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    Arsenal, Liverpool and Man City out to beat Man Utd to £86m transfer for Real Madrid star who could lose spot to Mbappe

    FOUR Premier League giants are ready for a huge tug-of-war transfer fight over Real Madrid star Rodrygo, according to reports.Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United are all monitoring the 23-year-old Brazilian.Rodrygo has attracted interest from four Prem giantsCredit: GettyWith Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe set to join, Spanish outlet SPORT report the LaLiga giants would be willing to open negotiations on Rodrygo if they receive offers above £86million.Treble-winners City have kept tabs on Rodrygo since his two stoppage-time goals helped to knock out the Prem champions in their dramatic 2022 Champions League semi-final.The winger, whose £205,000-a-week Bernabeu contract runs until 2028, has bagged 13 goals and provided nine assists in 41 Real games this term.United fans are keen on signing Rodrygo, who starred in Brazil’s 1-0 win over England on Saturday.But they could face a challenge for his signature from Arsenal or Liverpool, particularly if Mo Salah leaves Anfield amid links to Saudi Arabia.Interest could ramp up in the summer and Real Madrid already have a ready-made replacement for the forward in 17-year-old Endrick, who agreed a transfer to the Bernabeu in December 2022.However Rodrygo’s future will most likely be determined by what happens with Mbappe.The Frenchman is out of contract in the summer and has been tipped to swap PSG for Real Madrid.Most read in FootballRodrygo has played as a no9 at times this seasonBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERBut he was expected to do the same two years ago before a dramatic U-turn led him to pen a new contract.Reports claim Mbappe has signed a five-year deal with Real Madrid which includes an £85million signing-on fee.Football stars’ weird phobias More

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    Real Madrid ready to test Liverpool with £75million bid for Trent Alexander-Arnold as Reds face summer transfer exodus

    LIVERPOOL star Trent Alexander-Arnold is a £75million target for Real Madrid.The England full-back, 25, has just over a year left on his current deal at Anfield.Real Madrid are understood to be interested in Trent Alexander-ArnoldCredit: EPAAnd Spanish giants Real are ready to test the Reds’ resolve to hold on to their home-grown star as they continue the rebuild of Carlo Ancelotti’s team.Liverpool have no desire to sell Alexander-Arnold this summer.And they remain hopeful of tying him down to another long-term contract.But, if negotiations stall, Real are unlikely to be alone in trying to tempt the Merseysiders into cashing in.And the Reds know they are running the risk of losing the ball-playing right-back for nothing next year.Agreeing new terms with Alexander-Arnold will be one of the top priorities for Liverpool’s new hierarchy this summer.The biggest task for Michael Edwards — returning to Anfield as CEO of football in the summer — and new sporting director Richard Hughes is to appoint a successor to outgoing boss Jurgen Klopp.But Mo Salah and captain Virgil van Dijk are in the same contractual position as Alexander-Arnold.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd that could lead to a summer of major upheaval for the title challengers.All three are already among the club’s top earners but will be expecting improved terms and a suitably inspiring replacement for Klopp.Charlie Adam on watching golf with Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish instead of transfer talksThe Saudi Pro League is desperate to lure Salah in particular.There will also be interest in goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher.Due to Alisson being injured, the Irishman, 25, has started each of Liverpool’s last five Premier League games and also played in their Carabao Cup final triumph over Chelsea.But he has just 43 appearances since arriving at Anfield in 2019 and could now be tempted away from Merseyside after several impressive displays.Alexander-Arnold has played 21 Premier League games this season but is currently injured More

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    Liverpool face three away games in six days including early Saturday kick-off after Premier League TV changes confirmed

    LIVERPOOL are facing a TRIO of away matches following the Premier League’s announcement of their reshuffled fixture schedule.The title-chasing Reds are facing the daunting prospect of three consecutive matches away from Anfield late next month following the confirmation of their rescheduled Merseyside derby with Everton on April 28.The Premier League have announced the dates for their rescheduled fixtures and latest TV scheduleCredit: GettyThe reshuffle hasn’t been kind to Liverpool, who will play three away matches in six days in late AprilCredit: GETTYJurgen Klopp’s troops will close out April with consecutive trips to Fulham, Everton and West Ham – all of which will take place in the space of six days.And to make matters worse for the Merseysiders, their trip to the London Stadium to take on West Ham will be for a 12:30 kick-off.The outgoing Klopp isn’t a fan of early kick-offs and voiced his discontent towards them ahead of their clash with the Hammers last September. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe German said: “It’s no problem Thursday-Sunday.”It would be better if we played a little bit later but people misunderstand it when you talk about the 12.30pm.“It is only two and a half hours before the 3pm games, that is true but it is completely different when you have a pre-match meal at 9am.“It means the boys are really not there yet because they come from a completely different time zone.Most read in Sport”And everyone who has ever had jet lag knows how that feels.”BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERPremier League fixture changes
    Saturday 20 April 2024Luton Town v BrentfordSheff Utd v Burnley19:30 Wolves v Arsenal (Sky Sports)
    Sunday 21 April 202413:30 Everton v Nott’m Forest (Sky Sports)Aston Villa v AFC Bournemouth*Crystal Palace v West Ham*16:30 Fulham v Liverpool (Sky Sports)*Due to Aston Villa & West Ham being in UEFA competitions
    Tuesday 23 April 202420:00 Arsenal v Chelsea (TNT Sports)(Previously postponed due to participation in FA Cup sixth round)
    Wednesday 24 April 202419:45 Wolves v AFC Bournemouth20:00 Crystal Palace v Newcastle20:00 Everton v Liverpool (Sky Sports)*20:00 Man Utd v Sheff Utd(All previously postponed due to participation in FA Cup sixth round)*Kick-off time subject to change if Brighton v Man City moves to this day
    Thursday 25 April 202420:00 Brighton v Man City (Sky Sports)*(Previously postponed due to participation in FA Cup sixth round)*This will move to 20:00 Wed 24 April should Man City be scheduled to play in the Champions League on Tue 30 April
    Saturday 27 April 202412:30 West Ham v Liverpool (TNT Sports)(This will move to 14:00 Sun 28 April should Arsenal be scheduled to play in the Champions League on Tue 30 April)Fulham v Crystal PalaceMan Utd v BurnleyNewcastle v Sheff UtdWolves v Luton Town17:30 Everton v Brentford (Sky Sports)(This will move to 16:30 Sun 28 April should Man City be scheduled to play in the Champions League on Tue 30 April)20:00 Aston Villa v Chelsea (TNT Sports)
    Sunday 28 April 202414:00 AFC Bournemouth v Brighton(Moved due to Brighton v Man City on Thu 25 April)14:00 Spurs v Arsenal (Sky Sports)(This will move to 12:30 Sat 27 April should Arsenal be scheduled to play in the Champions League on Tue 30 April)16:30 Nott’m Forest v Man City (Sky Sports)(This will move to 17:30 Sat 27 April should Man City be scheduled to play in the Champions League on Tue 30 April)

    The three consecutive away fixtures could have a detrimental effect on Liverpool’s bid to win the Premier League title.The announcement of the latest TV schedule has been much kinder to Liverpool’s immediate title rivals Arsenal, who will play three matches in eight days.Why More Penalties Are Being ScoredThe Gunners will now face Wolves at Molineux on Saturday, April 20, with the Sky Sports-aired match match getting underway at 7:30pm.Mikel Arteta’s troops’ rescheduled clash with Chelsea takes place three days later and will be followed by their North London derby against bitter rivals Tottenham on April 28. More

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    Real Madrid ‘tracking Trent Alexander-Arnold’ ahead of shock potential transfer move for Liverpool and England star

    REAL MADRID are monitoring Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold, according to reports.The LaLiga giants are said to be interested in a transfer for the right-back, who continues to impress for the Reds.Trent Alexander-Arnold is wanted by Real MadridCredit: PAAlexander-Arnold is a key part of Jurgen Klopp’s side but his deal runs out at the end of next season.And according to Spanish outlet Revelo Real are looking to take advantage of his contract situation.Alexander-Arnold, 25, is not for sale but Liverpool are yet to open contract talks with the right-back.Real Madrid will likely be ready to pounce if an opportunity becomes available and the prospect of playing at the Bernabeu could be difficult for Alexander-Arnold to turn down.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLos Blancos have enticed several players to the club on free transfers in recent years including Antonio Rudiger, Eduardo Camavinga and Thibaut Courtois.Real Madrid have a long-standing admiration of Alexander-Arnold dating back to September 2021.He is viewed as a long-term replacement for Dani Carvajal.The England international could be weighing up his options with Klopp set to leave in the summer.Most read in FootballReal Madrid could look very different if they land their summer targetsAlexander-Arnold warned against new contract
    David James had his say on the right-back’s future, warning him against penning a new deal.
    The former Liverpool goalkeeper said: “I love Trent. When you look at his career, he came from nowhere to playing in European Cup finals whilst increasing his level of performance.
    “He then went through a period of being criticised by the media but has come through that and has been back to his best this season and is arguably the first name on Liverpool’s teamsheet.
    “So I think it’s very important that he does stay because he’s gone through the tough times and hopefully he wants to be part of a very successful time again for Liverpool.
    “For Trent at the moment, he can’t commit to anything long-term because he’s unaware of which manager is going to come to Anfield to replace Jürgen Klopp.
    “People may say if you love the club then it doesn’t matter who’s there, but if you’re as footballing intelligent as Trent is, then you will be aware that some managers who are being linked with the job at the moment get their teams to play in a certain way that doesn’t suit him and therefore he could end up suffering if he signs a contract now.
    “The sooner that Liverpool finds a replacement for Jürgen Klopp, then the sooner that these contract issues with Trent and Mo Salah can be dealt with.”

    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFormer Reds goalkeeper David James warned Alexander-Arnold not to sign a new contract as he could “end up suffering”.He said: “I love Trent. When you look at his career, he came from nowhere to playing in European Cup finals whilst increasing his level of performance.Jude Bellingham gives RB Leipzig manager Marco Rose his shirt after Real Madrid’s Champions League win”He then went through a period of being criticised by the media but has come through that and has been back to his best this season and is arguably the first name on Liverpool’s teamsheet.”So I think it’s very important that he does stay because he’s gone through the tough times and hopefully he wants to be part of a very successful time again for Liverpool.”For Trent at the moment, he can’t commit to anything long-term because he’s unaware of which manager is going to come to Anfield to replace Jürgen Klopp.”People may say if you love the club then it doesn’t matter who’s there, but if you’re as footballing intelligent as Trent is, then you will be aware that some managers who are being linked with the job at the moment get their teams to play in a certain way that doesn’t suit him and therefore he could end up suffering if he signs a contract now.”The sooner that Liverpool finds a replacement for Jürgen Klopp, then the sooner that these contract issues with Trent and Mo Salah can be dealt with.” More

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    Uefa draw up contingency plans for second stadium to help host Europa League final with tens of thousands set to attend

    UEFA are already making plans for Liverpool fans at the Europa League final on May 22.And you can hardly blame them.The Gaelic football stronghold of Croke Park could be usedCredit: Sportsfile – SubscriptionThe Aviva Stadium is hosting the Europa League final on May 22Credit: GettyThe Reds head into Thursday’s last-16 Anfield clash against Sparta Prague with a 5-1 lead.And when you look at Liverpool’s current form, it would be a huge surprise if skipper Virgil van Dijk didn’t end up leading them out in   Dublin.The Aviva Stadium officially holds 51,700 fans.And when you consider half of Ireland seems to support Liverpool and the proximity of Dublin to the UK, a huge number of fans without tickets will converge on the city.READ MORE TOP STORIESUefa are looking at setting up giant screens at Croke Park, the home of Irish Gaelic sports, where the capacity is a whopping 82,300.The stadium could also be used if West Ham make the final as there would be a mass ­exodus from East London to Dublin.Accommodation in Dublin is already costing a fortune for the night of the final.Three-star hotels currently start from £400 a night, with hostels at least £160.Most read in Europa LeagueHOW TO GET FREE BETS ON HORSE RACINGA Darwin Nunez double plus goals from Luis Diaz, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai have set up what should be a second-leg cruise for Jurgen Klopp’s men.It comes amid claims outgoing boss Klopp has recommended Wolves wing-back Rayan Ait-Nouri to the club.11 forgotten stars who define Liverpool vs Man Utd rivalryManchester United are also being linked with the Algerian 22-year-old.Chelsea and Manchester City have been previously mentioned in connection with Ait-Nouri. More

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    Jurgen Klopp confronts referee after 98th minute season-defining VAR call saves Man City at Anfield

    FUMING Jurgen Klopp confronted referee Michael Oliver after Liverpool were denied a late penalty against Manchester City. The game was level at 1-1 and in the eighth minute of extra time when Jeremy Doku collided with Alexis Mac Allister. This is the collision between Jeremy Doku and Alexis Mac AllisterThe City forward got away with itJurgen Klopp confronted referee Michael Oliver after Liverpool were denied a late penaltyReplays revealed the City forward kicking Mac Allister in the chest as they both went for the ball in the box. But ref Oliver waved play on and the VAR team refused to intervene as the game ended all square. Klopp was left raging after the final whistle and confronted Oliver to probe him on the controversial call. Manchester United legend Gary Neville said at the time on commentary: “I think he’s a lucky, lucky boy.” READ MORE IN football Neville also added: “Doku is very lucky. I thought he was in trouble.”The two sides played out a thrilling clash, but neither could find a winner meaning Arsenal now sit top of the table.City centre-back John Stones opened the scoring in the first half but a Mac Allister penalty levelled the game after the break.Klopp was still devastated after the final whistle as he said: “It was 100 per cent penalty. Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL “They will find an explanation. It was 100 per cent foul in all areas of the pitch and probably a yellow card.”All the people with ipads around me were ‘wow, clear’. Maybe they can hide behind the phrase it is not clear and obvious.Roy Keane tells Micah Richards to calm down on live TV after furious rant about Man City and Pep Guardiola”It is of course a penalty but we didn’t get it and that is fine. The most important thing for me is that we can play football like that. “I saw so many sensational performances today.”Pundits’ viewsSky pundit Roy Keane didn’t agree though. He told Sky Sports: “Klopp makes a good point about Doku getting the ball but his foot is so high.”I don’t think there’s any force behind it. So, I think the officials got it right.”Ex-Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher said: “I think he sees Mac Allister coming in and he’s almost trying to pull his foot away. I think if that’s being given on the pitch, it’s not being overturned.”But once it’s not given, he’s not gone fully through him. Klopp says anywhere else on the pitch and that’s a foul. I agree with that, but there is an unwritten rule in football where a penalty has to be a bit more.”When it’s in the box, it has to be a little bit more. He’s lucky but I can see why he’s not given it.” More

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    Fans convinced Gary Neville is secret Liverpool fan after weirdly comparing Man City goal to totally different incident

    FANS accused Gary Neville of being a secret Liverpool fan – as he made a shock comparison over Manchester City’s opener at Anfield.The Manchester United legend contrasted John Stones’ goal with an effort from Virgil van Dijk controversially ruled out in last month’s Carabao Cup final.Viewers were stunned by Gary Neville’s assessment of Man City’s openerCredit: Sky SportsWataru Endo was judged to be offside in the build-up to Virgil van Dijk heading home in Liverpool’s 1-0 Carabao Cup final win last monthCredit: Sky SportsBut many viewers claimed the incidents were completely different.Stones nipped in at the near post to flash home a clever corner from quick-thinking Kevin de Bruyne in Sunday’s Premier League blockbuster.But Sky Sports pundit Neville homed in on Nathan Ake tangling with Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister in the middle of the box.And he compared it to the most contentious talking point from the Wembley showpiece in February.Most read in FootballThat was when Van Dijk saw a goal erased after Wataru Endo was judged to be offside and interfering with play.Endo was assessed to be impeding the movement of Chelsea’s Levi Colwill.And fans were baffled when Neville compared the two moments.One said: “Gary Neville is a full on Liverpool fan these days! How’s he calling for a foul by Ake?”Most read in FootballAlexis Mac Allister went on to level for Liverpool from the spotCredit: ReutersCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL Another asked why he was “bringing up the cup final”.That viewer added: “Endo’s blocking was never a foul, but he did interfere, hence offside. Ake on Mac Allister is absolutely standard for everything single set piece, not remotely close to a foul.”Jamie Carragher reveals absolutely savage X-rated text Gary Neville sent over Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool exitA third observer posted: “Gary Neville’s all over the place here, comparing the block on Mac Allister to the one in the cup final, completely forgetting the cup final one was disallowed because he was offside.”A fourth wrote: “Why is Neville trying to create an ‘incident’ when all that Ake and Mac Allister were doing was lean into each other?”And a fifth said: “Neville really wanting a foul by Ake when it was Ake’s arm being held.”But a few fans disagreed – one insisting Stones’ breakthrough goal “should have been given offside”.Ironically, however, it was Mac Allister who levelled for Liverpool with a penalty on 51 minutes. More

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    Redknapp gives prediction for Liverpool vs Man City… and thinks it could be a GREAT result for one of their rivals

    IF ever there was a game to put a smile on your face, it’s the mouth-watering one at Anfield this afternoon.But trying to pick a winner between Liverpool and Manchester City keeps bringing me to the same conclusion . . . I’ll never have a go at the missus for changing her mind again!Either Liverpool chief Jurgen Klopp or Man City manager Pep Guardiola might not be smiling like this come Sunday eveningCredit: ReutersPhil Foden has been this season’s best player, says Harry RedknappCredit: ReutersOr take the mickey when it comes to making a decision, either. Because I have to admit I’m guilty of both when it comes to this one.Try as I might, I really can’t split the two of them . . . so in the end I’ve decided it will be a point apiece for Liverpool and City.Which wouldn’t be a bad result for Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, either, because I reckon his team will still be in the mix right to the end — whatever anyone else might think.The way City and Liverpool are playing right now, dropped points have become as rare as a weekend without a dodgy VAR decision.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBoth are picking up wins for fun, which leaves me scratching my head about who will be Premier League champions every time I watch them.One minute Liverpool are nicking another last-minute winner despite all their injuries — and I’m thinking nothing can stop them in this mood.The next day I see how City just carried on playing with no panic after going 1-0 down in the Manchester derby — and I’m going, ‘My God, they’re fantastic’.Then 24 hours later it was Arsenal’s turn to run riot, when they put six past Sheffield United.Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL Harry Redknapp admits it’s a tough match to callCredit: GettyConsidering everyone thought they’d blown it when they lost to West Ham and Fulham a few months back, no one’s going to make the same mistake and write them off again.This year we have a genuine three-horse race and, looking further ahead to the summer, England have surely GOT to win the Euros when you see that bunch of players.Unemployed Jose Mourinho reveals he would return to management ‘tomorrow’ as he is linked with Premier League returnI was in Spain last weekend and everyone was telling me, ‘Your team is fantastic’.Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane, John Stones, Declan Rice, Kyle Walker . . . who can match that? For me, England are on another level to anyone else in the tournament.But all that is for another day. This afternoon it’s all about Anfield — and the chance for someone to make a massive statement.The bookies have City as slight favourites and it’s hard to argue. I think they’re the best team in the world and agree with boss Pep Guardiola that Foden is the star of the season.But Mo Salah is back for the Reds, Darwin Nunez is fit and flying and we all know what can happen with that crowd behind them.I don’t see it as a problem for City — they’ve been in Champions League finals — but a packed Anfield has lifted Jurgen Klopp’s team to great things before.It could come down to a flash of brilliance from Salah, Foden or Kevin De Bruyne, maybe a half chance for Nunez or Erling Haaland.A flash of brilliance from someone like Mo Salah could settle itCredit: AlamyTo think people were making a big thing of it when Haaland went four games without a goal recently. Seven in his last three wasn’t a bad way to answer that!I do think Jack Grealish is a big miss for Pep’s men because as fast as Jeremy Doku is, they don’t get half the end product from him.And although Conor Bradley is no Trent Alexander-Arnold, the kid is a very solid defender — and getting better all the time.For once, I really can’t pick a winner. Yes, Liverpool could turn them over, but if City are on it they can beat anyone in an instant.So if I had to put my life on it, I’d have to go for a draw. Nowhere near a boring, negative one with two teams tip-toeing around each other, though.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey’ll go for it and the football will be fantastic — it can’t be anything else with this pair.This race is going to the wire . . . and I’ll change my mind half a dozen times before we get there. More