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    Keira Walsh closing in on sensational transfer deadline day move to Chelsea from Barcelona

    KEIRA WALSH is set to become Chelsea’s latest high profile signing with the club closing in on a deadline day swoop for England ace. The midfielder, previously linked with Arsenal, is set to join the WSL giants four days after they signed USA defender Naomi Girma. Chelsea’s impending of signing Keira Walsh is a huge boost for the club who hope to win the Women’s Champions League for the first time in their historyCredit: GettyWalsh’s upcoming move to the WSL leaders follows a trophy-laden spell at Barcelona with whom she won two Champions League medalsCredit: APThe Blues have agreed a transfer fee of £500,000 with Walsh’s current side Barcelona, according to Sky Sports. The former Man City ace is due to have a medical with Chelsea aiming to seal their deal before today’s January transfer deadline. The England star will be eligible to feature for Sonia Bompastor’s team in the Champions League knockout phase with the quarter-finals taking place in March. Chelsea’s signing of Walsh will be a massive coup for the team who are currently top of the Women’s Super League and chasing an eighth top-flight title win. Read More Football StoriesLast September reports in Spain claimed WSL rivals had a record transfer bid for the midfielder rejectedThe Rochdale-born player, who began her senior club career at Blackburn Rovers at the age of 16, has evolved into one of the sports’s most gifted midfielders. The player, who grew up watching Spanish football, played a key role in helping Manchester City win the WSL title in 2016 in the second year of her eight-year stint at the club. And after joining Barcelona in September 2022, for a then world record £400,000 fee, Walsh has gone on to become an integral part of  the LaLiga giants. Most read in FootballIn addition to making 54 top flight appearances for the club whose stars include Ballon d’Or winners Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas, the midfielder lifted eight major titles. Her silverware wins include two Champions League trophies, two La Liga Women’s titles and three Spanish Super Cups. The midfielder was also among the nominees for last year’s Fifa best women’s player of the year gong which was awarded to Bonmati. Since providing an assist on her senior England debut in a 5-0 World Cup qualifier defeat of Kazakhstan, Walsh has also shone on the international stage. The midfielder started in every single one of the Lionesses’ matches during the 2022 Women’s Euros. Among her tournament highlights was a standout pass that led to Ella Toone’s opening goal in their 2-1 tournament final defeat of Germany at Wembley. And she is in strong contention for a place in Sarina Wiegman’s squad ahead of this year’s Euros in July. Earlier this move Chelsea strengthened their defensive options by signing Olympic gold medal-winning USA centre-back Naomi GirmaCredit: GettyWalsh’s impending Blues move comes two and a half years on from Chelsea being linked with the player prior to her Barcelona move. READ MORE SUN STORIESThe club made headlines earlier this month by signing Naomi Girma from San Diego Wave for a record breaking US$1.1million dollar feeWalsh’s switch will see her become the second England star the Blues have signed from Barcelona following Lucy Bronze joining as a free agent in July last year. More

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    Lionel Messi ‘tells family and friends he will return to Barcelona’ as David Beckham makes shock admission

    LIONEL MESSI has set his sights on a sensational return to Barcelona.The 37-year-old ended his two-decade spell with Barcelona in 2021 and subsequently joined Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent.Lionel Messi is determined to complete a return to BarcelonaCredit: APMessi left Barcelona as a free agent in 2021Credit: GettyAfter two years in France he left Europe to sign for MLS giants Inter Miami in a huge free transfer and has since netted 34 goals and provided 18 assists in just 39 appearances.But with just one year left on his current deal, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is looking to the future.Messi recently told a family friend that he wants to complete a sensational return to Barcelona.Yanina Latorre told La Nacion: “He [Messi] told me that when he finishes here [Miami], where he is happy, he will return to Barcelona.”Read More in FootballThe Argentina captain also allegedly rejected the possibility of extending his stay in the USA and said: “No, my place is there.”A return as a player could be made complicated due to Barcelona’s ongoing money issues, so he could take up an ambassadorial role.Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham also recently admitted that Messi only sees his future in Spain.Speaking at the Economic Forum in Davos, the England legend said: “I would like Messi to live in Miami when he retires, but Leo told me that he only thinks about living near the Camp Nou.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSDavid Beckham has admitted that Messi intends to go back to BarcelonaCredit: Reuters”There is no player who loves Barcelona as much as he does.”You can see the Barca crest on his leg and even on his water bottle.”Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez’s sons playing in same Inter Miami team as incredible video shows wonderkids in action While Beckham did not disclose exactly when Messi could go back to Barcelona, his Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas previously revealed that he will sit down with the forward to discuss his future.Mas said: “I fully expect that when our new stadium opens in 2026, Leo Messi will be our number 10.” More

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    Marcus Rashford’s Barcelona transfer could be torpedoed by ASTON VILLA after £325,000-a-week Man Utd ace offered to club

    MARCUS RASHFORD’s potential loan move to Barcelona could fall apart – because of Aston Villa’s transfer business. The out-of-favour Manchester United star, 27, has been linked with a temporary switch to the Nou Camp. Marcus Rashford has been linked with a loan move to BarcelonaCredit: RexRashford has been a target for Dortmund, AC Milan and Napoli this window after being frozen out by new Utd boss Ruben Amorim. But his mammoth £325,000-a-week wages have proved a stumbling block in negotiations. Barcelona are reportedly desperate to bring the 27-year-old in to turn around their stuttering LaLiga campaign. To do so, they have to save enough money to register him within their league spending cap. READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSAccording to ESPN, Barcelona were desperate for Celta Vigo’s Oscar Mingueza to join Aston Villa earlier this month.The Catalan giants retain 50 per cent of any future transfer fee the defender raises after selling him to Celta in 2022.That deal never materialised, with Villa instead turning to Levante’s Andres Garcia to shore up their defensive options.The report adds Rashford has been “offered to every top club in France, Spain and Italy.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSParis Saint-Germain, Monaco and Marseille were all reportedly contacted.Barcelona had also hoped to raise funds by selling winger Ansu Fati. Marcus Rashford smiles as he’s seen in Man Utd training for first time since admitting he wants transfer exit But he is reportedly unwilling to leave the club this January.As such, they are scrambling around late in the window – and may not be able to raise enough cash to afford Rashford. The England striker watched from the stands as Man Utd beat Rangers 2-1 in the Europe League on Thursday.Barcelona had reportedly hoped to fund Rashford by pocketing a sell-on for Villa target Oscar MinguezaCredit: GettyVilla opted to sign Andrés García from Levante insteadCredit: Instagram / avfcofficialHe was left out of Amorim’s squad again – despite the Red Devils boss having three spaces spare on his bench.Rashford has now been dumped out by Amorim for ten-straight games.Rashford has been frozen out since giving an interview last month where he declared he was “ready for a new challenge.”READ MORE SUN STORIESDespite not playing against Rangers, Rashford gave his full support to his teammates from the terraces.Speaking on Instagram, the forward posted his view of the pitch, accompanied by the caption: “Come on the boys”. Man Utd ratings: Bruno Fernandes captain fantastic in last-gasp win but Harry Maguire asleep in dreadful cameoMANCHESTER UNITED all but sealed automatic qualification to the last 16 of the Europa League thanks to a last-gasp win over Rangers.The Red Devils welcomed the Scottish giants to Old Trafford in the penultimate group match of their European campaign on Thursday night.And they took a giant step towards a top-eight finish thanks to a 2-1 win at Old Trafford.A calamitous own second-half goal from Gers stopper Jack Butland broke the deadlock.Cyriel Dessers thought he’d rescued a point for the visitors in the 88th minute before Bruno Fernandes broke the hearts of the travelling Teddy Bears four minutes later.SunSport’s Ken Lawrence was in attendance for the Battle of Britain and is on hand to rate and slate the performances of Ruben Amorim’s side.Altay Bayindir – 7The Turk is a better keeper than No 1 Andre Onana, especially dealing with corners.Took a sore one colliding with Toby Collyer showing exactly that.Leny Yoro – 5The £52m central defender was deployed on the right side of Rubin Amorim’s three-man rearguard.Youngster was shaky at times but looked better when he had the ball.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Terrible early touch stranded Toby Collyer – Nicolas Raskin’s even worse touch let him off the hook.Hooked at the break – no surprise there, although Amorim said afterwards that he “felt something”.Lisandro Martinez – 5Once known as The Butcher of Amsterdam but he’s long lost that scary presence.Another one who doesn’t look happy in the new system.Amad Diallo – 7Looks a bit different these days since his tough time on loan at Rangers three years ago.Not on wonder-boy form this time but still a threat.Toby Collyer – 6Made his first appearance on a European stage and the boy done good.The 21 year old is a very decent emerging midfielder.Christian Eriksen – 6Turns 33 next month and his legs aren’t really up to playing in centre midfield.He’s always been a creator anyway but he dug in.Diogo Dalot – 5Started out on his wrong foot as a left wing back.Switched midway through the second half and looked far more comfortable.Bruno Fernandes – 9You wonder if he drives himself as mad as he must do his manager at times. But scored a fantastic winner.Joshua Zirkzee – 4Ruben. He’s NOT a centre-forward.Whatever £36m bought, it wasn’t a natural striker and it’s unfair to be playing him up there on his own.Alejandro Garnacho – 8Busy and focused – didn’t look like any talk of being sold to Chelsea was bothering him.On this sparkling evidence United would be mad to let him go anywhere.SUBSMaguire (for De Ligt 46) 3 Totally asleep for Rangers’ equaliser.Malacia (for Yoro 56) 5 : Looking happier now injury worries overUgarte (for Collyer 73) 5 : Put in a solid short spell.Mainoo (Eriksen 73) 5 : Added strength and mobility.Hojlund (for Zirkzee 82) 5 : Ran about a bit – he’s good at that. More

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    Former Barcelona star shows off withered leg as he shows how much muscle he lost after devastating ACL injury

    FORMER Barcelona prodigy Riqui Puig has revealed pictures of his withered leg after suffering a devastating ACL injury.Puig, who now plays for LA Galaxy, lost a significant amount of muscle in his right leg after undergoing reconstructive surgery last month.Riqui Puig has shown off his withered right legThe 25-year-old tore his ACL in NovemberPuig came through the ranks with Barcelona’s La Masia set upPuig joined LA in 2022Puig suffered a nasty ACL injury during LA Galaxy’s 1-0 win over Seattle Sonders FC in the Western Conference final in November.But he played over 30 minutes with a torn ACL and even provided the game-winning assist for Dejan Joveljic’s 85th minute goal.Scans after the trophy celebrations showed a rupture and surgery was performed in a Barcelona hospital a month later.The 25-year-old has shared an update on the rehab process of his knee.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSPictures show the midfielder has lost a ton of muscle on his right leg as he works with specialists.Puig grabbed 37 goal contributions in 36 matches played across all competitions for the LA Galaxy during the 2024 campaign.He left Barcelona for America as a free agent in 2022 after falling out of favour with former manager Xavi’s plans.His exit was a shock for fans after Barca’s legends indicated he was a special talent.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBack in 2018, one report read: “Lionel Messi quickly realised that after Riqui started going to some training sessions with the first team last season.”He wanted him at his side and, of course, the kid was happy to have his idol in front of him and on top of that, that he gave him the ball.Ex-Everton and Barcelona star Gerard Deulofeu works out in gym after horror injury “He was not the only one who was astonished.”Luis Suarez, Andres Iniesta – a player whom he has many resemblances towards – were also captivated by his football.”Despite his promising talent as a teenager, Puig found himself way down the pecking order at the Nou Camp and left in 2022.Gavi and Pedri are two of the highest-rated young central midfielders in Europe and have continued to prosper.Meanwhile, Puig is one of the best players in the MLS and is a two-time All-Star.Puig found himself way down the pecking order at the Nou Camp More

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    Man Utd outcast Marcus Rashford’s camp ‘meet Barcelona director Deco for talks but transfer hinges on two other stars’

    MARCUS RASHFORD’S representatives have reportedly held talks with Barcelona over a winter move.The England international revealed in a bombshell interview late last year that wants to LEAVE Manchester United for “a new challenge”.Marcus Rashford wants to leave Manchester United for a ‘new challenge’Credit: ReutersBarcelona are understood to be keen on signing the wantaway strikerCredit: PAThe La Liga giants’ sporting director Deco has reportedly met with Rashford’s repsCredit: GettyA number of clubs are understood to be interested in acquiring the 27-year-old’s services this month, including Barcelona.And it’s claimed the Catalan club have made overtures to bring the Red Devils star to the Nou Camp.That’s according to Sport, who claims the LaLiga giants’ sporting director – former Chelsea star Deco – has met with Rashford’s team to discuss a potential transfer.A move to the Catalan capital, however, is said to hinge on Eric Garcia leaving the Nou Camp and a resolution over Ansu Fati’s future being reached.READ MORE ON RASHFORDUnited academy graduate Rashford stunningly revealed his desire to leave Old Trafford in an interview last December.He dropped the bombshell after being exiled by new Red Devils gaffer Ruben Amorim.He told journalist Henry Winter: “For me, personally, I think I’m ready for a new challenge and the next steps.”When I leave it’s going to be, ‘No hard feelings.’Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”You’re not going to have any negative comments from me about Manchester United.”That’s me as a person. If I know that a situation is already bad I’m not going to make it worse.Which Manchester United stars should stay and go?”I’ve seen how other players have left in the past and I don’t want to be that person.”When I leave, I’ll make a statement, and it will be from me.”Amorim said of Rashford’s revelatory interview: “It is a hard situation.”I understand these players have a lot of people around them, making choices that are not the first idea from the player.”They chose to do the interview as it is not just Marcus.”Monaco are said to prepared to pick up a large chunk of Rashford’s £315,000-a-week wages, although the forward himself is ready to play again for United if he is needed. More

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    Ex-Everton and Barcelona star Gerard Deulofeu may never play again with horror injury ‘beyond biology’

    GERARD DEULOFEU has heartbreakingly admitted his career may be OVER due to the knee injury that blighted his time with Udinese.The Spain international has suffered multiple setbacks – including infected cartilage – since he tore his ACL in November 2022.Gerard Deulofeu suffered a horror knee injury in November 2022Credit: GETTYThe former Barcelona and Everton man has suffered numerous setbacks over the last two yearsCredit: INSTAGRAM@GERARDDEULOFEUThe setbacks have led to the mutual termination of his contract with UdineseCredit: GETTYAnd the 30-year-old has agreed to terminate his contract with the Serie A side, which he announced in an agonising social media post.The former Barcelona and Everton star said in a video: “I tore my anterior cruciate ligament two years ago against Napoli.”But [I] recovered and was able to play against Sampdoria despite the tear.”The bad news arrived after that match, when I knew I’d need surgery.“After that operation, I got an infection in the cartilage.”That is tough to get over, because the bones grind up against each other and it goes beyond a normal injury.“I have been fighting for two years against something that goes beyond biology.”Despite his repeated setbacks, Deulofeu is refusing to give up hope of one day returning to the pitch.Most read in SportGerard Deulofeu is refusing to give up hope of playing football againCredit: EPAHe said: “I feel better now than I did a few months ago, but we’ll see what happens.“I have always had an incredible rapport with Udinese and it means so much to me that they supported and waited for me.Leighton Baines praises Everton response after victory on ‘difficult day’ “If I do return to football one day, it will be with this jersey, for all that the club and its fans did to support me.“We have agreed to terminate the contract, but the relationship and support remain special.”Deulofeu joined Udinese in October 2020 following a two-season stint with Watford.The Spaniard leaves the club with a record of 16 goals and 13 assists in 63 appearances. More

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    SIX Premier League clubs to fight for free transfer of Barcelona’s Dani Olmo including Man Utd with star available NOW

    SIX Premier League clubs are ready to battle to sign Dani Olmo on a stunning free transfer.Barcelona forked out £50million to sign the midfielder from RB Leipzig only last summer.Dani Olmo could soon leave Barcelona after the club failed in their bid to register him wth LaLigaCredit: REXSix Premier League sides are reportedly interested in acquiring Olmo’s servicesCredit: RexBut the Catalans’ crippling financial situation meant they could only register him for the first half of the season.Barca are working under strict financial constraints imposed by La Liga after falling a reported £1BILLION in debt.League chiefs gave them special dispensation to add Olmo, 26, to their squad until December 31.But they have so far REJECTED Barcelona’s attempts to register the Euro 2024 winner for the rest of the campaign.READ MORE ON OLMOAnd a legal challenge by the Nou Camp giants has also failed.Olmo is understood to have a clause in his contract which allows him to leave for FREE should he be left unable to play.And, according to reports in Spain, every one of the Premier League’s Big Six are ready to swoop.Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham are said to be set to pursue the Spain international’s signature along with rivals Manchester United, Man City and Arsenal.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSDani Olmo’s immediate future is unclearCredit: RexThe Prem clubs, however, will reportedly face competition for Olmo from Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen and Paris Saint-Germain.Olmo has remained professional throughout the uncertainty over his future, which he received a bit of clarity on New Year’s Eve.Ian Wright convinced Spain star Dani Olmo is ‘taking the micky out of us’ with pre-Euro 2024 final gestureAn excerpt of a La Liga statement read: “Barcelona has not presented any alternative that would allow the registration, in accordance with La Liga’s economic control regulations, to register any player from next January 2.”Barca, however, are holding out hope they can retain Olmo after applying for a new license from the Royal Spanish Football Federation to register Olmo and team-mate Pau Victor.A club statement read: “FC Barcelona informs that it has requested a new licence from the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) for the players Daniel Olmo and Pau Víctor.”‘Likewise, the Club wishes to deny that it has requested or received any moratorium from any other body for the registration requested.”Barcelona will be back in action on January 4, taking on Barbastro in the Copa del Rey.And as it currently stands, Olmo will not be eligible to play. More

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    Barcelona LOSE appeal to register Dani Olmo with £50m star set to be free agent in hours triggering huge transfer rush

    BARCELONA are at risk of losing Dani Olmo after losing an appeal to register their star.Olmo joined from RB Leipzig for £50million in the summer but Barcelona’s financial issues meant he could only be registered on a temporary basis until the end of the calendar year.Barcelona lost their appeal to register Dani OlmoCredit: RexAnd Barca have desperately been trying to extend Olmo’s registration before the December 31 deadline.The club took the case to court in an attempt to register the winger, but lost the case.According to Marca, an appeal has been rejected too.Now Barcelona have to explore other options to secure Olmo’s registration or risk losing him for NOTHING.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOlmo included the clause in his contract that would allow him to leave Camp Nou on a free transfer if the club were unable to register him due to financial restraints.And the Euro 2024 winner could in theory begin discussions with rival clubs THIS WEEK if the situation is not resolved.One solution that has been mooted is to sell VIP boxes at the newly renovated Camp Nou for up to 20 years to Middle Eastern investors in a deal worth a reported £82.9million.That would enable Barcelona to meet financial fair play rules which would then allow them to extend the registration of Olmo and his team-mate Pau Victor.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowever, it would stop Barca from negotiating more lucrative deals with other interested parties in the future.LaLiga approved the registration of Olmo and Victor for the first half of the season only, giving Barca a temporary permit to use the players while they kept looking for fresh revenue streams before January.Ronaldinho scores stunning free-kick aged 44 as Barcelona legend proves he’s still got it in El Clasico Legends game Barcelona responded by taking the league to court, claiming a failure to grant the extension would infringe upon the player’s worker rights.After losing the case and subsequent appeal, club president decided to turn to the VIP boxes deal, which was initially planned to be negotiated in the summer.Barcelona hope the added revenue will allow them to meet financial regulations and achieve the required 1:1 rule compliance, allowing both Olmo and Victor to remain in the squad.Olmo’s situation triggered plenty of interest in the Spain international, including from Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal. More