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    Man Utd and Newcastle face missing out on Marcelo Brozovic free transfer as Atletico Madrid prepare offer for Inter star

    MANCHESTER UNITED and Newcastle could reportedly miss out on FREE Inter Milan ace Marcelo Brozovic with LaLiga champions Atletico Madrid interested.The Croatian midfielder’s contract expires next June and he has a host of top clubs interested in signing him.
    Brozovic helped Inter win the Italian title last term under new Spurs boss Antonio ConteCredit: GETTY IMAGES
    According to Fichajes.net, Atletico are keeping a close eye on the 28-year-old’s contract situation.
    The Serie A champions have until January 1 to try and tempt him to stay in Italy.
    If they fail to agree new terms, he can negotiate a pre-contract with other teams.
    And the report states Atletico have already made their move, offering Brozovic a two-year deal with an option for a third.
    Atletico’s interest is a blow to Premier League duo Man Utd and newly rich Newcastle.
    The Red Devils are keen to bolster their midfield ranks and can afford to pay Brozovic the £5million-a-year he’s holding out for.

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    But their poor start to the season could cost them a place in next year’s Champions League, which could play a part in where the cost-effective midfielder ends up going should he decide to leave.
    SunSport also understands the Magpies have Brozovic targeted as one of their first bigger signings next summer.
    The midfielder could be persuaded to leave if the lure of Premier League riches and a new project come in.
    ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford More

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    ‘Life is more important’ – Pep Guardiola tells Aguero not to rush back to football after Barcelona ace’s health scare

    PEP GUARDIOLA told Sergio Aguero he must not try to rush back to football after his health scare at the weekend.Manchester City’s all time leading scorer suffered breathing problems while playing for new club Barcelona at the Nou Camp.
    Sergio Aguero suffered breathing difficulties while playing for BarcelonaCredit: Reuters
    Former boss Pep Guardiola has sent him a message of supportCredit: Getty
    The 33-year-old was taken to hospital for heart tests and will not play again for the next three months while further examinations are carried out.
    His former club have rallied around the Argentine – with Guardiola sending him a clear message that his health and the rest of his life is much more important than what is left of his career.
    The Etihad boss said: “Of course, it is difficult news for everyone. But especially for him and his family.
    “We wish him well, he knows it, from all the people at Manchester City.
    “We wish him a speedy recovery, but it does not matter about the time. Health and life is much more important than anything else and he knows it.
    “I’m pretty sure he is in very good hands, really good doctors will take care of him and he will take care of himself.
    “And come back if he can – otherwise enjoy his life and enjoy what he has done. It depends, I am not a doctor.
    “I don’t know precisely what he has, but be careful and be safe for the rest of his life.”

    Full-back Kyle Walker spent four years as a team-mate of Aguero at City and was shocked by the news.
    The former Tottenham defender also played alongside Christian Eriksen – who suffered a cardiac arrest playing for Denmark at the Euros.
    And he was on the pitch when Bolton’s Fabrice Muamba almost died from a similar problem in an FA Cup tie at White Hart Lane in 2012.
    Walker said: “I think it is a shock when it happens to anyone. I played with Christian and it happened at the Euros to him and you think about him and the family.
    “I am glad Sergio is okay, that is the most important thing. It is a surprise, we are fit athletes and we train every day.
    “His health is more important that football at the moment.
    “We are all human in more ways than one, we make mistakes as every human does and we put in good performances but health is key and without health you are nothing.
    “I spoke to Christian a couple of weeks ago on text message and just said ‘I hope you are okay mate’.
    “I played in the game at Tottenham when Fabrice Muamba went down so I have seen it happen to a few people I have shared a dressing room with.
    “I hope Sergio is OK. Take your time, as long as it takes.”
    Sergio Aguero rushed to hospital in ambulance after suffering ‘breathing problems’ on first Nou Camp start for Barcelona More

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    Man Utd star Paul Pogba ‘chooses Juventus transfer over Real Madrid and PSG but Italians must first sell Aaron Ramsey’

    PAUL POGBA reportedly favours a move back to Juventus in 2022 with Manchester United resigned to losing the midfielder on a free transfer.Though it has been claimed that the Old Lady will have to offload at least two midfielders in order to snap him up – including Arsenal icon Aaron Ramsey.
    Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba could depart the club on a free transfer next summerCredit: Getty
    Juventus midfielder Aaron Ramsey may have to be sold in January in order for the Italians to sign PogbaCredit: Getty
    World Cup winner Pogba is in the final year of his contract at Old Trafford and is free to talk to foreign clubs in the New Year.
    He had hinted at staying at United last month after declaring that he loves playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.
    But SunSport understands that talks to extend his stay at the Theatre of Dreams have been shelved following the 5-0 defeat against Liverpool.
    The 28-year-old, who was sent off against the Reds, has been linked with moves to Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain as well as the Bianconeri.
    But according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Pogba’s priority is to return to Turin to link up with Massimiliano Allegri’s side.
    He is said to have told agent Mino Raiola that Juventus is the club he wants to play for, despite tempting proposals from Los Blancos and Les Parisiens.

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    But the Italian news outlet states that in order to give Pogba a three-year deal, Juve must first offload peripheral figures in their side.
    They state that the Serie A giants will look to sell Ramsey, who is believed to be raking in £400,000-a-week at the Allianz Stadium, in the upcoming transfer window.
    And the club will also try and offload another midfielder not in the plans of Allegri.
    That player could be USA international Weston McKennie, who has been linked with a £25million switch to Tottenham, Aston Villa and West Ham in January.
    Following Pogba’s straight red card against Liverpool, United legend Paul Scholes declared that the Frenchman should never play for the Red Devils again.
    Speaking after the humiliating defeat, he remarked: “Paul Pogba coming on to the pitch at half time to try to help the team and maybe get a little respectability about it, tries to stand on the ball, tries to show how strong he is in the middle of the pitch… gives the goal away.
    “Then later on gets sent off with a ridiculous tackle, now you’re 5-0 down with ten men. You’d have to think, if Ole’s still a manager there, will we see Pogba again in a United shirt?
    “He’s caused mayhem over the last couple of years. Everyone knows what a talent he is, everybody trusts him, every manager trusts him, tried to give him his head and let him be the player he’s been.
    Man Utd’s biggest transfers ever, both in and out, including Ronaldo
    “But with all the commotion, not signing his contract, almost holding the club to ransom, and then he comes on and does something like that.
    “It’s not Ole’s fault, don’t get me wrong, but that’s part of it which almost summed the United performance up today.
    “Look, he probably will play [again] won’t he? But I don’t think they will be missing anything if he doesn’t.
    “He’s had numerous chances, he keeps saying he lacks consistency, but that is just [a lack of] discipline and disrespect for your manager and your teammates, what he’s done today.”
    Paul Scholes urges Paul Pogba to snub transfer and stay at Man Utd as he calls Real Madrid & Barcelona a ‘complete mess’ More

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    ‘Laporta’s words hurt me’ – Lionel Messi slams Barcelona president and insists he was never asked to play for free

    LIONEL MESSI has slammed Barcelona president Joan Laporta for suggesting he could have played for free as he insisted he was never asked to.The 34-year-old departed the Nou Camp in August on a free transfer to Paris Saint-Germain after 21 years spent in Catalonia.
    Argentine forward Lionel Messi swapped Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain in the summerCredit: Getty
    Barcelona president Joan Laporta stated earlier this month he was surprised Messi didn’t offer to play for freeCredit: AFP
    Messi had wanted to remain with the Blaugrana and had agreed to lower his salary by 50 per cent, only for LaLiga to impose a salary cap on the crisis club.
    Speaking earlier this month, Laporta revealed he thought that Messi would have offered to play for nothing instead of linking up with Les Parisiens.
    That is despite Spanish law making it legally impossible for a player to represent a team for free, with the rule in place to avoid financial manipulation.
    Laporta, 59, told RAC1: “With Messi I do not get angry because I appreciate him.
    “I know he had a huge desire to stay, but also a lot of pressure because of the offer he had.
    “Everything indicates that he already had the offer from PSG. Everyone knew that he had a very powerful offer. We knew from Messi that they had a very good offer.”

    Before adding: “I did hope that at the last minute Messi would say that he would play for free. I would have liked that and he would have convinced me.
    “I understand that the league would have accepted it. But we cannot ask that of a player of his level.”
    And Messi has now broken his silence over Laporta’s comments as he declared he has been left ‘hurt’, with the forward stating he did everything possible to stay.
    He told Sport: “The truth is that, as I explained on my way out, I did everything possible to stay, never at any time was I asked to play for free.
    “I was asked to cut my salary by 50 per cent and I did it without any problem. We were in a position to help the club more.
    “The desire of me and my family was to stay in Barcelona. 
    “Nobody asked me to play for free but at the same time, it seems to me that the words said by the president are out of place.
    “They hurt me because I think he doesn’t need to say that, it’s like getting the ball off you and not assuming its consequences, or taking charge of things. 

    “This makes people think or generates a type of doubt that I think I do not deserve.”
    Messi has also declared he does intend to return to Barca in the future, though only when his playing days are over.
    The six-time Ballon d’Or winner is planning to become the club’s ‘technical secretary’ – a role designed to bridge the gap between the boardroom and dressing room, as well as helping to sign players and hire coaches.
    Football fans convinced Lionel Messi played with an injury as PSG star spotted massaging hamstring More

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    Sergio Aguero ‘diagnosed with irregular heartbeat’ after chest pains and breathing issues in Barcelona game

    SERGIO Aguero has reportedly been ‘diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat’, Spanish media claim. The 33-year-old was taken to hospital in an ambulance after suffering from chest pains and breathing difficulties during Barcelona’s 1-1 draw against Alaves.
    Aguero fell to the ground as medics rushed on to help him
    He was seen hunching over and casting a worried look towards the bench
    The striker had a hand on his chest and neck and complained of breathing difficulties
    Thankfully he managed to get back to his feet before being taken to hospital

    He fell to the floor and needed treatment from medics after being seen clutching his chest.
    As well as complaining of chest pains and difficulty breathing, Aguero is reported to have been suffering from a high heart rate.
    Thankfully he made it back to his feet and walked off the pitch but tests at Barcelona Hospital showed the former Manchester City man to have a ‘cardiac arrhythmia,’ according to well-respected Spanish outlet SPORT.
    The report goes on to claim that further in-depth tests will be carried out, but he is said to have already been diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat.
    Spanish outlet Marca also report Aguero will have a full heart check in the coming days to work out the extent of the problem.
    He will be kept under observation and therefore is likely to miss the Champions League clash against Dynamo Kiev on Tuesday.
    Manchester City’s official Twitter account tweeted their support to Aguero
    Raheem Sterling also sent a message of support to Aguero

    Aguero is thought to be ‘calm but worried’ about his situation.
    El Pais report that an arrhythmia may not be something that poses any danger to the striker – but equally it could be an indication of further heart problems.
    The Barca summer signing pointed to his chest while receiving treatment and team-mates checked up on him during worrying scenes.
    But he did not require the stretcher that was brought on for him and was replaced by Philippe Coutinho.
    As a result of the diagnosis, Barcelona have left the Argentina forward out of their Champions League squad to face Dynamo Kiev this week.
    Aguero joined the Catalan giants in the summer after ten trophy-laden years at Manchester City.
    And his former club tweeted their well wishes to Aguero, saying: “Everyone at Manchester City wishes you a speedy recovery, @aguerosergiokun.
    “We’re with you.”
    Raheem Sterling also sent his well wishes to his ex-teammate, tweeting: “Stay strong my brother @aguerosergiokun, we’re all with you. Get well soon.”
    The striker has scored one goal in five appearances in all competitions since his switch to Camp Nou.
    He did miss seven games for Pep Guardiola’s side back in January after struggling with Covid-19.
    And he previously revealed players were ‘scared’ to return to football after the pandemic, saying: “The majority of players are scared because they have children and families.
    “I’m scared but I’m with my girlfriend here and I’m not going to be in contact with other people. I’m locked in my house and the only person I could infect is my girlfriend.”
    The incident follows Christian Eriksen’s cardiac arrest during the Euro 2020 clash between Denmark and Finland.
    The Danish international has been since fitted with a heart-starter device but has been banned from playing in Serie A.
    He was fitted with an ICD (Implantable cardioverter defibrillator) to monitor his heart rhythm -which can also send shocks to the heart if necessary.
    Sergio Aguero rushed to hospital in ambulance after suffering ‘breathing problems’ on first Nou Camp start for Barcelona More

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    Sergio Aguero ‘diagnosed with irregular heartbeat’ after suffering chest pains and breathing problems in Barcelona match

    SERGIO Aguero has reportedly been ‘diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat’, Spanish media are claiming. The 33-year-old was taken to hospital in an ambulance after suffering from chest pains and breathing difficulties during Barcelona’s 1-1 draw with Alaves.
    Aguero fell to the ground as medics rushed on to help him
    He was seen hunching over and casting a worried look towards the bench
    The striker had a hand on his chest and neck and complained of breathing difficulties
    Thankfully he managed to get back to his feet before being taken to hospital

    Manchester City’s official Twitter account tweeted their support to Aguero
    He fell to the floor and needed treatment from medics after being seen clutching his chest.
    As well as complaining of chest pains and difficulty breathing, Aguero is reported to have been suffering from a high heart rate.
    Thankfully he made it back to his feet and walked off the pitch but tests at Barcelona Hospital showed the former Manchester City man to have a ‘cardiac arrhythmia,’ according to well-respected Spanish outlet SPORT.
    The report goes on to claim that further in-depth tests will be carried out, but he is said to have already been diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat.
    Spanish outlet Marca also report Aguero will have a full heart check in the coming days to work out the extent of the problem.
    He will be kept under observation and therefore is likely to miss the Champions League clash against Dynamo Kiev on Tuesday.

    Aguero is thought to be ‘calm but worried’ about his situation.
    El Pais report that an arrhythmia may not be something that poses any danger to the striker – but equally it could be an indication of further heart problems.
    The Barca summer signing pointed to his chest while receiving treatment and team-mates checked up on him during worrying scenes.
    But he did not require the stretcher that was brought on for him and was replaced by Philippe Coutinho.
    Aguero joined Catalan giants Barcelona in the summer after ten trophy-laden years at Manchester City.
    And his former club tweeted their well wishes to Aguero, saying: “Everyone at Manchester City wishes you a speedy recovery, @aguerosergiokun.
    “We’re with you.”
    The striker has scored one goal in five appearances in all competitions since his switch to Camp Nou.
    He did miss seven games for Pep Guardiola’s side back in January after struggling with Covid-19.
    And he previously revealed players were ‘scared’ to return to football after the pandemic, saying: “The majority of players are scared because they have children and families.
    “I’m scared but I’m with my girlfriend here and I’m not going to be in contact with other people. I’m locked in my house and the only person I could infect is my girlfriend.”
    The incident follows Christian Eriksen’s cardiac arrest during the Euro 2020 clash between Denmark and Finland.
    The Danish international has been since fitted with a heart-starter device but has been banned from playing in Serie A.
    He was fitted with an ICD (Implantable cardioverter defibrillator) to monitor his heart rhythm -which can also send shocks to the heart if necessary.
    Sergio Aguero rushed to hospital in ambulance after suffering ‘breathing problems’ on first Nou Camp start for Barcelona More

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    Sergio Aguero rushed to hospital in ambulance for cardiac tests after suffering ‘breathing problems’ in Barcelona game

    SERGIO AGUERO was taken to hospital following a heart scare and breathing difficulties during Barcelona’s 1-1 draw with Alaves.The former Manchester City striker needed medical treatment on the pitch after clutching his chest and complaining of breathing problems.
    Sergio Aguero fell to the floor after he appeared to have breathing problems during Barcelona’s clash against AlavesCredit: AFP
    Aguero thankfully managed to make it back to his feet as he walked off the pitch in the first halfCredit: AFP

    His heart rate was also racing and he was taken by ambulance to hospital for tests.
    Reports in Spain suggest the Argentine striker is “feeling OK”.
    Barca interim boss Sergi Barjuan told La Liga TV: “He told me he was a little dizzy.
    “I have found out now that they have taken him to the hospital to see what he really has. I do not know any more.”
    Barcelona later confirmed: “Aguero reported an episode of chest discomfort and has been transferred to the hospital for a cardiology study.”
    Aguero, 33, fell to the ground towards the end of the first-half at the Nou Camp and medics rushed to his aid.

    He pointed to his chest while he received treatment and team-mates checked up on him during worrying scenes.
    Medics brought a stretcher onto the pitch, but it was not needed as Aguero soon returned to his feet and walked off the field to be replaced by Philippe Coutinho.
    The Argentine striker struggled with Covid-19 after contracting the virus in January this year, missing seven games for City.
    And in May last year Aguero said “the majority of players are scared” by the prospect of returning to football too soon amid the coronavirus pandemic.
    He said: “The majority of players are scared because they have children and families,
    “I’m scared but I’m with my girlfriend here and I’m not going to be in contact with other people. I’m locked in my house and the only person I could infect is my girlfriend.”
    The incident comes after Christian Eriksen was fitted with a heart-starter device following his shock cardiac arrest at this summer’s Euros.
    Barcelona president Joan Laporta says club should have fired Koeman earlier More

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    How Barcelona could line up under Xavi with Sterling and Kounde and reverting to Guardiola formation

    BARCELONA legend Xavi is understood to be taking the hot seat at his old club.Ex-boss Ronald Koeman has been given the chop following a woeful run of results that leaves Barca ninth in LaLiga.

    Now Xavi is reported to be lining up Man City’s Raheem Sterling and Jules Kounde of Sevilla as his first signings.
    The 41-year-old won every trophy going in his 17 years as a player at the club.
    And he is thought to prefer a return to the 4-3-3 formation that brought so much success during the ‘tiki taka’ era under Pep Guardiola.
    Koeman was arguably fighting with one hand tied behind his back this season.
    He lost talisman Lionel Messi to Paris Saint-Germain after financial turmoil at the Nou Camp meant they couldn’t afford to hold onto him.
    And new signing Sergio Aguero was crocked before even kicking a ball.

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    Results were awful under the Dutchman but one thing he can be credited with is bringing through Barca’s raft of young talent.
    The question for Xavi would be what combination of youth and experience does he go for in his new era.
    There is little doubt Marc-Andre ter Stegen keeps his position between the sticks.
    The back four is prime territory for blending young and old, with the experienced Jordi Alba and Sergi Roberto flanking Eric Garcia and potential new man Kounde.
    Ahead of them sits another mix of present and future.
    Club captain Sergio Busquets sits as the anchor between the frighteningly talented Gavi and the developing Frenkie de Jong.

    Then comes the head-scratcher – who leads the line in this new-look XI?
    Xavi is reported to believe he can revive the career of Ousmane Dembele – the young Frenchman who joined for big money but has suffered horrendous injury luck.
    And if Sterling comes in, there’s every chance he starts in a front three alongside former City team-mate Aguero.
    There are a lot of ifs and buts in this though – the 33-year-old Aguero joined Barca to play with Messi and is reportedly eyeing a reunion at PSG.
    Big names Memphis Depay and Philippe Coutinho are also relegated to the bench.
    Xavi is one of the most famous graduates of the vaunted La Masia academy.
    Xavi is understood to rate injury-hit Ousmane DembeleCredit: Getty
    The Catalans’ youth set-up has also produced the likes of megastars Messi, Andres Iniesta and Carles Puyol.
    So what’s to stop Xavi putting his faith in the current crop of starlets coming through the ranks?
    Barca may be skint but they are currently blessed with some of the best youngsters on earth.
    A little mix-and-match would need to happen to squeeze them all in. The prodigy Pedri may have to play further forward than usual.
    There’s space for just one old hand – Xavi could put his former team-mate Gerard Pique in at the back as the senior figure while the kids run amok.
    Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman sacked with Xavi set for return More