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      Lionel Messi’s Barcelona contract expires TODAY after 7,478 days at Nou Camp with ‘several issues’ over new deal

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      LIONEL MESSI’S Barcelona contract expires today after 7,478 days.And there are still ‘several issues’ that need to be sorted before he puts pen to paper on a new deal.
      Lionel Messi will not be contracted to Barcelona for the first time in more than 20 years tomorrowCredit: Getty
      Spanish newspaper Marca’s headline reflected the fact Messi is a free agent tonight
      Messi officially became a Barca player on January 8, 2001 – a month after the famous initial agreement on a napkin in a restaurant – then signed his first professional terms in June 2005.
      But at midnight tonight, for the first time in more than 20 years, Messi will not be under contract at the Nou Camp with the latest paperwork sealed in November 2017 running out.
      Spanish newspaper Marca went with the headline ‘Messi: Tonight is free’ while Sport chose ‘Messi Day’.
      That means he could negotiate a free transfer to any club he chooses because he has no written, legal obligation to Barcelona.
      However, all parties are confident an agreement for an extension will be finalised imminently.
      There was talk the fresh terms would be confirmed on either Messi’s 34th birthday on June 24 or Barcelona president Joan Laporta’s 59th five days later.
      Final complications need to be ironed out before that, though.
      As reported by Sport, captain Messi will sign a two-year deal – just a year after handing in a transfer request to try and force through an exit.

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      Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain were poised to battle it out for his signature, with the prospect of linking up with Pep Guardiola again at the Etihad.
      But after a dramatic U-turn, Messi honoured his contract to the club he joined aged 13 – although both clubs would surely look to pounce if there were further stumbling blocks in the contract negotiations.
      In 2023, Mundo Deportivo reckon he is likely to head to the MLS and serve as a Barcelona ambassador in the United States.
      Unless the new contract is signed in the next couple of days, though, Messi is likely to play for Argentina as an unattached footballer.
      His country face Ecuador in the Copa America quarter-finals on Saturday night.
      And playing with no club contract could potentially put Messi at risk should he suffer a major injury.
      Sport labelled today as ‘Messi Day’ with the captain yet to finalise and sign a contract extension

      Lionel Messi superfan gets Barcelona star to sign his back next to huge tattoo of hero’s iconic shirt celebration More

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      Watch Karim Benzema’s OUTRAGEOUS touch and finish as France peg back Switzerland in Euro 2020 clash

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      KARIM BENZEMA capped off two minutes of brilliance as he helped France come back from behind against Switzerland. The world champions were trailing after just 15 minutes of their last 16 clash with Haris Seferovic opening the lead.
      Karim Benzema scored two in as many minutesCredit: Reuters

      And things could have got worse ten minutes after the break as Switzerland were awarded a penalty.
      But Ricardo Rodriguez saw his spot-kick saved by captain Hugo Lloris – sparking a fightback from France.
      Just two minutes later Kylian Mbappe played through Benzema, who remarkably flicked the ball with his back foot to set up his finish.
      But the Real Madrid striker was not done there, as the turnaround was completed just over a minute later.
      Antoine Griezmann linked up with Mbappe and their quick one-two allowed the Barcelona forward to chip a ball over to Benzema, who headed home.
      It was his fifth goal of the delayed European championships, with only Cristiano Ronaldo ahead with six.
      And while Benzema’s flick was sure to steal the headlines, team-mate Paul Pogba did everything to contest it.
      The Manchester United midfielder beautifully curled one from outside the box to put the tournament favourite’s 3-1 up.

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      But Switzerland turned the tables theirselves as Seferovic nodded home to make it 3-2, giving France a nervy last ten minutes.
      And just as the game hit the 90th minute, Mario Gavranovic proved super-sub as he equalised with the SIXTH goal of the game to take it into extra time.
      It set up Switzerland with the shock of the tournament as they dumped out France on penalties.
      Mbappe – one of the most highly-rated players in the world – saw the deciding strike saved by keeper Yann Sommer, who emerged as hero.
      Man Utd’s Paul Pogba shows off dance moves after scoring screamer for France against Switzerland at Euro 2020 More

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      Chelsea interested in Barcelona outcast Miralem Pjanic but face three-club transfer battle with Juventus and PSG

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      MIRALEM PJANIC is reportedly attracting interest from Chelsea, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain ahead of a Barcelona fire sale.The LaLiga giants are facing mounting debt and have been told to drastically cut their wage bill.
      Miralem Pjanic reportedly favours a move to JuventusCredit: Getty
      Samuel Umtiti, Philippe Coutinho and Martin Braithwaite are just some of the players linked with moves this summer.
      According to ESPN, midfielder Pjanic is among them.
      The 31-year-old signed only 12 months ago from Juventus in a contrived swap deal for Brazilian playmaker Arthur Melo.
      Yet he has failed to light up the Camp Nou and did not score a goal during their failed LaLiga title bid.
      Therefore Barcelona are said to be ready to accept a reasonable bid for Pjanic.
      Massimiliano Allegri signed the Bosnian for Juventus in 2016 and helped turn him into one of the world’s top central midfielders.

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      The Italian is now back in Turin for the new season and is reportedly interested in securing Pjanic’s return.
      But the Old Lady are thought to not be too keen on a permanent transfer with a significant fee.
      Whether a loan deal is of interest to Barcelona remains to be seen.
      Earlier in the summer, the player was said to want a move back to Italy.

      Chelsea and PSG have also been named by Le10Sport as considering a loan bid.
      Thomas Tuchel is preparing to spend big to turn his Blues team into Premier League title challengers.
      On the German’s wishlist is a new centre-back with Sevilla’s Jules Kounde strongly linked alongside Real Madrid star Raphael Varane.
      Former striker Romelu Lukaku has also been lined up but is not thought to be ready to leave Inter Milan.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Barcelona ‘want to offer Chelsea Miralem Pjanic in swap transfer for Jorginho’ after career revival under Thomas Tuchel More

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      Real Madrid ‘tell new boss Ancelotti there will be no transfers this summer unless Mbappe or Haaland become available’

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      REAL MADRID have reportedly told new boss Carlo Ancelotti only Kylian Mbappe or Erling Haaland will be joining them this summer.The 62-year-old Italian left Everton to return to the Bernabeu this summer after they failed to win either LaLiga or the Champions League.
      Carlo Ancelotti has been told he will not be able to splash out this summer with the exception of two talentsCredit: AP
      The Galacticos will make an exception if Kylian Mbappe becomes availableCredit: AFP
      But the Galacticos are still struggling financially due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and are looking to slash their wage bill.
      Austrian star David Alaba, 29, has arrived already on a free transfer from Bayern Munich. 
      But Marca are now claiming that club president Florentino Perez has already informed Ancelotti that there will be no money available for new arrivals.
      That is unless either the Paris-Saint-Germain or Borussia Dortmund strikers become available.
      Los Blancos know they can raise cash in player sales in preparation to sign Mbappe or Haaland.
      Luka Jovic, Dani Ceballos and Brahim Diaz are believed to be up for grabs to make way for the rapid forward.
      Real Madrid made their interest in Mbappe well known in 2017 when he left Monaco but the club already boasted Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema in attack.
      The situation is now different at the Bernabeu with Mbappe told he will become the club’s main man.
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      The player has made no secret of his desire to play in the famous white in the past, calling it a ‘dream.’
      Real Madrid president Florentino Perez was recently quizzed on Mbappe’s future and hinted he is eager to bring him to Spain.
      He responded to AS: “I am not talking about players who are not in Madrid.
      “I know what the partners want. They want the best to be there.
      “The teams have to be renewed and we are in that renewal stage. I don’t want to talk about players who are not in Madrid because it is a lack of respect.
      “People trust me. The best will come. Mbappe is one of the best, but he is not in Madrid.”
      Erling Haaland is another exception Real Madrid would makeCredit: Getty
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Carlo Ancelotti says he has no doubts to return as Real Madrid coach More

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      Real Madrid will move for Leicester defender Wesley Fofana if Man Utd stump up for Raphael Varane transfer

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      LEICESTER centre-back Wesley Fofana has emerged as a target for Real Madrid to replace Raphael Varane should Manchester United sign the Frenchman.The 20-year-old starred in his debut season in England after joining the Foxes in a £36.5million deal from Saint-Etienne last year.
      Leicester ace Wesley Fofana is reportedly on Real Madrid’s radar should they sell Raphael VaraneCredit: PA
      Los Blancos centre-back Varane has been heavily linked with a switch to Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
      Fofana featured 38 times under Brendan Rodgers as he helped Leicester finish fifth in the Premier League while also proving instrumental in their FA Cup-winning run.
      And according to Fichajes, he could be on his way out of the King Power Stadium with Carlo Ancelotti said to be eyeing a swoop for the youngster.
      However they state the potential move depends on whether Los Blancos sell Varane, with the World Cup winner heavily linked with a switch to Old Trafford.
      It has been claimed that the four-time Champions League winner, 28, is keen on linking up with the Red Devils.
      Varane has just one year left on his contract in Spain and it remains to be seen whether he will follow Sergio Ramos out the door this summer.
      The Spanish legend, 35, decided to quit Real after 16 years of service after refusing to sign a one-year deal.
      Should Real press ahead with a move for Fofana, Leicester will likely command a huge fee considering the player is contracted until 2025.
      But Leicester would be open to selling the defender should Fofana express an interest to leave.

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      Speaking last year about wantaway players, Rodgers said: “If a player doesn’t want to be here, with all due respect, we don’t want them here.
      “It’s as simple as that, any club is the same.
      “If you have a player that doesn’t actually want to be at the club, then you won’t want them at your club.”
      England’s Euro 2020 stars have a water balloon fight as they relax ahead of Germany game More

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      Sergio Ramos shows off personalised workout bench as Man Utd and Chelsea transfer target hits gym after Real Madrid exit

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      SERGIO RAMOS has been keeping fit since leaving Real Madrid earlier this month.And the veteran defender showed off a stylish personalised workout bench in an Instagram story on Saturday.
      Free agent Sergio Ramos takes great pride in his physique
      Ramos, 35, began the video displaying a mirror bearing a logo of his initials before showing off artwork hanging on the wall.
      He then paid special attention to his crocodile skin workout bench, which also bore his initials as well as his name.
      The art in his private gym depicts a large snake but Ramos paid more attention to his tattoos, of which there are many.
      And the Instagram story was captioned with “never stop working out”.
      The Spaniard may be without a club but he is using the time he would have spent at Euro 2020 to keep fit.
      He struggled with injury issues last season and was restricted to just 15 La Liga appearances.
      That was one of the reasons why he was left out of the Spain squad, but it has not prevented clubs from showing interest.
      BETTING SPECIAL: GET ENGLAND TO BEAT GERMANY AT 14/1
      Several big European clubs are said to be interested in signing Ramos

      Ramos is seemingly preparing for his next move by keeping active in the gym, with PSG mooted as a potential destination.
      But Chelsea and Manchester United could rival the French side for his signature.
      Former Barcelona star Samuel Eto’o thinks he should move to the Nou Camp, but Ramos has ruled out a switch to his former rivals or to Sevilla.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Emotional Sergio Ramos in tears as he bids farewell to Real Madrid More

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      Real Madrid president Perez claims he has not read Zidane’s farewell letter as Frenchman ‘did not write it’

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      ZINEDINE ZIDANE did not write the farewell letter that took aim at Florentino Perez, the Real Madrid president has claimed.Los Blancos accepted the coach’s resignation for the second time in May following a trophy-less season at the Bernabeu.
      Florentino Perez says he wishes Zinedine Zidane well for the futureCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Upon his departure, French legend Zidane detailed his poor relationship with Perez in an open letter to fans.
      However the 74-year-old has insisted the claims were not penned by the ex-midfielder, who he wanted to keep at the club.
      Perez told Onda Cero, via Marca: “I know [Zidane] and it has been a hard year, I fought for him to stay.
      “I have not read the farewell letter, I swear on my grandchildren.
      “The person who wrote that letter was not Zidane.
      “I wish him well, he has been a legend for Real Madrid and he has all of our recognition, he has the dream of being the French coach and I’m sure he will achieve it.”
      Perez has gone back to Carlo Ancelotti to succeed Zidane ahead of the new season.
      The 49-year-old is reportedly ready to take a break from management while waiting for the France national team job to become available.
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      After resigning from his role at Madrid, a long statement to fans included a jibe at Perez over the short shelf life of Los Blancos’ coaches.
      He wrote: “I’m a natural-born winner and I was here to win trophies.
      “But even more important than this are the people, their feelings, life itself and I have the sensation these things have not been taken into account, that there has been a failure to understand that these things also keep the dynamics of a great club going.
      “To some extent I have even been rebuked for it. I want there to be respect for what we have achieved together.
      These days the life of a coach in the dugout at a big club is two seasons, little more.Zinedine Zidane

      “I would have liked my relationship with the club and the president over the past few months to have been a little different to that of other coaches.
      “I wasn’t asking for privileges, of course not, just a little more recollection.
      “These days the life of a coach in the dugout at a big club is two seasons, little more.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Zidane blasts journalist for ‘shameful’ question about Real Madrid exit before taking him away from camera for chat More

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      Barcelona ‘to listen to offers’ for Spain left-back Jordi Alba with Inter Milan preparing transfer bid

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      BARCELONA are reportedly willing to listen to offers from Inter Milan for veteran Jordi Alba.The left-back, 32, has enjoyed an incredible career in Catalonia since his return to the Nou Camp from Valencia in 2012.
      Barcelona legend Jordi Alba could be on his way to Inter MilanCredit: AP
      The Spain vice-captain initially came through the ranks at Barca before departing for Cornella and going on to play for Gimnastic on loan as well as Valencia. 
      He has won the Spanish league title five times plus the Champions League while making almost 300 appearances for the club.
      But Barcelona are facing an economic crisis and are attempting to trim their mega wage bill while trying to persuade talisman Lionel Messi to stay.
      And Barca Blaugranes claims they have informed Inter they will listen to their offers for the defender.
      The report claims the Serie A outfit are willing to swap players in order to strike a deal for the star.
      The likes of Milan Skriniar, Marcelo Brozovic, Alessandro Bastoni, and Lautaro Martinez have all been mooted as possible players involved in a cash-plus-player transfer.
      Meanwhile, Alba’s replacement could be Jose Luis Gaya from Valencia.
      The pair are team-mates for the national team, but aged six years younger, Gaya is seen as the ideal long-term replacement for Alba by seemingly both club and country.
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      Alba recently claimed he is ‘one of the most hated players in football’.
      He told Movistar: “It is clear that if people know me through football, they would think I am one of the most hated players in football, that is clear.
      “It is my way of playing and it’s what has led me to be the player I am today and to be where I am.
      “Other people know me by how I am, as a very humble person that values everything in my life.
      “The player Jordi has nothing to do with the human Jordi or the Jordi with his team-mates.
      “Yes, it’s true that the way I play is very heavy and I understand the hatred that people who do not know me can have me to me.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Lionel Messi surprised on 34th birthday as Argentina team-mates give Barcelona superstar presents at Copa America More