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    Neymar at risk of being made UNEMPLOYED as Al-Hilal ‘consider ripping up his £2.5million-a-week contract’

    NEYMAR is at risk of having his contract ripped up by Al-Hilal, according to reports.The superstar has struggled since his blockbuster move to Saudi Arabia.Al-Hilal could rip up Neymar’s contractCredit: GettyHe has been hit by injuries with an ACL tear keeping him sidelined for a year.Neymar, 32, made a return to action last month but featured in just two matches, for a grand total of 42 minutes, before picking up another injury.He has now been ruled out for three weeks with a muscle problem.And now Al-Hilal are considering getting rid of the Brazilian in January, six months before his contract expires, according to Brazilian outlet UOL.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAl-Hilal splashed £77.6million on Neymar but could be keen to get rid of his astronomical salary, understood to be worth £2.5m-a-week.If Neymar leaves he could return to Brazil, and possibly to Santos where he began his career.Al-Hilal club chiefs have been left frustrated and “fed up” with some of his off-field behaviour, with a club source revealing of it had been seen as “unprofessional” – a suggestion Neymar is yet to respond to.During his time out Neymar focused on things off the pitch, adding to his property portfolio by buying a £7m private island off the coast of Brazil.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe is said to be closing in on a deal to snap up Japao Private Island.Its Canadian owner is said to have sparked Neymar’s interest after slashing the asking price by more than £3million to get a quick sale.Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn square up as Neymar ‘acts like guest referee’ in baffling scenes More

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    How key Man Utd figure let Viktor Gyokeres go for just £1m before Sporting star became Europe’s most in-demand striker

    VIKTOR GYOKERES has gone from an unwanted £1million man to the most sought-after striker in European football.The Swedish forward, 26, scored a hat-trick as Sporting Lisbon thrashed Manchester City 4-1 in the Champions League.Viktor Gyokeres has already scored 23 goals this seasonCredit: AlamyIt brings his goal tally to 23 in 17 games for the season and 66 in 67 since arriving in Portugal from Coventry for around £20million last year.Gyokeres’ Sporting manager Ruben Amorim is preparing to leave for Manchester United after being announced as Erik ten Hag’s successor.Amorim, 39, will begin his reign at Old Trafford on November 11 – with Gyokeres being heavily linked with joining him in Manchester.But it was a Man Utd chief who was a key figure in selling the striker for just £1m three years ago.READ MORE ON MAN UTDDan Ashworth, now the Red Devils’ sporting director, sanctioned a deal for Gyokeres to leave Brighton and join Coventry for the tiny sum back in 2021.He played just eight games for the Seagulls and scored only one goal.After a loan spell with Coventry, Gyokeres joined them permanently for the seven-figure fee and went on to score 40 times in 97 games.His goals fired the Championship side to the play-off final which they lost to Luton.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut his impressive form attracted interest from Sporting – who have now seen him become one of the best attackers in Europe.It is estimated Man Utd will have to pay in the region of £85m if they are to bring him to Old Trafford.Watch Ruben Amorim celebrate with guard of honour as Sporting Lisbon boss narrowly avoids nasty bumps accidentAnd Amorim has already ruled out a move for him in the January window.He said: “Gyokeres is a Sporting player, which is a great club, he did a lot for it, he was in the second division.”He just has to stay and finish the season at Marques.”Meanwhile, Gyokeres also recently responded to being linked with Man Utd.He said: “I don’t know, I’m here. I really like being here, it’s not something I think about. I’m enjoying it here.”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

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    Liverpool put three left-backs on transfer wishlist to replace Andy Robertson including two Premier League stars

    LIVERPOOL are tracking three left backs as potential long-term replacements for Andy Robertson.The Scottish international, 30, was on the bench at the weekend, and there are question marks over how long he will be an automatic starter for the Merseysiders.Andy Robertson has struggled for Liverpool so far this seasonCredit: RexReds boss Arne Slot is searching for a new left-backCredit: AFPAnd although new boss Arne Slot has shown faith in Kostas Tsimiskas, 28, SunSport understands the club have made recruiting a left-back one of their key priorities.Two players high on Liverpool’s wishlist are Fulham’s Antonee Robinson and the impressive David Raum from RB Leipzig.Both are seen as potential first-team players who could fit into Liverpool’s system.Scouts have watched both players several times this season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt is believed Slot is personally involved with the process and will play a key role in all future recruitment decisions.Liverpool are also tracking Ipswich’s impressive Leif Davis, who has made a strong start to the season for The Tractor Boys despite their difficult introduction to the Premier League.Slot believes Robertson is paying the price for playing with an injury last season but thinks he will recapture his flying form.The Scotland captain has had a difficult start to the campaign by his lofty standards.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFulham’s Antonee Robinson is a highly-rated talentCredit: PARB Leipzig and Germany full-back David Raum is another being linked to LiverpoolCredit: ReutersSlot remains relaxed about the 30-year-old’s form, however.Robertson sustained a serious ankle injury on international duty in March but continued to play through the pain as Liverpool chased a quadruple, before Scotland competed at Euro 2024. Antonee Robinson shows off his keepie uppie skills as he trains in his back garden He missed most of Slot’s inaugural pre-season as a consequence, including the head coach’s first games on tour in the US, leaving him playing catch-up physically and tactically.Slot said: “I think his current situation is what you can expect if a player misses out on pre-season and a new manager comes in – you miss quite a lot.”You have to go into a programme where you’ve missed the base tactically when it comes to us [a new management team], and physically as well.”Leif Davis is another left-back being monitored by LiverpoolCredit: Getty More

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    ‘We’re probably gonna see him in a Man Utd shirt because of his special connection with Ruben Amorim’

    RUBEN AMORIM will bring Viktor Gyokeres to Manchester United because of his “special connection” with the striker, according to Dimitar Berbatov.Sporting Lisbon boss Amorim, 39, will arrive at Old Trafford on November 11 as Erik ten Hag’s successor.Ruben Amorim is being linked with bringing Sporting Lisbon players to Manchester UnitedCredit: ReutersViktor Gyokeres has been sensational since arriving in PortugalCredit: GettyEx-Man Utd striker Dimitar Berbatov believes Amorim will bring Gyokeres to Old TraffordCredit: Sky SportsEx-Coventry striker Gyokeres, 26, has been thriving under Amorim, scoring 43 goals in 50 games last season.He has continued that form at the start of the new campaign, bagging 20 in just 16 matches.Amorim has already ruled out signing Gyokeres in January, despite Man Utd having scored just nine goals in 10 Premier League games.He said: “I’m not going to get any players from Sporting in January.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”Gyokeres costs €100million and it’s very difficult.”However, former Red Devils striker Berbatov, 43, believes the relationship between Amorim and Gyokeres will see the Swedish forward eventually sign for Man Utd.Speaking on Sky Sports, he said: “This guy, Viktor Gyokeres, he’s scoring goals for fun right now.”So I think there’s a special connection with the coach, so maybe we are probably going to see him in a United shirt at some point.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSViktor Gyokeres’ career statsClub appearances: 296Club goals: 139International caps: 24International goals: 10Honours: Swedish second division, Primeira LigaWhen asked whether he would be happy with the Gyokeres transfer, Berbatov added: “From what he’s showing right now, I think yes.”Our strikers at the moment are not doing and producing goals, like we see with them 18th in the league for scoring goals, which is embarrassing for a club of the stature of United.New Man Utd manager Ruben Amorim in awkward interview with reporter “This is a position that I’d like to see improvement.”Gyokeres, who is being linked with a move to Barcelona, has already addressed rumours of him joining Amorim in Manchester.He said: “Going with Amorim to Man Utd? I don’t know, I’m here. I really like being here, it’s not something I think about.”I’m enjoying it here. I’m sad about him leaving. We wish him all the best.” More

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    Xabi Alonso breaks silence on why he ruled himself out of Liverpool job after Jurgen Klopp quit

    XABI ALONSO has broken his silence on why he ruled himself out of the Liverpool job at the end of last season.Ex-Reds midfielder Alonso, 42, was the obvious candidate to replace Jurgen Klopp after the German confirmed he was leaving.Xabi Alonso has spoken about why he did not take the Liverpool jobCredit: PAArne Slot ended up replacing Jurgen Klopp in the summerCredit: GettyAlonso guided Bayer Leverkusen to the Bundesliga title last season without losing a game.They also won the DFB Pokal and reached the Europa League final.But Alonso then surprisingly announced he was going to stay at Leverkusen, removing any chance of him succeeding Klopp.Now he has opened up about why that was the case when he was asked whether he ever seriously considered the job at Anfield.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTo which he replied: “At that time I was focused, I had a big thing with the players and we were really focused on that.”Arne Slot ended up replacing Klopp and will come up against Alonso on Tuesday night when Liverpool host Leverkusen in the Champions League.In the build-up to the game, Alonso, who is also being linked with Real Madrid, was quizzed on whether he could join Liverpool in the future.He said: “Let’s talk about the game tomorrow, it’s more interesting than my future.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”Let’s talk about the great players on both sides, that is what is in my head.”For us it is a big challenge to come here. Liverpool at the moment is one of the best if not the best in Europe, they are showing that in a very strong Premier League and the Champions League.Roy Keane fumes Man Utd ‘wouldn’t have tolerated’ Xabi Alonso’s behaviour”It’s a good squad, good coach. At Anfield, it’s a big challenge. We’re looking forward to it, let’s see what happens.”Slot has made a sensational start to life as Liverpool boss, winning eight of his opening 10 Premier League games as they sit two points clear at the top of the table.Leverkusen are struggling in fourth in the Bundesliga, seven points adrift of Bayern Munich.But they have picked up seven points from three Champions League matches, including wins over Feyenoord and AC Milan. More

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    Chelsea ace Enzo Fernandez eyed by TWO European giants for shock transfer after £107m midfielder loses starting XI spot

    TWO European giants are prepared to make an audacious swoop for Enzo Fernandez – whose future at Chelsea is growing increasingly unclear.The Argentine was a shock admission from the Londoners lineup for their weekend clash against Manchester United.Enzo Fernandez was left out of Chelsea’s XI against Man Utd on SundayCredit: ReutersThe Argentine is being eyed by two European giantsCredit: GettyChelsea coach Enzo Maresca insists Fernandez remains in his plansCredit: ReutersManager Enzo Maresca opted for Moises Caicdeo and Romeo Lavia instead saying he prefers their physicality.But the snub leaves a huge question mark over Fernandez’s future at the club.SunSport understands the midfielder is determined to fight for his place at Chelsea. But a source said he has no intention of sitting on the bench for months on end if he falls down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd Inter Milan and Barcelona – two of Europe’s biggest clubs – are now both monitoring the situation.The midfielder has copped flak ever since Chelsea signed him from Benfica for a British record £107million in 2023.TalkSPORT host Rory Jennings claimed recently that he should “never play for Chelsea again” and that he is potentially the “worst” signing in Premier League history.But Maresca has publicly spoken about the sympathy he has for Fernandez’s struggles to live up to his price tag, not least given the turmoil in his personal life.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFernandez, 23, recently split from his childhood sweetheart Valentina Cervantes to live on his own – despite them having a daughter and son together.Maresca said ahead of Chelsea’s clash with United: “They are human beings and if you pay £100m that is not my problem. Premier League’s Biggest Spenders: Top 10 SeasonsFernandez has no goals or assists this season”You want to buy me then you pay that money.”That does not mean that every game you have to be the best. “At the end of the day they are football players and they cannot always be at the top level.The Argentine international recently split from his partnerCredit: ReutersChelsea player ratings vs Man UtdCHELSEA came from a goal down to rescue a point at Old Trafford.Robert Sanchez brought down Rasmus Hojlund with 20 minutes remaining and Bruno Fernandes rolled in what looked to be a decisive spot kick.But Chelsea hit back swiftly as Moises Caicedo’s sweet strike flew into the bottom corner.Here is how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield saw the performances of the Chelsea players in the 1-1 draw…Robert Sanchez – 3Made a few really good saves in the first half, and was much improved after a poor performance last time out against Newcastle.That was until he gave away a reckless penalty on Rasmus Hojlund, which was easily dispatched by Bruno Fernandes.His mistakes are starting to cost Chelsea time after time.Malo Gusto – 2Got in good positions in the first half, but was often wasteful when he got there.Was booked for a late challenge on Manuel Ugarte, before being hooked for Cucurella at half-time after an awful overall showing.Wesley Fofana – 6A strong performance at the back was marred only by the Frenchman letting Rasmus Hojlund escape him before winning a penalty for his side.Showed brilliant recovery pace throughout the game, and made some crucial challenges too.Levi Colwill – 6That was a strong defensive showing from the Chelsea number 6.For a player with a passing range as impressive as his is, it would’ve been nice to see him use it more as Chelsea looked for a goal.Reece James – 5Improved this week, but still showed signs of rustiness as he gave the ball away in dangerous positions a few times.More effective on the right side in Malo Gusto’s position, and more comfortable there as expected with Marc Cucurella on the left.Another 90 minutes in the tank is fantastic news for Chelsea fans.Moises Caicedo – 9Scored a certain contender for goal of the month with a sensational volley from the edge of the box to level the scoring for his side.Effective in breaking up play for the Blues once more, and showed why he is worthy of the £100m price tag Chelsea paid for him.Romeo Lavia – 8Another impressive midfield performance from the Belgian, who shows prowess beyond his years on and off the ball.Seems the perfect pivot partner for Moises Caicedo, and people need to start talking about how Manchester City let him go for peanuts.Noni Madueke – 6Unfortunate to hit the post in the 13th minute with a header following a corner.Worked hard defensively throughout the game too, but was unable to really put his creative abilities to the test.Cole Palmer – 7In the first half, his signature ‘Palmer touch’ got the away supporters off their feet, and he was Chelsea’s most creative outlet on the day.Unable to add another goal or assist to his impressive tally this season, but still had a solid showing.Pedro Neto – 5Showed flashes of brilliance on the left-hand side, and came close with a shot across goal in the second half.Was moved to the right-hand side in the second half, but it was much of the same from there.Nicolas Jackson – 5Pretty invisible up front for Chelsea today.Worked hard and tracked back well when required to, but fans were left confused as to why Christopher Nkunku was left on the bench.In fairness to him, could’ve had an assist if Enzo Fernandez could finish his dinner.SubsMarc Cucurella (for Gusto, 46 mins) – 5A solid showing on the left-hand side. Chelsea look a better team with him in the 11.Mykhailo Mudryk (for Madueke, 70 mins) – 4Tried to light things up on the left hand side, but his spark wasn’t enough to win the game for his side.Enzo Fernandez (for Lavia, 70 mins) – 2Missed an absolute sitter which would have won his team the game after coming on. Looks very short on confidence.Click here to read more Chelsea stories.”At this moment Enzo is not playing but there is no problem with Enzo. “The noise about Enzo is because clubs pay so much money for them, people expect they will always be the best. That is not so.”The only reason he is not playing is just because the physicality I prefer is from (Moises) Caicedo and Romeo Lavia.” More

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    Edu considering joining Arsenal’s Premier League rivals and have salary TRIPLED as next move revealed

    EDU GASPAR has been lined up to join Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis’ footballing empire.The Greek billionaire, who also owns Olympiacos and Rio Ave, is ready to treble Edu’s Arsenal wage and give him a role as chief executive across all clubs.Edu is set to leave as Arsenal as sporting directorCredit: Getty – ContributorEdu is considering coordinating the network of clubs controlled by Evangelos MarinakisCredit: GettyThat would see Edu running the likes of Nottingham Forest, Olympiacos and Rio AveCredit: GettyEdu has been a transformational presence at the Emirates but is thought to be attracted by the increased power the role on offer would give.Marinakis has been pursuing Edu since the summer, with talks having reopened in recent weeks. The 46-year-old had been in Brazil last month due to personal reasons but returned to London last week.The former Gunners midfielder is manager Mikel Arteta’s strongest ally at the club, having stuck by him through a troubled start at times to take Arsenal back to the top.Arteta and Edu have worked together to transform the culture and playing squad in North London.Players learning the news of Edu’s departure on Monday morning were said to be shocked by the decision.The Brazilian, part of Arsenal’s Invincibles squad under Arsene Wenger, has developed a close relationship with a number of the current players.Arsenal must now decide whether to directly replace Edu or restructure their current leadership team, spearheaded on the footballing side by Richard Garlick and Tim Lewis.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPremier League title rivals Manchester City are making their own change upstairs this summer, with director of football Txiki Begiristain leaving at the end of the season.They have already moved to land sought after Hugo Viana from Portuguese club Sporting Lisbon.’Summer recruitment A lot of things happening’, says Arsenal transfer chief Edu live on TNT Sports as Gooners go wild Marinakis has enjoyed immense success in charge of Forest, who are currently third in the Prem table, and Olympiacos, who became the first ever Greek club to win a European trophy last season. More

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    Chelsea legend Frank Lampard lined up for shock new job at Jose Mourinho’s former club

    CHELSEA legend Frank Lampard has been touted as a potential candidate to take over as Roma manager.Lampard, 46, has been a free agent ever since 2023 when he underwent a short stint as the Blues’ caretaker boss.Chelsea legend Frank Lampard has been linked with the Roma jobCredit: GettyLampard could be managing the same club as Jose Mourinho coachedCredit: GettyLampard and Mourinho enjoyed tremendous success together at ChelseaCredit: GettyAnd according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the ex-Everton boss could return to management by joining Roma.The Giallorossi may soon be needing a new manager after Sunday’s 3-2 loss at Verona.Ivan Juric took over as manager in September when he replaced club legend Daniele De Rossi at the helm.But Juric has come under fire after losing four out of his first 10 matches, of which he also won four.Read More on FootballAnd now Italian sources claim Roma are already looking at potential new candidates to take over at the dugout, with Paulo Sousa appearing as a favourite.In fact, the Serie A giants have contacted Sousa as well as other candidates, such as ex-Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini and Leicester legend Claudio Ranieri.And now Lampard has also emerged as a potential successor to Juric.The same source claims the Friedkin Group, who own a majority stake at the club, were advised to consider the former England international by people close to them at Everton.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Friedkins are set to complete a takeover of the Toffees, where the midfield great worked as manager for a year until his departure in 2023.Roma have yet to make a final decision but Lampard is “certainly” considered.Fans spot Frank Lampard’s reaction to Roy Keane fuming at being called ‘Cardi B’ for outfit choice at Man Utd vs ChelseaThat would see the former City star taking over the same club his legendary boss Jose Mourinho managed.Lampard and Mourinho enjoyed tremendous success together at Chelsea as they won two Premier League titles, one FA Cup and two League Cups.The Special One also stood out at the Olimpico as he won the first ever Europa Conference League trophy with the Roman giants in 2022. More