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      Man Utd confirm where club will play matches during £2billion new stadium build as they release statement

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have confirmed where they will play matches while their new £2billion stadium is being built.The Red Devils have unveiled plans to create an incredible 100,000-seater arena dubbed the “Wembley of the North.”Man Utd have revealed where they will play while their new stadium is builtCredit: AFPThe Red Devils are looking to create a 100,000-seater arenaCredit: PAThe incredible project will cost £2billionCredit: PAIt will reinvigorate the local areaCredit: PAThe new stadium would be the biggest in the country.And its unique design has already made it a talking point for fans around the world.Sir Jim Ratcliffe hopes a new home will help return United to the top of English football.While the local area will also experience a regeneration project, creating hundreds of new jobs in the process.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUnited’s new stadium will be built close to where their current home of Old Trafford is situated.The famous arena will eventually be knocked down as part of the construction plans.But it’s led to concerns from fans that the Theatre of Dreams may be vacated sooner than expected, with a temporary home possibly needed.However, United have now confirmed that they will continue to play at Old Trafford while their new stadium is being built.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordArchitects revealed that although the two sites are near each other, there is enough room that Old Trafford will not be affected by any building work.And it means United fans can continue to enjoy their famous old ground for a few years longer.Sir Jim Ratcliffe explains his plans for the new Man Utd Stadium United will continue playing at Old Trafford as the new stadium is builtCredit: ReutersArchitects have revealed what will happen to the Trinity StatueCredit: PAThe future of the Munich Clock has also been revealedCredit: AlamyPatrick Campbell, an architect at Foster + Partners, told United’s official site: “The idea is to make sure that Manchester United can continue to play in Old Trafford throughout this whole process.“So we’re locating the new stadium broadly in the middle of the Bridgewater Canal and the railway line, just to the west of the existing stadium.Campbell also opened up on where key landmarks may move.On the Munich Clock, he said: “It’s so important and non-negotiable. That has to play such an important part in the design of how all this comes forward.”On the Trinity Statue, Campbell noted: “That’s 450 metres of tree-lined, activated — museums, shops, bars, hotels, entertainment — route, which links to the route coming from the cricket ground and Wharfside.“So that’s maybe where we put the Trinity Statue, so that just as today, it faces towards and honours the stadium.”Campbell also revealed Old Trafford’s pitch could be retained as a monument.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe added: “How does the existing stadium form part of the new chapter?“What elements of that — is it the penalty spot, the halfway line, how can that manifest itself along the processional route?” More

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      ‘This is a joke’ – Danny Drinkwater reveals moment he was told he had ONE HOUR to leave Chelsea

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      DANNY DRINKWATER has revealed he was given just ONE HOUR to leave Chelsea.The former Blues midfielder has lifted the lid on his brutal Stamford Bridge exile, which came just a year after his shock £45million switch from Leicester.Danny Drinkwater has revealed he was give just one hour to leave ChelseaCredit: https://x.com/FIVEUKHe stunned Rio Ferdinand with the tale about his brutal axeCredit: https://x.com/FIVEUKDrinkwater was signed by Chelsea in 2017 following their title-winning campaign under Antonio Conte.But a lack of form and several injuries saw him make just 12 Premier League appearances.And when Maurizio Sarri took charge in 2018, Drinkwater began to fear the worst.The Blues already had himself, Cesc Fabregas, N’Golo Kante and Ross Barkley on the books after Tiemoue Bakayoko was loaned out to AC Milan.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA young Ruben Loftus-Cheek was making waves in the academy too.But Sarri’s arrival saw TWO more midfielders join, with Jorginho signing from Napoli and Mateo Kovacic coming from Real Madrid.It saw club captain Cesar Azpilicueta initially warn Drinkwater that he may have to start searching for a new side.The three-time England international told Rio Ferdinand’s podcast: “Looking back actually, I remember Azpi tried giving me the heads up about this when I was in that second season.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford Bridge”So I was in there with Cesc on that Sarri first pre-season, so it would’ve been me and Cesc I think, Kova might have been there, and they were trying to bring Jorginho in.”N’Golo was obviously there wasn’t he? So N’Golo, Cesc and me, I can’t remember if Kovacic was there at the time.’Reminded me of Gerrard at Liverpool’ – Cole Palmer told he needs to LEAVE Chelsea and has outgrown the club alreadyMaurizio Sarri wanted to send Drinkwater to ItalyCredit: GettyThe midfielder stayed put but failed to make another appearance for ChelseaCredit: Getty“But then Azpi’s like, ‘Drinks, if they bring Jorgi in, which they’re going to, they want to, you need to think about what you want to do here.'”Despite the warning, Drinkwater ended up staying put at Stamford Bridge throughout the summer.He even came off the bench in the 2-0 Community Shield defeat to Man City, suggesting he still had a future at Chelsea.But on transfer deadline day, Drinkwater received the “joke” message he’d been fearing for several months.The midfielder was summoned to Sarri’s office after training, where he was told he was not in the club’s first-team plans.Sarri told Drinkwater that several teams wanted to sign him on loan, including one Italian side.But Drinkwater, father to a young baby at the time, dismissed any exit talk with just ONE HOUR left in the window and insisted he’d take his chances as a fringe player.He continued: “So Sarri’s English, again, when he came, wasn’t the best… That first window after that summer, it was like the last day of the window. Danny Drinkwater’s football careerMan Utd, 2008-2012: 0 games, 0 goalsHuddersfield (loan), 2009-2010: 37 games, 2 goalsCardiff (loan), 2010: 12 games, 0 goalsWatford (loan), 2011: 12 games, 0 goalsBarnsley (loan), 2011: 18 games, 1 goalLeicester, 2012-2017: 218 games, 14 goalsChelsea, 2017-2022: 23 games, 1 goalBurnley (loan), 2019: 2 games, 0 goalsAston Villa (loan), 2020: 4 games, 0 goalsKasimpasa (loan), 2020-2021: 11 games, 0 goalsReading (loan), 2021-2022: 34 games, 1 goalEngland, 2016: 3 games, 0 goalsTrophiesLeicester: Premier League, ChampionshipChelsea: FA Cup”My son was a year old here as well, so I’ve got stuff off the pitch that I’m focusing on as well.”Zola came and saw me, and said, ‘Drinks, the gaffer would like to see you.’ So I was like, ‘Yeah, buzzing, sweet.’ Didn’t expect anything from it.”I came up and he’s like, ‘I think you should go on loan.’ So I was like, ‘What? What time is it?’ I was like saying, ‘I’ve got an hour to get a club, what do you mean?'”And he’s like, ‘No no, loads of like… I’ve got a Serie A team, loads of teams asking about you.’ [I’m] like, ‘Nah nah, I ain’t going out of England, are you mad?'”Just had a baby, I’m a footballer but I’m a dad, I ain’t going anywhere. And he’s like, ‘Well, you might get frustrated.’ I was like, ‘Well, I’m going to get frustrated aren’t I? This is a joke.'”Drinkwater’s decision to stay at Chelsea saw him fail to add to his Communiy Shield cameo for the entirety of the 2018/19 campaign.The Premier League title winner eventually saw his career fade out with unsuccessful loans at Burnley, Aston Villa, Turkish side Kasimpasa and Reading.Drinkwater then retired from football aged 33 in 2023 after failing to find a new side.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe’s since lost £782,000 after going into the restaurant business.And last summer Drinkwater shared a photo of himself “grafting” on a building site. More

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      All 44 players to win a trophy since leaving Tottenham as Trippier picks up second… but still none for Harry Kane

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      IT has been 17 years since Tottenham got their hands on silverware.And while serial winners Antonio Conte and Jose Mourinho have been unable to end the drought, a horrible trend has emerged of players leaving Spurs and winning trophies elsewhere.Luka Modric has won the lot since heading to Real MadridCredit: GettyKieran Trippier picked up his second trophy as he helped Newcastle end their 70-year wait for successCredit: RexHarry Kane is yet to end his trophy drought but Bayern are closing in on the titleCredit: GettyKieran Trippier picked up his second since moving on by helping Newcastle to Carabao Cup glory on Sunday.The “curse” remains on Harry Kane, for now, but a whopping 44 others have shook off the “Spursy” jibe.To make this list, a player must have gone trophyless at Spurs and lifted a cup since the last time the club did in 2008.Winning something while on loan doesn’t count (sorry, Bryan Gil) and nor do international trophies (sorry, Giovani Lo Celso).READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOnly league titles, major domestic cups and continental competitions count – as it is only fair to ignore Spurs’ pre-season Audi Cup win in 2019.Luka Modric Lifted four LaLiga titles and six Champions Leagues at Real Madrid.Kyle WalkerMost read in FootballTreble winner at Manchester City with six Prem crowns to his name.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSKieran TrippierAdded a Carabao Cup to his LaLiga with Atletico Madrid in 2021.’So long as they’ve got NFL and Beyonce they’re happy’, Jamie Redknapp slams Spurs owners in brutal live Sky Sports rantLucas MouraCult hero has won three trophies since going back to his boyhood club Sao Paulo in Brazil.Toby AlderweireldSpurs icon won the double with Royal Antwerp in 2023.Jan VertonghenAlderweireld’s partner at the back came top of the league with Benfica in Portugal two years ago.Christian EriksenLifted the FA and Carabao Cups at Manchester United. Christian Eriksen has won two trophies at Man UtdCredit: GettyDavinson SanchezHelped Galatasaray to Super Lig glory last season.Tanguy NdombeleFrench midfielder was in the Galatasaray squad with Sanchez.Carlos ViniciusThe third and final ex-Spurs man in that team. Erik LamelaScored a penalty in the shootout as Sevilla won the 2023 Europa League final against Roma.Etienne CapoueWon the Europa League with Villarreal in 2021, beating Man Utd in the final.Etienne Capoue lifted the Europa LeagueCredit: Getty – PoolJuan FoythFoyth was Capoue’s team-mate at the Spanish club.Roman PavlyuchenkoStriker returned to Russia after his spell in North London and won the cup with Lokomotiv Moscow.Vedran Corluka Also went on to play for Lokomotiv Moscow, winning one league title and four major domestic cups.Rafael van der VaartHad a brief spell at Danish outfit FC Midtjylland before retiring and won the Superliga in 2018.Joe Hart Lifted seven trophies at Celtic. Cameron Carter-Vickers Also tasted glory under Ange Postecoglou at Celtic.DeAndre Yedlin Won the Championship with Newcastle in 2017 and the Leagues Cup alongside Lionel Messi at Inter Miami two years ago.DeAndre Yedlin won the Leagues Cup and lifted the trophy with MessiCredit: GettyPaulinhoFlopped at Spurs but won trophies at Barcelona and with Guangzhou Evergrande in China.Harry WinksEarned promotion to the Premier League with Leicester last season, topping the Championship.Georges-Kevin NkoudouScored just once for Tottenham but did the Turkish double at Besiktas.Fernando LlorenteWon the Coppa Italia at Napoli five years ago.Vincent JanssenLeague glory at Monterrey and Royal Antwerp in Mexico and Belgium respectively. Paulo GazzanigaWon the Championship at Fulham.Josh OnomahWas part of Marco Silva’s title-winning team.Benjamin StambouliGot his hands on the Ligue 1 title at PSG.Kevin Prince-BoatengTrophies added to his collection at AC Milan, Eintracht Frankfurt and Barcelona.Clint DempseySupporters’ Shield glory with the Seattle Sounders.Clint Dempsey won trophies with Seattle Sounders in his homelandCredit: APSteven PienaarEnded his career by winning the South African Cup.Vlad ChirichesThree-time league winner with Romanian outfit FCSB.Pierluigi GolliniPart of the squad that won the 22/23 Serie A with Napoli.Adam SmithSpurs academy graduate won the Championship with Bournemouth.Zeki Fryers League Two glory at Swindon Town.Fraizer CampbellLifted the Championship with Cardiff.Fraizer Campbell fired Cardiff to promotion to the Premier LeagueCredit: AFPJimmy Walker Did not play but won the National League with Lincoln before retiring. Hossam GhalyAfrican Champions League winner in 2012 with Egyptian club Al Ahly.Paul-Jose M’PokuNever played a senior game. Went on to win the Belgian Cup at Standard Liege.Tomislav GomeltWon the Romanian Cup at CFR Cluj.Simon Dawkins MLS Supporters’ Shield winner at San Jose Earthquakes.Tomas Pekhart League champion at AEK Athens, Hapoel Be’er Sheva and Legia Warsaw.Bongani Khumalo Decorated player in his homeland of South Africa after leaving Spurs.Nathan OduwaDid the league and cup double in Slovenia with Olimpija Ljubljana.Nathan Oduwa has played in Slovenia, Ireland and Azerbaijan since leaving SpursCredit: SportsfileTom GloverGoalkeeper was part of the first-team on Spurs matchdays. Later won three Aussie titles a Melbourne City.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnton WalkesTragically passed away in 2023 aged 25 after winning the EFL Trophy with Portsmouth in 2019. More

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      ‘In the bottom of my heart’ – Mauricio Pochettino makes Tottenham return admission with Ange Postecoglou under pressure

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      MAURICIO POCHETTINO is among the bookies’ favourites to replace Ange Postecoglou at Spurs in what would be a hugely emotional return.Sacked by Tottenham in 2019, Pochettino still feels he has unfinished business in North London — and he has a good relationship with owner Daniel Levy despite that axe.Mauricio Pochettino has opened the door to an emotional Spurs returnCredit: GettyTottenham manager Ange Postecoglou is under pressureCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunBut Spurs fans should avoid putting a few quid on the Argentine, 53, as he will not be heading back there anytime soon.Because the one person you would not want to upset in the world right now is Donald Trump.The US President expects Poch to deliver in his new job as manager of the country’s men’s football team.After leaving Chelsea last May, he was appointed as the States’ manager in September and will be in charge for the 2026 World Cup, which the nation is co-hosting.READ MORE IN football And he will hope for better luck next year . . . as the only time Poch played at a World Cup he lost to England in 2002.His seventh game as boss is tomorrow night against Panama in the CONCACAF Nations League semi-finals.Smiling, Pochettino said: “I was listening to a conversation between our President Donald Trump and Gianni Infantino from Fifa.“The President asked, ‘Can we win the World Cup?’ And Gianni said, ‘Yes’. But I was disappointed with this answer. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”He should have said, ‘You need to ask your great coach, Pochettino! He can give a better opinion’.“Pressure is there as we’re a host country. It’s also a country where the mentality is about winning.Ange Postecoglou snaps at journalist over question ahead of Tottenham vs AZ Alkmaar“Now with our President that likes to put pressure on, that is good. So, yes, we are ready to deliver.”Pochettino spent just one season at Chelsea after arriving in 2023.He led them to sixth spot — they were 12th the previous season — before leaving by “mutual consent”.Being diplomatic, Pochettino said: “It was very positive to join a project different to anything we’d done in the past. We learned a lot.“We already knew before we signed it was going to be a big challenge. In the circumstances, we can be proud of how we finished.”At the start, the team had many, many problems and even then were performing well without getting the results that we wanted.”But if you see the table in the last six months, you can see the progression was massive.Despite managing the US team, Poch has not had special treatment so is without a fabled green card — a permanent resident card.In the bottom of my heart I still feel the same. I would like one day to come back.Mauricio Pochettino on Spurs It means he must queue for ages at passport control like all other overseas visitors.Laughing, he said: “Last time in LA, we were waiting 1½ hours in the queue. Maybe one day they will give me the green card.”Yet you get the impression that after the next World Cup, Pochettino could return to club football.So could it be Spurs?He said: “In the bottom of my heart I still feel the same. I would like one day to come back. “Not because of my ego but as I’d like to win with Spurs. We were so close and it was so painful.“We spent nearly 5½ years at Tottenham. We not only played in the Champions League but were a Premier League contender.’I feel empty’“We improved the facilities — the training ground, the stadium. We did not sign a player for 18 months as the focus was on other things.“The problem was this type of journey creates a lot of friction. Also, I made mistakes. “But when you are clever, you learn from mistakes. When a relationship finishes, I feel empty.“I didn’t always manage well and that was part of my responsibility.“Now Tottenham is a club with an expectation to win because if you see the facilities — training ground and stadium — you can see it is about winning trophies.“That is why I would like one day to come back. It’s six years since we left and it’s always going to be a special club for me.”Poch still has a bond with Levy, who got rid of him following a poor start to the 2019-20 campaign.The Argentine added: “It’s true after nearly six years with all that we lived together, it was tough.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It’s difficult in football that that doesn’t affect your relationship.“For us, we split very well. Now, like the day after I left Tottenham, we have a very good relationship.”Poch still has a bond with Spurs chairman Daniel LevyCredit: Getty – Contributor More

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      Jean-Philippe Mateta wears enormous bandage after horror ear injury so bad doctor wouldn’t show him picture

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      CROCKED Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta wanted to carry on playing despite suffering a gruesome gashed ear in the FA Cup win over Millwall.Lions goalkeeper Liam Roberts was sent off for a horror kung-fu kick to the head which resulted in the Frenchman needing 25 stitches.Jean-Philippe Mateta wanted to carry on playing despite suffering a gruesome gashed earMateta showing off his injured earBut Mateta was unaware of the seriousness of his injury and told Palace’s doctor he wanted to continue before being rushed to hospital.Mateta, 27, declared: “When the keeper kicked me, I was on the floor waiting for him to get the red card.“I was good to go. I thought, ‘just get the blood off and keep going’.“I was arguing with the doctor for 30 seconds, saying I wanted to play. The doctor saw the injury, but I couldn’t see it.READ MORE IN football “I couldn’t feel pain. The blood, for sure. But I thought it was a little cut.“My ear was like this (dangling). But it was not painful. I remember everything, I was not concussed.”Yet, despite Mateta insisting he wanted to carry on – the plastic surgeon who repaired his ear was left totally stunned.Mateta recalled the doc “didn’t know how he would start”, adding: “They showed me, the doc showed me three days after. He didn’t want to show me. But I was like, “show me the picture.Most read in Football”Everything was open, cut here, cut open, behind was worse, cut everywhere. It was crazy.”Mateta insisted his “reflex” head turn away from Roberts’ kick “saved me.”’Endangered his life’ – Crystal Palace owner gives Mateta injury update live on BBC and slams ‘reckless’ Millwall starRef Michael Oliver sent off the keeper – but only after a VAR intervention.Roberts – who suffered online abuse – has since been handed an extended six-match ban.Mateta underwent a successful operation in Paris last month to save his left ear.And, wearing a huge white bandage on the side of his head, he told Sky Sports: “Liam texted me while I was in hospital and I told him, ‘it is OK, it is football.’ He apologised. He was worried.“I don’t think he woke up and thought: ‘I want to cut the head of JP.’ There is a lot of pressure. “He wanted to do good, too much emotion makes you do crazy things. It was just a mistake. You learn from it.”Mateta, who has scored 15 goals in 33 appearances for Palace this season, has set his sights on an FA Cup quarter-final return against Fulham on March 29.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe added: “I will need to wear a mask, the best one, but, hopefully, I can play.“I feel great and can’t wait to come back. But the doc is the boss. He will decide.”Liam Roberts was sent off for a horror kung-fu kickCredit: GettyMateta underwent a successful operation in ParisCredit: GettyMateta remarkably wanted to carry on playingCredit: PA More

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      ‘Trent’s replacement sorted’ – Fans convinced Frimpong will join Liverpool after spotting his Holland camp antics

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      FANS are convinced Jeremie Frimpong is on his way to Liverpool after he hilariously attempted a Scouse accent.The Bayer Leverkusen right-back has been linked with replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold at Anfield amid interest from Real Madrid.Jeremie Frimpong did his best Scouse accent for Ryan GravenberchCredit: @OnsOranjeFrimpong was also all smiles with Virgil van DijkCredit: @OnsOranjeLiverpool fans reckon he could replace Trent Alexander-Arnold at AnfieldCredit: GettyDutchman Frimpong linked up with the rest of his international team-mates earlier today ahead of the Nations League quarter-final against Spain.And the 24-year-old seemed on particularly good terms with the Liverpool contingent in the Holland squad.Frimpong beamed at Ryan Gravenberch, greeting him by doing his best Scouse accent.He got the accent spot on while saying: “You alright la?”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFrimpong and Gravenberch then burst into laughter and gave each other a huge hug.Virgil van Dijk was seen giggling and he was then welcomed with a shout of “my G”.It made fans convinced that Frimpong is on his way to Liverpool, with one saying: “That’s Trent’s replacement sorted.”Another reacted: “If he ends up at Liverpool this summer, the announcement video is sorted.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSWith four goals and 11 assists for Leverkusen this term, Frimpong could step into Alexander-Arnold’s shoes.Real Madrid are set to swoop for the England star this summer after seeing a £20mllion bid rejected in January.’He’s going to Tranmere after this’ – Roy Keane rips into Trent Alexander-Arnold after ‘school boy’ defending vs Man UtdAlexander-Arnold’s contract expires at the end of the season and there is no sign he will agree to an extension. Despite him being set to leave on a free, SunSport exclusively revealed that Liverpool could still receive a fee as Real Madrid are keen to get the deal done in time for the new Club World Cup.The tournament in the US starts on June 15 and his contract does not end until June 30. More

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      Champions-elect Liverpool face most important transfer window in club history with TWELVE stars facing uncertain future

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      LIVERPOOL are facing a seismic summer exodus – whatever happens in the remaining weeks of the season.The Reds are still odds-on favourites to welcome the Premier League title back to Anfield, but within weeks could also wave goodbye to up to a whole team’s worth of players in the busiest and most important transfer window in recent club history.Mo Salah is poised to lead an exodus of star names from Liverpool this summerCredit: GettyLiverpool fans have told owners FSG to pay their stars whatever they want to stayCredit: ReutersThe future of Mo Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil Van Dijk, the out-of-contract big three, has been a sub-plot for the whole of Arne Slot’s debut campaign.And it is no longer unthinkable that all three will leave and be followed out of the Anfield exit door by a number of others.Kop boss Slot and Anfield chiefs are also on alert as European rivals circle around first-teamers like Ibrahima Konate and Luis Diaz. Then there are bit-part players like back-up goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, Harvey Elliott and Joe Gomez who want regular football.Read more in footballAnd even if the Reds would welcome offers for underperforming stars such as Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota, they would still need to find high-quality replacements to give Slot the chance to maintain momentum.Despite Liverpool’s Champions League exit and defeat in the Carabao Cup Final, the Dutchman’s season will be judged a huge success if he delivers the Premier League crown that would put the club level with Manchester United But Slot has relied on the core of players who revived the Reds under Jurgen Klopp.If this is to be the start of a glorious new era at Anfield, Slot will need chief executive of football Michael Edwards and sporting director Richard Hughes to deliver a new-look squad that is fit for purpose.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSOn his way – Mo Salah is one of three key men yet to sign a new Reds dealCredit: AlamyMOHAMED SALAHWhether the Egyptian King opted to join a European rival like Inter Milan or to take the money from Saudi Arabia, he would be absolutely irreplaceable.With 27 goals and 17 assists, Salah has been involved in 63.7 per cent of Liverpool’s Premier League goals this season.Mo Salah appears to confirm Liverpool transfer exit live on Sky Sports after ripping Man Utd to shredsThere is no like-for-like option to step into the shoes of the third highest scorer in club history and a legend of English and world football. The Reds pulled a rabbit out of the hat when they signed Kenny Dalglish to succeed Kevin Keegan as their main man in 1977. This is a bigger task.Down and out – Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to leave Liverpool for Real MadridCredit: GettyTRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLDMost Liverpool fans accept that “the Scouser in our team” is going to Real Madrid to join new bestie Jude Bellingham.Supporters also know that recruiting a right back with the same passing range and potency going forward will be impossible. There is a reason why TAA is the most prolific assist provider from his position in Premier League history, with 62 at the age of only 25. The trick will be finding someone who can defend better yet still deliver enough at the other end of the field to give some compensation for his absence. Good luck.Stand off – Van Dijk and Liverpool are yet to agree terms to keep the skipper at AnfieldCredit: MatchDay Images LimitedVIRGIL VAN DIJKThe accepted wisdom on Merseyside remains that captain Van Dijk is the one of the big three who will sign a new deal to keep him at Anfield.The man himself, though, has given that opinion little support in recent weeks, as rumours of interest from Real Madrid, Saudi Arabia and elsewhere re-emerge, die down and then return.But for Salah’s incredible numbers, the Dutchman would be a leading candidate for player of the year. He is generally regarded as one of the best central defenders to play in England in recent decades.Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi and Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen are among those touted as successors. Neither is currently at the same level. But then again, who is?It’s all kicking off as Real Madrid, PSG and others plot moves for Ibrahima KonateCredit: GettyIBRAHIMA KONATEApart from the defeats by Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle, the most alarming and unexpected development of recent weeks has been the emergence of doubt about the future of Van Dijk’s centre back partner.You could dismiss talk that the France international would welcome a summer battle for his signature as mischief-making by the clubs with their friends in the local  media or the product of a slow news day. But it may well not be.Konate’s susceptibility to injury has been an issue in the past but the Reds could ill afford to lose him, regardless of what happens with Van Dijk.Luis Diaz has had a poor second half of the season and could be on his way outCredit: GettyLUIS DIAZThe links between Diaz and Barcelona are as long-standing as the La Liga giants’ financial problems that make any such deal challenging.Yet amid talk of a busy summer at the Camp Nou, with Barca allegedly willing to cash in on bankable stars like Frenkie De Jong and Raphinha, Diaz will be on their radar.Liverpool would not necessarily be averse to selling the Colombian after he failed to maintain his early season form and Cody Gakpo became first-choice on the left flank.Yet Slot would want someone of high calibre and/or versatility to push Gakpo and whatever other forwards he has after the summer.Darwin Nunez is one of FIVE Liverpool forwards who could leave Anfield this summerCredit: GettyDARWIN NUNEZCaptain Chaos’ time at Anfield is surely up after another season of occasional highs but even bigger lows.Liverpool are said to have turned down a bid of £62m plus add-ons from Al-Nassr in January only because they did not have enough time to find a suitable replacement for the Uruguayan.Al-Nassr signed Jhon Duran from Aston Villa instead, but other Saudi clubs remain keen on the Reds’ No 9.Rumours about Atletico Madrid won’t go away, either. Whatever fee Liverpool are able to get for Nunez will need to be re-invested more wisely than the initial £64m they spent on him three years ago.Caoimhin Kelleher is set to take his destiny in his hands and leave LiverpoolCredit: GettyCAOIMHIN KELLEHEREnough is surely enough for the goalkeeper who is the Republic of Ireland’s No 1 yet deserves to be first choice for a club, too.That’s not going to happen at Liverpool, with Georgian stopper Giorgi Mamardashvili due to arrive this summer to push Alisson for his place and, if all goes well, take it in the not-too-distant future.The Reds have turned down bids from Nottingham Forest and others in recent transfer windows and Kelleher filled in well for Alisson while the Brazilian was injured earlier in the season.But with Bournemouth now joining the ranks of clubs ready to give the Irishman his big chance, he will surely be on his way in the summer.Harvey Elliott’s winner in the Champions League at PSG was a rare highlight this seasonCredit: PAHARVEY ELLIOTTBrighton and Borussia Dortmund were among the clubs who were reported to be looking at a move for Elliott in January.The player himself was quick to play down talk of a winter move, stressing that he had had talks with Slot about his lack of game time and understood how hard it was to break into a team that was doing so well.Yet Elliott’s resolve to stay – and the Reds’ determination to keep him – would be tested by sizeable summer offers for a player with just over two years left on his contract.The attacking midfielder/forward – and doubt about his most effective position is a factor – has made just 21 appearances this season, compared to 53 in Klopp’s final campaign, with not a single start in the Premier League.Joe Gomez has never scored in 10 years at Liverpool and may leave before he canCredit: EPAJOE GOMEZGomez has gone from being a key player in Klopp’s farewell season to an outsider under Slot, although he seemed to be returning to favour before a hamstring injury sidelined him.The Reds allegedly included Gomez as a makeweight in the proposed deal to sign Anthony Gordon from Newcastle last year.Eddie Howe will not be the only manager interested in Gomez this summer. Aston Villa, Chelsea and Fulham have all been linked with him, along with clubs in Europe.A move back to London for the former Charlton Academy star, after 10 years at Anfield, looks a good bet. The Reds would want a replacement who matched his versatility but not his injury record.Wataru Endo is Arne Slot’s favourite late sub but other clubs would offer him moreCredit: GettyWATARU ENDOFulham, AC Milan and even Barcelona are just some of the club believed to have an interest in the defensive midfielder, who arrived for a cut-price £16m in the summer of 2023.The Japan captain has become a cult hero at Anfield because of his no-nonsense style and cameo roles in closing out games for Slot’s side.Yet sentimentality will count for little if the Reds could recoup a decent amount of their initial outlay and put it towards securing someone who might put more pressure on Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister for a starting place.Diogo Jota has struggled for fitness and form this season and could be availableCredit: AlamyDIOGO JOTAAs the Kop song goes, the man from Portugal wears the No 20 but if Liverpool win title No 20, his contribution will not have been significant.Jota’s injury issues have been glossed over in the past because of his tendency to have scoring streaks at important times.But like Nunez, the 28 year old has not done enough this season to share the burden of scoring with the incredible Salah.Despite that and his physical frailty, a number of clubs at home and abroad would be prepared to offer Jota a chance to make a new start, perhaps including former employers Wolves.FEDERIO CHIESASerie A title rivals Inter Milan and Napoli were both interested in bringing Chiesa back to Italy on loan in January, after his injury-affected lack of game time at AnfieldUntil what was only a consolation goal in the Carabao Cup final, Chiesa’s most memorable contribution to the season was his manic celebration of Nunez’s late goals at Brentford.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe potential departure of other forward options might make it worth Liverpool’s while to give the Euro 2020 winner another season to prove his worth.But after spending only an initial £10m on the Italy international, the chance to recoup that cash or even make a profit would also be tempting, probably for the player, too. 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      Chelsea files: Geovany Quenda, 17, was so good he was allowed to train in jeans and quit Benfica in bizarre bedroom row

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      CHELSEA hope to have a pair of star-studded Levis in their dressing room – but not in the way you think.Centre half Levi Colwill is already an established member of the first team squad. Chelsea have beaten Man Utd to the signing of Sporting’s Geovany QuendaCredit: GettyQuenda (pictured third from the left in the middle row) was initially allowed to play in his trousers as youth team Damaiense didn’t have any spare kit for himCredit: DamaienseBut next summer Portuguese wonderkid Geovany Quenda will be arriving at the club. And he is so good that he was allowed to train in jeans as a kid.Quenda was born in Guinea-Bissau in West Africa and migrated to Portugal in 2016 aged nine. On arrival he tried his luck at football with amateur side Damaiense but did not have any kit. Club officials went to find some but by the time they came back, Quenda was already showing his blistering potential so they let him carry on playing in his normal trousers.A Blues insider said: “He broke a lot of records that day. He then went with them to a tournament and totally bossed it. That’s when he caught the attention of Portugal’s bigger clubs.”Quenda was quickly snapped up by leading Portuguese team Benfica but in a bizarre episode ended up quitting to join their fierce rivals Sporting Lisbon soon after.Benfica had promised the young boy a bedroom at their academy in Seixal but then went back on the deal. Neighbours Sporting seized their chance and put him up and from there he has created shockwaves with his burgeoning talent.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe was playing for the Under-23 side aged 16 and under Ruben Amorim, who is now manager at Manchester United he was given a first team chance.At 17 yrs and 95 days Quenda became the youngest player in history to score in Portugal’s La Liga top flight – taking the record from Cristiano Ronaldo.Humble Nicolas Jackson snubs mega-money supercars as he leaves Chelsea training in £30,000 Fiat 500 He is the youngest player from Sporting to start in the Champions League and at 16 was the leading scorer in Portugal’s Under-23 league.Although Chelsea say a deal has only been signed ‘in principle’ Quenda will be coming to England in summer 2026 to join a steady stream of young foreign talent on its way over.Brazilian winger Estevao Willian is coming in a few months’ time and Ecuadorian midfielder Kendry Paez is on his way.At a more senior level, Chelsea have agreed an £18.5 million fee for midfielder Dario Essugo – Portuguese like Quenda.Chelsea have also agreed a deal for Dario Essugo, who is currently on loan at Las Palmas from SportingCredit: GettyFAN-TASTICCHELSEA have been winning but not singing. And to try to put that right a group of fed-up season ticket holders have taken action.A group called We Are The Shed had a trial run of a ‘singing section’ in the Upper Tier of the famous stand at Stamford Bridge last week.Around 120 diehards have worked with the club in an effort to gather all those who want to generate noise and atmosphere together in the same group of seats in Block Four.While the deafening Danes from FC Copenhagen were impossible to compete with during last Thursday’s Conference League victory for The Blues, there was a visible and audible know of fans stoking things up.The atmosphere or lack of it at home games has been a big talking point among Chelsea fans in recent seasons. It is the same at most Premier League stadiums these days though in their defence.We Are The Shed are on the lookout for new recruits to join their growing band.A group of Chelsea fans are hoping to improve the atmosphere at Stamford BridgeCredit: GettyThe Blues’ support was drowned out by noisy fans of FC Copenhagen during last week’s Conference League clashCredit: PAROMAN IN RUINSROMAN ABRAMOVICH has turned his back on football since being forced to give up his beloved Chelsea.The Russian billionaire remains furious over the Theresa May Government withdrawing his “golden visa” in  2018.Four years later, Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine saw the Boris Johnson Government force Abramovich to sell the club as part of the sanctions against Russian financial interests.And close friends report that Abramovich has barely watched a game since being left with no option other than to hand the Blues over to the Todd Boehly-led consortium.One said: “Roman still likes football. But he doesn’t go to games any more. It was always about Chelsea.”Some £2.5bn of the sale price earmarked for victims of the war, remains stuck in an escrow account.Friends of Roman Abramovich (pictured in 2017) say the ex-Chelsea owner has turned his back on footballCredit: AFPNO LAUGHING MATTERAMID a frantic flurry of interviews and announcements from Manchester United last week, one briefing slipped out which would have pricked ears at Stamford Bridge.It has emerged that Red Devils minority owners, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has declared war on the club’s bloated wage bill.After branding some United players “overpaid”, the British billionaire wants to scale back base wages and focus on performance related incentives.This news was rather well received within the corridors of power at Chelsea, who have been doing the same for a couple of years now.Many were quick to laugh when the club’s American owners, Behdad Eghbali and Todd Boehly, started dishing out nine-year deals with the incentive of a big bump when certain targets are hit.Chelsea’s latest published accounts, for the year to June 2023, showed wages rising from £340.2million to £404m.However, the Blues owners have made huge efforts to trim their expenditure on wages back.It has also been noted at the Bridge that the restructuring at other top club’s, with multiple high-level people in place to look after recruitment, is starting to mirror the changes at Chelsea – who have two sporting directors in Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley.There are signs that other clubs are starting to copy Todd Boehly’s often-derided approach at ChelseaCredit: APUNLUCKY 13LIFE as a professional footballer may seem like paradise – and it can be. But what people on the outside don’t often see is the sacrifice that goes into getting there.And forward Christopher Nkunku illuminated that in a recent interview. Born and raised in the suburbs of Paris, his blossoming skills earned him a place at France’s national football academy at Clariefontaine – some 35 miles away.Maybe not so far but Nkunku explained: “You are only 13 years old and you move out of home. It was really hard. Since then I have not lived in my family house and this is hard.“But you remember you are here for football because you have a dream and you have to sacrifice to achieve that.”Given that Nkunku played for Paris Saint-Germain then to Germany to join RB Leipzig and now Chelsea in London, that is quite the nomadic lifestyle. And none of it with any guarantee of success.Christopher Nkunku has been playing far from home ever since he was 13 years oldCredit: GettyCAUSING A STERRAHEEM STERLING has been voted into UEFA’s official Team of the Week after his sterling display for loan club Arsenal last Wednesday.The winger is not yet thinking about his long term future as time ticks away on his season long spell in North London.It seems obvious he does not have a future under current boss Enzo Maresca but with two years left on his contract in summer is under no pressure to quit – at least not on Chelsea’s terms. There are rumours that a host of Saudi Arabian clubs are taking interest in the 30-year-old who last week became the first English player to be directly involved in at least one goal for four different clubs in the Champions League: Liverpool, Man City, Chelsea and now Arsenal.But they can forget it. One place Sterling won’t be going is the Pro-League. There is money and adulation on tap from star-hungry Saudi fans but it doesn’t suit the born and bred Londoner.Raheem Sterling hasn’t pulled up any trees on loan at Arsenal this season, but he did set a unique Champions League recordCredit: Getty More