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      Lionel Messi now 97th most valuable footballer in world, ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo in 131st (but both trail Dan James)

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      LIONEL MESSI is now the world’s 97th most valuable footballer.
      Incredibly, Cristiano Ronaldo finds himself 131th with two of the greatest players of all time both trailing Manchester United bit-part player Daniel James.

      Daniel James is worth more than both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, according to the latest CIES Football Observatory studyCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      That is according to the latest CIES Football Observatory, whose algorithm uses such factors as performance, age and contract length, as well as club and country represented to determine an individual’s worth.
      Their findings placed Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford top of the pile at a whopping £150million, edging out Erling Haaland and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
      Bruno Fernandes, Kylian Mbappe and Jadon Sancho are also worth in excess of £130m.
      But it is the positioning of Messi and Ronaldo that raised plenty of eyebrows.

      Argentinian maestro Messi is way down at 97th on the list.
      No fewer than TEN Red Devils players are ahead of him – Rashford, Fernandes, Mason Greenwood, Anthony Martial, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Donny van de Beek, James, Harry Maguire, Scott McTominay and Victor Lindelof.
      Welshman James is estimated to be valued at £55m, placing him 75th.
      In fact, United’s tally of ten players in the top 100 is more than any other club, with Barcelona second on nine.

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      But the reason for Messi’s lowly value of £48.8m is due to his contract at Barcelona expiring at the end of the season – meaning the 33-year-old’s value at the moment is almost entirely based on his quality alone.
      For Ronaldo, his £42.5m valuation is largely down to the fact he is 35 with little resale opportunity, despite the fact he continues to bang in the goals for fun.
      Ronaldo’s former side Real Madrid’s highest-ranked player is Federico Valverde 50th at £67m.
      Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr and Casemiro also edge into the top 100.
      But there is no place on that list for Neymar or Paul Pogba.
      Despite the pair’s latest transfers costing a world record £198m and British record £89m respectively, neither man gets in.

      Neymar should be in his prime aged 28 but is only worth between £27m and £36m – in part due to his injury record and contract expiring next year.
      For Pogba, 27, he is worth even less at £18m and £27m – presumably due to having 18 months left on his Old Trafford deal and the reality of underwhelming performances in recent years.
      Other surprises include Harry Kane (£97m) down in 19th, Virgil van Dijk (£75m) at 39th and 2020’s serial winner Robert Lewandowski (£65m) in 55th, two places ahead of Kevin De Bruyne (£64m).
      Nicolas Pepe (£53m) is 86th, some £52m short of Arsenal team-mate Bukayo Saka, while in-form Leicester winger Harvey Barnes completes the 100 at £48m.

      The list did not make pretty reading for Ronaldo (131st) or Messi (97th)Credit: Reuters

      Paul Pogba, left, did not make the list but Marcus Rashford topped the pile at a valuation of £150mCredit: Reuters

      The best players of 2020, according to quantitative analysis from Carteret

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      Barcelona ‘considering buying MLS franchise to help convince Lionel Messi to stay with new deal before heading to US’

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      BARCELONA would reportedly consider buying an MLS club to persuade Lionel Messi to stay with the club.
      Blaugrana presidential hopeful Xavi Vilajoana is behind the plan to fit in wtih the star striker’s dream of playing in the United States.

      Lionel Messi could see out his career in MLS after confirming his dream moveCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Messi’s contract runs out in June and, with Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain lurking, his future is up in the air.
      He recently said he was very keen to move to the States and play in the MLS before he retires.
      However this summer may be too early for the 33-year-old to head Stateside and AS report on a plan to keep the player in Spain until he is ready for the switch.
      Vilajoana is said to want an MLS franchise under the Barcelona umbrella, allowing a seamless transition across the Atlantic when Messi desires.

      The plan also involves re-signing Luis Suarez from Atletico Madrid to reunite the pair, who are best pals off the pitch and forged a hugely successful partnership on it.
      Buying an MLS team would be a hugely expensive process.

      When St Louis City and Sacramento Republic complete the 30-team league in 2023, no more franchises will be accepted – meaning Vilajoana would have to buy an existing team.
      Manchester City could already offer such a route for Messi given their ties with New York City FC.

      In fact, Barcelona attempted to land an MLS team under president Joan Laporta in 2009 but failed to agree a deal for a Miami-based club.
      Messi has reportedly already purchased a plush apartment in the city with David Beckham’s Inter Miami one club linked with the superstar.
      Speaking last month, the forward stated his desire to move to the USA.
      He told La Sexta: “I always wanted to live in the United States.
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      I can only imagine him in a Barcelona shirt and I’ll do everything possible to ensure he continues.
      Joan LaportaPresidential Candidate

      “It is a great country and I would like to play in Major League Soccer at some point, but not at this moment in my career.”
      Former president Laporta is back in the running to succeed Josep Maria Bartomeu in the elections on January 24.
      As the frontrunner for the post, the 58-year-old believes Messi will sign a new contract if he is part of a winning side.
      Laporta told The Guardian last month: “I can only imagine him in a Barcelona shirt and I’ll do everything possible to ensure he continues.
      “I know Leo and what he’s interested in is winning. The best players see immediately if the team is competitive.
      “It’s not about money, never has been; if it had, he would have taken very different decisions throughout his career.”

      Fellow candidate Agusti Benedito has admitted his ‘pessimism’ at keeping Messi past the summer.
      He told ESPN: “I would have liked him to say in his interview the other week that his desire is to stay at the club, but he didn’t and now we have to wait and see.
      “The truth is I am pessimistic. Remember that in August, he said he wanted to leave after 20 years and now he’s still not cleared up what he wants to do.
      “The most likely outcome I see is that he leaves us in the summer.”

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      Liverpool in contract ‘stalemate’ with Georginio Wijnaldum amid Barcelona free transfer interest and talks ongoing

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      LIVERPOOL midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum is reportedly edging closer to an Anfield exit with contract talks said to have reached a stalemate.
      The 30-year-old is free to talk to foreign clubs about a free transfer at the end of the season having entered the last six months of his deal on Merseyside.

      Liverpool ace Georginio Wijnaldum continues to be linked with a move to BarcelonaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Barcelona are known to be long-term admirers of the Holland international, with boss Ronald Koeman desperate to be reunited with him at the Nou Camp.
      It was claimed last month that the ex-Newcastle ace asked the Reds for more time before deciding on his future amid interest from the Blaugrana.
      And now Sky Sports have claimed that negotiations between the club and the player have reached a stalemate.
      They state that the Premier League and Champions League winner has been presented with a new offer, but he is yet to sign it.

      The report then adds that Wijnaldum is keen to remain at Liverpool, but wants his wages to reflect his importance in the team, and compare with the club’s top earners.
      Should no breakthrough be made, Liverpool could decide to cash in on the former PSV star who has appeared in all 17 top-flight games this term.
      Koeman signalled his intention to nab the player in November when he suggested that a future deal could be on the cards.
      Speaking to Sport, he said: “He’s very good.

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      “But he’s playing for Liverpool. He could be an option in the future. I can’t say more.”
      Inter Milan are also said to be keen on landing Wijnaldum as Antonio Conte looks to lure another player from England to Italy.
      And it has even been claimed that Liverpool are eyeing up a replacement for the midfielder having tracked the development of Brighton’s Yves Bissouma.
      ESPN have claimed that Jurgen Klopp is keeping tabs on the player who could cost in the region of £30million.

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      Atletico Madrid crash out of Copa del Rey against third-tier minnows Cornella

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      ATLETICO MADRID crashed out of the Copa del Rey with a humbling 1-0 defeat against third-tier minnows Cornella.
      Diego Simeone’s side are currently two points clear at the top of LaLiga but were caught cold by the Barcelona-based club two divisions below them.

      Atletico Madrid have been knocked out of the Copa del ReyCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Third-division side Cornella claimed a famous win over the LaLiga leadersCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Adrian Jimenez’s early goal gives Cornella a shock lead against La Liga leading Atletico.The Catalans are currently 7th in Segunda B Group 3 , the third tier of Spanish football. pic.twitter.com/Hrzf2ZYqFM
      — ticataca (@ticataca_) January 6, 2021

      The shock upset means Atletico have incredibly lost to more third-tier sides than top-flight clubs since January 18th, 2020.
      Cornella had even lost their last three league games, including against Espanyol and Barcelona’s B teams.
      Atletico meanwhile were looking to continue a four-game win streak with Simeone naming a strong side in the round of 32.
      Saul Niguez, Joao Felix and on-loan Arsenal star Lucas Torriera were all in the starting eleven.

      Yet Cornella ultimately bagged the winner after just seven minutes as Adrian Jimenez converted a near-post cross.
      Saul came closest to hauling Atleti level but saw his strike cannon back off the woodwork.
      Things got worse for Atletico when defensive stalwart Jose Maria Gimenez was taken off at half time because of an ankle injury.
      And when Ricard Sanchez was sent off for the visitors just after an hour they were left searching for an equaliser with ten men.

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      The defeat marks the second season in a row Atletico suffered a shock exit to a third division side in the Copa del Rey.
      Los Rojiblancos fell 2-1 to third-tier side Cultural Leonesa in extra-time in January 2020.
      Simeone’s men will look to bounce back with a return to LaLiga action as they host Bilbao on Saturday.

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      Real Madrid flop Royston Drenthe set to join Spanish fourth-tier side Racing Murcia after announcing bankruptcy aged 33

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      ROYSTON DRENTHE is set to sign for Spanish fourth tier side Racing Murcia, according to reports.
      The news comes just a month after the 33-year-old former Real Madrid and Everton star announced his bankruptcy.

      Former Real Madrid midfielder Royston Drenthe is set to sign for Racing MurciaCredit: AFP – Getty

      The Dutchman went bankrupt last monthCredit: Getty – Contributor

      The 33-year-old is currently plying his trade in the Dutch Division Two with Kozak Boys, but has money problems off the pitch.
      But he will be back earning a living in Spain if he passes a medical, according to Feyenoord TM.
      As reported by Dutch news-site AD, a court in Breda handed down a bankruptcy order at the beginning of December.
      But Drenthe is confident the matter will be resolved, telling Voetbalzone that he ‘didn’t know exactly what is going on’.

      He also added: “I am always under a magnifying glass, but it will be resolved as it should.”
      Drenthe has previously revelaed that he had lost £3.2MILLION earned from what looked like a promising career.
      He started his career in his homeland with Feyenoord, before a big-money move to Real Madrid.
      But Drenthe failed to find his feet in Spain, and after just 46 games in five years, including spells on loan at Hercules and Everton, he joined Alania Vladikavkaz.

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      Drenthe had an uninspiring spell at EvertonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Now he is back in Holland playing lower-league football.
      Drenthe also made headlines off the pitch when he decided to become a RAPPER.
      He goes by the stage name Roya2faces though hasn’t quite hit the big time just yet.
      Last year he turned his hand to acting in a mafia show about gangs and cocaine trafficking.
      He appeared in the Dutch series Mocro Mafia, which follows three friends entering the world of serious crime in the Amsterdam underworld.
      Drenthe announced his latest venture on Instagram, writing: “New signing reported!!! The time has come… After a long silence, may I FINALLY announce that I can be seen in the MOCRO MAFIA series!
      “I’m super excited about my participation in the series and can’t wait to entertain the viewers with my role!
      “I am more than excited to show you this other side of Royston but I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. So go check it out!”

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      Barcelona joined by Juventus, Inter and AC Milan in Memphis Depay transfer chase as they battle for cut-price Lyon star

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      BARCELONA face competition from a host of Italian giants if they are to land Memphis Depay in January, according to reports.
      Juventus, Inter and AC Milan are all named as tracking the Lyon star, whose contract expires in June.

      Memphis Depay is a wanted man in the January transfer windowCredit: AP:Associated Press

      The Dutchman’s summer move to the Nou Camp collapsed amid Barcelona’s financial woe.
      But Depay’s imminent contract expiry could make him more affordable in January.
      That has led to interest from the Serie A trio, according to France Football, via Mundo Deportivo.
      Inter, who suffered a Scudetto blow on Wednesday by losing at Sampdoria, could seek a replacement for the outgoing Christian Eriksen.

      Juve and AC Milan face off tonight with the Old Lady back in seventh and seeking fresh impetus under Andrea Pirlo.
      The same cannot be said for Milan and a win at the San Siro would hand them a four-point lead atop Serie A.
      Over in LaLiga, Barcelona find themselves off the pace and have Depay and Manchester City defender Eric Garcia on their radar this month.
      However, Ronald Koeman will be aware that the club likely needs to shift high-earning reserves before buying.

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      He said earlier in the week: “Every coach always looks to the month of January and how the squad can be improved, just like I do.
      “I have made a list of possible injuries and players that would be interesting to bring in. It depends on the club.
      “If it’s not possible, I can depend on the players I have already.”
      Lyon narrowly hold first place in Ligue 1 ahead of Wednesday’s clash with Lens and will be more than happy to keep Depay for longer.
      Club chief Jean-Michel Aulas recently tweeted his club captain to say: “You feel at home here and you are also an exceptional man who sets an example, shows ambition.
      “You can stay as long as you want!”

      What will happen in the future, we will see… I am here now, lots of clubs could be interested.
      Memphis Depay

      The forward, 26, has eight goals and four assists in 2020-21 and insisted last month that he is focused on Lyon.
      Depay stated: “To be honest, we have a great team here and I am focused here because I do not know what will happen next year.
      “All that I know, is that I am a Lyon player and captain. I am here to win matches, to be important for the team.
      “I do not have in my head what my future will be. I am 100 per cent focused here.
      “What will happen in the future, we will see… I don’t have anything to say on that. I am here now, lots of clubs could be interested.”

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      Five reasons why Liverpool are Real Madrid’s main rivals in Kylian Mbappe transfer battle including Nike links

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      REAL MADRID are widely considered favorites to sign Kylian Mbappe from Paris Saint-Germain.
      But with Liverpool emerging as serious contenders and Mauricio Pochettino taking over at the French champions, the superstar striker’s future is far from decided.

      Liverpool have emerged as Real Madrid’s main competition in the Kylian Mbappe raceCredit: The Mega Agency

      Former Tottenham boss Pochettino is hoping to persuade Mbappe, 22, to stick around amid interest from Jurgen Klopp’s side.
      With the World Cup winner’s contract set to expire in 2022, Pochettino needs to act fast to secure his services.
      But the Reds are increasingly confident of signing Mbappe, according to L’Equipe.
      Real are also said to be fearful any transfer to them could fall through because they expect Gareth Bale to return after his underwhelming spell at Tottenham.

      And here SunSport reveals the five reasons Liverpool are Los Blancos’ main competition in the race to sign him.
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      MBAPPE LOVES THE PREMIER LEAGUE
      Mbappe is a huge fan of English football.
      The lure of playing in the best and most famous league in the world would be almost impossible for him to resist.

      This is according to AS who wrote: “The spotlights of the Premier League – a competition he loves – is just what he craves.”

      Mbappe is said to be a huge fan of the Premier League and would be favourite to win it if he moved to LiverpoolCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      MBAPPE ADMIRES JURGEN KLOPP
      Klopp has drawn admirers from across the globe with his high-press attacking brand of football.
      And Mbappe is said to be one of them.
      The striker reportedly believes the German and his style of play would get the best out of his own abilities.

      Mbappe believes Jurgen Klopp would get the best out of himCredit: Getty – Contributor
      MBAPPE AND LIVERPOOL BOTH HAVE NIKE DEALS
      The Reds struck a mega-money £80million-a-year kit deal with Nike last January.
      Liverpool previously had their kits supplied by New Balance since 2015 and were earning £45million every season.
      But the club decided to switch it up after a bitter legal battle with New Balance and their partnership with Nike commenced on June 1, 2020.
      Mbappe is also signed to a bumper sponsorship deal with the American sportswear giant.
      And he recently collaborated with basketball superstar – and minor Liverpool shareholder – LeBron James on the LeBron 18 trainers.

      Mbappe and Liverpool are both sponsored by Nike
      LIVERPOOL’S HISTORY
      Despite Mbappe’s recent domestic success with PSG he still craves Champions League glory which Liverpool could give him.
      He has won Ligue 1 four times, and the French Cup and League Cup twice each.
      But he is yet to win the Champions League with PSG having reached the final and lost last year against Bayern Munich.

      The World Cup winner has never won the Champions League which he cravesCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      SHIRT SALES WILL PAY FOR THE DEAL
      As part of their deal with Nike, Liverpool are said to net 20 per cent of the profits from each shirt sold.
      PSG are planning to insert a £225m buyout clause in any new Mbappe contract and his Liverpool wages would be in the region of £500,000-a-week.
      But with the inevitable huge increase in shirt sales if Mbappe signs, some of the Reds’ outlay would be offset.

      Liverpool’s kit is now made by Nike after a fallout with New BalanceCredit: AP:Associated Press

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      Real Madrid accept Gareth Bale will return next season and fear £650k-a-week wages will scupper Mbappe transfer plans

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      GARETH BALE’S latest injury blow has hammered home the reality that he will be stuck at Real Madrid next season, according to reports in Spain.
      Tottenham have confirmed a calf problem will keep Bale out of action in a fresh blow to his loan spell at the club.

      Gareth Bale is set for another spell out with a calf injuryCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Kylian Mbappe’s summer transfer plans could be affected by the Welshman’s situationCredit: The Mega Agency

      Jose Mourinho confirmed last week: “I wouldn’t say it’s serious but I’d say a few weeks [until Bale is back].”
      The winger, 31 was last seen being subbed off at half-time of December’s Carabao Cup win at Stoke.
      A well-placed header by Bale to put Spurs ahead seemed to be exactly the sort of boost he needed having struggled upon his return to North London.
      Bale has managed just four league appearances and is yet to see out 90 minutes for his team.

      The situation has left Real Madrid facing the reality that the Welshman is set to return in the summer.
      According to Spanish outlet AS, Los Blancos believe finding a new club for the final year of his contract will be very difficult.

      And with Bale himself reportedly happy to come back to Madrid, they will have to account for his £650,000-a-week wages once again.
      Tottenham are paying around half of his salary this season.

      Taking another financial hit could scupper Real’s summer transfer plans.
      Having kept out of the market last summer, the LaLiga giants have sharply felt the coronavirus pandemic’s economic crisis.
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      A variety of top stars have nonetheless been linked to the Bernabeu for the summer, including Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe.
      The chances of signing Paris Saint-Germain star Mbappe have already been hit by the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino at Parc des Princes.
      Tying the striker down to a new contract, along with Neymar, is thought to be a top priority for the new coach.

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