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      Xavi ‘asks for Barcelona to re-sign Messi in shock transfer return from PSG’ after struggles against Rayo Vallecano

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      BARCELONA boss Xavi has asked the club to re-sign Lionel Messi from Paris Saint-Germain, according to reports.Messi, 35, joined PSG in a free transfer from Barcelona last summer, but he failed to reach the same heights that he did while in Spain.
      Xavi wants Messi to return to BarcelonaCredit: Getty
      In 37 appearances for the Parisians he’s scored 14 goals and assisted 16, but many fans have been unimpressed with his performances.
      The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner was BOOED off the pitch following PSG’s 3-0 win against Bordeaux earlier this year.
      And some fans even urged him to quit the club in a graffiti message plastered across the Camp des Loges training ground.
      Meanwhile, Barcelona are pushing to climb back to the top of La Liga after finishing 13 points behind league champions Real Madrid last season.
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      Despite already spending big this summer, the Catalan giants only managed to claim a point from their opening league game of the 2022-23 campaign.
      They were held to a 0-0 draw by Rayo Vallecano on Saturday with new forwards Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha both failing to get on the scoresheet.
      As a result, Xavi is now eager to bring in at least two more attacking players.
      And according to Spanish football reporter Guillem Balague, he wants Messi to return to the Nou Camp.
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      Xavi is already known to be interested in signing Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva, who has not denied rumours of a proposed £80million move to Spain, but now Messi has emerged as a top target.
      Balague tweeted: “Clearly the midfield of Barcelona, with the exception of Pedri, has not got the subtle touch/thinking necessary to play as Xavi wants, to find the right tempo, to feed forwards (and Busquets has played his best football).
      “Hence Xavi wanting Bernardo Silva (and asking for Messi).”
      The Argentina legend’s father and agent Jorge Messi was claimed to be on the phone to Barca chiefs repeatedly at the start of the year in a bid to negotiate a return for his son.
      Messi’s PSG contract expires next summer, so it will likely cost his former club to bring him back.
      But, Barcelona are currently in a financial crisis so some current players will have to be offloaded before another deal can be pushed through.
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      Officials are currently attempting to force Frenkie de Jong and Memphis Depay out of the club in a bid to free up space on the wage bill.
      And Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could also depart just eight months after signing – he is being targeted by Chelsea. More

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      Juventus closing in on Memphis Depay transfer with striker ‘set to have Barcelona contract terminated’

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      JUVENTUS are reportedly on the verge of signing Memphis Depay on a free transfer from Barcelona.Depay, 28, has been told by Barca chiefs that he is surplus to requirements.
      Depay is set to join Juventus after having his Barcelona contract terminatedCredit: Getty
      The La Liga giants have already stripped the striker of his No.9 shirt following the arrival of Robert Lewandowsi, who joined the club in a £42.5million transfer from Bayern Munich last month.
      And now they are attempting to force him out in order to reduce the wage bill.
      Depay’s representatives are currently attempting to negotiate a deal with club officials which would see his contract terminated.
      He would then have the chance to move elsewhere on a free transfer.
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      According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the Dutchman could be on his way to Juventus.
      The Italian giants are currently in talks with Depay and his agent regarding a potential move.
      And the two parties are claimed to be close to reaching a verbal agreement.
      Tottenham were also interested in signing the forward, but Juventus are now clear frontrunners in the transfer race.
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      Depay joined Barcelona last summer and signed a two-year deal upon his arrival.
      He has since scored 13 goals and assisted two in 36 appearances for Xavi’s side.
      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could also be on his way out just eight months after joining the club.
      The former Arsenal striker is being targeted by Chelsea. More

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      Kylian Mbappe names his top three picks for Ballon d’Or award after PSG team-mate Lionel Messi sensationally snubbed

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      KYLIAN MBAPPE has revealed his top three picks for the upcoming Ballon d’Or award.Mbapppe’s Paris Saint-Germain team-mate Lionel Messi was a shock absentee from the 30-man shortlist for the prize.
      Mbappe reckons there’s only two stars including France team-mate Benzema who can stop him lifting the Ballon d’OrCredit: Reuters
      Mbappe feels former Liverpool ace Sadio Mane is the only other player standing in his wayCredit: Getty
      Messi’s been nominated for the prestigious accolade every year since 2005, and has won it seven times.
      But the Argentine attacker didn’t make the cut this time – leaving Mbappe in with a fighting chance of clinching the top gong.
      And he reckons only Real Madrid ace Karim Benzema and Bayern Munich star Sadio Mane can stop him from doing so.
      Mbappe said to France Football: “My top three? I would say Benzema, myself, and Mané.”
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      Mane bagged 18 goals in 37 domestic matches for Liverpool last season, helping them win the FA and League Cups before heading to Bayern.
      While Benzema fired Real Madrid to the Champions League and La Liga Liga trophies with a sizzling return of 44 goals in 46 games across all competitions.
      And Mbappe joked that Benzema should forget about ever winning the Ballon d’Or if his contribution isn’t enough to do so this time.
      He added while praising his France team-mate: “I would say that this year is a success for Benzema.
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      “He’s 34 years old, has just had the season of his life, has won another Champions League and is often decisive… If I were Karim, if I don’t win this, I’ll stop thinking about the Ballon d’Or forever. (laughs.)”
      But Mbappe and Co still have to contend with the threat of Cristiano Ronaldo who’s also up for the prize.
      The veteran striker managed to score 24 times in 37 matches for Manchester United last season. More

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      Lionel Messi left OUT of the Ballon d’Or shortlist for first time since 2005 but rival Ronaldo makes the 30-player list

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      SEVEN-TIME Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi paid a high price for an underwhelming first season with Paris Saint-Germain when he was left off the 30-strong list for this year’s coveted football award.Lucy Bronze, who was runner-up in 2019, is one of three members of England’s Euro-winning squad to be short-listed for the women’s award.
      Lionel Messi will not be winning the 2022 Ballon d’OrCredit: AFP
      Cristiano Ronaldo has made the cut on the 30-man shortlistCredit: Reuters
      Messi, who won the title last year, had been an ever-present amongst the nominations since 2005 and a regular feature in the top three since 2007 with the exception of 2018.
      But Messi, 35, has missed out on the 2022 award following his switch from Barcelona to the French capital.
      A change in the format has also worked against the Argentine superstar with the Ballon d’Or no longer acknowledging the best player over a calendar year.
      Instead, it is based on a season’s record highlighting “the individual performances” and the “decisive and impressive character” of the nominees, according to the criteria.
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      After leaving Barcelona in the summer of 2021, Messi was unable to stamp his genius on a PSG team desperate for a Champions League title.
      The French champions suffered a last-16 exit at the hands of eventual winners Real Madrid.

      In total, Messi scored only 11 goals for PSG with his relatively indifferent club form failing to impress France Football magazine, the organisers of the Ballon d’Or which will be awarded in Paris on October 17.
      PSG teammate Neymar also misses out after a season where he scored 13 goals in 28 matches.
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      The remainder of the list of nominees throws up few surprises.
      French international striker Karim Benzema is the overwhelming favourite after being the architect of Real Madrid’s 14th Champions League title.
      He finished the European campaign with 15 goals.
      Benzema is likely to become the fifth French winner after Raymond Kopa (1958), Michel Platini (1983, 1984, 1985), Jean-Pierre Papin (1991) and Zinedine Zidane (1998).
      In the 2021/2022 season, Benzema scored 44 goals in 46 appearances for a Madrid side who also won the Liga title.
      His goal in Wednesday’s 2-0 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt in the European Super Cup took the 34-year-old to 324 goals for the Spanish giants.
      That edged him ahead of Raul in the club’s all-time list with only Cristiano Ronaldo in front of him with 450.
      “He’s in line for the Ballon d’Or. Is there any doubt? For me, no,” said Real coach Carlo Ancelotti.
      Manchester United’s Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, is nominated again this year.
      Benzema is joined on the 30-man list by teammates Thibaut Courtois, Casemiro, 2018 winner Luka Modric, Vinicius and former Chelsea player Antonio Rudiger.
      Beaten Champions League finalists Liverpool have seven players nominated, the most of any club.
      They are Trent Alexander-Arnold, Luis Diaz, Fabinho, Sadio Mane, since transferred to Bayern Munich, Darwin Nunez, Mohamed Salah and Virgil Van Dijk.
      There is a 20-strong list for the women’s Ballon d’Or including English stars Bronze, Millie Bright and Arsenal forward Beth Mead who won the Golden Boot at the women’s Euro.
      France have four nominations — Selma Bacha, Kadidiatou Diani, Marie-Antoinette Katoto and Wendie Renard.
      Defending champion Alexia Putellas, who was ruled out of the Euros with a last minute injury, and Norwegian star Ada Hegerberg, the first winner of the prize in 2018, are also in the running.
      BALLON D’OR 30-MAN SHORTLISTHERE is the list in full of all the nominees:
      Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid)
      Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
      Rafael Leao (AC Milan)
      Christopher Nkunku (RB Leipzig)
      Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich)
      Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)
      Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid)
      Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)
      Luis Diaz (Liverpool)
      Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona)
      Riyad Mahrez (Manchester City)
      Casemiro (Real Madrid)
      Heung-Min Son (Tottenham)
      Fabinho (Liverpool)
      Karim Benzema (Real Madrid)
      Mike Maignan (AC Milan)
      Harry Kane (Tottenham)
      Darwin Nunez (Liverpool)
      Phil Foden (Manchester City)
      Sadio Mane (Bayern Munich)
      Sebastien Haller (Borussia Dortmund)
      Luka Modric (Real Madrid)
      Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid)
      Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)
      Kevin de Bruyne (Manchester City)
      Dusan Vlahovic (Juventus)
      Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
      Joao Cancelo (Manchester City)
      Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
      Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain) More

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      ‘Respect yourself old man, you’re 75’ – Cristiano Ronaldo’s sister appears to slam Perez over Real Madrid comments

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO’S sister appears to have slammed Real Madrid president Florentino Perez after he snubbed a potential reunion with the Manchester United star due to his age.Ronaldo, 37, has informed United chiefs of his desire to leave this summer as he wants to play Champions League football this season but there are not a lot of suitors available.

      Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo’s sister Katia Aveiro appears to have defended him on social mediaCredit: Instagram @katiaaveirooficial
      Real Madrid president Florentino Perez claims Cristiano Ronaldo is too oldCredit: Getty – Contributor
      The likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Chelsea have all ruled out a potential bid but a return to Real had been posing as a possible route.
      Perez, 75, was asked by a cheeky fan in a lobby whether he was going to make a move for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, who scored a staggering total of 446 goals in 435 matches for Los Blancos.

      However, the Spanish businessman dismissed the idea due to the Portugal captain’s age.
      Perez laughed the question off and said: “Again? He’s 38 years old!”
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      Ronaldo’s sister Katia Aveiro didn’t appear to take the Real supremo’s quip kindly and hit back on social media.
      Aveiro reportedly reminded Perez that her brother – who is actually 37 years old and his next birthday is not for another six months – is still in top physical condition.
      Aveiro posted on Instagram: “He’s 38 years old but he can jump two metres high in the air and stay in it for three minutes and his body has no fat.
      “Respect yourself old man, you are 75.”
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      Some fans took to Twitter and claimed Aveiro’s post was “fake” but several news outlets shared the reported statement.
      Ronaldo enjoyed tremendous success at Real during his nine-year stint at the Santiago Bernabeu as he became the club;s record goalscorer.
      Since joining the Spanish giants from United in 2009, the star forward won two LaLiga titles, two Copa del Rey trophies and four Champions Leagues. More

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      Holland boss Louis van Gaal begs Frenkie de Jong to ditch Barcelona for Man Utd or Chelsea transfer before World Cup

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      LOUIS VAN GAAL has urged Frenkie de Jong to leave Barcelona before the World Cup kicks off in November.De Jong, 25, has been heavily linked with a move away from the Nou Camp this summer.
      De Jong has been linked with a move away from BarcelonaCredit: Getty
      Van Gaal has urged him to leave the club before the World CupCredit: Getty
      Manchester United have been pushing to sign him since the transfer window opened in June, but the midfielder has made it clear that he does not want to make the move to Old Trafford.
      However, Barcelona chiefs are attempting to force him out of the club, suggesting that he should reduce his wage demands or leave.
      The Catalan giants already owe De Jong around £17million in unpaid wages after he agreed to defer the payment of his salary during the Coronavirus pandemic.
      Club officials now believe that negotiating a move away for the Dutchman would resolve any financial differences.
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      But, Holland boss Van Gaal is concerned that the situation at Barcelona could destroy De Jong’s chances of breaking into the World Cup squad.
      According to Dutch outlet AD, the 71-year-old has claimed that the midfielder must be given the chance to play regularly in order to properly prepare for the World Cup.

      De Jong will likely have to seek a move away in order to get more game time, but a move to Chelsea could now be on the cards.
      The Blues are reportedly close to striking a £67.6m agreement with Barcelona for the Dutchman, who is understood to be willing to make the move to Stamford Bridge.
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      Van Gaal has also expressed the same concern for out-of-favour forward Memphis Depay.
      The former Man Utd star has been informed by Xavi that he will have no place at Barcelona this season.
      Tottenham are claimed to be in advanced talks to sign him on a free transfer, but Juventus are still in the race to complete a deal. More

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      Mikel Arteta will be SACKED by Arsenal if they don’t get top four after summer transfer spree, says William Gallas

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      ARSENAL manager Mikel Arteta could be sacked if he fails to make it to the top four in the Premier League table this season.That is according to former Gunners star William Gallas, who claims Arteta has to deliver after being backed in the summer transfer window.
      Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta may be sacked if he fails to get top fourCredit: AFP
      Former Arsenal ace William Gallas insists Mikel Arteta has to deliverCredit: Getty
      The North Londoners signed Gabriel Jesus, Fabio Vieira, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Matt Turner and Marquinhos.
      Gallas insists Arteta should at least seal Champions League qualification with the squad he currently has at his disposal.
      But if the Spanish tactician misses out on the top four, like he did last season when Arsenal collapsed in the final stages, then he could be dismissed by the club.
      Gallas told Genting Casino: “Of course he will be in trouble. Arteta has been asked to make the top four and he didn’t do it last season.
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      “If Arsenal don’t play in the Champions League next season, it would cause a lot of drama.
      “They have to have a great season, possibly win the Premier League, but definitely to qualify for the Champions League.

      “They have just bought new players, it’s in the hands of Arteta and the players.
      “It will be a big problem for all of them if they don’t do their job to qualify in the Champions League.”
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      Arsenal kicked their Premier League season off on the right foot as they beat Crystal Palace 2-0 at Selhurst Park in their opening match.
      The Gunners are now set to take on Leicester on Saturday at the Emirates in their first home league game of the season. More

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      West Ham transfer blow as Filip Kostic signs for Juventus for £14.5m fee from Eintracht Frankfurt

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      JUVENTUS have completed the signing of Filip Kostic from Eintracht Frankfurt.The Serie A giants struck a £14.5million agreement with The Eagles earlier this week.
      Kostic arrived for his Juventus medical on ThursdayCredit: Getty
      He was greeted by a large crowd of supportersCredit: Getty
      Kostic, 29, landed in Turin on Thursday to undergo medical tests before signing a three-year deal.
      He was greeted by a crowd of excited Juventus fans upon his arrival and took the time to take pictures with each person before entering the club’s medical centre.
      Juventus had been plotting a move for Kostic for a number of weeks.
      Massimiliano Allegri was understood to be very impressed with the wing-back’s form over the past few seasons.
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      The Serbia international scored seven goals and assisted 15 for Frankfurt last season, making him one of the most sought-after players in Germany.
      West Ham were also known to be fighting for his signature.
      The Hammers bid £12.5m for Kostic last month, but the offer fell short of Frankfurt’s asking price.
      It would’ve been tough to tempt him to the London Stadium anyway, as Kostic previously made it clear that Juventus was his preferred destination.
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      David Moyes is now considering other potential candidates for the position, with Stuttgart’s Borna Sosa at the top of the transfer wishlist.
      Sosa, who has been dubbed the ‘assist machine’, is expected to cost £17m, but West Ham are claimed to be closing in on a deal. More