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    Ryan Reynolds’ Wrexham hammered 5-0 at Stockport as former Barcelona star gets on scoresheet for hosts

    HAT-TRICK hero Isaac Olaofe destroyed Ryan Reynolds’ Wrexham.The Welshmen slipped to seventh after Stockport emphatically ended the Dragons’ seven-game unbeaten run.
    Isaac Olaofe celebrates rounding off his hat-trick to destroy WrexhamCredit: Rex
    Ryan Reynolds will be gutted after Wrexham’s seven-game unbeaten run ended in horrific fashion as they were thumped at ninth-placed StockportCredit: Getty
    Sub Paddy Madden rounded off Wrexham’s woe in the final minuteCredit: Rex
    Ex-Barcelona kid Louie Barry and sub Paddy Madden completed Wrexham’s misery.
    Hollywood A-lister Reynolds had seen the Dragons overcome a mediocre start to the season to start justifying their tag as League Two title favourites.
    But just when they seemed to be settling into life back in the EFL, Wrexham were blown away on Saturday within just 32 minutes.
    Ex-West Ham starlet Elliot Lee could have scored twice for the visitors before Olaofe ruined the Dragons’ early superiority netting Will Collar’s cross.
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    The former Millwall striker turned in Will Collar’s cross on 21 minutes.
    And within 10 minutes Wrexham were make to look like dead-fools.
    Olaofe lashed Stockport’s second past Mark Howard before Barry burst through to make it 3-0.
    Just five minutes after the break Olaofe rounded off his treble.
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    And Madden came off the bench to bag the fifth in the 90th minute.
    Wrexham dropped to seventh after their first EFL defeat since a 5-1 home loss against MK Dons on the first day of the season.
    Meanwhile, Stockport’s third win in a row put them ninth.
    Louie Barry is mobbed after netting the second of Stockport’s bunch of fiveCredit: Rex More

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    Bruno Guimaraes ‘agrees new £120k-a-week Newcastle deal’ but fans are terrified about transfer release clause fee

    BRUNO GUIMARAES has reportedly agreed a new contract with Newcastle, which includes a worrying release clause for supporters.The midfielder has reportedly penned a deal with the Magpies that will run until 2028.
    Bruno GuimaraesCredit: Getty
    Guimaraes, 25, joined Newcastle in January 2022 and has gone on to become a key member of the team.
    The player’s performances have helped the club get back to the Champions League.
    However, he has also attracted interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
    LaLiga giants Barcelona and Real Madrid were both tipped with interest in him during the summer.
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    While Liverpool failed with a club record bid worth £100million for the Brazilian.
    Fabrizio Romano has reported the new contract but has also claimed that it will include a £100m release clause.
    The release clause has worried some Newcastle fans as it is a figure that is achievable for Europe’s major clubs.
    One fan moaned: “£100m release clause is too low.”
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    A second questioned: “Loves the club n keen to stay but puts release clause in?”
    A third Tweeted: “£100m release clause? Lmao, he’s gone in January then. Too easy to trigger.”
    A fourth wrote: “Is that the best they can do?”
    A fifth commented: “Release clause! Why 😭😭.”
    A sixth said: “£100m release clause? That’s a great deal for Guimaraes. He will easily leave when he wants.”
    Another added: “Loves the club so much he’s had a release clause put in, he is just head over heels!”
    Guimaraes’ deal is said to be worth £120,000-per-week. More

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    Barcelona line up Alexander Isak as long-term Robert Lewandowski replacement – and he hasn’t ruled out transfer before

    BARCELONA have their eyes set on Newcastle striker Alexander Isak to replace veteran Robert Lewandowski, according to reports.Barca boss Xavi is said to be a big fan of the forward and is on the hunt to bolster his forward options.
    Barcelona have their eyes set on Alexander IsakCredit: Getty
    Barca are looking to find a replacement for Robert LewandowskiCredit: Getty
    According to the Spanish outlet Fichajes, Xavi is currently planning for the club’s long-term future without former Bayern Munich superstar Lewandowski.
    The 35-year-old joined the Catalonian side last summer for £38million after his record-breaking spell in the Bundesliga.
    But the Spaniard is concerned the Polish striker’s career may be coming to an end and is desperate to start searching for a replacement – and is keen on signing Isak.
    The report claims that Lewandowski’s time at Barcelona isn’t up just yet as the club will not be “making any serious moves for Isak until next summer.”
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    The report adds that the Magpies would be looking for the same fee they paid if they part ways with the forward.
    For Xavi’s side, this will be tough as the club is still in financial trouble.
    Isak, 23, made a name for himself while a Borussia Dortmund player on loan at Dutch side Willem II in 2019.
    He became the first player to ever score three penalties in a Dutch second-division match.
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    Having left Dortmund for Real Sociedad the forward then signed for Eddie Howe’s side for a club record of £63m last summer.
    He has scored 12 goals in 31 matches for the Magpies but has had to fight for a starting role against Callum Wilson.
    The Swedish international’s contract does not finish until 2028 meaning it will not be an easy task for Barca to get his signature.
    But the Blaugrana have been long-time fans of Isak having previously been linked with the Swedish star before his move to the Premier League.
    When asked in 2021 about a potential move to Nou Camp the former Real Sociedad player told Spanish outlet El Diario Vasco he needed to remain “calm”.
    He said: “You have to be calm. I am. My goal is to finish the season in the best way, there is one game left and I said that I feel good here, I’m very good.
    “What happens is that nobody knows what will happen in the future. Neither you nor I. I take everything very calmly,” More

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    Shakira holds up Barcelona shirt as she poses with staff from Gerard Pique’s former club a year on from split

    SHAKIRA has left fans intrigued as she held up a Barcelona shirt while posing with staff from her ex Gerard Pique’s former club.It comes more than one year after the Colombian superstar and the Barça centre-back announced their separation.
    Shakira posed holding a Barcelona shirt one year after her split from Gerard Pique
    Gerard Pique used to play as a centre-back for FC BarcelonaCredit: Getty
    The ex-couple shares two children, Milan (pictured) and SashaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    The snap was taken as Shakira launched her educational centre in her native Barranquilla, Colombia.
    Fundación Pies Descalzos has been in the drafts since 2018 btu was finally inaugurated thanks to the partnership between Fundació FC Barcelona and the “la Caixa” Foundation.
    The foundation is set to benefit around 1,000 students each year, who will be able to carry out their primary and secondary basic education studies. 
    It will also provide community service by opening development spaces for fathers, mothers and other members of the 53,000-resident neighbourhood.
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    “On behalf of myself and my Pies Descalzos Foundation, I express my immense gratitude and pride in having allies and friends such as the Mayor’s Office of Barranquilla, the La Caixa Banking Foundation, the FC Barcelona Foundation, and the Educational Foundation LCI for fulfilling a new dream: building a new school in Barranquilla and continuing to support girls, boys and young people in the city,” Shakira said at the opening ceremony.
    It comes after the Hips Don’t Lie singer revealed the name of her latest track – and it’s seemingly another blast at her ex-Gerard Pique.
    And as she was honoured with the ceremony’s coveted Video Vanguard award, Shakira made sure her ex, Spanish footballer, Gerard Pique, knew what he was missing.
    The Colombian, 46, revealed to The Sun on the pink carpet that her latest single is called The Boss.
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    It is an apparent nod to the alleged nickname she was given by Pique’s pals after they said she failed to hang out with them during their 11-year relationship.
    Shakira allegedly never hit it off with the footballer’s friends, who gave her the nickname due to her “bad character” – dubbing her “La Patron” or “The Boss”.
    She later performed her song BZRP MUSIC SESSIONS, VOL. 53, the diss track which took aim at Pique’s relationship with his younger new partner, Clara Chia Marti.
    In June 2022, the Colombian singer and the Barcelona defender announced their separation.
    A statement released via Shakira’s publicist read: “We regret to confirm that we are parting ways.
    “For the well-being of our children, who are our highest priority, we ask that you respect their privacy. Thank you for your understanding.”
    Pique wasted no time from moving on as the Spaniard is currently dating a student who works for him.
    Clara, 23, is a PR student who is employed by Pique’s events production company, Kosmos.
    he Sun can reveal that the couple met through the organisation and sources close to them claim that they have been dating for some time.
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    A source close to Clara said: “Gerard and Clara have been seeing each other for months.
    “She is a student who also works for him in his office, organising events. More

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    Lamine Yamal ‘lined up for shock summer transfer to Premier League but Barcelona blocked move for record-breaking teen’

    MANCHESTER CITY tried to sign Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal this summer, according to a club chief.The two clubs have conducted a number of deals in recent years, with former City captain Ilkay Gundogan joining Barca this summer.
    Manchester City tried to sign Lamine YamalCredit: Getty
    Joao Cancelo also signed for the Spanish giants on loan until the end of the season.
    In return City tried to sign 16-year-old Lamine Yamal, according to Barcelona board member Enric Masip.
    He told Radio Marca: “Lamine Yamal and Balde were in serious danger of leaving this summer because there is a club that tried to poach them.”
    But Barca blocked the move from happening and they are now plotting a contract extension for the youngster.
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    Yamal is set to be offered a three-year deal – the maximum that can be given to a player of his age.
    The Spaniard impressed in pre-season for Barca and he has been rewarded for his fine form with minutes for the first-team this season.
    He has featured in all four LaLiga games so far and even has two assists.
    Barcelona boss Xavi is a big fan of Yamal and predicted a bright future for the teenager.
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    He said after Barcelona’s win over Villarreal: “He is a very good player. Very unbalancing, very electric, a difficult opponent to cover. He has a great future.”
    Yamal has also burst on to the international scene and set a new record for the youngest player to represent Spain when he made his debut against Georgia last week. More

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    Crisis club Barcelona have wage bill slashed by £232MILLION which could force giants to sell top stars

    CRISIS club Barcelona’s financial issues show no signs of slowing down after another blow from LaLiga bosses.The club have been told that they must cut their wage bill by £232million after having their squad wage cap reduced, according to The Daily Mail.
    Xavi will see his spending capped next season – with the club likely having to sell players to comply with LaLiga rulesCredit: AFP
    The club’s financial struggles began after misspending the money received for the world record sale of Neymar for £196million in 2017.
    They have since faced cost-cutting measure for years, which ultimately saw them lose the likes of Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets.
    Gerard Pique also took a voluntary mid-season retirement last season in order to relieve the club of having to pay his hefty wage packet.
    This season the club sold Ousmane Dembele to PSG and Franck Kessie to the Saudi league as well as loaning out Clement Lenglet to Aston Villa and Ansu Fati to Brighton to meet their salary cap.
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    But that cap is set to become even tighter, with Barcelona’s wage bill being cut by 50% after been told in February they could spend approximately £558m.
    Barcelona’s staff and player costs currently stand at £347m, which leaves the club approximately £115m over their new cap of £232million.
    That means the club could be forced to sell a number of players in order to make up the £115m deficit.
    Given Fati and Lenglet already find themselves out on loan, they could be the first players to make way.
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    The club also have sellable assets in the form of Frenkie De Jong, Gavi, Pedri and Ferran Torres.
    Barca notably did not spend much this summer, with their high-profile transfers either being frees or loans.
    Gundogan was signed on a free, while Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo arrived on loan deals.
    Despite this, they faced a reduction in their cap after a late payment of one of their economic levers worth £51million in August 2022.
    A comparison with rivals Real Madrid really sheds light on Barcelona’s struggles.
    Madrid were put on similar financial measures last season, but have seen their spending cap increased to £627million this time around. More

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    Barcelona and Brazil icon Rivaldo in shock talks to become part owner of European minnows along with fellow legend Hagi

    RIVALDO is tipped to become joint-owner of Romanian champions Farul Constanța with fellow Barcelona legend Gheorghe Hagi.The Brazil great has been targeted by Farul’s main shareholder Hagi in the hope his global image brings in young talent.
    Rivaldo won 74 caps for Brazil and spent five years at BarcelonaCredit: Reuters
    Romanian great Gheorghe Hagi played for both Real Madrid and BarcaCredit: Getty
    The ex-Romania maestro was upset to see his club miss out on reaching the Europa Conference League qualifying groups.
    And Hagi is also frustrated by the continuing failure of multinational companies in his home country to invest in local cubs.
    One such snub saw Romanian car-manufacturing giant Dacia opt to team up with Italians Udinese.
    Having reportedly tried to lure entrepreneurs in recent years, Hagi has now persuaded Rivaldo to embrace his long-term dream for Farul.
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    Playsport.ro say the former AC Milan star will sign documents tying him to the club in the next few days.
    And fans on social media were excited by the 1990s heroes with “two legendary left feet” pairing up – albeit off the pitch.
    One observer said: “What a story!”
    And another reckons he’s worked out Hagi’s masterplan of establishing Farul around the world.
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    He posted: “Probably a showcase for players from Brazil that you can bring to a super-profitable level in Romania.”
    But some fans mixed anticipation with apprehenson.
    One wrote: “This will lead to an influx of Brazilians coming in… which will either be rich kids or just early hype… at the expense of the local academy players.” More

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    Barcelona plotting to raid Arsenal for free transfer with chiefs set to repeat Ilkay Gundogan tactic

    BARCELONA are looking to repeat their Ilkay Gundogan transfer tactic to grab Arsenal midfielder Jorginho on a free, according to reports.The Italian midfielder’s contract is set to expire next summer where he will be able to move to another club as a free agent.
    Barcelona are plotting a move for Arsenal midfielder Jorginho on a free transferCredit: Alamy
    Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo report that the Catalan side are looking to use the free agency market as a way around the financial issues that have plagued them in recent years.
    Barcelona beat Arsenal to the signing of Ilkay Gundogan on a free transfer this summer after identifying him as a long term target.
    The Catalan club are now keen on Jorginho as they look for a midfielder that can help control the tempo of the game and maintain posession.
    With Jorginho’s contract expiring next summer, Barcelona will be able to approach the midfielder in January to sign a pre-contract at the club.
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    Arsenal’s signing of Declan Rice has seen Jorginho fall further down the pecking order at Arsenal, but the injury to Thomas Partey could see Arteta rely on the Italian more after the international break.
    Jorginho had been linked with a move to Fenerbache in the closing days of the summer window but his agent, Joao Santos moved to quash the rumours.
    He told Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli: “This year he stays at Arsenal, then we can’t know what will happen next season.
    “For now he is focused on playing two very important competitions such as the Premier and Champions League with the Gunners. Italy is always in our hearts, never say never.
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    “If there is an Italian team that needs Jorginho and his characteristics we will see what will happen. A possible future for Juve? In modern football you can’t say he will be playing for one team or another.
    “We can talk to all the teams looking for a player with his characteristics.”
    Jorginho will likely be looking for a move if his playing time at Arsenal does not pick up after Thomas Partey’s injury.
    Luciano Spaletti left Jorginho out of his first Italy squad since becoming national team manager last week.
    Jorginho has been virtually an ever-present member of the national side since his first call-up in 2016 and will be looking to get back into the squad ahead of next summer’s Euros. More