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      Keira Walsh thought to be in Barcelona’s plans for next season despite Arsenal interest, according to reports

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      BARCELONA are thought to be keen on retaining Keira Walsh’s services amid reported interest from Arsenal.Walsh, 27, who helped the team win their third Champions League trophy in May, is thought to be a Gunners summer transfer target. Keira Walsh is reportedly attracting interest from ArsenalCredit: GettyThe England midfield star is due to enter the final year of her contract with BarcelonaCredit: AFPLast Friday, the Athletic reported the WSL side are interested in signing the midfielder who joined the Catalan club almost two years ago from Manchester City.Following her September 2022 move the England ace has gradually flourished in Barcelona’s midfield a longside Patri Guijarro and Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati.The player, who spent seven years at Man City, has helped the team win seven major trophies including two top-flight titles.Silverware triumphs for Walsh, who sealed a world transfer recording-breaking £400,000 Barca switch two years ago, include a quadruple during the side’s 2023-24 campaign.Read More Football StoriesLast season the Catalan giants won the Copa de la Reina and the Spanish Women’s Super Cup for the tenth and fourth time.These trophy wins occurred under former boss Jonatan Giraldez who left this month to become head coach of US side Washington Spirit. Since her move to Spain Walsh has started in 32 the team’s 49 top-flight games in the past two seasons.The England ace who, is set to help their Lionesses continue their push for an automatic place at next year’s Euros, has one year left on her current Barcelona contract.Most read in FootballIt is thought Spain’s top-flight champs are likely to after a hefty fee from the Gunners if they continue their chase for the midfielder.And the Athletic claims Arsenal’s interest in the player occurred before playmaker Victoria Pelova suffered a knee ligament injury whilst on international duty with the Netherlands.Spanish outlet Relovo reports discussions between Barcelona and Arsenal over the potential transfer of Walsh are at an advanced stage.However sports newspaper Mundo Deportivo claims sources have informed them the midfielder is part of Barca’s plans for next season.Mariona Caldentey has reportedly agreed to join Arsenal this summerCredit: EPAShould Arsenal succeed in signing Walsh it would see her become the second player from the Catalan side to join the club this summer.According to Sky Sports Mariona Caldentey has reached an agreement to join the Gunners when her Barcelona contract expires at the end of June.Barca’s women’s side are now under new management with Pere Romeu taking over as head coach following Giraldez’s departure. More

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      Barcelona legend Xavi ‘plots Premier League move’ as he attempts to emulate Pep Guardiola

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      XAVI is reportedly eyeing up a move to the Premier League to follow in the footsteps of his former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola.The legendary midfielder, 44, was dismissed by Barcelona last month after a turbulent few months at the helm.Xavi is eyeing up a Premier League move, according to SportCredit: RexXavi worked under Pep Guardiola for four yearsCredit: Times Newspapers LtdXavi was spotted publicly for the first time on Saturday, since his Barcelona sacking was confirmed at the end of last season.And now Spanish news outlet Sport report that the Barca legend is plotting a move to the Premier League.If this materialises, he will be following in the footsteps of his former manager Pep Guardiola.Xavi intends to spend some much-needed time with his family in the coming months, but is eyeballing England as his destination.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSXavi’s idea would be to take an “interesting” project in England, although it’s not known which clubs he could have his eye on, according to Sport.Despite the criticism Xavi faced during his tenure at Barcelona, he is likely to receive numerous offers after winning the domestic double in 2022/2023.The former Camp Nou midfielder announced that he would be leaving at the end of this season in January, only to perform a U-turn in April.The club then announced his dismissal at the end of the campaign which saw Barca finish second, and 10 points behind rivals Real Madrid.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut Xavi was predicted to make a swift return to management, and was linked with Chelsea after they parted ways with Mauricio Pochettino.Elsewhere, Barcelona announced the appointment of former Bayern Munich and Germany coach Hansi Flick as the club’s new manager.Eight of the greatest players to never win the Ballon d’Or despite their incredible careersFlick will undertake a two-year contract, and is only the third German to take charge of the Catalonian outfit.Manchester United approached Xavi about becoming the club’s new manager, according to sensational reports in Spain.This comes amid the uncertainty surrounding the future of United boss Erik ten Hag.Likewise, AC Milan and the South Korean national team also made contact with Xavi. More

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      Man Utd ‘contact Xavi’ over replacing Erik ten Hag – but face fight with European giants

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have approached former Barcelona boss Xavi about becoming the club’s new manager, according to sensational reports in Spain.The legendary midfielder, 44, was dismissed by the Catalan giants last week after a turbulent few months at the helm.Xavi was sacked by Barcelona last week despite agreeing to continue just weeks earlierCredit: GettyErik ten Hag’s future remains unclear at Manchester UnitedCredit: AlamyHe had initially confirmed he was leaving in January, before Barcelona convinced him to stay on in April.But he was then axed before their final game of the season against Sevilla, with German Hansi Flick already announced as his replacement.Now Xavi is out of work, with AC Milan and the South Korean national team having already made contact with him.And according to AS, Man Utd have also made an “informal” approach for the Spain icon amid uncertainty surrounding the future of head coach Erik ten Hag.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, it remains Xavi’s preference to take a year away from management before he looks for his next role in 2025.He won 89 of his 142 games in charge of Barcelona, claiming the LaLiga title and Spanish Super Cup in the 2022/23 campaign.He then guided them to second place behind Real Madrid in the league this season, while they also reached the Champions League quarter-finals.Prior to his dismissal, Xavi told the press: “To the new manager, I tell you: ‘You will suffer’.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”This is a very complicated place to be. This is a difficult job and you have to be patient.”I have the feeling that everything I have done in these two-and-a-half years has caused an earthquake.”Man Utd coach reveals why Jadon Sancho refused to apologise to Ten Hag before exile that sparked Dortmund transferBarcelona confirmed his departure in a statement that read: “The club wishes to publicly thanks Xavi and the rest of his coaching staff for their commitment, dedication and generosity, and for their help in reaching an agreement to sever the contract.”Furthermore, we wish him success in the future on both a personal and professional level.”Meanwhile, Ten Hag’s future is still unclear despite Man Utd’s FA Cup triumph over Manchester City.Aside from Xavi, those tipped to replace Ten Hag include Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Tuchel, Roberto De Zerbi and Gareth Southgate.SunSport’s verdict on Man Utd flopsSir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos have a busy summer ahead to get Man Utd’s squad in order for next season. Below SunSport gives it verdict on how they should deal with the Red Devils flops this summer.
      Andre Onana – STAY: After a dodgy start at Old Trafford Onana has proven to be one of the more reliable members of the squad this season despite being peppered with shots constantly.
      Altay Bayindir – GO: Reports in February suggested Bayindir was unhappy with his bit part role at Man Utd amid interest from Turkish giants Galatasaray. If profit can be made on a sale then it should be done.
      Tom Heaton – STAY: Veteran goalkeeper Heaton, 38, is a reliable back-up and is on a relatively small wage at the club. So long as he is happy it makes sense to keep him.
      Aaron Wan-Bissaka – GO: Wan-Bissaka, 26, has never managed to make the right-back position his own. With his contract up in 2025 it makes sense to cash in now.
      Diogo Dalot – STAY: Dalot, 26, has been one of Man Utd’s most consistent performers this season.
      Raphael Varane – GO: If it wasn’t for his injury record there would be a strong shout to keep Varane, but costs need to be cut to allow the squad to be freshened up.
      Harry Maguire – GO: Maguire has showed he has the right character to be at Man Utd but overall ability and desired profile are another matter, with Maguire too slow to play in a high line defence.
      Lisandro Martinez – STAY: Martinez, 26, is second to none in terms of build up play. He needs a long-term defensive partner on the right side and to cut out the injuries which have plagued him this season.
      Jonny Evans – GO: Veteran campaigner Evans could easily be on the stay list if he was only going to be a bit part player. But he has shown his advanced years at times this season.
      Victor Lindelof – GO:  Lindelof, 29, has been reliable if not unremarkable in his Man Utd career. He has one year left on his contract so should be moved on if a decent transfer fee can be got for him.
      Willy Kambwala – STAY: He should be given the opportunity to mature for a few years behind a senior CB pairing before stepping into the first team as a starter or being moved on.
      Luke Shaw – GO: One of the Premier League’s best left-backs when fit, Shaw has been a good servant when available. But alas that has been his Achilles heel once again this season.
      Tyrell Malacia – STAY: Malacia, 24, was decent enough to earn some merit in his first season at Man Utd before injury ended his season and inadvertently led to his second season being a write off.
      Sofyan Amrabat – GO: Amrabat, 27, looked like a world beater at the Qatar World Cup with Morocco. But he’s had an underwhelming season in England and his loan spell will almost certainly not be made permanent.
      Casemiro – GO: An alarming physical decline has seen him turn from key star to burden. If a club is willing to buy the 32-year-old – who has two more years on his contract – then United should snatch their hand off.
      Christian Eriksen – GO: Eriksen proved a useful asset and Ineos should look to bring in another player with similar traits, but frankly his legs have looked gone towards the end of this season.
      Kobbie Mainoo – STAY: The first of the so-called untouchables, Mainoo has been a rare glimmer of hope in the Red Devils midfield this season.
      Mason Mount – STAY: Mount can be given the benefit of the doubt until summer 2025 at least after a debut season riddled with injury.
      Scott McTominay – STAY: McTominay, 27, has proven himself to be a brilliant plan B off the bench this season, and that is exactly why Ineos should look to keep him.
      Bruno Fernandes – STAY: Man Utd’s best player since his arrival just over four years ago, Fernandes, 29, remains second-to-none when it comes to creating chances while his tenacity boosts those around him.
      Antony – GO: There’s a case to argue that Antony may be the worst pound-for-pound signing in Premier League history. Despite some memorable moments he simply isn’t Man Utd quality.
      Anthony Martial – GO: Ultimately Martial needs to be let go when his deal runs out this summer after an appalling injury record of late.
      Marcus Rashford – STAY: As easy as it would be to say Rashford should leave the club this summer, it is difficult to look at the market and find many available players capable of scoring 30 goals a season.
      Alejandro Garnacho – STAY: Another third of the untouchables trio, Garnacho has made the right-wing his own since coming into it. He’s a raw talent but has shown he has the quality to improve.
      Rasmus Hojlund – STAY: A slow burner in his first Man Utd season, the 21-year-old has often been starved of supply which has led to him being unable to get the goals his movement and unselfish play often merits.
      Amad Diallo – STAY: In the fleeting moments he has been on the pitch for Man Utd this season, Diallo has looked dangerous and exciting. He should be given a chance to flourish with some proper chances in the first team across a whole season. More

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      Barcelona ‘unable to register Hansi Flick as new boss’ as four players risk being unable to play for a whole year

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      DESPITE being named as Barcelona’s manager, Hansi Flick has yet to be officially registered as the club’s new boss.The 59-year-old was publicly announced on May 29 as Xavi Hernandez’s successor, where he became only the third German to take charge of the Catalonian outfit.Hansi Flick was named as Barcelona’s new manager on May 29Credit: Zac Goodwin/PA WireHe replaced Xavi Hernandez who was sacked despite his intention to stayCredit: EPAFlick’s last role was with the German national team, where became the first manager in the country’s history to be fired from the positionCredit: ReutersHowever, according to MARCA, the Nou Camp side’s ongoing financial issues mean they have yet to submit the necessary paperwork to formally confirm Flick’s contract.This is to do with the club’s current salary limit.As it stands, it’s been reported ‘there is no space’ to register Flick, and in addition to this, four players are not yet registered for the 2024/25 season.Among them are two of the club’s rising superstars, midfielder Gavi and left-back Alejandro Balde.READ MORE FOOTBALLThe duo, who collectively have 34 caps for Spain despite both being under 21-years-old, are set to be registered before the start of the upcoming season.In order to resolve the problem, Barcelona must let players go who are on high wages.Some names that could depart North Spain this summer are Eric Garcia, as the ex-Manchester City man spent last season on loan at LaLiga’s surprise package in Girona, whilst the futures of Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo remain unclear.The duo signed on loan from Atletico Madrid and Man City respectively, where they collectively played 62 games in the league, scoring nine goals.Most read in FootballVictor Roque, who only joined this January on a seven-year contract could potentially head towards the exit as Barcelona aim to free up space on the wage bill.The 19-year-old has scored two goals in 16 matches since his move from Athletico Paranaense.Barcelona star Joao Cancelo shows off his skills on the training pitch Centre back Inigo Martinez could also leave the Camp Nou this summer after just one year in northern Spain. The former Real Sociedad and Athletic Bilbao man played just 25 times in all competitions last season.Despite the need to sell players, that hasn’t stopped potential arrivals being linked with a move to the Nou Camp.Among them is Man City’s unwanted midfielder Kalvin Phillips, despite his disastrous loan at West Ham. More

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      ‘We’ll go down in history as one of the best teams in Europe’, says Barcelona’s Lucy Bronze

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      LUCY BRONZE hailed Alexia Putellas’s classy cameo after Barcelona ended their run of Champions League final losses to Lyon in style. The midfielder’s late strike clinched a 2-0 win with incoming Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor enduring defeat in her last Lyon game. Barcelona’s 2-0 victory resulted in them winning the Women’s Champions League for a third timeCredit: GettyBronze was among her team’s standout players in the hardfought contestCredit: GettyAlexia Putellas’s injury-time strike secured the 2-0 victory for her side with Lyon pushing for a late levellerCredit: GettySonia Bompastor saw her final game in Europe at Lyon’s helm end in defeatCredit: GettyAnd Bronze, who shone in defence for Barca, became the first English player to triumph in five Women’s Champions League finals following three wins during her three-year spell at Lyon.After the game the Lioness full-back told DAZN: “We needed to be a club that really made history. “It’s hard to win it once, but to do it back-to-back, Lyon showed how difficult it is. This team has finally done that. “We’ll go down in history as one of the best teams in Europe.”Read More Football StoriesThe 190th Barca goal netted by two-time Ballon d’Or winner Putellas sealed a fairytale finish to a season disrupted by knee issues for the midfielder. Her team claimed back-to-back trophy wins in the contest for the first time in their history. Their third triumph in four years in the competition’s decider led to eight-time winners Lyon falling to their first defeat in seven finals.  Both sides had three shots on target between them in a hardfought first-half. Most read in FootballLyon skipper Wendi Renard volleyed against the post in the 15th minute and Mariona Caldentey saw her effort cleared off the line 14 minutes later. Aitana Bonmati broke the deadlock with an angled strike deflected home off Lyon defender Vanessa Gilles.Aitana Bonmati sixth Champions League goal this season gave her side a 1-0 lead in the 63rd minuteCredit: GettyAnd Putellas, who signed a new two-year deal with Barca this week, fired in a thunderous finish over goalkeeper Christiane Endler to put the result beyond doubt. Bronze added: “She’s the queen of Barcelona for a reason. “She’s had to work really hard to get back fit. She showed why she’s a two-time Ballon d’Or winner.” More

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      ‘World’s most famous napkin’ used by Barcelona to complete Lionel Messi transfer aged 13 sells for £760,000 at auction

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      THE napkin that Lionel Messi signed to promise he would join Barcelona has been sold at auction.Messi, 36, was famously signed by the Spanish giants after club chiefs put pen to napkin on a deal to sign the then 13-year-old.The napkin used to sign Lionel Messi for Barcelona has sold for nearly $1millionCredit: GettyThe napkin was signed in December 2000 to bring Messi to SpainCredit: ReutersBonhams Auctions said it had sold for a massive fee on FridayCredit: ReutersIt was signed in December 2000 by former Barca sporting director Carles Rexach, transfer advisor Josep Minguella and Argentine agent Horacio Gaggioli over lunch at a tennis club.Messi then joined the Spanish side’s youth set up from Newell’s Old Boys before going on to make his debut in 2004.From there the attacker went on to become the club’s best ever player with a record 672 goals scored as well as more than 30 trophies. On his journey with Barcelona he also won six Ballon d’Or titles, before landing a seventh while with Paris Saint-Germain and an eighth with Inter Miami after winning the World Cup in 2022.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMessi’s exploits have made the napkin story famous, and it was finally given a financial figure for its worth when it was sold.Auction house Bonhams said on Friday that the napkin had been sold for a staggering £762,4000 or $969,000.Ian Ehling,the head of fine books and manuscripts at Bonhams New York said: “Yes, it’s a paper napkin, but it’s the famous napkin that was at the inception of Lionel Messi’s career.”It changed the life of Messi, the future of FC Barcelona, and was instrumental in giving some of the most glorious moments of football to billions of fans around the globe.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMessi had a tearful exit from the Blaugrana in 2021.He would spend two playing in Paris before moving to David Beckham’s Major League Soccer franchise in Miami.Football Food Tour: Behind the Scenes of Hospitality at Inter Miami, with incredible foodMessi career stats

      Barcelona: 778 games. 672 goals. 303 assists.
      10x LaLiga titles. 4x Champions League titles. 3x Club World Cup. 7x Spanish Cup winner. 3x Uefa Supercup winner. 8x Spanish Supercup winner.
      PSG: 75 games. 32 goals. 35 assists.
      2x Ligue 1 titles. 1x French Supercup winner.
      Inter Miami: 26 games. 23 goals. 16 assists.
      1x Leagues Cup winner.
      Argentina: 180 games. 106 goals. 56 assists.
      1x World Cup winner. 1x Copa America winner. 1x 2008 Olympic Gold Medallist.
      Individual: 8x Ballon d’Or wins. 8x The Best Fifa Men’s Player wins. 3x Uefa Best Player in Europe. 10x Player of the Year.

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      Xavi ‘WON’T stay at Barcelona with club set for double U-turn after manager’s comments angered president Joan Laporta’

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      XAVI will leave Barcelona at the end of the season, according to reports.The manager was set to quit the club before making a shock U-turn last month by agreeing to stay.Xavi will leave Barcelona at the end of the seasonCredit: APXavi reportedly met with club president Joao Laporta in April and agreed a new deal, with his contract up in June.But reports in Spain claim a clash with Laporta over recent comments made by Xavi have led to another U-turn, which will see Xavi depart at the end of the season.According to Sport, Laporta took exception to Xavi bemoaning the fact his side would not be able to compete with Real Madrid next season due to their financial restraints.Following victory over Almeira on Thursday, Xavi said: “We will try to compete with Madrid, but I think the fans have to understand that the situation is very tough. First of all on a financial level.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”We can no longer say: ‘We want this player, and this player’. We do not have the same conditions as the other clubs with a good financial situation.”The Barcelona fans have to understand that.”That doesn’t mean we can’t challenge, but that’s Barça’s situation at the moment. We need time and stability, but we will also try to compete.”Xavi first decided he wanted to quit the Nou Camp in January as he “reached the point of no return”.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe said following Barcelona’s 5-3 defeat to Villarreal: “I will leave Barcelona in June.”We have reached a point of no return. It’s time for change.Xavi announces he’s stepping down as Barcelona coach at the end of the season”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.”Barcelona will now be on the search for a new manager and could reportedly try and lure Mikel Arteta from Arsenal, with the Gunners boss revealing he would like to return to Spain. More

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      Liverpool ace Luis Diaz ‘is Barcelona’s top summer transfer target’ as winger ‘dreams’ of playing for Spanish giants

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      BARCELONA are lining up a move for Liverpool’s Luis Diaz this summer, a report claims.The winger has been key in Jurgen Klopp’s squad since his £50million arrival from Porto in 2022.Barcelona are reportedly lining up a move for Diaz this summerCredit: GettyDiaz, 27, has made 97 appearances for the Reds, scoring 24 goals and adding 13 assists.The 47-cap Colombian international has started in 31 of Liverpool’s 36 Premier League games this season.And according to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are keen to sign a winger this summer, with Diaz their top target.Despite the club’s financial struggles, the report suggests that the Catalan giants remain determined to bolster their squad.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe club’s pursuit of Diaz is a strategic move to strengthen their left wing.Diaz has emerged as their top choice, but they are also interested in Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao, RB Leipzig’s Dani Olmo and Porto’s Pepe.Xavi’s side are convinced that Diaz’s style of play is ideal for their tactical set-up and are actively devising strategies to secure his services.For Diaz, a switch to Barcelona would fulfil a lifelong dream, which his father has echoed in the past.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe report adds Diaz’s chances of moving are boosted by Klopp leaving the club at the end of the season and to be replaced by expected successor Arne Slot.Diaz’s contract runs until 2027, yet an offer from Catalonia could influence his future at the club.Watch Gary Neville’s brilliant reaction to Aston Villa equaliser against Liverpool on live TV as fans beg ‘meme that’Barcelona have been trying to find ways to overcome their economic challenges, including the sale of future television rights revenues to private companies.According to the report, the club’s strategy for bolstering their squad this summer hinges on complying with La Liga’s Financial Fair Play regulations and salary caps, to allow them to spend more.The increase in spending capacity is to be supported by new sponsorship agreements with Nike and the selling of shares in Barca Studios – the club’s in-house production company.Barcelona are also set to sell some of their key stars to cover the cost of transfers this summer. More