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      Kyle Walker ‘in talks’ to make major transfer U-turn amid rumours of move to Champions League giants Bayern Munich

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      MANCHESTER CITY star Kyle Walker could make a dramatic U-turn amid speculation linking him with a move to Bayern Munich.Walker was reportedly expected to join Bayern following a sensational Treble-winning campaign that saw him win the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League with City.
      Manchester CIty star Kyle Walker has been linked with a move to Bayern MunichCredit: Getty
      Walker is holding talks with Manchester City over a contract extensionCredit: Getty
      According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, however, the right-back is holding talks with the Citizens over a potential contract extension.
      The Bundesliga champions still want to sign the England international but City manager Pep Guardiola wants to hold onto him.
      Romano tweeted: “Man City and Kyle Walker are in talks over contract extension.
      “Sources believe this is still a possibility despite interest from Bayern.
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      “Bayern want Walker but City are still in talks to discuss Kyle’s stay.”
      Walker’s contract runs out in 2024, which means City could lose him for free next year if he stays without penning a new deal.
      Bayern manager Thomas Tuchel is a big admirer of the 33-year-old, whom he watched during his time in Chelsea’s dugout.
      The Bavarians are rigorously searching for a right-back during the summer transfer window.
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      And the German giants are determined to sign from the top shelf after refusing to turn Walker’s City team-mate Joao Cancelo’s loan deal into a permanent stay.
      City are also looking to upgrade in defence despite a stunning campaign at home and abroad.
      That is why Guardiola is very keen to land RB Leipzig star Josko Gvardiol. More

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      Erling Haaland could slump to THIRD in Ballon d’Or as fans call for Man City team-mate to beat Messi to gong

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      MANCHESTER CITY superstar Erling Haaland could drop to third in the Ballon d’Or rankings despite his record-breaking exploits.Haaland led City to a Treble as he became the Premier League’s all-time leading goalscorer in a single campaign and topped the Champions League charts, while also dominating the FA Cup.
      Manchester City star Erling Haaland could finish third in the Ballon d’or rankingsCredit: Getty
      Fans prefer Haaland’s Manchester City team-mate Rodri for the Ballon d’Or awardCredit: Rex
      Lionel Messi could also win the award after leading Argentina to the World CupCredit: Getty
      However, fans believe one of the star striker’s City team-mates deserves the Ballon d’Or more than Pep Guardiola’s goal machine.
      And that is none other than Rodri, who added the Nations League to his trophy case on Sunday.
      The midfielder helped Spain beat Croatia on penalties after a goalless draw in the final at De Kuip.
      The 26-year-old put together another man-of-the-match performance in a final shortly after scoring City’s winner against Inter Milan to seal the club’s first ever Champions League trophy.
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      And Rodri’s exploits could see him cut some of Haaland’s votes for the 2023 Ballon d’Or.
      The Norway international poses as a favourite, while Lionel Messi is hoping for an eighth award after leading Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar.
      But Rodri’s success could slump Haaland to third place following mass praise from the fans.
      One fan tweeted: “Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League, Nations League. MOTM awards in multiple finals. Rodri has completed football this season.”
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      Another commented: “All timer season by a DM. Rodri deserves to be on that Ballon d’Or podium.”
      A third posted: “If Jorginho made top 3 in the Ballon D’or in 2021, then Rodri should be winning the Ballon D’or for winning the treble and winning the Nations League… Uncomfortable conversations.”
      This fan wrote: “Rodri is a better contender for the Ballon D’or than Messi.”
      And that one stated: “It has been a good 2022/2023-season for Rodri. A Ballon d’Or worthy season.” More

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      Two former Premier League stars look unrecognisable as they star for Real Madrid in legends match

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      TWO former Premier League stars looked completely unrecognisable as they recently lined-up for Real Madrid in a legends match.One was a Croatian striker that was almost unplayable at the 1998 World Cup.
      Two former Prem stars looked unrecognisable as they returned to match actionCredit: Twitter
      The pair both played recently for a Real Madrid legends teamCredit: Twitter
      One of the icons posed with ex-ref Mark Halsey and posted the snap on TwitterCredit: Twitter
      The hotshot grabbed the Golden Boot as he fired his team to a fourth-place finish and eventually ended up as his country’s all-time top scorer.
      Domestically, he starred for Sevilla before going on to shine at Real Madrid during a three-year spell from 1996.
      Then, to a lesser extent, the ace headed to England to join Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal for a season before moving across London to West Ham for a 12-month stint.
      He scored eight goals in 22 Premier League appearances for the Gunners, with just two in 11 for the Hammers, and then moved to Germany to finish his career at 1860 Munich.
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      The ex-forward was then president of the Croatian Football Federation.
      Meanwhile, the other was a team-mate of the Croatian striker briefly at the Bernabeu after Real snapped him up from Mallorca in 1998.
      He became a huge favourite and a stand-out star due to his famed perm haircut, winning the Champions League twice at Madrid.
      However, he was shipped out on loan to Bolton Wanderers in the 2002/03 campaign and eventually made that move permanent.
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      Under Sam Allardyce, the Spanish international midfielder played for the Trotters for another five years and achieved icon status at the club before going on to join Ipswich Town for a season prior to ending his career at Cypriot club AEK Larnaca.
      The two players in question, of course, are Davor Suker and Ivan Campo.
      The pair were recently reunited as they starred for a Real Madrid legends team.
      An ex-Premier League referee was also involved with Mark Halsey being the man in charge of the action.
      And Campo, now 49, even shared a shot of himself with the whistleblower and captioned it with: “Today I was with a special person and big friend : @RefereeHalsey.
      “Very very very happy to see you again in Orihuela playing with @VeteranosRM.”
      He also posted numerous other shots from the match, including one with him next to now 55-year-old Suker.
      And some of his followers were quick to jump into the comments, with one writing: “Look at those legends.”

      “Dream team right there,” declared another as a fellow fan tweeted: “Ivan Campo Ivan Campo my hero … Baller end of .. love this man ..”
      And the two men both showed they still possessed some of the magic as they helped Madrid to a 5-0 win over an Alicante XI thanks to a brace from Edwin Congo and goals from Jose Amavisca, Fernando Moran and Alberto Rivera.
      Davor Suker went on to star for Arsenal after Real MadridCredit: Reuters
      Ivan Camp achieved legend status after a switch to England with Bolton WanderersCredit: PA:Press Association More

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      Arsenal ‘reveal staggering valuation of Folarin Balogun as Champions League finalists Inter Milan enter transfer race’

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      ARSENAL have reportedly revealed their staggering valuation of Folarin Balogun after Inter Milan entered the race to sign him.Balogun is expected to leave the Gunners in search of first-team football this summer.
      Arsenal have revealed their valuation of Folarin BalogunCredit: Getty
      Following a breakthrough season on loan at Stade Reims in Ligue 1, interest is thought to be high in the 21-year-old.
      Balogun scored 22 goals in 39 appearances in France and finished fifth in the league’s scoring charts.
      His form for Reims has caught the eye of several European clubs, with reports in Italy claiming Inter are interested in the forward.
      According to Gazzetta Italia, talks have taken place between the club’s sporting director Piero Ausilio, agents and Arsenal staff.
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      Further discussions have also been scheduled before Ausilio returns to Italy as the Champions League finalists pursue a deal.
      Inter are keen to sign a striker this summer, with Edin Dzeko set to leave for Fenerbahce and Romelu Lukaku’s loan coming to an end.
      However, the report adds that Inter are eyeing a loan move for Balogun, despite Arsenal instead looking to sell him.
      Arsenal are keen to boost their transfer budget with the sale of Balogun, who they value at a whopping £40million.
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      With two years left on his Arsenal deal, Balogun is after first-team football next season and would not be first choice up front under Mikel Arteta.
      Inter’s interest in Balogun comes after he made his senior international debut for the USA on Thursday.
      Having switched allegiances from England last month, Balogun started the USA’s 3-0 CONCACAF Nations League win over Mexico.
      Inter Milan have entered the race to sign Folarin Balogun this summerCredit: AFP More

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      England boss Gareth Southgate warns Jack Grealish and Man City booze boys ‘there is a line’ ahead of Malta clash

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE has warned Jack Grealish and the Manchester City booze boys: The party stops here.The Etihad’s Treble winners spent three days on the sauce celebrating their Champions League triumph.
      The Man City booze boys celebrating their treble winning seasonCredit: AFP
      Jack Grealish in England trainingCredit: Getty
      But the England boss insisted he is not worried about their physical condition ahead of the forthcoming Euro qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia.
      And he says his former team-mates would have been in a lot more trouble if their boozing had been splashed all across social media.
      Southgate refused to reveal if he believed the City players had gone too far this week but said: “There is a line and we’re always monitoring where every player is at.
      “I have spoken with the players and we’ve talked about where the focus needs to be.
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      “We’’ve acknowledged what they have experienced and that’s for me to manage but anything I might say to the players I would do privately.
      “I don’t think it would serve any purpose discussing that publicly, really.
      “We’re a bit in unknown territory because although we’ve had players in the Champions League final before, we haven’t had a team that has won the treble.
      “Things will never be the same again for that group of players and everything changes in their lives.
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      “There are so many things going on this summer that could potentially distract us if we allow it to, but I’ve not seen that this week with any of the players.”
      The bulk of Southgate’s squad gathered at St.George’s Park on Sunday but Grealish and his City team- mates John Stones, Kyle Walker, Phil Foden and Kalvin Phillips did not have to report until late on Thursday evening.
      As a result, none of them are in contention to start tonight’s game and Southgate said: “We don’t know what the emotional dip is going to be for them.
      “They need to recover, sleep and eat well to get them ready and I’ve seen enough to know what could help us against Monday and then a few days further on against North Macedonia.”
      Southgate also pointed out: “A few of our players are teetotal but what is different from my playing days is that everyone posts everything on social media now.
      “I wouldn’t have liked a few of my nights out to be posted publicly. My generation would have been in a lot more problems.”
      Gareth Southgate looks on during a training sessionCredit: Getty More

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      Jude Bellingham says he snubbed ‘easy option’ of Premier League and ‘heart almost stopped’ over Real Madrid transfer

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM snubbed the “easy” option of coming home to England.Real Madrid’s new £115million superstar was courted by Premier League heavyweights Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City.
      Bellingham completed a move to Real Madrid on WednesdayCredit: Getty
      He will wear the iconic No.5Credit: Getty
      But Bellingham, 19, said his “heart was close to stopping” when told the Spanish giants wanted him.
      He admitted: “I like to get out of my comfort zone and the easiest thing was to go back to England, but I couldn’t turn down Real Madrid.
      “I’ve always been aware of interest from England. At the World Cup and at national team camps it’s hard.
      “Everyone wanted me to go back home and play for their team.”
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      Midfielder Bellingham moved from Germans Borussia Dortmund for an initial £88.5m and will collect £70m in wages.
      He was unveiled here in Madrid yesterday and added: “It was a bit of a surprise when my dad sat me down 12 or 15 months ago and told me there was interest from Real Madrid.
      “When he said that I had goosebumps, my heart was close to stopping! It’s something you don’t expect growing up.
      “We had a meeting at my house and that was the moment it was definite.
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      “After I made my decision, I wanted it to happen very quickly. It wasn’t a case of other teams not being good but, for me, Madrid is the greatest.” More

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      Man City star Ederson claims team-mate ‘VOMITED into Jack Grealish’s mum’s bag’ during boozy Treble celebrations

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      EDERSON has opened the bag on what happened when Manchester City’s teetotallers took a Treble tipple.And the Etihad No1 claims Jack Grealish’s MUM was an unwitting victim!
      Ederson has revealed just how uproarious Man City’s celebrations wereCredit: Getty
      Centre-back Ruben Dias found a rare drink too much, says Etihad pal EdersonCredit: Getty
      Jack Grealish’s mum could have had an unwanted role after City’s joyCredit: Getty
      Grealish spearheaded City’s extended celebrations after Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup glory.
      And although the England winger was happy to be snapped drinking freely, one team-mate might regret his out-of-character alcohol guzzling.
      Ederson told TNT Sports BR: “There are Man City players who don’t drink, but made an exception, which was the case with Ruben Dias.
      “But it didn’t work out for him.
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      “Two shots and he threw up everything and in Jack Grealish’s mother’s bag…”
      That, however, might be a subtle dig at Grealish’s own designer accessory.
      His Gucci bag has been in the wars this season – suffering from good-natured stick plus an infamous incident in the Wembley dressing room.
      City players gleefully shared a clip of Grealish shouting at a kit man who slid right into it amid fun scenes.
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      Yet that rejoicing after the 2-1 FA Cup final victory over Manchester United was eclipsed by the partying when Pep Guardiola’s men sealed the Treble with last Saturday’s 1-0 Champions League final win against Inter Milan.
      The Treble was in the bag with that – and according to Ederson something else was soon unfortunately in the bag…
      “The Gucci one? Oh no” posted one fan, and “Poor Mrs Grealish, hopefully he got her a new bag” wrote another. More

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      Record-breaker Bellingham was seen as ‘special’ even as a kid in the Birmingham academy

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      JORDAN JAMES knew record-breaker Jude Bellingham was special from the age of nine.The Wales and Birmingham midfielder, 18, trained alongside Bellingham, who joined Real Madrid yesterday from Borussia Dortmund in a £115million deal, in the Blues academy.
      Bellingham was unveiled as a Real Madrid player on Thursday after completing £115million move from Borussia DortmundCredit: Getty
      Birmingham’s Jordan James trained with Bellingham in the club’s academyCredit: Getty
      And James hailed the 19-year-old England ace after he became the most expensive British player of all-time with his six-year switch to the Bernabeu.
      Birmingham are set to cash in on Bellingham’s eye-watering deal with the 14-time European champions.
      Reports have claimed the Championship club will land a windfall in excess of £6million as part of the move when Bellingham left the Midlands for Dortmund in 2020.
      James said: “I’m really happy for him because he deserves everything he gets because he’s worked so hard for it all.
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      “But most importantly, he’s a really nice guy. I hope he goes on and shows just what he can do.
      “When I joined Birmingham at eight years old, I used to go up and train and play with him.
      “You knew from an early age he was a level above everyone. He could see from the way he dribbles. He was technically gifted.
      “We all saw at the World Cup, he was the best player for me. At a young age he was always the best player on the pitch.
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      “People were always talking about him, he was the main guy and now he’s gone to Real Madrid – that’s really good.
      “He had his growth spurt just before he turned 15 and you can see he has now turned into a man.
      “That’s what helped him a lot and now he’s playing at the highest level because of it. He’s an unbelievable player.” More