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      How Nice can line up this season with SEVEN ex-Premier League stars after free transfer for former Chelsea ace Barkley

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      NICE could field a whopping SEVEN former Premier League players on their starting XI this season. That is after Ross Barkley arrived on a free transfer following his release by Chelsea in the summer.

      Ross Barkley was paraded in front of the Nice fans last nightCredit: https://twitter.com/ogcnice
      The former England man was unveiled to fans ahead of Sunday’s defeat against Monaco – after checking himself out in the mirror in a cringe-worthy announcement video.
      Barkley followed Aaron Ramsey in joining the South France side as a free agent this summer.
      The Welshman, 31, made his switch earlier this summer after he agreed to terminate his Juventus contract.
      He was swiftly followed to the Allianz Riviera Stadium by Leicester stalwart Kasper Schmeichel.
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      Aaron Ramsey has signed for Nice on a free transferCredit: Instagram @AaronRamsey
      Kasper Schmeichel followed Ramsey to the South of FranceCredit: Getty
      Nice then added Arsenal’s £72million flop Nicolas Pepe on a season-long loan.
      And Fulham left-back Joe Bryan also headed to Nice on loan.
      The Ligue 1 side were linked with an ambitious move for Edinson Cavani.
      The Uruguayan, 35, had been a free agent since leaving Manchester United at the end of last season but instead signed for Valencia.
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      But it is possible Nice manager Lucien Favre could still line up with seven former Prem players in his team this season.
      That is because former Southampton midfielders Mario Lemina and Morgan Schneiderlin also play for Nice.
      Fans may be familiar with defender Dante, who spent three years at Bayern Munich earlier in his career.
      While he has partnered ex-Barcelona defender Jean-Clair Todibo so far this season.
      Nice’s team is brimming with young French talent, with Under-21 internationals Khephren Thuram, Amine Gouiri and Melvin Bard all players to watch.
      Algerian right-back Youcef Atal appears to be the first-choice on that flank while Andy Delort and Gaetan Laborde will battle it out up front after the latter was snapped up from Rennes.
      Nicolas Pepe signed on a season-long loan from ArsenalCredit: Getty
      Joe Bryan secured a loan switch from Fulham despite their promotionCredit: AFP More

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      Lionel Messi ‘buys £9.5m mansion in Ibiza with huge pool and football pitch but faces having to DEMOLISH rooms’

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      PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN star Lionel Messi has reportedly bought a mansion in Ibiza for £9.5million… but faces having to demolish the rooms.The 35-year-old is claimed to have purchased the property on Ibiza’s western coast from Swiss businessman Philippe Amon.
      Lionel Messi has reportedly splashed the cash on a mansion in IbizaCredit: AFP
      It has been claimed that PSG ace Messi has forked out £9.5million on the propetyCredit: Instagram
      Respected island newspaper Periodico de Ibiza says the property deal was finalised on February 3, with a lawyer for Messi signing the paperwork as the legal representative of a company called Edificio Rostower.
      That company belongs to another firm whose director is the footballer’s brother Rodrigo.
      It has been said that the mansion has planning problems and has not yet been granted a certificate of occupancy – a document issued by a local government agency certifying it is in a liveable condition.
      The planning issues are linked to the construction of several rooms in the property’s garage before Messi’s purchase according to the paper.
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      A lawyer acting for the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner is now said to be talking to local town hall officials to try to resolve the issues.
      It is thought that Barcelona legend Messi may have to demolish the rooms that did not form part of the original plans in the new-build property.
      Although no-one from San Jose Town Hall which is the municipality Cala Tarida is in could be reached for comment.
      Periodico de Ibiza is reporting that despite having planning issues, Messi and his wife spent time at their Ibiza home this summer.
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      As well as a large basement, the 1860 square metre property reportedly boasts a huge pool almost the same length of the house, as well as an outdoor football pitch.
      Periodico de Ibiza, which carried the exclusive about Messi’s Ibiza property purchase, said: “When the operation was concluded the footballer’s legal representative, a lawyer in Barcelona, was not aware of the mansion’s planning issues.
      “They are now aware of the planning problems and Messi’s legal representatives know what they have to do to legalise the property.
      “Some discussions have already taken place between a lawyer for the footballer and the town hall.
      “San Jose Town Hall has told us it can be legalised if the areas that didn’t form part of the original project are removed, namely the rooms in the garage.” More

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      Fans watch Troyes vs Rennes from pitch-side HOT TUB and sink beers as supporters brand French league ‘best ever’

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      FOUR FC Troyes fans watched their game against Stade Rennais from a pitch-side hot tub.The unique experience allowed the supporters to watch on in style, and with maximum comfort in the heated jacuzzi.
      Supporters watched on in comfort sipping beers
      Two fans had the best seats in the house as Troyes opened the scoringCredit: Ligue 1 uber eats official youtube
      Troyes are not the first club to offer a pitch-side hot tub experience
      They were allowed to drink beer and had deck chairs available to use just yards from one of the corner flags.
      One pair of fans had a brilliant view of Ike Ugbo opening the scoring for Troyes in the 1-1 draw, before they were replaced by a different duo.
      The hospitality seats drew fans’ attention on social media with many impressed by the opportunity to watch a match from a hot tub.
      One supporter wrote: “Best league ever.”
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      Another added: “It is a very original experience. Very very good idea of the club.”
      And a third said: “Where do I sign up?”
      Troyes are not unique in offering quirky pitch-side seats, with the Allegiant stadium in Las Vegas selling £5000 tickets for nightclub-style VIP booths by the pitch for Chelsea’s pre-season friendly against Club America in July.
      Elsewhere in the US, NFL team Jacksonville Jaguars boast two swimming pools at EverBank Field, with £200 tickets also giving fans access to a free bar and as much food as they can eat.
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      A few years ago Scottish side Falkirk also gave fans an opportunity to watch games from a pitch-side hot tub.
      And Charlton introduced a ‘fan sofa’ in the 2014-15 season which gave Addicks the chance to watch the game pitchside on a comfy suite. More

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      Ross Barkley joins Nice on free transfer from Chelsea to join Aaron Ramsey and poses in front of mirror in new kit

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      FREE AGENT Ross Barkley has been unveiled by French club Nice in a cringeworthy signing video.The 28-year-old agreed to have his Chelsea contract terminated last month.
      Ross Barkley has joined French club Nice on a free transferCredit: https://twitter.com/ogcnice_eng
      Barkley was paraded in front of the Nice fans this eveningCredit: https://twitter.com/ogcnice

      And he has now penned a deal with the Ligue 1 outfit.
      Confirming Barkley as a Nice player this evening, the club posted a video to Twitter of him wearing their home shirt.
      In the bizarre announcement the midfielder can be seen checking himself out in the mirror dressed in his new colours.
      Barkley was then unveiled to the Nice fans ahead of their Ligue 1 clash against Monaco on Sunday.
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      The midfielder joins a strong Premier League contingent in the South of France.
      Arsenal record signing Nicolas Pepe is currently on loan at Nice, as well as Brentford’s Mads Bech Sorensen and Fulham’s Joe Bryan.
      Ex-Gunner Aaaron Ramsey also joined the club over the summer after having his Juventus contract terminated.
      Leicester veteran Kasper Schmeichel signed for them recently too.
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      While former Southampton pair Morgan Schneiderlin and Mario Lemina already played at the Allianz Riviera Stadium before this summer’s Prem influx.
      Barkley originally joined Chelsea for £15million in 2018 after leaving boyhood club Everton.
      But the midfielder underwhelmed following his arrival and failed to ever nail down a regular starting spot at Stamford Bridge.
      He played 100 times in total for the Blues, and was shipped out on loan to Aston Villa for the 2020/21 campaign. More

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      Kylian Mbappe ‘calls Paul Pogba and his brother Mathias’ amid claims ex-Man Utd star used witch doctor to curse him

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      KYLIAN MBAPPE has reportedly called Paul Pogba and his brother Mathias amid claims the striker’s France team-mate used a witch doctor to curse him.Mbappe, 23, has been mentioned by Mathias several times as the Frenchman accused his brother of keeping secrets as well as lying and manipulating people.
      Kylian Mbappe has reportedly called Paul Pogba for an explanation over the witch doctor allegationsCredit: Getty
      Mathias Pogba was also allegedly called by the French strikerCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
      Also included in Mathias’ allegations is a claim that Pogba, who left Manchester United for Juventus last month, used a witch doctor to cast a spell on the forward.
      The former Crewe and Wrexham footballer also tweeted directly to Mbappe – and we reported yesterday how the Paris Saint-Germain star is now keeping an eye on the situation and could take action if necessary.
      Now French news outlet RTL have claimed that Mbappe phoned the Pogba brothers on Thursday.
      He wanted to know why he had been namechecked in the scandal and wanted to get a perspective from both men to gain a better understanding of the situation.
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      Both Mbappe and Pogba know that the potentially volatile situation could prove to be harmful for France ahead of the World Cup in November, which is why the forward was keen to discuss the matter.
      Mathias, 32, had hit out at his brother with a statement on social media for his “lies” before claiming to have “explosive information” about Mbappe.
      He said: “I will tell you very important things about him and there will be elements and many testimonies to confirm my words. Everything could be explosive and make a lot of noise.”
      But on Sunday Mathias attempted to reach out to the superstar – suggesting he had Mbappe’s best interests in mind.
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      He tweeted: “Kylian, now do you understand? I have nothing negative against you, my words are for your good, everything is true and proven, the marabou is known!
      “Sorry to this brother, a so called muslim deep in witchcraft, it’s never good to have a hypocrite and a traitor near you!”
      Mathias’ outburst was followed by Pogba claiming he was the target of an £11million blackmail plot by his childhood friends.
      Paul, 29, told authorities the group requested the money for “protection services” stretching back 13 years, it is understood.
      Judicial sources in Paris confirmed on Sunday that an investigation for “attempted extortion in an organised gang” has been opened.
      A source told French news outlet France Info that the footballer’s “childhood friends” were named as suspects.
      The ex-Man United star claimed he was dragged to an apartment in the Paris suburb of Lagny-sur-Marne.
      In response Mathias uploaded a rant on social media saying: “The French, English, Italian and Spanish public, in other words, the whole world, as well as my brother’s fans, and even more so the French team and Juventus, my brother’s team-mates and his sponsors deserve to know certain things.
      “If he deserves his place in the French team and the honour of playing in the World Cup. If he deserves to be a starter at Juventus.
      “If he is a trustworthy person, that any player deserves to have at his side.” More

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      Everton outcast Andre Gomes joins Lille on loan transfer after failing to play a single minute for Lampard this season

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      EVERTON have shipped out Andre Gomes on loan to Lille.The Portuguese midfielder has not played a single minute of football under Frank Lampard this season, and only featured in the squad for The Toffees 1-1 draw with Leeds.
      Andre Gomes suffered a number of injuries throughout his time at EvertonCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      And following deadline day acquisitions for James Garner and Idrissa Gueye, the Everton engine room was looking cramped.
      A statement on Everton’s website confirmed the deal.
      They said: “Everton midfielder André Gomes has joined LOSC Lille on loan for the remainder of the 2022/23 campaign.
      “The 29-year-old, who made a permanent move to Goodison Park in the summer of 2019 having impressed during a season-long loan from Barcelona in 2018/19, joins the Ligue 1 outfit after making 100 First-Team appearances for the Blues.
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      “Portugal international Gomes, who was part of his nation’s European Championship win in 2016, has previously won league titles in his homeland and Spain.”
      In his 100 appearances for Everton, Gomes registered two goals and seven assists.
      Last season the 29-year-old played 14 times in the Premier League, with most of these coming either from the bench or when the squad suffered a shortage.
      Everton were also bolstered in midfield earlier in the window when they brought in Amodou Onana for £32.4million.
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      It means the deal for Gomes to join the Ligue 1 side sees the two teams effectively swap players for the season.
      Everton have brought in a total of eight players during the transfer window, adding quality all over the pitch while also removing a number of players considered deadwood, including ex-Tottenham star Dele Alli. More

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      Southampton close in on Duje Caleta-Car after Marseille defender jets in to London to seal transfer

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      SOUTHAMPTON are closing in on a deal to sign Marseille defender Duje Caleta-Car.The Croatia international has entered the final year of his contract with the Ligue 1 club and is seen as a replacement for Jan Bednarek, who is on the brink of joining West Ham.
      Duje Caleta-Car has been capped 23 times by the Croatian national teamCredit: Getty
      Caleta-Car has reportedly jetted to London ahead of a move to the Premier League.
      The transfer of Bednarek to The Hammers will be a season long loan move as West Ham anticipate the departure of one of their own defenders.
      Craig Dawson has fallen down the pecking order at the London Stadium after David Moyes sanctioned the arrival of two new central defenders.
      Subsequently, Dawson has been the subject of interest from both Wolves and Aston Villa.
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      And Dawson’s expected departure has sparked a transfer domino which will see West Ham bring in Bednarek and Southampton bring in Caleta-Car.
      Caleta-Car, 25, played 26 times in Ligue 1 last season, keeping nine clean sheets in those games.
      With him in the side Marseille also made it all the way to the Semi-Finals of the Europa Conference League, but he was benched for the second leg of the tie against Feyenoord.
      Southampton have been busy revamping their defensive department this summer, with a new goalkeeper and a defender brought in.
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      Gavin Bazunu and Armel Bella-Kotchap have both enjoyed impressive starts to the season, helping Southampton pick up an unlikely win against Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea.
      Southampton look set to be busy on deadline day, with a loan move for Ainsley Maitland-Niles, two transfers from Manchester City’s academy, a transfer for Cody Gakpo and a late move for Maxime Lacroix also reportedly in the works. More

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      Kylian Mbappe ‘observing Paul Pogba saga attentively’ after wild witch doctor allegations from brother Mathias

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      KYLIAN MBAPPE is reportedly remaining attentive to the Paul Pogba affair following claims made about him by brother Mathias Pogba.The striker, 23, has been mentioned by Mathias several times as the Frenchman accused his brother of keeping secrets as well as lying and manipulating people.
      Kylian Mbappe is paying attention to the Paul Pogba sagaCredit: Getty
      Mathias Pogba has accused his brother of using a witch doctor to put a spell on MbappeCredit: Rex
      Pogba has been branded a liar and a manipulator by his brotherCredit: Getty
      Also included in Mathias’ allegations is a claim Pogba used a witch doctor to cast a spell on his France team-mate Mbappe.
      The former Crewe and Wrexham footballer also tweeted directly to Mbappe – the Paris Saint-Germain star is now keeping an eye on the situation and could take action if necessary, report L’Equipe.
      Mathias, 32, hit out at his brother for his “lies” before claiming to have “explosive information” about Mbappe.
      He said: “I will tell you very important things about him and there will be elements and many testimonies to confirm my words.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      “Everything could be explosive and make a lot of noise.”
      But on Sunday Mathias attempted to reach out to the superstar – suggesting he had Mbappe’s best interests in mind.
      He tweeted: “Kylian, now do you understand? I have nothing negative against you, my words are for your good, everything is true and proven, the marabou is known!
      “Sorry to this brother, a so called muslim deep in witchcraft, it’s never good to have a hypocrite and a traitor near you!”
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      Mathias’ outburst was followed by Pogba claiming he was the target of an £11million blackmail plot by his childhood friends.
      Paul, 29, told authorities the group requested the money for “protection services” stretching back 13 years, it is understood.
      Judicial sources in Paris confirmed on Sunday that an investigation for “attempted extortion in an organised gang” has been opened.
      A source told French news outlet France Info, that the footballer’s “childhood friends” were named as suspects.
      The ex-Man United star claimed he was dragged to an apartment in the Paris suburb of Lagny-sur-Marne.
      In response Mathias uploaded a rant on social media saying: “The French, English, Italian and Spanish public, in other words, the whole world, as well as my brother’s fans, and even more so the French team and Juventus, my brother’s team-mates and his sponsors deserve to know certain things.
      “If he deserves his place in the French team and the honour of playing in the World Cup. If he deserves to be a starter at Juventus.
      “If he is a trustworthy person, that any player deserves to have at his side.” More