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      How Barcelona could line up in LaLiga opener with – or WITHOUT – transfers Lewandowski, Christensen, Raphinha and Co

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      BARCELONA boss Xavi still doesn’t know whether he will be able to field his new star signings for tomorrow’s LaLiga curtain raiser against Rayo Vallecano.The poverty-pleading Catalan giants have had a baffling summer – shelling out £138million on new transfers despite not fully paying their own players.
      Barcelona could be forced to line up with only players from last season – in which case this might be the XI
      Xavi has some big decisions to makeCredit: Rex
      Barcelona’s new signings may not be able to playCredit: Getty
      Due to LaLiga financial rules, new signings – including contract renewals – cannot be registered with the league until certain financial requirements are met.
      So while Barca have shelled out on plenty of new players, none of them are eligible to play yet.
      New-boys Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Jules Kounde, Franck Kessie and Andreas Christensen are all sweating on whether they will be registered in time.
      While Ousmane Dembele and Sergi Roberto are also ineligible as it stands after renewing their deals earlier in the summer.
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      Xavi’s squad have virtually a clean bill of health, with only Ferran Torres missing through injury.
      But the 42-year-old bossmay still have to field a much-weakened XI.
      Should they not register their star signings in time, they will at least be able to depend upon Marc-Andre ter Stegen in goal.
      But with no Kounde or Christensen, Xavi may have to pick a back four comprising of Sergino Dest, Ronald Araujo, Eric Garcia and Jordi Alba – although Gerard Pique could be involved.
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      Sergio Busquets would anchor the midfield, with Pedri and potentially Frenkie de Jong – a man Barca are accused of trying to bully out of the club – alongside him.
      The Dutchman, however, might be held out as transfer speculation rumbles on.
      Another heavily linked with an exit in Memphis Depay could start as a makeshift right winger, with Ansu Fati on the left and Chelsea target Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang upfront.
      Barcelona have today announced the sale of 25 per cent of Barca Studios to Orpheus Media for £85m.
      Club president Joan Laporta believes that this will enable him to register his new buys, while also recruiting another player in Marcos Alonso.
      Should this be the case, Barca’s XI will look rather more fearsome tomorrow.
      Should Barca register their new signings, this is how they might look
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      Christensen and Kounde could start in place of Araujo and Garcia – with Roberto instead of Dest at right-back.
      Kessie may debut in midfield, with Dembele, Lewandowski and Raphinha forming a potentially devastating front three.
      Frenkie de Jong’s future is still clouded by uncertaintyCredit: Getty More

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      ‘It’s horrific’ – Gary Neville claims it would be ’embarrassing’ if Man Utd miss out on Frenkie de Jong transfer now

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      GARY NEVILLE has admitted it will be “embarrassing” if Manchester United miss out on Frenkie de Jong – and “horrific” if he joins Chelsea.Reports today claimed the Red Devils are ready to accept defeat in their pursuit of the Barcelona midfielder.
      Frenkie de Jong appears to be edging towards a move to ChelseaCredit: Getty
      Gary Neville has suggested it will be “horrific” if De Jong signs for the BluesCredit: Getty
      Chelsea are now thought to be in pole position to sign De Jong.
      That’s after Erik ten Hag made De Jong his No1 transfer target at the start of the summer, with United even agreeing a fee with Barcelona for the Dutchman.
      A move failed to materialise – and Neville is bracing himself for the worst if De Jong heads to Stamford Bridge over Old Trafford.
      The United legend told Football Daily: “If they (United) don’t get him, it’s embarrassing but if he goes to Chelsea, it’s horrific.
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      “If he doesn’t want to come the deal would have been switched off a few weeks ago.
      “Because of the relationship the player has with the manager, there must be some communication between them that’s saying, ‘wait for me I’m coming’.”

      De Jong is claimed to be holding showdown talks with his agent today in attempt to try and finally resolve his future.
      While a move to Old Trafford could still be on the cards, De Jong joining a Premier League rival is something Neville cannot “even contemplate thinking about”.
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      He continued: “There are three outcomes. One, he comes and Man United look smart and patient.
      “The second is that he stays at Barca and there’s a bit of embarrassment because they’ve put all their eggs in one basket, and they haven’t got anyone else in.
      “They’ve got a void in the squad, they’re starting the season with Fred and McTominay, and it makes them look like they can’t get a deal over the line.
      “The third one does not even contemplate thinking about – he goes to a rival club in the Premier League against the manager who he’d worked under for the previous few years.”
      The 25-year-old has made it clear he would like to stay at Barcelona.
      But the club’s dire financial position, which means they cannot register any of their new signings, means they are eager for De Jong to leave. More

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      Fans all saying same thing after claims Christensen took Barcelona out of Instagram profile and reverted back to Chelsea

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      FANS on social media are in agreement after Andreas Christensen allegedly change his Instagram profile picture BACK to a shot of him in a Chelsea kit.The Danish defender is claimed to have swapped his profile picture to one of him wearing a Blues shirt, with suggestions he previously took it down when he signed for Barcelona.
      Andreas Christensen could leave Chelsea before playing a competitive game for the clubCredit: Rex
      Christensen is claimed to have changed his Instagram profile picture back to a snap of him in a Chelsea shirt after originally taking it downCredit: Instagram
      But with Barca unable to register him, or any of their new signings, rumours have emerged that Christensen could return to Stamford Bridge.
      ESPN claim both Christensen and fellow free signing Franck Kessie could leave for free if they aren’t registered before the season opener against Rayo Vallecano on Saturday.
      Allegations that Christensen changed his profile picture has only fuelled those rumours.
      His current profile shot shows him giving a thumbs up with a Champions League winners medal around his neck.
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      Christensen also deleted an Instagram post announcing he had joined Barcelona, according to the Daily Star.
      And fans on social media have been left confused following the reports he changed his picture, with some even joking he could be on his way back to Chelsea.
      One wrote on Twitter: “Naaah why has Andreas Christensen deleted his Barcelona Instagram post.”
      Another added: “Imagine Christensen returning back to Chelsea after Saturday.”
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      A third said: “Christensen back to Chelsea because Barcelona can’t sign him. Christensen posting lots of Chelsea stuff on his IG. This is going to be hilarious.”
      While Christensen and Kessie have an option to leave if they are not registered by the weekend, there are no suggestions it will come to that.
      The 26-year-old left Chelsea to join Barca on a free transfer earlier this summer.
      He played 160 times in total for the Blues, winning six trophies along the way. More

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      Frenkie de Jong goes wakeboarding with stunning fiancee while Barcelona continue transfer talks with Man Utd and Chelsea

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      FRENKIE DE JONG cut a relaxed figure as he forgot about his transfer woes with a wakeboarding session in Spain.The Barcelona star, 25, has seen his future constantly come under the spotlight this summer.
      Chelsea and Man Utd target Frenkie de Jong enjoyed some wakeboarding in BarcelonaCredit: @frenkiedejong
      De Jong’s fiancee Mikky Kiemeney joined him on the tripCredit: Instagram / @mikkykiemeney
      The pair shared some loved up picsCredit: Instagram / @mikkykiemeney
      Chelsea and Manchester United are both eager to sign De Jong.
      And although he would like to stay at Barca, the Dutchman is yet to be paid around £14million in deferred wages.

      Indeed, Barcelona are now threatening legal action unless he agrees to take a mammoth pay cut.
      And with De Jong yet to decide where his future lies, the transfer saga is set to rumble on this month.
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      In the meantime, De Jong has been enjoying what could potentially be his final days in Catalonia.
      The Dutch ace and fiancee Mikky Kiemeney decided to take a trip so they could try their hand at wakeboarding.
      An Instagram Story video showed De Jong gliding along the water while being pulled by a high-speed boat.
      The playmaker looked to be in total control of his board – just like he is with a football at his feet.
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      And a further picture showed De Jong travelling with just one hand while using the other for the perfect pose.
      One would be forgiven for thinking there was nothing going on in regarding De Jong’s playing future.
      But the Holland ace now has a big decision to make ahead of the new LaLiga campaign this weekend.
      Barcelona’s financial woes are still very much present.
      And until De Jong goes, they can’t even register new signings Andreas Christensen and Franck Kessie.
      De Jong was joined by fiancee Mikky KiemeneyCredit: Instagram @mikkykiemeney More

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      Tottenham in ‘advanced negotiations’ with Barcelona over Memphis Depay transfer and could get ex-Man Utd star for FREE

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      TOTTENHAM are in advanced talks to sign Memphis Depay on a free transfer from Barcelona, according to reports.Spurs have been one of the most active clubs in this summer’s transfer window.
      Depay could leave Barcelona on a free transferCredit: AFP
      Antonio Conte has already introduced six new players to the squad including former Everton forward Richarlison, who made a blockbuster £60million move from Merseyside last month.
      But, now the Italian is eager to further strengthen his attack by signing Depay from Barcelona.

      According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Tottenham’s Managing Director of Football Fabio Paratici approached the LaLiga giants earlier this week to discuss the possibility of a transfer.
      Spurs were originally willing to bid around £15m for the Dutchman, but the club could now be offered the opportunity to sign him on a free transfer.
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      Depay’s representatives are currently attempting to negotiate a deal with Barca officials which would see his contract terminated.
      The forward has been informed by Xavi that he will have no place at the club next season.
      This is largely due to the arrival of Robert Lewandowski, who joined the club in a £42.5m transfer after forcing a move away from Bayern Munich.
      Juventus are also interested in signing Depay.
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      The Dutchman is claimed to be enticed by the prospect of a move to Serie A, but he has been ‘distracted’ by the approach from Tottenham as it would see him return to the Premier League.
      He spent two seasons in England’s top tier when he signed for Manchester United in 2015.
      In 53 appearances for The Red Devils he scored seven goals before joining Lyon in 2017.
      Depay then went on to sign a two-year deal with Barcelona last summer, but, he will depart much sooner than expected. More

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      Man Utd transfer target Frenkie de Jong’s agent to hold showdown talks with Barcelona TODAY to finally settle future

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      FRENKIE DE JONG and his agent are set to hold showdown talks with Barcelona today in an attempt to settle his future, according to reports.The Dutchman, 25, has been heavily linked with a move away from the Nou Camp this summer amid Barcelona’s financial crisis.
      Frenkie De Jong and his representatives will hold talks with Barca chiefs TODAYCredit: Getty
      Manchester United have been pushing to sign him since the transfer window opened in June.
      However, despite already having reached a £72million agreement with the Catalan giants, The Red Devils are slowly losing hope of bringing him to Old Trafford.
      De Jong has made it clear that he does not want to join United and would prefer to stay in Spain.
      But, Barcelona officials are trying to force him out of the club, insisting he must slash his wage demands or leave.
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      The club already owe De Jong around £17m in unpaid wages, but chiefs believe that negotiating a move away would resolve any financial differences.
      And while a move to Manchester is now looking more and more unlikely, Chelsea have emerged as potential suitors.
      The Blues are said to be close to striking a £67.6m deal with Barcelona for the midfielder.
      An agreement would likely suit all parties, with De Jong understood to be willing to make the move to Stamford Bridge.
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      So, Barca chiefs have planned a meeting which will take place TODAY in order to clarify the Dutchman’s future.
      According to Spanish outlet Sport, De Jong’s agent, Ali Dursun, will be in attendance alongside Hasan Cetinkay of HCM Sports Management.
      They are set to discuss the prospect of a move away as well as potential wage differences if he did decide to stay.
      De Jong recently received abuse from Barcelona fans while arriving at the club’s training ground.
      The supporters continued to heckle him, shouting: “Lower your salary, b****!”
      Read More on The Sun
      This came after it was revealed that Barcelona were unable to register new arrivals Franck Kessie, Andreas Christensen, Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and Jules Kounde due to financial issues.
      As a result, Kessie and Christensen may have to leave the club for FREE if they are not registered by Saturday – before even playing a competitive match. More

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      Isco reveals reason why he quit Real Madrid for Sevilla transfer after being frozen out following nine years at club

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      ISCO has revealed the reasons he decided to join Sevilla from Real Madrid this summer.The Spaniard found himself a free agent after nine years at the Bernabeu.
      Isco has signed a two-year contract with SevillaCredit: Rex
      Last season was a difficult one for the diminutive playmaker, finding himself way down Carlo Ancelotti’s pecking order.
      After making just 14 LaLiga appearances he was released upon the expiry of his contract and free to decide upon his next move.
      On what it was like going into the summer without a club, the 30-year-old told Sevilla’s club media channels: “It has been difficult, different.
      “It is the first summer with so many holidays and I have taken advantage of it to train well and get in shape.”
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      He penned a two-year contract with Sevilla that reunites him with old Real Madrid boss Julen Lopetegui.
      On what inspired him to move to the Andalusian club, he said: “It’s a team with a style of play that I love and hopefully we can win titles.
      “I’ve chosen Sevilla among the many offers I have because from a sporting level is what interested me the most.
      “It’s a team that competes, that wants to play football well, plays in the Champions League, a club that is constantly growing.
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      “It’s the best team to show my football again. I want to keep winning and that’s why I’m here.”
      Isco’s trophy cabinet is already packed with honours, having won three LaLiga titles and five Champions Leagues with Real Madrid.
      Asked how he feels after leaving the Spanish champions for Sevilla, he said: “Very happy and excited about this new chapter.
      “I know where I come from and hopefully, we can do great things. I want to get started with the team.
      “I really want to show what I have and that I have never lost it. I come to a team where I know the coach and the players, with a style of play that I love.”
      Isco could make his Sevilla debut tomorrow as Lopetegui and Co travel to Osasuna for their LaLiga curtain raiser.
      Isco, 30, enjoyed his Sevilla unveiling this weekCredit: AFP More

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      Barcelona expect to complete Marcos Alonso transfer for just £6.5m this week as they set debut date for Chelsea star

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      BARCELONA expect to complete the signing of Marcos Alonso for just £6.5million this week, according to reports.And the club have even pencilled in the left-back for his debut.
      Marcos Alonso is set to complete a £6.5m transfer to Barcelona this weekCredit: Getty
      According to AS, boss Xavi spoke with the Chelsea star on Tuesday to discuss the final details of his long-awaited summer switch.
      It is understood an agreement is now in place between the two clubs after the Spaniard submitted a transfer request.
      Alonso, 31, looks set to travel to Barcelona by Tuesday at the latest to complete his medical and sign the paperwork on a two-year deal with the option of an extra 12 months.
      That would mean he should be available to make his first appearance for his new club on matchday two of the new LaLiga season when Barca face Real Sociedad away on August 21.
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      However, there could be further complications if the Nou Camp club are unable to register Alonso immediately – after struggles to have their other new signings given the green light by league chiefs.
      Alonso has gone through a full pre-season with Chelsea so is fit and ready to go – as he competes with Jordi Alba for the left-back spot.
      Barca are still hopeful of securing Bernardo Silva on a deal from Manchester City – if they can ship Frenkie de Jong off to Chelsea.
      The Blues have already snapped up Alonso’s replacement by splashing out a whopping £62m on Marc Cucurella from Brighton.
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      However, it was £50m man Ben Chilwell who started against Everton on the opening weekend of the season before Cucurella came on for the last 15 minutes in defence.
      Fellow new signings Kalidou Koulibaly and Raheem Sterling also started in the 1-0 Goodison victory. More