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      Man Utd fighting Barcelona for Yusuf Demir transfer with 17-year-old Rapid Vienna ace latest wonderkid being eyed

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly battling Barcelona for the signature of Rapid Vienna’s 17-year-old wonderkid Yusuf Demir.
      Kronen Zeitung reports the Red Devils are chasing the Austrian playmaker but face competition from the Catalan giants.

      Rapid Vienna wonderkid Yusf Demir is being chased by Manchester United and BarcelonaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Demir has broken into Rapid’s first team and featured against Arsenal in the Europa League this season.
      The report states Demir could find himself at the Nou Camp but not until the summer at the earliest.
      The talented youngster’s agent, Emre Ozturk, sparked major transfer rumours by sharing a photo online of him in Barcelona.
      Demir’s representative captioned the shot ‘ready for meeting’ ahead of a potential move to LaLiga.

      However, despite many presuming he was holding talks over Demir’s future, the player’s agent claimed he was on a business trip of a different nature.
      He said: “I’m not in Barcelona because of Yusuf Demir, but because of Shkodran Mustafi from Arsenal, whom we also represent.”
      Demir has made ten appearances in the Austrian Bundesliga so far this season, notching one goal and two assists.
      The player’s management are reportedly exploring the ‘general conditions’ with Barca and are seeking assurances about what the Blaugrana have planned for their highly rated prospect.

      Demir has a contract until 2022 which he signed at just 15 and has impressed European giants playing as an inverted winger.
      The left-footed star has quick feet and is technically gifted with a great range of passing and would fit in well in Spain.
      But United are also keen on the player as the Red Devils continue their shift in recruitment strategy towards younger stars rather than targeting already established pros.
      Uruguayan Facundo Pellistri, 19, arrived at Old Trafford on deadline day and fellow teenager Amad Diallo is expected to seal the £37million deal that was agreed with Atalanta back in October next month after the arrival of his Italian passport.
      And United have been heavily linked with bringing in Moises Caicedo, 19, on a five-year deal from Independiente del Valle in his native Ecuador.
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

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      Lionel Messi opens up on ‘very bad time’ in summer after failed Man City transfer – but focus is back on Barcelona

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      LIONEL MESSI has revealed the ‘very bad’ experience he went through when trying to force a move from Barcelona in the summer.
      A trophy-less season at the Camp Nou saw Ronald Koeman installed and several big-name players sold.

      Lionel Messi says he is ‘excited’ for Barcelona’s trophy chances this seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      With best pal Luis Suarez among those binned, Messi attempted to trigger a release clause embedded in his contract.
      Yet he backed down when Barcelona threatened a legal battle, citing that the clause had expired amid the coronavirus pandemic.
      Recounting the incident on Spanish TV, Messi admitted the unhappy episode affected his form at the start of the season.
      In a snippet of a lengthy interview with LaSexta, via Marca, he stated: “I’m actually doing well today.

      “It’s true that I had a very bad time in the summer. It came from before.
      “What happened before the summer, the way the season ended, the burofax and all that…

      “Then I carried it with me a bit at the beginning of the season.”
      A draw at home to Valencia on Sunday left Barcelona eight points off the pace in the LaLiga title race.

      Although 33-year-old Messi has been edging back towards his best form, scoring nine goals in 17 appearances.
      The Argentine declared that he is willing to fight for titles with the Catalan club and is ‘excited’ for the challenge.
      He added: “I’m fine today, and I feel like seriously fighting for everything that’s ahead of us.
      “I feel excited. I know that the club is going through a difficult time, at a club and team level.

      Everything around Barcelona is difficult, but I am looking forward to it.
      Lionel Messi

      “And everything around Barcelona is difficult, but I am looking forward to it.”
      Messi’s future may be a step closer to being resolved when Barcelona’s presidential elections take place on January 24.
      The new chief will have to secure the forward’s future soon, with his existing deal expiring in June.
      Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain are thought to be circling in case the superstar becomes available.

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      Man City ‘the best place’ for Lionel Messi, claims Pablo Zabaleta as former club eye transfer along with PSG

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      MANCHESTER CITY is “the best place” for Lionel Messi if he leaves Barcelona, according to former Argentina team-mate Pablo Zabaleta.
      City legend Zabaleta, 35, tipped Messi – who is in the last year of his contract at the Nou Camp – to prosper under old boss Pep Guardiola.

      Lionel Messi has been urged to join Manchester City if he leaves BarcelonaCredit: Rex Features

      Former Man City defender Paolo Zabaleta said the club is the best place for his old Argentine colleagueCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The former West Ham right-back suggested Messi might “want to go and enjoy a few years'” in the Premier League.
      Messi had looked set to quit the Catalan giants last summer after expressing his desire for a new challenge, but made a U-turn on the decision and eventually decided to stay.
      City have long been linked with a move for the six-time Ballon d’Or winner and were the frontrunners to take him away from the Blaugrana before Messi opted to remain after his kids cried at the news he was leaving.
      Zabaleta told Stadium Astro: “It is sad to see Messi in that situation.

      “I never thought he would be in a final year of his contract at Barcelona.
      “The team is not playing well and it seems that he is not enjoying his football. We will see what happens with Messi at the end of the season.
      “He has a close friend in Sergio [Aguero] at Man City and has worked with Pep at Barcelona before, so they know each other. Some of the people on the board also know Messi.
      “If Messi decides that he wants to leave Barcelona, that he wants to go and play in a different league, in a different country, of course Man City would be one of them.”

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      Zabaleta claimed every player dreams of a stint in the Prem and suggested Messi would fit in well at City as there are some familiar faces at the Etihad for the 33-year-old.
      He added: “Every player would like to have an experience in the Premier League.
      “The Premier League is the best in the world and maybe he wants to go and enjoy a few years there.
      “Man City would be the best place for him because he knows people there. 
      “I would like to see Messi, if he decides to move on to another club, in England as it is a lovely place to play football. 

      “Man City would be the best place for him because he knows people there. ”
      Pablo Zabaleta on Lionel Messi

      “He needs to enjoy football again because at the minute it seems like he is not enjoying it all.”
      Messi has bagged five goals and two assists in 11 league games for a struggling Barcelona side that languish down in eighth – but is able to strike up talks with other clubs as soon as January.
      Barcelona presidential candidate Emili Rousaud claimed the club’s skipper will leave if he does not agree to a pay cut as the cash-strapped side can’t afford to keep him.
      And City will face competition from Paris Saint-Germain after the French giants reportedly warned their club stores to prepare to the Argentine’s arrival.
      The Ligue 1 champs are supposedly growing more confident of landing Messi and have advised their shops to prepare for an influx of shirt sales if the deal goes through.

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      Bayern Munich ‘keen on shock Frenkie de Jong transfer’ and looking to take advantage of Barcelona’s financial problems

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      BAYERN MUNICH are monitoring Frenkie de Jong amid Barcelona’s financial crisis, according to reports.
      The Dutchman caught the eye of the Bundesliga side during his rise at Ajax, which led to a £68million switch to the Camp Nou.

      Frenkie de Jong is seen as a major asset for Barcelona’s short and long-term futureCredit: Reuters

      According to ESPN, a speculative offer of £65m was floated by Bayern during the summer, only to be rebuffed by Barcelona.
      The German giants were said to be testing the water during their rivals’ economic turmoil.
      Stars including Luis Suarez and Arturo Vidal were sold as the coronavirus pandemic bit on a club with a notoriously high wage bill.
      Two round of pay cuts have been agreed in the past nine months, the latest coming in November and totalling £110m.

      De Jong signed a new contract a month earlier, extending his deal to 2026, which reportedly included a 30 per cent wage deferral.
      Despite their interest, Bayern are described as highly unlikely to pull off a deal to sign the 23-year-old in January.

      The midfielder is one of the key talents Barcelona are determined to hold onto as they come through this crisis.
      Reserve goalkeeper Neto and defender Junior Firpo are named as two players up for sale when the window opens, with Antoine Griezmann and Philippe Coutinho available for the right price.

      In any case, the Blaugrana’s transfer plans may change drastically when a new club president is elected on January 24.

      Former chief Joan Laporta is the frontrunner to re-take the helm – and the 58-year-old set up a huge billboard on a huge billboard on the streets of Madrid on Tuesday.
      The banner declared his hope that he sees Real Madrid fans soon, in a clear sign of his confidence at not only reclaiming the presidency but also shooting Barcelona up the table.
      Ronald Koeman’s side sit eighth before the midweek visit of first-placed Real Sociedad.

      Roughly 200m from Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu stadium, you can see a banner of Joan Laporta’s presidency campaign.Laporta shared the picture with a “Hello Madrid” caption. pic.twitter.com/NYk1RMgJ2Y
      — Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) December 15, 2020

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      PSG chief Leonardo plays down Lionel Messi transfer rumours after Neymar revelation sparked talk of reunion in France

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      PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN sporting director Leonardo has played down talk of a move for Lionel Messi.
      Rumours about the Barcelona star’s future only intensified following comments made by Neymar after PSG’s 3-1 win over Manchester United on Wednesday.

      Messi and Neymar were team-mates at Barcelona between 2013 and 2017Credit: AFP

      Neymar told journalists he hoped to play alongside Messi again in the future, but Leonardo moved to quell the transfer talk in an interview with Canal+.
      Leonardo said: “You know, it’s normal for Neymar to say that to an Argentinian journalist. He had to talk about Messi, it’s normal.
      “We have to maintain respect for others, he’s a Barcelona player.
      “When somebody talks about our players, we are not happy.

      “So we don’t touch other people’s players. Now is not the time to think about the transfer window.
      “We are very happy with the squad we have. We are thinking of our season and the end of the first part of the season, which was very complicated.
      “We have to stay focused on our goals such as qualifying for the last 16 of the Champions League.
      “And also we have to think about Ligue 1 and avoid finding ourselves in a complicated situation. Let’s keep our focus.”

      PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi would not be drawn into speculation regarding a move for Messi either last week, saying: “Messi is a Barcelona player, I can’t talk about that.”
      Messi attempted to leave Barcelona for Manchester City in the summer but was forced to stay put when the Catalan giants refused to let him leave for nothing.
      The 33-year-old’s contract at Barcelona expires at the end of the season and he will be free to talk to other clubs over a free transfer from January.
      Neymar and Messi enjoyed a trophy-laden spell as team-mates at Barcelona between 2013 and 2017, winning two La Liga titles, three Spanish Cups and the Champions League in 2015.
      The Brazilian told ESPN on Wednesday night: “What I want most of all is to play with Messi again, to be able to enjoy him once again on the pitch.
      “I’m sure that next year, we have to do it again.”

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      Barcelona interim president regrets not selling Lionel Messi in summer and tells Neymar he can only come back for FREE

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      BARCELONA’S interim president has hailed the players for ‘saving their season’ after agreeing a wage deferral – but admitted his regret at not selling Lionel Messi last summer.
      Carles Tusquets also revealed the only chance of Neymar coming back to the Nou Camp is if it is on a free due to their financial state.

      Barcelona’s interim president says he would have sold Lionel Messi last summerCredit: Getty

      The Barca players have agreed to defer a significant amount of their wages this season to save the club up to £155m next month.
      The La Liga giants have been hit especially hard by the coronavirus pandemic financially and have had their salary cap reduced by almost £270m this season.
      Tusquets said: “The agreement we currently have allows us to finish the season without cash flow problems. This season is saved.”
      Barca were forced to cut costs, which led to the sales of Luis Suarez, Ivan Rakitic and Arturo Vidal.

      They were also rocked by Messi, who earns a basic wage of around £54m-a-year, handing in a transfer request.
      Manchester City were desperate to sign the 33-year-old Argentine, who believed he could leave due to a clause in his contract.
      He eventually performed a U-turn after La Liga backed Barcelona in the transfer row, but with his deal up in June, he now looks set to leave for nothing at the end of the campaign.
      And Tusquets admitted if he was in charge, he would have agreed to flog the legendary frontman as it made financial sense.

      He told RAC1: “From an economic point of view, I would have sold Messi in the summer.
      “It would have been desirable for the money we would have received, and for what we would have saved.”
      Neymar has been linked with a return to Barcelona and has said he ‘has to’ play with Messi again.
      But the prospect of the Catalans signing the Brazilian next year have been dashed as Tusquets said they can only get him ‘if he comes for free, unless the next president brings a miracle’.
      The interim chief also explained how the club will recover financially once they restore and repair their stadium.
      He revealed: “There is a part of the Camp Nou structure that is falling. Pieces of the ceiling have fallen from the roof at some gate to the stadium.
      “The economic situation is worrying. Terrible but hopeful.
      “When the stadium opens we will enter 220 million without doing anything, 320 million thanks to sponsors.
      “Meanwhile the expense meter does not stop. The situation is horrible.”

      Neymar says he is desperate to play with Lionel Messi againCredit: Getty

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      Memphis Depay hints at Lyon exit with cryptic tweet about ‘missing me when I’m gone’ amid Barcelona transfer speculation

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      LYON star Memphis Depay has hinted he could be leaving the club with a cryptic message.
      Barcelona were linked with a move for the former Manchester United forward in the summer, but nothing materialised.

      Memphis Depay seemingly wants to join BarcelonaCredit: EPA

      Y’all will appreciate me when im gone. Enjoy the Sunday. 😘
      — Memphis Depay (@Memphis) November 29, 2020

      He has scored five goals in 12 games for his French club in all competitions so far this season.
      Depay tweeted: “Y’all will appreciate me when im gone. Enjoy the Sunday.”
      It came after he failed to score in Lyon’s 3-0 win against Reims in Ligue 1.
      The 26-year-old was subbed off in the 71st minute.

      Depay was hugely frustrated after his dream move to Barcelona in the summer collapsed.
      He came close to sealing a reunion with former Dutch manager Ronald Koeman at the Nou Camp but a deal fell through over ‘certain rules.’
      And Depay has appeared to hit out at the club, claiming problems behind the scenes.
      Reported by Get French Football News, he said: “The title? That should be our aim.

      Memphis Depay was subbed off at the weekend as he failed to score against ReimsCredit: AP:Associated Press

      “Even if I cannot say everything going through my head right now… in terms of what’s happening, what I am seeing at the club, there are things that I honestly can’t say.”
      Barcelona are expected to reignite their interest in Depay in the January window.
      According to publication Sport, a deal has been agreed with both the player and Lyon.
      However, either Ousmane Dembele or Martin Braithwaite must leave first to ensure Barcelona keep on top of their massive wage bill.
      It is believed Depay’s £25million transfer fee was the obstacle over the summer with the cash-strapped Catalan giants failing to raise the funds through player sales. More

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      Barcelona include Arsenal ace Mustafi and Chelsea’s Rudiger on January transfer shortlist but Eric Garcia is No1 target

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      RONALD KOEMAN is formulating his January wishlist with Shkodran Mustafi one name being eyed by the Barcelona boss.
      Injuries to two stars will dominate the Catalans’ transfer business with centre-back Gerard Pique and striker Ansu Fati out until the spring.

      Shkodran Mustafi has been linked with a move to BarcelonaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Antonio Rudiger of Chelsea is also struggling for first-team opportunities in EnglandCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Memphis Depay is reportedly still Koeman’s preference for a new attacker.
      But the club’s desperate financial situation, plus the wealth of other options available to the coach, may make the Dutchman’s switch unlikely.
      Pique’s injury, Ronald Araujo’s absence, Samuel Umtiti’s long-term knee problem and a recent knock to Clement Lenglet may see a centre-back favoured.
      According to Mundo Deportivo, Koeman has told the club that former Barcelona academy star Eric Garcia is his preferred target.

      Manchester City put up a considerable fight to keep the Spaniard in the summer and may continue to do so, even if he can leave for free when his contract expires in June.
      Should Garcia remain out of reach, a defender with top-level European experience is thought to be the objective.

      Arsenal’s Shkodran Mustafi and Chelsea’s Antonio Rudiger are named as two alternatives.
      Neither player is prominent in their manager’s thoughts with Mustafi limited to Europa League outings following his disastrous Premier League return against Leicester.

      Likewise, Rudiger has been regularly benched by Frank Lampard with just one league outing to his name.
      Vital in any Barcelona bid is the upcoming presidential election, taking place on January 24.

      Eric Garcia is thought to want to leave Manchester CityCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Tuesday’s Mundo Deportivo highlights Barcelona’s continued desire for the youngster

      The new chief could decide to forego the club’s ailing economics to oversee a spending spree in the final days of the window.
      However, Koeman has been getting on relatively well without Pique and Fati.
      Academy prospect Oscar Mingueza, 21, stepped into the defence for the 4-0 wins over Dynamo Kyiv and Osasuna.
      And unwanted forward Martin Braithwaite has also made his mark, netting three goals in the past week.
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