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      Real Madrid’s hopes of sealing Mbappe transfer in doubt with incoming PSG boss Pochettino ‘promised he will stay’

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      REAL MADRID’S hopes of signing Kylian Mbappe have been hit by claims PSG will promise incoming boss Mauricio Pochettino the striker will stay.
      The Spanish giants reportedly planned to land the French World Cup winner next summer but PSG could now extend his contract with an increased buyout clause of €250million (£225m).

      France frontman Kylian Mbappe could be set to stay at PSG rather than join Real Madrid if Mauricio Pochettino takes over the Ligue 1 championsCredit: The Mega Agency

      Ex-Spurs chief Mauricio Pochettino is in discussions over becoming PSG boss, amid claims he has been assured Kylian Mbappe would not leaveCredit: Reuters

      Former Tottenham manager Pochettino is in advanced talks to succeed sacked Thomas Tuchel.
      And AS suggest part of PSG’s pitch for luring Poch is keeping striker Mbappe, 22.
      Last season’s Champions League finalists are only third in Ligue 1 as they bid for a fourth title in a row.
      And Mbappe is thought to have had a tricky relationship with Tuchel.

      Ex-Borussia Dortmund chief Tuchel is also thought to have disagreed with PSG over transfer policy.
      So although his Christmas Eve exit was a shock for its suddenness, a split at sometime this season always seemed possible.
      Pochettino, 48, had been eyeing the Manchester United job since Spurs axed him in November 2019.
      But Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revived United up to third in the Premier League and booked a Carabao Cup semi-final spot against neighbours City.

      It means Poch is instead overwhelming favourite to take over PSG.

      Football Insider claim he is still on Tottenham’s wage bill, at £8.5million a year, due to a clause in his contract.
      So, while Real might be smarting if the Argentine moves to Paris, Spurs could be the financial winners.
      Poch is already being linked with a January swoop for England midfielder Dele Alli, who is out of favour at Spurs under current manager Jose Mourinho.

      Mauricio Pochettino set to be named new PSG boss after Thomas Tuchel is sacked More

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      Liverpool and PSG battle for Marco Asensio transfer with Real Madrid happy to let 24-year-old go to fund deals

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      LIVERPOOL and Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly set to battle it out for Marco Asesnio.
      The 24-year-old has been linked with a move away from Zinedine Zidane’s Real Madrid side.

      Marco Asesnio has struggled to live up to expectations this seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Spanish news outlet Todofichajes claim he is a target for both Liverpool and PSG.
      The report also states that Real Madrid are willing to offload the 25-cap Spain international.
      Asensio – who joined Madrid from Mallorca in 2014 – is expected to cost around £35.7 million.
      The 24-year-old has struggled to cement his spot in the La Liga side’s first-team this season.

      But he is now back in the mix for Zidane after making a full recovery from a knee injury.
      And he put in an impressive during Madrid’s 2-0 win over Granada on Wednesday.
      He came on the pitch to replace injured Rodrygo in the 38th minute of the clash.
      Asensio looked back to his best as he made his first assist of the season for Casemiro’s goal.

      Liverpool have been long-term admirers of the talented Madrid star.
      Jurgen Klopp’s men were said to be eyeing a £67 million bid for him in the summer of 2019.
      And the reigning Premier League champions could reignite their interest in him at the end of the season.

      Jurgen Klopp reads out touching letter to Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson during SPOTY More

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      Lionel Messi can still compete at highest level and win trophies for another FOUR years, predicts ex-Barcelona pal Puyol

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      LIONEL MESSI still has ‘three or four years’ of playing at the highest level, insisted Carles Puyol.
      The 33-year-old has been the star of the show for Barcelona since his debut for the Spanish giants in 2004.

      Lionel Messi and Carles Puyol pictured together during a Barcelona game in 2012Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      But Messi has been linked with a move away from the Nou Camp when his deal expires next summer.
      Inter Milan and Manchester City are among the long list of teams that reportedly want to sign him.
      Barcelona legend Puyol has predicted Messi will continue to play at the top level ‘for a while’.
      Speaking to Goal, the veteran defender said: “He is now 33 years old and takes care of himself.

      “He is motivated and eager, and I think he has three or four years to go at this level if he is lucky enough to not have any major injuries and if he continues playing with the same desire to improve and keep winning, with that motivation.
      “I think we still have Leo for a while.”
      When asked how Messi has managed to have such a long and successful career, Puyol continued: “I am sure that talent is not enough.
      “Talent is needed, of course, but also work and dedication, a desire to learn and be motivated to seek new challenges every day. We have seen it in Messi.

      “He is not the same player today as he was when he started.
      “He has been adding records and improving, he is a very complete player who can set the rhythm of the game, score free kicks, goals, give assists. He does practically everything!
      “In the beginning he was very good, but one of those players who you give the ball and he does his individual move. He made the difference and scored goals.
      “He was already very good [at a young age], but over the years he has become an even more impressive player, the best of all time.”
      Puyol – who retired in 2014 – was in the team when Messi made his club debut 16 years ago.
      Revealing his first impressions of Messi, Puyol said: “I knew he was a very good player.
      “I was lucky enough to come up from the academy and you are always aware of the players who come up so you can try to help them as they did with me in my day.
      “When he arrived he showed that he was a very good player, but not even those who trusted him the most could have imagined what he has become.

      Lionel Messi has made 749 appearances for Barcelona Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      “From the first day, he showed his quality with humility and his way of doing things. He would pick up the ball and go towards goal, he did not care who was in front of him.
      “He always did everything with great respect and humility.”
      Messi made history as he scored his 644th club goal for Barcelona to beat Pele’s record this week.
      In total, he has scored 644 goals and made 279 assists in 749 appearances.
      He has helped to guide them to 10 La Liga titles, four Champions League titles and lifted six Copa del Rey trophies.

      Watch as Lineker tells spine-tingling story of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic rivalry in BT Sport advert More

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      Budweiser celebrate Lionel Messi’s record by sending special edition beers to every goalkeeper he’s scored against

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      BUDWEISER have cheekily handed out beers to all the goalkeepers Lionel Messi has scored against throughout his incredible career.
      Barcelona’s iconic forward broke Pele’s record of 643 goals for a single club with a strike against Real Valladolid on Tuesday to take him to 644.

      Budweiser have sent beers to all goalkeepers Lionel Messi has scored against, including Juventus’ Gianluigi BuffonCredit: Instagram

      Messi broke Pele’s record of goals for a single club with his 644th Barcelona strike on TuesdayCredit: AFP OR LICENSORS

      And Budweiser marked the occasion by gifting bottles to the goalies who had failed to keep Messi at bay.
      Among those who received a special selection were Atletico Madrid’s Jan Oblak and Juventus’ Gianluigi Buffon.
      Chelsea’s world-record £71million stopper Kepa Arrizabalaga also received some bottles, looking pleased with himself as he posed for photos. 
      Messi’s 644th goal came in a much-needed 3-0 victory over lowly Valladolid.

      With his side already leading 2-0, thanks to first-half efforts from Clement Lenglet and Martin Braithwaite, Messi received a smart backheel from Pedri in the 65th minute.
      The 33-year-old took it perfectly into his stride, before slotting an unstoppable left-footed effort beyond the helpless goalkeeper.
      Messi achieved the feat in his 749th outing for the Blaugrana.
      Pele, however, may privately refute the achievement – having claimed to have scored 1,283 goals during his illustrious career.

      Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga received a few bottlesCredit: Instagram @kepaarrizabalaga

      The world-record £71m signing looked pleased with his beersCredit: Instagram

      But the official records show that only 643 came in ‘official’ matches – although it took just 656 of them for Santos to reach the tally.
      On Saturday, when his record was equalled, the Brazilian, 80, posted a heartwarming congratulations to Messi.
      He wrote: “When your heart overflows with love, it is difficult to change your path.
      “Like you, I know what it’s like to love wearing the same shirt every day. Like you, I know that there is nothing better than the place we feel at home.
      “Congratulations on your historic record, Lionel. But above all, congratulations on your beautiful career at Barcelona.
      “Stories like ours, of loving the same club for so long, unfortunately will be increasingly rare in football. I admire you very much.”

      Atletico Madrid ace Jan Oblak also got a special bottle or twoCredit: Instagram

      Barcelona legend Lionel Messi collects record 7th Pichichi Award More

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      Real Madrid ‘fear Kylian Mbappe transfer will be more difficult after Tuchel sacking and Pochettino taking over at PSG’

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      REAL MADRID reportedly fear it will be harder to sign Kylian Mbappe if Mauricio Pochettino replaces sacked Thomas Tuchel at Paris Saint-Germain.
      Los Blancos had lined up moves for Mbappe and former Spurs boss Pochettino but their plans are said to have been thrown into disarray.

      Real Madrid are worried signing Kylian Mbappe will be harder after PSG axed their managerCredit: Reuters

      Real were keen on Poch as a replacement for Zinedine Zidane if the Frenchman departed in the near future.
      But after Tuchel was axed the day before Christmas and the Argentine had talks about replacing him, the Spanish giants are said to be gravely concerned.
      Mbappe is far more likely to agree a new contract with the Ligue 1 champions after the German’s departure, according to Spanish outlet AS.
      Their relationship was said to be strained despite Mbappe’s rise to stardom under the 47-year-old.

      French reports even claimed director of sport Leonardo had to facilitate ‘clear the air’ talks between the two.
      Mbappe’s PSG contract expires in 2022 and Real were hoping to stall an extension so they could sign him for around £160million at the end if the season.
      But any new deal could see the Bernabeu side paying up to £220M.
      Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reports contracts and the make up of Pochettino’s backroom staff are said to be the things standing in the way of an official announcement after RMC Sport first reported the ex-Southampton manager was the frontrunner.

      Thomas Tuchel was sacked by PSG on Christmas EveCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Mauricio Pochettino is in line to take over at the French giantsCredit: Rex Features

      It will be an emotional ‘dream’ return to the city for Poch after he skippered the side in his playing career and it was previously revealed that he ‘loves’ Paris.
      The 48-year-old recently said: “I have always said that one day it would be a pleasure to manage a big club like Paris, a dream.
      “I try to watch all of their games, especially in the Champions League and sometimes I speak with [Paris Saint-Germain assistant coach] Jean-Louis Gasset.”
      Earlier this month, French football expert Julien Laurens said: “Pochettino has really good ties with PSG, he was their player, their captain, and he loves Paris as a city and a football club.”
      Poch made 95 appearances for PSG between 2001 and 2003.
      The French champions have fired Tuchel after two-and-a-half years at the helm, despite qualifying for the Champions League knockout phase.
      His job is set to be taken by Argentine Pochettino who has been out of work since being sacked by Daniel Levy in November 2019.

      Mauricio Pochettino set to be named new PSG boss after Thomas Tuchel is sacked More

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      Budweiser celebrate Lionel Messi’s record by sending special edition beers to ever keeper he scored against

      by

      BUDWEISER have cheekily handed out beers to all the goalkeepers Lionel Messi has scored against throughout his glittering career.
      Barcelona’s iconic striker broke Pele’s record of 643 goals for a single club with a strike against Real Valladolid on Tuesday to take him to 644.

      Budweiser have sent beers to all goalkeepers Lionel Messi has scored against, including Juventus’ Gianluigi BuffonCredit: Instagram

      Messi broke Pele’s record of goals for a single club with his 644th Barcelona strike on TuesdayCredit: AFP OR LICENSORS

      And Budweiser marked the occasion by gifting bottles to the goalies who had failed to keep Messi at bay.
      Among those who received a special selection were Atletico Madrid’s Jan Oblak and Juventus’ Gianluigi Buffon.
      Chelsea’s world-record £71million stopper Kepa Arrizabalaga also received some bottles, looking pleased with himself as he posed for photos. 
      Messi’s 644th goal came in a much-needed 3-0 victory over lowly Valladolid.

      With his side already leading 2-0, thanks to first-half efforts from Clement Lenglet and Martin Braithwaite, Messi received a smart backheel from Pedri in the 65th minute.
      The 33-year-old took it perfectly into his stride, before slotting an unstoppable left-footed effort beyond the helpless goalkeeper.
      Messi achieved the feat in his 749th outing for the Blaugrana.
      Pele, however, may privately refute the achievement – having claimed to have scored 1,283 goals during his illustrious career.

      Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga received a few bottlesCredit: Instagram @kepaarrizabalaga

      The world-record £71m signing looked pleased with his beersCredit: Instagram

      But the official records show that only 643 came in ‘official’ matches – although it took just 656 of them for Santos to reach the tally.
      On Saturday, when his record was equalled, the Brazilian, 80, posted a heartwarming congratulations to Messi.
      He wrote: “When your heart overflows with love, it is difficult to change your path.
      “Like you, I know what it’s like to love wearing the same shirt every day. Like you, I know that there is nothing better than the place we feel at home.
      “Congratulations on your historic record, Lionel. But above all, congratulations on your beautiful career at Barcelona.
      “Stories like ours, of loving the same club for so long, unfortunately will be increasingly rare in football. I admire you very much.”

      Atletico Madrid ace Jan Oblak also got a special bottle or twoCredit: Instagram

      Barcelona legend Lionel Messi collects record 7th Pichichi Award More

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      Barcelona trying to convince Riqui Puig, 21, to sign new deal with doubts over future putting Man City on transfer alert

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      BARCELONA are trying to convince midfielder Riqui Puig to sign a new deal amid concerns over his future, reports say.
      The Spaniard’s contract expires next summer, and Manchester City and Bayern Munich are among the interested clubs.

      Barcelona are trying to convince Riqui Puig to sign a new dealCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      But according to Fichajes, the LaLiga giants are pushing Puig to commit his future to the Nou Camp.
      It would mean they avoid losing the 21-year-old on a free at the end of the season.
      But Barca bosses could find it hard to talk Puig into the proposal, with the promising talent having made just four appearances this season.
      And their case will not be helped after manager Ronald Koeman aimed a dig at out of favour playmaker, suggesting he is not working hard enough.

      Koeman, who was asked about Puig, said: “I like people who work every day to improve, and who take opportunities with both hands.
      “Sometimes it’s not just about quality.
      “There may be players who don’t do enough in training for the coach to give opportunities.”
      The Dutchman does not think Puig’s work ethic is up to scratch and has left him out despite the team’s unimpressive league form.

      Barcelona were held to a 2-2 draw against Valencia this month but bounced back to beat Valladolid 3-0.
      The recent result leaves Barca fifth in the table and eight points behind leaders Atletico Madrid, who still have a game in hand.
      But despite their struggles, Puig remains out of favour and with an uncertain future under Koeman.
      The midfielder was recently blasted by Koeman in front of his team-mates after being accused of leaking information about a dressing room bust up.

      Lionel Messi arrives home in Argentina for the holidays ahead of transfer speculation More

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      Man Utd set to be beaten by Liverpool in Stefan Bajcetic transfer battle but must seal deal for Celta Vigo ace, 16, soon

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      LIVERPOOL are reportedly in pole position to land Manchester United target Stefan Bajcetic from Celta Vigo.
      SunSport reported last week how the Red Devils were in negotiations with the Spanish side about bringing the 16-year-old defender to Old Trafford.

      Celta Vigo defender Stefan Bajcetic is attracting interest from Liverpool and Manchester United

      But according to the Liverpool Echo, it is now the Reds that are winning the race to secure the centre-back’s services.
      They claim that the Merseyside outfit are in talks to bring the player to Anfield.
      Liverpool scouts have been impressed by Bajcetic, who has featured twice for Celta’s B team this season after being promoted to the squad.
      Jurgen Klopp’s side are however in a race against time to sign the teenager as they need to wrap up a deal before the UK leaves the EU on January 1.

      Clubs will be unable to sign overseas players under the age of 18 under the new post-Brexit transfer rules.
      Spanish news outlet Faro de Vigo have also stated that United appear to have lost out on Bajcetic to their Premier League rivals.
      They have revealed that someone from Liverpool travelled to Vigo earlier this week in an attempt to accelerate negotiations.
      Bundesliga giants RB Leipzig were also monitoring his situation, but all signs now point towards a move to Liverpool.

      The Reds are continuing to look to strengthen their academy after nabbing Calum Scanlon from Birmingham for £500,000.
      Taking to Instagram, the versatile 15-year-old posted a picture of himself signing his contract.
      He said: “Happy to sign with @liverpoolfc.
      “A big thank you to @bcfc and everyone who has helped me progress to this point, but as of today I start a new chapter.
      “The hard work continues, let’s go!”

      Marcus Rashford says Man Utd can go toe-to-toe with any of the big teams and give them a good game More