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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.

      Leeds complete £16m Raphinha transfer from Rennes as 23-year-old rapid winger signs four-year contract More

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      Watch Man Utd transfer target Eduardo Camavinga, 17, score stunning overhead kick in first France start against Ukraine

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      MANCHESTER United target Eduardo Camavinga scored a stunning overhead kick in his first start for France.
      It only took the 17-year-old prospect nine minutes to register as his country demolished Ukraine 7-1 in a friendly.

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      Eduardo Camavinga sensed the opportunity after Giroud’s header was saved

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      The midfielder manages to flick the ball over his head in a moment of quick thinking.

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      All eyes on the ball as Camavinga somehow managed to loop it into the net

      The talented teen’s value likely soared after his moment of invention gave France the lead – and his admirers in Manchester were probably impressed as well.
      As well as showcasing Camavinga’s quality, the goal was packed with Premier League involvement.
      Everton’s Lucas Digne hung a ball in the air for Olivier Giroud of Chelsea to get on to.
      When the keeper managed to bat out the 34-year-old’s header, it bounced awkwardly into the path of Rennes midfielder Camavinga.

      In a flash of quick thinking, the youngster readjusted his body and flicked the ball over his head in a brilliant overhead kick.
      The Ukrainian defence were left stunned as Camavinga celebrated his moment of genius.
      France manager Didier Deschamps appeared over the moon as well.
      It was the first goal of many as the World Cup winners relentlessly took apart their opponents.

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      Deschamps was delighted after Camavinga’s goal

      Eduardo Camavinga is a special talent and this is the goal you would expect the 17-year-old to score for France in his first start.WOWpic.twitter.com/WfZmB0OQJD
      — Ives Galarcep (@SoccerByIves) October 7, 2020

      Giroud hit the next two, before Vitaliy Mykolenko put it in his own net to make it 4-0 at halftime.
      Corentin Tolisso, Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann rounded off victory, with the visitors getting a consolation via half-time sub Viktor Tsygankov.
      Social media was filled with praise for Camavinga after the game, with some hailing him as ‘the next generation’ and a ‘special talent’.
      The goal meant he became the second youngest scorer in his country’s history.

      He has been linked heavily with European giants Manchester United and Real Madrid this summer, with the Spanish club even believed to have made contact with Rennes over him.
      Other huge sides, such as PSG and Bayern Munich, are also believed to be active in the mad scramble for the teen’s signature.
      The youth came through at Rennes and featured heavily in their first team during his breakthrough season last year.

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      Memphis Depay disappointed with Barcelona over failed transfer but will do all he can to join in January, confirm Lyon

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      Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has confirmed Memphis Depay is disappointed his dream move to Barcelona fell through on deadline day.
      The clubs had agreed a £22million fee plus add-ons for the ex-Manchester United forward, but the cash-strapped LaLiga giants were unable to raise the necessary funds to make the transfer happen on Monday.

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      Memphis Depay saw a transfer to Barcelona fall through on deadline day

      Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Aulas reflected on the transfer saga and believes Depay, who has a year left on his Lyon contract, will push for a move to Barca when the window reopens in January.
      Aulas said: “Since the beginning I have been clear with Memphis.
      “I spoke with President Bartomeu at Barcelona twice, he told me he couldn’t see how things could happen.
      “I know that Koeman made him continue to hope and that Memphis was ready to make sacrifices.

      “Today, he is disappointed, but not towards Lyon, more towards Barcelona.
      “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.”

      Barca scrambled on deadline day to push through a deal for Depay, but Ousmane Dembele’s decision to stay at the club instead of joining Man United on loan ultimately closed the door on a move for the Dutchman.
      The Catalans were able to offload Rafinha to Paris Saint-Germain and defender Jean-Clair Todibo to Benfica but it was too little too late.
      It remains to be seen whether Barcelona will return for Depay in January as Aulas says but there could be a new man in charge at the Nou Camp by then, with club president Josep Maria Bartomeu facing a vote of no confidence.

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