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      Leicester ‘make Francisco Trincao transfer offer to Barcelona with two-year loan deal and then £45m obligation to buy’

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      LEICESTER have reportedly made an audacious offer to bring Barcelona forward Francisco Trincao to the King Power Stadium.
      The 20-year-old is yet to even link up with the Spanish side after they signed him in January, but allowed him to stay at Braga for the rest of the season.

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      Barcelona forward Francisco Trincao is reportedly being chased by LeicesterCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Trincao penned a five-year deal at Barca, but he could be set to leave without even playing a game as the Foxes look to secure his services.
      SunSport reported earlier this week how the LaLiga giants have rejected an offer from an unnamed Premier League club for the winger.
      And according to the Guardian, it is Brendan Rodgers’ side that are desperate to land him.
      They state that the Foxes have submitted a two-year loan offer for the player, with an obligation to buy him for £45million.

      That would be a healthy £19m profit for Barca who managed to sign him for £26m just over six months ago.
      Barca are said to have been heavily affected by the coronavirus crisis, and need to get a number of players off their wage bill.
      The Guardian state that Leicester face competition in the race to lure Trincao away from Catalonia.

      It has been claimed that Serie A side Atalanta are also keen to sign him, with the youngster regarded as one of Europe’s brightest talents.

      Unlike Leicester, Atalanta can offer Trincao Champions League football after they finished third in the Italian top-flight table.
      In 40 games in all appearances this campaign, Trincao chipped in with nine goals and 13 assists – helping Braga win the Taca da Liga.

      Leicester star James Maddison tries to kiss a girl on Ibiza holiday More

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      Liverpool ‘closing in on transfers for Norwich star Lewis and Real Betis’ Mandi’ as Klopp looks for defensive recruits

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      LIVERPOOL are chasing defensive duo Jamal Lewis and Aissa Mandi, according to reports.
      The Reds romped to last year’s title, finishing 18 points ahead of runners-up Manchester City.

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      Jamal Lewis impressed on occasion at Carrow Road last seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Aissa Mandi has been a commanding figure at the back for Real BetisCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      But boss Jurgen Klopp has pinpointed areas of relative weakness in his squad, and will prioritise these positions in what will be a relatively quiet summer.
      Liverpool hope to sign a left-back that can compete with Andrew Robertson, having had to deploy veteran midfielder James Milner in that position at times last season.
      Klopp would also like to sign another central defender, having sold Dejan Lovren to Zenit St Petersburg for £10.9million.
      According to the Mirror, Norwich’s Jamal Lewis fits the bill at left-back, with the Reds lining up a £10m bid for the relegated star.

      Despite the Canaries’ desperate season Lewis, 22, showed signs of promise – impressing Liverpool’s analytics team enough to make him a strong target.
      Norwich are interested in the Reds’ academy left-back Yasser Larouci, who appeared twice for Klopp in the FA Cup this season.
      And his signing could soften the blow of losing Lewis for Norwich boss Daniel Farke.
      Despite his tender years, Lewis has made 100 appearances for Norwich, including 28 in the Premier League.

      As for centre-back targets, Klopp is looking hard at Real Betis star Aissa Mandi.
      BeinSports claim that the deal is close, with the Reds having lodged a £9m bid.
      Betis do not want to lose Mandi, 28, but the Algerian has just a year remaining on his contract and wants to move to Liverpool – putting his current club in a tricky position.
      Mandi has been a regular at Betis since signing from Stade Reims in 2016, making 141 appearances for the LaLiga side.
      He has captained Los Verdiblancos on occasion and could offer credible competition for Joe Gomez and Joel Matip as to who partners Virgil van Dijk at the heart of defence.

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      Dejan Lovren was allowed to depart for Zenit St PetersburgCredit: Reuters

      Klopp is also considering back-up plans in defence, however.
      Bournemouth’s Lloyd Kelly is on their radar, having featured towards the back end of the 2019-20 campaign.
      And Brighton’s Ben White, having impressed so much on loan at Leeds United, could also be on their wishlist.

      Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp and player Andy Robertson open up about their mental health More

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      West Ham beating Everton to £18m Barcelona striker Braithwaite, four years after they first attempted transfer

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      WEST HAM are closing in on an £18million deal for Barcelona flop Martin Braithwaite, according to reports in Spain.
      The Hammers are long-term admirers of the Danish forward, having had a bid rejected in 2016 while he was a Toulouse player.

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      Martin Braithwaite is surplus to requirements in Spain with Barcelona desperate for cashCredit: AFP OR LICENSORS
      Now, as reported by Mundo Deportivo, they may finally be getting their man.
      West Ham are said to be in advanced negotiations over a deal worth around £18m.
      David Moyes had to rely on Michail Antonio to save his side from relegation with Sebastian Haller and Albian Ajeti failing to make a big mark at London Stadium last season.
      The deal would see Barcelona make a quick profit on Braithwaite after his controversial £15m switch from Leganes in February.

      Injuries to Luis Suarez and Ousmane Dembele meant the Blaugrana were compelled to sign an immediate replacement outside of the transfer window.
      Dembele’s lengthy lay-off meant, under LaLiga rules, a player could be signed from a fellow Spanish team and replace the injured man in their squad.

      After Braithwaite’s release clause was met, a furious Leganes were powerless to stop their star forward leaving and Los Pepineros were relegated on the final day of the 2019/20 season.
      And, despite scoring on his second start for Barcelona, the 29-year-old’s Camp Nou stay has been incredibly underwhelming.

      The coronavirus shutdown meant Suarez was fit for the run-in and Braithwaite made 11 appearances, scoring only once, as the Catalans lost the title to Real Madrid.
      Everton are also thought to be keen on the forward but West Ham appear to have the edge in completing a deal.

      Barcelona ‘already looking to sell’ Martin Braithwaite just ONE month after shock £15m transfer over financial problems More

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      Iker Casillas retires aged 39 after Real Madrid legend suffers heart problems while at Porto

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      IKER CASILLAS has officially announced his retirement from football at the age of 39.
      The Real Madrid legend hasn’t played a game of football since suffering a heart attack during a training session with Porto in May 2019.

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      Iker Casillas captained Spain to the 2010 World Cup in South AfricaCredit: AFP – Getty

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      Casillas, 39, won the Champions League three times during his 16-year spell at Real MadridCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Lo importante es el camino que recorres y la gente que te acompaña, no el destino al que te lleva, porque eso con trabajo y esfuerzo, llega solo y creo que puedo decir, sin dudar, que ha sido el camino y el destino soñado #Grac1as pic.twitter.com/xb8ucs9REh
      — Iker Casillas (@IkerCasillas) August 4, 2020

      In an emotional statement he posted on Twitter, the 2010 World Cup-winning captain said: “The important thing is the path you travel and the people who accompany you, not the destination to which it takes you.
      “Because that with work and effort, I think I can say, without hesitation, that is has been the path and the dream destination.”
      Los Blancos were quick to pay tribute to their former skipper, who appeared in 725 games for the club between 1999-2005.
      During that period, he helped the Spanish side win five LaLiga titles, three Champions League trophies, two Copa del Rey’s and the Club World Cup on two occasions.

      And Casillas will now return to the Bernabeu where he will work alongside president Florentino Perez in an advisory role.
      Commenting on his retirement, the club said: “Real Madrid CF wants to show his appreciation, admiration and love for one of the greatest legends of our club and world football.
      IKE CARAMBA
      ‘The best goalkeeper in the history of Real Madrid and Spanish football came to our house when he was nine years old.
      “Today, one of the most important footballers in our 118-year history, a player whom we love and admire, a goalkeeper who has enlarged the legend of Real Madrid with his work and with exemplary behaviour both inside and outside, says goodbye as a professional player.

      “Iker Casillas belongs to the heart of Real Madrid and will be so forever. Real Madrid wants to convey to him and his family the affection of our club, which is the club of his life.”
      Casillas’ former Real and Spain team-mate Sergio Ramos was quick to message the legendary shot-stopper, as he tweeted: “Soccer thanks you, friend. Forever a legend.”
      Porto meanwhile posted a compilation video of Casillas’ highlights during his five-year spell with the Portuguese outfit, captioning the clip: “Thank you @IkerCasillas: Forever one of us.”

      Iker Casillas’ career highlights

      Real Madrid (1999-2015)
      725 games
      LaLiga titles x5 (2001/02, 2002/03, 2006/07, 2007/08, 2011/12)
      Champions League x3 (1999/00, 2001/02, 2013/14)
      Copa del Rey x2 (2010/11, 2013/14)
      Club World Cup x2 (2002, 2014)
      Spanish Super Cup x4 (2001, 2003, 2008, 2012)
      Uefa Super Cup x2 (2002, 2014)
      Porto (2015-2020)
      156 games
      Primeira Liga x2 (2017/18, 2019/20)
      Taca de Portugal x1 (2019/20)
      Portuguese Super Cup (2018)
      Spain (2000-2016)
      167 games
      World Cup x1 (2010)
      European Championship x2 (2008, 2012)

      During his time at Porto, he won the league twice – including the one just concluded despite not playing a game – and he was even involved in the club’s cup celebrations.
      Casillas – who announced his intention to run for the presidency of the Spanish Football Federation in February – is also second on the list of the most capped Spanish international players of all time with 167 games between 2000-2016.
      He won three major honours with his country – winning the World Cup in 2010 and the European Championship in 2008 and 2012. More

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      Lionel Messi obliterates Cristiano Ronaldo in stats over last decade with Juventus ace only matching Barcelona ace ONCE

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      FOOTBALL’S age-old debate over who is the real GOAT has FINALLY been answered, with Lionel Messi easily beating Cristiano Ronaldo.
      Incredible statistics appear to suggest the Barcelona superstar has dominated his Portuguese rival over the last decade.

      Football fans have argued endlessly over which player deserves to be crowned the best on the planet.
      The pair have collected 11 Ballon d’Or trophies between them, but this is a debate that will long outlive their careers.
      Messi, 33, has spent his entire career with Barcelona where has won the LaLiga title ten times and four Champions League titles.
      Juventus star Ronaldo, 35, has won league titles in Spain, England and Italy as well the Champions League five times.

      However, WhoScored have used over 20 sets of data to rate the pair’s performances over the last decade.
      And there’s one clear winner.
      Messi has dominated Spain’s top-flight with an average match rating of 8.6/10 over the last ten years.
      Ronaldo has managed an average rating of 8.3/10 during his time with Real Madrid and now Juventus.

      The statistics claim there has only been one season in the last decade that Ronaldo has matched Messi on the pitch.
      Both of the stars were given a ranking of 8.3/10 for their efforts during the 2013-14 campaign.
      And Messi was way ahead of his Ballon d’Or rival in the most-recent season, despite scoring fewer goals.
      In all competitions, the Barcelona star has laid on 24 assists and scored 34 goals in 46 appearances.

      Cristiano Ronaldo has been the star of the show for Juventus this seasonCredit: Reuters

      Ronaldo racked five assists – miles adrift of Messi – and scored 35 goals – just one more than the Barca star – in 46 matches for Maurizio Sarri’s Juventus side.
      Twelve players, including Deco and Gonzalo Higuain, have had their say on who is the better player out of the two. 
      The pair have also given their opinions on each other when quizzed about their rivalry on and off the pitch.

      Lionel Messi has won six Ballon d’Or titles during his careerCredit: AFP or licensors

      Cristiano Ronaldo in phenomenal shape as he returns to training at Juventus More

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      Real Madrid star Benzema open to BOXING career after football having been inspired by legend Mike Tyson

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      MANCHESTER CITY have been warned not to get on the wrong side of Karim Benzema after the Real Madrid star declared his intention to take up BOXING.
      The Citizens host the Spanish giants in the Champions League Round of 16 second leg on Friday, with Pep Guardiola’s side taking a 2-1 aggregate lead into the match.

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      Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has stated he could embark on a boxing career once he retires from footballCredit: AFP or licensors
      And they know they will come up against an in-form Benzema, with the Frenchman enjoying another fruitful campaign under Zinedine Zidane.
      In 47 games in all appearances, the ex-Lyon marksman has found the back of the net on 26 occasions, while he has also provided 11 assists.
      And speaking ahead of the clash against City, the 32-year-old has revealed he is tempted to switch sports once he hangs up his boots.
      Benzema made his revelation in a YouTube chat with his kickboxer pal Fouad Ezbiri.

      He said: “I get a thrill out of combat sports, and I love to train.
      “Once my football career is over, why don’t I train with you for six months?
      “Then, if you think I am ready for a fight, there’s no problem as far as I’m concerned.
      “I swear to God, I’m up for it.”

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      Benzema, 32, has spoke of his admiration for boxing legend Mike TysonCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Benzema also spoke of his admiration for heavyweight legend Mike Tyson.
      He added: “It’s his strength. I have always admired his presence, his determination and attitude.
      “Besides, he has come from nowhere.”

      Watch Sergio Ramos and Karim Benzema’s disallowed cheeky penalty routine More

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      Barcelona reject £54m transfer offer from Premier League club for Francisco Trincao just six months after buying him

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      BARCELONA have reportedly batted away an offer from a Premier League side for Francisco Trincao just six months after buying him.
      The Portugal Under-21s international signed from Braga for £26million as part of a five-year deal in January.

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      Barcelona have reportedly rejected an offer from a Prem side for Francisco Trincao
      According to AS, the Catalan giants rejected a hefty offer of £60million for the 20-year-old winger.
      The club in question reportedly approached the Portuguese hotshot’s agent Jorge Mendes, who also acts for compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo, in January.
      But despite Barca’s financial woes in the wake of the coronavirus crisis, they turned down the offer.

      Trincao made his senior Braga debut last year and went on to play 11 times – scoring twice and providing two assists.

      It is understood his Barca contract includes a whopping £420m release clause after Paris Saint-Germain stunned the world by meeting Neymar’s at the time unthinkable exit payment in 2017.
      Wolves had been sniffing around Trincao last year with Nuno Espirito Santo a long-standing admirer of the whizkid.
      Juventus and Inter have been interested in the player since the summer.
      Wolves had hoped Trincao’s links to super agent Mendes, with their own close relationship to him, would have swayed things in their favour.

      But it seems it would take a lot to tempt the youngster away from the Nou Camp.

      When he joined the La Liga giants, he said: “When Barcelona signed me, I didn’t know what to say,
      “I had no words, it was a hugely proud moment for myself. This is a very important step for me to come and play for Barcelona.”
      Trincao won the golden boot in the European U19 Championships for Portugal in 2018.

      Lionel Messi ‘to be offered four-year deal worth staggering £235m’ by Inter Milan as they pursue free transfer More

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      Robert Lewandowski’s £166k-a-week Real Madrid contract from 2013 leaked with £10m signing-on bonus and paragliding ban

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      REAL MADRID’S contract offer to Robert Lewandowski back in December 2013 has been leaked, revealing all the numbers and unusual looking clauses.
      The Pole was in fantastic form for Borussia Dortmund at the time, having destroyed Real Madrid in the previous year’s Champions League semi-finals – netting four times in the first leg and sending his team to Wembley.

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      Robert Lewandowski signed for Bayern Munich in 2014Credit: Getty – Contributor
      By the opening months of the 2013-14 season, however, it appeared clear that Lewandowski would not be signing renewed terms with Jurgen Klopp’s men – making him a free agent at the end of the campaign.
      Naturally his signature was highly in-demand, with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich jostling for position.
      And while he ended up crossing the Bundesliga to join the Bavarian giants – images obtained by Polish outlet Onet Sports reveal that he did in fact receive a concrete offer from Madrid.
      The documents show that he was offered around £166,000-a-week to go to the Bernabeu – as well as an eyewatering £10million signing-on fee.

      While salaries get dished around, fans are rarely privy to the specific clauses that go into a high-profile star’s contract.
      But this one gives a glimpse into the sort of restrictions placed upon prized assets.

      Should he have joined Real Madrid, Lewandowski would have been banned contractually from skiing, paragliding, climbing, going on a motorboat or even riding a motorbike.
      But as it happens, Lewandowski had already verbally agreed to join Bayern Munich at the time – with rip-roaring success to follow.

      While the Champions League has so far eluded him, the 31-year-old has won six Bundesliga titles and three DFB Pokals in his time at the Allianz Arena.

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      The Pole produced a stunning four-goal performance as Dortmund destroyed Real Madrid in 2013Credit: AFP

      He has bagged a scarcely believable 242 goals in 285 games – remaining arguably Europe’s most-feared marksman.
      In fact such was his form this season, that he is perhaps the man that can feel most aggrieved by France Football axing this year’s Ballon d’Or because of the coronavirus pandemic.
      Lewandowski had been the bookies’ favourite to win the award.

      Ballon d’Or 2020 AXED for first time in 64 years due to coronavirus in blow to favourite Robert Lewandowski More