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      Ex-Man Utd transfer target Frenkie de Jong’s agent slams ‘nonsense’ claims star faked illness to miss Barcelona clash

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      BARCELONA star Frenkie de Jong’s agent slammed “total fake news” suggesting his client faked an illness to miss Wednesday’s Champions League game.Barca lost 3-2 to Royal Antwerp at the Bosuilstadion in their final match in the group stage which didn’t cost them as they still finished top of the table.
      Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong’s agent slammed rumours suggesting he faked an illnessCredit: Rex
      Barcelona star De Jong has repeatedly been linked with a move to Man UtdCredit: Rex
      However, De Jong couldn’t travel with the rest of Xavi’s side due to an illness.
      A report from RAC1 claimed the Blaugrana’s sporting director Deco spoke with the midfielder on the phone and doubted the legitimacy of the player’s excuse.
      However, the Netherlands international’s representative Ali Dursun lambasted those “nonsense” rumours and insisted his client is a “model professional”.
      Dursun told  De Telegraaf: “Total fake news.
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      “It is the biggest nonsense that has been released around Frenkie in a long time.
      “The player is just sick. He has symptoms of fever and has been unable to travel and play.
      “This boy is a professional through and through. Just a model professional.
      “Just don’t touch Frenkie’s reputation, because he always delivers.
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      “There was no shouting over the phone as claimed, no question marks.
      “Things are being created now in a false way. The relationship with Deco is simply good and stable.”
      De Jong had been repeatedly linked with a move to Manchester United.
      United attempted to sign the 26-year-old in a £70million transfer last year in the summer, but Barcelona refused to let him go. More

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      Xavi ‘fighting for Barcelona job and under maximum pressure’ after back-to-back defeats against Girona and Antwerp

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      XAVI is reportedly fighting for his job at Barcelona following back-to-back defeats.Barcelona have just suffered losses to Girona in LaLiga and Royal Antwerp in the Champions League.
      Xavi’s job at Barcelona is reportedly under threatCredit: Getty
      Barcelona have lost back-to-back gamesCredit: EPA
      The defeat in Europe did not prove costly as the Catalonians still topped Group H.
      However, the loss to LaLiga leaders Girona has left Barcelona seven points off the pace and slumped down in fourth.
      Spanish outlet AS, has claimed that the loss to Antwerp has “stained the club’s image in Europe”.
      The report has suggested that Xavi, 43, has been left in a “weak position” and that he “knows” he has lost the confidence of all six members of the club’s sports commission.
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      The commission is made up of president Joan Laporta, Deco, Rafael Yuste, Joan Soler, Enric Masip and Bojan.
      Deco has recently had a disagreement with Xavi as he denied being consulted about a late call-up to the team.
      He told Movistar Plus: “The call-ups are a matter for the coach. We did not come to a consensus on anything.
      “There was a change of plans regarding travel and we have decided that everyone should travel.
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      “It is an issue that was discussed for management reasons.”
      After the defeat to Antwerp, Xavi admitted that he was “worried”.
      He said: “The feeling is not good. We’ve had misfortune, from a 2-2 draw. We could have gotten more. We’re on a rough patch.
      “I’m worried, it’s normal. The team is not comfortable. We’re on a bad run, we’ve had two negative results.
      “We have to be critical of ourselves. We have to improve. The opposing team generates chances, but it’s hard for us to do so.
      “We have to improve and know that we are not on a good run.”
      Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi is Ladbrokes’ favourite to replace Xavi should he be sacked.

      Roberto De Zerbi – 5/1
      Rafael Marquez – 6/1
      Julen Lopetegui – 6/1
      Ruben Amorim – 7/1
      Michel – 7/1
      Unai Emery – 8/1
      Pep Guardiola – 12/1 More

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      Mason Greenwood is ‘wanted by Barcelona as they plan shock transfer for Man Utd striker after Getafe loan’

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      MASON Greenwood is reportedly wanted by Barcelona in a permanent transfer from Manchester United. The striker is currently on loan at Getafe in Spain, but a major hint about his future has been revealed as huge names compete for the player.
      Getafe’s president said earlier this week the club wish to sign Mason Greenwood permanentlyCredit: Getty
      As reported by talkSPORT, Barcelona have sent scouts to watch the 22-year-old after he impressed with four goals and three assists in his 13 games so far.
      Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid are also rumoured to be monitoring the striker, who has helped boost his team to ninth place in LaLiga.
      And, reports in Italy suggested Lazio are also interested in signing Greenwood next summer.
      The owner of the Champions League team is understood to be “obsessed” with the English player and a January bid “cannot be ruled out”, Italian media reported.
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      In addition, The Sun understands Valencia and Real Sociedad are both “monitoring” Greenwood, and could make a move in the summer.
      Our source said: “Mason has done brilliantly since he moved to Spain and is really catching the eye after a strong start to his time at Getafe.
      “There are a number of clubs looking at him in Spain with scouts from Valencia and Sociedad seemingly at the front of the queue.
      “It is highly unlikely Mason will return to Manchester United.
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      “That ship has sailed, and he looks set to enjoy the next phase of his career in Spain where he has really settled and found his feet both personally and professionally.”
      With his current record on the field, Getafe are considering making Greenwood a permanent team player when this season finishes.
      Getafe president, Angel Corres, spoke to Cadena SER on Tuesday and revealed: “With Greenwood, we are not only planning on him staying another year, but we also want to buy him.”
      The football boss admitted it is “still too early” to make any final decisions.
      “I believe a lot [in Greenwood]. From here, we continue to work periodically, we continue to meet with Manchester [United] to see if they are happy,” he added.
      A recent report by The Athletic revealed that Getafe have now inserted a 20 per cent sell-on clause into any deal.
      This means that if they buy Greenwood, they will only have to pay 80 per cent of the full fee.
      And, if Greenwood is not signed by Getafe they will still claim 20 per cent of whatever fee is exchanged with another club.
      It comes as the star striker, who is under contract at Old Trafford until 2025, is not believed to have a future with the club.
      Greenwood was arrested in January 2022 following charges of attempted rape, assault and coercive control.
      He denied all the charges and they were later dropped by the CPS.
      Read more on The Sun
      The club attempted to reintegrate Greenwood but made a U-turn on after backlash from fans.
      Greenwood last played for Man Utd in their 1-0 win over West Ham on January 22, 2022.
      Barcelona have reportedly sent scouts to watch the 22-year-oldCredit: Getty More

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      Barcelona players BANNED from taking showers at stadium & training as fans say ‘no wonder they stink on the pitch’

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      BARCELONA players have reportedly been banned from using the showers at their home stadium and training centre for the foreseeable future.The La Liga giants are currently residing at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys in Catalonia while the Nou Camp is under reconstruction.
      Barcelona players are currently not allowed to shower at their home stadium or their training groundCredit: Getty
      But due to a local drought they have been advised against taking showers.
      According to Mundo Deportivo, it is affecting Barcelona and Girona players.
      Footballers have been told that if they continue to use water they will have to “compensate” for it.
      Instead, they will have to shower at home.
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      The Catalonia Minister of Climate Action, Food and Rural Agenda David Mascort told Spanish radio station Cadena SAR: “What Barca has to do is compensate for the water it uses with irrigation and save with showers.
      “Whether in Montjuic [home stadium] or in the Ciutat Esportiva [training facility].
      “All these equipment consume a lot of water and have the obligation to reduce their compensation.
      “If they [Barca] want to continue watering the fields, they will have to compensate even more for what they consume.”
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      Fans took to social media to react to the new development, with one person writing: “That’s the reason the players be stinking on the pitch 😭.”
      While another joked: “Now if we drop a stinker the players will actually stink until they get home. Nice.”
      Catalonia has been enduring a long-running drought since last year, with authorities warning that Barcelona may need to have fresh water shipped in by boat over the coming months.
      Barcelona currently sit fourth in the La Liga table, seven points behind leaders Girona. More

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

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      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

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      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

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      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.
      READ MORE ON JUDE BELLINGHAM
      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’

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      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