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    Man Utd star Pogba says France ‘will remain PlayStation team if we don’t win’ Euro 2020 as he warns against complacency

    PAUL POGBA is wary of going home from Euro 2020 emtpy handed and has issued a stern warning to his team-mates as a result.The Manchester United star is all too aware of the quality France possess, with Karim Benzema’s return to the squad after six years a fine example of the depth they have.
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    Paul Pogba is all too aware of the depth of talent in the France squad
    Anything but a Euros win will likely be considered a failure by France
    One of Pogba’s former managers, Jose Mourinho, has reminded France just how good they are too, telling SunSport exclusively that anything but glory for France would be an ‘unsuccessful Euros’.
    And Pogba feels the same way. He previously told Eurosport: “We have a PlayStation team but it will remain a PlayStation team if we don’t win a trophy.
    “Being world champions and having a team like that, we will be expected to do even more.
    “We must remain humble. I want to give this message: it’s not a foregone conclusion. We hear a lot of talk but we keep our feet on the ground.”
    France are one of the favourites for the tournament and carry the added pressure of being world champions.
    The squad will also be aiming to right the wrong of 2016, when they threw away the chance to win the Euros on home soil, losing 1-0 to Portugal in the final after an insipid display.

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    And given the obvious talent with players such as Kylian Mbappe, N’Golo Kante, Antoine Griezmann and many many more, it is easy to see why Pogba feels some pressure.
    He told TF1: “You can’t see yourself as being too beautiful. You shouldn’t see yourself as beautiful at all.
    “I don’t want to get carried away too much because we’ve already been built up enough, I think.
    “Of course it’s scary for other teams, but it can also be scary for us too. It can put pressure on us because of the team we have, that we feel that we’re guaranteed to win or even to always score three goals.”

    And the France squad will feel the pressure straight from the off, as they have been placed in Group F – the group of death.
    First up is Germany in Munich, against a side that will be desperate to prove themselves at the highest level after an embarrassing display in the 2018 World Cup, where they were knocked out in the group stage.
    Next is a Hungary side that France ought to dismantle with ease before playing another tournament favourite, Portugal, in a match that could be crucial in deciding France’s run for the rest of the tournament.
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    Atletico Madrid keen on Bernardo Silva transfer in move that could see Man City sign Jack Grealish

    BERNARNDO SILVA is a transfer target for Atletico Madrid, according to reports.The Portuguese playmaker, 26, was less influential for Manchester City this term with two league goals compared to six last season, but did start in the Champions League final.
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    Bernardo Silva could leave as part of a rebuilding process at Manchester City this summer
    Pep Guardiola is keen on Jack Grealish in a potential £100m move
    La Liga champions Atletico reportedly want to strengthen their midfield, and Bernardo is a name on their shortlist.
    But the Spanish side are looking to negotiate a price less than his £60m valuation, according to AS via France Football.
    It is possible City want to sell the midfielder, though.
    The club is planning a rebuild this summer in order to replace Sergio Aguero with another big-name player.
    And since Riyad Mahrez and Phil Foden have overtaken Bernardo in the pecking order, City could decide to cash in on the Portugal international while his stock is still high.
    Pep Guardiola is believed to be a big admirer of Jack Grealish and selling Bernardo could facilitate a move for the England international.
    The Citizens are plotting a £100m move for the Aston Villa captain this summer.

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    Atletico may also be able to raise the funds necessary to sign Bernardo by selling a valuable player.
    Recent reports suggest the club is open to selling Saul, with a number of clubs interested including Manchester United and Chelsea.
    As a result, the transfer triangle could begin when Saul leaves and may culminate in Grealish joining the champions once Bernardo departs.
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    Man City boss Pep Guardiola pays tribute to Sergio Aguero More

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    Chelsea join Man Utd in Saul Niguez transfer chase as Atletico Madrid willing to sell for less than £150m buyout clause

    CHELSEA are interested in signing Atletico Madrid star Saul Niguez, according to reports.Saul, 26, is reportedly eager for a new challenge having spent his whole career at Atletico, and he does not feel as important to Diego Simeone after making just 22 league starts this term.
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    Saul Niguez won La Liga for the second time in his career this season
    The midfielder has a release clause of €150million [£128m] but the Spanish champions are willing to let him go for a lot less, according to journalist Matteo Moretto and Marca.
    Matteo reports Chelsea and PSG’s “attentive” interest in Saul, but believes nothing is advanced at this stage.
    The journalist adds that Bayern Munich are also interested in the Spaniard.
    That development may come as a blow for Manchester United, who have been linked, though Saul will reportedly push for a move to Old Trafford.
    According to Marca, Atletico need to sell players if they are to make signings this summer due to the impact of the pandemic.
    A £40m value has been reported as Atletico’s asking price despite Saul having five years left of the nine-year contract he signed in 2017.
    And Chelsea could stump up part of that fee by selling Tiemoue Bakayoko, who is in a bit of a limbo at present.

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    According to Fabrizio Romano Fiorentina are keen on the midfielder, as Gennaro Gattuso looks to reunite with the player he managed at both AC Milan and Napoli.
    The £40m signing has just a year remaining on his contract so the Blues could look to get rid of him this summer.
    Meanwhile, Olivier Giroud and Fikayo Tomori are also being lined up with moves to Serie A, with Milan keen on both.
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    Watch former Man Utd flop Bebe score stunning Cristiano Ronaldo-style free-kick in Spanish 2nd division play-off

    FORMER Manchester United winger Bebe drew on inspiration from Cristiano Ronaldo to give Rayo Vallecano a convincing win over Leganes on Thursday.The Spanish sides met in the first leg of the Segunda Division play-off semi-final, with Rayo Vallecano winning 3-0.
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    One-time Manchester United winger Bebé scores twice in a 25-minute cameo as Rayo Vallecano take a huge step back to La Liga with a 3-0 win over Leganés in playoff semi-final first leg. The second was a very Bebé goal. pic.twitter.com/NCCawie4wB— Colin Millar (@Millar_Colin) June 3, 2021

    Bebe failed to make an impression at Old Trafford, appearing just seven times for Manchester United

    The tie was closely fought until the home side score three goals in the last 20 minutes, with Bebe grabbing two.
    His first was exquisite, with the former Premier League ace taking on a defender before striking the ball left-footed under goalkeeper Asier Riesgo.
    Riesgo may have let the error affect him as he was also partially at fault for Bebe’s second.
    But the free-kick at the end of injury time was also a moment of magic.
    Bebe hit a Ronaldo-esque free-kick from a very difficult angle, but the dip and swerve on the ball was enough to deceive the goalkeeper.
    Fans were left in awe of the Portuguese winger, praising both his free-kick and the silky nutmeg on a defender in the build-up to his first goal.
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    Bebe has now scored six goals this season, and could be key to firing Rayo Vallecano back to La Liga after a two-year absence.
    In the other semi-final, Girona host Almeria on Saturday and hold a three-goal advantage, so will likely meet Rayo Vallecano in the final.
    An on-form Bebe could decide the outcome of that match, and earn a return to the Spanish top-flight for both Rayo Vallecano and the former Red Devil.
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    Man City dominate PFA Player of the Year awards with four out of six nominees after Premier League triumph More

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    Zlatan Ibrahimovic gives blessing for Chelsea star Olivier Giroud to make AC Milan transfer and bemoans Donnarumma exit

    ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC is a big admirer of Olivier Giroud and is keen for him to join AC Milan.The Chelsea forward is believed to be close to a move to the Rossoneri and is said to be excited at the prospect of teaming up with Ibrahimovic.
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    Zlatan Ibrahimovic spoke to Gazzetta dello Sport about Olivier Giroud and Gianluigi Donnarumma
    Olivier Giroud looks set to join AC Milan on a two-year deal
    The Swede also spoke about the potential departure of Gianluigi Donnarumma, who could leave on a free with Barcelona, PSG and Chelsea interested.
    Ibrahimovic told Gazzetta dello Sport, via Fabrizio Romano: “Donnarumma as a free agent? He’s the best goalkeeper in the world, trust me, he could have been the new Paolo Maldini at Milan.
    “And I’d be happy if Olivier Giroud joins AC Milan, we need players like him – he’s a winner.”
    Giroud recently lifted the Champions League title with the Blues, his eighth major trophy in his career.
    He also boasts the World Cup and Europa League and that may be why he appeals to Ibrahimovic.
    Juventus and Roma are also reportedly keen on the Frenchman along with three other English clubs.
    But it is Milan who are in pole position, with the Italians also eyeing another Chelsea star.

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    Donnarumma’s Milan future is in doubt with his contract set to expire at the end of the month

    Fikayo Tomori spent the second half of the season at the San Siro and Milan are believed to be confident about making that deal permanent.
    There is an option for Tomori to sign for £25million but Milan are hoping to pay less than the agreed fee.
    As for Giroud, the striker could sign a two-year deal worth £65,000 a week with the Serie A runners-up.
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    Kolasinac returns to Arsenal after Schalke loan transfer as Germans reveal ‘decision hurts in human terms’

    SEAD KOLASNIAC has returned to Arsenal following a short loan spell at Schalke.The left-back returned to the club Arsenal signed him from in 2017 but could not prevent an embarrassing relegation which saw the Bundesliga side win just three league matches.
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    Sead Kolasinac won just two out of 17 games while on loan at Schalke
    Shkodran Mustafi had a torrid time in his Schalke spell, conceding 36 goals in his 13 appearances
    Kolasinac returned to Schalke on a temporary basis in January but the club has decided not to try to make the deal permanent.
    He will now leave Schalke alongside Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, with the club’s Director of Sport Peter Knabel releasing a statement.
    It reads: “This decision hurts us both in sport and human terms.
    “In view of the current budget and squad structure – all the known and publicly discussed challenges – there was no alternative. We have to be so honest.
    “We are very grateful to them that they supported the association they love to the best of their ability for six months.
    “Every time you meet them you can feel how important Schalke 04 is to them and how much they feel connected to the club.
    “We would like to say thank you for the great passion and support you have shown the club in these difficult times.”
    Journalist Chris Wheatley reports Kolasinac has failed to reach an agreement with Schalke due to the club’s financial limitations.
    Alongside his team-mates, Kolasinac was targeted by Schalke fans in protests following the club’s relegation.
    Eggs, fireworks and abuse were hurled at the squad, which included Shkodran Mustafi, by a 600-person mob.
    Mustafi has since been released by the German outfit, lasting just three months at the VELTINS-Arena.
    The former Germany international moved back to his homeland after his contract was terminated by the Gunners in February.
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    Mikel Arteta must now decide whether to sell or keep Kolasinac

    Mikel Arteta will have to consider doing the same with Kolasinac, who has just a year remaining on his current deal.
    The Spaniard has preferred to use Kieran Tierney and Bukayo Saka at left back instead of Kolasinac, so it is possible the Bosnian will be moved on once more, perhaps on loan or on a permanent basis.
    Clubs in Italy and Turkey are reportedly looking at Kolasinac, who looks set to depart The Emirates according to Wheatley.
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    Man City dominate PFA Player of the Year awards with four out of six nominees after Premier League triumph

    THE PFA have released their shortlist for the Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year awards, with Manchester City dominating the men’s category with four players. Shortlists have also been released in the same respective categories for the women’s game, which includes Chelsea and England stars Fran Kirby and Sam Kerr.
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    Shortlist for Men’s PFA Player of the Year announcedThe nominees for the Men’s Player of the Year award are:

    Phil Foden
    Harry Kane
    Bruno Fernandes
    Kevin De Bruyne
    Ruben Dias
    Ilkay Gundogan

    And here are the six young players selected for Men’s Young Player of the Year:

    Phil Foden
    Bukayo Saka
    Trent Alexander-Arnold
    Declan Rice
    Mason Mount
    Mason Greenwood

    Phil Foden is named in both the senior and Young Player of the Year shortlists.
    Alongside him Harry Kane, Bruno Fernandes, Kevin De Bruyne, Ruben Dias and Ikay Gundogan have been nominated for the Premier League Player of the Year.
    De Bruyne won the award in 2020 but none of the others have ever received the prestigious title.
    Fernandes was an early favourite to win the competition in January, but Kane topped both the goal and assist rankings, with 23 and 14 respectively.
    As for the young players, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mason Greenwood, Declan Rice, Mason Mount, and Bukayo Saka join Foden on the shortlist.
    Mount guided Chelsea to the Champions League but Premier League success could give Foden the edge in picking up his first individual award at senior level.
    He could follow in the footsteps of England teammates Raheem Sterling and Alexander-Arnold to become the ninth different British winner of the award in the past 11 years.
    Meanwhile, a number of players have impressed in the Women’s Super League this season, so it promises to be a tough pick for the members of the PFA.
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    Shortlist for Women’s Player of the Year awardSix players have been nominated for the presitigious award:

    Ann-Katrin Berge
    Fran Kirby
    Chloe Kelly
    Lauren Hemp
    Sam Kerr
    Sam Mewis

    And the winner of the Young Player of the Year award will be one of the following:

    Lauren Hemp
    Ella Toone
    Ebony Salmon
    Lauren James
    Niamh Charles
    Ellie Roebuck

    League winners Kirby, Kerr and Ann-Katrin Berger have been named alongside Manchester City trio Chloe Kelly, Lauren Hemp and Sam Mewis.
    Ebony Salmon, Ella Toone, Ellie Robuck, Lauren James and Niamh Charles are the young stars who have impressed enough to earn a place among the nominations.
    Hemp, 20, also features on the young players’ shortlist after scoring six goals and producing eight assists.
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    Chelsea face losing Antonio Rudiger to Tottenham in cut-price transfer with defender’s contract up next year

    TOTTENHAM are interested in signing Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger, according to reports.The Blues’ Champions League hero has just a year remaining on his current contract and has yet to be offered a new one.
    Chelsea’s failure to renew Antonio Rudiger’s contract has seen him attract interest from Tottenham and PSG
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    And that has alerted managerless Spurs, according to the The Mirror, along with French giants Paris Saint-Germain.
    Axed White Hart Lane boss Jose Mourinho was particularly keen on Rudiger but it is believed Tottenham have retained their interest.
    Chelsea decided against opening negotiations with Rudiger in October, during a period when he was frozen out of the team by former boss Frank Lampard.
    But after reestablishing himself in the team under new boss Thomas Tuchel, and playing a starring role in Saturday’s victory over Manchester City, there could be a new contract offer on the table for Rudiger soon.
    The player himself hinted as such, suggesting talks would start once Euro 2020 concludes.
    Chelsea are also set to offer Thiago Silva a new deal, with his current contract expiring at the end of June.
    The pair have been key for Chelsea at the back alongside captain Cesar Azpilicueta.
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    Thiago Silva is set to extend his Chelsea deal

    As a result, it is believed the club are keen to sign up Rudiger beyond 2022, as Tuchel does not want to lose his leadership ability.
    And if he does put pen to paper, a move to Spurs or PSG would surely be ruled out.
    The French club would be able to make an approach for the centre-back on a free in January – if his contract situation does not change between now and then.
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