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      Gareth Bale still a ‘great player’ and must resolve ‘difficult’ transfer situation, claims Real Madrid pal Luka Modric

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      GARETH BALE is still a superstar and has a lot more to offer, according to long-term pal and team-mate Luka Modric.
      But the Croatian has admitted that Bale finds himself in a “difficult” position.

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      Gareth Bale and Luka Modric have splayed together in London and MadridCredit: Reuters
      The pair have played together for 11 of the last 12 seasons, since Modric, 35, joined Tottenham from Dinamo Zagreb in 2008.
      This summer, however, could be the year that the duo go their separate ways – with Bale out of favour under Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane.
      Speaking to The Times, Modric said: “For almost 12 years we are playing together and it’s a difficult situation for him and for the club.

      “Does he feel happy here or does he want to try something else? But, for me, Gareth is still a great player and still has a lot to offer in football.
      “It just depends on him, if he has enough hunger or desire to keep going. I think he has but whether his situation finishes here or continues, he can still be an important player.”
      Bale failed to feature in any of Real Madrid’s last seven LaLiga matches last season, and was left out of their travelling party to face Manchester City in the Champions League.
      The 31-year-old has tenuously been linked with a return to England, with Madrid reportedly willing to accept £22million for him – although no serious suitor has yet emerged.

      England legend John Barnes, however, believes that Manchester United would be his best Premier League destination.

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      The duo’s friendship dates back to their time at SpursCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      He told BonusCodeBets: “If Gareth Bale was to come to the Premier League, I couldn’t imagine Liverpool or Chelsea wanting to sign him, especially from a financial point of view.
      “What a team will want is a hungry version of Gareth Bale.
      “We don’t know what state he is currently in as he hasn’t really played for the last couple of years, we don’t know how fit he is or how hungry he is to still play at the highest level.
      “In terms of the way he plays, Manchester City would be best suited for him, but they aren’t going to want to sign him.
      “Tottenham Hotspur is a club who he has played for before but is he the type of player that Jose Mourinho wants? I don’t think so.
      “Manchester United is probably the best club for him, but it is whether they want him despite considering his age and the salary he comes with.”

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      John Barnes believes that Bale would do well at Manchester UnitedCredit: Reuters

      Gareth Bale continues love of golf even in Covid-19 bubble by playing PGA Tour 2K21 ahead of return to Real Madrid More

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      Messi transfer debacle can be forgotten with new president and he can stay at Barcelona until he’s 38, says Rivaldo

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      BARCELONA legend Rivaldo believes the Lionel Messi transfer debacle could soon be forgotten – and he may stay there until he is nearly 40.
      The Argentine superstar, 33, rocked the Nou Camp by handing in a transfer request last month as he tried to invoke a clause to allow him to leave for free.

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      Lionel Messi could end up signing a new long-term contract at BarcelonaCredit: Reuters

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      Rivaldo believes the superstar could soon put the sorry saga behind himCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Now he is back training after a sensational U-turn from his position just a fortnight ago, when he missed all of new boss Ronald Koeman’s first training sessions.
      Messi demanded to leave Barcelona in the wake of the 8-2 Champions League exit to Bayern Munich, blasting the club’s hierarchy and pointing to mismanagement of team-mates including close pal Luis Suarez.
      He believed he still had a clause valid in his contract until the end of the season allowing him to depart Catalonia on a free transfer.
      But Barcelona argued that the clause expired in July and were quickly given backing by LaLiga.

      It led to Messi confirming last week that he will be staying at the club for the final year of his contract, as the only way to press on with the potential free transfer was by taking Barcelona to court.
      However, Rivaldo insists the whole sorry chapter could soon be forgotten about.
      The Brazilian, who spent five years at Barca during his illustrious career, told BetFair: “I wouldn’t be surprised if he stayed at the club beyond his current deal.

      “A lot could happen this season, as Barcelona begin life under new manager Ronaldo Koeman and elections for club president take place in March.

      “Messi criticised the current president Josep Bartomeu, so if a new president is elected in March perhaps Messi will decide to stay.
      “Messi has his life in the city, his family enjoy living there and the fans have great affection for him.
      “These are reasons to stay and perhaps with a new president, who understands Messi’s needs and can persuade him that the club is heading in the right direction, can persuade him to extend his contract.
      “He loves Barcelona, and nowadays players are fit enough to prolong their careers at the highest level, so I can see Messi playing for them until he’s 38-years-old.”

      And when quizzed on whether the goal-machine will still be as prolific as usual this term following the saga, Rivaldo had no doubts he will be as good as ever.
      He added: “Many people are questioning Messi’s commitment after asking to leave the club, but I have no doubt that he will be the same player this season, always trying his best for the club he loves.
      “Of course, he might not start right away after all these problems during the summer, but even in his poorer seasons he scored 30-odd goals, so I’m sure he’ll continue to make the difference for the team.”

      Lionel Messi trains with Barcelona for first time since failed transfer request as he prepares for new season More

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      Arsenal and Leeds on transfer alert with Rafinha set for Premier League move as Barcelona demand £12.7m fee

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      BARCELONA’S Rafinha is set for a £12.7 million move to the Premier League with both Arsenal and Leeds in the hunt, reports say.
      The midfielder has spent most of his career in Catalonia but now looks likely to arrive in England as his contract winds down.

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      Rafinha looks set for a Premier League move, but it is not yet clear if it will be the Emirates or Elland Road
      Barcelona are believed to open to offers of £12.7 million before he can walk for free next summer, according to Sin Concesiones.
      He made his senior team debut for the Spanish club back in 2011 but has been loaned out recently to Celta and Inter Milan after failing to find a place in the first 11.
      Rumours emerged earlier this month of newly-promoted Leeds’ intentions to bring the 27-year-old to Elland Road.
      The big-name Brazilian would help bolster their midfield ahead of their first Premier League campaign in 16 years.

      They have already added to their strike force with the signing of 29-year-old Rodrigo for £26 million.
      The fee broke their longstanding transfer record of £18 million for Rio Ferdinand in 2000.
      Their other major signing so far this window is Germany defender Robin Koch, 24, from Freiburg for an undisclosed fee.
      Arsenal have also been linked to Barca man Rafinha with manager Mikel Arteta keen to add strength in depth to his midfield.

      They have already loaned Dani Ceballos and picked up Willian for free but Arteta may feel more is required to compete at the top end of the table.
      The potential sale of Rafinha comes as the Spanish giants reportedly look to clear-out much of the squad following their 8-2 Champions League humiliation against Bayern Munich.
      Ivan Rakitic and Arthur have already left the Nou Camp. More

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      Real Madrid ‘will pay HALF of Gareth Bale’s £600,000-a-week wages to seal transfer away’ putting Man Utd on red alert

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      REAL MADRID are reportedly willing to cover HALF of Gareth Bale’s £600k-a-week wages to ensure he leaves this summer.
      The wantaway Welshman publicly criticised Los Blancos for “making it very difficult” for him to leave earlier this month.

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      Real Madrid are willing to pay half of Gareth Bale’s £600k-a-week wages to seal his exit from the club
      But this latest news could pave the way for a summer exit putting long time admirers Manchester United on red alert.
      It emerged yesterday the Spanish giants are willing to accept just £22million for their out of favour winger.
      And now Real are willing to take another financial hit in order to get the ex-Tottenham man off their books, according to Spanish outlet AS.

      Both United and Spurs had their ears pricked when Bale lifted the lid on his Bernabeu turmoil while on Wales duty.
      The 31-year-old has grown increasingly frustrated in the Spanish capital, managing only 14 starts last season.
      And manager Zinedine Zidane and the Bernabeu board are now willing to let him leave.
      It is understood Bale is willing to take a pay cut on order to make a move happen.

      United are in the market for a wideman, having so far failed to meet Borussia Dortmund’s £109m asking price for 20-year-old Jadon Sancho.

      Four Premier League teams crack the top ten highest wage bills in Europe

      Bale was close to sealing a move to China last summer, until Madrid blocked the transfer at the last minute.
      He told Sky Sports last week: “There have been other instances where we have tried to go but the club won’t allow it or they have done something.
      “What can I say? I want to play football. I am still motivated to play football so I guess it is on the club really.
      “I can’t do anything, they are in control of everything
      “I have a contract so all I can do is carry on what I am doing an hopefully something comes up.
      “It is in the club’s hands and they have made things very difficult to be honest.”

      Premier League fans return in doubt with 1,000 people limits and bans in coronavirus hotspot areas from October 1 More

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      Alphonse Areola completes shock Fulham transfer in blow to Arsenal

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      ALPHONSE AREOLA has joined Fulham on a season-long loan from Pars Saint-Germain.
      The French keeper spent last season providing back-up for Real Madrid No1 Thibaut Courtois, 28. 

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      Alphonse Areola has joined Fulham on loan to battle for the No1 jersey

      But having returned to PSG, the Ligue 1 champions had no plans to keep him.
      It sparked a transfer pursuit with Arsenal said to be interested in the stopper.
      But Areola, 27, will instead head to West London, with Fulham having the option to make the deal permanent.

      Areola told FFCtv: “I am very happy everything is done. Scott Parker called me and I had a good feeling. He said he really wanted me.
      “Fulham is a historic club in London and I have heard a lot about the stadium.
      “I hope this season will be a good one for us. I want to bring my energy and do everything for this team to keep us where we belong to be.”
      The Frenchman was keen to move on from PSG as he bids to keep his place as France’s third-choice stopper for the European Championships next summer. 

      It is understood he also favoured a move to the capital, having brought a house in London.

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      Marcus Bettinelli, 28, started last season as Fulham’s No1, but was replaced by Marek Rodak, 23.
      Emiliano Martinez, 28, is seeking a move away from Arsenal ,having not been guaranteed a starting spot for the upcoming campaign.
      But manager Mikel Arteta will not allow the Argentine to go unless he brings in a replacement.
      Brentford’s David Raya, 24, is another target to provide completion to German Bernd Leno, 28.

      Top ten stars who earned most sitting on bench last year with Man Utd’s Romero bagging £3.6m and Hart getting £2.3m More

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      Bale ‘returns to Real Madrid injured’ after Wales games in yet another headache for Zidane as transfer talks put on ice

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      GARETH BALE reportedly returned to Real Madrid training injured – handing Zinedine Zidane another managerial headache.
      Bale played 45 minutes against Finland and the entire game against Bulgaria in Wales Nations League fixtures.

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      Gareth Bale reportedly returned to Real Madrid training injuredCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Despite leaving international duty having not reported any injuries, according to AS, Bale turned up to Madrid training with a knee problem.
      It is said to have forced him to train away from the first-team, joining Marco Asensio, Isco, Mariano and Sergio Reguilon.
      Bale was due to meet with Zidane to discuss his future at the Bernabeu.
      The winger has grown increasingly frustrated in the Spanish capital, managing only 14 starts last season.

      According to Mundo Deportivo, manager Zidane and the Madrid board are willing to let the forward leave. 
      It is understood they will even lower their asking price to £22million, having refused to pay off the remaining two years of his contract worth £30.2m.
      Manchester United and Tottenham have both been linked with the forward in the past. 
      But Bale’s £600,000 a week wages have proved a stumbling block previously.

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      Bale picked up an injury in Wales’ Nations League campaign Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      His fresh injury blow could also threaten a move away from LaLiga.
      But it is believed the former Spurs winger is open to taking a pay cut if it means ending his Madrid misery. 
      Bale was close to sealing a move to China last summer, until Madrid blocked the transfer at the last minute. 
      But they are now happy for the him to leave as they attempt to offset their wage bill and recoup transfer funds.
      It comes after James Rodriquez, 29, was sold to Everton for £20m. 

      There have been other instances where we have tried to go but the club won’t allow it or they have done something.
      Bale on leaving Real Madrid

      The unwanted player already revealed Madrid have made it hard for him to leave in the past. 
      Bale told Sky Sports: “There have been other instances where we have tried to go but the club won’t allow it or they have done something.
      “What can I say? I want to play football. I am still motivated to play football so I guess it is on the club really. 
      “I can’t do anything, they are in control of everything
      “I have a contract so all I can do is carry on what I am doing an hopefully something comes up.
      “It is in the club’s hands and they have made things very difficult to be honest.”

      Gareth Bale continues love of golf even in Covid-19 bubble by playing PGA Tour 2K21 ahead of return to Real Madrid More

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      Lyon desperate to re-sign Karim Benzema from Real Madrid as Barcelona target transfer for Memphis Depay

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      LYON are desperate to re-sign Karim Benzema from Real Madrid as part of a three-way transfer tussle with Barcelona.
      Barca are after Lyon’s winger Memphis Depay, leaving the Ligue 1 side stuck in a transfer saga with the two Spanish giants.

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      Lyon are desperate to re-sign Karim Benzema from Real MadridCredit: Reuters

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      Barcelona are also keen to take their winger Memphis Depay to the Nou CampCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Benzema, 32, came through Lyon’s youth academy before going on to score 66 goals in 148 matches for the Ligue 1 outfit from 2005.
      He left for Real in 2009 and has notched up 249 goals and 135 assists at the Bernabeu in 513 games since.
      And Lyon sporting director Juninho confirmed the club would love to be reunited with their former star.

      He said: “It is our dream that Karim ends with us.
      “It is the dream of everyone at Lyon, to bring him two seasons to play the Champions League and to be our leader and scorer.
      “We need your experience and it would help us win games.”
      Juninho will also have to focus on outgoings as Depay recently confirmed Barca are interested in signing him.

      Lyon denied there have been any talks between the clubs.

      Four Premier League teams crack the top ten highest wage bills in Europe

      But the Dutchman seems to think otherwise and is said to be keen to link up with new Barca boss – and fellow countryman – Ronald Koeman.
      He told Dutch channel NOS: “We have to wait to see what happens.
      “I know about the interest from Barcelona, but I can’t say any more right now.
      “I’ll speak with Lyon soon and we’ll see.
      “I haven’t even spoken much about this with my agent.”

      Depay, 26, has been in red-hot form for Lyon since he moved there following his failed stint at Manchester United.
      He scored 15 goals in 22 appearances during an injury-hit season as Rudi Garcia’s side beat Juventus and Manchester City on their way to the Champions League semi-finals.
      And the forward recently smashed in a hat-trick in the 3-1 win over Dijon to kick-start Lyon’s new Ligue 1 campaign.

      Top ten stars who earned most sitting on bench last year with Man Utd’s Romero bagging £3.6m and Hart getting £2.3m More

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      How Everton ‘landed James Rodriguez on FREE transfer’ despite having one year left on Real Madrid contract

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      EVERTON reportedly landed Colombian star James Rodriguez on a FREE transfer despite him having a year left on his Real Madrid contract.
      The Toffees announced the playmaker had signed a two-year-deal on Tuesday.

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      Everton reportedly signed James Rodriguez on a FREE

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      Reports elsewhere claim the Colombian was signed for around £22m
      Rodriguez is now reunited with Carlo Ancelotti yet again after the Italian signed him for both Real and Bayern Munich.
      And Everton were believed to have paid around £22million for the 29-year-old.
      But no cash actually changed hands, according to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo.

      Everton’s eagerness to bring Rodriguez in was reportedly matched by Real’s desire to let him go.
      And as a result, Los Blancos only requested a sell-on percentage in return.
      Rodriguez becomes Everton’s third senior signing of the summer after Brazilian midfielder Allan joined from Napoli for £25m.
      Abdoulaye Doucoure also arrived from from Watford for £20m.

      And it means Everton are looking at a brand new three-man midfield for the new season.

      Despite playing just 14 times last term, Rodriguez remains one of the biggest names in football.
      He has a plethora of trophies to his name, including two LaLiga titles, two Bundesliga titles and two Champions League.
      Rodriguez admits he’s delighted to be on Merseyside and can’t wait to link up with his new teammates.

      Four Premier League teams crack the top ten highest wage bills in Europe
      He said: “I am really, really happy to be at this great club, a club with so much history, and here with a manager who knows me really well.
      “I’m looking forward to achieving great things here – and winning things, which is what everyone’s aim is.
      “I’ve come here to try to improve, to get better. I’ve also come here to help the team to win, to play good football – entertaining football.”

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