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      Arsenal set out conditions to sign Philippe Coutinho as they target loan transfer for Barcelona flop

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      ARSENAL have laid out the ground rules ahead of a potential loan deal for Barcelona flop Philippe Coutinho.The Brazil international has been the subject of transfer speculation as the Catalans try to free up funds for reinforcements this month.
      Philippe Coutinho is reported to favour a move to ArsenalCredit: Getty
      But efforts to find a buyer have been hampered by the 29-year-old’s astronomical wages.
      An exit could now come in the shape of a loan move to the Emirates, providing certain conditions are met.
      Spanish outlet Sport reports the Gunners have told Barca they expect to be under no obligation to buy at the end of any loan.
      And the Premier League outfit say they won’t be paying Coutinho’s full salary while he’s in N7, which could mean Barca topping up the rest.
      The ex-Liverpool star is a key part of a transfer jigsaw puzzle at the Nou Camp.
      New boss Xavi is eyeing striker Alvaro Morata – currently on loan at Juventus from Atletico Madrid.
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      But any move for him hinges on offloading Coutinho, with a permanent transfer the preferred option.
      The likes of Tottenham and mega-rich Newcastle have long been mooted as possible destinations.
      And Everton recently entered the fray after they were reportedly ‘offered’ the player by his agents.
      But Countinho is reported to favour a move to Arsenal after boss Mikel Arteta gave the ‘green light’ to an approach.
      ⚽ Get all the latest Arsenal news, updates and transfer gossip with our live blogs More

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      in Soccer

      Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger ‘in talks over FREE transfer with Real Madrid, PSG, Bayern Munich and Juventus’

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      ANTONIO RUDIGER is in talks with four top European clubs over a free transfer, reports say. The German has just half a year left on his current deal and is yet to extend it, despite efforts from Chelsea.
      Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger is entering the last six months of his contractCredit: EPA
      Having entered the last six months of his contract, Rudiger, 28, is now able to negotiate a free transfer abroad.
      And according to Sky Sports, Real Madrid, PSG, Bayern Munich and Juventus have all opened talks with his representatives.
      It could see him finalise a pre-contract agreement this month and secure a move away from Stamford Bridge.
      But, it is also claimed staying at Chelsea has not yet been ruled out by Rudiger.
      He has started 20 Premier League games this season – the most of any outfield player – and remains hugely valued by the club.
      It is believed the Blues have been unable to strike a financial agreement with the defender, who reportedly earns in the region of £140,000-per-week.
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      The Telegraph had claimed LaLiga giants Real are willing to DOUBLE that salary in order to prize Rudiger over to Spain.
      He is also joined by Cesar Azpilicueta, 32, Andreas Christensen, 25, and Thiago Silva, 37, who are all entering the final stages of their contracts.
      Azpilicueta is understood to be pushing for a two-year extension with the option of a third.
      But Chelsea – who have a policy of offering over 30s only one-year extensions – are expected to counter with a 12-month deal with the option of another year.
      Christensen had appeared close to agreeing terms with Chelsea, but has since changed agents and been linked to Barcelona on a free, Sky in Italy say.
      Silva on the other hand is nearing a one-year extension, which would guarantee him three years at the club.
      Chelsea defenders Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas ChristensenCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      How Barcelona can afford transfers like Haaland just months after announcing £1.2BILLION debt and releasing Messi

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      BARCELONA president Joan Laporta claims it is “very possible” the Nou Camp side can sign Norwegian superstar Erland Haaland this year and promised: “Barca are back.”But this was the same Catalan club that was forced to unload Lionel Messi and a string of other prized assets only last summer.
      Joan Laporta claims Barcelona will be among the sides battling to sign Erling HaalandCredit: AFP
      Sun Sport explains how Barca got into such dire straits – and why Laporta is now so bullish about what seemed a crisis club.
      Ok, so what was Barcelona’s financial position?
      The Covid-hit season of 2020-21 saw the Catalan giants post losses of a staggering £404m, due to a huge wage bill and more than an entire season without crowds.
      That meant a gross debt of around £1.2bn. In October the club announced it was “technically bankrupt” – due to debts and liabilities – when Laporta returned to the helm for the second time in March.
      That’s not good. But the Spanish giants have often been loaded with debt – after all, no bank would ever close on them, would they?
      No, and indeed both Barca and Real Madrid have benefitted from that knowledge in the past.
      But that in an era before La Liga imposed the current tough Financial Fair Play demands.
      Which are?
      Since 2013, “economic controls” have introduced squad limit costs to impose strict budgets for each season, with the aim of preventing “unsustainable debt”.
      La Liga have a group of financial analysts who go through the books of every club to assign the limits.
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      What did that mean for Barca?
      Everything!, In 2019-20, the Catalan side had a squad budget of £552m.
      The following season it was down to £322m and this term cut to just £82m, only the seventh highest in Spain – Real Madrid were allowed to spend £621m – and less than Watford’s budget in the Prem.
      And that spelled the end for Messi?
      Yes, despite Barca insisting the Argentine did not want to go and had agreed to take a 50 per cent wage cut.
      But it also forced a fire-sale, headed by the departures of Antoine Griezmann, back on loan to Atletico Madrid with an obligation to buy, Emerson Royal to Spurs for £25m and Junior Firpo to Leeds for £15m.
      In total, Barca sold players worth £82m and did not pay a transfer fee for any of the players who arrived.
      Barcelona’s budgetary issues led the club to part company with superstar playmaker Lionel MessiCredit: Reuters
      But they signed Sergio Aguero, didn’t they? And still have massive earners like Philippe Coutinho, Ousmane Dembele, Sergio Busquets, Gerard Pique and Jordi Alba.
      How can they have all them and pay out just £82m?
      They can’t. But they don’t have to. Although the salary cap was set by La Liga, the rules do not force them to sell players whose contracted salaries bust it.
      And even clubs that are over the limit can spend 25 per cent of transfer income on new salaries.
      It is understood that, despite the official limit, Barca’s current wage bill is actually in the region of £335m.
      Yes, but they signed Ferran Torres and are pushing hard for Alvaro Morata – how could they do that, even now that Aguero has been forced to retire?
      They have signed Torres, albeit only paying the £46m transfer fee in four instalments, but not registered him.
      And they can’t register him – or anybody else – until they have shipped out some of the players new boss Xavi no longer wants.
      That is why there is a desperation to find a new taker for Coutinho, Dembele, Clement Lenglet and Samuel Umtiti.
      Barca are reportedly willing to consider offers from clubs for a number of players including Samuel UmtitiCredit: Getty
      So why is Laporta so bullish?
      Probably because he has to be – especially with the Catalan fans still not happy despite Xavi’s return in place of axed Ronald Koeman.
      Champions League football next season is a must and while there seems little chance of making up 15 points on Madrid, Barca are up to fifth, within two points of third-placed Betis.
      And they have the fall-back option of winning the Europa League.
      Barca fans want Xavi to steer the club to a Champions League qualifying spot before next seasonCredit: EPA
      But what about the money?
      Gates have been restricted in La Liga so there will not be the normal cash inflow yet Laporta says the club has regained its “weight” in the transfer market.
      It could all be bluster, of course – smoke and mirrors on a grand scale.
      But Laporta also knows that there will always be someone willing to pony up the cash for Barca to spend…. More

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      in Soccer

      ‘Barca are back’ – Barcelona confirm Erling Haaland interest and warn they are ‘big players in transfer market’ again

      by

      JOAN LAPORTA reckons Barcelona are ready to go to battle with Europe’s biggest teams for the signature of Erling Haaland.The Nou Camp president claims his club will be a transfer force to be reckoned with as his side looks to rival Chelsea and Liverpool for the striker’s services.
      Barcelona are reportedly set to rival Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City and Man United for the signature of Erling HaalandCredit: EPA
      Football expert Fabrizio Romano says Barca are drawing up plans to rebuild their side with the LaLiga giants hoping to re-establish themselves as a dominant force.
      On their rumoured interest in the Borussia Dortmund ace, Laporta, 59, reportedly said: “We’re working to build a top team. 
      “Everything is possible if we do things well and I’m sure we will.
      “Top players are open to joining Barca. We’re definitely recovering our status.
      “Everybody in the world should get ready, as we are back as big players in the market.”
      Laporta’s comments come amid reports of the Barca president allegedly meeting super-agent Mino Raiola who represents Haaland, 21, and Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba.
      @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);}LATEST IN SUN BINGO AND VEGAS.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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      And both players are rumoured to be the focus of a potential Barca swoop this year despite the club’s much-reported financial issues.
      The Nou Camp side, who were in debt to the tune of £1.15billion last August, have taken out a bank loan to help with their finances.
      Haaland, who has been on fire in attack this term, is attracting from Real Madrid, Manchester City and Man United, as well as Barca, the Blues and Liverpool.
      The player has a £64million release clause in his contract with Dortmund that will become active this summer – a bargain for a player of his quality.
      Raiola revealed his client had purchased a house in Spain.
      And reports claim the forward has told starstruck fans of his intent to one day play in the country.
      Haaland’s current contract with German giants, which commenced in January 2020, is set to expire in June 2024.
      The forward, who began his senior career at top-flight Norwegian side Bryne, has smashed in 19 goals in 16 games across all competitions this term.
      And Haaland has netted 76 times in 79 games for Dortmund since joining the club two years ago.
      Barca president Joan Laporta claims the Nou Camp outfit are ready to compete for top players in the transfer marketCredit: Rex More

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      Cicinho apologises to Sir Alex Ferguson for snubbing Man Utd transfer in 2005 to join Real Madrid’s Galacticos

      by

      FORMER Manchester United target Cicinho has said sorry to Sir Alex Ferguson on social media for once turning down a move to Old Trafford. The now retired Brazilian right-back revealed he was close to signing for Manchester United in 2005 before Roberto Carlos’ intervention.
      Cicinho has apologised to Ferguson for snubbing the chance to join Man UtdCredit: AFP
      Cicinho opted to sign for Real Madrid, while Ferguson led United to trophy-after-trophy in a glittering era for Man UtdCredit: PA:Press Association
      Legendary left-back Carlos put in a call to Cicinho and convinced him to join Real Madrid at the eleventh hour.
      Recalling the saga on Instagram, Cicinho, 41, jokingly apologised to Ferguson, but admitted he couldn’t turn down the chance to be a part of Madrid’s star-studded line-up.
      He wrote: “Today marks the 16th anniversary of my introduction to @realmadrid.
      “Sorry, Sir Alex Ferguson, but in 2005 @officialrc3 (Roberto Carlos) called Cicinho and in the moment I had to answer.
      “He asked me if I wanted to come and play with him for the Galacticos.
      “It was almost all right for me to go to Manchester United, but how could I say no to the chance to be friends with Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos, (Zinedine) Zidane, (Luis) Figo, (David) Beckham, Robinho, Raul, Julio Baptista, (Iker) Casillas, Sergio Ramos and so on?”
      @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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      Cicinho ultimately chose Madrid over Manchester, signing for a reported £3.5million from Brazilian outfit Sao Paulo.
      But it was Ferguson who had the last laugh, as Cicinho was shipped off to Roma after just 18 months and 32 appearances for the club.
      He won a LaLiga title playing alongside the famous Galacticos, but failed to really establish himself in a side packed full of legends of the game.
      Cicinho was capped 15 times by Brazil, but a promising career faded into mediocrity after his stop-start time in Madrid.
      While at Roma he had spells on loan with Villarreal and former club Sao Paulo, before joining Turkish side Sivasspor to once again link-up with old pal Carlos.
      But the former defender must be left thinking what could have been had he signed on the dotted line with Manchester United.
      ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford More

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      in Soccer

      Spanish newspaper jokes that Cristiano Ronaldo has ‘offered himself to Barcelona and contacted Xavi’

      by

      A SPANISH NEWSPAPER has hilariously joked that Cristiano Ronaldo has offered himself to Barcelona as he is unhappy at Manchester United.The Portuguese superstar, they claimed, contacted Barca centre-back Gerard Pique and asked him to speak to Nou Camp boss Xavi about a move.
      Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly offered himself to Barcelona as he is unhappy at Man UtdCredit: Reuters
      But not is all as it seems.
      Spain celebrate their equivalent of April Fool’s Day on December 28 and Mundo Deportivo dreamed up the incredible story as a prank.
      The report suggested his agent Jorge Mendes was already negotiating terms with Barca president Joan Laporta.
      It said Ronnie was aware the cash-strapped Catalans are looking for a goalscorer.
      And so he contacted Xavi ‘a few days ago’ after an introduction by his former United team-mate Pique.
      Several high-profile Barca execs were said to have thought the transfer of the Real Madrid legend was a joke when they first heard.
      The story hilariously added that Pique even asked Lionel Messi if his arch-nemesis could rent his house from him if Ronaldo joined.
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      The joke was perfectly timed with Ronaldo cutting an unhappy figure at Manchester United.
      After his side only managed a 1-1 draw with Newcastle, he stormed straight down the tunnel without acknowledging the travelling fans.
      Red Devils legend Gary Neville was fuming with his old pal over the snub.
      ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
      Ronaldo most recently played at the Nou Camp with Juventus last year.
      He scored two penalties taking his total number of career goals against Barcelona to a staggering 34.
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      Spanish newspaper jokes that Ronaldo has ‘offered himself to Barcelona and has contacted Xavi’

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      A SPANISH NEWSPAPER has hilariously joked that Cristiano Ronaldo has offered himself to Barcelona as he is unhappy at Manchester United.The Portuguese superstar, they claimed, contacted Barca centre-back Gerard Pique and asked him to speak to Nou Camp boss Xavi about a move.
      Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly offered himself to Barcelona as he is unhappy at Man UtdCredit: Reuters
      But not is all as it seems.
      Spain celebrate their equivalent of April Fool’s Day on December 28 and Mundo Deportivo dreamed up the incredible story as a prank.
      The report suggested his agent Jorge Mendes was already negotiating terms with Barca president Joan Laporta.
      It said Ronnie was aware the cash-strapped Catalans are looking for a goalscorer.
      And so he contacted Xavi ‘a few days ago’ after an introduction by his former United team-mate Pique.
      Several high-profile Barca execs were said to have thought the transfer of the Real Madrid legend was a joke when they first heard.
      The story hilariously added that Pique even asked Lionel Messi if his arch-nemesis could rent his house from him if Ronaldo joined.
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      The joke was perfectly timed with Ronaldo cutting an unhappy figure at Manchester United.
      After his side only managed a 1-1 draw with Newcastle, he stormed straight down the tunnel without acknowledging the travelling fans.
      Red Devils legend Gary Neville was fuming with his old pal over the snub.
      ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
      Ronaldo most recently played at the Nou Camp with Juventus last year.
      He scored two penalties taking his total number of career goals against Barcelona to a staggering 34.
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      Barcelona board and Xavi split on raiding Chelsea for Azpilicueta and Christensen despite duo ‘willing to join for free’

      by

      BARCELONA are pondering a move for Chelsea pair Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas Christensen, Spanish reports say. The Blues defensive duo are both out of contract at the end of the season, and yet to renew their deals.
      Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas Christensen are both linked with BarcelonaCredit: Andy Hooper-The Daily Mail
      Unless they sign a contract extension, in January they are allowed to start negotiating a free transfer abroad.
      According to Sport, both Azpilicueta, 30, and Christensen, 25, are keen on a move to Barca, with the LaLiga giants also interested.
      But it is claimed no official offers have been made to the pair.
      Juventus’ Matthijs de Ligt, 22, is said to be Barca boss Xavi’s preferred choice, but a far more expensive one at that.
      That means the club legend oculd soon be at odds with his cash-strapped bosses.
      Especially with fund now even lower after the club somehow funded the £55million deal for Man City’s Ferran Torres.
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      Chelsea also face losing Antonio Rudiger, 28, with the German also facing six months left on his deal.
      And there is growing concern from Stamford Bridge that the German will not renew, with Real Madrid a heavily linked alternative.
      Contrary to reports in Spain, club captain Azpilicueta on the other hand is willing to stay and fight for his place, The Athletic say.
      But Chelsea have long had a policy of only offering players over 30 one-year extensions.
      Christensen meanwhile could be closing in on a new deal, along with Thiago Silva, journalist  Gianluca Di Marzio reported.
      Silva, 37, signed on a free from PSG in 2019 and was handed one year with the option to extend.
      That was triggered, but the Brazilian is set to now sign another 12-month deal.
      Thiago Silva and Antonio Rudiger are both out of contract at the end of the seasonCredit: Reuters More