would be another good candidate to succeed Ten Hag but, although he has become frustrated on Tyneside, the Saudis would surely not allow Ratcliffe to poach Howe, as they reluctantly did with Ashworth.Potter is available but his Chelsea experience and lack of charisma would make him a tough sell.Which brings us to Southgate, who remains close with Ashworth and is an excellent man-manager who was seriously considered by United last spring.Yet, despite having led England to two of their three major finals, Southgate’s reputation for over-caution was only enhanced during the Euros.Mauricio Pochettino, passed over twice by United, is out of the equation having taken the United States job.Thomas Tuchel would be a popular and gettable option but, despite being a fine coach and a very engaging man, he is considered something of a loose cannon.Likewise, Roberto De Zerbi, now at Marseille after his brief Brighton stint sparkled then fizzled out.Kieran McKenna — a gifted former United coach who has won back-to-back promotions with Ipswich Town — is an intriguing candidate but the imminent vacancy may come a year or so too soon.Marco Silva, the extremely under-rated Fulham boss, has been on United’s radar and should not be discounted.Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim, last season’s ‘next big thing’, was passed over by West Ham as well as Liverpool this summer and is not an easy man to pin down.Zinedine Zidane, who has taken over from Alan Curbishley as a 20-1 shot for every Premier League job, is a ‘figurehead’ manager and not an Ashworth type.Ruud van Nistelrooy, the former United goal machine who joined Ten Hag’s coaching team in the summer is the bookies’ favourite. Simply because he’s in the building and he’s Dutch.So, yes, getting rid of Ten Hag is the easy part. More

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    Jurgen Klopp’s outrageous Red Bull salary revealed with ex-Liverpool chief earning more than 18 Premier League managers

    JURGEN KLOPP’S colossal salary at Red Bull has been revealed – and he’s set to earn more than EIGHTEEN Premier League managers.The former Liverpool boss signed a lucrative deal to become the Global Head of Soccer at Red Bull this week.Jurgen Klopp’s HUGE wages at his new Red Bull job have been revealedKlopp will oversee the management of RB Leipzig, Red Bull Salzburg, New York Red Bulls, two clubs in Brazil and a third-tier Japanese side.But, with such responsibility, comes eye-watering wages.In leaving Liverpool, Klopp temporarily waved good bye to an incredible £15m salary.But the German won’t be penny-pinching any time soon, as he earns between £8-10million in his new Red Bull role, according to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThis will see the 57-year-old bank more than 18 Prem bosses.In fact, only Mikel Arteta’s £10m and Pep Guardiola’s £20m at Manchester City beats Klopp’s reported wage.He is set to earn around the same as Aston Villa’s Unai Emery, who is collects £8m.Klopp will earn more than under-fire Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, who bags £6.75m annually.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut Klopp reportedly netted £15m in his final years at Liverpool, making him the second highest paid boss in the Prem behind Pep.The former Dortmund manager has signed a long-term contract with Red Bull but will not begin in his new job until January 1 2025.Arne Slot aims dig at Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool boss says ‘I’m a stupid manager if 12.30pm kick offs are more difficult’ Klopp has been assured that he can exit this contract if there is a concrete offer that he wishes to pursue.The German had been enjoying his time off, stating that he didn’t want to take up a coaching role and needed a rest after making his decision at the start of the year.The position of the German national team head coach remains an option for him.Klopp has been linked to the Germany job in the past and has made no secret of his desire to become manager one day.In 2023 he said: “It’s not completely out of the question that I’ll be the national coach at some point.“But it has to fit. And so far it hasn’t. And if I end the contract in Liverpool, then nothing will definitely be done for a year.”The legendary Reds boss left Anfield after almost nine years in charge in May after announcing that he was “running out of energy”. More

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    Premier League champion and Champions League winner, 33, considering shock RETIREMENT after three months unemployed

    JOEL MATIP is considering a shock retirement from football aged just 33, according to reports.The Liverpool hero, who helped the club win the Premier League and Champions League, left Anfield in the summer.Joel Matip is said to be considering retirement from football after leaving LiverpoolCredit: AlamyHe formed a formidable defensive partnership with Virgil van Dijk at LiverpoolCredit: GettyEx-club Schalke and Hamburg had both been linked with a move for the centre-back, while Prem sides Bournemouth and Southampton also considered moves.However, the defender has ultimately been without a club since his Liverpool contract expired.And, after three months unemployed, he is now said to be considering a shock retirement from the beautiful game.According to German outlet Ruhr Nachrichten, Matip has personally ruled out a return to football.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMatip also called it quits for the Cameroon national team back in 2015 at the age of just 24.He played 258 times for Schalke and 201 times for Liverpool.His exploits in Germany saw him land the German Cup and Super Cup.But it was in England where Matip managed to really flesh out his trophy cabinet under Jurgen Klopp – whose own next move to Red Bull was recently revealed after he left Liverpool.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMatip – who formed a formidable partnership with Virgil van Dijk – helped the Reds win their first-ever Premier League title in 2020, while also landing the Champions League the year before.He also helped them to win the Uefa Super Cup, FA Cup, two League Cups and the Community Shield.XI amazing players worth £78m available for freePaying tribute to Matip after he left Liverpool, Klopp said: “In all the years that I have been involved in football, I am not sure I have come across too many players who are more loved than Joel Matip. “I’m not even sure it would be possible to say anything bad about him.“A wonderful professional, a wonderful footballer and a wonderful human being – we have been blessed to have him with us for as long as we have and now all we can do is wish him well as he heads off in a new direction.“Joel’s qualities as a player are there for all to see and as a club, we have benefited from them since the first moment that he joined. “I don’t think he has had too many headlines over the years but he has only ever been a very famous figure within our group.“I have said before that if there was one person who wouldn’t care if he was underrated it would be Joel, but the truth is we could not have rated him more highly. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Not only has he set the standards for himself, he has set them for others and this is one of the main reasons why his time here has been so successful.”Matip was named in SunSport’s stunning free agent XI worth £78million on transfer deadline day. More

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    How Liverpool’s Bellingham transfer plan spectacularly backfired with Alexander-Arnold now on verge of Real Madrid move

    TWO years ago, Liverpool hatched an elaborate plan to bring Jude Bellingham to Anfield.However, the idea could have spectacularly backfired amid rumours that Trent Alexander-Arnold could join Real Madrid.Jude Bellingham and Trent Alexander-Arnold have struck up a close friendshipCredit: APThe pair are inseparable off the pitchCredit: GettyAnd the tables have now turned, with Jude possibly trying to lure Trent to Real MadridCredit: GettyWhile at Borussia Dortmund, Bellingham had the world’s biggest teams chasing his signature.Liverpool were among them, with the club desperate to overhaul an ageing midfield that featured Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and Thiago.The Reds knew they may not be able to match the financial strength and glamour of Real Madrid – but they offered Bellingham the chance to come home to England.They knew they needed to convince the midfielder that the right move was to Merseyside, so the club plotted a sensational plan to get him on side.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLReports claim they told Liverpool and England stars Henderson and Alexander-Arnold to go on the charm offensive while they were together on international duty.Wherever Bellingham went, one of the duo seemed to be nearby as they tried to form a bromance.Fans noticed on social media that Trent had become especially close mates with Jude, only fuelling the conspiracy there was perhaps an ulterior motive.Bellingham chose Real Madrid and signed for the European giants for £115million in the summer of 2023 despite Liverpool’s interest.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe then fired Los Blancos to Champions League and La Liga glory last season, scoring 23 goals.And although he chose the Spanish sun over Liverpool, Bellingham and Alexander-Arnold struck up a true friendship.’It’s not fair’ says Jude Bellingham as Real Madrid and England star admits fear for younger brother JobeThe best mates performed a pre-planned celebration after Jude scored at Euro 2024, relating to the game Werewolf they often play.And the pair even holidayed together in the US over the summer.Now, the tables have spectacularly turned with Alexander-Arnold’s Liverpool contract expiring at the end of the season.Real Madrid are keen to bring him to the Bernabeu and are ready to step up their interest as right-back Dani Carvajal has sustained a long-term ACL injury.The club reportedly also have plans to use him in midfield. In a spectacular U-turn, it is now Bellingham in the ear of Trent, trying to get them to team-up in Spain.The Birmingham-born star even made him a giant birthday card and hid inside it during the current England camp. Jude Bellingham surprised Trent Alexander-Arnold with a huge birthday cardCredit: GettyReal Madrid love to use their power as of one of the world’s biggest clubs to strike bargain transfers.They tell the player they want them but can only do a deal for free.Such is Real’s huge status, stars have been known to run their contract down to force a move to them.Look at Kylian Mbappe leaving PSG in the summer as a prime example.READ MORE SUN STORIESNot forgetting Antonio Rudiger ditching Chelsea and David Alaba running down his contract at Bayern Munich.The ploy has saved Real Madrid millions and perhaps “Agent Bellingham” will prove his worth by getting Alexander-Arnold to be the next in a long line of clever free transfers. More