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      Leeds plot transfer of £14.3m Barcelona star Rafinha who wants to play in Prem with brother and Liverpool target Thiago

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      LEEDS are plotting a transfer swoop for Barcelona star Rafinha, according to reports.
      The Premier League newcomers want to bolster their midfield ahead of their long-awaited return to the top-flight.

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      Leeds are chasing Barcelona midfielder Rafinha, the younger brother of Bayern Munich man ThiagoCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      And according to Sport in Spain, Barcelona will demand £14.3million for their academy graduate, who joined the club aged 13.
      He has featured 90 times for the senior side, scoring 12 goals, since making his first-team debut in the 2011/12 season but was shipped out on loan to Celta Vigo and then Inter Milan.
      Rafinha, 27, spent last season back at Celta who had the option to make the switch permanent for the same fee Barca are quoting to Leeds.
      But despite being keen to get a deal over the line, the Galicia side were unable to stump up the cash and Rafinha is keen on testing himself in the Premier League.

      Leeds are thought to face some competition for the midfielder, who is the younger brother of Thiago.
      Thiago, 29, also came through at La Masia but only spent three seasons as a first-team regular before joining Bayern Munich in 2013.
      He has made 235 appearances for the Bundesliga giants, winning seven league titles and the Champions League.
      But the victory over Paris Saint-Germain in last month’s European final could be his last appearance as he continues to be linked with a move to England.

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      Rafinha spent last season on loan at Celta Vigo and would cost the Elland Road club around £14.3mCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Liverpool and Manchester United are among the favourites for his signature with a cut-price deal on the cards with his contract expiring next summer.
      Rafinha is also close friends with fellow Spaniard Rodrigo.
      And the forward’s club-record £26m transfer to Elland Road this summer may help Marcelo Bielsa land another new signing.
      Leeds have brought in nine players in total so far in the transfer window, including Freiburg defender Robin Koch, Arsenal’s Sam Greenwood and Jack Harrison on loan from Manchester City.

      Leeds United sign Sam Greenwood from Arsenal after beating Man Utd and AC Milan to the England youth international More

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      Liverpool star Andy Robertson doesn’t want Lionel Messi ‘anywhere near the Premier League’ amid Man City transfer links

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      LIVERPOOL’S Andy Robertson says he selfishly does not want Lionel Messi “anywhere near the Premier League”.
      Manchester City were leading the chase for the Argentine after he handed in a transfer request – but that was before today’s stunning U-turn where he suggested he will stay.

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      Andy Robertson does not want Lionel Messi anywhere near the Premier LeagueCredit: Reuters
      Left-back Robertson, 26, has previously come up against the 33-year-old twice in the Champions League.
      But speaking while on international duty for Scotland, he jokingly admitted he does not want there to be a third time if it means him signing for a title rival.
      Robertson said: “I think Liverpool have ruled out that we could sign him so I don’t want him anywhere near the Premier League and hopefully it stays that way.

      “I’ve played against him twice and it’s the hardest games I’ve ever played.”

      Messi scored two as Barcelona thrashed Liverpool 3-0 in the 2019 Champions League semi-final first leg.
      But Jurgen Klopp’s side famously fought back in the return match to win 4-0 before going on to beat Tottenham for the trophy.
      Speaking to That Peter Crouch Podcast, Robertson said: “In the Nou Camp I thought I’d dealt with him as well as I could have, but he walks off with two goals, it’s 3-0, and all everyone’s talking about is Messi.
      “When you test yourself against the best you want to try and come out well, and he is the best player that’s ever played in my opinion. Being directly up against him was as tough as it is.

      “When you come up against him you always think ‘it’s OK, we’re professional footballers, we can [handle this].’
      “But I think he knocked it by two of our midfielders early on in the Nou Camp, and he was running directly at me and I was like ‘oh right, this guy’s serious, f***ing hell! He’s coming at me now!
      “The stuff he does with his feet are just frightening, you need to guess at times to defend against him.
      “I remember he was at the byline at one point, and I thought ‘he’s just playing for a throw-in here, no problem…’
      “But he’s like dinked it inside somehow, and off he went inside of the park, switched the play, and I was like… no other human can do that.”
      Messi is locked in talks with Barcelona over his next step following his shock transfer request last month. 
      He had an hour-long meeting with his father Jorge on Thursday over his situation.
      Messi’s dad, who also acts as his agent, then confirmed his son may stay at the Nou Camp this season and leave on a free next summer.

      And Messi has now reportedly committed his future to Catalonia – or for one more year at least.
      Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain are also circling for the icon, who remains in a legal dispute with the Catalans over a clause in his contract which states he can leave on a free transfer at the end of the season.
      LaLiga backed his employers in the row, stating any team who wants Messi will have to meet the £630million release clause in his deal.
      Since then he has refused to report back for pre-season training and missed the mandatory club Covid-19 testing earlier this week.

      Lionel Messi’s dad Jorge confirms for first time son is considering staying at Barcelona after positive talks with club More

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      Lionel Messi’s Man City transfer could be in jeopardy over ‘superclub pact’ to not aggressively pursue Barcelona rebel

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      LIONEL MESSI could be left in limbo because of a ‘superclub pact’ to avoid aggressive tactics over transfers.
      Manchester City are the favourites to sign the wantaway Barcelona star, which would see a reunion with former boss Pep Guardiola.

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      Lionel Messi could be left out in the cold as clubs rein in their spendingCredit: AFP OR LICENSORS
      French champs Paris Saint-Germain are also in the hunt for the six-time Ballon d’Or winner.
      But according to Marca, Europe’s top clubs have ‘an agreement to avoid aggressive tactics’.
      And with City and PSG having both been investigated by the Court of Arbitration for Sport over Financial Fair Play in the past, it could mean Messi is out in the cold.

      The Messi saga took a stunning turn earlier today when his father and agent Jorge said the player is considering staying at Barcelona for one more year.

      Messi reportedly has a £623million contract offer to join Manchester City this summer.
      But after a “very good” meeting with the club bosses, his father admitted he could see out his contract in Spain.
      Jorge was asked whether there was a possibility of the Argentine ace staying at the Nou Camp.
      He simply replied: “Yes.”

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      Pep Guardiola is eager for a reunion with Messi at Manchester CityCredit: Handout – Getty

      When asked how the meeting with Josep Maria Bartomeu went, he said: “Very good.”
      The 33-year-old’s situation appears to have taken a huge U-turn after his dad allegedly told the club president: “My son isn’t staying.”
      Jorge flew by private jet from his home in Rosario, Argentina, to Spain for showdown talks with Barcelona chiefs.
      The discussion earlier this week lasted around 90 minutes – and they were not able to reach an agreement.
      Messi demanded to leave the club on a free after he handed in his transfer request.
      BARCA READY TO GO TO COURT
      The Argentina international called for the club to activate the clause in his contract that allowed him to leave for nothing.
      But the Spanish giants insisted the clause had expired – and that he could only leave if his £629m buy-out clause was met.
      Barcelona have vowed to take their all-time top scorer to court if he leaves the club for free.

      Lionel Messi’s dad Jorge confirms for first time son is considering staying at Barcelona after positive talks with club More

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      Lionel Messi transfer fee to Man City could be just £88.8m with Barcelona star set for more talks with dad Jorge today

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      LIONEL MESSI could be available for just £88MILLION as he gets set for further talks with his father and agent Jorge over his Barcelona future.
      The football world was stunned when the 33-year-old slapped in a transfer request with the Catalans.

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      Lionel Messi will have further talks with his dad Jorge over his Barcelona futureCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Now, The Telegraph is reporting that potential suitors, with Manchester City the favourites, could bag the little magician for just £88m.
      Messi’s team are using Cristiano Ronaldo’s move for the same price from Real Madrid to Juventus in the summer of 2018 as the “benchmark”.
      They also believe Barca finances being hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic means fees cannot be over-inflated.

      Messi’s father Jorge, who is also his agent, flew in for a crisis meeting with Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu on Wednesday.

      Talks lasted 90 minutes and the two sides are still poles apart.
      The Argentine, 33, wants to join Manchester City and Messi Sr yesterday claimed: “It is difficult for Leo to stay.”
      Messi no longer considers himself a Barcelona player after faxing a transfer request last month.
      But the Nou Camp club insist he is still under contract and on strike after refusing to train.

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      Jorge Messi arrived in Barcelona on Wednesday to discuss his son’s future with Barcelona chiefsCredit: Reuters

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      The six-time Ballon d’Or winner has handed in a transfer request at BarcelonaCredit: Manu Fernandez

      A £623million buyout clause in his contract is a huge stumbling block to any move.
      He is now locked in dispute with the Spanish giants after claiming that a release clause in his contract allows him to quit for nothing with immediate effect.
      Nou Camp officials believe the stipulation expired on June 10, with the Argentine superstar under contract until the summer of 2021.
      And LaLiga have backed the Catalan giants, insisting Messi’s €700millon (£629m) buy-out clause is still valid.
      CITY DEAL DONE?
      The fallout from the transfer saga has led to Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu facing calls from fans to step down.
      News coming out of Spain on Wednesday night reported that Messi had agreed financial terms on a five-year contract worth a total of €700m (£623m) with Manchester City.
      According to Record Sport, the incredible deal would make the Argentina captain the highest-paid individual in the history of the sport.
      It equates to £14,200 an hour, £341,000 per day, £2.4m every week and a whopping £10.4m per month.
      Messi is set to spend three seasons at the Etihad before joining City Football Group’s (CFG) Major League Soccer side New York City FC for two years.

      Lionel Messi’s future still up in air after dad’s talks with Barcelona chief end in stalemate More

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      Lionel Messi’s dad tells Barcelona president Bartomeu ‘my son isn’t staying’ in cutting remark during showdown talks

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      LIONEL MESSI’S dad reportedly told Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu in their showdown talks: “My son isn’t staying.”
      Jorge Messi flew into Barcelona yesterday for face-to-face discussions with the Nou Camp chief.

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      Jorge Messi, left, met with Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu and told the club chief his son will not be stayingCredit: Reuters

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      Lionel Messi stunned Barcelona by handing in a transer request last week after falling out with the boardCredit: Manu Fernandez
      Messi dropped a huge bombshell last week when he told the club – via fax – he wanted to leave.
      And, according to Marca, in the negotiations between Messi Sr – who is also his son’s agent – and Bartomeu, the legend’s father made the cutting remark.
      Despite the emergency crisis talks, no agreement was reached over the club captain’s Nou Camp future.
      But in a bizarre twist, it is understood Bartomeu’s car drove up and stopped outside Messi Sr’s Barcelona apartment – without the club chief inside.

      Reports stated the vehicle was being driven by Bartomeu’s son – with an L plate in the back window – while the president’s wife accompanied him.
      The six-time Ballon d’Or winner wants to join Manchester City and Messi Sr yesterday told reporters: “It is difficult for Leo to stay.”
      Messi no longer considers himself a Barcelona player and has not returned for pre-season training under new boss Ronald Koeman but the club insist he is still due to play.
      However, according to TyC Sports in Argentina, Messi may be resigned to the idea of seeing out the final year of his contract at the Nou Camp.

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      Bartomeu and Messi Sr were unable to reach a resolution during their discussions with the captain’s future still unclearCredit: EPA

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      The Barcelona president’s car turned up outside the apartment of the legend’s dad with only Bartomeu’s son and wife inside

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      The report adds it is “90 per cent likely” the forward will stay before leaving for free next summer instead of forcing an exit in the current transfer window.
      A £623million release clause in his contract is a huge stumbling block to any move.
      And Jorge swerved questions about the Etihad, only saying: “I don’t know anything about City. I have not spoken with Pep Guardiola.”
      However, reports suggest City have lined up a stunning offer worth a staggering £2.4m per week for five years.
      That would see him spend three years in Manchester before two seasons with City’s sister club New York City FC in the MLS.

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      Bartomeu’s car stops outside Lionel Messi’s dad’s apartment with son driving but no sign of Barcelona president More

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      Arthur says playing with Cristiano Ronaldo is like a ‘dream’ – but claimed Messi was ‘greatest player in history’

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      BRAZILIAN Arthur is living his “dream” playing with Cristiano Ronaldo – but said Lionel Messi is the “greatest player in history”.
      Midfielder Arthur has swapped the Nou Camp for Juventus’ Allianz Stadium ahead of the 2020-21 season.

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      Arthur spent two season with Lionel Messi at BarcelonaCredit: EPA

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      Juventus unveiled Arthur today after his move from LaLigaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Arthur will now play alongside Cristiano Ronaldo in TurinCredit: EPA
      Miralem Pjanic moved in the opposite direction but unfortunately tested positive for Covid-19 almost immediately after arriving at his new Spanish side.
      Arthur will now become one of the few players to have the fortune of lining up alongside superstars Messi AND Ronaldo.
      When presented to the media in Italy today, via Goal, Arthur said: “I have had the privilege of playing with great players.

      “Playing with Ronaldo is almost the realisation of a dream.

      “Today is a very important day for me. I thank my family, the managers, Fabio [Paratici, chief football officer] and all those who have welcomed me.”
      However, it is unclear where Arthur sits on the GOAT debate after previously singing Messi’s praises after spending the last two seasons as his team-mate.
      But now it appears the Argentine forward will sensationally be following Arthur out the Catalan giants’ exit door with Man City lining up a £623million contract.
      And in 2019, Arthur revealed how Messi had helped him settle in Catalonia.

      He told Globoesporte: “Honestly I didn’t expect it. He’s a guy I admire and, in my opinion and many other people’s, he’s the best player in history.

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      “He gave me a lot of confidence, he helped me in training and in games.
      “If the best player in the world praises you, I think that gives you some extra confidence.
      “I am really grateful for his words and the attitude he has with me and everyone else in the dressing room.”

      Barcelona’s Arthur Melo is busy keeping in shape as he stays at home for lockdown More

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      Lautaro Martinez ‘to reject Barcelona transfer and no longer wants move from Inter Milan due to Lionel Messi saga’

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      LAUTARO MARTINEZ will reject a Barcelona transfer and no longer wants to leave Inter Milan because of the Lionel Messi saga, according to reports.
      Barca had identified the Inter striker, 23, as a summer target and a long-term replacement for Luis Suarez.

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      Lautaro Martinez will reportedly stay at Inter Milan following the shambles at BarcelonaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The Catalan giants were at one stage ready to stump up as much as the £97million release clause for the Argentine forward.
      But according to Corriere dello Sport in Italy, Martinez – who scored 21 in 49 last season – has been put off a move to the Nou Camp by the events currently unfolding.
      Instead, he could be on course to pen a new contract at the San Siro – with no release clause – especially if he cannot link up with his hero in Spain.
      As revealed by SunSport, Manchester City are also weighing up a move for Martinez as the successor to Sergio Aguero’s centre-forward spot.

      Messi, 33, sent shockwaves across the football world by telling Barcelona he wants to quit the club he joined nearly 20 years ago.
      Martinez’s international team-mate’s future remains unclear with a move to Manchester City the most likely destination should he make an exit.
      Barca midfielder Frenkie de Jong described the situation as a “mess” and “chaos”.
      He said: “Currently it’s a mess at Barcelona, so many strange things happening, it’s chaos.

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      Lionel Messi could be about to wave goodbye to the Nou Camp club after nearly 20 yearsCredit: AFP or licensors

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      “But if Messi really leaves, it will be a huge blow to the team and the club.” 
      His father and agent Jorge admitted it will be “difficult” for the footballer to stay at Barcelona.
      Messi Sr jetted in to Barcelona from Argentina for showdown talks over his son’s future this morning.
      And as he was entering the club offices, he admitted to El Chiringuito TV that his son is highly likely to leave.
      Messi is now locked in dispute with the Spanish giants over after claiming that a release clause in his contract allows him to quit for nothing with immediate effect.
      Nou Camp officials believe the stipulation expired on June 10, with the Argentine superstar under contract until the summer of 2021.

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      Messi’s dad and agent, Jorge, is in Barcelona for showdown talks with the Catalan side’s hierarchyCredit: EPA

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      Martinez was originally thought to be keen to link up with Messi at the Nou CampCredit: Reuters

      And LaLiga have backed the Catalan giants, insisting Messi’s €700m (£629m) buy-out clause is still valid.
      Reports add that Manchester City have agreed a stunning £623m deal with Messi agreed.
      The incredible contract would make the Argentine the highest-paid individual in the history of the sport.
      It equates to £14,200 an hour, £341,000 per day, £2.4m every week and a whopping £10.4m per month.
      Messi is set to spend three seasons at the Etihad before joining City Football Group’s Major League Soccer side New York City FC for two years.

      Messi’s father lands in Barcelona amid reports of FC Barcelona meeting More

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      Luis Suarez ‘agrees personal terms’ with Juventus ahead of transfer from Barcelona after being told to leave

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      LUIS SUAREZ has reportedly agreed personal terms with Juventus after being told he can leave Barcelona.
      The Uruguayan international is poised to depart the Nou Camp after he was deemed surplus to requirements by Ronald Koeman.

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      Luis Suarez is said to have agreed personal terms with JuventusCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Should Barca fail to get an offer for Suarez, they would have to fork out £12million to cancel his contract.
      Ajax have already confirmed their interest in signing the 33-year-old as they look to bring the player back to Holland.

      But a move to Turin has also been reported, where he could link up with old rival Cristiano Ronaldo at Juventus.
      It was reported over the weekend that Suarez has spoken to Juve chief Pavel Nedved to discuss a potential switch to Italy.

      And according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Old Lady has now agreed personal terms with the player’s representatives during a second meeting.
      The report adds that Suarez is set to pen a £9million-a-year contract after-tax – the same wage he is currently raking in at Barcelona.
      Juve boss Andrea Pirlo has identified the ex-Liverpool ace as a replacement for Gonzalo Higuain, who has been linked with an MLS switch.
      Suarez took to social media last week where he broke his silence on speculation regarding his future.

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      He took aim at former lawyer Alejandro Balbi, who suggested he would leave the Spanish side should Lionel Messi also depart.
      It has been claimed that the Catalan club have identified Lyon forward Moussa Dembele as Suarez’s replacement.
      Suarez joined Barcelona from Liverpool in 2014, where he has scored 198 goals in 283 games in all competitions. More