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    Premier League legend’s son, 19, set for £10m Liverpool transfer exit after agreeing to reunite with former coach

    LIVERPOOL midfielder Bobby Clark has agreed personal terms with Austrian side Red Bull Salzburg.The 19-year-old is the son of Newcastle legend Lee Clark and will be reunited with Jurgen Klopp’s former No2.Bobby Clark is set to leave Liverpool for Red Bull SalzburgCredit: RexDad Lee Clark made 260 appearances across two spells with NewcastleLiverpool accepted a £10million bid for the teenager last week after initially rejecting RB Salzburg’s first two approaches.But Clark agreed to travel to Austria to put pen-to-paper on a five-year contract on Sunday.The midfielder will link-up with former Liverpool assistant coach Pep Lijnders, who was appointed RB Salzburg manager this summer.The Reds have also inserted a 17.5 per cent sell-on clause AND a buy back clause option in the deal.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSClark joined the Merseyside club from Newcastle’s youth team in August 2021 and made 13 senior appearances across all competitions last season.An England youth international, Clark made his Liverpool debut last season in the 9-0 thrashing of Bournemouth at Anfield.He also stood out in Klopp’s last League Cup final victory over Chelsea at Wembley in February. Lijnders, who assisted Klopp for eight seasons, has entered his second stint as a first-team manager after joining Dutch side NEC for six months in 2018.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe also oversaw much of the youth development during his time at Anfield, first working under Brendan Rodgers.Lijnders announced he’d be leaving with Klopp, and the rest of the coaching staff, at the end of last season.Jurgen Klopp set for shock return to dugout just months after quitting as Liverpool bossLiverpool won their first league title in 30 years during his reign as Klopp’s right hand man, and advanced to three Champions League finals, winning the second final against Tottenham in 2019.Meanwhile, teenage star Bobby scored his first goal for Liverpool in a 6-1 Europa League win over Sparta Prague in March.Dad Lee, also a midfielder, made 260 appearances across two spells for the Magpies, scoring 13 goals and providing 14 assists.Liverpool boast a relationship with the Red Bull group, with Sadio Mane, Naby Keita, Takumi Minamino, Ibrahima Konate and Dominik Szoboszlai all Red Bull alumni prior to moving to Anfield.Jurgen Klopp with Bobby after February’s FA Cup victory over SouthamptonCredit: Getty More

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    Gary Neville reveals mega-money bet with Jamie Carragher on Man Utd v Liverpool in title race as Keane picks his winner

    WHO will finish higher, Manchester United or Liverpool? The yearly debate between Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville resumed on Friday with the punditry duo wagering £5,000 on their respective clubs.Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville have wagered over who will come out on topAfter United won their opening game against FulhamCredit: RexEx-Man United defender Neville stated that whoever’s team finishes lower will have to make a £5,000 donation to charity.The former right-back is still backing his beloved United to finish above their Merseyside rivals this season.Addressing Roy Keane after the game, Neville said: “Roy, before the game me and Carragher had a £5,000 bet for charity.”That Liverpool would finish above United and United would finish above Liverpool. Whoever obviously loses, it then goes to charity.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDBut Keane – known for no nonsense punditry style – shot down any chance of him getting involved in the stake. The former United captain replied: “Don’t get me involved in that bet.”Before Neville then pressed: “Who do you think is going to win the bet though?””I think United,” Keane responded. But his comment prompted a fit of laughter from Carragher.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSKeane then clarified: “‘If United stay fit, their star players. Then they’ll do it.”Erik ten Hag was presented with an injury crisis last season after his side struggled through 66 different cases, particularly to key defenders.Awkward moment Man Utd ace Lisandro Martinez calls out Jamie Carragher live in Sky Sports before settling old scoreLiverpool, meanwhile, finished third in Jurgen Klopp’s last season and will be guided by new boss Arne Slot – who has big shoes to fill.Yet many pundits agree with Carragher that Liverpool will finish in the top four as they kickstart a new era at Anfield.Keane previously told The Overlap podcast that Liverpool won’t finish in the Champions League qualification places, as they haven’t done any business in the transfer market.The Reds missed out on signing their top No6 target, with Real Sociedad star Martin Zubiamendi rejecting the move last week.Earlier on Friday, Ten Hag’s side got their 2024-25 campaign underway, claiming a late 1-0 victory against Fulham.New summer £36.6m signing Joshua Zirkzee guided a cross from Alejandro Garnacho to seal the win.Man Utd ratings vs Fulham as new boys shine… but Mount and Amad struggleDEBUTANT Joshua Zirkzee was the hero for Manchester United in an evening where their new guns showed what they are all about.The Dutchman had to remain patient for his opportunity but he took it brilliantly once he came on the pitch.Zirkzee came on for Mason Mount on the hour mark and had been quiet up until his pivotal moment.Ten Hag will take positives from the display and it was his astute sub which led to the winner as his side got their season off to a flyer.Here is how SunSport’s Phil Thomas rated the Red Devils display…Andre Onana – 6Made an outstanding early tip over from Kenny Tete and was rarely seriously troubled beyond that.Noussair Mazraoui – 7A pretty impressive debut from the Moroccan. Looks assured on the ball, gets forward in support and can put a foot in.Harry Maguire – 7Dominant and commanding in defence, but embarrassingly booked for diving at the other end. Really Harry, even you?Lisandro Martinez – 6Skinned by Adama Traore early. Showed all his defensive guile in how he handled him after that, and got back superbly to deny a breakaway goal.Diogo Dalot – 6Had his hands full dealing with Traore’s pace, but knocked in a couple of wicked curling crosses at the other end.Casemiro – 7Headed over then shot over, but two great passes put Fernandes clean through. Often looked United’s most likely source of a goal.Kobbie Mainoo – 8So crisp, so tidy, so rarely wastes a pass. Another near-flawless, if not exactly flair-packed, display from the youngster. Fizzed a shot just wide, too.Mason Mount – 5So desperate to do well, which earned him an early booking. Only Leno’s legs denied him the goal his effort deserved.Amad Diallo – 5Made one marvellous mazy run into the box, although the tumble to ground that followed wasn’t so impressive.Marcus Rashford – 6Still nowhere near the star of two years ago, but another step in the right direction at least. Some way to get yet, though.Bruno Fernandes – 7Fluffed two great chances, driving at keeper Leno’s legs twice when Casemiro put him through, but sprayed passes around and started the move for the winner.SubsAlejandro Garnacho (for Diallo, 60mins) – 6Put a spark in United when he came off the bench and teed up the winner.Joshua Zirkzee (for Mount, 60 mins) – 7The debut he dreamed of. Barely had a touch, but then fed the ball wide and stuck out his left foot to jab the winner.Matthijs de Ligt – (for Mazraoui, 81 mins) – 5Was only on for the last ten minutes and looked solid although he did not have too much to doJonny Evans (for Maguire, 81 mins) – 5Scott McTominay (for Mainoo, 84 mins) – 5 More

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    New Liverpool boss Arne Slot must plough his own furrow… he’d be stupid to follow Jurgen Klopp’s way of doing things

    ARNE SLOT faces a mammoth task trying to emulate Jurgen Klopp.But my main piece of advice is: DO NOT TRY TO COPY HIM. Be your own man, Arne.Arne Slot has big shoes to fill at AnfieldCredit: APThe Dutchman takes on Ipswich tomorrowCredit: RexDavid Moyes after Sir Alex Ferguson, Unai Emery after Arsene Wenger, Slot after Klopp…It’s almost impossible to follow such monumental managers at such iconic clubs.So Slot would be stupid to, and try to change everything in a day. They’re already on to a successful and winning formula.But I just hope for his sake he doesn’t try to play Klopp’s exact brand of high-press, gung-ho football.READ MORE LIVERPOOL NEWSI am buzzing for the start of the new season and I cannot wait to see how managers try to overcome the different hurdles in front of each of them.Slot’s biggest challenge is undoubtedly getting Liverpool fans on side rapidly because they have become accustomed to the way they attack.They’re used to watching a relentless, ruthless machine who score bucketloads of goals.They don’t care if they’re playing Manchester City or Aston Villa or Luton.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIt’s all: ‘Bang, bang, bang, we’re coming this way. This is who we are, it’s our identity.’I was on the end of a few thrashings from Liverpool in my time.Arne Slot to make 3 key changes at LiverpoolThey were almost impossible to play against and the fans will want Slot to recreate the Klopp glory days, immediately.But he should try to sever that tie as soon as possible and send a message to his team, the fans and the rest of the Premier League: This is my time and this is my brand of football.Along with the rest of us, Liverpool supporters should know exactly what Slot is about after three games — starting with tomorrow’s trip to Ipswich.He could not have asked for an easier first Premier League match, really.So I expect them to win but I will be watching the performance like a hawk.That’s the most important thing. He’s had a pre-season to get his ideas across but it’s a different kettle of fish being thrown into the fire and brimstone of the  Premier League.So things may not click straight away.But as long as it’s obvious what he is trying to do and the players are clearly trying to implement his ideas, Liverpool fans can sleep easy.Jurgen Klopp left behind a huge legacyCredit: PAWhat they have said about Arne SlotMATT WADE, head of sporting strategy at Feyenoord”He is a brilliant communicator, and consultative, but also clear at the same time. “He is quite cautious, quite introverted, but very rule based and principled, which means everyone knows where they stand. “And he is not paranoid, which allows freedom for specialists to operate.”SANDER WESTERVELD, former Liverpool goalkeeper and team-mate of Arne Slot”When I played with Arne at Sparta, you could see that he would become a coach. “He was a leader, a No10 midfielder and someone who would change tactics by himself. “The job he has done at Feyenoord makes him the perfect fit for Liverpool.”Dutch football journalist MARCEL VAN DER KRAAN “I’ve followed Feyenoord for 40 years. Not since the days of Johan Cruyff at Ajax in the 1980s has there been a coach so attack-minded in the Dutch league. “Cruyff only had a few disciples who followed him and one of them was Pep Guardiola.”Arsenal star REISS NELSON who played 31 games under Slot on loan at Feyenoord”I felt like Arne Slot is a great manager. He really got me into my rhythm. “He gave me a lot of opportunities to play and I excelled.”The problem is, when your team is expected to be at the top of the table, Slot must develop his players and implement his style at the same time as delivering consistent results.He has to get top four minimum. Anything less and he should be out the door.Because, let’s be honest, their squad is still a joke.They have elite world-level stars in Mo Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold.  Their midfield is hardly bad and Alisson is also in the planet’s top three keepers.Even Darwin Nunez is an outstanding team player.If Slot can calm him down in front of goal, the Uruguayan would be a completely different player and those sitters he missed last season could deliver another 11 or 12 points this time around.Klopp has botched his Liverpool exit… and it’s cost him his legacy, says Dave KiddBy Dave KiddNOW we know Jurgen Klopp’s final major trophy haul at Liverpool — one Champions League, one Premier League, one FA Cup, two League Cups and (if you must) a World Club Cup.But where does his reign stand among the greatest of the Premier League era?In black-and-white terms, Klopp is way behind Sir Alex Ferguson and Pep Guardiola, the only two men to have won multiple Premier Leagues and a Champions League at the same club.Those two sit alongside Brian Clough, Bob Paisley and Sir Matt Busby as the undoubted all-time managerial greats of the English game.But Klopp ranks in the next tier down — with Arsene Wenger, Jose Mourinho (the Chelsea version), Bill Shankly and Don Revie.These were all men with the strength of character to transform their clubs in their own image and enjoy success but who did not win as much as they might have done.Had Klopp managed to keep his intentions under wraps and ended up with another title, perhaps even a treble or quadruple, he’d have edged himself up into that highest echelon with Ferguson, Guardiola, Clough, Paisley and Busby.But deciding the timing and the manner of your exit is one of the toughest calls for any manager or sportsman.Klopp got it wrong.Read Dave Kidd’s take on Klopp’s demise in full here.Or click here to check out all of Dave Kidd’s articles.All of this is obviously easier said than done.And given the instant judgment from players when a new manager joins a club, Slot’s tenure may have been made or broken already.The early days are absolutely vital. Especially as he will be constantly battling to emerge from Klopp’s shadow.All of his firsts are huge. First meeting, first training session and, of course, his first competitive game.And, look, I had 16 managers at Watford, so I know what I am talking about more than most.I worked under a vast array of people.Marco Silva arrived and he was straight in with: “This is what we’re doing, how we are doing it and this is what I expect.“Get on board or get out.”You knew where you stood.But I’ve had other managers come in and pussyfoot around with English that wasn’t great.They’d be getting words muddled up and having stuff get lost in translation.And you’d know instantly they were not going to last.READ MORE SUN STORIESSo Liverpool’s players will have made their mind up on Slot already.And tomorrow will be a perfect indication of whether they are having him or not. More

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    Thiago Alcantara leaves Barcelona just a month after ex-Liverpool star joined Spanish giants in new role

    THIAGO ALCANTARA has left his coaching role at Barcelona after a one-month stint in Spain.Thiago, 33, was suddenly forced into early retirement due to recurring injuries this summer.Thiago Alcantara has left Barcelona after a brief coaching stintCredit: RexThiago was brought in to help his former boss Hansi Flick adjust to BarcaCredit: GettySpanish outlet Marca claimed the former midfielder will now likely return to his Liverpool home.Thiago must reportedly spend the rest of the year in the UK due to tax reasons related to his P45 at Anfield.His deep knowledge of Barcelona and his fluency in German, after spending nine seasons at Bayern Munich, made him an ideal addition to Hansi Flick’s coaching staff.The former Spain international undertook an internship under Flick to obtain his coaching licence.He allegedly impressed those around him during his return and Flick has left the door open for the 33-year-old to return.The pair previously worked together during their time at Bayern, where Flick was both assistant boss and manager.Barca announced under-16 coach Arnau Blanco as Thiago’s replacement.In addition to working under Pep Guardiola, he has also been with Jurgen Klopp, Flick and Carlo Ancelotti.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThiago spent four years with Liverpool, making 98 appearances despite persistent injury issues.Prior to his retirement, he had been linked with a return to Barcelona on a free transfer this summer.PREM RULE CHANGESHe previously spent eight years with the club after coming through Barca’s fabled academy.Thiago went on to make 100 first-team appearances before joining Bayern in 2013.Following seven years in Germany, he signed for Liverpool in 2020 but has always struggled with injuries.Despite that, Thiago won 32 major trophies across his spells with the three clubs.Thiago joined Liverpool in 2021Credit: Getty More

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    Dream Team 2024/25: Liverpool’s top stars, bargain options & players to avoid

    EVERY Dream Team manager will be intrigued to see how Liverpool get on once the new season gets underway.Jurgen Klopp has departed and Arne Slot has the unenviable task of filling the German’s shoes with little in the way of transfer activity to bolster the squad.The Reds’ fixtures appear relatively favourable across the first few Gameweeks so many Dream Team bosses will be prepared to back them extensively from the get-go.With that in mind, let’s analyse their top stars, bargain options, and players to avoid.PLAY DREAM TEAM AHEAD OF TONIGHT’S DEADLINE – £50,000 TOP PRIZE PLUS £5,000 FOR GAMEWEEK 1 WINNER!Salah is always among the highest point-scorers at the end of the seasonCredit: Dream TeamTOP STARSMohamed Salah (£7m) may have faded towards the back end of last season but still he finished with 330 points to his name, a tally bettered by just four players.The Egyptian hero is a modern Dream Team legend as somebody who averages 30 goals per season since he joined Liverpool in 2017.There is a perception among some fans and pundits that Salah is a selfish player but, while it’s true he takes a lot of shots himself, no forward created more big chances (28) for their team-mates in 2023/24 – he’s an absolute menace in the final third.The 32-year-old’s quality comes at a significant cost as only Erling Haaland (£8.5m) boasts a higher starting price.Most read in FootballThe same can be said of Trent Alexander-Arnold (£5.5m), the most-expensive defender in the game ahead of Gameweek 1.Clean sheets remain the primary currency for the assets at the back but it’s generally a good idea to have some attacking threat too and Anfield’s homegrown hero is the cream of the crop.13 assists in all competitions last seasonCredit: AFPAlexander-Arnold’s creative stats put most playmaking midfielders to shame and no defender registered more assists or big chances created last season.It will be interesting to see whether he plays predominantly as an attacking right-back or if Slot follows Klopp and Southgate’s lead and deploys the 25-year-old in midfield from time to time.When we spoke to the overall winner of Dream Team last season, he sang the praises of Luis Diaz (£4.5m) as a differential who many of the other top gaffers foolishly overlooked.The Colombian winger banked 250 points via 13 goals and eight assists last time out.Cody Gakpo (£4.5m) looked excellent on the left flank for Netherlands at Euro 2024 but Diaz has impressed during pre-season and is likely to get the nod at the start of the campaign at least.BARGAIN OPTIONSQuansah may be given a chance to prove himself as a regular starterCredit: EPAThere are strong suggestions Jarell Quansah (£3m) will partner Virgil van Dijk (£5m) at centre-back against Ipswich on Saturday and so he has to be considered an affordable option.If the 21-year-old is able to lock down a starting spot for the foreseeable future, he will become one of the most-selected defenders in the game.Elsewhere, Harvey Elliott (£3m) looks cheap for a player who mustered just shy of 200 points in 2023/24 despite averaging 39.3 minutes per Premier League appearance.The ex-Fulham midfielder is probably too much of a minutes risk to back from the start but managers should keep track of his game time – if he earns a more prominent role he could be a real bargain.Dream Team’s Fantasy Football GamePLAY DREAM TEAM AHEAD OF THE NEW SEASON!£5,000 prize for the manager who earns the most points in Gameweek 1 – master the opening weekend for a HUGE payout!Play in Mini Leagues against your mates£50,000 jackpot for overall winner plus other weekly prizesPlay for FREE via Dream Team’s app or website today!PLAYERS TO AVOIDThis is no reflection on Van Dijk’s status but there are better ways to spend £5m in Dream Team this season.For just £0.5m more, gaffers can back the aforementioned Alexander-Arnold who also benefits from Liverpool’s clean sheets but provides plenty more attacking threat.Alternatively, the top three point-scoring defenders from last season are all available for the same price as the Dutchman: Ben White (£5m), Gabriel (£5m) and William Saliba (£5m).Dream Team bosses should also tread carefully up front.Darwin Nunez may have to wait his turn this seasonCredit: GettyIf we assume Salah and Diaz will start on the flanks, that only leaves one place in the front three for either Gakpo, Darwin Nunez (£4.5m) or Diogo Jota (£4.5m).The latter appears to be the front runner at this stage but Slot will naturally rotate his options, Diaz (and Salah to a lesser degree) included.READ MORE SUN STORIESBacking the wrong horse would mean missing out on plenty of points.It might be wise to wait for a clear indication of the new coach’s pecking order before committing £4.5m to either Gakpo, Nunez or Jota but, for those willing to roll the dice, the latter is a tempting punt for the Reds’ trip to Portman Road this weekend. More

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    Liverpool ‘AGREE personal terms with Mamardashvili’ but Georgia keeper could join fellow Prem side on loan first

    LIVERPOOL have agreed personal terms with goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, according to reports.The Georgian shot-stopper, 23, is keen to leave Valencia after two years out on loan in his home country.Liverpool have agreed personal terms with Giorgi MamardashviliCredit: RexBut if the deal goes through, Mamardashvili will likely head back out on loan to Bournemouth to gain Premier League experience.The Cherries are willing to pay the goalkeeper’s increased salary of £3.4m, which is more than what Valencia can afford at present.And it could spell the end of Caoimhin Kelleher’s time at Anfield, after SunSport reported that Juventus were plotting a bid in the region of £25-30m for the Ireland international.Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano posted: “Liverpool have agreed personal terms with Mamardashvili.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”Bournemouth are open to signing him, then he’d become the Reds’ new goalkeeper after Alisson. Agents now in Valencia for club talks, but no agreement yet.”Liverpool are eyeing up a long-term replacement for current No1 Alisson – who is a hero at Anfield.For now, Alisson is expected to continue in that first-choice role for another year at least, despite interest from Saudi Arabia.The Brazilian’s deal runs until 2027, having put pen-to-paper on a six-year extension in 2021.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMamardashvili was one of the stars of Euro 2024, keeping a clean sheet in a 2-0 win over Portugal, after making 11 saves in a 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic.Liverpool are weighing up the chance to sign the talented – and relatively young goalkeeper – for a fee of more than £25.7m.Ten Premier League stars wanted by Saudi Arabian clubsThe Reds are currently the only Premier League team not to add any new players to their squad since the end of the 2023-24 campaign.They were recently snubbed by Spain midfielder Martin Zubimendi, who opted to stay at Real Sociedad.Liverpool and new boss Arne Slot will kick-start their new Premier League season away at Ipswich Town on Saturday. More

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    Liverpool open to selling one of Jurgen Klopp’s last ever signings after slipping down Anfield pecking order

    LIVERPOOL are still open minded to selling Wataru Endo – and Celtic are now monitoring the player.The Scottish champions are believed to be huge admirers of the midfielder who is thought to have slipped massively down the pecking order at Anfield.Wataru Endo could be set to leave Anfield after just one seasonCredit: APEndo was one of Jurgen Klopp’s final signingsCredit: PANew manager Arne Slot is believed to regard Ryan Gravenberch and Stefan Bajcetic as better options in the midfield holding role.And that’s put the future of Endo – who is thought to want to play first team football this season – in doubt.Marseille have already had a bid rejected for the player this summer.But they could go back in with a new offer before the window closes.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey are likely to face competition from Brendan Rogers who thinks securing Endo could help boost his side both domestically and in Europe.But the transfer fee – thought to be around £15m – may put the player out of Celtic’s reach.Earlier this month it was reported that Liverpool would be willing to sell Endo if they are able to replace him with Martin Zubimendi.But even after missing out on the Spain international they could still let Endo go.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSEndo played in 29 of Liverpool’s 38 Premier League games last seasonLiverpool have seemingly entered the market for a new midfielder and are ready to pounce on a target, something that was very much needed according to Jamie Carragher.Speaking on The Overlap, the former defender discussed limitations in the squad, saying: “Liverpool definitely lack legs and energy in midfield.The Sun’s Neil Custis gives his verdict as Man United blown away by Liverpool in final pre-season friendly”If you think of how they finished last season, it was Mac Allister, Endo and Harvey Elliott as the midfield three.”All got great strengths but none of them can run and when I look at that position – I say it’s a fear.”Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. More

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    Real Madrid and Barcelona in Trent Alexander-Arnold transfer battle as Liverpool bid to stop star running down contract

    REAL MADRID and Barcelona are watching Trent Alexander-Arnold’s  situation at Liverpool closely.The Liverpool vice-captain, 25, is out of contract next year and has been strongly linked with a move to the European champions.Trent Alexander-Arnold has developed into one of the world’s best right backs but his next step is unclearCredit: EPAReports in Spain say both LaLiga clubs think the England ace is willing to leave following the progress of 21-year-old right-back Conor Bradley.The Reds will offer Alexander-Arnold a new deal that would increase his £180,000-per-week wages — but they are not willing to break the bank.And rumours have swirled that he may leave to join England team-mate Jude Bellingham at the Bernabeu.The pair were also spotted holidaying in Los Angeles together last month, where Alexander-Arnold was seen signing a Madrid shirt for a fan.Read more transfer newsAnfield bosses also have to sort out what to do with Mo Salah, 32, and Virgil van Dijk, 33, who are the only two players at Anfield who earn more than Alexander-Arnold.All three players contracts will expire in June 2025.It still seems unlikely Liverpool would cash in on their academy graduate this summer as it would be a wrench for both parties.But Real and Barca, along with other top clubs, are looking at what might be possible in the next 12 months or so.Most read in FootballJude Bellingham and Trent Alexander Arnold holidayed together in LACredit: InstragramFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHis assist tally and chance creation from right back have led to calls for him to be utilised further forward despite misgivings about that from former boss Jurgen Klopp.Alexander-Arnold is arguably the most complete passer in the game bar Kevin De Bruyne, and has scored 15 goals for Liverpool and provided 58 assists, a record for defenders in the Premier League.SunSport launches weekly Football League feature called ‘What the EFL-!’New boss Arne Slot prefers a more orthodox right back, with Northern Ireland international Bradley mooted as the more natural fit there.Meanwhile, Liverpool legend Michael Owen said Madrid might prove too irresistible of a destination for Alexander-Arnold.Owen told Casino Hawks: “Obviously Real Madrid at the moment are the best team in Europe, they are the biggest team in the world and have that iconic kit and their players… It’s the best stage in Europe.”I had a similar thing at that stage of my career, and I decided that it was an opportunity that I couldn’t pass up. “I don’t know if it’s an opportunity for Trent or a possibility, but he’d have a lot to think about if they came in for him.”Liverpool are the only Premier League club yet to sign a player in the summer transfer window but are expected to bring in a new defensive midfielder.Real Sociedad and Spain star Martin Zubimendi – who has a £51.7m release clause – is a top-priority for new boss Arne Slot.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. More