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    Barcelona reject £54m transfer offer from Premier League club for Francisco Trincao just six months after buying him

    BARCELONA have reportedly batted away an offer from a Premier League side for Francisco Trincao just six months after buying him.
    The Portugal Under-21s international signed from Braga for £26million as part of a five-year deal in January.

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    Barcelona have reportedly rejected an offer from a Prem side for Francisco Trincao
    According to AS, the Catalan giants rejected a hefty offer of £60million for the 20-year-old winger.
    The club in question reportedly approached the Portuguese hotshot’s agent Jorge Mendes, who also acts for compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo, in January.
    But despite Barca’s financial woes in the wake of the coronavirus crisis, they turned down the offer.

    Trincao made his senior Braga debut last year and went on to play 11 times – scoring twice and providing two assists.

    It is understood his Barca contract includes a whopping £420m release clause after Paris Saint-Germain stunned the world by meeting Neymar’s at the time unthinkable exit payment in 2017.
    Wolves had been sniffing around Trincao last year with Nuno Espirito Santo a long-standing admirer of the whizkid.
    Juventus and Inter have been interested in the player since the summer.
    Wolves had hoped Trincao’s links to super agent Mendes, with their own close relationship to him, would have swayed things in their favour.

    But it seems it would take a lot to tempt the youngster away from the Nou Camp.

    When he joined the La Liga giants, he said: “When Barcelona signed me, I didn’t know what to say,
    “I had no words, it was a hugely proud moment for myself. This is a very important step for me to come and play for Barcelona.”
    Trincao won the golden boot in the European U19 Championships for Portugal in 2018.

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    Barcelona set to flog controversial transfer signing Braithwaite with forward not in Setien’s plans for next season

    MARTIN BRAITHWAITE is set to be sold by Barcelona just six months after they controversially signed him from Leganes.
    The Danish international was allowed to join the Catalans as an emergency signing in February.

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    Martin Braithwaite is set to be flogged by Barcelona after just six monthsCredit: Reuters
    That was despite timing being outside the transfer window as they met his £15million release clause following Ousmane Dembele’s injury lay-off.
    But the deal was met with huge criticism.
    Leganes were not allowed to sign a replacement for the forward, which seriously hindered them in their unsuccessful fight against relegation.
    He scored just once in 11 appearances for the Catalans as they missed out on the LaLiga title to bitter rivals Real Madrid.

    Now Mundo Deportivo claims Barca are ready to axe the 29-year-old former Middlesbrough flop this summer.
    Despite still having four years left on his contract, he is already believed to have been told he is surplus to requirements at the Nou Camp.

    Braithwaite is unable to compete in the Champions League for Barca next month.
    And it is claimed his representatives are already sounding out his next employers.

    His agent, Ali Dursun, is said to have contacted Real Sociedad, Mallorca, Sevilla and Osasuna over a potential deal.

    Barcelona ‘already looking to sell’ Martin Braithwaite just ONE month after shock £15m transfer over financial problems More

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    Arsenal in pole position to land Coutinho after talks with agent but Barcelona will reject Guendouzi swap transfer

    ARSENAL are leading the race to sign Barcelona flop Philippe Coutinho, according to reports.
    Mundo Deportivo report the Gunners are in pole position to swoop for ex-Liverpool playmaker Coutinho after talks with his agent Kia Joorabchian.

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    Philippe Coutinho could be heading to ArsenalCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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    A swap deal involving Matteo Guendouzi is not fancied by BarcelonaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Joorabchian is believed to have a good relationship with Arsenal’s head of football and transfer guru Raul Sanllehi.
    The pair are said to have begun negotiations over a potential move to bring the Brazilian playmaker to the Emirates.
    But – in a blow to Mikel Arteta’s side – Barcelona will reportedly outright reject the offer of a money plus player deal involving outcast Matteo Guendouzi.
    The Catalan giants have been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic and are only interested in a pure cash deal.

    Guendouzi has been jettisoned from the Arsenal squad after his antics at Brighton last month and an exit looks inevitable.

    Coutinho’s representative Joorabchian previously confirmed the ace’s desire to return to the Premier League, where he spent six seasons at Anfield.
    He told talkSPORT: “After the Champions League, it’s not been a secret that he wants to come back to the Premier League if he can; he loves playing in the Premier League and is adored in the Premier League.
    “There is much genuine interest in Philippe because he is a great player and a big success. There is always interest.”

    Arsenal’s North London rivals Spurs are also in the frame to sign the player after securing Europa League qualification.

    Leicester are another potential destination as the 28-year-old seeks a new home in the Premier League.
    Coutinho spent this year on loan at Bayern Munich and is set to stay for the completion of their Champions League campaign before deciding on his future.
    A spot in Quique Setien’s future plans at parent club Barca is unlikely to be on offer, with a move to the English top-flight high on the agenda just two and a half years after his £142million arrival.

    Coutinho ‘considering transfer to Arsenal, Leicester or Tottenham’ with £142m Barcelona flop already negotiating exit More

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    Philippe Coutinho’s agent confirms he wants Premier League return with Arsenal and Tottenham linked with transfer

    PHILIPPE COUTINHO wants a returns to the Premier League, according to his agent.
    Kia Joorabchian confirmed the news that the former Liverpool star is eyeing up a return to England, with both Arsenal and Tottenham linked with a move.

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    Philippe Coutinho could be heading for a transfer back to EnglandCredit: PA:Press Association
    He told talkSPORT: “Because the Champions League is going to run all the way until August 23, I think it will be difficult for players like Coutinho to make any commitment or move until that date.
    “He has the Champions League at the moment and they have to qualify for the next round [against Chelsea], and then he could play Barcelona, believe it or not.
    “After the Champions League, it’s not been a secret that he wants to come back to the Premier League if he can; he loves playing in the Premier League and is adored in the Premier League.
    “It is one of his priorities… but he is also not against staying at Barcelona, so it is very much open.”

    It was previously reported that the Barcelona flop was likely to sign for one of Arsenal, Leicester City or Spurs this summer.
    On the subject of which clubs were in the frame, he added: “There is much genuine interest in Philippe because he is a great player and a big success. There is always interest.”

    Joorabchian fuelled talk of a return to the English top-flight last month.
    He discussed Coutinho’s future on talkSport: “We’re still waiting until the season finishes before we start talking about anything in terms of transfers.

    “I’ve always said he loves to play in the Premier League.
    “He enjoyed his time very much and if the opportunity arises to come back to the Premier League, whether it be this year or in the future, he’s definitely looking at that.”
    The Brazilian playmaker has spent the 2019/20 season on loan at Bayern Munich.
    He has signed a deal to remain with the German giants for the conclusion of the Champions League in August.

    But it appears he has not done enough to secure a permanent move.
    The ex-Anfield No10 moved to Barcelona in a massive £142million deal back in January 2018.
    But he failed to deliver at the Nou Camp before being shipped out on loan last summer.
    And it is unlikely that he will be able to force himself into Quique Setien’s plans and is assessing his options elsewhere, with a return to England high on his wishlist.
    Coutinho bagged nine goals and assisted a further eight in 34 Bundesliga appearances this campaign, showing glimpses of his former self.
    After Leicester and Spurs both secured Europa League qualification on the Prem’s final day, they are thought to be realistic potential destinations for the 28-year-old.

    Reports suggested Coutinho initially turned down an approach from Arsenal over fears they would not stump up his desired wages.
    But a move to join Mikel Arteta’s side remains on the cards ahead of the FA Cup final against Chelsea this weekend.
    Former Inter Milan man Coutinho is believed to be taking time out to consider his next move before making a decision after the end of Bayern’s European run.

    Coutinho ‘considering transfer to Arsenal, Leicester or Tottenham’ with £142m Barcelona flop already negotiating exit More

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    Barcelona boss Setien survives crisis talks after Messi demanded changes and will be in charge for Champions League

    BARCELONA boss Quique Setien is set to survive at the Nou Camp despite crisis talks after skipper Lionel Messi’s outburst.
    Barca lost 2-1 at home to mid-table Osasuna on Thursday night and the reigning La Liga champions surrendered their title to El Clasico rivals Real Madrid.

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    The pressure is mounting on Barcelona boss Quique SetienCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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    Captain Lionel Messi has called for change at the Nou CampCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Argentine superstar Messi vented his fury in a post-game interview, suggesting things would need to “change a lot” if they are to be competitive ahead of the conclusion of the Champions League in August.
    Pressure has been mounting on Setien’s position after the league was settled with a game to spare.
    And the former Real Betis manager was called into the boardroom for emergency talks with the Catalan giants’ president Josep Maria Bartomeu on Friday night.
    But Standard Sport report the 61-year-old is set to continue and WILL take charge of the team in the Champions League.

    Barca are set to play Napoli in the second leg of their last 16 tie next month.
    The Blaugrana came away from the first leg in Naples with a 1-1 draw courtesy of Antoine Griezmann’s second-half equaliser.
    If they progress past Gennaro Gattuso’s side then they are likely to face Bayern Munich.
    The German champs have a 3-0 lead over Chelsea going into their last 16 second leg and are heavy favourites to progress into the quarter-finals.

    Barca travel to Alaves on Sunday in their last league game with nothing tangible to play for.
    But Setien will have to gee up his squad to deliver a performance with his neck potentially on the line.
    Players will train on Monday and Tuesday before being given five days off before they return to European action.

    Watch Lionel Messi IGNORE Barcelona No2 as row with coaches rages on and boss Setien now set to leave after bust-up More

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    Barcelona president ‘doubts PSG will put Neymar on market’ but confirms transfer talks with Inter for Lautaro Martinez

    BARCELONA president Josep Bartomeu has thrown cold water over speculation of Neymar moving to the Nou Camp but confirmed transfer talks with Lautaro Matinez. 
    PSG broke the bank by splashing out £198m to land Neymar in 2017 but the Brazilian ace has rejected attempts to extend his deal, which expires in 2022.

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    It is unlikely that PSG will put Neymar on the market this summer, according to reports
    Neymar has long been linked with a return to the Catalan giants and their latest attempt to prize the marksman away from the  French capital includes Antoine Griezmann and Ousmane Dembele going the other way.
    But as reported by Mundo Deportivo, Nou Camp chief Bartomeu reckons it is unlikely that Les Parisiens will put the Brazilian golden boy on the market given the financial uncertainty in the wake of the coronavirus crisis.
    He said: “it is a very difficult market for all clubs, especially.”
    Transfer fees are predicted to plummet and lavish £90m-plus moves are likely to be a distant memory.

    Nobody can guarantee contracts after a pandemic and wages, investment and expenses are set to take a big hit, so PSG may wait at least a year until they can cash in for the best possible price.
    It would also be a major blow for the club to lose Neymar given that he has scored 69 goals in just 80 appearances for the French giants.
    In that time, they have also won all three Ligue 1 titles as well as the Coupe de France and Coupe de la Ligue in 2018.
    Bartomeu admitted that the club have approached Inter Milan regarding their star man Martinez.

    The Argentine striker has been a target for the Catalan giants for much of the season, having scored 17 goals in 38 games so far this term.
    Inter’s sporting director recently confirmed that Martinez can join Barcelona this summer but only if his £100million release clause is met.
    And this has proved a stumbling block for the La Liga giants who will reportedly not fork out the eye-watering release clause, having been forced to tighten the pursestrings after the coronavirus pandemic.

    Barcelona need to balance the books before landing big-money targets with up to seven players up for grabs.
    Dembele, Coutinho, Nelson Semedo, Arturo Vidal and Ivan Rakitic have been told they are free to leave.
    The Catalan Giants believe that Martinez’s value could drop especially if the player tells Inter chiefs that he wants out.

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    Barcelona make seven players untouchable in transfer market including Messi and Griezmann despite financial issues

    BARCELONA will not sell Antoine Griezmann this summer amid reports of a personal meeting to reassure the striker.
    Speculation has been rife that the Frenchman will be allowed to leave as part of the Camp Nou club’s desperate attempts to balance their finances.

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    Griezmann announced his return to the team with a stunning chip past Villarreal on the weekendCredit: Reuters
    The coronavirus pandemic, coupled with a spiralling wage bill, has taken its toll on the Catalans.
    Having agreed a large wage cut, worth up to 70 per cent, with the squad as the crisis began, talk of player sales ramped up.
    Griezmann was reportedly one of the star names lined up for a shock exit, only a year after arriving from Atletico Madrid.
    And Barcelona’s return to the pitch to see out the LaLiga season did little to quell those rumours, with the 29-year-old starting only three of the first six games back.

    Last week, it was even suggested that he was ready to hear out an offer from either Manchester club, City or United.
    According to ESPN, the club arranged a meeting with Griezmann’s sister and agent, Maud, to calm any worries about his future.

    Both parties are said to have come out of the talks satisfied and he is now set to stay put.
    Griezmann is reportedly classed as unsaleable alongside Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, Gerard Pique, Frenkie de Jong and Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

    The striker returned to Quique Setien’s starting XI to face Villarreal at the start of the month, scoring a sumptuous chip in the 4-1 win.
    The scenes of celebration were a far cry from the fury over his late substitute appearances against Celta Vigo and Atletico Madrid.
    A mere two-minute runout against his old club prompted angry responses online from his brother Theo and father Alain.
    Pro-gamer Theo wrote “I feel like crying, seriously” while Alain accused Setien of not having “the keys to the lorry”, describing him as a “passenger” – before the posts were deleted.
    The coach refused to apologise for the meagre outing as he looked to close the gap on title race favourites Real Madrid.
    Setien stated: “I don’t agree that I have no confidence in him.
    “He’s an important player, but I understand it’s tough for him to come on with so little time left. I will speak with him [on Wednesday].
    “I won’t say sorry, because [it’s about] decisions, but I understand he may feel bad, and I feel bad for him because he’s a great person and a great professional.”

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