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      Liverpool fans convinced club have found Jurgen Klopp’s replacement as legend returns to shadow outgoing boss

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      FANS have speculated that Fernando Torres will make a stunning return to Liverpool as manager after he shadowed outgoing boss Jurgen Klopp in training.The strike icon left Anfield under a cloud on the pitch but could come back to a sunny future off it – judging by two major factors.Manager Jurgen Klopp let Fernando Torres oversee Liverpool trainingCredit: AlamyFernando Torres was a strike legend in four years at LiverpoolCredit: GettyTorres is thriving in charge of Atletico Madrid Under-19s – and Liverpool invited him to oversee practice for Sunday’s home game with Brighton.Klopp has confirmed he’s leaving Liverpool in the summer after nine years.And the Reds’ reported top target Xabi Alonso insists he will stay as manager of runaway Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen.That helped send speculation spiralling after Torres’ special day on Merseyside.READ MORE TOP STORIESThe 40-year-old, a dashing success with the Reds from 2007-11, wanted to see how the current regime of Klopp and assistant boss Pep Lijnders operate.He told Liverpool’s X account: “I’ve had the opportunity to see how everything works from the inside, which is great.’I’m a big fan of Jurgen and his staff and all around the AXA training facility, which is very different than when I was here. “So obviously the club grows a lot, and I have the chance to see why.Most read in Football'”There are many reasons. It’s amazing to be here and to be able to meet with Jurgen and Pep and all the staff to learn and try to understand the Liverpool way.”The 110-cap Spaniard had irked some fans 13 years ago when he heralded his move to Chelsea by saying he had finally joined a “top club”.Klopp ‘yelled and screamed at’ reporter in off-air bust-up that left people ‘scared’ after storming out of TV interviewBut many are excited by the “amazing” idea of him succeeding Klopp.”Could Torres be the next Liverpool coach?” asked one, and “Next coach?” posted another.Plenty more positive responses followed, such as: “He’s always welcome” … “the legend” … and “We appreciate his dedication to embodying the spirit of Liverpool Football Club.”Torres was seen in the new dressing-room footage laughing with Mo Salah.Liverpool’s Egyptian frontman then joked with England star Trent Alexander-Arnold that the Anfield old boy was “fitter than you!”TAA responded just as light-heartedly by telling Salah that Torres was a “better” finisher than him.READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile, it might be too early in the Atletico hero’s coaching career for such a big job as Liverpool.Nevertheless, after three years bossing the Madrid giants’ juniors, he could be due for some sort of step up. More

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      Gareth Southgate ‘attends Dave Brailsford’s 60th birthday’ as he rubs shoulders with Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Man Utd chief

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE attended Man Utd chief Sir Dave Brailsford’s birthday meal, according to reports.The England manager has been linked with taking over at Old Trafford if Erik ten Hag loses his job.Sir Dave Brailsford invited some of the biggest names in football to his birthday dinnerCredit: AFPGareth Southgate was present amid rumours linking him with the United dugoutCredit: GettyBrailsford, who is Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s right-hand man, now has a key role at the Red Devils after the British billionaire bought 25 per cent of the club and took charge of football operations.To celebrate his recent 60th birthday on February 29, the former cycling chief invited several of football’s biggest names to dinner.The Telegraph claim Southgate was among those present.Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger and Roy Hodgson, Mauricio Pochettino and Thomas Frank all received invites.READ MORE ON MAN UTDNewcastle sporting director Dan Ashworth is set to move to Man Utd and he was also at the dinner.Reports say the meal was a “private social event and not a club engagement”.The Telegraph additionally claim that football was spoken about “informally” around the table.Graham Potter was not present at the dinner, yet SunSport exclusively revealed that he held a meeting with Ashworth recently.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKEROn speculation linking Southgate with the Man Utd job, the Three Lions gaffer said: “I’m certainly not going to speak to anyone else.”I never have, I’ve been eight years in the job and would never entertain speaking to anyone else while I’m in a job, so I don’t know if that answers your question.Man Utd’s top targets for the transfer window“My focus is the European Championship. If we did a contract here before then everybody would be saying: ‘Why are you signing a contract before a Euros where you’ve got to prove yourself?“There are two things from my point of view. Firstly, I am the England manager and I have got one job, basically, to try and deliver a European Championship.“And the second thing is Manchester United have a manager.”I think it is always completely disrespectful when there is any speculation about a manager who is in place.”I am president of the LMA so I don’t have any time for that sort of thing.”Inside Ratcliffe’s Man Utd plansEverything you need to know as Sir Jim Ratcliffe takes charge at Manchester United… More

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      Wolves boss Gary O’Neil breaks silence over shock reports linking him to Man Utd job in Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s overhaul

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      GARY O’NEIL is “honoured” to be linked to an Old Trafford coaching role.But the Wolves boss, 40, insists there is “no truth” in such talk and claims he is “always going to be a head coach”.Gary O’Neil has suggested he wants to stay as a head coachCredit: GettyManchester United’s new minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe reportedly wants a new set-up off the field.And even the future of manager Erik ten Hag is uncertain.United’s new regime are said to admire England chief Gareth Southgate, ex-Chelsea boss Graham Potter and Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi.And former Bournemouth boss O’Neil zoomed onto the radar this week amid suggestions Ratcliffe is keen on a whole new coaching structure.RREAD MORE TOP STORIESBut having guided Wolves to ninth in the Premier League in his first season, the ex-Middlesbrough midfielder appeared to rule out the switch.He said: “No, no truth. I don’t know where it came from. Obviously, I’ve heard about it.”Growing up, Liverpool and Manchester United always felt special, two real special clubs.“Firstly, an honour to be linked even though there is no truth in it.Most read in Football“Of course, when your name is mentioned with one of the biggest clubs in world football it’s an honour.”But, as I’ve said, I love it here [at Wolves].”Inside Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s amazing lifestyleO’Neil’s insistence that he wants to remain the main man would seem to be another obstacle for the Red Devils, should they pursue him.He added: “I’m a head coach. I’m always going to be a head coach and I’m really enjoying my time at Wolves.”Inside Ratcliffe’s Man Utd plansEverything you need to know as Sir Jim Ratcliffe takes charge at Manchester United… More

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      Sir Alex Ferguson told me I was brilliant at Man Utd – 3 days later he released me, I had tears in my eyes in training

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      SIR ALEX FERGUSON crushed one of his former players’ dreams when he axed him just a few days after singing his praises.Ferguson is one of the greatest managers of all time following his stunning 27-year stint at Manchester United.Alan Tonge suffered a heartbreaking end to his Manchester United careerCredit: RexMan Utd legend Sir Alex Ferguson told Tonge he was ‘brilliant’ in 1991Credit: Paul Edwards – The SunBut Ferguson told Tonge his contract wouldn’t be renewed only three days laterFergie won a staggering 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cup trophies and two Champions League honours before his retirement in 2013.And Sir Alex’s success goes down to his smart tactics, good eye for talent and ruthless character.The Scot showed the latter in full force when picking his team as he would drop anyone he didn’t deem good enough at a drop of a dime.A local lad — who was Ferguson’s first acquisition when he signed as a schoolboy in January 1987 — met that side of the legendary gaffer in 1991.Read More on FootballThe former midfielder worked hard to win over his strict manager and thought he succeeded when Sir Alex told him he was “brilliant”.However, everything changed only three days later when he was called up to Ferguson’s office and was told his contract wouldn’t be renewed.The then youngster was absolutely heartbroken but had to return to training.However, he was so devastated he started tearing up and thus couldn’t focus – and that led to a tongue lashing by Paul Ince.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThat was none other than Alan Tonge, who looked back at one of the biggest heartaches of his life at the age of 52.Tonge said: “At the end of the season we had pipped Manchester City to win the Lancashire League title and Fergie told me I’d done brilliantly.Man Utd’s top targets for the transfer window“That was on a Saturday and he called me in three days later to tell me my contract wasn’t being renewed.“I had to take part in an eight-a-side training session with some of the first team after. “But I had tears in my eyes and kept giving the ball away, which Paul Ince had a real go at me about.“I don’t think that was the correct way to treat a young player who just had his dreams shattered.” More

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      Declan Rice has swaggered to the top with a smile on his face… now he faces intriguing battle against the best

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      THERE are certain people that you come across in football and you know instantly who they are, what they’re about and what the trajectory of their life is going to be.Anyone who has worked or grown up with Declan Rice knows that he has always been destined for the top.Arsenal star Declan Rice is on his way to superstardomCredit: GettyRice is facing his biggest challenge against Man City star RodriCredit: GettyTroy Deeney has been very impressed with Rice’s performances for Arsenal and EnglandCredit: APWhen he was at West Ham, he was a centre-half who played in midfield purely to help out and ended up excelling.The way he used to listen and learn from his old captain Mark Noble and be a student of the game was second to none.And because of that, whenever I interacted with him on a football pitch, I never felt the need to be disrespectful towards him because there was just a pure will to win.We would tell each other to “do one” every now and again, but then I would get these weird moments when he would do something special and I couldn’t help but say: “Good touch, mate”.Read More on FootballHe had this joyful atmosphere around him which you can see in all of his interviews, even now at Arsenal. You never see him get in trouble, being outlandish, but he has that jokey personality.He is still quite kiddish at 25, yet with a very serious body and mind in terms of being the best player he can be. When he was announced as England captain against Belgium, there was no outrage, no shock or surprise or: “Why him?” It was more a sense of: “Yeah, that makes sense”.There is no doubt in my mind that he is in line to take the armband for his country full-time after Harry Kane moves on, alongside his midfield partner Jude Bellingham.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThose two can drive standards but in the new school way.They are able to do that, want to kill each other on the pitch, and as soon as it’s over they can smile, shake your hand and say: “Good game mate. You alright?”Arsenal star Declan Rice handed custom gift by Frank Lampard to mark his 50th England capThey can go back to their normal personality which is juvenile and fun.The days of your Roy Keane types, intimidating people who were the same on the pitch as they were off it and in life, are long gone. It was very difficult to get any fun out of him.As a captain, if you keep barking at someone with no praise, then they will eventually snap. I’ve heard from people who played and worked with Keane that they were always working to get his approval or a nod, and rarely got it.I compare it to basketball with Michael Jordan and LeBron James — both men ridiculously good. Jordan had this fear factor and wanted people to be scared. LeBron knew he was better than you but still wanted to be your mate.Looking back, Keane needed to be that Jordan character in order to be the best version of himself. Now, as a pundit and an ex-pro, he is a good laugh and is more relaxed. In a weird way, I am probably the last of that old school type. With these young players now, it is a new generation, and they are more jokey. Rice’s biggest challenge yetDeclan does those Muller Rice TV adverts. He appears on A League of Their Own. You see clips of him singing and dancing in and around training. That’s just who he is.Look at Tottenham’s James Maddison. He is hell-bent on winning but he plays with a smile on his face. He interacts with the crowd. It’s the new way and it’s cool. It’s a good way.When they need to work, they work. But then they realise they have the best job in the world and they need to enjoy aspects of it.Declan must be enjoying himself at Arsenal. He practically runs games for them, and has his biggest test yet against Manchester City’s Rodri on Sunday.They are both in the top five best holding midfielders in the world, and all Rodri has over Declan right now is that he has won it all and has scored in big, big moments.Declan has scored a few last-minute winners for the Gunners, but nothing compared to scoring a career-defining winner in a Champions League final, something Rodri did for City last June.READ MORE SUN STORIESArsenal go into this City game top but need a win – a buffer – heading into the final stretch, and I only say that because of what happened last year and how they lost it.Mark my words, City and Liverpool will not drop many points between now and the end of the season, so what a chance it is for Mikel Arteta’s side to take a chunk out of one of their rivals. More

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      Why is Brentford vs Man Utd kicking off at 8pm on Saturday?

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      PREMIER LEAGUE action returns this weekend after a two-week international break.Manchester United travel to Brentford on Saturday for their first top-flight clash since their 2-0 win over Everton on March 9.Manchester United beat Liverpool 4-3 in the FA Cup quarter-final last time outCredit: GETTYThe Red Devils were in FA Cup action prior to the international break as Erik ten Hag’s side secured a spot in the semi-finals of the competition with a thrilling 4-3 win over bitter rivals Liverpool.Man Utd will be hoping they can continue the momentum from their huge cup triumph on their Premier League return this weekend as they look to keep pace with the top five.Meanwhile, Brentford have picked up just one point from their last six games, and as a result, they are worryingly falling towards the drop zone.The Bees are in need of a huge win on Saturday night to pull them further away from a dreaded relegation dogfight.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhy is Brentford vs Man Utd kicking off at 8pm?Man Utd’s trip to Brentford was initially scheduled for 3pm on Saturday, March 30.However, the kick off time was changed in early February after the fixture was selected for TV coverage.Man Utd’s Premier League clash at Brentford will now kick off at 8pm GMT and will be broadcast on Sky Sports.The time change has caused chaos for Man Utd fans who were hoping to travel to the capital by train.Most read in FootballThis is because the later kick off time is just two minutes before the last train is scheduled to leave London St Pancras for Manchester Piccadilly.London Euston is not in service this weekend due to engineering works between London and Milton Keynes.And on Sunday, there are no direct trains from London to Manchester Piccadilly, with all journeys requiring at least one change and scheduled to take over three hours.How to watch Brentford vs Man UtdBrentford vs Man Utd will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event on Saturday night, straight after coverage of Aston Villa vs Wolves (5.30pm kick off) has concluded.Sky Sports customers can live stream all the action on the NOW app/website.Alternativley, you can follow SunSport’s live blog of the match for minute-by-minute coverage. More

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      Mikel Arteta hopes Ben White ends England boycott as Arsenal manager opens up on defender’s protest

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      MIKEL ARTETA hopes Ben White ends his England call-up protest soon.Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate revealed this month that Arsenal technical director Edu had informed him that the Gunners defender did NOT want to be selected for friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.Mikel Arteta hopes Ben White ends his England call-up protest soonCredit: RexIt is alleged that White fell out with Southgate’s assistant Steve Holland at the Qatar World Cup in November 2022 before coming home from the tournament early.Southgate denied these claims and says the door is open for the former Brighton full-back to return.White spent this international break on holiday in Dubai – but is set to start against Manchester City at the Etihad on Sunday.Arteta refused to rule out the prospect of White one day returning to the England set-up, but the Arsenal boss stressed the decision was his to make.READ MORE ON ARSENALThe Gunners chief said: “As manager I want the best for him, personally and professionally, and he really needs to feel it.“And if one day he does return to England, and that’s the case, then yea.”I think that would be the best option for everybody. But you have to respect that.“He has received a lot of love. You just have to see what his team-mates and everyone in football thinks of him especially the ones who have been close to him.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”People have respected his decision. Hopefully, he’s prepared to represent his country in the best way possible one day. But that’s completely up to him.”White made his senior international debut for England in 2021 at the age of 23 in England’s 1-0 victory over Austria.Gareth Southgate looks ahead to his provisional Euro 2024 squad after suffering England injury blowThe 26-year-old has four England caps and was selected for Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup.Ben White’s England rowIN November 2022, White was named in England’s 26-man squad for the 2022 World Cup.
      He left the tournament due to personal reasons on 30 November, and was not expected to return.
      Earlier this month Gareth Southgate said that White had informed England that he did not want to be considered for selection.
      Southgate denied that personal issues between himself and White or between White and England coach Steve Holland.
      Southgate said the “door was wide open” for him to return. He added: “White would be in this squad but he’s not available to us and I have to focus on who can help us.”
      But White’s exile from the Three Lions squad started with a “barbed comment” from Southgate’s assistant Holland in front of other members in the England squad at the World Cup. More

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      Xabi Alonso announces he will stay at Bayer Leverkusen after showdown talks with club amid Liverpool and Bayern interest

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      XABI ALONSO has shut down the rumours and confirmed he will stay at Bayern Leverkusen next season.Fans have been guessing whether the Spanish boss will leave the German side to join Bundesliga rivals Bayern Munich or Liverpool.Xabi Alonso has confirmed he will stay at Bayern Leverkusen next seasonCredit: Sky SportsAlonso was rumoured to leave the club to join either Bayern Munich or Liverpool next seasonCredit: GettyAlonso has done extraordinary things with Leverkusen this season, with his side still unbeaten in all competitions and 10 points clear of second-placed Bayern with eight games remaining in the Bundesliga.With Jurgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel each due to depart their sides at the end of campaign, Alonso was in demand to take over the leading role at one of the clubs.But the 42-year-old has now confirmed today that he will not be leaving Leverkusen.He said: “After lot of talks about my future, I used the break to reflect and make my decision.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”This is the place to be for me. My job at Bayer is not over.”I want to help the club, and help the players to develop, the board is great… it’s all fantastic here.“I’m still young coach but I think this is the best decision for my future. I took my time and I’m sure about that.“I’m grateful to Bayer and the board, the players, the fans… I feel that this is the best way, to continue together.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER“I have also informed the players, it’s true. My deadline was this week, it’s matter of respect. Now everything is clear.“I’m not gonna comment about Liverpool or Bayern. How Harry Kane got even better at Bayern”These are big clubs and I’ve strong links with them but I’m in the place where I want to be.”It’s not time to decide my future now, I want to develop at Bayer Leverkusen”.I had a good meeting with Bayer Leverkusen and I informed them that I will STAY and continue at the club.Xabi AlonsoSky SportsLeverkusen are also looking to secure European glory as they are one of the favourites in the Europa League this season.They face West Ham in the quarter-finals with the first leg taking place at home on April 11.Alonso’s mangerial record at Bayern Leverkusen
      SINCE arriving in Germany from Real Sociedad in October 2022 Alonso has achieved an impressive record at the Bundesliga club.
      In 75 games, Alonso has won 50 and drawn 15 of them. And has not faced a single defeat this season leaving him with a 66 per cent success rate.
      During his 18 months at the club, he has lost only 10 times which all occurred last season.
      This saw Leverkusen finish sixth in the Bundesliga and reach the semi-finals in the Europa League. More