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      Ryan Giggs claims he has had no talks with Zinedine Zidane over Gareth Bale’s Real Madrid future due to language barrier

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      RYAN GIGGS has not spoken to Zinedine Zidane over Gareth Bale’s Real Madrid exile because he fears talks would get lost in translation.
      Bale arrives in Cardiff from Spain today to prepare for Wales’ Nations League double-header against Finland on Thursday and Bulgaria next Sunday.

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      Gareth Bale will escape his Madrid misery this week when he links up with Ryan Giggs’ Welsh squadCredit: Rex Features
      The 31-year-old has played just 100 minutes of Real’s last 12 games but Giggs has not intervened due to the language barrier.
      Giggs, who used to do battle with French World Cup winner Zidane on the pitch when Manchester United and Juventus locked horns, said: “I haven’t spoken to Zidane.
      “My French and Spanish isn’t too good. That’s my way out of that one.
      “I know Zidane’s English isn’t very good from experience.”

      While Bale has been out-of-favour at the Bernabeu, the Dragons record goal-scorer with 33 goals remains a big part of Giggs’ plans ahead of next summer’s Euros finals.
      But national boss Giggs says his door is always open if the Welsh nation’s talisman wants to open up on his Real torment at club level.

      Giggs added: “I’m just monitoring the situation.
      “When Gareth gets on camp I will speak to him like I always do.

      “I’ve always said to him if he wants to speak then I’ll listen and be more than happy to help him.
      “He’s experienced and professional enough to look after himself. But I’m there if he ever needs to speak.” More

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      Betis boss Manuel Pellegrini closes in on transfer for Claudio Bravo after goalkeeper was released by Man City

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      REAL BETIS are close to sealing a move for Manchester City outcast Claudio Bravo, according to reports in Spain. 
      The ex-Eithad keeper, who lost his place at City to Ederson, is currently a free agent after his contract ended.

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      Claudio Bravo is due to complete a medical ahead of the completion of his move to Real BetisCredit: PA:Press Association
      But Spanish outlet Marca claim the Chilean is in the final stages of talks to complete a move to ex-City boss Manuel Pellegrini’s new team. 
      It is thought Pellegrini intends to bring in Bravo to rival ex-Everton stopper Joel Robles for a starting spot.

      Bravo, 37, joined Pep Guardiola’s City side in a £17million deal in 2016 but only made 61 appearances for the club in four seasons. 
      He endured a mixed time between the sticks as City’s No1 in his first season before Pep Guardiola brought in current custodian Ederson.

      One high-profile clanger came in a Manchester derby in 2016, when his fumble allowed Zlatan Ibrahimovic to net for Man United. 
      The game, which City won 2-1, was Bravo’s debut match in the Premier League.
      Bravo, who ended up making 32 cup competition appearances for City was the club’s saviour in a penalty shootout win against Wolves in City’s 2018 League Cup run. 

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      Bravo won eight trophies at Manchester City including the Carabao CupCredit: Reuters

      Guardiola’s men would eventually go on to win the competition that year. 

      Bravo, who kept 20 clean sheets for City during his tenure, won eight trophies with the club. 
      The 37-year-old played for Barcelona for two seasons before making his summer 2016 switch to Etihad.

      Lionel Messi already in contact with Pep Guardiola as Man City lead transfer race for wantaway Barcelona superstar More

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      Man Utd target Donny van de Beek left out of Ajax squad with Barcelona and Real Madrid also in transfer hunt

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      MANCHESTER UNITED target Donny van de Beek was left out of Ajax’s squad because of transfer interest in the midfielder.
      The Dutch side’s manager Erik ten Hag confirmed there were “developments” which meant he left the 23-year-old out of his team to play Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday afternoon.

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      Man Utd target Donny van de Beek was left out of Ajax’s squad vs Eintracht Frankfurt because of transfer interest in him
      Barcelona and Real Madrid are thought to be ready to rival United for the Dutch star and it now seems certain Van de Beek will leave Ajax this summer.
      Speaking ahead of today’s match, Ten Hag said: “There are indeed developments that prevent him from being in the selection.
      “We are looking at how that will end.”
      Dutch international Van de Beek was close to agreeing a £47million transfer to Real Madrid before lockdown.

      And Ajax director – and former Red Devils goalkeeper – Edwin van der Sar confirmed he could leave for the right price earlier this year.
      Van de Beek is happy in Holland’s capital and is not fazed by the prospect of staying.
      But offers are expected to come from the Premier League – where he would reportedly be happy to play.
      United were heavily linked with the Dutchman in the January transfer window.

      And despite having since signed Bruno Fernandes and welcomed Paul Pogba back into the fold, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could still move for the midfield ace.
      Especially if Fred is on his way to Galatasaray who are reportedly preparing a loan to buy bid.
      Van de Beek has two years left on his contract – which means Ajax can still demand a decent fee.
      But it is not expected to be as much as the £47m pre-lockdown amount because of the financial impact of coronavirus on clubs.

      Ajax want any deal wrapped up before their Eredivisie campaign kicks off against Sparta Rotterdam on September 13.
      Arsenal and Manchester City are both in the market for centre midfielders.
      But the Gunners will struggle without the offer of Champions League football.
      Asked about his future in January, Van de Beek revealed he was in no hurry to leave the Amsterdam side.
      He said: “It is not that I can or want to do something at the moment.

      “I have said it before, and I will say it again: I will remain at Ajax this season. And maybe next season as well.
      “These reports about Real Madrid or Man Utd are a good sign, but it is not important now.
      “I’ve said I will stay at Ajax and I will do so for 100 per cent.”

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      Luis Suarez wanted by Atletico Madrid as they contact rivals Barcelona over transfer to replace Diego Costa

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      ATLETICO MADRID are interested in signing Barcelona outcast Luis Suarez, according to reports.
      Despite netting 21 goals last season, the Uruguayan has been told by new boss Ronald Koeman that he isn’t part of his plans at Camp Nou.

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      Luis Suarez has been ditched by new boss Ronald KoemanCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      This has led a number of teams to cast admiring glances at the 33-year-old, including Juventus.
      But according to Tancredi Palmieri, Atletico Madrid are hoping to land him as a replacement for ex-Chelsea striker Diego Costa.
      Spaniard Costa, 31, has been underwhelming since returning to LaLiga, scoring 17 goals in 74 games.
      He has even been linked with a shock reunion with Jose Mourinho at Tottenham.

      But if Atletico are to lure Suarez to Wanda Metropolitano as his replacement, they will have to beat Juve to his signature.
      The Italian giants have reportedly already had an offer knocked back, after they tried to trade ex-Real Madrid forward Gonzalo Higuain for his services.
      Suarez himself has remained coy on the summer speculation.
      He wrote on Instagram: “There are people talking about me or in my name when for years I’ve had no relationship with them, when I have to talk I talk for myself.”

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      Pals Messi and Suarez both want to leave Barca this summerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Suarez’s brutal dismissal by new boss Koeman is said to be one of the many factors that enraged wantaway star Lionel Messi.
      The Argentine, known to be very close with Suarez, shocked the football world this week by confirming his intention to leave Barcelona.
      And TV cameras captured Suarez and his wife arriving at Messi’s pad on Thursday night as the friends plot their futures – away from Camp Nou.

      Lionel Messi spotted in Barcelona for first time since transfer bombshell as he and Suarez leave restaurant together More

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      Inter Milan reopen Arturo Vidal transfer talks as Conte eyes reunion with Barcelona star

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      INTER MILAN have reopened transfer negotiations to sign Barcelona midfielder Arturo Vidal.
      The 33-year-old’s Barcelona future appears on the rocks with the Spaniards plotting for a major overhaul under new boss Ronald Koeman.

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      Antonio Conte wants to sign Arturo Vidal

      According to Fabrizio Romano, Antonio Conte – who managed Vidal for three seasons during their time at Juventus – wants a Serie A reunion with the Chilean.
      The former Bayern Munich man played 33 times in all competitions, but mostly off the bench.
      PSG have also registered an interest in Vidal, who for the first time since 2011 missed out on a league title.
      Luis Suarez, 33, has also been told he is free to leave the Nou Camp – which sparked a furious reaction from inseparable friend Lionel Messi.

      The 33-year-old then stunned Barca bosses by handing in a transfer request.
      Inter – who are owned by Chinese chairman Steven Zhang, son of billionaire Zhang Jindong – have been linked with Messi.
      The Italian giants seem keen to break the bank this summer, with Nou Camp pair Messi and Vidal emerging as priority targets.
      It comes after manager Conte survived showdown talks with the Inter board after his first season with the club.

      His old club Juve pipped him by a point to clinch their ninth consecutive title.
      Conte’s misery then extended after Seville beat them 3-2 in the Europa League final.
      The former Chelsea boss held clear-the-air talks with club president Steven Zhang, and will manager the San Siro side next season.

      Watch furious Antonio Conte scream ‘see me after the game’ after Sevilla’s Ever Banega takes mickey out of his hair More

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      How Barcelona could line up after losing Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Busquets in unrecognisable team

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      BARCELONA will look unrecognisable without Lionel Messi leading the line for them next season.
      Ronald Koeman has already warned a handful of first-team stars that they do not feature in his plans.

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      Barcelona will have to sign reinforcements if they lose Lionel Messi
      According to Sport, the new boss is prepared to get rid of Luis Suarez, Ivan Rakitic, Samuel Umtiti and Junior Firpo.
      Sergio Busquets, who has been with the club for 12 years, also looks likely to lose his first-team spot.
      But the manager has emphasised the importance of Gerard Pique’s leadership at the back.
      Should Messi leave this summer, Koeman faces a tough task to fill the void left at the Nou Camp.

      The new manager has made it clear that Antoine Griezmann will play a key role in his side.
      Koeman has even reportedly offered the former Atletico Madrid star the No7 jersey.
      With Messi and Suarez heading for the exit, Koeman is lining up some new strikers.
      Lautaro Martinez could start up top for Barcelona alongside Griezmann next term.

      Barcelona are long-term admirers of the Inter Milan ace – who is valued at £81million.
      Former Celtic star Moussa Dembele has also emerged as a possible option to replace Suarez.
      In the midfield, Frenkie de Jong is expected to play a bigger role in the 2020/21 campaign.
      Donny van de Beek could be snapped up by Barcelona as he looks set to leave Ajax this summer.
      But Manchester United have are also interested in the midfielder.
      At the back, Eric Garcia could arrive from Manchester City to pair up with Pique.
      Barcelona are hoping to land the 19-year-old in a cut-price deal if Messi goes the other way.

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      Here’s an alternative way how Barcelona could line-up without Lionel Messi
      He proved his potential in Spain when he came through the club’s famed La Masia academy.
      Nelson Semedo and Jordi Alba look set to keep their spots at full back.
      But Manchester City are also prepared to include left-back Angelino a swap deal for Messi.

      Lionel Messi already in contact with Pep Guardiola as Man City lead transfer race for wantaway Barcelona superstar More

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      Neymar and Di Maria trying to persuade Lionel Messi to join them at PSG and snub Man City interest

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      NEYMAR and Angel Di Maria have contacted Lionel Messi to convince him to join Paris Saint-Germain.
      The French side are keeping a close eye on his situation after he handed in his transfer request at Barcelona.

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      Lionel Messi and Neymar formed a formidable partnership at BarcelonaCredit: AFP or licensors
      According to ESPN, Neymar phoned up his former team-mate on Thursday.
      The Brazilian put forward the idea of Messi reuniting with him in Paris.
      Neymar played alongside the Argentine ace at the Nou Camp from 2013 until 2017.
      And they have remained in regular contact since the striker’s £198m switch to PSG.

      Fellow Argentina star Di Maria has also been in contact with Messi this week.

      But PSG are not the only team that are monitoring the 33-year-old’s situation.
      The six-time Ballon d’Or winner has reportedly spoken with Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.
      His former agent has tipped him to join Inter Milan to renew his rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo.

      And one shock report included Arsenal in the long list of clubs that want to sign him.

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      Angel Di Maria is keen reunite with the wantaway Barcelona star Credit: AFP or licensors

      Messi handed in a request to leave the club on a free transfer this summer.
      The 33-year-old demanded the club exercise a clause in his contract that will allow him to leave for nothing.
      But the Spanish side are convinced the clause has expired – and believe he will only leave for more than £199m – a world record fee.

      Lionel Messi already in contact with Pep Guardiola as Man City lead transfer race for wantaway Barcelona superstar More

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      Madrid players couldn’t believe Messi transfer request and frantically WhatsApped each other to make sense of it

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      REAL MADRID’S players were reportedly so shocked by Lionel Messi’s transfer request they instantly began Whatsapping each other.
      A source close to the dressing-room allegedly told ESPN a frantic bout of messaging took place as they attempted to digest the shock news.

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      Real Madrid’s shocked players frantically messaged each other after Lionel Messi’s transfer requestCredit: Getty

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      The Argentine rocked Barca by telling them he wanted to leave last weekCredit: Getty
      The LaLiga champions, who are bitter rivals to Barcelona, were said to be “incredulous” when reports first emerged on Tuesday.
      Even on Wednesday they were still allegedly struggling to believe that the Argentine legend had informed the Nou Camp side he wanted to quit.
      No member of the current Madrid squad has experienced an El Clasico without Messi, with the icon first playing against Los Blancos in October 2004.

      He has created numerous magical moments against Madrid and is the all-time Clasico top scorer with 26 goals.

      As well as being surprised to see their man who has been a thorn in their side so many times, they were also shocked at the timing of his transfer request.
      Barcelona is currently in the middle of a major shake-up after missing out on the domestic title and suffering Champions League humiliation at the hands of Bayern Munich.
      Ronald Koeman has taken charge of the under-performing and ageing squad, and instantly informed Messi’s close friend Luis Suarez he had no future at the club.
      Messi, , 33, is set to quit his childhood club after nearly 20 years following a major fall out with the hierarchy.

      Messi faxed the board to inform them he wants to quit after growing furious with their treatment of him and, most recently, Suarez.
      He held a personal talk with Koeman following the Dutchman’s appointment as Quique Setien’s replacement last week.
      In their discussions, Messi revealed he sees his future outside the club while the new manager told him his “privileges” were over.

      Messi, whose deal runs out in 2021, believes a clause in his contract means he can leave for free this summer.However, Barcelona reckon that offer expired back in June.
      The counter argument to that being the clause is thought to end ten days after the Champions League final and therefore has been pushed back to August due to the delayed season.
      Legal teams are set to work out exactly what the contract situation is but Barcelona are insisting Messi can only leave if a team matches his £631million release clause.
      No matter what happens over the coming days, there is no doubt that the topic will still be amongst the first things discussed when Madrid return for pre-season training next week.

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