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      Barcelona joined by Juventus, Inter and AC Milan in Memphis Depay transfer chase as they battle for cut-price Lyon star

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      BARCELONA face competition from a host of Italian giants if they are to land Memphis Depay in January, according to reports.
      Juventus, Inter and AC Milan are all named as tracking the Lyon star, whose contract expires in June.

      Memphis Depay is a wanted man in the January transfer windowCredit: AP:Associated Press

      The Dutchman’s summer move to the Nou Camp collapsed amid Barcelona’s financial woe.
      But Depay’s imminent contract expiry could make him more affordable in January.
      That has led to interest from the Serie A trio, according to France Football, via Mundo Deportivo.
      Inter, who suffered a Scudetto blow on Wednesday by losing at Sampdoria, could seek a replacement for the outgoing Christian Eriksen.

      Juve and AC Milan face off tonight with the Old Lady back in seventh and seeking fresh impetus under Andrea Pirlo.
      The same cannot be said for Milan and a win at the San Siro would hand them a four-point lead atop Serie A.
      Over in LaLiga, Barcelona find themselves off the pace and have Depay and Manchester City defender Eric Garcia on their radar this month.
      However, Ronald Koeman will be aware that the club likely needs to shift high-earning reserves before buying.

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      He said earlier in the week: “Every coach always looks to the month of January and how the squad can be improved, just like I do.
      “I have made a list of possible injuries and players that would be interesting to bring in. It depends on the club.
      “If it’s not possible, I can depend on the players I have already.”
      Lyon narrowly hold first place in Ligue 1 ahead of Wednesday’s clash with Lens and will be more than happy to keep Depay for longer.
      Club chief Jean-Michel Aulas recently tweeted his club captain to say: “You feel at home here and you are also an exceptional man who sets an example, shows ambition.
      “You can stay as long as you want!”

      What will happen in the future, we will see… I am here now, lots of clubs could be interested.
      Memphis Depay

      The forward, 26, has eight goals and four assists in 2020-21 and insisted last month that he is focused on Lyon.
      Depay stated: “To be honest, we have a great team here and I am focused here because I do not know what will happen next year.
      “All that I know, is that I am a Lyon player and captain. I am here to win matches, to be important for the team.
      “I do not have in my head what my future will be. I am 100 per cent focused here.
      “What will happen in the future, we will see… I don’t have anything to say on that. I am here now, lots of clubs could be interested.”

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      Five reasons why Liverpool are Real Madrid’s main rivals in Kylian Mbappe transfer battle including Nike links

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      REAL MADRID are widely considered favorites to sign Kylian Mbappe from Paris Saint-Germain.
      But with Liverpool emerging as serious contenders and Mauricio Pochettino taking over at the French champions, the superstar striker’s future is far from decided.

      Liverpool have emerged as Real Madrid’s main competition in the Kylian Mbappe raceCredit: The Mega Agency

      Former Tottenham boss Pochettino is hoping to persuade Mbappe, 22, to stick around amid interest from Jurgen Klopp’s side.
      With the World Cup winner’s contract set to expire in 2022, Pochettino needs to act fast to secure his services.
      But the Reds are increasingly confident of signing Mbappe, according to L’Equipe.
      Real are also said to be fearful any transfer to them could fall through because they expect Gareth Bale to return after his underwhelming spell at Tottenham.

      And here SunSport reveals the five reasons Liverpool are Los Blancos’ main competition in the race to sign him.
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      MBAPPE LOVES THE PREMIER LEAGUE
      Mbappe is a huge fan of English football.
      The lure of playing in the best and most famous league in the world would be almost impossible for him to resist.

      This is according to AS who wrote: “The spotlights of the Premier League – a competition he loves – is just what he craves.”

      Mbappe is said to be a huge fan of the Premier League and would be favourite to win it if he moved to LiverpoolCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      MBAPPE ADMIRES JURGEN KLOPP
      Klopp has drawn admirers from across the globe with his high-press attacking brand of football.
      And Mbappe is said to be one of them.
      The striker reportedly believes the German and his style of play would get the best out of his own abilities.

      Mbappe believes Jurgen Klopp would get the best out of himCredit: Getty – Contributor
      MBAPPE AND LIVERPOOL BOTH HAVE NIKE DEALS
      The Reds struck a mega-money £80million-a-year kit deal with Nike last January.
      Liverpool previously had their kits supplied by New Balance since 2015 and were earning £45million every season.
      But the club decided to switch it up after a bitter legal battle with New Balance and their partnership with Nike commenced on June 1, 2020.
      Mbappe is also signed to a bumper sponsorship deal with the American sportswear giant.
      And he recently collaborated with basketball superstar – and minor Liverpool shareholder – LeBron James on the LeBron 18 trainers.

      Mbappe and Liverpool are both sponsored by Nike
      LIVERPOOL’S HISTORY
      Despite Mbappe’s recent domestic success with PSG he still craves Champions League glory which Liverpool could give him.
      He has won Ligue 1 four times, and the French Cup and League Cup twice each.
      But he is yet to win the Champions League with PSG having reached the final and lost last year against Bayern Munich.

      The World Cup winner has never won the Champions League which he cravesCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      SHIRT SALES WILL PAY FOR THE DEAL
      As part of their deal with Nike, Liverpool are said to net 20 per cent of the profits from each shirt sold.
      PSG are planning to insert a £225m buyout clause in any new Mbappe contract and his Liverpool wages would be in the region of £500,000-a-week.
      But with the inevitable huge increase in shirt sales if Mbappe signs, some of the Reds’ outlay would be offset.

      Liverpool’s kit is now made by Nike after a fallout with New BalanceCredit: AP:Associated Press

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      Real Madrid accept Gareth Bale will return next season and fear £650k-a-week wages will scupper Mbappe transfer plans

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      GARETH BALE’S latest injury blow has hammered home the reality that he will be stuck at Real Madrid next season, according to reports in Spain.
      Tottenham have confirmed a calf problem will keep Bale out of action in a fresh blow to his loan spell at the club.

      Gareth Bale is set for another spell out with a calf injuryCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Kylian Mbappe’s summer transfer plans could be affected by the Welshman’s situationCredit: The Mega Agency

      Jose Mourinho confirmed last week: “I wouldn’t say it’s serious but I’d say a few weeks [until Bale is back].”
      The winger, 31 was last seen being subbed off at half-time of December’s Carabao Cup win at Stoke.
      A well-placed header by Bale to put Spurs ahead seemed to be exactly the sort of boost he needed having struggled upon his return to North London.
      Bale has managed just four league appearances and is yet to see out 90 minutes for his team.

      The situation has left Real Madrid facing the reality that the Welshman is set to return in the summer.
      According to Spanish outlet AS, Los Blancos believe finding a new club for the final year of his contract will be very difficult.

      And with Bale himself reportedly happy to come back to Madrid, they will have to account for his £650,000-a-week wages once again.
      Tottenham are paying around half of his salary this season.

      Taking another financial hit could scupper Real’s summer transfer plans.
      Having kept out of the market last summer, the LaLiga giants have sharply felt the coronavirus pandemic’s economic crisis.
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      A variety of top stars have nonetheless been linked to the Bernabeu for the summer, including Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe.
      The chances of signing Paris Saint-Germain star Mbappe have already been hit by the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino at Parc des Princes.
      Tying the striker down to a new contract, along with Neymar, is thought to be a top priority for the new coach.

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      PSG put five players up for sale including ex-Man Utd ace Herrera as Pochettino looks to raise cash for transfer splurge

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      PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN have reportedly put five players up for sale – including Ander Herrera.
      The ex-Manchester United midfielder, 31, joined the club in 2019 and has two goals in 42 appearances.

      Ander Herrera is one of five PSG players reportedly put up for sale Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      But he could be sold in order to help raise cash to fund Mauricio Pochettino’s transfer splurge.
      Marca report Thilo Kehrer, Julian Draxler, Idrissa Gueye and Leandro Paredes are also on the chopping block.
      Herrera, Kehrer and Paredes all started in the Champions League final last summer, while Draxler replaced the former but Gueye was an unused sub.
      Draxler has already been linked with a shock move to Leeds on a free transfer in the summer.

      It is thought PSG are hoping to raise in excess of £50million for the quintet.
      And should the right offers come in during this January transfer window, they may well be shipped out sooner rather than later.
      That would free up both money and space in the squad for Poch to bring in his own targets.
      The ex-Tottenham boss replaced Thomas Tuchel at the Parc des Princes over the weekend.

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      And he is already compiling a list of his own transfer targets.
      A reunion with Hugo Lloris, Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen from his Spurs days is certainly on the cards – especially with the latter pair’s recent struggles under Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte respectively.
      Elsewhere, Lionel Messi could be another target and one Pochettino has already given the green light to make a move.
      The Barcelona hero made a U-turn after handing in a transfer request last summer and is out of contract in six months, meaning he could join for free.
      Manchester City have made no secret of their interest in the 33-year-old but PSG have the financial power and a manager who could attract Messi.
      Finally, Sergio Ramos – a fellow LaLiga legend out of contract in the summer – may be another target for the Ligue 1 champs, who lost experienced centre-back Thiago Silva last year.

      Mauricio Pochettino is looking to assemble his own squad with a series of new signingsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Pochettino gives PSG green light to fight for Lionel Messi’s signature as they prepare for transfer battle with Man City

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      MAURICIO POCHETTINO has given the green light to Paris Saint-Germain battling Manchester City for the right to sign Lionel Messi this summer.
      Messi’s contract at Barcelona expires at the end of the season and the brilliant forward has not changed his position on wanting to quit the Nou Camp.

      Mauricio Pochettino has given his blessing to PSG trying to sign Lionel MessiCredit: AFP or licensors

      The Argentine is free to talk to non-Spanish clubs in JanuaryCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      City have made no secret of their interest in the 33-year-old.
      But PSG can rival their financial power and with Pochettino now in charge also have a manager who would interest the Argentine in terms of being a boss he would play for.
      And though he refused to speak in depth about the prospect of tempting Messi to Paris, Pochettino did give a clear hint the interest is there from the club.
      He said: “A situation like you are asking me, to be honest we are not talking about that (Messi) because we have no time.

      “It has been a crazy period for us, trying to adapt to the new club, a lot of meetings and training sessions and to prepare tomorrow’s game.
      “I think we are going to have time to talk in the future, for sure. But any big player in the world is always welcome in Paris Saint-Germain.”
      Pochettino takes charge of PSG for the first time on Wednesday when they face Saint-Etienne.
      And he insists Ligue 1 is of major importance, despite the owners making no secret of their desire to win the Champions League.

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      Messi’s Barcelona lie in wait in the last-16, a match Pochettino is desperate to ensure his side is ready for.
      He added: “For Paris Saint-Germain the Champions League is the most important competition. But of course the rest of the competitions are important.
      “Of course it’s a massive challenge. It looks far away but it’s next month. For us the most important thing is to try and build and arrive at our best when it will be the moment to face Barcelona.
      “We have an unbelievable squad and from the moment all the players will be available it will be a massive competition between them, because it’s so important the competition between them.
      “I think for sure we are going to arrive at our best to win and to go farther.
      “Barcelona is one of the great clubs in the world too and it’s going to be tough, like it’s going to be tough against Saint-Etienne. Always respect the opponent.”

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      Sergio Ramos ‘ready to listen to transfer offers’ as PSG ‘tell him they will make great team with him and Lionel Messi’

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      REAL MADRID skipper Sergio Ramos has reportedly been told by Paris Saint-Germain that they want to sign him AND Lionel Messi this summer.
      Both the Spanish centre-back and the Barcelona legend are in the final year of their contract and are free to speak to other clubs about a switch at the end of the season.

      Paris Saint-Germain could make a number of signings in the summer

      Los Blancos boss Zinedine Zidane has spoken of his confidence that Ramos, 34, will pen a new deal at the Bernabeu.
      But reports from Spain have claimed that the World Cup winner is seriously considering his future having been courted by Les Parisiens.
      According to El Chiringuito TV reporter Josep Pedrerol, the ex-Sevilla defender has spoken to Real president Florentino Perez about PSG’s proposal.
      He stated that ahead of Madrid’s 1-1 draw against Elche, Ramos told Perez: “I am not accepting the proposal you have made to me and from now on I will listen to offers.”

      Before adding: “Someone from PSG has told me that they are going to create a great team with me and Messi.”
      To which Perez allegedly said: “If you have a good offer we will understand.”
      Should the duo make the move to France, then Mauricio Pochettino would boast a side truly capable of winning the Champions League.
      And he is already looking to convince star duo Kylian Mbappe and Neymar to pen new deals at Parc des Princes.

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      Les Parisiens are reportedly keen on bringing Sergio Ramos and Lionel Messi to FranceCredit: AP:Associated Press
      It could be a busy summer for PSG, with SunSport exclusively revealing that Pochettino is eyeing up a reunion with Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.
      Lloris has one year left on his contract in North London, and Spurs could cash in on the shot-stopper should he decide to move on.
      Should he join the Ligue 1 outfit, Colin Dagba could retain his spot at right-back having impressed this season.
      Meanwhile Dutch youngster Mitchel Bakker has starred at left-back having featured in 22 games already this term.
      A centre-back partnership could consist of Ramos and Marquinhos, with Poch to also rely on the likes of Presnel Kimpembe and Thilo Kehrer.

      Marco Verratti and Idrissi Gueye could start in the middle of the pitch behind Dele Alli.
      It is understood that PSG remian keen on signing the England international with Pochettino a huge fan of his former attacking midfielder.
      PSG could then boast the deadliest trio in world football with Neymar and Messi playing either side of French marksman Kylian Mbappe.

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      Chelsea should NOT sack Frank Lampard say fans but believe Tuchel should take over if Abramovich gives legend the boot

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      CHELSEA fans do not want Frank Lampard sacked but think Thomas Tuchel should replace him if Roman Abramovich gets rid.
      The Blues boss is under pressure having gone three games without a win. 

      Chelsea fans do not want Frank Lampard sackedCredit: Getty – Pool

      But Blues fans want Thomas Tuchel to replace him if the club legend does goCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      After Chelsea were beaten 3-1 at home by Manchester City on January 3, Lampard admitted to ‘feeling the heat’.
      The West Londoners slipped to eighth and are without a win since they beat West Ham 3-0 on December 21.
      And the pressure is ramping up on club legend Lampard who splashed more than £220million on six new players last year — including £48m struggling striker Timo Werner.
      But Blues fans told SunSport they are sticking by their legendary former midfielder in a poll conducted on Monday.

      To the question ‘Should Chelsea sack Lampard?’, 43 per cent of Blues supporters answered ‘Yes, going backwards’.
      But 57 per cent were keen on their boss to stay answering ‘No, give him time’.
      However, Chelsea have had ten managers in 12 years and Roman Abramovich is not known for his patience with the men in the dugout.
      So SunSport also gauged who Blues fans want in if Lampard does get the boot.

      It was a close run thing but Tuchel – who was recently sacked by PSG – just nicked it with 29 percent of the vote.
      He narrowly beat RB Leipzig gaffer Julian Nagelsmann who was just two per cent behind on 27.
      And Max Allegri and Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers came in third and fourth respectively with 23 and 21 per cent.
      Speaking after the City defeat, Lampard said: “I will always feel the heat.
      “I felt the heat when we were on our good run because I know that around the corner can be the negative.
      “And we are not a team that has been churning out results and has got to the level of Liverpool or Man City.
      “It is my job to focus on working on the players, not what the people above are thinking — that would just distract me and I can’t do it.
      “We went 16 games unbeaten and a month ago everyone was asking me about where we can go, where am I going to go, where’s the new contract?
      “Now people will be saying the opposite — I can’t control that. The pressure remains constant in this job and you know in tough moments that will be there.”
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      Leeds rekindle transfer interest in Julian Draxler with German star set to leave PSG for free next summer

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      LEEDS have reportedly reignited their interest in Paris Saint-Germain star Julian Draxler.
      The 27-year-old looks set to leave the French giants on a free transfer when his deal expires in June.

      Julian Draxler has played for Paris Saint-Germain since 2017Credit: Getty – Contributor

      According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Leeds are among the clubs interested in signing him.
      AC Milan, Inter Milan, Sevilla and Hertha Berlin have also been linked to the PSG star.
      But Leeds have been long-term admirers of the 56-cap Germany international.
      In September, it was reported that Marcelo Bielsa’s side were plotting a move for him.

      Draxler admitted that he almost left PSG in the summer to seek a new challenge.
      He said: “In the summer I thought about trying to do something else.
      “Due to the coronavirus situation, it was ultimately difficult to find a club where I would have said: ‘Everything fits well together, I definitely want to’.
      “That was not the case, so I decided that I would not dare to take a quick shot and keep looking for my chance at Paris.”

      Draxler been with Paris Saint-Germain since he joined them from VfL Wolfsburg in 2017.
      But he has made just nine appearances this season, scoring two goals and making one assist.
      As well as eyeing a move for Draxler, Leeds are set to hand Patrick Bamford a new deal.

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