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    ‘Really underrated pundit’ – Gary Lineker reveals left-field pick for favourite Match of the Day pundit ahead of exit

    GARY LINEKER has revealed which pundit he will miss working with the most after quitting Match of the Day.The 64-year-old is stepping down as presenter of the highlights show at the end of this season.Gary Lineker has revealed which pundit he will miss the mostCredit: PALineker was full of praise for Danny MurphyCredit: The SunLineker will cover FA Cup games next campaign and the 2026 World Cup for the BBC before retiring.After 26 years as Match of the Day host, the ex-striker has worked with many of the best pundits in the game.Asked for his favourite, Lineker told FourFourTwo: “I don’t like any of the others… that’s a joke.”I’ll miss Danny Murphy, a really underrated pundit, analytically good, and always fun to be around.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLineker ruled out Alan Shearer and Micah Richards as he will still be working with them on their Rest Is Football Podcast.Former England midfielder Murphy first appeared on Match of the Day in August 2013 before he officially hung up his boots.The ex-Liverpool and Fulham star’s broadcasting career also extends to the radio, with him regularly on BBC 5Live and talkSPORT.Lineker’s replacement as Match of the Day host was revealed in January.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe Beeb announced that Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan and Kelly Cates will share the role on a rotating basis.Asked why a trio are needed, Lineker explained: “That’s probably down to the fact it’s a massive commitment.’Early retirement for you-‘ – Danny Murphy makes cheeky comment to departing Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker“Those three have all got families, and if you’re saying someone is going to do it for the next ten or 20 years, then your weekends are gone.“That might be it, I don’t know. I didn’t get involved in any of that. “I take it as a compliment that they’ve named three, but I suspect it’s not due to that.“I haven’t seen them yet to speak to them, but I will do.”They’ll be fine and they’ll do a great job. I’ve known them all for years, they’re top presenters.” More

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    Chelsea legend and FA Cup winner swaps football for completely different sport as he’s named tournament director

    CHELSEA legend Ruud Gullit has swapped football for fairways – by taking charge of a top golf tournament.The Euro 1988 winner had three seasons as Chelsea player-boss, lifting the 1997 FA Cup.Ruud Gullit has taken up a shock new job in golfCredit: GettyGullit won the FA Cup as Chelsea player-manager in 1997Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdHe went on to manage Newcastle for a year, and has also played for AC Milan, Sampdoria, Feyenoord and PSV Eindhoven.Gullit, 62, has recently taken part in a number of golf events.And he has now been appointed tournament director of the KLM Open, which will take place at The International near Amsterdam from June 5-8.The versatile ex-footballer hails from the Dutch capital city. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe KLM Open is part of the DP World Tour, with over £2million in prize money.Gullit declared: “Golf is a sport that brings me connections and pleasure. “The KLM Open is a great event, which brings together top-level sport and experiences.”For me to be able to take on this role in the year my home city turns 750, and at my home course, makes it extra special.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS”I am crazy about the game and find it a huge honour to have been given the job.”Leading players including Guido Migliozzi, the 2024 winner, plus Jimmy Walker and Pablo Larrazabal, will compete at The International.Enzo Maresca is concerned with Chelsea’s missed ‘easy chances’ after limping into the Conference League semi-final Fellow tournament director Daan Slooter added: “The KLM Open has a very good name, and is a leading event for both players and fans on the DP World Tour calendar.”When Gullit tees-off in his spare time, he plays off a seven handicap. More

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    Marcus Rashford’s WILD stats will stun Man Utd fans before Aston Villa vs Newcastle – Weekend Wager’s best bets

    SUNSPORT’S Weekend Wager uses in-depth stats and detailed analysis to find the best value bets this weekend.There is an “egg-cellent” selection of games to watch over the Easter break and several punts have caught our eye.Marcus Rashford has been backed to play a huge part for Aston Villa versus NewcastleCredit: GettySunSport’s very own Will Pugh was joined by football broadcaster Kweku Afari and Betfair betting expert Sam Rosbottom to discuss this weekend’s tempting selections.The panel discuss Wolves’ trip to Manchester United, Aston Villa facing Newcastle and away from the Premier League, look at the World Snooker Championship and Irish Grand National.Man Utd vs Wolves, Sunday 2pmKweku: Wolves to win 5/2″Aside from Man Utd being awful, the stats back up a Wolves win. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”United have lost 14 Prem games this season, which equals their total from last season and the last time they lost more league games was in the 1989-90 season where they lost 16 games. “Wolves are in-form and have won their last four matches. That’s their best run in the top flight since January 1972.”United are only playing for Europa League football this year. So I think I’m on to a winner in this one.”Will: Over 4.5 goals 11/2Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS”Looking at the omens, United have won all four of their home league games played on Easter Sunday by an aggregate score of 9-1 and this is Wolves first ever league match played on Easter Sunday. Totally inexperienced, they are normally at home munching on their eggs.”Wolves have scored nine goals in their last four games and have not failed to bulge the net in their last 11. They haven’t drawn a blank since January 25th against Arsenal.”Since Ruben Amorim’s first game, he’s already lost more league games by three or more goals than he did in 167 games at Sporting.”It could be goals galore between United and WolvesCredit: AFPSam: Wolves to score first 7/5″Obviously a big night for them in the Europa League and I think they’re probably going to have a bit of a hangover.”I think the value is in backing Wolves to score the first goal in the game. When we look at the stats across United’s last nine Prem games at Old Trafford, they’ve only scored the first goal on one occasion, which is a disgrace, isn’t it?”Easter Sunday, United are going to get crucified.”Aston Villa vs Newcastle, Saturday 5:30pmKweku: Aston Villa to win & both teams to score 3/1″Aston Villa have only kept six clean sheets in the last 37 on home soil. “And since losing their first home match of this season against Arsenal, Villa are unbeaten at Villa Park in the league, winning eight, drawing seven. “If you were to put this bet on midweek, you would have won some money. Put this bet on in the weekend, you’re winning some money.”Will: Rashford to score or assist 5/4″The stats show that he’s been progressively better. Per 90 minutes in the Prem this season, Marcus Rashford is having more touches, shots, creating more chances and attempting more dribbles per 90 minutes for Villa than he did at United. “I fancy that will show up again this weekend and he will actually convert that into a goal contribution.”Sam: Murphy to score or assist 13/5″Newcastle are on an incredible run of form. I wouldn’t want to back against them. They’ve won their last six games in all competitions.”Jacob Murphy to score or assist at 13/5, this is ridiculous value for me. “He has had a hand in 13 goals in his last 17 away Prem appearances for Newcastle, scoring four and nine assists. Unbelievable.”Jacob Murphy is in fine formCredit: AlamyWorld Snooker Championship, starts SaturdaySam: “Big price for Ronnie O’Sullivan. But I fancy John Higgins.”He has dropped out the top 16 in the rankings, however, he did bounce back with a win in the Tour Championship. 12/1 could be a nice each-way bet.”Irish Grand National, Monday 5pmSam: “We’ve seen Willie Mullins make history by becoming the only ever trainer to win the English Grand National and the Scottish in back-to-back years. “Everyone’s saying he will add the Irish and it wouldn’t be a surprise. High Class Hero his best shout.”The favourite, Haiti Couleurs, won the National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. Got loads of stamina.”A brilliant season for Now Is The Hour, a win here would really top that off nicely for Gavin Cromwell.Read More on The Sun”Interestingly, this horse was cruising at the Cheltenham Festival, but fell at the last. Stamina won’t be an issue, just needs to brush up on jumping.”And then something else at a little bit bigger price that is standing out for me. Better Days Ahead for Gordon Elliott could be an each-way shout.” More

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    How Enzo Maresca can transform Chelsea to challenge for Premier League title with Nicolas Jackson freeing Cole Palmer

    CAST our minds back to the first-half of the Premier League season and Chelsea were being talked about as Liverpool’s closest competitors.After 16 matches, the Blues had just been on a five-match winning streak and they were sat just three points behind Arne Slot’s side.Enzo Maresca is facing tactical problems at ChelseaCredit: RexNicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer are key to the Blues’ successCredit: GettyEnzo Maresca was asked about challenging for the league and he played down Chelsea’s chances, saying: “We are not in a title race. “It’s not about the pressure for the players, club or me. For me it’s just the reality.”We’re ahead of our expectations in terms of the way we are playing and points, as our mission for this season is to develop players and just try to do our very best.”I would like to have that kind of pressure… hopefully soon we can have that kind of title race pressure.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSince those comments, Chelsea’s form has dipped and they have fallen to sixth in the table, 22 points behind Liverpool.Maresca can still transform the club into title contenders but a lot needs to change.The boss has missed Nicolas Jackson through injury in recent months and they have been unable to replace his running in behind, lay-offs and combinations with Cole Palmer.Maybe another striker is needed in Jackson’s mould to share the workload and stop a drop-off if he gets injured again.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSIn the 3-0 win over West Ham, Maresca-ball was a joy to watch.Jackson can drop deep to combine and then spin in behind to drag defenders with him.How Ruben Amorim can fix Man United’s Garnacho problemThere is a “box” midfield for the striker to work with as the full-backs invert to form the deepest points of a square as Enzo Fernandez pushes higher.This frees up Palmer for him to work his magic and he can pick up pockets of space that Jackson frees up by pulling defenders away with his movement.Chelsea have not been the same without JacksonThey have missed his movement and link-up play with the midfieldChelsea were up there at the start of the season due to the inverted full-backs working wonders.Marc Cucurella and Malo Gusto impressed in the roles and Fernandez and Moises Caicedo were excellent. But Chelsea have been worked out and their play has become too focused in the middle of the pitch and predictable. The wingers are not good enough in one vs one situations.There is not enough creation from the wide players and they need a left-footer on the left who can go on the outside and take defenders on.With the full-backs inverted and the wingers cutting in – it is all far too narrow and Palmer then has no space in congested areas and his game is restricted.Chelsea’s games are being played in the width of the penalty box when someone must offer a threat on the flanks. Chelsea’s play has been too narrow and their wingers have not been direct enoughRuben Amorim at Manchester United and Thomas Tuchel with England have spoken about the need for direct wingers.Jamie Gittens, 20, is a target for Chelsea and they should break the bank to get him.Meanwhile, the other thing that must change at Stamford Bridge is the man between the sticks – Robert Sanchez is not good enough.He makes too many mistakes and his underwhelming passing has been putting pressure on the centre-backs.Read More on The SunMaresca wants his keeper to join the back line and become like an extra outfield player in possession.Sanchez has been shaky with the ball at his feet. The No1 at Chelsea must be a good shot stopper and be comfortable playing out.Chelsea should make a move for Jamie Gittens this summerCredit: Alamy More

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    Horror stats behind West Ham’s transfer dealings show ‘Eastenders’ image of Cockneys is a load of old cobblers

    TURNS out EastEnders is a load of old cobblers after all.Drop into Albert Square anytime and you leave with the impression that all Cockneys are sharp as a tack. Wheeler-dealers, who are no mugs when it comes to striking a deal.West Ham currently sit 17th in the Premier League table with just 35 pointsCredit: ReutersTechnical director Tim Steidten has come under fire for his poor recruitmentCredit: PANot if West Ham are anything to go by.Figures released by the FA this week reveal the Hammers’ hierarchy splashed out a whopping £19million on agents’ fees in the year from February 2024.That’s the eighth highest spend on the transfer market’s middle men in the entire Premier League across two transfer windows.And the only way they’ll get into the top ten of anything for some time.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe return on this sizeable investment is being fourth from bottom as a cheerless campaign draws to a miserable end.It’s only that the three teams below them — Southampton, Leicester and Ipswich — are so spectacularly awful that West Ham are safe from relegation.They have effectively shelled out £542,000 to agents for every one of their 35 points so far  this season.Over the course of the previous  summer and winter windows, they have blown in excess of £105m on new players — each with an intermediary probably trousering a hefty commission.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd the reward is them heading for their worst finish in the top flight in five years.Indeed, they still require five points to better the 39 from 2020 when David Moyes rescued them with his  emergency appointment to clear up the mess left by Manuel Pellegrini.Michail Antonio given hero’s welcome as he returns to West Ham for 1st time since escaping death in horror Ferrari crashMajority owner David Sullivan and his peers back their managers unequivocally — they don’t sack easily and support them financially.It’s like having the Mitchell brothers fighting your corner.But player recruitment is a different ball game.Dot Cotton could have performed better in the transfer market than now departed technical director Tim Steidten.Take Guido Rodriguez. Signed on a free last summer, if the Argentine midfielder and his representative had any sense they would have demanded higher wages and commission because no fee was involved. That’s how it goes.Rodriguez, 31, has completed just three games for West Ham.The most recent, a 1-1 draw against Brentford on September 28.He was hooked 38 minutes into the 3-0 home rout by Chelsea a week earlier for “tactical” reasons.Guido Rodriguez has barely played for the HammersCredit: GettyNew boss Graham Potter is clearly not having him.Rodriguez has played a total of three minutes over the last ten games and hasn’t got off the bench at all in the past four.There are others like him at the London Stadium.It’s a similar story at nearby Tottenham. Only one place and £600k below the generous Hammers in their unwitting donations to the unofficial football agents’ benevolent fund, Spurs are in turmoil.Two points and two places above their struggling neighbours from E20 in the Prem, Timo Werner is approaching the end of his second loan spell, having been ghosted.Cut from boss Ange Postecoglou’s Europa League squad, one goal in 27 appearances, not played since the end of February. Savaged by the boss publicly.Chairman Daniel Levy can blame nobody but himself for not learning his lesson the first time around with German Werner, or from watching him flop at Chelsea previously.And the grim news for both of these clubs is that they will be there for the taking again this summer, because it’s going to take a whole lot more spending to dig them out of their respective holes.You can almost hear the sound of hands being rubbed together.Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest occupy fourth place, chasing a Champions League spot, having spent a relatively minor £13.5m on agents.Everton are above West Ham and Tottenham and on the up after laying out just £9.2m to the deal brokers.Newcastle and Aston Villa paid more in finders’ fees but are at least getting some bang for their buck.Read More on The SunFor anyone up North reading this, London’s streets really are paved with gold.You just need to become a football agent to find out.Tottenham also find themselves in troubleCredit: PA More

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    Premier League confirm latest TV selections including Chelsea vs Man Utd and final Goodison Park game moved

    TV PICKS for the penultimate week of the Premier League campaign have been announced, with Chelsea’s home clash with Manchester United moved to a prime time slot.The Blues will now face United on Friday, May 16 at 8pm as opposed to the Sunday.Man Utd’s clash with Chelsea has been movedCredit: The TimesThe last-ever Prem match at Goodison Park will be played at noon on Sunday, May 18Credit: GettyIt means that fans of both clubs will be able to watch their respective teams in action in the Women’s FA Cup final.Meanwhile, the final Prem fixture at Goodison Park – which sees Everton host Championship-bound Southampton – will take place at the unusual time of 12:00pm on Sunday, May 18 and is set to be shown on TNT Sports.Eight Premier League games will take place on the Sunday due to the men’s FA Cup final, which is scheduled for Saturday, May 17.Therefore, some fixtures are subject to the outcome of the FA Cup semi-finals.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLShould they fail to reach the final, Nottingham Forest will travel to face West Ham at 2:15pm in a fixture set for broadcast on Sky Sports.Similarly, a Cup semi-final defeat will see Aston Villa host Tottenham at either 2:15pm OR 7:00pm live on Sky Sports, with the final kick-off time to be decided after the April 26 match at Wembley.Brentford’s meeting with Fulham as well as the relegation battle between Leicester and Ipswich will kick-off at 3:00pm.Subject to their FA Cup semi-final clash with Villa, Crystal Palace will host Wolves at the same time.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSPremier League matchweek 37 fixturesFriday, May 16Chelsea vs Man UtdSunday, May 1812pm: Everton v Southampton (TNT Sports)2:15pm: West Ham v Nottingham Forest (Sky Sports)*2:15pm or 7pm: Aston Villa v Tottenham (Sky Sports)*3pm: Brentford v Fulham3pm: Crystal Palace v Wolves*3pm: Leicester v Ipswich4:30pm: Arsenal v Newcastle United (Sky Sports)7pm: Man City v AFC Bournemouth*Monday, May 1920:00: Brighton v Liverpool*subject to the outcome of the FA Cup semi-finalsNewcastle will travel to face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium at 4:30pm in a match that will be shown live on Sky Sports.And should Manchester City fail to make the FA Cup final, Pep Guardiola and Co will host Bournemouth at 7:00pm.Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim issues open invite to Rory McIlroy as Masters champion’s private jet lands in EnglandFinally, Brighton will host champions-elect Liverpool at 8:00pm on Monday, May 19.The Reds would have likely secured the Prem title by that point, meaning Brighton will have to give them a guard of honour at the Amex Stadium.Liverpool will travel to Brighton on Monday, May 19Credit: PA More

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    Man Utd files: Benjamin Sesko’s ‘gentleman’s agreement’ gives transfer hope and TWO new goalkeepers needed in overhaul

    RUBEN AMORIM will be on the lookout for a new goalkeeper this summer – even though Andre Onana’s Old Trafford future remains in the balance.But whether they will try to bring in a new number one or competition for the Cameroon international has still to be decided.Manchester United are set for a goalkeeper shake-up with current trio Altay Bayindir, Tom Heaton and Andre Onana all at risk of exitsCredit: PAKaua Santos of Eintracht Frankfurt is on the wishlistCredit: AlamyLille’s Lucas Chevalier could also be targetedCredit: ReutersTurkey international Altay Bayindir – who stepped in at Newcastle to give Onana a much-needed break – is likely to be moved on.There are concerns the former Fenerbahce keeper, 27, is not good enough with his feet to play in Amorim’s system.And that was backed up at St James’ Park as Opta stats showed he failed to complete 30 of his 57 attempted passes – as well as gifting the Toon a fourth goal.In addition, veteran No3 Tom Heaton – who turned 39 this week – could be offered a coaching role at Carrington by the club.But that is likely to mean he hangs up his gloves and it remains to be seen if he is ready to do that.So a shake-up of the goalkeeping department looks certain once the season ends.Among the keepers on United’s radar is Eintracht Frankfurt’s Kaua Santos.Lille’s Lucas Chevalier – who is valued at around £35million by his French club – is another name in the frame.Meanwhile, Onana does not plan on going anywhere.He wants to prove the doubters wrong and establish himself at Old Trafford and has even bought a new house in the area.Andre Onana suffers shocking howler to put Man Utd behind after being booed and insulted during warm-up over Matic spatGO GO FOR SESKORB LEIPZIG forward Benjamin Sesko was watched by United’s new head of recruitment Christopher Vivell at the weekend.That sparked talk the Slovenian forward could be on his way to Old Trafford this summer – as Ruben Amorim is hunting for a new forward.There have been reports that the 21-year-old has a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ with his club which says he could leave for around £60m if a top club comes in for him.No doubt United, who are looking to cut costs to comply with profit and sustainability rules, would be keen to snap up a bargain.However, while it is true that Leipzig have said they will not stand in his way, the price is likely to be negotiable.And the German club hope they can top the record £77m fee they received from United’s neighbours City for Josko Gvardiol two summers ago.In fact they believe they could get around £86m (100m euros) for Sesko – which might force United to think again.Benjamin Sesko has a ‘gentlemen’s agreement’ to leave RB LeipzigCredit: GettyFEELS LIKE HOMEONE thing that has gone down well at Old Trafford this season is the introduction of a famous John Denver song before kick-off.‘Take Me Home, Country Roads’ has long been a favourite with the Stretford End and United even have their own version of it.But in recent months, the original has been played over the tannoy shortly before kick-off.And like most things that have been good about United this season, skipper Bruno Fernandes has been at the heart of it.In a recent Q&A with club fans, he revealed he asked for it to become a regular matchday feature at the Theatre of Dreams as he felt it would help the atmosphere.The introduction of ‘Take Me Home, Country Roads’ has been a rare positive moveCredit: GettyDRINK IT INNEW part owner Jim Ratcliffe has been cutting costs at United to ensure they comply with the Prem’s PSR rules.Yet the Red Devils still offer the cheapest pint in the Premier League – with a beer available for as little as £3 in some parts of the stadium on match days at Old Trafford.By contrast, at West Ham a pint can set you back around £7.30 while at Arsenal it is about a pound less.Enjoy it while you can, United fans.A pint at West Ham costs more than double than the price at Old TraffordCredit: GettyEUR ANNUAL BONUSRUBEN AMORIM was – just about – the Lyon-tamer to keep United’s Euro glory hopes alive in utterly dramatic fashion.But the Old Trafford boss is STILL under huge financial pressure to lead his side all the way to lift the Europa League.Making the last four and a semi-final tie against Bilbao ensures United still have a chance of the trophy that would guarantee Champions League football back at Old Trafford next term.Uefa’s complicated financial model means that would see United earning around £49m WITHOUT kicking a ball.In addition, Europa League success would ensure another £20m plus in gate income for four home matches in the expanded group stage.Bonus payments for each win in the initial phase mean United could expect a minimum further £11.24m for reaching the first knock-out stage.ONE THAT SCOTT AWAYUNITED fans may be rueing the one that got away as they watch their academy product Scott McTominay burning it up in Italy.But they could still benefit if he continues to perform well for title-chasing Napoli – like he did at the weekend when he scored twice against Empoli.The Red Devils received just £27m for the Scotland international when he joined Antonio Conte’s men.Scott McTominay is enjoying himself in Italy with NapoliCredit: AFPHowever, they did insert a sell-on clause which entitles them to around ten per cent of any profit the Italian club make on him.McTominay was hailed as Serie A’s ‘signing of the season’ by newspaper Corriere Dello Sport at the weekend – so is currently a hot property.RAS-CUE MISSIONFORMER United football director John Murtough has taken a new role with Italian club Atalanta after leaving Old Trafford.The 54-year-old has been appointed as the Bergamo-based club’s new director of global development.Murtough was United’s transfer guru from March 2021 but stepped down following Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s partial takeover last year.That means he would have dealt with Atalanta as the two clubs negotiated a £72m fee for Rasmus Hojlund two years ago.It is one of the transfers that has often been held up to highlight United’s dismal transfer dealings in recent years – but no doubt Atalanta were grateful for the huge windfall.Interestingly, several clubs in Italy are currently keeping tabs on the Dane’s struggles at Old Trafford.Despite scoring just once in his last 26 appearances, his reputation in Serie A remains high.Maybe Murtough could get on to his old mates in Manchester for a chat about getting him back to the Gewiss Stadium in the summer.Rasmus Hojlund could be wanted back in Serie ACredit: Getty More

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    How Real Madrid could line up under Jurgen Klopp with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool and RB Leipzig stars

    JURGEN KLOPP has been linked with a shock move to Real Madrid after it was reported that manager Carlo Ancelotti will soon depart.According to Sky Sports, Ancelotti, 65, is set to walk away from Real after the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona on April 26 following Wednesday’s Champions League elimination to Arsenal.Jurgen Klopp has been linked with a shock move to Real Madrid a year after leaving LiverpoolReal manager Carlo Ancelotti has been linked with a departure this monthKlopp could reunite with Trent Alexander-Arnold and another Liverpool star at RealAnd UOL Esporte report Klopp, 57, is “ready” to take over at the Santiago Bernabeu a year after leaving Liverpool.The same source claims the German tactician is “unhappy” in his new job at Red Bull as Global Head of Football.Thus, the Liverpool legend is open to talking to Madrid, with the intention of returning to coaching as early as July.The ex-Borussia Dortmund boss reportedly has a special clause that could see him cut his contract short for a return to the dugout.Read More on FootballIf he succeeds Ancelotti then the German may go back to his Liverpool contacts book to lure some fresh talent to the Spanish capital.The famous gaffer could also bring in some of the players he is currently dealing with at Red Bull.For starters, Klopp could reunite with Trent Alexander-Arnold who turned down a new contract with the Reds and is close to moving to Real as a free agent in June.It’s understood he’s already agreed terms on a £240,000-a-week deal at the Bernabeu. Most read in FootballLos Blancos have also been previously linked with Alexander-Arnold’s team-mate Ibrahima Konate.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSKonate joined the Merseysiders from RB Leipzig in 2021 under Klopp and his contract runs out in 2026. That means the Premier League champions-elect may have to sell the centre-back this summer to avoid losing him for free, like they’re doing with TAA.Carlo Ancelotti shows his disappointment as Real Madrid crashes out of Champions League to Arsenal Therefore, if Klopp moves to Madrid then the Spanish champions could have Trent at right-back with David Alaba on the other side, while Konate could team up with Antonio Rudiger at centre-back in front of star goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga – already at Real Madrid – may link up in midfield.Alexander-Arnold’s England team-mate Jude Bellingham could start at No10 with Vinicius Jr on his right and Kylian Mbappe on the other side.And when it comes to the man that would lead the line, that is where Klopp’s Red Bull contacts would come into play.The ex-Mainz boss could call on Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko, who has also been linked with Arsenal.Real have so much quality that they wouldn’t need much tweaking, but Klopp would be able to attract some of Liverpool and Red Bull’s best players. More