More stories

  • in

    Man Utd, Liverpool and Chelsea transfer blow with Real Madrid confident of £100m-plus Jude Bellingham signing

    REAL MADRID believe they have won the race to sign Jude Bellingham in a £100million-plus deal.The teenage England star has the pick of LaLiga giants Real, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain.
    Jude Bellingham is one of the highest-rated youngsters in world footballCredit: Getty
    He was superb in England’s midfield throughout the World CupCredit: PA
    But Carlo Ancelotti’s Real have become increasingly confident that, after courting him throughout 2022, Bellingham, 19, will snub a Premier League move and make a big switch to Spain next summer.
    Liverpool are desperate to sign him, with manager Jurgen Klopp believing that Borussia Dortmund ace Bellingham — who enjoyed a fine World Cup with England — will soon become the world’s best midfielder.
    In Qatar, both Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jordan Henderson told the player about the merits of featuring for the Reds.
    City feel they are not out of the race and are expected to up their bid to land Bellingham, who moved from Birmingham to Dortmund for £30m in the summer of 2020.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    But Ancelotti and Real feel the chance to become a Bernabeu icon will seal the deal.
    All of the clubs, even those with limitless pots of cash such as City and PSG, have been made aware that wages are not important for Bellingham — only how a move would benefit him football-wise.
    As SunSport revealed last week, United boss Erik ten Hag is planning a £200m double whammy to land Bellingham and Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong.
    Ten Hag’s problem is Bellingham turned down United to join Dortmund.
    Most read in Football
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
    Club legends Sir Alex Ferguson, Eric Cantona and Bryan Robson were all sent to meet the player but failed to persuade him to move to Old Trafford.
    Since joining the German giants, Bellingham has contributed 19 goals and 21 assists in 112 games.
    He was also handed the club captaincy earlier this season, before thriving with England in Qatar.
    Carlo Ancelotti is keen to land Bellingham in the summerCredit: The Times More

  • in

    Isco ‘RIPS UP Sevilla contract after just four disastrous months with ex-Real Madrid star on hunt for new club’

    ISCO is set to leave Sevilla only four months after signing for the club, dramatic reports suggests. The midfielder had been trying to find his feet at a new club after a difficult few years at Real Madrid.
    Isco’s unpredictable career could be set to take another turnCredit: Rex
    But his move to Sevilla has not gone to plan and the six-times Europa League winners find themselves in the relegation zone after 14 games.
    The manager Julen Lopetegui, who is believed to have been a close ally of Isco, was sacked in October after the club’s poor start to the season.
    And now the 30-year-old could himself be on the way out, according to Marca.
    Despite signing a two-year contract as recently as August, the star could reportedly rip up his contract after a breakdown in relationship with senior club figures.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    The Spanish publication report he is in “open conflict” with director of football Monchi.
    They reported last month: “Tension is palpable in each training. And Isco let Monchi know that he was at Sevilla at Lopetegui’s request, not because Monchi himself wanted his signing.”
    It represents a big challenge to current Sevilla boss Jorge Sampaoli who is looking to stop the club being relegated for the first time since 1997.
    Isco had been a regular starter in the team and appeared in 12 of their 14 league games.
    Most read in Football
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
    But he only has two assists to show for his efforts domestically.
    His only Sevilla goal came in 3-0 Champions League win over FC Copenhagen.
    Isco’s potential departure could catch the interest of several Premier League clubs.
    Arsenal and Tottenham are among those who have been linked to the former Real Madrid man, who at his height was viewed as among Europe’s best playmakers.
    Lopetegui, now boss at Wolves, may also fancy a reunion with the no.10 at Molineux. The Spanish manager is believed to want several new faces at the club. More

  • in

    Cristiano Ronaldo trains with Real Madrid again as he continues to be linked with shock free transfer after Man Utd exit

    CRISTIANO RONALDO trained with Real Madrid yet again on Thursday as he continues to be linked with a shock return to the Bernabeu.The Portuguese superstar, 37, saw his Manchester United contract terminated last month after an explosive interview with Piers Morgan.
    Cristiano Ronaldo returned to Real Madrid training again on ThursdayCredit: Twitter / @ElGolazoDeGol
    The free agent rocked up for a second day with the Spanish championsCredit: Twitter / @ElGolazoDeGol
    Ronaldo spent nine hugely successful years at Real MadridCredit: Reuters
    He headed to the World Cup as a free agent and was a part of the Portugal squad that exited the tournament in the quarter-finals following a 1-0 defeat to Morocco.
    Now Ronaldo has returned to Europe without a club and is training with former side Real Madrid in a bid to keep his fitness up.
    He first trained with Los Blancos on Wednesday as speculation over a stunning comeback began.
    And those links rumbled on when he arrived in a Mercedes for Real training yet again on Thursday.
    READ MORE ON RONALDO
    Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano posted a clip on social media of Ronaldo turning up.
    And he added: “Cristiano Ronaldo had training session at Real Madrid center Valdebebas also today. He’s allowed to train on separate pitch.”
    Ronaldo enjoyed his best years in the Spanish capital, winning two LaLiga crowns and four Champions League titles during his nine-year stay.
    He has never been shy in revealing his fondness for Real and would no doubt happily return.
    Most read in Football
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST OFFERS FOR EXISTING CUSTOMERS FOR DECEMBER 2022
    Yet, despite president Florentino Perez’s kind words down the years, it’s believed the club have shut the door to a potential return as they don’t want to disrupt Carlo Ancelotti’s current squad.
    Since leaving Man Utd, Ronaldo has been linked with a mega-money move to Al Nassr.
    It’s believed the forward will be offered a staggering £173million a year to complete a free move to Saudi Arabia.
    Meanwhile, Ronaldo is NOT expected to retire from international duty after Portugal’s World Cup heartache.
    The ex-Sporting Lisbon star was spotted in tears in the tunnel following the gut-wrenching defeat to Morocco.
    But CM Journal claims Ronaldo has already informed Portugal chiefs he intends to continue playing for his country.
    And that puts him in contention to lead his nation at Euro 2024 in 18 months time.
    Ronaldo found himself on the bench in the latter stages of the World Cup, replaced by Goncalo Ramos – who scored a hat-trick in the 6-1 mauling of Switzerland.
    He was subbed on in both Portugal’s last 16 clash with Switzerland and quarter-final against Morocco – but was unable to end his career-long knockout stage goal drought. More

  • in

    Chelsea transfer blow as Real Madrid seal signing of £60m wonderkid Endrick, 16 – but he can’t play for 18 months

    REAL MADRID have beaten Chelsea in the bidding war for Palmeiras wonderkid Endrick.That is according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who reports Real have “sealed” a deal for the 16-year-old prospect until 2027 with a further three-year option.
    Real Madrid have signed Palmeiras’ 16-year-old wonderkid EndrickCredit: Getty
    However, the striker can’t join Los Blancos for another 18 months due to rules in Brazil prohibiting underaged players from going abroad.
    That means Endrick will have to wait until 2024 to officially move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
    Romano tweeted: “Excl: Endrick, new Real Madrid player!
    “Contracts and documents have been signed in last 24h. Deal can now be considered sealed.
    Read More on Football
    “Endrick will join Real Madrid in June 2024. Contract will be until 2027 plus three years option, so 2030. Here we go confirmed.”
    The deal is estimated to have cost Real £60million, as that is the price tag Palmeiras had placed on the Brazil Under-20 international.

    Real confirmed Endrick won’t be joining them for another two years and will be playing with Palmeiras until then.
    An announcement read: “Real Madrid CF, Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras, Endrick and his family have reached an agreement whereby the player will be able to join Real Madrid when he comes of age in July 2024.
    Most read in Football
    “Until then, Endrick will continue his training at the SE Palmeiras. The player will travel to Madrid in the coming days to visit our club’s facilities.”
    Endrick scored 12 goals and provided one assist in 21 appearances across all competitions this past season.
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
    The centre-forward has also registered five goals in four appearances with the Brazil Under-17s.
    Chelsea have been investing heavily in youth in the last few years with the likes of Mason Mount, Trevoh Chalobah and Reece James rising through the ranks.
    Endrick has also been linked with Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City. More

  • in

    How Real Madrid could line up if Cristiano Ronaldo returns in shock transfer as he starts training with former club

    CRISTIANO RONALDO has been linked with a sensational return to Real Madrid.That is after Ronaldo, 37, was spotted training at Real’s Valdebebas base following Portugal’s elimination from the 2022 World Cup in the quarter-finals to Morocco.
    Cristiano Ronaldo has been training at Real Madrid after leaving Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
    Cristiano Ronaldo would still make Real Madrid’s starting line-up
    The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is looking for his next club after being axed by Manchester United following an explosive interview that saw him slam them from top to bottom.
    The star forward is currently training away from the Los Blancos’ first-team.
    It’s claimed the Spanish champions were more than happy to accommodate Ronaldo, with the relationship between club and player still strong.
    The United legend has never been shy in revealing his fondness for Real and would happily return to the Santiago Bernabeu.
    Read More on Football
    But despite president Florentino Perez’s kind words throughout the years, it’s believed the club have shut the door to a potential return as they don’t want to disrupt Carlo Ancelotti’s current squad.
    But Ronaldo would still be able to make Ancelotti’s 4-3-3 formation if he completed an emotional return.
    Ex-Chelsea star Thibaut Courtois would start in goal with Dani Carvajal at right-back and Ferland Mendy on the other side, while Eder Militao and David Alaba would team up at centre-back.
    Luke Modric, Toni Kroos and Aurelien Tchouameni could then link up in midfield.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    And Ronaldo would spearhead the attack alongside Vinicius Junior and Karim Benzema.
    CR7 would cover the right flank of the front three with Vinicius on the other side. More

  • in

    Arsenal and Tottenham on red alert as ‘Sevilla look to AXE Isco just six months after Real Madrid transfer’

    ARSENAL and Tottenham are on red alert with summer transfer target Isco put up for sale by Sevilla after just six months, a report claims. The North London duo were keen on Isco in the summer after his contract at Real Madrid expired.
    Sevilla want to sell Isco six months after signing himCredit: Getty
    However, he snubbed interest from Italy and England to remain in Spain.
    He decided to join up with ex-Spain and Real boss, Julen Lopetegui, at Sevilla.
    But Lopetegui got the sack after Sevilla failed to get out of their Champions League group.
    According to Marca, Isco’s behaviour hasn’t been squeaky clean either.
    READ MORE ON ARSENAL
    Isco had a war of words with director of football, Monchi, and disrespect will not be tolerated in the Sevilla dressing room.
    Sevilla want to sell the 30-year-old, which will peak the interest of former suitors Arsenal and Tottenham.
    However, the report specifically names another Premier League team in Wolves as a potential destination.
    Wolves are sat bottom of the Prem and are four points off safety.
    Most read in Football
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
    But they have ex-Sevilla boss Lopetegui in charge.
    And since Lopetegui was the man the man hoping to revive Isco’s career at Sevilla, he could try a second time in England. More

  • in

    Cristiano Ronaldo training with Real Madrid after Man Utd exit and linked with shock transfer as he keeps up fitness

    CRISTIANO RONALDO has been spotted training at Real Madrid, according to sensational reports.The Portugal star left the World Cup following his nation’s shock quarter-final defeat against Morocco.
    Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly training with Real Madrid following Portugal’s World Cup KO and his Man Utd axeCredit: Getty
    Cristian Ronaldo spent nine years with Real Madrid before joining Juventus and subsequently Man Utd for a second stintCredit: AFP
    Ronaldo, 37, was axed by Manchester United before the tournament, with his £500,000-a-week contract torn up.
    And the five-time Ballon d’Or winner appears to have returned to another former club to keep his fitness up.
    According to Relevo, Ronaldo has been seen training at Real Madrid’s Valdebebas base.
    The report states the former United ace – whose explosive interview with Piers Morgan paved the way for his exit – is training away from the Los Blancos first-team.
    READ MORE FOOTBALL STORIES
    It’s claimed Real were more than happy to accommodate Ronaldo, with the relationship between club and player still strong.
    The forward was granted permission to train at his old club as he mulls over his next career move.
    Ronaldo enjoyed his best years in the Spanish capital, winning two LaLiga crowns and four Champions League titles during his nine-year stay.
    The 196-cap Portugal legend – who’s World Cup exit KO’d his chance to break another world record – scored 450 times for Los Blancos in just 438 games between 2009 and 2018.
    Most read in Football
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
    Ronaldo has never been shy in revealing his fondness for Real and would no doubt happily return.
    Yet, despite president Florentino Perez’s kind words down the years, it’s believed the club have shut the door to a potential return as they don’t want to disrupt Carlo Ancelotti’s current squad.
    Following his time in Spain, Ronaldo moved to Juventus – where he lasted just three years – before heading back to Old Trafford.
    However, his 15-month stay at United were littered in controversy before his exit last month.
    Since leaving Man Utd, Ronaldo has been linked with a mega-money move to Al Nassr.
    It’s believed the forward will be offered a staggering £173million a year to complete a free move to Saudi Arabia.
    Meanwhile, Ronaldo is NOT expected to retire from international duty after Portugal’s World Cup heartache.
    The ex-Sporting Lisbon star was spotted in tears in the tunnel following the gut-wrenching defeat to Morocco.
    But CM Journal claims Ronaldo has already informed Portugal chiefs he intends to continue playing for his country.
    And that puts him in contention to lead his nation at Euro 2024 in 18 months’ time.
    Read More on The Sun

    Ronaldo found himself on the bench in the latter stages of the World Cup, replaced by Goncalo Ramos – who scored a hat-trick in the 6-1 mauling of Switzerland.
    However, he was subbed on in both Portugal’s last 16 clash with Switzerland and quarter-final vs Morocco – but was unable to end his career-long knockout stage goal drought. More

  • in

    Eden Hazard ‘tempted by MLS transfer as ex-Chelsea star considers quitting Real Madrid to rediscover form’

    EDEN HAZARD is considering a move to Major League Soccer in order to escape his Real Madrid nightmare. The Ex-Chelsea star announced his retirement from International football after Belgium were eliminated from the World Cup during the group stages.
    Eden Hazard could pursue a move to the MLSCredit: EPA
    And now, with his club career having taken a dramatic fall off since he moved to Spain the 31-year-old is looking at ways to reignite his career.
    According to French outlet L’Equipe, the MLS is one such destination which interests him.
    The winger has struggled for game time under Carlo Ancelotti this season.
    He played just six times at club level prior to the World Cup, with four of these coming as cameos off the bench.
    READ MORE ON CHELSEA
    Hazard has previously admitted that he would be willing to leave the Spanish giants next summer if they told him to go.
    He said: “I have one more year and I have to show (what I can do) but it isn’t easy. I’m not playing, I want to play more. I’m really sorry about what has happened.
    “In January it’s impossible (to leave), because I have my family and I like the city.
    “But in the summer it’s possible that I leave. I have a year left on my contract and it’s a decision for the club.
    Most read in Football
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
    “If the club says ‘Eden, thanks for these four years, but you have to go’ I’ll have to accept it.
    “But being a Real Madrid player was my dream as a kid. I want to play for this club.”
    Following his international retirement, Hazard was spotted taking in some Basketball in New York as the Atlanta Hawks took on the New York Knicks in the NBA.
    Hazard was pictured in New York following his international retirementCredit: Getty Images – Getty More