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    Real Madrid ‘make Rodri priority transfer target’ in stunning move with Man City star yet to commit to new deal

    REAL MADRID have made Rodri a priority target ahead of next summer, according to reports.The midfielder has been one of Manchester City’s most important players in recent years and finished fifth in the Ballon d’Or last year.Real Madrid have made Rodri a ‘priority’ signingCredit: GettyHe played a crucial role in City winning their fourth Premier League title in a row this year before helping Spain win Euro 2024.That has sparked interest from Real Madrid, who are still in search of a long-term successor for Toni Kroos.Real could make a move for Rodri next summer after making him a “priority” target, report AS.The Spanish outlet claim a move to the Bernabeu would appeal to Madrid native Rodri.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever he has also been offered a bumper new deal by City with the club willing to make the midfielder their joint highest paid player on £375,000-a-week.Rodri, 28, still has nearly three years left on his deal but City are keen to tie down his long-term future after he admitted Spain’s contingent of Real players tried to lure him to the Bernabeu.City are even willing to re-structure De Bruyne’s contract to make sure Rodri is level with the Belgian as the highest earner in the squad.That would involve reducing midfielder’s base salary but offering lucrative bonuses to make up for the loss.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSCity also want De Bruyne to sign a new deal as his contract expires at the end of the season.That means he would be able to talk to clubs outside the UK in January, including Saudi Arabia where teams have shown interest previously.Mo Salah appears to confirm Liverpool transfer exit live on Sky Sports after ripping Man Utd to shreds More

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    Eagle-eyed fans spot moment Kylian Mbappe ‘got the Rudiger treatment’ after scoring first Real Madrid goal in Super Cup

    EAGLE-EYED fans were quick to spot Kylian Mbappe’s debut goal for Real Madrid was celebrated in true Antonio Rudiger fashion.Mbappe, 25, scored his first Los Blancos goal – assisted by Jude Bellingham – to round off a 2-0 win over Atalanta in the Uefa Super Cup in Warsaw.Kylian Mbappe ‘got the Rudiger treatment’, claim fansCredit: BEinSPORTSRudiger was joined by every Real Madrid player as they celebrated Mbappe’s debut goalCredit: GettyMbappe fired Madrid 2-0 up in the Uefa Super Cup finalCredit: SplashThe former Paris-Saint Germain winger started as the Real Madrid No9 after completing “the world’s most expensive free transfer”.Mbappe found himself in the right place near the penalty spot to finish off a brilliant Bellingham move into the top corner in the 68th minute.The France international darted to the corner flag to celebrate his first goal of his new career, where he was joined by his team-mates.While the French superstar celebrated with his trademark arms folded routine, Bellingham was on the other side of the pitch, screaming and punching the air with delight.Most read in FootballAnd Rudiger, who often slaps his Real pals on the head when they score, dispensed the same treatment on Mbappe after he bagged.The German defender began jokingly smacking him all over his head, back and legs as the whole team huddled to congratulate Mbappe.Defender Eder Militao also got involved as he leaned over the huddle before slapping the top of his head.Fans found the celebration amusing with one supporter reacting saying: “Mbappe got the Rudiger treatment.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnother added: “Rudiger hitting Mbappe, I’m laughing my head off, we are the best team in the world👏.”A third swooned: “That is the only way to welcome him. Rudiger is crazy🤣.”Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe features in advert for ‘Chinese Instagram’A fourth noted: “Rudiger never lets up. He is relentless with this!🤣”Bellingham was named Man of the Match by the Uefa panel and Carlo Ancelotti fully agreed with the verdict.He said: “He is a great player, there is no debating it. His second half performance was astonishing, especially as he has only been training for seven days.”Meanwhile, Madrid’s ticket prices have exploded after Mbappe’s arrival at the Santiago Bernabeu.German publication Bild quoted Spanish newspaper Marca, who claim the cheapest ticket has jumped from €55 (£47) last season, to €95 (£81) for their season opener against Valladolid.Kylian Mbappe ‘snaps up £15m mansion in Beckham’s old neighbourhood’ next door to Real Madrid legend and Hollywood starBy Gerard CouzensKYLIAN MBAPPE has reportedly splashed out more than £15million on a mansion in Madrid.The French superstar, whose drawn-out transfer to Real Madrid has finally being confirmed, is said to have finalised the purchase late last month.Respected Spanish daily La Razon says the house he has bought is in the exclusive Madrid suburb of La Moraleja, where David Beckham spent most of his time living when he was in the Spanish capital.And it says his neighbours will include former Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos and his stunning model wife Pilar Rubio as well as Hollywood star Richard Gere and his Spanish publicist wife Alejandra Silva.La Razon said Mbappe had considered the gated estate of La Finca where Jude Bellingham lives and Cristiano Ronaldo still owns property as an option.But it reported the 25-year-old, who threw an extravagant party for 250 guests at a stylish Italian restaurant a short walk from the Eiffel Tower, ended up opting for La Moraleja a 15-minute drive from Real Madrid’s Valdebebas training complex because it was “more comfortable.”Read more on Mbappe’s property hunt. More

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    Real Madrid’s extortionate new ticket prices revealed as Kylian Mbappe transfer leads to 73 per cent increase

    REAL MADRID’S ticket prices have exploded after Kylian Mbappe’s arrival at the Santiago Bernabeu.Real finally landed Mbappe, 25, in the summer as a free agent from Paris Saint-Germain and he is expected to pocket £12.8million per year after tax as part of a five-year deal.Real Madrid’s home ticket prices have increased by 73 per centCredit: GettyReal fans will have to dig deep in their pockets to watch Kylian Mbappe in actionCredit: ReutersBut fans who want to watch the France international, and the rest of the Galacticos, live in Madrid will have to dig deep into their pockets.German publication Bild quoted Spanish newspaper Marca, who claim the cheapest ticket for the first home game of the season against Valladolid on August 25 costs a staggering €95 (£81).Last year, the cheapest ticket at the Bernabeu cost €55 (£47), which means there was a whopping 73 per cent increase in prices.Even the most expensive “normal” ticket outside of business seats and VIP boxes is now significantly more pricey as it now costs €210 (£180).Read More on FootballAway fans are also affected as they will have to pay almost €100 (£86) for a seat right at the top under the stadium roof.Real are one of four La Liga clubs, along with Villarreal, Rayo Vallecano, Espanyol and Barcelona, that refused to sign an agreement that an away ticket cannot cost more than €30 (£26).The above prices may even seem relatively cheap at some points this upcoming season.It is expected costs will rocket even higher when Carlo Ancelotti’s play in the Champions League or against bigger sides in LaLiga.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSReal’s season officially kicked off on Wednesday when they beat Europa League holders Atalanta for the European Super Cup.Mbappe made his official debut and led Los Blancos to a 2-0 victory at the Kazimierz Gorski National Stadium in Warsaw.Real Madrid’s stadium looks unrecognisable as it prepares for ‘never-before-seen’ presentation of Kylian MbappeThe star striker scored on his Real bow after Federico Valverde opened the scoring for the reigning European champions.But it was England star Jude Bellingham who was man of the match as after he assisted Mbappe’s goal.Real landed Mbappe as a free agent from Paris Saint-Germain More

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    Real Madrid and Barcelona in Trent Alexander-Arnold transfer battle as Liverpool bid to stop star running down contract

    REAL MADRID and Barcelona are watching Trent Alexander-Arnold’s  situation at Liverpool closely.The Liverpool vice-captain, 25, is out of contract next year and has been strongly linked with a move to the European champions.Trent Alexander-Arnold has developed into one of the world’s best right backs but his next step is unclearCredit: EPAReports in Spain say both LaLiga clubs think the England ace is willing to leave following the progress of 21-year-old right-back Conor Bradley.The Reds will offer Alexander-Arnold a new deal that would increase his £180,000-per-week wages — but they are not willing to break the bank.And rumours have swirled that he may leave to join England team-mate Jude Bellingham at the Bernabeu.The pair were also spotted holidaying in Los Angeles together last month, where Alexander-Arnold was seen signing a Madrid shirt for a fan.Read more transfer newsAnfield bosses also have to sort out what to do with Mo Salah, 32, and Virgil van Dijk, 33, who are the only two players at Anfield who earn more than Alexander-Arnold.All three players contracts will expire in June 2025.It still seems unlikely Liverpool would cash in on their academy graduate this summer as it would be a wrench for both parties.But Real and Barca, along with other top clubs, are looking at what might be possible in the next 12 months or so.Most read in FootballJude Bellingham and Trent Alexander Arnold holidayed together in LACredit: InstragramFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHis assist tally and chance creation from right back have led to calls for him to be utilised further forward despite misgivings about that from former boss Jurgen Klopp.Alexander-Arnold is arguably the most complete passer in the game bar Kevin De Bruyne, and has scored 15 goals for Liverpool and provided 58 assists, a record for defenders in the Premier League.SunSport launches weekly Football League feature called ‘What the EFL-!’New boss Arne Slot prefers a more orthodox right back, with Northern Ireland international Bradley mooted as the more natural fit there.Meanwhile, Liverpool legend Michael Owen said Madrid might prove too irresistible of a destination for Alexander-Arnold.Owen told Casino Hawks: “Obviously Real Madrid at the moment are the best team in Europe, they are the biggest team in the world and have that iconic kit and their players… It’s the best stage in Europe.”I had a similar thing at that stage of my career, and I decided that it was an opportunity that I couldn’t pass up. “I don’t know if it’s an opportunity for Trent or a possibility, but he’d have a lot to think about if they came in for him.”Liverpool are the only Premier League club yet to sign a player in the summer transfer window but are expected to bring in a new defensive midfielder.Real Sociedad and Spain star Martin Zubimendi – who has a £51.7m release clause – is a top-priority for new boss Arne Slot.Slot snubbed Spurs, hates defending and has a PASS named after himBy Dan KingLIVERPOOL’S new manager Arne Slot was a good enough player to have a type of pass named after him.But it is as a manager that the Feyenoord head coach is really making his mark.Like another bald Dutchman, Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, Slot earned his stripes bossing smaller sides before being given a chance at one of the Netherlands’ big three.But the question Liverpool are pondering is whether Slot would make a better fist of running one of the biggest clubs in the world than Ten Hag so far has at Old Trafford.Slot, 45, was certainly easier on the eye as a player than centre back Ten Hag.“The Arne Slot Ball” was something he perfected as a silky No 10 – a back-to-goal, first-time, 180-degree spin and flick behind the defensive line for a winger to run on to deep in the opposition half.Click here to read all about the incoming Liverpool boss. More

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    Carlo Ancelotti hints at huge international job as he confirms Real Madrid will be last club of glittering career

    CARLO ANCELOTTI admitted that Real Madrid will be his last job in club management – amid interest from Brazil’s national team.The 65-year-old is three years into his second spell at Real Madrid and has a contract with the LaLiga champions that runs until 2026.Carlo Ancelotti wants to leave his club career behind after Real MadridCredit: GettyThe Italian is the most decorated manager in Champions League historyCredit: GettyQuestions over Ancelotti’s future with Madrid lingered throughout 2023 before he signed a new deal in December. This was around the time he was constantly being linked to the Brazil job.President of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), Ednaldo Rodrigues, said last year that Ancelotti was an obvious choice for the role.Ancelotti told the Obi One Podcast: “I think it will be my last club, I have to say.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”If there would be an opportunity for a national team, I don’t know. “I’m not so excited to be in a national team for the fact that I would lose what I like more, the day-by-day. “The day-by-day I like. To be here, to prepare the training, to talk to the players, to prepare the games.”This is my 29th season as a coach. It’s true that I have won a lot but imagine the number of titles I lost. I lost a lot.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAncelotti has enjoyed a coaching career spanning 32 years, winning league titles in five different countries.His five Champions League titles make him the most successful manager in the history of the competition.Watch Kobbie Mainoo’s ‘1000 IQ’ goal as fans say Man Utd star ‘playing Fifa Street in real life’He has won Serie A with Roma and AC Milan, the Premier League with Chelsea and Ligue 1 with PSG.Before winning the the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich and two LaLiga titles with Real Madrid.The Italian was also Everton’s boss for 18 months from December 2019, until Madrid came calling when Zinedine Zidane stood down in May 2021. More

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    Real Madrid introduce 300 ‘Super VIP’ seats worth £210k that are ‘better than what the players have’

    KYLIAN MBAPPE and Jude Bellingham might be jealous when Real Madrid unveil 300 ‘Super VIP’ tickets – costing fans £210,000 apiece.The “superbox” in the Bernabeu’s £1.5billion revamp includes seating that Real themselves rate as “better” than that for their players.The luxury zone gives a new definition to exclusiveCredit: room 1804 DesignIt doesn’t have the sort of tunnel players and fans are used to at groundsCredit: room 1804 DesignHow’s this for both a setting and a view?Credit: room 1804 DesignFor “ordinary” fans, the special features of the new-look venue include increased capacity from 81k to 85k, retractable roof, 360-degree screen and a nightclub.But for the richest of the ultra-rich supporters, there is a futuristic area that offering some of the most expensive viewing anywhere in the sporting world.Entered via a kaleidoscopic tunnel of illuminated colour, the seats are separate from the rest of the stand – with an unrivalled outlook on the Bernabeu pitch.And if you reckon £210k might be a dream one-off purchase for football-loving multi-millionaires, it’s not that simple!READ MORE TOP STORIESRelevo say that sum merely gains you entry into the exclusive club for 30 years – it doesn’t even include the annual fee for a seat.Live shows and other events are part of the package.And of course these ticket-buyers won’t be eating the same food or drink available for the rest of the crowd.Instead, lovers of luxury will have their own distinctive dining experience – or “grub” as the tens of thousands of other fans in the ground might call it – should they spoke English!Most read in FootballThe floor plan shows two access tunnels and a pair of massive open terracesCredit: room 1804 DesignBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIt’s understood Real believe a massive part of the zone’s attraction will be the chance to befriend and network with other people of power and influence.The club itself call the seats “better than the one the players have”.Champions League giants’ €1billion new stadium design ‘looks just like shopping centre in Southampton’, joke fansThe Spanish giants hope to parade all the stadium’s new features within months.But to match last season’s achievement of winning both the Champions League and LaLiga will be a huge ask – even though boss Carlo Ancelotti unveiled long-wanted striker Mbappe last week.For the price they are paying, ‘Super VIPs will expect the best bar none when it comes to getting their drinksCredit: room 1804 DesignKylian Mbappe was unveiled by Real last week on a five-year contractCredit: Rex More

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    Kylian Mbappe ISN’T LaLiga’s highest paid player with Man Utd target surprisingly top and Bellingham in top 10

    KYLIAN MBAPPE is NOT the highest-paid player in LaLiga following his blockbuster move to Real Madrid.No star raked in more money than Mbappe over the last two years after he signed a lucrative contract with Paris Saint-Germain.Kylian Mbappe accepted a massive pay cut to join Real MadridCredit: GettyFrenkie de Jong is the highest paid player in LaLigaCredit: GettyBut the Frenchman turned down the opportunity to earn big bucks in favour of completing a dream move to the Bernabeu.Mbappe, 25, will earn £26.3million a year – making him the highest-paid Real Madrid star.But his salary is lower than Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski and Manchester United target Frenkie de Jong, who is the highest-paid player in the league with a wage of £31.6m a year.Six Real Madrid players make up the top ten salaries with Mbappe accepting a massive pay cut to make his move from PSG.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever he was handed an £85.5m signing on fee upon his arrival.But if he did not leave PSG he could be picking up an eye-watering salary after being offered £86m-per-year to stay.Mbappe was unveiled as a Real Madrid player this week and he revealed his delight at joining the LaLiga giants.He said: “It’s such an incredible feeling to be here, just incredible. I spent endless nights dreaming about one day playing for Real Madrid, and today I’m one happy guy.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“I want to thank the president Florentino Perez, for always having great confidence in me.“There have been a lot of things going on, but we’ve done it. Thank you very much.Kylian Mbappe’s crazy Real Madrid contract“I’d also like to thank all those people who have put in a great effort for me to be able to be here today, who have done so much for me to enjoy this moment.“My family are so happy here, I can see my mum crying.“Now I have another dream. That’s a dream of living up to this club’s history.“I can promise that I will give it my all for this club and for this badge.“I’m very excited. The fact that I’m talking so much means that it’s important for me to be here today.“This is the club of my dreams and the biggest club in the history of world football. Hala Madrid.”Kylian Mbappe ‘snaps up £15m mansion in Beckham’s old neighbourhood’ next door to Real Madrid legend and Hollywood starBy Gerard CouzensKYLIAN MBAPPE has reportedly splashed out more than £15million on a mansion in Madrid.The French superstar, whose drawn-out transfer to Real Madrid has finally being confirmed, is said to have finalised the purchase late last month.Respected Spanish daily La Razon says the house he has bought is in the exclusive Madrid suburb of La Moraleja, where David Beckham spent most of his time living when he was in the Spanish capital.And it says his neighbours will include former Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos and his stunning model wife Pilar Rubio as well as Hollywood star Richard Gere and his Spanish publicist wife Alejandra Silva.La Razon said Mbappe had considered the gated estate of La Finca where Jude Bellingham lives and Cristiano Ronaldo still owns property as an option.But it reported the 25-year-old, who threw an extravagant party for 250 guests at a stylish Italian restaurant a short walk from the Eiffel Tower, ended up opting for La Moraleja a 15-minute drive from Real Madrid’s Valdebebas training complex because it was “more comfortable.”Read more on Mbappe’s property hunt. More

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    Fans spot ‘best agent in the world’ after Mbappe, Bellingham and Endrick are all persuaded to join Real Madrid

    REAL MADRID have “the best agent in the world” helping secure their top transfers – and he happens to also play for them. The LaLiga champions are fresh from unveiling Kylian Mbappe as the latest superstar to move to the Bernabeu. Kylian Mbappe is the latest superstar to join Los BlancosCredit: AFPJude Bellingham signed for Real Madrid in 2023Credit: GettyEndrick is signing for Real MadridCredit: GettyIt comes after Jude Bellingham and Endrick made similar moves. What do they all have in common? Brazilian Vinicius Jr convinced them to sign. Mbappe revealed: “The French players used to tell me [to come to Madrid] a lot. “Vinicius also sent me messages: ‘Come to Madrid, we’ll score goals together’.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I don’t need those messages to know that this is the best team in the world, but it’s a pleasure to feel loved.”I’m looking forward to playing with the players. Vini, Bellingham… they’re great players, but they all are. “I met some of my team-mates this morning. I’m very happy to be a Real Madrid player.”Vinicius’ masterplan paid off but it is not the first time he has pulled the same trick. Most read in FootballHow Kylian Mbappe’s incredible seven-year body transformation propelled skinny teen into world’s best playerBy Etienne FermieKYLIAN MBAPPE has entered his physical prime as he has FINALLY rubber-stamped his free transfer move to Real Madrid.The 25-year-old has grown from a boy to a man in Ligue 1, first with Monaco and then with current side Paris Saint-Germain.Mbappe debuted for Monaco as a skinny 16-year-old in 2015.He even featured as a scrawny youngster against Tottenham at the old White Hart Lane that year, before fans realised what an icon he would become.The following season, Mbappe really rose to superstardom as Monaco reached the Champions League semi-finals.In a throwback snap shared earlier this week, an 18-year-old Mbappe could be seen chatting to a reporter after grabbing a Champions League brace against Borussia Dortmund in April 2017.Read more on Mbappe’s incredible rise on and off the field.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe said in 2023: “I sent many messages to Bellingham last year. I was texting almost every day and I was telling him: “Come to Madrid’.” Endrick, 16, snubbed Chelsea, PSG and Barcelona thanks to the influence of you know who. Kylian Mbappe unveiled as Real Madrid player after historic transfer as he signs contract and poses with new shirt He told Marca: “Vinicius is a friend of mine. I was able to spend the holidays with him, I was able to see him and talk to him.”He told me a lot of things about Real Madrid. He told me I’m going to be fine. “It is a very good message knowing that it is the word of a player who is there and also Brazilian. By playing there he becomes an idol for me.”It can become a mirror for many people. His word gave me even more strength to close it with Real Madrid. “Before I went on vacation with him I had already closed it. So I arrived calmer. I talked to him, to the people there and I thank God for that.”Vinicius has become one of Madrid’s most key players – but now fans are hailing him for his work off the pitch. Kylian Mbappe ‘snaps up £15m mansion in Beckham’s old neighbourhood’ next door to Real Madrid legend and Hollywood starBy Gerard CouzensKYLIAN MBAPPE has reportedly splashed out more than £15million on a mansion in Madrid.The French superstar, whose drawn-out transfer to Real Madrid has finally being confirmed, is said to have finalised the purchase late last month.Respected Spanish daily La Razon says the house he has bought is in the exclusive Madrid suburb of La Moraleja, where David Beckham spent most of his time living when he was in the Spanish capital.And it says his neighbours will include former Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos and his stunning model wife Pilar Rubio as well as Hollywood star Richard Gere and his Spanish publicist wife Alejandra Silva.La Razon said Mbappe had considered the gated estate of La Finca where Jude Bellingham lives and Cristiano Ronaldo still owns property as an option.But it reported the 25-year-old, who threw an extravagant party for 250 guests at a stylish Italian restaurant a short walk from the Eiffel Tower, ended up opting for La Moraleja a 15-minute drive from Real Madrid’s Valdebebas training complex because it was “more comfortable.”Read more on Mbappe’s property hunt.One said: “The best agent in the world.” Another added: “He’s building his own super team.”One gushed: “People don’t understand he’s our best agent, any good player we’re linked with he helps swindle their heads.”Much has been made of what position Mbappe will play with Vinicius operating on the left-wing. But Mbappe talked down any suggestion of rivalry with his new team-mate. He said:  “Vinicius is a unique player, a very great player. I will be very happy to play with him, as with all the other players. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Great players know how to play together, I think. He has been incredible in recent seasons. “It is up to me to adapt to the team. I will do it as quickly as possible to help the team win.”Vinicius has convinced top stars over to Real MadridCredit: Reuters More