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      Lionel Messi and Sergio Ramos among world-class XI of stars out of contract in 2021 who are available on free transfer

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      LIONEL MESSI and Sergio Ramos head the list of world-class names who are now into the final six months of their current contracts.
      And that means we could see some incredible free transfers at the end of the season.

      These players are all out of contract come the end of the season so will be available for free

      Lionel Messi made a dramatic U-turn to see out the final year of his Barcelona contractCredit: AFP or licensors

      Messi threatened to quit Barcelona this summer but decided to honour his deal while Ramos is holding out for more than a one-year extension at Real Madrid.
      But with the likes of Mesut Ozil, Memphis Depay and Sergio Aguero also running down their deals, plenty of clubs will be eyeing up some smart business.
      From January, players whose contracts are expiring will be able to start negotiating with new clubs over free summer moves.
      And could there even be a surprise return to the Premier League in store for Diego Costa after his release from Atletico Madrid?

      SunSport picks out some of the best players available for nothing next summer.
      GK – Gianluigi Donnarumma
      The AC Milan stopper burst on to the scene as a teenager and is still backed to be Italy’s No1 for many years.
      But with just months to go on his current deal, could he be holding out for one of the European superpowers to come calling?
      RB – Eric Garcia
      OK, yes, his favoured position is at centre-back but for this team he is going to have to move across.

      The Manchester City star revealed he will not be signing a contract extension at the Etihad and is expected to rejoin Barcelona after a summer move fell through.
      CB – Sergio Ramos
      Ramos takes the first centre-back spot as one of the greatest in that position over the last decade.
      Captain now Iker Casillas has gone, penalty taker now Cristiano Ronaldo has gone, the Real Madrid icon may no longer be at his peak aged 34 but is still a fine defender.
      Zinedine Zidane insists he will stay but Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, Inter Miami or even a reunion with Jose Mourinho at Spurs may all be tempting destinations.
      CB – Jerome Boateng
      On paper, Boateng has enjoyed a stellar career with an FA Cup, eight Bundesligas, two Champions Leagues and the World Cup.
      But even then the German still leaves some unconvinced he is in the top bracket – however, you could do worse for a free agent and that is why Chelsea and Arsenal are linked.

      Sergio Ramos continues to lead by example for Real Madrid with the armband and spot-kick responsibilitiesCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The percentage of answers have been round up or down from their decimal points
      LB – David Alaba
      Alaba, meanwhile, has proven his quality time and time again – and in many different positions.
      The Bayern Munich star excelled at left-back for years but has since moved into midfield and centre-back, making it look easy – no wonder the giants are battling it out for his signature.
      CM – Luka Modric
      A serial winner for Real Madrid, ended the Ballon d’Or duopoly and took Croatia to the World Cup final.
      But it looks as though Modric’s nine years at the Bernabeu will come to an end following the emergence of Fede Valverde and others.
      CM – Georginio Wijnaldum
      A critical part of the Liverpool engine room which delivered European and then league success.
      Ronald Koeman taking over at Barcelona and Thiago’s arrival at Anfield led to speculation of a departure this summer – give it to the end of the season and he could well be lining up at the Nou Camp with no new contract signed.
      CM – Mesut Ozil
      Arsenal will be counting down the days until they can stop paying Ozil £350,000 per week, or £50,000 a day, or £2,083 an hour, or £34.72 per minute.
      The German signed his lucrative new deal in January 2018 and has done very little for the club since – and absolutely nothing after the lockdown restart, except offer to pay for Gunnersaurus’ wages.
      Turkey or the MLS both seem like possible destinations.

      Luka Modric became the first player other than Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi to win the Ballon d’Or since Kaka in 2007Credit: AP:Associated Press

      RW – Lionel Messi
      We almost witnessed one of the most spectacular of all transfers this summer when Messi was ready to walk out on Barcelona after nearly 20 years.
      His loyalty to the Catalan giants saw him perform a U-turn so he didn’t take them to court and instead would honour the final year.
      But it would take a remarkable shake-up for the Argentine to sign a new deal as Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain plot mammoth offers.
      Messi recently said: “I know there are a lot of people at Barca who still love me, but I’m going to do what is best for the club and for myself.
      “I don’t know if I’m going to leave, but if I do, I would like to leave in the best way possible and be able to return to the club in the future.”

      ST – Sergio Aguero
      Aguero is the greatest foreign goalscorer the Premier League has seen, breaking records galore and bagging more than 250 times for City since his arrival in 2011.
      But this season may well be his last if there is no agreement made for the 32-year-old to stay on beyond the summer – and he would not be short of options.
      LW – Memphis Depay
      Remembered by many for his failed spell at Manchester United, Depay reset with Lyon and has proven he is still a top-class talent.
      Like compatriot Wijnaldum, he was close to joining Barcelona in the last window but a deal could not get over the line in time – another impressive campaign in Ligue 1 will ensure the biggest clubs keep an eye out.
      Alternative XI
      Unsurprisingly, there are still a fair few names not getting into that star-studded XI.
      So here is the Alternative XI – and it is pretty strong with experienced internationals, Premier League kings and a World Cup winner.

      Another whole team of out-of-contract talented players could make up a second-string XI
      GK – Marko Dmitrovic
      The Eibar stopper is one of a number from LaLiga out of contract at the end of the current campaign – alongside Rui Silva from Granada and Sevilla’s Tomas Vaclik – with Atletico Madrid potentially eyeing Dmitrovic.
      CB – Romain Saiss
      The versatile Morocco captain has played more than 150 times – across the defence and midfield – for Wolves since his 2016 arrival and has the option of an extra 12 months at Molineux.
      CB – Jonny Evans
      At £3m, Leicester bagged a great deal when they landed the former Manchester United defender, who played in every league game for the Foxes in 2019-20 – don’t rule out a new deal getting signed.
      CB – Shkodran Mustafi
      Mustafi’s Arsenal career looked all over before Mikel Arteta’s arrival and a strong end to the season.
      But will he be needed next season with William Saliba, Gabriel, Pablo Mari, Rob Holding, Calum Chambers AND Konstantinos Mavropanos?
      Talks did take place with Barcelona over a ludicrous signing but surely even that would be a step too far on the list of bonkers Nou Camp transfers.

      Manchester clubs have the worst net spend in the past decade by some distance
      RM – Florian Thauvin
      The French wide man did not enjoy his best football during a spell at Newcastle but, back at Marseille he was enjoying his football until a cruel ligament injury which ruled him out for almost the entire 2019-20 season.
      CM – Riqui Puig
      Another graduate of the famous La Masia academy at Barcelona, Puig looked destined to follow the footsteps of Andres Iniesta and Xavi – but it has not quite worked out for him just yet, especially under Koeman, and he could be let go with Arsenal or Leeds keen.
      CM – Julian Draxler
      The German midfielder’s Paris Saint-Germain career never really took off as many expected following his 2017 arrival from Wolfsburg but aged 27 he will be confident of further success.
      LM – Danny Rose
      England’s No1 left-back for many years saw his career spiral downwards when Jose Mourinho arrived at Spurs and he needs to find a new club while he can still do a job.
      The 30-year-old walks into a fair number of Premier League sides – rather than just the Spurs U23s he has turned out for this term.

      Jonny Evans and Andros Townsend will both be hoping to sign new deals before the season endsCredit: PA:Press Association

      Danny Rose needs to leave Tottenham to get his career back on trackCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      CAM – Angel Di Maria
      Not many players can boast a CV of clubs like Di Maria.
      But now well into his 30s, he will do well to earn another contract at Paris Saint-Germain and will need to be playing to get back into the Argentina fold ahead of the 2022 World Cup.
      ST – Arkadiusz Milik
      He may have already racked up more than 50 Poland appearances but it appears Spurs-target Milik is unwanted at Napoli. Turning 27 in February, he still has plenty to offer.
      ST – Diego Costa
      And last but by no means least is Costa. The fiery front man banged in 59 goals in 120 Chelsea appearances before returning to Atletico Madrid in 2017 – before ripping up his contract to leave for nothing.
      Goal-shy Arsenal and Wolves, who are without Raul Jimenez, are among the early favourites to land the Spaniard.

      The arrival of Luis Suarez saw Diego Costa leave Atletico Madrid – could a return to the Premier League be on the cards?Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Man Utd star Paul Pogba confirms he’d like Real Madrid transfer ‘one day’ but insists he’s happy at Old Trafford More

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      Neymar’s party organisers reveal superstar’s extravagant ‘five-day New Year’s bash’ will have 150 guests

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      PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN ace Neymar will allegedly host a New Year’s Eve party for 150 people in Brazil.
      The superstar has already been criticised for putting together a five-day celebration despite his homeland’s struggles with the Covid pandemic.

      Neymar will allegedly host a New Year’s Eve party for 150 people in Brazil

      The 28-year-old was said to have had a disco built with noise protection in a mansion in Mangaratiba, according to newspaper O Globo.
      CNN Brasil reported that Neymar’s representatives denied the mass celebrations are taking place at all.
      But now Agencia Fabrica, the company behind the party, confirmed the event.
      But Neymar’s lawyers have since publicly denied any connection with their footballing client.

      They told AFP: “No. It’s a matter for the agency and it has nothing to do with Neymar.
      “We have no information about such an event.”
      Agencia Fabrica had claimed the mass party will be taking place but dismissed reports that around 500 people will attend.
      Yet they also revealed that it will adhere to strict health and safety measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

      The PSG forward was criticised for the celebrations amid the coronavirus pandemic in the countryCredit: Reuters
      As reported by Goal, a statement read: “Agencia Fabrica clarifies that it is the creator and producer of New Year’s Eve event in the Costa Verde region, in the State of Rio de Janeiro, which will receive approximately 150 people.
      “The event will take place in compliance with all health standards determined by public agencies.
      “The company also clarifies that the private event, with exclusive access for guests and without ticket sales, happens with all licenses from the competent bodies necessary for its realisation.”
      Brazil has been one of the world’s hardest-hit countries during the coronavirus pandemic and its death toll of more than 190,000 puts it behind only the United States in terms of fatalities.

      The number of confirmed Covid-19 cases currently stands at 7.5 million, more than any other country apart from the US and India.
      While many Brazilian states have banned New Year celebrations and restricted mass gatherings, Rio de Janeiro has not.
      Neymar’s lavish parties have made headlines in the past with Ander Herrera admitting his wife banned him from going downstairs at his team-mate’s birthday bash as there were too many single women.

      Neymar hosted a star-studded birthday bash in February

      The Brazilian made sure it was a white-themed party

      Neymar prepares to cut giant cake as he enjoys all-white birthday bash with PSG pals More

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      Tuchel ‘interested’ in Chelsea job as ex-PSG boss eyes swift managerial return if Lampard can’t turn fortunes around

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      THOMAS TUCHEL is already eyeing a return to the dugout after being sacked by Paris Saint-Germain – with Chelsea reportedly on his radar.
      The Ligue 1 champions dismissed Tuchel, 47, on Christmas Eve after a relatively poor start to the defence of their crown.

      Thomas Tuchel is on the lookout for a new job after leaving Paris Saint-GermainCredit: Alamy Live News

      Frank Lampard’s job at Chelsea is reportedly being eyed by the GermanCredit: Kevin Quigley-The Daily Mail

      Mauricio Pochettino is set to take the PSG job in the coming days after a £5.4million pay-off for their former manager.
      According to Bild, the German does not want to take a break from the game, having done so after stints at Mainz and Borussia Dortmund came to an end.
      A move to England and the Premier League is said to be high on his list of priorities.
      This season has seen a surprisingly low number of managerial sackings with only Slaven Bilic losing his job at West Brom.

      And Tuchel reportedly fancies a move to Chelsea, were that position to become available.
      It is claimed that Roman Abramovich discussed offering him the job ahead of Antonio Conte’s exit at the end of the 2017-18 season.
      The Blues’ trio of Germans, all of whom are currently misfiring, is described as a point of interest to the Bavarian boss.
      Timo Werner and Kai Havertz have failed to regularly star since moving to West London in the summer with Antonio Rudiger currently out of the team.

      Any notion of Chelsea sacking Frank Lampard is, however, premature.
      The former midfielder led his youthful side to the FA Cup final and a top-four finish last season.
      Ahead of Monday’s clash with Aston Villa, they sit eighth in the table but only four points behind Everton in second.
      Having spent big in the summer, and with those new signings yet to fully take off, the upcoming clashes with Villa, Manchester City and Leicester could go a long way to deciding Chelsea’s season.
      The 3-1 defeat to Arsenal last time out raised further questions about the squad’s abilities.
      BBC pundit Alan Shearer told Match of the Day: “When you look at some of the players on show in the attacking third, then this could be a worry for Frank.

      “Werner, who was dragged at half time, didn’t offer anything in that first half, got into one or two decent positions.”
      While former Blues forward Tony Cascarino feels the result switched the pressure off Mikel Arteta – and onto Lampard.
      He told talkSPORT: “Frank has got a real problem at the football club.
      “I’m not convinced by the people that say Arteta is seriously under pressure; I think Frank is under every bit as much, and even more, pressure.”
      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

      Lampard admits Chelsea didn’t deserve much in the first half against Arsenal More

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      Mauricio Pochettino on the verge of joining PSG after French giants pay £5.4million compensation to sack Thomas Tuchel

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      MAURICIO POCHETTINO is nearing a return to management with Paris Saint-Germain after Thomas Tuchel’s contract was paid off.
      The German was sacked on Christmas Eve despite guiding Les Parisiens to the Champions League final only four months earlier.

      Mauricio Pochettino is set to be named Paris Saint-Germain managerCredit: AFP or licensors

      According to Bild, negotiations over his pay-off are now complete with a £5.4million compensation package.
      Tuchel had only six months left to run on his contract, which saw him earn £6.75m-a-year.
      It is said that the 47-year-old is not considering a sabbatical from the game and is keen on a move to the Premier League.
      Reports in Germany name Chelsea as one destination that interests him but that would require a serious downturn in results from Frank Lampard.

      Arsenal have also previously been linked with Tuchel but it is understood that Mikel Arteta has the full backing of his board.
      PSG sit third in Ligue 1 ahead of Pochettino’s arrival, with the Argentine’s contract now finalised according to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano.

      Thomas Tuchel has reportedly agreed a multi-million pound pay-offCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Rumours over how the ex-Tottenham boss will refresh the side are rife but his priority may be convincing Kylian Mbappe to sign a new contract.
      Dele Alli, who was touted for a move to Paris in the autumn, is one reported target.

      Also said to be on his radar is Paulo Dybala, after Tottenham attempted to sign the Juventus striker while Pochettino was manager.

      And an audacious bid for his countryman, Lionel Messi, could be set in motion with the striker’s Barcelona contract expiring in June.
      Spurs may actually be relieved to see their old manager finally join a new club.
      It was reported that a contract clause from his sacking meant Pochettino was still being paid his hefty £8.5m-a-year salary until he found a new team – along with a number of his coaching staff.

      Mauricio Pochettino set to be named new PSG boss after Thomas Tuchel is sacked More

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      Lionel Messi reveals he still has a WhatsApp group chat with former Barcelona team-mates Neymar and Luis Suarez

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      LIONEL MESSI revealed he still has a WhatsApp group chat with former Barcelona team-mates Neymar and Luis Suarez.
      The trio of forwards – dubbed MSN – enjoyed massive success while they led the line together at the Nou Camp from 2014 to 2017.

      Luis Suarez, Neymar and Lionel Messi – or MSN – pictured at Barcelona Credit: Reuters

      Neymar left to join PSG in 2017 while Suarez moved to Atletico Madrid this summer after being axed by Barca.
      But Messi admitted the three are still in contact and communicate in a chat.
      He told Spanish TV station La Sexta: “Neymar should be asked why he said we were going to play together.
      “We have a WhatsApp group with him and Luis Suarez.”

      Messi’s comments come after Neymar said he was desperate to play with the Argentine legend again.
      Both the superstars have uncertain futures, with Neymar linked to a move back to Barca and Messi having tried to leave in the summer.
      But the Nou Camp icon insisted they have not discussed transfers together – only their Champions League last 16 clash in February.
      Messi, 33, said: “The last message with Neymar was about the Champions League draw. I did not want to face him now.”

      Neymar, 28, joined PSG in a record £198million deal, but Barca have already tried to prize him back to LaLiga.
      However, with the club in £443m debut, even Messi is doubting how they could land the Brazilian.
      He said: “It is not easy either because there is no money and you have to sign players to achieve great titles.
      “It will be a very difficult situation for the new president.”
      Another transfer Messi is scratching his head over is Suarez, after Barca let his best friend leave for nothing just to get him out of the club.
      He said: “What they did seemed crazy to me, because of how he left.
      “He left for free, paying him his contract and a team that fights for the same thing as us.”

      Lionel Messi arrives home in Argentina for the holidays ahead of transfer speculation More

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      PSG eye Christian Eriksen swap transfer with Paredes going to Inter but incoming boss Pochettino wants to keep Argentine

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      PSG want former Spurs star Christian Eriksen – but Mauricio Pochettino is unwilling to let Inter have Leandro Paredes in exchange.
      Pochettino has yet to be confirmed as PSG boss but is already at the centre of some spectacular transfer talk.

      Inter Milan outcast Christian Eriksen is reportedly wanted by PSG and Man CityCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      PSG’s Leandro Paredes is said to be in Mauricio Pochettino’s plans, despite being linked with an Inter Milan swap deal involving Christian EriksenCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      And le10sport suggest Poch is keen on a reunion with his former Tottenham playmaker Eriksen, whose 11 months with Inter have gone from bad to worse.
      The Italian giants have been strongly linked with PSG’s Argentina midfielder Paredes.
      But it is thought Poch is keen to keep his fellow countryman.
      Pochettino would reportedly face competition from Etihad chief Pep Guardiola for Denmark playmaker Eriksen.

      Fcinternews claim City are monitoring the 28-year-old but would struggle to persuade him to join.
      Inter have already admitted Eriksen is heading out in next month’s transfer window.
      CEO Giuseppe Marotta told Sky Italia: “Yes, I can confirm that Christian Eriksen is on the transfer list.
      “He’s going to leave in January.

      “He’s not functional to our plans and he had difficulty here at Inter.
      “I think it’s right that Christian goes away to find more space.”
      PSG’S list of other possible targets under incoming Poch is said to include Spurs midfielder Dele Alli, with speculation even surrounding Barcelona legend Lionel Messi and Juventus superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.
      Ronaldo, 35, has also been talked of as the lower-valued player in a swap for Manchester United’s Paul Pogba.

      And certainly Alli seems a far more realistic option, at least in the short term.
      The 24-year-old seems to be slipping further and further out of the first-team picture under current Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho.
      And his best football clearly came under Pochettino.

      Mauricio Pochettino set to be named new PSG boss after Thomas Tuchel is sacked More

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      Pochettino ‘to make stunning Lionel Messi transfer bid at PSG’ with Barcelona star to decide future next month

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      MAURICIO POCHETTINO is tipped to make Lionel Messi his top transfer target at PSG.
      Ex-Spurs boss Pochettino hopes Messi joins Kylian Mbappe and Neymar for a stunning front three next season as he closes on the PSG job.

      Mauricio Pochettino reportedly believes he can lure Lionel Messi to PSGCredit: EPA

      The French champs are poised to appoint Poch within days after Thomas Tuchel’s Christmas Eve sacking.
      And Le Parisien believe the Argentinian’s arrival would boost PSG’s chances of beating Inter Milan and Manchester City to his fellow countryman.
      Former Barcelona team-mate Neymar is among the friends Messi already has at last season’s Champions League finalists.
      Messi, 33, is still rated likely to depart the Nou Camp in the summer, despite settling his differences and accepting he had to stay for this campaign.

      He has just broken the record for goals at one club, with 644, one more than Pele’s staggering total for Santos.
      But his future could be decided next month after the club’s presidential elections.
      Barcelona legend Carles Puyol predicts Messi still has ‘three or four years’ left as an elite player.

      The former Spain defender, who won 100 caps, said: “He takes care of himself. He is motivated and eager.”

      Puyol believes the key for Messi is avoiding ‘major injuries and if he continues playing with the same desire to improve and keep winning’.
      Meanwhile, PSG have reportedly promised Pochettino that Real Madrid target Kylian Mbappe WILL stay if the 48-year-old takes over.

      Lionel Messi arrives home in Argentina for the holidays ahead of transfer speculation More

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      Serge Aurier says PSG transfer would be a ‘pleasure’ opening door to potential Mauricio Pochettino reunion

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      SERGE AURIER has opened the door for a return to former club Paris Saint-Germain — claiming it would be ‘a pleasure’.
      And that would mean a potential reunion with former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino, who looks set to take over at the French giants.

      Mauricio Pochettino brought Serge Aurier to Tottenham in 2017Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Right-back Aurier, 28, hopes to return to Jose Mourinho’s Spurs side for the trip to Wolves on Sunday.
      A £23million signing from PSG three years ago, the Ivory Coast star confirmed he dreams of a switch back to the Parc des Princes.
      Aurier said: “When I say PSG is the club close to my heart, I don’t want journalists to say, ‘He can’t say that!’ But of course I will answer.
      “It’s the club I’ve loved the most out of all the clubs I’ve played for.

      “Paris is where I turned into a man, as a professional, where I discovered myself more. That’s where I enjoyed myself the most.
      “When I was a youngster at Lens, Paris was the club of my heart.
      “One day, it would be no problem at all to go back, with pleasure. I will never turn down an offer from Paris, that is absolutely certain.
      “If ever it comes up, why not? If it doesn’t, I’m very happy where I am and things are going well for me.”

      Aurier is hoping to keep his place in Jose Mourinho’s team for the trip to WolvesCredit: PA:Press Association
      Aurier initially joined PSG on loan for a season before spending a further two years at the club. He won the Ligue 1 title twice and lifted the French Cup on three occasions.
      But the defender reckons he is having a good season for Spurs.
      He said: “I work all the time, I’m a hard worker. I’m maybe having my best start to the season of my career, so I’m happy with what’s happening.”
      Aurier — who gave away a penalty in the home defeat to Leicester before Christmas — has also given an insight into manager Mourinho, believing he is calmer than before.
      He explained: “I think he’s changed a lot.
      “Of course, sometimes he has rushes of blood, but I think the fact he took a year’s sabbatical allows you to focus on what constitutes one’s strengths and weaknesses.

      The squad has always had quality, but was maybe lacking some character. I think we’re getting this character little by little.
      Serge Aurier

      “Now I believe he gets less angry and he explains things better in order to get results.
      “Since I’ve been here the squad has always had quality, but was maybe lacking some character. I think we’re getting this character little by little.
      “When I mean character, it’s with regard to what I experienced at PSG.”

      Mauricio Pochettino set to be named new PSG boss after Thomas Tuchel is sacked More