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      Inside Kasper Schmeichel’s shocking season in Nice from surprise Leicester exit to brutal tweet and booed by own fans

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      NICE’S blunt 29-word statement on deadline day concluded a shocking year for Kasper Schmeichel.The goalkeeper, 36, was brutally axed by the Ligue 1 side as they ripped up his contract just 12 months after he arrived in France.
      Kasper Schmeichel saw his Nice contract ripped up on deadline dayCredit: Reuters
      He lifted the FA Cup with Leicester in May 2021Credit: AFP
      And that came after he was controversially let go after 11 years with Leicester City.
      The Dane cemented himself as a club legend at the King Power.
      He made a whopping 479 appearances for the Foxes, famously winning the Premier League in 2015-16 and 2021 FA Cup, taking on the armband and even ‘scoring’ a last-gasp header that eventually got credited to Chris Wood.
      But many eyebrows were raised when he was left out of a 5-1 win at Watford in May 2022, then missed Leicester’s pre-season training camp and eventually was allowed to leave with a year left on his contract.
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      Part of that came down to a business decision – Schmeichel earned a reported £130,000 per week, second only to Jamie Vardy on Fosse Way.
      But SunSport understands the goalkeeper was not universally popular within the Seagrave training ground and it felt the right time to move him on, receiving just £1m from Nice.
      Upon his emotional exit, Schmeichel said: “I came to Leicester as a young man who was in need of a home. I needed a bit of love, I’d been around a lot of clubs and I needed somewhere I could call home.
      “It’s been more than just a club to me, it’s been a place where I’ve made lifelong friends and memories – it has been my home. Thank you for your unwavering support – you are what makes this club so special.
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      “This isn’t a goodbye, this is farewell, see you soon. I’m sure we’ll see each other soon. But again, thank you so much for everything you’ve done.”
      Not only had Brendan Rodgers lost one of the top goalkeepers in the Premier League but he also lost a key experienced head in a dressing room significantly lacking leadership.
      Danny Ward took the No1 spot between the sticks while injury-prone Jonny Evans inherited the armband in a dismal season that ended in relegation for the Foxes.
      But for Schmeichel, the grass was not necessarily any greener on the other side of the Channel.
      He got off to a nightmare start when he allegedly turned up at Nice overweight.
      To make matters worse, he was said to have wound up his new team-mates by breaking club rules – including arriving late for team meetings and undermining manager Lucien Favre.
      Schmeichel then got overlooked for the opening game and dropped again in September.
      And although he did play 36 Ligue 1 games, he found himself on the bench for three Europa Conference League fixtures.
      Schmeichel played every minute of the 5,000-1 Premier League-winning seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The goalkeeper’s snub for a 5-1 win at Watford was the beginning of the end of his 11 years at LeicesterCredit: Getty
      Then by October, his lack of popularity was demonstrated by his own fans booing him and there were already reports he could be let go by Nice due to his “poor attitude” when the transfer market reopened in January.
      The 93-cap Denmark international stayed put but failed to win over Nice’s board, management or supporters.
      And throughout the summer window, his name continued to be linked with a transfer exit, despite two years still to run on his deal.
      Giants Chelsea and Bayern Munich were both tipped to make moves while Nottingham Forest considered a shock swoop.
      But they all opted to go for different options and Schmeichel was left in limbo with seemingly no club wanting him.
      New Nice boss Francesco Farioli decided he wanted ex-Chelsea and PSG goalkeeper Marin Bulka as his first-choice stopper at the Allianz Riviera.
      And with Schmeichel surplus to requirements, he had his deal terminated.
      The club said bluntly: “OGC Nice and @kschmeichel1 have decided by mutual consent to terminate the contract of the Danish international. The club wishes him every success for the rest of his career.”
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      A shock reunion with Rodgers at Celtic has been rumoured for the legendary goalkeeper, despite the surprising exit under the Northern Irishman from Leicester.
      But should that fail to materialise, Schmeichel’s career is at serious risk of fizzling out to a sad end as an unwanted free agent who turns 37 in November and question marks over his character, mentality and physicality, just two years on from arguably his greatest day leading his team to glory under the Wembley arch.
      Schmeichel is the son of Manchester United icon PeterCredit: Action Images – Reuters
      The stopper could be reunited with Brendan Rodgers at CelticCredit: AP
      Schmeichel had a ‘goal’ given to Chris Wood despite his header appearing to cross the lineCredit: PA:Press Association More

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      Six stars from top flight club nearly MISS match after being trapped in elevator before firefighters have to rescue them

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      BREST stars had to be rescued by firefighters after becoming trapped in a lift on Sunday.The incident occurred ahead of their 2-1 win away at Le Havre in Ligue Un.
      Breda Chardonnet shared a photo of him and his team-mates in the lift
      The group were rescued by firefighters after 45 minutesCredit: https://twitter.com/BrendanC29
      Defender Brendan Chardonnet was one of six unfortunate stars who were trapped in the lift.
      He shared the ordealon social media but was able to see the funny side despite being stuck for 40 minutes.
      After the game he tweeted: “Sunday adventures at 11.45 a.m.
      “Six unlucky people stuck for 40 minutes in the elevator! Thank you to the firefighters of Le Havre for freeing us 👏🤣🤣”
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      Chardonnet, 28, shared a photo of him and his team-mates in the lift looking a little sorry for themselves.
      He also posted two videos, one of which showed them sliding the lift door open to show a wall on the other side.
      The next video showed their rescue as a firefighter held open the door as the players climbed out to safety.
      Grégoire Coudert, Axel Camblan, Jérémy Le Douaron and Mathias Pereira Lage were all involved in the incident, as well as Romain Del Castillo who opened the scoring against Le Havre.
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      Lillian Brassier also got on the scoresheet after Le Havre had equalised to continue Brest’s winning start to the season.
      They have won two out of two in Ligue Un and are second in the table. More

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      Folarin Balogun’s Monaco transfer in doubt as Arsenal ‘reject £34m bid’ forcing Ligue 1 side to consider other target

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      AS MONACO have had their £34million bid rejected for Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun, according to reports. According to RMC Sport, the Gunners value the 22-year-old much higher and appear to have ended the Ligue 1 club’s interest in the forward.
      AS Monaco’s bid for Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun has been rejectedCredit: Getty
      Monaco had been keen on the youngster after he scored 21 Ligue 1 goals for Stade Reims while on loan last season.
      Balogun’s performances also earned him a first call-up from the USA after switching his international allegiance from England.
      Balogun’s remarkable season made him a key target for the French club, despite him having made just two league appearances for Arsenal and spending an underwhelming time on loan to Middlesbrough last year.
      The striker has announced he is open to leaving the Emirates this summer as he feels he has proved he can play at the top level.
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      But, Arsenal have slapped a £50m price tag on his head, according to CBS Sport.
      The hefty valuation turned Monaco’s heads towards alternative option Karl Toko-Ekambi, who plays for Lyon.
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      However, the Cameroonian forward has confirmed he is set for a move to Saudi Arabia, forcing the Monegasque club to turn back to Balogun.
      The youngster is also interesting a number of Premier League teams.
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      Tottenham are one side who are considering a move for Balogun as the club seeks a Harry Kane replacement following his transfer to Bayern Munich.
      West Ham are also eyeing up a potential swoop for the striker to reinforce their front line with flop Italian Gianluca Scamacca sizing up a move to Inter Milan, according to TalkSPORT.
      The £50m valuation has curbed interest from Inter Milan and their city rivals AC Milan. More

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      Seven arrested outside home of former World Cup winner, 29, on suspicion of burglary

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      SEVEN men were arrested as they prepared to burgle Julian Draxler’s house last night.The group were caught by police in the Hauts-de-Seine district of Paris in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
      Seven people were arrested on suspicion of planning to raid Julian Draxler’s houseCredit: Getty
      It is understood they were congregating to carry out a raid on the German World Cup winner’s home.
      Reports in France state police had been notified of a Volkswagen Golf the previous day.
      And they intercepted the thugs as they got ready in the night to swarm the luxury property of the PSG playmaker.
      Le Parisien claims the two suspects in the Golf were captured with gloves, balaclavas and plastic cable ties.
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      A further five men were apprehended in a Renault Clio.
      The second car was spotted by a member of the 29-year-old footballer’s security team.
      The seven arrested were taken to the local police station to be processed.
      Their hearings will take place today with a decision made within 48 hours of the arrests
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      It is understood no theft or break-in was reported at Draxler’s house.
      Draxler, an unused sub in the 1-0 win over Argentina in 2014, is understood to live with his professional dancer girlfriend Sethanie Taing and their young baby son in Paris.
      The 58-cap Germany international is the latest PSG footballer to be targeted by thieves.
      Thiago Silva, Angel Di Maria, Gianluigi Donnarumma and Marquinhos have all been the victims of gangs raiding their houses while playing for the Ligue 1 giants.
      The star was part of the Germany squad that won the 2014 World CupCredit: Getty More

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      Neymar ‘in advanced talks with Al-Hilal as Saudi Arabian side look to hijack Barcelona’s transfer for PSG outcast’

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      NEYMAR is in advanced talks over a transfer to Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal, according to reports.The Brazilian told Paris Saint-Germain he wanted to leave the club last week.
      Neymar is in advanced talks over a move to Al-HilalCredit: Getty
      He asked his management to find him a new club, sparking interest from teams across Europe.
      Al-Hilal seized on the opportunity and are now in advanced talks with Neymar, reports Fabrizio Romano.
      Paperwork will be sent to Neymar’s camp and it will be up to the player to decide whether he wants to join.
      Barcelona were hopeful of re-signing the 31-year-old, who left the Nou Camp for PSG in a world record deal in 2017.
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      Neymar is understood to be keen on returning to Barca but the Spanish giants may be unwilling or unable to afford his £70million price tag.
      It could lead to a loan switch to the Nou Camp if his wage payments are shared.
      Chelsea have also been linked to Neymar with reports claiming the club was in contact with the player’s representatives this week.
      However, conflicting claims suggest that Mauricio Pochettino does not want a reunion with the man he worked with at PSG as he prefers to sign young talent rather than older superstars.
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      Al-Hilal have deep pockets despite already splashing a reported £150m this summer on Kalidou Koulibaly, Ruben Neves, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Malcolm.
      Manchester United were also rumoured to be interested in Neymar but Erik ten Hag remains focused on signing a holding midfielder, with Sofyan Amrabat targeted. More

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      Renato Sanches set to quit PSG after just one season as Europa League side line up shock transfer

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      ROMA look set to complete a loan move for Portuguese midfielder Renato Sanches, according to reports.The Italian giants and PSG have been going back and forth over the final details of the deal.
      Renato Sanches is set to move to Roma on loan from PSGCredit: Getty

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      Several delays have occurred between the two clubs due to pre-season camps affecting the deal.
      If Sanches, 25, were to leave it’d come just one year after he joined the French club.
      Roma are interested in signing the midfielder on loan for the season with Corriere dello Sport reporting they will pay a fixed fee of £860,000.
      Sanches joined PSG last summer from fellow French team LOSC Lille for a reported fee of £13million.
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      Last season he made 23 league appearances but scored just twice.
      He only started six games in Ligue 1.
      The Portuguese international was once the hottest youngsters in Europe, winning the prestigious Golden Boy award in 2016.
      Sanches joined German giants Bayern Munich from Benfica for a fee of £30m at just 19 years old.
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      It was the highest fee at the time for any Portuguese player playing in the Primeira Liga.
      In 2016 he became the youngest Portuguese player to play in an international tournament.
      The hot prospect was chosen to represent his nation at Euro 2016 at just 18 years old.
      He’s arguably best known to Premier League fans for his loan spell in the Premier League with Swansea back in 2017.
      His most memorable moment for the Swans was passing to an advertisement board against Chelsea. More

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      Neymar stuns PSG as he ‘demands transfer this summer’ with three Premier League clubs set to scrap for Brazil superstar

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      NEYMAR has informed PSG he wants to leave the club this summer, according to reports.The superstar has been linked with a move to several Premier League clubs.
      Neymar has told PSG he wants to leave this summerCredit: AFP
      Neymar has spoken with his management and told them to find him a new club.
      He has spent the past six years in the French capital, winning Ligue Un on five occasions.
      But he is ready to move on according to L’Equipe, with multiple Premier League clubs said to be eyeing the forward.
      Arsenal have been tipped to sign the world’s most expensive player but are concentrating on finalising the signing of David Raya.
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      Chelsea are also interested in Neymar and were reportedly waiting for him to demand a transfer before submitting an offer.
      However the 31-year-old is believed to have his sights set on a return to Barcelona.

      The two clubs are understood to have an agreement in place but Neymar’s wages could prove a sticking point.
      The Samba superstar is believed to earn £600,000-a-week, leaving even the super-rich French kings wanting to get him off their books.
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      But Barca’s dire financial situation leaves them in no position to match Neymar’s current salary.
      It could mean striking a loan agreement with PSG were the player’s wages are shared.
      Neymar is also reported to be eyeing a move to Manchester United, though Erik ten Hag has other targets in mind including Sofyan Amrabat. More

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      Former Premier League star’s £4million transfer held up over medical concerns

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      FORMER Tottenham star Nabil Bentaleb has had a transfer to Lille held up due to medical concerns, according to reportsThe Algeria midfielder, who spent five seasons in North London, also had a loan spell with Newcastle in 2020.
      Nabil Bentaleb played for Angers last season in FranceCredit: Rex
      Bentaleb played for Angers last season but failed to prevent the French side’s relegation from Ligue 1.
      He had been due to join hometown club Lille in a £4million deal, with the northern outfit previewing his imminent arrival two weeks ago.
      However Bentaleb has yet to sign a contract while two more recent transfer targets have already put pen to paper on deals.
      Multiple reports in France and Algeria now claim the 43-cap international failed his medical.
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      Lille president Olivier Letang said: “At the moment there are things I cannot say about Nabil Bentaleb due to medical confidentiality.
      “But there are concerns that have not been eased. We are waiting for the results of additional examinations.
      “There is a process that is compulsory in France. Our medical staff have sent the various elements to the league’s commission that decides on the matter.
      “We are waiting for their reply. They could make additional requests.
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      “This could be temporary. I can’t say anything about a Plan B until we get the definite results.”
      The commission is expected to deliver its verdict on Bentaleb in mid-August.
      Bentaleb spent five years in Lille’s academy aged from nine to 14.  He joined Spurs in 2012, and made 66 senior appearances – scoring once.
      The midfielder moved on to Germans Schalke, and had a goalless 15-game loan stint at St James’ Park three years ago.
      Bentaleb, 28, made 66 appearances for TottenhamCredit: PA More