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      Man Utd and Chelsea to revive transfer fight for Frenkie de Jong as in-demand Barcelona star ‘to consider January move’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED and Chelsea are both set to revive their interest in Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong, according to reports.Both clubs chased the 25-year-old throughout the summer transfer window and are ready to try again when it reopens in January.
      Frenkie de Jong is wanted by three Premier League teamsCredit: Getty
      ESPN report that Liverpool are also keeping tabs on De Jong and the three clubs could be set for a battle if the player decides he wants to leave Barca.
      Chelsea have supposedly received a boost that he could be willing to reconsider his future at the Nou Camp.
      And the Blues reportedly have a good relationship with the central midfielder’s agency HCM Sports Management.
      The Catalan giants appear happy to sell him but De Jong chose to stay this season and even took a wage cut over the summer.
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      However he is growing frustrated at the club ‘pressuring’ him to leave and at his lack of minutes in the big matches this season.
      De Jong has not played in crucial Champions League ties against Bayern Munich or Inter Milan.
      Liverpool have reportedly held discussions with his representatives as they are in the market for a central midfielder.
      But Man Utd would be willing to challenge them for his signature and De Jong has a bond with Erik ten Hag having worked with him in their Ajax days.
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      It has been claimed that the Red Devils boss has even approached the club’s board in recent weeks asking them to make new efforts to sign him.
      United pursued him relentlessly before the start of the season proving how keen they are – even managing to agree a £72million fee with Barcelona and sending chiefs to Spain to try to get him to join.
      The LaLiga side could be preparing for his eventual exit as they eye Wolves’ Ruben Neves.
      The Portuguese midfielder flirted with a move to the LaLiga side a matter of days ago saying it would be a “privilege” to play for “one of the world’s best clubs.” More

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      Man Utd, Chelsea and Liverpool set for Frenkie de Jong transfer battle in January with Barcelona star’s future unclear

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      MANCHESTER UNITED, Chelsea and Liverpool are reportedly set to battle it out for Frenkie de Jong’s signature in the January transfer window.The Barcelona midfielder, 25, was linked with a move to both United and Chelsea in the summer.
      De Jong has been heavily linked with a move away from Barcelona for some timeCredit: Getty
      The Red Devils agreed a fee of £72million including add-ons for the Dutchman back in July.
      But backdated wage payments that Barcelona owed the player stalled the deal and ended up forcing it to collapse.
      New Blues owner Todd Boehly then tried to hijack United’s target late on in the window, but that too was unsuccessful.
      However, De Jong has been out of favour with Barca boss Xavi so far this season, starting just five games in all competitions.
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      And the Catalan giants are set to be eliminated from the Champions League before the knockout rounds after only one win from their opening four matches.
      According to ESPN, the lack of game time and need to recoup some of the money lost by their imminent European exit could make De Jong an easier acquisition in January.
      Chelsea remain light in midfield after N’Golo Kante underwent hamstring surgery this week, with the Frenchman expected to be out for four months.
      Jorginho’s future is also up in the air as he is out of contract at the end of the campaign.
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      It is understood Chelsea now have a good relationship with HCM Sports Management – who list De Jong as their client.
      Meanwhile, United also remain interested in the former Ajax man – with Erik ten Hag having previously coached him at the Eredivisie side.
      However, the Red Devils will struggle to do a deal in January given they spent more than £200m in the summer window.
      And Liverpool could yet beat both of them to De Jong, with Jurgen Klopp thought to be still in the market for a midfielder.
      The Reds brought Arthur Melo in on loan after injury problems, but he has barely featured due to struggles with injury.
      De Jong recently spoke about the pressure he received from Barcelona chiefs during the summer as they tried to force him out of the Nou Camp.
      Earlier this month, he told Ziggo Sport: “I was calm. I decided in May that I wanted to stay. My opinion has never changed during this entire period.
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      “I stayed calm. But then you know the pressure would start to come.
      “Yes, from the newspapers, from the president, exactly. From everywhere actually. But I wanted to stay at Barca so it never baffled me.” More

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      Shakira appears to slam Gerard Pique in new song with cryptic lyrics after split from Barcelona star

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      POP STAR Shakira has appeared to take shots at ex Gerard Pique in her new song.The pair split earlier this year and the singer’s newest hit is filled with references to the “narcissism” and “cold as Christmas” attitude of a man in the song.
      Shakira and Pique broke up after a over a decade togetherCredit: Getty
      Fans have been quick to point out similarities between the man in the song and Pique himselfCredit: Rex
      The Barcelona defender, who is in his 12th year at the club, also confirmed his relationship with Clara Chia Marti a few months ago.
      Shakira had teased her new song Monotonia with cryptic social media posts fans and critics claimed alluded to the acrimonious split.
      The official video for the song, featuring the tearful Colombian munching on a snack in a supermarket aisle as she fills up a shopping basket, starts with the Spanish lyrics she had already teased: “It wasn’t your fault, nor was it mine.
      “It was monotony’s fault. I never said anything but it hurt me. I knew this would happen.”
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      Appearing to reference her broken relationship with Pique, Shakira also sings: “It’s a necessary goodbye. What used to be incredible became routine.
      “Your lips don’t taste of anything to me. Now it’s the complete opposite.
      She also describes the unnamed person she is singing about as being as “cold as Christmas”.
      And adds: “You left me because of your narcissism. You forgot what you used to be.
      Some believe Shakira has alluded to relationship in her songCredit: Getty
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      “Distant with your attitude, and that filled me with worry.”
      Shakira spoke for the first time last month in magazine Elle about her split with ex-Manchester United star Pique, saying there had been days when she had to “pick up the pieces of me from the floor.”
      The 45-year-old has previously described her music as a form of therapy.
      The song comes out in the same week it has been revealed Pique could be forced to wear Shakira’s name on his Barcelona shirt.
      The Spanish club’s deal with Spotify now sees them promote artists with new music out, and reports suggest Shakira could be next in line.
      On the pitch and Pique is not having the best time of it in recent weeks.
      A glaring error by the 35-year-old allowed Inter Milan to score during an epic 3-3 draw at the Nou Camp.
      He was then left on the bench for the El Clasico clash against Real Madrid, which Barcelona lost 3-1.
      Shakira continues to thrive in her successful music careerCredit: AFP More

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      Erik ten Hag ‘asks Man Utd to make new efforts to seal Frenkie de Jong transfer’ with boss still wanting Barcelona star

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      ERIK TEN HAG will try to get Manchester United to pursue summer transfer target Frenkie de Jong again in January, according to reports.The Red Devils spent the summer chasing the Dutchman, 25, and even agreed a £72million deal with Barcelona.
      United could return for De Jong in JanuaryCredit: Rex
      However, the player rejected the move and stayed put at the Camp Nou, despite a row with the Catalan club over £17m of unpaid wages.
      But according to Sport, Ten Hag has asked United to go back in for him in the New Year.
      De Jong is viewed as someone who can improve United’s creativity and control within games.
      The Dutch international has started just five games for Xavi’s Barca this term, with one of those coming in the Champions League.
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      Whether Barca’s Champions League status plays a part in a move is yet to be seen.
      Barca are on the verge of dropping into the Europa League for the second season in a row, which will cost the club £18m.
      Chelsea also held an interest in De Jong in the summer.
      And should the midfielder stay put until the end of the season, the West Londoners could return for him.
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      Bayern Munich are also likely to be keen on De Jong.
      He would join a star-studded midfield alongside the likes of Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka. More

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      Diogo Dalot emerges as Barcelona’s top transfer priority as ‘Man Utd defender keeps door open for exit’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED ace Diogo Dalot is among Barcelona’s transfer priorities with the defender open for a move, reports suggest.Dalot, 23, has been established as a starter under United manager Erik ten Hag as he has overtaken out-of-favour Aaron Wan-Bissaka in the pecking order.
      Manchester United ace Diogo Dalot has been linked with a move to BarcelonaCredit: Getty
      The right-back’s contract runs out in June but the Red Devils have the option to extend for another year.
      According to Mundo Deportivo, Barca continue to keep tabs on the Portugal international as Xavi’s top priority is to reinforce his defence.
      But United could be open to letting the full-back leave in January as that would help them avoid losing him for free in the summer.
      Dalot is open to staying at Old Trafford for another year but is also keen on a move to Catalonia.
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      And if the Portuguese ace signs a new deal then that could see him leaving for a reasonable price in the summer.
      It has been previously reported that Barcelona have sent scouts to watch the player in action and already contacted his agent ahead of the January market.
      But the Blaugrana are not the only ones keeping tabs on the ex-Porto star.
      Juventus are also watching his progress with “great attention” as Juan Cuadrado and Alex Sandro’s deals run out in June.
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      Roma boss Jose Mourinho is also keen on a reunion after brining the Barcelona target over to United in 2018.
      The Giallorossi have also held talks with Dalot’s representative ahead of the January transfer window. More

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      Neymar addresses Barcelona transfer in court and reveals he turned down chance to join Real Madrid

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      NEYMAR revealed he snubbed Real Madrid as he took to the stand at his fraud trial in Barcelona on Tuesday.Judge Jose Manuel del Amo Sanchez allowed the 30-year-old Paris Saint-Germain star to leave the courtroom on Monday as he hadn’t got to sleep until the early hours following Sunday’s match.
      Real were interested in signing Neymar before his Barca transferCredit: Reuters
      Neymar was also subject to a post-game doping test after scoring the winner against rivals Marseille.
      Before Neymar began answering questions on Tuesday, the judge said his presence during the trial was a “right” and not an obligation apart from the day when he had to testify.
      He added: “There was no privileged treatment. For those who feel we’re here doing the wave as if we were in the stands, that’s not happening.
      “He’s being treated like any other defendant in the same position as him.”
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      The footballer, who wore a dark blue suit with a matching tie over a white shirt, admitted he snubbed Real before sealing a “dream” move to rivals Barca.
      He said: “I had offers from other clubs but my dream was always Barcelona. Real Madrid was one of the options but my heart was always for Barcelona.”
      Neymar took the stand after Real Madrid president Florentino Perez was called as a witness and told the court the club offered £39million to sign the winger in 2011.
      He insisted: “I don’t know Neymar, I’ve never spoken with him personally. 
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      “We were interested in signing Neymar about 10 years ago. Players go where they want. Neymar wanted to go to Barcelona and that’s why he went to Barcelona.”
      The footballer, who agreed to be questioned in court only by the state prosecutor and his defence lawyer and not by lawyers acting for Brazilian company NIS and was on the stand for less than 15 minutes, spoke mainly in his native Portuguese through a translator.
      He was asked whether he had participated in negotiations for a contract he signed in November 2011 while he was still at Brazilian boyhood club Santos where he agreed to play for Barcelona in 2014.
      Neymar responded: “I don’t remember.”
      The Brazil star then responded to the second question from the state prosecutor about negotiations and contracts: “I didn’t participate. It was always my father who looked after that and was responsible for that.
      “I sign what he tells me to.”
      Neymar is one of nine defendants including his parents and former Barcelona presidents Sandro Rosell and Josep Maria Bartomeu on trial on corruption-related charges.
      State prosecutors are demanding a two-year prison sentence and a £8.6m fine for the footballer if convicted on fraud and corruption charges. 
      Private prosecutors acting for Brazilian company DIS, which owned 40 per cent of the player’s sporting rights when he was at boyhood club Santos, are seeking a five-year prison sentence.
      The trial, which is beginning with the World Cup barely a month away, revolves around alleged irregularities in Neymar’s 2013 transfer to Barcelona.
      The Catalan club said it cost £49.4m but prosecutors believe it was at least £71.8m.
      DIS claims Neymar, Barca and the Brazilian club colluded to mask the true cost of the deal.
      The trial is due to end on October 31.
      The footballer is not expected to attend court for the rest of the week, as PSG play away against Ajaccio on Friday before a Champions League tie against Maccabi Haifa next Tuesday.
      In Spain prison sentences of two years or less for first-time offenders are normally suspended.
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      Neymar’s dad was due to take the stand on Tuesday after the PSG footballer.
      Spain’s state prosecution service is also seeking a two-year prison sentence for the 57-year-old if convicted as charged. More

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      Man Utd transfer target Frenkie de Jong slams ‘lies’ about Barcelona wages and explains why salary ‘looks bigger’

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      BARCELONA midfielder Frenkie de Jong has hit back at critics who claim he is refusing a wage cut.The 25-year-old Dutchman agreed a £400,000-a-week salary when he joined the Catalan giants back in 2019.
      De Jong has hit back at those accusing him of refusing a wage reductionCredit: AP
      He then penned a lucrative two-year extension during ex-president Josep Maria Bartomeu’s spell in charge of the club.
      But Barcelona’s crippling financial crisis resulted in De Jong being forced to take a wage reduction in each of his first three seasons.
      It means they are now required to pay those deferred wages to the player on top of his existing salary.
      As a result, De Jong, who was heavily linked with a move to Manchester United in the summer, will earn £16.8million net this season, followed by up to £21m in the following campaign – figures which include £17m worth of deferred payments.
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      And the midfielder has now set the records straight on the controversy surrounding his salary packet.
      Speaking to TV NOS, via Mundo Deportivo, De Jong said: “There have been many lies and falsehoods spread about my salary.
      “In each of the first three years I played here, I cut my salary. Eventually the money comes back, and it comes on top of my normal salary, so it looks bigger.
      “I think a lot of people don’t understand this, but the figures the media are spreading are false.”
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      Barcelona wanted to sell De Jong in the summer to alleviate their economic strain and enable them to register their host of new signings.
      But the former Ajax man made it clear his desire to stay at the Nou Camp, despite strong interest from Man Utd and Chelsea.
      And he recently revealed he felt during the transfer window that the club were trying to force him out the door.
      Last week, De Jong told Ziggo Sport: “I was calm. I decided in May that I wanted to stay. My opinion has never changed during this entire period.
      “I stayed calm. But then you know the pressure would start to come.
      “Yes, from the newspapers, from the president, exactly. From everywhere actually. But I wanted to stay at Barca so it never baffled me.”
      De Jong has started four of Barca’s eight LaLiga matches so far this season – including their 3-1 defeat to Real Madrid in El Clasico on Sunday.
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      But it has been reported that he remains “disgusted” by his role in Xavi’s side, with competition rife alongside the likes of Sergio Busquets, Gavi, and Pedri.
      And that discontent in Spain could finally see him depart in the coming months. More

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      Frenkie de Jong says he knew Barcelona would ‘pressure’ him to leave amid Man Utd transfer interest

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      BARCELONA star Frenkie de Jong has claimed he knew Barcelona were going to “pressure” him into leaving. The club wanted to sell him to Manchester United over the summer but De Jong did not want to go.
      Frenkie de Jong has hit out at Barcelona for trying to make him leaveCredit: AFP
      The central midfielder has spoken out as he has been regularly left out of the starting XI by manager Xavi in big games.
      He has admitted he saw this situation coming after being shown the exit door with Pedri and Gavi ahead of him in the pecking order.
      De Jong told Ziggo Sport: “I was calm. I decided in May that I wanted to stay. My opinion has never changed during this entire period.
      “I stayed calm. But then you know the pressure would start to come.
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      “Yes, from the newspapers, from the president, exactly. From everywhere actually. But I wanted to stay at Barca so it never baffled me.”
      De Jong has not played in crucial Champions League ties against Bayern Munich or Inter Milan.
      Meanwhile in LaLiga he was benched against Sevilla and there are doubts over his place in the side tomorrow for the El Clasico versus bitter rivals Real Madrid.
      He has played 10 times this season, scoring one goal but just four have been starts – most coming versus weaker opponents like Viktoria Plzen, Cadiz and Elche.
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      De Jong continued: “I want to be a starter again. Against Bayern, I was not a starter and I hope to be against Real Madrid.
      “Maybe he [Xavi] has already decided, but normally we don’t know until the day of the game.”
      Spanish outlet Sport claims the Dutchman is “disgusted” at his lack of minutes this season.
      This all comes amid a row over unpaid wages that De Jong is still owed after taking a deferred pay cut to help the club with their financial woes.
      Man Utd chased the signing of De Jong throughout the most recent transfer window and despite sizeable bids they could not get the deal over the line.
      Erik ten Hag appeared desperate to work with the 25-year-old again, as he did at Ajax, but he still chose Barca with United not having Champions League football this season. More