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    Chelsea in Eden Hazard transfer blow as Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti confirms winger is ‘in plans for next season’

    CARLO ANCELOTTI insists Eden Hazard is in his plans as the Real Madrid boss poured cold water on speculation linking his with a Chelsea return this month. Hazard, 31, has had a torrid time since his high-profile £130million move to the Bernabeu from the Blues in 2019.
    Eden Hazard looks set to be part of Carlo Ancelotti’s plans for Real Madrid next termCredit: Getty
    The winger has been unable to replicate the stunning form that made him one of the Premier League’s most feared forwards amid a raft of muscular injuries in the Spanish capital.
    Those struggles have seen Hazard repeatedly linked with a cut-prize move away from the Bernabeu.
    And Thomas Tuchel’s Blues have been said to be lining up a £28million transfer this month, with newly-rich Newcastle also keen.
    Hazard finally scored his first goal of another interrupted season on Thursday with a dramatic extra-time winner against Elche in the Copa Del Rey.
    And Ancelotti seems to hope the former PFA Player of the Year can still come good.
    Asked about Hazard’s future, the Italian said: “Hazard is in our plans for the next season, I can confirm.”
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    Last summer, Hazard insisted he wanted to remain in Spain.
    He said: “I still have a three-year contract with Real Madrid, so going back to England is out of the question.
    “Everyone knows that my first two years were not good, so first I want to prove myself at Real Madrid. I will do everything to do that.
    “I certainly don’t see myself leaving Madrid, given the contract situation. I know myself and I know when I’m in shape. If that’s the case, I can give it my all for Real next season. That’s my plan.”
    Ancelotti is reportedly reluctant to see Hazard leave the BernabeuCredit: Rex More

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    Man Utd ‘refuse to budge in Anthony Martial transfer negotiations as Sevilla target Moussa Dembele as alternative

    SEVILLA are rumoured to be eyeing Moussa Dembele as a possible transfer alternative to Anthony Martial.Reports in Spain claim the club are interested in a potential loan and option to buy, with their chase of the United striker hitting the buffers.
    Sevilla are rumoured to see Moussa Dembele as a possible transfer alternative Anthony MartialCredit: AP
    Sevilla, who play Celta Viga later, are thought to see Martial as one of their top targets for a temporary switch.
    And Spanish outlet Marca claims the France forward, 26, is among a number of Red Devils who could be facing an Old Trafford departure.
    Reports claim the player is open to the possibility of a move abroad with Juventus and Barcelona among the sides thought to be keen on the striker.
    The forward, who was left out of the squad that faced Aston Villa last Saturday, has made just seven Prem appearances so far this term.
    Marca reports United, who play West Ham today, could potentially retain the forward if loan talks falter.  
    Negotiations between the Prem giants and Sevilla, who are four points behind LaLiga leaders Real Madrid, are thought to be ongoing.
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    And it is believed Sevilla will turn their attention to Dembele, 25, if their talks with United failed to produce their desired outcome.
    The forward, who joined Lyon on a five-year deal from Celtic in 2018, spent the second half of last season on loan at Spanish side Atletico Madrid.
    The Frenchman struggled with an injured thigh and a cracked shinbone during his stint in Spain and failed to get on the scoresheet for the LaLiga outfit.
    However, he has regained his form this term netting six times in 14 Ligue One appearances for his side who are tenth in France’s top tier.
    Dembele’s compatriot Martial is reportedly one of three Manchester United players who could be set for a potential exit.
    The forward has netted 79 times 268 appearances for the club.
    German newspaper Bild reports Ralf Rangnick could be set to allow the striker to depart along with Paul Pogba and Edinson Cavani.
    Reports claim Martial is open to a move abroad with Juventus and Barcelona also thought to be keen on the playerCredit: AFP More

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    Watch Simeone try to take on entire crowd of fuming Real Sociedad fans as they throw objects at Atletico Madrid bus

    DIEGO SIMEONE was caught furiously shouting at Real Sociedad fans last night as they threw objects at the Atletico Madrid team bus.The outburst happened prior to Atletico Madrid’s 2-0 defeat away to Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey.
    Supporters lined the streets ahead of the Copa del Rey clashCredit: EPA
    Simeone gestured to the crowd in anger after the bus was hit with different objects
    Fans of the White and Blues lined the streets surrounding the Reale Arena, creating a hostile atmosphere.
    As the current LaLiga title holders approached the ground they were greeted by a large group of aggressive fans who proceeded to launch various objects at the team bus.
    This prompted a furious reaction from Atletico manager Simeone, who began gesturing to the supporters from the front of the bus.
    The incident sparked a lot of reaction on Twitter with one person saying: “Diego Simeone was ready to fight the Real Sociedad fans.”
    Another added: “Simeone furious as Atletico Madrid bus attacked by Real Sociedad fans.
    “Atletico Madrid were given a hostile reception ahead of Wednesday’s Copa del Rey clash, as the team bus was pelted with stones by Real Sociedad fans on their way to the Basque side’s stadium.”
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    Reporter Roy Nemer also got involved with the conversation, saying: “Diego Simeone riled up and looks like he wants to take on the Real Sociedad fans on his own as he tries to confront them alone.”
    Atletico Madrid are currently in a poor spell of form.
    They were knocked out of the Spanish Supercup by Athletic Bilbao last week before exiting the Copa del Rey on Wednesday.
    Simeone’s side currently sit fourth in the LaLiga table – level on points with Real Sociedad.
    The fans created a hostile atmosphere
    The Atletico Madrid manager did not hold back More

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    Barcelona confirm Man Utd target Ousmane Dembele is up for sale on bargain transfer after being dropped from squad

    OUSMANE DEMBELE is expected to leave Barcelona in the January transfer window having been dropped from the squad. The Frenchman’s contract expires at the end of the season and has recently been in talks to sign an extension.
    Ousmane Dembele is expected to leave Barcelona in the January transfer windowCredit: Rex
    But cash-strapped Barca have been unable to match Dembele’s demands leaving club and player in an intense stalemate.
    And now Barcelona director Mateu Alemany has announced the forward will NOT pen a new deal and could be sold this month.
    Alemany said: “It’s clear that Dembele does not want to continue with Barcelona. He doesn’t want to be part of our project.
    “We told Dembele he has to leave immediately. We expect Ousmane to be sold before January 31.”
    With less than six months left on his contract, already the winger is allowed to negotiate a free transfer away from the club next season.
    The likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Newcastle have all been linked with Dembele as a result.
    @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::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);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
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    But his manager – Barca legend Xavi – insisted either a new contract is signed or the player will be sold before the winter window shuts.
    He said: “The message is clear. Ousmane Dembele has to sign a new contract or we find a way to sell him in January. No other way.
    “It is not contemplated that he stays in the stands. I have been very clear with Ousmane.”
    SunSport understands the 24-year-old has been offered to a number of Premier League sides on loan, who would have to pay a £3m fee and his wages.
    Dembele has only played 11 games in total this season having picked up knee and hamstrings injuries.
    A large part of his time on the sidelines has been spent negotiating a contract extension with Barca, who are believed to have debts of £1.2BILLION.
    Dembele did return in November but this week has found himself omitted from Barca’s squad that drew 1-1 with Rayo Vallecano.
    And shortly after, club chief Alemany confirmed Dembele will not renew his deal with plans to sell him this month, instead of losing him for nothing in the summer.
    We want players that are committed to the club and we have told him he has to leave the club as soon as possible.Barcelona director Mateu Alemany on Ousmane Dembele
    He said: “With Ousmane and his agents we started conversations around the month of July.
    “In all this time, almost seven months, we have talked, Barca has made different offers, we have tried to find a way for the player to continue with us and those offers have been systematically rejected by his agents.
    “We understand Dembele’s decision is to not continue at Barca and we’ve communicated our decision [to leave him out].
    “We want players that are committed to the club and we have told him he has to leave the club as soon as possible.”
    Dembele joined Barca from Borussia Dortmund in 2017 for a deal costing £135.5million.
    But injuries and disciplinary problems have seen the promising forward fail to hit the heights expected of him at the Nou Camp.
    And with his deal running down, and Barca needing a quick sale, his price tag could be slashed dramatically in order to guarantee some funds are recouped.
    Ousmane Dembele has not signed a new Barcelona contractCredit: Getty More

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    Hector Bellerin gives his verdict on replacement Tomiyasu as he reveals he’s watched every Arsenal game since leaving

    HECTOR BELLERIN has given his replacement Takehiro Tomiyasu the stamp of approval after helping fire Arsenal back into the top-four race.Bellerin, 26, joined his boyhood club Real Betis on a season-long loan on deadline day last summer.
    Bellerin has made 13 LaLiga appearances this termCredit: GETTY IMAGES
    Hard worker Tomiyasu is a fan favourite at the Emirates alreadyCredit: GETTY IMAGES
    It was not a decision he took lightly, one that was heightened by the impacts of lockdown and quarantine that saw him crave his native Spain after over a decade in London.
    And although Bellerin is still unsure what the future holds for him with his current Arsenal contract ending this summer, he is happy to see Gunners and right-back Tomiyasu do well.
    Speaking on Ian Wright’s Spotify podcast ‘Wrighty’s House’, Bellerin said: “Arsenal are doing amazing and that makes me so happy. The player they got in my position – Tomiyasu – he is doing great. No hard feelings.
    “It is beautiful to see because I still watch every game and I want the guys to do well. It’s how football goes. You need to see when it is your time and when it is not.
    “I always said to the club if I leave this place I don’t want to leave you guys without anyone in my position or in a position when you guys can’t be in the best terms.
    “I want the best for all of us. I have been at Arsenal for 10 years and I love this place. It worked out for everyone and that’s what truly shows me it was the right thing to do.
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    “It makes me happy to see the boys doing well.”
    Bellerin joined Arsenal as a 15-year-old from Barcelona’s youth team before going on to become a first team regular under former manager Arsene Wenger.
    In recent years however, injury and a drop in form saw the Spanish-born right back fall down the pecking order with Unai Emery and then current boss Arteta.
    Bellerin admitted Arteta was very ‘understanding’ when it came to making the difficult decision to leave.
    On the conversation he had with his boss and former team-mate, the Spaniard said: “I spoke to Mikel way before my loan. We had a good friendship before as teammates and then as a coach and a player.
    Bellerin says Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was ‘understanding’ when the full-back wanted to leaveCredit: PA
    “I said: ‘Look I feel at this time I need something else and I don’t want to go anywhere to win a lot of money or anything. I just want to be close to my family and my country and live a better experience’.
    “As a player it is not only about football. It is about many other things. After a decade in London, I felt like I needed another challenge. It wasn’t about money.
    “It was going to a place where I could feel and see myself being happy.
    “I was lucky that Mikel is someone who is very understanding. He knew it wasn’t to do with football or the club. As people we go through cycles in our life.
    “It is not because I don’t want to play there anymore, it’s just because this is not helping any of us. When I know it’s not my place where I need to be, nothing works for each other.
    “Mikel really understood that. He knows everything I have gone through at Arsenal. My injuries. Every episode.
    “I was lucky I could be open with him and we had a talk and he understood fully. He said I want to help you as a coach but also as a friend.
    Bellerin is having a good season at Betis
    “I was very happy Arsenal gave me that opportunity to find what I was looking for. I had it clear in my head what I needed and I am happy it is fulfilling itself.
    “I am finally back enjoying football that I felt a few years ago. All this stuff is feeding me mentally to another level, and it shows because on the pitch everything is coming together.
    “I don’t want any outside noise, but it is not easy at times.”
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    Carlo Ancelotti taunts Luka Modric for ‘missing a pass’ after MOTM performance in Real Madrid’s Super Cup triumph

    CARLO ANCELOTTI taunted star Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric for missing a pass in the 2-0 Super Cup final win over Athletic Club.The Croatian icon proved he still has it at the age of 36, scoring Real’s opener in the first half.
    Modric scored the opening goal of the finalCredit: GETTY IMAGES
    The 36-year-old won the Man of the Match awardCredit: AFP
    Ancelotti joked with the midfielder saying he ‘missed a pass’Credit: AP
    Rodrygo carried the ball into the opposition penalty area before setting up Modric.
    And the midfielder effortlessly swept the ball into the top-right corner, leaving Unai Simon with no chance.
    After Modric collected the Man of the Match trophy, boss Ancelotti joked: “You missed a pass, you missed a pass there.”
    Ancelotti then hugged the No10 to congratulate him on his standout performance.
    Karim Benzema doubled Real’s lead in the second half, but a moment of madness from Eder Militao put the win at risk.
    The defender was sent off in the 87th minute and conceded a penalty.
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    But Thibaut Courtois stepped up and saved the spot-kick with his trailing leg to spare Real a nervy ending to the Super Cup battle in Saudi.
    Modric’s contract at Real is up at the end of the season and he is desperate to stay in the Spanish capital.
    He said: “There is nothing, nothing better for me than being a Real Madrid player.
    “I’m not thinking about the renewal now. The club knows what I desire. We will surely reach the agreement soon.” More

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    Watch ex-Chelsea star Courtois’ ridiculous 88th-minute penalty save with his foot as Real Madrid win Spanish Super Cup

    THIBAUT COURTOIS incredibly saved a late penalty in Real Madrid’s 2-0 Spanish Super Cup final win over Athletic Club with his foot.Goals by Luka Modric and Karim Benzema put Real in the driving seat, but with Eder Militao seeing red and conceding a penalty – what looked like a comfortable win was at risk of collapsing.

    Courtois saved Garcia’s spot-kick with his trailing left footCredit: AP
    The Belgian saved Real from an uncomfortable end to the gameCredit: REUTERS
    Courtois’ team-mates celebrated with him at full-timeCredit: REUTERS
    Real may win LaLiga this termCredit: REUTERS
    The former Chelsea ace Courtois dived the wrong way for Raul Garcia’s spot-kick, but his trailing leg booted the ball away to safety.
    But before Real could celebrate Courtois’ heroics, there was more defending to do.
    Nico Williams, younger brother of team-mate Inaki, was picked out on the left-hand side.
    The 19-year-old clipped a cross into Real’s penalty area which a confident Courtois claimed comfortably.
    Fans have hailed the ‘underrated’ Courtois, even Real’s president Florentino Perez singled the Belgian out.
    Perez said: “Courtois is the BEST goalkeeper in the world.”
    @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::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);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
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    One Real fan added: “Courtois is so underrated it’s criminal at this point #HalaMadrid.”
    Another added: “His name is Thibaut Courtois, but they can call him the best goalkeeper in the world so far in the 2021/22 season. IMMENSE.”
    The Super Cup might not be the only silverware Courtois picks up this season.
    Real are sitting pretty at the top of LaLiga, leading Sevilla by five points.
    Title holders Atletico Madrid are 16 points behind in fourth and Barcelona are out of sight in sixth. More

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    Man Utd and Chelsea ‘make Barcelona hardman Ronald Araujo aware of transfer interest amid contract stand-off’

    RONALD ARAUJO is reportedly aware of Manchester United and Chelsea’s transfer interest with his deal at Barcelona creeping nearer to the final year.The 22-year-old has improved massively this season and keeping him in Catalonia is seen as essential.
    Araujo played against Real Madrid with two screws in his fractured handCredit: REUTERS
    But according to Marca, with his deal set to expire in the summer of 2023, Barca are yet to meet his expectations, drawing attention from a host of top clubs.
    Premier League giants Man Utd and Chelsea are two clubs believed to be tracking Araujo’s contract situation.
    Araujo is also aware of the lengths both clubs are willing to go to secure his signature.
    LaLiga leaders Real Madrid are also keeping an eye on the Uruguayan, who recently played against them with two screws in his fractured hand.
    Hardman Araujo played all 120 minutes of the Spanish Super Cup semi-final, but was unable to help fire Barca into the final.
    Super sub Federico Valverde scored the winner in the 98th minute to set up a match with Athletic Club, which they won 2-0 on Sunday.
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    After the defeat, Araujo posted on Instagram: “Proud of my team. This continues – the positive results will come.”
    Fans flooded the comments section to thank the defender, with one comparing him to legendary Barca captain Carles Puyol.
    One said: “You are a Puyol! Thank you Araujo.”
    Another said: “You are the player I want in my team who kills himself for his colours.
    “Thank you for being our centre-back and please renew you are the pillar of this defence and of the future.” More