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      Man Utd and Chelsea in Lucas Vazquez transfer blow as Real Madrid offer him bumper new £84k-a-week contract

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      REAL MADRID have reportedly offered Lucas Vazquez a bumper new deal to ward off interest from Manchester United and Chelsea.The winger, 29, is out of contract at the end of the season and negotiations have been slowed by the club’s financial trouble.
      Lucas Vazquez is reportedly nearing a new Real Madrid contractCredit: Getty
      The coronavirus pandemic and expensive Bernabeu revamp initially led to talk of his existing £60,000-a-week contract being offered again, only with a ten per cent pay cut due to the circumstances.
      However, Spanish outlet AS now report of a fresh proposal worth £84,000-a-week.
      It is said Vazquez wants to stay in Madrid having come through the club’s famed La Fabrica academy to make his debut in 2015.
      Since then, he has become a vital option on the right side of midfield and defence for Zinedine Zidane, playing 34 times this season.
      Interest was reportedly strong from both United and Chelsea as they look to formulate a Premier League title bid next campaign.
      Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain and Everton were also named in gossip column rumours.
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      I was and will always be a Real Madrid man.Lucas Vazquez
      But all signs now point to Vazquez putting pen to paper on a three-year deal with Real, which also includes the option of a further season.
      He declared in a pre-match press conference last month: “What I concentrate on is the present.
      “I’m really enjoying myself this season because I’m playing and that’s what makes me happy.
      “I was and will always be a Real Madrid man.”

      Los Blancos are also targeting a new deal for captain Sergio Ramos.
      The centre-back is reportedly tussling over his future with the offer of a one-year extension on the table before his deal runs out next month.
      Currently sat second in LaLiga, the Spanish giants face Osasuna on Saturday before travelling to Chelsea for the second leg of their Champions League semi-final.
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      Lionel Messi ‘to accept new Barcelona deal on LOWER wages’ so club can afford Erling Haaland transfer

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      LIONEL MESSI will accept reduced terms on his new contract to help Barcelona sign Erling Haaland, according to reports.Negotiations on the Argentine’s £2.4million-a-week deal are set to begin soon after a financial review by new club president Joan Laporta.
      Lionel Messi is set to become a free agent in two months’ timeCredit: Getty
      Erling Haaland is a top transfer target for BarcelonaCredit: Getty
      Earlier this month, the player’s dad and agent Jorge Messi landed in Spain in preparation for the talks.
      And it has been mooted that Barcelona’s ambition in the transfer market will be a big factor in securing his commitment.
      According to Eurosport, Messi will even accept a hefty wage cut if the savings are funnelled into improving the squad.
      Borussia Dortmund star Haaland is known to be a top target of the LaLiga giants.
      The Norwegian’s dad, Alf-Inge, and agent, Mino Raiola, recently flew into the city for transfer talks.
      But the Bundesliga club will demand a fee north of £150m – which may be lowered if they fail to reach next season’s Champions League.
      Barcelona were struggling under a ballooning wage bill before the pandemic, which has exacerbated their financial problems.
      Rival interest in Messi is expected to come from Paris Saint-Germain with only two months to go until he is a free agent.
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      Ronald Koeman is hoping to bolster his squad with cheap deals for Eric Garcia, Memphis Depay and Georginio Wijnaldum rumoured for when their contracts expire at the end of the season.
      Also key to persuading Messi may be Barcelona’s LaLiga title challenge following a faltering start.
      The Catalans had the chance to reach the top of the table on Thursday but lost 2-1 at home to Granada, with leaders Atletico Madrid coming to the Camp Nou in a week’s time.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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      Lionel Messi’s signed boots, worn as he scored 644th Barcelona goal, raise world-record £125k for children’s hospital

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      LIONEL MESSI’s signed boots have raised a world-record £125,000 for charity at auction.The Argentine’s match-worn kicks, from when he scored his landmark 644th goal for Barcelona back in December, were initially displayed at a museum in the city.
      Lionel Messi reached the landmark tally of 644 Barcelona goals against Valladolid in DecemberCredit: Reuters
      Messi, 33, signed the boots after the gameCredit: The Mega Agency
      But after a few months they were sent to Christie’s to be auctioned off for a good cause.
      Leo’s boots were worn as he bagged his 644th goal for Barca – beating Pele’s record of most goals for a single club.
      The Brazilian set the previous best tally of 643 while playing for Santos between 1956 and 1974.
      After fetching £125k, Messi’s auction set the record for most-expensive match-worn boots ever sold.
      The proceeds have gone to Vall d’Hebron University Hospital’s Art and Health programme.
      Messi’s worn boots also feature the 33-year-old’s autograph.
      Of his decision to have the boots auctioned off, Barca’s iconic No10 said: “Reaching the historic total of 644 goals for the same club fills me with joy, but the most important thing is to be able to give something back to the children fighting for their health.
      “We hope the auction in April will increase knowledge of this great cause.”
      The boots were recently prepared for auctionCredit: EPA
      The boots had previously been in a Barcelona museum
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      Messi reached the landmark tally during Barcelona’s 3-0 win over Valladolid back in December.
      Ronald Koeman’s side were showing signs of life at the time, after a poor start to the season – and they have since propelled themselves into the title race.
      But they missed the chance to actually go top of the table last night, as they spurned a first-half lead, courtesy of a Messi goal no less, to lose 2-1 to Granada.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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      Barcelona 1 Granada 2: Koeman sent off as Barca lose and blow chance to go top of LaLiga despite Lionel Messi opener

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      RONALD KOEMAN was sent off as Barcelona blew the chance to go top of LaLiga with a shock defeat at home to Granada. Lionel Messi gave Barca the lead at the Nou Camp but a second-half comeback from the visitors ensured a stunning 2-1 defeat for Koeman’s side.
      Ronald Koeman was sent off as Barcelona suffered a shock loss at home to GranadaCredit: Getty
      Lionel Messi scored one but rued his missed chance to make it 2-0Credit: AP
      Goals from Darwin Machis and Jorge Molina completed the turnaround for the Nazaries.
      And the result could prove another major result in the four-way title race in Spain as Barcelona remain third on 71 points, behind Real Madrid on the head-to-head record with Atletico two points clear at the top after 33 games.
      Things started well for the Catalans in their game in hand on the title rivals.
      Antoine Griezmann teed up Messi to give them the lead midway through the first half.
      His finish was his 26th league goal of the season.
      The Argentine forward was denied by Granada keeper Aaron Escandell in a one-on-one shortly afterwards.
      It proved to be a vital stop in the context of the game – as well as the title race.
      Machis equalised for eighth-placed Granada on 63 minutes after Oscar Mingueza failed to cut out Colombian Luis Suarez’s through ball.
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      In the aftermath, Barca coach Koeman was shown a red card by referee Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes for his protests.
      And to compound the home side’s misery, substitute Molina headed in a close-range winner 11 minutes from time to secure a first-ever away win at the Nou Camp for Diego Martinez’s side.
      Next up for Barcelona is a trip to Valencia on Sunday, before the mammoth weekend which sees Koeman’s side host Atletico and Sevilla, fourth on 70 points, travel to Real Madrid.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Darwin Machis tucked the ball under Marc-Andre ter Stegen to equaliseCredit: Getty
      Luis Suarez congratulated Jorge Molina on his winning goal at the Nou Camp to secure a famous victoryCredit: Getty
      Koeman had to watch the end of match from the stands following the red cardCredit: Getty
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      Barcelona vs Granada: Live stream, TV channel, teams and kick-off time for La Liga match

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      BARCELONA welcome Granada to the Nou Camp for a huge fixture in the La Liga title race.The Catalan giants are fighting it out with Real Madrid, Sevilla and Atletico Madrid to land the Spanish championship.

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      Messi and Co currently sit third but can go top if they win this game in hand over Atletico.
      What time does Barcelona vs Granada kick off?

      Kick-off is at 6pm BST tonight.
      When the sides met earlier in the campaign, Messi and Antoine Griezmann got the goals in a 4-0 Barca win.

      What TV channel is Barcelona vs Granada on and can I live stream it?

      You can catch this game live on LaLiga TV here in the UK.
      The channel is included in Premier Sports subscriptions and can be found on Sky 435 and Virgin Media 554.
      To stream, head to the Premier Player where you can watch the remainder of the La Liga campaign for £6.99.

      What is the team news?

      Match odds

      Barca to win – 1/9
      Draw – 15/2
      Granada victory – 16/1

      *All odds from Paddy Power and correct at time of publication.
      GRANADA SUBSTITUTES
      4 Gonalons, 12 Quina, 14 Vico, 18 Marin, 23 Molina, 26 Soro, 31 Fabrega, 35 Costa, 42 Barcia
      BARCELONA SUBSTITUTES
      2 Dest, 4 Araujo, 8 Pjanic, 11 Dembele, 12 Marti, 13 Neto, 15 Lenglet, 16 Pedri, 17 Trincao, 24 Firpo, 29 De la Fuente, 36 Tenas
      GRANADA XI
      Granada also go with a three-man defence as they look to secure a shock result.
      13 Escandell; 3 Perez, 6 Sanchez, 16 Diaz; 2 Foulquier, 21 Herrera, 8 Eteki, 17 Quini; 7 Charris, 11 Machis; 9 Soldado

      BARCELONA XI
      Ronald Koeman makes three changes to the side that defeated Villarreal with Sergi Roberto, Samuel Umtiti and Ilaix Moriba all coming into his starting XI.
      The Dutchman is sticking with the 3-5-2 formation that has reaped rewards of late.
      1 Ter Stegen; 28 Mingueza, 3 Pique, 15 Umtiti; 20 Roberto, 21 De Jong, 5 Busquets, 16 Pedri, 18 Alba; 10 Messi, 7 Griezmann

      THE TEAMSHEETS ARE IN!
      FIRM FAVOURITES
      Barca have an outstanding record against Granada, with 17 wins from the 19 matches played.
      However, in their most recent meeting – the Copa del Rey in February – Barca needed extra time to triumph 5-3.
      Koeman’s side won 4-0 in the league fixture at Granada earlier this season, with Antoine Griezmann and some guy called Lionel Messi both scoring twice.

      GOOD AFTERNOON FROM SPAIN
      Welcome to our live coverage of the clash between Barcelona and Granada in La Liga.
      A win for Barca would see them go top of the table for the first time in a more than a year with five games remaining, edging them closer to a 27th title and reclaiming the crown from bitter rivals Real Madrid.
      Ronald Koeman’s side are in a three-way battle for the title with Real and Atletico Madrid. And, with Real and Atletico both dropping points at the weekend, this game offers Barca the chance to take the initiative. A potentially title-deciding game between Barca and Atletico is just a week and a half away.
      It would be one of their more unlikely title successes. Koeman’s men picked up just 14 points from their first 10 games to languish 12 points off the pace.
      “Perhaps we are now the favourites, but we’re not thinking like that,” said Koeman this week. “The team has learned to take it game by game, it’s the best way.”
      As for Granada, they currently sit in an impressive eighth spot and still harbour outside hopes of qualification for next year’s Europa League. 
      Barca should be able to call on the services of Ousmane Dembele, who began his comeback from injury with a substitute appearance in the hard-fought win at Villarreal at the weekend but will definitely be without Ansu Fati and Philippe Coutinho. Martin Braithwaite is also still absent through injury.
      For Granada, Neyder Lozano, Domingos Duarte, and Luis Milla are out, and there is a doubt over the fitness of Alberto Soro. Midfielders Angel Montoro and Antonio Puertas are both suspended.
      We’ll have confirmation of tonight’s teams shortly plus lots more build-up ahead of the 6pm kick-off.

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      Lionel Messi ‘tells Barcelona he will STAY’ in Man City transfer blow but ‘demands summer spree to transform team’

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      LIONEL MESSI has reportedly dealt Manchester City a blow by telling Barcelona he will STAY this summer.But the superstar forward, 33, has demanded that new president Joan Laporta embark on a spending spree – with Erling Haaland a target.
      Lionel Messi has told Barcelona he intends to stay put this summerCredit: Rex
      Messi wants Barca to spend big on new faces, with Erling Haaland linkedCredit: Getty
      TVE claims Messi will not look to leave the Nou Camp at the end of the season despite his contract running out.
      The Argentine failed to force through a move to City last summer.
      And it was widely expected Messi would end his Barcelona adventure this year once his deal ran out, with Paris Saint-Germain also linked.
      However, the Argentine has apparently performed a dramatic U-turn after being left impressed by Ronald Koeman’s impact and vision for the future following this month’s Copa del Rey triumph.
      On top of that, old pal Laporta is back as Barcelona’s new president.
      And Messi has now committed his future to the Spanish giants, leaving City empty-handed.
      However, he has reportedly told Laporta big money must be spent to return Barca to the top of European football.
      They have been linked with plenty of stars this summer, including Liverpool’s Gini Wijnaldum and Man City’s Sergio Aguero.
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      But Messi is apparently eager to play alongside Borussia Dortmund goal machine Erling Haaland, who could cost upwards of £100million after hitting 37 goals in 38 games this term.
      Meanwhile, Marca claims Messi’s decision to stay at Barcelona came after talks between president Laporta and his father Jorge.
      A two-year contract was discussed, although there is yet to be an official offer from Barcelona.
      But all parties were said to be clear they want Messi to stay put in Catalonia.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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      Andre Silva ‘wants LaLiga transfer over Man Utd move’ with Real Madrid to offer Jovic plus cash to Eintracht Frankfurt

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      REAL MADRID could be about to move ahead of Manchester United in the race for Andre Silva.Reports in Germany indicate the LaLiga giants are willing to allow Luka Jovic to sign for Eintracht Frankfurt permanently in a player-plus-cash deal.
      Andre Silva is reportedly attracting the interest of Real MadridCredit: AFP
      Luka Jovic could make his Eintracht Frankfurt loan permanent as part of the dealCredit: EPA
      Silva, 25, has smashed 26 goals for the Bundesliga club this season after signing from AC Milan.
      Long tipped to become one of Europe’s top forwards, he has earned the attention of several prospective buyers.
      United are said to be among them along with Borussia Dortmund, who could become particularly keen if Erling Haaland leaves.
      SunSport revealed in February that the Red Devils are pondering a £30m offer if Edinson Cavani leaves for free.
      But Madrid have entered the race with a unique offer, according to Bild, and are the preferred destination for Silva.
      Serbian striker Jovic, 23, made his name with Eintracht before a £52m move to Real in 2019.

      After a poor season which saw him net just two goals, the player was loaned back to Frankfurt and could remain with the club as part of this deal.
      It is said Madrid are willing to pay around £17m plus Jovic to land Silva’s signature.
      The transfer may require the Serb to take a large pay cut from his rumoured £170,000-a-week wage.
      And Eintracht may yet seek a bigger fee for Silva if the side, currently fourth in the table, qualify for the Champions League.
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      It has been mooted that the Portugal international is available through a release clause for just £26m, something the player’s camp has denied.
      Agent Hendrik Schauerte told Bild last week: “Of course, at the current time of the season, the speculation will not decrease, we are not guided by that.
      “Andre is totally focused and wants to secure the Champions League places with Eintracht.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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      Xabi Alonso on Liverpool’s ’embarrassing’ first-half in Istanbul vs AC Milan and Barcelona inflicting his ‘worst’ defeat

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      XABI ALONSO opened up on Liverpool’s ‘painful’ and ’embarrassing’ first-half in the 2005 Champions League final against AC Milan in Istanbul.The Spaniard revealed he was ‘angry with himself’ at half-time before the Reds’ iconic comeback.
      Xabi Alonso labelled Liverpool ’embarrassing’ in the first-half of the 2005 Champions League finalCredit: Getty
      Liverpool were 3-0 down to the Italian giants and seemed doomed at the break.
      But in one of the most historic comebacks in football, Steven Gerrard, Vladimir Smicer and Alonso himself scored in six second-half minutes to nick a 3-3 draw.
      The Merseysiders eventually won the penalty shootout but the 39-year-old admitted he couldn’t see it coming at half-time.
      He told team-mate on the night Jamie Carragher’s Greatest Game podcast: “I was angry at myself, thinking ‘we can’t throw it away so easily, this is a beautiful chance’.
      “I was kind of embarrassed with what we were doing.
      “More than thinking about the others it was painful, that was first (how I felt). Later, Rafa (Benitez) changed. I thought ‘let’s see how this works’.
      “To hear the boos from the fans was important because they didn’t want to kill us but we thought ‘let’s try and give them something to believe’, try to have some hope.”
      Alonso eventually left Anfield after five years with the club and joined Real Madrid in 2009.
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      The Spaniard also opened up on his worst defeat ever – a 5-0 drubbing by Barcelona when he was at Real MadridCredit: Getty

      And during his Los Blancos career he faced Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona team which is widely considered one of the greatest sides ever assembled.
      And one particular Clasico stuck in his mind for all the wrong reasons after Barca thrashed Jose Mourinho’s Real 5-0 in 2010-11.
      Having started the game alongside Sami Khedira, Alonso said: “We knew in that moment if we were too nice they were going to kill us.
      “The league game in the Nou Camp we lost 5-0 and that was the worst night I’ve ever lived on a football pitch.
      “After 20 minutes I wanted to leave, to go home, shower and to go home.
      “It was so painful. It gave us a big determination. We couldn’t be too nice or we wouldn’t have beaten them (the next season).”
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