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    Barcelona president Joan Laporta turns up to Nou Camp with black eye after suffering ‘domestic accident’

    JOAN LAPORTA rocked up to the Nou Camp for Barcelona’s 4-0 win over Real Valladolid sporting a nasty-looking black eye.The Blaugrana president had a shiner for all to see as he made his way to his seat in the directors’ box.
    Barcelona President Joan Laporta was snapped with a black eye at the Nou CampCredit: EPA
    It has been claimed Laporta picked up his bruise as a result of a “domestic accident”Credit: Getty
    Laporta was in the stands alongside vice-president Rafael Yuste and Real Madrid legend and Valladolid’s president Ronaldo.
    He initially arrived wearing sunglasses, but once Ronaldo joined him, he took off his shades to expose his black eye.
    It remains unclear how exactly the 60-year-old picked up the bruise around his right eye.
    According to AS, the club state that Laporta was involved in a “domestic accident”.
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    Thankfully for Laporta, Barca didn’t let him down as they eased to a 4-0 win against Valladolid.
    Xavi’s side have now recorded back-to-back victories following their 0-0 draw with Rayo Vallecano in the opening match of the LaLiga season.
    In last week’s 4-1 win over Real Sociedad, Robert Lewandowski helped himself to a double in what were his first goals for the club.
    And the 34-year-old was at it again in Catalonia on Sunday night as he bagged another brace.
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    He broke the deadlock in the 24th minute with an effort from close range following a whipped in delivery by Raphinha.
    It was 2-0 shortly before half-time with Pedri firing low into the bottom corner after being picked out by Ousmane Dembele inside the box.
    Lewandowski then put Barca three to the good just after the hour mark with an exquisite backheel after latching onto Dembele’s through ball.
    Sergi Roberto then put the icing on the cake for the hosts in stoppage time. More

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    PSG ready to take on Barcelona in last-gasp transfer battle for Bernardo Silva as Man City star eyes Etihad exit

    PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN reportedly remain keen on signing Manchester City star Bernardo Silva with just days remaining in the transfer window.The midfielder, 28, has been a key target for Barcelona for much of the summer.
    PSG and Barcelona still want Bernardo SilvaCredit: The Times
    But it was PSG who had a £59million bid rejected for Silva by City this week, report Sky Sports.
    Despite the setback, PSG still hope to complete a deal, though they believe it could be too late with the window closing on Thursday, according to the Daily Mail.
    Barcelona are also tracking Silva and were believed to be prepared to sell three players in order to fund a move – including Chelsea transfer target Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
    City value Silva highly and Pep Guardiola hinted that his sale is unlikely because finding a replacement in under a week would prove difficult.
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    The Spaniard said after City’s draw with Barcelona on Wednesday: “He is our player. We want him to be with us because he is very important.
    “Having said that, I don’t want anyone to be unhappy. But I don’t want him to leave because he is a superlative player.
    “As a player and as a person, he is one of the best I have ever had. In any competition he is the best player.
    “If an offer arrives there are seven days left and if Bernardo leaves we would have to go to the market and not it’s easy.”
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    Silva has proved his importance over the last two games – scoring key goals in City’s comebacks against Newcastle and Crystal Palace.
    The Portuguese scored a brilliant solo effort against the Eagles on Saturday to spark City’s comeback, with Erling Haaland’s hat-trick sealing a 4-2 victory. More

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    Man Utd ‘launch £8m Memphis Depay transfer bid’ as Ten Hag looks to bring back Old Trafford flop from Barcelona

    MANCHESTER UNITED have launched an £8million bid for Memphis Depay, according to reports.The Barcelona star had been expected to rip up his contract and join Juventus.
    Memphis Depay has been linked with a Man United returnCredit: Alamy
    The Dutchman played for Man United between 2015 and 2017Credit: Getty
    But the move has seemingly fallen through, opening the door to Man United.
    Transfer expert Gerard Romero claims that the Red Devils have lodged an £8m offer to re-sign their former flop.
    Depay, 28, played for United between 2015 and 2017 but didn’t have the most productive first stint.
    He made 53 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring just seven goals and laying on six assists.
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    Following his Old Trafford nightmare, he resurrected his career by moving to Lyon.
    He scored 76 goals and laid on 56 assists in 178 outings for the French side.
    His form attracted the interest of Barcelona, although the Catalan side are now willing to cash in after only 12 months.
    Real Sociedad have also taken an interest in the Dutchman, with Barca asking them for £8m as well.
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    Depay has been an unused substitute in Barcelona’s first two LaLiga matches of the season, and will want to be playing regularly in the lead-up to the World Cup this winter.
    United are desperately trying to bolster their attack, with Antony and Cody Gakpo also on their radar.
    They have had a £76m bid turned down for Antony, with the Brazilian ace subsequently begging Ajax to let him go.
    Gakpo, meanwhile, could be available soon after his side PSV were eliminated from the Champions League by Rangers.
    Antony is desperate to leave AjaxCredit: Getty More

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    Man Utd transfer blow as top target Frenkie de Jong agrees to take pay cut to stay at Barcelona but Reds not given up

    MANCHESTER UNITED’s pursuit of Frenkie de Jong has been dealt a huge blow as the midfielder’s decided to slash his wages to stay at Barcelona.De Jong was at the top of United’s wishlist this summer as they looked to rebuild their midfield following Paul Pogba’s departure.
    Man United are facing defeat in their pursuit of Frenkie de Jong who’s agreed to take a pay cut to stay with BarcelonaCredit: Rex
    The Red Devils were prepared to splash a whopping £71m on the Dutch ace, and make him the one of the club’s highest-paid stars with a weekly wage of £350,000.
    But De Jong’s repeatedly shunned United’s advances as he preferred to remain at the Nou Camp.
    However, United were still in with a chance of signing him due to his wage war with Barca.
    Xavi’s side were demanding De Jong cut his salary by half so they could meet La Liga’s economic requirements in order to register new signings.
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    De Jong initially resisted Barca’s demands despite being given an ultimatum by them which stated he’d have to leave if he doesn’t conform.
    But now Sport have revealed that De Jong’s had second thoughts and has now agreed to take a pay cut
    Debt-riddled Barca still owe De Jong £17m, but the midfielder and his agent will now restructure his contract with the club, it was added.
    Despite, the latest developments in De Jong’s situation, United still haven’t given up on him yet, the publication continued.
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    Erik ten Hag’s side will continue to chase the Netherlands international until the transfer window closes next week.
    If their tenacity pays off, De Jong could be joined by Barca team-mate Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang at Old Trafford.
    The Red Devils are reportedly plotting to snatch the striker from the clutches of Chelsea who are on the verge of signing him. More

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    Barcelona star Martin Braithwaite demands £4MILLION to leave Nou Camp as stand-off with cash-strapped Catalans goes on

    MARTIN BRAITHWAITE is reportedly demanding a £4million payoff to leave Barcelona this summer.The 31-year-old is surplus to requirements at the Nou Camp this summer.
    Martin Braithwaite wants £4million to rip up his Barcelona contractCredit: Getty
    And broke Barcelona want to get rid of Braithwaite to ease their financial worries.
    The Danish striker has so far refused all transfer offers to leave.
    And Braithwaite will only accept terminating his contract if his wages are met in full.
    That amounts to £98,000-a-week for the next two years.
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    And the Mail claims Braithwaite is seeking an immediate £4m total payment before agreeing to Barcelona’s wishes.
    However, the Catalans have no intention of reaching that figure.
    They are instead happy to pay off one year of Braithwaite’s salary, which amounts to £2m.
    It’s believed the ex-Middlesbrough man currently has an offer on the table from LaLiga rivals Mallorca.
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    But he is determined to hold out until his demands are met by Barca.
    Earlier this month, it was claimed the Spaniards are ready to do whatever it takes to offload Braithwaite before his salary counts towards LaLiga’s limits for this season.

    Barcelona are now exploring legal options that will allow them not to pay his entire contract.
    And they are also considering terminating Braithwaite’s deal on transfer deadline day to leave him without a club until January.
    Braithwaite has been at Barcelona since February 2020 after a shock move from Leganes.
    He has gone on to score ten goals in 58 games.
    But with Robert Lewandowski, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Memphis Depay all battling for a place in attack, Braithwaite’s chances of playing again for Barcelona are virtually zero.
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    Aubameyang and Depay have also been tipped to leave the Nou Camp.
    Aubameyang is a target for Chelsea, while Depay is wanted by Man United after seeing a move to Juventus collapse. More

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    Samuel Umtiti breaks down in tears over Lecce fans’ welcome after completing loan transfer from Barcelona

    SAMUEL UMTITI received a hero’s welcome from Lecce fans upon his arrival in Italy on Thursday.The defender, 28, joined the newly-promoted Serie A side on a season-long loan from Barcelona this week.
    Umtiti broke down in tears upon his arrival in ItalyCredit: @matt_eoo0
    He received an overwhelming reception from Lecce fansCredit: @matt_eoo0
    And as he touched down in Salento he was mobbed by a large crowd of thrilled Lecce supporters who proceeded to greet him with a chant.
    It was clearly a moving moment for Umtiti as the Frenchman struggled to hold back the tears as he was being interviewed by media.
    He is eager to get his career back on track after spending the majority of his Barcelona spell on the sidelines.
    Umtiti, who joined the Catalan giants in 2016, was limited to just one appearance last season due to various injuries including a broken toe and numerous knee issues.
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    Barcelona officials were eager to move him on in a bid to make way for summer signing Jules Kounde, who joined from Sevilla in a £46million transfer last month.
    Umtiti had been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal at the beginning of the year, but an injury prevented the deal from being completed.
    He was also in talks with Olympiacos and Rennes over a potential transfer before agreeing to join Lecce earlier this week.
    The Italian side have endured a tough start to life in Serie A.
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    They sit 19th in the table after suffering two consecutive defeats to Sassuolo and Inter Milan respectively.
    But manager Marco Baroni believes Umtiti will help provide some much needed experience for the squad.
    And the defender is hoping to revive his career and reclaim his spot in the French national team. More

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    Chelsea’s £25million Aubameyang transfer stalls as Blues refuse to give Barcelona striker, 33, two-year contract

    THOMAS TUCHEL’S hopes of a reunion with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang are stalling over personal terms.The Barcelona striker wants a deal for at least two years while Chelsea are only prepared to offer a one-season contract.
    Chelsea are unwilling to give Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang more than a one-year dealCredit: AFP
    Aubameyang is 33 and Chelsea are mindful of his age and committing to a long-term agreement – broadly in line with their policy on older players.
    It is still hoped a compromise will be reached and that the former Arsenal captain will return to the Premier League before next Thursday’s transfer deadline.
    Tuchel wants Aubameyang to join him at Stamford Bridge to provide the outlet needed in front of goal as an out-and-out centre forward with bags of experience.
    Chelsea are relying on the use of so-called “false nines” – using attacking midfielder Kai Havertz or Raheem Sterling in the striker’s usual position.
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    Tuchel can call on rookie Armando Broja but the 20-year-old Albanian has only one full term under his belt in the Premier League on loan at Southampton last season where he impressed, scoring nine goals.
    Aubameyang has a deal until 2025 at Barcelona although there is a chance to re-negotiate at the end of this season.
    He played for Tuchel previously at Borussia Dortmund and the pair remain close.
    Chelsea are reluctant to hand out long-term contracts to players over 30 and have encountered problems in the past with this.
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    Defender David Luiz and winger Willian left as a result. Current captain Cesar Azpilicueta was tempted to leave in the summer when Barcelona offered him a longer contract than was on offer at Stamford Bridge, although he stayed in the end.
    Chelsea and Barcelona are largely in agreement over Aubameyang with a fee of around £25m to be paid – but it now needs the player and the club to sort out terms. More

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    Chelsea transfer target Aubameyang ‘waves goodbye’ to Barcelona fans during Man City game as Blues prepare final offer

    PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG appeared to bid farewell to Barcelona fans in his team’s friendly against Manchester City as his exit to Chelsea looms.Aubameyang has been identified by Chelsea as the man to boost their attack following the departures of Timo Werner and Romelu Lukaku.
    Aubameyang seemed to confirm his Barcelona exit with a telling wave during their friendly draw with Man City as Chelsea close in on his signature
    At present, Thomas Tuchel’s side only have the inexperienced Armando Broja to rely on as a striker by trade.
    They splashed £50million on winger Raheem Sterling this summer, but still lack firepower upfront.
    Chelsea’s dire need for goals was exposed during their 3-0 loss to Leeds last weekend.
    This is why they’ve presented Barcelona with a final offer of £17m to secure Aubameyang’s services.
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    And the ex-Arsenal forward seemed to confirm his Barca exit with a telling wave to Barca’s supporters at the Nou Camp.
    Aubameyang reminded fans what they’ll be missing as he put on a sizzling display in Barca’s 3-3 draw against Manchester City.
    The 33-year-old’s goal cancelled out City’s opener, and Barca fans showed their appreciation for his input by giving him a standing ovation when he was subbed.
    Aubameyang simply cracked a smile and offered a wave to the home crowd as the rapturous gesture engulfed the stadium.
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    His love affair with Barca fans has developed over the course of seven months since he joined in February from Arsenal.
    The Gabon international made an instant impact at the club ina short space of time – scoring 13 goals in 23 La Liga and Europa League games last season.
    Barca would prefer to keep hold of Aubameyang but need to balance to books in order to register new signing Jules Kounde. More