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      Tottenham ‘enter transfer race for Raphinha’ with Barcelona set to offload Chelsea and Arsenal target after 18 months

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      TOTTENHAM have entered the transfer tussle for Raphinha, according to reports.The Brazilian forward only joined Barcelona in the summer of 2022.
      Raphinha could be on his way back to the Premier League with TottenhamCredit: Getty
      Chelsea and Arsenal both wanted to sign the attacker from Leeds before he followed his heart’s desire and headed to the Nou Camp.
      He managed ten goals in his debut season to help Barcelona win LaLiga.
      But now Mundo Deportivo state the Catalan giants are open to selling Raphinha for the right price.
      Barca’s financial woes are well known and therefore the chance to recoup a significant portion of the £49million they shelled out for Raphinha last year is tempting.
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      And selling the 26-year-old would also help pave the way for Vitor Roque when the teenager arrives in Spain from Athletico Paranaense in 2024.
      Raphinha has lost his place in the starting XI under Xavi this term with the likes of Joao Felix, Fermin Lopez and Ferran Torres preferred to support Robert Lewandowski – not helped by an early red card and an injury this term.
      It means he remains stuck on three LaLiga starts with two goals from his 11 appearances in total.
      Tottenham, though, could have competition from their Premier League rivals for the ex-Elland Road hero, who managed 17 goals for the Yorkshire club across two seasons.
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      That is because both Chelsea and Newcastle are rumoured interested parties ahead of the transfer window reopening in the New Year.
      The news, though, did not go down well with Blues fans who are not convinced Raphinha is an improvement on their current options at Stamford Bridge.
      Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou is keen to bolster his attacking options.
      The Australian lost Harry Kane in the summer while Brennan Johnson is still settling and trying to find his top form.
      James Maddison, Richarlison, Manor Solomon, Ryan Sessegnon and Ivan Perisic have all been sidelined by injury.
      There were suggestions Ivan Toney was a possible target but SunSport understands he is deciding between transfers to Arsenal or Chelsea or signing a new contract at Brentford. More

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      Nine incredible stars to watch at U17 World Cup including ‘Brazilian Messi’ and record-breaking Arsenal starlet

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      SCOUTS have been out in force at the Fifa Under-17 World Cup in Indonesia as the planet’s most promising teenagers bid to follow in the footsteps of some illustrious former winners.Neymar, Alisson, Toni Kroos and Ronaldinho have all appeared at previous editions while Cesc Fabregas (2003) and Phil Foden (2017) shone brightly enough to be awarded the tournament’s Golden Ball.
      The Under-17 World Cup is heating up as it hits the business endCredit: EPA
      Teenagers from around the world are putting themselves in the shop windowCredit: GETTY
      But who will be the name on everyone’s lips at the end of this month’s event?
      SunSport is on hand with nine players we think have lit up the tournament and have bright futures ahead of themselves.
      Estevao Willian (Brazil)
      Brazil’s greatest teenage talent earned the nickname ‘Messinho’ long before he came to national prominence during an acrimonious switch from the Cruzeiro youth set-up to Palmeiras at the age of 14.
      Like the famous Argentine number 10, Estevao is predominantly left-footed and insanely skilful in tight spaces with a burst that can free him from defenders.
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      He can also shoot, as he proved when curling a 25-yard effort home in Brazil’s 9-0 demolition of New Caledonia earlier this week.
      Former Barcelona scout Andre Cury, the man who helped take both Ronaldinho and Neymar to the club, has been advising Estevao.
      And while Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal have also shown interest, the 16-year-old recently admitted that the Nou Camp is his dream destination.  
      Brazul’s Estevao Willian is one to watch out for in the tournamentCredit: EPA
      Amara Diouf (Senegal)
      Diouf – one of the youngest players at the tournament – learned his trade at the famous Generation Foot academy in Dakar, which launched the careers of current senior Senegal stars Sadio Mane and Ismaila Sarr  
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      The powerfully built left-winger now looks set to follow in the footsteps of Mane and join Metz in France’s top flight, although probably not for long.
      Manchester City, Arsenal, Barcelona and Real Madrid were all reportedly circling before he made his decision.
      Diouf’s displays in Indonesia, where he scored twice in Senegal’s 2-1 win over Argentina, suggest he may soon be ready for a bigger stage.
      Amara Diouf is the one to watch in Senegal’s talented squadCredit: Getty
      Claudio Echeverri (Argentina)
      Overshadowed by Diouf in Argentina’s opening game, Echeverri produced a moment of magic to get his team back on track for the knockout stages when he opened the scoring with a delightful long-range free-kick against Japan.
      Like Messi, the attacking midfielder wears the captain’s armband and the famous Number 10 shirt, but Echeverri is right-footed and bears a closer resemblance to current Argentina Under-17 coach Pablo Aimar.
      He came through the same River Plate finishing school that produced Aimar, plus City’s Julian Alvarez, with the Treble winners following Echeverri closely throughout the South American Under-17 Championship he top scored in earlier this year.  
      Juventus, Real Madrid and PSG are also said to be sniffing around the teenager, who will be eligible to move to Europe in January when he turns 18.
      Claudio Echeverri is a real prospect for ArgentinaCredit: GETTY
      Assan Ouédraogo (Germany)
      Son of a former Burkina Faso international, Ouédraogo is a box-to-box midfielder and perhaps the most physically impressive player at the tournament.
      In Germany, where he has been playing regularly for Schalke, he has already been compared to ex-Chelsea star Michael Essien for his ability to win the ball and drive forward.
      But his liking for slide tackles and sheer size, at 6ft 3in tall, bring back memories of ex-Arsenal star Patrick Vieira.
      Another of Vieira’s former clubs, AC Milan, are understood to be keen on signing him but they could face stiff competition from Liverpool plus Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig.
      Assan Ouedraogo is rated highly by many in GermanyCredit: GETTY
      Noah Darvich (Germany)
      Barcelona beat Bayern, Ajax, Arsenal, Manchester City and PSG to the signature of Darvich in the summer and his displays in Germany’s first two games suggest they were right to pay Freiburg almost £4.5million.  
      A beautifully-balanced left-footer with an ability to glide past opponents like former Gunners idol Mesut Ozil, Darvich played a starring role with a goal and an assist in Germany’s 3-1 win over Mexico on Sunday.
      He assisted again in another 3-1 win over New Zealand on Wednesday, having earlier struck an upright with a bending free-kick.
      Germany’s Noah Darvich effortlessly glides past playersCredit: GETTY
      Marc Guiu (Spain)
      Barcelona’s famed La Masia production line has not turned out any tall, strong centre forwards that draw comparisons to Erling Haaland until now.
      Guiu may still be a long way from emulating the success of Haaland, but he is ahead of the curve in some respects, having scored the winner for Xavi’s side in a 1-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao last month.
      The 17-year-old was one of the top scorers at this year’s U-17 European Championship, together with Barca teammate Lamine Yamal who he has played alongside since the age of seven.  
      Spain’s Marc Guiu has several people purringCredit: Getty
      Hamidou Makalou (Mali)
      One of Mali’s many talented stars certain to be on the big clubs’ radars after the tournament, midfielder Hamidou Makalou has taken his chance to shine in front of the assembled scouts.
      Playing in a double pivot with Red Bull Salzburg-bound Sekou Kone, Makalou helped Mali dominate the middle of the park against Spain and got on the scoresheet in their final group game against Canada.
      His clean touches and line-breaking passes are sure to attract lots of attention.
      Hamidou Makalou of Mali is one to keep an eye onCredit: GETTY
      Ethan Nwaneri (England)
      At the tender age of 16, Ethan Nwaneri is one of England’s brightest talents.
      The midfielder has dominated matches for Arsenal’s Under-18 and Under-21 sides, so much so that Mikel Arteta rewarded him with two first-team starts last season.
      Nwaneri has had to make do with one solitary first-team appearance so far this campaign.
      The youngster has shown poise and versatility well beyond his years.
      He may not be well known right now, but he’ll definitely be a household name come the end of the tournament.
      Ethan Nwaneri is expected to be one of England’s top stars at the U-17 World CupCredit: Getty
      England ace Ethan Nwaneri has already showcased his talents for Arsenal’s first teamCredit: AP
      Ishe Samuels-Smith (England)
      CHELSEA signed up promising defender Ishe Samuels-Smith from Everton for £4m in the summer
      The 17-year-old made the switch to Stamford Bridge after impressing for Everton Under-21s and is delighted to be a Blue.
      The highly-rated teenager featured prominently for Everton’s youth sides last season and was named on the first-team bench for the 4-1 Carabao Cup defeat by Bournemouth on November 22 as well as the 3-1 defeat to Fulham on April 15.
      He has also represented England at under-15, under-16, and under-17 level,
      Samuels-Smith was the only Englishman named in the Uefa team of the tournament at the Under-17 European Championship last summer.

      Ishe Samuel-Smith in action against Mahan Sadeghi of IranCredit: EPA More

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      Haaland’s agent warns Man City to enjoy him while they can before transfer exit.. and here’s five clubs he could join

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      ERLING HAALAND’S agent has warned that the superstar striker could leave Manchester City. The 23-year-old won the Treble during his first season at the club and already has 17 goals to his name this term.
      Erling Haaland’s agent hinted he could soon leave Man CityCredit: Getty
      Rafaela Pimenta claims a ‘change’ could happenCredit: INSTAGRAM/Rafaela Pimenta
      Despite enjoying life in Manchester, his agent Rafaela Pimenta revealed that the door is open to him leaving City in the future.
      When asked about reports linking him to other clubs like Real Madrid, she said: “Erling is the master of own destiny, always.
      “He will always do what’s good for him and for Man City.
      “When they all are open to make a change, it will happen.
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      “Erling will always be respectful. For sure respect has to be on both club and player side. I’ve no doubts, Man City will respect him.
      “If something has to happen one day, we will agree on every step together with the club. It’s always about respect.”
      Pimenta was asked if Haaland is happy at the Eithad, to which she replied: “You have to ask him. And this does not mean the opposite. I know he is, but I don’t like to speak for others.
      “I see it like this, the sporting result comes when things are good. When there is positivity, harmony, energy… things happen.”
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      On Haaland’s relationship with Pep Guardiola, she added: “You have to ask Erling this, but as far as I know, from the feedback I have, they get along very well.”
      The ex-Borussia Dortmund goalscorer’s dad Alf-Inge previously suggested his son wants to play across Europe, saying: “I think Erling wants to test out his capabilities in every league.
      “Then he can stay in every league for three to four years maximum.
      “He could have two-and-a-half years in Germany, two-and-a-half in England, and then in Spain, Italy, France, right?”
      Following Pimenta and his father’s comments, SunSport have taken a look at five club’s that could be Haaland’s next destination with him already conquering England and Germany.
      Real Madrid
      Karim Benzema departed in the summer for Al-Ittihad and was replaced by veteran striker Joselu.
      Real Madrid are expected to be in the market for a big-money attacker this summer with Kylian Mbappe heavily linked with the them.
      But if they decide not to sign the PSG star, Haaland could emerge as an alternative with Los Blancos reportedly ready to smash the transfer world record and bid £200million for him.
      Pimenta was recently spotted watching a game at the Santiago Bernabeu which caused speculation to rise.
      Barcelona
      Barcelona could be another LaLiga destination for Haaland.
      Current goalscorer Robert Lewandowski is still performing but is now aged 35.
      Barca could find it tough to raise the funds to tempt Haaland and City with the club battling financial difficulties.
      Juventus
      If Haaland wants to go to Serie A then Juventus could be his best.
      The Turin-based side tried to sign him when he was a teenager in 2017.
      But they decided not to push through the £2m deal they struck with Molde.

      Juventus are one of the only club’s in Italy that could potentially afford the Norwegian and they are reportedly open to selling striker Dusan Vlahovic should a good offer come in.
      PSG
      PSG have been the home to several of the world’s best players since they were taken over by Qataris in 2011.
      With Lionel Messi and Neymar gone, and Mbappe considering an exit, a gap could open up for Haaland to be the latest global star to land in Paris.
      Money is rarely a hurdle for the club and they are the only team in France that can afford him should he want to experience Ligue 1.
      Chelsea
      A shock City alternative could be Chelsea.
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      Mega-rich owner Todd Boehly has splashed the cash on a range of players but the Blues still lack a world-class striker.
      Unlike Manchester United, Chelsea are not rivals to Haaland’s current club and they could hand him an exciting new challenge should he want to stay in the Premier League.
      Erling Haaland has already taken the Premier League and Bundesliga by stormCredit: Getty More

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      Chelsea fans say ‘hell nah, we good’ as they and Newcastle are linked with £55million former target

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      CHELSEA are ready to re-enter the race to sign Barcelona star Raphinha, according to reports.The Blues tried to buy him in 2022 before he agreed to join the Catalan giants in a £55million move from Leeds.
      Raphinha has been linked with a move to Chelsea and NewcastleCredit: Getty
      Raphinha previously revealed that he rejected Chelsea because it was his dream to play for Barca.
      But into just his second season with the club, the Brazilian could already be put up for sale.
      Raphinha got ten goals and ten assists in 50 games last season but has since lost his place in the starting XI following injuries, suspension and underwhelming performances this term.
      And reports state that Barcelona could look to cash-in on him if his form does not soon improve.
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      Chelsea and Newcastle are both open to signing Raphinha should be become available.
      The 26-year-old caught the eye of several top clubs during his two seasons in the Premier League with Leeds.
      But Chelsea fans are not thrilled by the speculation linking them with him signature.
      Raphinha often plays on the right-wing and Cole Palmer has already excelled in the position.
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      One supporter said in response to the reports: “We don’t need him anymore.”
      Another added: “Hell nah, we good.”
      A third reacted: “We have a superb squad. Give these young lads a chance to prove themselves.” More

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      Brazilian wonderkid Gabriel Moscardo reveals Chelsea made him transfer ‘proposal’ but he snubbed it after dad’s advice

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      BRAZILIAN wonderkid Gabriel Moscardo has claimed Chelsea made him a transfer proposal in the summer.The Corinthians midfielder, 18, has been linked with a number of top European sides including Arsenal, Liverpool and Barcelona.
      Gabriel Moscardo of Corinthians claimed Chelsea had put in a transfer proposalCredit: Getty
      Todd Boehly wanted to Brazilian teen as part of his £400m summer transfer splurgeCredit: Reuters
      The Blues transfer strategy over the summer was to hoover up as much young talent as possible in a £400million splurge.
      This outlay took Todd Boehly’s transfer investment to over £1billion in just one year of ownership.
      And according to Moscardo he could have also been added to the list of names bought by the London club, but opted to stay put until the end of the Brazilian league’s season.
      As quoted by The Standard, he said: “There was a proposal from Chelsea months ago, but I talk a lot with my agent and my parents and they try to give me as little information as possible.
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      “They say there is not long until the end of the season, they tell me to dedicate myself and do well, and that at the end of the season, there will be good things.”
      According to ESPN that offer was worth around £18m.
      Speaking after his side’s 1-1 draw with Atlético Mineiro on Thursday, he once again hinted at a transfer to the Premier League.
      However, he said his focus was ensuring Corinthians did not fall into the relegation zone in the final few games of the season.
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      He said: “To tell you the truth, I have very little information, my father knows a few things.
      “He prefers not to tell me so as not to influence my head too much, to end up taking a little bit of my focus here.
      “He says: ‘Here your focus is on Corinthians’. Let’s wait for the season to end, there are still a few games to go, and we’ll see what we can do.
      “Of course there’s interest from various clubs, I’ve also heard about it, there was strong interest from Chelsea a few months ago.
      “But if you stop to think about where I’m going now, at this moment, it’s not good.
      “I want to help Corinthians now to get them out of this situation.”
      The defensive midfielder only broke into the Brazilian outfit’s senior team in the second half of the season. More

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      Barcelona ‘lining up shock free transfer’ raid on the Championship with boss Xavi keen on Leicester star

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      BARCELONA are lining up a shock swoop for Wilfred Ndidi, according to reports. The 26-year-old currently plays for Leicester in the Championship.
      Wilfred Ndidi is being eyed by a number of top European sidesCredit: Getty
      Barcelona boss Xavi is said to be keen on a cheap deal for the midfielderCredit: Getty
      The midfielder’s contract with the Foxes expires next summer.
      And this could prompt financially-troubled Barcelona into making a move either in January or in the free agency market in the summer.
      According to Sport, the Spanish giants interest is not new either.
      In previous years there is said to have been an approach to sign the Nigerian with a price of £61million being quoted.
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      Ndidi was unable to secure a move away from England’s second tier over the summer, with Leicester reportedly wanting £20m to sell.
      That being said, the LaLiga outfit are not the only club interested in signing him, with Bayern Munich, Juventus and Atletico Madrid also in the running.
      He joined from Belgian side Genk in January 2017 for a reported fee of £15m.
      Ndidi was a member of Brendan Rodgers’ Foxes team who won the FA Cup in 2021, playing the full duration of the 1-0 win over Chelsea.
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      He also featured four times in Leicester’s Champions League campaign the season after they won the title.
      After a drop in form and injury issues during Leicester’s drop down the Premier League table before their eventual relegation, Ndidi has been a key component of Enzo Maresca’s side that sit top of the Championship.
      Ndidi has been sidelined since last month after picking up a muscle injury over the international break.
      Maresca has utilised him in a new role this season, though the manager has admitted he is unsure whether Ndidi is happy with this role.

      He said last month: “I don’t know if he’s more or less happy but the only thing I can say is that he’s very happy.
      “He’s enjoying it, and he’s open-minded. He’s trying to learn something new and he’s making the effort to try to understand it and learn.
      “He’s doing very well at arriving in the box. He’s doing not so good at staying in position and moving in the right way in the pocket.
      “Most of the time he’s higher, close to the opposition central defender and sometimes he has to drop a little bit more.
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      “But as I said, it’s new for him and it’s not easy. But for sure he’s always in the box.”
      In all, Ndidi has made 252 appearances for Leicester, scoring 14 goals and adding 16 assists. More

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      Ex-Chelsea star Marcos Alonso’s Barcelona move turns into disaster as Spanish giants ‘to axe defender’ after one year

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      MARCOS ALONSO’S transfer to Barcelona has not gone to plan so far and he is reportedly close to facing the axe. Alonso joined the Catalan club in the summer of 2022 from Chelsea, but has failed to impress since making the move.
      Marcos Alonso is reportedly set to leave Barcelona despite the club holding the option to extend his contractCredit: Getty
      Alonso joined Barcelona from Chelsea at the end of the 2021/22 seasonCredit: Getty
      Alonso has started just two games in La Liga so far this season and was hooked at half time in one of them with 16-year-old Lamine Yamal coming on in his place.
      The full-back is contracted with Barca until the end of the season, but the club has the option to extend his deal by another year.
      However Spanish outlet Sport have reported that the European giants have all but made the decision to not extend Alonso’s contract.
      It is said that no decision will be finalised until after the January transfer window closes.
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      But that even if Barcelona wanted to keep hold of the former Blue he would have to take a substantial salary reduction.
      It is expected that Alonso will have a number of offers from elsewhere and a move away from the historic club is likely.
      The 32-year-old has fallen down manager Xavi’s pecking order this term despite getting regular minutes last season.
      Academy product Alejandro Balde has instead been preferred in the left-back role by the Barca boss.
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      Alonso isn’t the only player who is set to be shown the exit door at the end of the season either.
      Sergi Roberto is also out of contract in June and is reportedly likely to suffer the same fate as his teammate.
      Despite being given the captain’s armband, spending his entire career at Barcelona and making over 350 appearances he is understood to have no future at the Nou Camp.
      Sergi Roberto is also heading for a Barcelona exitCredit: Getty More

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      Lionel Messi hints at emotional transfer from Inter Miami after winning Ballon d’Or with ‘bitter taste’ still lingering

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      LIONEL MESSI has hinted at a return to boyhood club Barcelona from Inter Miami after leaving with a “bitter taste” in 2021.The Argentine football icon revealed his emotion at the transfer after collecting his eighth Ballon d’Or on Monday night.
      Lionel Messi has hinted that he could make an emotional return to BarcelonaCredit: Getty
      Messi confirmed the news after collecting his eighth Ballon d’Or on Monday nightCredit: AP
      Due to Barcelona’s financial woes, Messi had to depart from the Nou Camp in 2021 as the club could not afford to renew his contract.
      The 36-year-old then headed to Paris Saint-Germain until the summer of 2023.
      Some fans speculated that the GOAT would go back to Barcelona but Messi chose to go to the MLS instead.
      But after winning football’s most prestigious award for the eighth time in Paris on Monday, Messi confirmed he wants to have a proper farewell with Barcelona fans.
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      He said: “There was a bitter taste when I left and I don’t like that. I’d like to change the way the story ended.
      “I deserve to say goodbye to the people that gave me so much joy. If it happens I’ll be very happy to be there of course.”
      The World Cup 2022 winner is Barcelona’s all-time leading goalscorer with 672 goals in 778 appearances during his 17-year spell at the club.
      And Barca president, Joan Laporta has reassured that the club will give their star player a warm welcome back.
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      Fans will also be pleased that two dates for Messi’s eagerly anticipated reunion have been leaked.
      Laporta revealed an official event for Messi will be held in June 2026 – when Camp Nou’s stadium renovations will be complete.
      Alternatively, his return could be even sooner, in November 2024, when the historic ground welcomes back the first team.
      For now, Messi will resume playing for Inter Miami and join the pre-season training ahead of their new MLS season which is set to kick off in February.
      Messi spent 17 years at Barcelona where he scored 672 goals in 778 appearancesCredit: AFP More