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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

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      Spain World Cup winner buys new club… and thousands of Brits are expected to go and watch

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      DAVID VILLA has bought a Spanish football club – and thousands of Brits are expected to go and watch.The 2010 World Cup winner, 41, retired in 2020 after a short stint with Vissel Kobe in Japan.
      David Villa spent three years at Barcelona and was a key part of a successful teamCredit: AFP
      He is the new owner of Racing Club de Futbol BenidormCredit: Alamy
      But now he has turned to ownership.
      His DV7 Group – which also has New York-based Queensboro FC in its portfolio – is managed by the former forward alongside business partner Victor Onate.
      And they have teamed up to purchase Racing Club de Futbol Benidorm.
      The club – one of the two clubs formed when CF Benidorm folded in 2017 – currently play in the Preferente division and are aiming to get promoted to the fifth tier of Spanish football.
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      Villa’s offer which will see him become the majority shareholder was accepted by Jose Santiago Lopez.
      The deal is expected to be confirmed and made official with a presentation next Tuesday.
      Villa, who has academies in New York, San Diego, Tokyo and Puerto Rico, has long-term visions for the new project.
      And it could well see plenty of Brits flock to watch the team in action.
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      Benidorm is a popular holiday spot – and football fans making the trip could tie in a visit to watch Benidorm in action.
      Villa came through the academy at Sporting Gijon and had spells with Real Zaragoza and Valencia before joining Barcelona in 2010.
      In three seasons, he scored 48 goals and won eight trophies including two LaLiga crowns, the Champions League and the Club World Cup.
      The forward then joined Atletico Madrid, Melbourne City, New York City and Vissel Kobe.
      On the international stage, he earned 98 caps, managing 59 goals including crucial strikes on the way to Euro 2008 and 2010 World Cup glory. More

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      Aubameyang ‘willing to accept a minimum salary’ to end Chelsea nightmare and return to cash-strapped Barcelona

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      PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG is reportedly willing to accept a huge wage cut to return to Barcelona.The striker is under contract with Chelsea until 2024 but the Blues are believed to be open to terminating his contract.
      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is happy to accept a massive wage cut to join BarcelonaCredit: Rex
      Aubameyang has played just 18 games since arriving from Barca for £10million last summer.
      A return of three goals has led to the 33-year-old being frozen out, and he could return to the Nou Camp at the end of the season.
      According to Sport, Aubameyang is willing to accept a minimum salary at Barcelona, who are still in financial difficulty.
      The cash-strapped club were fined £700,000 for breaching Financial Fair Play rules after exceeding salary limits for the free signings of Dani Alves and Andreas Christensen, plus Ronald Araujo’s contract extension.
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      That means they may not be able to get anywhere close to the reported £160,000 a week Aubameyang earns at Chelsea.
      But Aubameyang appears to have an affinity to the club and was warmly welcomed back into the dressing room after he watched Barca beat Real Madrid 2-1 in El Classico last week.
      He posed for photos with a delighted Ferran Torres and would likely be a welcome signing after he scored 13 goals in 23 games for the Blaugurana last season.
      Manager Xavi admitted he was sad to see Aubameyang leave after he helped his side qualify for the Champions League.
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      He said: “I feel bad because he helped us a lot. He was an example on and off the pitch.”
      Barcelona reportedly tried to re-sign the Gabon international in January but LaLiga rules prevent a player being registered three different times in one season. More

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      Mesut Ozil cried on his way to Arsenal as star admits he only left Real Madrid because of dad’s bust-up with Perez

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      MESUT OZIL has revealed that he was forced out of Real Madrid after conflict arose between club president Florentino Perez and his father.The former Germany international, 34, announced his retirement from professional football earlier this week.
      Ozil cried after leaving Real Madrid for ArsenalCredit: PA
      He enjoyed a trophy-laden career after bursting onto the scene with Schalke in 2006.
      And his impressive performances at the 2010 World Cup earned him a £13million move from Werder Bremen to Real Madrid.
      Ozil won several trophies with Los Blancos, including one La Liga title, a Copa Del Rey and a Spanish Super Cup.
      But the midfielder recently admitted that he was forced out of the Santiago Bernabeu after his agent, and father, fell out with Real Madrid president Perez.
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      He told Spanish outlet Marca: “I was very sad when I left Madrid. I remember that at the airport.
      “I had a great time for three years at Real Madrid and in this city. I was really happy.
      “But things happened. Suddenly, at the beginning of that season, I no longer had many playing minutes and a conflict arose between Mr. Florentino Pérez and my father and agent.
      “We had to look for a new club. It was hard for me.
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      “The moment the plane took off and took off, tears fell from my eyes. That was the moment I realised it was over.”
      He added: “At that time it seemed good to me, because after the conflict between my father and Mr. Pérez I was worried that I would not have playing minutes again if I did not leave.
      “So it’s hard to say. But of course, I wish we could have handled the situation at that time differently.”
      After leaving Real Madrid, Ozil joined Arsenal in a £42.5million transfer on deadline day in summer 2013.
      He lifted four FA Cups with the Gunners and established himself as one of the Premier League’s most talented midfielders.
      But after falling out-of-favour at the Emirates Stadium, he joined Fenerbahce on a free transfer in January 2021 – six months before his contract was due to expire.
      He failed to hit the same heights that he did during his time in the Premier League.
      And his contract was terminated 18 months later as a result.
      Last summer he signed for Istanbul Basaksehir on another free transfer, but he cut ties with the club earlier this week before publicly announcing his retirement. More

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      Bizarre Gavi case deepens as LaLiga REMOVE him from Barcelona squad on website and he could become free agent in July

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      BARCELONA’s dispute with LaLiga over Gavi has escalated with the league’s website removing the midfielder from Barcelona’s squad.It comes days after the registration row played out in court as the Catalan club lost their bid to register the star.
      Gavi has become wrapped into Barcelona’s financial problemsCredit: Getty
      It is feared Gavi could even become a free agent if Barcelona do not get on top of their financial issues.
      LaLiga have refused to register the 18-year-old’s new contract after Barca were deemed to have surpassed their spending limit beyond the end of the season.
      The club have repeatedly tried to have this verdict overturned.
      Now the league have removed Gavi from Barca’s squad list on their website in another sign of the deepening dispute.
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      Gavi is still able to play for Barcelona but is under a youth contract until the issue is settle
      It opens up the possibility of the Spanish club potentially having to unregister the youngster and open the door to other clubs trying to swoop for him as a free agent.
      The Nou Camp club had thought the departures of Memphis Depay and Gerard Pique would allow them to register Gavi.
      But they are now set to have to explore the option of letting more stars leave to balance the books.
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      While things off the pitch continue to be challenging, manager Xavi has managed to spark a turnaround with results.
      The dramatic win over title rivals Real Madrid just before the international break has put the side 12 points clear at the top.
      But improvement will be needed in Europe after Barcelona crashed out the Champions League group stages for the second year in a row before losing to Manchester United in the Europa League. More