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    Ex-Man Utd goalkeeper David de Gea, 33, ‘lined up for free transfer to La Liga giants’ after a year unemployed

    MANCHESTER UNITED hero David de Gea is being targeted by Real Betis ahead of the summer transfer window after a whole YEAR without a club.De Gea, 33, left United last June when his contract ran out after 12 years at Old Trafford, during which time he won every domestic honour available.Real Betis will try to sign Manchester United legend David de Gea in the summerCredit: AFPDe Gea has been a free agent during the entire season and is keen to return to La LigaCredit: GettyThe goalkeeper was quickly linked with a series of suitors, including Betis and Real Madrid, but his salary demands proved too much for all candidates and he has spent the entire campaign as a free agent.According to Estadio Deportivo, however, the La Liga giants are planning to make another bid for the ex-Spain international come June.Manuel Pellegrini’s side are planning to contact De Gea’s representatives regarding his situation.It is expected that the Spain star will have to lower his demands considering his advanced age, and the fact he has been out of the game for an entire year.Read More on Man UtdThe ex-Premier League star would also be keen to settle in Spain with his family also open to the full-time switch.Betis will need a new keeper as Claudio Bravo has turned 41 and is on his way out.Rui Silva has also attracted a series of suitors after a raft of impressive performances at the Benito Villamarin Stadium.Silva has a contract until 2026 but Serie A clubs are circling in and Betis are open for negotiations.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHowever, the Spanish outfit has other potential candidates to fill in between the sticks besides De Gea.And one of them is Barcelona goalkeeper Inaki Pena, who could become available amid his club’s financial woes.David de Gea and popstar wife Edurne pose for their wedding day De Gea amassed a total of 545 appearances at United where he picked up 190 clean sheets and conceded 590 goals.The Spaniard won the Premier League Golden Glove last season after registering the most clean sheets in the English top flight.Pundits verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future
    Jamie Carragher – Sacked
    “I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
    Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
    “To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
    Louis Saha – On the fence
    “I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
    Alan Shearer – Sacked
    “I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.” More

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    Barcelona targeting Liverpool superstar in shock transfer to make them ‘intimidating’ again with player ‘keen on move’

    LUIS DIAZ has emerged as a shock candidate for Barcelona, according to reports in Spain.Spanish outlet Sport claim that Barca are targeting a winger that will “make them intimidating again”.Barcelona have been linked with a shock move for Luis DiazCredit: GettyXavi feels the club have not replaced Ousmane Dembele since he left for PSG last summer.The winger returned to haunt the Catalan club as he scored a goal on the way to PSG knocking Barcelona out of the Champions League last week.The report claim that Diaz wants the move this summer but Barcelona will struggle to make it work financially.Diaz’s father, Luiz Manuel, has previously admitted that his son is a Barcelona fan.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLOn reports linking his son with Barcelona in the past, he said: “The truth is that I know very little about Barcelona at the moment.”It is true that Luis is a loyal Barcelona fan and it would be his dream to go there.”So far I would like to thank Porto and Liverpool for the way they welcomed him and received him. There would be no problem if Luis came to Barcelona because it is a top team and one of the best in the world.”But the report claims Liverpool would “make it difficult” for Barca to sign Diaz.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Merseyside club paid almost £50million for the player in January 2022 and would look to turn a profit on the winger.Reports suggest that while the chances of Barca signing Diaz are slim, they could store the money for a “differential player” if they were to scrimp elsewhere.Luis Diaz’s dad reveals they ‘haven’t lost hope’ of LaLiga transfer amid Real Madrid linksOne of those positions is defensive midfield where 30-year-old Real Betis star Guido Rodriguez could be signed to save money.That would leave the door open for Barcelona to target the likes of Diaz and Alexander Isak – despite their financial issues. More

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    Man Utd transfer boost with Barcelona ‘open to offers for superstar with defender open to big move’

    BARCELONA are open to “listening to offers” for Ronald Araujo with Manchester United setting their eyes on the defender.Araujo has become a key player for Barcelona since breaking into their first team in the 2019/20 campaign, having now made almost 150 appearances for the club.Man Utd received transfer boost for Barcelona target Ronald Araujo as club are ‘open to offers’Credit: AFPBut, amid the fallout from his red card in the crushing Champions League quarter-final defeat against Paris Saint-Germain, the La Liga are reportedly considering cutting Araujo loose.The 25-year-old received a straight red card for fouling Bradley Barcola in the first half of the second leg.Barca were looking set for a semi-final spot at the time, leading 1-0 on the night and 4-2 on aggregate.But the red shifted momentum in PSG’s favour, with the Parisians netting four times to go through.READ MORE ON MAN UTDIlkay Gundogan publicly called out Araujo in the aftermath, with the Barca dressing room said to now be ‘divided into four clans’.And Spanish outlet Sport are now reporting Xavi’s side “will listen to offers” for the Uruguayan centre-back.It is known that perennially cash-strapped Barcelona need to sell a player this summer to balance accounts.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe report claims Araujo is one of the players whose sales would generate more profit.Most read in FootballBarca are convinced that they could get an offer of up to £86million, given the interest from United.’I don’t like what I see’ – Disgusted Roy Keane blasts Man Utd and says they ‘looked like the Championship team’The Red Devils are long-term admirers of Araujo, and it is understood the club would be at the front of the queue to sign him if he became available for transfer.Barca are confident they have enough defensive cover should he depart following the emergence of 17-year-old Pau Cubarsi.Considering Araujo signed with the Blaugrana in 2018 for £1.4million the Catalan giants can expect a hefty profit.Victory his never been less glorious than this for Man Utd, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
    PROBABLY only Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United could book a place in an FA Cup final while hanging their heads in shame.
    Minutes after the final whistle of this ridiculous semi-final, Coventry’s magnificent underdogs were performing a lap of honour to their cheering fans — while most of United’s players and supporters had disappeared.
    Then the Wembley PA system started blaring out ‘Glory, Glory Man United!’ and everybody started laughing out loud.
    Victory has never been less glorious.
    As a party-starter it, fell flat. As a stab at dark humour, it was sensational.
    Even by United’s standards of low farce this was ridiculous.
    Now even the unlikely scenario of a final victory over City is unlikely to save Ten Hag’s job.
    After all, Louis van Gaal was axed days after United last won this competition in 2016 and his side were never as bad as this current lot.
    Read Dave Kidd’s thoughts on the game in full here.
    Or click here to check out all of Dave Kidd’s articles. More

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    Barcelona join Arsenal in Alexander Isak transfer race as they prepare bid for £90m Newcastle ace to succeed Lewandowski

    BARCELONA have joined Arsenal in targeting Alexander Isak as the Newcastle striker’s future grows increasingly uncertain.SunSport can reveal the Spanish giants see the Swedish hitman as a potential long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski.Isak has been in brilliant form this seasonCredit: GettyAnd they believe Newcastle could be tempted to sell because they face having to balance the books to satisfy FFP and PSR rules.It’s believed Isak, 24, would cost around £90m – but Barcelona would be prepared to try and strike a deal.Our source said: “Isak is emerging as one of the best strikers in Europe, and Barcelona have been scouting him since Christmas.“They see him as a player who could come in and lead their line for the next three or four years and be a massive success. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”He has all the attributes and would be a superb signing.“Although Isak is happy at Newcastle, the chance of a move to a club like Barcelona would be very difficult to turn down. “Newcastle know they will need to raise funds in the summer which is why Barcelona are ready to make their move.”And, at 24 years of age, his best years are ahead of him.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut the Spanish giants aren’t alone in targeting the forward. Arsenal are also monitoring Isak, as they look to bolster their forward line for next season.The forgotten Arsenal wonderkidsA poor week saw the club knocked out of the Champions League by Bayern and lose ground in the title race after losing to Aston Villa.But the club returned to the top of the Premier League on Saturday with a 2-0 win over Wolves.They could extend their lead on City to four points if they beat Chelsea tomorrow, with Manchester City not playing until Thursday.The Cityzens would have two games in hand, however.With Arsenal potentially coming up just short in the title race in successive seasons, a striker is seen as a top priority – with Isak among the club’s top candidates.He was heavily scouted by Arsenal before his move to St James’ Park in August 2022 for an initial £63m.Mikel Arteta’s striker shopping listBy Jordan Davies
    ARSENAL are stepping up plans to sign a world-class striker in the summer after their Champions League heartbreak.
    Mikel Arteta splashed out £204.5m last summer on Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber.
    But the Spanish manager accepts he needs a proven goalscorer to take the club to the next level.
    And here are the players he is looking at to get the Gunners firing:
    BENJAMIN SESKO (RB Leipzig, value £40m-£45m)
    One for the future at 20 years old. Scored 16 goals for RB Salzburg in the Austrian Bundesliga last season and the Slovenian has carried on that good form in Germany with Leipzig this campaign.
    VIKTOR GYOKERES (Sporting Lisbon, value £60m-£80m)
    Been scouted several times this season. The Swedish striker, 25, is more of a traditional No 9 so may not suit Arsenal’s demand for flexibility but would bring a physicality that boss Mikel Arteta craves.
    ALEXANDER ISAK (Newcastle, value £75m-£85m)
    Impressed in his first two seasons in English football. The Swede, 24, has the pace and finesse to match his finishing ability, and Eddie Howe’s Toon may need to sell to balance the books this summer.
    JOSHUA ZIRKZEE (Bologna, value £45m-£50m)
    Dutch wonder  is attracting the attentions of clubs across Europe. At 6ft 4in the 22-year-old forward would have no trouble adapting to the Premier League and already has an eye for goal.
    XAVI SIMONS (RB Leipzig, value £70m-£80m)
    An incredible talent in the Bukayo Saka mould, currently on loan from Paris Saint-Germain. The future of the Dutch attacker, 20, depends on how much money his parent club want to make from him. More

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    Baffled fans say ‘Rudiger is so weird man’ after spotting bizarre act in tunnel before El Clasico

    ANTONIO RUDIGER has left fans baffled after his bizarre antics before El Clasico.The Real Madrid star was spotted in the tunnel ahead of the warm-up at the Santiago Bernabeu.Antonio Rudiger was in the tunnel before Real Madrid’s warm-upCredit: XHe then tried to scare the police officerCredit: XRudiger, 31, was walking in front of a police officer and appeared to try and scare him.The defender jumped at the officer with his arms forward before giving him a pat on his arm.The officer saw the funny side of the act as he had a smile on his face.Viewers, however, were left baffled as they flocked to social media to react.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne posted: “Rudiger is so weird man.”A second wrote: “Rudiger acts like someone that is always high.”A third commented: “This guy is nuts for real!”A fourth said: “Bro does not have impulsive thoughts, impulsive thoughts has him.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA fifth joked: “Rudiger always lets his intrusive thoughts win.”Another added: “I love this guy man, why did he do that.”Fans say ‘there’s something seriously wrong with this guy’ as Rudiger squeezes second player’s nipple in two gamesReal Madrid won the LaLiga clash against Barcelona 3-2 thanks to a last-minute strike from Jude Bellingham.The victory has almost guaranteed Los Blancos the title as they are now 11 points clear with six games left to play.It is not the first time Rudiger has caused a stir online with his antics this season.In the Champions League clash with Manchester City he was spotted pinching Jack Grealish’s nipple.He also squeezed Luka Modric’s nipple in a post-match interview back in January. More

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    Jude Bellingham shows off bizarre new goal celebration as England wonderkid nets winner in El Clasico

    JUDE Bellingham was the match-winner for Real Madrid in a thrilling El Clasico.The England midfielder scored the decisive goal in a 3-2 victory against Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu.Jude Bellingham performs a bizarre celebration after netting Real Madrid’s winnerBellingham’s injury time strike sealed a 3-2 win for his sideThe injury-time strike was met with a huge roar from the home faithful of 78,000 fans.And it was followed by a bizarre new goal celebration.Bellingham ran towards the corner flag in jubilation towards his team-mates.He was met by Spain international Lucas Vazquez, where he launched into an amusing dance.Read more football newsBellingham then linked arms with Vazquez as the pair appeared to be dancing The Lambeth Walk.The two seemed delighted with their efforts as they enjoyed the moment.Incredibly, it was Bellingham’s 17th league goal of the season.He is second in the LaLiga scoring charts – one goal behind Girona’s Artem Dovbyk.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd it couldn’t have come at a better time.But it was Andreas Christensen who scored first to put the visitors ahead.Jude Bellingham explains why Real Madrid move was ‘no brainer’ despite holding transfer talks with European giants A Vinicius Jr penalty levelled things, before Fermin Lopez gave the Catalans a 2-1 lead.Vazquez’s 73rd minute strike set up a barnstorming finish.As the clock ticked into injury time, Bellingham stepped up to rifle the ball into the roof of the net to put Los Blancos 11 points clear at the top of the table of their fierce rivals.It was Bellingham’s second taste of El Clasico. In his first back in October he netted twice to secure a 2-1 win for his side.His late goal at the Bernabeu means he is the first player since Ruud van Nistelrooy to score in his first two matches against Barcelona since 2007. More

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    Man Utd ‘joined by Liverpool in transfer race to sign little-known wonderkid with huge £342m release clause’

    MANCHESTER UNITED will face competition for the services of Mikayil Faye, it’s been claimed.The Red Devils are said to be hot on the heels of the Barcelona B wonderkid, who has been a revelation in his first season with the Catalans.Barcelona’s Mikayil Faye is reportedly on the radar of Manchester UnitedCredit: GETTYThey’ll reportedly face competition for his services from bitter rivals LiverpoolCredit: RexBut the Premier League big boys could face a battle for his signature with bitter rivals Liverpool.That’s according to Mundo Deportivo, who claim the Merseysiders are also trying to “acquire” the 19-year-old this summer.Bayern Munich, Lille, Monaco and Nice are also said to be interested in luring the centre-back away from Barca’s youth team.The immense interest in Faye recently prompted his agents to hold showdown talks with Barca’s sporting director, former Chelsea midfielder Deco.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDeco is said to have informed them that Faye is part of their future plans and that they hope to have him train and play in the first team during pre-season.It’s also claimed they plan to give him his first team bow next season.Should United and Liverpool be desperate to sign Faye, they’ll have to shatter their respective record transfer fees and pay his £342million release clause.Faye joined Barca B from Croatian outfit NB Kustosija last summer for a meagre £1.3million.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERHe’s made a total of 27 appearances for Rafael Marquez’s side, scoring four goals in the process.Faye was included in Barca’s s squad for their 1-0 win over Cadiz last Saturday after receiving high praise from first-team manager Xavi.Xavi announces he’s stepping down as Barcelona coach at the end of the seasonThe club legend said of the teenager: “Faye will be on the list. He’s ready. We are watching and following.”There are very prepared footballers. La Masia always bears fruit. Faye, Casado.”But the competition is fierce. I see him prepared, yes.” More

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    Arsenal ‘lead transfer race’ for South American striker who has 24 goals in top European league but is keen to leave

    ARSENAL are leading the race for Feyenoord striker Santiago Gimenez, according to reports.The 23-year-old is the third top scorer in the Eredivisie this season with 21 league goals to his name.Gimenez has impressed in the league this seasonCredit: RexAccording to Mexican outlet Record, the Mexico international has already made his mind up about leaving the club at the end of the season.The forward has set his sights on a move to one of Europe’s top five leagues, with Arsenal, Juventus and Atletico Madrid all reportedly interested in him.Gimenez will open talks with Feyenoord regarding his future in the summer and the Dutch club are open to selling him if they can find the right price.The Mexico international favours a move to LaLiga as he feels it favours his play style with Barcelona and Real Madrid showing an interest in the past.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBarcelona’s financial issues have left a move for Gimenez off the cards and Madrid’s impending signature of Kylian Mbappe will also leave that move off the table.Gimenez joined Feyenoord from Cruz Azul in 2022 and so far has 47 goals in 84 appearances in all competitions for the Dutch side.24 of those have come this season but he has been less prolific of late – and is currently without a goal in five games in the league.The player will be hoping to fire Feyenoord to Dutch FA Cup glory when they take on NEC tomorrow in the final.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSpurs have been consistently linked with Gimenez in the past which could cause a North London bidding war.The club are reportedly in for a striker next season with the plan being to move Son Heung-Min back to the left wing.How Arteta turned Havertz from expensive flop to Arsenal’s gamechanger More