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    Man Utd joined in Andre Silva transfer race by Barcelona as striker continues to impress at Eintracht Frankfurt

    BARCELONA have joined Manchester United in the transfer race for Andre Silva.The Eintracht Frankfurt striker, 25, is in red-hot form this season and attracting plenty of interest.
    Barcelona are eyeing up a transfer swoop for Eintracht Frankfurt forward Andre SilvaCredit: Getty
    And according to Bild via Marca, Barcelona are plotting a summer swoop.
    Silva came through at Porto before joining AC Milan, but was shipped out on loan at Sevilla and then Eintracht.
    Then he made the switch to the Bundesliga side permanent in 2020.
    The 38-cap Portugal international is enjoying a fine season this term with 22 goals and seven assists in 26 appearances.
    He also picked up the player of the month for January.
    Reports earlier in March suggested United and Atletico Madrid are very keen on the 6ft 1in frontman – especially with Edinson Cavani’s Old Trafford future in doubt – with the two clubs leading Arsenal in the race for his signature.
    Silva is on Barcelona’s shortlist of strikers as the Nou Camp giants desperately look to sign an out-and-out striker.
    Barca allowed Luis Suarez to leave last year.
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    Although they brought in Martin Braithwaite, a new No9 is a top priority.
    Ronald Koeman has also been linked with Premier League pair Sergio Aguero and Alexandre Lacazette in recent weeks.
    Memphis Depay and Georginio Wijnaldum may also be in line for a reunion with their former Netherlands national team boss. More

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    Solskjaer ‘in contact with Erling Haaland to try and convince him of Man Utd transfer’ ahead of talks with Dortmund

    OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER is reportedly in contact with Erling Haaland over a summer transfer to Manchester United.United are among a number of top European sides chasing the Norwegian’s signature at the end of the campaign.
    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is said to be in contact with fellow Norwegian Erling Haaland about a Man Utd transferCredit: Getty
    Haaland is on the radar of Europe’s biggest clubsCredit: Getty
    And Red Devils boss Solskjaer ‘keeps calling’ his countryman in a bid to convince him to move to Old Trafford, according to Spanish outlet AS.
    Haaland previously played under Solskjaer at Molde and the two are said to have maintained contact.
    Dortmund are bracing themselves for a flurry of bids this summer.
    And Haaland has reportedly spoken to his agent, Mino Raiola, to make it crystal clear he wants to quit if Champions League football is off the table at the Westfalenstadion.
    United’s frayed relationship with Raiola over the Paul Pogba transfer saga last year is a potential barrier blocking any deal for Haaland.
    But the Red Devils are reportedly willing to grit their teeth and get it done for the sake of the team.
    Solskjaer was desperate to get him from RB Salzburg and looked in pole position, given he had a close relationship with the striker at Molde.
    He met the Leeds-born Norwegian personally to convince him to become a Red Devil as others swooped, but then lost out to Dortmund in a deal worth around £17.2m.
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    Last month, Solskjaer refused to rule out a move for his former prodigy.
    Solskjaer said: “When you have had kids and players through as a coach, you follow them and I keep in touch with Erling, it’s great to see the player he has become.
    “I know he will work to improve all the time. He is a Dortmund player, we wish him well there and let’s see what life will bring later on.”
    Asked if any deal was now dead or could be revived Solskjaer said: “You know I can’t speak about Erling, he’s with Borussia Dortmund.
    “It’s disrespectful to talk about it apart from I know him and speak to him.”
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

    Erling Haaland shows off his football skills in Borussia Dortmund training More

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    Lucas Vazquez ‘in advanced Bayern Munich transfer talks with Real Madrid star set to quit amid Tottenham interest’

    BAYERN MUNICH are in advanced talks to sign Lucas Vazquez on a free transfer, according to reports.The Real Madrid winger is out of contract at the end of the season.
    Bayern Munich are reportedly leading the race to sign Real Madrid star Lucas VazquezCredit: Rex
    The 29-year-old, who has been linked with a move to Tottenham and Everton in the summer, is yet to agree a new deal in Spain.
    And Spanish outlet AS claim Bayern are leading the race but there is no agreement in place despite the two having advanced talks.
    The report adds that Vazquez still hasn’t given up on staying at Madrid but would welcome a move to the Bundesliga champions.
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    Hans-Dieter Flick’s side are also said to be keen to close the deal as quickly as possible with the Spain star’s versatility a huge bonus.
    While traditionally a winger, Vazquez has provided cover for Madrid at right back this season as well.
    The three-time Champions League winner’s 14-year spell with the club is set to end after negotiations over a new contract broke down.
    Vazquez also boasts two LaLiga titles and three Club World Cup winner’s medals to his name.
    Tottenham were linked with the winger a year ago and could reignite their interest.

    A reunion with Carlo Ancelotti at Everton could also be on the cards with suggestions the Toffees are monitoring his situation.
    Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa is also said to be weighing up an offer for the nine-cap Spain international.
    Switches to domestic rivals Valencia and Sevilla have been thrown in the ring while AC Milan and Napoli are among his suitors in Italy.
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    Chelsea signing Erling Haaland from Dortmund could be a ‘DISASTER’ – according to former Blues hero Frank Leboeuf

    ERLING HAALAND to Chelsea could be a ‘disaster’ transfer, according to Blues icon Frank Lebouef.The Blues are among a number of top European sides chasing the Norwegian’s signature at the end of the campaign.
    It could be a ‘disaster’ for Chelsea if they sign Borussia Dortmund star Erling HaalandCredit: Getty
    That is according to Blues icon Frank LebouefCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Chelsea chiefs are reportedly willing to give the move the green light, IF boss Thomas Tuchel can guide them into next season’s Champions League.
    However, Tuchel left Dortmund on bad terms and big-wigs at the Bundesliga side are said to be reluctant to sell to a side coached by their former manager.
    Although Tuchel won a German Cup at Dortmund, his time there is best-remembered for the bust-ups he had.
    And Lebouef – who played for Chelsea between 1996 and 2001 – is worried about the impact Haaland’s arrival could have on the Blues dressing room.
    He told Sky Sports: “Haaland is a beast.
    “Of course it would be a plus for Chelsea. But now you have to think financially and economically, and you also have to also think and make sure your dressing room is going to be following the coach.
    “If you put Haaland (in the team) you lose [Olivier] Giroud.
    “But you might lose [Kai] Havertz, you might lose [Timo] Werner as well. What about [Christian] Pulisic? Where are you going to play [Hakim] Ziyech?
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    “That is an equation that you have to make sure is going to work and that the results are going to be good for the club.
    “You can add talents, that is not a problem. But you have to make sure the chemistry works.
    “Otherwise it is going to be a disaster. Having only talent doesn’t make sure you are going to win something.”
    Amid intense talks linking him with a move away, Haaland recently said: “I still have three years of contract [at Dortmund].
    “I am not worried about [potential exit].”
    Micah Richards recently claimed Chelsea will be ‘scary’ next season if they land the Norway international.
    It was previously reported that Werner could be used as a makeweight in the Blues’ bid to land Haaland.
    But the misfiring German is said to be keen to fight for his spot under Tuchel despite struggling since arriving at Stamford Bridge.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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    Chelsea transfer blow as David Alaba ‘cuts down clubs to join to Real Madrid and Barcelona amid £400k-a-week demands’

    CHELSEA are reportedly out of the running to sign Bayern Munich ace David Alaba with the defender keen to join either Real Madrid or Barcelona.The 28-year-old will be departing the Allianz Arena in the summer when his contract expires having refused to agree a new deal in Bavaria.
    Bayern Munich star David Alaba reportedly has his heart set on a switch to Spain in the summerCredit: Getty
    Thomas Tuchel’s side have been heavily linked with a move for the Austria international, where he is looking to pocket £400,000-a-week in wages.
    But according to Sky in Germany, Alaba has rejected the chance to join the Blues.
    He is also said to have turned down an approach from Paris Saint-Germain, where the Ligue 1 giants were willing to meet his demands.
    It has been stated that Alaba – who can play as a centre-back, left-back or in midfield – has his heart set on a move to Spain.
    Real Madrid and Barcelona are vying to secure his services, where it was reported in February that a verbal agreement had been reached with Los Blancos.
    Spanish media declared that Real offered Alaba a £17million bonus with Zinedine Zidane desperate to bring him to the Bernabeu.
    However Barcelona were claimed to have reached an agreement with the player earlier this month.
    Commenting on his future, Alaba declared he is leaving Bayern to seek a new challenge having been at the club since 2008.
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    He said: “I have decided to do something new. It wasn’t an easy decision. I have not yet made the decision where to go.
    “I have personally decided to see something new, to look for a new challenge. That certainly took its time.”
    Before adding: “It’s no secret that my agent is negotiating with other clubs.
    “I am looking for a new challenge to develop myself as a person on and off the pitch.
    “Where can I continue to play football successfully? That will certainly be important in my decision.”
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    Eric Choupo-Moting misses international duty after Cameroon accidentally emailed themselves and not Bayern in huge gaffe

    BAYERN MUNICH star Eric Choupo-Moting will miss Cameroon duty this month, because of an embarrassing email gaffe.Coach Toni Conceicao had selected the 52-cap striker for his squad ahead of upcoming Afcon qualifiers.
    Eric Choupo-Moting has scored five goals this seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    But the Portuguese will now be without one of his biggest stars.
    Cameroon thought that they had called up the former PSG and Stoke forward.
    But according to Bild, national football chiefs sent the invite to the wrong email address.
    The amateurish administrative error will now see Cameroon finish their Group F campaign without the forward.
    Choupo-Moting’s father Camille has publicly defended his son in the affair.
    He told Naja TV: “I was contacted by the association to find out what was going on.
    “I contacted FC Bayern and they confirmed that they had not received the invitation.
    “It looks like she sent it to the wrong email address instead. For me, that’s a lack of professionalism.
    Choupo-Moting has 52 caps for his countryCredit: AFP
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    “When sending invitations, be sure to send them to the correct address. If that doesn’t happen, I don’t understand why it’s the club’s or Maxim’s fault.”
    Cameroon face Cape Verde on Friday afternoon, before hosting Rwanda next Tuesday.
    But fortunately, they are set to top the group regardless, already sitting six points clear of Mozambique in second and Cape Verde in third.
    Choupo-Moting has scored five goals in 24 appearances, primarily from the bench, since joining Bayern to deputise for Robert Lewandowski last summer.
    He recently netted against Lazio as Bayern booked a date with his former side PSG in the Champions League.
    Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting wraps it up for Bayern with a delicate finish! ⚽Hansi Flick’s side cut Lazio apart with two passes 😳 pic.twitter.com/ugLuk2JH1g— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) March 17, 2021

    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Neymar jumps on Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting during PSG post match interview More

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    Erling Haaland dismisses Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo comparisons and says ‘they are best players in history’

    ERLING HAALAND has dismissed comparisons with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronado, calling them ‘the best players in history’.Borussia Dortmund star Haaland, 20, has emerged along with Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe, 22, as the next big thing in European football.
    Erling Haaland has dismissed talk comparing him to Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel MessiCredit: Getty
    Haaland says Ronnie and Messi are arguably the two greatest footballers everCredit: Getty
    Haaland has scored an incredible 33 goals in just 31 games this term, making it 49 strikes in 49 matches since his Dortmund move in January 2020.
    European giants including Chelsea, Manchester City, United and Real Madrid have all been linked with record moves.
    And with Dortmund struggling to stay in the race for a Bundesliga top four finish, Haaland could find himself in new surroundings this summer.
    Many believe the club that wins the race for the Norwegian’s signature could go on to dominate for the next decade.
    And some have even declared that Haaland is now better than ageing veterans Messi, 33, and Ronaldo, 36.
    The pair, at Barcelona and Juventus respectively, have been the top names in the game for nearly 15 years.
    But with a combined age of 69, coupled with both their clubs underperforming, it has been said that Messi and Ronaldo are no longer the forces they once were.
    However, Haaland has rubbished suggestions he has already stepped into their shoes.
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    And he insists Messi and Ronaldo are probably the two greatest to ever play the beautiful game.
    Haaland told Dagbladet: “I think only of myself, to improve my game every day.
    “I don’t need to talk about Messi and Ronaldo, probably the best players in history.
    “I still need a lot to reach them.”
    Pep Guardiola hails Man City transfer target Erling Haaland as one of ‘world’s best’ More

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    Erling Haaland apologises for storming off pitch after Dortmund draw at Cologne but admits ‘I was pretty p***ed off’

    ERLING HAALAND has apologised for storming off the pitch after Borussia Dortmund’s disappointing draw at Cologne.But the Norwegian ace admits he was ‘pretty p***ed off’ after the result left Dortmund battling to stay in the Champions League race.
    Erling Haaland has apologised for storming off the pitch after Dortmund’s 2-2 draw at CologneCredit: Reuters
    The striker, who scored twice, admits he was ‘p***ed off’ with the result which damages Dortmund’s top-four hopesCredit: Getty
    Haaland was his team’s saviour on Saturday as his 90th-minute strike rescued a point away from home.
    It was the 20-year-old’s second goal of the game, having put Dortmund ahead after just three minutes.
    But the Champions League quarter-finalists struggled to make an impression against a relegation-battling Cologne side, who had been 2-1 up going into the final minutes thanks to efforts from Ondrej Duda and Ismail Jakobs.
    Haaland’s late impact means Dortmund are four points off fourth-place Eintracht Frankfurt with eight games to play.
    And his frustration spilled over at the final whistle as he threw his shirt to the ground before marching straight down the tunnel.
    Haaland has now apologised for his actions after going on international duty with Norway.
    But the striker insists he acted in the heat of the moment with Dortmund dropping more crucial points.
    Haaland explained: “I was pretty p***ed. I had a slightly wrong reaction… I’m sorry for that.
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    “But I could not control myself then, because I was so p***ed.”
    Regardless of their fate in the Champions League race, Dortmund will likely struggle to hold on to Haaland this summer.
    The former Molde and RB Salzburg star has hit an incredible 33 strikes in just 31 games this term.
    Combined with the 16 he scored last season after joining in January 2020, Haaland has 49 goals in 49 games for Dortmund.
    European giants including Chelsea, Manchester City, United and Real Madrid have all been linked with record moves. 
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