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      Lionel Messi ‘UNDECIDED’ over Barcelona transfer future with contract set to expire in seven days amid extension rumours

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      BARCELONA are no closer to signing Lionel Messi up to a new contract, according to reports in Spain.The clock is ticking on the Argentine putting pen to paper before his deal expires on June 30.
      Barcelona face a nervous wait over Lionel Messi’s futureCredit: EPA
      The LaLiga giants hoped to sort his future as soon as possible, allowing them to formulate a budget for the summer ahead and assure both fans and sponsors that they remain among football’s elite clubs.
      Yet it has now been claimed that an official contract offer has still not landed on Messi’s desk.
      And the player himself is even described as ‘undecided’ over whether to stay with Barcelona next season.
      That is according to Marca, who detail a two-year deal worth £850,000-a-week being put together by the Catalans.
      This is a sizeable pay cut on the astronomical deal that Messi was handed in 2017.
      But the club’s financial woe amid the pandemic crisis has led to a realignment of wages with several team-mates accepting reductions.
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      How Messi’s existing deal breaks down before expiring next week
      Barcelona also reportedly want to make the legend a club ambassador on a ten-year, £8.5m agreement that would run even if he signs for an MLS club.
      SunSport revealed earlier this month that David Beckham’s Inter Miami are confident of one day landing the striker, with Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City also linked.
      Club president Joan Laporta is said to be optimistic that the negotiations will be completed before Messi officially becomes a free agent on Wednesday.
      But that is considered increasingly unlikely with the 34-year-old still yet to make his mind up.

      These reports are contrary to previous suggestions that Messi had accepted a one-year extension to play at the Camp Nou next season.
      It had also been claimed that his stay would be announced on his 34th birthday – which is Thursday, June 24.
      Messi is currently in Brazil for Argentina’s Copa America bid, which sees him face Bolivia on Tuesday to round off the group stage.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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      Arsenal transfer blow as Martin Odegaard confirms he WILL stay at Real Madrid next season despite Gunners loan interest

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      ARSENAL have missed out on extending Martin Odegaard’s loan stay after the midfielder confirmed his future lies with Real Madrid.It had previously been reported that the Gunners had given up on signing the Norwegian despite a promising six-month spell in North London.
      Martin Odegaard is heading back to Real MadridCredit: AP
      And Odegaard, 22, is looking forward to finally getting a full season at the Bernabeu having signed back in 2015.
      He told Norway’s TV2: “Real Madrid have been clear that they would like me back.
      “So then it will be time to go there when the training starts up again.
      “Of course it has always been a dream to play there.
      “I have been in the club for over six years now, and that has always been the goal.
      “I always want to play, I have said that all the time. Playing hard is important.”

      Arsenal have recently been linked with a number of central playmakers as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his creative options.
      Anderlecht star Albert Sambi Lokonga has reportedly agreed personal terms ahead of a transfer costing in the region of £17million.
      But Aaron Ramsey looks to be staying put in Juventus with the Serie A giants close to snapping up Gunners target Manuel Locatelli.
      Odegaard was on Arteta’s wishlist earlier in the summer but will link up with Carlo Ancelotti’s Madrid when pre-season begins.

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      Carlo Ancelotti will be reunited with Odegaard when pre-season beginsCredit: AP

      The midfielder is yet to discuss his role with the coach who handed him his debut at the age of 16.
      He admitted: “No, not with him personally.
      “But I have spoken a lot with the club and had a close contact. So I feel they have a good overview.”
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      Premier League clubs ask about Bayern Munich star Leon Goretzka but face transfer battle with Barcelona and Real Madrid

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      LEON GORETZKA has emerged as a target for Real Madrid and Barcelona, as well as a host of Premier League clubs.Bayern Munich are in talks over extending the midfielder’s contract, which runs out in 2022.
      Leon Goretzka has been a key player for Bayern Munich after signing in 2018Credit: AP
      A continued stay in Bavaria is reportedly Goretzka’s preferred option but negotiations over his salary have not yet produced an agreement.
      The 26-year-old’s agent, Jorg Neubauer, was recently forced to retire and Neubauer’s wife has taken charge in his stead along with Bundesliga heavyweight agent Thomas Kroth.
      According to German outlet Sport1, a deal is very much in sight with Bayern determined not to lose the player.
      But interest is high with Premier League clubs as well as Real Madrid and Barcelona reportedly contacting his new representatives.
      In three seasons with Munich, Goretzka has won a trio of Bundesliga titles plus two DfB-Pokals and a Champions League.
      He is tipped to start in Germany’s Euro 2020 decider against Hungary on Wednesday night having overcome a thigh problem.

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      Thomas Muller is a major doubt for the Allianz Arena clash due to a knee injury.
      And Goretzka said: “I’ve got it in me to play the Thomas Muller role.
      “In many ways, his position for the national time is similar to mine. It’s a position I’ve played in before for the national team, and I’m ready to help the team.
      “The tournament can really begin for me now.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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      Tottenham rejected by Julen Lopetegui despite making ‘dizzying’ offer for Spanish manager, reveals Sevilla president

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      ANOTHER name has been added to the long list of Tottenham’s failed managerial pursuits after it emerged that Julen Lopetegui had rejected a ‘dizzying’ offer from the club.Daniel Levy sacked Jose Mourinho on April 19 and appears to be no closer to naming a successor after a number of rebuttals.
      Julen Lopetegui is the ninth unsuccessful candidate for the Tottenham jobCredit: EPA
      Sevilla boss Lopetegui, 54, is the latest failure after the LaLiga club’s president, Jose Castro, revealed an approach from North London.
      Castro told Cadena Ser in an interview published on the Sevilla club website: “Julen rang me and told me.
      “He said he’d received offers he’d not listened to in addition to a dizzying one from Tottenham.
      “But he said he doesn’t forget things and that he is very motivated here.
      “We believed and believe in him, giving him a two-year contract extension, and I’m sure he will bring much more to the club. You see his ability and leadership every day.
      “Some coaches are more driven by economic factors but Julen is very clear that he is happy here and he even said it would be very difficult to find a better place to work than here.”

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      What is also dizzying is the list of candidates who have turned down Tottenham ahead of the new campaign.
      Julian Nagelsmann, Erik ten Hag and Brendan Rodgers quickly solved their future before the season ended.
      Mauricio Pochettino was shortly linked with a shock return before Antonio Conte emerged as a target after leaving Inter Milan.
      But the Italian pulled out of talks and later stated: “I look at the projects and I’m willing to stay at home if they don’t convince me.”
      Financial differences then wrecked any hopes of signing Paulo Fonseca after he left Roma.
      And Gennaro Gattuso’s potential appointment was considered so unpopular that Tottenham were finally able to be the ones pulling out of a deal.

      Add Lopetegui’s name to the mix and NINE coaches have now come and gone from the club’s wish list.
      The Spaniard, famously sacked by his country’s national team for agreeing a move to Real Madrid on the eve of the 2018 World Cup, led Sevilla to fourth place in LaLiga last season as well as the Champions League last-16.
      Spurs’ new sporting director Fabio Paratici is reportedly keen on bringing in ex-Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo, who is also linked with Everton.
      The odds on Brighton manager Graham Potter being the man to finally take charge of the club have recently been slashed.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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      Man Utd lead Raphael Varane transfer chase ahead of Chelsea and City as Real Madrid ‘resigned’ to losing £45m star

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      REAL MADRID are reportedly ready to sell Raphael Varane after the Manchester United target asked for a new challenge.A summer transfer is said to be the 28-year-old’s desire following a decade at the Bernabeu.
      Raphael Varane could have played his last game for Real MadridCredit: Reuters
      Varane is out of contract in a year’s time and Los Blancos do not want to lose him on a free while battling the pandemic financial crisis.
      According to The Athletic, a bid as little as £40million could persuade Real to sell up after talks with the player’s representatives.
      And he could be one of several stars to leave Madrid, who are gathering funds ahead of a bid for Kylian Mbappe.
      The club’s mammoth wage bill needs to be cut before they can offer the Paris Saint-Germain forward a contract.
      Mbappe, 22, is also out of contract in 2022 and Real are reportedly plotting a free transfer deal with a mega salary offer.
      Varane is currently starring for France at Euro 2020 and is expected to start against Portugal on Wednesday night.

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      It has been suggested that United will use Paul Pogba, also out of contract in a year’s time, as a makeweight for the centre-back.
      Manchester City and Chelsea are also as tracking Varane but the Red Devils are described as the frontrunners to secure his services.
      A number of defenders have been named as targets for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team, who want a new partner for Harry Maguire.
      Pau Torres and Jules Kounde continue to be linked in deals that would cost north of £50m.

      Villarreal and Spain ace Torres recently stated that he is ‘calm’ about his future while attempting to deliver a last-16 spot for his country.
      The 24-year-old said: “I have a contract at Villarreal, I just won the first title for the club, we have qualified for the Champions League and it is something that excites me a lot.
      “Now I’m focused on the Euros. Then the Super Cup and nice things will come, so I’m totally calm.”
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      Man Utd ‘must trigger Pau Torres’ £56m release clause as Villarreal not interested in getting players in swap transfer’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED will reportedly have to activate Pau Torres’ £56million release clause should they wish to sign the Villarreal defender.The 24-year-old is believed to be a target for the Red Devils following a superb 2020-21 campaign which saw him called up to Spain’s Euro 2020 squad.
      Villarreal defender Pau Torres has been linked with a summer switch to Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Former Malaga loanee Torres even starred in his side’s victory over United in the Europa League final last month.
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is desperate to bring in a new centre-back to partner Harry Maguire following inconsistent performances from Victor Lindelof.
      It has been claimed that there is a ‘growing belief’ at Old Trafford that Torres can be signed this summer, despite interest from Real Madrid.
      According to Sport, Villarreal will only sell the player should a potential suitor pay his £56m buyout clause.
      They state that they will refuse to negotiate any other price, and will reject any swap offer proposal from United.
      Should United hand over that sum of money, he would become the second most-expensive defender in their history behind Maguire.
      Torres, who has started both of Spain’s Euro 2020 games, recently broke his silence over his future as he insisted he is remaining calm.
      Quizzed by Goal about speculation, he said: “I have a contract at Villarreal.

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      Spain international Torres has featured twice at Euro 2020 for Luis Enrique’s sideCredit: Rex

      “I just won the first title for the club, we have qualified for the Champions League and it is something that excites me a lot.
      “Now I’m focused on the Euros. Then the Super Cup and nice things will come, so I’m totally calm.”
      United are also believed to be keen on Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane, who is set to become a free agent in 2022.
      Reports have claimed that midfielder Paul Pogba could be used in a swap deal to bring his French compatriot to the Theatre of Dreams.
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      Chelsea target Gerard Moreno as transfer alternative to Haaland after striker helped Villarreal to Europa League glory

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      VILLARREAL striker Gerard Moreno has emerged as a shock target for Chelsea as a potential alternative to Erling Haaland.Blues boss Thomas Tuchel is keen on bringing in a new centre-forward to Stamford Bridge due to Timo Werner’s struggles in front of goal.
      Chelsea are reportedly keen to sign Villarreal ace Gerard Moreno should they fail to land Erling HaalandCredit: AFP
      Despite impressing under the German gaffer, the 25-year-old scored just six times in 35 Premier League outings during the 2020-21 campaign.
      And attention has turned to bringing in competition for the ex-RB Leipzig star, with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich prepared to splash the cash yet again.
      Borussia Dortmund marksman Haaland has been heavily linked with a move to West London, where he is claimed to have already agreed personal terms.
      However his hefty price tag of £150m is likely to put off Chelsea until next year when the Noway international’s release clause will mean he’s available for just £65m.
      According to Fichajes, Spanish star Moreno has been identified as an alternative to Haaland following a superb season at Villarreal.
      It has been stated that Chelsea will only move for Moreno should they be priced out of a deal to sign Haaland.
      Moreno, 29, chipped in with an incredible 30 goals and 11 assists in 46 games in all competitions.
      He even scored the opener against Manchester United in his side’s Europa League final victory, before finding the back of the net in the mammoth penalty shootout.

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      His fine form saw him be in included in Luis Enrique’s final Euro 2020 squad, with the player featuring in Spain’s opening two fixtures.
      He came off the bench during the 0-0 draw against Sweden, before starting in the 1-1 draw with Poland, where he provided the assist for Alvaro Morata.
      Chelsea also remain keen to lure right wing-back Achraf Hakimi away from Inter Milan, though they face stiff competition from Paris Saint-Germain.
      Should they fail to land the Morocco international, then the Champions League winners could turn their attention to Wolves’ Adama Traore.
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      Barcelona chasing Germany and Atalanta star Robin Gosens but defender has ‘big dream’ of transfer to Bundesliga

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      BARCELONA are reportedly chasing a deal for Germany left-back Robin Gosens.But the Atalanta star is holding out for his ‘big dream’ transfer to the Bundesliga.
      ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
      Barcelona want Germany star Robin Gosens but the Atalanta ace dreams of the BundesligaCredit: Getty
      Sport1 claims Gosens, 26, has caught Barca’s eye after a couple of fantastic seasons in Italy.
      Gosens has clocked up 149 games for Atalanta during his four years at the club.
      In that time they have become top-four regulars in Italy, while also impressing in the Champions League itself.
      Gosens is shining on the international stage for Germany too.
      He helped himself to a goal and two assists in Saturday’s 4-2 win against Portugal.
      And Barcelona are now apparently eager to snap Gosens up ahead of the new LaLiga season.
      The Catalans have promised plenty of signings after a mixed campaign, with Lyon’s Memphis Depay and Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero already snapped up.
      However, Gosens is said to not be overly keen on a Nou Camp switch.

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      Instead, Gosens is dreaming of a move to the Bundesliga, having never played in Germany’s top flight.
      Bayern Munich could be on the hunt for a new left-back after seeing David Alaba join Real Madrid on a free transfer.
      Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund left-back Raphael Guerreiro is equally capable of playing in midfield, and a tactical tweak could easily see Gosens slot in at the Westfalenstadion.
      Another thing that could go against Barcelona is their current financial situation.
      Gosens is under contract at Atalanta until 2024 and Barca could be forced to pay a high fee for his signature, just so the German can compete with new Spain captain Jordi Alba.

      Revealing more about Barcelona’s poor financial state, president Joan Laporta said: “The club is worse than I expected, and I expected it to be in a difficult situation.
      “There are some contracts that greatly limit us. There are things that will have to be explained and I won’t rule out any measures.
      “The same people always appear in the contracts. We have found ourselves with a squad with out-of-date salaries and we will have to juggle.
      “Existing contracts can be changed or restructured, and then there are drastic measures that we would not like to have to take. Nothing is ruled out for the good of Barcelona.
      “Between salaries and amortisations we have a figure of 650million euros, which is more than the club’s income. These salaries are out of date.”
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