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    Barcelona ‘get £32m tax hit after inflating value of TV rights and still haven’t registered their summer signings’

    BARCELONA reportedly paid about £126million of their own money to inflate the value of the club’s TV rights.It happened as part of the deal to sell a 25 per cent stake of future TV rights to Sixth Street, according to Spanish radio station COPE.
    Bayern Munich legend Robert Lewandowski was one of three big summer signings by Barcelona this summerCredit: Getty
    And it means the LaLiga giants must now pay about £32m in tax on that payment, according to the report.
    COPE claims the Catalans set up a holding company called Logksley Investments SL to facilitate the deal.
    The injection of extra cash – a perfectly legal manoeuvre – is said to have boosted the sale price from about £436m to £562m.
    Barcelona were hoping the inflated amount would count as new income.
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    However, COPE says LaLiga has only accepted the lower amount as being the value of the sale.
    The radio station says the move was made to satisfy LaLiga’s Financial Fair Play rules.
    Barca were required to stay within the FFP rules with their summer signings of Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Jules Kounde.
    The trio of international stars arrived at the Nou Camp for a reported combined amount of around £130m.
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    The report also says Barca will need to sell more of their current stars to be able to make further signings within FFP rules.
    And it says player sales will also be needed to register their three big new signings with LaLiga.
    Barca’s finances have been under scrutiny since it was revealed last year they were close to £1billion in debt.
    Xavi’s side warmed up for the new season by thrashing Mexican giants Pumas 6-0 to win the Joan Gamper Trophy on Sunday night. More

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    Barcelona threatening legal action against Man Utd transfer target Frenkie de Jong over trying to get him to slash wages

    BARCELONA are reportedly threatening legal action against their OWN PLAYER Frenkie de Jong.The 22-year-old Dutch midfielder, who has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United this summer, has been urged to rip up the current deal he has with Barca.
    De Jong’s ongoing battle with Barcelona is continuing to rumble onCredit: Getty
    This is because the Catalan giants allege that his existing contract has “evidence of criminality” within it.
    The Athletic’s David Ornstein tweeted: “Barcelona told Frenkie de Jong on July 15 they have evidence of criminality around contract given by old board + cause for legal action vs all involved.
    “FC Barcelona asked him to annul deal & revert to previous terms.”
    Man Utd had an offer accepted for De Jong last month, but the player’s reluctance to join Old Trafford and outstanding payments he is owed by Barcelona – reported to be £14.5m – stopped the deal from going through.
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    And now there are reports that after United’s offer had been accepted by the club, Barca then wrote to De Jong telling him there was evidence of criminal actions in the contract renewal he signed on October 20, 2020.
    The two-year contract extension – taking him up to 2026 – reduced his salary for the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons in order to alleviate Barca’s financial problems.
    This left £15.2million to be paid to De Jong across the following four seasons of his deal.
    Gerard Pique, Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Clement Lenglet also signed similar contracts to reduce the club’s wage bill.
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    Barca now want De Jong to revert to the terms of the agreement which he originally signed in January 2019.
    Dialogue between the club and player is also said to have included claims that De Jong’s representatives may be implicated in the alleged criminality.
    The previous management led by president Josep Bartomeu, who was replaced last year, believe the contract renewal was completely legal.
    SunSport have approached De Jong’s representatives for comment.
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    Meanwhile, reports of legal action potentially being taken come just hours after current president Joan Laporta insisted De Jong wants to stay at the Nou Camp.
    He said: “He [De Jong] is a Barca player of great quality and we want him to stay.
    “He has offers but we want him to stay and he wants to stay too.” More

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    Bournemouth confirm free transfer signing of Barcelona keeper Neto as boss Scott Parker adds experience at the back

    BOURNEMOUTH have confirmed the signing of goalkeeper Neto from Barcelona.Scott Parker’s side got off to a dream start back in the Premier League as they defeated Aston Villa on Saturday.
    Neto has signed for Bournemouth from BarcelonaCredit: Alamy
    Now their weekend has got even better after the 33-year-old agreed a one-year contract to move to the South Coast.
    Neill Blake, AFC Bournemouth Chief Executive, told afcb.co.uk: “To be able to attract a player of Neto’s calibre is very pleasing.
    “This is a real coup for the club and we’re delighted he has chosen to join us.
    “He has vast experience at the very top level of the game so I’m sure he will be a huge asset for us.”
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    Neto had played back-up to Marc-Andre ter Stegen at the Nou Camp since his arrival in 2019 from Valencia.
    Bournemouth’s current No1 Mark Travers is only 23-years-old but played all but one Championship game last season.
    The club also conceded the fewest goals in the league last term.
    Meanwhile his back-up Will Dennis, 22, has only made one appearance for the club.
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    In contrast Neto’s senior career began in 2009 and along with Barcelona, he has also played for the likes of Juventus and Valencia.
    The Brazillian’s arrival is expected to bring some more know-how to the defence as Bournemouth look to scrap their way to Premier League survival.
    So far the club have bought in two free signings in the form of Joe Rothwell and Ryan Fredericks from Blackburn and West Ham.
    And their only purchase was Middlesbrough midfielder Marcus Tavernier for £10 million. More

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    Harry Redknapp says he ‘knows for a fact’ Frenkie de Jong wants Chelsea transfer as Barcelona star rejects Man Utd offer

    FORMER Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has claimed that Frenkie de Jong would rather join Chelsea over Manchester United this summer.The Red Devils have been pursuing a deal for De Jong, 25, since the transfer window opened in June.
    Chelsea are pushing to sign De JongCredit: Getty
    Redknapp claims the Dutchman would be open to a move to Stamford BridgeCredit: Getty
    However, despite already reaching a £72million agreement with Barcelona, United officials have not been able to tempt him to Old Trafford.
    The Dutchman has made it clear that he wants to stay at the Nou Camp next season, but Redknapp believes he could be persuaded to join Chelsea if The Blues submit a suitable offer.
    When speaking to The Byline, the former manager said: “Now it looks like De Jong wants to go to Chelsea, I know that for a fact, he wants to go to Chelsea.
    “Man United are not going to get him. I’ve had that from somebody right at the very, very, very top at Man United, he’s made up [his mind], he really wants to go to Chelsea.
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    “So if he goes to Chelsea, and Man United don’t get him, I don’t know where they’re going and if Chelsea get him obviously he’ll be a fantastic signing for them.”
    The Blues have reportedly offered Barcelona a swap deal including £59m and Marcos Alonso for De Jong.
    The LaLiga giants have been pushing to sign Alonso for months, so club chiefs could be tempted to accept the bid.
    Chelsea have already strengthened their squad in several areas this summer, including the full-back position.
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    Marc Cucurella was announced as the club’s most recent addition on Friday.
    He signed a six-year contract to complete a £62m transfer from Brighton.
    Thomas Tuchel and Todd Boehly are now looking to sign Wesley Fofana from Leicester City.
    Fofana is said to be open to the prospect of a move, but The Foxes are not willing to let him go unless an offer of at least £85m is submitted. More

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    Chelsea ‘offer £59m plus Marcos Alonso’ for Frenkie de Jong in swap transfer with Barcelona keen to sell star

    CHELSEA have reportedly offered Barcelona £59million plus Marcos Alonso in a bid to sign Frenkie de Jong.The Blues are currently battling Manchester United for De Jong’s signature.
    Chelsea are pushing to sign De JongCredit: Getty
    The Blues have offered Alonso as part of a swap dealCredit: Getty
    United have already reached a £72m agreement with Barcelona for him, but the Dutchman does not want to make the switch.
    And now, Chelsea are looking to hijack the deal.
    According to Spanish outlet Sport, The Blues have proposed a swap deal including Alonso and £59m in an attempt to reach an agreement with the LaLiga giants.
    If Barcelona choose to accept the offer, De Jong will have to make a decision on his future by next week.
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    He has already expressed his desire to remain at the Nou Camp, but former Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp claims that he could be convinced to join Chelsea.
    Meanwhile, Barcelona have been pushing to sign Alonso for weeks, so the swap could prove to be ideal for both clubs.
    The full-back reportedly bid farewell to his Chelsea teammates earlier this week in the hope that he will seal a move to Spain over the weekend.
    This came just hours after The Blues announced the signing of Marc Cucurella from Brighton.
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    Thomas Tuchel and Todd Boehly now have their sights set on other defensive targets as they look to complete a deal for Wesley Fofana.
    The defender is said to be keen on the prospect of a move to Stamford Bridge, but Leicester are not willing to let him go.
    The Foxes want at least £85m for his services – a sum of which Chelsea are reportedly willing to match. More

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    Chelsea stars ‘say goodbye to Marcos Alonso’ with defender to seal Barcelona transfer as Blues sign Cucurella for £62m

    CHELSEA players have reportedly said their goodbyes to Marcos Alonso ahead of his move to Barcelona.The 31-year-old left-back has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge all summer.
    Chelsea defender Alonso looks set to complete a move to BarcelonaCredit: Getty
    But that speculation increased further following the signing of Brighton star Marc Cucurella.
    Thomas Tuchel now has both Cucurella and Ben Chilwell to choose from at left-back – leaving Alonso out in the cold.
    And according to The Mail, the Spaniard has carried out his farewells to staff at Chelsea’s Cobham training ground as he bids to seal a transfer this weekend.
    Alonso has won the Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League and Europa League during a successful six-year stint with the Blues.
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    But now his days as a Chelsea player are numbered as Barcelona close in on his signature.
    90min have reported that the Catalan giants are “confident” of reaching an agreement for the defender.
    That is despite news on Friday that LaLiga have denied them registering five new players until they raise more funds.
    In order to do so, Barca will need to sell players such as Frenkie de Jong – who has been heavily linked with Manchester United.
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    Meanwhile, Alonso was thought to be heading to Barcelona along with Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta.
    But the Blues skipper completed a U-turn earlier this week when he signed a new two-year deal to remain at Stamford Bridge.
    Azpilicueta’s commitment eases the Blues’ need to recruit further defensive reinforcements.
    Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen left for free in the summer following the expiration of their contracts.
    Only Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli has been brought in as a replacement after the club missed out on Jules Kounde. More

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    Man Utd and Chelsea target Frenkie de Jong ‘at WAR with agent over transfer decision after blocking Old Trafford switch’

    BARCELONA star Frenkie de Jong disagrees with his agent about his future amid interest from Manchester United and Chelsea, reports suggest.De Jong, 25, has been linked with a move away from cash-strapped Barca this summer and the Premier League could be his next destination.
    Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong has been linked with Manchester United and ChelseaCredit: Getty
    Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong disagrees with his representatives about his futureCredit: Getty
    According to Sport, however, the midfielder is keen to stay at the Nou Camp even on a reduced salary because he believes in the club’s sporting project.
    However, the Netherlands international’s agent disagrees as he thinks his client should leave due to his deferred wages.
    De Jong agreed to a temporary salary deduction to help the Blaugrana’s financial situation during the coronavirus pandemic two years ago.
    Barcelona now owe the Dutchman between £14million and £17m in unpaid wages.
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    His former Ajax manager Erik ten Hag is determined for a reunion at Old Trafford and United have reached a £72m agreement with the Catalan giants.
    Ten Hag needs reinforcement in the middle of the park after losing Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic as free agents.
    However, De Jong doesn’t appear keen on a move to Manchester this month.
    But Chelsea are ready to match the Red Devils’ bid as manager Thomas Tuchel is looking to upgrade his midfield.
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    Barcelona have previously stated De Jong is not for sale this summer despite their financial woes.
    The Catalans have still been very active during the summer transfer window as they reached mega-cash deals for Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Jules Kounde.
    Barcelona also signed Andreas Christensen and Franck Kessie, who were free agents. More

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    Pep Guardiola hints at signing new Man City contract after going into final year… but fears Bernardo Silva may quit

    PEP GUARDIOLA has dropped a strong hint he will extend his stay at Manchester City – if the club still want him.The former Barcelona manager is entering the final 12 months of his existing deal and says he has already had preliminary talks with the club over an extension.
    Pep Guardiola has hinted he could stay at Man City beyond the approaching seasonCredit: Getty
    Bernardo Silva is reportedly wanted by BarcelonaCredit: Getty
    He plans to speak again during the middle of the season and after six glittering years at the Etihad he could be tempted to put pen to paper on another contract.
    Guardiola said: “I wouldn’t change my life here one second. It’s the seventh season already.
    “We spoke with the club. Middle of the season, end of the season, we will talk again about how we feel and decide what’s best for the club.
    “I said many times if they want it, I’d like to stay longer but at the same time I have to be sure.
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    “It’s not the second or third season, it’s many years already and I have to see how the players behave.
    “I don’t want to be a problem, sometimes when you extend things and you force it it’s not good so we have to go through it and relax.
    “This kind of situation happens in a natural way. We will see what happens during the season and how we feel and the best decision for the club is going to be taken.”
    Meanwhile Guardiola, 51, has told Bernardo Silva he must bring a suitable offer to the table if he wants to leave.
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    Barca are keen to make an offer for the Portuguese international if they can get their finances in order, although he could reportedly cost more than £80million.
    The former Monaco man is keen on a move nearer to his homeland and did not rule out a transfer when asked this summer.
    Guardiola said: “I would love if Bernardo could continue here because he’s a special player for all of us in the locker room, but I don’t know what is going to happen.
    “If he stays, it is perfect. If in the end he has to leave it is because football is like this, the clubs have an agreement, the player has the desire and I will not be the reason to stop the desire.
    “When you are a football player your life is so short. You don’t realise and immediately it is over.
    “At the same time. I’m just a little part of the club. What the club decides is okay for me.
    “At the end, sometimes for the clubs, for the player, for the agent, for many reasons sometimes you have to divide our path.”
    Pep Guardiola will not block any sale of Bernardo SilvaCredit: Reuters More