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      Classy Kylian Mbappe pays respect to Lionel Messi after knocking Barcelona legend out of Champions League with PSG

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      KYLIAN MBAPPE paid respect to Lionel Messi after knocking his Barcelona team out the Champions League.
      The Paris Saint-Germain superstar scored four of his side’s five goals in the 5-2 aggregate win over Barca in the last-16.

      Kylian Mbappe posted this picture of him and Lionel MessiCredit: Reuters

      And he has been widely touted as the ‘next Messi’ as the World Cup winner has quickly become one of the hottest properties in world football.
      But despite his rapid rise to superstardom Mbappe showed he has remained humble with his social media post after Wednesday’s 1-1 second-leg draw in Paris.
      Mbappe uploaded a picture of the two of them on the field together with the Frenchman smiling at a despondent looking Messi.
      And he simply captioned the post with two respectful looking emojis – praying hands and hands to the heavens.

      It received more than 651,000 likes and 50,000 comments.
      Despite the apparent show of reverence, Mbappe has previously labelled Messi’s bitter rival Cristiano Ronaldo the GOAT.
      After France played Ronaldo’s Portugal Mbappe shared a similar on-field post and captioned it with the GOAT emoji and the words: “IDOL”.
      With Ronaldo and Messi in their mid-30s, their reign as the two greatest players on the planet is coming to an end.

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      Mbappe’s post came after his PSG team knocked Messi’s Barca out the Champions LeagueCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      And Mbappe and Borussia Dortmund ace Erling Haaland are being lined up as their successors.
      Real Madrid have reportedly made Mbappe their No 1 target.
      And incoming Barca president Joan Laporta revealed he would be pursuing Haaland and trying to lure him to the Nou Camp.
      When asked by ESPN about Haaland, he said: “If we have to improve the team, I already have the cards ready for the players.
      “I have the cards to face all situations. Barça supporters can be sure that their club will soon be prosperous again.”
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      Lionel Messi’s dad Jorge ‘will fly to Barcelona for showdown talks over son’s future’ amid Man City transfer links

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      LIONEL MESSI’S dad Jorge will fly to Barcelona for showdown talks about his son’s future, reports say.
      New club president Joan Laporta has vowed to keep Messi at the club, following the Argentine’s bombshell transfer request last summer.

      Jorge Messi pictured with his son LionelCredit: EPA

      New Barcelona club president Joan LaportaCredit: AFP – Getty

      According to journalist Maximiliano Grillo, Messi’s father and representative Jorge is now due for talks with Laporta on Monday.
      It is claimed he will fly from Argentina to Barca to discuss Messi potentially renewing his contract, which expires at the end of the season.
      SunSport revealed the 33-year-old wants proof that the LaLiga giants have the funds to bolster their squad in the transfer market.
      Messi tried to leave his boyhood side after 16 years at start of the season, but stayed to avoid a drawn out court battle.

      Still, former manager Pep Guardiola at Man City and PSG are waiting in the wings for a potential free transfer.
      Laporta is yet to come forward with an offer to Messi, because he still has not got the financial package in place to restructure debts that experts believe have spiralled to more than £1BILLION.
      The Messi camp know all too well the financial problems the club are in.
      It leaves them demanding clear proof from Laporta that he can deliver on his promises before he entertains the prospect of staying.

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      He has made it clear he still wants to be competing for — and winning — trophies in the final years of his glittering career.
      As a result, Messi will only commit to a project which gives him the best opportunity to do that.
      It is on this basis that City and PSG hope to be able to demonstrate they are in a better position than Barca to match his sporting ambitions.

      Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola wants a reunion with Lionel MessiCredit: EPA

      Sergio Aguero willing to take pay cut to make Barcelona transfer go through with Man City contract set to expire More

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      Barcelona draw up sensational five-man transfer shortlist including Haaland, Aguero and Alaba to convince Messi to stay

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      BARCELONA have drawn up a sensational five-man summer shortlist, according to reports.
      And the Catalan giants are hoping that this show of ambition can convince Lionel Messi to stay.

      Barca have drawn up their five-man shortlist

      Lionel Messi has entered the final few months of his contractCredit: AP:Associated Press

      New president Joan Laporta has pledged to bring in some fresh talent, as Barca look to rebuild.
      But SunSport last night revealed that the Messi camp require proof that Laporta can spend big if he is to even entertain a new deal.
      Mundo Deportivo claim that Laporta is targeting the likes of Erling Haaland, Sergio Aguero, David Alaba, Eric Garcia and Memphis Depay.
      Of those five players, Haaland is Barca’s ‘big dream’, having scored 47 goals in 47 games for Borussia Dortmund.

      They are aware, however, that he will be by far the hardest to get.
      The Norwegian’s contract contains a £65million release clause, due to become active in the summer of 2022.
      But owing to the amount of interest, in particular from the likes of Manchester City and Manchester United, Barcelona expect Haaland to cost at least £95m – given what agent Mino Raiola will expect to earn as well.
      In a boost to Ronald Koeman’s side, Laporta DOES have a good relationship with Raiola, which would make agreeing a deal easier.

      Erling Haaland has scored 47 goals in 47 games for Borussia DortmundCredit: Rex Features

      Sergio Aguero’s appearances this season have largely been as a substituteCredit: AFP
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      Should Haaland be too difficult to attain for the debt-stricken club, Aguero has emerged as a back-up option.
      The 32-year-old is set to be out of contract in the summer, and has struggled for game time at City this season.
      Aguero is ‘crazy’ about linking up with his Argentina national team pal Messi and would even be willing to ‘take a pay cut’ to seal a switch.
      Another target to soon be out of contract is David Alaba, who has already confirmed that he will be leaving Bayern Munich.
      The Austrian, 28, is interested in Barcelona, but his rumoured £400,000-a-week demands provide a major stumbling block.
      ‘Wooed’ by Barca’s interest, however, agent Pini Zahavi is reportedly willing to wait on a decision from Laporta.
      Eric Garcia will return from Man City on a free transfer, having already agreed a five-year contract back at his boyhood club.

      Eric Garcia will leave Man City in the summerCredit: Rex Features

      David Alaba has confirmed his upcoming Bayern Munich exitCredit: Reuters
      And Barca are expected to reprise last summer’s interest in Lyon star Memphis Depay – with the Dutchman also having entered the final few months of his contract.
      Manager Koeman, 57, believes Messi can have no doubt that the team are headed in the right direction.
      The Dutchman said: “In general, Leo has seen that the team is getting better and better.
      “With the changes we’ve made, bringing in young players, Messi can have no doubts about the future of this team.”
      Koeman then added: “As for Leo’s future, it’s up to him to decide. Nobody can help him.
      “He has seen for a long time that there is a lot of promise in this team. That’s not going to be an argument for him not to stay.”

      Memphis Depay is expected to leave Lyon this summerCredit: AFP or licensors

      Ronald Koeman has backed Lionel Messi to stayCredit: AP:Associated Press
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      Man Utd transfer blow as Raphael Varane ‘holds positive Real Madrid talks with new contract expected to be agreed’

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      RAPHAEL VARANE’S Real Madrid contract talks are reportedly ‘progressing well’, in a blow to Manchester United.
      The Frenchman is a key man in Zinedine Zidane’s team, and has even skippered the LaLiga champions on occasion this season.

      Raphael Varane has made 352 appearances for Real MadridCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      But speculation has begun to mount surrounding his future, with his current contract set to expire in 2022.
      Manchester United are one of the teams ‘monitoring’ Varane’s contract situation, and have even reportedly made him their No1 target in finding a new partner for Harry Maguire.
      But according to Marca, talks over a new deal for the 27-year-old in Madrid are ‘progressing well’.
      And an agreement is expected to be reached ‘soon’.

      Since joining Madrid as a 17-year-old back in 2011, the defensive stalwart has made 352 appearances, winning a whole host of honours including three league titles and four Champions Leagues.
      The Red Devils have also been linked with Varane’s centre-back partner Sergio Ramos, whose own contract expires this summer.
      Ramos, 34, has offered a brief update on his own future.
      He said: “I wish I could say something, but everything remains the same.

      “I’m just thinking about coming back and finishing the season in the best possible way. There’s no news about my renewal, as much as I’d like there to be.
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      Sergio Ramos has also been linked with a Real Madrid exitCredit: Rex Features

      “I’m calm, only thinking about playing again and savouring another title.
      “You can’t please everyone, but there is something you can’t erase, everything you’ve won.
      “The only thing that I care about is that people know I’m a real guy, that I gave my soul for the Madrid crest.
      “I’ve always been direct and face-to-face. I’m honest, humble and hardworking. I can perform at the highest level for five more years, injuries providing.”
      The Red Devils have been linked with a number of defenders, including Edmond Tapsoba, Jules Kounde, and an audacious swoop for Matthijs de Ligt.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Ramos, 34, is nearing a return to fitness after a torn meniscusCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Sergio Ramos offers to put Lionel Messi up at his home if he makes free Real Madrid transfer from Barcelona in summer

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      SERGIO RAMOS has cheekily offered Lionel Messi a place to stay… if the Argentine joins him at Real Madrid.
      The pair have been involved in many heated tussles down the years.

      Lionel Messi and Sergio Ramos haven’t always seen eye to eyeCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Real Madrid have previously given Messi physical treatmentCredit: EPA

      But with Messi’s contract running down, Ramos would be willing to put it all aside – in order to not have to play against Barcelona’s No10 anymore.
      The Real Madrid centre-back, 34, said on Twitch: “He could stay at mine for the first week or so.
      “He can find his feet and get comfy, I’d be more than happy to do that.
      “Us Madrid fans gave had to endure Leo’s best years, so not to have to face him every week would be great.

      “And to have him with us would obviously help us to win and have more success.”
      Speculation has been rife around Messi’s future since he outlined his intention to leave last August – with Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain leading the race for his signature.
      But following Joan Laporta’s election as club president last weekend, hope has grown that Messi, 33, could yet stay in Catalonia.
      But SunSport last night revealed that Messi and his representatives are demanding proof that Laporta can deliver big-name acquisitions if he is to entertain the prospect of staying.

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      Ramos was red carded for a disgraceful challenge on Messi in 2017Credit: Reuters

      Laporta is yet to come forward with an offer for the 33-year-old because he still has not got the financial package in place to restructure debts that experts believe have spiralled to more than £1BILLION.
      As the end of his contract nears this summer, it is expected Messi and his father will be invited to sit down for talks within the month.
      Then the LaLiga giants will attempt to persuade him to finish his career with them.
      Ramos too is out of contract this summer, and could leave Madrid after 16 stellar years at the club.
      Last night offering an update on his own future, he said: “I wish I could say something, but everything remains the same.
      “I’m just thinking about coming back and finishing the season in the best possible way. There’s no news about my renewal, as much as I’d like there to be.

      Messi and Ramos’ tussles go back over a decadeCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The Spaniard could offer Barca’s No10 a summer pick-me-upCredit: AFP OR LICENSORS
      “I’m calm, only thinking about playing again and savouring another title.
      “You can’t please everyone, but there is something you can’t erase, everything you’ve won.
      “The only thing that I care about is that people know I’m a real guy, that I gave my soul for the Madrid crest.
      “I’ve always been direct and face-to-face. I’m honest, humble and hardworking. I can perform at the highest level for five more years, injuries providing.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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      Lionel Messi demands proof new Barcelona chief Laporta can fund major transfers as Man City wait in wings

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      BARCELONA are preparing for crunch talks with superstar Lionel Messi as Manchester City wait in the wings to swoop.
      Joan Laporta swept into power as the new president last week on the back of a pledge to keep Messi at the Nou Camp.

      Barcelona star Lionel Messi is out of contract at the end of the season with Man City and PSG keen to sign himCredit: EPA

      But his election is no guarantee the Argentinian will commit to a new deal.
      Laporta is yet to come forward with an offer for the 33-year-old because he still has not got the financial package in place to restructure debts that experts believe have spiralled to more than £1BILLION.
      As the end of his contract nears this summer, it is expected Messi and his father will be invited to sit down for talks within the month.
      Then the LaLiga giants will attempt to persuade him to finish his career with them.

      Yet SunSport understands Laporta will have to do more than just play fantasy football by promising a series of big names he will sign to rebuild the current squad.
      Barca failed to reach the last eight in the Champions League this season — emphatically KO’d by Paris Saint-Germain.
      The Messi camp know all too well the financial problems the club are in, and they would need clear proof from Laporta he can deliver on his promises before he entertains the prospect of staying.
      He has made it clear he still wants to be competing for — and winning — trophies in the final years of his glittering career, and will only commit to a project which gives him the best opportunity to do that.

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      It is on this basis that City — and the other interested club, PSG — hope to be able to demonstrate they are in a better position than Barca to match his sporting ambitions.
      The Premier League leaders have adopted a soft-touch approach, unwilling to be seen to unsettle the player or his club, with Etihad bosses enjoying a close relationship with those at the Nou Camp.
      But if they were given the nod by the Messi camp to come up with a formal offer, they could point to the strong squad Pep Guardiola has in place to compete both domestically and in Europe.
      That offer is not so clear-cut for Barca, with Laporta left in no doubt he needs to oversee a rebuild at a time when finances are at an all-time low.
      There is a feeling a move to tempt Sergio Aguero to the Nou Camp could help sweeten the package to convince his close friend Messi to stay.
      But Barca are still in such financial turmoil while they negotiate a restructuring of their finances with Goldman Sachs they are not even close to being able to put any offer on the table for the 32-year-old City forward.

      In pure business terms it has been made clear that the Spanish giants could see their lucrative commercial deals collapse should they lose one of the most recognised faces in global sport.
      But Laporta knows his hands are tied until he convinces Messi to stay — and the forward is prepared to wait to see if the president can transform the Catalans before he makes a decision.
      It leaves the club in a weak position, knowing the Barca legend will not make a final decision until the middle of the summer, until all suitors show their hands.
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      Koeman begs Messi to stay at Barcelona as he says ‘he can have no doubts about future of team’ despite Euro exit

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      RONALD KOEMAN has begged Lionel Messi to stay at Barcelona, telling the superstar he can have ‘no doubts about the future of the team’.
      Messi, 33, is out of contract this summer and expected to call time on his incredible Nou Camp adventure.

      Ronald Koeman has urged Lionel Messi to stay at BarcelonaCredit: AP:Associated Press

      The Argentine tried and failed to quit last summer for a stunning reunion with old boss Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.
      The Premier League leaders are reportedly ready to resurrect their interest come the end of the season.
      And Barca’s hopes of keeping Messi took another huge hit this week as they crashed out of the Champions League.
      The Spaniards were hammered 5-2 on aggregate in the last-16 by Paris Saint-Germain, who have also been linked with Messi.

      But Koeman hopes the Argentine can be convinced to remain put due to the quality of upcoming youngsters including Pedri (18), Sergino Dest (20) and Riqui Puig (21).
      Established first-team stars like Frenkie de Jong, 23, also have plenty of years left ahead.
      And Barca still plan on making more signings this summer, with the likes of Bayern Munich’s David Alaba, as well as Man City duo Sergio Aguero and Eric Garcia, linked with free transfers.
      The re-election of former president and Messi favourite Joan Laporta could also be crucial in the forward’s thinking.

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      Koeman said: “In general, Leo has seen that the team is getting better and better.
      “With the changes we’ve made, bringing in young players, Messi can have no doubts about the future of this team.
      “[Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo out of Champions League?] I don’t know if Leo will be annoyed.
      “It’s a shame because they are two great players, but you have to accept it. As for Leo’s future, it’s up to him to decide. Nobody can help him.
      “He has seen for a long time that there is a lot of promise in this team. That’s not going to be an argument for him not to stay.”
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