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    Real Madrid ‘make William Saliba No1 transfer target’ but Arsenal convinced he would be world’s most expensive defender

    REAL MADRID are prioritising a transfer swoop for Arsenal star William Saliba.Saliba, 23, has been established as one of the best defenders in the Premier League where he has formed a rock-solid duo with Gabriel Magalhaes at centre-back.Real Madrid see Arsenal star William Saliba as an ‘absolute priority’Credit: GettyArsenal wopuld only let Saliba leave for a record transfer feeCredit: RexAnd that has led to immense interest from some of the world’s elite clubs for the Gunners’ star.According to RMC Sport, Real have made the France international an “absolute priority” ahead of the summer transfer window.However, the North Londoners are demanding a massive fee for their star Frenchman.Arsenal see Saliba as the best centre-back in the world following two goals in 33 appearances across all competitions this season.Read More on ArsenalMikel Arteta’s side is not keen to sell the ex-Saint-Etienne star any time soon.However, if Arsenal have no option then they are planning to demand a hefty fee.The same source claims the Premier League giants are convinced Saliba will go down in history as the most expensive defender if he leaves the Emirates.That means Arsenal won’t consider any bid worth less than £80million.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThat is how much Manchester United splashed to sign Harry Maguire from Leicester in 2019 and made him the most expensive defender in football history.Saliba has a contract with Arsenal until 2027, which means the club is in no rush.Meet Ayden Heaven: Arsenal’s next William SalibaThe Frenchman joined the Gunners in 2019 from Saint-Etienne but was immediately sent back on loan to the French outfit to gain more experience.That led to more loan stints to Nice and Marseille until he was finally established in Arsenal’s first team in 2022.Since then, Saliba has stood out for Arteta’s side with a total of seven goals and two assists in 116 appearances. More

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    Vinicius Jr ‘REJECTS new Real Madrid contract’ as Saudi league’s stunning £1BILLION offer edges closer

    VINICIUS JUNIOR has rejected a new contract from Real Madrid amid intense interest from Saudi Arabia, reports suggest.Vinicius, 24, currently pockets a staggering £12.5million per year at Real, with whom he has a contract until 2027 with a release clause worth a whopping €1billion (£830m).Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr has turned down a new contractCredit: RexVinicius has attracted intense interest from Saudi ArabiaCredit: RexHowever, the star forward has been receiving interest from Saudi Arabia as club chiefs are willing to break the bank for his signature with an offer close to his astronomical asking price.Meetings reportedly took place between Vini’s representatives and Saudi officials in December following an initial approach last summer.That led Los Blancos to the negotiating table as they look to tie up the Brazil international with a new long-term contract that would knock back interest from the Saudi Pro League’s riches.Meetings have been held between the reigning European champions and Vinicius’ camp as well as close family.Read More on FootballAccording to The Athletic, however, Real’s opening bid has been turned down by Vinicius and his team.The new offer included a pay rise that didn’t satisfy the Brazilian but talks will continue.Saudi chiefs are willing to take Vinicius’ earnings to a staggering £168m per year.The officials from the Middle East want to offer the Real star that amount over a five-year period, meaning his contract will be worth £865m.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Spanish giants are desperate to keep him and insist it would take a bid close to the player’srelease clause for them to even consider selling.But they will not stand in his way should he be tempted by the cash on the table.Vinicius Jr wins Fifa The Best award after Ballon d’Or controversy while Man Utd ace Garnacho also bags top prizeVinicius is said to be generally happy at Real, where he has won three LaLiga titles, the 2023 Copa del Rey and two Champions League trophies during his successful seven-year spell in Madrid. More

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    Champions League and Euros winner Alvaro Morata gets humbled as fans of his new club don’t seem to have a clue who he is

    ALVARO MORATA breezed through a handful of Galatasaray fans and NONE of them recognised him.Morata, 32, has played in almost every single major competition in football throughout his successful 15-year career.Alvaro Morata just recently joined Galatasaray on loan from AC MilanBut Galatasaray fans didn’t appear to recognise MorataMorata, though, went on to score on his second match with GalatasarayCredit: GettyThe striker starred for Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid Juventus and Spain, while he also spent three years on Chelsea’s books.The Spain international has also won a raft of major honours, such as two Champions League titles with Real, two Serie A honours with Juve, the FA Cup with the Blues and Euro 2024 with his national team.However, it seems like some fans of his new team still don’t know exactly who he is…Morata completed a shock loan move to Galata from AC Milan in the closing stages of the January transfer window.Read More on FootballThis poses as yet another surprise transfer the Turkish giants complete after their stunning loan swoop for Napoli superstar Victor Osimhen last summer.Very few expected Galatasaray to pull off yet another coup by signing Morata just seven months after he joined Milan.Nevertheless, the fans appear to still getting used to the centre-forward in their squad.A clip appeared to show the Spain international checking in to a hotel in Bolu ahead of Thursday’s Turkish Cup clash at Boluspor.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA few Galatasaray fans were spotted outside the hotel waiting to greet the players – some of the excited bystanders appeared to be looking forward for an autograph or a selfie.However, none of them recognised Morata, who was wearing a black cap but was otherwise quite recognisable.Premier League’s Biggest Spenders: Top 10 SeasonsA couple of them made eye contact with the player, while some others didn’t even look twice.If anyone didn’t know who the Chelsea flop actually was, they must certainly know by now after Galata’s 4-1 win at the Bolu Ataturk Stadium.Morata led Okan Buruk’s side to a 4-1 victory as he scored his first goal in his second appearance on 21 minutes to equalise for the visitors.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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    Celtic announce Uefa disciplinary notice that could see fans BANNED from Bayern Munich away game

    CELTIC have warned their travlling fans that they are risking being DENIED access should they buy tickets and travel for their play-off round clash.The Hoops have been learned this morning that they will face Bayern Munich in the next round of Europe’s glamour club competition.A green flare has to be removed from the pitch at Villa ParkBut the bad news for Celtic fans is that their club has now seen fit to warn them that they have RECEIVED a disciplinary notice from UEFA in the wake of their defeat to Aston Villa, a match which saw away fans throw a smoke bomb onto the Villa Park pitch.And that could well trigger an away fan ban for the next match, an outcome which Uefa indicated was on the cards when they offered the club a suspended sentence for the action of their fans earlier in the campaign.In a statement today, the Hoops appeared to be laying the groundwork for precisely such a ban.It read: “As a result of the use of pyrotechnics during our match against Borussia Dortmund last year, Celtic Football Club was sanctioned by the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body.”The decision meant that, not only did the Club receive a fine of €20,000, but also that, if such behaviour was repeated at a match in the next two years, the Club would be prevented from selling tickets to supporters for one away match in UEFA club competitions.”Unfortunately, the club has received a further disciplinary notice from UEFA following the match against Aston Villa FC on Wednesday evening.  “The Club will obviously make robust representations to UEFA and will make every effort to ensure that our fans can attend our next UEFA Champions League match. “However, clearly there is a risk that supporters may not be able to attend. Most read in Football”In light of this situation, it is incumbent on the club to make supporters aware of this risk, when considering making arrangements for travel, until further information is provided by UEFA.”Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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    Real Madrid ‘to go all out to sign Enzo Fernandez with Chelsea set to be offered sensational swap transfer’

    REAL MADRID are reportedly ready to offer an £86million first-team star in a sensational swap deal for Chelsea vice-captain Enzo Fernandez.The Argentine World Cup winner has emerged as a key man for the Blues this season, two years after a record £106million move from Benfica.Real Madrid are lining up a mega swap deal for Chelsea star Enzo FernandezCredit: ReutersFernandez already has three league goals this season, as many as he managed in his previous 18 months at Stamford Bridge.But reports suggest the midfield ace is unsettled at Chelsea.And DSports claims Fernandez has now emerged as a target for Real Madrid.The Spanish champs are said to be huge fans of Enzo Maresca’s vice-skipper.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLReal feel they are lacking in creative midfield areas this season following Toni Kroos’ surprise retirement.And with Luka Modric possibly exiting ahead of his 40th birthday in September, Fernandez would be an ideal signing.However, he is tied down to Chelsea until 2032 on a mega-contract worth £180,000-a-week.It means Real would need to pay a pretty penny for Fernandez’s signature.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAnd Carlo Ancelotti is ready to soften the blow by offering a player in exchange, with Frenchman Aurelian Tchouameni set to be sacrificed.The versatile holding midfielder was an £86m purchase from Monaco in 2022.Jude Bellingham caught ‘humbling’ LaLiga rival who threatened to knock Real Madrid team-mate out ‘in 10 seconds’Real are ready to part ways with Aurelien TchouameniCredit: AFPHe’s since gone on to make 114 appearances while winning a LaLiga title and Champions League.But nearly half of Tchouameni’s games this season have come at centre-back.He is reportedly unhappy with his lack of chances further up the pitch and is looking for an exit before deadline day.Chelsea could apparently be tempted to accept Real’s offer, which would see them rake in some cash for a new winger while also bolstering their squad with a player of Tchouameni’s quality.Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho has been strongly linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.It’s thougt he could cost as much as £60m, although Napoli are also said to be in talks with the ace. More

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    England ace Jude Bellingham pictured for first time with stunning model girlfriend…and she’s already met his parents

    ENGLAND ace Jude Bellingham is seen for the first time with his new Instagram model girlfriend.The Real Madrid star, 21, has been on a string of dates with American Ashlyn Castro, 27 — who met his parents this week in the Spanish capital.Real Madrid star, Jude Bellingham 21, has been on a string of dates with American Ashlyn Castro, 27Credit: InstagramEngland ace Jude seen for the first time with his new Instagram model girlfriend AshlynCredit: BackGridAshlyn is from Los Angeles where Jude and best mate Trent Alexander-Arnold went on holiday after the Euros in JulyCredit: InstagramInstagram model Ashlyn Castro chatted to Jude’s mum Denise, left, and dad Mark, second from left, in Real Madrid’s WAGS and family boxCredit: BackGridInstagram model Ashlyn chatted to his mum Denise, 56, and dad Mark, 48, in Real Madrid’s Wags and family box on Wednesday.The American even hugged Denise as Jude’s team ran out 5-1 winners against Salzburg in the Champions League.England superstar Jude and Ashlyn then went for lunch together the next day.Pals say they have been on several dates after they began liking each other’s social media posts.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL NEWSJude was said to have been particularly drawn to one in November featuring pictures of Ashlyn in a low-cut dress laying on a bed.She is from Los Angeles where Jude and Three Lions team-mate Trent Alexander-Arnold went on holiday after the Euros in July.Ashlyn, who has 140,000 Instagram followers, was rumoured to have previously dated Creed actor Michael B Jordan and was linked with basketball player LaMelo Ball, 23.Ashyn sips a drink in the executive box with the star’s parentsCredit: BackGridThe American even hugged Jude’s mum Denise after the final whistleCredit: BackGridDespite the 5-1 drumming, Ashlyn did not appear to be overawed by the occasion as she watched from the executive box in the stands with Jude’s parentsCredit: BackGridShe suffered heartbreak in July 2021 when her dad died from Covid, aged 59. In a touching ­tribute, she described him as “superman to me”.Most read in FootballJude was crowned Britain’s most eligible bachelor by posh gossip magazine Tatler in October.It said: “For this midfielder, it’s all about the right or left swipe — and we aren’t talking about footwork. Rumours are swirling that he’s on celeb dating app Raya.”Wholesome moment Jude Bellingham leaves a young Real Madrid fan crying with happiness as he hands him his shirtIn April there was speculation that Jude had been dating model Laura Celia Valk, 26, who was said to be “completely smitten”. Last month she said she was single.In 2023 he was reportedly dating Ghanaian model Asantewa Chitty. He is also said to have dated US TikTok star Azra Mian. In 2023 The Sun revealed he had been ­messaging R&B singer Rmarni. Last night Jude’s agent and Real Madrid were approached for comment. The Sun also sought comment from Ashlyn.Jude and Ashlyn went for lunch in Madrid the day after the match, which Real won 5-1Credit: BackGridPals say Jude and Ashlyn have been on several dates after they began liking each other’s social media postsCredit: BackGridAshlyn and Jude seemed happy to wander the busy streets of Madrid as they enjoyed their public lunch dateCredit: BackGridThe lunchtime outing was the first time the pair have been seen in publicCredit: BackGridJude ended up on the winningCredit: GettyAshlyn’s photos have earned her 140,000 followers on InstagramCredit: InstagramShe has also been previously linked with American basketball player LaMelo BallCredit: instagramA series of stunning pictures on Instagram are said to have grabbed Judes’s attention, according to palsCredit: InstagramJude’s heart seems to have been captured by Ashlyn’s stunning styleCredit: InstagramIn 2023 The Sun revealed he had been ­messaging R&B singer Rmarni, but it seems he now only has eyes for AshlynCredit: InstagramBefore meeting Ashlyn, rumours suggested the ace was on celebrity dating app Raya.Credit: InstagramAshlyn suffered heartbreak in July 2021 when her dad died aged 59 just 14 days after catching coronavirus, but it looks like Jude is helping her enjoy life againCredit: Instagram More

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    Real Madrid to make new Trent Alexander-Arnold transfer offer after seeing £20m bid knocked back by Liverpool

    REAL MADRID will try again to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold before the end of the month.Liverpool rejected Real’s previous attempt to land the England star, refusing to even entertain a potential offer of £20million.Real Madrid have not given up on their pursuit of Trent Alexander-ArnoldCredit: GettyBut reports in Spain say Bernabeu bosses will test the Anfield club’s resolve with another approach.Real are understood to be confident 26-year-old TAA will be their player next term and a key part of a long-term revamp.But they also want him to help ease short-term issues that were exposed again in a 5-2  defeat to Barcelona last Sunday.The LaLiga giants know it will be hard to persuade the Quad-chasing Prem leaders to sell now.Read more transfer newsAlexander-Arnold is also reluctant to try to force the issue due to a hostile reaction from fans.He had a shocker in the 2-2 draw against Manchester United earlier this month with some of the Kop crowd turning on him.In the meantime, Liverpool are said to have already found a replacement.JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAccording to Bild reporter Christian Falk, they have identified Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich as the man they want to sign if the England star goes.Most read in FootballLike Alexander-Arnold, the German international is also out of contract at the end of the season.Fans hail ‘agent Jude Bellingham’ as England star is spotted with Real Madrid transfer target in nightclubFalk wrote on X: “Liverpool are considering the signing of Joshua Kimmich.“Kimmich is a free agent in the summer, Bayern are in talks with Kimmich for a new contract.”But Liverpool have been free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with the player since January 1.Falk did not clarify whether Liverpool intend to make a January bid or whether they will wait until he is a free agent in the summer. More

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    Real Madrid ABANDON transfer pursuit of Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold after star’s slump in form

    REAL MADRID are abandoning their pursuit of Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold, reports suggest.Alexander-Arnold, 26, has been intensely linked with a move to Real during the January transfer window.Real Madrid are abandoning their pursuit of Liverpool star Trent Alexander-ArnoldCredit: GettyReal don’t believe Liverpool will let Alexander-Anrold leave mid-seasonCredit: AlamyIn fact, Los Blancos have been so keen that they reportedly offered a £20million fee despite the fact the full-back’s contract runs out in June.According to Relevo, however, the reigning Spanish and European champions are beginning to pull back in their pursuit of the England international.That is because Real see no chance of Liverpool releasing TAA during the winter market.The high-flying Reds are favourites to win the Premier League as they are six points ahead of second place with a game in hand.Read More on FootballAnd the Merseysiders’ title push could be affected if manager Arne Slot lost one of his key players mid-season.That is despite Alexander-Arnold’s recent slump in form, which led to intense criticism from fans.A section of the Anfield faithful fear that Real’s interest got into the defender’s head.The right-back was met by groans and moans during his disasterclass in the 2-2 draw against struggling rivals Manchester United two weeks ago.Most read in FootballBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesTrent’s defensive frailties have long been documented, despite noticeable improvements in recent months.Liverpool are also facing the risk of losing two more stars for free in the summer transfer window.How Man United destroyed Trent in spectacular Liverpool draw amid £100m Real Madrid transfer talksAnd those are defensive rock Virgil van Dijk as well as megastar Mohamed Salah. More