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    ‘Barca are back’ – Barcelona confirm Erling Haaland interest and warn they are ‘big players in transfer market’ again

    JOAN LAPORTA reckons Barcelona are ready to go to battle with Europe’s biggest teams for the signature of Erling Haaland.The Nou Camp president claims his club will be a transfer force to be reckoned with as his side looks to rival Chelsea and Liverpool for the striker’s services.
    Barcelona are reportedly set to rival Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City and Man United for the signature of Erling HaalandCredit: EPA
    Football expert Fabrizio Romano says Barca are drawing up plans to rebuild their side with the LaLiga giants hoping to re-establish themselves as a dominant force.
    On their rumoured interest in the Borussia Dortmund ace, Laporta, 59, reportedly said: “We’re working to build a top team. 
    “Everything is possible if we do things well and I’m sure we will.
    “Top players are open to joining Barca. We’re definitely recovering our status.
    “Everybody in the world should get ready, as we are back as big players in the market.”
    Laporta’s comments come amid reports of the Barca president allegedly meeting super-agent Mino Raiola who represents Haaland, 21, and Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba.
    @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);}LATEST IN SUN BINGO AND VEGAS.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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    And both players are rumoured to be the focus of a potential Barca swoop this year despite the club’s much-reported financial issues.
    The Nou Camp side, who were in debt to the tune of £1.15billion last August, have taken out a bank loan to help with their finances.
    Haaland, who has been on fire in attack this term, is attracting from Real Madrid, Manchester City and Man United, as well as Barca, the Blues and Liverpool.
    The player has a £64million release clause in his contract with Dortmund that will become active this summer – a bargain for a player of his quality.
    Raiola revealed his client had purchased a house in Spain.
    And reports claim the forward has told starstruck fans of his intent to one day play in the country.
    Haaland’s current contract with German giants, which commenced in January 2020, is set to expire in June 2024.
    The forward, who began his senior career at top-flight Norwegian side Bryne, has smashed in 19 goals in 16 games across all competitions this term.
    And Haaland has netted 76 times in 79 games for Dortmund since joining the club two years ago.
    Barca president Joan Laporta claims the Nou Camp outfit are ready to compete for top players in the transfer marketCredit: Rex More

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    Cicinho apologises to Sir Alex Ferguson for snubbing Man Utd transfer in 2005 to join Real Madrid’s Galacticos

    FORMER Manchester United target Cicinho has said sorry to Sir Alex Ferguson on social media for once turning down a move to Old Trafford. The now retired Brazilian right-back revealed he was close to signing for Manchester United in 2005 before Roberto Carlos’ intervention.
    Cicinho has apologised to Ferguson for snubbing the chance to join Man UtdCredit: AFP
    Cicinho opted to sign for Real Madrid, while Ferguson led United to trophy-after-trophy in a glittering era for Man UtdCredit: PA:Press Association
    Legendary left-back Carlos put in a call to Cicinho and convinced him to join Real Madrid at the eleventh hour.
    Recalling the saga on Instagram, Cicinho, 41, jokingly apologised to Ferguson, but admitted he couldn’t turn down the chance to be a part of Madrid’s star-studded line-up.
    He wrote: “Today marks the 16th anniversary of my introduction to @realmadrid.
    “Sorry, Sir Alex Ferguson, but in 2005 @officialrc3 (Roberto Carlos) called Cicinho and in the moment I had to answer.
    “He asked me if I wanted to come and play with him for the Galacticos.
    “It was almost all right for me to go to Manchester United, but how could I say no to the chance to be friends with Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos, (Zinedine) Zidane, (Luis) Figo, (David) Beckham, Robinho, Raul, Julio Baptista, (Iker) Casillas, Sergio Ramos and so on?”
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    Cicinho ultimately chose Madrid over Manchester, signing for a reported £3.5million from Brazilian outfit Sao Paulo.
    But it was Ferguson who had the last laugh, as Cicinho was shipped off to Roma after just 18 months and 32 appearances for the club.
    He won a LaLiga title playing alongside the famous Galacticos, but failed to really establish himself in a side packed full of legends of the game.
    Cicinho was capped 15 times by Brazil, but a promising career faded into mediocrity after his stop-start time in Madrid.
    While at Roma he had spells on loan with Villarreal and former club Sao Paulo, before joining Turkish side Sivasspor to once again link-up with old pal Carlos.
    But the former defender must be left thinking what could have been had he signed on the dotted line with Manchester United.
    ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford More

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    Spanish newspaper jokes that Cristiano Ronaldo has ‘offered himself to Barcelona and contacted Xavi’

    A SPANISH NEWSPAPER has hilariously joked that Cristiano Ronaldo has offered himself to Barcelona as he is unhappy at Manchester United.The Portuguese superstar, they claimed, contacted Barca centre-back Gerard Pique and asked him to speak to Nou Camp boss Xavi about a move.
    Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly offered himself to Barcelona as he is unhappy at Man UtdCredit: Reuters
    But not is all as it seems.
    Spain celebrate their equivalent of April Fool’s Day on December 28 and Mundo Deportivo dreamed up the incredible story as a prank.
    The report suggested his agent Jorge Mendes was already negotiating terms with Barca president Joan Laporta.
    It said Ronnie was aware the cash-strapped Catalans are looking for a goalscorer.
    And so he contacted Xavi ‘a few days ago’ after an introduction by his former United team-mate Pique.
    Several high-profile Barca execs were said to have thought the transfer of the Real Madrid legend was a joke when they first heard.
    The story hilariously added that Pique even asked Lionel Messi if his arch-nemesis could rent his house from him if Ronaldo joined.
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    The joke was perfectly timed with Ronaldo cutting an unhappy figure at Manchester United.
    After his side only managed a 1-1 draw with Newcastle, he stormed straight down the tunnel without acknowledging the travelling fans.
    Red Devils legend Gary Neville was fuming with his old pal over the snub.
    ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
    Ronaldo most recently played at the Nou Camp with Juventus last year.
    He scored two penalties taking his total number of career goals against Barcelona to a staggering 34.
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    Spanish newspaper jokes that Ronaldo has ‘offered himself to Barcelona and has contacted Xavi’

    A SPANISH NEWSPAPER has hilariously joked that Cristiano Ronaldo has offered himself to Barcelona as he is unhappy at Manchester United.The Portuguese superstar, they claimed, contacted Barca centre-back Gerard Pique and asked him to speak to Nou Camp boss Xavi about a move.
    Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly offered himself to Barcelona as he is unhappy at Man UtdCredit: Reuters
    But not is all as it seems.
    Spain celebrate their equivalent of April Fool’s Day on December 28 and Mundo Deportivo dreamed up the incredible story as a prank.
    The report suggested his agent Jorge Mendes was already negotiating terms with Barca president Joan Laporta.
    It said Ronnie was aware the cash-strapped Catalans are looking for a goalscorer.
    And so he contacted Xavi ‘a few days ago’ after an introduction by his former United team-mate Pique.
    Several high-profile Barca execs were said to have thought the transfer of the Real Madrid legend was a joke when they first heard.
    The story hilariously added that Pique even asked Lionel Messi if his arch-nemesis could rent his house from him if Ronaldo joined.
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    The joke was perfectly timed with Ronaldo cutting an unhappy figure at Manchester United.
    After his side only managed a 1-1 draw with Newcastle, he stormed straight down the tunnel without acknowledging the travelling fans.
    Red Devils legend Gary Neville was fuming with his old pal over the snub.
    ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
    Ronaldo most recently played at the Nou Camp with Juventus last year.
    He scored two penalties taking his total number of career goals against Barcelona to a staggering 34.
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    Barcelona board and Xavi split on raiding Chelsea for Azpilicueta and Christensen despite duo ‘willing to join for free’

    BARCELONA are pondering a move for Chelsea pair Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas Christensen, Spanish reports say. The Blues defensive duo are both out of contract at the end of the season, and yet to renew their deals.
    Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas Christensen are both linked with BarcelonaCredit: Andy Hooper-The Daily Mail
    Unless they sign a contract extension, in January they are allowed to start negotiating a free transfer abroad.
    According to Sport, both Azpilicueta, 30, and Christensen, 25, are keen on a move to Barca, with the LaLiga giants also interested.
    But it is claimed no official offers have been made to the pair.
    Juventus’ Matthijs de Ligt, 22, is said to be Barca boss Xavi’s preferred choice, but a far more expensive one at that.
    That means the club legend oculd soon be at odds with his cash-strapped bosses.
    Especially with fund now even lower after the club somehow funded the £55million deal for Man City’s Ferran Torres.
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    Chelsea also face losing Antonio Rudiger, 28, with the German also facing six months left on his deal.
    And there is growing concern from Stamford Bridge that the German will not renew, with Real Madrid a heavily linked alternative.
    Contrary to reports in Spain, club captain Azpilicueta on the other hand is willing to stay and fight for his place, The Athletic say.
    But Chelsea have long had a policy of only offering players over 30 one-year extensions.
    Christensen meanwhile could be closing in on a new deal, along with Thiago Silva, journalist  Gianluca Di Marzio reported.
    Silva, 37, signed on a free from PSG in 2019 and was handed one year with the option to extend.
    That was triggered, but the Brazilian is set to now sign another 12-month deal.
    Thiago Silva and Antonio Rudiger are both out of contract at the end of the seasonCredit: Reuters More

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    Ronaldo ‘offers himself to Barcelona and has contacted Xavi and Pique over transfer exit as he is unhappy’ at Man Utd

    CRISTIANO RONALDO has offered himself to Barcelona as he is unhappy at Manchester United, according to reports.The Portuguese superstar is said to have contacted Barca centre-back Gerard Pique and asked him to speak to Nou Camp boss Xavi about a move.
    Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly offered himself to Barcelona as he is unhappy at Man UtdCredit: Reuters
    His agent Jorge Mendes is also already negotiating terms with Barca president Joan Laporta, according to Mundo Deportivo.
    Ronnie is aware the cash-strapped Catalans are looking for a goalscorer.
    He is said to have contacted Xavi ‘a few days ago’ thanks to an introduction by his former United team-mate Pique.
    Mendes has a good relationship with Laporta and the pair are already discussing the viability of the move.
    Several high-profile Barca execs were said to have thought the transfer of the Real Madrid legend was a joke when they first heard.
    Ronaldo is said to be unhappy at Old Trafford with the team still struggling despite his added goals.
    @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);}
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    The 36-year-old is also said to be unconvinced by Ralf Rangnick’s methods.
    Pique reportedly conveyed Ronnie’s thoughts to Xavi.
    And the Barca boss is said to have replied: “Goals and experience he can give us, it is unquestionable.”
    But the former midfield maestro asked the defender to go back and check where Ronaldo wants to play.
    ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
    And in what would be a dramatic twist, Pique also asked Lionel Messi if his arch-nemesis could rent his house from him if Ronaldo joined.
    Ronaldo most recently played at the Nou Camp with Juventus last year.
    He scored two penalties taking his total number of career goals against Barcelona to a staggering 34.
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    Man Utd ‘reject Sevilla loan bid for Anthony Martial’ as Red Devils want all of his wages covered and a loan fee on top

    MANCHESTER UNITED have reportedly rejected a loan bid for Anthony Martial from Sevilla.The Spanish club are said to have made a straight loan proposal with no option or obligation to buy clauses.
    Man Utd have reportedly rejected a loan offer from Sevilla for Anthony MartialCredit: Alamy
    According to Sky Sports News, the Spanish club wanted the French forward until the end of the season.
    However, ESPN later reported that the deal had been batted away by United over wages.
    United are said to want ALL of Martial’s wages covered in the deal, with a loan fee on top.
    Sevilla are said to have only offered to pay half of Martial’s reported weekly wage of £250,000.
    United are said to be happy to keep Martial in January if their terms are not met – even though he has made it clear he wants to leave.
    Martial’s agent has already stated that his client wants to move next month, despite his contract not expiring until June 2024.
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    But last week, Rangnick told Martial ‘Forget about leaving in January because NOBODY wants you’.
    He confirmed the French international told him he wants out of Old Trafford.
    But Rangnick said the Red Devils will only sell the 26-year-old next month if it suits the club.
    United are still fighting in three competitions and seem certain to have a busy end to the season.
    Rangnick said: “Yes we spoke on Wednesday. We spoke at length.
    “He explained to me he’s been at Manchester United now for seven years and he feels it’s the right time for a change, to go somewhere else.
    “In a way this is understandable, I could follow his thoughts but on the other hand, it’s also important to see the situation of the club.
    “We have Covid times, we have three competitions in which we still have high ambitions.
    “I told him as long as there is no club showing interest in him, and it should not only be in the interest of the player it should also be in the interest of the club.
    “So far, as far as I know, there has been no offer from any other club and as long as this is the case he will stay.”
    ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
    Martial’s agent Philippe Lamboley irritated Rangnick earlier this month by going public with his client’s desire to leave prior to discussing it with the United boss.
    The striker, who cost £36million from Monaco in 2015 in a deal that could rise to £58m, has started only three matches in all competitions this season with the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo limiting his opportunities.
    Martial has made ten appearances in all competitions this season, scoring twice.
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    Former Arsenal midfielder Dani Ceballos set for £8.5m permanent transfer from Real Madrid to Real Betis

    FORMER Arsenal midfielder Dani Ceballos is reportedly set for an £8.5million January transfer from Real Madrid to Real Betis.The Spaniard has not played a minute for Los Blancos this season and his Bernabeu career looks to be over.
    Dani Ceballos is set to leave Real Madrid for Real Betis in an £8.5m January moveCredit: Getty
    Betis are willing to cough up £8.5m while Real want around £12.5m, according to Mundo Deportivo.
    Despite the difference in valuation, both sides are optimistic a deal can be done.
    Ceballos, 25, is said to have a ‘burning desire’ to return to his old club.
    Madrid signed him from Betis for around £13m in 2017.
    But he has been an outcast in the Spanish capital since picking up a horror ankle injury with Spain in the Tokyo Olympics.
    If the move goes through, Ceballos would link up with former Manchester City and West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini.
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    Betis are currently third in LaLiga.
    Jose Mourinho’s Roma have also been keeping tabs on Ceballos.
    Mourinho made no secret of his desire to bring in a midfielder last summer and was said to be keen on Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka.
    And the Gunners are also said to be monitoring Ceballos’ situation – whose contract expires in June 2023.
    Ceballos scored two goals and added five assists in 77 games for the Gunners and was part of their FA Cup-winning team in 2019-20.
    ⚽ Get all the latest Arsenal news, updates and transfer gossip with our live blogs
    But the Spaniard underwhelmed during his Emirates spell and was allowed to return to his parent club after two disappointing Premier League seasons in North London.
    Ceballos admitted shortly after leaving that he struggled to adapt to life in the Premier League, saying: “I like the Spanish league more, it suits my game better.”
    The club opted to sign his Real team-mate Martin Odegaard instead in a £34m deal and the Norwegian has enjoyed a decent start to life since becoming a Gunner.
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