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    Erling Haaland matches Ronaldo’s 24-year record with 40th goal of season in Dortmund’s game against Bayer Leverkusen

    ERLING HAALAND equalled Ronaldo’s 24-year-old record with his first of two goals against Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday afternoon.The Norwegian got Borussia Dortmund off to a perfect start before doubling his tally after 84 minutes.
    Erling Haaland reached 40 and then 41 goals for Borussia Dortmund this seasonCredit: AFP
    And in doing so he has equalled a 24-year-old record set by RonaldoCredit: EPA
    And by doing so he became the first under-21 to score 40 goals in a season in one of Europe’s big five leagues since the iconic Brazilian for Barcelona in 1996-97.
    Haaland is just 20 and is one of the brightest young talents in the world.
    And he added another feather to his cap on the last day of the Bundesliga season.
    Manchester United and Chelsea target Haaland got on the end of a simple pass from Reinier after five minutes and smashed it through Lukáš Hrádecký’s legs.
    Marco Reus doubled Dortmund’s lead on 51 minutes before Haaland rounded the keeper to slot into an empty net with six minutes to go having pounced on Wendell’s loose pass.
    Lars Bender scored an 89th minute consolation penalty for the visitors as Dortmund won 3-1 and finished third in the league but focus was on Haaland’s record equalling strike.
    Not since 1997-98 has a player under-21 scored 40 goals in a season.
    Ronaldo was one of the greatest footballers of all time and he managed a staggering 47 from 49 games for Barca in 96-97.
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    “Erling Haaland becomes the first Under-21 player to reach the 40-goal mark in a season with a European Top 5 club in an official competition since Ronaldo with FC Barcelona in 1996/97″🤯— NepentheZ (@NepentheZ) May 22, 2021

    Erling Haaland has scored 40 goals across all competitions in a single season for the first time in his career.He’s still only 20 years of age. pic.twitter.com/wBVcxTzPC2— Squawka Football (@Squawka) May 22, 2021

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    The first strike was Haaland’s 26th in 28 Bundesliga games – taking his tally to 27 with his second and 41 in all competitions.
    He bagged 10 in eight Champions League showings and three from four games in the German Cup. And the other solitary strike came in the German Super Cup back in September.
    Former RB Salzburg man Haaland is a target for Man Utd and Chelsea but Dortmund are confident he will NOT leave this summer in a huge blow to the Premier League giants.
    Both could be forced to wait until next summer when his £65millon release clause becomes active.
    Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke told Bild: “I have the clear expectation that Erling Haaland will play for us next year.
    “And I am not worried about anything else. I am totally relaxed.”
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    Barcelona ready to sacrifice ‘untouchable’ Ter Stegen and replace keeper with AC Milan star Gianluigi Donnarumma

    BARCELONA are ready to cash in on Marc-Andre ter Stegen and replace him with Gianluigi Donnarumma, according to reports.But the Italian will only join them, however, if current side AC Milan fail to qualify for the Champions League tomorrow.
    Gianluigi Donnarumma has made 250 appearances for AC MilanCredit: Alamy
    Marc-Andre ter Stegen has previously been ‘untouchable’ at BarcelonaCredit: AP
    Donnarumma’s upcoming free agency has hung over Stefano Pioli’s side all season, as negotiations have gone back and forth between the club and notoriously difficult agent Mino Raiola.
    The goalkeeper himself is Milan through and through, and could stay at San Siro.
    But if they fail to qualify for the Champions League, a competition that the 22-year-old has still never played in, he will likely move on for nothing.
    And according to AS, Barcelona have emerged as a serious contender.
    The Catalan club are happy with current stopper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who has previously been labelled as an ‘untouchable’ member of their squad.
    But with enormous debts having piled up, new president Joan Laporta could opt to cash in on the German – should he be able to sign Donnarumma on a free transfer.
    Laporta and Co will, therefore, have an eye on goings on in Serie A tomorrow afternoon.
    Milan’s fate is currently in their own hands, as they go into the final day in third place.
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    But, sitting just one point ahead of fifth-placed Juventus, Pioli’s men need a win to guarantee safe progression to the Champions League.
    And it will be a no easy task, as they travel to Bergamo to face second-placed Atalanta.
    The match will be Donnarumma’s 251st, and potentially final, appearance for the Rossoneri.
    Ter Stegen, meanwhile, has just undergone knee surgery – with the 29-year-old set to miss Euro 2020.
    First team player Marc ter Stegen underwent a therapeutic procedure today on the patellar tendon of his right knee by Dr. Håkan Alfredson and under the supervision of the Club’s medical services. The evolution will mark his availability. pic.twitter.com/x1GWItCAFy— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) May 20, 2021

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    Kylian Mbappe and his family ‘have agreement to join Real Madrid even if Zidane leaves and will snub new PSG contract’

    KYLIAN MBAPPE and his family ‘have an agreement’ with Real Madrid, according to reports.But the Spanish giants face a battle striking a deal with Paris Saint-Germain.
    Kylian Mbappe could leave PSG this summerCredit: AFP
    The Frenchman is set to enter the final year of his contract at Parc des Princes, with little to indicate that he is close to penning an extension.
    PSG’s Qatari owners have tabled a three-year extension.
    But according to football agent Bruno Santin, Mbappe, 22, has already reached an agreement with Madrid.
    Asked about the potential move, he told French network Canal+: “My feeling is more than he is willing to do it.
    “I also have some information, according to which Kylian Mbappe and his family have an agreement with Real Madrid.
    “In principle, there would be an agreement on the part of the player, but we also need the agreement of Paris Saint-Germain.”
    Santin added, however, that he feels the PSG owners could dig their heels in this summer – even if it means losing their star man for nothing in 12 months time.
    He continued: “Obviously the Qataris and Paris Saint-Germain have not decided to do without Kylian Mbappe, he could very well then end his contract and go to zero.
    Zinedine Zidane is set to leave Real MadridCredit: EPA
    Mbappe, 22, helped win the Coupe de France on Wednesday nightCredit: Reuters
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    “History has taught us that if the leaders or Doha do not want a player to leave, they make him stay until he is no longer theirs.”
    Much has been made about Mbappe’s admiration for Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane, and his attraction to playing under his compatriot.
    With Zizou set to depart Santiago Bernabeu, some may suggest that Mbappe’s enthusiasm to move there could be dampened.
    But not according to AS.
    They claim that Mbappe is ‘determined’ to play for Real Madrid, regardless of who is in charge.
    Former Juventus and AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri is the current frontrunner for the job, with Real Madrid Castilla boss and club legend Raul also in the running.
    I think the most important thing is to enjoy the moment right nowKylian Mbappe on his future
    Following his latest brilliant performance for PSG on Wednesday night, during which he scored to help Mauricio Pochettino’s side win the Coupe de France, Mbappe was asked about whether he will be staying to help his side retain the trophy next season.
    The striker smiled in response, and replied noncommittally: “I think the most important thing is to enjoy the moment right now.”
    Mbappe has scored 41 goals in 46 appearances for PSG this season, and 131 in 170 in total since joining the club from AS Monaco in 2017.
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    Arsenal and Everton set for transfer battle over Barcelona defender Emerson Royal if he fails to convince in pre-season

    ARSENAL and Everton are interested in Barcelona right-back Emerson Royal, according to reports.The Brazilian has spent the last two seasons on loan at Real Betis, as he looks to establish himself in LaLiga.
    Emerson has made 78 appearances on loan at Real BetisCredit: Getty

    Emerson, 22, hopes to impress parent club Barca during pre-season, aiming to become their first choice right-back next term
    But should he look likely to have to play understudy to Sergino Dest, the former Atletico Mineiro starlet will look elsewhere.
    According to Sport, Emerson wouldn’t be short of suitors, with Villarreal and AC Milan both keen.
    But they reckon that the player himself prefers the idea of moving to England.
    Arsenal are a particularly good fit, especially if Hector Bellerin completes a rumoured move to Paris Saint-Germain.
    And Everton are also interested, as they look to find a long-term replacement for ageing stalwart Seamus Coleman.
    Emerson is doing his utmost to be considered by Barcelona next term, however, and is even trying to get a Spanish citizenship in order to be registered as a homegrown player.
    This week, he completed his language exam as part of the process.
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    Emerson was signed by Barcelona in 2019, before immediately being farmed out to Betis.
    He has been a regular for the Seville-based club, appearing 78 times in total – scoring five goals and laying on ten assists.
    Emerson is also a full Brazil international, having made his debut against South Korea last season.
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    Lionel Messi could have played final Barcelona game after being given permission to take holiday early and miss Eibar

    LIONEL MESSI has played his final game for Barcelona this season, and possibly ever, after being granted permission to miss tomorrow’s season-ender against Eibar.Ronald Koeman’s side have no chance of winning the title, having blown recent games against Granada, Atletico Madrid, Levante and Celta Vigo.
    Messi’s last game of this season came in the recent 2-1 defeat to CeltaCredit: Rex
    Barca trained without Messi this morningCredit: EPA
    So with nothing on the line, Barca have opted to allow their talisman to miss training today, as well as tomorrow’s game, in order to take an early holiday.
    The decision has been made in order to keep Messi fresh for next month’s Copa America, with the Argentine hoping to finally get his hands on the prestigious trophy.
    But, having still not penned a new deal, this means that last weekend’s dismal 2-1 home defeat to Celta could have been Messi’s last game for the club, should he opt to leave.
    Fans, however, are optimistic that the 33-year-old will stay, following the club election victory of Joan Laporta, and the imminent arrival of pal Sergio Aguero from Manchester City.
    Despite sitting out of the final game, Messi is already assured of his latest LaLiga golden boot trophy, with his 30 strikes this term seven ahead of nearest challenger Gerardo Moreno.
    Despite constant speculation over his future, as well as a turbulent season on and off the pitch at Barca, Messi has still managed to stack up 38 goals in all competitions.
    Koeman’s men disappointed in LaLiga and the Champions League, but did recently beat Athletic Bilbao 4-0 to win the Copa del Rey – Messi’s seventh with the club.
    The six-time Ballon d’Or winner has been heavily linked with both Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain, following his attempt to leave the club last summer.

    Messi, 33, scored his final goal of the season last weekendCredit: AFP
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    But, now largely expected to stay, it appears Messi will work under his ninth different permanent manager at the club next term – with Koeman ’99 per cent’ certain to be sacked – according to RAC1.
    Messi’s old pal Xavi has been linked with the club, having cut his managerial teeth at Al-Sadd.
    While Leo jets off for his holiday over the weekend, he has already enjoyed some quality time off the pitch this week.
    The Barca star, alongside wife Antonela, caught up with former team-mate Luis Suarez and his spouse Sofia Balbi over a meal.
    Unlike Messi, Suarez does have something big to play for this weekend, with Atleti leading Real Madrid by two points going into LaLiga’s final day.

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    Arsenal ‘line up £40m Emiliano Buendia and Real Betis star Nabil Fekir’ as transfer alternatives to Martin Odegaard

    ARSENAL are reportedly set to reignite their interest in Emiliano Buendia if Martin Odegaard returns to Real Madrid.The Norwegian playmaker is on loan from Los Blancos and a string of impressive displays has led Mikel Arteta to seek an extension – or even a permanent deal.
    Emiliano Buendia has once again been linked with a move to ArsenalCredit: Getty
    Martin Odegaard is set to return to Real Madrid this summerCredit: Getty
    Real are said to want Odegaard, 22, back in the summer although the future of coach Zinedine Zidane may be a factor in that decision.
    According to Goal, Arsenal are planning to bid for Buendia or Real Betis star Nabil Fekir if he moves on.
    Buendia, 24, won the Championship’s and Norwich’s Player of the Season award having led the Canaries to promotion.
    Long tipped as a top target for the Gunners, the Argentine has reportedly been scouted at length by the North London club.
    A deal would cost upwards of £40million with Norwich back in the Premier League and Buendia under a three-year contract.
    Boss Daniel Farke said in recent weeks: “They are all on long-term contracts, so if a club really wants to buy one of our key players, they have to invest an unbelievable amount of money, and it would be pretty difficult.
    “But if there is a club which wants to do this and put some crazy offers out, then it is more like you can also use this money to improve and move on as a club.
    “As a head coach, though, my first topic is that I want to work with our best players.”
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    Nabil Fekir is also reportedly being tracked by ArsenalCredit: Rex

    Fekir, 27, is described as further down the shortlist in Arteta’s bid to bring in a creative player this summer.
    The midfielder almost joined Liverpool in 2018 and has scored 11 goals in two seasons with Betis.
    The Seville club are in the fight for the Europa League ahead of the final weekend of LaLiga fixtures and may struggle to keep their star players if they fail to finish inside the top six.
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    Paul Pogba’s brother urges him to QUIT Man Utd and join Barcelona in transfer window as part of Laporta revolution

    PAUL POGBA’S brother Mathias has urged the Frenchman to leave Manchester United and join the Joan Laporta revolution at Barcelona.The Frenchman has shown some good form for United this season and seems more settled than ever.
    Paul Pogba has been urged to quit Man Utd for BarcelonaCredit: Getty
    Pogba’s brother Mathias, right, said he ‘hopes’ his sibling makes the Nou Camp switchCredit: Getty
    But his brother has stirred the pot again and ‘hopes’ the Red Devils ace moves to the Nou Camp.
    Pogba, 28, is out of contract next summer and is said to want £400,000-a-week to stay with the Reds.
    United are refusing to bow down to such demands at the moment which has led to talk of a transfer.
    Juventus, Real Madrid and Barca have been linked but money is tight on the Continent and there could be more attractive purchases out there this summer.
    But new Barca president Laporta is determined to shake things up once this season ends with many expecting to see a huge turnover of players.
    And Mathias encouraged his brother to become one of the incoming stars at the Catalan giants.
    The NK Tabor Sezana player appeared on Spain’s El Chiringuito de Jugones on Wednesday, and reporter Jose Alvarez asked: “Paul likes Laporta very much, can you tell us something about your brother’s situation?”
    And rather than quash the suggestion, Mathias replied: “Once he wins the Europa League, then we will talk.
    “I don’t know anything but I’m with you Jose, I would sign tomorrow if that was the question. Hopefully he will sign for Barca.”
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    Just nine players – including Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, Lionel Messi, Ansu Fati and Frenkie De Jong – are said to be safe from Laporta’s planned cull.
    While up to ten first-teamers – including Neto, Samuel Umtiti, Riqui Puig, Philippe Coutinho, Antoine Griezmann and Ousmane Dembele – are up for sale.
    Sergio Aguero looks certain to join after his Man City contract expires after their last game of the season.
    And Laporta is planning to bring in several other stars.
    He recently said: “We won the Copa del Rey, and we’re proud of that, but we were knocked out of the Champions League early and LaLiga was lost incomprehensibly.
    “From my point of view, you’ll see that a lot of decision have to be made, starting next week.
    “We’ll comment on them then. We have to work hard and and have a competitive team in the Champions League and domestically.
    “When I say that this is the end of a cycle, it’s because that’s what I think is necessary.”
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    Watch Barcelona star Jenni Hermoso’s stunning TRIPLE nutmeg in crushing 8-0 win over Athletic Bilbao

    JENNI HERMOSO was on fire for Barcelona when she bested three Athletic Bilbao players in a matter of seconds with some dazzling footwork. The striker’s astonishing nutmeg of a trio of her rivals was among the highlights of the LaLiga Women’s champs’ trouncing of Bilbao.

    Jenni Hermoso netted a hat-trick and nutmegged three players in four seconds during Barcelona’s 8-0 defeat of Atletico BilbaoCredit: Getty
    Hermoso, 31, pulled off the stunning four-second feat in the first half of an 8-0 drubbing of their opponents at the Johan Cruyff Stadium.
    Video footage shows the Barca star surrounded by the three players
    The Spain ace then dinks the ball through their legs with ease near the halfway line, with one Bilbao player ending up on the turf in the process.
    And the clip – which went viral on social media – has been liked more than 5,000 times on Twitter. 
    Hermoso, who was part of the Barca side that stunned Chelsea to win their first Women’s Champions League crown, nabbed herself a hat-trick during the game.
    And her team-mate Lieke Martens, who put in an outstanding shift against the Blues in their Euros final, was also on target with a first-half brace. 
    The hefty victory on Barca’s home turf against Athletic Bilbao – who are eighth- wrapped up a sensational four days for Hermoso and her Barca team-mates. 
    Lluis Cortes’ aces have been on a phenomenal run in Spain’s top-flight winning all 27 of the games they have played so far.
    And the team, who play Espanyol next, have scored a whopping 131 goals on their way to their sixth league title. 
    Hermoso and her team-mates have won 27 games in a row in Spain’s top women’s division this seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Netherlands star Lieke Martens was also on target against Atletico Bilbao netting a braceCredit: PA

    Hermoso, who has 84 senior Spain international caps, has enjoyed an impressive season with Barcelona. 
    The veteran forward, who has 42 international goals, netted 24 times in 21 top tier appearances this term.
    And the Barca ace racked up six goals in the Champions to finish as the contest’s joint topscorer alongside Chelsea’s Fran Kirby.
    Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Hermoso and her Barcelona team-mates will play Espanyol next
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