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    Tottenham set to reject Barcelona loan transfer offers for Lo Celso with star hitting form after James Maddison injury

    TOTTENHAM have no interest in letting Barcelona target Giovani Lo Celso go in January – and certainly not on loan.Barca boss Xavi would like to sign Argentina star Lo Celso after losing midfielder Gavi to a long-term injury.
    Tottenham are set to reject Barcelona’s loan offer for Giovani Lo CelsoCredit: Rex
    Lo Celso has filled in for James Maddison who has been sidelined through an injuryCredit: Getty
    But Spurs have their own headache in the middle of the park with Rodrigo Bentancur out until February, while Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr go to the African Cup of Nations next month.
    The North Londoners would only be tempted to sell Lo Celso – who has 18 months left on his contract – if they receive an offer they cannot turn down. 
    That is because, because of their absentees in that position, they would have to replace him instantly and would need the funds to do that.
    Spurs therefore see loaning him out as not an option.
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    Barcelona are not flush with cash so it is unlikely they will be able to put together a financial package tempting enough to Tottenham next month.
    Lo Celso’s time at Spurs looked over under Antonio Conte but Ange Postecoglou has brought the 27-year-old back into the fold.
    The £55million man has stepped up while James Maddison has been sidelined through injury and scored against Aston Villa and Manchester City recently.
    This term he has made six appearances and started in three games since Maddison has been absent.
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    He did not start in Sunday’s 4-1 win over Newcastle but is understood to be content with life at Spurs and is not pushing for an exit.
    After spending a season on loan at the North London club in the 2019-20 term while at Real Betis he signed for Spurs on a permanent contract in January 2020.
    The midfielder has since made 53 appearances and was a part of the Tottenham squad that went to the EFL Cup final against Man City in 2021.
    At the beginning of 2022, Lo Celso joined La Liga club Villarreal on loan until the end of the 2021–22 season.
    And then in the summer of that year, he rejoined the Spanish side on loan another term.
    Now back in full force at Spurs, his contract is set to expire in the summer of 2025. More

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    I played for Real Madrid and drank 10 beers a day and once turned up to training drunk but managed to hide it

    CICINHO revealed he “drank 10 beers a day” and turned up to training drunk at Real Madrid.

    The ex-Brazil right-back spent 18 months with the Spanish giants before joining Roma in August 2007.

    Cicinho won 15 caps and played for Real between 2006-2007

    AP:Associated Press

    The Brazilian played for Madrid in their golden era alongside David Beckham

    He also won 15 caps for Brazil all between 2005 and 2006 and scored one international goal.

    The star opened up on the harrowing off-field issues he endured with Real, for whom he played 32 games.

    Speaking to Ressaca on Brazilian network EPTV, Cicinho delved into his battle with alcohol during his stint in Madrid.

    Now 43, he admitted: “If they ask if I’ve ever been drunk to train with Real Madrid, I did.

    “I drank coffee to take my breath away and showered myself with perfume.

    “In my profession, as a professional footballer, it was easy.

    “I didn’t need money to get drinks.”

    On how he fell into alcoholism, he added: “When I was 13 years old, it was when I tried alcohol for the first time, and I never stopped.

    “I lived in the countryside, and on weekends, we met with friends and went out to the squares, discos.

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    “I asked adults to go to buy and drank secretly from my parents and the police.

    “Alcohol surrounds you with people who like that lifestyle, and the people who really love you are left out.

    “When they hit a wall and tell you it’s not okay, you don’t want to hear it.

    “I have a 15-year-old son and I’m always apologising to him.

    “At that time, he was two years old and he didn’t even understand it well, but that was recorded in my head.” More

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    Jude Bellingham stuns Real Betis stars with classy gesture… minutes after goading fans during LaLiga clash

    JUDE BELLINGHAM scored his latest stunning goal as Real Madrid drew at Real Betis on Saturday.And after the game, the England star stunned his opponents with a classy gesture.
    Jude Bellingham netted his latest goal against Real BetisCredit: Getty
    The midfielder blew a kiss into the crowd after scoringCredit: Rex
    Bellingham had given Carlo Ancelotti’s side a 53rd minute lead, chesting the ball down and slotting beyond goalkeeper Rui Silva.
    He then performed his trademark celebration, raising both arms aloft.
    After receiving some stick from one fan in particular, Bellingham responded by blowing a kiss at them.
    Betis equalised 13 minutes later via Aitor Ruibal with the game going on to finish 1-1.
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    During the match, several opposition players had approached Bellingham to ask for his shirt.
    As the game concluded Bellingham headed back towards the tunnel without having given his top away.
    Betis players expected that their chance had gone, accepting that none of them were going to get their hands on the 20-year-old’s much-coveted shirt.
    They were wrong, however, as Bellingham made sure not to disappoint anyone.
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    Around 20 minutes after the game he approached Betis’ dressing room armed with three of his match shirts.
    According to Spanish paper Marca he gave them away to those that had asked.
    He then stayed to chat about the game, showing grace and humility despite his superstar status.
    Bellingham has already scored 12 goals in 14 LaLiga appearances, in addition to four in four in the Champions League.
    The Real Madrid talisman is set to take on Union Berlin in the Champions League this evening.
    Ahead of the game he was described as an “alien” by Union veteran Leonardo Bonucci.
    The former Juventus star said: “[Bellingham is] an alien. I am very surprised. Not because of the quality, as was known. Because of how a 20-year-old boy has adapted to a team like Real Madrid.
    “That takes time. He, like few greats, has not needed it. That’s why he’s an alien. His maturity at 20-years-old is impressive. He is clearly a Ballon d’Or candidate in the coming years.
    “The young people who call the place of the two non-earthlings of recent years are already arriving.” More

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    Man Utd ‘offer to double Barcelona defender’s wages as Ten Hag seeks transfer replacement for out-of-favour Varane’

    MANCHESTER UNITED are interested in signing Ronald Araujo, according to reports.Erik ten Hag is keen to bolster his defensive options and United reportedly have a number of targets in mind.
    Manchester United are prepared to double Ronald Araujo’s wagesCredit: Getty
    Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof have featured more often than expected due to injuries to Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez.
    So United are lining up targets for January which includes Araujo, according to Mundo Deportivo.
    The report adds the Red Devils would be prepapred to double the defender’s wages – he is believed to earn around £125,000-a-week at Barcelona.
    However it could prove tricky to land the Uruguyan as Bayern Munich have made him one of their transfer priorities, reports transfer guru Florian Plettenburg.
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    And the German champions are prepared to spend £85million on Araujo.
    Barcelona could demand an even bigger fee since Araujo is under contract until 2026 with an £860m release clause.
    If United miss out on Araujo they could focus their efforts on signing long-term target Jean-Clair Todibo who has impressed at Nice this season.
    The Ligue 1 side are understood to value Todibo at around £50m.
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    Araujo has impressed for Barcelona this season
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    But United’s main transfer target is believed to be Benfica centre-back Antonio Silva, who has an £85m release clause.
    United are also in the market for a midfielder with Monaco star Youssouf Fofana targeted, while Timo Werner could arrive to boost the attack.
    Antonio Silva is believed to be United’s number one target
    Jean-Clair Todibo is a long-term target for United More

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    I’m a former Premier League and Gillingham star, now I’m looking to shock Barcelona and Real Madrid

    FORMER Gillingham star Paulo Gazzaniga is at the top of LaLiga with Girona who find themselves making a shock title challenge.The goalkeeper helped the Catalan side secure a 4-2 win on Sunday against local rivals Barcelona to jump ahead of Real Madrid to the top of the league.
    Girona goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga has helped his side surpass Real Madrid to the top of La LigaCredit: Getty
    Girona are two points clear of Los Blancos after their triumphant win at the Nou Camp.
    The Spanish side have only spent three seasons in the top flight in their 93-year history.
    And now a fairy tale outcome like Leicester’s triumph in the 2015-16 Premier League season could be in store.
    But they might not be where they are without the help of Gazzaniga between the sticks.
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    The Argentine joined Girona on loan from Fulham in 2022 before signing a two-year contract with the club in the summer.
    After being released from his boyhood club Valencia at age 19 he joined League Two side Gillingham in 2011.
    He impressed at the Kent club, earning himself a spot at Southampton the following season.
    Gazzaniga then signed for Tottenham in 2017 although he never surpassed former No1 Hugo Lloris and only made 25 appearances when the Frenchman was sidelined with an elbow injury.
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    But he’s gone from warming benches to Girona’s star shot-stopper, helping them win 13 out of 16 matches this term.
    It’s not only LaLiga where the underdogs are taking over.
    Aston Villa are sitting high in the Premier League and Bayern Leverkusen are frontrunners in the Bundesliga.
    But Girona’s performance this term could top it all as they have never finished above tenth spot with their stadium only just slightly bigger than Luton Town’s.
    The ex-Gillingham star signed a two-year contract with the club in the summerCredit: Rex More

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    LaLiga clash between Granada vs Athletic Bilbao postponed after fan dies of cardiorespiratory arrest

    GRANADA’S clash with Athletic Bilbao was called off after a fan tragically died in the stands.The supporter suffered a cardiorespiratory arrest at Los Carmenes and the LaLiga clash came to a sudden halt.
    A fan sadly died during the match between Granada and Athletic BilbaoCredit: AFP
    The LaLiga clash between Granada and Athletic Bilbao has been called offCredit: Getty
    Bilbao led 1-0 after Inaki Williams opened the scoring after just six minutes.
    But then the visitors’ goalkeeper Unai Simon alerted the referee just nine minutes later.
    That was after home fans told Simon about one of their fellow supporters going into what looked like cardiac arrest.
    Team doctors from both sides immediately left their benches to try to help the patient.
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    The match continued while the medical personnel tried to treat the fan.
    But the fixture was ultimately halted in the 18th minute with both sets of players staying on the pitch for about 22 minutes.
    The referee eventually called off the match and LaLiga confirmed the supporter’s death.
    The league didn’t share any details regarding the supporter’s identity.
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    Granada fans went on to chant Bilbao star Simon’s name after his classy gesture.
    That was what led the medical staff from both teams going up the stands to offer their assistance.
    The date and time for the game’s resumption will be announced soon. More

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    Former Barcelona ace who won it all including last ever European Cup now a reality TV star on Bake Off

    FORMER Barcelona star Julio Salinas who won the last ever European Cup in 1992 is now a reality TV star.The Spaniard has swapped the boots for an apron and will be on a new cooking reality show with his brother and ex-Athletic Bilbao star Paxti.
    Julio Salinas is now a reality TV star on a Spanish cooking showCredit: Getty
    Salinas has swapped his football boots for an apronCredit: Rex
    The Salinas brothers Julio, 61 and Paxti, 60 are ready to showcase their pastry-making skills in a Spanish remake of Great British Bake Off.
    On Monday it was announced all the contestants of the new programme “Bake Off: celebrities in the oven” will be recorded.
    The former Barca player hopes to be crowned the best V.I.P. pastry chef.
    And fans can tune into the show when it is released next year.
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    The former centre-forward won it all with the Catalan giants and Athletic Bilbao.
    His staggering trophy cabinet includes six La Liga titles, two Copa del Ray’s and the last ever European Cup in 1991-92 before it was rebranded into the Champions League, with a 1-0 win over Sampdoria at Wembley.
    Salina has previously swapped the football pitch for the ballroom as he recently featured in the Spanish version of Strictly Come Dancing, called Mira quien baila!.
    This time he has to overcome two culinary challenges in each episode judged by famous chefs Paco Roncero, Eva Arguinano and Damian Betular.
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    The prolific goalscorer will be showcasing to the world that he can not only hit the back of the net but also bake a delicious pastry.
    During his six years at Camp Nou Salina scored 84 goals in just over 200 appearances.
    He joined from Atletico Madrid in 1988 but then went on the play for Deportivo, Sporting Gijon, and Japanese side Yokohama Marinos and ended his career at Alaves in 2000. More

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    Jude Bellingham scores amazing goal as fans say ‘it’s his world we’re just living in it’ but Real Madrid drop points

    JUDE BELLINGHAM has been hailed by fans for scoring an amazing goal for Real Madrid.The England international has continued his good form for Los Blancos with another stunning moment.

    Jude Bellingham scored a stunning goal against Real BetisCredit: Getty
    He was hailed by fans on social mediaCredit: Getty
    Bellingham, 20, netted the opening goal for Real Madrid in their LaLiga clash with Real Betis.
    The midfielder latched on to a lofted through ball and chested it down before slotting past Rui Silva.
    The former Borussia Dortmund star reeled away in celebration and performed his iconic move with his arms out by his side.
    Fans were stunned by the goal as they flocked to social media.
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    One fan posted: “Bro doesn’t get tired.”
    A second commented: “It’s Bellingham’s world we’re just living in it.”
    A third wrote: “Always him.”
    A fourth said: “He delivers again.”
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    A fifth added: “Yeahh, he’s 100% the best striker in the world at the moment.”
    Betis did get themselves back level as Aitor Ruibal fired home in the 66th minute, just 13 minutes after Bellingham’s goal.
    The result sees Madrid remain top of the table with Girona hot on their heels.
    Bellingham was awarded the 2023 Golden Boy award at a ceremony in Turin, Italy last week
    Jude Bellingham starred for Madrid against Betis
    After collecting his prize, he said: “I’m proud to win the Golden Boy Award.
    “My secret is the responsibility since I was a kid in the Academy. I love that.
    “I want to get better every day and help Real Madrid. My focus is on that.” More