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    Man Utd revive transfer interest in Kieran Trippier with Solskjaer ‘unhappy’ with Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s attacking output

    MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly in the hunt for Kieran Trippier as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looks to improve his options at right-back.Aaron Wan-Bissaka was the only natural option for the position throughout the 2020-21 season and the Red Devils manager is said to have reservations about relying on the 23-year-old.
    Kieran Trippier has just won LaLiga with Atletico MadridCredit: Getty
    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reportedly wants an alternative to Aaron Wan-BissakaCredit: AP
    According to Manchester Evening News, the incumbent’s offensive output disappointed Solskjaer.
    The stats do not favour Wan-Bissaka, who has long been seen as a primarily defensive player.
    For example, fellow full-back Luke Shaw completed more than half his tally of key passes (72 to 31) and contributed one more assist (five to four) in the recent Premier League campaign.
    Therefore United are reportedly looking at Trippier as a signing who could offer something different and help break defences down.
    Atletico Madrid signed the 30-year-old from Tottenham two years ago and he was a regular in the Spaniards’ LaLiga title win.
    But he is out of contract in 2022 and a fee well below the £20million that Atleti paid for him is thought to be enough to tempt a sale.

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    It is said that Manchester-born Trippier is already making arrangements to return to England and be closer to his family.
    And interest in his services could increase if he stars for England at Euro 2020.
    On Wednesday, the ex-Manchester City defender showed his versatility by switching to the left side of defence for the 1-0 win over Austria.
    Trippier recently played down any talk of leaving Madrid and expressed his delight at making the squad despite fears he would be forgotten while playing abroad.
    He said: “I’m enjoying myself so much out there.
    “I’m just fully focused on doing the best I can for my club. I’m absolutely delighted I won the title out there.
    I’m enjoying myself, loving it, my family are enjoying it, there’s sunshine every single day.Kieran Trippier

    “People might not focus on me as much because I’m out there in Spain, the Premier League is the Premier League.
    “But I’m enjoying myself, loving it, my family are enjoying it, there’s sunshine every single day so I just need to keep doing as well as I can for Atletico.
    “I’m delighted I’ve done that and now I’m part of England. I know Gareth watches the games along with his staff.
    “So for me it’s just about doing as well as I can at the highest level to try to be selected for as long as I can with the national team.”
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    Sergio Aguero in second Covid scare as Barcelona new boy ‘returns false positive test’

    SERGIO AGUERO tested positive for Covid just days after signing for Barcelona.But it was a false result as a second test came back negative soon after.
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    Sergio Aguero returned a false positive Covid result when reporting for international dutyCredit: Getty
    The first result threatened to keep the 33-year-old out of Argentina’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Colombia and the Copa America later this summer.
    But his father Leonel del Castillo confirmed it was just a false alarm.
    Aguero is believed to have tested positive after a rapid test carried out at the Argentinian Football Association’s HQ in Buenos Aires.
    The Manchester City legend took the test soon after his arrival for international duty on Tuesday morning – his 33rd birthday.
    There were initial fears he would have to quarantine for the second time this year.
    But his dad confirmed his son returned a negative PCR test result soon after.
    He told radio station La Red: “He took five tests last week and yesterday’s AFA test was positive but they already did another more complex test and it was negative.
    “So yesterday’s was a false positive.”
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    “El #KunAguero se hizo 5 test la última semana y el de ayer de AFA le dio positivo pero ya le hicieron otro más complejo y dio negativo. O sea q el de ayer fue un falso positivo”. NO TIENE COVID.— Veronica Brunati 💚 (@verobrunati) June 2, 2021

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    Aguero was forced to quarantine with girlfriend Sofia Calzetti in February after the pair contracted the virus then.
    Argentina host Chile at 1am UK time on Friday before they travel to Colombia on Wednesday.
    Aguero will leave the Etihad at the end of the month and join Barcelona on a free transfer after agreeing personal terms and completing his medical at the Nou Camp.
    He also shelled out a staggering £60,000 to buy every single member of Man City’s backroom staff a watch – AND enter them into a raffle to win his brand new car as he departed.
    According to The Athletic, the Man City icon bought everyone either a Tag Heuer of Hublot watch, with some models – including the Tag Heuer Formula 1, valued at up to £1,650.
    Each watch was engraved with the words: “Gracias! Kun Aguero.”
    The striker also entered every member of staff into a raffle to win his Range Rover Evoque.
    It’s claimed one of Aguero’s favourite Man City employees won the car – one of the City kit men.
    The Athletic claim Aguero is a fan of the unnamed member of staff’s ‘work ethic and personality’.
    The generous Argentine is also said to have contributed ‘far above’ the norm to the end-of-season kitty that goes towards staff Christmas presents later in the year.
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    Carlo Ancelotti opens the door for Gareth Bale return as former Everton boss is unveiled for second time at Real Madrid

    CARLO ANCELOTTI was welcomed back as Real Madrid boss and insisted Gareth Bale can also return as a major hit.Ancelotti tipped Spurs loanee Bale and £100million flop Eden Hazard to bounce back as “important players”.
    Carlo Ancelotti returned to Real Madrid, saying Gareth Bale, Eden Hazard and Sergio Ramos can still have big futures thereCredit: Instagram @realmadrid
    Gareth Bales, seen training with Wales for the Euros, is sure to have been encouraged by Carlo Ancelotti’s words of supportCredit: Getty
    The ex-Everton chief was unveiled following six years away after predecessor Zinedine Zidane quit last week.
    And straight away Ancelotti offered hope to under-fire big names like Wales superstar Bale, skipper Sergio Ramos, ex-Chelsea playmaker Hazard, midfield creator Isco and left-back Marcelo.
    But although volunteering that he “loved” Cristiano Ronaldo, Ancelotti refused to speak publicly about trying to re-sign the Juventus ace, 36.
    He said: “I’ve just arrived. Have to talk about Ramos with the club in the next few days.
    “I have a lot of love still for Gareth Bale, Isco, Marcelo… they will have motivation to show they can still play for Real Madrid.
    “Eden Hazard? He’s a top player, he’ll show his skills. Hazard and Bale can be so important for us.”   
    Of Real legend Ron, Ancelotti noted: “I’ve a great relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo, I love him… 
    “But it’s not correct to talk about Cristiano as he’s under contract with Juventus.” 
    And he also suggested defensive icon Ramos, 35, can remain a mainstay.
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    Ramos was axed from the Spain squad for the Euros after winning 180 caps.
    But despite the centre-back’s injury-hit season, Ancelotti said: “Sergio Ramos is a very important player.
    “I know there are talks… but I don’t know the details… when I do, I can say more. I’ll talk with the club about Ramos’ future.”
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    Carlo Ancelotti confirmed as new Real Madrid manager as Everton boss makes shock return to Bernabeu to replace Zidane More

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    Real Madrid ‘approached Jose Mourinho about replacing Zinedine Zidane before appointing Carlo Ancelotti’

    REAL MADRID approached Jose Mourinho about replacing Zinedine Zidane BEFORE they hired Carlo Ancelotti, according to reports.Los Blancos got in touch with the Portuguese at the end of last week but having agreed to take the Roma gig on May 4, the SunSport columnist turned it down.
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    Real Madrid asked Jose Mourinho to take over from Zinedine ZidaneCredit: Dan Charity / The Sun
    Los Blancos approached the Special One before they appointed former Everton boss Carlo AncelottiCredit: PA
    Mourinho was informally approached by Real at the end of last week before they made contact again over the weekend, according to the Telegraph.
    Both Mourinho and Ancelotti have previously managed Real.
    But Mourinho – who was sacked by Tottenham in April – made it clear he had no interest in a return as he had agreed to take the Roma job and is excited by the challenge ahead.
    Real’s Champions League status is in doubt next season with the threat of a Uefa ban hanging over their heads as a result of their involvement in the renegade European Super League plot.
    They also have crippling debts in the region of £1BILLION which could limit their spending.
    Despite their woes, Real managed to persuade Everton to part with Ancelotti swiftly.
    And they announced the Italian as their new boss on Tuesday.
    The LaLiga giants had been on the hunt for a new boss ever since Zidane’s departure last week following a sub-par 2020-21 campaign.

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    Ancelotti is returning to the club he managed between 2013 and 2015 on a three-year deal.
    The 61-year-old had been under contract at Goodison Park until the end of the 2023-24 season.
    But after the Toffees’ Champions League pursuit crumbled – eventually finishing the season in tenth – Ancelotti terminated his contract to head back to the Spanish capital.
    The former Chelsea boss said: “I would like to thank the board of directors, the players, and the Evertonians for the tremendous support they have all given me during my time at the club.
    “I have complete respect for everyone associated with Everton and hope they can achieve the exciting opportunities they have in front of them.
    “While I have enjoyed being at Everton I have been presented with an unexpected opportunity which I believe is the right move for me and my family at this time.”
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    I leave taking with me all the amazing moments we have experienced together and wish the Club and fans all the best. pic.twitter.com/69kErk9u8J— Carlo Ancelotti (@MrAncelotti) June 1, 2021

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    How Real Madrid could line up under Ancelotti with Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe but no return for James Rodriguez

    CARLO ANCELOTTI’S return to Real Madrid could lead to a sudden change of fortunes for a number of players and transfer targets – including Cristiano Ronaldo.On Tuesday, the Italian was snapped up from Everton to replace Zinedine Zidane.
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    How Real Madrid may line up if Kylian Mbappe and Cristiano Ronaldo sign
    Having won the Champions League during his first stay at the Bernabeu, between 2013 and 2015, he will be a familiar to much of the squad.
    Key men from that famous win over Atletico Madrid included Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Isco, all of which are entering a huge summer for their careers.
    The prospect of Ronaldo leaving Juventus is still up for discussion ahead of the final year of his contract in Turin.
    Massimiliano Allegri must decide whether he wants to back the winger, 36, or move his top earner on in a bid to bolster the Old Lady’s shaky finances.
    Madrid had previously ruled out a move but Ancelotti’s return may lead to a change of stance.
    The pair worked well together during the coach’s previous stay, leading to a five-star review from his top forward.
    Ronaldo shared a great relationship with Carlo Ancelotti in the mid-2010sCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Kylian Mbappe is tipped to join Karim Benzema in MadridCredit: AFP
    Ronaldo declared in 2015: “He’s like a big teddy bear, he’s really sensitive and is a great guy.
    “He would speak with us every day, but not just with me, with all of the players. He had great fun with us.
    “He’s a great person and my only wish is that every player gets the chance to work with him because he’s such a great guy and a fantastic coach.
    “I miss him a lot. I want to work with him again, but I’m doing fine now too. I’m working with a new coach and I’m happy now too. But it’s great to have these good memories of him.”
    Kylian Mbappe is thought to be a top target for Real but the club will not be able to afford multiple megastars despite going over a year without a signing.
    Should the Paris Saint-Germain star not arrive, attention could be placed on the defence amid Sergio Ramos’ potential departure.
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    Potential XI if Jules Kounde, Gareth Bale and Gianluigi Donnarumma are favoured
    Raphael Varane could too leave if he refuses to sign a new deal.
    The Frenchman’s exit to Manchester United may open the door to £60million-rated Sevilla star Jules Kounde, who is linked with both Madrid and the Red Devils and is open to a switch.
    Already snapped up is David Alaba, who joins as a free agent from Bayern Munich, and AC Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma is much-fancied ahead of his Rossoneri contract expiring.
    Ancelotti will also have to decide how much of Zidane’s planned squad clearout he wants to carry out.

    Isco and Gareth Bale were both eyed for exits but arguably enjoyed their best years under the Italian, leading to a potential reprieve.
    Bringing Ronaldo and Bale back into the fold could mean one last outing alongside Karim Benzema in the famed BBC frontline that won multiple titles at home and abroad.
    However, other stars of Ancelotti’s first spell such as James Rodriguez and Angel Di Maria are not thought to be on his agenda.
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    Carlo Ancelotti ‘seals shock Real Madrid return to replace Zinedine Zidane with Everton contract terminated’

    REAL MADRID have appointed Carlo Ancelotti as Zinedine Zidane’s replacement, according to reports. The LaLiga giants are on the hunt for a new boss following the Frenchman’s departure last week.
    Carlo Ancelotti could be in line for a surprising return to the Real Madrid dugoutCredit: PA
    And according to The Athletic, the club have made a move to bring Ancelotti back to the Bernabeu.
    The Italian spent two seasons in charge at Real from 2013 to 2015, winning 75 per cent of his 119 matches and lifting the Champions League, Copa del Rey and Club World Cup, before his brutal sacking.
    Ancelotti, 61, is under contract at Goodison Park until 2024 and guided them to a disappointing tenth-placed finish this season.
    He made it clear he wants to remain in charge until Everton relocate to their new stadium – but the allure of Real Madrid is too strong for the Toffees to withstand.
    According to the report, Ancelotti has been announced as Madrid manager – with his agents having agreed on a termination of his Everton contract and an official announcement to follow.
    The Toffees are now looking at a return for David Moyes or the arrival of Nuno Espirito Santo.
    Mauricio Pochettino and Antonio Conte have both also been targeted for the job.
    But given PSG’s determination to keep Pochettino, and various ‘complications’ with hiring Conte – Madrid want Ancelotti.
    Club president Florentino Perez is eager to appoint a new boss ASAP, and doesn’t want to get drawn into long negotiations.
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    Former players Raul and Xabi Alonso have also been linked, but aren’t getting the job this time around.
    Zidane wrote an open letter to Los Blancos supporters on Monday explaining why he walked away from the Bernabeu after a trophyless season.
    He said: “I’m going, but I’m not jumping overboard, nor am I tired of coaching.
    “I’m leaving because I feel the club no longer has the faith in me I need, nor the support to build something in the medium or long term.
    “I’m a natural-born winner and I was here to win trophies, but even more important than this are the people, their feelings, life itself and I have the sensation these things have not been taken into account.
    “I would have liked my relationship with the club and the president over the past few months to have been a little different to that of other coaches.”

    Zinedine Zidane walked away after believing he did not have the faith or support from the Bernabeu boardCredit: Getty

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    Lionel Messi’s wife Antonela shares loved-up pics of pair in Argentina after Aguero hints pal will STAY at Barcelona

    LIONEL MESSI’s wife Antonela has shared loved-up pictures of the couple back in Argentina.Barcelona’s No10 was given permission to jet back to his homeland with his family ahead of his club’s last LaLiga game of the season against Eibar.
    Messi and Antonela have been chilling out in ArgentinaCredit: Instagram @antonelaroccuzzo
    The loved up couple jetted out last weekCredit: Instagram @antonelaroccuzzo
    Alongside Antonela and their three kids, Messi has been relaxing at home ahead of what is set to be a chaotic Copa America.
    The 33-year-old flew to Argentina without yet renewing his contract at Barcelona, which is set to expire DURING the Copa on June 30.
    But his old pal Sergio Aguero is hopeful that they will play together next season, after the Manchester City legend penned a two-year deal in Catalonia.
    The 32-year-old said: “I talk to Leo every day and he sent me a congratulatory message.
    “Now that I will have him every day it will be much easier.
    “What happens with Leo will be the decision of the club but it is a pleasure and a pride to play with Leo.
    “If he continues, which I think he will, I will try to give everything as he has always done.”
    Aguero also gushed about how good it feels to have joined Barcelona.

    Sergio Aguero officially joined Barca last weekCredit: Reuters
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    He continued: “I didn’t even hesitate. I didn’t want someone else to talk to me, just Barca.
    “Guardiola, when we won the Premier League, he told me ‘You’re going to the best team in the world’.
    “For me, since I was a child – and now also because Leo is here – this is the greatest team.
    “As a boy I said one day they will surely notice me and here I am.
    “I will help to win and do great things. Except for last season, at City I have had nine very good years and above all I have been able to help the team achieve important things.
    “Last year, due to my knee, I could not be at the maximum, and also after Covid, but later on I felt good and the knee is perfect. Now we just have to show it here.”
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    Barcelona sign Eric Garcia on free transfer and stick eye-watering £344M release clause into ex-Man City ace’s contract

    BARCELONA have announced the signing of Eric Garcia on a free transfer from Manchester City.The defender broke into Pep Guardiola’s side last season, but rarely featured this time around as speculation rumbled around his future.
    Eric Garvia has been officially unveiledCredit: AFP
    Garcia, 20, was presented at his new homeCredit: AFP
    The former Man City defender was unveiled behind closed doorsCredit: EPA

    Garcia, 20, has now penned a five-year deal at Barcelona containing a £344million release clause, having left the club for City back in 2017.
    He becomes the second City player to join Barca on a free in the last few days, after Sergio Aguero signed for the LaLiga giants last week.
    Garcia will be officially presented to Barcelona fans later today.
    But his unveiling will take place behind closed doors, due to the coronavirus pandemic.
    He originally joined Barca as an eight-year-old, rising through the ranks before leaving for England at 16.
    Garcia went on to make his City debut in 2018, making 35 appearances under Guardiola.
    But opportunities dried up this season, with Garcia only starting three Premier League matches.
    Regardless, he returns to his boyhood club having won a Premier League title and EFL Cup.
    Garcia played for Barca as a kidCredit: Instagram @ericgm3
    NINTCHDBPICT000656721554Credit: AFP
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    He has also earned seven caps for Spain, and was selected by Luis Enrique for his Euro 2020 squad ahead of Sergio Ramos.
    Barcelona’s summer of free transfers isn’t set to stop here, after the arrivals of Aguero and Garcia.
    The cash-strapped side are fully expected to sign two of boss Ronald Koeman’s compatriots in the coming weeks.
    Midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum has said his Liverpool goodbyes, and will join Barca this summer.
    And former Manchester United ace Memphis Depay is also likely to sign upon the conclusion of his contract at Lyon.
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    Eric Garcia looks back at his time at Man City More