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    Bayern Munich ‘keen on shock Frenkie de Jong transfer’ and looking to take advantage of Barcelona’s financial problems

    BAYERN MUNICH are monitoring Frenkie de Jong amid Barcelona’s financial crisis, according to reports.
    The Dutchman caught the eye of the Bundesliga side during his rise at Ajax, which led to a £68million switch to the Camp Nou.

    Frenkie de Jong is seen as a major asset for Barcelona’s short and long-term futureCredit: Reuters

    According to ESPN, a speculative offer of £65m was floated by Bayern during the summer, only to be rebuffed by Barcelona.
    The German giants were said to be testing the water during their rivals’ economic turmoil.
    Stars including Luis Suarez and Arturo Vidal were sold as the coronavirus pandemic bit on a club with a notoriously high wage bill.
    Two round of pay cuts have been agreed in the past nine months, the latest coming in November and totalling £110m.

    De Jong signed a new contract a month earlier, extending his deal to 2026, which reportedly included a 30 per cent wage deferral.
    Despite their interest, Bayern are described as highly unlikely to pull off a deal to sign the 23-year-old in January.

    The midfielder is one of the key talents Barcelona are determined to hold onto as they come through this crisis.
    Reserve goalkeeper Neto and defender Junior Firpo are named as two players up for sale when the window opens, with Antoine Griezmann and Philippe Coutinho available for the right price.

    In any case, the Blaugrana’s transfer plans may change drastically when a new club president is elected on January 24.

    Former chief Joan Laporta is the frontrunner to re-take the helm – and the 58-year-old set up a huge billboard on a huge billboard on the streets of Madrid on Tuesday.
    The banner declared his hope that he sees Real Madrid fans soon, in a clear sign of his confidence at not only reclaiming the presidency but also shooting Barcelona up the table.
    Ronald Koeman’s side sit eighth before the midweek visit of first-placed Real Sociedad.

    Roughly 200m from Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu stadium, you can see a banner of Joan Laporta’s presidency campaign.Laporta shared the picture with a “Hello Madrid” caption. pic.twitter.com/NYk1RMgJ2Y
    — Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) December 15, 2020

    Frenkie de Jong shows off his shooting skills in Barcelona training More

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    Man Utd transfer blow with Bayern Munich in pole position for Dayot Upamecano ahead of £38m release clause activation

    MANCHESTER UNITED were dealt a blow in their pursuit of Dayot Upamecano as reports suggest Bayern Munich are in pole position to land the defender.
    The Athletic reports Champions League winners Bayern are now in the driving seat over the Red Devils in the hunt for the highly rated RB Leipzig centre-back.

    Bayern Munich are reportedly in pole position to sign Dayot UpamecanoCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Upamecano, 22, has a £38million release clause in his contract that can be activated at the end of the season.
    The report states the French defender is keen to secure an agreement with one of the European giants chasing him sooner rather than later.
    Upamecano caught the eye with some outstanding displays last season as Leipzig made the Champions League semi-final.
    And the player is thought to want to tie down his future to improve his international prospects with France playing in World Cup qualifiers in March before the delayed Euro 2020 tournament next summer.

    For the calibre of player, the price point of just under £40m for Upamecano is a snip and has got a number of clubs interested.
    He has been regularly linked with United who are looking to bolster their options in the heart of defence.
    Liverpool have also been suggested as a potential destination as Jurgen Klopp needs reinforcements for his injury-ravaged squad with Virgil Van Dijk and Joe Gomez long-term absentees.
    But with experienced duo David Alaba and Jerome Boateng set to leave the Allianz Arena in the summer, Bayern appear to have upped the ante in the race to secure Upamecano’s signature.

    The report states that Upamecano is no longer a key priority target for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side and that they have ‘cooled’ their interest.
    Bayern were also previously interested in Upamecano but were put off by a higher price and did not need to strengthen at the back.
    Upamecano has made 16 appearances for Leipzig this season and has flourished in the Bundesliga under the management of Julian Nagelsmann.
    ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

    Solskjaer looking forward to seeing Man Utd transfer target Dayot Upamecano ‘close up’ in RB Leipzig clash More

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    Bayern Munich star Javi Martinez ready to ‘try something new’ after deal expires at end of season

    BAYERN MUNICH star Javi Martinez has sparked speculation over his future by revealing he wants to ‘try something new’.
    The Spanish international, 32, moved to the German giants back in 2012.

    Bayern’s Javi Martinez is ready to ‘try something new’ after his deal expiresCredit: Getty

    After looking set to leave last summer after losing his starting place, he opted to stay another campaign following talks with coach Hansi Flick.
    Martinez helped Bayern to both the Bundesliga title and Champions League this year.
    However, despite targeting both again, he admits it looks unlikely he will still be there past June when his contract expires.
    However, he refused to discuss potential new clubs ahead of the Champions League clash at Atletico Madrid tonight.

    He said: “This is not the moment to discuss what will happen in June 2021.
    “Anything can happen.
    “I had great years here and we will see what happens.”
    Martinez added: “I would like to try something new, no matter where, but something new before I end my career.

    The best available free agents still on the market

    “The contract says it is the last year.
    “I am happy to be here now and I am part of the team and that is what is important.”
    Martinez has enjoyed huge success since his switch to Germany.
    He has lifted the Bundesliga eight times and the Champions League twice.
    And he also has five German Cup medals plus a Club World Cup gong on his impressive CV.

    Atletico Madrid vs Bayern Munich free live stream, TV Channel and kick off time for Champions League match More

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    Chelsea to ‘start talks with David Alaba’ over free transfer in January with defender set to quit Bayern Munich

    CHELSEA are reportedly to open talks with Bayern Munich star David Alaba in the New Year.
    The Bundesliga giants have taken the offer of a new contract off the table ahead of his deal expiring in the summer.

    David Alaba remains a first-choice pick for Bayern Munich amid his contract sagaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Alaba, 28, can negotiate a pre-agreement with any club in January, setting up a free transfer at the end of his Bayern stay.
    Chelsea are set to be at the front of the queue in negotiating a deal, according to Bild.
    The involvement of agent Pini Zahavi, who has helped Roman Abramovich’s club seal many transfers in the past, is said to help the Blues’ case.
    ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

    Several rivals have been linked with the Austrian, including Liverpool and Manchester City.
    This report highlights Paris Saint-Germain’s interest but Alaba is thought to not fancy a move to France.
    Real Madrid and Barcelona have also been mentioned in reports yet the LaLiga duo are described as unable to afford the defender.
    Alaba fell out with Bayern after the lack of movement in contract talks was confirmed by the club.

    Club president Herbert Hainer said earlier this month that an offer was ‘no longer’ on the table after a ‘very good’ figure was deemed ‘unsatisfactory’ by the player’s camp.

    Reports have suggested Zahavi wants an £18million fee for cutting a deal, leading to a furious response by one former Bayern chief.
    Ex-president Uli Hoeness declared: “[Alaba] has a greedy piranha for an agent. His father, whom I like a lot, is letting himself be influenced by him very much.”
    Alaba has denied the sort of figures being quoted in talks and continues to be a first-choice pick for coach Hansi Flick.
    He stated: “I cannot say how it will continue from this point. I am glad to be playing for Bayern and to be a part of the team.

    “But what the future will look like after yesterday evening I just cannot say, as no one has talked to me officially.
    “I can completely understand the fans [being hurt]. I wish internal stuff would stay internal.
    “The numbers out there do not correspond to reality and I am a bit disappointed and sad that the club never officially came out to say they are wrong.
    “I have not made any thoughts about my future because Bayern was always the first point of contact. I had no contact with other clubs for that reason.” More

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    Liverpool set to be beaten to David Alaba transfer by Juventus as Reds desperately seek cover for Van Dijk and Gomez

    JUVENTUS are pushing hard to sign Liverpool and Manchester City target David Alaba, according to reports in Italy.
    The Bayern Munich defender is out of contact in June and appears to be heading to the Allianz Arena exit door.

    David Alaba netted in Bayern Munich’s recent win over Borussia DortmundCredit: EPA

    According to Tuttosport, Juve are very keen on the Austrian as a replacement for 36-year-old star Giorgio Chiellini.
    Andrea Pirlo is intent on signing a centre-back for the left side of a defensive partnership, with left-footed Alaba a convincing option.
    The Austrian, 28, has been a star of Bundesliga since breaking out at Bayern in 2011.
    An extremely versatile player, Alaba started out as a midfielder before moving to left-back.

    But all ten of his appearances this campaign have been in central defence, a position he has taken up since Alphonso Davies’ emergence.
    Real Madrid and Manchester City are also named by the Italian media as interested in Alaba.

    What Liverpool are missing during Virgil van Dijk’s absence
    Pep Guardiola added Nathan Ake and Ruben Dias to his squad in the summer, having suffered from a defensive injury crisis last season.
    This time around, it is Liverpool who are struggling with a number of stars out of action.

    Virgil van Dijk is not expected to play again this season following his Merseyside Derby tangle with Jordan Pickford.

    The Reds hope to have Joe Gomez back by the spring while Trent Alexander-Arnold and Fabinho are out for a few weeks.
    Also linked to the Premier League champions are Napoli star Kalidou Koulibaly and Olympiacos bad boy Ruben Semedo.
    Meanwhile, Juventus are said to be keen on Diego Carlos of Sevilla and Fiorentina’s Nikola Milenkovic if Alaba does not arrive.

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    Arsenal and Chelsea in battle to land Jerome Boateng on free transfer as Bayern ‘refuse to offer him new deal’

    ARSENAL and Chelsea are in a battle to sign Jerome Boateng on a free transfer, according to reports.
    And London rivals Tottenham may join the chase for the German defender.

    ⚠️ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news from The Emirates

    Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham may all make moves to try and sign Jerome Boateng on a free transferCredit: Reuters
    According to Sport Bild in Germany, Bayern Munich will refuse to offer Boateng a new deal.
    The former Manchester City man, 32, is out of contract at the end of the season.
    That means he can enter negotiations with European clubs over a pre-contract agreement to move in the summer.

    Boateng came through at Hertha Berlin before three years at Hamburg and then joined Manchester City.
    After a season at the Etihad, he returned to his homeland by signing for Bayern in 2011.
    The centre-back has 333 appearances, eight Bundesligas, two Champions Leagues and a Club World Cup for the Bavarians.
    Boateng and Niklas Sule have battled it out to partner David Alaba – also in the final year of his deal – at the heart of Hans-Dieter Flick’s side so far this term.

    But Premier League sides may look to bring the experienced defender back to England next summer despite strong starts defensively to the season.

    Boateng has been heavily involved for the European champions at the start of this seasonCredit: EPA

    Caballero and Cech are the oldest players in the Premier League

    Chelsea and Arsenal have conceded ten while Spurs have shipped a league-best nine along with Manchester City, Wolves, Aston Villa and leaders Leicester.
    Sokratis, David Luiz and Shkodran Mustafi all have their contracts expiring next summer.
    So even though Mikel Arteta will have the likes of Gabriel, William Saliba and Pablo Mari at his disposal, the Arsenal boss could benefit from the addition of Boateng.
    Chelsea landed veteran Thiago Silva for nothing this summer and are already reaping the benefits with his commanding performances at the back.
    Frank Lampard may be tempted by a similar signing if Silva continues to be a success.
    At Tottenham, Jose Mourinho saw one experienced defender leave in Jan Vertonghen.
    Joe Rodon did come in from Swansea but so far the Special One has generally opted for Eric Dier, Davinson Sanchez and Toby Alderweireld at the back.

    Jerome Boateng scores pair of wonder goals for Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga More

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    Liverpool given huge transfer boost as Bayern Munich boss Hansi Flick CONFIRMS David Alaba contract talks have stalled

    DAVID ALABA is yet to agree a new contract with Bayern Munich – potentially alerting Liverpool to a deal for the defender.
    Bayern boss Hansi Flick has confirmed the club’s difficulty in tying down the Austrian with his existing deal expiring in June.

    David Alaba will become a free agent next summer unless he can agree a new Bayern Munich contractCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    And Alaba, 28, has been linked with a move to Anfield after Virgil van Dijk’s injury – following in the footsteps of former team-mate Thiago Alcantara.
    Flick told reporters: “Alaba is doing a good job.
    “I feel he’s the same as last season, very focused, loud on the pitch, one of the players who leads our defence. For me, there’s no difference between now and last season.

    “I’m not concerning myself with [his future] at all right now.
    “I really hope that he signs a new deal with Bayern because I think he knows what the current situation is in Munich.
    “We have a lot of fun, it is a good atmosphere in the team and we play successful football. It is a club that belongs among the best in the world.
    “The conditions are top for every player right now and I think he’ll think twice about changing that.

    “He will think about it, I am sure, but we will have to respect any decision. I hope he will remain with us but ultimately it is his decision.”

    Manchester clubs United and City, plus Juventus, are also said to be tracking Alaba.
    Munich have won six of the seven games he has played this season, including the Uefa Super Cup and their opening two matches in the Champions League.
    Snapped up from Austria Wien as a teenager, the versatile star has been a mainstay in the Bayern side for a decade – winning nine Bundesliga titles.
    But contract talks have been tough with former club president Uli Hoeness slamming Alaba’s agent.

    It’s purely about money.
    Uli Hoeness On Alaba’s Extension Talks

    Amid talk of an £18.5million agent’s fee, he stated last month: “It’s purely about money.
    “If you only knew what [Pini] Zahavi wants for himself from David’s signature – an eight-figure sum.
    “That is not at all possible. I can understand that Hasan [Salihamidzic, Bayern director] totally flipped out at a meeting. The arguments that are exchanged there defy belief.”

    Bayern Munich’s David Alaba show the best way to stay active with his fitness regime More

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    Chelsea to keep Callum Hudson-Odoi as Bayern Munich agree transfer to bring Douglas Costa back from Juventus

    CHELSEA will keep Callum Hudson-Odoi as Bayern Munich have agreed to sign Juventus’ Douglas Costa instead.
    Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reports a ‘total agreement’ has been reached with the Old Lady after a deal for Hudson-Odoi, 19, collapsed.

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    Callum Hudson-Odoi is unlikely to join Bayern MunichCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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    Douglas Costa has agreed a move to Bayern Munich from JuventusCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    And Costa, 30, who left Bayern for Juventus in 2018, will return to Bavaria on loan, according to Sky Sport Germany’s Max Bielefeld.
    Frank Lampard had confirmed Hudson-Odoi could leave before the window slams shut on Monday night.
    He said: “There is no definitive answer — by Monday we will know the answer.

    “Bayern might have declared their interest, which is one thing, but Callum is absolutely part of my plans.”
    But it appears the England winger will remain at Stamford Bridge and not be joining the Champions League winners.
    Bayern boss Hansi Flick hailed Hudson-Odoi as ‘one of the biggest talents’.
    Hudson-Odoi was targeted by the German champs last summer but a move failed to materialise before he penned a bumper long-term deal in West London.

    The Blues academy product made his first start of the Premier League season in the 4-0 thumping of Crystal Palace on Saturday.

    But he faces competition from new signings Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner and Kai Havertz as well as American ace Christian Pulisic with game time potentially tough to come by.
    Costa reportedly shot down a move to Wolves as he only wanted to leave Turin for another big club.
    Manchester United were linked with the Brazilian – who is being offloaded by Andrea Pirlo’s side after becoming surplus to requirements thanks to persistent injury problems.
    Costa missed 21 games through injury last season but is set for a second chance in the Bundesliga.

    Chelsea star Callum Hudson-Odoi shows off amazing ball control with Christian Pulisic More