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      Barcelona’s financial woes deepen as BOLTON demand shock payment from cash-strapped club

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      BOLTON are claiming to be owed money by Barcelona, according to reports.Cash-strapped Barca shuffled their finances last summer in order to bolster boss Xavi’s squad.
      Barcelona have struggled with financial issues in recent seasonsCredit: Getty
      Marcos Alonso was one of their recruits, but the nature of the Spaniard’s transfer from Chelsea has now been questioned.
      Spanish paper AS claimed last month that the transfer had been reported to Fifa for alleged fraud by Alonso’s former youth team Union Aldarve.
      And according to Mundo Deportivo, Bolton feel they are due a payment too.
      Alonso, 32, played for the Trotters between 2010 and 2013 after signing from Barca’s fierce rivals Real Madrid.
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      He subsequently signed for Fiorentina, spending three years in Serie A before signing for Chelsea under Antonio Conte in 2016.
      His six years at Stamford Bridge came to an end last summer, when he left the Blues to return to LaLiga with Barcelona.
      After being heavily linked with the Catalan side through the transfer window, Alonso moved to Barca on September 2 after having his Chelsea contract ended by mutual consent.
      It was initially reported that Alonso had been due to be part of the deal that took Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Barcelona to Chelsea.
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      Alonso has made 27 appearances for Barca this seasonCredit: Reuters
      But after it emerged that Barca did not have time to register the left-back on deadline day he was released by Chelsea instead – allowing him to move clubs outside of the transfer window.
      Bolton, as well as Union Aldarve, have reportedly questioned the true nature of the transfer – although it is unclear what their exact grievance is.
      Sports lawyer Jorge Vaquero claimed to Mundo Deportivo that, should a club be found guilty of “concealing data regarding a transfer”, a ban from signing players could be enforced by Fifa.
      Alonso has made 27 appearances for Barca this season.
      Xavi’s men sit atop LaLiga – leading rivals Real Madrid by 12 points after beating them 2-1 before the international break.
      Alonso, 32, played for Bolton between 2010 and 2013Credit: PA:Press Association More

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      Eden Hazard emerges as Fenerbahce’s No1 transfer target as Real Madrid prepare to put ex-Chelsea star on market

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      FENERBAHCE want to sign Real Madrid star Eden Hazard, according to reports.The Chelsea icon has been plagued with injury during his spell in Spain and has been limited to just seven appearances this season.
      Eden Hazard turned down Fenerbahce in JanuaryCredit: Getty
      A transfer could be on the horizon but Hazard has remained stubborn in the past and appears determined to stay at the Bernabeu.
      Turkish giants Fenerbahce are keen on the winger and have made him their No1 transfer target this summer, according to Mundo Deportivo.
      It is believed they tried to sign Hazard in January and reached an agreement with Real over a transfer.
      But the Belgian rejected the chance to move, and will take some persuading to make the switch when the transfer window re-opens.
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      However it appears Hazard could be more willing to switch clubs in the summer, as it provides him with more time to organise his life and move his family to a new home.
      He said: “I have one more year and I have to show [what I can do] but it isn’t easy. I’m not playing, I want to play more. I’m really sorry about what has happened.
      “In January it’s impossible [to leave, because I have my family and I like the city.
      “But in the summer it’s possible that I leave. I have a year left on my contract and it’s a decision for the club.
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      “If the club says ‘Eden, thanks for these four years, but you have to go’ I’ll have to accept it.
      “[I’d give myself] a zero in terms of playing, because I haven’t played,” he said, when asked to grade his time at Madrid. “But a 10 in terms of how I feel in this moment with the team. I’m not playing, but being a Real Madrid player was my dream as a kid. I want to play for this club.” More

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      Fans can’t believe Morata’s wife’s stunning figure after four kids as she poses in bikini by pool

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      FANS struggled to believe that Alvaro Morata’s wife Alice Campello has four children after she shared bikini snaps of her “perfect physique”.The Italian model will be focusing on more important things than such compliments, having been in intensive care just two months ago following the birth of the couple’s first daughter, Bella.
      Alice Campello amazed her Instagram followers with these snapsCredit: Instagram
      Alongside this photo, businesswoman Alice wrote: “It looks like a relaxing bath but behind me there are 4 screaming kids”Credit: Instagram
      Italian model Alice stands tall and proud as she finally finds time to unwindCredit: Instagram
      Alice shared this picture of her with new daughter Bella on Instagram in January and both are now doing well
      But she was happy to share the revealing poolside photos with her 3.3million Instagram followers.
      The fashion designer, 28, looked utterly relaxed in the Marbella seafront pictures she captioned “sunsets”.
      But it’s just weeks after her post-childbirth problems that Atletico Madrid striker Morata called the “worst days of my life”.
      Now Alice appears back to her happiest self – while her husband is enjoying his new appointment as Spain skipper, including Tuesday night’s Euro 2024 qualifier in Scotland.
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      The couple wed in Venice six years ago after the ex-Chelsea, Real Madrid and Juventus star proposed on stage during a magic show.
      And many of Alice’s followers want to know if she has any special tricks for staying in shape.
      One posted: “But are you sure you have 4 children??? I have no words… Divine ”
      Another wrote: “4 children and a perfect physique.”
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      A third said: “Where exactly do your children come from? Asking for a friend.”
      And a fourth suggested she has the ideal world.
      That fan posted: “4 children and a crazy physique ….. lucky in everything .. beautiful husband …. money ….. beautiful children.”
      Alice had twins Alessandro and Leonardo with Morata in July 2018 and their third son, Edoardo, in September 2020.
      And daughter Bella was born on January 9 this year – unfortunately followed by a few days of worry over Alice’s health.
      But it all appears to be going swimmingly again now – with Alice back to prime health and Morata bursting with pride at being his national team’s skipper.
      Alvaro Morata and Campello are happy to share their holidays on social media
      Alice’s 3.3m followers though they’d won the lucky dip when she posted her pool picsCredit: Instagram
      Alice and Alvaro Morata look like a couple who appreciate all they have
      The couple have four children, starting with twins born in 2018Credit: Refer to Caption More

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      Real Madrid and Brazil legend Marcelo names toughest opponent he ever faced

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      MARCELO has faced some of the world’s toughest opponents during his illustrious career.He was a constant feature for Real Madrid for 15 trophy-laden years and represented Brazil 58 times between 2006 and 2018.
      Marcelo is one of the best left-backs of his generationCredit: Getty – Contributor
      And playing at left-back means his direct competition is the other team’s right winger.
      Marcelo’s long list of tussles includes taking on Ousmane Dembele, Pedro, Leroy Sane and Hakim Ziyech over the years.
      But there is one name that stands about above the rest – and has Marcelo quaking in his boots.
      Ironically, the dreaded forward is also the opponent he has faced the most in his entire career.
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      The pair have met on the pitch a whopping 33 times – totalling 2,556 minutes.
      And Marcelo, 34, has won ten, drawn seven and lost 16 times against… Lionel Messi.
      The pair’s battles appear to be over now, with both men leaving their respective El Clasico giants and Marcelo no longer playing international football.
      But even so, the defender still rates the 35-year-old ex-Barcelona superstar and seven-time Ballon d’Or winner among the very best in the world.
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      Marcelo told The Athletic: “Messi is incredible, the toughest opponent I’ve ever faced.
      “We all know the quality he has even now, aged 35, and before it was the same. 
      “El Clasico has always been one of the best games to watch and play.
      “I was lucky enough to have featured in one of the best eras of Clasicos.”
      Marcelo also credited his pal Cristiano Ronaldo and other “incredible” players for helping make it a historic time for the iconic LaLiga rivalry.
      The left-back left the Bernabeu in 2022 for a brief stint at Olympiacos but in February 2023 returned to boyhood club Fluminense in an “incredibly emotional” move.
      He called the transfer his “coming home” and the “best moment” of his life.
      Marcelo added: “The idea of wearing that shirt again already excites me a lot and I’m looking forward to playing in the Copa Libertadores, which I’ve never done. 
      “I really want to get there and help Fluminense reach a final and win the Libertadores.”
      The Brazilian left-back names Lionel Messi as his toughest opponentCredit: Getty
      Marcelo won five Champions Leagues with Los BlancosCredit: Getty More

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      Ansu Fati’s dad holds showdown talks with Barcelona amid Man Utd transfer interest with star unhappy

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      CRUNCH talks have reportedly been held over the future of Barcelona’s Ansu Fati as rumours of interest from Manchester United persist. The 20-year-old was once among Europe’s most highly-rated young stars before a series of injuries held him back.
      Ansu Fati’s future is up in the air at the Nou CampCredit: Rex
      There is now serious speculation over his future this summer amid reports that agent Jorge Mendes has offered Fati to “half of Europe”.
      The winger’s father, Bori Fati, is reported to have had a meeting with Barcelona representatives where they discussed the ace’s future.
      The meeting reportedly lasted an hour with director of football Mateu Alemany and sporting advisor Jordi Cruyff believed to be present.
      Sport report that Fati is unsettled and is considering his future.
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      This is despite the attacker appearing in all but two of Barcelona’s league games this season.
      He has three goals and three assists from his 24 matches this season as he enjoys his first campaign without serious injury concerns in years.
      Fati’s contract runs until 2027 which would ease any immediate pressure on Barca to sell up.
      But there is interest in the star with reports linking Man United with a summer swoop.
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      The Spanish international could further strengthen the Red Devils’ options on the flanks for next season and could compete with the likes of Marcus Rashford, Antony, Jadon Sancho and Alejandro Garnacho for a starting berth.
      But other Premier League clubs are believed to be interested as well with reports claiming Arsenal and Liverpool are keeping an eye on Fati.
      The situation is further complicated by Barcelona’s financial issues which could leave the Catalan club needing to sell some big names in the next transfer window. More

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      Leaving Real Madrid was the biggest mistake of my career and Man Utd legend Sir Alex Ferguson was best manager I had

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      RUUD VAN NISTELROOY has revealed that leaving Real Madrid was the “biggest mistake” of his career.The Dutchman, 46, joined the Spanish side from Manchester United in 2006 after a five-year spell at Old Trafford.
      Van Nistelrooy has admitted that leaving Real Madrid was his biggest regretCredit: PA:Press Association
      He spent four years at the Santiago Bernabeu, where he scored 64 goals in 96 appearances.
      But Van Nistelrooy has since admitted that leaving Real Madrid for German side Hamberger SV in 2010 remains one of his biggest regrets.
      When speaking to Gary Neville for an episode of The Overlap, he said: “Pellegrini was our coach and he signed Karim Benzema, Kaká and Ronaldo.
      “There was no place for me anymore. I accepted it, also because I was 33 years old.
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      “I wanted to go to the World Cup in 2010, so I decided to go to Hamburg. I made that decision too quickly.
      “If I look back, I shouldn’t have left Madrid, it was the biggest mistake of my career.
      “Also, it was not the right time for my family to leave either.”
      Van Nistelrooy won two La Liga titles and two Spanish Super Cups during his time with Real Madrid.
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      The Dutchman is now manager of PSVCredit: Getty
      But arguably the most successful period of his career came during his time with United.
      He scored 150 goals in 219 appearances for the Red Devils and won a Premier League title, an FA Cup and a League Cup.
      In the interview with his former United team-mate, Van Nistelrooy was also full of praise for legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
      He added: “Alex Ferguson is the best coach I’ve ever had. I spent five years with him at United.
      “I had never been with any other coach for so long. When you see the legacy he left at United…he is by far the best.”
      The Dutchman retired from professional football in 2012 and switched to a career in management.
      He is now in charge of PSV Eindhoven. More

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      Tottenham under pressure from Real Madrid to appoint Nagelsmann with Spanish side approaching ex-Bayern boss years ago

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      TOTTENHAM could have competition in the race for Julian Nagelsmann as it emerges that Real Madrid are reportedly big admirers of the boss. A managerial merry-go round appears to have been sparked in Europe in recent days after Bayern Munich surprisingly sacked their manager and replaced him with Thomas Tuchel.
      It ended unhappily for Nagelsmann at Bayern – and his sacking could spark a frenzied manager hunt in EuropeCredit: Getty
      The development came as Spurs finally parted company with Conte on Sunday evening.
      Meanwhile, speculation continues to link Ancelotti with the Brazilian international job.
      If Spurs are considering Nagelsmann as Conte’s replacement, it appears possible that Madrid may be in the hunt as well.
      The Times reports that Spurs “might have to move fast” to land the highly-rated coach.
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      The 35-year-old coach was on the radar of Real Madrid after they sacked Julen Lopetegui in 2018 but Nagelsmann remain focused on Hoffenheim, the German club where he made his name as a coach.
      He said in 2021: “I received a call, 2 years ago, from Real Madrid, they wanted to know me and my philosophy better. If they call me again in the future, the decision might be different.
      “Back then, I didn’t have time to prepare, learn Spanish and lacked the experience.”
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      Nagelsmann is one of the many names who has been linked to Tottenham.
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      The German reportedly owns a replica of the club shirt and is an admirer of the club.
      And it may not just be Madrid that Spurs have to compete with if they do go for the coach.
      Following their last-16 Champions League exit, Christophe Galtier is believed to be under pressure at PSG.
      While Simone Inzaghi of Inter Milan and AC Milan’s Stefano Pioli are both under pressure in Italy after underwhelming seasons.
      Cristian Stellini has been given the Spurs job until the end of the season. More

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      Former La Liga star Koke faces 16 years in prison and huge fine for ‘leading cannabis crime ring’

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      A FORMER La Liga footballer faces 16 years in prison after being accused of allegedly leading a drug trafficking ring.Sergio Contreras, 39, better known as Koke, also faces a huge fine.
      Former La Liga star Koke reportedly faces 16 years in prison
      The ex-Malaga striker has been accused of allegedly leading a drug trafficking networkCredit: Alamy
      Spanish news agency EFE report Koke is accused of leading a drug trafficking network that transported narcotics across Europe.
      And Mundo Deportivo report that he is facing a fine of £130,000.
      Koke will be one of 17 defendants when the trial gets underway at Provincial Court in Malaga next Monday.
      The others are reportedly accused of committing crimes against public health and possession of weapons.
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      Mundo Deportivo say the other defendants face sentences ranging from one year to four years and six months behind bars.
      While the same source claim cannabis was the most common drug allegedly trafficked by the group.
      The former striker came through the ranks at Spanish side Malaga, scoring on his debut for the club in 2003.
      He later had spells with the likes of Marseille, Sporting, and Houston Dynamo in the MLS.
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      He also played for clubs in Azerbaijan, Bolivia and India.
      But Koke was best known for his tenure at Greek outfit Aris, enjoying two spells with the club.
      In 2011 the striker enjoyed a brief cameo against Manchester City, coming on as a substitute in a 3-0 Europa League defeat to the Etihad outfit.
      Edin Dzeko netted twice before Yaya Toure scored a third, with Koke emerging from the bench during the second half. More