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    Former Chelsea wonderkid who spent 10 years with Blues wakes up unemployed as he’s released with ‘next Steven Gerrard’

    SHREWSBURY TOWN have released former Chelsea wonderkid Jamal Blackman and ex-Liverpool prospect Jordan Rossiter.Shrewsbury revealed their retained list ahead of the coming League One season and neither of the two made the cut.Shrewsbury Town have released ex-Chelsea wonderkid Jamal BlackmanShrewsbury also let go of former Liverpool prospect Jordan RossiterBlackman, 31, joined the Shrews in 2024 from Burton Albion amid an ongoing nomadic career.The goalkeeper amassed a mere total of 27 appearances since his arrival to the EFL outfit.Rossiter, 28, moved to New Meadow on the same year as the former Chelsea ace. The midfielder, who was sent out on loan to Oldham Athletic this season, registered only 17 appearances for Shrewsbury.Read More on FootballBlackman was tipped by many to become Chelsea’s next No1 after impressing within the youth ranks.The keeper was with the Blues’ seniors for almost 10 years after an impressive six-year spell with the reserves until he was called up in 2012.But the ex-England Under-19 international never played for the first team and was released in 2021 after several loan stints with Middlesbrough, Ostersund, Wycombe Wanderers, Sheffield United, Leeds, Vitesse, Bristol Rovers and Rotherham.Blackman now finds himself as a free agent after some unremarkable spells with Los Angeles FC, Huddersfield, Exeter City and of course Burton, which took place before his move to Shrewsbury.Most read in FootballRossiter poses as perhaps an even greater shock than the former Chelsea shot-stopper.The former England Under-19 international enjoyed an impressive 11-year stint with Liverpool’s reserves, where he even donned the captain’s armband, until he was called up to the seniors in 2014. The defensive midfielder stood out so much in the youth ranks that the Reds’ legend Robbie Fowler tipped him to become the next Steven Gerrard back in 2013.Fowler said 12 years ago: “Jordan Rossiter. Big shout, but potentially a young Stevie G. He’s a very good player.”But the England legend’s prediction never materialised as Rossiter only managed a total of five appearances with Liverpool’s first team during a hapless two-year stint that was marred by injury.That led to a move to Rangers in 2016, where he played under Gerrard for two years, before also competing for the likes of Bury, Fleetwood Town and Bristol Rovers.He never lived up to the Gerrard tag, but he insists that wasn’t the reason behind his unfortunate fall from grace.Rossiter said back in 2020 when asked if all that hype added pressure: “No, I never saw it like that. For legends of the club to say positive things about me was great to hear. Read More on The Sun”It showed that they rated me highly but I never felt under any extra pressure or anything like.”I never got carried away by it either. I was just thinking, ‘Next Steven Gerrard? If I have 10 per cent of the career Steven Gerrard has had then I will have had a great career’.”Blackman was expected to become Chelsea’s next No1Rossiter was tipped to become the next Steven Gerrard More

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    Real Madrid open transfer negotiations to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold in £1m deal… but Liverpool set to play hardball

    REAL MADRID officially began negotiations with Liverpool to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold in time for the Club World Cup.On Monday, the England defender confirmed he will be leaving his boyhood club at the end of the season and is set to sign a five-year deal with Real.Trent Alexander-Arnold has confirmed he will leave LiverpoolCredit: RexHe is expected to join Real MadridCredit: PAThe Spaniards are keen for TAA to play at next month’s Club World Cup, although they could be forced to pay a fee of more than £1million.Liverpool will shell out for his £180,000-a-week wages as his deal does not expire until June 30.Real’s first game in the US is against Saudi side Al-Hilal on June 18.They could register their new man between June 1 and 10 or between June 27 and July 3 for the knockout stage.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAlthough Real have been hoping to secure TAA for around £1m, Liverpool could play hardball and ask for a further £500,000.Alexander-Arnold, 26, has three games left as a Liverpool player — with his Anfield farewell coming against Crystal Palace on the final day of the season.He could also make appearances for the club against Arsenal on Sunday before travelling to Brighton.But he might not get the warmest reception from Liverpool fans during his farewell tour.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMany supporters have been left angry with the defender’s decision to leave the club.Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has insisted that the anger towards his exit is “justified”.Trent Alexander-Arnold announces he is leaving Liverpool after 20 years in emotional video LiverpoolIn his Telegraph column, Carragher wrote: “Liverpool are in the business of winning more Premier League and Champions League titles.”Anything which undermines that is a threat.”You may not agree, or believe that competitive attitude to the loss of a star player is justified, but it is what makes Liverpool the successful club it is, and it is no different than what you would expect at Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Barcelona or Manchester United.”By leaving Liverpool, Alexander-Arnold is making it harder for his own club to win its 21st league title and seventh European Cup.”That is bound to stir emotions.”Some of the negative reactions have seen Alexander-Arnold get “banned” from Curry’s and Popworld.Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Liverpool exit interviewTRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD spoke to Liverpool’s in-house club media to explain his decision to leave Anfield.Here are the key parts…I think first and foremost, I want to say it’s not an easy decision and there’s a lot of thought and feeling that has gone into it. I’ve been here 20 years now, loved every single minute of it, achieved all my dreams, achieved everything I’ve ever wanted to here. Giving everything day in, day out for 20 years, I’ve got to a point now where I feel like I need a change, a new challenge for me as a player and as a person. And I think now is the right time for me to do that.Obviously there’s been a lot of noise around what the decision was going to be and how that was going to look. I know a lot of people will say I should have said sooner, a lot of people will say maybe I waited for the right time. But I felt personally the focus should always be on the pitch.I’ve got full confidence in the manager and the staff and the club going forward. It’s not about me thinking we’re not going to fight for titles or fight for trophies season in, season out… it was never about not having confidence in that, it just boiled down to what I felt I needed, and that is a change.Growing up, seeing players leave that I’ve loved watching and have helped the team win trophies, you feel a connection to the players that you watch, especially when they bring success to the club as well. So, I completely understand the feelings that go with that and I’ve felt it myself so I completely understand that the news will disappoint a lot of people, will anger people, it will make them upset. Obviously that went into the decision as well – it’s something you don’t want to do, you don’t want to ever have these moments where you feel like you’re letting a lot of people down, you’re disappointing a lot of people. But I’ve had to make a decision for me, it’s as simple as that. It’s a difficult one, it’s one that has played on my mind for a long time but being able now to get it off my chest will feel like a weight is lifted. And I think it’s important for the fans to know where I stand and know what the truth is.I fell in love with the club from a very, very young age and that’s something that has grown and grown day in, day out. This club has given me the opportunities to achieve everything beyond my wildest dreams. I can never repay enough of what’s been given to me and I don’t take it for granted at all. I’ve given everything every single day for 20 years now. I’ve sacrificed everything. I know the news will take a bit of time to set in and people won’t be happy and they’ll be disappointed. At the end of the day, you can be angry and hurt at me but I just hope that the lads, the rest of the team, the staff, everyone else is able to feel how good a season this has been and able to feel the love and support from the fans as they have done all season.There’s no doubt about it, I’ll be back – I’d love one day to be able to bring my kids to Anfield and show them that that’s where I’ve played and show them the videos and highlights of what we were able to achieve together. So just a huge thank you for that, thank you for everything you’ve ever done for me. Thank you for the support, thank you for the love that I’ve always felt, thank you for always having my back. I will always love the club, I will always love the people of the club, I will always love the fans and the supporters. Even though I’m leaving as player, as a fan I’ll always be a Liverpool fan. More

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    ‘Best decision I ever made’ – Antony aims subtle dig at Man Utd as he reveals he snubbed huge transfers to join Betis

    ANTONY claims leaving Manchester United to join Real Betis was the best decision he ever made.The £85.5million Brazil forward, 25, had a nightmare couple of years at Old Trafford under Erik ten Hag and then Ruben Amorim.Antony has excelled since joining Real Betis in JanuaryCredit: RexManchester United are willing to sell him in the summer transfer windowCredit: GettyRed Devils chiefs decided to let him leave on loan during the January window — and he made the surprise choice to join Manuel Pellegrini at Betis in Seville.However, the move has worked out perfectly for all parties, and the Spanish side are desperate to take him for another season.Antony and his agent are planning to hold talks with United about his long-term future this month.But he said: “The best decision I’ve ever made was coming to Betis.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“I’m happy — and when I’m happy, things go well.“It’s very early. I don’t know what’s going to happen but I’m very happy here.”Antony felt playing regularly in a fun environment was more important than looking for a big move.He added: “Although I know how talented I am, I prioritised going where I knew I’d be happy, even though I had better offers.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“It’s important to score goals and provide assists but being happy is even more important.”Antony’s form at Betis has alerted Atletico Madrid, who could yet make a move this summer — when United will be looking to sell.Antony shows his excitement as he joins Real Betis Reports have claimed that the LaLiga side could have to pay between £34million to £43m for the winger. Meanwhile, Man United could face a battle in order to keep hold of captain Bruno Fernandes.The Portuguese star is wanted in Saudi Arabia and has been offered a staggering £65m per season on a three-year deal by Al-Hilal.Fernandes has not yet responded and the club do not want to sell their star man.It comes with Man Utd believed to be wanting to move on at least 10 players this summer as part of a huge rebuild.Firstly, the four all-but definite exits come in the form of Jonny Evans, Tom Heaton, Christian Eriksen and Victor Lindelof.Read More on The SunUnited also want to permanently sell on-loan stars Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho to reinvest in a new goalscorer.Casemiro will also be put up for sale as the Manchester giants look to raise funds for new signings.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford More

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    Florian Wirtz ‘tells Xabi Alonso he won’t move to Real Madrid or Man City as he picks next club’

    FLORIAN WIRTZ has reportedly picked his next club and it is not good news for two European giants.The German wizkid is one of the most exciting prospects in Europe, having starred at Bayer Leverkusen.Florian Wirtz has reportedly chosen his next clubCredit: APHe has had interest from the likes of Man City, Real Madrid and Bayern MunichCredit: GettyWirtz, 22, has been tipped with moves to the likes of Manchester City and Real Madrid.Reports in Germany claim that he has his heart set on a move elsewhere.Bild have reported that the attacking midfielder has told Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso his desired destination.Wirtz is said to “only want a move” to Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe report has added that Wirtz’s family have reached a “fundamental agreement” with Bayern during “numerous talks”.It is not clear when a transfer to the Allianz Arena will take place as his contract runs until 2027.Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro has previously insisted that Wirtz will not be sold on the cheap.During an interview with Radio Marca in April, he stated that a deal would cost “at least €150million” (£127m).Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe interest from Real Madrid and Man City was apparently not reciprocated as they were not a “serious option” for the midfielder.The conversation with Alonso would have been a blow as he is expected to replace Carlo Ancelotti at the Santiago Bernabeu.Carlo Ancelotti to step down as Real Madrid bossIt had been thought that the former Liverpool star would have wanted to bring the German with him to Spain.Wirtz has continued to impress in Germany this season.He has scored ten and assisted ten goals in Leverkusen’s Bundesliga campaign.The midfielder also impressed with six goals in nine Champions League outings.He was a crucial cog in the club’s efforts as they won the Bundesliga title last season without losing a single game. More

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    Leicester ‘target Championship manager, 39,’ who could still win promotion if they sack Ruud van Nistelrooy

    LEICESTER are targeting a Championship manager who could still be promoted to the Premier League, according to reports.The relegated Foxes are expected to part ways with Ruud van Nistelrooy this summer, despite the Dutchman’s deal running until 2027.Bristol City boss Liam Manning has been linked with the Leicester City jobCredit: GettyThe Foxes are expected to part ways with Ruud van Nistelrooy this summerCredit: GettyHowever, his record of just four wins in 24 games as manager has left his position nigh-on untenable.And according to talkSPORT, his successor is already being lined up in the form of Bristol City manager Liam Manning.Manning, 39, took charge of the Robins in November 2023 and has enjoyed an impressive first full season in charge by leading the club into the play-offs for the first time in 17 years.They secured their spot in the sixth and final place ahead of Blackburn after coming from 2-0 down to draw on the final day of the season against Preston, while Rovers failed to beat Sheffield United to bridge the points gap.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBristol will now clash with the Blades during the play-offs, with the semi-final first leg taking place at Ashton Gate on May 8 before the return leg at Bramall Lane four days later.On securing a play-off place, Manning told BBC Radio Bristol: “I have no idea how I am feeling, to be honest. Exhausted, stressed, happy, over the moon, proud – what an afternoon…”There’s no expectation or pressure on us so we have got to go and be brave and enjoy it. You see today the lads give everything for the shirt.”Victory in the play-offs would see Bristol City playing in the Premier League for the first time ever, and for the first time in England’s top flight since 1980.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKManning temporarily stepped down from his position earlier this season after the tragic death of his newborn son, Theo, in October.After the final day, Manning celebrated with his customary fist-bumps into the crowd, a celebration he shared with his son, Isaac. Jamie Vardy reveals best XI he’s played with at Leicester with huge snub to England stars and entire current squadSpeaking to Bristol Live, he said: “Yeah, it was special. I had to force him to do it.”He’d said about doing it during the week and then he bottled it a little bit, so there was a little bit of a nudge.”It’s been a tough year personally for me, so it’s a special moment for me to be able to do that with my family at the end.”Meanwhile, former Manchester United interim boss Van Nistelrooy is eager to find out whether Leicester will opt to keep him or part ways.The 48-year-old said: “(I am) still hoping to find out. The quicker the better, in the best interest of the club.”We’re all hoping to find out soon. There’s 70 people working at the training ground who want to evaluate the season (and start) looking forward to the next.”Read More on The SunLeicester’s final three games of their current Premier League stay see them taking on Champions League chasing Nottingham Forest, fellow relegated side Ipswich and Bournemouth.They will be looking to bounce straight back into the top flight like they did during their last stay in the second tier two seasons ago. More

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    Saudis ‘prepared to pay British record transfer fee to sign Bruno Fernandes from Man Utd with star sent offer’

    BRUNO FERNANDES has received a mega-money offer from Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal, according to reports.The Manchester United captain was first approached by the club last year before he signed a new contract at Old Trafford that runs until 2027.Bruno Fernandes is a top target for Al-Hilal this summerCredit: GettyBut the Saudis have not given up on bringing Fernandes to the Middle East and they have supposedly put money on the table.Journalist Ben Jacobs reports that Al-Hilal are ready to pay him a staggering £65million per season on a three-year deal.Fernandes has not yet responded and Man Utd do not want to sell their star man.But the mega-rich side will test their resolve amid the Red Devils needing to bring in funds for their own signings.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAl-Hilal could reportedly smash the £115m British transfer record Chelsea paid Brighton for Moises Caicedo in 2023.The Riyadh-based club are set to go on a huge summer spending spree and they have plenty of cash in the bank.They set aside £510m in fees and wages to sign Mo Salah – only for him to commit his future to Liverpool.Reports suggest Al-Hilal want a marquee signing before the Club World Cup, which begins on June 15.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBut a deal for Fernandes will be tough as Ruben Amorim is determined to keep his Portuguese compatriot.When asked about interest from Real Madrid in March, the Man Utd boss said: “No, it’s not going to happen. He’s not going anywhere because I’ve already told him.Why Ruben Amorim’s Man United system is broken”I want Bruno here because we want to win the Premier League again, so we want the best players to continue with us. “He’s 30, but he’s still so young, because he plays 55 games every season.”Between assists and goals, he’s there for 30 at least, so he’s the type of player we want here and he’s not going anywhere.”Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford More

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    Newcastle set to join Man Utd in transfer race for one of world’s most sought-after defenders and Marc Guehi alternative

    NEWCASTLE are set to join the race to sign Jonathan Tah.Tah, 29, is available on a free transfer this summer and a host of clubs are fighting to land the sought-after German.Jonathan Tah is wanted by Newcastle as he prepares to leave Bayer LeverkusenNewcastle remain interested in Marc GuehiCredit: AlamyManchester United, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich are all reportedly keen on the Bayer Leverkusen centre-back.And SunSport understands that the Toon are also monitoring the player. Eddie Howe is desperate to beef up his defence ahead of next season as he attempts to build a team that can make a genuine title challenge.His top target remains Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace, who is set to leave Selhurst Park with Chelsea also interested. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe England and Eagles star was the subject of a £70million bid from Newcastle a year ago.But Tah is another option and he is believed to be keen on moving to the Premier League, according to reports in Germany.Real Madrid’s chances could also be boosted if current Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso replaces Carlo Ancelotti at the Bernabeu.Bayern would offer Tah the chance to remain in the Bundesliga, while Barcelona’s pursuit is thought to be complicated by ongoing financial constraints affecting player registration.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe 35-time German international has already confirmed that he is leaving Leverkusen after ten years at the club.He has played a whopping 400 times for them, winning the Bundesliga title and DFB Pokal last season.Newcastle legend, 41, spotted BUSKING in city centre and gushes over ‘dream come true’ to play in ‘my home’ More

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    Arsenal consider cut-price transfer for PSG midfielder, 24, following Champions League semi-final

    ARSENAL are considering another move for Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Lee Kang-In.Mikel Arteta was interested in the South Korean in January, and new Gunners sporting director Andrea Berta will encourage him to make room in his squad for the 24-year-old.Arsenal are considering a move for Lee Kang-InCredit: GettyBerta was the driving force behind a failed bid from Atletico Madrid for Lee in 2023 when he left La Liga outfit Mallorca for the Parc des Princes.But it has not worked out for him in Paris as he remains a fringe member of Luis Enrique’s squad after almost two seasons at the club.The former Valencia playmaker has started 18 league games this season, the same number as in his first season at the club, but doubled his 2023-24 goal tally by registering six times in Ligue 1.Last week, L’Equipe named Lee on a list of players the French champions will look to offload this summer.READ MORE ON ARSENALPSG want to recoup their £18.7m outlay and will not listen to any offers below £17m.The French sports daily reported that Lee is dissatisfied with his playing time, and indicated that he will seek a new team this summer.He was an unused substitute for PSG in their 1-0 Champions League semi-final first-leg win at the Emirates.He started their Ligue 1 match against Strasbourg on Saturday but left the 2-1 defeat at half-time because of a shin injury that looks set to keep him out of the return leg.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesEnrique has deployed Lee as a winger, central midfielder and false nine, viewing the Korean as a player with the tactical awareness to switch positions seamlessly.A move for Lee could be completed relatively quickly because of PSG’s desire to sell and that could mean the Korean is on board the plane when Arsenal jet out to the Far East for their pre-season matches in Singapore and Hong Kong.How PSG tricked Arsenal to gain Champions League semi-final advantage More