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      ‘I heard things that you should not hear as a footballer’ – Cult hero opens up on ‘uncomfortable’ transfer to Everton

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      EVERTON cult hero Royston Drenthe has revealed the bizarre circumstances behind his move to Goodison Park. The 37-year-old joined the Toffees on loan from Real Madrid in 2011.Royston Drenthe has opened up on his transfer to Everton in 2011Credit: GettyThe Dutchman became a cult figure at Goodison – but left under a cloudCredit: PA:Empics SportDrenthe found the net just three minutes into his debut against Fulham, immediately endearing himself to the home faithful. But his time on Merseyside fell apart after he was lambasted by manager David Moyes for being late to training.The Dutchman has revealed his agent wasn’t even able to attend the meeting as Real discussed terms with the Toffees.An assistant was sent in his place, leaving Drenthe to sit in on the negotiations. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLDrenth told Soccernews.nl: “My agent at the time couldn’t be there, so one of his right-hand men came to fix the deal. “He had to do that together with me.”So now I was there myself, and with a stranger too.”Players usually leave negotiations to agents – and Drenthe admits he heard things “not meant for his ears.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe continued: “Practically speaking, I heard all the details, ins and outs that were probably not meant for my ears.”It was a bit uncomfortable. I also heard the management fee, that kind of thing.Royston Drenthe looks unrecognisable as he trains with Racing Murcia for first time since shock free transfer aged 33 “You could also see from his actions that he was not at ease because I also heard things that you should not hear as a footballer.”Look, agents do their job too. But they are often things that are not for our ears. “They do act very transparent, but in most cases they are not.””They have been able to eat well from this transfer, yes, I am convinced of that!”Drenthe’s career never fully recovered from his stint with the Toffees.He later played for both Sheffield Wednesday and Reading, but fell into obscurity before retiring in 2023.Lost millionsRenowned for his off-field antics, Drenthe spent five years at Madrid and won both the LaLiga title and Spanish Super Cup while being Cristiano Ronaldo’s team-mate.But he admits to losing millions on parties, holidays and fast cars.Drenthe recently told Dutch TV: “I felt like a god at Real Madrid, playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, and I am proud of it.”But I also liked to party hard in this world of glitter and glamour. I used to drink a lot even though I had to train the next day.”In my first year with them I earned £1.4million, and received another £430,000 as a signing-on bonus.”But I am not a rich man. I squandered the money on holidays and nice cars.”Drenthe’s life away from the pitch has often overshadowed his efforts on it.He has enjoyed work as a rapper, actor, TV pundit, healthcare worker and fashion shopkeeper.His on-field career included an initial retirement in 2016, before returning in 2018.The shock decision to retire came after spells in Turkey and Abu Dhabi which saw him go unpaid.He told SunSport in 2018: “The situation was repeating and repeating,” he tells SunSport.”No matter which country I was, which city, it didn’t change. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I was like ‘I’m leaving, I don’t want your money no more, I’m going’.”Then it would happen again. So after, I was just like ‘f*** it.'”Drenthe won the La Liga title during his time with Real MadridCredit: AFP More

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      What Trent Alexander-Arnold’s life in Madrid could look like, from sponsored £155k BMW to Beverly Hills-style mansion

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      TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD could live like a king in Madrid, should he complete a transfer to their famous football team, Los Blancos.The Liverpool star, 26, has been highly coveted by the European champions.Trent Alexander-Arnold could swap Liverpool for MadridCredit: GETTYIf TAA does move, he could live in a swanky mansion in the ‘Beverly Hills of Madrid’Credit: Solar PixAlexander-Arnold would also get a company car in the form of a top-of-the-range BMW like pal Jude BellinghamCredit: Instagram @realmadridIt has been reported that the Reds have rejected an offer for the England defender, who is out of contract in the summer.But, TAA could still sign a contract this month to join Real Madrid on a free transfer in the summer – opening up the opportunity to hook up with close pal Jude Bellingham.That could mean Alexander-Arnold would live in a Beverly Hills style mansion in the same neighbourhood as his Three Lions team-mate.He would be offered a company car in the shape of a fancy BMW.read more football newsAnd Calle de Serrano, a luxury shopping district that’s home to boutiques for Prada and Louis Vuitton, would keep the full-back looking sharp.SunSport looks at what Alexander-Arnold’s life in Madrid could look like…Where he’d liveLa Finca, the exclusive private development in the upscale suburb of Pozuelo de Alarcón, is the area where Real Madrid’s elite mostly live.It’s where Gareth Bale made his home for many years – living in a £6.5million Beverly Hills style mansion.Most read in FootballLegends including Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema were also high-profile residents.Fans hail ‘agent Jude Bellingham’ as England star is spotted with Real Madrid transfer target in nightclubAlong with current superstar, Kylian Mbappe.Bale’s property featured a swimming pool and cost over £10,000-per-month to rent.It also had its own luxury gym and a six-car garage, so expect TAA to want something similar.Alexander-Arnold’s salary, given he would be available on a free transfer, could certainly be north of £400,000, so he would have plenty of money to play with choosing a home.He’d link up with…Joining Real Madrid would see TAA link up with some of the world’s best footballers, including Mbappe and Vinicius Jr.However, it would be a reunion with Bellingham that would be more satisfying.The pair have become firm friends since playing for their country together.They’ve been spotted partying together and eating at expensive restaurants together. Bellingham even surprised Alexander-Arnold with a giant card and a prank on his 26th birthdayMidfielder Bellingham has been full of praise of Alexander-Arnold’s ability.It’s also been reported that Alexander-Arnold has been discussing life in Madrid with his pal.Bellingham and Alexander-Arnold have become firm friends as international teammatesCredit: GettyBellingham is said to have discussed life in Madrid with his close palCredit: GettyCompany carIn Liverpool, Alexander-Arnold drives a top of the range Range Rover worth £75,000.While he’s also said to have a £82,000 Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 AMG Coupe.Should he move to Madrid, he would certainly get the option of driving a company car.The club used to have a deal with Audi, but have since signed an exclusive contract with BMW.The German car giants provided Bellingham with a stunning electric BMW XM worth £155,000.Real Madrid players picked up their electric BMWs as part of a new initiative to make their journeys to training more environmentally friendly last year.A club statement read: “The football first team received the official BMW cars at an event which took place at Real Madrid City.”This season, the team will use vehicles classified as ‘0 emissions’ in order to be able to make their daily journeys in 100% electric mode.Alexander-Arnold could get his hands on a £155k BMW XMReal Madrid have a huge sponsorship deal with BMW who provide their players with fancy motorsCredit: Instagram @realmadridAlexander-Arnold’s current ride is a stunning Range Roverread more sport features”The players have opted for models such as the BMW i4 M50, the new BMW i4 eDrive35, the first BMW XM, the BMW iX M60 and the BMW IX xDrive50.”These are high-performance, sustainable models featuring state-of-the-art technology, all geared towards dynamism, precision and aesthetics, without neglecting electrification.”Fashion is coveredAlexander-Arnold has made no secret of his love of designer wear.Not only has he been spotted eyeing up the latest trends at Milan Fashion Week, he’s also a model in his own right.The right-back is the face of Guess Jeans and appeared in a glossy photoshoot in the summer, alongside ex-girlfriend Iris Law – the daughter of Hollywood star Jude and actress Sadie Frost.For his love of fashion, expect Alexander-Arnold to shun the busy, pedestrian Calle de Preciados.Instead, he would most likely be seen visiting the upscale boutiques on offer at Calle de Serrano.The likes of Prada, Gucci and Louis Vuitton all have stores there.With Alexander-Arnold on some serious wedge, he will certainly be a cherished customer.Calle De Serrano is the premier shopping district for fashionistasCredit: TripadvisorDesigners like Gucci have boutiques thereCredit: TRIPADVISORFashionista TAA was spotted at Milan Fashion WeekCredit: InstagramAlexander-Arnold is the face of Guess Jeans with brand ambassador Iris LawCredit: Guess JeansWill the missus join him?Alexander-Arnold has recently fallen for the charms of model Estelle Behnke.They were spotted together on a date in Cheshire last month.Now, they’ve been taking in the sights of Venice, where TAA has whisked the beauty off to for a quick break away.Trent and Estelle enjoyed a meal at the Italian restaurant Regina Corner on Monday.They reportedly stayed at the £1,500-a-night Aman hotel during their time in the city.Estelle Behnke and Alexander-Arnold have recently started datingCredit: instagram/Estelle BehnkeStunning Estelle is a model who once lived in MonacoCredit: instagram/Estelle BehnkeBeauty Estelle could join Alexander-Arnold in MadridCredit: instagram/Estelle BehnkeEstelle is a former business studies student who once lived in Monaco.READ MORE SUN STORIESEven tough it’s early days in their relationship, the well-travelled beauty could join Alexander-Arnold in the Spanish capital.They could tackle the new adventure together. More

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      I achieved England glory with Gomez & Solanke… but here’s the harsh reality of what the transfer window is really like

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      THE WINDOW is officially open with the top clubs ready to splash the cash – but it is a much “harsher reality” for many unemployed lower league footballers.And for an England European Championship winner it could lead to a potentially huge life-changing career.Callum Cooke has nearly 200 EFL appearances to his name but is currently unemployedCredit: RexCallum Cooke, 27, was part of an Under-17 squad that included future senior internationals Joe Gomez, Dominic Solanke and Lewis Cook when they lifted the trophy back in 2014.But while they and the likes of Adam Armstrong are still in the Premier League bubble, Cooke is now one of the hundreds of players that find themselves out of work.For two straight seasons he produced some of the top goal involvement numbers in the fourth tier playing for Bradford.But a move back to his native North East with Pools ended up with them suffering relegation into the National League, and despite 35 appearances last term, he departed in June.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAfter a host of false promises led to him being unable to secure a club in August, the Middlesbrough academy graduate is now fighting to continue doing his dream job.Cooke, who is just four games shy of reaching 200 in the EFL having also played for Crewe, Blackpool and Peterborough United previously, said: “It’s been tough mentally.“I’ve had training opportunities with several clubs, one where I trained for five days and played in a game for them to prove my fitness, but the problem I’ve had is that once the August window shut, most clubs had their squads full and no budget until January.“I knew then I was going to be in this difficult situation and I’ve had to make big changes in my life financially and to make sure I stay fit, getting myself a watt bike and treadmill which I use each day.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“It has been a massive life experience because I’ve never dealt with this type of thing before. “I’m just hopeful that I can find something in January. It was my dream job growing up and to potentially have that taken away from me is very difficult, but you’ve got to remain positive.I’m unemployed ex-Arsenal star training with little-known squad to find new club “Also, being in the job, you’ve got to have thick skin. You have a lot of setbacks with injuries and other things and hoping this is just one of them setbacks but hopefully that’ll change.”Cooke is keen to stress that this is no sob story and has a career he can look back on with pride, especially his days as an England youth international alongside some now household names.He recalled: “I knew a lot of them really well, and you’ve also got Patrick Roberts at Sunderland who I was close with.These lads obviously got their chance at the top and took it. For whatever reason, I never got mine.Callum Cooke“It was a brilliant time playing with England and these lads and it’s great to see so many push on.“These lads obviously got their chance at the top and took it. For whatever reason, I never got mine at Middlesbrough and that’s why I took the jump to leave.“But I’ll always remember the sliding doors conversation at Boro for the rest of my life because I think about it daily and how life could have been different.”After impressing on loan at Crewe and with Boro just suffering relegation from the Premier League, Cooke was told by Steve Agnew that he would get his chance the following pre-season.The midfielder, pictured No.16 top right, helped England win the U17s EurosCredit: Bongarts – GettyCooke was one of the top dogs when it came to attacking stats while at BradfordCredit: PABut Garry Monk ended up taking charge and, without having a serious look at him, told the ace to get back out on loan and it was the same 12 months later under Tony Pulis even though he had impressed at Blackpool on loan.That led to him taking the plunge and leaving the Riverside now he is fit, raring to go and willing to take another big one in order to kickstart his career.He said: “I don’t have any children yet and I’m really starting to think about moving abroad to try and experience that.Being in the job, you’ve got to have thick skin. Callum Cooke“It could be a good time to do that but it’s another big decision that I’ve got to weigh up as some of the money and contracts being mentioned are just not worth it. I still know my worth.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Everybody always thinks that it’s all rosy being a professional footballer and when you’re a kid, you never see this side or even think it exists. However, the situation I’m in is becoming the harsh reality for a lot of other players.“You are relying on the opinions of other people so much at the end of the day, such as managers and club recruiters. It just takes one person to watch you and take that chance and show confidence in you for things to change.”Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Middlesbrough star Dael Fry closing in on testimonial but first wants to repay the faith of ex-Real Madrid defender

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      DAEL FRY is desperate to get Middlesbrough promoted to pay back Jonathan Woodgate’s faith – and celebrate it all with a testimonial.The 27-year-old defender, who produced a man of the match display in Sunday’s Championship draw with Burnley, has amazingly already surpassed TWO DECADES at his hometown club.Dael Fry is hoping to begin 2025 with a Middlesbrough win at Hull CityCredit: RexAnd the start of 2025, which begins with a trip to Yorkshire rivals Hull City today, also means that he is closing in on the ten-year anniversary of his first-team debut.Fry, who won both the U17 European Championship and U20 World Cup with England, was thrust into action amid an injury crisis on the opening day of the 2015/16 season.The then 17-year-old produced a brilliant performance in the goalless draw away at Preston and ended up making a further six appearances in what transpired to be a promotion-winning campaign under Aitor Karanka.Fry said: “It feels like yesterday. I told my mum and dad and they were absolutely buzzing.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“I just remember being so nervous but at Preston you walk out in the corner and I saw all the red in the away stand, it was all sold out, and I just thought ‘wow, these are the games you want to play in’.“As soon as the game kicked off the nerves went, we drew 0-0, but it’s mad how quick time goes.”Fry spent half of the following season on loan at Rotherham as Boro suffered relegation – and they are still waiting to return to the top-flight.Since then he has amassed 259 appearances for the team he grew up supporting under six different permanent managers.Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOne of those was fellow Teessider Woodgate, the ex-Leeds, Newcastle and Real Madrid centre-half.He regularly spoke about the talents of Fry during his ill-fated spell in charge that ended just after the return from Covid in 2020 after the club slipped deep into relegation trouble.World Cup winner received a carnival welcome to England in 1995 but does something very different nowHowever, despite the star suffering several injury issues during that stint, he is now desperate to repay the faith shown in him with Woodgate back at the Riverside as Michael Carrick’s assistant.Fry said: “I still look back on that time of my career with a bit of regret. Woody had so much faith in me and it was so stop-start for me and I had loads of little niggles.“I always heard the stuff he was saying and I really wanted to back that up for him and prove him right but I never felt like I did.“Now I actually feel like I can do that. I train with Woody day in, day out and he’s so good with the defensive lads.”Fry has seen a host of players come and go over the past decade, but despite three draws over the festive period, he believes this team feels like it could be the one to deliver Premier League football again.He said: “You know what, we’ve had some really good squads over the years but we haven’t quite made it.“This year, I feel there’s something different, there’s a lot of quality at the top end of the pitch.The Teessider made his debut aged 17 just shy of a decade ago under Aitor KarankaCredit: ReutersEven at the back we are conceding less goals now and scoring more.“The year that we got promoted, I really feel like there is a little bit of that feeling coming back and we’ve got a right good chance.”While Fry is desperate for the life-changing Prem experience on the pitch, off it he revealed how the arrival of his first child, a baby girl, 17 months ago transformed him personally.“That was the hardest year of my life, the first one, with the nightfeeds,” he said.“I didn’t realise how much your life would change but now she is walking, talking and I’m really enjoying it and it’s fantastic.I train with Woody day in, day out and he’s so good with the defensive lads.Dael Fry“There are things more important than football and I’ve realised that since becoming a father. As hard as it is, it’s beautiful.”While Fry is close to completing his tenth season in the first-team, he admits 2024 has been a year to forget after recently returning from a nine-month absence.He said: “At first we didn’t know the severity of the injury. I was just sort of getting injections and trying to deal with it. But then we decided we couldn’t keep going like that, I needed to know what it was and deal with it.Who are these famous footballers?“In the summer I ended up getting surgery (double hernia) but came back a little bit too early and done my calf twice. So I thought, I’m going to use this time and was in the gym, doing all my conditioning, eating right and the past nine weeks for me have been top. I feel like I’m in the best shape I can be in.“I still feel like I’ve got a lot more to give with Middlesbrough. This is the best that I’ve felt in my career.“I’ve been in and out injured quite a bit but now I’ve got no niggles, no injuries and hopefully I can continue for a lot more years at Middlesbrough.”Fry is desperate to represent Boro in the Premier League and insists this can be their seasonCredit: RexTestimonials are a rarity these days, but while Fry is aware of them, his immediate aim is to kick off a bumper 2025 by helping them climb out of the Championship.He added: “Yeah I do know what a testimonial is. My sister just reminded me the other day that it’s my 20th year at the club. When she said it I just thought that it was absolutely mental. It’s bizarre.“For me, to do that for my hometown team is surreal and the next step is to get Middlesbrough promoted and to play for them in the Premier League.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I want to be in the Premier League with Middlesbrough. I did think that would have come a bit sooner but it hasn’t been meant to be. But this year there’s just a different feeling.“Even with the coaching staff. It just feels a little bit different.” More

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      Man Utd’s relegation prospects looks alarmingly real – Jim Ratcliffe has done the impossible by making Red Devils worse

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      COULD Manchester United actually be relegated? It is a question which was previously unthinkable throughout the Premier League era.Ruben Amorim has admitted relegation from the Premier League is a possibilityCredit: RexSir Jim Ratcliffe has arguably made the Red Devils worse since taking chargeCredit: GettyMan United could face Wrexham if they are relegated to the ChampionshipCredit: GettyBut it’s a prospect first raised by manager Ruben Amorim after last week’s defeat at Wolves. And one which suddenly looks alarmingly real after the first-half horror show which brought a fourth straight loss, against Newcastle United. Could Old Trafford really be hosting Wycombe Wanderers in league football next season? Might United really be contesting derbies with Stockport County?Perhaps a cross-border tussle with Wrexham, who arguably possess more Hollywood quality than the boys from the crumbling Theatre of Dreams? READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe fact that the bookies are still quoting odds as long as 28-1 on United plunging into the Championship – and super-computers make it a one in 500 chance – should tell us all we need to know. Even during a disastrous first half of the season, United have mustered 22 points. Last season, Nottingham Forest stayed up with 32, although a more typical safety figure is somewhere between 34 and 36. Luckily for United, talk of needing 40 points, or even 38, is old hat. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFour more wins would secure United’s Premier League status. But have you actually watched them recently? Would you fancy them to beat anyone? United don’t score many goals – just 21 this league season, fewer than Leicester. They have lost their last three games by a 7-0 aggregate.Ruben Amorim hauls off Joshua Zirkzee after 32 minutes to huge cheers as Man Utd are embarrassed in first halfMan Utd ratings vs Newcastle as Joshua Zirkzee is hooked after half an hour and Kobbie Mainoo the only bright sparkKOBBIE MAINOO’S performance was the only silver lining as Manchester United suffered a fourth consecutive defeat.Newcastle struck twice in the opening 19 minutes as they threatened to tally up a cricket score at Old Trafford.Joshua Zirkzee was ruthlessly subbed after half an hour after struggling in a No10 role – but there was no recovering for Ruben Amorim’s side.Here is how SunSport’s Kealan Hughes rated the United display…Andre Onana – 5Little he could do about both goals and was barely tested other than that.Noussair Mazraouri – 4The first two goals came down his side as he failed to close down the crosses that were turned in by Isak and Joelinton.But he was positive in possession and put in a few dangerous crosses.Matthijs de Ligt – 5Did not do much wrong for Newcastle goals but can be criticised for his failure to organise his defensive team-mates.Harry Maguire – 4Lost Isak for the opener as he was caught ball watching.Almost made amends but his diving header cannoned back off the post.Lisandro Martinez – 3A complete mismatch as he attempted to battle Joelinton for a cross the Brazilian turned in.Also lost Isak for the opener and even faced the wrong way as the cross came in.Diogo Dalot – 5Offered some much needed stability on the left flank and produced a good cross for Maguire’s headed chance.Casemiro – 3Dismal throughout. So far off the pace and barely made a pass.Missed a guilt-edge chance to pull one back on the stroke of half-time.Christian Eriksen – 4Similarly inept in protecting his defence as Casemiro, as he was overran time and time again.He did at least put a few passes together and improved after Mainoo came on.Amad Diallo – 4A tricky evening up against the hardworking Anthony Gordon and Lewis Hall so was largely ineffective.Joshua Zirkzee – 2Nothing went his way and the fans quickly got on his back. He was hauled off in the 33rd minute and his substitution was greeted with cheers by the Old Trafford faithful.Rasmus Hojlund – 5Fed off scraps but did not stop running and was a rare bright spark – came very close with a low shot that whistled past the post in the first half.SubsKobbie Mainoo (for Zirkzee) – 6Turned things around after his introduction and made things happen with his accurate passing.Set up Casemiro for a chance the Brazilian should have buried.Leny Yoro (for Martinez, 64mins) – 6Had a good chance from a corner but sent his free header wide.Alejandro Garnacho (for Casemiro, 64mins) – 4Struggled to make an impact as he failed to beat a man.Antony (for De Ligt, 83 mins) – 5Not enough time to influence the match.By Amorim’s own admission, his team lack fitness and hunger and give away possession far too easily. And the dogmatic Portuguese is wedded to a 3-4-3 system which doesn’t suit a squad bereft of dynamism in central midfield.  The sight of a tearful Joshua Zirkzee being dragged off after just 33 minutes of the Newcastle debacle, to cheers from his own club’s supporters, was genuinely haunting on a human level. The £36.5m Dutch forward may be one of United’s worst-ever signings – and there were a fair few candidates for that dubious accolade during Ten Hag’s dismal reign – but he was thrown under the bus by his Portuguese manager. A spell out of the firing line, or ideally a January move away, may be best for player and club. It is not as if United are waiting on a host of star names to return from injury and it is not as if they are going to be busy during this transfer window.Sir Jim Ratcliffe has performed the seemingly impossible by actually making United worse than when the Glazer family held full control at Old Trafford. Ratcliffe spends big on pay-offs as he corrects his own blunders – to Erik ten Hag and his backroom boys as well as sporting director Dan Ashworth – while decimating morale by slashing support staff. At least he is saving money on win bonuses just now.  Even more remarkably, Amorim – regarded as one of the brightest young coaches in Europe at Sporting Lisbon – is making United worse than they were under Untenable Hag.   They have lost five of their last six league games. Had it not been for a bizarre 2-1 success at the Etihad – when United struck twice in the dying minutes to win the worst Manchester derby in decades – Amorim might genuinely be staring into oblivion.  And Sunday brings a visit to Anfield against champions-elect Liverpool – who trounced United 7-0 when they were half-decent two seasons ago. The avoidance of complete humiliation will be United’s sole aim on Merseyside.This is comfortably the worst United have been since they were relegated from the top flight half a century ago. And only six teams currently sit below the Old Trafford rabble in the Premier League table. Of those, Crystal Palace have more attacking talent than United, Everton have a game plan which makes them capable of grinding out points in a way Amorim’s men seemingly cannot, while Wolves are on the rise under new boss Vitor Pereira. The idea of United finishing as low as 17th doesn’t feel all that fanciful.   So that brings us to the bottom three – all promoted from the Championship last season. Southampton, the next visitors to Old Trafford on January 16, are on course to be the worst Premier League side of all time. Surely United can win that six-pointer?    Leicester were sploshed twice at by United during Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s stint as caretaker boss. The Dutchman is now in charge of the Foxes, where early optimism is fading. But having watched Ipswich bully Chelsea to defeat on Monday night, bringing them to within seven points of United, you simply never know. Former Red Devils coach Kieran McKenna has masterminded back-to-back promotions and, if Portman Road keeps rocking as it was the other night, the Tractor Boys might overtake a Ferrari or two. Since February, United have lost to 13 of the 16 opponents who have been in the top flight both this season and last – only Aston Villa, Brentford and Everton have failed to beat them.  READ MORE SUN STORIESNobody fears facing United any more, home or away.  So who knows, perhaps the outcome of Manchester City’s 115 Premier League charges will see the champions relegated in United’s place?  More

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      How footballer went from Euros star to drug dealer gripped by debt & ultimately a Putin pawn killed on Ukraine frontline

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      HIS body lies somewhere on the frontline in Ukraine. A former star footballer, now one of the countless casualties of Vladimir Putin’s brutal meat-grinder war.Alexey Bugayev was killed in Ukraine after joining up to escape a jail sentenceCredit: Рейтинг БукмекеровBugayev, left, playing for Russia against Portugal icon Luis Figo at Euro 2004Credit: GettyBugayev, back row second from left, was a rising star with the Russia teamCredit: GettyTwenty years ago Aleksei Bugayev was playing against footballing icons like Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Figo at the Euros.He had achieved what millions could only ever dream of; football stardom and a place on a world stage to show off his skills.But when his career ended prematurely in 2010 at the age of 29, Bugayev’s life would begin to spiral out of control.Gripped by poverty, debt, alcoholism and drug dealing, he was left a dishevelled ghost of his former life.READ MORE UKRAINEIt would eventually lead him into a desperate decision – one which would seal a terrible fate in the merciless war in Ukraine.Yesterday Bugayev’s dad confirmed to Russian media that his 43-year-old son had been killed in Ukraine as part of Putin’s “special military operation”.Ivan Bugayev said his son’s body could not be recovered due to “active fighting”.“Now my son’s body is lying somewhere,” he said.Most read in FootballBugayev’s fall into the abyss was a tragedy which friends and fellow players had seen develop when he was just in his 20s.Born in Moscow at the height of the Cold War in 1981, Bugayev was able to sign for one of the city’s footballing giants, Torpedo Moscow, known as the Car Factory Workers.Russian footballing legend Valery Petrakov, who managed Bugayev, said he was as a naturally gifted young player; “superbly equipped technically” and with “an excellent view of the field”.Watch as Putin’s N Korean troops sent to die with suicidal jog on frontline”He could do everything on the field,” he added. “He had speed, a pass, a shot, positioning, coordination, jumping ability… and phenomenal health, too. He was a devil of a player.”Despite being just 5ft 9in, not tall for a centre-back, Bugayev secured a place in the national squad for the Euro 2004 championships held in Portugal. At the Estadio do Benfica in front of 50,000 fans, and millions watching on TV around the world, Bugayev started the game against eventual finalists Portugal.The tournament hosts featured some the world’s greatest players, Luis Figo, Deco and Rui Costa.A young Cristiano Ronaldo, then just 19, came on as a sub during the game which Portugal won, 2-0.A picture from the match shows a dejected Bugayev as striker Rui Costa celebrates Portugal’s second goal.Bugayev looks down as Portugal striker Rui Costa celebrates after scoring in Euro 2004Bugayev’s career would crash soon after his Euros appearanceCredit: GettyThe tournament would mark the breathtaking emergence of Ronaldo at the start if his astonishing rise to a footballing great.But as Ronaldo was bursting onto the world football scene, Bugayev’s Euro appearances would mark a premature epoch for such a young player. He would be capped seven times for Russia, but he was also starting to display the troubling personal demons which would haunt him through the rest of his life.After his international appearances, Bugayev was transferred for $2m to Moscow rivals Lokomotiv.But he failed to secure a regular place in the team and the quiet and reserved young man started drinking.Another former team-mate Igor Semshov told Russian sports reporter Artem Lokalov that Bugayev’s career began to unravel when he moved to Locomotiv and he lost the personal support of his Torpedo team-mates.He added: “Bugayev could break the rules, but we put these moments aside and looked at him as someone the team needed.”If we had managed to spend a career with him in the same club, we would not have let him give up everything and go downhill.“But we all moved to other clubs, where everyone was on their own. At Torpedo, we could shower (him) with care or put pressure on him at the right moment, but everyone went their separate ways.”Bugayev playing against eventual winners Greece at Euro 2004Credit: GettyTransferred to Siberian team Tom Tomsk in 2006, Bugayev quickly found himself in trouble, including disappearing at a beer festival in Moscow.Speaking to Russian media, his former manager Petrakov told Russian media: “It’s a shame that Bugayev drowned his talent in alcohol.“He lasted three or four months, and then everything started all over again.””It all ended with a riot at a training camp in Turkey. He smashed a shop window. The next day, Bugayev’s contract was terminated.”Bugayev was handed a lifeline by the newly formed FC Krasnodar, playing 20 matches before parting company with the club.At the age of 29, he would never play professional football again.Another former coach Nurbiy Khakunov described how at Krasnodar the club “tried to help” the player as his personal life deteriorated.He added: “It didn’t work to restart his career. Bugayev decided to go down a non-sports path. It’s no secret that he had problems with alcohol.“We fought as best we could, but it didn’t work. He came to Krasnodar already with problems and hardly played.“I feel sorry for him, because he could have played (more games) for the national team, but he went down such a bad path. That’s for sure. He had a very good brain, he was very strong in one-on-one combat.”Bugayev, who insisted later that he quit football to spend more time with his family, slipped into obscurity, only reemerging in 2015 when he agreed to an interview about his playing career.Then he was working collecting waste paper and transporting cargo around Russia from a run down home in the Moscow suburb of Chekhov.He said he and his friend made the equivalent of 1p for every kilo of paper they found.There he admitted to Lokalov that he had been drinking through his playing days but looking back on his career said “Do I regret anything? Never and for nothing.”Bugayev’s life would continue to disintegrate however.Bugayev, left, worked in Moscow collecting paper for 1p a kiloCredit: Рейтинг БукмекеровBugayev appears in court charged with drug smugglingSeven years later in October 2023 he was arrested for drug smuggling.He admitted to cops that he “responded to an advert for a job as a drug courier” in a bid to pay off 70,000 roubles of debt – then the equivalent of about £500.Bugayev claimed he had been told to distribute half a kilo of mephedrone, or M-Cat, but was caught. He faced 20-years in prison.After a year on remand, in September a court in Krasnodar sentenced Bugayev to 9 and-a-half years in a maximum security penal colony.It was then he was offered a deal that would seal his tragic fate.Those convicted of serious crimes in Russia are now being lured into the military in a desperate bid by Putin to shore up immense losses in his war against Ukraine.Russian conscripts in Putin’s armyCredit: East2WestKillers, rapists and drug dealers are offered pardons – even before their trials – if they agree to military service and being sent to the front.Facing almost a decade in a dreaded Russian penal colony, Bugayev took the gamble and signed a contract with the Russian Defense Ministry.He was then quickly sent to Russia’s North Military District and soon, after the most basic military training, to the frontline in Ukraine.There he joined the battered, ill-trained and ill-equipped legions of convicts, many in their 40s, 50s and 60s, being used as cannon fodder to try to secure pitiful yards of gains against Ukraine’s highly trained troops, tanks, killer drones, artillery and trenches.The news of Bugayev’s fate came first from his lawyer Anton Smirnov who told the Russian website Sports.ru that the former player had been killed in action at the front.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe added: “Due to the fighting there is no way to pull out the body yet.””Unfortunately, the news of Aleksei’s death is true,” his dad later said. “How did it happen? And how are they killed during the military operations, I do not know.”Bugayev was dead just a few months after joining Russian forces in UkraineCredit: REUTERSUkrainian artillery in actionCredit: Getty More

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      Inside Alisha Lehmann’s winter Maldives break with best pal Amira Arfaoui, from playing beach football to bikini photos

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      WHAT a way to spend the Christmas period.Stunning women’s footballer Alisha Lehmann jetted off to the Maldives, where she has been sunning her amazing bikini body.Alisha Lehmann is enjoying a winter break in the MaldivesCredit: InstagramLehmann is enjoying her downtime – sunning her incredible bikini body during the festive periodCredit: InstagramAlisha is with best pal Amira Arfaoui on the dream holiday, where they have enjoyed a kickabout on the beachCredit: InstagramThe Swiss forward, 25, was joined by her best pal and international team-mate, Amira Arfaoui.But, there was no sign of boyfriend Douglas Luiz who has had to stay in Turin and play for Juventus during the festive holidays.However, Lehmann was able to take advantage of the Serie A Femminile winter break to let her hair down.And she’s even managed to keep herself match-fit by playing a bit of beach football.Read more football news SunSport takes a look inside Lehmann’s dream getaway to a ‘lost island’.Staying activeHolidays are, essentially, for letting your hair down.But when you’re a super-fit athlete like Alisha, there’s absolutely no reason for downtime.She’s made full use of the facilities available at her Maldives resort.Most read in FootballMaking sure they don’t lose their touch, Alisha and bestie Arfaoui, who plays for Werder Bremen, enjoyed a kickabout on the beach in their modified training session.Glam footballer Alisha Lehmann looks stunning as she shows off skills in a bikini leaving fans ‘jealous of Douglas Luiz’Both women showed off their skills by performing kick-ups.While Alisha enjoyed showing off her dribbling talents as she bamboozled Arfaoui on the sand.Alisha captioned a video on social media: “POV: Celebrating so many years of friendship on a lost island.”The Blonde beauty also took to her Instagram stories to share a picture of some tennis balls and padel rackets, as she and Arfaoui continued to enjoy their time away.And when they weren’t on the beach, the pair took some bicycles out to cycle around the island, which Arfaoui shared a clip of.In her downtime, Alisha showed off her keepy uppy skillsCredit: InstagramAlisha dazzled onlookers with her football jugglingCredit: InstagramAmira Arfaoui also showed off her amazing skillsCredit: InstagramAlisha showed off some padel rackets, as well as tennis balls and drinksCredit: Instagramread more sport featuresShowing off her amazing bikini bodyAlisha is no stranger to flaunting her incredible curves in revealing swimwear.And with current temperatures in the Maldives at 27 degrees, the Juventus Women’s star has been eager to show off her range of bikinis.In one snap, which sees Alisha beaming for the camera, she is wearing a black and white ensemble – matched with a Santa hat – in fitting with the season.In another series of photos, we see her in a gorgeous pink bikini – performing a number of poses.From looking into the horizon to letting the sea touch her toes, Alisha appears perfectly relaxed.Her mate Arfaoui looks equally as chilled – resting against a palm tree while taking a selfie.Alisha enjoyed soaking up the sun and showing off her amazing bikini bodiesCredit: InstagramIn a series of photos shared on social media, Alisha dipped her toes into the seaArfaoui looked equally rested as she chilled against a palm tree and took a selfieGlam lookNoticeably missing from her Maldives getaway was boyfriend, Douglas Luiz.Unlike Alisha, the Brazilian midfielder didn’t get a winter break this year.He has been in action for his club, Juventus – who drew with Fiorentina 2-2 over the weekend.They did spend Christmas Day together – sharing a romantic snap in front of their tree in the home in Northern Italy.The loved-up duo wore matching pyjamas as they posed for pictures with a number of presents behind them.Despite being without her beau in the Maldives, Alisha has enjoyed dressing up.READ MORE SUN STORIESThere was no sign of boyfriend Douglas Luiz after the pair spent Christmas Day togetherCredit: InstagramAlisha enjoyed dressing up in a glam black dressCredit: InstagramIn one outfit, she can be seen wearing a figure-hugging black dress – complete with pink ribbons.She certainly looks like she’s having the time of her life. More

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      How Liam Delap has blossomed into ‘best young English striker’ and has superfans in Enzo Maresca and Ed Sheeran

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      LIAM Delay continued his epic rise in the Premier League with a demolition job of Chelsea.The 21-year-old was instrumental in leading Ipswich Town to a much-needed win over the Blues.Liam Delap has been scoring goals for fun at Ipswich Town this seasonCredit: GettyDelap blasted home a penalty against Chelsea in a 2-0 win for the Tractor BoysCredit: RexIpswich Town minority owner Ed Sheeran helped bring Delap to the clubCredit: GettyDelap got the Tractor Boys on their way by smashing home a first-half penalty.The centre forward, who has been linked with a move to the West Londoners, then provided the assist for Omari Hutchinson to put the seal on a surprise 2-0 win.That prompted Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca – who he saw first-hand playing for Man City’s youth side – to wax lyrical about Delap after the game.He hailed the man of the match, saying: “Liam is a fantastic player, and also for his age.read more football news “I think we spent one year together and he scored [about] 22 to 24 goals. He is a very good striker.”England have many good players, many good strikers [but] he’s working hard off the ball and on the ball, understands the game and can score goals.”I think he can be an important player for England.”Ipswich Town parted with £20million to bring the ex-Cityzen youngster to Suffolk.Most read in FootballBut that will be money well spent if his goals keep Kieran McKenna’s side in the top flight.Delap has already managed seven goals in 18 league games, and was a handful for Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd side last month.Ipswich Town Football Club announce plans to redevelop 53-year-old stand in ‘exciting project’ with hotel and aquatics centre The 6ft1in centre forward, who was handed a Premier League debut by Pep Guardiola in 2020, was in two minds over joining Ipswich in the summer.That was until minority owner Ed Sheeran got involved to get the transfer over the line.And now Delap is being touted as Harry Kane’s successor for the striker role for England.BBC Sport pundit Danny Murphy said: “I’ve seen him a bit quite a lot this season and I’d probably go as far as I say, for me, he the obvious long-term successor to Kane.”I think he’s the best young English striker out there.”I know he’s got a bit to learn and wisdom comes with experience and game time in this league.”But he’s got all the attributes to be a top international player.”Sheer brillianceIt’s not often one of the biggest pop stars in the world has a hand in getting a transfer deal over the line.However, when it’s Ipswich Town superfan Ed Sheeran, then it becomes more understandable.Delap came through the ranks at Man CityCredit: GettyDelap has been touted as Harry Kane’s successor for EnglandCredit: Rexread more sport featuresWhen he’s not gatecrashing Sky Sports interviews with new Man Utd boss Amorim, the singer/songwriter is asking players to join the club he has shares in.Back in the summer, Sheeran got on a Zoom call with Liam Delap and convinced the him his future belonged in East Anglia.In a story told by the club’s CEO Mark Ashton at a Soccerex event, we learned: “A local man, global superstar, sponsor of the football club, now a shareholder and now officially part of our recruitment team.”In the summer we were trying to persuade one particular player to join the football club and realised very quickly that he was an Ed Sheeran fan.”Ed jumped on a Zoom call with him at the training ground, hopefully that was a key part of getting the player across the line.”While Ashton remained coy on who the player was, he let the cat out of the bag when asked how the footballer was getting on this season.He replied: “Certainly scoring a few goals!”It’s in the genesFootball is in Delap’s blood. His dad Rory played for Stoke City, and Delap Jr appeared on the set of Soccer AM in 2014 alongside his father.The former Stoke City and Ireland midfielder is best remembered for his insanely long throw-ins.Former Stoke City hero Rory Delap is Liam’s dadCredit: AFPLiam seen on the set of Soccer AM in 2014Credit: Twitter / @RoryJDelapLike his dad, Liam Delap has an aggressive streakCredit: GettyAs a youth player, that was something that Liam also had in his arsenal.However, when one parent took exception to the youngster’s long-throws he refused to take another throw again.“I think he was put off when he was about an under-10!” Delap Sr. revealed in an interview with Radio Stoke.“One of the parents shouted that he was ruining the game when he took a throw and he hasn’t taken one since.”I don’t think that will be part of his game.”However, one thing he has inherited from his dad’s game is aggression.”(Aggression) always been a part of my game. I need it in my game,” he said in an interview with  the Manchester Evening News.”When I’m on that edge it’s when I’m at my best, it’s just not tipping over that edge and everyone has told me that they’d never want to take it out of me, it’s just controlling that final tipping point of what is acceptable and what’s not.”You can’t really teach it, it’s just something I have and I’m so grateful that I’ve got it but it’s just now working a mechanism that I can control it to keep myself on the pitch.”I’ve got a lot better. I was a lot worse when I was younger so I think it’s just maturing and understanding what’s right.”Inspired by RonaldoA different type of player to his dad, blessed with power and pace, Liam is inspired by Cristiano Ronaldo.In the past Delap has revealed he is a fan of Cristiano RonaldoCredit: GettyDelap knows he has to continue to work at his game to reach the topCredit: Getty”I’ve always looked up to Cristiano Ronaldo. Just the way he plays, the pace and the power.”For me, he’s the best in the world so aspiring to someone who is the best in the world, your dreams just have to be high.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Listening to people that he’s worked with, the extras and lengths that he goes to look after his body and get better every day just shows why he’s at the top level.”You can have talent but talent on its own doesn’t work without effort.” More