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      Luka Modric set for shock return to Tottenham as Jose Mourinho wants Real Madrid star ahead of free transfer in 2021

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      LUKE MODRIC could be in for a shock return to Tottenham, according to reports.
      The Real Madrid midfielder, 35, is out of contract in the summer meaning he would be available for a free transfer at the end of the season.

      Luka Modric could be in store for a stunning return to Tottenham when his Real Madrid contract expiresCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      And according to Spanish news programme El Chiringuito de Jugones, Jose Mourinho has been in touch regarding a stunning swoop.
      Mourinho raided his old club to bring Gareth Bale back to White Hart Lane alongside Sergio Reguilon at the beginning of the campaign and now may go after a third player.
      The Portuguese manager signed Modric at Real for £30million in 2012 after four years with Spurs where he played 159 times and was crowned the club’s player of the year in 2010-11.
      During his time at the Bernabeu, the Croatian has won two LaLiga titles, four Champions Leagues and three Club World Cups.

      He also helped his country to the World Cup final in 2018 and later that year was crowned Ballon d’Or winner.
      Despite Modric’s current deal expiring in six months – meaning he can start negotiating a summer switch from January – he continues to play an important role under Zinedine Zidane this season.
      He has played in every Real Madrid match so far this season, starting 15 of the 19, scoring twice.
      Those performances have led to suggestions in Spain Modric should be allowed to stay at the club until he retires.

      And speaking in November, the midfielder said: “I feel good, I feel strong, and I still have plenty of football in my legs and strengths to continue, but let’s see what happens in the future.
      “I’ve said many times and I’ll say it again, I’m very happy at Madrid and I’d love to end my career here, but let’s see what happens.
      “Who wouldn’t want to end their career at Real Madrid? But it depends on a lot of things. But there is no-one who’d be happier than me to continue at Real Madrid.”

      Modric spent four years lighting up White Hart Lane with his displays for SpursCredit: Alan Walter – The Times

      Jose Mourinho brought the Croatian to the Bernabeu in 2012 and he has been a consistent performerCredit: AFP

      Five year old Luka Modric herds goats in documentary from his childhood More

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      Man Utd transfer blow over Kieran Trippier move with Atletico Madrid refusing to sell full-back this season

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have been dealt a blow over their reported pursuit of Kieran Trippier.
      That is because Atletico Madrid are thought to be unwilling to sell the full-back, 30, this season.

      Atletico Madrid want to hold on to former Tottenham right-back amid interest from Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Reports this month suggested the Red Devils wanted to make a move for the former Tottenham man.
      He is out of contract at the Wanda Metropolitano in 18 months.
      But as per AS in Spain, the LaLiga giants want to hold on to their right-back.
      United are allegedly keen on a more attacking alternative to £45million 2019 signing Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

      Trippier, who is from nearby Bury, came through at Manchester City and made his name at Burnley, fits the bill.
      A move to Old Trafford reportedly appeals to the 25-cap England international, who supported United growing up.
      Trippier’s future was in doubt this summer with Atleti open to listening to offers of around £20m, around the same fee they paid Spurs in 2019.
      No transfer was agreed and he stayed put, starting the season in impressive form.

      Only Trippier and goalkeeper Jan Oblak have played every minute in the Champions League and LaLiga campaigns so far.
      Diego Simeone’s side are top of the league after 11 matches, despite some teams – including second-placed Real Sociedad – already playing 14.
      In the Champions League, the 2014 and 2016 runners-up finished second in their group with Bayern Munich and face Chelsea in the last 16.
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Trippier came through the ranks at Manchester City before joining BurnleyCredit: PA:Empics Sport

      Kieran Trippier looks back at his journey to join Atletico Madrid More

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      Lionel Messi’s £500k-a-week wages ‘no longer affordable’ for Barcelona amid financial ruin, says presidential candidate

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      LIONEL MESSI’s wages are no longer affordable for Barcelona – a presidential candidate claimed.
      The £500k-a-week ace is out of contract in the summer and set to leave the Catalan giants.

      Lionel Messi’s wages are a problem for Barcelona – a presidential candidate saysCredit: Rex Features

      Emili Rousard wants Lionel Messi to stay but he would have to take a pay cutCredit: Rex Features

      The La Liga side are facing financial ruin with £700m debts amid the coronavirus pandemic.
      And Emili Rousard – who is bidding to replace former chief Josep Maria Bartomeu – insists he wants Messi to stay but he’d have to take a pay cut.
      He told Spanish newspaper AS: “We can’t just cut everywhere, and that’s it because we would become small and we have to think big.
      “The future (of the club) is in his hands, but at the moment Leo’s salary is not affordable.

      “Messi is a winner and if he goes it won’t be to be paid more. Leo Messi is the player who has given most to Barca in their history and what Messi has given is not quantifiable.
      “We won’t speak with the player until we are in power, but the person that brought him to Barcelona is in this bid, Jose Maria Minguella.”
      Last month Barcelona players and boss Ronald Koeman agreed pay cuts to save the club from a financial meltdown.
      Barcelona had seen their debts double over the course of the 2019-20 season due to the lockdown.

      The club has recently been hit with a wage cap of £342m – with the club previously allowed to spend up to £601.5m – a drop of 43 per cent.

      The 2020 Fifpro world XI includes four Liverpool stars, as well as Messi, Ronaldo and Lewandowski
      All season long, Barcelona chiefs have been locked in talks with players, pleading with them to accept a pay-cut for the good of the club.
      Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Gerard Pique, Frenkie De Jong and Clement Lenglet all signed new deals earlier this month.
      They agreed to a temporary pay-cut of 30 per cent at the time of putting pen to paper.

      But the rest of the squad stalled on talks, including Messi.
      Finally progress was made on Friday, with Koeman and his entire coaching staff all agreeing to cuts.
      And now his players have followed suit, agreeing to a help save a combined £110m after many stars initially refused to take a cut.

      Ronald Koeman says he is worried after Barcelona lose to Juventus in Champions League match More

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      Man Utd favourite Dimitar Berbatov says Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo ‘don’t deserve’ to win Fifa awards this year

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      DIMITAR BERBATOV has stated Robert Lewandowski deserves to win the Best Fifa Men’s Player award ahead of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
      The trio are on the three-man shortlist for the trophy that will be presented to the winner on December 17.

      Dimitar Berbatov believes Robert Lewandowski has been the best player in 2020Credit: Reuters

      Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have also been nominated for the Best Fifa Men’s Player awardCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Lewandowski, 32, is the favourite to win the award following his spectacular 2019-20 season where he helped Bayern Munich win a historic treble.
      He scored 55 goals in just 47 games for the Bavarian outfit last term, and he has already found the back of the net 18 times in 17 fixtures this campaign.
      Barcelona ace Messi, 33, failed to win any piece of silverware last season as his side were thrashed 8-2 by Bayern in the Champions League semi-final.
      Meanwhile Juventus star Ronaldo, 35, couldn’t help the Old Lady advance past the last-16 stages of the Europe’s premier competition.

      And former Manchester United and Tottenham striker Berbatov believes the Poland international has to be named as the Fifa Best Player.
      The 39-year-old told Betfair that Messi and Ronaldo shouldn’t even be in the running as he stated Lewandowski was robbed of winning the Ballon d’Or after it was cancelled.
      He said: “I’m surprised Ronaldo and Messi are among finalists for the Fifa Best award as I’m not sure they deserved to be there.
      “I think they should give it to Robert Lewandowski. I think he deserves it. I’m not that sure who else should be there. People will always argue and speculate about who should be there.

      Dimitar Berbatov believes Lewandowski should have won the Ballon d’Or this yearCredit: Getty – Contributor

      The best players of 2020, according to quantitative analysis from Carteret
      “It is these three players and I think Lewandowski deserves to get the award. It would be unfair if he didn’t win it.
      “I think it was unfair the Golden Ball didn’t happen this year as he was my favourite and a lot of people’s favourite. I think he should have got that award and hopefully this will be compensation.
      “Sometimes unfortunately football is business and behind the curtains and the PR/Agents work way more away the camera from what you see.
      “For me, Lewandowski is up there with the best strikers in modern football.
      “This is a subject where nobody can agree on one player as in my opinion you cannot compare players from different times.

      “(Harry) Kane, Messi, Ronaldo, Aguero who have been scoring goals for many years are among the best.
      “There are others, but with Lewandowski the way he plays the game and moves around the pitch, he should be in my three top strikers; he is great.”
      For more from Betfair Ambassador, Dimitar Berbatov, head to www.betfair.com/berbatov/ More

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      Antoine Griezmann shows off daring new haircut before missing absolute sitter in Barcelona’s clash against Real Sociedad

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      ANTOINE GRIEZMANN won’t be able to brush this off easily – as the Barcelona striker wasted a gold-plaited opportunity that was just as jaw-dropping as his new hairstyle.
      The Barcelona frontman unveiled long braids before kick-off – but will be set for a parting (from the Spanish giants) if he keeps missing such sitters as in this 2-1 win that deposed LaLiga leaders Real Sociedad.

      Barca’s comeback victory lifted Ronald Koeman’s under-fire superstars from eighth to fifth.
      But Griezmann had no excuses other than perhaps a bad hair play when he slid the ball straight at Sociedad keeper Alex Remiro from three yards – for which he was mocked on social media.
      Barca, though, held on to sink Spain’s surprise package this season.
      Brazilian striker Willian Jose prodded Socided in front on 27 minutes.  

      But Spain left-back Jordi Alba soon drilled a clinical leveller.
      And just before the break VAR intervened to give Barcelona their clincher.
      Frenkie de Jong bundled in Alba’s deflected cross from near the penalty spot.
      And the Dutch midfielder was celebrating once video replays overturned the initial offside verdict.

      Barcelona’s Dutch midfielder Frenkie De Jong celebrates what turns out to be a 43rd-minute winner to knock Real Sociedad off the top of LaLigaCredit: AFP OR LICENSORS

      Griezmann even hit the bar from a tight angle after the interval – before his astonishing miss.
      But fortunately for the France ace, Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s double save denied Jose and Alexander Isak as Sociedad failed to earn an incredible seventh successive draw.
      Sociedad are now sandwiched between leaders Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid, all on 26 points.
      Barca are six points adrift of that trio but have two games in hand on Sociedad.

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      ‘Lionel Messi to PSG transfer imminent’ as Parisians ‘prepare club stores’ following warning over Barcelona pay-cut

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      PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN have reportedly ordered their club stores to prepare for Lionel Messi’s arrival.
      Barcelona presidential candidate Emili Rousaud claimed Messi will leave the Nou Camp if he doesn’t agree to a pay cut.

      Lionel Messi has scored 642 goals for Barcelona in 746 appearancesCredit: Rex Features

      PSG are among the long list of clubs that have been linked to the six-time Ballon d’Or winner.
      According to journalist Robin Bairner, the French side are growing increasingly confident of signing him.
      They have allegedly warned stores around the French capital to prepare an influx of business when he joins.
      PSG reportedly expect sales of shirts and club merchandise to go through the roof if Messi makes the move.

      Messi tried to force his way out of Barcelona when he handed in a transfer request this summer.
      Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City side were frontrunners in the race to sign him.
      But Messi decided to stay as his kids cried when he told them his plans to leave.
      The 33-year-old’s contract expires next summer anyway and his future is far from decided.

      Rousaud has insisted Messi will have to take a cut on his £500,000-per-week wages if he wants to stay at Barcelona.
      But fellow candidate Victor Font claimed last week he is ‘convinced’ he can keep Messi at the club.
      Messi has scored 642 goals and made 278 assists in 746 appearances for Barcelona.

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      Ex-Man Utd forward Memphis Depay tells Barcelona he’s ‘happy’ at Lyon despite transfer interest from Catalans

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      MEMPHIS DEPAY looks set to turn his back on Ronald Koeman’s attempts to lure him from Lyon according to reports. 
      The former Red Devils flop is a January transfer target for his fellow Dutchman whose Barcelona side are struggling in Spain’s top flight.

      Memphis Depay says he is focused on Champions League qualification with Lyon despite interest from BarcelonaCredit: Represented by ZUMA Press, Inc.

      Depay, 26, who spent two years at Manchester United, before sealing a £17million Lyon switch, is enjoying a fruitful spell with the Ligue 1 giants. 
      Last term the Dutch star was on target 15 times in 22 appearances across all competitions. 
      This season the winger has netted six times in 14 league clashes for the French club.  
      It is a marked contrast to Depay’s hapless spell at United where the Netherlands attacker scored just two times in 33 games over a two-year period. 

      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford
      And Spanish outlet Marca claims his current form has made him a top target for Koeman. 
      However it looks like the Netherlands forward is set to disappoint his Dutch compatriot whose team are due to play Real Sociedad.
      Depay said: “We have a great team, a great collective spirit and, while I don’t know what will happen later, I’m 100 per cent focused on Lyon right now.

      “I’m a player, a captain and the most important thing is working hard and winning matches. If I think about my own future, then I could lose focus.
      “I can’t say anything about that [Barcelona interest], there are many clubs that are interested but right now I’m here.”
      “We’re creating a beautiful and hungry team and we improve with each game,” he added.
      Depay’s contract with Lyon, who are due to play Brest in France’s top-flight, is set to expire at the end of the season. 
      However, the Ligue 1 star refused to be drawn on whether he would extend his stay and says he is focused on Champions League qualification.

      Depay’s Ligue 1 form has made him a January transfer target for Ronald KoemanCredit: Represented by ZUMA Press, Inc.

      Meanwhile, Barcelona, currently eighth in Spain’s top-flight, are looking to reverse their disappointing start to the season.
      The former La Liga champs are struggling with financial woes and injuries to first team regulars including Gerard Pique and Samuel Umtiti.
      And the club look set to lose the services of their star skipper Lionel Messi who is heavily linked with a move to PSG.

      Champions League last-16 draw simulated with Chelsea landing nightmare clash against Lionel Messi’s Barcelona More

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      Zinedine Zidane calls Karim Benzema the best French striker ever after double in Real Madrid win over Athletic Bilbao

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      ZINEDINE ZIDANE has hailed Karim Benzema as the best French striker ever.
      The Real Madrid star hit two goals in a 3-1 win over Athletic Club on Tuesday night.

      Zinedine Zidane has heaped praise on Real Madrid forward Karim BenzemaCredit: AFP or licensors

      The Real Madrid boss has played with a number of top strikers for his country, including Thierry HenryCredit: AFP

      After Ander Capa cancelled out Toni Kroos’ opener, Benzema popped up with a 73rd-minute header before sealing the points in stoppage time.
      It led France legend Zidane to call his countryman the best-ever striker produced by Les Bleus.
      The Madrid boss told reporters: “[Benzema] is the best. Without playing a really good game today, he scored twice again.
      “He always shows up, that’s what the great players do.”

      When asked about his man being the best French striker ever, Zidane added: “For me, yes.
      “He shows it with what he’s doing. He’s played at Real Madrid for a long time, more than 500 games.

      Benzema isn’t a pure No9, only thinking about goals. That’s why I love him.
      Zinedine Zidane

      “His goals, his trophies, what he’s done, they speak for themselves. For me he’s the best, yes, it’s clear.
      “He isn’t a pure No9, only thinking about goals. That’s why I love him.

      “He doesn’t only have that in his head. He links up, passes to teammates.
      “That’s what I like in football, and he has both things.”
      France has produced a wealth of top strikers over the years, starting with 1950s superstar Just Fontaine.
      Jean-Pierre Papin scooped the 1991 Ballon d’Or as a star of great teams at Marseille and AC Milan.
      Modern talents include David Trezeguet and Thierry Henry, who leads the country’s all-time scoring record with 51 goals.
      Zidane played with each of the aforementioned trio during his esteemed playing days but has brought the best out of Benzema as a coach.

      Brilliant stop by Courtois to preserve the lead at one end and then Benzema goes straight down the other to extend it! 🔥Real Madrid pick up a 3-1 win ⚪ pic.twitter.com/Gb5LrRqqUY
      — Premier Sports 📺 (@PremierSportsTV) December 15, 2020

      The 32-year-old led Real’s scoring charts as they won LaLiga last season and already has ten goals this campaign.
      A scandal involving Mathieu Valbuena and alleged sextape blackmail led to Benzema being exiled from the French national team.
      He denies all allegations and still sits tenth in the all-time charts, with 27 goals in 81 games, despite last making an appearance in 2015.

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