SOCCER

FIRST SALAH, NOW GROWING BELIEF THAT VAN DIJK WILL REMAIN AT THE CLUB

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There's a growing sense of optimism at Liverpool that club captain Virgil van Dijk will soon follow Mohamed Salah in agreeing to a new contract. While nothing is finalized yet, sources indicate Van Dijk is very close to committing to a two-year extension. Salah is also in advanced discussions for a similar deal. Although neither contract is signed, it would now take an unexpected shift for either player to leave before next season begins.

LA LAKERS BLOW PAST OKC THUNDER

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Luka Doncic scored 30 points as the Los Angeles Lakers produced a devastating display of long-range shooting to score a surprising 126-99 blowout over the No.1 ranked Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday.

INTER MILAN SCORE LATE TO SEIZE ADVANTAGE OVER BAYERS MUNICH IN UCL QUARTER FINAL FIRST LEG

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Inter Milan grabbed a late winner to secure a vital 2-1 victory over Bayern Munich in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie, putting themselves in a strong position to reach the semi-finals. Despite Bayern dominating the opening stages, including a close effort from Harry Kane that curled against the post, it was the Serie A leaders who struck first with their only shot on target in the first half.

VAN DIJK REPORTS PROGRESS IN TALKS OVER NEW LIVERPOOL CONTRACT

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Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has revealed that negotiations over a new contract with the club are moving forward, signaling a more optimistic tone than in recent months. The 33-year-old defender, whose current deal expires at the end of the season, had previously admitted in March that he was unsure whether he would remain at Anfield beyond the summer.

DECLAN RICE SHINES AS ARSENAL BEAT REAL MADRID UCL QUARTER FINAL LEG

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Declan Rice delivered a stunning performance, scoring the first free kicks of his career, as Arsenal cruised to a 3-0 victory over Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.

SOUTHAMPTON MANAGER JURIC DEPARTS FOLLOWING RELEGATION

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Southampton have agreed to part ways with manager Ivan Juric following their relegation from the Premier League on Sunday. Juric, who was appointed in December on an 18-month contract as Russell Martin's replacement, managed just two wins in 16 matches. The club's 3-1 defeat to Tottenham confirmed their drop, marking the earliest relegation in Premier League history with eight matches still remaining. It was Southampton's 25th league defeat this season.

CRISTIANO PAYS TRIBUTE TO AURELIO, HIS FORMER COACH

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Cristiano Ronaldo has paid tribute to Aurelio da Silva Pereira, the coach who discovered him and many other elite Portuguese players, who died Tuesday at 77. Pereira created Sporting Lisbon's recruitment and training department in 1988, responsible for developing some of Portugal's finest footballers.

KEVIN DE BRUYNE TO DEPART MANCHESTER CITY AFTER LEGENDARY SPELL

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Kevin De Bruyne has confirmed he will leave Manchester City at the end of the season when his contract expires. The 33-year-old Belgian midfielder has enjoyed a decorated decade at the club, collecting 16 trophies, including six Premier League titles and the 2023 Champions League. De Bruyne, who joined City from Wolfsburg in 2015, has scored 106 goals in 413 appearances and has been central to one of the most successful periods in the club's history.