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      Enzo Fernandez’s ex-fiancee flies to London with their two children to spend New Year with Chelsea’s £107m star

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      ENZO Fernandez’s former fiancee Valentina Cervantes has revealed she will jet to London with their two children to see in the New Year together with her ex.The Blues midfielder stunned everyone – including the pretty brunette – by telling her earlier this year he wanted to end their six-year relationship.Enzo Fernandez’s ex-fiance is jetting into London for New YearCredit: Instagram @valucervantesThe pair split unexpectedly in October and share two children togetherCredit: Instagram / @valucervantesValentina jetted back to Argentina but will return to the capital for December 31Credit: Instagram / @valucervantesThe 24-year-old beauty moved back to their native Argentina with Olivia, four, and Benjamin, one, after confirming the split at the end of October.But on Friday she confirmed they would be jetting to the UK in the coming hours for a family reunion.Former law student Valentina, Enzo’s childhood sweetheart, also used an interview to reveal she had asked the footballer about rumours he was dating Argentinian rapper Nicki Nicole and had been assured the reports were untrue.The stunning influencer told Argentine newspaper La Nacion: “Enzo asked me to go to London for Christmas,READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”But I told him I preferred to spend it here in Argentina because the kids have more cousins and it makes the moment of opening gifts and everything else more special.”But for the 31st, we’ll travel there and spend it together.”She joked: “I’m not going to go to Big Ben with a cider alone. We talked about it, and he has no problem with it, and neither do I, in that I know how to separate things.”We are going to do everything possible to make the children happy.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”I’m going to stay a few days because I have to finish some things there that I left behind, then I’ll come back here and they’ll stay with him a bit longer.”Valentina also admitted she and Enzo lived and slept together for another 10 days after he left her shell-shocked by telling her “from one day to the next” he didn’t want to be with her anymore.Enzo Maresca’s brutal warning to Chelsea stars after Madueke dropped for Fulham defeat and summer signing axed entirely Asked whether they made love, she added: “Yes, some days, as a goodbye.”Addressing the split, Valentina continued: “I think it was a combination of things on his part. He made the decision and I respected it. We have two children together.”To this day, we try to have a good relationship, we try to share, so that the kids can continue living together.”If you ask me what happened, I have nothing specific to tell you.”I just think that he decided to focus 100 percent on his career, on performing, on finding himself.”He might not have been at his best as a player and tried to find it. “Today, fortunately, things are going well for him. That’s why I’m also happy.”The 24-year-old beauty has wished Fernandez well and insists there is no animosityCredit: Instagram / @valucervantesAfter their split rumours began circulating Fernandez was dating 24-year-old Nicole, whose real name is Nicole Cucco and was born and raised in Lionel Messi’s home city of Rosario.But Valentina said: “I asked him. Obviously, I don’t get involved in those things and I would respect the woman he has from now on because it’s his life.”But I wanted to know because I think as the mother of the children I have to know and he told me they weren’t together.”Olivia listens to Nicki Nicole’s songs, I was thrilled – I think they met once. Not alone, in a group.”She added: “We’ve talked about the fact that if either of us starts a new relationship in the future, we will inform each other out of respect and because we share two children together.”Valentina announced the end of their relationship at the end of October by writing on Instagram: “With Enzo, today we decided to put space between us.Chelsea ratings vs Everton as Enzo continues to shine but Jackson costs Blues chance to winCHELSEA extended their unbeaten run to nine Premier League games with a performance that will quickly be forgotten.Chances on goal were few and far between but Nicolas Jackson had two opportunities to put the Blues ahead in the first half.SunSport’s Kealan Hughes provides his ratings of the Chelsea squad…Robert Sanchez – 7Smart stop down to his right to deny Orel Mangala shortly before the break.Pulled off an even better save when Jack Harrison looked certain to score in the second half.Axel Disasi – 6Dealt with the tricky Iliman Ndiaye reasonably well. Lacked an attacking threat which hindered Blues going forward.Tosin Adarabioyo – 8Made a brilliant block 15 minutes from time to stop Ndiaye finding the net with Sanchez beaten.He also looked assured on the ball and comfortable doing the nitty-gritty every time he plays. Deserves more game time.Levi Colwill – 7An accomplished display as he limited Everton’s chances on goal, worked well with Adarabioyo.Malo Gusto – 5Was caught out a few times by Harrison, who should have scored when he got in behind the left-back.Almost opened the scoring in the first half but Pickford charged down his shot well.Moises Caicedo – 7Protected the defence well and cut out a lot of loose balls to prevent Everton getting near the Chelsea box.Enzo Fernandez – 8Perhaps Chelsea’s best player. Saw a lot of the ball and kept possession nicely.Had one shooting opportunity he aimed straight at the keeper.Cole Palmer – 5Squared well for Jackson’s chance. Failed to influence the match in his usual manner, which is a credit to the Everton defence.Pedro Neto – 5Plenty of effort and endeavour but not really his day. Every time he did threaten he was quickly fouled.Jadon Sancho – 5Some nice touches and passes but rarely posed a threat.Nicolas Jackson – 4Spurned a big chance first half as Pickford was equal to a close range effort.He then missed an even easier opportunity minutes later as he directed his header onto the post with the goal gaping.SubsChristopher Nkunku (for Jackson, 76mins) – 5Noni Madueke (for Neto, 76mins) – 5″But we will always be family and we will support each other in everything because there are two children in the middle who need a lot of our love for them.”I know the person and the excellent father that Enzo is, and the heart he has and with that, I’m satisfied.”Don’t try to create wars where there are none.”Fernandez, who cost Chelsea £106million, struggled to live up to his hefty price tag following his arrival at the club in January last year from Benfica.Valentina has rubbished rumours of Fernandez dating Nicki NicoleCredit: Instagram / @valucervantesHe endured a difficult first full campaign at Chelsea under Mauricio Pochettino, struggling with a hernia issue which required surgery and meant he missed 10 games.But his performances this season have improved following a spell on the bench.Addressing the difficulties of his first 18 months at Chelsea in a recent interview, the 23-year-old said: “When I arrived it was very difficult, the first year and a half here, change of coaches, the club wasn’t doing well, personal injuries.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I was not satisfied with what I had been showing, then I got injured, many adverse things happened.”I tried to move forward but today I feel very good, as does the team and we hope to continue on this path.” More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo’s slip of the tongue at Globe Soccer Awards sparks questions about Georgina Rodriguez relationship

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO has sparked fierce speculation he has secretly married partner Georgina Rodriguez. The 39-year-old star described Rodriguez as his “wife” during his acceptance speech at the 2024 Globe Soccer Awards. Cristiano Ronaldo and partner Georgina Rodriguez attended Friday’s Globe Soccer AwardsCredit: APThe Portuguese superstar refereed to Rodriguez as his wife during his speechCredit: APThe pair have been together since 2016 but have never publically declared if they have tied the knotCredit: GettyRonaldo was honoured twice during a glittering ceremony in Dubai on Friday. The Al Nassr forward was named the Best Middle Eastern player and bagged another award for being the Top Goalscorer of All Time. During his acceptance speech, CR7 dedicated the gong to Georgina – who stunned with her eye-catching outfit – and his son Cristiano Jr, 14.Ronaldo said: “It’s a big pleasure to win this trophy. My oldest son is here, my wife [Georgina] is here.”READ MORE ON RONALDORodriguez and Ronaldo have been together since 2016 and have two children together – Alana Martina, 8, and Bella, 2.She is also a doting stepmother to his other three kids – twins Eva and Mateo, 7, and Cristiano Jr.The loved-up pair have never publically declared they are married, with Ronaldo’s slip of the tongue sending the rumour mill into overdrive. One fan wrote on X: “Ronaldo will come out and call Georgina “MY WIFE” but these cry babies will still say they’re not married. You think they’d invite you?”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhile another speculated: “They definitely got hitched.”And a third added: “I lived when Cristiano Ronaldo called Georgina his wife. So happy.”Inside Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez’s Christmas trip to Lapland with snowmobiles and reindeerIt’s not the first time Ronaldo has publically referred to Rodriguez as his wife.Back in the summer, the pair appeared on Ronaldo’s YouTube channel where he introduced her as his beau. Following the video, Ronaldo’s publicist released a statement to PEOPLE saying they had “no knowledge of whether or not Cristiano is married to Georgina”.Rodriguez and Ronaldo share two children togetherCredit: instagram/@georginagioInside Cristiano Ronaldo’s incredible lifeAS arguably the greatest player of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo lives a life befitting such a superstar.During Friday’s speech, Ronaldo thanked his partner of nine years before hitting back at retirement rumours.The former Man Utd star turns 40 in February – but believes he still has plenty of gas left in the tank.He continued: “[Georgina] is my lovely support all the time to carry on to play. “In one month I’m gonna be 40 years old but I’m not finished yet. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I will continue because I want to win titles, I want to be a champion.”I want to score more goals, I want to try to win for the national team.” More

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      Top 20 footballers whose transfer value rose most in 2024 with seven Premier League stars including Cole Palmer

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      SEVEN Premier League stars feature in this year’s top 20 highest transfer value climbers.Plenty of players around the world have increased their stocks with brilliant performances in 2024.Cole Palmer is among the Prem’s finest talentsCredit: GettyFrom teenage wonderkids to already established stars making a leap, this list features players that have soared during the last 12 months.Boffins over at Transfermarkt calculate every player’s transfer value.And they have compiled their list of the top 20 risers during 2024.Here is a run-through of each player to have made the cut.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL20 – VIKTOR GYOKERES – SPORTING CPTransfer value: £62m (+£25m)Former Coventry and Brighton star has been sensational since moving to Portugal. Has scored 27 goals in 26 games this season, and will have upped his stock with a Champions League hat-trick vs Manchester City.Viktor Gyokeres has impressed in Portugal and Europe this yearCredit: Getty19 – RAPHINHATransfer value: £66m (+£25m)The winger, 28, has come on leaps and bounds since leaving Leeds in 2022. He has established himself as one of Barca’s key men, and even captains them in Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s injury absence.Most read in FootballFormer Leeds star Raphinha has gone from strength to strength at BarcelonaCredit: RexBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS18 – FEDE VALVERDE Transfer value: £108m (+£25m)Despite being surrounded by superstars, Valverde continues to stand out. The 26-year-old helped Real Madrid to LaLiga and Champions League triumphs last term.Fede Valverde has enjoyed another productive yearCredit: Rex~16 – JAMAL MUSIALA Transfer value: £116m (+£25m)Attacking midfielder Musiala excelled at Euro 2024 with Germany last summer. At club level, the 21-year-old is already among Bayern Munich’s best players.Jamal Musiala is among Bayern Munich’s best playersCredit: GettyHeartwarming moment Jude Bellingham hears emotional message from childhood pal and Bayern star at Ballon d’Or ceremony~16 – PHIL FODEN Transfer value: £116m (+£25m)Manchester City star Foden was crowned PFA Player of the Year for his exploits during the 2023-24 campaign. At 24, it’s expected that he should soon enter his prime years.Phil Foden won PFA Player of the Year last seasonCredit: Reuters15 – BUKAYO SAKATransfer value: £124m (+£25m)Prior to his recent hamstring injury, Saka continued to thrive for the Gunners. The 23-year-old has already scored five goals and laid on 10 assists this season.Bukayo Saka continued to flourish in 2024Credit: AFP14 – RICCARDO CALAFIORITransfer value: £37m (+£26.5m)Italian defender Calafiori hugely improved his stock with his performances at Euro 2024. The 22-year-old subsequently earned a summer move from Genoa to Arsenal.Riccardo Calafiori earned a summer transfer following his Euro 2024 performancesCredit: Getty13 – KENAN YILDIZ Transfer value: £37m (+£29m)Turkish international has established himself as one of Juventus’ key players aged just 19. He is projected to get better and better with the Old Lady.Kenan Yildiz has established himself as a star player at JuventusCredit: Rex12 – FERMIN LOPEZTransfer value: £41m (+£29m)Lopez, 21, is one of several La Masia graduates to make this top 20 list. With Barca still struggling financially, the midfielder’s importance will likely only grow.Fermin Lopez is yet another star to have come through Barcelona’s academyCredit: Getty11 – BRADLEY BARCOLA Transfer value: £54m (+£29m)Previously stuck behind Kylian Mbappe in PSG’s pecking order, Barcola has been able to flourish since the forward’s departure. The 22-year-old has firmly developed into one of Ligue 1’s best players this season.Bradley Barcola has established himself as one of the best players in Ligue 1Credit: Rex10 – MORGAN ROGERS Transfer value: £33m (+£31m)Former Man City academy starlet Rogers left Middlesbrough for Aston Villa in January. This season he has grown into one of Unai Emery’s most important players.Morgan Rogers has grown into one of Aston Villa’s best playersCredit: Getty9 – ESTEVAOTransfer value: £41m (+£33m)Brazilian wonderkid Estevao, 17, has already broken into the Selecao national team following his performances for Palmeiras. He is set to join Chelsea upon his 18th birthday next summer.Estevao could be set to move to England next summerCredit: Alamy8 – FLORIAN WIRTZTransfer value: £116m (+£33m)German attacking midfielder starred as Bayer Leverkusen achieved a historic campaign last term. Wirtz, 21, was central to Xabi Alonso’s side achieving an unbeaten Bundesliga title season and winning the DFB Pokal.Florian Wirtz helped Bayer Leverkusen to an unprecedented seasonCredit: Getty7 – OMAR MARMOUSHTransfer value: £50m (+£37m)Egyptian international Marmoush has become one of the Bundesliga’s hottest properties this year. The 25-year-old has starred for Eintracht Frankfurt, who may struggle to keep hold of him.Omar Marmoush is among the Bundesliga’s deadliest finishersCredit: AFP6 – ALEKSANDAR PAVLOVIC Transfer value: £41m (+£40m)Holding midfielder Pavlovic has risen from relative obscurity to become a key cog for Bayern. The 20-year-old German is expected to keep going from strength to strength for club and county.Aleksandar Pavlovic has become a regular at Bayern MunichCredit: Getty5 – KOBBIE MAINOO Transfer value: £45.5m (+£40.5m)Manchester United academy graduate Mainoo is already among the Red Devils’ most important players. New boss Ruben Amorim will hope to have the 19-year-old fit and firing during the second half of the campaign.Kobbie Mainoo is already among Man Utd’s most important playersCredit: Rex4 – VINICIUS JRTransfer value: £165m (+£41m)Brazilian winger felt robbed of the Ballon d’Or, but can still look back on plenty of personal accolades this year. The 24-year-old is a man in his prime, helping Real Madrid to trophy after trophy each season.Vinicius Jr enjoyed another sensational year for Real MadridCredit: AFP3 – PAU CUBARSITransfer value: £58m (+£57m)Central defender Cubarsi is already starring at the back for Barcelona aged just 17. The academy graduate has shown an amazing maturity beyond his years.Pau Cubarsi is starring at the back for Barca aged just 17Credit: Rex2 – COLE PALMER Transfer value: £108m (+£70m)Chelsea star Palmer is second on this list and the highest-ranked Premier League player. Since moving to Stamford Bridge from Man City he has exceeded all expectations, leaving his old club to rue the sale.READ MORE SUN STORIESCole Palmer is already among the Premier League’s star menCredit: Rex1 – LAMINE YAMALTransfer value: £149m (£99m)The third La Masia graduate on this list, Yamal is the most impressive. Like Cubarsi he is aged just 17, and has already carried Spain to Euro 2024 glory – an incredibly exciting talent.Lamine Yamal is already arguably Barcelona and Spain’s best playerCredit: Rex More

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      Amazon Prime Video presenter and John Legend give fans ‘second hand embarrassment’ after Arsenal’s win over Ipswich

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      JOHN LEGEND gave his best rendition of North London Forever in a “cringeworthy” interview at the Emirates Stadium last night.The superstar singer was in north London to watch on as Arsenal jumped back up to second place in the Premier League thanks to a 1-0 victory over Ipswich Town.John Legend left fans ‘cringing’ live on Amazon Prime VideoCredit: Amazon SportLegend and wife Chrissy Teigen were at the Emirates Stadium for Arsenal vs Ipswich TownCredit: Amazon SportLegend was gave his best rendition of Arsenal’s pre-match song ‘The Angel’Credit: Amazon SportAmazon presenter Alex Aljoe had to feed the lyrics to the global superstarCredit: Amazon SportCameras had found Legend and his wife Chrissy Teigen sitting in the stands during the game with their kids.But the folks at Amazon Prime Video managed to wangle themselves a pitch-side interview after the game had come to an end too.Presenter and reporter Alex Aljoe had a chat with the 12-time Grammy Award winner about his time in the capital and even managed to get him to sing live on the coverage.Aljoe asked Legend to give his best shot at singing Arsenal’s pre-match song ‘The Angel’, better known as ‘North London Forever’.READ MORE ON ARSENALWith a little help from Aljoe feeding him the lyrics line-by-line, Legend was able to sing a small part of the song while fans at home watched on.However, not all supporters were impressed and instead found the interaction to be a tough watch.On social media, one fan wrote: “Second hand embarrassment”. While another added: “Awkward interview”.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSA third commented: “Every bit of my body is cringing”.And a fourth posted: “This is proper cringeworthy”. Mikel Arteta reveals Bukayo Saka is set to miss months after surgery as he gives injury update on Arsenal starPerhaps the main reason that it was hard for fans to watch was Legend’s own admission that he didn’t know the words.Clearly attending for the first time since the Gunners’ began singing the pre-match song, Legend had told Aljoe that he was trying to figure out what the fans were singing.He said: “I was listening and trying to figure out what everyone was singing. But I love how synced up everyone is – it’s incredible”. It wasn’t exactly a thriller for the Hollywood couple, with Arsenal somewhat limping their way to a 1-0 victory in the absence of star man Bukayo Saka.But a goal from Kai Havertz helped the Gunners to earn three points in the busy festive schedule where points are always more important than performances.Kai Havertz was the difference maker as Arsenal beat Ipswich 1-0Credit: GettyArsenal ratings vs IpswichBy Katherine WalshARSENAL leapfrogged Chelsea back into second in the Premier League table with a 1-0 win over Ipswich.Kai Havertz’s close-range finish midway through the first half proved to be the difference between the title-chasing Gunners and relegation-threatened Tractor Boys. Here’s how SunSport’s Katherine Walsh rated the Arsenal players at the Emirates Stadium…David Raya – 5Cut a lonely figure and must have been cold standing on his goal-line for most of the first half as his team-mates enjoyed 84 per cent possession.Had his first touch on 31 minutes but was called upon more in the second half as Ipswich grew into the game.Jurrien Timber – 6Got the fans on their feet with a glorious run through the middle of the park inside 19 minutes, but his limp long range shot was easily kept out by Muric.Clearly had a licence to roam, cutting in from full-back and driving up the pitch.William Saliba – 7Joined Gabriel in the highest line set-up of the season. The pair of them were at the edge of Muric’s box for most of the first half.The Frenchman was solid in dealing with a boisterous Liam Delap.Gabriel – 8Great game for the Brazilian to ease back into 90 minutes after starting against Crystal Palace on Saturday.Caused his usual nuisance in the opposition area from corners but missed a sitter from a Rice set-piece in the 64th minute.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7Getting more and more impressive each week. The way he moves with that low centre of gravity makes him so hard to dispossess.But a poor clearance saw Ipswich enjoy a first spell of possession before the hour mark.The 18-year-old was poked and prodded by Ipswich striker Delap and Kalvin Phillips at times but dealt with it well.Declan Rice – 7Rice was pushed into a defensive No6 role but didn’t have to stay there long.Energetic as always and added another level of attack he got his foot on the ball and won a dangerous free kick on the edge of the area.Kai Havertz – 8Officially back in midfield in Saka’s absence after having played most of the season up top.But the German was in the perfect elusive centre-forward’s position to tap home with a breakthrough opener inside 23 minutes.Rotated and exchanged the No9 role – perhaps Arteta has found a new partnership that may see them through this spell without Saka.Martin Odegaard – 6Rare off evening for the Arsenal captain but nothing too drastic. Uncharacteristic air ball inside six minutes and wasn’t as sharp in his passing.Perhaps missing the chemistry he has with Saka and lost the ball cheaply at times.Gabriel Martinelli – 6All eyes were on the winger as he filled in for Saka on the right-hand side.The Brazilian perhaps lacks the directness of the Gunners’ starboy, but he saw plenty of the ball and linked up well with Jesus.Whipped the first ball in for Havertz’s goal which came out to Trossard who provided the assist.Leandro Trossard – 7Started on the left and kept the ball alive to steal a yard on Ben Johnson and provide Havertz with a wicked cross and his 12th goal of the season.Troubled Ipswich’s Johnson with his direct running and tireless work rate throughout.Gabriel Jesus – 5Jesus clearly had the bit between his teeth at the moment after last week’s goal rush.Couldn’t quite hold his run well enough when breaking through after 34 minutes for his offside goal. Perhaps over eager at that moment.Looked disappointed when he was subbed off with 20 minutes remaining. More

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      ‘Such a pity’ – Major broadcaster ENDS Premier League coverage as fans are left heartbroken

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      AMAZON PRIME VIDEO signed off on their six years of Premier League coverage last night.The streaming platform have broadcast two complete rounds of matches during the last half-dozen Prem seasons.Gabby Logan signed off on Amazon Prime Video’s Prem coverageCredit: X formerly Twitter / @primevideosportBut with the next TV deal kicking in next season, Prime Video have been squeezed out.Prime’s package, which included all Boxing Day fixtures and another mid-week round of games, was removed from the latest round of bidding.The streamer had been paying around £30million per season, but would have found themselves potentially having to shell out around 10 times that figure to compete with Sky Sports and TNT Sports for any of the other packages.Gabby Logan presented coverage of their final match, last night’s clash between Arsenal and Ipswich.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe popular presenter signed off from the Emirates, saying: “We’ve had six fantastic years of Premier League football on Prime – 128 games, 335 goals, some singing from John Legend and countless epic moments.”We hope you’ve enjoyed those as much as we have loved making them. Don’t worry, we will continue to bring you exclusive coverage of Tuesday’s top Champions League games all season long.”So on behalf of everyone at Prime, we wish you a very happy new year and we’ll see you again soon.”Prime Video posted Logan’s farewell to their social media channels, as well as a montage featuring the best bits of their coverage.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe streaming service offered live Prem football to plenty of British households that do not have Sky Sports or TNT Sports.With the next TV deal running to the end of the 2028-29 season, those fans will now miss out on seeing any live games.’New MOTD host’ Gabby Logan’s live TV interview with Liverpool boss Arne Slot ends awkwardly Following Logan’s sign-off, plenty of fans took to social media to vent their frustration.One wrote: “Such a shame, Amazon coverage is on another level.”While a second echoed: “Great coverage, will be missed!”A third asked: “Best coverage out there. Come back.”And a fourth claimed: “What a pity.”Another added: “You guys should do the prem full time.”THE NEW DEAL EXPLAINEDTNT Sports will retain their usual Saturday 12:30pm kick-off slot, while they will also show two mid-week rounds of games.The broadcaster will show 52 Premier League matches in total per season.Sky Sports, meanwhile, are set to show 215 Prem games per season, starting next year.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey will continue to broadcast matches on Friday and Monday evenings, Saturdays at 5:30pm and Sundays at 2pm and 4:30pm.Sky will now also be able to show matches moved to 2pm on Sunday due to clubs’ participation in the Europa League or Europa Conference League. 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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      Bukayo Saka undergoes surgery and set for MONTHS out as Mikel Arteta gives update on Arsenal star’s injury

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      ARSENAL star Bukayo Saka is set for MONTHS out after undergoing surgery.Saka, 23, was forced off just 23 minutes into the Gunners’ 5-1 thrashing of Crystal Palace with a hamstring injury last week.Arsenal star Bukayo Saka suffered a hamstring injury last weekCredit: GettyArsenal boss Mikel Arteta confimed Saka may be out for more than two monthsCredit: RexMatches Bukayo Saka is set to missHere are the matches Arsenal star Bukayo Saka is set to miss after his hamstring injury:Brentford (A) – Jan 1Brighton (A) – Jan 4Newcastle (H) Carabao Cup – Jan 7Man Utd (H) FA Cup – Jan 12Tottenham (H) – Jan 15Aston Villa (H) – Jan 18Dinamo Zagreb (H) Champions League – Jan 22Wolves (A) – Jan 25Girona (A) Champions League – Jan 29Man City (H) – Feb 2Newcastle (A) Carabao Cup – Feb 5Leicester (A) – Feb 15West Ham (H) – Feb 22Nottingham Forest (A) – Feb 25And manager Mikel Arteta issued a bleak update regarding his star winger’s fitness as he confirmed he underwent a procedure. The Arsenal boss confirmed the England international may be out for more than two months.Arteta said: “I prefer to leave it to the doctor or himself. “But yes Bukayo had a procedure and everything went well, but unfortunately he will be out for many, many weeks.Read More on Arsenal“I said many weeks, so I think it will be more than two months. I don’t know exactly how much longer.“It will depend on how the scar tissue starts to heal, the first week or so, the mobility of that. Let’s see, it’s very difficult to say.“We have to rely on the team, that is our strength, we are a team of players who can score 20-30 goals together.”Saka has been a focal point for Arsenal this season as he dominated opponents down the right flank.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe forward has amassed a total of nine goals and 13 assists in 24 appearances across all competitions this season.And Saka’s injury poses as a blow to the North Londoners’ Premier League title hopes after climbing to second place behind leaders Liverpool, who are six points ahead with a game in hand.Arsenal player ratings: Havertz shines in different role but Jesus can’t keep up hot streak against IpswichThat could force Arteta’s hand ahead of the upcoming January transfer window.Many have claimed that Arsenal have been in need of attacking reinforcement since the summer as they lack a natural centre-forward.That has led to links with the likes of Sporting Lisbon’s Victor Gyokeres, Lille’s Jonathan David, Napoli’s Victor Osimhen and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Omar Marmoush.Most recent reports have claimed the Premier League giants could also move for Wolves’ Matheus Cunha and Paris Saint-Germain’s Randal Kolo Muani.Kai Havertz, who scored the winner against Ipswich on Friday during Saka’s absence, has been carrying the burden up front for most of the season.Arteta appears open to tackle the winter market as he said that “preparation is done” and Arsenal are ready to spend in January “if something happens .”The Spanish tactician said when asked if the club planned to do business this coming month: “Yes, the preparation is done. We are ready if something happens. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Obviously we didn’t predict the situation with Bukayo and Raheem [Sterling] at the same time. We predicted more if something has happened, for example, in the defensive line. But the job is done. “Then, okay, if something has to happen we will be open. But the main focus is now how we should strive to distil the potential that there is in this squad.”Arsenal ratings vs IpswichBy Katherine WalshARSENAL leapfrogged Chelsea back into second in the Premier League table with a 1-0 win over Ipswich.Kai Havertz’s close-range finish midway through the first half proved to be the difference between the title-chasing Gunners and relegation-threatened Tractor Boys. Here’s how SunSport’s Katherine Walsh rated the Arsenal players at the Emirates Stadium…David Raya – 5Cut a lonely figure and must have been cold standing on his goal-line for most of the first half as his team-mates enjoyed 84 per cent possession.Had his first touch on 31 minutes but was called upon more in the second half as Ipswich grew into the game.Jurrien Timber – 6Got the fans on their feet with a glorious run through the middle of the park inside 19 minutes, but his limp long range shot was easily kept out by Muric.Clearly had a licence to roam, cutting in from full-back and driving up the pitch.William Saliba – 7Joined Gabriel in the highest line set-up of the season. The pair of them were at the edge of Muric’s box for most of the first half.The Frenchman was solid in dealing with a boisterous Liam Delap.Gabriel – 8Great game for the Brazilian to ease back into 90 minutes after starting against Crystal Palace on Saturday.Caused his usual nuisance in the opposition area from corners but missed a sitter from a Rice set-piece in the 64th minute.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7Getting more and more impressive each week. The way he moves with that low centre of gravity makes him so hard to dispossess.But a poor clearance saw Ipswich enjoy a first spell of possession before the hour mark.The 18-year-old was poked and prodded by Ipswich striker Delap and Kalvin Phillips at times but dealt with it well.Declan Rice – 7Rice was pushed into a defensive No6 role but didn’t have to stay there long.Energetic as always and added another level of attack he got his foot on the ball and won a dangerous free kick on the edge of the area.Kai Havertz – 8Officially back in midfield in Saka’s absence after having played most of the season up top.But the German was in the perfect elusive centre-forward’s position to tap home with a breakthrough opener inside 23 minutes.Rotated and exchanged the No9 role – perhaps Arteta has found a new partnership that may see them through this spell without Saka.Martin Odegaard – 6Rare off evening for the Arsenal captain but nothing too drastic. Uncharacteristic air ball inside six minutes and wasn’t as sharp in his passing.Perhaps missing the chemistry he has with Saka and lost the ball cheaply at times.Gabriel Martinelli – 6All eyes were on the winger as he filled in for Saka on the right-hand side.The Brazilian perhaps lacks the directness of the Gunners’ starboy, but he saw plenty of the ball and linked up well with Jesus.Whipped the first ball in for Havertz’s goal which came out to Trossard who provided the assist.Leandro Trossard – 7Started on the left and kept the ball alive to steal a yard on Ben Johnson and provide Havertz with a wicked cross and his 12th goal of the season.Troubled Ipswich’s Johnson with his direct running and tireless work rate throughout.Gabriel Jesus – 5Jesus clearly had the bit between his teeth at the moment after last week’s goal rush.Couldn’t quite hold his run well enough when breaking through after 34 minutes for his offside goal. Perhaps over eager at that moment.Looked disappointed when he was subbed off with 20 minutes remaining. More

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      Dunfermline v Falkirk derby descends into chaos as seats damaged and fans arrested after ‘missiles aimed at players’

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      FRIDAY night’s massive Championship grudge match between Dunfermline and Falkirk was a thriller on the pitch – but was marred by shocking incidents off it.Both sides took a share of the points at East End Park after Kyle Benedictus’ late equaliser for Dunfermline made it 3-3 in the Scottish Championship clash. Damaged seats at Falkirk endCredit: Kenny RamsayDebris was left scattered at the side of the pitchCredit: Kenny RamsayFireworks were launched onto the pitch before the gameCredit: Kenny RamsayFirework in Dunfermline goalmouthCredit: Kenny RamsayIt’s always a fiery affair when these two clubs meet.And tonight’s derby is one that will be remembered for all the wrong reasons. We told you earlier tonight how fans defied stern warnings from the SFA and the government over the use of devices as fireworks were let off by both sets of supporters inside the stadium before the match.The ground was engulfed in smoke ahead of kick-off and punters continued to produce fiery displays during the match.The derby later descended into chaos as Dunfermline fought back from behind three times to snatch a draw late on. Wild celebrations broke out in the Falkirk end with fans invading the pitch after they thought Liam Henderson had netted the winner for their team on the 87th minute – before the Pars skipper made it level again in stoppage time. Shocking pictures show how around 100 seats in the away end were destroyed by rowdy supporters during the chaotic clash. Debris from the wreckage was left scattered on the turf next to the advertising boards behind the goal where the Bairns were shooting into during the second half. Most read in FootballIt’s also understood players were allegedly targeted with missiles throughout the clash and at full-time.Objects such as coins, flares, fireworks and lighters were all allegedly launched in players’ directions during the shocking scenes.Stunning moment ex-Rangers youngster scores ‘goal of the season’ from his own half on home debutPyro devices were also allegedly launched onto the turf.Police Scotland have confirmed that FIVE arrests were made.Chief Inspector Kathryn Fairfield said: “Five arrests have been made following disorder at the Dunfermline versus Falkirk football match on Friday, 27 December, 2024.“Incidents of disorder and violence happened during the match and adjacent to the stadium. There was also minor disorder in the city centre.“The males arrested were aged 16, 18, 20, 21 and 25. Two males aged 14 were charged with possession of pyrotechnics. A 26-year-old man was charged in connection with urinating in the street. “Disorder before, during and after a football match is not acceptable. We will continue to work closely with both clubs and the football authorities.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Enquiries are ongoing.”Liam Henderson thought he clinched the winner in the closing stagesCredit: Kenny RamsayKyle Benedictus stepped up with the late equaliser minutes laterCredit: Kenny RamsayKeep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More