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    Joao Cancelo pulls out of Barcelona clash due to ‘serious personal problem’ as team-mates dedicate win to Man City star

    JOAO CANCELO was forced to miss Barcelona’s clash at Atletico Madrid last night due to a reported “serious personal problem”.Barca loanee Joao Felix scored the opener against his parent club to inflict a first LaLiga home loss of the campaign of Diego Simeone’s side.Scorer Fermin Lopez dedicated Barcelona’s win to an absent team-mateCredit: GettyOn-loan Joao Cancelo reportedly missed out due to a ‘serious personal issue’Credit: APHe gave the visitors the lead on 38 minutes, just before his manager Xavi was sent to the stands for dissent. Robert Lewandowski doubled the advantage in the second half before Fermin Lopez ensured the 3-0 victory to move Barcelona above Girona into second in LaLiga.Before the game, it was revealed that defender Cancelo was ruled out due to an injury.However, several outlets then reported that the 29-year-old Portuguese star, who is on loan from Man City, did not in fact travel due to a personal issue.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd he was in Lopez’s thoughts after the final whistle as he dedicated the win in the Spanish capital to his colleague.The goalscorer, who was due to start on the bench until Andreas Christensen was hurt in the warm-up, said: “I wanted to dedicate this victory to Cancelo, who is having a hard time.“We’ve got second place back, we now need to close the gap to Madrid and fight for the title.“I was a bit surprised starting, despite not being in the original XI but I did my best from the first kick.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER“We are on a great run and want to continue it for as long as possible.”Meanwhile, manager Xavi added: “Joao Cancelo is a very sensitive boy, an extraordinary person with a very big heart.Fans fear Joao Cancelo has been ‘possessed’ after ‘terrifying’ interview of Barcelona star emerges – laliga“Not being able to be with the team today has affected him a lot.”Cancelo moved to the Premier League in 2019 and has tasted three title triumphs but he had a major bust-up with boss Pep Guardiola at the start of 2023.He spent the final six months of last season on loan at Bayern Munich, winning the Bundesliga to go with his Premier League crown, but they opted not to pay the £61.5m option to make the deal permanent, leading to his switch to Barca last summer. More

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    Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta one of two ‘obvious’ candidates to replace Xavi at Barcelona, claims Gerard Pique

    GERARD PIQUE has named Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta as one of two “obvious” candidates to take over at Barcelona.Current Barca boss Xavi Hernandez is leaving the club in the summer with the team struggling in LaLiga.Mikel Arteta has been named as one of two obvious candidates for BarcelonaCredit: APGerard Pique believes Arteta understands the Barcelona DNACredit: GettyThis coming summer represents a pivotal moment for the Spanish giants owing to their crippling financial situation.However, in an interview with The Times, former Barcelona and Manchester United defender Pique has revealed who he believes to be the best candidates to steer the ship next.The 37-year-old said: “To manage Barça you need to be a specific type of coach and to understand the way Barça play, so the options are much less.”The obvious ones are [Pep] Guardiola, because he had his past here, and he is the best coach right now, and [Arsenal’s Mikel] Arteta. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”He would be a good one also. He understands Barcelona and played for Barça in the past.”Arteta, 41, and Arsenal categorically denied reports in January which claimed he had decided to quit the Gunners to head to Spain. Indeed, Arteta said in a press conference following the news: “That’s totally fake news what you read yesterday.”I don’t know where it’s coming from and it’s totally untrue. I’m really upset about it…Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”I could not believe [it] (the reports). I don’t know where it’s coming from.”I think we have to be very cautious when you talk about personal things.”The Premier League’s Top 10 sexiest managers according to AIHowever, Pique also believes that Xavi’s decision could still be reversed.He added: “I don’t think it’s a decision that is 100 per cent. “Let’s see how the season ends. I think maybe he will stay.” More

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    Joao Cancelo ‘thrown Premier League lifeline’ as Barcelona hesitate over permanent transfer for Man City star

    JOAO CANCELO is set to be handed a Premier League lifeline, according to reports in Spain.The Manchester City full-back, 29, is currently on loan at Barcelona having fallen out with City boss Pep Guardiola last year.Joao Cancelo is keen to remain at Barcelona but the Spaniards may not be able to afford himCredit: AlamyHe spent the final six months of last season on loan at Bayern Munich, but they opted not to pay the £61.5million option to make the deal permanent.And it looks as though his deal with Barcelona will meet a similar end according to Spanish outlet Sport.Barcelona could make the deal permanent for £34m but will again be limited by their financial issues this summer.Sport report that signing a right-back is not a priority for the Catalan club, and they would rather use their resources this summer to sign a left-footed right winger.That’s despite Cancelo being keen to stay at the Catalan club.The report states that Cancelo could earn a move to Barca by kicking up a fuss when he arrives back at City and therefore causing them to lower their asking price.But that is believed to be unlikely, with City keen to recoup as much of the £60m they paid for him in 2019 as possible.If that move does not come to fruition, it is reported that Cancelo will not be short of offers from both the Premier League and Saudi league.CHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL Credit: The SunCancelo’s agent, Jorge Mendes, will seek to broker another loan with an option to buy between City and Barcelona.The defender recently expressed his desire to remain at Barca when asked about his future by Mundo Deportivo at the screening of a documentary on Ronald Araujo.Rueben Dias’ new girlfirend revealed after dumping Love Island’s Arabella Chi-InboxCancelo has two goals and three assists in his 23 league appearances for Barcelona this season. More

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    Barcelona ‘open talks’ with Prem legend about becoming manager with bizarre clause that will let him keep current job

    BARCELONA have contacted Portugal boss Roberto Martinez over the prospect of replacing Xavi in the dugout this summer, reports suggest.The Barca manager has announced he will leave his post in June once the season is complete and club chiefs are rigorously searching for his replacement.Barcelona have contacted Portugal manager Roberto MartinezCredit: GettyMartinez has been offered the chance to continue coaching Portugal after replacing XaviCredit: RexA number of candidates have been touted, including the likes of Barcelona B coach Rafa Marquez, ex-Germany and Bayern Munich boss Hansi Flick and Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi.Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has also been linked with the Blaugrana but he quickly dismissed those rumours as “totally fake news”.According to FootballTransfers, however, Barcelona have approached Martinez, 50, over the possibility of taking over the top job at the Nou Camp.The Catalan giants are offering the ex-Swansea, Wigan and Everton boss an initial one-year deal with the option for one more.Read More on FootballBarcelona are also on board with the Spanish tactician juggling his current job as Portugal’s head coach, which will allow him to continue working with Cristiano Ronaldo and Co.Barca have been keeping tabs on the Premier League hero for a long time as they almost signed him in 2021 before ultimately turning to Xavi following Ronald Koeman’s dismissal.Club president Joan Laporta is a big admirer of Martinez, who has close ties to Barcelona because of his relationship with the Cruyff family. The ex-Wigan star is godfather to one of the sons of Jordi Cruyff, who is the son of Barcelona legend Johan.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSReports suggest Martinez has previously expressed interest in coaching the Spanish giants.The Catalan head coach is no stranger to success as he shocked the world when he won the FA Cup with Wigan in 2013 after beating Manchester City in the final.Sports reporter Melissa Reddy works up a sweat as she shows off her gym routineHe also led Belgium to third place in the 2018 World Cup as well as the top spot in the FIFA rankings.Roberto Martinez’s Managerial Record

    2007-2009: Swansea
    2009-2013: Wigan
    2013-2016: Everton
    2016-2022: Belgium
    2023-: Portugal

    Trophies: League One (Swansea – 2007-2008), FA Cup (Wigan-2013) More

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    Ex-Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel ‘open to replacing Xavi at Barcelona but wants to take Erik ten Hag’s job at Man Utd’

    THOMAS TUCHEL would consider bossing Barcelona – if he can’t get the Manchester United job.That’s the claim from Germany after the ex-Chelsea chief agreed to leave Bayern Munich this summer.Thomas Tuchel could land another huge role when he leaves BayernCredit: GettyAnother former Blues’ manager, Graham Potter, is the current favourite to succeed Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford – closely followed by Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane and ex-Wolves manager Julen Lopetegui.But SportBild journalist Christian Falk says Tuchel’s “priority” is a Premier League return – with United topping his wishlist.However, if Ten Hag holds onto his position, or if new Red Devils’ minority owner sir Jim Ratcliffe looks elsewhere, then Barca could beckon.Nou Camp legend Xavi has refused the Spanish giants’ request to U-turn on his pledge to quit as boss at the end of the season.READ MORE TOP STORIESAnd the race to replace him appears wide open.Falk has named Tuchel as a willing contender – but the ex-PSG chief faces tough competition from fellow German Hansi Flick.It leaves at least four of Europe’s traditional giants – United, Real, Bayern and Liverpool – staring at major managerial decisions this summer.Indeed, Tuchel has also been mentioned as an option to follow Jurgen Klopp at Anfield.Most read in FootballHOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALLIt appears Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso is so far Liverpool’s top target.But Bayern have also been linked with the former Spain midfielder, who played for the Bundesliga club as well as the Reds and Real.I won iconic Treble at Man Utd… but I fear I’ll have to BUY a football club to ever land another managerial job More

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    Erling Haaland’s agent ‘meets with Barcelona and discusses Man City star’s future’ in hint at huge transfer

    ERLING HAALAND’S agent has held a meeting with Barcelona in what could be a hint at the forward’s future.Footage captured from Spanish outlet Jijantes shows Barca sporting director Deco meeting with superagent Rafaela Pimenta.Erling Haaland could be on his way to BarcelonaCredit: Alamy💣 EXCLUSIVA @JijantesFC‼ Cumbre del BARÇA con los agentes de HAALAND ‼Deco, el director deportivo azulgrana, se ha reunido hoy con Rafaela Pimenta y Maxwell, agentes del delantero noruego, entre muchos otros. El futuro de Haaland, el gran sueño de Laporta, uno de los… pic.twitter.com/lFKPtXTQdF— Jijantes FC (@JijantesFC) February 28, 2024

    They allege that Haaland’s future was discussed at the meeting.The 23-year-old has previously been linked with Spanish giants Real Madrid.However, it seems Barcelona want to try and steal a march on their LaLiga rivals by pipping them to the signing of the Manchester City ace.Haaland has a contract at Man City running until 2027 which sees him earn £375,000 a week before bonuses. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt then eclipses the £850,000 mark when bonuses and incentives are added.Reports in Spain suggest the Norwegian’ has a £171.6million (€200m) release clause in his contract that will become active in the summer. The value of the clause is set to decrease in every transfer window beyond 2024 until its expiry.A “big dream” of Barcelona president Joan Laporta is said to have been one of the points of discussion at the meeting.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPimenta took over the agency left behind by Mino Raiola following his passing in April 2022.Haaland netted five goals in Man City’s 6-2 win over Luton in the FA Cup.His hat-trick in the game was the 18th of his club career, with two more coming for his country.He has already scored 27 goals in all competitions this season, which comes on the back of a record-breaking 52-goal campaign last season.Top 10 highest paid footballers in the world revealed with no Premier League players making the top five More

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    Tottenham fans say ‘that’s just ridiculous’ as transfer deadline day signing runs rings around defenders in viral video

    TOTTENHAM fans are licking their lips at the prospect of welcoming wonderkid Lucas Bergvall to the club. Spurs beat Barcelona to the Djurgarden midfielder on Deadline Day as they agreed an £8.5million deal plus add-ons.
    Lucas Bergvall scored a wonder goal
    Spurs fans are licking their lips at his arrival
    Bergvall is spending the rest of this season at Djurgarden, before he officially links up with Tottenham on July 1.
    And the playmaker already has Spurs fans in awe of his talent after scoring a stunner against United Nordic.
    Bergvall skipped past six defenders on a magical solo run before cooly slotting past the keeper, leaving fans stunned.
    One said: “That’s just ridiculous.”
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    Another added: “Top talent. They got him for peanuts.”
    Bergvall scored twice in the game to help Djurgarden to a 5-0 win.
    Spurs beat off interest from Aston Villa or Wolves to sign the teenage sensation as well as Barcelona.
    And Bergvall was forced to hit back at claims that he used Barca to get a better deal out of Tottenham.
    Most read in Football
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    Ex-Barca scout Bojan Krkic snr, dad of the former Stoke star of the same name, also questioned Bergvall’s ambition.
    But Bergvall, 18, said: “They can say what they want. I know what the truth is.”
    Tottenham HIJACK Barcelona’s transfer for Swedish wonderkid Lucas Bergvall in major deadline day coup
    Krkic snr claimed Bergvall’s girlfriend and mum steered him towards Spurs and his camp played Barca along to improve Tottenham’s offer.
    Krkic said: “Where is the player’s ambition? Barca would be the opportunity of his life right now.”
    When asked if the smears could be bitterness on Barcelona’s part, Bergvall said: “That could be the case, absolutely.
    “There was a lot of speculation, but it’s nice that everything has settled down and that I can focus only on Djurgarden.”
    Bergvall signed for Tottenham in JanuaryCredit: Rex More

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    My dad is a Real Madrid icon… now I’m playing alongside Barcelona legend Lionel Messi at Inter Miami after transfer

    MANCHESTER UNITED legend David Beckham has welcomed a promising young ace to his Inter Miami side.And the youngster is set for an exciting adventure as he will be linking up with eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi.
    Federico Redondo has joined Lionel Messi at Inter MiamiCredit: https://www.instagram.com/fede.redondo/
    Federico is the son of Real Madrid legend Fernando Redondo
    The Argentine will also be rubbing shoulders with some of Messi’s most legendary Barcelona teammates in Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.
    But hanging out with football icons is nothing new for Federico Redondo, 21, as he grew up in that environment as the son of the legendary Fernando Redondo.
    Fernando enjoyed a stunning 19-year career that saw him dazzling the crowds around the world during his time at Real Madrid, AC Milan and Argentina.
    And now Federico is looking to follow in his dad’s footsteps, starting in the MLS.
    Read More on Football
    Inter Miami announced they signed the midfielder from Argentinos Juniors, which is the same club where Fernando’s career kicked off.
    The Argentina Under-23 international has put pen to paper on a three-year deal with a club option to extend until 2028.
    Federico has penned a youth contract and the paperwork is expected to be completed once his visa is finalised.
    Inter Miami chief soccer officer and sporting director Chris Henderson said: “We’re pleased to bring an exciting young midfielder like Federico to Inter Miami.
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    “He’s a very promising player who is sharp with the ball at his feet, and shows awareness out of possession.
    “We believe in his potential, but also feel he will immediately be a strong addition to our squad as we look to build on our successes in 2024.”
    ‘He’s just taking the p**s,’ say fans as they spot ‘savage’ Messi’s ‘disrespectful’ skill against injured opponent
    Federico joined Argentinos Juniors in 2013 at the tender age of 10 years old and spent nine years in the youth ranks.
    The defensive midfielder made his senior debut in 2022 and went on to amass two goals as well as two assists in 58 appearances.
    Federico said: “I’m very happy to join a Club that is growing so much. It’s a great opportunity to share the pitch with top players.
    “I’m looking forward to integrating in the group with my teammates. We have to go step by step but always dream big.” More