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    Barcelona consider selling Raphinha with Brazil star ‘failing to live up to his Leeds standard’ following £55m transfer

    BARCELONA will consider selling Raphinha if his form does not improve before the end of the season, according to reports.The 26-year-old joined the Catalan giants from Leeds in the summer in a deal worth a huge £55million.
    Raphinha has struggled to settle since arriving at the Nou CampCredit: Getty
    But he has failed to hit the ground running in Spain, managing just two goals and four assists in 18 appearances.
    He then went to the World Cup with Brazil and did not register any goal contributions in five matches as Tite’s men were knocked out in the quarter-finals by Croatia.
    According to Sport, it is now imperative he turns his form around at the Nou Camp before the summer.
    If he does not, it is believed Barcelona will assess his situation at the end of the campaign.
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    Manager Xavi and the rest of his backroom stuff are thought to be getting “impatient” with the South American as they “expect much more from him”.
    Ousmane Dembele has made the right flank position his own ahead of Raphinha.
    And there is a danger Ansu Fati could also leapfrog the ex-Leeds playmaker if his performances do not improve.
    Raphinha snubbed Arsenal and Chelsea in order to secure his “dream” move to Barcelona.
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    Speaking after putting pen to paper, he said: “All my idols played and made history here so it’s a huge honour and I can’t thank Barca enough for giving me the chance to wear this jersey.
    “I hope I can achieve half of what my idols accomplished here.
    “It’s a dream come true for me and my family. I’m going to do my best to help this club win (trophies).”
    Barcelona will resume LaLiga action in a local derby at home to Espanyol on December 31.
    They currently sit two points above Real Madrid at the top of the table having won all six of their league games before the World Cup break.
    But they exited the Champions League in the group stage for the second season running after picking up just seven points from six matches. More

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    Man Utd handed Frenkie de Jong transfer blow as Barcelona chief Laporta says ‘I’ve never wanted to sell him’

    MANCHESTER UNITED have been dealt another blow in their pursuit of Frenkie de Jong, with Barcelona president Joan Laporta insistent that he does not want to sell the midfielder.The Red Devils were heavily linked with a swoop for De Jong throughout the summer transfer window, but a move never came to fruition.
    De Jong has been linked with a move to Man UtdCredit: Reuters
    Laporta has insisted that he has no intention to sell the DutchmanCredit: AP
    Manager Erik ten Hag was desperate to reunite with the former Ajax star and he even prepared an offer of at least £70million in an attempt to sign him from Barcelona.
    However, Barca chief Laporta has now revealed that he never wanted to sell De Jong in the first place.
    In an interview with Barca TV, he said: “I’ve never wanted to sell Frenkie de Jong. He has to be a pillar of the team.”
    Earlier this year, De Jong confirmed his desire to remain in Spain.
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    He told The Guardian: “I’m very happy I’m at Barcelona: from a young age I’ve wanted to be here, so in that way it has been a dream come true.
    “But I would have liked to win more trophies than we did in my first two years. I expected more in that sense, let’s put it that way.
    “But other than that, I’m very happy here and hopefully [will be here] for many more years.”
    However, he recently informed Ten Hag that he would be “happy” to join Man Utd.
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    After missing out on signing De Jong during the summer transfer window, the Red Devils added Casemiro and Christian Eriksen to their midfield ranks.
    Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez and Antony also made the switch to Old Trafford, but Ten Hag is looking to make a few more additions come January.
    United are reportedly interested in signing World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez from Benfica, but they will have to fork out over £105m for his services.
    Another name on the transfer radar is PSV winger Cody Gakpo, who has been priced at around £50m.
    PSV manager and former Man Utd striker Ruud van Nistelrooy is determined to to keep the Dutchman in Eindhoven until the summer, but he recently admitted that it will be difficult.
    He said: “If I have the choice, I prefer the summer, but it can also be now, you know there comes a time when you can’t say no.
    “It is wonderful how he has showcased himself.
    “I enjoyed watching him (at the World Cup), he deserves this because of how he has behaved, how he has continued to work and perform.
    “I was able to help him from very close by and that makes me proud. I’ll give him his path when it comes.” More

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    Chelsea star N’Golo Kante ‘wants to sign pre-contract with Barcelona in January as he targets free transfer exit’

    N’GOLO KANTE wants a pre-contract deal with Barcelona in January as he eyes a summer free transfer, reports in Spain say.But Barca are also considering his Chelsea team-mate Jorginho, Leicester’s Youri Tielemans and Real Sociedad star Martín Zubimendi.
    French midfielder N’Golo Kante is reportedly hoping for a free transfer from Chelsea to Barcelona in the summerCredit: Getty
    The Spanish giants have held talks with Kante’s representatives.
    And the Frenchman, 31 is hoping Nou Camp chiefs make a quick decision.
    That’s because he has other options as he nears the end of his contract.
    Juventus and Inter Milan have also been linked with the ex-Leicester hero.
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    But Kante’s fitness record this season could count against him.
    He missed the World Cup with a hamstring injury suffered against Tottenham back in August.
    Sport say Barca rate him as a proven, like-for-like replacement should legend Sergio Busquets depart in the summer.
    But Zubimendi reportedly tops the wishlist of Nou Camp boss Xavi.
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    Manchester United were also mentioned in connection with the 23-year-old last month amid claims they are prepared to activate his £52million release clause at Sociedad.
    And new Aston Villa chief Unai Emery also hopes to tempt Zubimendi, whose contract runs until 2027.
    It’s also believed Barca have monitored Manchester City’s Ilkay Gundogan and Wolves’ main man Ruben Neves. More

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    Frenkie de Jong ‘set to snub Man Utd and Chelsea again with Barcelona star prepared to agree transfer to Euro giant’

    MANCHESTER UNITED and Chelsea target Frenkie de Jong could snub a move to England in favour of joining Bayern Munich, according to reports.The Dutchman was heavily linked with the Prem duo in the recent window although he ended up staying with Barcelona.
    Frenkie de Jong’s future at Barcelona is still uncertainCredit: AP
    But he was said to be unhappy with Barca for trying to force him to leave.
    As a result, De Jong found himself out of the team following a summer of uncertainty, starting just one of Barca’s first four La Liga games.
    He’s since won his place back and has established himself as a regular once again.
    But his future still remains in doubt.
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    According to Spanish outlet Sport, the midfielder wants to stay at the Nou Camp.
    However, Bayern Munich, another who were interested in the summer, are hoping to take advantage of Barcelona’s financial mess.
    And the report claims the ex-Ajax star would be “tempted” by a switch to the Bundesliga.
    Meanwhile, Bayern are “convinced” that Barcelona might be forced to sell next summer, with another year off his contract likely to make for a more reasonable price.
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    On the pitch, De Jong enjoyed an impressive World Cup, helping Holland reach the quarter-finals before they suffered penalty heartache against Argentina.
    The 25-year-old played all-but four minutes, chipping in with one goal and one assist. More

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    Arsenal ‘considering January transfer swoop for Barcelona star Ferran Torres’ after Gabriel Jesus injury

    FERRAN TORRES is being considered by Arsenal as a replacement for crocked ace Gabriel Jesus, reports suggest.Brazilian Jesus is set to be sidelined for up to three months after undergoing knee surgery.
    Arsenal could move for Ferran Torres next monthCredit: Getty
    Gabriel Jesus is set to be sidelined for three monthsCredit: Instagram
    And this has left Eddie Nketiah as the club’s only recognised striker, leading them to accelerate their transfer plans into January.
    According to Fichajes, former Manchester City star Torres is wanted by Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta to relieve their firepower issue.
    Arteta wanted Torres in the summer too, and would have landed his man were it not for a late veto from Barcelona boss Xavi.
    Arsenal submitted a late bid for the Spaniard worth around £26million – a price Barcelona’s board accepted.
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    Torres’ versatility is a desirable quality and it would allow him to fit anywhere in Arsenal’s attack.
    Much of the style Arsenal employ is similar to Arteta’s previous boss Pep Guardiola’s own philosophy and style.
    In the season and a half Torres was in Manchester, he had some strong displays all across the front three.
    In the end, his City record ended with 20 goal contributions in 43 games.
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    While he did seal a dream move to Barcelona in January of this year, the move has turned sour.
    Torres has scored just 12 times in 44 games for the Blaugrana and they are now prepared to let him leave just one year after his transfer to the club. More

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    Josip Juranovic transfer news: West Ham & Everton trail Barcelona and Europe’s elite in chase for Croatia & Celtic star

    JOSIP JURANOVIC’S World Cup displays have got Europe talking and now their elite sides look to be chasing the Celtic star’s signature.Of them, Barcelona have emerged as favourites to sign the Croatia defender following his Qatar heroics.
    Barcelona lead the race for Josip JuranovicCredit: Getty
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    That’s according to bookmakers Coral, who make the Spanish giants the 2/1 favourites to sign Juranovic.
    West Ham have been linked with a move for the Celtic star, with the Hoops willing to cash in having spent just £2.5million on him 18 months ago.
    The 27-year-old revealed yesterday that he has switched off from any transfer speculation to focus on the task at hand with the semi finalists.
    He said: “Honestly, I haven’t read what was written since we arrived at the World Cup.

    “We’re just focused on the national team, I even told my agent not to send me anything, I’m not interested at all right now.
    “I want to do something for myself, my future sons and daughters, I want to tell them the story of what we did and to be proud.”
    Whether he wants to hear it or not, there’s been huge speculation surrounding his future after a string of excellent displays.
    He was also voted in the ‘team of the quarter finals’ after keeping Brazil star Vinicius Jr quiet.
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    He still has three-and-a-half years left on his Parkhead contract, having signed for just £2.5million in the summer of 2021.
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    Josip Juranovic next clubCoral odds

    Barcelona 2/1
    Atletico Madrid 3/1
    West Ham 7/2
    PSG 6/1
    Juventus 8/1
    AC Milan 10/1
    Everton 12/1
    Borussia Dortmund 16/1

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    Atletico Madrid and Real Sociedad had watched the Croat in action, though it’s La Liga big shots Barcelona who are 2/1 favourites to sign him.
    Atletico are next in the betting at 3/1, just ahead of the Hammers at 7/2.
    Big spending PSG are next best at 6/1, with Juranovic set to go up against star man Lionel Messi in the World Cup semi finals.
    That could prove a huge opportunity for Juranovic to test himself once again as they bid for another World Cup final spot.
    Serie A sides Juventus (8/1) and AC Milan (10/1) are also in the mix, ahead of Everton (12/1) and Borussia Dortmund (16/1).
    Coral’s John Hill said: “Josip Juranovic has had an excellent World Cup, so it would be no surprise if some of the biggest clubs in Europe came knocking for his services in January.
    “Barcelona and Atletico Madrid sit at the top of our betting on his next club club and the Spanish duo may be locked in a battle for the player in the upcoming transfer window.
    “West Ham are the shortest price Premier League club in the betting. The Hammers have been linked with the Croatian and they are only likely to be even more impressed by what they saw from the full back against Brazil.”
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    Tottenham ‘are best placed to land Franck Kessie as they lead two giants in transfer chase for Barcelona midfielder’

    TOTTENHAM are considering a January move for Barcelona star Franck Kessie, according to reports.The midfielder signed for the Spanish giants as a free agent last summer.
    Tottenham, Napoli and Inter Milan want to sign Franck KessieCredit: Getty
    But he has started just two LaLiga matches and made only seven league appearances in total.
    Barcelona are open to Kessie leaving but they want to sign a replacement first, according to Sport.
    The report also outlines Tottenham’s interest, while revealing Kessie’s future will be decided this month.
    The former AC Milan star had wanted to wait until June to assess his options, but there are offers on the table including one from Spurs.
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    Antonio Conte is keen on the 25-year-old and the North London outfit could try to sign Kessie on loan or permanently.
    Napoli and Inter Milan have reportedly made contact with Kessie’s agent and are eyeing a temporary deal.
    But in order to sign him both clubs want Kessie to lower his wage demands.
    The Cote d’Ivoire international earns £80,000 a week at Barcelona.
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    Spurs tried to sign Kessie while he was at Milan but lost out to Barcelona when his contract expired in June.
    They were believed to be close to agreeing a £165,000-a-week contract with the midfielder before he opted for the Nou Camp. More

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    Man Utd are ‘most interested’ in Memphis Depay transfer as they look to re-sign Barcelona and Holland star in January

    MANCHESTER UNITED are keen on a dramatic reunion with Memphis Depay, according to reports. The striker, 28, is available with Barcelona desperate to get him off their wage bill.
    United are keen on a reunion with Depay, who becomes a free agent next summerCredit: Rex
    The Catalan club are said to be using the World Cup as a shop window for Memphis, whose contract is over next summer.
    In Tuesday’s edition of AS, they claim that the Red Devils are the “most interested” side in Europe.
    They could supposedly capture Depay for just £4.3million in the January window.
    The star had an ill-fated spell at United between 2015-2017.
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    He was signed for £31million by Louis van Gaal but failed to live up to expectations after scoring seven goals in 53 games and was subsequently sold to Lyon.
    But with a new Dutchman in the dugout in Erik ten Hag United could make a new bid for the Netherlands international.
    Depay was utilised as a left winger when he was at Old Trafford, but he is now capable of leading the line.
    He has been more successful in recent years, scoring 76 goals in 178 games for Lyon and 14 in 41 for Barca.
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    The forward opened the scoring against the USA on Saturday for his nation as the Netherlands gave a ruthless display.
    Goals from Depay, Daley Blind and Denzel Dumfries helped the Dutch to a 3-1 win and secure a spot in the last eight.
    They play Argentina for a World Cup semi-final spot, and face a rampant Lionel Messi looking for the one piece of silverware he has never got his hands on. More