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      Chelsea transfer target hits stunning SIX-MINUTE hat-trick to draw level with Jude Bellingham as LaLiga top scorer

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      CHELSEA transfer target Artem Dovbyk scored a six-minute hat-trick as he led Girona to a 5-1 win over Sevilla on Sunday.Sevilla broke the deadlock through Isaac Romero in the 10th minute, but Dovbyk equalised just three minutes later.
      Artem Dovbyk scored a hat-trick in six minutes against SevillaCredit: EPA
      The striker then fired his team into the lead within a matter of seconds before completing his hat-trick in the 19th minute.
      Dovbyk’s heroics saw him go level with Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham in the LaLiga Golden Boot race.
      Both players have now scored 14 goals, with the Ukrainian having played two more games than his English opponent.
      Girona went on to win 5-1 thanks to additional goals from Viktor Tsyhankov and Cristhian Stuani.
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      They now sit at the top of the LaLiga table, one point ahead of Real Madrid.
      Dovbyk has been one of the club’s most influential players so far this season.
      And his impressive performances have seen him attract interest from elsewhere.
      SunSport exclusively revealed last month that Chelsea were keen on signing him.
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      Dovbyk is the joint-top goalscorer in La Liga
      Mauricio Pochettino has sent scouts to watch Dovbyk this season.
      The 26-year-old’s physical profile has particularly impressed the Blues boss. More

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      Real Madrid fans say ‘we need to give Dortmund another £100m’ as Bellingham scores & assists 99th-minute winner in epic

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      REAL MADRID supporters have joked they should pay Borussia Dortmund more for Jude Bellingham after his latest heroics.Carlo Ancelotti’s side were 2-0 down at home to Almeria before a sensational comeback saw them win 3-2.
      INCREDIBLE! 😱😱In the 98th minute, Jude Bellingham’s cushioned header to the back post is finished by Dani Carvajal and Real Madrid go 3-2 up from being 2-0 down ⚪ pic.twitter.com/oIrAgLVEbl— Viaplay Sports UK (@ViaplaySportsUK) January 21, 2024

      Jude Bellingham begun the comeback by scoring a penaltyCredit: Reuters
      He then turned provider as Dani Carvajal scored the last-gasp winnerCredit: AFP
      Bellingham inspired the incredible second-half performance as he coolly netted a penalty after 57 minutes.
      Vinicius Junior equalised ten minutes later to set up a frantic finish.
      Real Madrid pushed for the winner and got it in the 99th minute via Dani Carvajal.
      The right-back stabbed home from close range after Bellingham started the attack and then sprinted the length of the pitch to grab the assist by heading across the face of goal.
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      It was the 18th time the midfielder has scored for Los Blancos since his £115million move from Dortmund in the summer.
      And his assist tally for the season rose to eight.
      With Bellingham continuing to shine, Real Madrid fans would be happy send Dortmund extra cash as a thank you.
      One said: “We literally robbed Dortmund on Bellingham deal. Should’ve pay them £100m more.”
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      Another added: “The kid is carrying the worlds biggest club on his back.”
      A third commented: “99th minute of the game and Bellingham busts a gut to set-up the winner. What a player he is.”
      More reacted: “Bellingham is something else. That boy went to Real Madrid and just is shining, goals, assists, he’s doing it all.”
      The 20-year-old revelled in victory, tweeting after the game: “And breathe.”
      He will have plenty of time to recover from his lung-busting run in the closing stages as he is suspended for Real Madrid’s next game against Las Palmas on Saturday for picking up a fifth yellow card.
      Carvajal poked in the winning goalCredit: Getty More

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      Forgotten Newcastle star set for Rafa Benitez reunion after completing permanent transfer exit to join Celta Vigo

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      JAVIER MANQUILLO has left Newcastle to join Celta Vigo on a permanent basis.The move sees the Spaniard’s six-and-a-half year association with the Toon come to an end.
      Javier Manquillo played under Rafael Benitez at Celta VigoCredit: Reuters
      It also means that he will reunite with former Magpies boss Rafael Benitez.
      Celta currently sit 16th in LaLiga, having appointed Benitez last summer.
      Manquillo, 29, joined the Toon from Atletico Madrid in 2017 for around £4.5million.
      He had spent the previous campaign on loan fierce rivals Sunderland.
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      While he also spent the 2014-15 season at Liverpool.
      Manquillo played 110 times for the Toon, scoring his only goal in a 4-1 defeat at Manchester United in 2021.
      He has now signed an 18-month contract with Celta, having hardly played since Eddie Howe’s arrival on Tyneside.
      The full-back made just four substitute appearances in the Premier League last term.
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      Manquillo hasn’t featured at all this season, and has only even made the bench once in the Prem.
      Reacting to his departure, one fan wrote: “All the best @javiermanquillo…. Thanks for everything.”
      While a second commented: “Thank you Javier a loyal servant to the club best of luck.”
      Another added: “Always 100% and never backed out of a tackle. Thanks Javier, best of luck.” More

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      Vinicius Jr and Diego Simeone have to be separated by players and staff in heated Madrid derby

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      VINICIUS JR and Diego Simeone had to be separated following a heated Madrid derby.Atletico and Real locked horns at the Wandametroplitano Stadium on Thursday night in the last-16 of the Copa Del Rey.
      Vinicus Jr and Diego Simeone exchanged words during the Madrid derbyCredit: Getty
      The pair had to be separated from one anotherCredit: SSC SPORTS
      Vinicius Jr trudged off the pitch shortly after the incidentCredit: SSC SPORTS
      Simeone’s troops dumped the 20-time tournament winners out of the competition thanks to two extra-time strikes.
      And tensions boiled over at the final whistle, with scores of players and staff separating Vinicius Jr and Simeone.
      The incident seemed to stem from an exchange the pair had during the match, in which Vinicius gestured “seven” to the Atletico chief with his hands.
      Simeone responded with the same gesture but also appeared to shout something back at the Brazilian.
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      The Argentine was, understandably, quizzed about the incident in the aftermath of the pulsating derby but played down their angry viral exchanges.
      He said: “With Vinicius? There’s nothing to comment on. These are things that happen on the pitch.”
      Atletico ran out 4-2 winners thanks to goals from Samuel Lino, Alvaro Morata, Antoine Griezmann and Rodrigo Riquelme.
      Real boss Carlo Ancelotti said of the defeat: “We played a complete, even, hard-fought game against a strong opponent.
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      Diego Simeone downplayed his heated interactions with Vinicus JrCredit: GETTY
      “We left with a good feeling, but we’re not happy.
      “We tried in every way. It was a good game from us and also from Atleti.”
      He added: “Sometimes when you have the game under control, you don’t need to force the play.
      “We have young people with extraordinary quality, who try. [But] there are times in games when forcing the play isn’t necessary.
      “We lost because we took risks in an unnecessary play. The loss has punished us.”
      Atletico’s reward for their derby victory is a home tie with Sevilla next Wednesday. More

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      Kalvin Phillips ‘very favourable’ towards Barcelona loan but Premier League club leads transfer race for Man City ace

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      KALVIN PHILLIPS is “very favourable” towards a Barcelona loan but West Ham stands in the La Liga giant’s way for the midfielder.The Manchester City outcast has hinted that Barca are the frontrunners of the many clubs interested in signing him.
      Kalvin Phillips is ‘very favourable’ of a loan to BarcelonaCredit: Alamy
      Phillips is looking for a way out of the Etihad Stadium after a lack of game time since his move from Leeds United in 2022.
      While Barca battle for the 28-year-old’s signature the Blaugrana’s financial woe – which has been long known – could stand in the way of the transfer.
      Phillips is said to be aware of the club’s economic crisis and has delayed his decision on what club to move to as he “sees Barcelona option very favourably”, according to Spanish outlet Sport.
      The move can only be finalised if the Catalonian giants can secure the player on a free loan having only to pay for the transfer fees.
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      However, Moyes’ Hammers are ready to splurge the cash in January which could turn Phillips’ head away from La Liga.
      West Ham’s hefty offer for the defensive midfielder can expect to convince Man City to send the Englishman to East London.
      Crystal Palace, Newcastle, Juventus and Atletico Madrid are also reportedly interested in rivalling Xavi’s side.
      The only way for the midfielder to make a move to Camp Nou is for the club to complete the sale of 49 per cent of Barcelona Studios for £171million – £42million of which would be redirected to sign a new player.
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      A move to the Spanish side would guarantee Phillips Champions League football and also a run for the La Liga title.
      Fans will now wait for the Man City forgotten man as he is likely to hold out on his decision on a move until the last few days of the January transfer window.
      The England international will need to leave Pep Guardiola’s side if he wants to rake up his game time in the second half of the term.
      Phillips will be fighting alongside the rest of the Three Lions squad for a spot on Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad this summer. More

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      Xavi brutally confirms date he will leave Barcelona if Spanish giants fail to meet his expectations this season

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      BARCELONA boss Xavi hinted he will leave the Nou Camp at the end of the season if he doesn’t win a trophy.The Barca legend led his beloved club to the LaLiga title in his first full campaign in charge despite persistent financial issues.
      Barcelona boss Xavi revealed he will leave if he doesn’t win a trophy this seasonCredit: EPA
      Xavi hinted he could depart from Barcelona in JuneCredit: AFP
      However, the Catalan giants suffered a humiliating 4-1 loss to Real Madrid in the Super Cup Final on Sunday.
      And Barca have dropped to fourth place in LaLiga with eight points separating them and shock leaders Girona.
      Xavi is still determined to win either the league or Copa del Rey and still holds out hope for the Champions League.
      However, if the 43-year-old finishes the season empty handed he suggested he could leave in June – one year before his deal runs out.
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      Xavi said: “This year, the objective is to win important titles, the Copa del Rey, LaLiga or the Champions League.
      “If the goals are not achieved, I will be the first to say that I did not achieve them and I will leave.”
      Xavi admitted he was “embarrassed” and “destroyed” following the Super Cup thrashing to Real.
      The former Barca captain did not hold back when he spoke about the performance after the whistle.
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      Xavi said: “I’m embarrassed. This is not the type of match we should play, especially in a final, and against Madrid.
      “As a Barça fan, I am destroyed. I’m sorry for the fanbase.
      “We lacked everything. We have to accept criticism. We were not up to par. I want to apologise. Congrats to Real Madrid, a deserved win.
      “We can’t start a final like this. We were horrible in the first ten minutes. We had a lot of expectations and motivation for the match. It’s a shame.” More

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      Jose Mourinho’s agent ‘offers manager to former club’s hated rivals’ after Roma sacking

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      JOSE MOURINHO’S agent Jorge Mendes has put his name on the table to be Xavi’s replacement at Barcelona.The former Real Madrid manager was brutally sacked by Roma on Tuesday.
      Jose Mourinho left Roma’s training ground once and for all on MondayCredit: EPA
      Jose Mourinho and Real Madrid President Florentino Perez pose with his named shirtCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Mourinho, 60, was dismissed after leading the club to back-to-back European finals.
      The self-proclaimed ‘Special One’ was relieved from his duties with the club sitting ninth in Serie A.
      It was the sixth sacking of his career, following fall-outs with clubs including Tottenham, Manchester United, Chelsea and Real Madrid.
      But now his agent is eyeing up a shock move for the veteran boss to take over at Madrid’s fierce rivals Barcelona.

      The Catalans sit fourth in La Liga and were thrashed 4-1 by bitter rivals Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final on Sunday.
      While Barca have confirmed their commitment to manager Xavi, the situation could become unsustainable.
      CEO Joan Laporta might consider bringing someone else in if Barca continue to slide down the table or lose to Napoli in the Champions League.
      Mourinho spent three seasons at Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, and won the Copa del Rey, the La Liga title and Super Cup.
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      Spanish news outlet El Nacional reported that Mourinho’s complicated past with Barcelona would prevent the club from considering his agent’s proposal.
      One big controversy being his 2011 physical altercation with Tito Vilanova, who was then Barca boss Pep Guardiola’s assistant.
      Following Lionel Messi’s winner, a brawl broke out as Mourinho poked Vilanova in the eye at the Camp Nou.
      Potential candidates to replace Xavi include his fellow ex-Barca teammates Thiago Motta and Rafa Marquez.
      Mourinho was part of many bitter El Clasico show downsCredit: AFP or licensors
      He had several on-field disputes with players such as Lionel MessiCredit: AFP More

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      Reason why Toni Kroos was only Real Madrid player not to wear special shirt after Spanish Super Cup win vs Barcelona

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      TONI KROOS did not join his team-mates in wearing a shirt with Arabic inscription as Real Madrid celebrated their Spanish Super Cup win over Barcelona.The two sides, in addition to Atletico Madrid and Osasuna, jetted out to Saudi Arabia for the four-team tournament last week.
      Toni Kroos did not wear the number 13 shirt written on it in Arabic… because we did not allow him and his national team to support 🏳️‍🌈 😅😂 pic.twitter.com/jfM0m9hpkJ— محمد الكعبي (@Qatari) January 15, 2024

      Toni Kroos had been in action against BarcelonaCredit: AP
      Real Madrid booked their place in the final with a 5-3 victory over Atletico, despite a comedy gaffe by Kepa Arrizabalaga leading to an Antonio Rudiger own goal,
      Barca, meanwhile, overcome Osasuna 2-0 to set up an El Clasico final.
      The showpiece final was played at the 25,000-seater KSU Stadium in Riyadh.
      After their 4-1 win, Real Madrid players wore commemorative shirts with an Arabic inscription on the back.
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      Kroos didn’t, however, having been outspoken about the Saudi Pro League.
      When 21-year-old starlet Gabri Veiga snubbed Napoli to move to Saudi Arabia from Celta Vigo last summer, Kroos called it “embarrassing”.
      He then told Sports Illustrated that players were just moving to the Kingdom for money.
      Kroos, 34, said: “It’s been said that they play ambitious football there, but it’s all about the money. In the end, it’s a decision for the money and against football.
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      “That’s when it starts to become difficult for the football we all know and love.
      “Everyone has to make that decision for themselves, like Cristiano Ronaldo, who decided to do it towards the end of his career.
      “But it becomes very difficult when players, who are in the middle of their career and have the quality to play for the best clubs in Europe, decide to make those changes.”
      Kroos’ comments did not go unnoticed, with the German booed by the crowd during Sunday’s final.
      It did not appear to affect him, as he played 81 minutes of his side’s dominant 4-1 win.
      Responding to the jeers after the semi-finals, he appeared to sarcastically tweet: “That was fun today! Amazing crowd.”
      He then wrote on Sunday: “We just won a trophy!”
      After the game, Xavi claimed that he felt “destroyed” by his side’s defeat.
      The 43-year-old said: “I’m embarrassed. This is not the type of match we should play, especially in a final, and against Madrid.
      “As a Barça fan, I am destroyed. I’m sorry for the fanbase. This is not the type of match we should play.
      “We have to improve so much. We’ve played one of the worst matches of the season.
      “We lacked everything. We have to accept criticism. We were not up to par. I want to apologise.
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      “Congrats to Real Madrid, a deserved win. We can’t start a final like this. We were horrible in the first 10 minutes.
      “We had a lot of expectations and motivation for the match. It’s a shame.”
      Xavi was left disgusted by his team’s performanceCredit: AFP More