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    Christian Eriksen ‘offered to Real Madrid and Atletico in transfer by Inter Milan’ with ex-Tottenham ace free to leave

    INTER MILAN have offered out-of-favour star Christian Eriksen to Real Madrid and Atletico, according to reports.
    The Dane was in high demand last year, after outlining his intention to leave Tottenham Hotspur.

    Eriksen has largely been limited to a place on the benchCredit: Rex Features

    Inter eventually won the race to his signature, securing it for what seemed a bargain £17million at the time.
    But Eriksen, 28, has endured a difficult 12 months at San Siro.
    Boss Antonio Conte has struggled to implement the attacking midfielder into his 3-5-2 system, with Eriksen having to spend plenty of time left on the bench this season.
    Real Madrid and Atletico were among the sides monitoring Eriksen’s situation during his final months at Spurs.

    Inter got their man on that occasion, but the teams from the Spanish capital may have another chance to sign the talented ace.
    According to Marca, Inter chiefs have offered Eriksen to both in recent weeks.
    With the LaLiga giants struggling financially in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, however, a deal this month may be unlikely.
    Inter formally transfer listed Eriksen last month.

    Real Madrid have seen Eriksen’s quality first hand in the pastCredit: Rex Features

    But their rumoured demands of £27million may put off many potential buyers.
    Manchester United and Arsenal have both been linked with the former Spurs supremo.
    And perhaps former boss Mauricio Pochettino may decide to reunite with his former No23, having yesterday been appointed by Paris Saint-Germain.
    Eriksen has made 38 appearances for Inter since joining, scoring four goals and laying on three assists in that time.
    He has only started four of his side’s 15 Serie A games to date this term.

    Christian Eriksen shows off his goal scoring skills in Inter Milan training More

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    Philippe Coutinho ruled out for three months after undergoing knee surgery in injury blow to Barcelona

    PHILIPPE COUTINHO has been ruled out for three months following knee surgery.
    The Barcelona star suffered an injury to his left meniscus in the Blaugrana’s 1-1 draw with Eibar on Tuesday.

    Philippe Coutinho has been ruled out for three months following knee surgery

    The Brazilian’s operation was a success but he looks set for a prolonged period on the sidelines as he begins his rehabilitation.
    After initial fears he could be out for up to five months, Barcelona have confirmed they expect him to miss ‘approximately’ three months of the season.
    It has been a tough campaign for Coutinho on his return from a season-long loan at Bayern Munich last term.
    And it is another blow for Barca, who have already lost Gerard Pique and Ansu Fati to long-term injuries this season.

    The injury means Coutinho will miss Barcelona’s Champions League last-16 tie with Paris Saint-Germain.
    However, the 28-year-old’s injury could save cash-strapped Barcelona a lot of money.
    Barca paid Liverpool an initial fee of £106million to bring Coutinho to the Camp Nou, with a further £36m in potential add-ons.
    For example, the La Liga giants will owe the Reds £18m if Coutinho reaches 100 appearances at the club.

    Coutinho is just 10 outings short of that landmark but is not expected to be back in first-team contention until April at the earliest.

    With the midfielder’s long-term future at Barcelona still in doubt, Liverpool could miss out on the surprise windfall if he were to be sold in the summer.
    However, some reports in Spain have suggested Barca have been paying £4.5m per 25 games, which means Liverpool would only miss out on £4.5m.
    Liverpool have already pocketed £9m in add-ons after Barcelona qualified for the Champions League in 2018-19 and 2019-20, worth £4.5m apiece.
    Coutinho has made 14 appearances in all competitions this season, starting eight of Barca’s 16 La Liga games.

    Coutinho looks buff as he trains at home More

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    Chelsea to miss out on David Alaba free transfer with Real Madrid ‘close’ to signing Bayern Munich star

    CHELSEA look set to miss out on David Alaba as Real Madrid are reportedly ‘close’ to signing him.
    The Austrian superstar, 28, is set to leave Bayern Munich on a free transfer when his contract expires in the summer.

    Marca report that Real Madrid are close to completing a deal for David Alaba

    According to Marca, Real Madrid are keen to seal the deal with Alaba as ‘soon as possible’.
    The La Liga giants have offered him a four-year deal worth around £9million-per-year.
    Madrid are ‘close’ to securing Alaba’s signature despite interest from the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United.
    Chelsea were one of four teams tipped to sign the 75-cap Austria international.

    Alaba will leave Bayern Munich in the summer after he refused to extend his contract.
    The defender has scored 32 goals and made 49 assists in 404 appearances for the club.
    Bayern chief Karl-Heinz Rummenigge admitted the club tried their best to extend Alaba’s stay.
    Speaking in December, he said: “Bayern did everything we could to try and reach an agreement.

    David Alaba will leave Bayern Munich on a free transfer Credit: Reuters

    “We had a lot of conversations, but we wanted answers from him by the end of October.
    “This didn’t happen and I don’t know if we’ll return to the negotiations.
    “What I want to be clear about is that our offer showed exactly how much we value him.
    “But he didn’t accept it. He’s free to speak to whoever he wants from January 1.”

    Tony Cascarino claims that Frank Lampard can get best out of Chelsea striker Timo Werner by signing Emile Heskey type of player More

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    Barcelona presidential candidate Victor Font vows to bring in club legend Xavi as general manager if he is elected

    VICTOR FONT has vowed to bring two former favourites back if he takes over as Barcelona president.
    The prospective new chief has pledged that Xavi Hernandez and Jordi Cruyff will join the board if he is elected.

    Xavi could be back at Barcelona in just a matter of weeksCredit: AFP

    Barcelona presidential candidate Victor Font has vowed to make him the club’s GM if he wins the electionCredit: Reuters

    Carlos Tusquets is currently interim president following the resignation of Josep Maria Bartomeu, with the upcoming elections to be held on January 24.
    He has revealed how he wants his new-look structure to look, with Barca’s legendary ex-captain Xavi being appointed general manager, according to Football Espana.
    And Cruyff – the son of club legend Johan – would be the sporting director.
    Xavi, 40, has been linked with a return to Barcelona for months and is believed to have rejected the chance to become manager a year ago when Ernesto Valverde was sacked.

    Koeman eventually got the job last summer but has struggled to turn round the fortunes of the La Liga giants.
    And it could be bad news for the Dutchman should Font win.
    He said last year: “Even if Koeman  has a great season, I will not change my plans.
    “If I become president, Koeman will not be the coach of Barca in the 2021-22 season.

    “Xavi understands that all the puzzles in the club must be put together.
    “Who will lead the team will be decided by the board of directors — in our case it will be Xavi.”
    Xavi played 767 times for Barcelona between 1998 and 2015 and won 133 caps for the Spanish national team.
    He lifted eight La Liga titles, three Copa del Rey crowns and four Champions League trophies during his time at the Nou Camp as a player.
    Cruyff came through the Barca youth system and played for the first team for two years before joining Manchester United in 1996.

    Ronald Koeman all-but rules Barcelona out of La Liga title running after 1-1 draw with Eibar leaves them sixth in table More

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    Cristiano Ronaldo wins player of century at Dubai Globe Soccer awards as Georgina Rodriguez stuns in red outfit

    CRISTIANO RONALDO was named Player of the Century at a glamorous awards ceremony in Dubai.
    The Juventus star walked the red carpet with fiancee Georgina Rodriguez before he was awarded the top gong at the Dubai Globe Soccer Awards.

    The power-couple were on fine form at the red-carpet bash

    The winner gets a kiss from a sensational-looking Georgina RodriguezCredit: Instagram @cristiano

    Ronaldo won yet another trophy to add to his collectionCredit: EPA

    The ceremony was held at the iconic Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world.
    Ronaldo wore a dapper grey suit with a red tie, matching his partner’s sparkly red dress.
    The Juventus forward was joined by fellow football stars of the past and present.

    Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez arrived at Dubai Globe Soccer AwardsCredit: Reuters

    Ronaldo won the Player of the Century award Credit: Reuters

    Georgina watched on proud of her manCredit: Reuters
    Liverpool legend Ian Rush, 59, was pictured with his Irish singer and model fiancee Carol Anthony, 43.

    Gerard Pique, 33, and Robert Lewandowski, 32, were all smiles as they arrived at the ceremony.
    Even former boxing world champion Amir Khan, 34, was a guest alongside his wife Faryal Makhdoom, 29.
    Bayern Munich forward Lewandowski won the Player of the Year award, ahead of Ronaldo.

    Ian Rush pictured with his Irish singer and model fiancee Carol AnthonyCredit: Reuters

    Amir Khan alongside his wife Faryal MakhdoomCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    A statement read: “Robert Lewandowski was named Player of the Year 2020 at last night’s Dubai Globe Soccer Awards, thanks to a combination of votes from fans all over the world and votes from the Dubai Globe Soccer Jury.
    “Lewandowski has had an exceptional season, being a top scorer of the Champions League, Bundesliga and German Cup and stacking up victories for his club, Bayern Munich.”
    But Ronaldo did pip long-time rival Lionel Messi, 33, and Barcelona legend Ronaldinho as the Player of the Century.
    After winning the award, he said: “For 20 consecutive years I have played and scored as a professional, I didn’t know there was another record to beat.
    “It’s a pleasure to hear about the records, I have achieved all this but without my team-mates, without a great team, I would not have achieved these records.”

    Ronaldo, who wants to play at the highest level until he is 40, revealed he has no plans of slowing down.
    He said: “It is an exceptional achievement. It gives me the motivation to move forward.
    “To be named the best is a great honour, I hope that this situation is over next year and that we can have more fun, thank you very much.
    “I hope to still be able to play for more years. ”

    Barcelona defender Gerard Pique at the award Credit: Reuters

    Robert Lewandowski won the Player of the Year award Credit: Reuters

    Georgina Rodriguez sets pulses racing with cheeky twerking video as Cristiano Ronaldo misses Juventus’ draw at Benevento More

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    Ex-Barcelona star Eusebio Sacristan rushed to hospital and undergoes emergency operation aged 56 after fall

    BARCELONA legend Eusebio Sacristan has undergone an emergency operation after being rushed to hospital following a fall.
    The 56-year-old was admitted to intensive care ahead of the op after medics discovered a blood clot in his brain linked to the tumble.

    Barcelona legend Eusebio Sacristan has been rushed to hospital and was placed in an induced comaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Eusebio (back, right) was part of the Barca ‘Dream Team’ that won four La Liga titles and the 1992 European CupCredit: Getty – Contributor

    The European Cup-winning midfielder was placed in an induced coma after his procedure to alleviate the pressure on his brain and try to reduce any future complications.
    One unconfirmed local report said he was at a bar when he fell and hit his head in the accident, which did not happen while he was at home. 
    The retired footballer, who managed four sides including Barcelona B and his last club Girona after a 20-year playing career, will now have to see in the New Year in hospital after being told he must remain under observation for 72 hours.
    He is at a hospital called the University Clinic Hospital in his home city of Valladolid north of Madrid.

    The Eusebio Sacristan Foundation, which helps to integrate vulnerable youngsters into society through sport, said in a statement: “Eusebio has been operated on today at Valladolid Clinical Hospital after suffering a severe head injury caused by an accidental fall and his recovery will be monitored over the next few days.
    “All updates will be published through this Foundation at the request of his family, who wish to transmit their sincere gratitude to everyone including the media and colleagues from the world of sport who have shown concern for Eusebio’s health.”
    Local reports said the retired footballer had suffered his fall at an unidentified location on Wednesday night after being spotted on a restaurant terrace with friends earlier in the day.
    His condition today was described as stable.

    The retired midfielder, 56, has undergone an emergency op after suffering a fallCredit: Getty – Contributor

    Eusebio began and ended his playing career at Valladolid and spent a season at Atletico Madrid before signing for Barcelona and becoming part of Johan Cruyff’s so-called Dream Team.
    He made 267 appearances with the Catalan giants over seven seasons from 1988, winning four league titles, the Copa del Rey, Cup Winners’ Cup and a European Cup.
    He retired from football in 2002 aged 38 after playing 543 La Liga matches, fourth-best in the competition behind only Andoni Zubizarreta, Joaquin and Raul.
    He earned 15 caps for Spain, first coming on in September 1986 in a friendly match with Greece and being picked to go to Euro 1988, although he failed to play in the tournament.
    He resigned as manager of Girona after the club were relegated at the end of the 2018-2019 season.

    Ronald Koeman all-but rules Barcelona out of La Liga title running after 1-1 draw with Eibar leaves them sixth in table More

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    Arsenal transfer target Isco revealed his one soft spot for rivals Chelsea as Mikel Arteta eyes Real Madrid ace

    ARSENAL are reportedly continuing their chase for Real Madrid playmaker Isco – but it is a packed field.
    Everton, Sevilla and Chelsea have all been linked with the Spaniard since Zinedine Zidane cut his gametime at the Bernabeu.

    Isco is a target for Arsenal in next month’s transfer windowCredit: EPA

    Not since November 8 has Isco started a game for Real, with a 4-1 defeat to Valencia that night in part explaining his coach’s reluctance to revive his trust.
    Zidane has since explained: “Isco is going to be an important player.
    “It is true that he is not playing much and I am not giving him the opportunity to show the player that he is.
    “I feel sorry for my players and I will never forget what I have experienced with them.

    “He has to work hard to get another chance, but what is being said [in the media] I can’t respond because we don’t control it.”
    A number of reports outline Arsenal’s desire to push for a deal, be it permanent or on loan, to add some much needed creativity to their midfield.

    However, it is not yet known if Zidane is willing to let Isco leave while Real battle on numerous fronts.
    According to Spanish outlet AS, the 48-year-old is more likely to keep Isco back and allow him a move at the end of the season.

    It is said that Isco will be happy with this option, with a transfer to Sevilla for around £15million his preference in the summer.

    So far, the player himself has made no major commotion in the media about his lack of playing time but did hint at a possible destination last year.
    Speaking to Soccer Bible, the 28-year-old revealed Stamford Bridge to be one ground he would like to play at but was yet to have the chance.
    Now, Isco has stepped foot on the turf at the likes of Wembley, Anfield, Old Trafford and Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan – but not the Emirates.
    ⚽ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news from The Emirates

    Football star Isco shows off his skills at the Real Madrid training ground More

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    Cristiano Ronaldo wins player of century at Dubai Globe Soccer awards as Georgina Rodriguez stuns in red dress

    CRISTIANO RONALDO was named Player of the Century at a glamorous awards ceremony in Dubai.
    The Juventus star walked the red carpet with fiancee Georgina Rodriguez before he was awarded the top gong at the Dubai Globe Soccer Awards.

    The power-couple were on fine form at the red-carpet bash

    The winner gets a kiss from a sensational-looking Georgina RodriguezCredit: Instagram @cristiano

    Ronaldo won yet another trophy to add to his collectionCredit: EPA

    The ceremony was held at the iconic Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world.
    Ronaldo wore a dapper grey suit with a red tie, matching his partner’s sparkly red dress.
    The Juventus forward was joined by fellow football stars of the past and present.

    Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez arrived at Dubai Globe Soccer AwardsCredit: Reuters

    Ronaldo won the Player of the Century award Credit: Reuters

    Georgina watched on proud of her manCredit: Reuters
    Liverpool legend Ian Rush, 59, was pictured with his Irish singer and model fiancee Carol Anthony, 43.

    Gerard Pique, 33, and Robert Lewandowski, 32, were all smiles as they arrived at the ceremony.
    Even former boxing world champion Amir Khan, 34, was a guest alongside his wife Faryal Makhdoom, 29.
    Bayern Munich forward Lewandowski won the Player of the Year award, ahead of Ronaldo.

    Ian Rush pictured with his Irish singer and model fiancee Carol AnthonyCredit: Reuters

    Amir Khan alongside his wife Faryal MakhdoomCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    A statement read: “Robert Lewandowski was named Player of the Year 2020 at last night’s Dubai Globe Soccer Awards, thanks to a combination of votes from fans all over the world and votes from the Dubai Globe Soccer Jury.
    “Lewandowski has had an exceptional season, being a top scorer of the Champions League, Bundesliga and German Cup and stacking up victories for his club, Bayern Munich.”
    But Ronaldo did pip long-time rival Lionel Messi, 33, and Barcelona legend Ronaldinho as the Player of the Century.
    After winning the award, he said: “For 20 consecutive years I have played and scored as a professional, I didn’t know there was another record to beat.
    “It’s a pleasure to hear about the records, I have achieved all this but without my team-mates, without a great team, I would not have achieved these records.”

    Ronaldo, who wants to play at the highest level until he is 40, revealed he has no plans of slowing down.
    He said: “It is an exceptional achievement. It gives me the motivation to move forward.
    “To be named the best is a great honour, I hope that this situation is over next year and that we can have more fun, thank you very much.
    “I hope to still be able to play for more years. ”

    Barcelona defender Gerard Pique at the award Credit: Reuters

    Robert Lewandowski won the Player of the Year award Credit: Reuters

    Georgina Rodriguez sets pulses racing with cheeky twerking video as Cristiano Ronaldo misses Juventus’ draw at Benevento More