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      Raphael Varane returns to Real Madrid training as Man Utd haggle over £50m transfer fee for defender

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      MANCHESTER UNITED target Raphael Varane has reportedly returned to Real Madrid’s training complex following his holiday.The 28-year-old is understood to be seeking a fresh challenge having spent ten years in Spain after joining from Lens in 2011.
      Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane looks poised to join Manchester United this summerCredit: Getty
      And with the 2018 World Cup winner having just one year left on his contract, the Red Devils are looking to lure him to Old Trafford in a cut-price deal.
      It has been claimed that Varane is keen to link up with United, who are still haggling over his transfer fee.
      United are believed to be ready to fork out £43million on the defender, while Real are holding out for £50m.
      And Varane is not prepared to go on strike to force through a move to the Theatre of Dreams as he wishes to show his respect to Real president Florentino Perez.
      According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Varane has returned to Los Blancos’ training ground as talks with United and Real continue.
      He tweeted: “Raphael Varane has just arrived at Valdebebas as he’s not breaking his relationship with Real Madrid – respecting the club and Perez.
      “He knows Manchester United are in talks with Real Madrid – he wants Premier League experience.
      “Contract almost ready, up to the clubs.”

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      Despite winning four Champions League titles during his time at Real, former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O’Hara has expressed concerns over the player.
      He told talkSPORT: “My question would be, why is he leaving Real Madrid veryone’s making out he’s the best centre-half in the world, so why is he leaving Real Madrid?
      “They need a centre-half and if they did get him, it improves the team massively. It would be a top signing and it was a position they definitely needed to improve.
      “It’s world class, Varane and Maguire. But I’d worry a little bit potentially for pace. I saw Varane get torn apart by Chelsea in the Champions League.
      “Pace would be something that teams would try and exploit against them two.”
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      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
      Paul Pogba ‘rejects Man Utd contract and will leave in summer’ as PSG eye cut-price £40m transfer More

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      David Alaba ‘proud and honoured’ to be Real Madrid player as he’s unveiled by club and takes No4 jersey

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      DAVID ALABA has expressed his delight at finally being unveiled as a Real Madrid player.The Austrian – who signed for Los Blancos on a free transfer in May – has been handed Sergio Ramos’ old No4 jersey.
      David Alaba has been handed Sergio Ramos’ old number four jersey at Real MadridCredit: Getty
      The Austrian has finally been unveiled in Spain after his free transfer from Bayern MunichCredit: Getty
      Alaba was joined by president Florentino Perez and manager Carlo AncelottiCredit: Getty

      Alaba’s arrival following a 12-year stint with Bayern Munich came as a boost to Madrid after Spain legend Ramos’ move to Paris Saint-Germain.
      The 29-year-old gave the thumbs up as he underwent his medical before his five-year contract with the LaLiga giants was officially confirmed.
      Alaba said: “Hello everyone, thank you very much for the warm welcome. It’s a great day in my career, I’m very excited for it.
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      “I’m very proud and honoured to wear this white jersey of Real Madrid.
      “For sure I will give everything [so] we can be very successful together. Vamos! Hala Madrid!”
      President Florentino Perez – who is present at the unveiling of every new Galactico – challenged Alaba to join the many stars that etched their names in club history.
      I’m very proud and honoured to wear this white jersey of Real MadridDavid Alaba
      He said: “Whenever great players arrive, Madridistas have special enthusiasm.
      “The arrival of this magnificent player coincides with a great era with the return of Ancelotti. We want our fans to be proud of our team.
      “We welcome an extraordinary footballer, David Alaba. I want to thank you for choosing Madrid.
      “You come from one of the great clubs in the world, a friendly club in which you have won 28 titles. You are one of the great legends of Bayern.
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      “You arrive in Madrid with the highest recognition in the world of football.
      “You now face an exciting challenge, to add titles with Madrid and be part of the history of our club.
      “Welcome to the club with which you dream of getting new titles, welcome to your new home.”
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      Eight stars who played for both Man Utd and Barcelona including Ibrahimovic and Sanchez – but who got best out of them?

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      FOOTBALLERS dream of playing for the likes of Manchester United and Barcelona during their career – but few get the chance.A fortunate handful have played for both but not many have impressed at Old Trafford and the Nou Camp – possibly only Henrik Larsson is an out-and-out success story..
      Henrik Larsson won the Champions League at Barcelona and Premier League at Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
      Alexis Sanchez flourished at Barca but flopped at UnitedCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      Zlatan Ibrahimovic struggled under Pep Guardiola at BarcelonaCredit: AFP – Getty
      United legend Mark Hughes didn’t make the grade in SpainCredit: Getty
      Larsson, Mark Hughes, Laurent Blanc, Jordi Cruyff, Gerard Pique, Victor Valdes, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Alexis Sanchez have played for both clubs.
      Here, SunSport analyses their performances for United and Barca and considers which club got the most out of their respective talents.
      Mark Hughes
      Hughes became a star at Old Trafford in the mid-80s after scoring 47 goals and winning the FA Cup in his first three seasons as a pro.
      Sparky’s impressive form persuaded Barcelona manager Terry Venables to spend £2million for his services in 1986, but he managed just four LaLiga goals in his one and only season in Spain.
      After a one-year loan at Bayern Munich, manager Alex Ferguson re-signed Hughes and he became a United legend, scoring more than a 100 goals and helping them win their first league title in 26 years.
      Laurent Blanc
      It’s fair to say Blanc wasn’t at his best at either the Nou Camp or Old Trafford, despite winning the Spanish Cup, Cup Winners’ Cup and Premier League.
      The Frenchman was signed by legendary Barca manager Johan Cruyff in 1996, only for Cruyff to be sacked the same day.
      The World Cup winner spent just one season in Spain under Bobby Robson and later finished his career at United between 2001 and 2003, failing to emulate predecessor Jaap Stam’s success at Old Trafford.
      Jordi Cruyff
      The son of Johan, Cruyff started his career under his dad at Barcelona before moving to United in 1996.
      Although the midfielder picked up a Prem winner’s medal at Old Trafford, he managed 34 league appearances during a four-year spell.
      Cruyff never succeed at the highest level and spent the rest of his career in Spain, Ukraine and Malta.
      Henrik Larsson
      Larsson is best known for his seven-year spell at Celtic, scoring more than 240 goals and helping the Scottish side reach the Uefa Cup final in 2003.
      The Swedish striker made the switch to Barcelona in 2004 and played a pivotal role in helping them win the Champions League two years later, providing both assists in their 2-1 victory against Arsenal in the final.
      Larsson returned to Sweden to play for Helsingborg – but joined United on loan during the 2006-07 season to help them win the Premier League title.
      Gerard Pique
      Pique was the one that got away at Old Trafford, with the youth prospect failing to nail down a place in the first team before moving to Barcelona in 2008.
      Manager Ferguson was made to regret that decision less than 12 months later when the defender helped Barca defeat his former employers in the 2009 Champions League final.
      Pique has gone on to enjoy a stunning career in Spain, winning eight LaLiga titles, the 2010 World Cup, Euro 2012 and plenty more trophies.

      Victor Valdes
      Valdes is a legend at the Nou Camp having played more than 500 games and winning plenty of trophies, including three Champions League titles.
      The Spanish goalkeeper joined United as back-up to David de Gea in January 2015 – but made just two Premier League appearances.
      Valdes later spent the final year of his career at Middlesbrough in 2016-17, suffering relegation from the Prem.
      Zlatan Ibrahimovic
      Ibrahimovic is one of United’s greatest players of the post-Ferguson era, helping them win the League Cup and Europa League in 2016-17 – the club’s most recent trophies.
      By that point Ibra was a veteran of European football after representing Ajax, Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain and various other clubs.
      But his season at Barcelona in 2009-11 wasn’t one to remember, with the Swedish star reportedly falling out with manager Pep Guardiola before being loaned to AC Milan.
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      Alexis Sanchez
      Sanchez was a star at Barcelona, scoring 39 LaLiga goals at the Nou Camp between 2011 and 2014 before making way for Neymar and Luis Suarez.
      The Chile international then became one of the Premier League’s best players at Arsenal, scoring 60 goals in 122 appearances in a three-and-a-half year spell.
      That persuaded United to sign him in January 2018 but he flopped at Old Trafford on a reported £505,000-a-week contract, scoring just three Prem goals in 18 months before joining current side Inter Milan.
      Laurent Blanc won the Premier League but didn’t impress at UnitedCredit: Getty
      Gerard Pique didn’t become a global star until he left Old Trafford for the Nou CampCredit: Getty
      Jordi Cruyff (left) struggled at United and BarcaCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Victor Valdes is a Barcelona legend but managed just two Prem appearances at UnitedCredit: EPA
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      Watch Ronaldinho roll back years with silky skills in Barcelona vs Real Madrid legends… & dust off iconic celebration

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      BRAZIL icon Ronaldinho rolled back the years with some silky skills in Tuesday’s Legends game between Barcelona vs Real Madrid.And he even treated fans to his famous celebration after netting in the Clasico clash.
      Ronaldinho showed he still has it with a skilful showing vs Real MadridCredit: Reuters
      Ronaldinho netted from the spot as Barcelona legends took on Real MadridCredit: Reuters
      The Samba legend recreated his iconic celebrationCredit: Twitter / @FCBarcelona
      Legends from Barcelona and Real Madrid turned out in force for Tuesday’s exhibition in Tel Aviv.
      Barcelona boasted talents such as Deco, Rivaldo and Luis Figo.
      And Real Madrid were equally well-stocked, fielding the likes of Roberto Carlos, Iker Casillas and Javier Saviola.
      Los Blancos won the game 3-2 thanks to goals from Pedro Munitis, Alfonso Perez and Ruben de la Red.
      Meanwhile, Jofre and Ronaldinho were both on the scoresheet for Barcelona.
      And it was the latter who drew the biggest cheers from fans as he ran Real ragged in the final third.
      Ronaldinho left a number of opposition defenders in their tracks as he darted into the box with some silky skills.
      The Samba superstar then fired off a rocket shot which cracked the crossbar, much to the relief of Casillas.
      RONNIE ON TARGET
      But Ronaldinho did hit the target when he fired home a penalty for Barcelona.
      Every team-mate came up to congratulate Ronaldinho as the crowd went wild.
      And he cheered supporters back by flashing them his iconic trademark, which sees the thumb and little finger on both hands extended.
      Ronaldinho is regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, with his best spell coming at the Nou Camp.
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      Barcelona saw off Manchester United to sign Ronnie from Paris Saint-Germain for £26million in 2003.
      Ronaldinho went on to score 94 goals in 207 games for Barca, helping them win two LaLiga titles and one Champions League.
      Ronnie was also part of the last AC Milan side to win Serie A in 2011.
      Having started his career at Gremio, Ronaldo headed back to Brazil with Flamengo and Atletico Mineiro before a spell with Mexican outfit Queretaro.
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      Ronaldinho’s final club was Fluminense, who gave him a strong send off following his terrific international career with Brazil.
      Ronaldinho scored 33 goals in 97 games for his country, inspiring them to Copa America glory in 1999 before lifting the World Cup in 2002.
      Ronaldinho also won numerous personal accolades, with his greatest moment coming in 2005 with the Ballon d’Or.
      Ronaldinho showed glimpses of his brilliant bestCredit: EPA
      Ronaldinho celebrates his goal with fellow Brazil legend RivaldoCredit: Twitter / @FCBarcelona
      Deco played alongside Ronaldinho with legend Roberto Carlos lining up for MadridCredit: EPA
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      Man Utd transfer target Raphael Varane surprises kids with a visit to an amateur club while on holiday after Euro 2020

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      RAPHAEL VARANE surprised a group of kids by visiting an amateur French football club on holiday.He rocked up at seventh-tier AC Cambrai during his time off and posed for photos with the youngsters.
      Raphael Varane visited amateur French side AC Cambrai this weekCredit: Instagram @ac_cambrai
      He chatted to some of the kids during his two-hour stop at the clubCredit: Instagram @ac_cambrai
      Varane came through the youth ranks at RC Lens, a 45-minute drive away in North-East France, before joining Real Madrid in 2011.
      According to Get French Football News, the defender spent nearly two hours at Cambrai on Monday.
      The club, founded in 1919, play at the 2,000-seater Stade de la Liberte in the Hauts-de France region.
      They reached the last 64 of Coupe de France in 2006-07, losing 4-1 to Ligue 1 giants Marseille.
      Varane, 28, is enjoying some downtime after his exploits with the national team this summer.
      Didier Deschamps’ side reached the last 16 of Euro 2020 before their shock early exit at the hands of Switzerland.

      Now attention has turned to Varane’s future with the centre-back out of contract at Real Madrid next year.
      Manchester United are in pole position to secure a transfer.
      As revealed by SunSport, the Red Devils look on course to stump up £50million to convince Los Blancos to sell.
      Personal terms are not expected to throw up any issues.
      Such is Varane’s willingness to play at the Theatre of Dreams, he is said to be ready to head straight to Manchester after his holiday instead of returning to Madrid for pre-season training.
      Chelsea have also been linked with a move for the World Cup winner, but the player’s preference is to join United.
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      Boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer laughed off talk of Varane’s imminent arrival at Carrington after the 2-1 friendly win against Derby.
      Asked for his view on the potential deal, Solskjaer could not conceal a smile.
      Laughing, he said: “Varane? I only speak about players when we sign them.”
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      The Frenchman is enjoying some time off after his Euro 2020 exploitsCredit: Instagram @ac_cambrai
      He looks set to seal a £50m transfer to Manchester United in the coming daysCredit: Instagram @ac_cambrai
      Man Utd close in on Raphael Varane AND Kieran Trippier transfers in £68m double swoop More

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      Barcelona ‘line up shock Antoine Griezmann and Paulo Dybala swap transfer with Juventus to free-up Messi wage funds’

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      BARCELONA are reportedly exploring a shock transfer swap between Antoine Griezmann and Juventus ace Paulo Dybala.The Blaugrana are desperate to part ways with the French forward, who is believed to be earning £300,000-a-week at the Nou Camp.
      Barcelona striker Antoine Griezmann is facing an uncertain future in CataloniaCredit: Rex
      Argentina international Paulo Dybala could be on his way out of Juventus this summerCredit: Getty
      Ronald Koeman’s side are keen to get the 2018 World Cup winner, 30, off their wage bill in order to afford Lionel Messi’s new contract.
      Barca have already asked Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba, Sergi Roberto, and Sergio Busquets to lower their salary to help free up cash to give the Argentine maestro.
      Griezmann had been linked with a return to Atletico Madrid just two years after departing the Wanda Metropolitano with Saul Niguez heading the opposite way.
      However that deal appears to have stalled, with the LaLiga giants now claimed to be targeting Messi’s compatriot.
      According to L’Equipe, Barcelona have contacted the Old Lady about whether they would be interested in a swap deal involving Griezmann and Dybala.
      Dybala has found himself out of favour in Turin having started just 14 times in Serie A during the 2020-21 campaign.
      He registered just five goals in all competitions from his 26 outings – his lowest tally since the 2013-14 season during his time in Serie B with Palermo.
      And with the 27-year-old having just a year left on his deal at the Allianz Stadium, Massimiliano Allegri could be prepared to let him depart.

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      Dybala has also been linked with a potential switch to Manchester United this summer.
      It has been reported that he could be used in a swap deal for Paul Pogba, who is tied down at Old Trafford until 2022.
      The Red Devils are keen to extend the Frenchman’s stay at the Theatre of Dreams, but are wary of losing him for nothing should he decide to run his contract down.

      Watch as Lionel Messi is mobbed by fans in Miami after leaving restaurant as he and wife Antonela relax on holiday More

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      Lionel Messi breaks Cristiano Ronaldo’s Instagram world record with 20 MILLION liking Copa America trophy snap

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      LIONEL MESSI broke Cristiano Ronaldo’s Instagram world record by racking up 20 MILLION likes on his Copa America trophy post.His rival Ronaldo previously held the record for the most-liked sports photo in the social media app’s history.
      Lionel Messi poses with the Copa America trophyCredit: Instagram
      Cristiano Ronaldo’s post with Diego Maradona held the recordCredit: Instagram
      The Juventus forward, 36, has more than 19.8 million likes for his post paying homage to the late Diego Maradona in November 2020.
      But after Messi, 34, helped Argentina win the Copa America by beating Brazil 1-0 in the final, his post-match snap broke the record.
      He captioned the post: “What a beautiful madness! This is unbelievable! Thank you, God! We are the champions.”
      Messi, who won his first international trophy, is currently holidaying in Miami with his wife as he looks to finally sign a new Barcelona contract.
      It comes only a year after he handed in a shock transfer request in a bid to leave the club.
      But now under new president Joan Laporta, the iconic Argentine is close to committing his future to the Nou Camp.
      Local reports in the Catalan capital say he has agreed to take a 50 per cent pay cut but will be offered a five-year deal instead of the two years initially talked about.
      A lower salary for Messi is key to keeping him at the Nou Camp because of the club’s financial disarray.

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      Sergio Aguero, 33, Eric Garcia, 20, and Memphis Depay, 27, have all signed for the LaLiga giants on free transfers this summer.
      Antoine Griezmann, 30, could end up returning to old side Atletico Madrid as part of a swap deal with Saul Niguez, 26, to help with the operation to keep Messi at Barcelona.
      Samuel Umtiti, 27, Miralem Pjanic, 31, Ousmane Dembele, 24, and Philippe Coutinho, 29, are also all believed to be available for transfer.
      Watch as Lionel Messi is mobbed by fans in Miami after leaving restaurant as he and wife Antonela relax on holiday More

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      Man Utd in Saul Niguez transfer boost as Atletico talks over swap deal with Barcelona for Antoine Griezmann ‘cool’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez. The player’s agent has been in contact with both United and Liverpool in the event of a move to Barcelona not materialising.
      Saul reportedly feels as if he’s being forced out of AtleticoCredit: GETTY IMAGES
      Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is looking to bolster his midfield optionsCredit: GETTY IMAGES
      According to Spanish outlet AS, it would cost around £34million to sign the highly-rated Spanish midfielder.
      And both United and Liverpool have greater spending power than Barca.
      Atletico will not be able to sign any players until someone goes out the door at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium.
      LaLiga will not allow the champions to register any more players due to the new salary limits.
      And the star most likely to leave is Saul, freeing up a reported £115,000-per-week.
      The report also states that a move to Barcelona is still very much on the cards – and that Antoine Griezmann will be sent back to Atletico in return.
      Doing business with Barca seems to suit Atletico better, as they will receive one of Europe’s top attackers in return for Saul.
      And a forward is high on boss Diego Simeone’s summer wishlist.
      On Friday, however, according to RMC journalist Loic Tanzi, Griezmann wasn’t informed of these negotiations – further complicating the deal.
      Tanzi said on Twitter: “The situation is now a little more complicated. 
      “The negotiations between the two clubs took place without Griezmann knowing. 
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      “And the salary difference is significant. Negotiations are continuing but Barcelona must find a solution.”
      If the two Spanish giants fail to reach an agreement, AS believe that the Premier League could be the highly sought-after midfielders destination.
      Which would allow Atletico to potentially move for Wolves’ Rafa Mir.

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