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      Argentine wonderkid Gianluca Prestianni at centre of transfer tug-of-war between Real Madrid and Barcelona

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      REAL MADRID and Barcelona are locked in a transfer battle to sign Argentina wonderkid Gianluca Prestianni.The 16-year-old is currently playing in his homeland for Velez Sarsfield.
      Gianluca Prestianni is being chased by both Real Madrid and BarcelonaCredit: Football Manager 2023 / Sega
      Despite his young age, the winger has already made his senior debut for the club.
      That made him the third-youngest player ever to appear in Argentina’s top-flight after legends Diego Maradona and Sergio Aguero.
      Prestianni’s leadership qualities and raw pace have made him a standout to watching scouts.
      Now Marca are claiming that both Real Madrid and Barcelona, who meet tonight in the Spanish Super Cup, are readying moves.
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      And the two LaLiga giants are continuing to monitor his progress before opting to launch a bid.
      Madrid have looked towards the Brazilian market over recent years for young talents.
      However, Pestrianni is due to get an Italian passport this summer.
      And that means that the teenager would not occupy a non-EU spot in their squad.
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      But they could face serious competition from their arch-rivals.
      Barcelona are currently embarking on a rebuild of their squad under Xavi.
      And they too seem ready to battle the Bernabeu side for the youngster’s signature over the coming months. More

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      Karim Benzema forced to deny Cristiano Ronaldo rift after missing out on reunion with Real Madrid legend in Saudi Arabia

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      KARIM BENZEMA has insisted there is no rift between him and Cristiano Ronaldo.The Real Madrid striker and the rest of the squad are in Saudi Arabia this week for a warm-weather training camp ahead of tonight’s Spanish Super Cup clash with Barcelona.
      Karim Benzema has denied any rift with Cristiano RonaldoCredit: Reuters
      Cristiano Ronaldo reunited with his old club in Saudi Arabia this weekCredit: Instagram / @realmadrid
      The club’s all-time top goalscorer Cristiano Ronaldo, who this month sealed a move to the Middle East country after joining Al-Nassr, took the opportunity to visit his old team-mates while they were in town.
      The 37-year-old Portuguese forward was spotted on camera speaking and reminiscing with a number of Madrid men.
      However, Benzema was not among them, which led to speculation that the two former strike partners did not see eye-to-eye.
      But speaking to Marca, the French star was adamant that the pair are friends and insisted he did not need any photos with him to prove it.
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      Benzema said: “We don’t need to take photos to say we’re friends, the photos are for Instagram or Twitter, that’s another world.
      “We didn’t have time to greet each other because I was training and immediately he also went to train.
      “I hope to see him tomorrow at the stadium and be able to talk to him for a while.”
      Ronaldo and Benzema both arrived at Real Madrid in the summer of 2009.
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      They won the Champions League four times as colleagues, with the 35-year-old Benzema adding a fifth to his collection last season.
      Ronaldo also lifted the Ballon d’Or on four occasions during that period.
      Now Benzema has been able to pick up the accolade after his explosive 2022. More

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      Eden Hazard spotted ‘visiting Al-Nassr offices’ as he holds shock transfer talks about linking up with Cristiano Ronaldo

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      EDEN HAZARD has allegedly “held talks with Al-Nassr boss Rudi Garcia” regarding a transfer that would see him link-up with Cristiano Ronaldo.The Belgian forward, 32, has endured a torrid three-and-a-half years at Real Madrid since his arrival from Chelsea.
      Eden Hazard has allegedly been spotted visiting the offices of Al-NassrCredit: Twitter @elchiringuitotv
      He is believed to have held talks with boss Rudi Garcia over a transfer moveCredit: Twitter @elchiringuitotv
      The star has been plagued by injury at the Bernabeu which has restricted him to 73 appearances and seven goals.
      Last month he retired from international football following Belgium’s shock group-stage exit at the World Cup in Qatar.
      Then a fresh report emerged that his club career in Europe could be set to come to an end.
      It stated that Ronaldo’s new side, Al-Nassr, are interested in bringing him to Saudi Arabia.
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      Manager Rudi Garcia previously worked with Hazard for four years at Lille.
      And now those rumours are intensifying, according to El Chiringuito, as they claim that he met up with Garcia to discuss a possible move.
      They shared a clip of Hazard arriving and then being accompanied into a building which they claimed was “the office of Garcia” where they were believed to have discussed his future.
      They certainly have the funds to bring the Los Blancos man to the Middle East after showing their lucrative wealth by handing Ronaldo, 37, a £173million-a-year deal.
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      The move may also be of interest to Real Madrid.
      Hazard will enter the final year of his contract this summer.
      And the Spanish champions will be keen to scrape back some of the £130m they paid for him before his deal runs out.
      Eden Hazard has endured a miserable time at the Bernabeu with injuriesCredit: Getty More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo meets up with his old Real Madrid pals and poses for photos as Los Blancos face Barcelona in Saudi

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO revisited his golden years as he prepares for his sunset days – by dropping in on Real Madrid training.Ron’s old club are in Saudi Arabia for Sunday’s Spanish Super Cup final against Barcelona – as he gears up for his Al-Nassr debut four days later.

      Rodrygo met his hero Ronaldo, who departed the Bernabeu a year before the Brazilian wing wizard arrivedCredit: Instagram / @realmadrid
      Cristiano Ronaldo greeted Real’s Brazilian attacker Vinicius JuniorCredit: Instagram / @realmadrid
      Al-Nassr new boy Ronaldo hugged Brazilian legend Roberto CarlosCredit: Instagram / @realmadrid
      And there was one Bernabeu baller whose smile beamed even brighter than that of the Portugal legend as he posed for a host of pictures.
      Rodrygo posted  he was “meeting my biggest idol” as he shared a snap of the pair on Instagram.
      The Brazil winger, 22, joined Real a year after Ronaldo, now 37, left for Juventus. 
      And Ron has perhaps never matched his Real days of 2009-2018.
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      And his next task is to persuade the footballing world he’s not moved to Riyadh just for the money.
      Ronaldo’s Manchester United contract was terminated during his poor World Cup, due to a tell-all interview with Piers Morgan on TalkTV.
      And the first test of his current form is likely to come on January 19.
      That’s when a combined Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal XI face PSG in an exhibition match.
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      Ronaldo, however, looked delighted to be distracted by reviving memories of his Bernabeu era.
      The five-time Ballon d’Or winner chatted to boss Carlo Ancelotti and former team-mates as they took a break from training.
      And an even older old-boy was there – Brazil icon Roberto Carlos.
      The former Real left-back, 49, who is now a football ambassador, warmly embraced Ron.
      Carlos’ fellow countryman Vinicius Junior and Eder Militao each joined Ronaldo for thumbs-up photos.
      And Real too, joined in the spirit of the occasion.
      As Ron seeks to add to his incredible scoring exploits in a new football world, the Spanish giants referenced his famous goal salute with: “Nice to SIIIIIIIIIUUUU you, @Cristiano!”
      Ronaldo was also reunited with Real Madrid boss Carlo AncelottiCredit: Instagram / @realmadrid
      Eder Militao only joined Real in 2019, a year after Ronaldo left for Juventus, but was still delighted to meet the iconCredit: Instagram / @realmadrid

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      Chelsea flop Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s hopes of rejoining Barcelona face huge stumbling block due to LaLiga rule

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      PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG looks set to face failure over any potential return to Barcelona after a LaLiga rule emerged prohibiting a move. The Gabon striker has endured a tough spell since signing for Chelsea, and now reportedly wants to return to the Nou Camp.
      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang won’t be allowed to move back to BarcelonaCredit: Getty
      But it seems his wishes will fall on deaf ears after it was revealed such a move is not legal.
      Fifa rules stipulate that a player cannot play for more than two clubs in a season unless the calendar is different – opening up the possibility of an MLS move.
      Since Barcelona were his previous club, a transfer is fine under these rules.
      However, the Royal Spanish Football Federation has a rule which makes a deal impossible.
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      Article 130 reads: “A player may be registered in only one team of a club, without the possibility of being withdrawn and released by the same club in the course of the same season, except in cases of force majeure or regulatory provision.
      “Likewise, during the course of the season, he/she may not be registered and play in more than three different teams.”
      In addition, La Liga’s Article 141.5 says: “Footballers whose licence is cancelled may not, in the course of the same season, obtain a licence in the same team of the club to which they were already associated.”
      This means that had the move been a loan instead, a return would have been permitted.
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      Barcelona would have “loved” the idea of bringing back the 33-year-old, who scored 13 times in 24 games for them last season.
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      Aubameyang joined Chelsea in £10million deal in the summer, but has failed to impress on his return to England.
      He has scored just three times in 16 games and not performed well either.
      The ex-Arsenal ace would have been hoping to prove a point after being frozen out at the Gunners by Mikel Arteta.
      In the club’s Amazon: All or Nothing series, Arteta revealed he had a dossier of all his past indiscretions.
      He told a member of his coaching staff: “I have everything documented, with the dates, the times, the conversations, how it happened, why it happened . . . because if one day it’s needed.
      “(Aubameyang) has been late, apart from all the (other) issues, many times.” More

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      Lionel Messi called a ‘hormonal dwarf’ and ‘sewer rat’ by ex-Barcelona board member in shocking abusive leaked emails

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      LIONEL MESSI was labelled a “hormonal dwarf” and “sewer rat” by an ex-Barcelona board member, according to a sensational report. World Cup winner Messi left Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain upon the expiry of his contract in 2021.
      Lionel Messi was the subject of some unsavoury messages by Barcelona’s former boardCredit: Rex
      The leaked messages were directed at Barcelona president Josep BartomeuCredit: EPA
      Former legal chief Roman Gomez Ponti allegedly sent the scathing remarksCredit: AFP
      However, Barca chiefs were left infuriated by a press leak which shared details of the contract offered to Messi – which would have seen him net almost £500million – prior to his emotional exit.
      And Spanish outlet El Periodico revealed messages allegedly sent in a group chat between the club’s former hierarchy on January 31, 2021.
      The chat the messages were sent in included ex-president Josep Bartomeu, CEO Òscar Grau, directors Pancho Schroder and Javier Sobrino, executives Jordi Moix, Oriol Tomàs and David Bellver and legal chief Roman Gomez Ponti.
      Ponti, in particular, fired a sharp-tongued message to Bartomeu regarding his favouritism of Messi.
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      In his message he said: “Barto, really, you can’t be such a good person with this sewer rat.
      “The club has given him everything and he has dedicated himself to marking a dictatorship of signings, transfers, renewals, sponsorships just for him, etc.”
      Ponti ranted about Messi’s power at the club in demanding new deals for team-mates Luis Suarez and Jordi Alba.
      He then ranted about the renewal fee for Ansu Fati’s contract, which went to Messi’s brother and agent Rodrigo.
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      Ponti then went on to speak about “blackmail” and Messi’s lack of support as the Covid-19 pandemic hit.
      He added: “And above all the accumulation of blackmail and rudeness that the club and those who work have suffered from this hormonal dwarf that owes Barça life … ah!
      “But when they come badly given (pandemic) you receive the mythical WhatsApp: ‘presi, lower the salary to others, but do not touch me and Luis.'”
      Ponti then blasted Messi as a “pesetero,” meaning money-grabber.
      The financial difficulties of the club eventually saw Messi leave as Barcelona could not lower their wage bill enough to accommodate the 35-year-old.
      These difficulties have continued, and despite a summer which saw them trigger a number of “economic levers” to help them do business, recent reports still suggest they are £178m over budget in wages. More

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      Liverpool suffer new blow with World Cup hero Sofyan Amrabat set to snub transfer in favour of Atletico Madrid move

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      LIVERPOOL target Sofyan Amrabat wants to join Atletico Madrid, according to reports.The Moroccan played an integral role during his side’s amazing run at the World Cup in Qatar.
      Sofyan Amrabat starred at the World Cup for MoroccoCredit: Getty
      With Fiorentina star Amrabat a key cog in the heart of midfield, Morocco became the first African side ever to reach a World Cup semi-final.
      His superb performances in the Middle East attracted plenty of interest, with Liverpool said to be keen on recruiting him to bolster their midfield.
      According to Foot Mercato, however, he has his heart set on Atletico.
      A deal will not be easy to complete, however, with Fiorentina likely to demand a big fee.
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      During the World Cup, Amrabat already appeared keen to play for Atletico, gushing over the qualities of coach Diego Simeone.
      He told Spanish paper Marca: “What Simeone does, what he achieved… He coached Atletico de Madrid for many years.
      “I like his style of play. He won a lot and I have a lot of respect for him.
      “The players on your team are physically strong and aggressive. I like to play that way.”
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      Amrabat, 26, is under contract with Fiorentina until 2024.
      La Viola have made attempts to renew his deal, but face an uphill battle to keep him.
      Liverpool’s No1 midfield target, however, is England star Jude Bellingham.
      But Borussia Dortmund are set to demand upwards of £100million – with Manchester City, Real Madrid and Chelsea all also in the mix.
      Jude Bellingham is Liverpool’s No1 midfield targetCredit: Getty More

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      Lionel Messi EQUALS Cristiano Ronaldo for most goals in Top 5 European leagues with 696 – but does it 88 games QUICKER

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      LIONEL MESSI has equalled Cristiano Ronaldo’s tally of 696 goals for clubs in Europe’s top five leagues.The Argentine bagged his latest strike in Paris Saint-Germain’s 2-0 victory over Angers last night.
      Lionel Messi marked his return to club action with a goalCredit: Reuters
      Messi, 35, achieved the feat on his return to club action following his World Cup triumph last month.
      Europe’s top five leagues are the Premier League, LaLiga, Ligue 1, the Bundesliga and Serie A.
      He netted 672 goals in 778 appearances for former club Barcelona.
      And he has since added a further 24 strikes in 54 PSG outings.
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      This takes him to a remarkable 696 goals in 831 appearances for the two clubs.
      Ronaldo has also scored 696 goals… but in 88 more matches.
      After moving to Manchester United from Sporting Lisbon in 2003, he went on to bag 145 goals in 346 games across two spells.
      He scored an astonishing 450 goals in 438 appearances for Real Madrid, before adding another 101 goals in 134 Juventus outings.
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      Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo met many times during their illustrious careersCredit: AP
      This means that Ronaldo has scored 696 goals in 919 appearances in Europe’s top five leagues.
      Having signed for Al-Nassr last month, the 37-year-old is unlikely to add more to his tally.
      Reports circulated that his deal with the Saudi club contained a secret clause enabling him to join Newcastle, although they were subsequently denied.
      Ronaldo and Messi have faced off on many memorable occasions during their illustrious careers – particularly while fighting for trophies at Real Madrid and Barcelona.
      They could meet for a final time this month, when a Saudi all-star team consisting of players from Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal take on PSG in Riyadh on January 19.
      Al-Nassr boss Rudi Garcia has confirmed that Ronaldo is set to take part in the match.
      His debut for his new club is then set to take place three days later, when they take on Ettifaq on January 22.
      Ronaldo and his family were recently introduced to Al-Nassr fansCredit: AFP More