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    Liverpool REJECT Real Madrid bid for Trent Alexander-Arnold in January swoop with star set for free transfer in summer

    LIVERPOOL have rejected an audacious swoop from Real Madrid for Trent Alexander-Arnold.The England full-back is out of contract on Merseyside in the summer. Liverpool have rejected Real Madrid’s January approach for Trent Alexander-ArnoldCredit: GettyAlexander-Arnold came through the youth setup at Liverpool and has been with the club since 2006. He could leave on a free transfer in the summer unless he pens a new contract and can start talks with European clubs from January 1.The 26-year-old has yet to indicate if he wishes to leave his boyhood clue for a fresh challenge.But that hasn’t stopped Madrid from targeting the Three Lions star for a shock move in January. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe offer for Alexander-Arnold from Real was a “club-to-club approach rather than a formal offer,” according to the Daily Mail.It was “rejected” out of hand by Liverpool, who hold a “desire” to keep Trent on the books. Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti is keen to sign a new right-back to bolster his injury-hit squad.Dani Carvajal looks set to miss the remainder of the season for the reigning La Liga champions, who trail rivals Atletico by one point at the summit. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMadrid have aggressively pursued free transfers in recent seasons, offering lucrative contracts to tempt stars to the Bernabeu.David Alaba, Antonio Rudiger and most recently Kylian Mbappe were all signed this way. Fans hail ‘agent Jude Bellingham’ as England star is spotted with Real Madrid transfer target in nightclubEarlier this week, reports in Spain suggested Real were confident Alexander-Arnold will join at the end of the season.They wanted to secure a deal in January given their injuries, but they accept a summer transfer if it is the only option.Alexander-Arnold has played 332 times for Liverpool since making his debut almost a decade ago. He has won the Premier League, Champions League, the FA Cup, two League Cups and a Club World Cup with the club. Liverpool, who currently lead the Prem title race, could also lose both Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk to free transfers in the summer.Both players are out of contract in May and are yet to sign a fresh deal. More

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    Jamie Carragher reveals his 2025 predictions including title winner and how long it will take Amorim to fix Man Utd

    JAMIE CARRAGHER believes only an injury crisis can stop Liverpool from winning the Premier League title. The Sky pundit has backed his former team to pip Arsenal to top spot in May. Jamie Carragher has given his predictions for 2025 across the world of footballCredit: AlamyArne Slot’s Liverpool are setting the pace in the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyCarragher spent his entire 17-year career with Liverpool, appearing over 500 times for the club. The 46-year-old never lifted the Premier League trophy during his time at Anfield.But he believes Arne Slot’s juggernaut are all but unstoppable this season, fresh from another thumping win on the road against West Ham. Writing in The Telegraph, Carragher claims “Chelsea are not quite ready to become champions.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe goes on to predict that “Liverpool will pip Arsenal into second place.”Carragher adds: “My only worry for Liverpool is if they pick up injuries to their big players. “If they can avoid them, they will be difficult to catch.”The former England defender also believes Manchester City will put their recent dismal form behind them and finish fourth.Most read in FootballPep Guardiola’s men won just their second game in 14 matches against Leicester on Sunday. FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOn the other side of Manchester, Carragher is not convinced Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd revolution is yet to get out of the planning stage.The Portuguese coach has seen his team win just four times in 10 games, along with five defeats. Gary Neville throws DRINK over Carragher after Liverpool blow Newcastle lead as fans say ‘he was gonna go for him there’Carragher said: “Ruben Amorim has a bigger job with a blank canvas.”He will need more time and patience, especially in getting underperforming players on big contracts out of the club. “What is happening at United right now is to be expected – a few good results mixed with reminders as to why they needed a new coach.”Despite United’s woes on and off the field, Carragher is convinced Amorim is the right man for the job.Carragher believes Ruben Amorim will come good at UnitedCredit: PAMan Utd ratings vs WolvesBy Ken LawrenceWOLVES landed a shock Boxing Day knockout as Manchester United’s struggles continued.The 2-0 defeat means Ruben Amorim has won just two of the seven Premier League games he has taken charge of.United find themselves 14th in the table and today were not helped by Bruno Fernandes’ red card and Andre Onana letting one in direct from a corner.Here is how SunSport rated the performances…ANDRE ONANA: 4He needed to make an agile save from Jorgen Strand Larsen in the first half, but badly misjudged the flight of Cunha’s corner for the opening goal – his claim that he was obstructed by Matt Doherty was rejected.LENY YORO: 5Recalled but booked after only four minutes for a foul on Cunha, so he was walking on eggshells and was tested by Wolves throughout. Subbed just after the hour mark.HARRY MAGUIRE: 6The England defender did his best to keep United in the game when they were under pressure for long periods – at least he helped to stem the tide until the dying seconds and had a header on target in stoppage time.LISANDRO MARTINEZ: 6Teamed up well with Maguire to stop Wolves from winning this more easily, he stood his ground and produced some important challenges in the latter stages before Wolves caught him on the break with the last action of the game.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI: 5Tenacious and determined, but was one of several players given a torrid time by the best player on the pitch – Cunha.MANUEL UGARTE: 5Dispossesed too easily at times, struggled against a lively Wolves attack and was eventually taken off as one of Amorim’s subs following Fernandes’ red card.KOBBIE MAINOO: 5Looked a threat early on, created some good openings, but he was booked after the break as United looked short on ideas. Faded and was subbed.DIOGO DALOT: 6Brought a tremendous save from Jose Sa in the first half in what was a rare bright spot for United – but he had no major influence on a poor team display.AMAD DIALLO: 5Lacked awareness of his team-mates sometimes and looked a shadow of the player who turned the Manchester derby around less than two weeks ago.BRUNO FERNANDES: 3Sent off early in the second half for a second yellow after a challenge on Nelson Semedo, but the captain had cut a frustrated figure before that.RASMUS HOJLUND: 5Became visibly annoyed at times at a lack of service from his team-mates, he had no joy up front and was subbed with 10 minutes left.SUBSCasemiro (for Mainoo, 63 mins): 6Christian Eriksen (for Ugate, 63 mins): 6Antony (for Yoro, 63 mins): 6Alejandro Garnacho (for Amad, 79 mins): 5Joshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 79 mins): 5He reckons the Red Devils will be a “better, more consistent team by December 2025, especially when Amorim has a full pre-season and new players to implement his ideas.”Carragher was also asked to name his Champions League winner – but hedged his bets.The 2005 winner believes either Inter Milan, Bayern Munich, Liverpool or Real Madrid will lift Big Ears come May. He added: “No one wants to draw Real in the knockout phase because it does not matter how poorly they are playing, they always find a way to get through.”Bayern also look good and are always in contention by the latter stages. READ MORE SUN STORIES”And then, of course, there is Liverpool, who have a 100 per cent win record so far. “They are the four sides everyone else will want to avoid.” More

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    Fresh details of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s proposed Real Madrid transfer from Liverpool emerge including ‘secret pact’

    REAL MADRID are closing in on the signing of Trent Alexander-Arnold, according to reports in Spain.The Liverpool defender has been heavily linked with a move away from Anfield with his contract up in the summer.Real Madrid are close to sealing Trent Alexander-Arnold’s signingCredit: EPAReal Madrid has been his rumoured destination for some time, and it is claimed Alexander-Arnold may have already agreed a transfer.Spanish outlet AS claim the move is almost complete with Real confident he will join at the end of the season.They wanted to secure a deal in January given their injuries, but they accept a summer transfer is the only option.The report adds Alexander-Arnold wants to leave Liverpool on a good note – not midway through a season when they lead the Premier League.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt has also been suggested Real Madrid have a secret pact to keep the transfer quiet once it has been completed next month, to avoid upsetting Liverpool.Reports from Spain have consistently linked Alexander-Arnold to the Bernabeu over the last few weeks, possibly under influence from Real Madrid.The LaLiga giants used the media to put pressure on moves for Aurelien Tchouameni, Kylian Mbappe and Antonio Rudiger, with the latter pair also joining on free transfers.Howver, reports from Merseyside offer a conflicting view, claiming no such transfer agreement has been reached.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThey claim that Alexander-Arnold has not given his word to Real, meaning his future remains up in the air.Respected transfer guru Fabrizio Romano makes the same claim, suggesting Liverpool could keep ahold of their star man as “nothing has been agreed”.Mo Salah provides huge update on Liverpool contract situation as he breaks Premier League record in Tottenham thrashing More

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    Liverpool scouting Championship wonderkid Ryan One, 18, after breaking into promotion-chasing Sheffield United first XI

    LIVERPOOL continue to compile a dossier on Sheffield United’s teenage striker Ryan One.Kop spies like the look of the powerful Scot, 18, who has already made it into Blades’ promotion-chasing squad.Ryan One is being monitored by Liverpool after impressing for Sheffield UnitedCredit: AlamyThe teenager netted his first goal for the Blades against Bristol City in NovemberCredit: PAOne is the type of physical frontman Liverpool lack in their ranks of emerging talent – and they are poised to move for him.Blades see One as a player for the future so would look for a big fee if Anfield chiefs do come calling.The teenager spent his early career north of the border at Hamilton, before joining United in 2023.He made his debut for the club away at Arsenal last season, before the Blades dropped back to the Championship. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe powerful striker has since featured 10 times for Chris Wilder’s side, catching the eye of scouts from Merseyside.One netted his first goal for the club in a 2-1 win over Bristol City at the start of November.The son of former Scottish lower-league striker Armand One, Ryan has already impressed on the international stage.He was included in Archie Gemmill’s Scotland under-21 squad back in October, getting minutes against Belgium and Kazakhstan. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOne said: “I didn’t expect it at all because I’d been selected for the Under-19s but it was a great feeling.“The standard in training has been really good.’New MOTD host’ Gabby Logan’s live TV interview with Liverpool boss Arne Slot ends awkwardly “But that’s what you’d expect with so many of these players playing first-team football. “I’ve just tried to keep up with it but I think I’ve done well.”Liverpool ratings vs ChelseaBy Ken LawrenceLIVERPOOL picked up a big 2-1 victory over Chelsea at Anfield to remain top of the Premier League.The Reds registered their first victory against a team currently occupying the top half of the Prem table.That was a major statement for the Merseysiders’ manager Arne Slot, whose team now stands a point ahead of Manchester City and four away from third-placed Arsenal at the top.Mohamed Salah opened the scoring a minute before the half-hourmark from the penalty spot.But Chelsea hit back just three minutes into the second half with Nicolas Jackson.However, Liverpool picked up the three points thanks to Curtis Jones’ winner just three minutes later.But how did each Liverpool star far? Check out Ken Lawrence’s player ratings below for more:CAOIMHIN KELLEHER – 5For the Kop – and no doubt secretly for boss Arne Slot – still surely lacking a top keeper’s presence.TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD – 5Didn’t look entirely comfortable throughout especially in the face of Malo Gusto’s first-half raids.IBRAHIMA KONATE – 5Caught napping by Nicolas Jackson’s run three minutes into the second half for Chelsea’s equaliser.VIRGIL VAN DIJK – 7He has his assassins back home in the Netherlands but again showed imperious defensive abilities.ANDY ROBERTSON – 6The Scotland captain is often praised more for his attacking qualities than his defensive ones, but goodness me – what a brilliant last-second block.RYAN GRAVENBERCH – 7Only played 12 games in Jurgen Klopp’s final season but showed again why he’s now an automatic choice for Slot.CURTIS JONES – 9Outstanding all over the pitch, won one pen when it should have been two, plus grabbed a poacher’s winner.DOMINIK SZOBOSZLAI– 5Again suggested he flatters to deceive, too often playing at a slower tempo than those around him.MOHAMED SALAH – 7What’s left to say about Anfield’s Egyptian king and his ultimate cool shot from the spot?DIOGO JOTA – 4Forced off after playing in pain after Tosin Adarabioyo hauled him to the deck early on.CODY GAKPO – 5Flitted in and out of the action, the Dutch wide man didn’t look that shocked to be replaced.SUBSDARWIN NUNEZ (for Jota 30) – 5Still a work in progress, says Slot – but working much harder off the ball.LUIS DIAZ (for Gakpo 65) – 5Ever-willing to shows that feisty left-sided pace of his.ALEXIS MAC ALLISTER ( for Curtis Jones 81) 5Ill in midweek but as the Argentine always does, got stuck in.JOE GOMEZ (for Trent Alexander-Arnold 81) – 5A few welcome minutes for the defender now down the pecking order.Meanwhile, Derby have joined the growing list of clubs keen to take forward Jayden Danns on loan if Liverpool clear the move.The promising striker, 18, has been prolific at youth level for the club and has previously been linked with a move to Wayne Rooney’s Plymouth. More

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    Arsenal and Man City ‘dream’ of signing midfielder who rejected Liverpool but Reds have not given up hope

    ARSENAL and Manchester City could battle for Martin Zubimendi next month, according to reports.The midfielder has caught the eye of Europe’s top clubs with his performances for Real Sociedad and Spain.Arsenal and Man City want to sign Martin ZubimendiCredit: GettyMan City are in the market for a defensive midfielder with key man Rodri out for the season.Arsenal are also understood to be interested in Zubimendi, who reportedly turned down a summer move to Liverpool.Fabrizio Romano revealed the clubs who are monitoring the 25-year-old, though explained why a January move could prove tricky.He told Men in Blazers: “There is a player who is a dream target for all the top clubs around Europe – for Liverpool, Man City, Arsenal and many others – it’s Martin Zubimendi.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“They all want to sign Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, the real point is that Zubimendi at the moment is still not opening the door to a January exit.“Next summer could be different but for January the situation is still quiet around him so I’m not sure it will be possible.”Zubimendi is believed to have a £51.7million buyout clause in his Sociedad contract, although even if that is triggered it could prove difficult to persuade the Spaniard to leave.He said earlier this year: “The best solution is staying. I want to grow and develop here.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowever sources insist Zubimendi has had a change of heart and is keen to play in the Premier League after all.And that has put City on high alert.Mikel Arteta reveals Bukayo Saka is set to miss months after surgery as he gives injury update on Arsenal star More

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    England star Marc Guehi eyes Liverpool transfer… but Crystal Palace could want wonderkid as part of deal

    MARC GUEHI is willing to wait on a move to Liverpool as Crystal Palace brace for offers.Centre-back Guehi was cool on leaving in the summer when Newcastle took an interest — and will have the major say on when he leaves the Eagles nest and where he goes.Marc Guehi is open to leaving Crystal Palace but won’t force through a January exitCredit: GETTYThe Eagles skipper is keen to join LiverpoolCredit: REXPalace could try to get Reds startlet Ben Doak in a potential deal for GuehiCredit: PAThe England international is holding on for a Champions League club — whether that comes next month or in the summer.Sources close to Guehi, 24, have revealed Liverpool is his first-choice destination and the Reds are also interested in a deal at the right price.Palace will look for a big fee now, although that is sure to drop in the summer as his contract ticks down. The Eagles could try to get a player out of the deal.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThey have been checking on winger Ben Doak during his loan spell at Middlesbrough.The flying Scot, 19, wants to go back and play at the Kop — but may seek a new Premier League home if that is not available.Boro would try for him if they go up but Palace are already waiting in the wings and poised to move for the exciting young Anfield talent.Palace will push hard for Doak if they fail to land French target Rayan Cherki, 21, from Lyon — their ideal arrival next month.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut Paris Saint-Germain want Cherki and hope to land him in a dream double, with a return for Kylian Mbappe their other main move.Palace rejected THREE summer bids from Newcastle for Guehi’s services.England star Marc Guéhi’s talks about his father’s faith and missing church on Sundays After the closeure of the transfer window, manager Oliver Glaser said: I was never in doubt [that Guehi would stay].”Congratulations to our owners because they didn’t give in.”Thank you to Marc, he was always open with me. “All the rumours didn’t influence his performances.”He always told me that he’s not pushing to leave Crystal Palace and that is always the most important thing for me.”Palace will be back in action on Sunday afternoon, welcoming bottom-of-the-table Southampton to Selhurst Park.Oliver Glasner was confident Marc Guehi wouldn’t leave Palace this past summerCredit: GETTY More

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    Trent Alexander-Arnold ‘tells Liverpool he wants Real Madrid transfer’ and can open talks over move in DAYS

    TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD has told Liverpool that he wants to leave for Real Madrid, according to reports.The full-back, 26, is set to be out of contract at Anfield at the end of the season.Trent Alexander-Arnold ‘wants to leave Liverpool’ for Real MadridCredit: RexMarca claim that Alexander-Arnold has told Liverpool chiefs he wants MadridAlexander-Arnold will be free to talk to other clubs from January 1.And according to Spanish outlet Marca, he has his heart set on Real Madrid.Liverpool have made several attempts to renew Alexander-Arnold’s contract.But the England international has now reportedly made it clear that he would like to leave Anfield.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLReds bosses will now have to decide whether to keep Alexander-Arnold until the end of the season before losing him on a free transfer.Or whether to cash in next month to at least get something for their homegrown star.Real Madrid are said to be relaxed about the situation; willing to wait until the end of the season but also open to a cut-price January swoop.They have done similar free transfer deals in recent years with the likes of David Alaba, Antonio Rudiger and most recently Kylian Mbappe.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAlexander-Arnold, 26, is close friends with England pal Jude BellinghamCredit: GettyAlexander-Arnold is close friends with England team-mate and Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham.It’s claimed that he has learned all about life at Madrid via the midfielder.‘I’d hate to be Liverpool right now’, say fans after seeing what Bellingham did for Alexander-Arnold on England dutyAlexander-Arnold has played 332 times for Liverpool since debuting in 2016.He has won the Premier League, Champions League, the FA Cup, two League Cups and a Club World Cup with his boyhood club.Liverpool are six points clear at the top of the Premier League, with a game in hand.Should he stay until the end of the season, Alexander-Arnold could sign off with another Prem title.Real Madrid are chasing a long-term replacement for stalwart Dani Caravajal.The 32-year-old suffered a season-ending knee injury back in October.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn addition to Alexander-Arnold, Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk are also set to be out of contract at the end of the season.The duo will both also be free to talk to other clubs from January 1. More

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    ‘Spending my night watching fog on Prime Prime’ – Fans slam ‘unwatchable’ Liverpool vs Leicester match

    FANS fumed at Liverpool’s “unwatchable” game against Leicester. The Premier League leaders hosted the Foxes at Anfield amid heavy fog in Merseyside. Fans fumed at Liverpool’s ‘unwatchable’ game against LeicesterCredit: RexFans could barley watch the gameCredit: PAThings were so bad that fans complained at not being able to watch the game properly as fog filled their screens. One said: “Spending my night watching fog on Amazon prime.”Another added: “Fog is increasingly getting worse. Game should be abandoned any second now.”One fumed: “This game is unwatchable.”READ MORE IN football Another moaned: “Weather is crazy. I can’t see anything.” Even Specsavers chimed in with: “Hi @primevideosport your camera is behind a cloud.” Leicester took a shock lead on six minutes through Jordan Ayew before Cody Gakpo levelled. There were concerns over whether the game would go ahead after Liverpool’s neighbours Tranmere abandoned their game with Accrington Stanley. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut Liverpool said in a statement: “If you are coming to the match today, please ensure you set off earlier than usual due to foggy conditions in and around Anfield stadium.”Please take care when travelling.”Fans have ‘tears in eyes’ as Sky Sports icon Chris Kamara reunited with old pal Jeff Stelling on shock commentary return More