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    Iconic football stadium looks unrecognisable with new colour scheme and huge roof in never-before-seen footage

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    THE NOU Camp looks unrecognisable during its BILLION-POUND renovation, which is set to leave it with a new colour scheme.The home of Spanish footie giants Barcelona has been undergoing a major revamp for the last ten months to bring it into the 21st century.Barcelona’s iconic Nou Camp stadium is going under a massive renovationCredit: GETTYThe Spanish giants are extending the capacity of their world-famous groundCredit: EPAThe stadium will be upgraded to a capacity of 105,000Fresh computer-generated footage and images of the new Nou camp have been releasedCredit: INSTAGRAM@JOANSOLE_The club are spending a whopping £1.3billion to modernise and increase the capacity of the famous ground to a staggering 105,000 fans.The Catalans have begun circulating images and video footage of the ongoing renovations on their social media channels.And one computer-generated clip of the finished product showed the ground with a completely new colour scheme.The newly-released video showed the brand-spanking-new three-tiered Nou Camp in what will be all of its glory.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe seats will comprise of a blend of garnet brown and blue, with the former making up most of the bottom tier before blending into the latter.The club’s iconic logo will remain thanks to a sprinkling of yellow seats stretching midway up the first tier and to the top.More yellow seating will make up the logo of the club’s sponsor, Spotify, as well as the “FC Barcelona” lettering.The footage paints an incredible picture of what the Nou Camp will look like once it’s finished.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe renovation will feature a completely different colour schemeCredit: Instagram / @joansole_But the iconic yellow lettering will remainCredit: Instagram / @joansole_Club are hoping the new-and-improved Nou Camp will be an “architectural benchmark”Credit: FC BARCELONABarca chiefs are hoping it’ll be “an architectural benchmark for the city and for the world”.The current state of the stadium, however, has some footie fans concerned it won’t be finished in time for the team’s proposed November return.But Vice President Elena Fort dismissed those concerns last year, insisting: “We still have a long way to go, but we are well underway.”Footage of Ronaldinho’s son, 19, at Barcelona emerges and fans are baffled to spot his positionShe added: “In November 2024 we will return to Spotify Camp Nou with an approximate capacity of 65,000 spectators between the first and second tiers.”With 50% of the VIP capacity and the definitive museum open. “The bulk of all the work will be carried out in 2024, including the core main structure and the roof.”A recent excerpt of a club statement on the renovation read: “The work on the future stadium remains on schedule.”And the slabs at ground level for members and fans to walk into the FC Barcelona temple will soon start to be put into place.”At the same time, the repairs to the first and second tiers are progressing at a good pace, with over 70% of repairs on the current structure completed, and the inner partition walls already starting to be built.”The Nou Camp is expected to re-open in November at a reduced capacityCredit: FC BARCELONA More

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      Xavi makes shock U-turn and will STAY at Barcelona after meeting with chairman Joan Laporta

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      XAVI has reportedly decided to STAY at Barcelona despite revealing plans to depart this summer.The Spaniard unexpectedly announced his intention to leave the Nou Camp back in January.Xavi is set to stay at BarcelonaCredit: GettyFollowing Barcelona’s 5-3 defeat to Villarreal, he said: “I will leave Barcelona in June.”We have reached a point of no return. It’s time for change.”As a Culé, I think that it’s time to leave. I spoke with the board and the club today. I will leave on the 30th of June.”Xavi’s current deal with the La Liga giants is set to expire this summer.Read More on FootballBut according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the 44-year-old has now changed his mind.Following a meeting with Barcelona president Joan Laporta on Wednesday afternoon, Xavi made the decision to stay at the club.The ex-midfielder has allegedly agreed conditions for a new deal.Xavi took over from Ronald Koeman at Barcelona in November 2021 and has since managed 136 games.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSDuring that time he has registered 85 wins and 28 defeats.He won the Spanish Super Cup and La Liga title with the Catalan giants last season.Football’s weirdest contract clauses revealed including non-Arsenal agreement and a private jet promiseHowever, Barcelona are expected to miss out on the title this season to bitter rivals Real Madrid. More

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      Xavi ‘considers making astonishing U-turn’ after publicly announcing Barcelona exit

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      XAVI is set for a sensational U-turn and continue as Barcelona coach, according to reports in Spain.The legendary Barca midfielder announced he was quitting back in January after a string of poor results.Xavi is reconsidering his decision to step down at the end of this seasonCredit: EPABut things have picked up for Barca in recent weeks and but for a controversial Ronald Araujo red card, the club could be in the Champions League semi-final.According to Mundo Deportivo, the boss – whose side lost 3-2 to Real Madrid at the weekend – is now reconsidering his decision.He will sit down to discuss his future with president Joan Laporta, vice president Rafa Yuste and sporting director Deco.After announcing his departure, Xavi has successfully integrated a number of La Masia graduates into the first team alongside Lamine Yamal, 16, including Pau Cubarsi, 17, and Fermin Lopez, 20.READ MORE BARCELONA NEWSThe opportunity to add some experience to his youthful side is understood to be an enticing prospect for Xavi.Xavi already enjoys a good rapport with Deco, and his relationship with Laporta and Yuste has improved after they publicly pleaded with him to stay in recent weeks.Senior players have asked Xavi to reconsider, and the support of Barca fans for the club legend is also strong.Xavi would use his renewed political strength to demand a marquee player is signed, which has been denied to him in the past.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe is a big admirer of Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva and a move was mooted last summer.The Catalan club did not have the funds to complete the transfer, but could instead move for Dani Olmo this year.Luis Figo trolls Barcelona fans with pig’s head advert that harks back to infamous El Clasico incident from 2002Mundo Deportivo claim the club have already met with RB Leipzig ahead of a move.Barca have already made their first signing ahead of next season after agreeing to sign Betis midfielder Guido Rodriguez, 30, on a free at the end of his contract.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Barcelona targeting Liverpool superstar in shock transfer to make them ‘intimidating’ again with player ‘keen on move’

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      LUIS DIAZ has emerged as a shock candidate for Barcelona, according to reports in Spain.Spanish outlet Sport claim that Barca are targeting a winger that will “make them intimidating again”.Barcelona have been linked with a shock move for Luis DiazCredit: GettyXavi feels the club have not replaced Ousmane Dembele since he left for PSG last summer.The winger returned to haunt the Catalan club as he scored a goal on the way to PSG knocking Barcelona out of the Champions League last week.The report claim that Diaz wants the move this summer but Barcelona will struggle to make it work financially.Diaz’s father, Luiz Manuel, has previously admitted that his son is a Barcelona fan.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLOn reports linking his son with Barcelona in the past, he said: “The truth is that I know very little about Barcelona at the moment.”It is true that Luis is a loyal Barcelona fan and it would be his dream to go there.”So far I would like to thank Porto and Liverpool for the way they welcomed him and received him. There would be no problem if Luis came to Barcelona because it is a top team and one of the best in the world.”But the report claims Liverpool would “make it difficult” for Barca to sign Diaz.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Merseyside club paid almost £50million for the player in January 2022 and would look to turn a profit on the winger.Reports suggest that while the chances of Barca signing Diaz are slim, they could store the money for a “differential player” if they were to scrimp elsewhere.Luis Diaz’s dad reveals they ‘haven’t lost hope’ of LaLiga transfer amid Real Madrid linksOne of those positions is defensive midfield where 30-year-old Real Betis star Guido Rodriguez could be signed to save money.That would leave the door open for Barcelona to target the likes of Diaz and Alexander Isak – despite their financial issues. More

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      Man Utd transfer boost with Barcelona ‘open to offers for superstar with defender open to big move’

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      BARCELONA are open to “listening to offers” for Ronald Araujo with Manchester United setting their eyes on the defender.Araujo has become a key player for Barcelona since breaking into their first team in the 2019/20 campaign, having now made almost 150 appearances for the club.Man Utd received transfer boost for Barcelona target Ronald Araujo as club are ‘open to offers’Credit: AFPBut, amid the fallout from his red card in the crushing Champions League quarter-final defeat against Paris Saint-Germain, the La Liga are reportedly considering cutting Araujo loose.The 25-year-old received a straight red card for fouling Bradley Barcola in the first half of the second leg.Barca were looking set for a semi-final spot at the time, leading 1-0 on the night and 4-2 on aggregate.But the red shifted momentum in PSG’s favour, with the Parisians netting four times to go through.READ MORE ON MAN UTDIlkay Gundogan publicly called out Araujo in the aftermath, with the Barca dressing room said to now be ‘divided into four clans’.And Spanish outlet Sport are now reporting Xavi’s side “will listen to offers” for the Uruguayan centre-back.It is known that perennially cash-strapped Barcelona need to sell a player this summer to balance accounts.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe report claims Araujo is one of the players whose sales would generate more profit.Most read in FootballBarca are convinced that they could get an offer of up to £86million, given the interest from United.’I don’t like what I see’ – Disgusted Roy Keane blasts Man Utd and says they ‘looked like the Championship team’The Red Devils are long-term admirers of Araujo, and it is understood the club would be at the front of the queue to sign him if he became available for transfer.Barca are confident they have enough defensive cover should he depart following the emergence of 17-year-old Pau Cubarsi.Considering Araujo signed with the Blaugrana in 2018 for £1.4million the Catalan giants can expect a hefty profit.Victory his never been less glorious than this for Man Utd, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
      PROBABLY only Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United could book a place in an FA Cup final while hanging their heads in shame.
      Minutes after the final whistle of this ridiculous semi-final, Coventry’s magnificent underdogs were performing a lap of honour to their cheering fans — while most of United’s players and supporters had disappeared.
      Then the Wembley PA system started blaring out ‘Glory, Glory Man United!’ and everybody started laughing out loud.
      Victory has never been less glorious.
      As a party-starter it, fell flat. As a stab at dark humour, it was sensational.
      Even by United’s standards of low farce this was ridiculous.
      Now even the unlikely scenario of a final victory over City is unlikely to save Ten Hag’s job.
      After all, Louis van Gaal was axed days after United last won this competition in 2016 and his side were never as bad as this current lot.
      Read Dave Kidd’s thoughts on the game in full here.
      Or click here to check out all of Dave Kidd’s articles. More

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      Barcelona join Arsenal in Alexander Isak transfer race as they prepare bid for £90m Newcastle ace to succeed Lewandowski

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      BARCELONA have joined Arsenal in targeting Alexander Isak as the Newcastle striker’s future grows increasingly uncertain.SunSport can reveal the Spanish giants see the Swedish hitman as a potential long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski.Isak has been in brilliant form this seasonCredit: GettyAnd they believe Newcastle could be tempted to sell because they face having to balance the books to satisfy FFP and PSR rules.It’s believed Isak, 24, would cost around £90m – but Barcelona would be prepared to try and strike a deal.Our source said: “Isak is emerging as one of the best strikers in Europe, and Barcelona have been scouting him since Christmas.“They see him as a player who could come in and lead their line for the next three or four years and be a massive success. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”He has all the attributes and would be a superb signing.“Although Isak is happy at Newcastle, the chance of a move to a club like Barcelona would be very difficult to turn down. “Newcastle know they will need to raise funds in the summer which is why Barcelona are ready to make their move.”And, at 24 years of age, his best years are ahead of him.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut the Spanish giants aren’t alone in targeting the forward. Arsenal are also monitoring Isak, as they look to bolster their forward line for next season.The forgotten Arsenal wonderkidsA poor week saw the club knocked out of the Champions League by Bayern and lose ground in the title race after losing to Aston Villa.But the club returned to the top of the Premier League on Saturday with a 2-0 win over Wolves.They could extend their lead on City to four points if they beat Chelsea tomorrow, with Manchester City not playing until Thursday.The Cityzens would have two games in hand, however.With Arsenal potentially coming up just short in the title race in successive seasons, a striker is seen as a top priority – with Isak among the club’s top candidates.He was heavily scouted by Arsenal before his move to St James’ Park in August 2022 for an initial £63m.Mikel Arteta’s striker shopping listBy Jordan Davies
      ARSENAL are stepping up plans to sign a world-class striker in the summer after their Champions League heartbreak.
      Mikel Arteta splashed out £204.5m last summer on Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber.
      But the Spanish manager accepts he needs a proven goalscorer to take the club to the next level.
      And here are the players he is looking at to get the Gunners firing:
      BENJAMIN SESKO (RB Leipzig, value £40m-£45m)
      One for the future at 20 years old. Scored 16 goals for RB Salzburg in the Austrian Bundesliga last season and the Slovenian has carried on that good form in Germany with Leipzig this campaign.
      VIKTOR GYOKERES (Sporting Lisbon, value £60m-£80m)
      Been scouted several times this season. The Swedish striker, 25, is more of a traditional No 9 so may not suit Arsenal’s demand for flexibility but would bring a physicality that boss Mikel Arteta craves.
      ALEXANDER ISAK (Newcastle, value £75m-£85m)
      Impressed in his first two seasons in English football. The Swede, 24, has the pace and finesse to match his finishing ability, and Eddie Howe’s Toon may need to sell to balance the books this summer.
      JOSHUA ZIRKZEE (Bologna, value £45m-£50m)
      Dutch wonder  is attracting the attentions of clubs across Europe. At 6ft 4in the 22-year-old forward would have no trouble adapting to the Premier League and already has an eye for goal.
      XAVI SIMONS (RB Leipzig, value £70m-£80m)
      An incredible talent in the Bukayo Saka mould, currently on loan from Paris Saint-Germain. The future of the Dutch attacker, 20, depends on how much money his parent club want to make from him. More

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      Man Utd ‘joined by Liverpool in transfer race to sign little-known wonderkid with huge £342m release clause’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED will face competition for the services of Mikayil Faye, it’s been claimed.The Red Devils are said to be hot on the heels of the Barcelona B wonderkid, who has been a revelation in his first season with the Catalans.Barcelona’s Mikayil Faye is reportedly on the radar of Manchester UnitedCredit: GETTYThey’ll reportedly face competition for his services from bitter rivals LiverpoolCredit: RexBut the Premier League big boys could face a battle for his signature with bitter rivals Liverpool.That’s according to Mundo Deportivo, who claim the Merseysiders are also trying to “acquire” the 19-year-old this summer.Bayern Munich, Lille, Monaco and Nice are also said to be interested in luring the centre-back away from Barca’s youth team.The immense interest in Faye recently prompted his agents to hold showdown talks with Barca’s sporting director, former Chelsea midfielder Deco.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDeco is said to have informed them that Faye is part of their future plans and that they hope to have him train and play in the first team during pre-season.It’s also claimed they plan to give him his first team bow next season.Should United and Liverpool be desperate to sign Faye, they’ll have to shatter their respective record transfer fees and pay his £342million release clause.Faye joined Barca B from Croatian outfit NB Kustosija last summer for a meagre £1.3million.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERHe’s made a total of 27 appearances for Rafael Marquez’s side, scoring four goals in the process.Faye was included in Barca’s s squad for their 1-0 win over Cadiz last Saturday after receiving high praise from first-team manager Xavi.Xavi announces he’s stepping down as Barcelona coach at the end of the seasonThe club legend said of the teenager: “Faye will be on the list. He’s ready. We are watching and following.”There are very prepared footballers. La Masia always bears fruit. Faye, Casado.”But the competition is fierce. I see him prepared, yes.” More

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      ‘You know how sad I am’ – Luis Enrique says he’s ‘upset’ with CBS pundits live on TV and tells panel ‘you know why’

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      LUIS ENRIQUE hilariously called out “idol” Micah Richards after the pundit didn’t back Paris Saint-Germain to beat Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-finals.PSG capitalised on Barcelona’s calamitous second-leg performance, despite going 1-0 down on the night, and went on to win 6-4 on aggregate. Luis Enrique hilariously challenged those in the CBS studioCredit: CBSWith his jesting attitude particularly directed toward Micah RichardsCredit: CBSRonald Araujo’s 29th-minute red card changed the course of the tie, as ex-Barca star Ousmane Dembele came back to haunt them.After completing a sensational turnaround in the away leg on Tuesday, the gleeful Spaniard made sure to call out those who doubted his team.During his post-match interview with CBS Sports, Enrique firmly joked: “I’m really upset with all of you!”Former Manchester City defender Richards asked “Why?”, before host Kate Abdo queried: “What did we do?”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe PSG manager replied: “You know why.”Richards then realised and exclaimed: “Because of the brackets! He knows! He watches the show!”Richards, alongside fellow pundit Thierry Henry, had predicted that Barcelona would advance from the quarter-final tie.But Carragher went with PSG – although Enrique admitted he hadn’t remembered that part correctly.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKEREnrique said: “I watched on YouTube, all of you predicted that Barcelona were going through to the next phase.”Nobody believed in our possibilities. How sad I am, how sad I am.”PSG boss’s Luis Enrique’s daughter ‘moves on from ex-Premier League star Ferran Torres as she dates his team-mate’The former Barcelona boss then had the studio in stitches when he added: “I can understand Henry, because he was a supporter for Arsenal.”But Micah, you were my idol. I thought you were going to be confident in the team. Oh my god.”Richards begged for forgiveness before exclaiming: “I went against you, I’m sorry.”Earlier this season, the PSG boss had revealed his love for Richards and said he was his favourite pundit after a 3-0 win over AC Milan in the group stage.Kylian Mbappe struck twice to push PSG throughCredit: AFPRichards can be forgiven for doubting the Parisian’s chances of advancing after they lost 3-2 at home last week.But PSG soon found their groove, going on to with 4-1 in Spain, after Araujo’s straight red card ruined things for Barca.READ MORE SUN STORIESBoss Xabi and his assistant were given red cards and forced to leave the dugout in the second half.PSG’s famous win books them a semi-final clash with Borussia Dortmund, who dramatically beat Atletico Madrid  More

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      Barcelona ‘make decision’ on Xavi replacement with club set to turn to legendary former team-mate as new manager

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      BARCELONA have decided on Xavi’s replacement, according to reports in Spain.Xavi, 44, announced he would be quitting the club at the end of this season in January.Xavi has already announced he will step down at the end of the seasonCredit: GettyFormer Barca defender Rafa Marquez is in line to take over at Camp NouCredit: Getty Images – GettyThe manager was under huge media scrutiny after failing to repeat the success of his first season in charge, which saw Barcelona win the league playing attractive football.He left with the club 10 points off the top.Speaking on his decision, he said: “I will leave Barcelona in June.“We have reached a point of no return. It’s time for change.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”I think that it’s time to leave. I spoke with the board and the club today. I will leave on the 30th of June.“I took this decision days ago. I already knew it. But it’s time to make it public.“I think the players could not free themselves up. I don’t want to be a problem for the club, but the opposite.”A recent upturn in form has led the board to publicly attempt to convince Xavi to change his mind on his decision.Most read in FootballMarquez was known for his trademark long hair in his prime at BarcelonaCredit: Getty Images – GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSXavi would only consider changing his mind if a marquee player is signed, such as Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva, who Barca have a long term interest in.But given the club’s financial position this is not a luxury they can afford.Xavi announces he’s stepping down as Barcelona coach at the end of the seasonAccording to Spanish outlet Sport, the club now want the uncertainty cleared up if Xavi is to leave and to find a replacement as soon as possible.Legendary Mexican defender Rafael Marquez is the current favourite to step into the hot seat according to the report.He is the current manager of Barcelona B and has a good relationship with Barca sporting director Deco.Given he would be promoted from the inside, he would also represent a cheap option for a team that has struggled to balance its finances in recent years.But, if they are to push the boat out, Deco reportedly admires the likes of Jurgen Klopp, Roberto De Zerbi and Hansi Flick.There could even be room for a dramatic reunion with former coach and now PSG manager Luis Enrique. More