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      Crystal Palace star Michael Olise ’emerges as shock PSG transfer target as they consider linking him up with Messi’

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      PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN are interested in a shock move for Crystal Palace star Michael Olise, according to reports.The 21-year-old has impressed with the Eagles this season and the French side are keen on the young winger as they plan for the future.
      Michael Olise is being tracked by PSGCredit: Reuters
      Michael Olise could get the chance to be in the team with the likes of Lionel MessiCredit: Reuters
      A potential transfer could see Olise play alongside the likes of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar.
      PSG are supposedly monitoring his performances, claim the Daily Mail.
      If PSG do make the reported shock move, they would be able to offer Olise the chance to play Champions League football.
      It is unclear how much the Ligue 1 champions would be willing to spend on him but the player has a reported £50million release clause and a contract that runs until 2026.
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      Olise moved to Crystal Palace in the summer of 2021, signing for a reported fee of £8.37million from Reading, where he won the EFL Young Player of the Season award.
      Last campaign he caught the eye with appearances coming mainly off the substitutes bench to net four goals and get assist eight in all competitions.
      However, in this season, he has started to make Patrick Vieira’s starting line-up more regularly, featuring from the beginning in 13 of 19 matches.
      He has scored once and assisted a further four with his displays leading to him being called-up to the France Under-21 side.
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      It could be a busy window for Crystal Palace with Jack Butland nearing a switch to Manchester United.
      And former Selhurst Park ace Aaron Wan-Bissaka could move back the other way, returning to his old club.
      Meanwhile, the future of Wilfried Zaha is in doubt as clubs like Barcelona are reportedly keen. More

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      Aaron Ramsey returns to Nice after extended break as ex-Arsenal ace struggled to come to terms with Wales World Cup exit

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      AARON RAMSEY has returned to club side Nice following an extended break after the World Cup.The Wales midfielder, 32, struggled to come to terms with the Dragons’ group stage exit in Qatar, according to club boss Lucien Favre.
      Aaron Ramsey has returned to Nice after his World Cup heartbreakCredit: Alamy
      But SunSport have been told Ramsey is now back in France ready for the rest of the Ligue 1 campaign.
      The ex-Arsenal and Juventus ace has not played since the 3-0 thumping by England in Doha on November 29.
      Favre said 78-cap Dragons star Ramsey had found the World Cup disappointment “hard to digest”.
      The playmaker started all three matches at the finals – Wales’ first since 1958 – but failed to have an impact.
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      Ramsey spent the festive period with his family in South Wales – missing Nice’s 0-0 home draw with Lens and the 2-1 away defeat by Rennes.
      He posted a picture on Instagram last weekend celebrating his dad Kevin’s birthday with his brother Josh.
      Ramsey has made 16 appearances for the French club in all competitions this season.
      Nice face Le Puy Foot 43 in the French Cup round of 64 on Saturday.
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      Ramsey moved to Sir Jim Ratcliffe owned-Nice last summer from Juventus.
      It brought an end to an injury-hit spell in Italy after he departed Arsenal in 2019. More

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      Chelsea in Marquinhos transfer blow with Brazilian defender set to sign new long-term deal at PSG this month

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      CHELSEA have reportedly suffered a transfer blow with Marquinhos set to sign a new contract with Paris Saint-Germain.The 28-year-old Brazil defender has been at Parc des Princes since moving from Roma in 2013.
      Marquinhos is set to sign a new long-term contract at PSGCredit: Getty
      However, he has been linked with numerous transfers over the past few years.
      Chelsea failed with a £72million bid for the star in 2021.
      Some reports claim they still hold an interest in the South American.
      But it now seems those hopes of snapping him up could be over despite him entering the final 18 months of his current Paris deal.
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      PSG’s former sporting director Leonardo started talks over an extension last term.
      His successor Luis Campos is now continuing those negotiations and Marquinhos has now provided an update.
      Speaking to the French media about his future following PSG’s shock 3-1 defeat by Lens in Ligue 1, Campos said: “Talks are progressing well.”
      According to Le Parisien, the only stumbling block now is with regards to the length of Marquinhos’ contract, most notably whether it will run until 2026 or 2027.
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      He is still reeling from missing the vital penalty in Brazil’s crushing World Cup quarter-final shootout defeat by Croatia last month.
      Discussing that agony, Marquinhos added: “Our life as a footballer is like that. There are many emotions, beautiful and less beautiful.
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      “Since I was eight, I’ve known how it goes. Experience gives you even more intelligence to handle moments like this.
      “It was a really tough World Cup. The two or three days after the elimination were complicated.
      “With time, with work and family support, everything passes. Today I feel better and better and I try to find my form as soon as possible.
      “It’s on the pitch that we feel the best, playing and winning.” More

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      Fans spot Mbappe’s brother Ethan giving Messi ‘death stare’ as he receives guard of honour from PSG team-mates

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      LIONEL MESSI returned to Paris Saint-Germain training on Wednesday following Argentina’s World Cup triumph.The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, 35, received a hero’s welcome as he took to the club’s Camp des Loges training pitch for the first time since leading his country to an incredible World Cup final win over France.
      Messi received a guard of honour on his PSG returnCredit: Twitter
      But Ethan Mbappe didn’t appear happy to see himCredit: Twitter
      But, not everyone was thrilled to see him.
      While players and staff members lined up to perform a guard of honour for Messi as he made his way onto the pitch, Ethan Mbappe – brother of Kylian Mbappe – was seen giving the Argentina icon a “death stare”.
      Fans immediately picked up on the reaction, with one person tweeting: “Ethan Mbappe’s reaction is quite funny. He’s not here to shake hands with Messi.”
      Another added: “The way Ethan Mbappe is giving Messi death stares!”
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      And a third said: “Ethan Mbappe’s look at Messi during the guard of honour they gave him for his return…”
      Meanwhile, other fans were quick to question the whereabouts of Kylian Mbappe and Achraf Hakimi, who were not in attendance.
      Following PSG’s shock 3-1 defeat to Lens on Sunday, Mbappe and Hakimi were granted some time off by Christophe Galtier.
      The duo have since enjoyed a holiday to New York which included a trip to watch the Brooklyn Nets defeat the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA.
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      Mbappe and Hakimi are in New YorkCredit: https://www.instagram.com/k.mbappe/
      The duo went to an NBA gameCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Both players have posted pictures of their time in the Big Apple on social media.
      But some supporters have joked that they only went in order to avoid Messi’s return.
      One person tweeted: “Did Mbappe and Hakimi jet off to watch Brooklyn Nets so they wouldn’t have to give Messi a Guard Of Honour?”
      Another added: “Mbappe knew Messi is coming back, he took Hakimi and went to New York City!”
      While a third said: “They gave Mbappe 10 days of vacation after the World Cup, he didn’t take it, he ran to train, the day Messi returns to train, he and Hakimi are not there.”
      Hakimi enjoyed a record-breaking World Cup campaign last year when Morocco became the first African team to reach the semi-final stage of the tournament.
      Meanwhile, Mbappe narrowly missed out on a second World Cup title when France suffered defeat to Argentina on penalties in the final.
      The Frenchman experienced trolling from Argentina fans in the wake of the final.
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      Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez also got involved, taunting Mbappe by clutching a baby doll with the striker’s face on during a victory parade.
      However, he did have something to cheer about as he outscored PSG teammate Messi to win the race for the golden boot. More

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      Lionel Messi has ‘verbal agreement’ to snub summer transfer and STAY at PSG with talks over contract extension imminent

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      LIONEL MESSI has made a “verbal pact” with Paris Saint-Germain to stay at the club beyond the end of the season, according to reports.The Argentine, 35, will become a free agent in the summer if he does not agree a new deal with the French champions.
      Lionel Messi is set to extend his stay in Paris beyond two seasonsCredit: Getty
      He has been linked with a return to Barcelona or a move to the MLS to join Inter Miami.
      But according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Messi and PSG have an informal agreement and will not hurry the details of the contract extension.
      Speaking on Twitter, Romano said: “Lionel Messi and Paris Saint-Germain have verbal pact to continue together. 🔴🔵🇦🇷 #PSG
      “There will be a new meeting with his camp to discuss length of contract, salary and more.
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      “Nothing signed this week, no rush as the plan is already clear: Messi will continue in Paris.”
      Messi struggled during his first year in the French capital, contributing 11 goals and 15 assists in 34 games.
      But since the start of the 2022/23 campaign the South American icon has rediscovered some of his best form.
      He already has as many goal contributions this term than in the entirety of last season – 12 goals and 14 assists in just 19 matches.
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      In November, he paused his time at PSG to head to the World Cup.
      And Messi produced a remarkable set of performances throughout the tournament as he achieved a career-long goal of lifting the World Cup with Argentina.
      His seven goals and three assists inspired Lionel Scaloni’s men to glory as Argentina became three-time world champions.
      He is yet to play for PSG since the World Cup but flew back to Paris on January 1 and is set to train in the coming days.
      Christophe Galtier’s side are four points clear at the top of Ligue 1.
      They are also in the last-16 of the Champions League and will face Bayern Munich in the first leg of a blockbuster tie on February 14, before the return leg on March 8. More

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      Lionel Messi ‘lands back in Paris’ as private jet touches down from Argentina hometown after World Cup celebrations

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      LIONEL MESSI has landed back in Paris to report for club duty again after his World Cup celebrations at home in Argentina.A private jet flew overnight from Rosario, Messi’s hometown, to the French capital, landing at 3.15pm on Tuesday.
      Lionel Messi left Rosario last nightCredit: Twitter
      The private jet flew over the Atlantic into ParisCredit: JETPHOTOS
      The plane touched down at the Paris–Le Bourget AirportCredit: JETPHOTOS
      The Messi family are due back at their home in Paris as dad Lionel returns to PSGCredit: INSTAGRAM
      More than 4,700 fans were tracking the aircraft on popular website Flightradar24 as it made its way across the Atlantic.
      Argentine football reporter Roy Nemer also tweeted on Monday night with a picture of Messi and possibly wife Antonela on the tarmac boarding a plane headed for Paris.
      The Gulfstream G-V jet took off from Rosario at 10pm and touched down 13 hours later at the tiny Paris–Le Bourget Airport rather than the main Charles de Gaulle site.
      It is unclear if the vehicle used was Messi’s own £12million private jet complete with two bathrooms, 16 seats that convert into eight beds and even its very own kitchen.
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      Assuming it was the Messis on board, Lionel and Antonela would have been joined by their three sons – Mateo, Ciro and Thiago – to return to their family home.
      The family enjoyed two weeks back in Argentina after winning the World Cup.
      Messi joined in the dramatic team celebrations as thousands of fans turned out in Buenos Aires to welcome back their Qatar 2022 heroes.
      Messi was, of course, the star attraction as he finally got hold of the one trophy that had eluded him in his illustrious career.
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      The captain scored seven goals and was crowned player of the tournament in the Middle East.
      And after the jubilant scenes in his homeland, Messi carried on the private parties for Christmas and New Year with his family and friends.
      But now he is getting back to work with Paris Saint-Germain.
      The Ligue 1 champions beat Strasbourg last Wednesday despite Neymar’s red card in the first match after the World Cup break.
      However, Christophe Galtier’s side were crying out for some Messi magic as they were stunned 3-1 by Lens – but still sit four points clear at the top of the table.
      PSG face third-tier minnows Chateauroux in the Coupe de France on Friday before Angers and Rennes in league action with Messi surely set to make his return in one of those matches.
      But the forward and his team-mates may already have half an eye on their blockbuster Champions League showdown with Bayern Munich on February 14.
      Messi enjoyed some relaxing time off with wife AntonelaCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Messi finally got his hands on the World Cup trophy last monthCredit: Getty More

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      Watch ex-Chelsea star Ross Barkley finally score for Nice with 25-yard screamer but fail to prevent last gasp defeat

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      ROSS BARKLEY opened his account in French football by scoring a screamer for Nice against Rennes on Monday.The midfielder left Chelsea last summer, subsequently penning a one-year deal to play in Ligue 1.

      Ross Barkley takes aim from 25 yardsCredit: https://twitter.com/btsportfootball
      Barkley, 29, celebrates his brilliant goalCredit: AFP
      Barkley, 29, has so far been in and out of Lucien Favre’s XI – but made his case for more starts by scoring a superb goal in his side’s most recent outing.
      Nice had gone 1-0 down early on, with in-form Martin Terrier putting the home side in front.
      But in the 21st minute, Barkley levelled in spectacular fashion.
      Receiving the ball from Jordan Lotomba around 25 yards out, the former England international quickly shifted it onto his right foot.
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      He then unleashed a devilishly whipped effort towards the top corner, leaving French international goalkeeper Steve Mandanda stranded.
      Barkley wheeled away in celebration, being mobbed by his delighted team-mates – including Arsenal loanee Nicolas Pepe.

      The midfielder was substituted for Sofiane Diop in the 67th minute, but his side couldn’t hold on for a valuable point without him.
      Rennes star Benjamin Bourigeaud struck in the 89th minute to secure all three points for his team.
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      The defeat sees Nice fall to a disappointing 11th place.
      Elsewhere in Ligue 1, surprise package Lens dispatched of champions Paris Saint-Germain 3-1 in front of a raucous home crowd on Sunday evening.
      Przemyslaw Frankowski gave Lens a fifth minute lead, only for Hugo Ekitike to controversially equalise just moments later after appearing to have kicked the ball out of Brice Samba’s hands.
      Lens rallied, however, and impressive forward Lois Openda restored their lead shortly before the half hour mark after giving Sergio Ramos a torrid time.
      PSG, without suspended Neymar and World Cup celebrating Lionel Messi were then put to the sword just two minutes after half-time, when Alexis Claude-Maurice deservedly made it 3-1.
      The result moved Lens to within four points of the league leaders.
      Last night, Marseille won a feisty clash at Montpellier, with Arsenal loanee Nuno Tavares scoring before being red carded in his side’s 2-1 triumph on the south coast.
      Kylian Mbappe looks on as Lens stars celebrateCredit: EPA
      Nuno Tavares went from hero to zeroCredit: EPA More

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      Arsenal flop Nuno Tavares sparks huge brawl after kicking out at rival before trolling Montpellier fans in Marseille win

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      ARSENAL flop Nuno Tavares sparked a huge brawl after kicking a rival in Ligue 1 last night.That’s before trolling opposition fans in wild scenes during Marseille’s 2-1 win at Montpellier.
      Nuno Tavares was sent off after started a brawl against MontpellierCredit: EPA

      Tavares, 22, swapped Arsenal for Marseille in a season-long loan deal last summer.
      And the left-back has been enjoying his spell in France with five goals in 22 games.
      But Tavares will now spend some time in the stands after receiving a late red card in last night’s win over Montpellier.
      Tavares, who scored his side’s opener in the 47th minute, made a wild challenge on an opponent with just three minutes of the game remaining.
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      It sparked a mass brawl on the field, with Tavares reacting angrily to Montpellier players getting in his face.
      The referee was forced to step in and cool things down between the players before showing Tavares a yellow card.
      But VAR had been doing checks in the background and quickly informed the ref that Tavares’ challenge, which was more of a KICK, was worthy of a red card.
      The official quickly rescinded the original booking before sending Tavares for an early shower.
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      And the Portuguese defender was jeered off the pitch by Montpellier fans as he exited.
      But Tavares had one last trick up his sleeve as he trolled home supporters by flashing the scoreline with his hands.
      Tavares could now be banned for up to three games if his foul was deemed violent.
      That would see him miss games against Troyes, Lorient and Monaco.
      And with Marseille third in Ligue 1 and looking to secure Champions League football, Tavares’ absence will come as a huge blow to boss Igor Tudor. More