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      Pep Guardiola ‘pretty sure’ Eric Garcia will leave Man City with Barcelona preparing transfer swoop

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      PEP GUARDIOLA is ‘pretty sure’ Eric Garcia will leave Manchester City for Barcelona.
      But the City boss could not confirm whether it would be this month or at the end of the season.

      Eric Garcia is almost certain to leave Man City for BarcelonaCredit: PA:Press Association

      But Pep Guardiola said it depends on the two clubs whether he goes this month or at the end of the seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The LaLiga giants have been chasing the 20-year-old for some time after he left them in 2017.
      And he has reportedly agreed to re-join them for £8.9million.
      Garcia’s contract expires in June and he has made it clear that he will not be signing an extension at the Etihad.
      Guardiola has acknowledged the player’s desire but asserted in October that he still hoped to ‘seduce’ him into staying.

      However, the City boss appears to have shifted his stance and all but confirmed Garcia will leave.
      He said: “I’m pretty sure he’s going to leave at the end of the season.
      “And [whether he leaves] now in this transfer window will depend on the clubs.
      “We’ll see until the end of the transfer window.”

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      City have reportedly lowered their asking price from £17.8m to £8.9m, making the deal far more affordable for Barcelona.
      The fee will be split into an initial sum of £4.45m, not due until later in the year, with a further £4.45m in variables.
      It is said that the Catalans are happy to push ahead with the deal having agreed personal terms and a contract to 2026.
      City are flying high and managed to get within two points of Man Utd with a game in hand at the top of the Premier League.
      And after a busy spell of fixtures Guardiola added: “We were lucky to survive this period with only two centre-backs and we win 10 in a row but it is so important we have Aymeric Laporte, Ferran Torres, Eric and hopefully Nathan Ake soon.
      “We need them all for the amount of games. It means we can rotate important players and it is so important they came back and played so well.”
      City sit two points off rivals Man Utd with a game in hand and face West Brom on Tuesday before hosting Sheffield United on Saturday.

      Martin Odegaard dives into training with Real Madrid More

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      Wolves seal Willian Jose loan transfer with £18m option-to-buy Real Sociedad’s Brazilian striker who Barcelona wanted

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      WOLVES have signed Real Sociedad’s Brazilian striker Willian Jose on loan until the end of the season.
      An £18million fee has also been agreed if they decide to make the deal permanent this summer.

      Brazilian striker Willian Jose has joined Wolves on loan from Real SociedadCredit: PA:Press Association

      Jose, 29, has answered the Molineux club’s SOS for an experienced hitman after winning just one of their nine Premier League matches since Raul Jimenez fractured his skull against Arsenal in November.
      Without him, Wolves have struggled to recapture the form which took them to the quarter-finals of the Europa League last season.
      And Nunu Espirito Santo’s team only managed one shot on target against Northern Premier League part-timers Chorley in their uninspiring 1-0 FA Cup win on Friday.
      Now the Wolves board has backed Nuno to land the experienced Brazilian hitman, subject to a work permit and international clearance being granted this week.

      However Wolves are pessimistic about their chances of handing Willian Jose a speedy debut against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.  
      Jose scored 62 goals in 172 games for Sociedad, including a double in his farewell match for the Basque club’s 2-0 win over Cordoba in the Copa Del Rey on Wednesday.
      As a youngster he won the World Under-20 world youth cup with Brazil in 2011.
      And Jose has even played for Real Madrid on loan in the past, as well as Brazilian giants Sao Paulo, Gremio and Santos.

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      Wolves spent £35million in September on 18-year-old Fabio Silva, who scored his second goal of the season against West Brom last week.
      But Nuno wants an older head to take some of the burden off the teenager as he adapts to life in the Premier League.
      Silva has featured in 14 top-flight games this term, but has failed to live up to the hype surrounding him so far.

      Raul Jimenez sees Wolves team-mates for first time since horror fractured skull as striker visits training ground More

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      Barcelona ‘eye up Sergio Aguero and David Alaba on FREE transfers at end of season when duo’s contracts run out’

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      BARCELONA are reportedly looking to bring Sergio Aguero and David Alaba to the Nou Camp on free transfers.
      The Manchester City striker and Bayern Munich defender are in the final six months of their respective contracts and are free to talk to clubs abroad.

      Manchester City star Sergio Aguero could leave the club in the summerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      David Alaba is expected to leave Bayern Munich in the summer when his contract expiresCredit: Getty Images

      SunSport exclusively revealed earlier this month that the Blaugrana were eyeing up a move for Aguero.
      The 32-year-old – who has been limited to just five Premier League games this term due to injury – is still waiting to see whether the Citizens will hand him a fresh new deal.
      Meanwhile it is believed that Alaba will run his contract down in Germany as he seeks a new challenge having won everything with the Bavarian giants.
      Barca’s rivals Real Madrid are understood to be in pole position to sign the Austria international in the summer.

      And it has been claimed that the 28-year-old has even agreed a four-year deal with Los Blancos, though Mundo Deportivo insist Barca are refusing to give up hope of landing him.
      They state that Barcelona are determined to finally secure his services having failed to prise him away from Bayern in both 2012 and 2018.
      It has been suggested that Alaba is seen as an attractive option for Ronald Koeman due to the fact he can play in numerous positions.
      As for Aguero, it has been said that Barca are on the lookout for a new centre-forward after allowing Luis Suarez to join Atletico Madrid last summer.

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      The news outlet also suggests that signing Aguero could convince Lionel Messi to extend his contract in Catalonia with the pair close friends.
      Funds are reportedly limited in the summer for Barcelona, with the club unable to make any luxury purchases, forcing them to explore the free transfer market.
      And they have identified Aguero’s City team-mate Eric Garcia, and Dutch duo Georginio Wijnaldum and Memphis Depay as other potential recruits.

      Koeman recently declared that money is tight at the club as he spoke of his desire to bring in new faces.
      He said: “My position is known: we lack people, but the economic situation of the club is an influence.
      “I think we all think the same. If no one arrives, I accept it and we continue the same, but if we want more we must sign.”

      Athletic Bilbao celebrate after shock win over Barcelona in Spanish Super Cup final More

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      Chelsea line up transfer bid for Ousmane Dembele with Barcelona star set to go after refusing to enter contract talks

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      CHELSEA are interested in Barcelona forward Ousmane Dembele, reports say.
      The Frenchman’s deal expires next summer, and he is believed to be considering his future.

      Ousmane Dembele is reportedly considering his Barcelona future Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      According to Sport, Barca are considering selling Dembele, with neither the club or player interested in contract talks.
      Chelsea are named as one of the clubs monitoring the winger’s future, it was claimed.
      But, they will only be convinced to make a move if a ‘reasonable price’ was set for Dembele.
      The 23-year-old has also been wanted by the Blues’ Premier League rivals Liverpool and Manchester United in the past.

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      He remained in Spain, though, with Dutchman Ronald Koeman taking over at the Nou Camp last summer.
      Dembele has since made 19 appearances, scoring six goals but his future remains in doubt.
      He joined the LaLiga giants in 2017 in a £110million deal, acting as a replacement for Neymar, who signed for PSG.

      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

      But Dembele has failed to live up to expectations and has also been questioned over his conduct.
      He is said to have upset the Nou Camp hierarchy in the past due to his diet, sleeping pattern and turning up late for training.
      Dembele is also competing for a place in the team alongside Lionel Messi, Antoine Griezmann, Ansu Fati and Philippe Coutinho.

      Athletic Bilbao celebrate after shock win over Barcelona in Spanish Super Cup final More

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      Alaves 1 Real Madrid 4: Eden Hazard gets first goal since October to earn crucial win in Zinedine Zidane’s absence

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      EDEN HAZARD and Real Madrid got a weight off their mind as he bagged his first goal since October in a vital victory – despite manager Zinedine Zidane’s absence.
      Under-fire Hazard struck for only the second time this season as Karim Benzema’s double helped Real cut the lead on LaLiga leaders Atletico Madrid to four points, albeit having played twice more.

      Ex-Chelsea star Eden Hazard salutes his first Real Madrid goal in nearly three months Credit: The Mega Agency

      Eden Hazard watches only his second goal this term as he doubles Real Madrid’s lead in a 4-1 LaLiga winCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Ever-reliable striker Karim Benzema struck in each half to spearhead Real’s vital victory at strugglers AlavesCredit: Reuters

      Assistant boss David Bettoni took charge as Zidane stayed away after testing positive for Covid-19 on Friday night.
      But Real still settled quickly, Casemiro nodding home a cross from Toni Kroos on 15 minutes.
      French striker Benzema then dipped a sizzling top-corner second goal in the 42nd minute following Hazard’s neat backheel.
      And having earlier curled a shot wide, Hazard made it three with a delicate finish past Alaves keeper Fernando Pacheco just before the break.

      Joselu flashed a superb header beyond Real No1 Thibaut Courtois to give the lowly home side hope.
      But Benzema safeguarded only Real’s second triumph in six matches, cutting in from the left with 20 minutes remaining to thump home.
      Victory soothed painful memories of Wednesday’s shock 2-1 defeat at third-division Alcoyano in the Copa del Rey, as well as Real’s Spanish Super Cup semi-final loss to Athletic Bilbao by the same scoreline on January 14.
      And Benzema insisted: “This was a great performance from us and will lift our confidence 

      “We know every game is difficult, we always try to put in our best performance but sometimes it’s hard when teams defend deep. 
      “But today the goals kept flowing and that’s good for everyone, especially after the week we’ve had.”
      Nonetheless, Atletico can restore their seven-point advantage over second-placed Real with a home win over mid-table Valencia on Sunday.

      Real’s Eden Hazard reflects on his first goal since October 31Credit: Reuters

      Martin Odegaard shows off his skills at Real Madrid training More

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      Raphael Varane ‘wants to QUIT Real Madrid’ as contract runs down in 2022 putting Man Utd on transfer alert

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      RAPHAEL VARANE wants to quit Real Madrid with his contract expiring in 2022, reports say.
      The Frenchman has been at the club since 2011, joining aged 17, and has since won 18 trophies in the Spanish capital.

      Raphael Varane is reportedly considering his Real Madrid future Credit: Represented by ZUMA Press, Inc.

      But according to SPORT, Varane feels his time with Madrid is drawing to a close, leaving him considering a new challenge.
      His contract expires next summer, meaning he is allowed to talk to clubs over a free transfer in 12 months time.
      To avoid losing the 27-year-old for nothing, Madrid need either cash in and sell him or convince the defender to stay and extend his deal.
      But, it is understood Varane, who has been linked with Manchester United in the past, will not sign a new contract.

      That is despite having a strong relationship with manager Zinedine Zidane, both World Cup winners for France.
      Zidane also faces losing club captain and Varane’s defensive partner Sergio Ramos.
      Ramos’ contract runs out in just six months time and the player is yet to commit his future to the club.
      Contract talks with Bernabeu bosses have reportedly dragged on due to disputes over the length and financial terms.

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      Sergio Ramos pictured with defensive partner Raphael VaraneCredit: Represented by ZUMA Press, Inc.

      They have a policy of only offering one-year contracts to players over the age of 30 but Ramos, 34, wants a two-season guarantee.
      It leaves the LaLiga champions fearing he could make a similar exit as Cristiano Ronaldo, who made the shock move to Juventus in 2018.
      Zidane said this month: “Are we going to have a Cristiano case? I don’t know what will happen with Ramos.
      “He is here with us at the moment.”

      Martin Odegaard shows off his skills at Real Madrid training More

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      Jack Wilshere jokes he didn’t learn from Barcelona’s midfield legends for Arsenal… as they ‘spent night in my pocket’

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      JACK WILSHERE joked there was not much to learn from playing against Barcelona’s legendary midfield – because they were all in his pocket.
      Wilshere, 29, conducted a Q&A online and was asked about playing Barca at the Emirates in 2011.

      Jack Wilshere playing against Barcelona in 2011Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      And he was quizzed on who he learned most from between Andres Iniesta, Xavi or Sergio Busquets.
      Wilshere cheekily responded: “Couldn’t learn much, they all spent the night in my pocket.”
      Arsenal famously won the Champions League last 16 first leg with late goals from Robin van Persie and Andrey Arshavin.
      Wilshere started the game alongside Cesc Fabregas, Alex Song and Samir Nasri.

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      Despite the win, they were eventually knocked out in the second leg, losing 3-1, with Lionel Messi scoring twice.
      In Wilshere’s revealing Q&A, he was asked several questions about Arsenal and confirmed he still keeps in contact with former manager Arsene Wenger.
      Asked if he was in talks with new boss and former team-mate Mikel Arteta, he said: “No contact.

      “Arteta is a great coach but he has a good squad there and they are building something special.”
      ⚽ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news from The Emirates

      Jack Wilshere pictured next to Andres IniestaCredit: Reuters

      Wilshere also revealed Gunners legend Patrick Vieira would be his dream midfield partner.
      He said John Terry or Wayne Rooney were his most influential team-mates in the dressing room.
      And ex-England keeper Joe Hart got Wilshere’s pick as funniest footballer to be around.

      Jack Wilshere gets his fitness up with some personal training More

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      LaLiga chief Javier Tebas slams ‘selfish’ Prem Big Six and other Euro giants for backing planned 20-club Super League

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      LA LIGA chief Javier Tebas has slammed “selfish” Euro giants for backing the planned 20-club Super League.
      SunSport reported the Prem Big Six are being tempted by up to £310m each plus a minimum of £130m per year to join the breakaway alternative to the Champions League.

      LaLiga chief Javier Tebas has slammed Euro giants for backing the planned 20-club Super LeagueCredit: EPA

      La Liga’s three biggest guns, Atletico, Barcelona and Real Madrid, are also pivotal to the idea, which is the brainchild of Bernabeu President Florentino Perez.
      And as further details of how the competition would be ENTIRELY run by the “founder” clubs, including a form of Financial Fair Play on transfer and wages spending, Tebas went after his three potential mutineers.
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      Tebas said: “This is a clandestine and unviable project that would do a lot of damage to European football.

      “I know what is going on and what is being discussed.
      “Those clubs working on this project behind the back of football institutions are not loyal to the competitions in which they participate.
      “I don’t understand why we should want change because of the theoretical selfishness of a few clubs.”
      Rattled Fifa and Uefa corralled the other five confederations into a statement players they would be banned from the World Cup if they played for clubs who joined the rebel league.

      This is a clandestine and unviable project that would do a lot of damage to European football
      La Liga chief Javier Tebas

      Tebas added: “Fifa and the confederations are aware of the damage it would do to the current football ecosystem.
      “There would be no more money for most, just more concentrated in a few clubs. I also am sure it would be a failure in the medium term.”
      The 15 “founder” clubs would be assured of between £130m and £213m each year according to projections in an 18-page document circulated in recent weeks, which sparked the Fifa statement.
      But there are also surprising financial conditions. Including a spending limit of 55 per cent of annual revenue on wages and transfers.

      That is an attempt to prevent players using the extra club income projections to make inflated contract demands, with the Super League setting up its own in-house “Financial Sustainability Group” to monitor, police and sanction clubs who broke the rules.
      The initial 15 clubs would each have one sit on the League Board, which would also have six committees with jurisdiction over elements of the League and an independent chief executive.
      All decisions would need a two-thirds majority – at least 10 clubs in favour – to be passed and brought into place.

      FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirms plans to expand Club World Cup to a ‘world stage’ More