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    Unemployed Jesse Lingard ‘offers himself’ to Barcelona as ex-Man Utd star eyes stunning transfer to Spanish giants

    FORMER Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard has reportedly offered himself to Barcelona.The 31-year-old has been a free agent since leaving Nottingham Forest in June.
    Jesse Lingard has reportedly offered himself to BarcelonaCredit: Alamy
    He briefly trained with Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq last year, but was not offered a contract.
    Lingard has since been training in Dubai while searching for another club.
    And according to Spanish outlet Sport, he recently offered himself to Barcelona.
    The former England star is hopeful that a move to the Nou Camp will help reignite his career.
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    Barcelona are expected to be limited in the January transfer window due to Financial Fair Play.
    However, the La Liga champions should be able to afford Lingard’s wages.
    Xavi has been forced to deal with several injury issues so far this season, so he is on the hunt for cheap additions.
    Lingard joined Nottingham Forest as a free agent in July 2022 after being released by Man Utd.
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    He was limited to just 20 appearances across all competitions during his only season with the Reds.
    Prior to his move to the City Ground, Lingard had spent 20 years with boyhood club United. More

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    Man Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea among Prem giants in transfer battle for Brazil wonderkid dubbed ‘Little Messi’

    PALMEIRAS teen sensation Estevao Willian is attracting interest from THREE Premier League clubs.Willian recently broke into the Brazilian powerhouses’ first team following a string of impressive displays for their youth sides.
    Estevao Willian has made waves for Palmeiras at the tender age of 16Credit: GETTY
    The Brazilian is being tracked by Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester UntedCredit: GETTY
    Word has spread quickly about the 16-year-old midfielder’s talents, so much so that Spanish giants Barcelona are already plotting to swoop for him.
    But according to reports, they’re not the only clubs interested in acquiring his services.
    According to Mundo Deportivo, Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United are all tracking the teenager’s progress.
    They claim the Premier League trio are “bidding hard” to try tosnap up the starlet – who has a whopping £51million buyout clause.
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    The Spanish sporting newspaper also claims French champions Paris Saint-Germain are among the versatile midfielder’s suitors.
    But the quartet’s respective bids to sign him could be scuppered by the teen – who has been dubbed the Little Lionel Messi – himself.
    Mundo Deportivo claims “Messinho” has his heart set on playing for Barca and the Palmeiras brass will respect his wishes by snubbing other offers.
    Willian revealed his desire to play for the Catalans last year, telling Mundo Deportivo: “[My dream is] to play for Barcelona.
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    Estevao Willian dreams of playing for Spanish giants BarcelonaCredit: EPA
    “Which is one of the best clubs in the world.
    “I was born watching Neymar, Messi and Suarez play for Barcelona, and that’s the dream I have.
    “I watch almost every Barca match. I’m a fan of the club.
    “I have a great admiration for the players who play there, and I hope to be there too.
    “Yes, it would be a dream come true.” More

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    Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham branded ‘pure class’ after incredible gesture to ballboy that made it ‘best day ever’

    JUDE BELLINGHAM was branded “pure class” after making a heartwarming gesture during Real Madrid’s clash with Arandina.Carlo Ancelotti’s LaLiga giants travelled to the fourth tier side for their Copa del Rey tie yesterday.
    Jude Bellingham noticed a ballboy was coldCredit: X
    The 20-year-old offered the young fan his blanketCredit: X
    Bellingham made the kid’s day with his small act of kindnessCredit: X
    Bellingham, 20, was left on the bench as Real Madrid ran out 3-1 winners via goals by Joselu, Brahim Diaz and Rodrygo.
    In bitterly cold conditions, the England international managed to warm hearts.
    In TV footage the midfielder could be seen sat on the bench covered in blankets.
    He then noticed that a ballboy stood in front of him appeared to be shivering, and decided to do something about it.
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    Bellingham initially tried to summon the ballboy, who sheepishly appeared to suggest that he wasn’t allowed to leave his post.
    The former Borussia Dortmund star then got up and wrapped his blanket around the kid, making sure that he was warm enough.
    Chatting to a Spanish reporter after the game, the ballboy said that it was his “happiest day”.
    Seeing Bellingham’s act of kindness, one fan wrote on social media: “what a guy, pure class.”
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    While a second commented: “A small gesture that he will never forget.”
    A third gushed: “Not only is he a very good baller, but also a great guy.”
    And another added: “Jude is a legend.”
    In addition to his kindly gesture, Bellingham also went out of his way to pose for pictures and selfies with excited ballkids before the match.
    The popular star has previously been praised for his classy gestures this season.
    Last month he left Real Betis stars stunned when he went out of his way to bring three of his shirts to their dressing room in order to please everyone that had asked him for a swap.
    Bellingham, who joined Real Madrid in a £115million deal last summer, was this week named the world’s most valuable footballer by the CIES Football Observatory.
    He pipped Erling Haaland to top spot, while his Real Madrid team-mates Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo were named third and fourth. More

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    Mason Greenwood’s red card rescinded after major error saw Man Utd loanee sent off in crunch LaLiga clash

    MASON GREENWOOD’S red card has been rescinded by the Spanish FA.The Manchester United loanee was sent off in Getafe’s 2-0 loss to Rayo Vallecano on Tuesday.
    Mason Greenwood’s straight red card has been rescindedCredit: Getty
    Referee Jorge Figueroa Vazquez had dismissed Greenwood for dissent during the second half.
    However, the decision has now been overturned after it was confirmed the forward never took aim at the official.
    He was instead referring to the amount of times he had been fouled by the opposition players, a statement confirmed.
    The RFEF said in a statement: “The task of this disciplinary body is not to re-referee the matches, without determining, where appropriate, the existence of a manifest material error in the referee’s description of the action.
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    “As has been said here, only proof of an error of this type can distort the assessment made by the referee and, consequently, the veracity of what was recorded in the minutes.
    “The repeated viewing of the images, in fact, has allowed this Committee to conclude, beyond any doubt, that the action that led to the expulsion did not occur as described by the referee and, ultimately, prove the material error manifest in the referee’s report.
    “These images demonstrate that the player actually said “One, two, three, four, f***.”
    Greenwood was one of three Getafe players sent off in their midweek loss, alongside Juanmi Latasa and Damian Suarez.
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    Greenwood was sent off for dissent in Getafe’s loss to Rayo VallecanoCredit: Getty
    He is now free to play when his side return to La Liga action against Osasuna on January 21.
    The 22-year-old had already been available to play in the Copa del Rey win over Espanyol on Saturday and started for Jose Bordalas’ side.
    Greenwood has scored five goals and provided four assists in all competitions on loan at Getafe so far this season.
    His form has already started to attract interest from some of Spain’s biggest clubs.
    SunSport revealed this week that Barcelona are eyeing a £40million move and are prepared to offer the winger Lionel Messi’s old number 10 shirt to secure his services.
    However, the Spanish champions reportedly face competition from Atletico Madrid for Greenwood’s signature. More

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    Real Madrid’s Copa del Rey opponents ‘submit list of shirts they want after game’ with Premier League icon in big demand

    REAL MADRID’S Copa del Rey opponents have submitted a list to highlight the players they want to swap shirts with at the end of the game.Los Blancos will take on fourth division Arandina away from home this evening.
    Midfield maestro Luka Modric proved to be the player most in demandCredit: Getty
    Marca obtained a list of the players the Arandina squad would like to swap shirts withCredit: MARCA
    Arandina have never been above the third tier of Spanish football in their 37-year-history.
    They’ll welcome 14-time Champions League winners Real Madrid to a sold out Estadio El Montecillo in the round of 32.
    The club saw off Real Murcia before producing an upset against La Liga side Cadiz in the second round.
    Playing Real Madrid is something that many of these players have only dreamed of and as a result there is a clamour to get their hands on an opposition player’s shirt.
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    Jude Bellingham has been Madrid’s star man this season, scoring 17 goals in 22 games and yet he was not the most requested player of the Real Madrid XI.
    Three players wanted Belligham’s shirt, with two opting for Toni Kroos and Vinicius Jr.
    But 2018 Ballon d’Or winner Luka Modric was the most requested shirt by far.
    Nine players listed the Croatian as the player they most want to swap shirts with.
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    Arandina’s goalkeeper Adri kept the goalkeeper union strong by requesting to swap shirts with Kepa Arrizabalaga.
    And forward Atomo said that Nacho Fernandez was top of his list so that he could gift the shirt to his sister.
    Arandina captain Jorge Gonzalez said: “In the locker room I proposed the idea of ​​trying to get as many shirts as possible because at the end of the day everyone is going to want the same shirt.
    “And I think the beauty of this match is having a memory. If Madrid can provide us with more t-shirts, welcome. More

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    Chelsea line up January transfer for £20m Athletic Bilbao defender Aitor Paredes with Blues’ star centre-back set to go

    CHELSEA are looking to bring Athletic Bilbao defender Aitor Paredes in to strengthen their backline this month.Blues defenders have struggled for both form and fitness this year with both Wesley Fofana and Trevoh Chalobah missing the entirety of the season so far with injury.
    Paredes scored in his last game for Athletic ClubCredit: EPA
    Benoit Badiashile is also out with muscle fatigue with the Blues struggling for clean sheets.
    Chelsea have already seen a deal for Benfica’s 20-year-old centre-back Antonio Silva fail but have wasted no time in turning their attentions to Paredes instead.
    SunSport understand that Chelsea have sent a scout to watch Paredes, 23, seven times this season, including in Thursday’s 2-0 win over Sevilla, where he scored the second goal of the game.
    Paredes is a product of Athletic Club’s academy and has become a stalwart at the heart of the side’s defence.
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    The Basque club are currently fourth in LaLiga and on course for a spot in the Champions League next season.
    Chelsea value Paredes’ ability to pass the ball out from the back alongside his strong athletic profile.
    The player is known for both his strength and recovery pace and looks set to earn a call-up to the Spanish national team for the upcoming Euros.
    SunSport understands Chelsea have asked Athletic Club’s board to set a price but they have so far been reluctant to do so.
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    A look at Paredes’ stats this seasonCredit: The Sun
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    The defender is contracted at the club until 2025 and could be available for around £20million.
    Paredes has already been approached by Real Madrid this month, with Inter Milan also showing an interest.
    Chelsea could be forced to move quickly for Paredes with two of their defenders being linked with a move away from the Bridge.
    Thiago Silva, 39, has been linked with a free transfer back to his old club Fluminense, where he started his career.
    And Trevoh Chalobah could reunite with old manager Thomas Tuchel at Bayern Munich, who are also trying to sign Tottenham’s Eric Dier. More

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    Chelsea outcast David Datro Fofana ‘lined up for shock transfer to LaLiga giants’ with star to be recalled from loan

    SEVILLA are ready to make a January loan swoop for Chelsea striker David Datro Fofana, according to reports.The Ivorian, 21, has spent the first half of the season at Union Berlin in the Bundesliga.
    David Datro Fofana joined Chelsea from Molde 12 months agoCredit: Getty
    The striker has spent the first half of the season on loan at Union BerlinCredit: Reuters
    He has netted just twice in 17 appearances, with Union having slumped to 15th in the table.
    Fofana was suspended by the German side in October after reacting angrily to being substituted against Napoli in the Champions League.
    The forward snubbed a handshake from his manager Urs Fischer and had to be consoled on the bench.
    He was subsequently banned by his club for a week, with Fischer sacked the following month.
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    According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Sevilla want to bring Fofana to Spain for the second half of the campaign.
    The reigning Europa League winners are hoping to bolster their front line, having so far endured an underwhelming campaign.
    Quique Sanchez Flores’ side are 16th in LaLiga, just one point above the relegation zone.
    Fofana joined Chelsea from Molde in an £8million deal 12 months ago.
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    He made four appearances for the Blues last term before being sent to Union Berlin.
    The 5ft 11in ace bagged his first goal for Union in a 1-1 Champions League draw with Napoli in November.
    He finally got off the mark in the Bundesliga by scoring against Koln in the last game before the winter break last month.
    Fofana has been capped three times by the Ivory Coast but has failed to make the cut for their 2024 Africa Cup of Nations squad. More

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    I played with Real Madrid stars Gareth Bale and Luka Modric… but Barcelona legend is my greatest team-mate

    IT’S not easy overlooking Gareth Bale, Luka Modric and Brazil’s Ronaldo.But former Tottenham keeper Heurelho Gomes has done just that in picking his greatest ever team-mate.
    Real Madrid icons Luka Modric and Gareth Bale were among the superstars who keeper Heurelho Gomes played alongside at TottenhamCredit: Getty
    Ronaldinho is the best team-mate Gomes had with BrazilCredit: Getty
    Ex-Brazil, PSV, Spurs and Watford stopper Gomes found it tough to single out just one star as the bestCredit: Getty
    And the Brazilian admits he agonised before singling out Barcelona legend Ronaldinho.
    But it’s not meant as a snub to Real Madrid icons Bale and Modric.
    Gomes played behind the two at Spurs – but found it too tough to separate all the exciting talents he played with at club level.
    The ex-PSV and Watford stopper, 42, told talkSPORT: “I am unfair if I say just one.
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    “But to not be unfair with the others that I played with at club level I am going to say at international level – Ronaldinho.
    “Not a bad player, not a bad player!”
    Ronaldinho, 43, won the Ballon d’Or, LaLiga twice and the Champions League during his exhilarating spell at Barca from 2003-08.
    The mesmeric attacker also featured for PSG and AC Milan, as well as netting 33 times in 97 games for Brazil.
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    In contrast, former Barcelona and Real striker Ronaldo, 47, is a double Ballon d’Or winner, also lifting the World Cup in 2004 and 2002 on the way to 62 goals in 98 internationals.
    Meanwhile, 172-cap Croatian Modric is still playmaking for Real aged 38.
    The 2018 Ballon d’Or winner has tasted LaLiga glory three times and Champions League success on five occasions since moving from Spurs to Spain 12 years ago.
    Welsh winger Bale, 34, shared all of Modric’s Real trophy joy but retired as a player last year after a short spell with Los Angeles FC. More