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    Trent Alexander-Arnold set for NINE-FIGURE payday if he joins Real Madrid as one of world’s best-paid players

    TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD is set for a £100million pay day if he joins Real Madrid.The European champions were willing to pay £20m to sign the Liverpool right-back, 26, in the current transfer window.Real Madrid are pushing to sign Trent Alexander-ArnoldCredit: GettyThe full-back is set for a huge pay rise if he makes the switchCredit: GettyBut Real’s decision to make their interest official is viewed as a  strategic move to ultimately land him on a free in the summer.And Alexander-Arnold is set to receive a mind-boggling sum if he puts pen to paper for Real.Real are prepared to give the England right back a hefty increase on his £180,000-a-week Anfield wages.But the real money-spinner will be the signing-on fee.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhen Kylian Mbappe moved to Real from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer, he agreed a £128m golden hello – payable over his five-year contract.That was on top of annual wages of £12.8m – which equates to almost £250,000 per week.Although Alexander-Arnold will not be able to match Mbappe’s total package of £192m, he will become one of the best-paid players in the world.Reports in Spain claim the product of the Reds’ academy has told Anfield chiefs he wants to join Real and embrace a new challenge after 20 years at the club.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut Merseyside sources say the club deny this and are still trying to tie down Alexander-Arnold – and fellow out-of-contract stars Salah and Virgil van Dijk – to a new deal.Real Madrid are also allegedly interested in signing William Saliba from Arsenal.Awkward Alexander-Arnold billboard showing Liverpool star posing with ex is erected in MilanHowever, last month the Frenchman gave Mikel Arteta a boost by pledging his long-term future to the Gunners.He insisted: “I feel at home here.”I signed for the club five years ago but it’s only my third season and I’m enjoying everything — the players, staff and fans.”Asked if could envisage staying at the Emirates for a long time, he replied: “Yeah, of course.” More

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    Real Madrid ‘sound out William Saliba’s entourage over world record fee to sign Arsenal star’ in shock transfer

    ARSENAL defender William Saliba has reportedly emerged as a top transfer target for Real Madrid.The Frenchman has firmly established himself as one of Europe’s top defenders over the last two years.Real Madrid reportedly want to sign William SalibaCredit: GettyAnd his impressive form has attracted interest from some Champions League rivals.Spanish outlet SPORT claims Real Madrid could launch a bid to sign him at the end of the season.But they will likely have to fork out at least £83million for him – which would be a world record fee for a defender.The report also claims Real Madrid chiefs sounded out Saliba’s entourage and received a positive response.Read More in FootballSaliba currently has two-and-a-half years remaining on his Arsenal contract.But last month he gave Mikel Arteta a boost by pledging his long-term future to the Gunners.He insisted: “I feel at home here.”I signed for the club five years ago but it’s only my third season and I’m enjoying everything — the players, staff and fans.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAsked if could envisage staying at the Emirates for a long time, the Frenchman replied: “Yeah, of course.”Saliba is not the only man on Real Madrid’s radar.Arteta looks back on his five years managing Arsenal Los Blancos are also pushing to sign Liverpool full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold.The Reds turned down an approach from the La Liga giants on Tuesday.But Alexander-Arnold is now free to speak to Real Madrid officials about a potential summer move because he is within the final six months of his contract.Earlier this week, reports in Spain suggested Real are confident he will join at the end of the season. More

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    Dani Olmo shares cryptic post over Barcelona future after registration REJECTED as six Premier League clubs eye transfer

    DANI OLMO shared a cryptic post over his Barcelona future with six Premier League clubs eyeing his signature.The Spanish midfielder is technically a free agent after LaLiga rejected his registration with Barcelona for the remainder of the season.Barcelona misfit Dani Olmo teased his transfer future with a cryptic messageCredit: Instagram @daniolmoThe ace is technically a free agent after Barca’s appeal to register him failedCredit: Instagram @daniolmoOlmo only joined the Catalans from RB Leipzig last summer in a £50million deal.He was registered for six months on a temporary basis due to Barca’s financial issues.And after the LaLiga giants lost their appeal to keep him in their squad, Olmo’s future is now up in the air.He is now able to strike a free transfer agreement with a new club despite previously vowing to stay at the Nou Camp.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLReports claim the Prem’s ‘Big Six’ sides Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Man City, Tottenham and Man Utd are all hoping to bring Olmo to England.He is likely to be in the crosshairs of other top sides around Europe.But Olmo gave little away last night as he celebrated the start of a new year.The Euro 2024 winner enjoyed a shindig with pals just hours after his latest Barcelona appeal was rejected.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd Olmo posted a cryptic message to social media that read: “It’s 2025 time.”Interestingly, it sparked a flurry of replies from Barcelona players in a hint that Olmo is staying put for the time being.Ian Wright convinced Spain star Dani Olmo is ‘taking the micky out of us’ with pre-Euro 2024 final gestureInigo Martinez posted a series of clock emojis.While Lamine Yamal wrote in Spanish: “Dani Olmo es Culerrrr (Olmo is Barca).”Marc Culer also posted: “Keep calm Dani!!! Tot sortira be (Everything will be fine).”Fans were certainly left perplexed by the situation.One said: “It speaks of poor planning, what exactly was the plan?”Another declared: “Is going to be difficult.”READ MORE SUN STORIESOne noted: “They’re just supporting him emotionally.”Another added: “They should just let it go.” More

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    I achieved England glory with Gomez & Solanke… but here’s the harsh reality of what the transfer window is really like

    THE WINDOW is officially open with the top clubs ready to splash the cash – but it is a much “harsher reality” for many unemployed lower league footballers.And for an England European Championship winner it could lead to a potentially huge life-changing career.Callum Cooke has nearly 200 EFL appearances to his name but is currently unemployedCredit: RexCallum Cooke, 27, was part of an Under-17 squad that included future senior internationals Joe Gomez, Dominic Solanke and Lewis Cook when they lifted the trophy back in 2014.But while they and the likes of Adam Armstrong are still in the Premier League bubble, Cooke is now one of the hundreds of players that find themselves out of work.For two straight seasons he produced some of the top goal involvement numbers in the fourth tier playing for Bradford.But a move back to his native North East with Pools ended up with them suffering relegation into the National League, and despite 35 appearances last term, he departed in June.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAfter a host of false promises led to him being unable to secure a club in August, the Middlesbrough academy graduate is now fighting to continue doing his dream job.Cooke, who is just four games shy of reaching 200 in the EFL having also played for Crewe, Blackpool and Peterborough United previously, said: “It’s been tough mentally.“I’ve had training opportunities with several clubs, one where I trained for five days and played in a game for them to prove my fitness, but the problem I’ve had is that once the August window shut, most clubs had their squads full and no budget until January.“I knew then I was going to be in this difficult situation and I’ve had to make big changes in my life financially and to make sure I stay fit, getting myself a watt bike and treadmill which I use each day.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“It has been a massive life experience because I’ve never dealt with this type of thing before. “I’m just hopeful that I can find something in January. It was my dream job growing up and to potentially have that taken away from me is very difficult, but you’ve got to remain positive.I’m unemployed ex-Arsenal star training with little-known squad to find new club “Also, being in the job, you’ve got to have thick skin. You have a lot of setbacks with injuries and other things and hoping this is just one of them setbacks but hopefully that’ll change.”Cooke is keen to stress that this is no sob story and has a career he can look back on with pride, especially his days as an England youth international alongside some now household names.He recalled: “I knew a lot of them really well, and you’ve also got Patrick Roberts at Sunderland who I was close with.These lads obviously got their chance at the top and took it. For whatever reason, I never got mine.Callum Cooke“It was a brilliant time playing with England and these lads and it’s great to see so many push on.“These lads obviously got their chance at the top and took it. For whatever reason, I never got mine at Middlesbrough and that’s why I took the jump to leave.“But I’ll always remember the sliding doors conversation at Boro for the rest of my life because I think about it daily and how life could have been different.”After impressing on loan at Crewe and with Boro just suffering relegation from the Premier League, Cooke was told by Steve Agnew that he would get his chance the following pre-season.The midfielder, pictured No.16 top right, helped England win the U17s EurosCredit: Bongarts – GettyCooke was one of the top dogs when it came to attacking stats while at BradfordCredit: PABut Garry Monk ended up taking charge and, without having a serious look at him, told the ace to get back out on loan and it was the same 12 months later under Tony Pulis even though he had impressed at Blackpool on loan.That led to him taking the plunge and leaving the Riverside now he is fit, raring to go and willing to take another big one in order to kickstart his career.He said: “I don’t have any children yet and I’m really starting to think about moving abroad to try and experience that.Being in the job, you’ve got to have thick skin. Callum Cooke“It could be a good time to do that but it’s another big decision that I’ve got to weigh up as some of the money and contracts being mentioned are just not worth it. I still know my worth.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Everybody always thinks that it’s all rosy being a professional footballer and when you’re a kid, you never see this side or even think it exists. However, the situation I’m in is becoming the harsh reality for a lot of other players.“You are relying on the opinions of other people so much at the end of the day, such as managers and club recruiters. It just takes one person to watch you and take that chance and show confidence in you for things to change.”Who are these famous footballers? More

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    Ten Premier League free agents-to-be who can talk to Euro clubs NOW including Liverpool trio and Man Utd’s shining light

    LIVERPOOL could end the season with a Quadruple under new boss Arne Slot.But many Reds fans fear a treble departure might still be on the cards – and now it starts getting serious.Liverpool trio Salah, Alexander-Arnold and Van Dijk are all out of contract this summerCredit: AFPSkipper Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mo Salah are all out of contract in the summer.That means, from today, they can legitimately discuss end-of-season “Bosman” free moves to overseas clubs.Prem rivals are not allowed to make formal contact although behind-the-scenes moves are hardly unprecedented.With 80-plus top-flight players now entering the final few months of their existing deals, it means the starting pistol for global interest in Prem stars was fired at midnight.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLIt is not just Liverpool fans who will be anxious.Kevin De Bruyne’s contract at Manchester City is up in six months, along with a host of first-team regulars across the Prem.Everton have no fewer than eight players whose deals are up at the end of June, Manchester United have six, while Fulham, Crystal Palace and Brighton risk seeing five players leave for nothing.SunSport looks at the ten stand-out names who can talk to foreign clubs from today…Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSTrent Alexander-ArnoldLiverpool right-back, 26, is being courted by Real Madrid but the Anfield club rejected the Spanish club’s move last night. His departure would be a body blow for Anfield fans.Ruben Amorim responds to Marcus Rashford’s Man Utd transfer bombshell about wanting ‘new challenge’ Yet Arne Slot does have a ready-made replacement at the club in the form of Northern Ireland’s Conor Bradley.Virgil van DijkAnfield skipper appears more likely than not to sign on for a few more years. But the Dutch defensive ace, 33, may want a three-season deal — which is against the owners Fenway Sports’ financial model.Centre-halves, though, have longer footballing lives than other outfield players.Mo SalahThe Egyptian King is on course for the greatest attacking season of the Premier League era with a staggering 17 goals and 13 assists so far.But Salah, 32, has been playing a public game of contract chicken with the Liverpool hierarchy and knows he is the Saudi Pro League’s No 1 target.Mo Salah has yet to sign a new contract with LiverpoolCredit: PAKevin De BruyneManchester City’s Belgian star, 33, went public on uncertainty over his Etihad future. He has been hit by injuries again and also lost his starting spot.If the curtain is being pulled down on his City era, he would leave as a club great. Will have big  Middle East offers.Amad DialloIn a season of toil and trial for Manchester United the Ivorian, 22, has been one of the precious few bright lights and a player who seems a more natural fit for Ruben Amorim’s preferred shape.But if United do not act fast, the door will be open to leave — either to seal a European move now or get his choice of clubs next summer.Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s first year at Man UtdSIR JIM RATCLIFFE’S minority takeover at Manchester United was announced on Christmas Eve in 2023 – and a lot has happened at Old Trafford since…December 2023 – Man Utd confirm Ratcliffe’s takeover on Christmas Eve, vowing to invest £245m into Old TraffordJanuary 2024 – Ratcliffe and right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford photographed meeting Erik ten Hag during tour of Carrington January 2024 – Omar Berrada poached from Man City as new CEO February 2024 – Ratcliffe’s £1billion, 27.7 per cent takeover officially completed February 2024 – Former CEO Richard Arnold quits board as Ineos pair John Rees and Rob Nevin addedMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe bans words “awesome” and “lukewarm cappuccino” in bizarre moveMarch 2024 – Matt Johnson appointed head of women’s footballMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe announces plans to build “Wembley of the North” to replace Old TraffordMarch 2024 – Man Utd NYSE share price drops to $13.73 on March 21 – down from $20.52 immediately after Ratcliffe takeover in DecemberApril 2024 – Senior staff club credit cards and private cars cancelled April 2024 – John Murtough quits as football director April 2024 – Jason Wilcox appointed technical director after compensation package agreed with Southampton May 2024 – Ratcliffe turns Carrington “toxic” after sending email to employees slamming “disgraceful” lack of cleanlinessMay 2024 – Work finally starts on leaking Old Trafford roofMay 2024 – Man Utd finish eighth in Premier League, worst-ever finish May 2024 – Ratcliffe gives employees just one week to decide if they want to accept redundancy May 2024 – Staff forced to pay for own transport to FA Cup final and only given one ticketMay 2024 – Pre-match party and hotel for senior staff before FA Cup final axedMay 2024 – Man Utd shock rivals Man City to win FA Cup despite suggestions Erik ten Hag will be sacked regardless of resultJune 2024 – Man Utd announce £50m plans to upgrade Carrington training ground June 2024 – Ratcliffe introduces strict “back to work” policy forcing staff to come into officeJune 2024 – Ratcliffe scores own goal with comments about women’s teamJuly 2024 – Man Utd finally agree deal to bring in Dan Ashworth as sporting director after four months of gardening leave at Newcastle, who received £3m in compensationJuly 2024 – Erik ten Hag signs shock new contract extension until 2026July 2024 – Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake appointed assistant managers, Andreas Georgson first-team coach and Jelle ten Rouwelaar goalkeeper coach. Darren Fletcher’s role changes from technical director to first-team coach. Steve McClaren, Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy depart.July 2024 – Ex-Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell joins on short-term basis as interim director of recruitment July 2024 – Jean-Claude Blanc added to Man Utd board  July 2024 – Man Utd cut down number of staff on US pre-season tour to 125July 2024 – Ratcliffe makes 250 redundancies including popular media man John Allen, historian Cliff Butler and kitman Alex WylieAugust 2024 – Man Utd splash out £199m in the summer transfer window August 2024 – Matchday staff lunchboxes scrapped and some forced to eat beside toiletOctober 2024 – Man Utd stop paying £2m-a-year ambassador salary to Sir Alex FergusonOctober 2024 – Staff Christmas party cancelled October 2024 – “Back to work” policy costing Utd fortune to convert hospitality suites into temporary offices between home matchesOctober 2024 – Erik ten Hag sacked with club 14th in Premier League table, costing club £15mNovember 2024 – Ruben Amorim appointed new Man Utd manager on deal until 2027 after stumping up £10m release clause November 2024 – Coach Ruud van Nistelrooy axed by new manager Ruben Amorim November 2024 – Man Utd chiefs locked in blame game over summer shambles including Erik ten Hag situation and transfer signings November 2024 – Ratcliffe reportedly set to half £40,000 budget paid to Manchester United Disabled Supporters AssociationDecember 2024 – Ratcliffe admits “mediocre” Man Utd “still in last century” December 2024 – Fans protest after OAP and children concessions tickets ditched and minimum home ticket cost up to £66December 2024 – Dan Ashworth sacked after five months as sporting directorDecember 2024 – £100 staff Christmas bonus ditched for £40 M&S voucherDecember 2024 – Ceiling starts leaking during Ruben Amorim’s press conference after 3-0 defeat to BournemouthDecember 2024 – Reports of a mice infestation at Old Trafford as rodent droppings found in food kiosks and plush suites as food hygiene ratings drops to just two starsDecember 2024 – SunSport reveals Ratcliffe cuts £40,000 funding donation to Association of Former Manchester United Players charitySon Heung-minSpurs have the option to extend their South Korean captain’s stay in N17 for a further year but recent displays – especially his shocker against Wolves on Sunday – might suggest his future is unclear.Hearing former Tottenham striker Harry Kane indicate that he would welcome Sonny at Bayern Munich might make him ponder his best move.Mario LeminaLosing the Wolves captaincy after flipping his lid at the end of the defeat by West Ham that tipped Gary O’Neil one step closer to the exit door may be the incentive for the Gabonese midfielder to look elsewhere.And at 31, former Southampton and Fulham midfielder Lemina still has a few seasons left at the top level.Mario Lemina’s future may lay away from MolineuxCredit: PAThomas ParteyGhana’s midfield powerhouse has been in and out of Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side during this campaign but has also proven his versatility.Partey is not the only Gunners midfielder out of contract in the summer, with Italy star Jorginho in a similar position.But Partey, 31, did well when at Atletico Madrid and might well be a target in Spain.Christian NorgaardThomas Frank’s faith in his fellow Dane is unquestioned and the Brentford skipper has become a popular figure among Bees fans in six seasons since joining from Fiorentina.Still only 30, Norgaard will not be short of summer suitors but might fancy a return to the continent and can now look to fix up a deal.READ MORE SUN STORIESChristian Norgaard is a huge fan favourite at BrentfordCredit: GettyDominic Calvert-LewinMaybe the biggest surprise for the England striker, 27, is he is still at Everton after having been linked with a move away for at least the past 18 months.Running down his deal to join Newcastle for nothing in the summer remains his most likely move but he is also a potential target for Fiorentina, who are eyeing a Champions League return. 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    Burnley complete transfer of Peru defender Oliver Sonne, 24… whose auntie is a world famous supermodel

    BURNLEY have signed defender Oliver Sonne from Danish outfit  Silkeborg.The Peru right-back becomes Clarets boss Scott Parker’s first signing of the January window and has penned a four-and-a-half-year deal.Oliver Sonne has signed for Championship side BurnleyCredit: GettyThe Peruvian is hoping to help the Clarets back to the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyThe right-back’s aunt is world-renowned supermodel Helena ChristensenCredit: GettySonne, 24, is the nephew of supermodel Helena Christensen and played more than 100 times in Denmark’s top flight. After his reveal on New Year’s Eve, he said: “I’m super excited!”To be here and experience the club and the facilities . . . it’s mind-blowing. “It’s a massive club with great ambitions.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”The ambition is to go back up to the Premier League and I will fight to make that happen.”Christensen, 56, is a former Miss Universe Denmark. She won the crown in 1986, going on to represent Denmark at the Miss Universe pageant later that year. Helena launched a pro modelling career and has since fronted magazines including Vogue, Elle, and Tatler. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSShe is also a former Victoria’s Secret Angel.Christensen was even named as one of the Magnificent Seven alongside Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell and Elle McPherson in the mid-1990s.Bungling Burnley academy manager quits after sending bombshell message slamming ‘mad’ and ‘lazy’ players to WRONG groupSonne has previously followed in his aunt’s footsteps, modelling for Gucci and Armani.He said: ” I had a period where I did it a lot [of modelling]. “I did some really cool things abroad with some of the top brands that we young people buy for a lot of money. “So it was a lot of fun trying to be on that side of it all.”Christensen is a former Victoria’s Secret AngelCredit: GettyShe was also crowned Miss Universe DenmarkCredit: ReutersSonne joins Burnley with the club third in the Championship, three points off Sheffield United in second. Parker’s side are hoping for an instant return to the Premier League after relegation last season. More

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    Juventus to offer Joshua Zirkzee January escape route after Man Utd career hit nightmare low… but only on loan

    JUVENTUS are lining up a loan move for Joshua Zirkzee after his Manchester United career hit a new low on Monday night.The Dutch international forward was subbed after just 33 minutes of the 2-0 home defeat to Newcastle on Monday night.Juventus are preparing a loan move for Man Utd misfit Joshua ZirkzeeCredit: AlamyAnd United fans welcomed the decision before jeering as the £35million forward left the pitch to be replaced by Kobbie Mainoo.Zirkzee looked to be visibly upset as he made his way straight down the tunnel but he was back in the dug-out for the second half.While Ruben Amorim has pledged to support the 23-year-old, his future at Old Trafford is looking increasingly uncertain.He is well regarded in Italy having made enjoyed an impressive spell with Bologna to earn his move to United in the summer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd during that time, he worked under Thiago Motta – who is now in charge of the Turin giants and would be delighted to work with him again.However the chances of Juventus giving the Red Devils a welcome cash windfall this month are slim and any approach is likely to be on a loan basis.United are looking to raise some cash to support Amorim’s attempts to bring in new faces in the winter window.Zirkzee has appeared in all 19 of his club’s Prem games so far, scoring three goals, but has been made a scapegoat for their problems by some fans.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAmorim says he and the club will put an arm round Zirkzee’s shoulder following his ordeal.The United boss said: “You have to think about the tea, the player was suffering during the game and we needed another midfielder.Manchester United vs Newcastle: Player Ratings Revealed“It was tough to do it but I’ve talked with Joshua on it and at that moment it was important for him to come out.“I know he’s a really good guy. When he went down the tunnel, I understand some guys can be in a bad way – but it is life.“He is a really good lad. We will support him and continue.” More

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    Chelsea add new signing to their squad after recalling wonderkid, 19, they snatched from under the noses of Man Utd

    CHELSEA will add another new signing to their ranks for the second half of the season.Summer acquisition Aaron Anselmino will join up with Chelsea’s first team squad this week after being recalled from his loan at Boca Juniors.Aaron Anselmino is joining the Chelsea squad for the second half of the seasonCredit: GettyAnselmino, 19, committed his future to Chelsea this summer after the Blues agreed a £14m transfer for the Argentine defender from Boca Juniors.But after sealing the move, Anselmino returned to Las Bombonera on loan for the remainder of the Argentine Primera Division season – which ended earlier this month.The towering teen centre-back has made 11 league appearances for Boca Juniors since his transfer.But the decision has now been made for Anselmino to join up with the Chelsea squad at the Cobham training ground ahead of the second half of the season.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnselmino is a highly-rated prospect and was linked with moves to Manchester United and AC Milan before agreeing to sign with Chelsea.He is now expected to compete for a place in Enzo Maresca’s squad at Chelsea as the Blues look to continue their surprise season.Chelsea are flying high under new boss Maresca and will be hoping defensive reinforcements can help them maintain their form in the second half of the campaign.There could still be more new arrivals at Stamford Bridge in the coming weeks too with the January transfer window about to open.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSReports have claimed that Chelsea are hoping to sign a new striker.The Athletic have reported that Ipswich Town bagsman Liam Delap is one of a number of names on a shortlist for the West London club.Chelsea player ratings vs FulhamWhile there could also be a number of exits from SW6 next month.It’s claimed that selling Ben Chilwell is a “priority” for the club as he is one of the highest earners.The club could also be tempted to move on Carney Chukwuemeka should a “suitable bid” be made.Stars such as Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Harvey Vale, Axel Disasi and Cesare Casade could also be available.Chelsea have been linked with a move for Liam DelapCredit: Getty More