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      Barcelona and Real Madrid pull off big-money transfers like this with Aguero signed and Mbappe and Haaland linked

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      FROM scouting to stadium unveiling, it takes Real Madrid and Barcelona just seven steps to seal the deal.The two giants of world football, known for spending the big bucks, have worked out the perfect formula in courting their top targets.
      Erling Haaland has been linked with Real Madrid and BarcelonaCredit: Rex
      And although finances may be tight after the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the LaLiga sides are already planning for next season.
      We are by no means suggesting any tapping up is going on by either club, for that would be against Fifa rules.
      But Real and Barca know the main men they want, with Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe linked with moves and Sergio Aguero already swapping the Etihad for Camp Nou.
      This is how they start that process.
      STEP 1: Identifying Target
      This is the hard part, taking a global scouting network, hours of player identification, notes and analysis.
      The player must fit a position of need, play with a certain style and, ideally, fit in with the club philosophy.
      But once the two Spanish giants have honed in on their targets, it’s very difficult to resist the lure of the Camp Nou or the Bernabeu.
      Lionel Messi’s Argentina team mate Sergio Aguero has signed for BarcelonaCredit: Rex
      Kylian Mbappe is said to be a target for both Real Madrid and BarcelonaCredit: AP
      In recent years, they have been rarely frustrated once the scouts have done their homework and found their target.
      STEP 2: Line up legends
      The next part of the chase is all about making the player feel wanted, like the move would be the greatest thing to happen in his career.
      Take Philippe Coutinho’s move to Barca in 2018, as an example.
      Was there a former team-mate in the current Barca squad that can tell the player how good it is at the Nou Camp? Yep, Luis Suarez.
      And over at Madrid, there have been attempts to lure the top talent to the club in the past.
      Cristiano Ronaldo sent Marcus Rashford a signed shirt from Real MadridCredit: Instagram @marcusrashford
      Before Ronaldo’s move to Juventus, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner tried to lure the Man United youngsterCredit: AFP or licensors
      While still at the Bernabeu, five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo signed a Real Madrid jersey and sent it to Manchester United star Marcus Rashford.
      “Keep up the good work,” he wrote. “And come do it here,” was the suggestion.
      STEP 3: Get in his ear
      Now comes the real graft.
      Does the current crop have a former team-mate or countryman capable of working the charm, telling the target how good life is in Spain, how lush the grass is on this side of the fence?
      Madrid had just that man when it came to bringing Hazard to the club.
      “It would be nice of course,” agent Thibaut Courtois told VTM Niews while discussing his former team-mate and fellow Belgian’s chances of moving to Madrid before he swapped Stamford Bridge for the Bernabeu.
      “Eden is a top player and also my buddy, so if he came here it would be fun, but he has to make his choices.”
      The seed had been planted. Next summer, the two would play together.
      Real Madrid had their very own agent in Thibaut Courtois to help bring in Eden HazardCredit: AFP or licensors
      STEP 4: Offensively low first bid
      This is when fantasy becomes reality.
      It is easy to palm away gossip and rumour but a proper bid sends a message to the player that their new-found dream is possible.
      Barca’s first offer for Coutinho was £72million and they knew there was no chance of bagging the brilliant Brazilian at that price.
      But it was all part of a scheme to ensure Coutinho was thinking about the move in the coming days, weeks and months.
      Best case scenario is the player gets so tempted a transfer request is submitted before the next available window.
      STEP 5: Awkward photo opportunity
      Arsenal fans will know all about this one.
      If you’re a Barcelona player you HAVE to carry a spare shirt with you all the time.
      Especially during World Cup celebration parades.
      ESPECIALLY if the player is not set to join in the immediate future.
      We saw it with Cesc Fabregas back in 2010, a year before his move to the Camp Nou, when Carles Puyol was seen forcing a Barca jersey over the Arsenal man’s head.

      Spanish team-mates put a Barcelona jersey on Cesc Fabregas while still playing for ArsenalCredit: Reuters
      STEP 6: Catalan press (and sponsors) on board
      For Barca, it’s all about AS and Sport, while Marca are key for Madrid.
      These papers have long been the go-to place for news about the two clubs.
      And if they want a story out there, it tends to end up with the local papers first.
      Check their websites right now and see how many stories there are about Real and Barça targets.
      It might be about how much money they earn, how long the contract will be, what role they can expect to play, or how the dressing room is looking forward to welcoming him.
      STEP 7: Inevitable unveiling
      Look away now fans of Man United, Chelsea and Liverpool, for the end is inevitable.
      This is the bit where Real and Barca get their man.
      We’ve seen it with Fabregas and Coutinho.
      It may take longer than anticipated but like the rich kids of Instagram, these guys always get what they want.
      Will Haaland swap the yellow and black of Dortmund for the white of Los Blancos?Credit: Getty More

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      Gary Lineker lands new TV role after quitting BT Sport with England and Barcelona legend heading up LaLiga coverage

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      GARY LINEKER has landed a new job on LaLiga TV after quitting BT Sport.The former Barcelona striker will present key fixtures from the Spanish top flight from the start of the new season.
      Gary Lineker will present on LaLiga TV next season having quit BT Sport in MayCredit: Reuters
      Lineker, 60, has signed a ‘multi-year agreement’ and will front shows on LaLiga TV and VIVA LaLiga.
      The programmes will be broadcast live from Barcelona.
      Former England and Tottenham goal machine Lineker said: “I’m thrilled to become a part of LaLigaTV, a channel I’ve watched every weekend for the last two seasons.
      “I have fond memories of my time playing in Spain and very much look forward to sharing the excitement of LaLiga with viewers in the UK and elsewhere.”
      Spanish speaker Lineker played for Barca from 1986 to 1989.
      He scored 42 goals in 103 league appearances for the Catalan giants.
      Lineker joins Spanish-football experts Guillem Balagué, Sid Lowe and Gaizka Mendieta on the roster.
      LaLiga audiovisual director Melcior Soler said: “Adding Gary Lineker to our talent pool is really exciting for LaLiga fans.
      “He has a vast portfolio of presenting experience and an in-depth knowledge of Spanish football.
      “We look forward to witnessing the expertise, energy and passion he will bring to LaLigaTV.”
      LaLiga’s 2021-22 season kicks off on Friday August 13 with Atlético Madrid looking to defend their title.

      Iconic presenter Lineker will still front Match of the Day – which he has presented with aplomb since 1999.
      But he stepped away from his BT Sport role presenting their Champions League coverage in May.
      The face of Walkers crisps said he wanted to follow Leicester around Europe with his sons – among other things.
      He announced the move on Twitter after joining the channel in 2015.
      Lineker said: “Porto’s mouth-watering all-English final this weekend will be my final Champions League show for BT Sport.
      “I’ve loved hosting the best club tournament in world football and I’m genuinely proud of being part of their truly groundbreaking coverage over the past 6 years.
      “I would like to thank BT Sport for the generous renewal offer, but after much thought, I have decided to call it a day.
      “I feel it’s time to do things that I’ve always promised myself I’d do: such as follow Leicester across Europe with my sons (how many opportunities will we have?).
      “A big thank you to everyone at BT Sport, both in front of the camera and behind. You’re one hell of a team.
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      Lineker spent three years at the Nou CampCredit: Getty
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      “It’s been a joy working with you. Well played.”
      Lineker scored 95 league goals for Leicester between 1978 and 1985 before moving on to Everton, Barcelona, Spurs and Japanese side Nagoya Grampus.
      Lineker also netted 48 goals in 80 appearances for England between 1984 and was top scorer at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico.
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      Man City open transfer talks with Aston Villa over Jack Grealish with champions willing to shatter Premier League record More

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      Man Utd transfer target Kieran Trippier happy to wait for move with Red Devils needing to sell before launching £30m bid

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      ATLETICO MADRID right-back Kieran Trippier is reportedly willing to wait until the end of the window to complete a move to Manchester United.The 30-year-old has been linked with a return back to the Premier League having entered the final year of his contract at the Wanda Metropolitano.
      Manchester United are plotting to bring Atletico Madrid ace Kieran Trippier back to the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty
      And SunSport understands that the Red Devils are determined to secure his services to provide competition for Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
      According to the Telegraph, Trippier is prepared to wait until the August 31 transfer deadline to secure a switch to join the Red Devils.
      They state that Trippier is keen to move back to the North West of England with his family still living there.
      The news outlet adds that the ex-Tottenham defender is aware United will have to sell players in order to fund a bid for him.
      It is believed that Atletico value the former Burnley man at £30million after he helped Diego Simeone’s side win the LaLiga title.
      United have already splashed around £120m to bring Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane to the Theatre of Dreams.
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes that Trippier would offer an added threat from set-pieces due to his abilities from dead-ball situations.
      And with Diogo Dalot and Brandan Williams facing an uncertain future at United, Trippier could become the next high-profile arrival at Old Trafford.
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      QPR striker Charlie Austin has declared that United are in need of a new right-back as he questioned Wan-Bissaka’s defensive qualities.
      He told talkSPORT: “Although Manchester United have signed [Raphael] Varane, their biggest problem is they need a right-back.
      “Aaron Wan-Bissaka is not up to the [required] quality.
      “We played them the other day, and I know it was only a pre-season, but they need to go all out for Kieran Trippier.
      “That’s who they’re crying out for. Aaron Wan-Bissaka can’t defend.
      “And his final ball is not what a centre-forward wants, it’s not what [Edinson] Cavani wants, it’s not what [Marcus] Rashford wants.
      “They need to sign Kieran Trippier.”
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      Real Madrid set £42.5m fee for Martin Odegaard as Arsenal eye permanent transfer for playmaker

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      REAL MADRID have set their asking price at £42.5million for playmaker Martin Odegaard, according to reports.And Arsenal – where Odegaard spent the second half of last season on loan – remain interested in signing the 22-year-old.
      Odegaard is believed to be unsettled at RealCredit: GETTY IMAGES
      According to ESPN, Real believe Odegaard does have a future at the club, but won’t rule out sanctioning a sale if the player asks to leave and a substantial offer is tabled.
      The LaLiga giants are hopeful that Odegaard decides to stay at Real, despite reports that the player is unsettled.
      An ongoing debate inside Real is whether Odegaard is ready to step up and stamp down a first team place, succeeding an ageing Luka Modric.
      Or whether the player isn’t up for the fight and is looking for a way out.
      Real are preparing for massive changes at the club, in particular in the midfield.
      Modric has just a year left on his current deal, and midfield partner Toni Kroos is 31-years-old.
      Midfield enforcer Casemiro is also almost 30, so Real are turning to 23-year-old Federico Valverde and possibly Odegaard to carry the torch when the time comes.
      Although Arsenal are keen on Odegaard, Real are not willing to let the player leave on loan.
      And it would take a big bid to persuade Los Blancos to sell, to help ease their financial fears due to the pandemic.
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      Odegaard has also failed in impress during Real’s pre-season fixtures, garnering criticism from the Spanish press for his performance in the loss to Scottish champions Rangers.
      AS’ Tomas Roncero blasted Odegaard, saying: “Odegaard is the eternal promise. Surrounded by homegrown players, he should have said ‘here I am’.
      “What is there to do? Like at Arsenal, do they all play for him? Martin, you are in Madrid. Wake up, macho.”
      ⚽ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from The Emirates

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      Lionel Messi paid to share WhatsApp video call with stunning wife Antonela and kids after Copa America win

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      AFTER Lionel Messi captained Argentina to Copa America glory, the first call he made to show off his gold winners medal was to his family. The 34-year-old video called his wife and children after Argentina’s 1-0 win over rivals Brazil in the Copa America final at the Maracana.
      Messi shared his video call via WhatsApp to his social media accounts as part of a paid promotionCredit: GETTY IMAGES
      Messi shows off his gold winners medal to his familyCredit: GETTY IMAGES
      And as part of a paid promotion with WhatsApp, Messi shared the heartwarming exchange with his family on his social media platforms.
      Messi captioned the post on Instagram: “What a special moment!
      “This was just after the final when I was celebrating the Copa America win with my family in a WhatsApp video call.”
      The post has received an eye watering 16.8million views.
      And although the amount Messi earned from the promotion is unclear at this point, the football star reportedly earns £631,000 per Instagram post.
      Football fans have picked up on Messi’s recent activity on social media platforms.
      And believe the star has stepped up his social media game.
      One fan on Twitter said: “From showing off Antonella a little too closely yesterday to doing a sponsored post promoting WhatsApp today, Messi’s Instagram game seems to be picking up.”
      Whilst another suggested the star is trying to make up money elsewhere as he’s reportedly set to take 50 per cent wage cut to stay at Barcelona.
      One Twitter user said: “Doing paid promos to make up for the wage cut. True club legend in my books.”
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      Messi arrived back in Barcelona on Wednesday after enjoying some time away with his family.
      And he is not set to return to training until August 2.
      He will remain a free agent for the time being, but there is increased hope that Barca and Messi’s party can strike a deal despite the club being in a difficult spot financially.

      Lionel Messi’s wife Antonela stuns in micro bikini as the couple swim underwater together More

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      Lionel Messi lands in Barcelona STILL a free agent before going on holiday again but will sign new contract next week

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      FREE AGENT Lionel Messi has returned to Barcelona with his family – but only to pack another holiday bag after his sunshine breaks in Miami and the Dominican Republic.However, the Argentine hero is set to sign a new contract at the Nou Camp next week.
      Lionel Messi landed back in Barcelona – before heading off on another holidayCredit: Twitter @tjcope
      His family got into the people carrier first before they were driven awayCredit: Twitter @tjcope

      The 34-year-old was driven to his home on the exclusive Bellamar residential estate in Castelldefels after touching down in a private plane at Barcelona’s El Prat airport.
      Waiting fans and journalists asked ‘are you staying at Barcelona?’ and ‘ready to sign your new contract?’ as he headed for a chauffeur-driven people carrier in a black T-shirt and denim shorts.
      His wife Antonela Roccuzzo and their children Thiago, eight, Mateo, five, and Ciro, three, were the first into the vehicle, as filmed by Tiempo de Juego.
      Lionel stopped briefly to sign a shirt for a fan as police looked on before the Messis were driven away.
      The superstar, a free agent since the end of June, is expected to continue his holidays somewhere closer to home before penning a new contract at his boyhood club.
      Last year he hired a private yacht which cost £45,000 per week and was spotted off the coast of Ibiza.
      Messi has reportedly agreed in principle to take a 50 per cent pay cut at the Nou Camp but will be offered a five-year deal instead of the two years initially expected.
      A lower salary for Messi is key to keeping him at the LaLiga side because of its troubled financial situation.
      Former Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero, who joined Barcelona in May on a free transfer, is due to report for training on Monday.
      But Messi is not expected to resume training until he has finalised a new deal and medical, with Sport reporting an official signing announcement due in the first week of August.
      That would mean he could face Cristiano Ronaldo when Juventus play Barcelona in a pre-season friendly on August 8.

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      Messi left Barcelona on May 25 to prepare for the Copa America.
      Angel Di Maria’s first-half goal in the final against Brazil helped Argentina to their first major title in 28 years.
      It was the first for Messi after a string of World Cup and Copa America final losses.
      Reports suggest the Argentine will put pen to paper on his new deal next week
      Messi enjoyed a fine summer on the other side of the Atlantic with Copa America victory and two holidaysCredit: Rex
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      Arsenal ‘refuse to give up on Martin Odegaard transfer and Real Madrid midfielder is keen to return to Emirates’

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      ARSENAL have NOT given up hope on signing Real Madrid ace Martin Odegaard, according to reports. The 22-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at the Gunners, making 20 appearances in the process.
      Odegaard wants to fight for his place at Real, but is open to returning to ArsenalCredit: GETTY IMAGES
      But the Norwegian wonderkid only managed to play a part in four goals across all competitions.
      According to Football.london, Odegaard wants to fight for his place at Real, but hasn’t shut the door completely on a return to Arsenal.
      Real are interested on listening to offers for Odegaard, who has failed to stake a claim to a first team place since joining at the tender age of 16.
      Odegaard enjoyed his time in London and posted a heartfelt message to the club and its supporters once his loan had expired.
      He said: “Arsenal, Thank you so much for these 6 months.
      “My time with the Arsenal family will always hold a special place in my heart.
      “I wanna [sic] thank everyone in and around the club for the way you made me feel like a part of the family since the first day.
      “Special thanks to the fans, even without you guys at the stadium for the majority of the season, I felt you with me at all times.
      Martin, you are in Madrid. Wake up, macho.Tomas Roncero
      “A huge thank you to the boss and his staff for everything I’ve learned during my stay. Thank you also to all my teammates for such a great time on and off the pitch.
      “Will miss you all. Thank you, gunners family. Always in my heart.”
      Since returning to his parent club, Odegaard has been blasted for his performance in Real’s shock 2-1 pre-season loss to Scottish champions Rangers.
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      Spanish outlet AS’ Tomas Roncero has warned Odegaard to “wake up”.
      In his review of the loss, Roncero said: “Odegaard is the eternal promise. Surrounded by homegrown players, he should have said ‘here I am’.
      “What is there to do? Like at Arsenal, do they all play for him? Martin, you are in Madrid. Wake up, macho.”
      ⚽ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from The Emirates

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      Raphael Varane ‘studies Man Utd and asks for clips of set-pieces to get head start ahead of transfer from Real Madrid’

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      RAPHAEL VARANE has studied clips of Manchester United defending set-pieces so he can hit the ground running when he joins, according to reports.The Real Madrid defender looks set to move to Old Trafford this summer, and he’s already looking into where they can improve.
      Varane, 28, wants a new challenge and has his sights set on a move to the Premier LeagueCredit: GETTY IMAGES

      According to the Manchester Evening News, Varane has been studying United’s defending from last season.
      And has specifically requested footage of their set-piece organisation.
      The four-time Champions League winner was told it would be a waste of time, as United were poor at defending set-piece situations last season, despite finishing second.
      Man Utd have already taken matters into their own hands by appointing Eric Ramsey as their set-piece coach.
      Varane, alongside club captain Harry Maguire, would form a formidable centre-back partnership.
      Both possess leadership qualities, are dominant in a tackle and in the air, which is just what United need.
      And as SunSport understands, Man Utd and Real are nearing an agreement over a fee believed to be in the region of £40million for the Frenchman.
      Personal terms with 28-year-old Varane are believed to be already agreed.
      We’ve signed a genuine world-class centre back. His list of honours is ridiculous, it’s as long as my arm.Rio Ferdinand
      United legend Rio Ferdinand – who formed a legendary partnership with Nemanja Vidic – is excited by the potential signing and the project that is at hand under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
      Speaking on his Youtube channel, Rio Ferdinand Presents FIVE, he said: “What a signing. There’s been talk in the transfer market since it opened up – it must have come from the player.
      “He must have wanted to leave, and be part of the new Man United way, the project that’s going ahead.
      “With Ole Gunnar Solskjaer signing a new deal, Sancho coming in – the talent they’ve got there, the ability to play alongside Maguire after he did so well at the Euros probably played a part. 
      “I just think he sees this as a better project than what he’s got at Real Madrid now.”
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      Ferdinand also praised United’s ‘assertive’ approach in the transfer market.
      He continued: “United have been criticised in the past, and rightly so, for dilly-dallying in the market.
      “This one they were assertive, they went for their man and they got him. No doubt in my mind, he would have said to Real Madrid ‘I need it, I want it, I have to go.'”
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford

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