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    Man Utd and Real Madrid on red alert as Camavinga sparks transfer scramble after ‘refusing to sign new Rennes contract’

    EDUARDO CAMAVINGA will not sign a new contract at Rennes, according to reports.And that is set to put Manchester United and Real Madrid on red alert over a summer transfer.
    Eduardo Camavinga is reportedly refusing to sign a new contract at Rennes – opening the door for a bidding war between Real Madrid and Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
    The European heavyweights are long-term admirers of the defensive midfielder.
    So reports from The Athletic that he is not going to put pen to paper on an extension will be music to the ears of the top brass at Bernabeu and Old Trafford.
    The 18-year-old’s current deal at Rennes expires at the end of the 2021-22 season.
    The Ligue 1 side are struggling to secure European football next season – they currently sit seventh – and would likely try and add a release clause into any new contract.
    And that is thought to be putting Camavinga off committing his future to the club and pricing himself out of a dream move.
    That means the France international could be available for a cut-price fee this summer, or even for free in a year’s time.
    He signed with Gareth Bale’s agent Jonathan Barnett at the end of last year, possibly in anticipation of a mega move.
    And with plenty of links in England and Spain, there will be no shortage of interest in the Frenchman.
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    He has 75 first-team club appearances under his belt already – including four impressive displays in this season’s Champions League.
    The Angola-born midfielder netted a stunning overhead kick on his international full senior debut for the world champions last October to become the youngest scorer for France in 106 years.
    As well as Real and United, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus are among the teams tracking him.
    Rumours in recent months have quoted a £45million transfer fee – the kind of money Rennes would surely find impossible to turn down.
    However, the Red Devils want to avoid any long-strung transfer sagas.
    Their pursuit of Jadon Sancho last summer ultimately failed and they do not want a repeat if they go back in for the England winger, his Borussia Dortmund team-mate Erling Haaland or Camavinga.
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    Gareth Bale, Eden Hazard and Sergio Ramos are Real Madrid’s top earners
    Watch Eduardo Camavinga, 17, score stunning overhead kick on first start for France More

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    World’s most valuable football clubs revealed with £3.5bn Barcelona top, Man Utd up to 4th and Chelsea slipping to 7th

    BARCELONA are the most valuable football club in the world for the first time – worth a whopping £3.46billion. The Nou Camp giants pipped arch-rivals Real Madrid (£3.45bn) into top spot after five successive second-place finishes.

    Barcelona lost El Clasico on Saturday but were eventually crowned the most valuable club in the worldCredit: Getty
    Both clubs recorded 2020 revenues of £576m and debt values at six per cent.
    European kings Bayern Munich (£3.07bn) move up one place to third from last year’s rankings while there is also a jump for Manchester United.
    The Red Devils, worth £2.77bn in 2020, leap from sixth to fourth and are now worth £3.06bn, according to Forbes’ latest figures.
    In the previous 16 years, Real Madrid and United had dominated the title as the world’s most valuable club with 11 and five years in first place respectively.
    United lead a quintet of English clubs between fourth and eighth in the table – and nine overall in 2021’s top 20.
    Liverpool are worth £2.98bn which sees them sneak above Manchester City (£2.91bn) – who announced £126m losses last week – after wrestling the Premier League title from them last year.
    The Anfield giants were valued £1.59bn in the June 2020 edition, meaning the club’s assets have almost doubled in the past ten months.
    Chelsea, third overall last time, claim the London bragging rights at £2.33bn, £290m ahead of Arsenal and £660m clear of Spurs.
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    The White Hart Lane club are tenth on the list, with Champions League runners-up Paris Saint-Germain breaking up the Premier League ‘Big Six’ in ninth at £1.82bn.
    European heavyweights Juventus (£1.42bn) and Borussia Dortmund (£1.38bn) are the last teams to break the £1bn barrier.
    Atletico Madrid come in next, a fair way back at £728m, to ensure the top 13 clubs on the list remain the same from 2020.
    Everton (£479m) are sandwiched between the two Milan clubs – Inter are worth £541m while San Siro rivals AC sit back on £407m with fellow Italians Roma next at £399m.
    West Ham pip Leicester for the second time in as many days following Sunday’s 3-2 win at the London Stadium – the Hammers weigh in at £370m, £39m ahead of Brendan Rodgers’ Foxes who also ranked in 19th in 2018.
    Ajax (£300m) complete the top 20 as just the fourth team in the list owned by club members, alongside podium-sitters Barca, Real and Bayern.
    Roma have the highest debt value at a massive 56 per cent with Tottenham next on 39 per cent – the Serie A side also had the worst operating income with -£79m while United topped that category at £121m.
    Real Madrid boast the most lucrative shirt sponsorship deal with their five-year, £300m agreement with Emirates worth £50 per season.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Manchester United jumped from sixth to fourth to claim the highest English placingCredit: Getty
    West Ham got the better of Leicester by one place – after beating the Foxes 3-2 on SundayCredit: EPA

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    Man Utd’s Jesse Lingard ‘wanted by Real Madrid, PSG and Inter Milan’ after reviving career on loan transfer at West Ham

    JESSE LINGARD’S remarkable resurgence could earn the midfielder a move to Real Madrid, according to reports.The LaLiga giants are named as one of several clubs keeping an eye on the England international’s stunning form for West Ham.
    Jesse Lingard is catching the eye of Europe’s biggest clubs at West HamCredit: AFP
    Since joining the Hammers on loan in January, he has tallied eight goals and four assists – losing just one of his nine games.
    That has elevated him to the radars of Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan, as reported by ESPN.
    Champions League football is said to be Lingard’s desire for next season.
    United surprised many when extending his contract until June 2022 in December.
    But it means the club will hold sway over a potentially lucrative sale this summer, or award the academy product a fresh run in the side.
    A permanent move to West Ham is also an option, but the 28-year-old reportedly has no interest in being used as a makeweight in a deal for skipper Declan Rice.
    The Hammers are hoping to offer Champions League football next season having returned to the top-four and beaten third-placed Leicester in the past week.
    Talks over a transfer are yet to take place with SunSport revealing Arsenal are also among those keen on the England international.
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    Lingard has earned huge praise for his form while Manchester United contemplate their next move.
    Gary Neville believes it is a win-win scenario for the club and former Red, Andy Cole, reckons cashing in is the right move.
    Ex-defender Neville told his Sky Sports podcast: “We know he’s a good player.
    “United have a big decision to make. Do they cash in and get good money for him, and then replenish the squad in an area they want to, and bring in extra quality?
    “Or do they think he’s part of a good 23-man squad? He can’t lose with the decision, [Ole Gunnar] Solskjaer.
    “Lingard’s value has gone up, Jesse is enjoying himself, so he either comes back to United and plays a big part in a title challenge, or he gets a good move, United get the money for him, and they can use that money to spend elsewhere.
    What I give Jesse credit for is he’s turned up without much football at United.Roy Keane
    “I don’t think United or Lingard can lose, it’s a win-win for both parties.”
    While Cole told talkSPORT: “I think if I was Manchester United, I would move him on.
    “And if I was Jesse I would want to go and play games. Definitely.”
    Roy Keane credited Lingard with staying in top condition despite a lack of playing time at Old Trafford.

    The Irishman said on the weekend: “He’s been outstanding.
    “What I give Jesse credit for is he’s turned up without much football at United.
    “He obviously kept himself in good shape which is the sign of a good pro. He maybe took his eye off the ball off the field, but he always had that talent and it’s great to see it.”
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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    Man Utd ‘contact Villarreal defender Pau Torres’ agent over summer transfer’ to become Harry Maguire’s long-term partner

    MANCHESTER UNITED are ‘obsessed’ with Villarreal defender Pau Torres, according to reports.And the Red Devils are claimed to have already made contact with the Spaniard’s representatives.
    Pau Torres, 24, has become a key man at VillarrealCredit: Getty
    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is believed to want a new long-term partner for skipper Harry Maguire.
    This desire will only have been reinforced by Victor Lindelof’s mistake leading to Son Heung-min scoring for Spurs against United in North London on Sunday.
    And Spanish international Torres fits the bill.
    According to AS, the 24-year-old has become a ‘priority transfer’ for the Red Devils this summer.
    Villarreal deny having reached an agreement, however, and will hold out for the player’s release clause.
    Torres is available for £43million this summer.
    But if United wait until the last 15 days of the transfer window, this will rise to around £56million.
    The centre-back has three years remaining on his contract, which was signed in October 2019.
    Victor Lindelof made a mistake in the build up to Son’s opener on SundayCredit: Getty
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    Another obstacle United will have to overcome, is that of Real Madrid.
    More ‘discreet’ in their interest, the reigning LaLiga champions are also after Torres, particularly given potential issues in retaining Raphael Varane and soon to be out of contract skipper Sergio Ramos.
    Having arrived at Villarreal as a five-year-old, Torres has enjoyed an impressive rise to stardom.
    He made his first-team debut in December 2016, before heading out on loan to Malaga for the 2018-19 season.
    Upon his return he has become a mainstay in Villarreal’s defence, now tallying 77 appearances for the Yellow Submarine.
    And he could potentially meet Man United in the Europa League final.
    Villarreal host Dinamo Zagreb in their quarter-final second leg on Thursday, having won 1-0 in Croatia last week.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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    Gerard Pique held back after furious row at end of Barcelona loss at Real Madrid which included huge Luka Modric bust-up

    GERARD PIQUE had to be held back after a furious on-pitch row that involved Luka Modric after El Clasico.Injured Pique watched from the sideline as Barcelona lost 2-1 to Real Madrid in last night’s derby.
    “Video exclusive” the conversation between Pique and the referee after the match:Pique: Let me speak, let me speak, you gave us a little extra time, and you’ve been off the field for a long time. pic.twitter.com/625OQmlYAJ— Marshall 🇳🇱 (@TheMessiguyy) April 10, 2021

    Gerard Pique was involved in an angry bust-up with the ref after Barcelona’s 2-1 defeat at Real Madrid
    Goals from Karim Benzema and Toni Kroos handed the champions victory at the Bernabeu.
    And the result saw Real leapfrog Barca, as well as Atletico, to go top of LaLiga.
    However, Pique was far from happy at the final whistle.
    He stormed onto the field towards ref Jesus Gil Manzano after being left incredulous when only four minutes of stoppage time were added in the second half.
    The game was paused for a lengthy period to fix Manzano’s gear used to communicate with other officials.
    And Barca also felt they were denied a clear penalty when Martin Braithwaite was taken down by Ferland Mendy in the Real box.
    As Pique marched towards the ref, he crossed paths with Modric, who cheekily quipped: “You’re waiting to crack now, eh?”
    Pique was not amused and simply retorted: “Mate, four minutes…”
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    Luka en plan jefe absoluto. Modric a Piqué: “Estás esperando para rajar ahora, eh”GP: “Hombre, cuatro minutos”Modric: ¿cuántos quieres? (Y retira la mano). De 10, como el número que lleva. pic.twitter.com/YpEo2wfFQ7— mr. mØnk (@soccermemoriess) April 10, 2021

    Pique had words with Luka Modric before confronting the ref over the lack of stoppage time

    But Modric made sure he got the final word in, saying as he strolled off: “How many (more minutes) do you want?”
    Pique continued on his way, and at one point was held back by Barcelona delegate Carlos Naval, who he angrily told: “Let me speak, let me speak.”
    Pique finally got access to Manzano and proceeded to vent his frustration.
    Pique blasted at the ref: “You gave us little extra time, and you’ve been off the field for a long time.”
    Pique had to be held back by a Barcelona official at the final whistle
    Barca have now fallen behind Real and remain a point off Atletico after their defeat in the capital
    But with the final whistle already blown, Pique’s appeal fell on deaf ears.
    And even manager Ronald Koeman was brushed aside by Manzano when he went over to complain about the penalty decision.
    There is now all to play for with just eight games remaining this season.
    Barcelona and Atletico still have to face each other in May, with Real set to benefit whatever the result.
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    Fans joke Lionel Messi would NEVER make it in Prem after leaving Barcelona vs Real Madrid to change wet shirt in storm

    LIONEL MESSI briefly left the field during last night’s El Clasico… in order to change his sodden shirt.And fans online joked that he wouldn’t make it in the Premier League – because of ‘Stoke-ish’ conditions.
    Lionel Messi decided to change his shirt with ten minutes to goCredit: Getty
    The Argentine was not a fan of the wintry conditionsCredit: EPA
    The crunch title clash with Real Madrid was played at Zinedine Zidane’s side’s Valdebebas training complex, due to work being undertaken on Santiago Bernabeu.
    And Alfredo Di Stefano Stadium was besieged by a rain storm of biblical proportions in the second half, even making visibility an issue at times.
    Trailing 2-1 with around ten minutes to go, Messi decided he was too uncomfortable in his damp kit, jogging to the touchline to grab a fresh top.
    And certain observers mocked his kit-change.
    One wrote: “Messi changing shirt because of Stoke-ish conditions. Not sure he would make it in the Prem lads.”
    While another noted that his new shirt would be equally sodden in no time, writing: “Messi wanted a dry shirt for 40 seconds.”
    Another took a pop at Manchester United: “No way Messi has more shirt changes (1) than United have won a league title since 2013 (0).”
    And a fourth weighed in: “Messi was shivering & changed his shirt in rain, He can never do it on a cold night in stokes.”

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    The rain was hammering down at ValdebebasCredit: Getty

    It was to be a night of frustration for the Argentine, 33, as his side somehow lost 2-1 to the reigning champions.
    Barca fell behind in the first half to a wonderful Karim Benzema back-heel following a swift counter, before Toni Kroos’ heavily deflected free-kick made it 2-0.
    Oscar Mingueza’s shinned effort got Ronald Koeman’s side back into the match on the hour mark, but they couldn’t find an equaliser.
    Messi had earlier hit the bar from a corner, and the woodwork would be shaken again deep into stoppage time, when Ilaix Moriba’s effort cannoned off the upright.
    Real Madrid’s win saw them leapfrog Atletico on goal different at the top of the table, although Diego Simeone’s side could go back ahead tonight when they play Real Betis.
    Barcelona, meanwhile, are a point behind going into next weekend’s Copa del Rey final against Athletic Bilbao.
    Messi will hope to grab his 30th goal of the season against the Basque side, as he aims to win his 35th trophy with Barcelona.
    Lionel Messi goes inches away from scoring a corner! 😱The crossbar saves Thibaut Courtois just before half time 😅 pic.twitter.com/4VgvBFPOUb— Premier Sports 📺 (@PremierSportsTV) April 10, 2021

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    Real Madrid 2 Barcelona 1: Watch Karim Benzema net stunning backheel as Los Blancos go TOP of LaLiga with Clasico win

    REAL MADRID beat rivals Barcelona 2-1 at home in an entertaining, rain-soaked El Clasico on Saturday to go top of LaLiga.Karim Benzema put the champions in charge at a soggy Bernabeu stadium with a delightful backheel in the 14th minute.
    WHAT A GOAL…KARIM BENZEMA! 😱A brilliant run by Valverde, Lucas’ cross is perfectly judged, and Benzema finishes with an audacious backheel flick at the near post 🔥 pic.twitter.com/EfjcIW0enE— Premier Sports 📺 (@PremierSportsTV) April 10, 2021

    Karim Benzema scored a sensational backheel as Real Madrid beat Barcelona 2-1Credit: Getty
    A deflected Toni Kroos free kick then doubled Real’s lead in the 28th.
    Barca hit back on the hour mark through Oscar Mingueza to revive their hopes.
    And the defender almost found the equaliser later on to rescue a point.
    The Catalans also had a huge penalty appeal waved away when Martin Braithwaite fell following a challenge by Ferland Mendy.
    Meanwhile, Real midfielder Casemiro was sent off in stoppage time for picking up two yellow cards in the space of a minute.
    There was more drama to come when Barca substitute Ilaix Moriba hit the crossbar in the fourth minute of added time.
    The hosts survived the nail-biting finish to complete a sensational week.
    They beat Liverpool 3-1 in a Champions League quarter-final first leg on Tuesday.
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    Valverde hits the post and ter Stegen makes a great follow-up save on the ground! 😮Barca are hanging on for dear life at the moment as Real Madrid threaten a third goal 👀#ElClasico pic.twitter.com/8oOBTtS46Z— Premier Sports 📺 (@PremierSportsTV) April 10, 2021

    Toni Kroos netted Real’s second goal as they moved top of LaLigaCredit: Reuters

    And Real can secure a place in the semis on Wednesday when they face the Reds at Anfield in the second leg.
    Zinedine Zidane’s side joined Atletico Madrid on 66 points and moved top of the table.
    But Atletico can reclaim first place when they visit Real Betis on Sunday. 
    Meanwhile, Barca have dropped to third on 65. 

    Oscar Mingueza pulled one back for the visitors at the BernabeuCredit: Getty

    Casemiro was sent off late on for Los BlancosCredit: Getty
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    Luis Suarez ‘could seal shock Liverpool transfer return in summer over frustrations with Simeone’s Atletico tactics’

    LUIS SUAREZ could make a shock return to Liverpool, according to reports.The Atletico Madrid forward, 34, is understood to be frustrated with Diego Simeone’s tactics.
    Luis Suarez could quit Atletico Madrid after just one season due to clashes with Diego Simeone and his tacticsCredit: EPA
    Spanish outlet Todofichajes state the pair have a ‘difficult’ relationship which could result in the striker leaving – with a clause in his contract enabling him to leave this summer with no penalty.
    And the report adds Suarez could be open to a transfer back to Liverpool, seven years after leaving Anfield for Barcelona.
    However, David Beckham’s Inter Miami could be another potential suitor with an MLS swansong an option.
    After 198 goals in 283 appearances for the Catalan giants, he left in acrimonious circumstances last summer.
    The four-time LaLiga winner signed for Atletico on a two-year, £5.5million deal and hit the ground running.
    He has 19 goals this season as Simeone’s side sit top of the table and he chases the golden boot.
    But the high-pressing, energetic style means Suarez feels ‘physically drained’ and looking for a move away from the Wanda Metropolitano.
    He picked up an injury during training on Wednesday with the club not providing a time scale on his absence – although he will surely do everything he can to be fit to face Barca in a crunch clash on May 9.
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    Liverpool have been linked with bringing in a new No9 this summer, especially if they lose one of their fearsome front three.
    Roberto Firmino has six goals in 39 games this term while superstars Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe may be targeted when the transfer market reopens.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Suarez spent three-and-a-half years at Anfield, scoring 82 goals in 133 appearancesCredit: EPA
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