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    Barcelona ‘ready to sell three stars including Man Utd transfer target Ansu Fati… but make two players untouchable’

    CASH-STRAPPED Barcelona are reportedly ready to have a firesale of stars as they look to balance the books.The club spent a combined figure of around £150m to bring in Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and Jules Kounde in the summer.
    Barcelona are reportedly willing to consider offers for a number of players to balance the booksCredit: Getty
    And in order to do this, they were forced to take drastic measures such as selling a 25 per cent stake of their in-house production company, as well as ten per cent of their TV rights for the next 25 years.
    To ensure they don’t end up in the same situation this summer, the club are willing to consider the sale of a number of big name players.
    Brazil international winger Raphinha is one of them, with the club hoping to recoup the £55m they paid to sign him from Leeds.
    Ferran Torres is also reportedly allowed to leave for the right price, having joined from Man City for £55m two years ago.
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    And perhaps most surprisingly, the club are said to be prepared to listen to offers for 20-year-old Ansu Fati.
    Fati was previously a top target for Man Utd, with the club reportedly agreeing a £135m deal to sign him in 2020 before Barca pulled the plug.
    Such was the high regard that the Spain starlet was held in, that the club handed him Lionel Messi’s number ten shirt following the World Cup winner’s departure.
    But journalist Jose Alvarez told El Chiringuito that Barca have not been satisfied with the performances of Fati and the two other players and could consider an offer in order to keep Robert Lewandowski and Ousmane Dembele.
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    Alvarez’s report labelled the 34-year-old Pole and World Cup finalist Dembele as the club’s only “untouchables” in the coming two transfer windows.
    Lewandowski has been in fine form since joining Barca, netting 18 goals in 20 games.
    And despite a disastrous performance which saw him hauled off before half time for France in the World Cup final, Dembele’s exploits for Barcelona have been much improved under Xavi.
    Ansu Fati could be sold in a surprise decision from the La Liga leadersCredit: AFP
    Raphinha could be sold after failing to impress since joining from LeedsCredit: Getty
    ‘Untouchable’ Robert Lewandowski will not be sold by Barca for any priceCredit: Getty More

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    Eric Garcia ready to snub Arsenal transfer to stay at Barcelona despite falling out of favour under Xavi

    ERIC GARCIA is not interested in quitting Barcelona for Arsenal, according to reports.The Spaniard, 22, left Manchester City for boyhood club Barca 18 months ago.
    Eric Garcia has struggled for game time this seasonCredit: Getty
    But the move hasn’t yet worked out as he would have hoped.
    Garcia has struggled for game time under Xavi this season.
    Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing the Spain international centre-back.
    But according to Spanish paper Mundo Deportivo, Garcia would not consider the move.
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    They add that he “only has in mind” to play for Barcelona.
    Garcia penned a five-year deal with the Catalan giants in the summer of 2021 while Ronald Koeman was still in charge.
    He was initially a regular, making 36 appearances in all competitions last term.
    But his importance has waned this time around.
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    Garcia has started only half of Barca’s LaLiga matches this season, and has been an unused substitute in the last four.
    Despite Gerard Pique’s retirement earlier this season he still faces stiff competition for places – with Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen and Jules Kounde all available to Xavi.
    The Barcelona boss even opted to start Marcos Alonso at centre-back ahead of Garcia for the recent Catalan derby draw with Espanyol.
    Despite Garcia’s lack of action, Xavi is determined to keep his current squad together for the remainder of the campaign.
    The 42-year-old wants to keep his squad intact as they fight on multiple fronts.
    Barcelona are three points clear of Real Madrid at the top of LaLiga.
    They will also face Manchester United in the Europa League knockouts. More

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    Chelsea face missing out on Marcus Thuram as Barcelona ‘scout striker ahead of summer transfer’

    CHELSEA are facing an uphill battle to sign Marcus Thuram after Barcelona sent scouts to watch him, according to reports. Thuram, 25, is out of contract in the summer and consequently represents a cut-price option in a heavily inflated January market.
    Chelsea face missing out on Marcus ThuramCredit: Getty
    Chelsea are one of a number of sides who have been linked with a move for the Frenchman, who can play as a winger or a striker.
    However, Barcelona are understood to be taking the most keen look at him.
    According to Mundo Deportivo, the club’s present financial situation is restricting them from being able to freely navigate the market.
    Therefore, they have been seeking cheaper alternatives – a profile Thuram fits due to the nature of his contract.
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    The report indicates the Spanish giants have sent scouts to watch the Borussia Monchengladbach star, with “favourable” reports being returned.
    Thuram is typically deployed through the centre in Germany, but during the World Cup he made his impact off the bench coming from the wing, showcasing his versatility.
    With him thought to be available for just under £10million as well, the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal, Newcastle, Tottenham and Liverpool have all retained an interest.
    But each of these clubs seem to have transfer target priorities which, for now at least, lie elsewhere.
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    Chelsea owner Todd Boehly is said to have now stepped down from his role as interim sporting director, but it has not stopped the club pressing forward with deals.
    The Blues have verbally agreed to cough up the £10million loan fee for Atletico Madrid’s Joao Felix, which they hope will alleviate some of their issues for the remainder of the season.
    Here’s how Thuram has performed in the Bundesliga this season More

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    Sergio Aguero to come out of retirement after heart issue to play one-off game for Ecuadorian team Barcelona Guayaquil

    SERGIO AGUERO will make a one-off return to the pitch this month after getting the green light from medical experts.The Manchester City legend, 34, broke down in tears as he announced he had been forced to retire with a heart problem in December 2021.
    Sergio Aguero was forced to retire due to a heart issue while at Barcelona in 2021Credit: Getty
    The Man City and Argentine legend is returning for a game on January 28Credit: Reuters
    The ex-Argentina forward took ill during a game for Barcelona against Alaves that October and was rushed to hospital after clutching his chest and complaining of breathing problems and dizziness.
    He was initially ruled out of action for at least three months to undergo a period of observation before being diagnosed with a cardiac arrhythmia, ultimately leading to him hanging up his boots on the advice of doctors.
    However, City’s all-time top scorer has now confirmed that he will play one more time in the 2023 Noche Amarilla.
    The game is a traditional annual friendly played by Ecuadorian side Barcelona de Guayaquil againts differet opponents and regularly features a legendary name.
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    Brazilian superstar Ronaldinho and former Manchester United forward Diego Forlan have taked part in previous years.
    The official announcement was made last night as the game was confirmed for January 28.
    And Aguero, who was in Qatar last month to cheer on Argentina to World Cup glory, soon took to social media to reveal more about his comeback.
    He said: “I look forward to Noche Amarilla, to have fun and have a good time with the fans of Barcelona S.C.
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    “I’ve had check-ups from the cardiologist, I am very well and I have already started training, so I will be able to play in the Noche Amarilla. I hope to have fun and feel the pitch again.”
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    Aguero added: “I went out to eat in Qatar and was watching Ecuador’s first match in the World Cup.
    “Some fans of Barcelona S.C. recognised me and asked me to come to Noche Amarilla.” More

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    Arsenal ‘want Barcelona wonderkid Alejandro Balde transfer but face competition from Newcastle for Spain World Cup star’

    ARSENAL are interested in signing Barcelona wonderkid Alejandro Balde, according to reports.At 19, the full-back is already a regular in Xavi’s side.
    Alejandro Balde is in high demandCredit: Getty
    He has entered the final 18 months of his Barca contract, and the Catalan side are experiencing complications in trying to agree an extension.
    Xavi and Co want to offer Balde an extension that would keep him at the club until 2027.
    But due to their precarious financial situation and LaLiga’s salary cap rules, they would not be able to register him as a first-team player if he were to pen a new deal.
    According to Spanish paper Sport, the situation is “frustrating” Balde.
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    They understand that the youngster is eager to secure his future.
    And the situation has alerted Arsenal to his potential availability.
    Should he be up for grabs, the Gunners would face competition from moneybags Newcastle.
    Despite his contractual situation, Balde is unlikely to come cheap.
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    Barcelona are extremely reluctant to sell, and it could take an enormous bid to change their minds.
    Balde has made 25 first-team appearances for Barca, including 18 this term.
    He has also burst onto the scene for his country, earning a place in Luis Enrique’s 26-man Spain squad for the World Cup.
    Despite having been uncapped going into the tournament, Balde featured in all four of La Roja’s games in Qatar, as they were eliminated by Morocco in the round of 16.
    Balde, 19, played for Spain at the World CupCredit: Getty More

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    Man Utd transfer blow as Barcelona president reveals Frenkie de Jong won’t be sold ALL YEAR despite Old Trafford links

    BARCELONA president Joan Laporta insists Frenkie de Jong won’t be sold at ANY point this year.And that comes as bad news for Manchester United who had been hoping to finally seal a move for the midfielder this month or at the end of the season.
    Manchester United are long-term admirers of Frenkie de JongCredit: Rex
    United were heavily linked with the Dutchman last year and spent most of the summer trying to sign him.
    Barcelona were said to be open to letting De Jong leave in an attempt to cut down their wage bill.
    But he ended up staying in Spain and has worked his way back into Xavi’s plans after finding himself on the bench in the early weeks.
    De Jong, 25, recently revealed his desire to move to Old Trafford, according to a surprise report from Fichajes.
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    That could have led to the Red Devils reigniting their interest in the ex-Ajax man and opening up the possibility of a reunion with Erik ten Hag.
    But Laporta has insisted that Barcelona’s stance hasn’t changed and he’s not on the market.
    Whether that be this month or in the summer, he clearly stated at any point this year.
    Laporta said: “Frenkie de Jong is not for sale.
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    “He wasn’t for sale in the summer and he won’t leave this year.
    “De Jong is a very appealing footballer, we know that, but I insist he’s not for sale.” More

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    Memphis Depay ‘wants Man Utd transfer’ but Barcelona will demand a fee despite striker’s contract ending in summer

    MEMPHIS DEPAY reportedly wants to make a stunning return to Manchester United on a free transfer this month.But current club Barcelona will allegedly demand a fee despite his contract expiring in the summer.
    Depay would like to return to Man UtdCredit: Getty
    The Dutchman spent two years of his career at Old Trafford, joining from PSV Eindhoven in 2015.
    But after scoring just seven times in 56 appearances, Depay was sold to French outfit Lyon.
    That’s where the versatile attacker would go on to make a name for himself in one of Europe’s top-five leagues, scoring 76 and assisting 55 in 178 games.
    Such form then earned him a free transfer move to Barca in the summer of 2021 on a two-year deal.
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    But in a season and a half, the 28-year-old has scored 14 in 42, and could be heading for the exit door at Nou Camp.
    According to Sport, old club Man Utd is where Depay would like to go this month.
    However, Barca would like to collect a fee for the player DESPITE his contract expiring in the summer.
    Man Utd are also only keen on exploring the loan market, or players with minimal fees attached.
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    The Old Trafford club are in the market for an attacker following the spectacular departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.
    The two clubs will also meet in the Europa League round of 32 next month.
    And Barca are reluctant to strength a rival team. More

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    Man Utd transfer blow as Barcelona president insists Frenkie de Jong is NOT for sale and has no issue with his contract

    BARCELONA president Joan Laporta has insisted Frenkie de Jong is “not for sale” in a blow to Manchester United.The midfielder was heavily linked with a switch to Old Trafford over the summer but stayed put in Spain before a sensational recent report claimed he was open to leaving the Nou Camp.
    Barcelona president Joan Laporta has insisted Frenkie de Jong won’t be soldCredit: EPA
    But Barca chief Laporta has rubbished any rumours of the Dutchman leaving the club this month.
    He revealed “several clubs” are keen on De Jong, 25, who has been a regular for boss Xavi this season.
    But, as well as goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Laporta confirmed the Dutchman is not for sale in January.
    He also appeared to suggest De Jong will remain on his current contract, following claims Barcelona wanted to sell him in the summer to get his wages off the books.
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    De Jong then hit back at critics in October who claimed he was refusing to have his wages cut.
    Laporta told Cadena SER this week, via Sport: “We will not do anything with the inherited contracts. We will respect them.
    “Ter Stegen and De Jong? We are very happy with both. None are for sale.
    “Frenkie has significant value, several clubs are interested in him, but he is not for sale.”
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    Laporta insisted that nobody is for sale this month, including talented young forward Ansu Fati.
    He added: “There is no one from the first team for sale. Not Ansu Fati nor anyone else.”
    Boss Xavi also recently announced that he does not want to lose any of his players in January.
    He said: “I don’t want Memphis (Depay) or any other player to leave in January.
    “I think it’s going be a quiet window for us.” More