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    Atletico Madrid rejected £136m Joao Felix transfer bid from Premier League team amid Man Utd interest

    ATLETICO MADRID rejected a £136million bid for Joao Felix from a Premier League club last year, according to reports.Manchester United were continually linked with the Portuguese star before he made the switch to Spain from Benfica in 2019.
    Joao Felix has helped Atletico to LaLiga glory this seasonCredit: Getty
    But despite the 21-year-old picking LaLiga over England, a third party on behalf of the unnamed Prem side still approached Atletico about a move, according to Goal.
    The reportedly serious bid would have seen the youngster move at the end of last season but the Spanish outfit immediately rejected the approach.
    Atletico paid £126m for his signature in 2019 using money made from Antoine Griezmann’s departure for Barcelona.
    He has teamed up with Luis Suarez this season to help Atletico capture the LaLiga title ahead of Real Madrid and Barcelona.
    Felix is regarded as one of the hottest young talents in Europe and was wanted by United, Manchester City, Juventus and Real Madrid before his switch to the Wanda Metropolitano.
    But some had questioned whether Atletico’s style of play was best suited to Felix’s slight frame.
    Fellow Portuguese Carlos Carvalhal said a move to Atletico’s bitter rivals Real may have been a better fit.
    The manager of Portuguese top flight side Rio Ave said: “Joao Felix is​​ a great player and I don’t want to create controversy with my statements.
    “He is a player with incredible technical ability, but I’m not sure Atletico’s way of playing is the best for him.
    “That was my doubt when he signed for them. Diego Simeone is a great coach, his teams are very strong, very competitive, but Felix does not seem to be the perfect player to be there.

    “In a different situation, we would see a great Felix. It will be a little difficult and it will take more time. He will have to transform as a player.
    “If he had gone to a team like Real Madrid, he would be at a higher level. The context would be more favourable for him.
    “It’s not a criticism of Simeone, there is no doubt about what he has achieved. The work speaks for itself, I just believe this marriage is not the best.”
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    Uefa open disciplinary proceedings against Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus over failed European Super League plot

    UEFA have opened the way to ban Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus from the Champions League after beginning formal disciplinary charges against the rebel trio.Euro chiefs are determined to bring the three Super League ringleaders to heel after the collapse of their breakaway plan.
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    Unlike the Prem Big Six, the two Milan sides and Atletico Madrid, the three clubs have refused to pull the plug on their scheme.
    That has infuriated Uefa President Aleksander Ceferin.
    He is out for revenge and wants to impose two season bans.
    And now that prospect had moved a step closer after Uefa announced its first move.
    In a statement, Nyon officials said: “Following an investigation conducted by UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspectors in connection with the so-called ‘Super League’ project, disciplinary proceedings have been opened against Real Madrid CF, FC Barcelona and Juventus FC for a potential violation of UEFA’s legal framework.
    “Further information will be made available in due course.”
    Uefa has put the screws on all three who now know they face serious sanctions unless they apologise and finally give up the ghost on their concept.
    Despite all six English rebels backing out within 48 hours of the ESL announcement, Real, Barca and Juve have still not backed down.
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    Earlier in May, the trio released a joint statement vowing to go to war with the European chiefs.
    The waffling press release also aimed a dig at the nine clubs who initially formed the ESL but pulled out amid fan fury across the world.
    Days later, the threat of a two-year suspension from European tournaments was thrown down.
    Uefa boss Alexander Ceferin is determined to throw the book at the wantaway rebelsCredit: AFP

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    Man City hope for Eric Garcia cash windfall with Barcelona due to pay compensation over free transfer on five-year deal

    MANCHESTER CITY are hoping for a cash windfall when Spain international defender Eric Garcia rejoins Barcelona next month.The centre-back is poised to sign a five-year deal at the Nou Camp when his contract at the Etihad expires.
    Manchester City are hoping to get a compensation package when Eric Garcia returns to BarcelonaCredit: Getty
    He was rated in the £30million bracket by City when he first indicated he wanted to leave last summer – but is now a free agent.
    However, the Premier League club believe they will be entitled to some kind of compensation for Garcia under Fifa rules.
    He has spent the last four years on their books after originally coming through the ranks with Barca and is still only 20.
    Any sort of settlement is likely to be decided by a tribunal but it will help boost the transfer kitty of Pep Guardiola this summer.
    Garcia’s first-team opportunities have been limited since he indicated last summer he would be signing a new contract.
    He has made 12 appearances so far this term – half of those in the successful Premier League campaign.
    Last year, he earned 20 across all competitions.
    However, despite his lack of game time this season – 858 minutes in total – Garcia earned a call-up into Spain’s Euro 2020 squad.
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    His Manchester City team-mate Aymeric Laporte is also in after switching his international allegiance from France this month.
    However, there was no place for 180-cap defender Sergio Ramos following an injury-hit season.
    Head coach Luis Enrique said: “It was a very difficult decision but Ramos has not been able to compete or train very much recently.
    “I would have liked Ramos to be in the squad but I did not think it was viable because he has practically been unable to compete.”

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    Gini Wijnaldum set to seal Barcelona free transfer after leaving Liverpool in snub to Bayern Munich and PSG

    GEORGINIO WIJNALDUM is set to sign a three-year deal with Barcelona, according to reports.The news will come as a blow to Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain who were also said to be keen on signing the Dutchman on a free as he departs Liverpool.
    Georginio Wijnaldum is set to sign a three-year deal with BarcelonaCredit: Getty
    Wjjnaldum, 30, is out of contract this summer and played his last match for the club on Sunday after five years and 22 goals in 237 appearances.
    He was given a guard of honour as Liverpool beat Crystal Palace on the final day to secure their Champions Lague spot for next season.
    But focus is now on his next move with transfer guru Fabrizio Romano tweeting: “Gini Wijnaldum is set to join Barcelona as a free agent until June 2024 – there’s nothing agreed with FC Bayern, he wants to sign for Barça.
    “Last details and… here we go soon!”
    Earlier this month Wijnaldum’s agent Humphry Nijman urged Bayern to get in touch if they were interested in signing the midfielder.
    And Chelsea and PSG were also said to be keen.
    Wijnaldum had a decorated spell at Liverpool – he won the Premier League, Champions League, Uefa Super Cup and Fifa Club World Cup under Jurgen Klopp.
    He joined Liverpool from Newcastle for £23million in 2016 on a five-year deal.
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    And after Sunday’s game, Wijnaldum said: “I’m fighting against tears right now.
    “The people in Liverpool have shown me love during the five years. I will miss them.
    “I hope to have played many more years for the club but unfortunately things went different. I have to start a new adventure.
    “I knew I went to a big club. I remember that I was sitting in the living room and the manager said when I come to Liverpool we would win prizes.
    “I am happy it went that way. It would have been really painful to leave the club without any.
    “It’s really special. Since I’ve joined the fans have sung my name. Week-in, week-out they saw I was giving 100 per cent to give everything for this club.
    “That’s what the supporters want to see and that’s what they appreciate from me. It is something I’m going to miss.”
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    Luka Modric ends transfer speculation over future as midfielder signs new one-year Real Madrid contract

    LUKA MODRIC has signed a one-year contract extension at Real Madrid, keeping him at the club until 2022.The Croatian’s previous deal had been set to expire at the end of June.
    Luka Modric was flanked by Florentino Perez as he penned his extensionCredit: Instagram @realmadrid
    Perez congratulates ModricCredit: Instagram @realmadrid
    Some speculation had arisen that he could depart Santiago Bernabeu to try something new before the end of his career.
    But the former Spurs midfielder, 35, is loving life at Real Madrid as much as ever.
    Modric celebrated his extension by posing in front of a collection of Madrid’s European Cups, while holding aloft a shirt with ‘Modric 2022’ on the back.
    Alongside the image, Modric wrote on Instagram: “Happy and proud to continue wearing the jersey of the best team in the world. ✍️❤️🙏 #HalaMadrid”
    And he was congratulated by a number of team-mates past and present.
    Karim Benzema commented on his Insta post: “🔥🔥🔥🔥”
    While Lucas Vazquez, himself set to be out of contract, added: “Grande amigo 💪💪💪”
    Former Spurs colleague Robbie Keane wrote: “Congrats mate well deserved 🔥🔥”

    Modric poses in front of a selection of Madrid’s European CupsCredit: Instagram @realmadrid
    Modric will enter his tenth season with the clubCredit: Instagram @realmadrid
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    And Madrid legend Iker Casillas commented: “Grande Trolo!!!!”
    Modric was also praised by fellow midfield maestros past and present.
    Xabi Alonso, 39, wrote: “Grande Luka!!🙌🙌🙌 Legend”
    And Toni Kroos added: “😍😍😍”
    Team-mate Rodrygo Goes wrote: “Vamos papa 🔥😘🔟”
    And Dani Carvajal joked: “💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻 another year holding on to you 🤦🏻‍♂️😂😂”
    Modric, 35, joined Madrid all the way back in 2012Credit: Getty – Contributor
    The midfielder has won four Champions LeaguesCredit: Getty
    Modric joined Madrid from Tottenham back in 2012 for a fee of around £33million.
    The silky operator struggled a little initially, but soon found his feet and became a mainstay of the team.
    Modric has won four Champions Leagues and two LaLiga titles during his time in the Spanish capital.
    And his performance for Croatia on the way to the 2018 World Cup final helped earn him the Ballon d’Or award that year.
    Modric has made 391 appearances for Los Blancos, and is set to pass the 400 mark next season.
    Modric won the Ballon d’Or in 2018Credit: Getty
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    Dani Ceballos confirms Arsenal exit as midfielder sends emotional message to Gunners fans ahead of Real Madrid return

    DANI CEBALLOS has taken to Instagram to thank Arsenal fans as he departs the club for a second time.The Spaniard has spent the last two seasons on loan in North London.
    Dani Ceballos made 77 appearances over two seasons with ArsenalCredit: Reuters
    Ceballos, 24, helped his team win the FA Cup last yearCredit: Getty
    And while things largely haven’t gone well on the pitch in that time, Ceballos, 24, still has plenty of amazing memories to take back to Madrid with him.
    None more so than helping the Gunners win the FA Cup last season.
    Alongside a picture of himself clutching the trophy, he wrote: “Thanks @Arsenal and thanks to all Gunners.🙌🏻
    “For welcoming me with so much love from the very first day I wore this jersey. For letting me experience the feeling of being a Gunner and allowing me to be a part of your family all this time.
    “A complicated year – for many reasons- has come to its end. Especially for having missed the chance of living home matches in the Emirates with our supporters. Still, I assure you that I will never forget your warmth and support in every moment.
    “I am sure that Arsenal, being a historic and great team, will soon be back on top, winning championships and being a reference as it is and always has been. This club, and especially its supporters, deserve it, and I am confident that they will achieve it.
    “Thanks to all those people who are part of the team: coaches, kit men, medical staff, communications and marketing team, employees, managers and especially the supporters.
    “All those persons who so often work quietly giving all they have for this great club.

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    “I want you to know that I have always worked very hard and tried my very best for this crest and this jersey.
    “I wish you all the best and the success that I’m sure will come.
    “💪⚽️ Let’s go Gunners! ⚽️💪
    “GOODBYE. THANKS FOR ALL!”
    A number of team-mates commented on his post, predominantly in emojis, with Hector Bellerin writing: “😔❤️”
    While Bukayo Saka added: “❤️❤️”
    Martin Odegaard, also set to return to Madrid, commented: “🙏🏼❤️”
    Ceballos made 40 Arsenal appearances this season, adding to 37 last term.
    He has two years remaining on his contract at Real Madrid, but is unlikely to figure in their plans moving forward.
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    Barcelona set to axe TEN players in summer transfer cull including Coutinho, Dembele, Umtiti and Griezmann

    BARCELONA president Joan Laporta is ready to wield the axe and cut as many as ten first-team players in a summer overhaul.Antoine Griezmann and Philippe Coutinho are just two star names who could be sold as the Spanish giants look to cure their ailing finances while also turning the team around.
    Antoine Griezmann could lead a huge Barcelona summer clearoutCredit: AFP
    An early exit from the Champions League and the team’s failure in the LaLiga title race have emphasised the need for a fresh approach.
    And, according to Sport, the starting point will be securing Lionel Messi’s contract.
    Barcelona are said to be confident that the Argentine will sign a new deal, allowing them to press ahead with the potential sale of Griezmann.
    If Messi does not stay, the Frenchman’s position in the team will likely change drastically and a higher price tag placed on his head.
    Another major contract extension will also prove vital to the summer with the Catalans reportedly wanting Ousmane Dembele to commit his future by the end of July.
    If the winger does not extend his current deal, which expires in 2022, he will be available for transfer.
    A number of senior players who have not quite hit the high notes at the Camp Nou are named as up for sale, from Coutinho and Miralem Pjanic to Martin Braithwaite, Junior Firpo and Neto.
    One-time Arsenal target Samuel Umtiti could finally move after a torrid time with injuries.
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    Matheus Fernandes is being considered for a sale while academy starlet Riqui Puig may be allowed to leave on loan.
    The futures of Francisco Trincao, Sergino Dest and Clement Lenglet are not thought to be in immediate danger but the potential replacement of coach Ronald Koeman could change that.
    Even club stalwarts Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets and Sergi Roberto are said to not be safe from the clearout as Barcelona attempt to agree a fresh round of pay cuts with the quartet.
    It leaves just Messi, Frenkie de Jong, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Ronald Araujo, Oscar Mingueza, Pedri, Ilaix Moriba and Ansu Fati as indispensable in the eyes of the Blaugrana hierarchy.
    It would not be the first time Barcelona were linked with a huge overhaul after last summer was tipped to feature a major axe-wielding.
    That year, Luis Suarez was controversially allowed to leave for free to eventual champions Atletico Madrid with serious fees brought in for only Nelson Semedo, Marc Cucurella and Carles Perez.
    A cycle has finished, we are entering a process of renewal.Joan Laporta

    Club president Laporta has admitted that he will not be able to move on every unwanted player but is determined to start the ‘process’.
    He recently told the XXIV Festa de L’Esport Catala: “A cycle has finished, we are entering a process of renewal.
    “Starting next week, decisions will be made to build a more competitive team next year in order to win the Champions League and LaLiga.
    “When I talk about the end of the cycle and renewal, it is because I think that is what we must do.”
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    Sergio Aguero next club: Five destinations for exiting Man City striker this summer including Barcelona and MLS transfer

    MANCHESTER CITY legend Sergio Aguero bid farewell to the Etihad faithful in fairytale fashion on Sunday with two goals in his team’s 5-0 thrashing of Everton.But focus has already switched to where he will play next season having confirmed he will leave this summer with his contract expiring next month.
    Sergio Aguero is all but certain to sign for BarcelonaCredit: Getty
    The Argentine scored twice in his final game at the Etihad for City on SundayCredit: Getty
    Barcelona are hot favourites to sign the Argentine superstar.
    The 32-year-old is one of the greatest players in Premier League history and is demanding £200k-a-week from his next team.
    And Pep Guardiola all but confirmed the goal machine will join the Catalan giants in the next few weeks.
    However, nothing has been confirmed yet and SunSport has explored five teams the Argentine international could join including Ronald Koeman’s side.
    BARCELONA
    Speaking after his Premier League champions capped off a phenomenal domestic campaign by thrashing Carlo Ancelotti’s Toffees, ex-Barcelona manager Guardiola appeared to let the cat out the bag.
    He told BBC: “Maybe I reveal a secret. Maybe he [Aguero] is close to agreeing a deal for the club of my heart – for Barcelona.
    “He is going to be playing alongside the best player of all time, [Lionel] Messi. I’m pretty sure he is going to enjoy. And maybe Barcelona are stronger and stronger with him on the pitch.”
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    NEW YORK CITY FC
    A fellow member of the City Football Group, the MLS side would appear to be the obvious option if Aguero was to move Stateside.
    New York are also play a possession based system similar to City’s and are crying out for a frontman to convert it into goals.
    PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN
    The French giants were said to be the first to get in contact with Aguero’s representatives once it became clear he was not going to extend his ten-year stay at City.
    Mauricio Pochettino is reportedly keen on the striker as backup to Kylian Mbappe but the No 1 slot could also become available with the World Cup winner being heavily linked with a move away from the Parc des Princes.
    CHELSEA
    The Blues have been monitoring Aguero’s situation for some time with question marks over goal-shy Timo Werner’s future at the club.
    Erling Haaland is said to be their No 1 target but they could turn to proven Prem ace Aguero should the Norwegian sensation move elsewhere or stay at Borussia Dortmund.
    JUVENTUS
    Having qualified for the Champions League on the final day of the Serie A season thanks to Napoli failing to beat Verona, Juve are in a better financial position than expected.
    Doubts also remain over Cristiano Ronaldo’s future which could free up the wages required to land Aguero and a slot for him in the starting XI.
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