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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

    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’

    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

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

    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?

    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.

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    Man Utd transfer blow in Jadon Sancho pursuit as Borussia Dortmund boss Favre insists ‘we need him, no question’

    BORUSSIA DORTMUND boss Lucien Favre has revealed Jadon Sancho will be staying at the club to deal Manchester United a major blow in their quest to sign him.
    The 20-year-old has been heavily linked with a switch to the Red Devils, but the Premier League side are refusing to pay his £108million asking price.

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    Borussia Dortmund have been adamant that they will not be selling Jadon SanchoCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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    Manchester United are desperate to prise Sancho away from Germany this summerCredit: Handout – Getty

    It is understood that the England international is Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s No1 summer target, but BVB are confident they will be keeping hold of the winger.
    According to the BBC, the Bundesliga outfit do not believe the winger will be leaving this window, despite personal terms said to have been agreed with United.
    And Favre has now stated that Sancho is going nowhere as he spoke of his joy that he will be remaining a part of his squad.
    He told Keystone-SDA via the Daily Mail: “We need him, no question. Everyone was happy that he stayed.

    “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.”
    United have been linked with a host of other wingers should they fail to prise Sancho away from Germany.

    A move for Real Madrid outcast Gareth Bale could be seen as an attractive option with Los Blancos claimed to be open to selling him for £18.5m.
    And Juventus forward Douglas Costa has also been put up for sale, with the 29-year-old free to leave the Old Lady.
    Long-term target Ivan Perisic continues to be linked with United, with Inter Milan keen to offload him as he enters the final year of his contract.

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    David Alaba’s agent ‘demands £18.5m from Bayern Munich for star to extend contract’ as he is branded ‘greedy piranha’

    DAVID Alaba’s agent has been branded a ‘piranha’ after reportedly demanding £18.5million from Bayern Munich to get the defender to extend his contract.
    Super-agent Pini Zahavi is claimed to be holding out on negotiations until he can pocket a big payday for himself – all while Alaba’s contract ticks down in its final year.

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    David Alaba has reportedly found himself in the middle of a tug of war between his club Bayern Munich and his agent

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    Pini Zahavi is a close friend of Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich

    Zahavi’s alleged actions have not gone down well at the club, with former president Uli Hoeness blasting him as a “greedy piranha”.
    Reports from Bild say that one of the main sticking points in Alaba’s extension is the agent fee.
    Zahavi is reportedly demanding a whopping 20 million euros, or £18.5 million, to get Alaba’s signature on the dotted line.
    Bayern Munich have continued to hold out but with the Austrian’s contract running down, they face a race against time to stop him walking out for free next summer.

    The German giants will also be concerned with reports suggesting Manchester City are following the situation closely.
    The stand-off left ex-Beryn chief Hoeness fuming and he did not hold back during a TV appearance when the 77-year-old agent’s name cropped up.
    Hoeness, who stepped down as club president in November, told Sport1: “He [Alaba] has a greedy piranha for an agent.
    “His father, whom I like a lot, he’s letting himself be influenced by him very much.

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    Uli Hoeness had a few choice words for Pini Zahavi who he branded a ‘greedy piranha’
    “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 is not at all possible. I can understand that Hasan [Salihamidzic] totally flipped out at a meeting. The arguments that are exchanged there defy belief.”
    The revealing comments exposed the Israeli agent’s strained relationship with the club, where he also represents their star striker Robert Lewandowski, 32.
    Hoeness was far more complimentary about Alaba who he called a “super guy.”

    He added: “Hansi Flick absolutely wants to keep him. Everyone wants him to stay. He’s a very good player.
    “I hope that David and his father realise that a four or five-year contract at FC Bayern is the best for them and that they adapt to our wage structure. Then everyone would be happy.
    “The last millions this is about will not make him happier – but would mess up our wage structure. That’s why the club has to be very firm in this matter.”

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