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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

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      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

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      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
      Trevor Sinclair says Jesse Lingard should stay at West Ham More

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      Man Utd ‘contact Villarreal defender Pau Torres’ agent over summer transfer’ to become Harry Maguire’s long-term partner

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      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

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      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.
      Real Madrid’s Miguel Gutierrez shows he has what it takes to be on the football field More

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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

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      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

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      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’

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      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
      Several success stories have come from January transfers
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      Barcelona can afford to LOSE El Clasico with Ronald Koeman busy rebuilding the club, says old pal Albert Ferrer

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      EL CLASICO defeats are a coach’s worst nightmare.Rioting fans. Dressing room brawls. Managerial shake-ups. Just some of the many inevitable fall-outs when Barcelona meet Real Madrid.
      Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman heads into El Clasico on a high [Photo by Miguel Angel Molina]Credit: Rex Features
      Albert Ferrer played alongside Koeman for BarcaCredit: Icon Sport – Getty
      Titles are ultimately decided off the back of this historically brutal fixture as well, and this will be no different as both look to chase down current La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid.
      Yet for Ronald Koeman, this particular El Clasico is perhaps like no other – in the sense that defeat would not spell the end for the Dutchman. Quite the opposite in fact.
      Albert Ferrer played alongside Koeman for five years in the famous Barca team of the early 90s – winning four league titles on the spin under Johan Cruyff.
      The departure of Koeman in 1995 and then Cruyff a year later sparked a mini decline, similar to where this underperforming Barca find themselves now, as the returning Koeman attempts to rebuild.
      It is this rebuild – a transitional and unenviable project that has been endlessly scrutinised and criticised since Koeman’s arrival last August – that will buy him time, with or without a win over their bitter rivals.
      ‘THIS IS THE RIGHT PROJECT’
      Ahead of his co-commentary for today’s game on LaLigaTV, former Barca and Chelsea defender Ferrer explained: “Nobody likes to lose El Clasico.
      “But for the circumstances of this season at Barcelona, the project is working so well that despite not winning this game of this type or winning the trophies, it should be enough.
      “What Ronald Koeman has achieved, I don’t know if they will win any titles, but in this season I think it shouldn’t be the most important thing.
      “It is always important at Barca to win but the job Koeman has done, to give importance to the young players and create a project and thinking in the mid-term, it is very exciting.
      “You never know in football. If they don’t win the league and they lose the final of the Spanish Cup, you cannot call it a good season. Will that be enough for them? I don’t know.
      “But I see clearly this is the right project and it should have continuity.
      “He is a very talented manager and a team like Barcelona cannot forget what a hero of the club he is.”
      Even in his pre-match press-conference, Koeman admitted: “The result of the game won’t be decisive. There will be many more games after tomorrow. Of course it’s an important game, that’s for sure.
      “Young players need the help of the senior players, but it is important that the youngsters play so that they get the experience.”

      After a rocky start under legend Koeman, Barca have won their last six league games, leaving them just a point behind Atletico in second. But it hasn’t always been plane sailing.
      Alongside the hierarchal dismay amid the recent board elections, Koeman has also had to deal with convincing Lionel Messi not to abandon a wayward ship.
      Despite their Champions League exit to PSG, Ferrer revealed: “I am definitely convinced that Messi is thinking that this is the right project, that he feels comfortable again.
      “He has been carrying the weight of the team for 13 or 14 years and there was a moment where he needed some help. Ronald Koeman has given him that.
      “You see Messi being important in the team but there is also now Pedri, Ousmane Dembele, Frenkie De Jong. A lot of players that Messi can count on.
      “Now he feels that he is surrounded by a good bunch of young talent and a project that has convinced him to stay.”
      Dealing with big egos at a club like Barca is something Koeman and Ferrer watched first hand under Cruyff, one of many lessons the Dutch legend passed on to his disciples.
      Albert Ferrer and Ronald Koeman learned under legend Johan CruyffCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Ferrer said: “What Koeman also learned from Cruyff was that if you believe in something, you have to do it your way.
      “Cruyff always did what he thought he had to do, even if not many understood at that time. When Koeman arrived, he knew he had to change the system from the favoured 4-3-3.
      “He believed that was the best thing for the team, and the results are there to see.
      “Next season, people will be asking to win major trophies, but I think everyone understood this current style and form is the way to deal with this transition season.”
      Ferrer added: “I met Koeman for the first time when I arrived at Barcelona in the summer of 1990, and he was a player who, and even now as a manager, doesn’t like to talk a lot.”
      El Clasico glory or not, Koeman will continue to quietly transform Barca in the only way he knows how.
      ***Watch ElClásico between Real Madrid and Barcelona this Saturday 10 April at 8pm on LaLigaTV, available from just £6.99 a month via Premier Sports and Amazon Prime Video Channels.***
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