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    Real Madrid ‘sound out William Saliba’s entourage over world record fee to sign Arsenal star’ in shock transfer

    ARSENAL defender William Saliba has reportedly emerged as a top transfer target for Real Madrid.The Frenchman has firmly established himself as one of Europe’s top defenders over the last two years.Real Madrid reportedly want to sign William SalibaCredit: GettyAnd his impressive form has attracted interest from some Champions League rivals.Spanish outlet SPORT claims Real Madrid could launch a bid to sign him at the end of the season.But they will likely have to fork out at least £83million for him – which would be a world record fee for a defender.The report also claims Real Madrid chiefs sounded out Saliba’s entourage and received a positive response.Read More in FootballSaliba currently has two-and-a-half years remaining on his Arsenal contract.But last month he gave Mikel Arteta a boost by pledging his long-term future to the Gunners.He insisted: “I feel at home here.”I signed for the club five years ago but it’s only my third season and I’m enjoying everything — the players, staff and fans.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAsked if could envisage staying at the Emirates for a long time, the Frenchman replied: “Yeah, of course.”Saliba is not the only man on Real Madrid’s radar.Arteta looks back on his five years managing Arsenal Los Blancos are also pushing to sign Liverpool full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold.The Reds turned down an approach from the La Liga giants on Tuesday.But Alexander-Arnold is now free to speak to Real Madrid officials about a potential summer move because he is within the final six months of his contract.Earlier this week, reports in Spain suggested Real are confident he will join at the end of the season. More

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    Brentford vs Arsenal LIVE SCORE: Premier League updates as Gunners begin the new year with trip to London rivals

    ARSENAL begin 2025 with a short trip to London rivals Brentford TONIGHT.The Gunners go into the match at the Gtech Community Stadium fresh from back-to-back Premier League wins – with their most recent triumph being last Friday’s 1-0 win over Ipswich.Mikel Arteta’s men face a tricky test in their 2025 opener – as they head to a Brentford side with the second-best home record in the league.Kick off time: 5.30pm GMTTV channel: TNT Sports 1Live stream: discovery+Brentford team: To follow…Arsenal team: To follow…FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…Welcome to Brentford vs ArsenalArsenal travel to Brentford this evening to kick off the new year, and we’ll be bringing you all of the updates right here on SunSport.The Gunners wrapped up a strong 2024 with victory over Ipswich, and will be looking to move up to second to keep alive hopes of a title challenge.While the Bees have slipped to 12th in the Premier League after having failed to win in their last three matches in the division.And although they lost 2-0 to Nottingham Forest last time out at the Gtech Community Stadium, their home form has been impressive this season joint top with league leaders Liverpool.Brentford have sealed 22 points at home in the Prem so far in this campaign, with an identical record of seven wins, one draw and one loss to Liverpool’s at Anfield.Copy linkCopied More

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    Jose Mourinho reveals his two biggest regrets from career in football… including brutal Chelsea swipe

    JOSE MOURINHO has revealed the two biggest regrets of his football career in a brutal swipe at former side Chelsea.The Special One is currently in charge of Turkish giants Fenerbahce after an incredible 25 years as a manager.Jose Mourinho aimed a dig at Chelsea as he revealed the biggest regrets of his careerCredit: GettyHis travels have seen him boss sides in Portugal, England, Italy and Spain.And Mourinho has a host of trophies in his cabinet, solidifying his legacy as one of the game’s greatest.However, the tactician admits there are two huge decisions he made in his career which still haunt him to this day.The first saw Mourinho take a dig at old side Chelsea, who he won three Premier League titles with during two glittering spells.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMourinho rejoined the Blues in 2013 after enjoying success with Inter Milan and Real Madrid.But he admits he should not have returned to Stamford Bridge, revealing he regrets not accepting an offer to stay at Real.Mourinho told Corriere dello Sport: “The ‘no’ to Florentino Perez (is one regret). “He said to me, ‘Don’t leave, you’ve done the hard part and the best is yet to come’.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“I knew it was true, but I wanted to return to Chelsea after three years of great challenges in Spain.”Mourinho’s time at the Bernabeu saw him win a LaLiga title while ending Real’s 20-year Copa del Rey drought.Fans call for Jose Mourinho to stick to his word with Millwall hunting for new manager But it was fraught with controversy amid an epic rivalry with Pep Guardiola and Barcelona.While Mourinho also reportedly fell out with several players in the Spanish capital.Upon his return to Chelsea, he won a Premier League title and League Cup before being sacked in December 2015.After staying in England with Manchester United and Spurs, Mourinho ended up back in Italy with Roma.He led them to Europa Conference League glory in 2022 before reaching the Europa League final a year later.Roma controversially lost the match to Sevilla on penalties, leading Mourinho to confront English ref Anthony Taylor in the car park afterwards.He branded the official a “f*****g disgrace”, with Taylor subjected to further abuse from Roma supporters.Mourinho was eventually hit with a four-game ban for his tirade.And he now admits he should have QUIT Roma after the Europa final defeat.READ MORE SUN STORIESMourinho, who remained at the club until he was sacked in January 2024, added: “I have to talk about Budapest, not because of the confusion with Anthony Taylor.“But because I didn’t leave straight away. I should have left Roma straight away, I didn’t, and it was a mistake.” More

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    ‘Have you even watched them?’ asks Jamie Carragher as he’s stunned by Gary Neville’s team of the year selection

    JAMIE CARRAGHER was left stunned after Gary Neville named a Manchester City defender in his Premier League team of the season so far.The Sky Sports pundits picked their sides on Monday Night Football and it was the selection of Josko Gvardiol which proved the most contentious.Gary Neville was asked to name his Premier League team of the season so farJosko Gvardiol was a surprise inclusion in Neville’s squadBoth Carragher and Neville were on the same page for a number of their picks.Carragher chose three Liverpool players but there was no room for any of Pep Guardiola’s strugglers in his team.Both agreed on seven picks: Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch, Moises Caicedo, Mohamed Salah, Cole Palmer, Matheus Cunha and Chris Wood.The only point of contention between the former defenders was their choice in between the sticks and their back line.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSNeville’s selection of Gvardiol as his left-back prompted laughter from Carragher – with the Liverpool legend asking if he’d “actually watched Man City?”Carra said: “How have you picked Gvardiol at left-back? He gives a goal away every game.”Have you actually watched Man City? Obviously not enough. What games have you watched? Are you serious?” In response, Neville admitted he had struggled to pick a left-back, but stood by his decision.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Man Utd legend said: “I am serious, yeah. To be honest with you, left-back I was struggling with badly. “But Josko Gvardiol has scored four goals, he’s always a threat. He’s been the one that’s consistently played.Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher revisit Premier League predictions with Champions League chasers tipped to go down”If I was picking a team right now and I was thinking about building a back four, he’d be the player that I’d put in at left-back. “He’s a goal threat, he does his job reasonably well at left-back. City are giving goals away left, right and centre, I get that at the moment.”It’s not usual for them, it’s not usual for him. But who are the other left-backs in the league?”Carragher, though, hit back: “We’re picking on the first half of the season and he’s given goals away, so why have you picked him?”Have you actually watched Man City? Obviously not enough. What games have you watched? Are you serious?Jamie CarragherNeville bluntly responded: “Because I think he’s the best left-back in the league.” City’s surprisingly poor form has left them sixth at the midway point, though they ended a dismal run of form by beating Leicester 2-0 on Sunday.Carragher chose Antonee Robinson as his left-back with the American’s impressive performances for Fulham earning him links with a move elsewhere.Neville completed his defence with Trent Alexander-Arnold, William Saliba and Van Dijk.On Alexander-Arnold, the former right back said: “His defending has improved. There’s more intensity to his defending, I’m not saying it’s perfect, I don’t think it will be.”He has a far better attitude to his defending right now than I’ve seen previously. These last 12 months he’s improved enormously.” Carragher instead opted for Nottingham Forest’s Ola Aina on the right flank, arguing that he has been a vital piece in their drastic improvement since last season.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “Every time I watch him, I do look at him and think he could play for a team that expects to be in the Champions League every season.”Meanwhile Carragher selected Nikola Milenkovic to partner Van Dijk and David Raya as the best goalkeeper.Who are these famous footballers? More

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    Bizarre video shows Man Utd star Diogo Dalot interviewed as he undergoes laser hair removal as fans say ‘game’s gone’

    A BIZARRE video has emerged showing Manchester United star Diogo Dalot being interviewed while having his chest hair lasered.The Portuguese wing-back made sure to keep his grooming regime going despite United’s dismal form under new boss Ruben Amorim.Man Utd star Diogo Dalot gave an interview while undergoing laser hair removal treatmentCredit: TikTok/rem_laser_clinicThe defender lifted the lid on his teammates’ grooming habitsCredit: TikTok/rem_laser_clinicDalot donned safety glasses and removed his shirt while undergoing treatment at the REM Laser Clinic in Bolton.A machine then proceeded to remove hair from Dalot’s torso with a close-range laser beam.And at the same time, the defender gave an interview revealing that some other United stars also like to have their body hair removed in a similar fashion.Dalot said: “Any of my team-mates that like to do this kind of treatment, I’ve already recommended it to them!”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe added: “Probably (they ignored the suggestion). Those who are a bit lazy to drive to clinics and prefer to do it.“Everyone is different but those who like it, I think they will come back.“I would say it’s (part of the culture). Every player in this case has a specific own routine and some players like it, some don’t.“Obviously we want to look our best, look after ourselves, be in our best shape possible, look confident, so everyone his his own different want of doing it.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“I would say you have everything inside the dressing room, we have everything.”Fans were less than impressed with Dalot’s visit to the surgery though, with United on a four-game losing streak ahead of fixtures with Liverpool and Arsenal.Ruben Amorim hauls off Joshua Zirkzee after 32 minutes to huge cheers as Man Utd are embarrassed in first halfOne said: “The game’s gone.”Another declared: “Show this to Roy Keane.”One noted: “Football is completely washed.”Another added: “Up against Salah in a couple of days…”Man 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. More

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    Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold whisks model girlfriend to Venice on romantic break amid Real Madrid transfer talk

    TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD whisked his model girlfriend away to Venice for a romantic mini-break as speculation over his Liverpool future swirlsThe 26-year-old was pictured alongside gorgeous Estelle Behnke at Italian restaurant Regina Corner on Monday.Trent Alexander Arnold was spotted enjoying a holiday with girlfriend Estelle Behnke in VeniceCredit: BackGridThe couple enjoyed exploring the area togetherCredit: BackGridThey were spotted grabbing some lunchCredit: BackGridThey had reportedly been staying at the £1,500-a-night Aman hotel during their time in the city.The couple started dating recently and were spotted together on a date in Cheshire last month.A source told The Sun: “It’s very early days but they are officially dating — they seem really into each other. Trent hasn’t been single long and is enjoying spending time with Estelle.”They’re just really enjoying each other’s company and seem quite smitten.”Read More in FootballAlexander-Arnold and his Liverpool team-mates had a rare few days off after the statement 5-0 thrashing of West Ham on December 29.They next face bitter rivals Manchester United at Anfield this Sunday.Trent scored his first goal of the season against the Hammers and celebrated by imitating a chatting hand amid ongoing speculation around his future.The full-back has been heavily linked with a move away from Liverpool in recent weeks, with his contract set to expire in the summer.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSA restaurant owner posed for a photo alongside the coupleCredit: Instagram / @reginacorner.ristoranteThe loved-up couple travelled to Venice after Liverpool’s match on SundayCredit: BackGridTrent has been linked with a move away from AnfieldCredit: BackGridAlexander-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 TODAY.Real Madrid have long been targeting a move for the England defender, with Alexander-Arnold understood to be tempted by a move to the Spanish capital.Reports emerged on New Year’s Eve of an audacious bid by Los Blancos to sign Alexander-Arnold in a cut-price deal this transfer window.Liverpool promptly rejected the offer and remain determined to keep their academy graduate for the long term.Awkward Alexander-Arnold billboard showing Liverpool star posing with ex is erected in MilanThe couple were allegedly staying at the £1,5000-a-night Aman hotelCredit: BackGrid More

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    Juventus to offer Joshua Zirkzee January escape route after Man Utd career hit nightmare low… but only on loan

    JUVENTUS are lining up a loan move for Joshua Zirkzee after his Manchester United career hit a new low on Monday night.The Dutch international forward was subbed after just 33 minutes of the 2-0 home defeat to Newcastle on Monday night.Juventus are preparing a loan move for Man Utd misfit Joshua ZirkzeeCredit: AlamyAnd United fans welcomed the decision before jeering as the £35million forward left the pitch to be replaced by Kobbie Mainoo.Zirkzee looked to be visibly upset as he made his way straight down the tunnel but he was back in the dug-out for the second half.While Ruben Amorim has pledged to support the 23-year-old, his future at Old Trafford is looking increasingly uncertain.He is well regarded in Italy having made enjoyed an impressive spell with Bologna to earn his move to United in the summer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd during that time, he worked under Thiago Motta – who is now in charge of the Turin giants and would be delighted to work with him again.However the chances of Juventus giving the Red Devils a welcome cash windfall this month are slim and any approach is likely to be on a loan basis.United are looking to raise some cash to support Amorim’s attempts to bring in new faces in the winter window.Zirkzee has appeared in all 19 of his club’s Prem games so far, scoring three goals, but has been made a scapegoat for their problems by some fans.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAmorim says he and the club will put an arm round Zirkzee’s shoulder following his ordeal.The United boss said: “You have to think about the tea, the player was suffering during the game and we needed another midfielder.Manchester United vs Newcastle: Player Ratings Revealed“It was tough to do it but I’ve talked with Joshua on it and at that moment it was important for him to come out.“I know he’s a really good guy. When he went down the tunnel, I understand some guys can be in a bad way – but it is life.“He is a really good lad. We will support him and continue.” More

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    Wantaway Man Utd star Marcus Rashford grins as he enjoys lunch with team-mate day after warming bench in Newcastle loss

    WANTAWAY Manchester United star Marcus Rashford grinned as he enjoyed lunch with a pal.The England forward was spotted dining at the upmarket Cibo Restaurant in Hale Village just one day after warming the bench in his side’s 2-0 defeat to Newcastle.Marcus Rashford was all smiles as he enjoyed lunch outCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeThe Man Utd star was joined by teammate Tyrell MalaciaCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeRashford was an unused sub in last night’s defeat to NewcastleCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeMalacia was also left on the bench at Old TraffordCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeRashford was recalled to Ruben Amorim’s match-day squad for the first time in five games after being axed for the 2-1 derby win at Manchester City.But the ace did not see any action on the pitch despite United crashing to their sixth defeat in 11 games under Amorim.The result also marked their fourth defeat on the bounce ahead of trips to Liverpool and Arsenal.Yet Rashford appeared to take the latest snub in his stride as he joined teammate Tyrell Malacia — another player who has lost his spot under Amorim — and pals for lunch on Tuesday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 27-year-old wore a hooded jacket as he protected himself from the cold while entering and leaving the restaurant.Rashford did not seem to be fazed by doubts over his future either as he flashed a smile and shared a laugh with friends.It now remains to be seen whether he remains at United by the end of the January transfer window after declaring he is ready for a “new challenge.”Rashford left his club stunned with the bold admission following his axe from December’s derby win.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe said: “For me, personally, I think I’m ready for a new challenge and the next steps.“When I leave it’s going to be ‘no hard feelings’. You’re not going to have any negative comments from me about Manchester United. That’s me as a person.Manchester United vs Newcastle: Player Ratings RevealedRashford had failed to make the previous four matchday squadsCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeHis future remains unclear after his transfer exit commentsCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeRashford cut a glum figure on the bench last nightCredit: RexUnited suffered their fourth defeat in a rowCredit: Reuters“If I know that a situation is already bad I’m not going to make it worse.“I’ve seen how other players have left in the past and I don’t want to be that person.“When I leave, I’ll make a statement, and it will be from me. It’s disheartening to be left out of a derby, but it’s happened, we won the game so let’s move on.“It’s disappointing but I’m also someone as I’ve got older I can deal with setbacks.“What am I going to do about it? Sit there and cry about it? Or do my best the next time I’m available?” More