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      Lionel Messi IS set to quit Barcelona putting Man City and PSG on transfer alert, reveals presidential candidate

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      LIONEL MESSI will ‘most likely’ leave Barcelona in the summer, according to presidential candidate Agusti Benedito.
      The 56-year-old is hoping to succeed Josep Maria Bartomeu in the top job at the Catalan club during the elections later this month.

      Lionel Messi has just six months remaining on his contractCredit: AFP OR LICENSORS

      Presidential candidate Agusti Benedito doesn’t hold out much hope of keeping MessiCredit: EPA

      But while he admits that retaining Messi would be the ‘best news’ for the club, he is realistic in his assumptions.
      He told ESPN: “Keeping Messi would be the best news for the club but I am not very optimistic.
      “Given the club’s situation, I think it’s really important that he stays at Barca, with the understanding that he understands the next two years we have in front us [could be difficult].
      “He’s been here for 20 years – he’s a Barcelona fan and I think he’s sensitive to the situation.

      “He has given us so much in the same way that Barcelona have given him a lot and it’s time for us all to roll up our sleeves.
      “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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      Barca have so far underachieved under Ronald KoemanCredit: EPA

      Since an understated start to the season by his high standards, Messi, 33, has rolled up his sleeves – scoring ten goals and assisting a further six in 19 outings this season.
      But in a recent interview with La Sexta he refused to commit to the club long term, even opening the door to a move to MLS.
      He said: “I’ve always had the dream of playing in another league, in the United States.
      “Maybe it will happen, doesn’t have to be right away. Today I am just focused on these next six months.”
      A move to Manchester City, reuniting with Pep Guardiola, could provide Messi with the perfect pathway to the US – given the City Group’s ownership of New York City FC.
      Alternatively, he may opt to link up with compatriot Mauricio Pochettino at Paris Saint-Germain.

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      Pochettino gives PSG green light to fight for Lionel Messi’s signature as they prepare for transfer battle with Man City

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      MAURICIO POCHETTINO has given the green light to Paris Saint-Germain battling Manchester City for the right to sign Lionel Messi this summer.
      Messi’s contract at Barcelona expires at the end of the season and the brilliant forward has not changed his position on wanting to quit the Nou Camp.

      Mauricio Pochettino has given his blessing to PSG trying to sign Lionel MessiCredit: AFP or licensors

      The Argentine is free to talk to non-Spanish clubs in JanuaryCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      City have made no secret of their interest in the 33-year-old.
      But PSG can rival their financial power and with Pochettino now in charge also have a manager who would interest the Argentine in terms of being a boss he would play for.
      And though he refused to speak in depth about the prospect of tempting Messi to Paris, Pochettino did give a clear hint the interest is there from the club.
      He said: “A situation like you are asking me, to be honest we are not talking about that (Messi) because we have no time.

      “It has been a crazy period for us, trying to adapt to the new club, a lot of meetings and training sessions and to prepare tomorrow’s game.
      “I think we are going to have time to talk in the future, for sure. But any big player in the world is always welcome in Paris Saint-Germain.”
      Pochettino takes charge of PSG for the first time on Wednesday when they face Saint-Etienne.
      And he insists Ligue 1 is of major importance, despite the owners making no secret of their desire to win the Champions League.

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      Messi’s Barcelona lie in wait in the last-16, a match Pochettino is desperate to ensure his side is ready for.
      He added: “For Paris Saint-Germain the Champions League is the most important competition. But of course the rest of the competitions are important.
      “Of course it’s a massive challenge. It looks far away but it’s next month. For us the most important thing is to try and build and arrive at our best when it will be the moment to face Barcelona.
      “We have an unbelievable squad and from the moment all the players will be available it will be a massive competition between them, because it’s so important the competition between them.
      “I think for sure we are going to arrive at our best to win and to go farther.
      “Barcelona is one of the great clubs in the world too and it’s going to be tough, like it’s going to be tough against Saint-Etienne. Always respect the opponent.”

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      Ronald Koeman begs Barcelona to buy him new striker in January transfer market with Depay and Wijnaldum top targets

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      RONALD KOEMAN has begged Barcelona for a striker in the January transfer window.
      Lyon forward Memphis Depay is a target who could contribute up top and the Catalans are also said to be keen on Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum.

      Ronald Koeman has urged Barcelona to buy a striker in JanuaryCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Barca are already struggling in LaLiga this season.
      The Catalans sit fifth after 16 games played and are already ten points behind leaders Atletico who have played a game less.
      Koeman’s side narrowly beat bottom place Huesca 1-0 on Sunday, and after the game the Dutchman sent a strong message to Barca’s board about his January transfer desires.
      Asked about the club’s transfer plans this month, the former Everton manager – who forced Luis Suarez out upon his arrival – said: “It is not necessary to repeat.

      “We have said several times that we are missing someone up front to score more goals.”
      Lyon ace Depay was heavily linked with a move to the Nou Camp at the end of last season and is said to be their top target again this month.
      Depay is in the final year of his contract and could be available for just £4.5million.
      He was a top target for Koeman in the summer but the cash-strapped club could not meet Lyon’s demands.

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      Liverpool’s Gini Wijnaldum is also a Barca targetCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Lyon’s Memphis Depay remains top of their list after last summer’s pursuitCredit: Rex Features

      But the Dutchman’s electric form – eight goals in 17 appearances this season – and new bargain price tag has also alerted Juventus.
      Wijnaldum is Barca’s No 2 target after Depay, according to Sky Sports News.
      And Manchester City’s Eric Garcia has reportedly agreed personal terms on a five-year deal which could go through this month.
      However, none of these deals are likely to go through until Barca’s presidential elections have been concluded on January 24.

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      Sergio Ramos ‘ready to listen to transfer offers’ as PSG ‘tell him they will make great team with him and Lionel Messi’

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      REAL MADRID skipper Sergio Ramos has reportedly been told by Paris Saint-Germain that they want to sign him AND Lionel Messi this summer.
      Both the Spanish centre-back and the Barcelona legend are in the final year of their contract and are free to speak to other clubs about a switch at the end of the season.

      Paris Saint-Germain could make a number of signings in the summer

      Los Blancos boss Zinedine Zidane has spoken of his confidence that Ramos, 34, will pen a new deal at the Bernabeu.
      But reports from Spain have claimed that the World Cup winner is seriously considering his future having been courted by Les Parisiens.
      According to El Chiringuito TV reporter Josep Pedrerol, the ex-Sevilla defender has spoken to Real president Florentino Perez about PSG’s proposal.
      He stated that ahead of Madrid’s 1-1 draw against Elche, Ramos told Perez: “I am not accepting the proposal you have made to me and from now on I will listen to offers.”

      Before adding: “Someone from PSG has told me that they are going to create a great team with me and Messi.”
      To which Perez allegedly said: “If you have a good offer we will understand.”
      Should the duo make the move to France, then Mauricio Pochettino would boast a side truly capable of winning the Champions League.
      And he is already looking to convince star duo Kylian Mbappe and Neymar to pen new deals at Parc des Princes.

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      Les Parisiens are reportedly keen on bringing Sergio Ramos and Lionel Messi to FranceCredit: AP:Associated Press
      It could be a busy summer for PSG, with SunSport exclusively revealing that Pochettino is eyeing up a reunion with Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.
      Lloris has one year left on his contract in North London, and Spurs could cash in on the shot-stopper should he decide to move on.
      Should he join the Ligue 1 outfit, Colin Dagba could retain his spot at right-back having impressed this season.
      Meanwhile Dutch youngster Mitchel Bakker has starred at left-back having featured in 22 games already this term.
      A centre-back partnership could consist of Ramos and Marquinhos, with Poch to also rely on the likes of Presnel Kimpembe and Thilo Kehrer.

      Marco Verratti and Idrissi Gueye could start in the middle of the pitch behind Dele Alli.
      It is understood that PSG remian keen on signing the England international with Pochettino a huge fan of his former attacking midfielder.
      PSG could then boast the deadliest trio in world football with Neymar and Messi playing either side of French marksman Kylian Mbappe.

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      Pele writes ‘Leading Goal Scorer of All Time’ in Instagram bio amid Cristiano Ronaldo goals row

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      PELE has written ‘Leading Goal Scorer of All Time (1,283)’ into his Instagram bio amid a row over his tally.
      The Brazilian is desperately trying to cling onto top spot in the ‘highest goalscorer of all time’ list after Cristiano Ronaldo overtook him on the official count on Sunday.

      Pele has changed his Instagram bio after Cristiano Ronaldo overtook him on official goals

      Ronnie bagged his 757th and 758th goals in a 4-1 home win against Udinese.
      The brace puts him one above all-time legend Pele whose total sits at 757 strikes.
      However, the 80-year-old has always claimed he scored far more than that and has doubled down on his claim after global news outlets reported he had been surpassed by CR7.
      The former striker has edited his Instagram bio to include: “Leading Goal Scorer of All Time (1,283).”

      It is widely accepted hundreds of those goals came during tour or friendly matches but Pele will not let it go.
      His official goals came during his stellar career between 1956 and 1977 for Santos, New York Cosmos and Brazil.
      But Ronaldo, 35, is now ahead of him and doesn’t look like stopping soon.
      His first against Udinese came when he collected the ball on the left, drove into the box and unleashed a drive into the far corner, giving the goalkeeper no chance.

      Cristiano Ronaldo has overtaken Pele in the ‘highest goalscorer of all time’ listCredit: Reuters

      Lionel Messi is on track to pip Pele tooCredit: Rex Features

      He added his second – and Juve’s third – with a left-footed finish when through one on one.
      The five-time Ballon d’Or winner also got the assist for Federico Chiesa with a sublime pass to make it 2-0 at the Allianz Stadium before Paulo Dybala wrapped up the scoring.
      Lionel Messi is also on track to beat Pele with his 715 goals.
      He has 71 goals for Argentina and 644 for Barcelona and is only 33 with plenty of time left in his career.
      Last month, he topped Pele’s record of 643 goals for a single club with a strike against Real Valladolid.

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      Diego Costa ‘would love to return to the Premier League and is waiting for a call’ as Wolves eye free transfer

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      DIEGO COSTA would reportedly ‘love’ to return to the Premier League with Wolves eyeing a free transfer.
      The Spain striker is a free agent after Atletico Madrid terminated his contract with immediate effect – six months ahead of schedule.

      Diego Costa would ‘love’ to comeback to the Premier LeagueCredit: Rex Features

      SunSport exclusively revealed the Midlands club are planning a shock move for the 32-year-old this month.
      Wolves’ main striker Raul Jimenez is out long-term after he fractured his skull against Arsenal.
      And Nuno Espirito’s side fancy the former Chelsea ace as a replacement.
      Wolves will be boosted by the news the Spain international would ‘love’ to comeback to England, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.

      He told Sky Sports News: “Costa would love to return to the Premier League.
      “He had some bids from Brazilian and Turkish clubs since he ended his contract with Atletico Madrid but he decided to wait a bit.
      “He hopes to receive some bids from the Premier League. There are a lot of rumours but nothing advanced.
      “But for sure, Diego is waiting for a call from the Premier League. He would love to come back, he loves the atmosphere. Let’s see.

      “It will be interesting to have this kind of striker available as a free agent right now.”
      Nuno has been forced to rely on 18-year-old Fabio Silva to lead his attack, well ahead of schedule and would welcome an experienced frontman to take some of the weight off his young shoulders.
      Costa certainly has all the credentials after earning legendary status at Chelsea where he won two Premier League titles.
      Bookmakers swiftly installed the Molineux club as 6/4 favourites to land the Brazilian born hitman, with Arsenal just behind them at 3/1.
      However Wolves have been linked with Costa for the past two seasons and Nuno has so far resisted the temptation to move for the combative striker, despite their links with super-agent Jorge Mendes who represents Costa.
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      Man City join Utd in race for Sergio Ramos as they plot shock free transfer for Real Madrid legend amid contract row

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      MANCHESTER CITY are weighing up a contract offer for Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos, according to reports.
      The defender, 34, is out of contract at the end of the season and can talk to other teams to agree a summer switch now.

      Sergio Ramos is still expected to agree a fresh contract at Real MadridCredit: EPA

      According to ESPN, Premier League club City are monitoring the situation in case Ramos looks like leaving Real.
      The Spanish giants have long maintained that Ramos wants to stay, and that a new agreement will be found.
      The centre-back’s demand for a two-year deal is reportedly one Madrid are happy to comply with.
      Instead, it is his hefty wage demands causing the delay while Real find their way through the coronavirus pandemic’s financial crisis.

      Los Blancos boss Zinedine Zidane recently quelled talk of Ramos’ exit, and said: “When a player wants to stay that means a lot.
      “With Sergio Ramos, I see him staying for many years.

      Ramos was the only LaLiga star named in L’Equipe’s Team of the Year
      “He’s looking after himself well and I’m not surprised about what he’s achieving.”
      City join Manchester United in being linked to the 178-capped Spain international.

      Ramos is reportedly seen as a player who would add much-needed experience to Pep Guardiola’s defence, with the coach a long-term fan of his.
      And the star’s wage demands would be easily met at the Etihad, given his arrival would be as a free agent.

      Nonetheless, Madrid are expected to tie down the club captain amid growing discontent over their handling of the affair.
      Rene Ramos, Sergio’s brother and agent, showed his ire at Los Blancos by retweeting a journalist’s post criticising the club.
      The tweet, by Alfredo Duro, read: “Someone will have to explain how and why we’ve reached this point, allowing your captain, one of Madrid’s legends, to appear in absurd line-ups of players who today can freely sign for any club!”
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      Sergio Ramos makes it look easy as he shows off his fantastically fast feet in training More