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    Leeds icon Marcelo Bielsa lined up for return to management with Athletic Bilbao after talks with presidential candidate

    MARCELO Bielsa is reportedly being lined up by Athletic Bilbao to be their new manager. Bielsa, 66, was sacked by Leeds in February despite being a popular figure at the club as the team were dragged into a relegation battle.
    Marcelo Bielsa could make a shock return to management and rejoin former club Athletic BilbaoCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    He managed Bilbao for two seasons from 2011 to 2013 and could be on his way back to the club.
    Reports in the Bilbao press suggest he has an agreement with Inaki Arechabaleta to take over as manager if he becomes club president.
    Arechabaleta is running for president alongside two other candidates and Bielsa’s move to Athletic Club hinges on the presidential battle.
    During his first season at the Basque club he came runners-up in the Europa League and the Copa del Rey.
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    However they finished 12th in LaLiga the following year and he left when his contract expired at the end of the season.
    Athletic Bilbao finished the 2021/22 season in 8th and reached the final of the Supercopa de Espana, but it was not enough for Marcelino to keep his job.
    The doomed PSG and former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino has emerged as a surprise candidate for the vacant manager’s job.
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    If Arechabaleta’s competitor Ricardo Barkala wins the presidential vote, Pochettino could take over.
    The 50-year-old is one of many managers influenced by Bielsa.
    Bielsa managed Poch at Argentine club Newell’s Old Boys. More

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    West Ham plot Adnan Januzaj transfer with David Moyes keen on reunion with former Man Utd star

    WEST HAM are reportedly interested in signing Adnan Januzaj from Real Sociedad.Januzaj, 27, will leave the White and Blues when his contract expires at the end of this month.
    Januzaj will leave Real Sociedad at the end of this monthCredit: EPA
    In 44 appearances across all competitions last season he scored just five goals, so the club are unwilling to extend his stay.
    However, according to Spanish outlet Diario de Sevilla as per Sport Witness, West Ham have considered bringing him back to the Premier League.
    David Moyes is said to be keen to reunite with the Belgian, who joined Manchester United at the age of 16 in 2011.
    Januzaj made his competitive Red Devils debut when Moyes took over from Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013.
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    Following his breakthrough he quickly began to thrive under the Scot’s management, but struggled to retain his spot in the first team when Louis van Gaal took over in 2014.
    He was then loaned out to Borussia Dortmund and Sunderland before he transferred to Real Sociedad on a permanent deal in 2017.
    The Belgian could reignite his career by joining up with Moyes at the London Stadium, but West Ham face competition for his signature.
    Real Betis and Napoli are also monitoring Januzaj’s situation, so the Hammers will have to put a strong offer on the table if they want any chance of securing a deal.
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    Jesse Lingard remains on the club’s radar following his successful stint in East London during the second half of the 2020/21 season.
    The 29-year-old will be a free agent when his Man Utd contract expires at the end of this month, however, his wage demands are expected to be high.
    West Ham are also considering a swoop for Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who is expected to leave Anfield for around £10million this summer. More

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    ‘There is a perception’ – Gareth Bale claims he doesn’t play golf as much as people think and defends injury record

    GARETH BALE claims he does not play as much golf as people think.The Wales captain leaves Real Madrid at the end of this month where goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois coined him ‘The Golfer’.
    Bale will leave Real Madrid at the end of this monthCredit: Getty
    The 32-year-old played a vital role in helping Wales earn a place in this year’s World CupCredit: PA
    Bale had a turbulent relationship with the Bernabeu crowd after holding the infamous ‘Wales. Golf. Madrid. In that order’ banner after qualifying for Euro 2020.
    The 32-year-old ended on good terms but the golf nut claims the public have a false perception of him.
    Bale said: “I’ve been available for quite a lot of the games in Spain. Sometimes you just don’t get picked so people assume that you’re injured.
    “There is a perception I play a lot of golf which I don’t or people think I’m injured a lot, when I’m actually not.”
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Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Read More on Gareth 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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}BALE BATTLE .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Bale transfer news: Cardiff still odds on favourites ahead of Newcastle, Forest
    Bale, who opened the door on a sensational move to hometown club Cardiff on Monday, also reflected on his Real career where he had a glittering nine-year spell in Spain.
    The forward won the Champions League five times after the Spanish giants beat Liverpool in the Paris final last month.
    Bale added: “It’s been a massive success. If you offered me 10 per cent, I’d have bitten your hand off at the start. It’s been a good time.
    “There’s been some high and low times but that’s football. I feel like I’ve overachieved myself.
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Man Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea in horror openers
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    “After leaving Real, I’ve had a day or two to reflect and you can’t really argue with five Champions League winners’ medals. To go to a major tournament with Wales.
    “I’m happy with what I’ve done in my career and hopefully there is just one more cherry on top.
    “The next step is massively important to ensure I’m playing games and I’m as fit as possible. Coming into this camp I wasn’t fit at all. I didn’t have much game time.
    “Sometimes I’m able to get away with it. Ideally I want to go into a World Cup playing games and be as effective as I can be on the pitch.”
    Cardiff have reportedly stepped up their interest in Bale, with chairman Mehmet Dalman set to lead negotiations over an audacious transfer.
    However, the winger will have to accept a huge pay cut to facilitate a deal.

    Bale has said that he does NOT play a lot of golf, despite perceptionsCredit: Getty – Contributor More

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    Confident Gerard Pique told Barcelona chief Joan Laporta ‘sign best defender in world, he will just be a sub’

    BARCELONA legend Gerard Pique has reportedly challenged president Joan Laporta to bring in a new defender this summer.The 35-year-old is claimed to have told the club chief that he will be the starting centre-back regardless of whether a world class defender arrives.
    Centre-back Gerard Pique is confident he still has a huge role to play at BarcelonaCredit: Getty
    Pique is claimed to have told Laporta that he will be a regular starter at the Nou Camp next seasonCredit: EPA
    That is despite the former Manchester United man being told by boss Xavi that he is not in his plans for next season.
    It has been said that he was told two weeks ago he is no longer wanted due to his “unprofessional conduct off the field” and “deteriorating physical condition”.
    Pique, who is tied down at the Nou Camp until 2024, featured in 39 games in all competitions during the 2021-22 campaign, but missed the last four LaLiga matches due to injury.
    Still, the 2010 World Cup winner is confident that he can prove his worth at the highest level despite entering the twilight of his career.
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    Spanish reporter Xavi Valls has provided an update on Pique’s future when he appeared on Onze on Esport3.
    It has been suggested that the three-time Champions League winner has no intentions of departing Catalonia, and will instead agree to take a pay cut to help Barca sign top players.
    He has also vowed to be in peak physical condition for the start of next term where he will report to their training ground every day during pre-season.
    Such is his belief in his own ability that he has told Laporta that he will be a regular member in Xavi’s starting XI.
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    Quoted by Sport, Laporta is alleged to have admitted to Pique that a top defender would arrive.
    To which he replied: “I will be the starter.
    “If you dare, bring the best centre-back in the world and he will come to be a substitute.”
    Barcelona are claimed to be competing with Chelsea in the race to sign French ace Jules Kounde from Sevilla.
    Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly is also understood to be an option as he enters the final year of his contract.
    Meanwhile the Blaugrana are believed to have agreed a deal to snap up Andreas Christensen on a free transfer when his Blues deal expires at the end of the month. More

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    ‘A brother that football gave me’ – Man Utd icon Cristiano Ronaldo posts tribute to pal Marcelo after Real Madrid exit

    MANCHESTER UNITED legend Cristiano Ronaldo has paid tribute to his former teammate Marcelo after his Real Madrid departure.The 34-year-old’s contract runs out this month and he has decided to seek a new challenge elsewhere after 15 years at the club.
    Cristiano Ronaldo has paid a touching tribute to ex-Madrid teammate MarceloCredit: Getty
    The Brazilian is set to get a stunning send-off after helping them to the domestic title and Champions League glory this term with an official farewell ceremony planned for tomorrow.
    Ronaldo moved to Madrid in 2009 and spent nine seasons playing alongside the Samba star.
    And the pair developed a strong friendship away from the pitch during their time together at the Bernabeu.
    Now, after Madrid officially confirmed Marcelo’s departure, the Portuguese forward has taken to Twitter to hail the full-back.
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    Sharing a photo of him hugging the South American during their Madrid heyday, Ronaldo wrote: “More than a teammate, a brother that football gave me.
    “On and off the fields, one of the biggest stars with whom I had the pleasure of sharing a locker room. Go with everything on this new adventure, Marcelo!” 
    Marcelo won five Champions League crowns at Real Madrid, four of which arrived while playing alongside Ronaldo.
    In total, he won a staggering 25 trophies for Los Blancos after arriving from Fluminense in 2007.
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    Discussing his decision to go, Marcelo recently said: “I did not want to stay for another year or two out of pity.
    “I’m always going to support Real Madrid and together we’ve decided to leave it well, and through the front door.
    “I don’t feel like a legend. Life doesn’t end here. I’m going to continue playing. I believe I can continue but I’m not thinking much about the future.” More

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    Mauricio Pochettino a ‘shock candidate for Athletic Bilbao manager job with ex-Tottenham chief facing PSG sack’

    MAURICIO POCHETTINO has become a shock managerial target for Athletic Bilbao, according to reports.The former Tottenham manager is set to be relieved of his duties at Paris-Saint Germain following an end-of-season meeting last week.
    Mauricio Pochettino’s time as PSG boss is set to come to an end soonCredit: AFP
    Ricardo Barkala will appoint Pochettino if he is elected president of Bilbao later this monthCredit: Getty
    This has led to speculation of where he could end up, with Bilbao providing the latest potential destination for him.
    However, this will depend on Ricardo Barkala being elected into the position of Athletic Bilbao club president.
    Barkala wants to reunite Pochettino with former Spurs and Espanyol sporting director Ramon Planes at the club if he is elected, according to the Mail.
    The Basque club, who only recruit players either born in the Basque region or who have learnt their skills there, will be without a manager after parting ways with Marcelino who will be joining Valencia.
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    Pochettino himself is expected to be replaced at PSG by former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane.
    Poch won the Ligue 1 title last season, but also oversaw a disappointing Champions League campaign as they crashed out in the round of 16 to eventual champions Real Madrid.
    Before the appointment of Erik ten Hag, Pochettino had also been extensively linked with the vacant position at Manchester United.
    The fate of Bilbao’s on-field play will likely depend on the outcome of their presidential elections.
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Man Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea in horror openers
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    While Barkala is the favourite to win, rival candidate Inaki Arechabaleta will appoint former Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa if he is successful.
    The elections to decide the future of the club will take place on June 24. More

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    Sevilla ‘reveal asking price for Chelsea transfer target Jules Kounde… and it’s £10m LESS than last year’

    CHELSEA have been handed a major boost in their pursuit of Jules Kounde after Sevilla reduced their asking price for him, according to reports.The departures of Antonio Rudiger to Real Madrid and the loss of Andreas Christensen to free agency has left Chelsea looking light-weight in defence, leading them to pursue a move for Kounde.
    Kounde in action for France in their UEFA Nations League game against DenmarkCredit: Getty
    The Blues wanted the Sevilla defender last summer, but failed to agree a deal for him due to Sevilla’s asking price of £68million.
    However, this summer things appear to be different as Sevilla’s new asking price has been set at £55million.
    According to Marca, the Spaniards will not negotiate below this line and will play hardball after seeing other deals for Diego Carlos, Darwin Nunez, and Aurelien Tchouameni come out to high values.
    Sevilla earned £26million for the sale of Carlos to Aston Villa, while Benfica are set to receive £85million from Liverpool for 22-year-old Nunez.
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    La Liga champions Real Madrid are also said to be forking out more than £85million for French midfielder Tchouameni.
    Kounde, 23, represents an investment for the future, but with two years left on his current deal in Spain the club can afford to be stubborn with their valuation.
    They signed Kounde in 2019 for around £22.5millon from Bordeaux, so would gain a significant profit if Chelsea pay the full £55million price tag.
    Considering Chelsea’s new-found lack of defensive depth, the clubs new owner Todd Boehly will need to move swiftly to provide the funds necessary to ensure Chelsea improve their squad under Thomas Tuchel.
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    Kounde has earned nine caps for the French national team, including one appearance in an unfamiliar right-back role at last summer’s European Championships.
    He has played 133 times for Sevilla, scoring nine goals. More

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    Chelsea spark transfer war with Real Madrid by submitting huge offer for Chicago Fire goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina

    CHELSEA are set to battle with Real Madrid to sign goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina, according to reports.The Blues’ interest in the Chicago Fire stopper predates the recent Todd Boehly takeover.
    Gabriel Slonina has impressed for Chicago FireCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    The West Londoners were keen on Slonina during the January transfer window, but failed to get a deal over the line.
    Madrid appear to have leapfrogged them in the race for the 18-year-old’s signature, but Chelsea aren’t willing to give up without a fight.
    According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Blues have re-entered talks with the Fire regarding Slonina.
    Madrid had their most recent offer turned down by the MLS side last week.
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    Relevo add that Slonina had been close to joining the Spanish champions, with plans even having been drawn up for him to start the season with Real Madrid Castilla – the club’s feeder team.
    They go on to claim that Chelsea have “meddled” in the situation by offering “big” money for the youngster.
    Slonina’s move to Madrid had seemed all but certain earlier this week, when his agent Jaime Garcia told MLSsoccer: “It should be an honour for Chicago, and the MLS, to have Real Madrid take notice in one of their players.
    “We are hoping Chicago can find an agreement with Real Madrid to realise Gabriel’s dream of playing for this club.”
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    Garcia then added: “With respect to other clubs and other offers [which] we’ve received many, and at the moment we are gracious to those clubs but you cannot say no to Real Madrid.”
    At just 18, Slonina is Chicago Fire’s first choice goalkeeper in MLS.
    He has started all 14 of their matches so far this season, having earned the No1 spot midway through the last campaign.
    Slonina is yet to make his senior debut for the United States, finding himself behind Manchester City stopper Zack Steffen and new Arsenal signing Matt Turner.
    But he has received a call-up, sitting on the bench for a 1-0 victory over Bosnia last December. More