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      ‘I know a lot of things’ – Mo Salah’s former team-mate and best friend says star is ‘close to leaving’ Liverpool

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      MO SALAH is close to leaving Liverpool claims his best friend and former team-mate Dejan Lovren.The forward is out of contract in the summer and has on multiple occasions hinted he could leave.Mo Salah is likely to leave according to former team-mate Dejan LovrenCredit: RexAfter Liverpool beat Manchester City in December Salah said he was just trying to enjoy the occasion as it could be the last time he plays against City – he said the same after winning at Old Trafford this season.Salah is believed to be looking for a new three-year deal at Anfield and will want similar terms to his existing contract.So far the club’s owners, FSG, have refused to bow to his wage demands and he knows there would be mega money on offer in the Saudi Pro League.Former Reds team-mate Lovren, who was a close friend of Salah at Anfield, believes the Egyptian could be on his way out of the club.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe told Winwin: “I think he is close to leaving. Right now I think he is closer to leaving than staying.”That’s what I know, that’s my feeling. I obviously hope that the situation changes.”Last month Salah confirmed once more that this will be his last year at Anfield, with his desire to mark his departure with a Premier League win.He said: “This is the first time I would say I really want to win the Premier League [over the Champions League].Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Why? Probably because we didn’t celebrate the last one we won the way we wanted and also coming back it’s my last year in the club so you want to do something special for the city.”Asked to elaborate on his comment, Salah added: “Do I really believe it’s my last year? So far yes.’We are far away from that,’ says Mo Salah as Liverpool star sends club another contract warning”These last six months there is nothing, no progress. We are far away from progress but we just need to wait and see.” More

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      Paul Scholes tells Ruben Amorim Man Utd are staring RELEGATION in the face unless they make seven new signings

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      MANCHESTER UNITED need to make seven signings or risk relegation, according to Paul Scholes.The Red Devils have endured yet another torrid season with Ruben Amorim so far unable to transform their fortunes.Man Utd need seven new signings or face relegation says Paul ScholesCredit: ReutersScholes raised concerns over some players in the squadCredit: GettyFormer midfielder Scholes has been very critical of several players in the squad and believes United need a revamp to improve results.Scholes, 50, claims United need a whole new spine through their team and could need seven new faces in their squad.He told The Overlap Fan Debate: “There are a few things that are concerning. There’s a lot of stuff he (Ruben Amorim) needs to do, we all know that, especially in transfer windows, but I don’t see a core of players.”When you look at teams, you look right down the spine of a team. Liverpool: great goalkeeper, great centre half, forwards, midfielders, whatever. I don’t think United have any of that in any position.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”I think a new goalkeeper is needed, possibly two centre halves, two centre midfield players, and two centre forwards.”Alright, I’ll go for one centre midfielder and one centre forward, but with a bit of stature, a bit of quality, and really create a spine. When you’ve got that spine right, then you can add bits to it.”Scholes has also questioned whether certain stars are capable of playing in a Premier League-winning side.Even players who have performed well have been scrutinised by Scholes, who took aim at the United defence.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAsked if he rates De Ligt, Scholes said: “Not really. Where are your ambitions? I’m talking about getting a team to win the Premier League.”Are you going to win the Premier League with De Ligt and Yoro as your centre-halves? Is “quite good” good enough for Manchester United?Roy Keane launches incredible blast at ‘shocking and boring’ Man Utd after woeful first half vs Leicester”Even when Lisandro Martinez is fit he’s not good enough to win the Premier League.”With De Ligt, his age and his amount of clubs does concern me. He seems to have got worse as he’s got older. Those clubs have got rid of him for a reason.”[Leny] Yoro is a young player but I haven’t liked what I’ve seen so far. Did you see the Southampton game? Look, he’s a young player and I would keep him in the squad.”Scholes has also expressed concerns over Kobbie Mainoo as he thinks he is lost and managers are unsure of what his best position is.He highlighted a problem with his athleticism, saying: “I think Mainoo is lost. I’ve talked about Declan Rice being lost before – I think Mainoo is lost as well. They don’t know what to do with him.”I don’t think he knows where to play on a football pitch because he’s been played in one of the number 10 positions, he has been played in the two in the midfield, which I can see probably doesn’t suit him because I don’t think the greatest athlete.”He’s a great footballer. I think the No 10 does suit, (but) the false nine, never in a million years.” More

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      Wayne Rooney tipped for return to management with British giants after Man Utd legend ‘puts himself out there’

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      WAYNE ROONEY has been tipped for a return to management. The Manchester United legend was sacked by Plymouth in December after just seven months in charge. Wayne Rooney has been tipped for a return to managementCredit: GettyRooney – who retired in 2021 – has also had coaching stints with Derby, DC United and Birmingham previously. And despite losing his fourth coaching job in two years, the ex-England captain has not ruled out a return to management. It comes as former Scotland midfielder Derek Ferguson backed Rooney as an outsider to replace under-fire Rangers boss Philippe Clement. And the Scottish Premiership winner even claimed Rooney could sensationally team up with Steven Gerrard in the Rangers dugout. READ MORE IN football Ferguson, 57, told Ibrox News: “I quite like the fact that Rooney has put himself out there in terms of managerial jobs, albeit it’s not worked for him. “Imagine Gerrard coming back to the club as manager and Rooney as his assistant. Something crazy like that, you know?“The likes of Gerrard and Rooney, they’re football men. The one thing they have instantly is respect with the players.“Players will listen to guys like that, who have been there and done it. So who knows? Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”It would be surreal, but nothing surprises you in football. I quite like the sound of that.”Gerrard’s first job as manager was with Rangers – from 2018-2021 – winning the league title in his final season. ‘It must be embarrassing,’ says Wayne Rooney as he opens up on seeing Marcus Rashford on visit to CarringtonHe then went to Aston Villa and most recently Al-Ettifaq in 2023 – since leaving the Saudi side in January. Rangers manager Clement is under pressure as the club sit second in the table – 13 points behind leaders Celtic.Rooney meanwhile told the Stick to Football podcast that he would open the door to a managerial return – with the right club. And he even admitted he would accept a role as assistant manager. He said: “I’d have no problem dropping into an Under-21 team or going in as a coach. “I’m still young enough to learn and develop. Just having a good group of players who were at a [good] level.”Rangers manager is under pressureCredit: GettyDerek Ferguson suggested Rooney as a contender for the Rangers job More

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      Former Premier League star signed contract then ripped it up just 20 minutes later in classy gesture

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      JAMES COLLINS has revealed how he signed a contract with a Premier League club — only to rip it up 20 minutes later in a classy gesture.The Wales icon, 41, spent 14 of his 20 professional careers playing in England’s top flight for West Ham and Aston Villa.James Collins signed a deal with a Premier League club before ripping it up 20 minutes laterCredit: XThe incident occurred after Collins left West Ham in 2018Credit: Getty Images – GettyAfter starting in the lower divisions with Cardiff, Collins joined West Ham in 2005.He played 65 times for the Hammers before joining Villa in 2009.But after 108 games, Collins returned to West Ham in 2012 and became a stalwart in defence with 149 outings.He was released in 2018 after his contract expired.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd that opened the door to a sensational return to Aston Villa.Dean Smith had just taken over as manager and offered a short-term deal to Collins, who had already been training at the club to maintain his fitness.Delighted with the outcome, the centre-back eagerly penned his documents before joining teammates for his first official training session.But after neglecting to warm up, Collins immediately suffered an injury as he popped his calf while sprinting.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe veteran knew it would keep him out for several months — nearly the same amount of time as his Villa deal.And in a heartwarming gesture, Collins went straight up to Smith before insisting his recently-penned contract be ripped up.Football icons’ strange hobbiesCollins had already spent time at Aston Villa earlier in his careerCredit: GettyIt saw Collins miss out on a dream return to Villa Park, with the defender eventually joining Ipswich before retiring at the end of the 2018/19 season.Collins told Peter Crouch’s podcast: “You’re only going up there to train. Dean Smith gets the job, JT goes in with him.“So I spoke to JT, he said ‘carry on coming up and we’ll have a look at you’. “I felt good doing a bit of training, they offered me a contract. It was going to be a two, three-month contract.“This is how mad it is as a footballer. I had to sign it on the Thursday to be on the bench for the Saturday.“I signed it Thursday about 10.20am. I’m signing it, stuff like that, so by the time I’ve signed and gone out for training, the boys have started their warm ups and they’re on the sprints.“So I thought me being old, I’ll go straight into the sprints. I did a sprint and popped my calf.I thought I can’t sign a four-month contract and be injured for two of themJames Collins“I’ve just signed this contract for Villa, so I went over to Dean Smith and JT and went, ‘boys I’ve just popped my calf’.“Because I’ve done my calf so much I knew it was quite bad. I went running quick and ripped the contract up because I knew I would only sign for three, four months.“I did love my time at Villa and they were really good to me. But I thought I can’t sign a four-month contract and be injured for two of them.“I was technically a Villa player. I went to Smith, ‘look, I can’t do that to you because I could be out for two months’. READ MORE SUN STORIES“I ran back in to the secretary and said, ‘have you sent that contract off yet?’ She went, ‘no’, so I went ‘we’re going to have to rip it up, I’ve just pulled my calf’.“I could have sat there, I knew my calves could have been two or three months, their contract wasn’t (long) so I said, ‘let’s rip it up, I can’t do that to you’. Then I went, got fit and ended up at Ipswich.”James Collins’ football careerCardiff, 2000-2005: 86 games, 6 goalsWest Ham, 2005-2009: 65 games, 2 goalsAston Villa, 2009-2012: 108 games, 6 goalsWest Ham, 2012-2018: 149 games, 7 goalsIpswich, 2018-2019: 6 games, 0 goalsWales, 2004-2016: 51 games, 3 goalsTrophies: League One play-offs, FAW Premier Cup (Cardiff) More

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      Premier League and ex-England Under-21s star, 29, set to switch international allegiance thanks to bizarre rule change

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      FORMER England youth international Matt Grimes is reportedly in line to switch international allegiance.Grimes made 12 appearances for England’s U20s and four more for the U21s in the early stages of his career.Matt Grimes could switch his international allegiance to Wales under a proposed new ruleCredit: AlamyAs things stand, players have only been eligible to represent one of the home nations if they or their parents or grandparents were born there.Alternatively, they can if they’ve had five years of continuous education up to the age of 18 in that country.However, the Football Association of Wales (FAW) is now lobbying England, Scotland and Northern Ireland to agree to a rule change.The proposed change would allow players over the age of 18, who have been registered with a club based in one of the home nations for at least five years, to represent that country.Read More in FootballFAW sources say it would align the home nations to the current Fifa eligibility rules, BBC Sport has revealed.Grimes left Swansea for Coventry City last month having spent 10 years with the Welsh side.Under the FAW’s proposed rule change, it would make him eligible to play for Wales.Had the change been in place already, players such as Leon Britton would also have been eligible to play for Wales.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSCardiff midfielder Joe Ralls would also be free to play for Craig Bellamy’s side.But one of the main potential problems for FAW would be the possibility of Wales-qualified youngsters moving to clubs in England, Scotland or Northern Ireland and subsequently wishing to play there.Jamie Sterry plays on through HORROR head injury as Doncaster star sports golf-ball sized lump on face in FA Cup clashGrimes spent the early stages of his career with Exeter before joining Swansea in 2015.He enjoyed loan spells with Blackburn Rovers, Leeds United and Northampton Town during his 10 years at Swansea.The midfielder has amassed 322 Championship appearances in total. More

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      ‘He disrespected me… it was heartbreaking’ – Frank Lampard was not fair with me and made a mistake, slams Everton star

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      FRANK LAMPARD has been slammed by Everton star Abdoulaye Doucoure who felt he was “disrespected” by his former boss.Doucoure fell out of Lampard’s plans at the beginning of the 2023-24 campaign, having initially featured prominently when Lampard first took charge.Abdoulaye Doucoure believes Frank Lampard made a mistake with himCredit: PALampard dropped Doucoure and later had a fall out with the midfielderCredit: RexDoucoure said the situation almost forced him out of the clubCredit: AlamyThe midfielder was dropped after starting the opening match of the season and did not start another Prem game until Lampard was sacked in January 2023.Doucoure returned to the side under Sean Dyche and felt the impact he made proved Lampard made the wrong decision.He criticised his former boss in an interview with The Overlap, saying: “He did not trust me. I really do not understand because this was my worst experience with the manager. Every manager started me, every manager trusted me.”Frank Lampard was the only one who did not trust me and I think he made a mistake with me.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”He was not fair with me. He left me on the bench for so many games and did not give me a chance. It upset me with him. There was no communication between me and him.”He didn’t trust me and I think he made a mistake. I think I proved him wrong after that because under the new manager Sean Dyche I was the difference maker in the team.”I think for him he was a great player, but as a manager with Everton it was a big lesson for him and I think he learned from that.”Doucoure revealed his situation under Lampard meant he almost left the club, particularly after he was made to alone or with the Under-21s following a bust-up with Lampard.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe continued: “Because of my relationship with him I was pushing away, I was nearly out of the club, because I can’t sit on the bench. I need to play.”It was sad for me… he pushed me away, I was training with the U21s.How Liverpool’s genius offside-buster gives them HUGE edge over Everton”After one home game there was a big argument between me and him and the day after they said I can’t stay with the team – he felt disrespected by me in front of the players. They said I had to train alone or with the U21s.”I think he disrespected me a little bit. I was very close [to leaving]. I did not want it but the exit was very close. It was heartbreaking.” More

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      Man Utd could offload £375k a week flop Casemiro in shock transfer THIS MONTH but new club admit it’s ‘risky business’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly set to offload Casemiro in a shock transfer to Flamengo, who admit it’s “risky business.”Casemiro, 32, has fallen out of favour at United under Ruben Amorim and has featured for just 20 minutes in the last five matches.Man Utd flop Casemiro is set for a ‘risky’ move to FlamengoCredit: GettyHe currently pockets a whopping £375,000-a-week to boot, one of the biggest salaries going.And United were eager to offload Casemiro before the winter transfer window slammed shut last week.However, it remains open in some countries outside Europe.One of those is Casemiro’s native Brazil.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd reports in his homeland claim that Flamengo are set to complete a sensational loan swoop shortly.Casemiro, who began his football career at rivals Sao Paulo, is likely to jump at the chance of an exit.Antony, Marcus Rashford and Tyrell Malacia all completed loan moves away from United in the winter window.And Flamengo are even said to be ready to pay part of his mammoth annual salary.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHowever, they reportedly understand there is a huge risk in paying out so much money due to Casemiro’s advanced years and recent decline in performances.Journalist Jorge Nicola said: “I can assure you that Flamengo investigated the player’s situation in the last few days.Man Utd fans baffled by Fred’s reaction to team-mate having object thrown at him in fiery Fenerbahce clash “The English club agreed to loan him and help with part of his salary. Filipe Luis would love to count on Casemiro.“Flamengo understands that, given all the figures, it is a very risky business.“Even though United are willing to help with most of the salary, there would still be a very high amount to be paid.” More

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      Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos sued by the All Blacks for ‘failing to pay sponsorship fee’ in fresh blow to Man Utd owner

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      SIR JIM RATCLIFFE’S Ineos are being sued by New Zealand’s rugby team for “failing to pay sponsorship fees.”It is the latest headache for Manchester United’s owner, who has seen his Red Devils side struggle to click under new boss Ruben Amorim.New Zealand Rugby are suing Ineos for breaching their sponsorship agreementCredit: RexIneos struck a six-year deal with the All Blacks in 2021 but haven’t paid this year’s feeCredit: ReutersIt is the latest headache for Manchester United chief Sir Jim RatcliffeCredit: PARatcliffe’s Ineos agreed a six-year deal as an All Blacks’ shirt sponsor in 2021, with the move worth £3.65million each year.However, New Zealand rugby chiefs have now accused the petrochemical company of attempting to end their sponsorship three years early.They claim Ineos are yet to pay out any of this year’s fee.And legal proceedings have now been launched as the All Blacks look for a new sponsor.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA bombshell statement read: “New Zealand Rugby (NZR) is disappointed that Ineos has breached its sponsorship agreement.“Most recently, it failed to pay the first instalment of the 2025 sponsorship fee, confirming its decision to exit our six-year agreement.“Having learned of Ineos’ decision to walk away three years early, we have moved to protect the interests of New Zealand Rugby and the wider game.“We have been left with no option but to launch legal proceedings to protect our commercial position.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“NZR is actively pursuing new commercial opportunities, and global interest in the All Blacks and other Teams in Black remains high.“We are committed to being world-class on and off the field, and deliver unique value to sponsors through our iconic brands.”Paul Scholes lays into Sir Jim Ratcliffe for ‘having the cheek’ to introduce ‘ridiculous’ Man Utd’s ticket prices Ineos have not commented on New Zealand’s claims.According to the Telegraph, it is not the first deal Ineos have dropped this year.Last month they parted ways with Ben Ainslie’s America’s Cup Team.And it comes as Ratcliffe embarks on drastic cost-cutting measures at Manchester United.Around 250 redundancies have been made as ticket prices have gone up.And Ratcliffe, who increased his minority stake to 28.94 per cent last month, now hopes to build a mega new stadium as part of an Old Trafford regeneration project.Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s first year at Man UtdSIR JIM RATCLIFFE’S minority takeover at Manchester United was announced on Christmas Eve in 2023 – and a lot has happened at Old Trafford since…December 2023 – Man Utd confirm Ratcliffe’s takeover on Christmas Eve, vowing to invest £245m into Old TraffordJanuary 2024 – Ratcliffe and right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford photographed meeting Erik ten Hag during tour of Carrington January 2024 – Omar Berrada poached from Man City as new CEO February 2024 – Ratcliffe’s £1billion, 27.7 per cent takeover officially completed February 2024 – Former CEO Richard Arnold quits board as Ineos pair John Rees and Rob Nevin addedMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe bans words “awesome” and “lukewarm cappuccino” in bizarre moveMarch 2024 – Matt Johnson appointed head of women’s footballMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe announces plans to build “Wembley of the North” to replace Old TraffordMarch 2024 – Man Utd NYSE share price drops to $13.73 on March 21 – down from $20.52 immediately after Ratcliffe takeover in DecemberApril 2024 – Senior staff club credit cards and private cars cancelled April 2024 – John Murtough quits as football director April 2024 – Jason Wilcox appointed technical director after compensation package agreed with Southampton May 2024 – Ratcliffe turns Carrington “toxic” after sending email to employees slamming “disgraceful” lack of cleanlinessMay 2024 – Work finally starts on leaking Old Trafford roofMay 2024 – Man Utd finish eighth in Premier League, worst-ever finish May 2024 – Ratcliffe gives employees just one week to decide if they want to accept redundancy May 2024 – Staff forced to pay for own transport to FA Cup final and only given one ticketMay 2024 – Pre-match party and hotel for senior staff before FA Cup final axedMay 2024 – Man Utd shock rivals Man City to win FA Cup despite suggestions Erik ten Hag will be sacked regardless of resultJune 2024 – Man Utd announce £50m plans to upgrade Carrington training ground June 2024 – Ratcliffe introduces strict “back to work” policy forcing staff to come into officeJune 2024 – Ratcliffe scores own goal with comments about women’s teamJuly 2024 – Man Utd finally agree deal to bring in Dan Ashworth as sporting director after four months of gardening leave at Newcastle, who received £3m in compensationJuly 2024 – Erik ten Hag signs shock new contract extension until 2026July 2024 – Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake appointed assistant managers, Andreas Georgson first-team coach and Jelle ten Rouwelaar goalkeeper coach. Darren Fletcher’s role changes from technical director to first-team coach. Steve McClaren, Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy depart.July 2024 – Ex-Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell joins on short-term basis as interim director of recruitment July 2024 – Jean-Claude Blanc added to Man Utd board  July 2024 – Man Utd cut down number of staff on US pre-season tour to 125July 2024 – Ratcliffe makes 250 redundancies including popular media man John Allen, historian Cliff Butler and kitman Alex WylieAugust 2024 – Man Utd splash out £199m in the summer transfer window August 2024 – Matchday staff lunchboxes scrapped and some forced to eat beside toiletOctober 2024 – Man Utd stop paying £2m-a-year ambassador salary to Sir Alex FergusonOctober 2024 – Staff Christmas party cancelled October 2024 – “Back to work” policy costing Utd fortune to convert hospitality suites into temporary offices between home matchesOctober 2024 – Erik ten Hag sacked with club 14th in Premier League table, costing club £15mNovember 2024 – Ruben Amorim appointed new Man Utd manager on deal until 2027 after stumping up £10m release clause November 2024 – Coach Ruud van Nistelrooy axed by new manager Ruben Amorim November 2024 – Man Utd chiefs locked in blame game over summer shambles including Erik ten Hag situation and transfer signings November 2024 – Ratcliffe reportedly set to half £40,000 budget paid to Manchester United Disabled Supporters AssociationDecember 2024 – Ratcliffe admits “mediocre” Man Utd “still in last century” December 2024 – Fans protest after OAP and children concessions tickets ditched and minimum home ticket cost up to £66December 2024 – Dan Ashworth sacked after five months as sporting directorDecember 2024 – £100 staff Christmas bonus ditched for £40 M&S voucherDecember 2024 – Ceiling starts leaking during Ruben Amorim’s press conference after 3-0 defeat to BournemouthDecember 2024 – Reports of a mice infestation at Old Trafford as rodent droppings found in food kiosks and plush suites as food hygiene ratings drops to just two starsDecember 2024 – SunSport reveals Ratcliffe cuts £40,000 funding donation to Association of Former Manchester United Players charity More