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      Best XI available for FREE in 2021 including Lionel Messi, Mesut Ozil, Paul Pogba… and Prem return for Diego Costa?

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      LIONEL MESSI and Paul Pogba head the list of seriously big names who are now into the final year 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

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      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 Pogba made another ploy to try and manufacture a ‘dream’ move to Real Madrid over the international break.
      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.
      And could there even be a surprise return to the Premier League in store for Diego Costa?
      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 a year 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.
      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.

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

      Chelsea were the top spenders in the Premier League this summer

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      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 – Paul Pogba
      What more is there to say about Paul Pogba? There is undoubtedly bags of talent – as he showed at the World Cup and at the end of last season.
      But it feels like he has never fully found his best football since returning to Old Trafford for £89million and keeps openly admitting he would consider a transfer – the question is whether he has justified a move to the likes of Real Madrid. Does have a 12-month extension option.
      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 a year and he could well be lining up at the Nou Camp.
      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.

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      Paul Pogba declared it would be a ‘dream’ for him to play for Real Madrid – but whether he has earned the move is debatableCredit: PA:Press Association

      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.
      And that means the likes of Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain will be plotting their mammoth offers.

      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 still pretty strong with experienced internationals, Premier League kings, a World Cup champion and even a Ballon d’Or winner.

      Another whole team of out-of-contract talented players could make up a second-string XI
      GK – Jack Butland
      Things have gone rather pear-shaped for Butland, England’s youngest senior goalkeeper, with relegation with Stoke, a loss of form and now an outcast – although was linked with Liverpool as back-up to Alisson.
      CB – Willy Boly
      Boly was one of Wolves’ standout players in their first year back in the Premier League and is still a key member of the back three Nuno Espirito Santo has mastered at Molineux.
      CB – Jonny Evans
      At £3m, Leicester bagged a great when they landed the former Man 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?

      Manchester clubs have the worst net spend in the past decade by some distance
      RM – Michail Antonio
      Effective in a multitude of positions – probably none more so than up front – Antonio is proving why he deserves a new contract with the Hammers already this season.
      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 – 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.

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      Jonny Evans and Michail Antonio will both have their eyes on a new contract after excelling at Leicester and West Ham respectivelyCredit: EPA

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      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
      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 – but now faces competition from Luis Suarez.

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      The arrival of Luis Suarez could see 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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      How PSG could line up with Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe up front and Milinkovic-Savic behind in new look attack

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      PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN are reportedly still dreaming of forming an all-star attack with Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe.
      Ronaldo, 35, has been previously linked with the French side, but is said to be intent on seeing out his contract at Juventus which ends in 2022.

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      Cristiano Ronaldo has been linked again with a switch to Paris Saint-Germain

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      The Juventus superstar is said to be keen to link up with Kylian MbappeCredit: AFP or licensors

      It had been claimed that the Portuguese almost joined PSG earlier this year before coronavirus lockdown.
      Ronaldo was said to be weighing up his options and had his heart set on a move to Paris because he dreamed of playing alongside Neymar and Mbappe, according to France Football.
      His agent Jorge Mendes had also met PSG sporting director Leonardo in a bid to push the deal through.

      Italian outlet CalcioMercato claim that the Ligue 1 giants could make a move for Ronaldo again next year if Juventus win the Champions League.
      The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was rumoured to PSG’s potential replacement for Mbappe should the latter join Real Madrid.
      But Frenchman Mbappe could look to stay in France to play alongside his idol Ronaldo if PSG pull off a major transfer coup.
      That would leave Neymar as part of another superstar attacking trio following his Barcelona days next to Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.

      Meanwhile, PSG are also said to be interested in following up their long-standing interest in Lazio star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.

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      The Ligue 1 champions had a £54million bid for the Serbian rejected and were unable to bid higher due to the financial restraints caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
      CaughtOffside now claim that Lazio may soften their demands in January as they’re aware their current £72m valuation is unfeasible in this current market.
      At the back, PSG can complete their new-look team by activating the option to buy in Alessandro Florenzi’s loan deal from Roma.

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      Man Utd line-up Eduardo Camavinga, 17, as Paul Pogba transfer replacement but face fight with Real Madrid for Rennes ace

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      MANCHESTER United have reportedly lined-up teenage sensation Eduardo Camavinga to replace Paul Pogba – but will face a fight with Real Madrid.
      Reports say the Red Devils have ‘put in place’ a mechanism to sign the 17-year-old as interest in him rises.

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      The two Frenchman, a decade apart in age, are entangled in speculation involving Man United and Real Madrid Credit: AFP or licensors

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      Camavinga, 17, is quickly picking up admirers in the football world for his performances for club and countryCredit: AFP or licensors

      He is seen as a potential replacement for countryman Pogba, whose contract runs out in 2021, although the Manchester club have the option to extend it for another year.
      The United midfielder did little to play down speculation Real Madrid could be his next destination, saying last week it would be a ‘dream’ to go to the Bernabeu ‘one day’.
      But with Madrid also interested in Camavinga, it sets up a potential battle with United over the two Frenchmen.
      Spanish outlet AS report that United are putting the building blocks in place to sign the young midfielder from Rennes.

      His contract runs down in 2022 and and he has already turned down a renewal from the surprise Ligue 1 league leaders.
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side are reportedly ‘posing a threat’ to Real Madrid, who have long had ambitions to capture Camavinga.
      Boss Zinedine Zidane is believed to have expressed an interest months ago in the young ace and the club are also preparing to make a move.
      It is believed only the financial implications of the Covid-19 pandemic stopped the Spanish giants going all out for him in the summer window.

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      United chief Ed Woodward was criticised for his efforts in the transfer window, but is making inroads with his pursuits of young players Credit: Getty – Pool

      Paris-Saint Germain and Juventus are also reportedly to be interested in the Rennes man, whose value rose after a stunning goal for France last week.
      The competition to secure the player is complicated by the future of Camavinga’s French international team-mate Pogba.
      United want the teen to replace their midfielder, but could potentially end up with nothing with the 27-year-old speaking highly of Madrid.
      Asked about them at a recent press conference, Pogba said: “I heard a lot of noise that I was going to leave and I was going to leave to clubs left and right.
      “Today, I am still at Manchester United and I am fighting to try to take the club even higher.
      “We have all heard these things that have been said. What to respond?
      “Yes, all footballers would like to play for Real Madrid. Maybe it is a dream. It is a dream for me, why not one day?
      “As I have said, I am at Manchester United and I like my club.

      “I am performing at Manchester United, I am enjoying myself and I want to do everything I can to get the club back to where it deserves to be.”
      AS reports that United are resigned to losing Pogba, making Camavinga a top priority.
      He could join other young stars like Facundo Pellistri and Amad Traore who have recently come to Old Trafford.

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      Barcelona eye ‘January bargains’ in transfer window with Memphis Depay, Georginio Wijnaldum and Eric Garcia on shortlist

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      BARCELONA are reportedly set to revive their interest in Memphis Depay, Georginio Wijnaldum and Eric Garcia in January.
      La Liga giants Barcelona failed in their attempts to sign the trio in the summer with the club lacking funds due to being hit by the Covid-19 crisis.

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      Lyon striker Memphis Depay failed to secure a move to Barcelona in the summerCredit: Icon Sport – Getty

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      Spanish media claim Barca want to bring in Depay, Georginio Wijnaldum and Eric Garcia in 2021

      Ronald Koeman’s side recently announced after-tax losses of £88million due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

      The Nou Camp side even had to slash players and staff’s wages by 70 per cent after feeling the full economic impact of the deadly virus.
      As a result, Barca were unable to land their main targets – a striker in the shape of Lyon’s Depay and a centre-back in the form of Manchester City’s Garcia.

      And Liverpool midfielder Wijaldum was also of interest, and Barcelona are prepared to dip back into the market in the winter transfer window.
      The trio are all set to become free agents in 2021, and according to Mundo Deportivo, the Spanish side will look to secure their services in cut-price deals.
      They claim Barca will look to test City’s resolve yet again having had a £16million offer rejected for him on deadline day.
      But the Citizens could keep him on their books to provide cover if needed, leaving it likely that Barca will sign him on a free transfer.

      Wijnaldum will also be monitored to see whether they can reach a deal with the Reds.

      Meanwhile Barca will have to offload one of Ousmane Dembele or Martin Braithwaite if they want to bring in Depay in January.
      Depay has spoke of his failed move to the Nou Camp as he claimed ‘certain rules stopped it’.
      And Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has confirmed that the Dutchman will push to join Barcelona in the New Year.
      Aulas revealed: “He is going to do everything he can to find himself in a position where he moves there in January.
      “Rudi Garcia, he fought with everything he had for Memphis to stay.
      “I have not abandoned the idea of extending [Depay’s] contract, but as he has always said no, it looks difficult to do.”

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      Cristiano Ronaldo in touching moment with Kylian Mbappe as Frenchman calls Portugal icon ‘GOAT and idol’ ahead of Messi

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      KYLIAN MBAPPE paid tribute to his “idol” Cristiano Ronaldo after going head to head with the Portugal superstar.
      A drab 0-0 draw in the Nations League on Sunday night featured a touching moment between the pair.

      Mbappe and Ronaldo shared a conversation on the halfway line, smiling and joking with each other before the Juventus ace shot his counterpart a thumbs-up.
      Fans watching the game loved the camaraderie between the two world-class forwards.
      And many hope to see Mbappe, 21, become a leading light of his generation much in the same way Ronaldo, 35, has led his.
      After the game, the Paris Saint-Germain attacker tweeted pictures of himself with Ronaldo on the pitch.

      He captioned the shot: “Idol.”
      And two emojis hammered home Mbappe’s admiration for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner – a crown and a goat.
      Many took this as the latest indication that Ronaldo is widely seen as the greatest player of all time, ahead of Lionel Messi, Pele and Diego Maradona.
      It was just the latest reminder of Mbappe’s love for Ronaldo, the pair having met some years ago while the latter played for Real Madrid.

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      In 2017, the Frenchman told Marca: “He is a hero from my childhood and it was amazing to meet him when I visited Valdebebas.”
      On Sunday night, it was Ronaldo who looked more likely to end the Parisian stalemate.
      An early sighting of goal was blocked by Lucas Hernandez before Hugo Lloris palmed away a second-half drive.
      Mbappe found Rui Patricio in the way when attempting to chip home from a narrow angle, with the point leaving Portugal and France level atop Group 3.

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      Kylian Mbappe and Cristiano Ronaldo were first introduced to each other at Real Madrid’s training ground many years ago

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      Juventus ready to hijack Real Madrid’s transfer for Camavinga with Pirlo desperate to build team around wonderkid

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      JUVENTUS are ready to rival Real Madrid for Eduardo Camavinga, according to reports.
      The French midfielder has shot to fame with Stade Rennais and was widely tipped to move to a European giant this summer.

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      Eduardo Camavinga is set to be one of Europe’s hottest properties next summerCredit: AFP or licensors

      However, Camavinga committed to staying in Ligue 1 ahead of his side’s shot at the Champions League group stage.
      Several media outlets from across the continent are predicting a bidding war for the youngster’s signature at the end of the season.
      According to Tuttosport, Juventus will make a serious play for Camavinga, who turns 18 next month.

      The Old Lady are said to be developing a strong relationship with Rennes, having sent defender Daniele Rugani to Brittany on loan earlier this month.
      Furthermore, new Juve boss Andrea Pirlo reportedly wants to make the midfielder a central part of his new, young side.
      Arthur Melo, Dejan Kulusevski, Federico Chiesa and Weston McKennie were all brought in during the transfer window, with Gonzalo Higuain and Blaise Matuidi among those leaving.
      And Camavinga is seen as one of Europe’s hottest teenage talents, with 49 appearances for Rennes already under his belt.

      After making his France debut last month, he opened the scoring in Les Bleus’ 7-1 rout of Ukraine on Wednesday.

      Watch Eduardo Camavinga, 17, score stunning overhead kick on first start for France
      Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United have all been tipped to bid for the Angola-born ace.
      Having made zero signings during the autumn, Real are reportedly formulating a triple swoop for French stars next year.
      Along with Camavinga, long-term target Kylian Mbappe and Dayot Upamecano have been named as key targets.

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      Man Utd star Cavani claims he and Neymar ‘are very different’ and hints they aren’t pals off pitch after PSG penalty row

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      EDINSON CAVANI has opened up on his relationship with Neymar at Paris Saint-Germain – admitting the two are “very different”.
      In 2017, the pair famously feuded on the pitch over who would get to take a penalty against Lyon, which Cavani claimed and scored.

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      Edinson Cavani and Neymar argued over a penalty kick against Lyon in 2017Credit: AFP or licensors

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      The new Man Utd forward took control of the ball despite Neymar’s protestations, with the Brazilian later apologisingCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Later that season, the Brazilian grabbed the ball for a spot-kick to notch his fourth in an 8-0 thumping of Montpellier.
      That drew boos from his own fans, who wanted to see Cavani handed the chance to break PSG’s all-time scoring record.
      The new Manchester United signing now insists the penalty issues were quickly dealt with but admits that the strikers were hardly best of friends.

      Cavani told ESPN Argentina: “I honestly think Ney is a good person.

      “The only time I disagreed with him was the match against Lyon.
      “Everything that is said about arguments is not true, although we are very different.
      “If one day I become a coach, I think the important thing is to be a friend on the pitch and to have respect and commitment for your teammates.
      “Not everyone has to be friends off the pitch.

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      How the PL’s best transfer XI for this summer could look
      “On the pitch, there are things that are not negotiated. In the Uruguay national team, not everyone is my friend, but on the pitch we have formed a beautiful family and that is why we all get along well.”
      United snapped up the 33-year-old on transfer deadline day after his release from PSG.
      Although, due to the coronavirus pandemic, Cavani was left worried that he would have to retire if football remained shut down.

      He noted: “At one point I thought, ‘What if this continues, am I going to play again?’
      “Or if I could even keep the life that I like a lot, with my country, on the pitch.
      “It is very nice to come to this club. It is a wonderful place.”

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      Michael Cuisance hits back at Leeds and claims he did NOT fail medical over transfer from Bayern Munich

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      MICHAEL CUISANCE has firmly denied a failed medical put the kibosh on his switch to Leeds from Bayern Munich. 
      And the midfielder’s claims have reportedly been backed by Marseille officials who say the player they signed on loan three days after his move to Elland Road collapsed is ‘100%’ fit.

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      Michael Cuisance insists injury was not the reason behind the collapse of his move to Leeds Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Cuisance, 21, travelled from Germany to England last week to complete an £18million move to the Premier League new boys. 
      However Leeds put the brakes on the transfer after medical checks by their officials led to concerns over how long it could have taken Cuisance to recover from a previous injury picked up by the tests. 
      But the Frenchman told Goal.com medical fears were not the reasons behind the collapse of his move.
      Cuisance said: “’There was no problem with the medical, the one with Marseille went very well, I am in form and ready to play. 

      “At Leeds, there was no problem from my side.’’
      Marseille bosses have backed up Cuisance’s claims over his fitness and insist they have no concerns about the man who joined on a season-long loan on Monday.

      Pablo Longoria, the club’s head of football said: “We did not find any issues with his medical, everything was done properly.

      “He is completely available, at 100 per cent.”
      The switch to Marco Bielsa’s side would have included a buy-back clause for the Champions League holders.

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      Michael Cuisance joined Marseille on a season-long loan from Bayern Munich this monthCredit: AFP
      Cuisance, who has played for France Under-20s, joined Bayern from Borussia Monchengladbach for £10m in 2019. 
      And the starlet made 15 appearances for the Bundesliga champions last term, netting three goals in all competitions. 

      Leeds assessment led to Bielsa’s transfer team turning their attention to other targets. 
      The club have forked out £73m on four big signings since their promotion to the Premier Leagues 
      And their most recent swoops include a £16million deadline day move for Rennes winger Rapinha.

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