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      Man City starlet Eric Garcia set to sign five-year deal with Barcelona as Spaniard fawns over playing with Lionel Messi

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      MANCHESTER CITY defender Eric Garcia has shared his excitement at playing alongside Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi.SPORT claim the Spaniard is set to sign a five-year deal at the Nou Camp and become Joan Laporta’s first signing since returning to the club.
      Manchester City star Eric Garcia is excited about playing with Lionel MessiCredit: Rex
      Reports in Spain claim the La Masia graduate is set to return to BarcelonaCredit: SPORT
      The 20-year-old has snubbed several new contracts at the Etihad ahead of a return to Barca – where he spent nine years in their La Masia academy.
      Messi meanwhile has been liked with a move in the opposite direction to City but Garcia admitted he is relishing playing with the Argentine in Spain.
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      He told SPORT: “It would be very special to play alongside Messi because he’s the best footballer in the world.
      “We see week after week what he does and it’s incredible.”
      Garcia added that his relationship with City boss Pep Guardiola has not deteriorated despite refusing to commit his future to the club.
      But the centre-back has made just 10 appearance for the Cityzens this season, which includes just four Premier League games.
      It would be very special to play alongside Messi because he’s the best footballer in the worldEric Garcia
      He added: “I took the decision [not renewing City deal] in that moment, what I will do later I don’t know, right now I’m focused on Man City and the national team.
      “My relationship with Pep is the same as before I took my decision. I have a contract and I’m focused on City, if the coach thinks it’s time for me to play.
      “I understand that he isn’t making many changes because the players (in the team) are at an incredible level.”
      Garcia also revealed that he’s been watching Barcelona this term and remains in contact with compatriot Ansu Fati – who is recovering from a knee injury.

      He said: “I like teams that bring the ball out from the back and press as much as possible. Barca are one of those and there are others.
      “They’re having a very good moment, the coach [Ronald Koeman] is backing the youngsters and that’s good for them.
      “(Ansu and I) have known each other all our lives and when we talk we don’t talk about football, hardly at all. Now he’s recovering and he knows I’ll help him in any way I can.”
      Pep Guardiola confirms that Eric Garcia wants to quit Man City amid Barcelona transfer interest More

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      Eden Hazard’s transfer value tumbles to just £36m – a QUARTER of Real Madrid’s £130m fee paid – after horror injury run

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      EDEN HAZARD is worth less than 30 per cent of the eye-watering £130million fee Real Madrid agreed with Chelsea for him just two years ago.The Belgian has had rotten luck with injuries since his mega-money switch from Stamford Bridge in 2019 and that has seen his transfer value plummet.
      Eden Hazard’s transfer value has dropped drastically because of his injuries at Real MadridCredit: Getty

      Hazard, 30, joined Real in June 2019 from Chelsea for an initial fee of £89million – potentially rising to £130m.
      But various injuries mean he has played just 36 of Real’s 90 games since he arrived at the Bernabeu and is now worth just £36m, according to Transfermarkt.
      His latest problem is a persistent issue with his left ankle which could mean he ‘may never play football again’, according to a top doctor.
      Hazard is said to have been in pain – which has got worse recently – since a procedure on it last March.
      The winger has also picked up several muscle injuries since he has been at Real and they are linked to the underlying ankle issue, according to Spanish outlet Marca.
      Hazard’s running and movement style are said to have been affected by the problem which could have led to the increase in muscle injuries.
      And as a result, the former Lille man is said to be resigned to ANOTHER surgery and sees it as his only option even though it will almost certainly see him miss Belgium’s Euros campaign this summer.
      While the news will be a blow to his country, Real are likely more concerned with the affect his absence has had on his transfer value.
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      His latest injury came in training as he was forced out with a psoas muscle problem which affects the lifting of the upper leg.
      Hazard was absent from the opening portion of Real’s training session last Monday afternoon, sparking fears he’d suffered yet another setback.
      The club confirmed his injury a few hours later, with reports claiming he could be sidelined for up to six weeks.
      Hazard recently told Premier Sports: “When it comes to the end of my career I can look back at my achievements, but my priority now is playing well and enjoying my football.
      ‘I don’t think about where I will be in the next few years, I try to focus on the next match and the next training session.
      “I’ve only just turned 30 so as long as my body feels good, hopefully I can keep playing for at least another five or six years.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Cristiano Ronaldo ‘available for £21.5million’ with Juventus ready to sell and star, 36, keen on Real Madrid reunion More

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      Ronald Koeman to STAY at Barcelona next season with five-point plan to sort including Messi new deal and Depay transfer

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      RONALD KOEMAN has laid out his summer transfer plan after being given the green light to remain as Barcelona boss.Doubts over the Dutchman’s role have persisted ever since he was appointed last summer, but a turnaround in form and Joan Laporta’s election as club president have counted in his favour.
      Ronald Koeman faces a fight to convince Lionel Messi to stay at BarcelonaCredit: Reuters
      Under contract for another season, he is reportedly setting about the task of revamping the side in the next transfer window.
      According to Mundo Deportivo, a handful of new signings and a couple of contract extensions are on Koeman’s agenda.
      Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum is a favoured option to add energy to the midfield as he becomes a free agent in the summer.
      The club have denied reports of a pre-contract agreement with the Dutchman, who Koeman coached in his national team, but the switch is thought to be close.
      Further low-cost deals involving long-term targets are eyed in Manchester City defender Eric Garcia and Lyon’s Memphis Depay, both out of contract in June.
      Erling Haaland and Romelu Lukaku are reportedly liked by Koeman but the funds are not available for a huge swoop this summer.
      However, Barcelona recognise that drastic action may be required if one or both of Lionel Messi and Ousmane Dembele leave.
      With the Argentine out of contract in the summer, sealing his future will be a huge boost to the club’s hopes of winning next season’s Champions League.
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      And French winger Dembele’s deal expires in 2022, leading to Koeman wanting his extension sorted soon following a good run in the team.
      A left-back is also desired by the Blaugrana, with Junior Firpo set to leave.
      Once again, a cheap option is available in the form of academy graduate Alejandro Balde 17, and a deal to sign David Alaba from Bayern Munich is deemed to be unlikely.
      Fellow La Masia starlet Ilaix Moriba is tipped for a greater role having broken into the team recently.
      Coming off the bench to impress against Sevilla and Real Sociedad, either side of scoring his first senior goal past Osasuna, the 18-year-old can satisfy Koeman’s want for a technically-gifted midfielder.
      The former Everton manager could yet deliver multiple titles to the Camp Nou despite his tricky start in the dugout.
      Ousmane Dembele (centre) and Messi (right) are both seen as key to Barcelona’s futureCredit: EPA
      Memphis Depay could be set to join the Blaugrana attackCredit: Getty

      A memorable comeback earned Barcelona a place in the Copa del Rey final and five wins on the bounce have them within four points of LaLiga leaders Atletico Madrid.
      Upon his inauguration, new club president Laporta said: “Ronald, you already know you have the confidence of this new board of directors.
      “What we want to see is that the team is improving and we are happy and hopeful that it will continue to grow.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Lionel Messi urged to snub transfer exit by new Barcelona president Joan Laporta in passionate plea More

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      Watch worrying moment former Celtic star Moussa Dembele collapses during Atletico Madrid training

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      EX-CELTIC and Fulham striker Moussa Dembele is being monitored after dramatically COLLAPSING in training with Atletico Madrid. The Frenchman – who is on loan at the Spanish giants from Lyon – was shown fainting as he underwent stretching exercises.
      Moussa Dembele was a huge favourite with Celtic before heading to LyonCredit: PA:Press Association
      🚨 ÚLTIMA HORA 🚨💥 Susto en el entrenamiento del Atlético🤕 Moussa Dembélé ha sufrido una bajada de tensión y se ha mareado👍🏽 El jugador se encuentra bien pendiente de evolución⏰ Todos los detalles a las 20h en #GolSports con @LeyreBf pic.twitter.com/mc49kBFJc4— DirectoGol (@DirectoGol) March 23, 2021

      He regained consciousness whilst on the pitch and was able to walk off under his own steam.
      The striker’s condition will now be closely monitored.
      And he was scheduled to undergo tests this afternoon with Atletico’s medical team..
      Diego Simeone’s side top the LaLiga table – they are four points ahead of Barcelona and six ahead of Real Madrid.
      But Frenchman Dembele has yet to start a single match since joining on loan from French football in January – and has yet to get on the scoresheet.
      Celtic will be keen that he finds form soon.
      The Scottish side are due a 10 per cent sell-on in the £32.5m fee thought to have been agreed by the clubs should the Spanish outfit take him permanently.
      Simeone said recently that he was still waiting to see ‘what he hoped for’ from the player.
      The Argentine said: “I always say that the number of minutes is not important.
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      “What matters is the quality of these minutes.
      “I hope that Dembele can bring us what we hoped for when he arrived in the team.”
      Dembele has had to overcome injury since arriving in the Spanish game – and positive for Covid-19 a short time after making the switch.
      Line of Duty’s Vicky McClure ‘loves’ viral video Celtic top from Martin Compston as it was ‘big deal’ with Hoops fans More

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      How Barcelona and Real Madrid seal big-money transfers with Kylian Mbape, Erling Haaland and Sergio Aguero 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.
      Zinedine Zidane’s Real Madrid have begun courting the club’s next superstarsCredit: Reuters
      Erling Haaland has been linked with Real MadridCredit: 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, Kylian Mbappe and Sergio Aguero linked with moves.
      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 been linked to 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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      Chelsea transfer blow as David Alaba ‘cuts down clubs to join to Real Madrid and Barcelona amid £400k-a-week demands’

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      CHELSEA are reportedly out of the running to sign Bayern Munich ace David Alaba with the defender keen to join either Real Madrid or Barcelona.The 28-year-old will be departing the Allianz Arena in the summer when his contract expires having refused to agree a new deal in Bavaria.
      Bayern Munich star David Alaba reportedly has his heart set on a switch to Spain in the summerCredit: Getty
      Thomas Tuchel’s side have been heavily linked with a move for the Austria international, where he is looking to pocket £400,000-a-week in wages.
      But according to Sky in Germany, Alaba has rejected the chance to join the Blues.
      He is also said to have turned down an approach from Paris Saint-Germain, where the Ligue 1 giants were willing to meet his demands.
      It has been stated that Alaba – who can play as a centre-back, left-back or in midfield – has his heart set on a move to Spain.
      Real Madrid and Barcelona are vying to secure his services, where it was reported in February that a verbal agreement had been reached with Los Blancos.
      Spanish media declared that Real offered Alaba a £17million bonus with Zinedine Zidane desperate to bring him to the Bernabeu.
      However Barcelona were claimed to have reached an agreement with the player earlier this month.
      Commenting on his future, Alaba declared he is leaving Bayern to seek a new challenge having been at the club since 2008.
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      He said: “I have decided to do something new. It wasn’t an easy decision. I have not yet made the decision where to go.
      “I have personally decided to see something new, to look for a new challenge. That certainly took its time.”
      Before adding: “It’s no secret that my agent is negotiating with other clubs.
      “I am looking for a new challenge to develop myself as a person on and off the pitch.
      “Where can I continue to play football successfully? That will certainly be important in my decision.”
      David Alaba demonstrates his home workout for Bayern Munich fans More

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      Arsenal ‘so happy’ with Martin Odegaard and want to make transfer permanent but Zinedine Zidane will have final decision

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      THE FUTURE of Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane could be key in Arsenal’s bid to sign Martin Odegaard permanently.Reports suggest the Gunners are keen on a long-term deal for the Norway national team captain following his impressive loan spell.
      Martin Odegaard has impressed since moving on loan to ArsenalCredit: Getty
      But, according to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, the decision will be out of their hands as Los Blancos formulate their summer plans.
      Much attention is being paid to the future of coach Zidane, who faces a difficult task to deliver silverware to follow up last year’s LaLiga crown.
      Exactly what Madrid plan to do with Odegaard remains to be seen, particularly if a new manager is installed.
      Odegaard was given a chance by Zidane following a solid loan stint with Real Sociedad last season.
      He failed to truly impress in a nine-game spell before being allowed to join Arsenal in January.
      In North London, the 22-year-old has been a star performer and was praised for a vibrant display against West Ham on the weekend.
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      Gunners boss Mikel Arteta said of Odegaard’s role in the three-goal comeback: “I think he had an incredible performance.
      “He was very intelligent the way he read the game, the way he affected the game and again he showed how much he wanted to win.
      “When everyone was a little trembling he gave us that stability and that composure on the ball and he created chance after chance. He’s been showing that, I think, from week one.
      “The way he steps on the pitch, he always wants the ball, the way he commands the pressing. He’s been really influential.
      “I think we’ve all been a bit surprised because he looks really shy and humble, but when he steps on that pitch he’s a real character and he loves to play football.”
      Odegaard has also hit crucial goals against Olympiacos and Tottenham in recent weeks.

      And the midfielder ignited fans’ hopes of a longer stay by describing the club as ‘home’ earlier this month.
      He said: “I have felt at home since the first day.
      “I am happy to be here and I feel great so I’m very pleased to be a part of the team.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Arsenal new boy Martin Odegaard reveals how you actually pronounce his name More

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      Zinedine Zidane ‘will remain as Real Madrid boss next season and REJECT France offer to replace Deschamps after Euros’

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      ZINEDINE ZIDANE will stay at Real Madrid next season, according to reports.The Frenchman has been tipped to leave the Spanish capital, with rumours persisting around the France national team job.
      Zinedine Zidane is set for talks with Florentino PerezCredit: Getty
      Didier Deschamps has been in charge of Les Bleus since 2012Credit: AFP
      Zidane, 48, has long been linked with Les Bleus position, with his old team-mate Didier Deschamps currently in the job.
      But according to Telefoot, Deschamps is determined to remain in charge for next year’s World Cup defence in Qatar.
      His contract is currently set to expire in July 2022 – four months before the finals get underway in Doha.
      But despite claims that Zidane could take over after the delayed Euros, Deschamps feels he will earn a new deal.
      Zizou’s contract at Real Madrid also expires in July 2022, and having endured a turbulent campaign, it has been suggested that he could leave the club.
      But Telefoot believe that he is set for talks with president Florentino Perez in the coming months regarding an extension.
      Even Deschamps, 52, has previously talked up the prospect of his former team-mate Zidane taking over from him one day.
      The current boss said: “He already had legitimacy, but he has credibility because of what he achieved with Real.
      “So it’s likely that at some point, it could happen.”
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      Deschamps and Zidane played together for club and countryCredit: EPA

      Zidane first succeeded Rafael Benitez at Real Madrid back in 2016, winning three consecutive Champions Leagues and a league title before stepping down in 2018.
      Following Julen Lopetegui’s disastrous reign he then returned, guiding them to another LaLiga crown last term.
      This season has been more difficult, however.
      Los Blancos sit six points behind leaders Atletico Madrid in the LaLiga table, and were shockingly knocked out of the Copa del Rey by minnows Alcoyano.
      They are still in Champions League contention, however, where they will play Liverpool for a place in the semi-finals.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Real Madrid boss Zidane insists that Copa del Rey Cup defeat to Alcoyano is not an embarrassment More