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    Incredible XI of out-of-contract stars including Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk as January transfer window looms

    CLUBS are sure to be lining up for an incredible XI of stars whose contracts are expiring next summer.2024 is drawing to a close and with the New Year comes the January transfer window.Mo Salah is among the star names out of contract next summerCredit: AlamyTeammate Virgil van Dijk could also leave Liverpool at the end of the seasonCredit: GettyTeams from across the globe are able to buy and sell as they please.But it also marks the start of another crunch period.With just six months remaining on their contracts, stars whose deals expire in the summer can truly begin assessing their options.In the Premier League, footballers can begin talking to foreign sides over pre-contract agreements.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile those in other countries are welcome to hold talks with any club, both at home or overseas.There are some amazing names set to be up for grabs in 2025.And an XI featuring the best players looks good enough to win the Champions League.In goal, Bayern Munich star Manuel Neuer is the pick of the bunch.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDespite turning 39 in March, the stopper remains one of the best in his position.Yet Bayern could yet attempt to sway Neuer into staying for a 15th season.’New MOTD host’ Gabby Logan’s live TV interview with Liverpool boss Arne Slot ends awkwardly At right-back, Trent Alexander-Arnold is up for grabs after spending his entire career at Liverpool.Aged just 26, his best years are still ahead.And Real Madrid are favourites to snap him up for nothing.Alexander-Arnold isn’t the only Liverpool star out of contract.Defensive team-mate Virgil van Dijk is another Anfield ace whose deal is nearing its end.But the Dutchman has shown he still performing at the highest level and would be a no-brainer for any elite side.Jonathan Tah is another elite centre-back who still has plenty to give.He led Bayer Leverkusen to the Bundesliga title last season.Trent Alexander-Arnold is a third Liverpool star facing an uncertain futureCredit: GettyThe likes of Alphonso Davies can strike pre-contract agreements next monthCredit: GettyYet it’s Barcelona who are supposedly in pole position despite Tah almost joining Bayern Munich last summer.The fallen Bavarians need reinforcements as they are also likely to lose left-back Alphonso Davies.The Canadian has only just turned 24 but has endured several injury-blighted seasons.Real are also thought to be leading the hunt, although Davies is likely to have suitors in England too.Further forward, Thomas Partey could be in the final months of his Arsenal career.He’s steadily grown into his role as a midfield controller.And with Jorginho already likely to leave, the Gunners could decide to tie Partey down to a new deal.Another midfielder out of contract is Joshua Kimmich – yet another Bayern ace with a question mark over his future.Kevin De Bruyne could leave Man City after six title winsCredit: EPATottenham may end up losing captain Son Heung-MinCredit: AlamyThe German is regarded as one of the finest in his position.But his wage demands could dictate where he ends up next year.Further forward, a FOURTH Bayern player makes the XI in the shape of Leroy Sane.The winger has lost his place in Vincent Kompany’s side to Michael Olise.And it’s believed Arsenal fancy bringing him back to England after a spell at Man City.On the other flank, none other than Egyptian king Mo Salah is set to be available.The Premier League’s top scorer looks to be guiding Liverpool to their second Premier League title.And despite his advanced years, 32-year-old Salah is proving he can continue at the highest level for at least a few more seasons.The final attacking midfield spot goes to Kevin De Bruyne, who is enduring a disappointing season at Man City.The Belgian can’t seem to nail down a spot in Pep Guardiola’s XI.But most people remember his bountiful years as City’s No10, leading them to six titles and a Champions League.Finally, Son Heung-Min is the pick of the strikers set to enter the final months of their deal.The experienced South Korean has repeatedly shown he is one of the deadliest finishes around.And after failing to land a single trophy during his time at Tottenham, Son could be tempted to head elsewhere for a crack at silverware.There are plenty of other players available too from next month, with Premier League stars like Kieran Tierney, Harry Maguire and Amad Diallo’s contracts all up.READ MORE SUN STORIESPunters could get their hands on a new England international in Angel Gomes.While those pining for a return to European football’s glory days will be amazed to see names like Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo available. More

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    When does the 2025 January transfer window open?

    CLUBS will get the chance to strengthen their squads once again as the 2025 January transfer window opens SOON – and it is expected to be a busy one.Manchester United star Marcus Rashford could be on his way out of Old Trafford as he revealed that he is “ready for a new challenge” after being left out of Ruben Amorim’s side on several occasions.Marcus Rashford is likely to leave Manchester United this JanuaryCredit: GettySporting’s goalscoring machine Viktor Gyokeres will also be a top target for clubs having scored a staggering 61 goals in 60 matches this calendar year.And Arsenal are expected to be in the market for a right-winger with their talisman Bukayo Saka set to be sidelined for a minimum of FIFTEEN matches.But fans want to know exactly when the 2025 January transfer window opens.SunSport can provide details on the January transfer window for several of the top leagues.Read more on transfer newsPremier League The Premier League transfer window is scheduled to open on Wednesday, January 1 and it will shut on Monday, February 3 at 11pm GMT.Even though January 31 is a Friday, the top European leagues have all agreed to extend the deadline until after the weekend.La LigaThe Serie A market will open on Thursday, January 2 and will close on Monday, February 3 at 11pm GMT.Serie AThe Serie A market will open on Thursday, January 2 and will close on Monday, February 3 at 7pm GMT.Most read in FootballBundesliga The Bundesliga window is open on Wednesday, January 1 and will close at 5pm GMT on Monday, February 3.Ligue 1Ligue 1 opens its transfer window on Wednesday, January 1 and will close it on Monday, February 3 at 10pm GMT.Saudi Pro LeagueThe Saudi Pro League window opens on Wednesday, January 1 and closes on Friday, January 31.Who is the most expensive January signing?Philippe Coutinho’s switch from Liverpool to Barcelona in the 2018 January transfer window is currently the most expensive winter deal.Barcelona signed the midfield maestro for a staggering £140million.The deal never quite worked out for the Spanish giants as Coutinho up going on a season-long loan to Bayern just over a year later. More

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    Arsenal ‘interested in Matheus Cunha transfer’ as they consider joining January battle to land Wolves star

    ARSENAL are interested in signing Matheus Cunha, reports say. The Gunners have been hit with injuries in their attacking line with Bukayo Saka set to miss up to 15 games due to a hamstring injury. Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Matheus CunhaCredit: GettyChelsea loanee Raheem Sterling is also due for a spell on the sidelines after picking up a knee problem. According to The Telegraph, Arsenal are considering a January swoop for Wolves’ Cunha.But the North Londoners – who are pushing Liverpool in the Premier League titles race – were interested in the Brazilian before Saka’s injury. In fact, Cunha is believed to have been on their radar over the last three seasons. READ MORE ON ARSENALThe forward – who scored direct from a corner in the Boxing Day 2-0 win over Manchester United – arrived from Atletico Madrid two years ago and eventually signed permanently for £44million in 2023.In his only full season in the Premier League he scored 14 goals in all competitions and this season has continued to impress, with ten goals in all competitions.Wolves are facing a relegation battle and will be reluctant to let one of their top stars leave in the winter window. Cunha has two seasons left on his current deal and the club want him to commit his future for longer.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe previously spent time at Red Bull Leipzig and Hertha Berlin in Germany after beginning his career in Switzerland with Sion.Cunha made it nine goals in 17 Prem games after helping Wolves to the 2-0 victory over Man Utd.And manager Vitor Pereira said: “He’s very important. Very important. His standard is a high level player. “We need high level players, we need him. I hope he can help us every game. He is a good boy, a good person and he is also a leader inside the team.”Dream Team Transfer Recommendations for Gameweek 16 More

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    Wilfried Zaha BLOCKED from making Premier League return due to little-known rule but could still make shock transfer

    WILFRIED ZAHA could be BLOCKED from a return to the Premier League in January by a little-known rule.But a shock transfer may still be on the cards.Wilfried Zaha’s hopes of a Premier League return could be dashed by Fifa rulesCredit: GettyZaha, 32, left Crystal Palace at the end of the 2022-23 season and joined Galatasaray.But after a superb opening campaign in Turkey, scoring ten in 42 appearances, he only featured as a substitute in the 5-0 Turkish Super Cup defeat to Besiktas on August 3 before being shipped out on loan to Lyon.However, his stint in France has not gone according to plan.The Ivorian winger has managed just 112 minutes of football across six matches, assisting one and starting one. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd that means Lyon could terminate the loan deal and send Zaha back to Turkey.But Galatasaray could be open to letting the former Manchester United man join another team.Palace may have been willing to consider a loan swoop for their academy graduate – and speculation accelerated when he was in attendance for last week’s 5-1 thrashing by Arsenal. But it appears Zaha – who has 458 Palace appearances – may not be allowed to play for a team in the Premier League.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFifa rule 5.4 states: “Players may be registered with a maximum of three clubs during one season. “During this period, a player is only eligible to play official matches for two clubs.Wilfried Zaha leaves press room in stitches with hilarious response to whether he is bothered about failed Man Utd spell”As an exception to this rule, a player moving between two clubs belonging to associations with overlapping seasons (i.e. start of the season in summer/autumn as opposed to winter/spring) may be eligible to play in official matches for a third club during the relevant season, provided they have fully complied with their contractual obligations towards their previous clubs, and provided that the provisions relating to registration periods and the minimum length of a contract are respected.”As a result, the Mirror claim Zaha may be prevented from representing a third team in the 2024-25 campaign after his 15-minute cameo in the Turkish Super Cup thumping should Fifa deem that an official match. And that could mean a dream return to Selhurst Park is off the cards. Palace owner Steve Parish did admit in the summer the club would love to sign Zaha once again – nine years after bringing him back from Old Trafford – despite links to Leicester and Wolves.Parish told talkSPORT: “I’d have Wilf Zaha back in a heartbeat. He’s part of our club, part of our history.”There’s a few people that can lay claim at the heart of the resurgence of this club and Wilfried is very much one of them.”We stayed in the division [Premier League] sometimes by the force of his will, so, of course, we would.”Unfortunately, that doesn’t look like it’s going to be possible this summer for various reasons. “I’m in contact with him every now and again. I am glad he had a good season last season and he fulfilled his dreams. He played in the Champions League, so it’s a great story for him but of course if he was available we would be interested.”And if Fifa take the hard-line approach, a transfer to a league that runs in line with the calendar may be possible. READ MORE SUN STORIESAccording to the Daily Mail, the MLS may be a suitable option with interested parties in North America, whose regular season starts in February and ends in October before the play-offs culminating in December. However, finding a team willing to pay his £72,000-a-week wages could be a major stumbling block. Zaha watched his old team lose 5-1 to ArsenalCredit: GettyThe winger was sent out on loan after one year at GalatasarayCredit: Getty More

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    Dani Olmo’s ‘agent arrives in Manchester’ with Spain Euros winner available for FREE despite joining Barcelona for £50m

    BARCELONA star Dani Olmo’s agent is in Manchester amid Premier League interest in his client, who could be available for free in January.Olmo, 26, completed an emotional comeback to boyhood club Barca following a £50million deal with RB Leipzig in August shortly after he helped Spain win Euro 2024 by beating England in the final.Barcelona star Dani Olmo’s agent flew to the UK amid interest from Man Utd, Man City and ArsenalCredit: RexBarcelona have been unable to register Olmo and he could be available for free in JanuaryCredit: RexHowever, the Blaugrana were unable to register the playmaker due to their ongoing financial struggles.That was until Hansi Flick’s side lost Andreas Christensen to a long-term injury and that allowed them to register the Spain international as an emergency player.However, this short-term arrangement runs out at the end of the year, which means the LaLiga leaders need to find another way to officially get Olmo in their books by December 31.The Spanish football federation will require Barcelona to make more cuts, find more revenue and comply with their financial guidelines.Read More on FootballThat Catalan giants have launched legal proceedings against LaLiga and were initially hopeful of reaching a solution before next week.If a resolution is not found then Olmo, who theoretically has a contract until 2030, will effectively be banned from playing for his boyhood club.This unusually chaotic situation has led to interest from the likes of Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal, who are all looking for attacking reinforcement ahead of the January transfer window.The Premier League giants could face competition from Bayern Munich in the winter market.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Spaniard’s priority has always been to stay at the Nou Camp but the drawn-out process has forced his agent Andy Bara to explore potential moves.According to The Mail, Bara flew to Manchester via private jet to attend the Premier League match between Manchester City and Everton at the Etihad.Ian Wright convinced Spain star Dani Olmo is ‘taking the micky out of us’ with pre-Euro 2024 final gestureThe agent told the same source that he was visiting the UK “on holidays”.Olmo has managed six goals and one assist in 15 appearances across all competitions with Barcelona.This comes after 29 goals and 34 appearances in 148 matches with RB Leipzig. More

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    Man City transfer blow as star Premier League midfielder says he ‘feels at home’ where he is and is ‘very happy’

    BRUNO GUIMARAES has reiterated his commitment to Newcastle amid transfer links away from St James’ Park.The Brazilian, 27, has become a star man on Tyneside since moving from Lyon in January 2022.Bruno Guimaraes has reiterated his love of the ToonCredit: PAGuimaraes has been linked with Manchester City ahead of next month’s transfer window.Pep Guardiola’s side are keen to bolster their midfield ranks having struggled without injured Ballon d’Or winner Rodri.The Newcastle star appears likely to stay at St James’ Park, however, given his recent comments.He said: “They took us in like family. We are Geordies now. I feel very, very happy in the team.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I think I have a new home outside of Brazil. If one day I come back to Newcastle, they will always take me as part of the family.”I want both my sons to know exactly what I’m doing here. We have a special history for them so the connection we have is unbelievable.”I feel like one of them so every time I play, I don’t just play for Bruno or my family – I play for Newcastle United.”I’m not speaking this like, ‘Oh, he’s lying’. When I lose, I get upset because I lose and Newcastle lose. I feel like a fan.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Even when I retire, I will support the team because they made me feel at home since my first day here.”City are unlikely to make a move for Guimaraes next month.Pep Guardiola says ‘I’m the manager and I’m not good enough’ as Man City lose again But Guardiola has spoken of his desire for January reinforcements.He told Amazon Prime Video: “We have to add players, definitely. You know, we struggle — especially at the back and in the middle so I think we have to.But saying that, I do not know what is going to happen. The transfer window in winter is not easy but everyone is aware of that.”Even our players are aware of our situation and what we need to do.”City are interested in Paris Saint-Germain forward Randal Kolo Muani.The Frenchman, who is out of favour at PSG, has also attracted attention from Tottenham, Arsenal and Liverpool.Pep Guardiola wants January reinforcementsCredit: Getty More

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    Man Utd have had ‘multiple approaches’ for £86m flop Antony despite just one goal all season

    MANCHESTER UNITED have received “multiple approaches” for Antony ahead of the January transfer window.The £86million flop is having another difficult season at Old Trafford, scoring just one goal in ten appearances.Several clubs are interested in a January move for AntonyCredit: GettyAntony, 24, has made just three starts in all competitions and played just 50 minutes in the Premier League this term.His Man Utd misery could finally come to an end next month with several teams eyeing up the winger.Antony’s agent Junior Pedroso told Give Me Sport: “Many clubs have approached us for Antony’s move in January. “These clubs wanted to understand the situation for Antony, so I can confirm that there’s concrete interest.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”To be fair, Manchester United have never expressed any interest to sell or loan out Antony to us. We never received this sort of communication so far. “Man Utd management never told us that they want Antony to leave.”I can say that Antony’s future is very much tied to Manchester United’s interests. “If the club thinks it would be a good idea to loan Antony out in January so he can get more minutes and regain his trust, we will work together on that option.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Otherwise, Antony is working hard to regain his place and show his best skills under Ruben Amorim.”Antony was reportedly close to leaving in the summer amid interest from Fenerbahce and his former club Ajax.Watch Man Utd star Antony show off hidden talent as fans say ‘he’s finding another job already’Gary Neville previously called the deal that saw him arrive in 2022 as “one of the worst transfers United ever made”.Inside Man Utd chaos with Dan Ashworth axed just five months into jobBy Neil CustisThe blame game has another victim as things go from bad to worse at Old Trafford.Manchester United’s first sporting director, Dan Ashworth, arrived in the summer and is gone before Christmas.SunSport exclusively revealed in November that there was trouble at mill.That the new senior management team were already blaming each other for the mess the club were in.Chief executive Omar Berrada and Ashworth were trying to wash their hands of it all, claiming they had arrived too late after serving their gardening leave.New part owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe said making decisions was all down to them.Meanwhile, Jason Wilcox thought it was all a mess under previous boss Erik ten Hag but was part of the team that encouraged him to stay after every other candidate ran for cover.Defeat Nottingham Forest in December, after their second-half capitulation at Arsenal a few days previously, proved too much.READ MORE ON MAN UTD’S CHAOS  More

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    ‘I ain’t paying £10m… because of everything’ – Former Man Utd star slams Rashford and says he should move to MLS

    MARCUS RASHFORD could end up moving to an MLS club, claims former Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster.Rashford, 27, is out of favour at Old Trafford under boss Ruben Amorim.Marcus Rashford is out of favour at Man UtdCredit: GettyBen Foster had his say on Rashford’s futureCredit: TikTok / benfcyclinggkThe forward has been left out of United’s last three matchday squads.He recently admitted that he is ready for a “new challenge” and is thought to be available for around £40million.But Foster, 41, doesn’t think the Red Devils will get anywhere near that price.Speaking on his Cycling GK podcast, he said: “Marcus Rashford, there’s so many people that talk about him that say ‘on his day, on his day’.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”His day is once every 10 games. Genuinely, it’s once every 10 games and you can’t have a luxury player in the modern game that will give you one game out of 10, it’s as simple as that.”Coupled with fact that he gets so much reputation and baggage and everything that comes with it, I don’t think Mikel Arteta wants that anywhere near that Arsenal.”He has to get away from Manchester United. I think it’ll be an MLS (transfer) or something. It’s going to have to be a massive wage cut.”Rashford earns in the region of £325,000 a week and is under contract at United until the summer of 2028.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe has made 15 Premier League appearances this season, scoring four goals.On what could be holding Rashford back, Foster added: “Once that fire goes, can you get that back? It has to come from him. I don’t think he can get it back.Ruben Amorim explains why Marcus Rashford is still exiled at Man Utd despite ‘wanting to play’ “Again, you’re talking about money which does really ruin everything lads.”Once people have that massive contract and they’ve got that five years in the bank and they’ve got everything they’ll ever need for the rest of their life, that takes it (that fire) away.”They were talking £40m you know as well. Even 10, I ain’t paying £10m… because of everything.”Amorim, 39, was recently asked about Rashford’s situation by Sky Sports.’A HARD SITUATION’The Portuguese said: “It is a hard situation. I understand that these players have a lot of people around them, making choices that are not the first idea from the player.”I am always here to help Marcus as another player. I have to do what I have to do.”They chose to do the interview as it is not just Marcus. I have understood that.”As a coach I focus on performance and the way you train. The rest, it is better for me and the club to deal with that when the time comes.”READ MORE SUN STORIESMan Utd are set to take on Wolves later today.Rashford’s last appearance came in the 2-1 win over Viktoria Plzen on December 12. More