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      Mo Salah is as good as gone at Liverpool, and blokes up and down the country should be relieved

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      WHEN Mo Salah whipped off his shirt the other day and showed off that impressive six pack, I thought one thing — hope my missus isn’t watching.It was the same for most blokes up and down the country. I didn’t have muscles like that even in my prime as a player. We didn’t do weights in my day.A lot of blokes will be relieved if ripped Mo Salah leaves Liverpool next summerCredit: RexArne Slot has to accept his star man is going to exit on a free transferCredit: GettyAs well as giving the ladies a treat, that exhibition of his amazing abs also underlines what a fantastic athlete Salah is, as well as one of Liverpool’s all-time greats and still a formidable footballer.Even at 32, if you gave him a three-year contract next summer, he isn’t going to suddenly fall off a cliff with his fitness or his play.But if I were in Arne Slot’s place, as his manager at Anfield, I’d be thinking that Salah is gone after this season, no matter what cryptic messages he puts out to muddy the waters over his future.If he hasn’t signed by now, then to me Salah is gone, despite those comments about the club not coming up with a new offer like he did.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLet’s be honest, next summer he could head over to Saudi Arabia and pocket a £100million signing-on fee alone. And that’s without his wages on top. His transfer market worth must be £80-100m.Last summer Liverpool could have got more than that but the move to Saudi’s Pro League didn’t come off — that surprised me.Now of course, in the age of the Bosman free transfer, a lot of what Liverpool would have collected will go Salah’s way.He has a choice. If he is purely football driven, stay at Anfield. But even for someone like him, if clubs are dangling crazy figures in front of you, it becomes difficult to turn down.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe could have gone last year but was probably thinking that most of the £100m or even £200m Liverpool would have got for him, will be going his way in 12 months’ time, so he is sitting it out.In some ways if he wins the Premier League title again with Liverpool this season, it seems like a fitting way to go out.Jamie Carragher slams Mo Salah over ‘selfish’ interview after Liverpool star reveals he’s ‘more out than in’You have to be honest and think to yourself that this uncertainty has been dragging on for so long now that it makes things even more certain. That he is leaving.The carefully-scripted speeches, designed to keep people guessing, are just there to stop him burning his bridges with the fans.He doesn’t want to go out in bad faith with supporters — and I get that.Next summer he can leave and then sit down and write his own cheque for a deal to take him to Saudi.He could go to any club in the world — Real Madrid maybe? But even they would struggle to compete with the money on offer in the Middle East.And imagine what a superstar he would be out there.It suits him as a Muslim, for starters, and to have players like him around at any club would be incredible for others in the squad.A fantastic example to set for young hopeful prosHarry RedknappYounger players can look at guys like Salah and Cristiano Ronaldo, watch how they train, that they don’t eat rubbish, don’t drink, don’t abuse their bodies.They can watch and learn what is required if you want to be like Mo Salah. A fantastic example to set for young hopeful pros.It’s a world away from when I started out in management at Bournemouth. We were talking £200-a-week contracts back then, long before the advent of the Bosman Ruling.When I was at West Ham we sold Rio Ferdinand to Leeds for £18m — a lot of money back then.The chairman, Terry Brown, said to me he thought it would be one of the last big transfers because with the incoming Bosman Ruling, all players would choose to run their contracts down and leave for free.That was his belief and you can understand his feelings at the time, yet the transfers have just got crazier.If nothing else, Salah leaving England next summer would be a great relief to blokes everywhere who have been sucking their stomachs in since those pictures of his rack came out.Frank Lampard needs to bring in a wise head to assist him at Coventry CityCredit: GettyBEING FRANKIF I could offer one piece of advice to Frank Lampard on his return to management with Coventry it would be to get a wise, old head on his staff.Not me, I’ve had it, but someone that is a little bit more experienced than him, that he can talk to.When I went to Portsmouth as manager, I brought in Jim Smith. I was an experienced manager myself by then but he was still brilliant for me to have around.Frank has got a difficult job on at Coventry and to have an older man on the team to sound out would be a huge benefit. But fair play to Frank for coming back into the game. He has got so much to offer.His football knowledge is immense and his reputation as a player, and the way he carried himself as a player, will hopefully rub off on the squad.It’s about getting the right job. For example, people are waiting for Wayne Rooney to fail in every job.But he has gone to Plymouth and although it is a big club, they don’t have money.They just about stayed up last season. Wayne’s up against it from the start. Yet I have sat down with him and spoken about football and he has the makings of a terrific manager.You just need the right club at the right time.Kieran McKenna and Ipswich have been impressive this seasonCredit: ReutersTRACTOR NOISEWATCHING Ipswich this season makes me think they are the best placed to spring a surprise and stay up.The way they play, the energy, the atmosphere at Portman Road, especially last Sunday against Manchester United, really warmed me to them.READ MORE SUN STORIESKieran McKenna has a good side there and comes across so well.I’m rooting for them. More

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      Axed Coventry boss Mark Robins lined up for instant managerial return with Championship club – but sets strict condition

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      MARK ROBINS is open to a managerial return with Hull — but will not attend an interview for the post.Robins was sacked by Coventry last month and is one of the candidates Tigers plan to talk to about replacing the axed Tim Walter.Mark Robins is open to a managerial return with HullCredit: PAHull are asking for applications and CVs but Robins would prefer to be offered the jobCredit: AlamyHowever, Hull are asking for applications and CVs — and the 54-year-old Robins would prefer to be offered the job rather than go through that process.The ex-Coventry boss was the EFL’s longest serving manager as he spent seven years in the West Midlands.The Sky Blues were sitting adrift of the Championship drop in 17th place before his dismissal.Thus, the former Manchester United ace saw himself at the centre of a relegation battle this season.Read More on FootballRobins was in his second spell as Coventry boss, having returned to the club in March 2017 after the sacking of Russell Slade.He also had a short one-year stint in charge of the team back in 2012.Robins oversaw the resurrection of Coventry from the depths of League Two, to the champions of League One in 2020.He was even on the cusp of bringing the West Midlands club to the Premier League when they lost the Championship play-off final on penalties to Luton in 2023.Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd he memorably led them to the FA Cup semi-final last season, where they were unlucky to marginally lose out on pens to United after climbing back from 3-0 down in the second half.Coventry ultimately replaced Robins with ex-Chelsea boss Frank Lampard.Frank Lampard confirmed as Coventry manager as Chelsea legend returns to management after 18 months unemployed Lampard went on to sign a two-and-a-half year deal with the Championship outfit. More

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      Tottenham identify England U21 star as Guglielmo Vicario replacement with ‘next N’Golo Kante’ also on transfer wish list

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      TOTTENHAM are checking on Sunderland’s Anthony Patterson for the rest of the year before deciding if the Black Cats keeper will be their emergency signing.Patterson, 24, looks the perfect fit for Spurs, who need cover for injured Guglielmo Vicario — ideally one who would be happy as a reserve.Sunderland youngster Anthony Patterson is a target for TottenhamCredit: AlamyGuglielmo Vicario is going to be out with a longterm injuryCredit: EPAMidfielder Valentin Atangana has been labelled the ‘next N’Golo Kante’Credit: AlamyThe respected Black Cats No1 is ready for the step up to the top flight but it may have to be as a second choice.Sunderland will not want to lose Patterson in their bid for promotion to the Prem — though they usually sell at the right price so Tottenham could do a deal.Spurs have also considered James Trafford at Burnley but the England Under-21 stopper would cost a lot.Ivory Coast keeper Yahia Fofana of French side Angers is in their sights too.Read more football newsPatterson established himself as Sunderland’s first choice goalie in the 2021-2022 season.He has since gone on to star for the club 137 times.Last year, Patterson made his England U21 debut as a half-time substitute in a 2-0 defeat to Japan at St George’s Park.He has been touted as one of the best goalkeepers outside the Premier League.Most read in FootballTottenham snubbed Ollie Watkins transfer as Jose Mourinho refused to pay price tag and signed flop striker instead Man Utd and Liverpool have been linked with a move for Patterson in the past.Meanwhile, Tottenham and Aston Villa have joined the race for Reims’ young midfield star Valentin Atangana.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Cameroon-born wonder, 19, is earning rave reviews in France — and 26 top sides watched him play last week.He has been called the next N’Golo Kante by the French media.Atangana has played at various youth levels for France, from U17’s to U21’s.In 2022, he starred for his country in the European Under -17 Championships, who went on to win the competition. More

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      Chris Coleman hired by Premier League owner as he takes on tenth managerial job in seventh country

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      CHRIS COLEMAN has joined the Leicester group after being appointed boss of OH Leuven in Belgium.The ex-Wales manager, 54, keeps his colourful managerial adventure going by working in his seventh different country.Chris Coleman has been appointed as the new manager of OH LeuvenCredit: GettyColeman will be working for Leicester chairman Aiyawatt “Top” SrivaddhanaprabhaCredit: GettyColeman, who left AEL Limassol by mutual consent after 11 games last week, has signed an 18-month contract.He will be presented ahead of Sunday’s top-flight home game with Anderlecht in the Belgian pro league.OH Leuven are third bottom in 14th after 15 games.The club are owned by the King Power International Group with Foxes chairman Aiyawatt “Top” Srivaddhanaprabha performing the same role at both clubs.Read More on FootballOH Leuven’s stadium is also called the King Power, like that of Leicester, who appointed Ruud van Nistelrooy as their own manager on Friday night.Coleman worked in Wales where he led his country to the Euro 2016 semi-finals.He managed in England with Fulham, Coventry and Sunderland.But he likes a challenge overseas with various different experiences abroad.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSColeman coached Real Sociedad in Spain, Larissa and Atromitos in Greece and Hebei China Fortune in China before his short stint in Cyprus at AEL Limassol.The Welshman has managed many players around the world but declared in March that none compared to Gareth Bale.Sunderland boss Chris Coleman helps clear snow off pitch before training Coleman said: “[Bale] Is the best player Wales have ever had.”I also think he’s the most successful British player to ever go abroad, he won four Champions League titles, no one has ever done that from Britain.”You don’t have to coach players who are that good, you’ve just got to make sure they have got what they need.”Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Man Utd star ‘wants to leave club and reunite with former boss’ after being singled-out for criticism by Ruben Amorim

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      MANCHESTER UNITED flop Joshua Zirkzee reportedly wants to QUIT his new club for a reunion with old boss Thiago Motta at Juventus.Zirkzee, 23, has netted just one goal in 18 appearances following a £36.5million summer move from Bologna.Joshua Zirkzee wants to quit Man Utd for a reunion with old boss Thiago MottaCredit: GettyFormer Bologna gaffer Motta is now in charge at JuventusCredit: AlamyThe Dutch striker failed to nail down a spot in United’s starting XI under either Erik ten Hag, Ruud van Nistelrooy, with new manager Ruben Amorim also unimpressed after a verbal blast last week.And La Gazzetta claims Zirkzee is already eyeing a return to Italy in January.Before his move to Old Trafford, the forward netted 14 goals in 53 games at Bologna.Despite not being particularly prolific, Zirkzee established himself as a key player due to his link-up play and last season he helped Bologna qualify for the Champions League.Zirkzee’s manager during his two years at the club was former Barcelona, Inter Milan and PSG midfielder Motta.He is now gaffer at Serie A giants Juventus.And it’s reckoned Zirkzee is desperate to join Motta in Turin next year.Juventus would also like to strike a deal after remaining the only unbeaten side in Italy’s top flight.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThey are hoping United will agree to let Zirzkee join them on loan for the remainder of the season.And the two clubs could then sit down next summer to negotiate a fee for a permanent move.Ruben Amorim touched by Old Trafford welcome in win over Bodo/Glimt Ruben Amorim has already been critical of ZirkzeeCredit: GettyHowever, United would likely need to sign a replacement before green-lighting the deal.The Red Devils’ recent business has been heavily influenced by PSR and FFP constraints.And United would likely only be able to afford a temporary striker themselves – a rare commodity in the common market.But new manager Amorim has been less than impressed with the striker and could use it as an opportunity to bring in his own man.Speaking after his first match in the dugout, a 1-1 draw with Ipswich, Amorim criticised Zirzkee for failing to understand the basic nature of his role as a No9.Amorim said: “I think that (decision making) is a concern, you don’t need to coach them at this level.READ MORE SUN STORIES“You have to keep the ball and know the momentum to put the ball in front. Sometimes you feel that you can’t keep the ball and you have to put the ball in front.“Then you have like we are in the end of the game, we were around the box with two strikers. Josh has to understand that he has to go to the box to have the crosses.”Ten Hag’s Man Utd signingsThe Dutchman has brought in 21 players since moving to Old Trafford in 20222022-23:Antony, (Ajax) £86mCasemiro, (Real Madrid) £70mLisandro Martinez, (Ajax) £46mTyrell Malacia, (Feyenoord) £13mChristian Eriksen, (Brentford) freeMartin Dubravka, (Newcastle) loanWout Weghorst, (Burnley) loanJack Butland, (Crystal Palace) loanMarcel Sabitzer, (Bayern Munich) loan2023-24:Rasmus Hojlund, (Atalanta) £72mMason Mount, (Chelsea) £60mAndre Onana, (Inter Milan) £47mSofyan Amrabat, (Fiorentina) loanAltay Bayindir, (Fenerbahce) £4.3mJonny Evans, (Leicester) freeSergio Reguilon, (Tottenham) loan2024-25:Leny Yoro, (Lille) £52mManuel Ugarte, (Paris Saint-Germain) £50mMatthijs de Ligt, (Bayern Munich) £45mJoshua Zirkee, (Bologna) £36.5mNoussair Mazraoui, (Bayern Munich) £12.8m More

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

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      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

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      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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      Man Utd and Chelsea plotting transfer for Ipswich star Liam Delap – but Man City will have major say in next club

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      IPSWICH TOWN striker Liam Delap is reportedly attracting interest from some of England’s top clubs.The 21-year-old has enjoyed a fantastic start to life at Portman Road following his summer move from Manchester City.Liam Delap has attracted interest from Man Utd and ChelseaCredit: GettyIn just 12 Premier League appearances for the newly-promoted side, Delap has managed seven goal contributions.He played a crucial role in the club’s 2-1 win over Tottenham earlier this month, scoring once and providing the assist for Sammie Szmodics’ opener.The striker is now widely considered one of the most exciting young prospects in the Prem.Delap’s impressive form has attracted the attention of several clubs – including Manchester United and Chelsea.Read More in FootballBut according to The Athletic, his former club could scupper a deal.Man City generally insert buy-back clauses or matching rights into most sales, meaning they could have a huge say in the striker’s future.Ipswich officials want to keep Delap at Portman Road for as long as possible.However, they might struggle to do so – especially if they are relegated at the end of the campaign.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDelap, the son of Prem cult hero Rory Delap, joined Man City’s academy from Derby County in 2019 and made his first team debut the following year.He struggled to establish his spot in Pep Guardiola’s squad and was subsequently sent on three separate loan spells to Stoke, Preston and Hull.Man Utd player ratings vs Ipswich The striker joined Ipswich in a permanent deal worth up to £20million in July and penned a five-year contract.BBC Sport pundit Danny Murphy recently suggested he could be Harry Kane’s successor for England.He said: “I’ve seen him a bit quite a lot this season and I’d probably go as far as I say, for me, he the obvious long-term successor to Kane.”I think he’s the best young English striker out there.”I know he’s got a bit to learn and wisdom comes with experience and game time in this league.”But he’s got all the attributes to be a top international player.”Three 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