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    Real Madrid confirm Sergio Ramos is LEAVING this summer with legend to leave on free transfer after 16 years at Bernabeu

    REAL MADRID have confirmed that Sergio Ramos will LEAVE the club this summer.The Real captain, 35, is out of contract and will officially depart at the end of June, bringing an end to his 16 years of service.
    Sergio Ramos is leaving Real Madrid this summer on a free transferCredit: Getty
    Real announced on Wednesday night that they will bid farewell to Ramos with a ‘tribute’ event on Thursday ahead of his exit in a fortnight’s time.
    Marca claims the stalwart defender was offered a new one-year contract by Real with a ten per cent pay cut.
    However, Ramos was unwilling to accept anything less than two years.
    And one of Real’s – and football’s – most decorated players is now on the hunt for a new club.
    Ramos’ decision will come as a blow to returning boss Carlo Ancelotti, who was eager for the centre-back to stay.
    Los Blancos chiefs fear Raphael Varane could be heading off with just one year left on his deal.
    And it was hoped Ramos would stay put to ensure Real weren’t left light at the back.
    Ramos played 671 times for the capital club after a £23million move from Sevilla in 2005, scoring an incredible 101 goals in the process.
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    He led Real to numerous trophies, including five LaLiga titles, four Champions Leagues and two Copa del Reys.
    Ramos is also the most capped player in Spain’s history, playing 180 times for his country.
    But the defender was stunned when he was left out of Luis Enrique’s 26-man squad for the Euros last month.
    And after seeing the end of an era on the international circuit, Ramos’ legendary club career with Real has also reached its final hurdle.
    The Spanish giants have already landed a potential replacement in the versatile David Alaba – who played left-back, centre-back, in midfield and on the wing during his long stay at Bayern Munich.
    Gareth Bale, Eden Hazard and Sergio Ramos are Real Madrid’s top earners
    But with the plan always having been for Ramos to stay, Real may be in the market for a new leader at the back.
    As for Ramos, he is sure to have numerous offers from across the continent after establishing himself as one of world football’s best-ever defenders.
    Manchester United have been strongly linked with a move as they eye a new partner for captain Harry Maguire.
    Premier League champions City are also thought to be keeping tabs, with doubts over the future of Aymeric Laporte – the man who ousted Ramos from Spain’s Euro selection.
    Paris Saint-Germain could be in the market too as they look to convince Kylian Mbappe to pen a new deal alongside Neymar.
    Indeed, the bookies have PSG as favourites to sign Ramos, with United second and Juventus third.
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    Memphis Depay nears Barcelona transfer with Holland star ‘deciding he wants move from Lyon’ after Euro 2020

    MEMPHIS DEPAY is reportedly close to sealing his dream move to Barcelona.Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claims the Netherlands international is undergoing final checks over his Lyon exit after Euro 2020.
    Lyon star Memphis Depay is close to sealing a free transfer to BarcelonaCredit: Rex
    Memphis Depay has decided to join Barcelona – no doubt. Player’s camp optimistic and lawyers now checking contracts in order to complete the deal in the next few days. 🔴🔵 #FCBIt’s considered “a matter of final details and time”, then Memphis will join Barça. #Depay https://t.co/rJ5Nw9hku6— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 15, 2021

    The report adds that it is ‘considered a matter of final details and time’ for Depay to seal his long-awaited switch to the Catalan giants.
    The news will come as a massive boost to Ronald Koeman who was directly involved in a deal to reunite with his former Holland charge.
    The Barcelona manager had already seen a potential move for one of his other compatriots, Georginio Wijnaldum, slip through his fingers.
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    Liverpool lost the box-to-box midfielder on a free transfer to Paris Saint-Germain after the French side hijacked Barca’s deal late on.
    And SunSport previously reported that Koeman was fearful the same could happen with Depay – who was offered better terms by Juventus.
    But the 27-year-old seemingly has his heart set on Spain and will follow Sergio Aguero in moving to the Nou Camp on a free transfer.
    But Depay won’t be leaving with Lyon’s best wishes after the club’s sporting director Juninho delivered a stinging attack on him last month.
    The Brazilian told OLTV: “Memphis, he has done his time. The president made a lot of efforts for him to extend. Memphis, he wanted a team for him.
    “That is not a criticism. I had a good relationship with him. However, it was as if the whole team had to work around him and that was very hard.

    “Because everyone needs to feel like they are working equally.
    “There are only 4 players in the world who you should do everything for him: Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Mbappe.
    “If you have one of them, things should work around them. Sorry, I think Memphis is good, but not at the level of those four. And I think he needs to work more off of the ball.”
    Lyon star Memphis Depay works out in football training More

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    Xavi ‘dreams’ of signing Kingsley Coman from Bayern Munich if he becomes Barcelona manager in transfer blow to Man Utd

    XAVI dreams of signing Bayern Munich winger Kingsley Coman if he takes charge of Barcelona in a blow to Manchester United.The Nou Camp legend is widely tipped to manage his old club one day and has told those close to him he wants the French winger when he does.
    Xavi is expected to take charge of Barcelona one dayCredit: Getty
    And he has told friends he wants to sign Kingsley Coman when he doesCredit: Getty
    Coman, 25, reportedly wants to quit Bayern this summer as his ‘wages are too low’.
    And Xavi would love to manage him at the Nou Camp if he ever took over, according to Spanish outlet Sport.
    The 41-year-old is currently managing Qatari side Al Sadd where he recently signed a new deal after rejecting the chance to take charge of Borussia Dortmund and Brazil.
    But he has reportedly told close friends how he would want his Barca side to look.
    The former midfielder wants to go back to a 4-3-3 system.
    And Xavi is said to want Coman as his left-winger.
    The Spaniard is a fan of the wideman’s ability to cut in from the left on to his right foot as the club have ‘lacked that since Neymar left for Paris Saint-Germain’.
    Coman’s speed and ability to unbalance defenders are also said to be among his most desired traits.
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    United are interested in the France international as an alternative to Jadon Sancho.
    Coman – whose current deal runs until 2023 – has been offered £10million-a-year to stay at Bayern.
    But that is still below the £14.5m fellow winger Leroy Sane has been raking in annually since his move from Manchester City.
    And Coman is said to be using his team-mate’s salary as a benchmark in negotiations having recorded better stats on the field.
    He was also reportedly left upset by Bayern’s decision not to award him the iconic No 10 shirt.
    Coman allegedly asked for Arjen Robben’s number after the Dutchman left in 2019 but the club gave it to Philippe Coutinho during his loan season.
    To add insult to injury, ex-City speedster Sane was then handed the No 10 on a permanent basis last term.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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    Real Madrid offer Sergio Ramos last-minute new contract but fear Man Utd transfer target Raphael Varane wants out

    REAL MADRID are reportedly ready to offer Sergio Ramos a last-gasp new deal.But Los Blancos chiefs fear defensive partner and Manchester United transfer target Raphael Varane wants out this summer.
    Sergio Ramos is set to be offered a last-gasp deal by Real MadridCredit: Getty
    Los Blancos chiefs fear Man Utd target Raphael Varane could leave this summerCredit: Getty
    AS claims Carlo Ancelotti wants to work with a ‘smaller’ squad after his stunning Bernabeu return.
    David Alaba has already been snapped up on a free transfer from Bayern Munich.
    And there is now an abundance of defenders at the capital club.
    It’s believed the likes of Nacho, Eder Militao and Jesus Vallejo are sweating over their futures.
    But long-serving captain Ramos will be offered a new one-year contract by Ancelotti.
    The veteran centre-back, 35, is set to become a free agent at the end of the month when his current deal expires.
    Ramos made just 15 LaLiga appearances this term after being hit by injury problems.
    But Ancelotti wants to keep the skipper amid Premier League links.
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    And a new deal is in the works to extend Ramos’ stay for a 17th season.
    However, Real are not so confident over star man Varane.
    The French World Cup winner, 28, is out of contract in 2022.
    Manchester United have been strongly linked with a move, as have Champions League winners Chelsea.
    Real are desperate for Varane to stay put as one of Ancelotti’s key men.

    But it’s thought the defender is considering an exit this summer after entering his prime years.
    Varane has been at Real since 2011 and won all there is on offer.
    He is now said to be eager to test himself in a new league.
    And Varane could be heading to England amid interest from some of the Premier League’s top clubs.
    Varane’s reluctance to discuss a new contract with Real means the cash-strapped Spaniards will be forced to sell him this summer.
    If not, Real risk losing Varane for nothing in 2022, which they are unwilling to consider after being hit in the pocket by the coronavirus pandemic.
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    Atletico Madrid ‘slap £30m price tag on Kieran Trippier’ as Man Utd line up transfer swoop for England defender

    ATLETICO MADRID will demand £30million for right-back Kieran Trippier, according to reports.Manchester United are believed to be interested in the England star, who started at left-back in England’s 1-0 win against Croatia at Euro 2020.
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    Atletico Madrid star Kieran Trippier, 30, is reportedly wanted by Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
    According to The Mirror, Atletico will not let Trippier leave the Spanish capital unless a potential suitor bids £30m.
    Reports claim United have offered £10m for the ex-Tottenham defender – around half of what Atletico paid for him two years ago.
    The Old Trafford club are said to be willing to offer up to £20m for Trippier, who helped his current employers win LaLiga last season.
    He’s also been linked with Arsenal, with rumours suggesting they may agree a swap deal with Atletico for Spanish defender Hector Bellerin.
    But, as SunSport revealed earlier this month, Trippier is keen on a move to Manchester – telling his England colleagues he wants to join Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team.
    The 30-year-old is from nearby Bury and spent four seasons at Lancashire side Burnley before moving to Spurs in June 2015.
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    Man Utd’s biggest transfers ever, both in and out, including Ronaldo
    And reports suggest Trippier has been looking at houses in the Greater Manchester area.
    One United legend that isn’t in favour of signing the Manchester City academy graduate is Rio Ferdinand, who believes the club should keep their faith in current right back Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
    The Red Devils have been linked with a number of players in the last few days, with Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho believed to be top of their shortlist.
    Another attacking threat they’re rumoured to be keen on is Bayern Munich star Kingsley Coman – and he is said to want out of the German club.
    And there is speculation about a second Atletico player – Saul Niguez – with United, Chelsea, Bayern, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain all believed to be interested in the Spain international.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

    Kieran Trippier in training drills with Atletico Madrid More

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    Leicester consider shock £20m Philippe Coutinho transfer offer as Barcelona look to offload flop

    LEICESTER CITY are considering a shock move for Barcelona star Philippe Coutinho, according to reports.The ex-Liverpool playmaker has struggled in Spain and the Foxes are rumoured to be thinking of making a £20million bid – around a fifth of what Barca paid for the player in 2018.
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    Philippe Coutinho, 29, worked under current Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers at LiverpoolCredit: Bradley Ormesher – The Times
    According to Mundo Deportivo, the 29-year-old is likely to leave Barcelona this summer.
    And the report claims Premier League side Leicester are one of the clubs interested in signing him.
    Current Foxes manager Brendan Rodgers worked with Coutinho during his spell in charge of Liverpool and the Brazilian midfielder was part of the team that nearly won the Prem in 2013-14.
    Leicester are rumoured to be considering a £20m offer, although Barcelona will want to recuperate much of the reported £105m they paid for Coutinho three-and-a-half years ago.
    But the Spanish giants reportedly want to get the former Inter Milan star off their wage bill, which may help potential suitors get him on the cheap.
    Coutinho has failed to live up to his billing in Spain, scoring just 15 LaLiga goals.
    He managed just 12 league appearances last term due to injury and lack of form and spent the 2019-20 campaign on loan at Bayern Munich.
    That said, the playmaker has still managed to win the Champions League, Bundesliga, German Cup, Spanish Cup and LaLiga twice since leaving Anfield in January 2018.
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    Coutinho was one of Liverpool’s best players before his departure, scoring 41 goals in 152 Premier League appearances during a five-year spell.
    And he’s recently been linked with a return to England as both Arsenal and Everton are believed to be interested in acquiring his services.
    Barcelona reportedly want to get rid of EIGHTEEN players this summer, including World Cup winner Antoine Griezmann and club legend Sergio Busquets.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

    Philippe Coutinho shows of his skills in Barcelona training More

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    Eden Hazard ‘100 per cent sure’ he will stay at Real Madrid and not ‘leave as a failure’ amid Chelsea return talk

    EDEN HAZARD has distanced himself from rumours of a shock move to Chelsea after vowing to hit form for Real Madrid.After two years in Spain, the winger is still yet to shine despite initially costing his team around £100million.
    Eden Hazard is aiming for Euro 2020 glory with BelgiumCredit: AFP
    Talk has even emerged that he wants to rejoin Chelsea, with Roma also interested, but the 30-year-old is desperate to prove himself to the Bernabeu faithful.
    He told Belgian newspaper Het Nieuwsblad: “It didn’t even occur to me for a second that it would be better if I left.
    “I’m not going to leave a failure. I want to show that I am made for Real Madrid.
    “The last two years have been difficult. I was in Madrid without actually being in Madrid, you know? And if I played, it was difficult because of Covid.
    “We played in a stadium without fans – I had just signed to play football in a full Bernabeu.
    “I hope that the construction of our stadium will be finished soon and that the stands will be full again. I need that.”
    I’m only myself when I can have fun on the pitch. That has not happened in the last two years at Madrid.Eden Hazard
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     Hazard has played 43 times for Los Blancos, scoring five goals, yet has been unable to string a long run of games together due to multiple injury issues.
    And he has admitted that he is feeling the mental effects of his absences.
    The Belgian continued: “I’m still the same – I still have fun. But I can’t say I’m happy.
    “I’m only myself when I can have fun on the pitch. That has not happened in the last two years at Madrid.
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    “You rehabilitate to come back stronger but if there are five, six, seven injuries, it is much more difficult mentally.
    “But I carry on. It’s not like I’m 36 and can say enough is enough. I also get a lot of support during those periods.”
    Hazard is not expecting to start in Belgium’s Euro 2020 opener against Russia on Saturday but could feature off the bench.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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    Real Madrid starlet Takefusa Kubo scores outrageous quadruple nutmeg goal for Japan against Jamaica

    REAL MADRID star Takefusa Kubo nutmegged FOUR players to score a wonderful goal against Jamaica on Saturday.Kubo, 20, was featuring for the Japan Olympic team, made up of mostly under-23s players.
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    Takefusa Kubo signed for Real Madrid in 2019 but is yet to make an appearance for the club
    The winger opened the scoring in the first half, cutting in from the right flank to fire low into the goal.
    Remarkably, the ball flew through the legs of three defenders and goalkeeper Dillion Barnes, who also plays for QPR.
    The stunning strike sent Japan on their way to comfortable win.
    Wataru Endo, Ayase Ueda and Ritsu Doan added a further three goals to see off the Reggae Boys in a comfortable 4-0 win.
    But Kubo’s brilliant effort is what the match will be remembered for, and should have impressed the Madrid hierachy.
    Kubo signed for Los Blancos in 2019 but is yet to make a first-team appearance at the Bernabeu.
    He joined Mallorca on loan for the 2019/20 season when he first signed for Madrid, scoring four goals in 35 La Liga games.
    His form led to a bigger move last summer, joining Villereal on a temporary basis before making yet another loan switch to Getafe.

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    Kubo scored just one goal this term in 31 games, although many of his appearances came from the substitute’s bench.
    However, five appearances in the Europa League for Villareal means he won a medal.
    It is now up to new Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti to decide whether to keep Kubo in and around the first team or loan him out for a fourth time.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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