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      in Soccer

      Ex-Barcelona star Ilaix Moriba’s dad reveals he ‘cancelled flight to Manchester’ to seal Man City transfer before debut

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      THE father of Ilaix Moriba has revealed he cancelled his son’s flight to Manchester City so the teen could remain at Barcelona.Moriba, 18, burst into Ronald Koeman’s team last season and was tipped for a bright future with the Catalans.
      Ilaix Moriba, 18, was set to agree a deal with Man City two years ago before staying at BarcelonaCredit: AFP OR LICENSORS
      However, he chose to leave the Camp Nou last summer and joined RB Leipzig for around £16million after a row over his contract.
      But, Moriba came close to joining Pep Guardiola at City two years ago when doubts emerged over a Barca deal back in 2019.
      The Spain youth international, who is playing for Guinea at AFCON, had even booked a plane ticket to the Etihad as he searched for his first professional contract.
      However, Moriba’s dad Mamady Kourouma cancelled the ticket on the morning of the flight after a breakthrough in contract talks with Barca.
      He told Sport: “With Barcelona, the negotiations did not advance. We met with Txiki Begiristain [City’s sporting director] and he explained his entire project to us.
      “We liked it because they bet a lot on him. A few weeks later we had the tickets to travel to Manchester and sign the contract.
      “I cancelled it the morning that we had to go there. I wanted Ilaix to be an example and a reference for the next generations of Barcelona.
      “His friends were gone. If he stayed, it was proof Barca was betting on the youth players. We managed to reach an agreement where we all came out winning.”
      @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);}
      Barcelona indeed proved their determination to keep Moriba, making him the best-paid player in the history of their academy while handing him an £90million release clause.
      Manchester United were thought to be eager to sign him as Paul Pogba’s long-term replacement.
      While Chelsea are also said to be keeping tabs with N’Golo Kante not getting any younger.
      However, he chose to continue his development in the Bundesliga, and has made six appearances for Leipzig this term.
      Workers remove picture of Lionel Messi from mural outside of Barcelona’s Camp Nou stadium More

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      in Soccer

      Philippe Coutinho still wears lucky bracelet Lionel Messi gave him three years ago as he shows it off in Villa unveiling

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      PHILIPPE COUTINHO still wears the lucky bracelet Lionel Messi gave him three years ago at Barcelona. Messi was first given the bracelet by journalist Rama Pantarotto after missing a penalty in Argentina’s 1-1 draw with Iceland in June 2018.
      Philippe Coutinho still wears the lucky bracelet Lionel Messi gave himCredit: Getty
      The footballing legend then kept it, wearing it around his ankle, which stunned Pantarotto when they met again after Argentina beat Nigeria that same month.
      The lucky charm had belonged to Pantarotto’s mum but Messi was about to gift it to Coutinho, who at the time was struggling for form at Barca in 2019.
      And it appears even now, the Brazilian forward treasures the bracelet as he wrote it at the unveiling of his loan move to Villa.
      He will link up with former Liverpool team-mate Steven Gerrard, the current Villa manager.
      Gerrard, 41, said: “He is a fantastic talent, we are lucky to have him and at the right time he will be unleashed.
      “His name alone inspires people, what he has done in the game inspires people. I have no doubt at all we will see the real Philippe Coutinho in time.
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      “I don’t buy into this ‘he never had the best time at Barcelona’. This is a kid who has won leagues at Barcelona and won the Champions League at Bayern.
      “He is hungry to play. If we can get him feeling good and the confidence back, Phil Coutinho is still inside Phil Coutinho.”
      Coutinho, 29, is also joined by ex-Barca left-back Lucas Digne, 28, in arriving this month.
      Gerrard confirmed the pair are both available to play against Manchester United at home on Saturday.
      He said: “They’re available. Philippe’s trained for three days now with no issues.
      “We obviously have to build his match sharpness and match fitness up. Lucas is slightly different.
      “He’s been involved in group training for quite some time and he’s been available for Everton before he arrived.
      “They’re both available for selection with the group and they’re both in a good place but, obviously, decisions will come off the back of information we’ve had of both players over the last couple of days.”
      Philippe Coutinho training with Aston VillaCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Ex-Chelsea star Hazard branded ‘little fat man’ by Belgian mayor and ridiculed for scoffing burger after being subbed

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      EDEN HAZARD was branded a ‘little fat man’ in a scathing attack by a Belgian politician. And Jean-Marie Dedecker ridiculed the winger for scoffing a burger back in 2011.
      Eden Hazard was branded a ‘little fat man’ by a Belgian mayor
      Jean-Marie Dedecker made the brutal comments and referenced the 2011 incident with BelgiumCredit: AFP
      The 69-year-old, currently mayor of Middelkerke in northern Belgium, piled in on the national team captain in an interview with newspaper Krant van West-Vlaanderen reported by Mundo Deportivo.
      Referencing the bizarre incident when 5ft 8ins Hazard was 20, Dedecker said: “The whole press complains about him.
      “Actually, he is just a little fat man who has gotten fat by the system and the money.
      “I can still see him flee when Georges Leekens replaced him and had a hamburger near King Baudouin Stadium.”
      Hazard, then shining for Lille, had earned a starting spot for his country in their Euro 2012 qualifier against Turkey.
      But when manager Leekens subbed the now-Real Madrid man off with half an hour to go, the forward reacted furiously.
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      He stormed past his coach and straight down the tunnel.
      But Hazard did not stop there.
      With the match still going on, he left the stadium and was later pictured munching a burger at a fast-food restaurant in Brussels with the rest of his family.
      The shocking pictures were splashed across newspapers in Belgium causing Leekens to dish out a two-game suspension for the star’s unprofessionalism.
      Hazard now sees the funny side of the story.
      When asked what sauce was in the famous hamburger, he told RTBF in 2019: “It was Andalusian, it has always been my favourite sauce.
      “I have some pots in London, I ask mum to bring me some back every time she comes.
      “That night, I did a stupid thing but the story of the hamburger, we talk about it in a joke, it’s in quotation marks what makes my legend with the selection [of Belgium].”
      But the association between Hazard, 31, and food did not end there.
      He was once described as the ‘greediest member of Belgium’s current squad’ by team chef Wym Casteleyn.
      DAMNING DAMIEN
      And since signing a reported £416,000-a-week contract at Real Madrid in 2019, the attacker has twice been slammed for turning up to pre-season overweight.
      He claimed to shed the five kilos in ‘ten days’ but Damien Duff blasted Hazard last season.
      The Irishman said: “You’d worry for him going forward. He relies on sharpness, being a quick dribbler.
      “He’s never been a top pro and he’s never had the drive of [Lionel] Messi and [Cristiano] Ronaldo. If he did, you’d probably be mentioning him with them two players.
      “He turned up for his first pre-season at Real Madrid – Galactico, 160 million [euros] – overweight. Fat. Call it what you want.
      “To be signed by Real Madrid, 160 million, you turn up to pre-season in the shape of your life.
      “And he turned up overweight because he was on holiday. I ain’t having that.”
      The flop has managed just five goals in 59 appearances in two-and-a-half injury-hit years since joining Los Blancos from Chelsea.
      The winger has managed just five goals in 59 Real Madrid matches, with none this seasonCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd flop Memphis Depay’s Barcelona future ‘not clear’ after just seven months following Xavi arrival

      by

      MEMPHIS DEPAY’S future at Barcelona is already in doubt after just seven months with the Spanish giants, according to reports.The Manchester United flop is in a fight for his place under new boss Xavi due to some indifferent displays, reports Sport.
      Depay was a hit at Barcelona under former boss and compatriot KoemanCredit: Getty
      The 27-year-old was signed by former Barca boss and fellow Dutchman Ronald Koeman in June 2021.

      But the Netherlands forward’s form has dipped since Koeman was sacked in October.
      He is still the Spanish giants’ top scorer with eight goals but only two of them have come in the last two months under new boss Xavi.
      Sport says Koeman’s departure ‘was a hard blow’ for Depay and that his light ‘has been fading’.
      It says the good form of fellow Dutch star Luuk de Jong is also putting pressure on Depay’s place in the team.
      And it adds the arrival of former Manchester City star Ferran Torres along with the return to fitness of Ansu Fati after a hamstring injury could see Depay fall further down the pecking order.
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      But Depay struggled to impress during a two-year spell with Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
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      Depay let his contract at Lyon run down before joining Barca on a free transfer and on a two-year deal last summer.
      He initially made his name with PSV, scoring 50 goals in 124 appearances for the Dutch side between 2011 and 2015.
      It earned him a move to the Red Devils but after scoring only seven goals in 53 games he moved to Ligue 1 in 2017 and rejuvenated his career with 76 goals and 55 assists for Lyon.
      Barcelona boss Xavi says crumbling Ousmane Dembele contract talks are a matter of negotiating More

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      Lionel Messi was deceptive, provocative and unimaginably rude, says ex-Liverpool star Jerzy Dudek in sensational attack

      by

      FORMER Liverpool goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek took an astonishing swipe at Lionel Messi in his autobiography, labelling him as “provocative” and “rude”.The Pole saw Messi up close over the course of many Clasicos, having acted as deputy to Iker Casillas at Real Madrid for four years after leaving Anfield in 2007.
      Dudek has taken a swipe at Messi
      And in his tell-all book Dudek, now 48, did not hold back when talking about Messi – who is set to leave Barcelona this summer. 
      He wrote of the six-time Ballon d’Or winner: “He was deceptive and provocative, the same as Barcelona and Pep Guardiola.
      “They were so ready to provoke you and they were able to do it to perfection.
      “That hurt Jose Mourinho and the whole team a lot.
      “I saw Messi say such rude things to Pepe and [Sergio] Ramos that you would not imagine from such a quiet and seemingly good person.”
      Cristiano Ronaldo is arrogant, but he’s a normal guy behind the scenesJerzy Dudek
      As well as Messi and Guardiola, Dudek also had his say on legendary ex-team-mates Cristiano Ronaldo and Raul.
      Liverpool’s 2005 Champions League hero continued: “Cristiano Ronaldo is arrogant, but he’s a normal guy behind the scenes.
      “It’s about how people perceive him, more or less.
      “Like Raul, he’s egocentric, incredibly competitive and a winner.
      Messi has regularly been the scourge of Real MadridCredit: Getty Images – Getty
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      “Both would prefer their team to win 2-1 with their goals than 5-0 with other players scoring.”
      Clasicos regularly boiled over in the Guardiola vs Mourinho period, and clearly there is still no love lost between those involved.
      During one particularly bad-tempered affair in 2011 a poor challenge from Marcelo sparked a row – with Mourinho bizarrely poking Tito Vilanova in the EYE from behind.
      Lionel Messi’s obsession with ‘The Greatest’ Muhammad Ali includes a shrine to boxing icon at Barcelona star’s home More

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      in Soccer

      Steven Gerrard hints at sensational Philippe Coutinho transfer to Aston Villa as he hails ‘world class’ Barcelona star

      by

      ASTON VILLA boss Steven Gerrard has responded to reports linking Philippe Coutinho to the club, labelling his former team-mate as a ‘world-class player’. A number of Premier League clubs have been linked with a move for the Barcelona playmaker, with Villa claimed to be in talks with Coutinho’s representatives.
      Gerrard and Coutinho spent two-and-a-half years as team-mates at LiverpoolCredit: PA
      Aston Villa are one of a number of Premier League clubs linked with a move for CoutinhoCredit: Getty
      Five Premier League clubs had been in discussions over a move for the 29-year-old, but Sky Sports report that has now been cut to just two, with a decision expected on Friday.
      And speaking on the links, Gerrard gushed: “He’s a wonderful footballer, to share a dressing room and a pitch with Coutinho was an absolute pleasure because he is on a level that very few footballers are on.
      “His imagination, his creativity, some of the highlight reels are incredible and there for all to see. I think the name speaks for itself.”
      Gerrard though remained coy on rumours linking Coutinho to Aston Villa.
      He continued: “What I won’t do here or elsewhere is speak about players who belong to other clubs, that’s not fair or respectful. 
      “But I do appreciate his name is out there and he is linked to Aston Villa, but he is also linked to five or six other clubs in this league.
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      “I’m sure there would be a long list of foreign clubs linked with Philippe’s services as well as you are talking about a world-class player. 
      “I understand and respect it but I can’t give anything further than that.”
      Along with Aston Villa, Arsenal, Tottenham, Everton and Newcastle had been linked with the former Liverpool star.
      But with just two clubs left in the race, Villa face less competition for his signature, if of course they are one of the parties that remain interested.
      Coutinho is said to have his heart set on a move away from Barcelona in January.
      The £145million signing is fearful of his chances of making Brazil’s World Cup squad if he stays at the Nou Camp.
      Elsewhere Everton owner Farhad Moshiri is also keen to sign the former rival, but boss Rafa Benitez is reported to be unconvinced by the prospect of signing Coutinho.
      Coutinho has played just 251 minutes of La Liga action for Barcelona this campaign, and seems destined to leave the club.
      Ferran Torres’ £55m arrival means the Spaniards need to move players on in order to register their new signing from City. More

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

      by

      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.
      @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 Sport.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 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’

      by

      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