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      Borussia Dortmund almost signed Kylian Mbappe aged 17 on FREE transfer from Monaco in 2016 – year before going for £153m

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      BORUSSIA DORTMUND missed out on signing Kylian Mbappe for FREE just 12 months before his £153million move to Paris Saint-Germain.The 22-year-old French striker is now one of the most sought-after talents on the planet with a host of clubs chasing his services.
      Borussia Dortmund almost joined Dortmund for absolutely NOTHINGCredit: Reuters
      World Cup winner Mbappe fired PSG to last season’s Champions League final and further enhanced his CV recently with a hat-trick against Barcelona in the same competition.
      He first burst onto the scene as a teenager with Monaco and broke Thierry Henry’s record to become their youngest-ever goalscorer in February 2016.
      Although he signed a three-year deal with the Ligue 1 side, they were unable to turn down the huge fee on offer from their big-spending domestic rivals and eventually cashed in.
      However, former Dortmund chief scout Sven Mislintat has now revealed how close he came to getting the hotshot to the Bundesliga side for NOTHING a year prior to his huge PSG move.
      The ex-Arsenal head of recruitment told the Kicker meets DAZN podcast: “It was a real shame that we couldn’t get Kylian in.
      “Kylian Mbappe was [available] free of charge at a certain point and there were many suitors. But we had no chance of winning that [race].
      “If you had been able to steal Mbappe from Monaco for free at the time, it would of course have been a mega deal.”
      Mbappe scored 26 goals in 44 games the following season to explode onto the worldwide stage as Monaco won Ligue 1 and reached the Champions League semi-finals.
      That summer he then became the second-most expensive transfer of all time behind his team-mate and current strike partner Neymar when he headed north to Paris.
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      He has rewarded that massive outlay by rifling in 120 goals in 160 matches and has already reached the 30-mark this campaign.
      After winning the title in each of his seasons with PSG, he will be hoping to go one better than last year this time around by firing them to Champions League glory.
      They have drawn Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals in a repeat of last season’s final with the two powerhouses set to collide next month.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Wenger urges PSG to focus on keeping Mbappe and Neymar over Messi transfer More

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      Chelsea refusing to give up David Alaba free transfer but £400,000-a-week demands an issue as Man City pull out race

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      CHELSEA are reportedly refusing to give up in the race to sign David Alaba for free this summer – but his £400,000-a-week wage demands remain an issue.However, Manchester City have decided to end their interest in the Austrian defender.
      David Alaba remains a transfer target for Chelsea, PSG, Barcelona and Real Madrid but not Manchester CityCredit: EPA
      Alaba, 28, revealed he will leave Bayern Munich after 13 years on a free transfer this summer when his contract expires.
      Real Madrid and Barcelona appeared to be battling it out for his signature with no transfer fee required.
      But despite reports in Germany that Alaba had rejected approaches from Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain, the player’s agent confirmed his client has not decided just yet.
      And Pini Zahavi – who also looks after Bayern team-mate Robert Lewandowski – refuted suggestions it is simply a two-horse race for Alaba between the LaLiga giants.
      He told Kicker: “David has to choose who wins the race. But we are still talking with other clubs. There is no deadline.”
      Alaba may even wait until after Austria’s Euro 2020 campaign to finalise his next move.
      And according to the Daily Mail, that has given Chelsea hope they could still work out a deal to bring the nine-time Bundesliga winner to Stamford Bridge.
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      Thomas Tuchel is determined to bring in another defender this summer and the experienced, versatile Alaba certainly fits the bill.
      But the Manchester Evening News state the 78-cap star is not currently a transfer target for City.
      Pep Guardiola worked with Alaba at Bayern Munich but is eyeing a long-term left-back at the Etihad instead.
      Alaba has been at Bayern Munich for 13 years and won 19 major trophiesCredit: AFP

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      Bayern Munich ‘refuse to sign Douglas Costa on permanent transfer and will send him back to Juventus after flop loan’

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      DOUGLAS COSTA’S loan spell at Bayern Munich will reportedly not be extended this summer.The Brazilian midfielder returned to the Bundesliga giants from Juventus in October.
      Bayern MUnich have decided they are not signing Douglas Costa permanentlyCredit: ZUMAPRESS.com
      The 30-year-old, previously linked with Manchester United, has failed to impress Bayern boss Hansi Flick.
      And Goal claims the Champions League holders have already made the decision not to renew the loan or look to make it a permanent transfer.
      Costa originally signed for Bayern in 2015 from Shakhtar Donetsk and shone during his two years there before heading to Juventus on loan.
      That led to a permanent move, but an on-pitch row with Federico Di Francesco during a match against Sassuolo in early 2018 angered club officials. 
      Things continued to get worse for Costa as he struggled for match action and he eventually ended up returning to Bayern looking to revive his career.
      But the South American has made just 11 Bundesliga appearances, three of those starts, this term as he struggled to break into the side ahead of the likes of Kingsley Coman, Serge Gnabry and Leroy Sane.
      Costa then fractured a metatarsal in February which has sidelined him for several weeks.
      He looks certain to leave Juventus once the window re-opens.
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      That is despite still having 12 months left on his contract.
      Brazilian side Gremio are believed to be one potential option for the star.
      Although it remains to be seen whether they will cough up a fee for a permanent transfer or attempt to try and negotiate a loan.  More

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      Ibrahima Konate breaks silence on £34m Liverpool transfer and reveals his phone has been ‘ringing all over the place’

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      IBRAHIMA KONATE’S phone has been ‘ringing all over the place’ since strong Liverpool links emerged this morning.The RB Leipzig star is currently away on international duty with France Under-21s.
      Ibrahima Konate has been heavily linked with LiverpoolCredit: Getty
      But while he aims to progress through the group stage of the European Championships, a major bombshell surrounding his future has dropped.
      The Athletic claim that Liverpool have made ‘significant progress’ in talks with RB Leipzig over a £34million move for the centre-back.
      Asked about the reports by L’Equipe, he responded: “I woke up, I saw my phone ringing all over the place.
      “I just wanted to tell them, ‘Hey, I played yesterday, I’m tired, leave me alone.’
      “Frankly, I don’t even watch this.
      “We can’t focus on that, there are the Euros and then my return to the club.
      “You have to focus on that and not on the external things.”
      Konate, 21, played the full 90 minutes as the young Bleus defeated Russia in Hungary on Sunday.
      Konate helped France U-21s beat Russia on SundayCredit: Reuters
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      The centre-back has been tracked by a number of big clubs around Europe, including Arsenal.
      And, alongside Bayern Munich-bound Dayot Upamecano he has impressed – despite persistent injury issues.
      Konate has made only 17 Bundesliga appearances since the start of last season, having suffered from a muscle tear and an ankle issue.
      Konate has built a solid reputation alongside Dayot UpamecanoCredit: Getty
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Liverpool plan transfer raid on Sheff Utd for Sander Berge to replace Wijnaldum but face competition from Aston Villa More

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      Thomas Muller opens door to Bayern Munich transfer exit as long-time Man Utd target admits he could follow Thiago out

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      THOMAS MULLER admits he would have ‘no problem’ quitting Bayern Munich – just like old pal Thiago Alcantara.Liverpool stunned world football when they managed to persuade Thiago to quit Bayern last summer following the Bundesliga club’s incredible Treble.
      Thomas Muller says it would be ‘no problem’ to leave boyhood club Bayern MunichCredit: Reuters
      Thiago Alcantara swapped Bayern for Liverpool despite winning the trebleCredit: Getty
      Muller has long been linked with a move away from the Allianz Arena, with Manchester United once tipped to sign him in a huge-money transfer.
      The World Cup winner has spent his whole career in Bavaria, having joined Bayern when he was just ten years old in 2000.
      Muller has gone on to score 212 goals in 571 games, winning nine titles and two Champions Leagues in the process – Bayern even completed the Sextuple in February.
      Now 31, many believe Muller will see out the rest of his days with the German giants, earning the respected title of a one-club player.
      However, the forward is adamant he is not tied at the hip to Bayern.
      And just like Thiago made the decision to quit last year, Muller says he too would have no concerns leaving the club many currently consider to be the best in world football.
      Muller told The Times: “I am not fixed to this club.
      “I have a special relationship, I love Bayern before I started playing for them.
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      “But when there is a situation where you have to decide maybe to play for a different club.
      “It would be no shame and no problem at all.
      “Maybe like with Thiago (Alcantara at Liverpool).”
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      Seven clubs Harry Kane could leave Tottenham for including Man Utd and Real Madrid as refusing to commit future to Spurs

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      HARRY KANE is refusing to commit to Tottenham beyond the end of this season.The England superstar said he’ll decide on his future after this summer’s Euros and SunSport has explored seven clubs he could sign for should he decide to leave Spurs.
      Harry Kane could leave Tottenham after this summer’s EurosCredit: AFP
      It’s been another disappointing campaign for the North Londoners.
      Despite reaching the League Cup final against Manchester City, Spurs have already crashed out the Europa League and FA Cup and look unlikely to beat Chelsea to the last top four place.
      They are currently the third highest ranked London team behind the Blues and bitter rivals West Ham and speculation has been rife linking world class striker Kane with a move away.
      Many fans and pundits alike think the striker deserves better and should be playing for a bigger side.
      And SunSport has explored seven clubs Kane could join if he decides he has had enough.
      MAN UTD
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side were heavily linked with a move for the Tottenham ace last summer but a move never came to fruition.
      But with United in desperate need for an out and out striker and Edinson Cavani’s future in the balance, Kane could be the last piece of the jigsaw that sees United win a Premier League title again.
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      Kane was linked with an Old Trafford switch last summer and could be the missing piece in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s jigsawCredit: AFP

      MAN CITY
      City legend Sergio Aguero is yet to sign a contract extension with his deal expiring this summer.
      And how do you replace one of the Premier League’s greatest ever players? Buy another one of them.
      However, City are also keeping tabs on Erling Haaland and Rio Ferdinand reckons the Norwegian youngster would be a better option for Pep Guardiola’s side than 27-year-old Kane.

      REAL MADRID
      Los Blancos are also in the hunt for a new striker.
      Karim Benzema is 33 with limited years left at the top.
      And if Real fail to land their top target Kylian Mbappe, England ace Kane would make a perfect second choice.
      And he’s used to playing in white.
      Despite the move making sense from a football perspective, former Madrid president Ramon Calderon thinks it may prove too expensive for the cash-strapped Spanish giants.
      Zinedine Zidane is in the market for a new striker at Real MadridCredit: Splash
      PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN
      Faced with the prospect of losing Mbappe, the Ligue 1 champions could be in the market for a replacement No 9.
      And with former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino at the helm, a reunion with his old boss may be very tempting for Kane.
      BAYERN MUNICH
      Kane recently warned his rivals he has not peaked yet and wants to follow in Robert Lewandowski’s footsteps by playing his best football in his 30s.
      But the Polish ace is 32 now and Bayern may consider a move for Kane as a plan for the future.
      Liverpool boast the most-valuable squad in the Premier League
      BARCELONA
      The Catalans will always have the pull of being one of the biggest clubs in the world.
      And with Lionel Messi’s contract expiring at the end of the season and his future still in doubt, Barca may find themselves with a huge part of their wage budget being freed up.
      CHELSEA
      The Blues spent big last summer with Timo Werner arriving from RB Leipzig.
      But the German has struggled for form at Stamford Bridge and is already being linked with a move away.
      Reports suggest the West Londoners will offer him as part of a swap deal for Erling Haaland.
      But if that move does not come off, an audacious swoop for their bitter rivals’ star man could be on the cards.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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      Roy Keane hails Man Utd transfer target Jude Bellingham as ‘complete midfielder’ aged 17 after San Marino showing

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      ROY KEANE has labelled England star Jude Bellingham as the ‘complete midfielder’ after his second half showing against San Marino.The 17-year-old dazzled on his second international cap as he came off the bench in the World Cup qualifier during the 5-0 win on Thursday.
      Jude Bellingham impressed for England in their 5-0 win against San Marino on ThursdayCredit: Getty
      Roy Keane was full of praise for Bellingham as he hailed him as a ‘complete midifelder’Credit: ITV
      Bellingham almost became the Three Lions’ youngest-ever goalscorer, but his acrobatic effort narrowly went wide of the post.
      And Keane has waxed lyrical over the teenager who opted to join Borussia Dortmund from Birmingham last summer instead of Manchester United.
      Keane – who has held talks with Celtic about the vacant manager’s job – told ITV Sport: “Bellingham looks like a complete midfielder.
      “He’s still a kid playing regularly in Germany. 
      “He’ll be disappointed with missing the chance, but at 17 he has nice composure, happy to break forward, very good night’s work.
      “He will be disappointed with the chance, he tries to complicate it when he should just side-foot it.”
      Ian Wright added: “Some players want to move it quickly and he has a nice calmness to him, and we’re going to need it.”
      Bellingham has become a key player for BVB this term, where he has scored once and provided four assists in 35 games in all competitions.
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      And the youngster revealed that it was an easy decision to join the German outfit, despite being chased by the Red Devils.
      He told Sky Sports: “The hardest thing about leaving Birmingham was because I had been there so long.
      “It felt like they were a massive part of me, being a fan and then working all the way through the academy and playing for the first team.
      “I think in life you have to take opportunities, and this is a huge one for me to come and play for such a big club.
      “It wasn’t a hard decision for me to come here.”
      Gareth Southgate says England vs San Marino was a game they expected to win comfortably after England’s 5-0 victory More

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      Xabi Alonso makes Real Sociedad B U-turn and signs new one-year deal after almost quitting to be Monchengladbach boss

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      XABI ALONSO has completed a rapid U-turn and signed a new deal as Real Sociedad B boss.The former Spain midfielder, 39, was expected to quit the club and take over at Borussia Monchengladbach.
      Xabi Alonso has signed a new deal to continue as Real Sociedad B boss for another yearCredit: Getty
      Talks were held with the Bundesliga outfit to become the new first-team head coach as Marco Rose prepares to join Borussia Dortmund in the summer.
      But the Spanish side confirmed the ex-Liverpool man penned a contract extension for another 12 months until 2022.
      Sociedad took to Twitter to confirm the announcement.
      Alonso said: “I want to continue growing with this project.”
      He added he has ‘more goals and ambitions this season’ and wants his top-of-the-table team to challenge themselves.
      Alonso started his professional playing career with Real Sociedad before an illustrious career with Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, retiring in 2017.
      He made 701 club appearances – winning 14 trophies including the FA Cup, two Champions Leagues, LaLiga and three Bundesligas.
      Alonso earned 114 international caps between 2003 and 2014 and was a key member of the Spanish side that won Euro 2008, the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012.
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      The Basque-born star then helped Real Madrid Under-14s to the league title after taking over in 2018 and completing his coaching badges.
      Then in 2019, he headed back to Sociedad as B team boss.
      Last season his side finished fifth, just outside of the play-offs, but are top of their Segunda Division B this term with the best goal difference.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Alonso won 114 caps for Spain, winning two European Championships either side of the 2010 World CupCredit: AFP – Getty
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