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      Every out-of-contract Premier League star revealed including crucial Arsenal duo and Real Madrid-linked Alexander-Arnold

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      PREMIER LEAGUE clubs are facing a nightmare January transfer window if they cannot tie major stars down to a new contract.A number of the best and biggest clubs in the land face losing their top stars to foreign clubs due to their contracts expiring in the summer.Mo Salah is one of the biggest stars under threat of being lost to a pre-contract dealCredit: RexArsenal are also set to lose a crucial duo including JorginhoCredit: GettyStars with just six months remaining on their contracts are free to negotiate pre-contract deals with clubs from other leagues. And the Premier League could be one of the hardest hit by this rule.Liverpool trio Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold have been making the headlines over this fear, while reserve goalkeeper Vitezslav Jaros is also in a similar boat contractually.Salah has openly admitted this season could be his last for the Reds, while Alexander-Arnold has been extensively linked with a transfer to Real Madrid.Manchester City are similarly under threat of losing key playmaker’s Kevin de Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan, along with back-up goalkeeper Scott Carson.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLArsenal are also on course to lose two crucial midfielders from their ranks in the form of Thomas Partey and Jorginho, while Kieran Tierney also looks set to be on his way out.Chelsea have no major stars on the list, but do have reserve goalkeeper Lucas Bergström with just six months left on his deal as of Janaury.Across town, Tottenham could be set to lose talisman Son Heung-min, while Ben Davies, Fraser Forster, Sergio Reguilon and Alfie Whiteman are also on this list. Further down the table, Manchester United could end moving for some stars in this market during the window due to their new penny-pinching motivations.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowever, the Red Devils have six stars who could be poached by rivals; Amad Diallo, Harry Maguire, Christian Eriksen, Victor Lindelof, Jonny Evans and Tom Heaton.Likewise, Newcastle have eight stars on the pre-contract countdown with Sean Longstaff, Callum Wilson, Fabian Schar, Jamaal Lascelles, Martin Dubravka, Emil Krafth, Mark Gillespie and John Ruddy.Ruben Amorim responds to Marcus Rashford’s Man Utd transfer bombshell about wanting ‘new challenge’ Everton are the most heavily hit by this threat, with eight stars out of contract next summer.Many other clubs also face this threat with their stars, which are listed below:Nottingham Forest – Chris Wood, Ola Aina, Harry Tofolo, Willy BolyFulham – Kenny Tete, Adama Traore, Raul Jimenez, Carlos Vinicius, Tom CairneyAston Villa – Kourtney Hause, Robin OlsenBrighton – Tariq Lamptey, Jakub Moder, Joel Veltman, James Milner, Imari SamuelsBrentford – Christian Norgaard, Josh Dasilva, Ben MeeWest Ham – Vladimir Coufal, Danny Ings, Michail Antonio, Lukasz Fabianski, Aaron CresswellEverton – Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Abdoulaye Doucoure, Michael Keane, Idrissa Gueye, Ashley Young, Seamus Coleman, Joao Virginia, Asmir BegovicWolves – Nelson Semedo, Mario Lemina, Pablo Sarabia, Craig DawsonCrystal Palace – Tyrick Mitchell, Will Hughes, Jeffrey Schlupp, Nathaniel Clyne, Joel Ward, Remi MatthewsLeicester – Jamie Vardy, Daniel Iversen, Danny WardIpswich -Axel Tuanzebe, Cameron Burgess, Massimo LuongoSouthampton – Kyle Walker-Peters, Adam Lallana, Jack Steptens, Joe LumleyOn the other hand there is some top talent overseas who could in turn be poached by English clubs.In the Bundesliga this includes Bayern Munich quartet Alphonso Davies, Joshua Kimmich, Manuel Neuer and Leroy Sane and Bayer Leverkusen’s Jonathan Tah.La Liga sees Real Madrid’s Ferland Mendy up for grabs, as well as Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke.Ligue 1 side Lille have top stars Jonathan David and Angel Gomes both under threat of sealing moves elsewhere, while Lyon’s Alexandre Lacazette could also leave his club at the end of the season.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Serie A has Napoli’s Frank Anguissa and Alex Meret, AS Roma’s Nicolo Zalewski and Paulo Dybala and Atalanta’s Mario Palasic and Sead Kolasinac and Fiorentina’s David de Gea all with contracts expiring in the summer.Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi, Al-Nassr’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Hilal’s Neymar all also have expiring deals in the summer. More

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      Trent Alexander-Arnold ‘tells Liverpool he wants Real Madrid transfer’ and can open talks over move in DAYS

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      TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD has told Liverpool that he wants to leave for Real Madrid, according to reports.The full-back, 26, is set to be out of contract at Anfield at the end of the season.Trent Alexander-Arnold ‘wants to leave Liverpool’ for Real MadridCredit: RexMarca claim that Alexander-Arnold has told Liverpool chiefs he wants MadridAlexander-Arnold will be free to talk to other clubs from January 1.And according to Spanish outlet Marca, he has his heart set on Real Madrid.Liverpool have made several attempts to renew Alexander-Arnold’s contract.But the England international has now reportedly made it clear that he would like to leave Anfield.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLReds bosses will now have to decide whether to keep Alexander-Arnold until the end of the season before losing him on a free transfer.Or whether to cash in next month to at least get something for their homegrown star.Real Madrid are said to be relaxed about the situation; willing to wait until the end of the season but also open to a cut-price January swoop.They have done similar free transfer deals in recent years with the likes of David Alaba, Antonio Rudiger and most recently Kylian Mbappe.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAlexander-Arnold, 26, is close friends with England pal Jude BellinghamCredit: GettyAlexander-Arnold is close friends with England team-mate and Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham.It’s claimed that he has learned all about life at Madrid via the midfielder.‘I’d hate to be Liverpool right now’, say fans after seeing what Bellingham did for Alexander-Arnold on England dutyAlexander-Arnold has played 332 times for Liverpool since debuting in 2016.He has won the Premier League, Champions League, the FA Cup, two League Cups and a Club World Cup with his boyhood club.Liverpool are six points clear at the top of the Premier League, with a game in hand.Should he stay until the end of the season, Alexander-Arnold could sign off with another Prem title.Real Madrid are chasing a long-term replacement for stalwart Dani Caravajal.The 32-year-old suffered a season-ending knee injury back in October.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn addition to Alexander-Arnold, Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk are also set to be out of contract at the end of the season.The duo will both also be free to talk to other clubs from January 1. More

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      Real Madrid star Endrick’s ‘brother-in-law’ is shot dead in Christmas Day bar massacre

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      A MAN shot dead on Christmas Day in Brazil has been identified as the “brother-in-law” of Real Madrid star Endrick.Mauricio Nunes Goncalves was killed in a hail of bullets at a street bar in Samambaia near the capital Brasilia.Mauricio Nunes Goncalves, 38, was shot dead in a bar massacreCredit: Lavinia Sudre/InstagramEndrick plays for Real MadridCredit: GettyHe died after receiving several head shotsCredit: Lavinia Sudre/InstagramThe 38-year-old was the brother of the partner of Endrick’s older sister Lavinia Sudre, but is being referred to in Brazil as the footballer’s brother-in-law.Mauricio received several shots to the head as he tried to escape the “targeted” gun attack.Lavinia changed her Instagram profile picture to one showing a black ribbon after learning about the gruesome murder, which happened early yesterday morning.She also posted a photo of the victim, naming him under the pic before adding: “You left beautiful memories in our hearts that we will never forget.”Read More in FootballThe funeral was due to take place this afternoon at 3pm local time.Witnesses have told the police there was no prior argument between the gunman and his victim and described it as bearing all the hallmarks of a cold-blooded execution.No arrests have been made, according to reports.Endrick, reportedly linked last month to a shock move to Southampton, has yet to make any comment.Most read in FootballThe 18-year-old Brazil international moved to Real Madrid from Palmeiras this summer but has been given little playing time since joining the Spanish LaLiga giants.Recent reports in Spain have also pointed to the possibility of a six-month loan deal with Seville side Real Betis as Endrick seeks more opportunities to demonstrate his quality on the pitch.Endrick blows minds with phenomenal skills at Real Madrid training Police were today continuing to investigate the murder. There have been no reports of any arrests in Brazil.Earlier this year, Endrick married his model and influencer girlfriend Gabriely Miranda.The Brazilian wonderkid shared a series of glamorous pictures from the occasion to his social media accounts back in September.Endrick and Gabriely tied the knot less than a year after first meeting.The happy couple were said to have agreed an unusual relationship contract prior to their wedding day.It is said to include a clause dictating that they must say “I love you” in all situations.READ MORE SUN STORIESBizarrely, it also reportedly contains a rule banning Endrick from having a virtual girlfriend on Grand Theft Auto, a game he is a big fan of.The football superstar is also said to be prohibited from commenting on other girls’ Instagram posts.The Brazil star has yet to comment on the death of MauricioCredit: Rex More

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      Trent Alexander-Arnold should take the risk and move to Real Madrid… but Liverpool have a ready-made replacement

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      I SEE Trent Alexander-Arnold has woken up and smelt the coffee — which is why I see him waving goodbye to Liverpool in the summer and signing for Real Madrid.If it were me and I fancied going out for a coffee or a cuppa after training, then I’d prefer to do so in Spain rather than Liverpool. Most would.Trent Alexander-Arnold is out of contract at the end of the seasonCredit: PAReal Madrid are long-time admirers of the versatile defenderCredit: GETTYLos Blancos could very well make a move for the England internationalCredit: GETTYHarry Redknapp has urged Alexander-Arnold to take the risk and join RealCredit: GettyNo disrespect as it’s a great club and a lively city but there is just something magical about Madrid. So you can see the pull for a world-class right-back.It is probably Trent’s dream to play for Real Madrid and he’ll have seen pal Jude Bellingham do the same last year.Bellingham could have gone from Borussia Dortmund to any Premier League club he fancied but the magnetism of the Bernabeu is irresistible.My analogy about coffee seems trivial, of course, but there is so much involved in making a big move.READ MORE ON TRENTLiverpool is a special club but you have to remember he cost them nothing, has given them years of service as a former academy player and now is the time to try a new adventure.Sometimes you can go stale and maybe it is time for him to go and play great football at another great club.With his contract up in the summer there is serious money to be made, too.It is similar but not quite the same for Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSTrent Alexander-Arnold has kept quiet on his Liverpool futureCredit: GettyAlexander-Arnold is 26-years-old, the others in their early 30s. Salah, in particular, might be looking at one last big pay day by going to play in Saudi Arabia.And for a young man like Alexander-Arnold this is the chance to reach for the stars, to play with a team of world-class pros, earn serious cash and win a serious number of trophies.Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Bold £84m Bid for NantesLiverpool is a big draw and Trent is a born-and-bred Scouser — but nothing competes with Madrid.Reds icon Steve McManaman trod the same path many years back and I don’t think he sits around regretting it.The opportunity to become Real Madrid’s next right-back for five or six years is a dream and Trent can absolutely be that player for them.Liverpool have slotted him in to midfield as well as full-back but, while I see a world-class defender in him, he is not a world-class midfielder.Liverpool is a big draw and Trent is a born-and-bred Scouser — but nothing competes with Madrid.Harry RedknappThere should be no debate about where he plays. At the Euros, England tried to switch him into the middle and some of the games passed him by.Midfielders are a different breed, you’ve got to have fantastic awareness to play there.As a right-back you see the whole picture. It’s different. He’s a great passer from there.He should stick to his strengths and be the best right- back in Europe at Real.The Reds have a ready-made replacement in Conor BradleyCredit: REXAnd it’s not as if Liverpool will be left high and dry when he goes as they have an energetic, young replacement waiting in the wings in Conor Bradley, who will fill that void.Another homegrown product, I particularly like Bradley’s pace — and so along comes the next great Liverpool player.We also have to admit that the era of the great one-club man is pretty much dead, too.The opportunity to become Real Madrid’s next right-back for five or six years is a dream and Trent can absolutely be that player for them.Harry RedknappLiverpool have had more than their fair share of loyal players with the likes of Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard.Go back further and there were even more but the way the game is now — as well as the money that is on offer, the ease of travel and communication and such like — makes it easier to go and play abroad.Cross border transfers and the Bosman Ruling has opened up a whole new world to players and you really cannot begrudge any of them wanting to experience it.Conor Bradley has shown all the making of a stellar defenderCredit: GettyKeep it simpleWHY do all keepers think they are Pele these days?Sorry… I mean why do all managers think their goalkeepers are Pele?And I say this after I watched Spurs squeeze through their Carabao Cup quarter-final with Manchester United on Thursday.My old team played well but what is this obsession with playing the ball out from the back every time? It has gone crazy.Keepers playing out from the back is a load of nonsense, Harry Redknapp believesCredit: GETTYEvery coach wants to be Pep Guardiola — even if they do not have the talent of his Manchester City team.When you watch it, the ball goes from the right-back to the keeper, out to the left-back, back again, then they give the ball away.And teams put themselves under needless pressure when sometimes it suits to just boot it upfield.No disrespect to Spurs keeper Fraser Forster, he’s a good player but he isn’t a footballer — he’s a goalkeeper.As a manager the last thing I wanted was my centre-backs bringing the ball out.Harry RedknappYou have got a big centre- forward there in Dominic Solanke, who is great in the air, and I’d want the ball going up to him to win it.As a manager the last thing I wanted was my centre-backs bringing the ball out. They all had their skills and dribbling just wasn’t one of them.Unfortunately it has gone crazy and it’s so stupid. Our teams just can’t do it. They are not good enough to do it as they give the ball away.Fraser Forster’s gaffe against Manchester United shows how risky playing out from the back isCredit: alamyRIP, Oscar FairsI WAS so sad to read of the young West Ham goalkeeper who sadly died in the past week or so.We all worry about trivial things and then football and a family loses their boy due to cancer when he had the world at his feet.I don’t know Oscar Fairs or his family but I really would like to send them my condolences and love at what must be an awful time.West Ham paid a touching to the late Oscar Fairs this weekCredit: REUTERSA Christmas messageWITH Christmas now just around the corner, at my age it’s hard to know what to ask Santa for.READ MORE SUN STORIESSo all I can tell you is that I have got lots of socks — and probably more than the England kit man!Merry Christmas to you all and a Happy New Year. More

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      Fans convinced Carlo Ancelotti has had lip fillers as reason for Real Madrid manager’s swollen mouth is revealed

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      FANS were transfixed by a lip-smacking thriller – before wondering if Carlo Ancelotti had lip-swelling filler.Viewers were open-mouthed with astonishment over the Real Madrid manager’s swollen bottom lip in a press conference following a 3-3 draw at Rayo Vallecano.Viewers were entranced by Carlo Ancelotti’s lips when he faced the mediaCredit: X @marcaJude Bellingham had earlier netted as Real Madrid drew 3-3Credit: AFPAncelotti saw his Real team fail to move top of LaLigaCredit: GettyMany fans were convinced the legendary ex-Chelsea chief must have had botox treatment or an operationOne posted: “What’s wrong with your lip? Have you had surgery?”Another claimed: “I’ve been giggling about Ancelotti’s lip filler since I woke up”  A third wrote: “Can someone explain to me what Ancelotti has done to his lips?”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe unexpected debate about Ancelotti’s facial features came after Jude Bellingham netted for a sixth LaLiga match in a row.The last player to do that was Karim Benzema, also for Real, eight years ago.But the draw means Ancelotti’s men remain a point behind neighbours Atletico Madrid and leaders Barcelona.So one fan felt able to ask: “Why did Ancelotti get lip filler. This is not a serious club.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSpanish outlet mundodeportivo say his large lips were due to an allergy.But it didn’t save the former Bayern Munich and Everton boss from less than generous jibes.Jude Bellingham’s glorious England moment brought back in stylePlenty of fans on social media made up their own mind over the cause of the apparent swelling.One wrote: “Ancelotti has punctured his lips or is it just me.”Another said: “Ancelotti has been more concerned about his lips than about today’s game.”That was particularly unkind as Real recovered from trailing 2-0 to lead 3-2 through Federico Valverde, Bellingham and Rodrygo.But Isi Palazon rescued a valuable point for second-bottom Vallecano.So for Ancelotti it wasn’t a case of all’s swell that ends swell. More

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      Real Madrid ‘interested in TWO Man Utd defenders’ with Ruben Amorim ‘willing to allow fan favourite to leave’

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      REAL MADRID are reportedly keeping tabs on TWO Manchester United defenders ahead of the January transfer window.Real have endured a mixed start this season after winning LaLiga and the Champions League titles last term.Real Madrid are keeping tabs on Manchester United fan favourite Lisandro MartinezCredit: AlamyReal are also targeting Diogo Dalot after an impressive season with Man UtdCredit: AlamyMan Utd manager Ruben Amorim is willing to let Martinez goCredit: GettyAnd their plight has has not been helped by a defensive injury crisis, with Dani Carvajal, David Alaba, Ferland Mendy and Eder Militao all out.Carlo Ancelotti is already looking for ways to reinstate Los Blancos as the team to beat in the coming transfer window.And, according to talkSPORT, he has, for some reason, set his sights on Old Trafford.The Madrid boss is said to be keeping tabs on United’s defensive duo Lisandro Martinez and Diogo Dalot.Read More on Man UtdMartinez, 26, has been one of the Red Devils’ biggest fan favourites since his arrival from Ajax in 2022 thanks to his talent and passion.Nevertheless, new Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim would be open to letting the centre-back go as he looks to impose his own philosophy.Real also appear impressed with Dalot, 25, who enjoyed an impressive campaign at Old Trafford last season and was voted as the Players’ Player of the Year.The full-back stood out by showing his ability to cover both flanks amid the Manchester giants’ injury crisis, before struggling to match that form so far this season.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSReal would find that useful with ageing right-back Carvajal suffering a devastating injury that ruled him out for the season.Ancelotti has also been unable to find the right man to cover at left-back.Awkward Alexander-Arnold billboard showing Liverpool star posing with ex is erected in MilanThe same report claims the Italian tactician has set his sights on other Premier League targets as well.One of them of course is Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose contract runs out in June.Tottenham ace Cristian Romero is also being monitored by the Spanish giants.Real manager Carlo Ancelotti has set his sights on the Premier LeagueCredit: Rex More

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      Arsenal receive huge transfer boost as star man William Saliba pledges future to club amid Real Madrid interest

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      WILLIAM SALIBA has handed Arsenal a massive boost by pledging his long-term future to the club.Spanish giants Real Madrid have made the centre-back, 23, their  No 1 summer target.Saliba joined Arsenal in 2019 and has been a regular for three yearsCredit: GettyBut the Frenchman insisted: “I feel at home here.“I signed for the club five years ago but it’s only my third season and I’m enjoying everything — the players, staff and fans.”And, asked at an Arsenal in the Community visit to Islington’s Ashmount Primary School if he  could envisage staying at the  Emirates for a long time, Saliba replied: “Yeah, of course.”Arsenal splashed out £27million to sign the then 18-year-old from Saint-Etienne in July 2019 before loaning him back.READ MORE TOP STORIESTwo more loan spells at Nice and Marseille followed.But the 6ft 3in ace has now made 102 appearances under Mikel Arteta, establishing himself as one of world’s top defenders.The boyhood Arsenal fan signed  a new four-year  deal at the club last summer.But Carlo Ancelotti’s European champions are battling a defensive injury crisis.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd ex-Bernabeu defender Rafael Alkorta, 56, said: “I love Saliba,  I would definitely sign him.”Meanwhile, the Gunners hope to move four points behind Prem leaders Liverpool with victory at Fulham on SundayArsenal dubbed the ‘new STOKE CITY’ live on Amazon Prime by Man Utd legend after corner masterclassSaliba’s backline colleagues Gabriel and Riccardo Calafiori face fitness assessments.Fellow defenders Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu are still out injured.Arsenal will definitely not have to take on frontman Reiss Nelson.Fulham aren’t allowed to field the loanee against his parent club. More

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      How I uncovered Real Madrid’s sneaky Gareth Bale pursuit when I met him at airport a YEAR before world record transfer

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      Who would have thought the foundations of a £86million world record transfer would be laid in a Balkan city with a population less than 100,000 people.Well, that was the case for Gareth Bale in October 2012.A forgettable Wales clash in Croatia put the wheels into motion for Gareth Bale’s move to Real MadridEleven months later, the then-Tottenham star would complete his transfer to Real MadridCredit: APBale joined Los Blancos for an £85m feeCredit: ReutersIn addition to his five Champions League titles he would go on to guide Wales to a Euro 2016 semi-finalCredit: GettyThe then Tottenham star had been playing in a 2014 World Cup qualifier for Wales in the Croatian city of Osijek.Bale and Wales may have lost 2-0 to Igor Stimac’s well-drilled side in Croatia’s fourth largest city but the result came as no surprise.The scoreline simply proved a sideshow to the main event of flying Spurs winger Bale fast becoming the talk of Europe because of his electrifying displays for both club and country.Here he was no different with his lung-bursting runs catching the eye once again in a struggling Welsh team.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd I stumbled upon a great follow-up which turned out to be the start of Bale’s mega money move to the Bernabeu 11 months later.Back then, I was an agency reporter for Westgate in Cardiff, supplying copy for the nationals.As well as filing for several daily and Sunday newspapers, I was asked to provide post-match analysis for radio station TalkSport.I agreed I would go on air while we waited to board – in quite possibly the smallest airport I’ve ever been in – before we flew with Chris Coleman’s men from Osijek immediately back to Cardiff.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSI was on the radio for probably five minutes, finished the call, turned around and noticed everyone else had gone on to the plane.I was literally the last person to leave departures and head across the tarmac to the waiting plane.I tried following Gareth Bale’s diet to see if I could be as good as himI looked up only to see Wales’ talisman Bale a couple of steps in front of me.Tuesday, October 16, 2012, was a time when he didn’t have a bodyguard standing by his side at every moment.To put his status into context at that time, Barcelona had been keen on the pacy wideman in the previous summer following his emergence under Harry Redknapp and Andre Villas-Boas.But now talk was growing of the mighty Real Madrid.After a rocky start, Bale would go on to become a Real Madrid legendCredit: PA:Press AssociationThough he was, at times, happy to lap up Wales fans’ jokes that he was more loyal to the national teamCredit: Sky SportsOnly an hour or so before this, I’d been speaking to Luka Modric about his close pal Bale with my SunSport colleague Martin Blackburn in the mixed zone at the stadium.Modric had played alongside Bale between 2008 and 2012 before he moved from Spurs to Real in his own £30million deal just three months before.Whispers were quickly doing the rounds in the mixed zone that the classy midfielder had handed over a Real shirt to his former team-mate as a souvenir.Or perhaps a sweetener towards a future move!So fast forward back to the airport and I instantly spotted Bale was clutching a white plastic bag in his hand.There was no time to hesitate.”Is that a Real Madrid shirt in there?”, I asked.Bale replied: “Yes”.Before I had time to say anything else, Bale walked to the rear of the plane and I wandered off to the back where the rest of the travelling press pack were allocated their seats.I couldn’t believe my luck. Confirmation of the rumour mill swirling around post-match.As I went to sit down on the flight back to Wales, I said to a few of my peers; “I’ve got an even better follow up story.”We already had in the bag Modric beaming about Bale being on a par with Cristiano Ronaldo.The usual come and join me plea in journalistic terms.I recall as Modric was moving through the mixed zone, I kept asking him questions as he walked so we had more quotes for the story.A tad embarrassing maybe but it got the job done.And it also made staying at the drab and dreadful Hotel Silver for two nights worthwhile.That night, plaudits were ringing from Bale’s ears – even in defeat – as you could see he was a special world-class talent performing in front of your eyes.The defeat all but ended Wales’ hopes of qualifying for the 2014 World Cup but Bale was on the rise – and he took his country along with him thereafter with their Euro 2016 semi-final heroics.Modric was in no doubt that Bale was good enough to play for Real, he wanted him to make the same move to the Spanish capital and how it would be a treat to have the best two wingers in the world.His comments did not go down well with AVB, who ordered the ex-Spurs player to stop meddling in their affairs.AVB claimed Bale was not for sale. Yeah, sure.Talk of the deal continued for months.The summer of 2013 turned into a Bale transfer saga which went to the wire after Spurs chairman Daniel Levy dug his heels.Eventually the Welshman, then 24, was paraded as Real’s £86million signing on September 1, 2013 infront of 80,000 fans at the Bernabeu.Bale may not have ever reached the heights of Ronaldo or Lionel Messi but the five-time Champions League winner was one of the top five players in world football for a decent period.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe remains British football’s greatest export.And we’ll always remember Osijek. More