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    Bruno Guimaraes linked with swap transfer to Barcelona as Spanish giants hope to tempt Newcastle into deal

    NEWCASTLE’S Bruno Guimaraes has been linked with a sensational transfer to Barcelona.And that’s despite committing his future to the Magpies until 2028, after signing a new contract with the club in October.
    Guimaraes is top of Barcelona’s wishlistCredit: Getty
    According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, though, that hasn’t put Barcelona off making him one of their top transfer targets.
    The club are keen to sign a holding midfielder and have reportedly put Bruno Guimaraes top of their list.
    Alongside the Brazil midfielder on their wishlist is Youssouf Fofana of Monaco and Everton’s Amadou Onana.
    Barcelona are obviously cash-strapped after years of financial struggle so will not be able to fund the deal through typical means.
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    The report said Barcelona are prepared to include several players as part of the deal as they “really like” Guimaraes.
    They did not specify on what players Newcastle might like, however.
    The report claims that Guimaraes has a £100million release clause in his new contract but Barcelona would be unable to pay this.
    Guimaraes has one goal and one assist in his 14 games played so far this season.
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    Bruno has been impressive this seasonCredit: The Sun
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    Newcastle will be reticent to lose him given that they are already short of midfielders and looking to bring one in.
    Sandro Tonali’s ban for illegal betting means the Magpies are already in the market for a new central midfielder.
    And Newcastle could lean on their Saudi owners to bring in Ruben Neves from Al-Hilal either on loan or on a permanent basis. More

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    Marcus Rashford ‘could make shock Barcelona swap transfer with ex-Chelsea and Arsenal target moving to Man Utd’

    BARCELONA are considering a swoop for Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford, according to reports.Rashford, 26, scored 30 goals and provided 11 assists for the Red Devils last season but has struggled to replicate that form this term.
    Barcelona are interested in signing Marcus RashfordCredit: PA
    Erik ten Hag dropped him from the starting line-up ahead of Wednesday’s Premier League clash with Chelsea.
    And now the forward is being linked with a move away from Old Trafford.
    Calciomercato claim Barcelona are considering a shock move for Rashford.
    A potential swap deal could also be on the cards, with the La Liga champions allegedly willing to send Raphinha the other way.
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    United were linked with a move for the Brazil international in 2021 alongside Chelsea and Arsenal.
    The two London sides then battled it out in a bid to sign him, but he instead decided to join Barcelona from Leeds instead.
    He has since made 64 appearances for Xavi’s side, scoring 12 goals.
    Meanwhile, Rashford signed a bumper five-year United contract worth £325,000-a-week just five months ago.
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    Rashford has struggled to match last season’s form
    Raphinha has started just four La Liga games so far this season
    However, fans have been far from impressed with him in recent weeks.
    Club legend Paul Scholes criticised the England international following his poor performance against Newcastle last week.
    Speaking on Premier League Productions, he said: “Marcus last year was brilliant and he’s got ability, there is no doubt about that.
    “But when you decide to walk back like he was, and he comes off and behaves like that, I do not think it’s good for the team.
    “And he’s one of the most experienced players now. He’s a player that players look up to. Mainoo looks up to him. Garnacho looks up to him.” More

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    De Gea and Ramsdale shock Barcelona targets as LaLiga side draw up NINE-man transfer list to replace injured Ter Stegen

    BARCELONA could hand Aaron Ramsdale or David de Gea a dramatic lifeline to replace injured No1 Marc-Andre ter Stegen, it’s claimed.The LaLiga giants are reportedly considering at least NINE alternatives as Ter Stegen faces up to two months out.
    Aaron Ramsdale is tipped to be on Barcelona’s radarCredit: Rex
    David de Gea is regarded as a contender to step in at BarcelonaCredit: Reuters
    Barca keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen puts a brave face on his injuryCredit: Alamy
    The Germany star, 31, has opted for back surgery after missing Barca’s last three games.
    And Spanish outlet Sport suggest Arsenal’s second-choice keeper Ramsdale as well as club-less former Manchester United hero De Gea are under consideration.
    But it’s understood the Gunners would fight any attempt to lure Ramsdale away in January, even on loan.
    The England ace, 25, is keen for regular action to help safeguard his place at Euro 2024.
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    But although David Raya appears entrenched as the Arsenal No1, Emirates boss Mikel Arteta is determined to keep Ramsdale until at least the summer.
    In contrast, free agent De Gea might be easier to lure.
    The Spaniard, 33, has been linked with Saudi clubs and, this week, Newcastle following Nick Pope’s injury.
    But the ex-Atletico Madrid stopper would surely be tempted if Barca came calling.
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    Hugo Lloris, 36, is on the list of possible replacements after losing his Tottenham place under Ange Postecoglou to Guglielmo Vicario.
    But perhaps the most surprising name mentioned is Kasper Schmeichel.
    The former Leicester man, 37, joined Anderlecht on a one-year contract last summer.
    Ex-Borussia Dortmund keeper Roman Burki, 33, now in the MLS with St Louis City, and 32-year-old Al-Hilal No1 Yassine Bounou are also rated as contenders.
    Former Real Madrid ace Keylor Navas could be on the radar too as the 36-year-old is well behind first-choice Gianluigi Donnarumma at PSG.
    And two other veterans – both without a club since last summer – would surely also love an opportunity with Barcelona.
    That’s former Vallodolid star Sergio Asenjo, 34, and 30-year-old ex-FC Koln stopper Timo Horn.
    And there’s even a chance Barca will catapult 19-year-old Ander Astralaga into the senior team. More

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    Iconic F1 GP set to be moved after 35 years to incredible street track with stars to race past world’s best footballers

    FORMULA ONE’S Spanish Grand Prix could be moved to a stunning new circuit in Madrid.Spain’s Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya – which underwent a revamp ahead of the 2023 race – has hosted the event for the last 35 years.
    The Spanish Grand Prix is set to have a new additionCredit: Getty
    The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is set to have a sister circuit in 2026Credit: Getty
    How the proposed new track in Madrid will look
    But it appears a new track in Madrid is set to be introduced to the calendar in 2026.
    Reports from Spanish outlet OK Diario claim F1 is set to announce the new “Formula 1 Madrid Grand Prix” after registering trademarks with the name.
    F1 reporter Joe Saward said the announcement will see the Madrid circuit hold races for at least ten years from 2026.
    Saward adds the race will take place on a semi-permanent track around the Ifema convention centre close to Barajas Airport and next to Real Madrid’s training ground Ciudad Real Madrid.
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    The centre is located around 7km away from Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu stadium — which itself has undergone a face lift in recent months.
    F1 chiefs have been looking at Madrid as a new host for some time.

    Saward reports the race will be fully accessible by public transport including the city’s metro network, a move which would contrast the restricted viewing fans saw at the Las Vegas GP.
    Madrid last hosted an F1 race at Jarama in 1981, with Barcelona hosting the country’s race since 1991.
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    The reported new track will run by Real Madrid’s training groundCredit: AFP
    It means drivers will go past some of the world’s best footballersCredit: Getty
    The new track will also be close to the Santiago BernabeuCredit: Getty
    The Catalunya circuit’s deal runs until 2026 with Madrid and Barcelona set to initially both host races.
    It is understood to be unlikely that the Barcelona track with continue to host Grands Prix beyond then.
    Although F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has previously suggested there is a chance two Spanish races could stay on the calendar.
    Valencia has previously hosted the European GP alongside the Catalunya race.
    Speaking at the launch of an F1 exhibition in Madrid earlier this year, Domenicali said: “They are working to bring a race here and F1 is delighted to have so many contenders, because this way we become more and more popular.
    “Two races in Spain of course is very difficult, so we are happy with Barcelona who have a contract and a strong relationship – but it is true that Madrid wants a race so we will see. All of this is good for F1.”
    FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has also hinted at this move, saying: “It is a matter of meeting around a table and negotiating what is best for F1, also on the commercial side.”
    Asked about Spain hosting two races, he added: “I think so. We have to study the commercial part, but I am sure that Formula 1 will be doing that. And then it will work very well.”
    It comes after Domenicali also suggested that F1 could have as many as 30 races over the course of a season.
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    This season had 23 races and was a record in of itself, though the current Concorde agreement between teams and F1 maxes this number out to 24.
    However, that deal only runs until 2025 and could pave the way for F1 to return to Africa and head to new venues.
    F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem have openly backed the idea of a Madrid GPCredit: Rex
    Complete F1 2023 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix this year More

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    Penelope Cruz is ‘not bowled over’ by Jude Bellingham despite being a huge Real Madrid fan and ace named Golden Boy

    PENELOPE CRUZ has not been “bowled over” by Jude Bellingham since his arrival at Real Madrid.The Golden Boy Award winner has starred since joining the LaLiga giants from Borussia Dortmund in the summer.
    Penelope Cruz has not been ‘bowled over’ by Jude BellinghamCredit: Getty
    The midfielder has starred for Real Madrid since arriving in the summerCredit: Getty
    Jude Bellingham won the 2023 Golden Boy awardCredit: Rex
    Craig Slater spoke to the Spanish actress about BellinghamCredit: Sky sports
    Bellingham, 20, has earned plaudits for his performances for Los Blancos, scoring 15 goals in 17 appearances.
    However, despite growing up in Madrid and being a fan of the club, Penelope Cruz has not become a big fan of the player.
    Sky Sports reporter Craig Slater was at the premiere of the Michael Mann film ‘Ferrari’ and spoke to the Spanish actress about the England international.
    However, the Vicky Cristina Barcelona star was not overly aware of Bellingham due to being immersed in making the film.
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    He said on Sky: “I got to meet Penelope Cruz, she plays Enzo Ferrari’s wife in this film.
    “Believe it or not Penelope is from Madrid, grew up in Madrid, big Real Madrid fan.
    “I did ask her about Jude Bellingham and the start he’s made at the Bernabeu.
    “Would you believe, she didn’t really know anything about him or have anything to say.
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    “She’s gotta be the only Real fan who is not bowled over by what young Mr Bellingham is doing over there.
    “Maybe she’s been so immersed in this film she hasn’t had time to catch the games.”
    Penelope plays Laura Ferrari in the film alongside Star Wars star Adam Driver who plays Enzo Ferrari.
    The film premiered at Leicester Square, London, with many famous faces making appearances.
    Cruz grew up in MadridCredit: Rex
    She is a fan of Real MadridCredit: Getty
    Penelope Cruz, Adam Driver and Shailene Woodley at the premiere of ‘Ferrari’Credit: Getty
    Bellingham was awarded with the 2023 Golden Boy award at a ceremony in Turin, Italy.
    After collecting his prize, he said: “I’m proud to win the Golden Boy Award.
    “My secret is the responsibility since I was a kid in the Academy. I love that.
    “I want to get better every day and help Real Madrid. My focus is on that.
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    Bellingham only wants to ‘get better’Credit: Rex
    “Real Madrid is the best club in the world. I’m proud to play for Madrid.
    “I want to win all the trophies with my club and England national team” More

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    Ex-Chelsea star Marcos Alonso set to quit Barcelona after frustrating year and could return to Premier League

    MARCOS ALONSO is set to leave Barcelona after a frustrating year with the club, a report claims.The defender left Chelsea in September 2022 but could potentially return to the Premier League next year after struggling to make an impression under Barca boss Xavi Hernandez.
    Marcos Alonso is set to leave Barcelona after joining in 2022Credit: Getty
    Alonso, 32, has a contract with Barcelona that runs out in June and the Catalan giants are not expected to offer him a renewal.
    The Spaniard is thinking about other options and according to the Spanish outlet Sport, he has received numerous offers from other clubs.
    Clubs in Saudi Arabia are reportedly interested in the defender and may offer him a move as early as January.
    Meanwhile, Manchester United plotted a swoop for Alonso before the summer transfer deadline.
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    The Red Devils were scouring the market for cover after Luke Shaw was ruled out for several months with a muscle injury.
    But the former Chelsea player may no longer be on Erik ten Hag’s radar, as Shaw has resumed training and United landed Sergio Reguilon on loan from Spurs instead.
    However, other offers in England could turn Alonso’s head away from Arabia and see him head back to the Premier League, the report claims.
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    The report confirms Barcelona will make it easy for him to return to England but the Spanish international is not considering leaving until the end of the season.
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    He helped Xavi’s side regain the La Liga title last term but his place was not guaranteed for the new season due to Financial Fair Play restrictions.
    Despite having his spot retained Alonso has still struggled for game time this campaign, having only made four league appearances.
    Alonso has fallen down Xavi’s pecking order, with first-choice left-back Alejandro Balde and now loanee Joao Cancelo ahead of him.
    With a return to the Premier League potentially on the cards the former Chelsea man will hope to have further success in English top-flight football.
    He won the league, Champions League and FA Cup with the Blues during his six-year spell at the club. More

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    Simeone gives blunt reply when asked about Felix’s wild celebration against Atletico after scoring winner for Barcelona

    THE clash between Diego Simeone and Joao Felix continued after the Barcelona star scored against his parent club Atletico Madrid.Felix netted the winning goal in the Catalan giants’ 1-0 victory last night.
    Joao Felix scored the winner for Barcelona against Atletico MadridCredit: Getty
    The Portuguese star did not hold back with his celebrationCredit: EPA
    Diego Simeone did not want to talk about Felix after the gameCredit: AFP
    The 24-year-old Portuguese was eligible to play against Atletico despite him being on loan from them.
    And after scoring, Felix did not hold back with his celebration as he jumped on to the advertising board and held his arms out in Jude Bellingham style.
    Asked about his former player’s performance, Simeone bluntly replied: “I don’t speak about players from the other team.”
    Felix added post-match: “People have been talking about me all week, but I don’t pay attention to that.
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    “I’m just doing my job. I don’t care what people say, I work every day to become better.
    “The celebration was spontaneous. It was a release of what I had been through last summer. It was for my family.”
    Felix won LaLiga with Atletico in 2021, but his relationship with Simeone deteriorated soon after as the attacker lost his place in the team.
    It led to him signing for Chelsea on loan last January and he immediately forced another exit on return to the Spanish capital in the summer.
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    Simeone then hit out at the player, saying: “Nobody is bigger than the club.”
    Felix is keen to make his loan deal at the Nou Camp permanent.
    However, Barca may struggle to afford him amid the club’s financial troubles. More

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    Barcelona could release Robert Lewandowski on FREE TRANSFER as bizarre contract clause is revealed

    BARCELONA could reportedly release Robert Lewandowski as a free agent thanks to a bizarre clause in his contract.The Polish striker, 35, controversially joined the LaLiga giants from Bayern Munich for £42.5million in 2022, signing a four-year deal.
    Robert Lewandowski has an unusual clause in his contract that could see him releasedCredit: Getty
    And he continued his remarkable goalscoring with 33 goals in 46 games in his debut season at the Nou Camp – plus a further eight in 16 so far this term.
    However, Sport claim Barca may have the option to terminate Lewandowski’s contract a year early at the end of the 2024-25 campaign.
    That would be dependent on how the former Bayern man gets on in his third season with Barcelona.
    It is said the club will be allowed to trigger the unusual clause if Lewandowski does not play in at least 55 per cent of Barcelona’s matches in 2024-25 – either starting or playing at least 45 minutes.
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    Lewandowski’s multi-million-pound wages change in each of the four years of his initial contract.
    But letting him leave for free in the summer of 2025 – when the striker turns 37 – would save the club around £22.3m in wages.
    Barca continue to struggle with massive debts and are constantly looking for ways to reduce costs.
    So the option to take an ageing Lewandowski off the payroll early if he is not a regular on the pitch could be appealing.
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    Despite their financial woes, Xavi led the Blaugrana to the LaLiga title last season.
    But they were reliant on cheap deals in the transfer market as Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo arrived on loan while Ilkay Gundogan and Inigo Martinez were free agents.
    Oriol Romeu cost just £3m from Girona as the club brought in cash for Nico Gonzalez, Franck Kessie, Abde Ezzalzouli and Ousmane Dembele, the latter joining PSG for £43m.
    They sit fourth in the table – losing just once in 14 matches – seven points off Real Madrid and Girona, with a game in hand.
    Barca have also booked their place in the knockout stages of the Champions League with a match to spare. More