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    Chelsea let another academy star leave as ‘next Musiala’ officially signs for Premier League rivals

    CHELSEA wonderkid Rio Ngumoha has left the club and signed for Liverpool.The Reds have reportedly broke their wage structure to bring the 15-year-old in.Wonderkid Rio Ngumoha has quit Chelsea for LiverpoolCredit: GettyNgumoha has been the ‘next Jamal Musiala’Credit: GettyLiverpool have stopped youngsters earning more than £50,000-a-year – but Fabrizio Romano claims the move for Ngumoha is expected to break the limit.The player has been tipped to be a future star and has been compared to Jamal Musiala.With the teenager already following in the Bayern Munich and Germany ace’s path as aged 16 he ditched Chelsea.Ngumoha left the Blues in June and was waiting for the Premier League to approve his transfer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe arrived at Anfield yesterday and posed holding the No11 shirt.On social media last night, he re-posted a picture of himself as a child in a Liverpool kit.But it was not just the chance to play for his boyhood club that convinced Ngumoha to make the switch, having also supposedly been impressed by the pathway available to young players.The rise of Conor Bradley and Jarrel Quansah has given him belief there will be opportunities if he is good enough.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd Ngumoha is well on the road to the stardom after making his Under-21s debut last season.Meanwhile, Chelsea fans are disappointed to see another academy product leave, with one saying: “Another one that got away.”A look at Chelsea’s forgotten wonderkidsAnother added: “This is hard for me to take. He’s finally gone without showing his immense talent for Chelsea just like Musiala.”A third reacted: “He’s heading to the very top.” More

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    Football analyst bizarrely blames ref Anthony Taylor for ‘hindering Man Utd’s play’ in humiliating loss to Liverpool

    REFEREE Anthony Taylor has been partly blamed for Manchester United’s 3-0 defeat against Liverpool on Sunday.American analysts pointed to Taylor’s positioning and argued that the PGMOL official blocked United from playing their best football.CBS Sports Golazo pointed to Anthony Taylor’s positioningFirst, when Bruno Fernandes couldn’t make his ideal passAnd pointed to the ref again for Liverpool’s second goal of the first halfCasemiro, 32, was at fault for Liverpool’s two opening goals as he twice gave possession away cheaply inside United’s half that led to Luis Diaz scoring a brace inside 42 minutes.A dismal second-half saw United carved open by Liverpool for Mo Salah’s strike, as fans booed a match that echoed last season’s struggles.But CBS Sports Golazo has since offered a fascinating insight into how and why Liverpool’s first two goals came about.American presenters Ian Joy and Michael Lahoud cheekily pinned some of the blame on referee Taylor’s positioning.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe Wythenshawe-born official was seen getting in the way of United’s transitional play on both occasions.Footage has now showed that Bruno Fernandes was potentially limited from making key passes in decisive moments due to the space occupied by Taylor.First, the analysts argued that Taylor blocked Fernandes from unleashing a quick breakaway ball through to Alejandro Garnacho.The Portugal star was forced to pass back to Casemiro, who offloaded a horror pass that was intercepted by Liverpool’s Ryan Gravenberch, and put in the back of the net by Diaz.Most read in FootballFernandes struggled to exert his usual creative influence on proceedings against LiverpoolFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThen the pundits explain how the 45-year-old’s positioning stopped Casemiro from playing a forward pass to Joshua Zirkzee for the Colombian’s second.Again, the defensive midfielder conceded possession and Liverpool doubled their lead moments later.’Man Utd have wrong bald Dutch manager’ – how Slot schooled Ten Hag at Old TraffordBut the Brazilian ace lost possession 13 times before being substituted for teenager Toby Collyer at the break.United are now talking about offloading Casemiro to Galatasaray on loan, according to journalist Ali Naci Kucuk.The CBS analysis has gone viral, with Premier League fans split on its authenticity.One fan wrote on X: “I didn’t realise this at all! Fantastic analysis. But it doesn’t make the loss any less embarrassing.”One post rejecting the claim, stated: “The ref can have his share blame for this but I don’t think it’s due to him that we lost the game.”Another added: “Let’s not blame referee there! It was individual mistakes and Erik ten Hag’s substitutions that cost us the three points.”READ MORE SUN STORIESA fourth said: “It’s part of football and no one forced Casemiro into making such an awful pass for the first goal.”While a fifth chimed in: “Come on. United were bad across the board.”Man Utd player ratings vs LiverpoolMANCHESTER UNITED had a horror show against Liverpool as they lost 3-0.Casemiro was so bad he was taken off at half-time.But were there any positive performances at Old Trafford?Andre Onana – 5Nothing he could do about any of Liverpool’s goals and made a few saves to prevent the scoreline from getting worse.Noussair Mazraoui – 5Came close to scoring in the first half and looked solid enough against Diaz although he did push up too high before Liverpool’s opener.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Left Diaz and Domink Szobozslai in acres of space for the opening goal but was left in a tricky spot thanks to Casemiro’s error. Booked for a shocking late tackle on Diaz.Lisandro Martinez – 3Lost Diaz for the second goal which meant the Colombian was able to score unmarked from the penalty spot.Also guilty of giving away the ball too easily and was not tight enough with his marking.Diogo Dalot – 4Was caught out pushing up too quickly for the first goal and did not do enough to stop Mo Salah’s cross in the build-up to Liverpool’s second.Looked dangerous in attack at times but too infrequently as he had plenty of defensive work to do since Rashford did not track Trent Alexander-Arnold.Casemiro – 2A horror show in the first half as he gave the ball away in the lead up to both of Liverpool’s goals.He was caught on the ball for the second after a shocking misplaced pass left his defence vulnerable for the opening goal. Hooked at half-time.Kobbie Mainoo – 4Fell victim to the Casemiro curse as he was shrugged off the ball in a terrible position, allowing Liverpool to add a third with ease.Bruno Fernandes – 5Was United’s most creative spark but that is not saying much. Tried to get his side going in the first half but looked short of ideas and inspiration after the break.Alejandro Garnacho – 4Still appears to be a little rusty and is yet to hit the heights he reached last season.Marcus Rashford – 3Nothing came off for the out-of-sorts forward who must be running out of chances before he is dropped.Joshua Zirkzee – 4Quiet up-front and had little influence on the wing as well, but missed a clear-cut chance with his head and should have turned in Rashford’s cross which he met at the far post.SubsToby Collyer (for Casemiro, HT) – 5A difficult game for the youngster to make his Premier League debut but he put himself about and won a few tackles.Harry Maguire (for De Ligt, 69mins) – 5Shored things up at the back as Liverpool took their foot off the pedal.Amad (for Garnacho, 69mins) – 5Provided a spark on the right and looked more lively than Garnacho.Christian Eriksen (for Zirkzee, 86mins) – N/ANot on long enough to make an impact. More

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    Forgotten Premier League champion’s Sunderland transfer ‘collapsed’ just one year after £120k-a-week contract ended

    FORMER Liverpool star Naby Keita saw a shock move to Sunderland collapse during the transfer window, according to reports.The midfielder won seven major trophies during his five years at Anfield, including the Premier League and Champions League.Naby Keita helped Liverpool win the Premier League in 2020Credit: Times Newspapers LtdKeita left the club last year on a free transfer and joined Werder Bremen.But the 29-year-old is again on the lookout for a new side and this summer he came close to signing for Sunderland.The Guardian report that the Black Cats had a strong interest in the player but were unable to agree personal terms, which led to the deal falling through.With the Turkish transfer window still open, Keita is now set to join Istanbul Basaksehir.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHis failure to agree a contract with Sunderland comes just a year after his supposed £120,000-a-week deal expired at Liverpool.The Reds paid £48million for him in 2018, but injuries prevented him from ever establishing himself as first choice, making 129 appearances in total.Keita also had a tough time at Werder Bremen, being banned from the squad after refusing to get on the team’s bus.He was told by manager Ole Werner that he did not even make the bench against Bayer Leverkusen but still expected to travel.Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSKeita, who played just five times for the club and not after the incident in April, instead went home.Over the summer, the Guinea star represented his country at the Paris 2024 Olympics and was their flagbearer. Arne Slot breaks down how Liverpool destroyed Man Utd after exploiting Erik ten Hag’s new tactics More

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    Mo Salah drops biggest hint yet over Liverpool transfer exit live on Sky Sports after ripping Man Utd to shreds

    MO SALAH has dropped his biggest hint yet that he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season.The winger spoke after scoring in the Reds’ 3-0 win over Manchester United.Mo Salah hinted at leaving Liverpool next yearCredit: Sky SportsSalah’s contract expires next summer and the Reds talisman admitted it could be his last year at the club.He has been subject to transfer interest from Saudi Arabia with Al-Ittihad launching a staggering £200million bid last summer.Salah, 32, was reportedly offered £100m a year to join the Saudi side, but Liverpool and former boss Jurgen Klopp told them he was not for sale.The Reds hoped he would put pen to paper but Salah only added fuel to speculation by stating he did not want to think about the future, saying he wanted to “enjoy the last year”.He then doubled down on his position by reiterating the fact this season could be his last when he spoke to Sky Sports after Liverpool’s victory at Old Trafford.Salah said: “I had a good summer, I had a long time to stay with myself and try and think positive because as you know it’s my last year in the club.”I just want to enjoy it and I don’t want to think about it. I feel I am free to play football and we will see what happens next year.”He continued: “Nobody has talked to me yet about [a] contract so I am just like ‘I will play my last season and we will see at the end of the season’.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFive Mo Salah strops at LiverpoolFive times things have got heated during Mo Salah’s Liverpool career.West Ham 2 Liverpool 2 – April 28, 2024Salah gets into a heated argument with Klopp as he refuses to shake the manager’s hand before coming on at the London Stadium.Liverpool 3 Sheffield United 1 – April 4, 2024Salah shakes his head as he is subbed off during Liverpool’s 3-1 win over the basement club.Chelsea 1 Liverpool 1 – August 13, 2023Salah storms off the pitch after being replaced on 77 minutes on the first day of the season.Brighton 1 Liverpool 1 – November 28, 2020Salah throws his arms up in the air and barely looks at Klopp after being subbed off. Brighton go on to equalise with a last minute penalty.Burnley 0 Liverpool 3 – August 31, 2019Salah gets in a public spat with Sadio Mane after failing to pass to the winger. Team-mate Roberto Firmino says the row had been brewing for some time.Read the full article from Jack Rosser”It is not up to me but nobody has talked to me from the club but we will see.”Salah has enjoyed a brilliant start to the season with three goals and three assists, helping his side win all three matches.Roy Keane highlights two Man Utd players who VANISHED for Liverpool opener in scathing rant live on Sky Sports More

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    Man Utd 0 Liverpool 3: Erik ten Hag humiliated by Dutch counterpart Arne Slot as Reds give finishing masterclass

    ERIK TEN HAG is convinced he will get his message across eventually, but is it all double Dutch.There are enough of them from Holland in the coaching staff and on the pitch.Luis Diaz netted a first half brace against Man UtdCredit: ReutersMohamed Salah put United to the sword to make it 3-0 after bagging two assistsCredit: EPACasemiro had a game to forget and was hooked at half-timeCredit: RexErik ten Hag’s side were second best throughout the clashCredit: GettyBut the only man orchestrating a beautiful game from the Netherlands here at Old Trafford was his opposite number Arne Slot.This was a humiliation for Manchester United, a masterclass in ruthless efficiency from Liverpool.Ten Hag said before the game that Slot had inherited a team already up and running, and his task had, therefore, been much easier than his own.Yet in three games you can already see how he has stamped his character on the team.READ MORE ON MAN UTDWhile Jurgen Klopp’s heavy metal football was all thrills and spills this is a much more controlled style that has now brought three wins from three with seven goals scored and non conceded.Luis Diaz got two of them in the first half assisted both times by Mohammed Salah.What a game Salah had. The Egyptian would get on the scoresheet himself with a second-half strike taking his record tally in this fixture to 15.It could have been more, United were woeful.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMan Utd player ratings vs LiverpoolMANCHESTER UNITED had a horror show against Liverpool as they lost 3-0.Casemiro was so bad he was taken off at half-time.But were there any positive performances at Old Trafford?Amadou Onana – 5Nothing he could do about any of Liverpool’s goals and made a few saves to prevent the scoreline from getting worse.Noussair Mazraoui – 5Came close to scoring in the first half and looked solid enough against Diaz although he did push up too high before Liverpool’s opener.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Left Diaz and Domink Szobozslai in acres of space for the opening goal but was left in a tricky spot thanks to Casemiro’s error. Booked for a shocking late tackle on Diaz.Lisandro Martinez – 3Lost Diaz for the second goal which meant the Colombian was able to score unmarked from the penalty spot.Also guilty of giving away the ball too easily and was not tight enough with his marking.Diogo Dalot – 4Was caught out pushing up too quickly for the first goal and did not do enough to stop Mo Salah’s cross in the build-up to Liverpool’s second.Looked dangerous in attack at times but too infrequently as he had plenty of defensive work to do since Rashford did not track Trent Alexander-Arnold.Casemiro – 2A horror show in the first half as he gave the ball away in the lead up to both of Liverpool’s goals.He was caught on the ball for the second after a shocking misplaced pass left his defence vulnerable for the opening goal. Hooked at half-time.Kobbie Mainoo – 4Fell victim to the Casemiro curse as he was shrugged off the ball in a terrible position, allowing Liverpool to add a third with ease.Bruno Fernandes – 5Was United’s most creative spark but that is not saying much. Tried to get his side going in the first half but looked short of ideas and inspiration after the break.Alejandro Garnacho – 4Still appears to be a little rusty and is yet to hit the heights he reached last season.Marcus Rashford – 3Nothing came off for the out-of-sorts forward who must be running out of chances before he is dropped.Joshua Zirkzee – 4Quiet up-front and had little influence on the wing as well, but missed a clear-cut chance with his head and should have turned in Rashford’s cross which he met at the far post.SubsTom Collyer (for Casemiro, HT) – 5A difficult game for the youngster to make his Premier League debut but he put himself about and won a few tackles.Harry Maguire (for De Ligt, 69mins) – 5Shored things up at the back as Liverpool took their foot off the pedal.Amad (for Garnacho, 69mins) – 5Provided a spark on the right and looked more lively than Garnacho.Christian Eriksen (for Zirkzee, 86mins) – N/ANot on long enough to make an impact.This was as bad as anything we saw in the league last season as the team stumbled to a record low Premier League position of eighth.There are new players, new coaches, a new management structure and, it was thought, a new hope but it is the same United that has stumbled from season to season since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement.SunSport’s Jordan Davies reacts to Europa League draw as Man Utd face MourinhoThe odd piece of silverware offers brief glimpses of what can be, and Ten Hag has two of them, but there are too many humbling days like these.It was an absolutely shocking first period for United as Liverpool played the ball through them at will.The Red Devils by contrast were relying on hopeful breaks in which the last pass always fell short.Only one shot on goal in that whole period.Liverpool thought they were ahead after only six minutes with a slick move that warned of what was to come.Ryan Gravenberch stormed diagonally across the Old Trafford surface unchallenged before feeding the ball out wide to Diaz.His cross shot through the six yard box getting a flick from Salah on the way and Trent Alexander-Arnold was there at the far post to fire goalwards.It looked for a moment that Diogo Dalot had blocked it but his clearance was from behind the line and Liverpool celebrated.While Alex-Arnold was onside, Salah had not been when he made the flick and the goal was cancelled out for offside.The cheer that greeted the decision was the high spot for United fans.That and a crunching tackle from Lisandro Martinez on Dominik Szoboszlai which earned him a booking.That told you everything about what United were offering.Liverpool meanwhile had their fans chanting in delight throughout a thoroughly one-sided opening period.It was personal disaster for Casemiro who was at fault for both Liverpool goals before the break.He looks leaner and fitter than this time last season but he just gives the ball away too much, or has it taken of him. He did both here and it was no surprise when he was hooked at the break to allow Toby Collyer to make his Premier League debut at the age of 20.The home fans were more than delighted about that change after what they had witnessed from the five-time Champions League winner. Really? Five times, him?First in the 35th minute the Brazilian’s loose pass was picked up by Gravenberch who fed Salah and his chipped cross was met by a thumping header from Diaz at the far post.Slot snubbed Spurs, hates defending and has a PASS named after himBy Dan KingLIVERPOOL’S new manager Arne Slot was a good enough player to have a type of pass named after him.But it is as a manager that the Feyenoord head coach is really making his mark.Like another bald Dutchman, Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, Slot earned his stripes bossing smaller sides before being given a chance at one of the Netherlands’ big three.But the question Liverpool are pondering is whether Slot would make a better fist of running one of the biggest clubs in the world than Ten Hag so far has at Old Trafford.Slot, 45, was certainly easier on the eye as a player than centre back Ten Hag.“The Arne Slot Ball” was something he perfected as a silky No 10 – a back-to-goal, first-time, 180-degree spin and flick behind the defensive line for a winger to run on to deep in the opposition half.Click here to read all about the incoming Liverpool boss.The same combination brought about the second as this time Casemiro was too easily dispossessed 30 yards out by Diaz.The ball ran loose, Alexis Mac Allister picked it up and gave it back to Diaz to spread wide for Salah to return with the outside of his boot.What a cross it was and what a first time finish from the Colombian international fizzing a curling shot into the bottom right hand corner.When not long before half time new signing Matthijs de Ligt just smashed the ball aimlessly forward the boss began to ring out from the Red Devils faithful.The frustration continued in the second-half which began with at least a shot from new striker Joshua Zikrzee which was well saved by Alison.United’s heads would drop when Liverpool extended their lead in the 56th minute.Again the home side contributed to their own downfall when this time Kobbie Mainoo was too easily nudged off the ball just over half way by Mac Allister.Give them a slight opening and this Liverpool just pounce.Mac Allister fed Szoboszlai who helped it into the path of Salah for an exquisite first time finish.He nearly had another moments later with a shot to the far corner which was deflected just wide.‘Liverpool, Liverpool taking the p***’ was the chant from the away end and it was hard to argue.The crowd were starting to get on Rashford’s back before he produced a cross that Zirkzee headed goalwards, Alisson again denying him.When Ten Hag subbed Alejandro Garnacho for Amad Diallo on 69 minutes it would then be the boss getting it in the neck.READ MORE SUN STORIESBy the final whistle the ground was half-empty.In one corner the Liverpool fans just kept on singing.Sir Jim Ratcliffe had his head in his hands as United fell to defeatCredit: AFPJoshua Zirkzee had two great chances to score but could not find his finishing bootsCredit: Getty More

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    Liverpool agree £10m deal to sign Federico Chiesa from Juventus with winger set to travel TODAY to seal transfer

    LIVERPOOL have agreed a £10million up-front deal to sign Federico Chiesa from Juventus.The 26-year-old winger is set to fly to Liverpool for his medical on Wednesday ahead of putting pen-to-paper a four-year contract.Federico Chiesa is set to agree personal terms with LiverpoolCredit: GettyThe personal terms agreement between Chiesa and Liverpool is “100 per cent done”, according to transfer guru Fabrizio RomanoThe Reds have now agreed to sign him for an initial fee of £10million plus £2.5m in add-ons.Chiesa said: “I’m very happy, I can’t wait to become new Liverpool player. Me and my family, we’re so happy really.””Let me say thanks to Juventus and the fans, they have been always special with me.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Now it’s time for Liverpool. I’m so happy. I can’t wait!”Chiesa, who was entering the final year of his contract, scored nine times across 33 appearances in Serie A last season.The former Fiorentina winger has been frozen out by the new Juventus manager Thiago Motta after being a regular under Max Allegri.Ex- Bologna boss Motta left him out of the club’s pre-season trip to Germany, with the Italian giants looking to cash in on their former prized asset.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAfter bursting on the European scene in his early Serie A years, Chiesa has struggled since returning from a serious knee problem.He was widely regarded as one of the most exciting wingers in Europe before his injury in 2022 and he starred as Italy won Euro 2021 – he was named in the team of the tournament. Arne Slot savages Jamie Carragher with six-word put down in brutal moment on live TV after Liverpool winHe was rated in the £100m range just three years ago, but has since suffered a torrid time with injures.Liverpool have been long-term admirers of Chiesa – but have now agreed to sign the talented winger in a shockingly low-cost bargain deal.It was not thought that the Arne Slot was was seeking reinforcements in that area, with Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota starting the season in fine form.And Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo beginning the campaign as highly experienced understudies.Manchester United, Chelsea and Barcelona had previously registered their interest in Chiesa.Meanwhile Liverpool also hope to land Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili for £29m before Friday’s transfer deadline.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Georgian shot-stopper is considered a long-term asset and will be loaned out to Bournemouth for Prem experience this season.THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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    Jamie Carragher reveals Liverpool ‘thought they had’ Cristiano Ronaldo hours before he sealed first Man Utd transfer

    JAMIE CARRAGHER has revealed Liverpool thought they had Cristiano Ronaldo hours before he joined Manchester United 21 years ago.The Portuguese was signed by Sir Alex Ferguson for £12million at the age of 18 in August 2003.Jamie Carragher faced Cristiano Ronaldo on several occasionsCredit: 2005 Getty ImagesCarragher understands Liverpool were close to securing Ronaldo’s signatureCredit: Sky SportsHe would go on to become one of the club’s all-time great players, winning three Premier League titles, the Champions League and Ballon d’Or during a sensational six years at Old Trafford.Ronaldo, 39, later returned for a second stint in 2021 and spent just over one year back at Man Utd before leaving for Saudi Arabia.Yet Liverpool icon Carragher, 46, who faced Ronaldo on numerous occasions during his first spell in the Premier League, claims the Merseyside club believed they had the forward before the move to Man Utd was announced.Speaking on The Overlap, brought to you by Sky Bet, he said: “When he actually signed for United I think we were in for him.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”That was when Gerard Houllier and Phil Thompson – Phil Thompson tells the story that he thought we had him. “He was speaking to the agent and before you know it, it breaks on Sky Sports News ‘Ronaldo’s gone to United’ – and I think of what we lacked probably in the best teams I played in at Liverpool.”I think we had world-class or great players in every position over a 10-year period, but I don’t think we ever had a world-class wide player. “Listen, we had the best in John Barnes, late eighties, but I think if you got through the nineties, I don’t think we ever had a player of that ilk.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSCristiano Ronaldo’s first Man Utd spellAppearances: 292Goals: 118Trophies: Premier League x3, FA Cup, League Cup x2, Champions League, Club World CupIndividual honours: Ballon d’Or, Fifa Player of the Year, Champions League top scorer, Premier League Player of the Season x2, FIFPRO World 11 x3, Fifa Puskas AwardCarragher was critical of Ronaldo’s return to Man Utd when he came back for a second stint under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.Ronaldo subsequently ignored him live on air during a Sky Sports Super Sunday as he caught up with former team-mates Gary Neville and Roy Keane.Arne Slot savages Jamie Carragher with six-word put down in brutal moment on live TV after Liverpool winCarragher later responded: “I get a custard pie for getting it right on Ronaldo from day one!”The custard pie for him from ETH [Erik ten Hag] shows the manager thinks the same!”Maybe the ex-Man Utd legends (sycophants!) will now agree with me.” More

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    Liverpool want to snatch Man Utd target Jarrad Branthwaite in shock raid of arch-rivals Everton in £70million transfer

    LIVERPOOL want to snatch £70million-rated Jarrad Branthwaite from Merseyside rivals Everton.SunSport understands the Reds will offer £63m plus £7m in add-ons to prise the centre-back across Stanley Park.Liverpool are eyeing up a swoop move for Everton defender Jarrad BranthwaiteCredit: GettyEverton face competition from their fiercest rivals to keep the defenderCredit: PABranthwaite, a summer target for Manchester United, is open to the move and wants to play for a higher-profile club.He is under contract until 2027 on £60,000 a week but knows that his wages would treble if he left for Anfield.Liverpool are growing in confidence that a deal can be done with Arne Slot believed to be a huge admirer of the budding England star.Bookies have the 22-year-old as short as evens for a Kop move in this transfer window.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe last man to be sold by Everton to their local rivals was Abel Xavier for £800,000 in 2002.Toffees boss Sean Dyche has admitted he would be willing to sell any player for the right price.Despite making a £31m profit this summer Dyche says there is “not much wriggle room” to bring in more players amid an injury crisis which has left him down to just 14 fit first-team players.United have twice failed in bids for Carlisle-born Branthwaite — their latest offer was £50m — but they still want him.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSKop manager Slot is prepared to sell Joe Gomez — Newcastle failed in a £45m bid early in the window and Chelsea are interested.Valencia keeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, 23, is close to arriving at Anfield for £30m but is likely to go straight out on loan.Watch Rafa Benitez ‘do Carragher dirty’ as he reveals how much Liverpool legend would cost todayOn Thursday, Dutch centre-back Sepp van den Berg, 22, joined Brentford for £30m, with the Bees paying £25m up front.Midfielder Bobby Clark, 19, also joined Red Bull Salzburg in a £10m deal – who are managed by former Liverpool assistant Pep Lijnders.But Liverpool have a week to get the deal done this summer, as the window shuts next Friday, August 30.The Arne Slot era got off to the perfect start in the Prem this season with a comfortable 2-0 win over Ipswich Town at Portman Road. More