More stories

  • in

    Xabi Alonso ‘not interested in Bayern Munich, Liverpool or Real Madrid’ as World Cup winner predicts next move

    XABI ALONSO is going to snub Liverpool, Bayern Munich AND Real Madrid – according to Germany legend Lothar Matthaus.Former Bayern star Matthaus would love Alonso to be the next boss of his old team, but reckons the Spaniard will spurn interest from a number of big clubs to stay for at least one more year at Bayer Leverkusen.
    Bayern Munich and Germany legend Lothar Matthaus believes Xabi Alonso is going nowhere this summerCredit: Getty
    Matthaus said: “His dream may be to one day coach Bayern, Liverpool or Real Madrid. But, in my opinion, he is not done at Leverkusen yet.
    “Xabi is not someone who gets carried away by big names, he has celebrated too many successes as a player for that. 
    “He, in addition, is not going to be guided by the economic aspect. What matters to him is what he has built and who he has built it with. 
    “He knows where he comes from and what he owes to others. That’s why I don’t think he’s going to sign for another club next season.”
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    Former Kop idol Alonso is believed to be Liverpool’s top choice to replace Jurgen Klopp when the German leaves Anfield at the end of the season.
    But another of the Spaniard’s former clubs, Bayern, are also in the market for a new head coach after confirming that Thomas Tuchel would be on his way this summer.
    And Real Madrid, another club that Alonso graced as one of the most stylish midfielders of his generation, have also been linked with him.
    Matthaus, who won seven Bundesliga titles with Bayern and the 1990 World Cup with West Germany, knows exactly where he would like Alonso to pitch up next.
    Most read in Football
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
    Matthaus, 62, now a Sky Germany pundit, said: “As for the search for Tuchel’s successor, I would first like to say one thing: Xabi Alonso has to top Bayern’s list because of his resume, his authority and his successful work at Leverkusen. 
    “I can’t think of any coach in Europe or the world who fits Bayern Munich better than Xabi Alonso.
    Xabi Alonso and De Zerbi are two names who could replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool in the summer
    “But Alonso is focused on Bayer Leverkusen and I think that is good. Xabi Alonso is not yet interested in Bayern Munich, nor in Liverpool or Real Madrid. 
    “He is only interested in winning three titles with Leverkusen in the next two and a half months.
    “The way he was a player, he is the same now as a coach.
    “He is true to his character. The stories that are unfolding now and in the coming weeks and months don’t matter to him. 
    “He has no pressure and can take things easy.” More

  • in

    Liverpool star Andy Robertson ‘is Bayern Munich’s top transfer target to replace Real Madrid-bound Alphonso Davies’

    LIVERPOOL star Andy Robertson is Bayern Munich’s top choice to replace Alphonso Davies, according to reports.The German giants are set to lose left-back Davies to Real Madrid this summer, with the Canadian having reached a “verbal agreement” with the LaLiga champions.
    Andrew Robertson helped Liverpool win the Carabao Cup last SundayCredit: Rex
    Bayern Munich are resigned to losing Alphonso DaviesCredit: Getty
    Bayern want to recruit a top-class replacement for the 23-year-old, with Robertson fitting the bill.
    According to the Mail, Bayern will try to tempt the Scot into a move.
    The Bundesliga champions recognise that it will be difficult to prise the 29-year-old away from Anfield.
    But they are determined to secure as high-quality a replacement for Davies as possible.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    And they reckon that at this stage of his career, Robertson may be tempted by a new challenge.
    The Scotland captain joined Liverpool from Hull in an £8million deal in 2017.
    He has since appeared 282 times for the Reds, playing a key role in Premier League and Champions League wins, in addition to pocketing plenty of domestic medals.
    Robertson recently returned from a shoulder injury and started Sunday’s victorious Carabao Cup final.
    Most read in Football
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
    The speedy left-back is also set to skipper his country at Euro 2024 this summer, with Scotland taking on Germany in the tournament’s opening game at Bayern’s Allianz Arena.
    The German side have looked to the Premier League in recent transfer windows.
    Xabi Alonso’s preference ‘revealed’ as Liverpool and Bayern Munich ‘make enquiries over Bayer Leverkusen boss
    They signed Harry Kane from Tottenham in a £104m swoop last August.
    While they secured a short-term deal for Eric Dier from Spurs in January.
    Despite the blockbuster acquisition of Kane, Bayern have endured a difficult season.
    They are currently second in the Bundesliga table with 11 games to go, trailing leaders Bayer Leverkusen by eight points.
    Kane and Co also find themselves on the brink of a round of 16 Champions League exit, having lost their first leg 1-0 to Lazio.
    Bayern have been eliminated from the DFB Pokal, and lost in the German Supercup on Kane’s debut.
    Boss Thomas Tuchel has confirmed that he will leave at the end of the season.
    READ MORE SUN STORIES
    Should he accelerate his exit, former Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could step in as interim.
    Liverpool target Xabi Alonso has been linked with taking the role in the summer, although the Reds want him to snub Bayern and replace Jurgen Klopp instead. More

  • in

    I’m a Real Madrid legend and Ballon d’Or runner-up, Jude Bellingham is the best player I’ve seen in a very long time

    JUDE BELLINGHAM strikes fear within the ranks of Real Madrid’s rivals, according to a football legend.The Brit, 20, has been revelation since arriving at the Bernabeu last summer for an initial £88.5million transfer from Borussia Dortmund.
    Jude Bellingham has been praised by one of Real Madrid’s greatest legendsCredit: Rex
    Real legend Raul claims Bellingham is the best player he’s seen in a very long timeCredit: Getty
    Twenty goals in 29 appearances, including 16 in LaLiga, is making a strong case for the midfielder to be considered the best player in the world this season.
    His first campaign in the famous white colours of Madrid saw him nominated on Monday for the Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award.
    Raul is a club legend at Madrid, having won six league titles and three Champions Leagues as part of the Galacticos era.
    And the retired Spanish forward, 46, said: “Jude Bellingham is one of the players who has impressed me the most in the past few years.

    “I had the opportunity to see him training and playing in a few games, of course.
    “I think as the president of Real Madrid Florentino Perez would say, he was born to play in Real Madrid.
    “In such a short time, he’s known how to connect with people, with the values that Real Madrid and sports in general transmit.
    “And then, despite his young age, he’s very mature in his way of expressing himself, connecting with people. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen a player with those qualities.
    Most read in Football
    “I wish him all the best because he’s just starting out. He hasn’t even been here in Madrid for six or seven months yet.
    “But I think Real Madrid fans are enjoying him a lot. Rivals fear him, which is a really good sign.
    Erling Haaland tells Jude Bellingham to ‘get back to training’ in Yorkshire accent

    “And I think he’s a guy with a very clear mind. He knows what he wants and I think he’s going to give a lot to Real Madrid.
    “He’s also going to give a lot to his national team, too.
    “Because he’s going to be a role model to all those girls and boys, who want to be a footballer or be involved in sports. Mainly through hard work, he’s achieving his dreams.”
    Pep Guardiola’s treble-winning Manchester City team and Norwegian goal machine Erling Haaland head the list of nominations for the 25th Laureus World Sports Awards.
    Football superstar Lionel Messi, tennis world No1 Novak Djokovic, F1 world champion Max Verstappen and South Africa World Cup-winning rugby captain Siya Kolisi have all been shortlisted for accolades.
    The winners of the Awards will be revealed in Madrid on Monday, April 22. More

  • in

    Alphonso Davies ‘reaches verbal agreement’ on Bayern Munich transfer exit after ‘several meetings in recent weeks’

    ALPHONSO DAVIES has allegedly reached a “verbal agreement” to leave Bayern Munich for Real Madrid.The versatile Canadian defender, 23, left Vancouver Whitecaps for the German side back in 2018.
    Real Madrid have allegedly agreed terms with Alphonso DaviesCredit: Getty
    Since then he has become one of the top stars at the club, helping them to win five straight Bundesliga titles plus the 2020 Champions League.
    However, his contract at Bayern expires in 2025 and he now looks set to leave them to join Madrid.
    The LaLiga leaders are on the lookout for a new left-back and are believed to have made Davies their top target.
    Now The Athletic have offered an update on the transfer chase.
    READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
    They say talks have already taken place between Madrid’s chief scout Juni Calafat and director general Jose Angel Sanchez with the player’s representatives.
    And they claim that the duo have asked Davies not to extend his deal at Bayern.
    Several meetings have reportedly taken place already, including one in person earlier this month in Madrid.
    And they now claim that a verbal agreement has been reached for Davies to either join Madrid this summer or as a free agent next year.
    Most read in Bundesliga
    Meanwhile, Marca have also revealed how much it would cost Madrid to sign him at the end of this season.
    They claim that Bayern have placed a £42.75m price tag on his head.
    Bayern Munich clash temporarily suspended and players taken off pitch as fans hurl tennis balls on field
    Ferland Mendy is currently Madrid’s first-choice left-back.
    The 28-year-old French international moved to the Bernabeu in 2019 from Lyon.
    He has made over 100 appearances for Los Blancos since then but he will also become a free agent in 2025 unless he agrees to an extension. More

  • in

    Real Madrid ‘considering shock transfer for ageing Man Utd misfits Varane and Casemiro’, say reports in Spain

    REAL MADRID are planning a shock double swoop for Manchester United stars Raphael Varane and Casemiro, according to reports.The move would see the duo both return to the Spanish giants just a few seasons after they left for Old Trafford.
    Raphael Varane has been linked with a shock return to Real MadridCredit: Getty
    Casemiro could also head back to his former clubCredit: Getty
    Varane, 30, played 360 times for Real Madrid before sealing a £41million switch to Man Utd in 2021.
    Casemiro, 32, then followed him the a year later for £70m after winning five Champions League with Los Blancos.
    But both have supposedly been put up for sale by Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
    Ineos are desperate to recoup some of the cash they spent on them to fund their own spending.
    READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
    Varane and Casemiro are both among the club’s top earners.
    And according to a shock report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Real Madrid are analysing whether they should re-sign the duo.
    Their experience at the club is considered valuable to manager Carlo Ancelotti.
    But Real Madrid could face competition from Saudi Arabian clubs in the race to sign Varane and Casemiro.
    Most read in Football
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
    And with Ratcliffe planning a squad overhaul, they may not be the only two players leaving Man Utd.
    Victor Lindelof, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Sofyan Amrabat, Antony and Anthony Martial have all been tipped to depart.
    ‘I told him to go f*** himself’ – Man Utd security confronted Wayne Rooney after row with Roy Keane
    Meanwhile, SunSport can exclusively reveal that the Red Devils are interested in signing Luton star Ross Barkley in a bargain deal. More

  • in

    Inside amazing super box with nightclub and huge bar at new Real Madrid stadium after near £1bn renovation

    REAL MADRID have revealed jaw-dropping images of the VIP super box that will be the crown jewel of the revamped Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.Up to 200 well-heeled fans will be able to watch games in total luxury and then dance the night away in a nightclub in the Skybar at the futuristic arena.
    Walk this way – how VIP fans will enter the main space in the Bernabeu’s new super boxCredit: room 1804 Design
    Toast of the city – the massive bar at the centre of the stunning facilitiesCredit: room 1804 Design
    Room with a view – how rich fans will look out on to the Bernabeu pitchCredit: room 1804 Design
    Floor plan of the VIP area, with huge open terraces at either end of the food, drink and dancing zoneCredit: room 1804 Design
    The incredible facilities will be the cherry on the top of the new Bernabeu which is being revamped at a cost of almost £1BILLION.
    The new VIP zone, which is attached to the iconic Skywalk terrace  that runs around the whole of the top level, is expected to be open by the end of April – and definitely in time for the Taylor Swift concert on May 30.
    The Bernabeu reopened for football in September after 90 days of renovation when Real played Getafe on the new retractable pitch under the new retractable roof.
    Jude Bellingham gave the new ground the perfect dramatic baptism by scoring a stoppage-time winner in front of 66,000 fans.

    When all the work is complete, the stadium will hold up to 85,000 spectators – and the richest of them will be up in the Skybar.
    Real are yet to reveal prices for the new area and how it will be split up into different-sized spaces for larger and smaller groups of guests. 
    But access won’t come cheap as the president Florentino Perez makes sure that the Bernabeu pays its way – and then some.
    Interior designers Room 1804 have completely gone to town in fitting out what is set to be the most decadent hospitality section in world football.
    Most read in Football
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
    Spectacular images show the inside of the 700 square metre space, which will be divided into four main areas over three levels.
    The restaurant area and nightclub, which will have LED screens covering the walls and ceiling, will be at either end, with a massive bar as the centrepiece.
    Real Madrid release amazing time lapse footage of Bernabeu construction work as retractable roof is added
    There will also be 250 metre square terraces on both sides of the main space, designed to recreate the parks of the city of Madrid.
    And on non-match days, the area will be transformed into a five-star facility that companies can hire out completely or in part, and where the great and the good of Madrid and beyond can live it up.
    Artist’s impression of the super box, with nightclub area on the rightCredit: room 1804 Design
    Huge outdoor terraces modelled on Madrid city parks will be at either end of the VIP areaCredit: room 1804 Design
    It’s murderously expensive on the dancefloor – LED screens on walls and ceiling of nightclub areaCredit: room 1804 Design
    The best football bar, bar none? The main bar in the Bernabeu super boxCredit: room 1804 Design More

  • in

    Real Madrid’s former Tottenham star Luka Modric offered shock new job if cult hero decides to retire at end of season

    LUKA MODRIC has reportedly been offered a job on the Real Madrid coaching staff should he retire at the end of the season.The former Tottenham star’s contract at the Santiago Bernabeu at the end of the season.
    Real Madrid have reportedly offered Luka Modrid a coaching roleCredit: Getty
    Modric joined Real Madrid from Tottenham in 2012Credit: AFP or licensors
    Modric, 38, has featured 20 times for Los Blancos in LaLiga this season, scoring once and assisting four more.
    The Athletic has claimed that the midfielder was offered the chance to join Carlo Ancelotti’s backroom staff two months ago.
    The report’s source says that the Croatian rejected the chance, although he was “grateful” for the opportunity.
    It goes on to add that Modric’s rejection was not “definitive” and that he could still consider the role.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    The outlet continues to suggest that Modric is “still hungry” and is prioritising continuing his playing career.
    Modric was expected to quit Real Madrid at the end of the season with a renewal of his deal “not likely.”
    The midfielder was since linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, with multiple clubs in the Middle East interested in his signature.
    This includes an offer from Al-Nassr last summer, but he rejected the move and signed a one-year extension with Real.
    Most read in Football
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
    Modric is currently focusing on his immediate future, which includes winning the LaLiga title for a fourth time.
    The 2018 Ballon d’Or winner is also aiming to take part in Euro 2024 with Croatia.
    Luka Modric ‘will play on into his 40s’ says Chelsea star Mateo Kovacic ahead of Real Madrid Champions League clash
    Ancelotti has previously spoken about the midfielder’s future and insisted that he will make his own decision.
    He said: “As I have already said (on other occasions), Luka is a legend of football, of Real Madrid.
    “The decisions for next season have to be taken by him.” More

  • in

    Real Madrid’s plan for Jude Bellingham unveiled with England star set for position change to fit in Kylian Mbappe

    JUDE BELLINGHAM is set for a position change to accommodate Kylian Mbappe at Real Madrid.The French superstar has reportedly agreed a five-year deal at the Bernabeu and will join on a free transfer once his PSG contract expires in the summer.
    Kylian Mbappe is set to join PSG in a blockbuster transfer this summerCredit: Reuters
    His arrival means Jude Bellingham will likely see his position tweakedCredit: Alamy
    Mbappe, 25, told PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi of his decision to leave last Tuesday.
    And although no paperwork has been formally signed just yet, Real Madrid are well underway with making preparations for Mbappe’s arrival.
    That includes working out how to fit the World Cup winner into Carlo Ancelotti’s star-studded side.
    As reported by Guillem Balague for the BBC, Mbappe will expect to play in his favoured position, in the forward line ideally slightly on the left rather than as an out-and-out solo No9.
    READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
    That role is currently occupied by Vinicius Junior, who could be pushed further out into more of a left-winger role.
    And that would also see Bellingham drop deeper.
    The Englishman, 20, has been playing in an advanced No10 position this season, even at times as a false No9 with Vinicius and Rodrygo either side of him.
    And he has been reaping the rewards with a stunning return of 20 goals and eight assists in 29 games for Los Blancos.
    Most read in Football
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
    However, the ex-Birmingham and Borussia Dortmund ace will undoubtedly adapt to his more natural, midfield position with ease – and relish the chance to link up with Mbappe.
    Mbappe also heads to Madrid as a goalscorer determined to win the biggest trophies on offer.
    Jude Bellingham tips Phil Foden for stunning position change with England stars at centre of midfield selection dilemma
    He has racked up a staggering 244 goals in 291 PSG matches to become the club’s record scorer.
    But the glaring omission on his CV remains the Champions League and he will surely be confident of getting his hands on the famous trophy in the iconic all-white kit of Real.

    Another issue that needs resolving is what number Mbappe takes at the Bernabeu.
    He wears the No7 at PSG but Vinicius has that while his France No10 shirt is currently occupied by Luka Modric.
    However, the Croatian may leave this summer which would free it up – otherwise Mbappe would surely settle for the No9.
    The former Monaco sensation came close to joining Real Madrid in 2022 but ended up signing a two-year contract extension at the Parc des Princes.
    He rejected a world-record transfer to Saudi Arabia last summer but will not exercise the option to trigger an extra 12 months on his PSG deal.
    And that means he can sign for Real as a free agent.
    READ MORE SUN STORIES
    Mbappe is expected to put pen to paper on an eye-watering contract worth around £250,000 per week plus a £128million signing-on bonus spread across the five years.
    Incredibly, that is a significant pay cut compared to his astronomical wages in Ligue 1. More