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      David Alaba’s dad hits back at ex-Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness for ‘spreading dirty lies’ amid contract row

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      DAVID ALABA’S dad has hit back at Uli Hoeness after Bayern Munich’s ex-president claimed the left-back’s agent was a “greedy piranha” amid tense contract negotiations.
      Austria international Alaba, 28, is in the final year of his Bayern deal.

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      David Alaba’s dad has hit out at comments made by ex-Bayern president Uli HoenessCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      And it’s reckoned clubs across Europe, including Manchester City, are ready to pounce before October’s transfer deadline.
      Bayern are locked in talks to prevent Alaba from leaving on a free at the end of the season.
      But it’s reckoned the versatile defender wants to become Bayern’s best-paid player on £23million a year.
      Speculation about the talks saw Hoeness brand Alaba’s agent, Pini Zahavi, a “greedy piranha.”

      Hoeness ranted: “Alaba has a greedy piranha for an agent.
      “His father, whom I liked a lot, he’s letting himself be influenced by him very much. It’s purely about money.
      “If you only knew what Mr Zahavi demands only for himself for David’s signature for an eight-figure sum.
      “That’s not at all possible. I can understand that (director of football) Hasan Salihamidzic totally flipped out at a meeting. The arguments that are exchanged there defy belief.”

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      But George Alaba has fired back at Hoeness, claiming the ex-Bayern supremo is “spreading dirty lies.”
      He told Sky Sports: “I brought David to Bayern as a teen. Over the years I’ve had several opportunities to transfer him to another club.
      “But we were loyal and always chose to stay. I didn’t expect to see Bayern spreading dirty lies in public about salary and commission claims.
      “Claiming we can’t come to an agreement over a new contract due to such payments is one of those filthy allegations.
      “All because we didn’t accept the figures they have presented to us. We have our own ideas.”
      Alaba’s agent Zahavi added: “At no point did I talk in detail about a possible commission payment with the people in charge at Bayern.
      “The only time this topic came up was when we met in Lisbon. Salihamidzic asked me how I would imagine that.
      “I told him we should work on an agreement with the player first, but I wouldn’t ask for more than usual.
      “I don’t want to get more than other agents who have received commission payments from Bayer. Again, we’ve not talked numbers yet.”

      Inside Bayern Munich’s Champions League celebrations as Davies pulls out dodgy dance moves and Wags party night away More

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      Robert Lewandowski vows to push Leroy Sane to next level and ‘sees massive potential’ in new Bayern Munich star

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      ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI has vowed to help Leroy Sane unlock his true potential at Bayern Munich.
      Manchester City reluctantly sold their 24-year-old winger to the Germans for £55million in July after he turned down a new contract.

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      Robert Lewandowski wants to help Leroy Sane get even better at Bayern MunichCredit: Alamy Live News

      Despite missing last season through injury, Sane is still regarded as one of the world’s best forwards and will give Champions League winners Bayern even more strength up front.
      In the three seasons he was fit, Sane scored 39 goals for City while winning two Premier League titles and one FA Cup.
      He was also named PFA Young Player of the Year in the victorious 17/18 campaign.
      But new teammate Lewandowski, 32, reckons Sane can get even better in his new surroundings at the Allianz Arena.

      Lewandowski, who scored a mind-blowing 55 goals in all competitions last season and was a shoe-in for the Ballon d’Or before it was axed, said: “I want to push Sane hard in every single training to make him realise what he doesn’t know he has.
      “I want him to work harder to show something special because he’s an amazing guy and I think with him we can pay another tactical system very well.
      “That’s why I see his massive potential and in my experience you have to push these players to make them play better and better.
      “I know he has a huge talent and if you work hard and train at 100 per cent then you will become a better player.”

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      The pair could start in attack for Bayern’s season opener against Schalke tomorrowCredit: Alamy Live News

      Bayern are yet to play a competitive game since their Champions League final win over Paris Saint-Germain last month.
      Hansi Flick’s Bundesliga winners kickstart their title defence at home to Schalke tomorrow evening.
      They then take on Sevilla in the UEFA Super Cup final a week later, with a German Super Cup final against Borussia Dortmund still to come at the end of September.

      Bayern Munich officially announce Leroy Sane’s £55m transfer from Man City More

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      Liverpool target Thiago Alcantara’s Wag Julia Vigas is a hotel owner, who wanted her husband to move back to Barcelona

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      THIAGO Alcantara appears set for a move to Liverpool from Bayern Munich in a £25million deal, but that might not please his missus, Julia Vigas.
      In the past, the midfielder was constantly linked with a move back to the Nou Camp – and Spanish media believed Julia was the driving force.

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      Julia Vigas could be heading to England

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      Thiago Alcantara’s wife Julia had always hankered for a return to Barcelona, according to reports

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      The couple, at Oktoberfest in 2018, have been in Munich seven yearsCredit: Bongarts – Getty

      The stunning blonde is said to miss her old life in Catalonia, having swapped Spain for Germany when Thiago joined Pep Guardiola in Bavaria in 2013.
      After nearly seven years in Munich, it may be time for a return for the Spain international, who has won six titles in a row since making the move.
      BARCELONA-BORN
      Born and raised in Barcelona, Julia’s family still live in the city.
      She is also part-owner, with her brothers and father, of a hotel on the Costa Brava.

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      Julia studied marketing and communications at the university of Barcelona

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      Her family owns a hotel in the popular Costa Brava resort Llafranc
      The Terramar is a three-star hotel in the popular resort town Llafranc.
      The hotel has great reviews on certain websites, with guests regularly giving it four stars out of five.
      One reviewer called it a “lovely hotel”, another said it had “wonderful staff” and a third said their stay was “fantastic”.
      Her father is said to be a leading Catalan businessman, although it’s not known what business he is involved in.

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      Julia and Thiago were married in 2015 and have one son, Rafael

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      They are frequent visitors to Barcelona where their friends and family remain
      A UNI GRADUATE
      Julia graduated from the University of Barcelona in 2013, where she studied marketing and communications.
      That summer, her and Thiago were on their way to Munich to join Guardiola’s revolution at Bayern.
      In a now defunct blog, Julia revealed: “I am a lover of fashion and travel, shoes and bags are my addiction.”
      The couple married in 2015 and have a son, Gabriel.

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      A post shared by Júlia Vigas (@juliavigas) on Jul 2, 2017 at 1:26pm PDT

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      A post shared by Júlia Vigas (@juliavigas) on Jul 25, 2017 at 10:12am PDT

      Julia and Thiago had appeared mostly happy with life in Munich, where they have been regulars at Oktoberfest.
      But they make consistent trips back to Spain with Thiago best friends with La Masia graduates Sergio Busquets, Marc Bartra and Jordi Alba.
      Thiago’s younger brother Rafinha is also on Barcelona’s books, but could be set for a move to the Premier League with Leeds and Arsenal said to be interested. More

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      Leeds threatened with legal action by RB Leipzig over Augustin ‘after refusing obligation to sign striker for £17.7m’

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      LEEDS have been threatened with legal action by RB Leipzig for their failure to sign striker Jean-Kevin Augustin.
      The Bundesliga side claim the Whites were legally obliged to buy the forward for £17.7million after their promotion to the Premier League.

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      Leeds have been threatened with legal action by RB Leipzig for failing to sign Jean-Kevin Augustin

      But Leeds think the deal is null and void because of the coronavirus delay to the season.
      Augustin arrived at Elland Road in Janaury on a short-term loan deal which inlcuded an obligation to buy clause if Leeds were promoted.
      Leipzig say it is “clear” the Yorkshire side should cough up after going up from the Championship as champions, but Leeds are refusing to budge.

      Their use of Covid-19 as an excuse has riled Leipzig’s commercial director Florian Scholz, who lashed out at Leeds in an interview with Sport Buzzer.
      He said: “The legal situation is clear.
      “Leeds is currently in the process of spending a lot of money in the transfer market.
      “But does not stand by its contractual obligations. We are ready to take further steps.”

      Augustin, 23, only played three times for Bielsa and still has two years left to run on his Leipzig deal.

      And despite recovering from a hamstring injury over lockdown, Leeds decided against extending his loan to enable him to play after the restart.
      Speaking earlier in the summer, Bielsa said: “When he finished [his loan spell], we evaluated if it was convenient that he stayed with us or went back to his original team.
      “We thought that the most convenient thing was to take the decision we did.”

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      Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa confirms that he will be staying at the club for the next year More

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      Liverpool agree £25m Thiago Alcantara transfer after Bayern Munich demanded deal was completed before this weekend

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      LIVERPOOL have agreed a £25million deal to sign Thiago Alcantara from Bayern Munich.
      On Thursday, Bayern president Karl-Heinz Rummenigge confirmed the player’s desire to join the Premier League champions.

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      Thiago Alcantara has been a long-term target for the Anfield clubCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      He told Bild: “I can confirm that FC Bayern has finally reached an agreement with Liverpool.
      “It was Thiago’s great wish to do something new at the end of his career.”
      The Athletic outline how talks accelerated during the week after the Bundesliga side set a tight deadline to complete the transfer.

      Speculation over the move has persisted for many months with Thiago having just a year left on his Bayern contract.
      And the Bavarians are said to have pushed for a breakthrough in talks before their season began.
      Bayern start the defence of their Bundesliga crown at home to Schalke on Friday night.
      The 29-year-old is set to cost Liverpool £25m once personal terms are finalised on a four-year contract.

      The Times report on the deal for Thiago, who will take the No6 shirt, being split into a £20m up-front payment with £5m in add-ons.

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      He will become their second major signing of the transfer window after the Reds spent £11.75m on Greek left-back Kostas Tsimikas.
      Manchester United were linked with a late bid for Thiago after deals for Jadon Sancho and Gareth Bale faded.
      But the Red Devils will have to look elsewhere as Jurgen Klopp’s side look set to add the Champions League winner to their midfield.
      Both clubs were criticised by a former Bayern Munich president for the manner they approached the deal – which was likened to “blackmail”.
      Uli Hoeness told Sport1 earlier in the week: “A while ago we agreed on a new four-year contract.
      “Some days later [Thiago] said, ‘I’m looking for a new challenge.’ Which is totally okay.
      “I think he obviously has an agreement with Liverpool or Manchester United or both of them. Now both clubs are bluffing, and no one has contacted Bayern Munich officially.
      “From my point of view, that has no style. They’re trying to blackmail us, by waiting until the last week, when they’re going to make a cheap offer.”

      Despite Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott pushing for more first-team action, playmaker Thiago was targeted amid rumours over Georginio Wijnaldum’s future.
      The Dutch midfielder, 29, has just a year left to run on his Liverpool contract and is linked with Barcelona.
      Reports earlier in the month suggested a £17.7m move was in the offing, with the player said to be keen on a fresh challenge.

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      Sky Sports host has no idea Jurgen Klopp can hear as he describes him dodging Thiago transfer question ‘wonderfully’ More

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      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ‘tells Jadon Sancho Man Utd deal is close’ with pair ‘in regular contact’ as negotiations continue

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      MANCHESTER UNITED boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has reportedly spoken to Jadon Sancho to assure him that a deal is close to being agreed.
      Borussia Dortmund have been adamant they will not be selling the 20-year-old, on whom they have slapped a £108million asking price.

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      Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is known to be a huge admirer of England international SanchoCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Personal terms are already said to have been agreed with Sancho, but as of yet, the Red Devils have been reluctant to fork out the huge sum of money.
      This has led to the club to fear missing out on him next year, with the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona and Liverpool known to be interested.
      But, according to Norwegian news outlet Dagbladet via the Metro, Solskjaer has been in constant contact with Sancho this summer.
      They state that the ex-Cardiff gaffer recently assured the England international that he will be a United player by the end of the window.

      United have until October 5 to secure his services, otherwise they run the risk of not signing him at all.
      Speaking to Keystone-SDA about the winger recently, Dortmund boss Lucien Favre spoke of his delight that the forward will be remaining in Germany.
      He said: “We need him, no question. Everyone was happy that he stayed.

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      “We don’t need to talk long about its qualities – they are enormous

      “He scores and sets up a lot of goals and can often make all the difference. 
      “But there are some details that Sancho needs to improve. That is quite normal for a 20-year-old.”

      Man Utd target Jadon Sancho embarrasses team-mate so badly in Dortmund training he is walked off pitch in pity More

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      With Bale close to shock Tottenham return, which comebacks were a success and which were flops?

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      THEY say never go back… but don’t tell Gareth Bale.
      The Real Madrid star is nearing a stunning loan deal to return to Tottenham after seven years away.

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      Gareth Bale will hope to recreate these halcyon days if he re-signs for TottenhamCredit: Reuters

      After a somewhat tepid time under Jose Mourinho, Spurs fans will be desperate for their former hero to bang in the goals like the good old days.
      Bale notched 56 goals and 58 assists in over 200 appearances before his £85million exit in 2013.
      But, with a dodgy injury record and a poor relationship with Zinedine Zidane leading to plenty of time spent on the sidelines, there will be plenty of doubters ahead of his return.
      Here, SunSport details four comeback kids Bale can look to for inspiration – and three he dare not emulate.

      THIERRY HENRY

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      Thierry Henry proved his legendary status in North London with his cameo return – as if he needed toCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Arguably no player has had as big an impact at one club during the Premier League era as Thierry Henry at Arsenal.
      Few could blame the Frenchman for trying his luck with Barcelona after eight years in North London – especially as he went on to win the treble.
      Eventually heading to North America, Henry found himself at a loose end in January 2012 and fancied a trip to see some old friends.

      A two-month loan deal was sorted and he reminded Gooners why he was so adored with a winning goal on his debut, against Leeds in the FA Cup.
      Henry played seven games during his second spell and left on a high, bagging a stoppage-time winner in his final appearance.
      MARIO GOTZE

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      Injuries and a mystery illness got in the way of Mario Gotze’s Borussia Dortmund comebackCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Mario Gotze, like most top German players, signed for Bayern Munich while at the peak of his powers.
      The manner of the 2013 switch irked Borussia Dortmund but the player, who was briefly Germany’s all-time record transfer, actually struggled in Bavaria.
      Three years later, he returned and admitted: “I can look at [the move] now through different eyes. I can easily understand that many fans could not understand my decision. I would not make that decision now.”
      Far from the fairytale return, Gotze managed just 16 games for Borussia the following season.
      Things barely improved and the World Cup winner was released this summer.
      DIDIER DROGBA

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      Didier Drogba popped back to Stamford Bridge for a fourth Premier League medal in 2014/15Credit: EPA
      Returning legends can make as big an impact off the pitch as on it, as Didier Drogba showed.
      The Ivorian was far from his prime when pitching up at Chelsea for a second spell in 2014.
      Time in China and Turkey had drained more than a yard of pace from the striker, aged 36 as he rejoined.
      Yet he embodied the Blues’ return to normalcy, coinciding with Mourinho’s second term as manager to bag a Premier League title.
      A talisman around the entirety of the club, Drogba even helped out with vital goals against Spurs, Manchester United and Leicester en route to his fourth league crown.
      KAKA

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      Brazilian playmaker Kaka’s decline was confirmed with a middling return to MilanCredit: AFP
      If any player’s return was set up like Bale’s, it is the story of Kaka.
      Departing AC Milan in 2009 as one of the world’s best players, the Brazilian became a classic Galactico signing for Real Madrid.
      Like Bale, he had his moments in Spain but ultimately struggled to shake off injuries and titles were often evasive.
      Upon departing Real, Kaka was compelled to relive his Milan glory days and signed a free transfer in 2013.
      Tearing his hamstring in his first game, he bounced back to score a reasonable seven goals at the San Siro as the Rossoneri drifted to a disappointing eighth-placed finish.
      DIRK KUYT

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      Dirk Kuyt scored a famous hat-trick as he waved goodbye to FeyenoordCredit: Rex Features
      Returning to your old team can often be a bit of an anticlimax… but not for Dirk Kuyt.
      The underrated Dutchman headed back to Feyenoord in 2015 on the hunt for one last heroic moment to cap his career.
      It finally arrived in his last game for the club, Kuyt bagging a final day hat-trick to seal Feyenoord’s first Eredivisie title in 18 years – which the captain lifted himself.
      In fact, he isn’t the only Premier League favourite with a fantastic Feyenoord return under their belts.
      Robin van Persie returned to Rotterdam for his final 18 months as a professional, scoring 25 times and lifting the KNVB Cup.
      JOE COLE

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      Joe Cole could not recover his best form after almost a decade away from West HamCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      West Ham fans must be yearning for the sort of talents that used to pass through the club, before they were sold on.
      Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard and Joe Cole all left for success elsewhere – but one did come back.
      A home league debut equaliser against QPR provided hope of things to come but Cole was not the midfield maestro who had terrified defences for Chelsea in years gone by.
      In an 18-month stay at Upton Park, Cole failed to establish himself in the team.
      The Hammers beat relegation in 2013/14 after a strong second half of the campaign, although the ex-England ace rarely featured when they won.
      MARK HUGHES

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      Mark Hughes (left) was a vital component of Sir Alex Ferguson’s early success at Old TraffordCredit: Getty – Contributor
      British players heading abroad tend to produce mixed results, as Mark Hughes can attest.
      Sparky’s trip to Spain was far less fruitful than Bale’s would prove to be, spending just a season with Barcelona before being loaned to Bayern Munich.

      New Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson wanted the striker back in England and handed over £1.8m to sign him, £200,000 less than Barcelona had paid the Red Devils two years previous.
      Hughes quickly became a staple as Fergie began to build his first imperious side.
      Two Premier League titles and two FA Cups were among his achievements in a seven-year second spell, as well as a pair of PFA Player of the Year gongs.

      Simon Jordan says that Gareth Bale will not solve the problems at Tottenham More