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    Arsenal and Man City ‘ready to battle Bayern Munich’ for Dani Olmo transfer and could sign Barcelona star for free

    ARSENAL and Manchester City are set to battle Bayern Munich to sign Barcelona star Dani Olmo in January, according to reports.Olmo, 26, was one of the standout stars of Euro 2024 and signed for Barcelona in a £52m move this summer.Arsenal and Man City are reportedly battling for the signature of Dani Olmo from BarcelonaCredit: GettyHowever, the Spaniard could already be on his way to the Premier League next month – and it may be in a free transfer.Barcelona’s dire financial situation has meant that the attacking midfielder is only registered until December 31st and looks unlikely to be able to play for the Catalan club in the new year.Reports in Spain have claimed that a clause in Olmo’s contract means that he can leave Barca for free next month if the issue isn’t resolved.El Nacional report that both Arsenal and Man City have already put down attractive offers to the player in the hopes of convincing him to jump ship to the Prem.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile German giants Bayern Munich are also said to be keen on making a move for the former RB Leipzig man.Barcelona execs Joan Laporta and Deco are understood to be scrambling to try and resolve the situation, but face a battle against the clock.Laporta recently spoke out about his optimism in registering Olmo in time for the new year.The club president said: “We have temporarily registered him and hope to do so definitively. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”There are always doubts about registrations, but in the end, we always manage to register them,Barcelona manager, Hansi Flick, has been keen to keep hold of Olmo and views him of part of his plans.Ian Wright convinced Spain star Dani Olmo is ‘taking the micky out of us’ with pre-Euro 2024 final gestureOlmo has excelled during his time with Barcelona, scoring five goals in 10 league appearances this term.The star’s team have begun listening to offers from other teams and could More

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    Barcelona face having to play Champions League knockout rounds in MADRID as stadium nightmare emerges

    BARCELONA face the prospect of playing their Champions League knockout games in MADRID.The Catalonians are set to qualify out of the league phase in the competition, having won five of their six games.Barcelona have been playing in the Estadi Olímpic Lluís CompanysCredit: RexThe Nou Camp is being redevelopedCredit: EPAAtletico Madrid’s Metropolitano could be an option for BarcelonaCredit: GettyBarcelona have played their home games in the Champions League at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys so far.However, due to the stadium’s commitment to the city council, it will not be available for the knockout stages.Barcelona has been playing on the ground while the Camp Nou undergoing an £1.25billion redevelopment.The hope was for the work to be completed this season so the club could move back into their spiritual home.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe club are looking at potential options to solve the problem.Uefa requires clubs to play all of its knockout matches at the same stadium.Due to this, Barcelona will have to designate a stadium in the coming days.If the club does drop into the play-offs, then the decision will have to be made before the draw takes place for the last 16.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe games will be played on February 11 and 18 before the Nou Camp is ready.If the club finishes in the top eight, then it will have more time to make the decision.Horror moment Barcelona star finds his tooth on the pitch after losing it in battle with Real Betis defender Barcelona have won five of their six Champions League gamesCredit: GettyThe quarter-finals will be played on March 4 and 11, but the decision will have to be made before February 21.This would make it difficult for the club to guarantee the Camp Nou’s work to be completed.The development includes increasing capacity from 99,000 to 104,000, as well as the additions of a roof, luxury bar and new escalators.Barcelona would then have to find a new stadium to play the knockout fixtures in.One option would be to go to Madrid, at Atletico Madrid’s Metropolitano, which would meet Uefa’s requirements.However one problem with that choice would be the distance for home fans to travel.The club could also look to stadiums in Catalonia but many of the options would have a very limited capacity.Espanyol’s 40,000-seater RCDE Stadium could be an ideal option, but some in Barcelona’s board do not want to “hear anything” about playing at the rival’s ground according to Marca.Another potential option would be negotiating with the city council to extend their deadline to use the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.READ MORE SUN STORIESHowever, Marca’s report has claimed the chances of this are “minimal”.The Camp Nou’s improvements are set to earn Barcelona £25m more in revenue each year.The new stadium will be sponsored by SpotifyThe Nou Camp will look incredible when the work is completeOver £1.3bn has been splashed on the stadium and the surrounding area More

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    You’re a football superfan if you can work out Brazil and Real Madrid legend’s son, 16, by his iconic playing style

    ONLY football superfans can figure out who this youngster is the son of from his iconic playing style.Luca Celico Leite has gone viral on social media after a clip of him in a match emerged.Luca Celico Leite plays like his fatherCredit: xHe showed off his silky skills during a youth matchCredit: xHe even scored with a composed finishCredit: xThe 16-year-old Brazilian showed off his silky skills in the match.He could be seen drifting past opponents and moving the ball up the field with some quick passes.The youngster also showed his composure in front of goal as he slotted home an effort.He is, of course, the son of 2007 Ballon d’Or winner Kaka.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLMany fans point out that his playstyle was almost a carbon copy of his famous father.One posted: “He plays exactly like his pop.”A second wrote: “He’s a 16-year-old Kaka.”A third commented: “That’s crazy he runs and moves just like Kaka.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe now-retired 42-year-old was once one of the best players in the world.He starred for likes both AC Milan and Real Madrid before moving to the MLS side Orlando City.Football royalty including Kaka, Seedorf and Rivaldo unite for legends match He is the son of Brazil legend KakaCredit: ReutersHe starred for AC Milan and Real Madrid during his careerCredit: Times Newspapers LtdHe retired from playing at boyhood club Sao Paulo in 2014.The attacking midfielder also impressed on the international level for Brazil as he earned 92 caps.He scored 29 goals for his nation and won the World Cup in 2002.Can you name the famous fathers? More

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    Jude Bellingham wins yet another trophy as Real Madrid become first winners of Fifa’s brand new tournament

    JUDE BELLINGHAM has added another trophy to his cabinet.The football superstar has enjoyed a spectacular year on and off the pitch.Jude Bellingham has added another trophy to his collectionCredit: AFPReal Madrid beat C.F. Pachuca to win the Intercontinental CupCredit: AFPThe LaLiga giants are the first-ever winners of the tournamentCredit: AFPBellingham, 21, won the LaLiga and Champions League titles earlier this year in his debut season with Real Madrid.The midfielder finished the campaign with a sensational 23 goals from 42 appearances.He was instrumental in England’s run to the final in Euro 2024, during which he scored a spectacular overhead kick against Slovakia.The former Birmingham City academy graduate has now added the Fifa Intercontinental Cup to his trophy haul.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLReal Madrid ran out 3-0 winners over Mexican outfit C.F. Pachuca, who featured former West Brom, Newcastle and Everton striker Salomon Rondon at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar.Kylian Mbappe netted the opener in the first half before Rodrygo doubled the lead in the 53rd minute.Vinicius Junior wrapped the result in the 84th minute as he squeezed his penalty kick under goalkeeper Carlos Moreno.Bellingham did not see the game through as he was replaced in the 88th minute by Arda Guler.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe tournament pitted Real Madrid as the Uefa representative against the Challenge Cup winner.Pachuca won the cup after qualifying as the CONMEBOL representative.Moment Jude Bellingham video chats sick child in hospital after ex-team-mate calls him out of the blueKylian Mbappe opened the scoringCredit: AFPVinicius Junior netted the third from the penalty spotCredit: ReutersItalian legend Andrea Pirlo brought out the trophy ahead of its presentation to Real Madrid.Speaking ahead of the game, Bellingham insisted that the title would mean “a lot” to win.He said: “It means a lot, you know? It’s an opportunity for another title and to tick off a good year of football for the club.”We’ve earned our right to be here, just like the opposition, because of what we did in the Champions League.”And it feels like we need to win this game to try to complete that achievement.”So it means a lot to us to try and win another trophy.”READ MORE SUN STORIESDue to playing in the match, Bellingham was unable to attend the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award.The award was won by Olympic hero Keely Hodgkinson and the runner-up was darts sensation Luke Littler.Bellingham’s trophy haulHere is a look at the trophies Jude Bellingham has won in his career so far…Borussia DortmundDFB-Pokal – 2021Real MadridLaLiga – 2024Champions League – 2024Supercopa de Espana – 2024Uefa Super Cup – 2024Intercontinental Cup – 2024England U17Syrenka Cup – 2019 More

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    Barcelona will not be in new 105,000-capacity stadium on time ‘unless miracle occurs’ with Nou Camp still building site

    BARCELONA will need a MIRACLE if they plan on returning to the Nou Camp on time this season, according to reports.The LaLiga giants had initially hoped to be opening their revamped ground THIS WEEKEND against Atletico Madrid.Barcelona’s chances of returning to the Nou Camp in March are practically zeroCredit: RexNew images of the redeveloped Nou Camp were revealed last monthThe construction plans are reportedly behind scheduleThe return could be as late as next SeptemberThat was pushed back to March 2025 as building work dragged on.But reports in Spain suggest Barcelona’s return to their £1.3billion renovated stadium could be delayed further.It is claimed the LaLiga leaders’ chances of returning to the Nou Camp in three months time are practically zero.And the stadium might not even be ready for the start of NEXT SEASON.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSSpanish outlet Marca say Barca’s board of directors have accepted the delay is inevitable. Construction work isn’t going at the desired pace, with the emergency exits plans and turf laying behind schedule.Barca have been careful not to give a definitive date, with Uefa rules stating that participants in the Champions League cannot play at different home grounds during a phase of the competition.Barcelona are second in the 36-team league phase with two games remaining, meaning it’s likely they won’t be in knockout action until March.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIf they were to finish ninth or lower, then that would mean a February play-off.However, both dates currently seem unrealistic with large parts of the ground still needing work.Legendary stadium looks unrecognisable as club reveal ‘insane’ CGI footage of the renovation plansThe Spanish giants moved out of the Nou Camp in May 2023, beginning the process of a major overhaul of the 67-year-old arena.The 99,000-seater was gutted and stripped back to its raw concrete form, before countless hours of hard work started to build it back up. Barca have been temporarily housed in the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium during the renovation.The club have taken off the entire top tier of the stadium as they rebuild the third tier to increase the capacity of the iconic ground.When fully completed, the stadium will house an impressive 105,000 fans – some 6,000 more than it was able to hold prior to the building work.They had been planning on returning to stadium halfway through the 2024-25 season, but they now looks unlikely.Barca intend to operate with just over 60 per cent capacity when they move back in.Work began in May 2023The new stadium will be sponsored by SpotifyThe Nou Camp look incredible when the work is completeOver £1.3bn has been splashed on the stadium and the surrounding areaInitially, it was hoped that Hansi Flick’s men could sport the pitch in November for the club’s 125th anniversary.But the return could now be as late as next September – which would be the third push back.It will be the largest and most innovative sports complex in the heart of a European city.The modernised Nou Camp – which will be sponsored by Spotify – is set to have a number of new bars and VIP areas.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt will also have the largest roof of any stadium in Europe, with new images showing three huge screens hanging over the pitch.The concourse and the press facilities are among the other areas to be renovated. More

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    Barcelona’s £50million signing Dani Olmo could be BANNED from playing for club and forced to leave in free transfer

    DANI OLMO is set to be banned from playing for Barcelona — which could see him leave on a free transfer.Olmo, 26, only joined the Spanish giants in August in a £50million deal from RB Leipzig.Dani Olmo could be banned from playing for Barcelona, which would see him leave on a free transferCredit: RexThe La Masia graduate was seen as a major coup for Barcelona following his star turn for winners Spain at Euro 2024.However, Olmo was unable to be registered by his new club due to their ongoing financial issues.And the playmaker was forced to miss Barcelona’s first two matches of the season before getting an unlikely reprieve.A long-term injury to defender Andreas Christensen allowed Hansi Flick’s side to register Olmo as an emergency player.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd he has since gone on to score six goals and provide one assist in 14 matches, helping his side top the LaLiga table.However, Olmo’s temporary registration expires at the end of the year.It means Barcelona have to find a way to get him in their squad officially.And if they cannot find a solution, Olmo will effectively be banned from playing for his boyhood club.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAccording to the Athletic, that then opens the door for the midfielder to sensationally quit Barcelona on a free transfer.It’s reckoned Olmo was aware of the registration issue when he returned to Catalonia.Ian Wright convinced Spain star Dani Olmo is ‘taking the micky out of us’ with pre-Euro 2024 final gestureAnd as part of the deal, a clause was inserted in his contract allowing Olmo to leave Barcelona for free in January should he be unable to play.The title hopefuls now have until December 31 to either make some sales or drastically increase their revenue, as they are not allowed to re-register Olmo for a second time.But sporting director Deco is confident the superstar will still be a Barca player come the end of the month.He said: “Yes of course (we will register Olmo properly). We’re working on it and everyone is calm.“There are internal issues at the club. Don’t worry, we’ll fix it. The player is calm, don’t worry.”Barcelona reportedly hope to solve the issue imminently after agreeing a new kit deal with Nike.However, it must first be approved through a members’ vote, due to go ahead on December 21.READ MORE SUN STORIESShould that fall through, Barcelona are also reportedly looking to sell the rights to their VIP boxes at the Nou Camp.And the final option is for a board member to “put up a personal guarantee”, with neither Barcelona or Olmo even thinking about a potential exit in January. More

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    Liverpool hit MAJOR stumbling block in Trent Alexander-Arnold contract extension in huge transfer boost for Real Madrid

    LIVERPOOL are £100,000-a-week short on persuading Trent Alexander-Arnold to sign a new five-year deal.Anfield chiefs have offered the England full-back a £70,000 rise on his current £180,000 weekly wage.Liverpool are £100,000-a-week short on persuading Trent Alexander-Arnold to extendCredit: AlamyLiverpool boss Arne Slot could lose Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah and Virgil van DijkCredit: GettyBut Alexander-Arnold is holding out for £350,000 to match another of the Prem leaders’ contract rebels, Mohamed Salah.TAA’s conract is up in the summer and he knows Real Madrid are waiting to offer him what he wants.Like Salah and skipper Virgil van Dijk, Alexander-Arnold can talk to interested foreign parties next month.TAA has told close pals that he would like to stay, especially as he is now settled into a £5million Cheshire mansion.Read More on FootballThe Liverpool vice-skipper also has a new girlfriend in Estelle Behnke. Yet SunSport understands he is determined to get what he believes he is worth – and what Spanish giants Real are prepared to pay him.He said last week: “I have been at the club 20 years and I have signed four or five contract extensions.“None of those have been played out in public. This one won’t be either.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMeanwhile, Van Dijk, 33, has been offered a new contract in the club’s bid to hold on to their star defender beyond June when his current deal runs out.However, the Merseysiders’ proposal reportedly fell short of the centre-back’s expectations and so far there has been no breakthrough on the value or length of an extension.Moment blunt Liverpool boss Arne Slot embarrasses reporter with very obvious fact after Ryan Gravenberch questionThe Reds have also taken “concrete steps” in contract negotiations with Salah, 32.The winger’s future has taken precedence among fans and media but he has dropped multiple hints that his eight-year stint at Anfield might be coming to an end.Last month, the Egypt international told Sky Sports that “no offer” had been made to extend his stay.So far the club’s owners FSG have refused to bow to Salah’s wage demands and he knows there would be mega money on offer in Saudi Arabia. More

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    Ex-Premier League star Jesus Navas breaks down in tears as he plays final home game for Sevilla

    FORMER Premier League winner Jesus Navas broke down in tears as he said an emotional goodbye to Sevilla.The 39-year-old legend is hanging up his boots at the end of this calendar year.Jesus Navas said an emotional farewell to SevillaCredit: RexThe Spanish veteran is hanging up his boots due to a hip injuryCredit: RexNavas has played 704 times for his boyhood clubCredit: GettyNavas touched and kissed the ground where his former team-mate suffered a cardiac arrestCredit: RexNavas, who has been on Sevilla’s books for 20 years, played the last home match of his career last night as his side beat Celta Vigo 1-0.And after the game, the veteran was given an incredible send-off at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium.Navas broke down in tears as he and his family were given a guard of honour by his team-mates.Supporters chanted his name and held up banners for him as the emotional Spaniard waved goodbye.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOn his way around the pitch, Navas showed his class by stopping and kissing the ground where his former team-mate Antonio Puerta suffered a cardiac arrest during a match in 2007.Puerta sadly passed away three days later.Navas was 18-years-old when he made his Sevilla debut and went on to play for his boyhood club 704 times.He lifted two Copa del Reys and four Europa Leagues, with two of the successes coming while captain.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSA Prem-winning four years at Manchester City from 2013 to 2017 came between his spells at Sevilla. Navas initially announced he was leaving in May but chairman Jose Maria del Nido then offered him a lifetime contract.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballersDespite managing 71 minutes in his final appearance, the versatile winger hangs up his boots due to a chronic hip injury.Navas admitted he “can’t take” playing through the pain anymore.On the international stage, he won the World Cup and two Euros with Spain.Fans held up a huge banner in honour of NavasCredit: Getty More