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    Real Madrid ‘ask Man Utd about shock Diogo Dalot transfer’ as they look for Trent Alexander-Arnold alternative

    REAL MADRID are showing significant interest in signing Manchester United right-back Diogo Dalot, according to reports.It comes after the LaLiga giants have repeatedly approached Liverpool for Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose contract expires in the summer.Real Madrid are eyeing a shock move for Diogo DalotThe LaLiga side have approached Liverpool over Trent-Alexander ArnoldBut with Liverpool flying high at the top the Prem and Alexander-Arnold being a local boy – Madrid could give up on the fantasy of luring him away from a new Anfield deal.Instead, Carlo Ancelotti’s side have reportedly eyed Dalot as an alternative to the England right-back.Madrid value Dalot at around £41million, according to Spanish outlet Relevo.And United were even approached by the 15-time Champions League winners about Dalot while Erik ten Hag was still in charge.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe 25-year-old has played 178 games for the Red Devils and was voted the player of the year by his team-mates last season. Dalot’s importance grew during United’s dismal 2023-24 campaign, as he started 35 of 38 Prem games and scored twice.New boss Ruben Amorim is set to assess which players he fancies moving forward, but Dalot is likely to make the cut.But the Portugal international has four years remaining on his United contract, after putting pen-to-paper on a new deal in May 2023.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMeanwhile, Madrid could land Alexander-Arnold for nothing.The Merseyside star is entering the final six months of Liverpool contract after coming through the youth ranks.How Liverpool’s Jude Bellingham plan backfired with Trent Alexander-ArnoldBut Arne Slot will be hoping to convince him to sign a new deal at Anfield – and if the club continue on this upward trajectory, it would be hard to refuse.Alexander-Arnold has won it all with his boyhood club, including their first Premier League title, a Champions League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup and Fifa Club World Cup.In theory, the 26-year-old is free to sign a pre-contract agreement with an overseas club in January, with his current contract set to expire in June.But Madrid wanted to respect Liverpool, who defeated them 2-0 in Europe last week, by making their intentions clear.Alexander-Arnold, who has provided an astonishing 84 assists and 23 goals from right-back in 326 appearances in a Liverpool shirt, has long been linked with a switch to Madrid.Los Blancos are currently operating without their usual right-back – six-time Champions League winner Dani Carvajal after he ruptured his ACL.Alexander-Arnold is adored by Liverpool fans – he even has his own mural More

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    Real Madrid ‘IGNORED detailed dossier with worrying stats about Kylian Mbappe’s physical condition’ before signing him

    REAL MADRID “ignored a dossier” showing Kylian Mbappe’s physical condition was declining before they signed him, according to reports.The France captain, 25, has struggled since arriving from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer.Kylian Mbappe has been criticised for his displays since joining Real MadridCredit: GettyReal Madrid were reportedly handed a dossier showing his decline in performanceCredit: GettyHe has scored just once in his last five games and missed a penalty against Liverpool on Wednesday night as Carlo Ancelotti’s men were beaten 2-0 by the Premier League leaders.Following the Liverpool loss, one fan even filmed themselves burning an Mbappe shirt.But according to Relevo, the drop-off in Mbappe’s performances was highlighted to Real Madrid in documents before he signed on a free transfer.The report laid out stats such as average distance travelled, high-intensity efforts and sustained sprint speed.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey showed he has continued to decline since winning the 2018 World Cup.It would explain Mbappe’s output since moving to Spain – which has seen him run an average of less than nine kilometres per Champions League game, compared to his team-mates who are racking up more than 10kms.He has scored nine goals and assisted two in 18 appearances this season.And he has been playing out of position, with Ancelotti putting him through the middle due to Vinicius Junior occupying the left-hand side.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMbappe has scored nine goals in 18 games this seasonYet he continues to receive criticism from Real Madrid fans and was even dropped by France for their November Nations League games against Israel and Italy.Ancelotti leapt to Mbappe’s defence following the Liverpool defeat, saying: “Mbappe’s situation parallels that of the entire squad.Kylian Mbappe dropped from France squad as Deschamps explains decision and says ‘it’s better this way’ “Our focus is to rediscover our best performances, be it from him, myself, or the other players.”We do not see it as a solitary issue for a player who is still acclimatising to his new surroundings, having netted eight goals and contributed with vital assists in our attack.”There’s always room for improvement.”Real Madrid sit second in the LaLiga table but are down in 24th place in the Champions League, the final qualification spot for the play-off round.Their final three European fixtures in the league phase are against Atalanta, RB Salzburg and Brest. More

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    Real Madrid ‘tell Liverpool they want to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold’ and free transfer could be agreed within weeks

    REAL MADRID have made it clear that they want to sign Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold, according to reports.The Spanish giants are set to swoop for the Reds full-back, whose Anfield deal expires next summer.Trent Alexander-Arnold is being chased by Real MadridCredit: AlamyWith Alexander-Arnold’s contract winding down, Real Madrid will be free to begin negotiating a pre-contract with the full-back.According to talkSPORT, however, the reigning LaLiga champions have informed Liverpool of their intention to sign their academy graduate, in a bid to be respectful.Carlo Ancelotti’s side view Alexander-Arnold as a long-term successor to Dani Carvajal at right-back.Carvajal, 32, remains at the Bernabeu club but suffered an ACL injury last month.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLiverpool still hope to convince Alexander-Arnold to pen a new deal to stay at Anfield.But Real Madrid chiefs believe that they can lure the England star to Spain.One factor in their favour could be Alexander-Arnold’s friendship with Jude Bellingham.The pair have developed a close bond during various England camps.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAlexander-Arnold has made 325 appearances for his boyhood club since debuting in 2016.He has played a major role in winning the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and two League Cups.How Liverpool’s Jude Bellingham plan backfired with Trent Alexander-ArnoldThe full-back has remained a key man under new boss Arne Slot, but is currently sidelined by a hamstring injury suffered earlier this month against Aston Villa.Alexander-Arnold could return from his lay-off against Manchester City on Sunday.Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk are also set to be out of contract at the end of the season.Salah, 32, even admitted last weekend that he was “more out than in” at Anfield.The Egyptian claims to have not yet been made an offer by the Reds.Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk is set to be out of contractCredit: Rex More

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    I’m a Ballon d’Or winner who had the world at my feet but I lost control of my career after bold transfer

    MICHAEL OWEN believes he “lost control” of his career the moment he left Liverpool for Real Madrid.The former England international swapped Merseyside for Madrid in the summer of 2004 after eight goal-filled seasons with the Reds.Michael Owen joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2004 after eight seasons with LiverpoolCredit: PA:Empics SportSome of the Anfield faithful turned on the former academy star after his departureCredit: GETTYOwen believes his departure from the club was the moment he ‘lost control’ of his careerCredit: NEWS GROUP NEWSPAPERS LTDThe stunning move to the Bernabeu, however, didn’t go to plan as he failed to win a trophy in his sole season with the Galacticos, in which he scored 16 goals in 45 appearances.He returned to England the following summer for a four-season stint with Newcastle before a shock move to Liverpool’s bitter rivals Manchester United in July 2009.Some of the Kop faithful still resent Owen for joining the Red Devils, although the 44-year-old believes their resentment originally stemmed from him leaving Anfield in the first place.He told The Telegraph: “The moment I chose to go to Real Madrid I lost control of my career and what the perceptions of it are.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“I don’t love going to Anfield now because I know I am not loved back.”I tend to only go when I am working. It’s not that I dread going, but for a long time I used to bury my head when driving back to the academy to see friends.”I have told myself since, ‘I should not have been feeling like that.'”People say now, ‘It was because he signed for Manchester United.’ Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMichael Owen’s career statsLiverpool: 297 appearances – 158 goals & 49 assistsReal Madrid: 45 appearances – 16 goals & four assistsNewcastle United: 79 appearances – 30 goals & 2 assistsManchester United: 52 appearances – 17 goals & three assistsStoke City: Nine appearances – One goalClub Total: 483 appearances – 223 goals & 58 assistsEngland: 89 appearances: 40 goals & 12 assists”But the whole world knows there has been some history rewritten there.”There was resentment directed at me before then when I played for Newcastle, even though I had a clause in my Newcastle contract that I could re-sign for Liverpool every summer.Michael Owen heartbreakingly admits he prays every single night for cure for rare disease that has blinded his son James“The Manchester United aspect is now an easier stick to beat me with.”But when I came back to Anfield for the first time as a Newcastle player, there were a few hundred, possibly a thousand supporters, booing me.”I can’t forget how I, my parents, and my former Liverpool team-mates felt.”Everyone who understood and appreciated the reality of the situation was disappointed on my behalf.”Owen never had any ambitions of leaving Liverpool, let alone playing abroad, when he was at the peak of his powers.But he would have kicked himself had he not taken the opportunity to play for the European giants.The 2001 Ballon d’Or winner admitted: “I never had big ambitions to play abroad. “Really, but I fit the bill as the type of player they pursued.”If you are scoring goals, are a creative midfielder, or an amazing, unique type of right-back like Trent, you are seen as a marquee signing.“They wanted me with [Luís] Figo, [Zinedine] Zidane, Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I looked at that and thought it would have been harder not to score.”I thought long and hard about leaving Liverpool, but in the end something inside told me I would regret it if I didn’t give it a go.”Michael Owen doesn’t ‘love going to Anfield’ any moreCredit: GETTY More

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    Liverpool and Real Madrid ‘to hold Trent Alexander-Arnold talks’ TODAY… hours before huge Champions League clash

    LIVERPOOL and Real Madrid execs are reportedly set to hold talks over the transfer of Trent Alexander-Arnold today.Alexander-Arnold has been linked with a switch to the Spanish capital with his current deal at Liverpool set to expire this summer.Real Madrid are keen to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold from LiverpoolCredit: AlamyReal Madrid have arrived in Liverpool ahead of tonight’s Champions League league phase match between the two European giants.And according to Spanish outlet Marca, execs from both clubs have agreed to meet for lunch just over six hours before kick off.It’s suggested that the meeting in question will cover the possibility of Real Madrid signing long-term target Alexander-Arnold.The England right-back is hugely admired by Los Blancos and is widely reported to be the number one target for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut he is loved on Merseyside as an academy graduate who has helped the team with the Premier League, Champions league, FA Cup and League Cup since bursting into the first team.Marca claim that the relationship between Liverpool and Real Madrid is strong and that the Reds have already made contact with Real about their interest in Alexander-Arnold.No contract extension has been agreed between the ball-playing full-back and Liverpool, meaning an exit on a free transfer in the summer is still a very real possibility.And it’s reported that Real Madrid are hoping that Liverpool will be open to selling Alexander-Arnold in January in order to make some money from their star man.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAlexander-Arnold isn’t the only Liverpool superstar hurtling towards the end of his current terms with the club.Both Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah are heading into the final six months of their contracts with both players’ deals set to expire this summer.Jamie Carragher slams Mo Salah over ‘selfish’ interview after Liverpool star reveals he’s ‘more out than in’And Salah has even admitted he is “more out than in” with no contract offer on the table from Liverpool yet.He said: “Well, we are almost in December and I haven’t received any offers yet to stay in the club. I’m probably more out than in.”I’m not going to retire soon so I’m just playing, focusing on the season and I’m trying to win the Premier League and hopefully the Champions League as well.”I’m disappointed but we will see.”Liverpool face Real Madrid at Anfield tonight in a replay of the 2018 Champions League final.Arne Slot’s side will be hoping to keep their electric form going ahead of a tricky test against Pep Guardiola’s stumbling Man City on Sunday. More

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    Man Utd ‘transfer plans revealed as Ruben Amorim eyes Jarrad Branthwaite and Champions League-winning dream target’

    MANCHESTER UNITED are drawing up plans to return to land No1 defensive target Jarrad Branthwaite, according to reports. Ruben Amorim is set to take charge of his first game for the Red Devils against Ipswich on Sunday.Man Utd are planning some major transfers to bolster Ruben Amorim’s teamCredit: GettyThe club are reportedly considering returning for Jarrad BranthwaiteCredit: AlamyJamie Carragher is intrigued to see how such a “radical” move with work mid-season, while Amorim himself has warned fans they will need to prepare for some “hard moments”.Regardless, United transfer chiefs look set to press on with plans to sure up the defence despite landing three defenders in the summer.According to the Daily Mail, United are considering whether to return to Everton’s doorstep with an offer for Branthwaite.They saw two bids for the Englishman, 22, rejected in the summer, with the latter reaching £50million including add-ons.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBraithwaite’s arrival would serve to bolster the defence for a three-player defence, with Amorim’s style seeing him play a 3-4-3 shape rather than the 4-3-3 previously seen under Erik ten Hag.However, the report says United will need to sell players if they want to make this move in January or next summer.Elsewhere, United remain in the race to land Bayern Munich left wing-back Alphonso Davies.The Canadian’s contract with the Bavarians expires in the summer, and according to AS he has made no decision over his future.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSLa Liga giants Real Madrid have been long-term admirers of Davies, 24, and are reported by the outlet to have transferred their offer to the player’s agent.This being said, with Ferland Mendy at the Bernabeu, strengthening the position is not a priority and they are not willing to get into a battle with other clubs.Jarrad Branthwaite talks about his history of playing for Everton Bild reports the offer for the Champions League winner is worth just under £10m per year.But Davies’ agent Nedal Huoseh has dismissed talk of an agreement and claimed it is actually Man Utd who are “bidding hard” to sign Davies.With Luke Shaw’s fitness once again proving to be unreliable this season and Tyrell Malacia only recently returning from a long-term injury, moving for Davies would make sense as an aggressive wing-back option for Amorim.SunSport have taken an extensive look into how Amorim is expected to get the team playing in the latest edition of our Tactics Exposed series.A win can put Man Utd seventh in the table if results elsewhere go in their favour.Alphonso Davies is in talks with Real Madrid and Man UtdCredit: RexThree Sporting stars Amorim could swoop for after joining Man UtdRUBEN AMORIM has ruled out poaching any of his Sporting Lisbon players in the January transfer window.But the Portuguese side’s chiefs expect Amorim will come calling in the summer – with his cheque book wide open.Here’s are three Sporting starts United could swoop for… but they won’t come cheap:VIKTOR GYOKERESAge: 26Position: StrikerCost: £84millionSwede has shone since joining Sporting last summer from Coventry — catching the eye of all Europe’s top clubs.Hit 43 goals in 50 games last season and boasts 18 strikes already this term.GONCALO INACIOAge: 23Position: DefenderCost: £50millionBall-playing centre-back was handed his debut by Amorim and has since become a key figure in Sporting’s recent title successes.Can also slot in at left-back if required and has 12 caps for Portugal.MORTEN HJULMANDAge: 25Position: MidfieldCost: £40millionDane is one of the top holding midfielders in Portugal — and made skipper by Amorim.He could be the man to replace Casemiro. More

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    Rafa Benitez didn’t hesitate when naming the best player he has ever coached with Cristiano Ronaldo snubbed

    RAFA BENITEZ didn’t need to think twice when naming Steven Gerrard as the best player he has ever coached — snubbing Cristiano Ronaldo in the process.Benitez, 64, has managed some of Europe’s top teams during a glittering coaching career which started in 1986 at Real Madrid’s academy.Rafa Benitez has named Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard as the best player he’s ever worked withCredit: GettyBenitez snubbed Cristiano Ronaldo after they fell out at Real MadridCredit: GettyHe has since taking charge of giants including Liverpool, Chelsea and Real.And Benitez has a host of trophies to boot, including two league titles, an FA Cup, one Europe League and a Champions League.The Spaniard’s travels have seen him work with some of football’s top names.Fernando Torres, Luka Modric and Eden Hazard are just some of the stars to have crossed Benitez’s path.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut the tactician, most recently in charge of LaLiga side Celta Vigo, reckons Gerrard was head and shoulders above the rest.Benitez managed the midfield powerhouse for six years at Liverpool, with the pair winning an FA Cup and Champions League together.Benitez made his choice despite having also managed legendary forward Ronaldo at Real Madrid.But they famously fell out almost immediately, with Benitez’s contract terminated just six months into his Bernabeu reign.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSExplaining why Gerrard was king in his eyes, Benitez told the It Was What It Was podcast: “He’s the best player that I have ever coached.“He was very good and at the beginning when we were knowing each other.”Rafa Benitez reveals ‘five or six’ offers to return to Premier League but admits ‘there are teams I won’t coach’Benitez explained how Gerrard continued to develop throughout his careerCredit: GettyBenitez was then questioned about the difference between Gerrard and Ronaldo.He was asked: “You coached Ronaldo. You think Steven was a better player?”Benitez answered: “In terms of a complete player. Stevie has the power, he could score goals, good in the air, both feet, could shoot from distance, short, taking penalties, deliveries, corners, free-kicks.“Defending, if it was necessary. He had energy, he trained well and was a good professional. The point with him is he was a box-to-box midfielder from the beginning and little by little he was understanding the game.“He had all the potential and he was getting better in terms of position and decisions later on. But he was great from the beginning.”Rafa Benitez’s managerial statsThose numbers in full:Real Madrid B, July 1993-June 1995: P65 W26 D18 L21Valladolid, July 1995-Jan 1996: P29 W5 D10 L14Osasuna, July 1996-Nov 1996: P11 W3 D4 L4Extremadura, July 1997-June 1999: P92 W36 D26 L30Tenerife, July 2000-June 2001: P46 W23 D11 L12Valencia, July 2001-June 2004: P162 W88 D41 L33Liverpool, June 2004-June 2010: P350 W194 D77 L79Inter Milan, June 2010-Dec 2010: P25 W12 D6 L7Chelsea (interim), Nov 2012-May 2013: P48 W28 D10 L10Napoli, May 2013-June 2015: P112 W59 D28 L25Real Madrid, June 2015-Jan 2016: P25 W17 D5 L3Newcastle, March 2016-June 2019: P146 W62 D31 L53Dalian Pro, July 2019-Jan 2021: P38 W12 D8 L18Everton, June 2021-Jan 2022: P22 W7 D5 L10Celta Vigo, July 2023-March 2024: P33 W9 D9 L15TrophiesLa Liga x2, Uefa Cup (Valencia)FA Cup, Community Shield, Champions League, Uefa Super Cup (Liverpool)Italian Super Cup, Club World Cup (Inter Milan)Europa League (Chelsea)Italian Cup, Italian Super Cup (Napoli)Championship (Newcastle) More

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    Man City star Rodri opens door to astonishing Real Madrid transfer just weeks after club’s Ballon d’Or snub

    MANCHESTER CITY star Rodri has opened the door to a potential move to Real Madrid.It comes just weeks after the midfielder won the Ballon d’Or, leading Real Madrid to boycott the event.Rodri has opened the door to a switch to Real MadridCredit: GettyLos Blancos’s star Vinicius Jr was tipped to win the award and the snub led Real president Florentino Perez to turn down the invite.But Rodri still admires the club and said it would be difficult to ignore the Spanish giants if they came knocking.He told Spanish podcast El Larguero: “When Real Madrid call you, the best club in history and the most successful… it makes you proud and you always have to listen.“It’s obvious. You always have to pay attention.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRodri, 28, also has no qualms about joining Real despite his affiliation to fierce rivals Atletico Madrid, having come through the club’s youth system.He recently stated he was not bothered about Real Madrid’s claim that Vinicius deserved to win the Ballon d’Or.Rodri said: “All the Spanish clubs would have to congratulate me and they haven’t.“I care about my family and my club. They must have their reasons, I wouldn’t have done it that way and there’s no point in going over it.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBallon d’Or 2024 results1: Rodri, Man City and Spain2: Vinicius Jr, Real Madrid and Brazil3: Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid and England4: Dani Carvajal, Real Madrid and Spain5: Erling Haaland, Man City and Norway6: Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid and France7: Lautaro Martinz, Inter Milan and Argentina8: Lamine Yamal, Barcelona and Spain9: Toni Kroos, Real Madrid and Germany10: Harry Kane, Bayern Munich and England11: Phil Foden, Man City and England12: Florian Wirtz, Bayer Leverkusen and Germany13: Dani Olmo, Barcelona and Spain14: Ademola Lookman, Atalanta and Nigeria15: Nico Williams, Athletic Bilbao and Spain16: Granit Xhaka, Bayer Leverkusen and Switzerland17: Federico Valverde, Real Madrid and Uruguay18: Emi Martinez, Aston Villa and Argentina19: Martin Odegaard, Arsenal and Norway20: Hakan Calhanoglu, Inter Milan and Turkey21: Bukayo Saka, Arsenal and England22: Antonio Rudiger, Real Madrid and Germany23: Ruben Dias, Man City and Portugal24: William Saliba, Arsenal and France25: Cole Palmer, Chelsea and England26: Declan Rice, Arsenal and England27: Vitinha, PSG and Portugal28: Alejandro Grimaldo, Bayer Leverkusen and Spain29: Mats Hummels, Roma and Germany30: Artem Dovbyk, Roma and Ukraine“The mistake is giving so much attention to a club that hasn’t decided to participate.”Rodri is also hopeful he will be back from his ACL injury before the end of the season.Erling Haaland does pull ups on cliff edge and runs with wolves as Man City ace stars in insane Beats by Dre advert He said: “The seasons are getting longer and this one has the Club World Cup.“It is good to have a challenge and I have it in my head to return this season — we’ll see when.” More