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      Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger ‘in talks over FREE transfer with Real Madrid, PSG, Bayern Munich and Juventus’

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      ANTONIO RUDIGER is in talks with four top European clubs over a free transfer, reports say. The German has just half a year left on his current deal and is yet to extend it, despite efforts from Chelsea.
      Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger is entering the last six months of his contractCredit: EPA
      Having entered the last six months of his contract, Rudiger, 28, is now able to negotiate a free transfer abroad.
      And according to Sky Sports, Real Madrid, PSG, Bayern Munich and Juventus have all opened talks with his representatives.
      It could see him finalise a pre-contract agreement this month and secure a move away from Stamford Bridge.
      But, it is also claimed staying at Chelsea has not yet been ruled out by Rudiger.
      He has started 20 Premier League games this season – the most of any outfield player – and remains hugely valued by the club.
      It is believed the Blues have been unable to strike a financial agreement with the defender, who reportedly earns in the region of £140,000-per-week.
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      The Telegraph had claimed LaLiga giants Real are willing to DOUBLE that salary in order to prize Rudiger over to Spain.
      He is also joined by Cesar Azpilicueta, 32, Andreas Christensen, 25, and Thiago Silva, 37, who are all entering the final stages of their contracts.
      Azpilicueta is understood to be pushing for a two-year extension with the option of a third.
      But Chelsea – who have a policy of offering over 30s only one-year extensions – are expected to counter with a 12-month deal with the option of another year.
      Christensen had appeared close to agreeing terms with Chelsea, but has since changed agents and been linked to Barcelona on a free, Sky in Italy say.
      Silva on the other hand is nearing a one-year extension, which would guarantee him three years at the club.
      Chelsea defenders Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas ChristensenCredit: Getty More

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      ‘Barca are back’ – Barcelona confirm Erling Haaland interest and warn they are ‘big players in transfer market’ again

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      JOAN LAPORTA reckons Barcelona are ready to go to battle with Europe’s biggest teams for the signature of Erling Haaland.The Nou Camp president claims his club will be a transfer force to be reckoned with as his side looks to rival Chelsea and Liverpool for the striker’s services.
      Barcelona are reportedly set to rival Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City and Man United for the signature of Erling HaalandCredit: EPA
      Football expert Fabrizio Romano says Barca are drawing up plans to rebuild their side with the LaLiga giants hoping to re-establish themselves as a dominant force.
      On their rumoured interest in the Borussia Dortmund ace, Laporta, 59, reportedly said: “We’re working to build a top team. 
      “Everything is possible if we do things well and I’m sure we will.
      “Top players are open to joining Barca. We’re definitely recovering our status.
      “Everybody in the world should get ready, as we are back as big players in the market.”
      Laporta’s comments come amid reports of the Barca president allegedly meeting super-agent Mino Raiola who represents Haaland, 21, and Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba.
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      And both players are rumoured to be the focus of a potential Barca swoop this year despite the club’s much-reported financial issues.
      The Nou Camp side, who were in debt to the tune of £1.15billion last August, have taken out a bank loan to help with their finances.
      Haaland, who has been on fire in attack this term, is attracting from Real Madrid, Manchester City and Man United, as well as Barca, the Blues and Liverpool.
      The player has a £64million release clause in his contract with Dortmund that will become active this summer – a bargain for a player of his quality.
      Raiola revealed his client had purchased a house in Spain.
      And reports claim the forward has told starstruck fans of his intent to one day play in the country.
      Haaland’s current contract with German giants, which commenced in January 2020, is set to expire in June 2024.
      The forward, who began his senior career at top-flight Norwegian side Bryne, has smashed in 19 goals in 16 games across all competitions this term.
      And Haaland has netted 76 times in 79 games for Dortmund since joining the club two years ago.
      Barca president Joan Laporta claims the Nou Camp outfit are ready to compete for top players in the transfer marketCredit: Rex More

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      Man Utd transfer target Erling Haaland ‘to have future decided in February’ with Dortmund set to offer new deal

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      ERLING HAALAND’S future is expected to finally be decided in February, according to reports.Borussia Dortmund are preparing a mind-boggling package to offer Haaland in a bid to fend off interest from the likes of Manchester United and Real Madrid.
      Borussia Dortmund are readying a contract proposal for Haaland with his future set to be decided early in the New YearCredit: EPA
      The 21-year-old has been linked with a host of Europe’s top clubs for what seems like an eternity.
      And German outlet Bild report that discussions between the club and Haaland’s agent, Mino Raiola, as well as father Alf-Inge Haaland, will kick off in the New Year.
      And Dortmund are readying a club-record offer, worth £260,000-a-week, DOUBLE Haaland’s current weekly wage.
      That equates to £13.4million-a-year, with a further £6.7m up for grabs through Dortmund’s kit manufacturer Puma.
      It’s also claimed Puma want to increase Haaland’s earnings from previous manufacturer Nike.
      United though will be desperate for Haaland to reject the proposal.
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      His reported £68m release clause becomes active in the summer, a snip for a player who has scored 76 goals in 75 games for Dortmund.
      But in a blow to the Red Devils Raiola has not ruled out Haaland snubbing interest and staying at Dortmund next season.
      The club had been hoping that interim boss Ralf Rangnick could use his relationship with Haaland’s father to help lure him to Old Trafford.
      Talks are reportedly already underway between Rangnick and Haaland Sr regarding a move.
      The 63-year-old manager has proven capable of luring Erling to another club as he played a key role in convincing him to switch Molde for Salzburg two years ago.
      However United are set to face stiff competition for his signature, should he decide to leave Dortmund.
      Reports this morning suggested Real Madrid are confident of signing Haaland due to their relationship with Borussia Dortmund.
      Manchester City too are rumoured to be interested, as Pep Guardiola looks to fill his void at the top of the pitch.
      Elsewhere in the Premier League Liverpool and Chelsea are monitoring the situation.
      While in Europe the Norwegian talisman has also been eyed by the likes of Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Juventus and PSG.
      ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford More

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      Man Utd leading £60m transfer chase for teenage midfielder Florian Wirtz as Ralf Rangnick targets FOUR German wonderkids

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      RALF RANGNICK will step up his efforts to land £60million-rated German super-kid Florian Wirtz.The Manchester United boss has also drawn up a hitlist of crack Bundesliga rookies he wants at Old Trafford — whether he is in charge next season or not.
      Florian Wirtz is Ralf Rangnick’s No1 transfer target ahead of the January transfer windowCredit: Getty
      Yet his No 1 target is Bayer Leverkusen teenager Wirtz — described as the best young German midfielder in decades.
      The 18-year-old has long been on the radar of some of Europe’s top dogs.
      However, he has hinted he would prefer to develop his game in the Bundesliga.
      Yet Rangnick is prepared to test that resolve by offering him a chance to star at United.
      He knows the prospect of a leading role at Old Trafford would be hard to reject.
      United have also been watching Leipzig’s Amadou Haidara and Boubacar Kamara of Marseille — but Wirtz is their first choice.
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      Ex-Germany and Liverpool star Didi Hamann has called him the best central midfielder he has seen in years, after two stunning seasons at Leverkusen.
      Wirtz made his debut just three weeks after his 17th birthday and became his nation’s youngest-ever Under-21 international at the same age.
      He has since been called up into Germany’s senior squad.
      United know they would have to pay big bucks to sign him, as his Leverkusen deal runs to 2026.
      But Rangnick will tell the top brass he is worth the money, with a summer deal likelier than January.
      The club had already increased their scouting operation in Germany over the past two years. That has stepped up under Rangnick — and even if he moves upstairs at the end of the season,  he will have a big say on recruits.
      A United source said: “The new manager knows practically everybody in German football and there is huge excitement behind the scenes about what it could mean for United in the next few years.
      “Germany is a hotbed of talent and he has already flagged up a handful of names.
      “Everyone is hoping Rangnick can help United steal a march on some of our rivals.”
      The three youngsters he is most keen on are Luca Netz, Eric Martel and Armel Bella-Kotchap.
      ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
      Left-back Netz, 18, joined Borussia Monchengladbach in August after only 15 appearances for Hertha Berlin.
      Defensive midfielder Martel, 19 and on loan at Austria Vienna from Leipzig, can also operate at centre-back.
      And Paris-born centre-back Bella-Kotchap, 20, played a big role in Bochum’s promotion to the Bundesliga last season.
      Luca Netz has impressed at left-back Borussia Monchengladbach this seasonCredit: Getty More

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      ‘Don’t rule it out’ – Man Utd transfer blow as Raiola hints Erling Haaland may STAY at Dortmund despite ‘waving goodbye’

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      ERLING HAALAND’S agent Mino Raiola has hinted the goal machine might stay at Borussia Dortmund in a huge blow to Manchester United.The shock statement comes just days after the Norwegian sensation appearing to wave goodbye to Dortmund fans.
      Man Utd target Erling Haaland could stay at Borussia Dortmund
      That is according to his agent Mino RaiolaCredit: Getty
      The 21-year-old is one of European football’s most wanted men with a raft of heavyweight clubs – including the Red Devils, Real Madrid and Barcelona – eyeing his signature.
      Haaland waved to supporters after Dortmund’s 3-0 win over Furth last Wednesday – their last home match of the year.
      Borussia director Michael Zorc dismissed it as nothing. And Raiola has as good as backed that up with his latest comments.
      The super-agent told NOS: “Could Haaland wait for Barcelona?
      “He can wait for anybody. We don’t have a pre-agreement with any club.
      “We’ll look for the best option for him and I can’t rule out another year at Dortmund. Theoretically, that’s still possible.”
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      Reporters in Germany picked up on Haaland’s wave and questioned Dortmund officials following their 3-2 defeat by Hertha Berlin on Saturday.
      Sporting director Zorc said: “I saw the pictures afterwards too.
      “It looked a bit strange, but I don’t think it was a deliberate action.
      “I spoke to him again briefly, and that’s not an issue in the team either.
      “‘What is this?’ I asked him. ‘Nothing at all’, he said. That settles the matter.”
      Fellow Dortmund director Hans-Joachim Watzke also suggested the striker could stay in Germany for at least another season after a ‘positive call with Raiola’.
      He told Bild: “It doesn’t matter where you go, everyone talks about Erling Haaland.
      “The only thing I know is that Real Madrid are very interested in his signing.
      “I could name you other 25 teams, but I know for a fact that Madrid are interested.”
      ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
      Watzke added: “He might leave, but he might stay also.
      “I talked to Mino Raiola a few days ago and the phone call was very positive.
      “We will likely talk again in the upcoming weeks.”
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      Real Madrid transfer interest in Erling Haaland confirmed by Dortmund chief after striker seemed to wave goodbye to fans

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      BORUSSIA DORTMUND boss Hans-Joachim Watzke confirmed Real Madrid’s transfer interest in Erling Haaland. The Norwegian, who has 76 goals in 75 Dortmund appearances, has long been linked with the Spanish giants.
      Real Madrid’s transfer interest in Erling Haaland has been confirmedCredit: Getty
      Haaland, 21, is still contracted until 2024 but his release clause, believed to be £68million, is not active until next year.
      And in an interview with BILD TV, Dortmund CEO Watzke opened up on Madrid’s pursuit of the striker.
      He said: “No matter where I go, everyone speaks to you about Erling Haaland. 
      “All I know is a guarantee that Real Madrid are very interested in him. I could name 25 others now. 
      “But I know for sure, it can be that he leaves, but it can also be that he stays. 
      “A few days ago I had a very good conversation with Mino Raiola. When we are in a target corridor, the conversations are always quite friendly. 
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      “And that phone call was quite friendly. We will certainly have another meeting in the next few weeks. 
      “The overall development of Haaland is in the foreground. Just like with Lewandowski, I would like to be proud of Erling at some point if he wins the Champions League. 
      “Personally, I think it’s good for him if he stays in the Bundesliga a little longer.”
      Super-agent Raiola was also recently forced to deny claims Haaland had an agreement in place with Barcelona or Madrid.
      Raiola said: “Can Haaland wait for Barcelona? Haaland can wait for everyone.
      “We don’t have a pre-agreement with any club. We will look for the best option and we don’t rule out another year in Dortmund, either, theoretically it’s still possible.”
      With Haaland set to be available for a cut-price deal next year, it is likely the forward could be prized away.
      And the hitman raised questions about his Dortmund future after he waved to supporters following their 3-0 win over Furth last Wednesday – their last home match of the year.
      Erling Haaland has long been linked with Real MadridCredit: Rex More

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      Man Utd joined by Bayern Munich in Jude Bellingham transfer race as they plan raid on title rivals Dortmund for star

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are set to be rivalled for the signing of Jude Bellingham by Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, it’s claimed.United are desperate for reinforcements in midfield, with Bellingham a target for interim boss Ralf Rangnick.
      A transfer tussle for Bellingham between some of Europe’s biggest clubs could be on the cards in the summerCredit: AP
      And now Bayern Munich have joined the race for the England star, according to German outlet Bild.
      Borussia Dortmund though are desperate not to lose one of their prized assets to their biggest rivals.
      Bayern are famed for poaching Dortmund’s best players, and have done so in the past by signing the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Mario Gotze and Mats Hummels.
      This time however they do not want to let it happen, with Erling Haaland also linked with a switch from Dortmund to Bayern.
      With Bellingham under contract with Dortmund until 2025, the club are in a strong position when it comes to transfer negotiations.
      Meanwhile at Old Trafford Paul Pogba is out-of-contract at the end of the season, while question marks remain over Scott McTominay, Fred and Nemanja Matic.
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      A midfield overhaul is expected, and Bellingham is just one name that Rangnick wants to add to his midfield.
      Kalvin Phillips is another, although the Leeds man is rumoured to be put off by a move to Leeds’ biggest rivals.
      And SunSport exclusively revealed earlier this month that RB Leipzig midfielder Amadou Haidara could be Rangnick’s first signing at Old Trafford.
      That’s if the Red Devils pay £32million for the 23-year-old in January.
      Elsewhere on the Bellingham front United’s bitter rivals Liverpool continue to be linked with the midfielder.
      Anfield boss Jurgen Klopp has reportedly identified Bellingham as his key target next summer to bolster his ageing midfield.
      Klopp is hoping to capitalise on the scrap for Haaland to swoop in under the radar and tie up a move for Bellingham.
      But with Bayern and Manchester United both also keen on Bellingham, a low-key move for one of football’s brightest talents seems impossible.
      ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford More

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      in Soccer

      Arsenal Invincibles legend Jens Lehmann called Bernd Leno to ask ‘if he was ok’ with the German ousted by Aaron Ramsdale

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      ARSENAL Invincibles legend Jens Lehmann phoned Bernd Leno to check he was OK with the German having been demoted to No 2 behind Aaron Ramsdale.The pair briefly played together at Stuttgart and have kept in touch ever since.
      Jens Lehmann recently phoned Bernd Leno to ‘check everything is ok’Credit: Getty
      Leno has been dropped in place of Aaron Ramsdale this seasonCredit: Getty
      Leno, 29, came through the ranks at the Bundesliga side and began training with the senior teams around the time Lehmann, 52, arrived from the Gunners in 2008.
      And although Lehmann left in 2010 and Leno never made a Stuttgart first-team appearance before leaving for Bayer Leverkusen, the two remain in contact to this day.
      Mikel Arteta has promoted Ramsdale to first-choice stopper at the Emirates this season which has seen Leno drop to the bench for their Premier League games.
      And Lehmann – who won the Prem and the FA cup during a five-year, 200 game spell – called his fellow German to check in on him.
      In an interview with the Arsenal programme ahead of their home clash against Southampton, Leno recalled: “I will never forget what I learned from Jens.
      “I am still in touch with him. In fact he called me the other day to ask if everything is OK.
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      Ramsdale has played 13 times in the Premier League this season – including the Southampton start – but Leno has featured just three timesCredit: Rex
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      “It’s always great to speak with him because he has experienced so much in football and always has good advice.
      “It’s important to stay in touch with people because the football world is very small and the goalkeeping world is even smaller.”
      Leno has played just five times this season – three in the Prem and twice in the Carabao Cup.
      And Ramsdale has featured on 13 occasions in the top flight – including the Saints start – and just once in the League Cup.
      AWKWARD REPUTATION
      Lehmann had a reputation for being an awkward team-mate throughout his playing career – particularly toward other goalkeepers – but Leno’s experience couldn’t have been more different.
      The nine-cap Germany international added: “He was always really good with me.
      “It felt like he had two different personalities. On the pitch he was crazy, very focussed, always very very serious.
      “But off the pitch, he was very nice, very respectful.
      “He spoke to me a lot, asked me about my school, told me I needed to finish my schooling at the highest level I could.
      “He was interested in how I trained and I really liked that he showed an interest in me.
      “And I was so impressed with how he worked. He was 39, he had nothing to prove to anyone but I always saw him in the gym working like crazy.
      “I was thinking to myself ‘wow this is the top level. This is what it takes’.
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      “It showed me that I needed to do a little bit more myself and be very professional if I wanted to reach the first team level.”
      Lehmann won 61 Germany caps during his iconic career.
      And he also played every game of the North Londoners’ famous unbeaten 2003-04 Premier League campaign.
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