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    ‘Maybe one day we don’t have Eden Hazard’ – Jose Mourinho eerily predicted ex-Chelsea star’s injury plight… in 2015

    EDEN HAZARD’S injury hell at Real Madrid was predicted by his former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho in 2015.Hazard’s spell at Los Blancos has been blighted by repeated setbacks since joining from the Blues three years ago.
    Jose Mourinho declared in 2015 how Eden Hazard needed protection from referees in order to avoid injuriesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Real Madrid winger Hazard has been plagued by injuries since joining the Spanish sideCredit: Getty
    Hazard, 31, has picked up his 16th injury at the Bernabeu – with the Belgium international to to have surgery on his right leg in order to remove a plate.
    He will now miss Real’s Champions League quarter-final first leg tie against his former side at Stamford Bridge on April 6.
    In 2016 it was revealed Hazard was the most fouled player in the Premier League.
    A year beforehand, while Mourinho worked with the winger, the Special One warned the forward’s career could be cut short due to constant fouls.
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    He said: “People [are] in love with football in this country – people must be in love with Eden Hazard.
    “The way, match after match, he’s being punished by opponents and he’s not being protected by referees, maybe one day we won’t have Eden Hazard.
    “It’s one, two, three, four, five, ten aggressive fouls against him.
    “They kick and kick and kick, and the kid resists.
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    “He’s a very honest guy in the way he plays, but that’s another problem.”
    Incredibly, Hazard has had the same amount of injuries as he has goal contributions for the Spanish side.
    His problems have limited the ex-Lille maestro to just 65 matches in all competitions, where he has scored six goals and provided ten assists.
    Hazard, who has lost his place in the Real team to the likes of Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo, is without a LaLiga goal from his 17 outings this term.
    His future at Real is in question with it claimed that the club are looking to offload him on loan in the summer to get him off their wage bill. More

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    European Super League ‘far from being abandoned’ with Premier League teams ‘waiting for new format’ says Barcelona chief

    BARCELONA president Joan Laporta believes that the European Super League is “far from being abandoned”.The hated project was canned last year just days after its announcement after fans mobilised to protest against football fat cats.
    Joan Laporta is determined for the Super League to come into existenceCredit: EPA
    Desperate Barca, Real Madrid and Juventus chiefs have clung on to hopes of a revival, however, and Laporta reckons that English clubs could risk the wrath of their supporters by getting back onboard.
    In an interview with Mundo Deportivo, he said: “Super League abandoned? No, far from it.
    “We are there with Juventus, Madrid and waiting for the other teams.
    “The English clubs and German clubs are waiting to see if it will be a new format of competition or it will be an improved Champions League.”
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    Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville was among those most staunchly against last year’s grim proposals.
    And the Manchester United icon fully expects it to rear its ugly head again in future.
    Speaking at the Financial Times Business of Football Summit earlier this month, Neville said: “It will make a comeback, I don’t believe the hierarchy and elite in football that exists are going to go away.
    “They want more money, they want to create more wealth for themselves and they don’t have a great interest in the wider game beyond their own clubs.
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    Gary Neville has been left disgusted by ESL plansCredit: Getty
    “Tracey Crouch, the Conservative MP, has done a fantastic fan led review that was part of the Tory manifesto at the last election, it is a great report and it now needs to move through legislation in parliament and if it does then I will finally believe the ESL is dead.
    “Until that point I don’t believe the ESL is dead, I believe it will come back rehashed, reworked and maybe with a cherry on it this time.
    “But the reality of it is I still don’t think it will be accepted because the fans don’t want it.”
    Neville’s beloved Man United were pioneers of the initial breakaway attempt, as well as Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City, Tottenham and Arsenal.
    ESL tyrants Juventus were recently dumped out of the Champions League Villarreal – marking the FOURTH consecutive year that they have been eliminated by a team that wasn’t involved in the initial Super League power grab.
    Juve were dumped out of the Champions League in humiliating fashionCredit: Rex More

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    Leeds name price for Raphinha after rejecting £29m transfer offer from Barcelona with Liverpool and Man City also linked

    LEEDS have reportedly named their price for star man Raphinha after rejecting a £29million bid from Barcelona. The Brazilian attacker, 25, has been the standout player at Elland Road since their return to the Premier League.
    Barcelona are hoping to secure a summer transfer for RaphinhaCredit: Getty
    Raphinha has become the star player at Leeds this season
    He has scored nine and assisted three this term so far and his performances led Barca to make an official approach.
    According to Sport, the Catalan giants submitted a £29m offer with Deco – who works for Barca and is Raphinha’s agent – at the centre of negotiations.
    However, the report adds Jesse Marsch’s side turned that down.
    And Leeds insist Barcelona or any interested party would have to trigger Raphinha’s £62.5m release clause to have any chance of landing him.
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MORE.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-1exhbll{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou 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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-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-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}RAPH LUCK .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;}Chelsea ‘were leading race’ for Raphinha but sanctions mean Barcelona now in pole
    The Daily Mail add that Raphinha, who is under contract until 2024, would be available for as little as £20.8m should Leeds get relegated.
    And further reports this week suggest Raphinha and Barcelona have already agreed personal terms for a possible move with the attacker rejecting a contract extension at Elland Road.
    Barcelona could be about to lose Ousmane Dembele as a free agent in the summer with his contract due to expire.
    And that would mean Xavi would likely want to bring in a replacement winger.
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    Since the Spaniard’s arrival in the Nou Camp dugout, he has helped transform the atmosphere around the club and inspired a huge upturn in form.
    However, Raphinha is also attracting interest from Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City and Bayern Munich.
    Sanctions on the Blues, though, could quash their pursuit.
    Barcelona is thought to be the Brazil international’s first choice ahead of the World Cup this winter.
    But the Spanish side have also been linked with Mo Salah, Riyad Mahrez and Richarlison as other possible attacking options. More

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    ‘I want to play in Spain’ – Chelsea could lose ANOTHER defender as Marcos Alonso admits he wants LaLiga transfer

    MARCOS ALONSO has admitted that he would like to return to LaLiga one day.The Chelsea defender will have just one year remaining on his current contract this summer.
    Marcos Alonso could leave Chelsea this summerCredit: Reuters
    Alonso, 31, has made 34 appearances across all competitions this season – primarily because of Ben Chilwell’s devastating long-term injury.
    With Chilwell set to return as first choice by next season, his deputy could look to return to his homeland.
    Quizzed about a potential transfer while on international duty, the Spaniard said: “I would love to play in LaLiga, all my life I have wanted to play and be here in Spain, but the circumstances have been different and not everything has depended on me.
    “At the moment I am focused on this season and what has to be, will be.”
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-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-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}MARC MY WORDS .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;}Alonso criticises Lampard’s tactics and hails Tuchel for transforming defence
    Further probed about whether he could join Real Madrid, Atletico or Barcelona, he added: “Yes, yes, I have family ties on all sides… Chelsea right now.
    “I have a contract for this and one more season.”
    The crisis-hit Blues are already set to lose a number of defenders this summer – with Antonio Rudiger, Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas Christensen all entering the last three months of their respective deals.
    Chelsea are currently unable to negotiate new contracts, amid sanctions placed on owner Roman Abramovich.
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    Alonso has made just ONE LaLiga appearance in his career, as a late substitute for Real Madrid in 2010.
    He subsequently signed for Bolton later that year, before joining Fiorentina in 2013 and Chelsea in 2016.
    Alonso had fallen out of favour under Frank Lampard, before being brought back into the fold by Thomas Tuchel.
    The left wing-back hailed the German’s impact, while taking a swipe at his predecessor.
    He added: “Since he (Tuchel) arrived, the team took a leap tactically and when it came to defending. We are very happy with it.
    “We were a very balanced team. In these close qualifiers, the little details make the difference.
    “We were a team in every way. We defended very well, we were an uncomfortable team to play with, we defended all eleven and the small details made the difference.
    “At this point in the Champions League everything is very even and it depends on very small details.”
    Alonso hailed Thomas Tuchel’s impactCredit: Reuters More

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    Gareth Bale accused of ‘trampling on’ Real Madrid as crazed Spanish pundits lay into Wales star again

    GARETH BALE’S starring display for Wales against Austria left one Spanish pundit to demand Real Madrid FIRE him in an extraordinary rant.The 31-year-old scored both goals in Thursday night’s 2-1 win in Cardiff to send The Dragons into the World Cup play-off final on March 29.
    Real Madrid winger Gareth Bale starred for Wales in Thursday’s 2-1 win against AustriaCredit: Getty
    Spanish pundit Cristobal Soria raged that Los Blancos should rip up Bale’s contract at the BernabeuCredit: El Chiringuito TV
    Former Tottenham ace Bale opened the scoring in the 25th minute with an emphatic free-kick.
    He then doubled his and Wales’ tally early into the second half when he rifled an attempt into the top right corner.
    Bale, who has featured just five times for Los Blancos in all competitions this season, was slammed in the Spanish press after deeming himself fit for Wales just days after missing Sunday’s defeat to Barcelona.
    News outlets savaged Bale with headlines including ‘The Miracle of Wales’ and ‘It doesn’t hurt any more’ while he was also mocked up as a ‘parasite’.
    .css-16e4f55{margin:16px 0;}.css-1546w7m{background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);margin:16px 0;}.css-1tapza8{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1bk4jdt{padding:20px 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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 SunSport.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-1exhbll{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou a:not(.nk-card-link){z-index:2;position:relative;}.css-1uyse24{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;border:none;}.css-1uyse24 .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,114,238,1);}.css-1uyse24:hover:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,86,180,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:active:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,62,129,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:visited:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24 .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(34,37,38,1);}.css-1uyse24:hover:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(0,86,180,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:active:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(0,62,129,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:visited:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-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-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}BALE BITES BACK .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 hits back at ‘disgusting’ Spanish press after ‘parasite’ jibe
    And one Spanish pundit has now called for Real to rip up Bale’s contract early, with the player set to become a free agent in the summer.
    Speaking in the El Chiringuito studio, broadcaster Cristobal Soria raged: “He’s stamping on the club! And you’re here saying ‘well it’s that, it’s that.’
    “What?! He has to go! You have to fire him! But what do you mean June? He’s going to carry on lacking respect for the badge and the institution.
    “And you want to wait until June? My God man…”
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    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    Interjecting, one pundit then remarked: “But they can’t just fire him!”
    To which Soria said: “What do you mean they can’t just fire him? Where does it say you can’t just fire him? Show me it. And you’d have to pay it in June.
    “You won’t laugh at me again, I’ll fire you. And then a judge will tell me when and how much I have to pay you. They’ll end up paying anyway!”
    Bale hit back at the Spanish press in his post-match interview where he declared ‘they should be ashamed’.
    He commented: “No. I don’t need to send a message, honestly. It’s a waste of my time.
    “It’s disgusting and they should be shamed of themselves. I’m not fussed  – end of.” More

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    Barcelona ‘make contact with Riyad Mahrez’ as they join Chelsea and PSG in transfer race for Man City star

    BARCELONA have reportedly made contact with Riyad Mahrez as they look to lure the Manchester City winger to the Nou Camp.The 31-year-old is facing an uncertain future at the Etihad with the Algeria international tied down at the club until 2023.
    Manchester City star Riyad Mahrez has just one year left on his contract at the EtihadCredit: Getty
    Mahrez has enjoyed his prolific season to date – chipping in with 22 goals and seven assists in 36 games in all competitions.
    And with his contract situation up in the air, a host of clubs are keeping tabs on the player in the event the Citizens decide to cash in on him this summer.
    It was claimed earlier this month how Chelsea were eyeing up a shock swoop to secure the services of the ex-Leicester ace.
    Paris Saint-Germain have also been credited with an interest in the forward as a potential successor to Angel Di Maria.
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-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-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}IN FOR THE KYL .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;}Barcelona launch Mbappe bid as they look to hijack Real move for PSG ace
    And according to Foot Mercato, Barcelona are now the latest club to explore the possibility of signing Mahrez.
    The French news outlet states that the club see the player as the perfect replacement for Ousmane Dembele, who is set to depart on a free transfer.
    It has been said that the Blaugrana made contact with Mahrez a few weeks ago.
    Barca are also known to be keen on Leeds star Raphinha, with Mahrez seen as a cheaper alternative to the Brazilian.
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    Xavi’s side are set to go big in the upcoming transfer window, with Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe said to be a target.
    L’Equipe claim Barca have made a move to bring the 2018 World Cup winner to the Nou Camp with president Joan Laporta doing all he can to sign him.
    And even though Mbappe favours a switch to Real Madrid, he will listen to the approach from the Catalan club.
    Bayern Munich marksman Robert Lewandowski is even reported to be a target with a four-year contract said to be on the table.
    Meanwhile the LaLiga giants are also keeping tabs on Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly ahead of a possible swoop. More