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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

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    Decision on Mason Greenwood’s return to Man Utd ‘will be made in just months’ as club bosses consider stunning U-turn

    MANCHESTER United could decide “in just months” on whether or not to bring back Mason Greenwood, as bosses consider a dramatic u-turn.The 22-year-old striker has impressed on the pitch since joining Getafe FC on a season-long loan, having found the net four times in 11 games, including a stunning goal against Almeria in November.
    Mason Greenwood could be making his way back to Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
    Greenwood has impressed on the pitch for Getafe, scoring four goals in 11 gamesCredit: EPA
    Greenwood joined the Spanish club who play in La Liga after bosses decided he could not continue his career at Old Trafford following an investigation into his behaviour off the pitch.
    However, Greenwood is technically a Red Devils player as he is only on loan to the club.
    It comes as Sir Jim Ratcliffe is poised to complete a purchase of 25 per cent of the Old Trafford side in a deal worth £1.3billion.
    The move will then see then British billionaire take control of the club’s footballing operations, including transfers.
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    Sir Jim is likely to make big changes with a new board and CEO which could see the club take a new approach to its transfer dealings.
    Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano believes that with changes at the top of the club, this means Greenwood’s situation and future are back on the table.
    While Romano said in his exclusive Daily Briefing for CaughtOffside no decision had been made one could be made in just a few months.
    He wrote: “So the idea is to take some time and just let Greenwood play football. Then, based on his performances for Getafe, Man United will discuss their position and that of the player.
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    “This will likely take place in March, April or May.
    “There will be many different factors to consider, and obviously the new Man United board will have a new CEO and new people in charge of the transfer market, meaning that they will all decide on transfer business together.”
    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.
    Greenwood last played for United in their 1-0 win over West Ham on January 22, 2022.
    In an attempt to rebuild his career away from the glare of the Premier League, he switched to the Spanish side on transfer deadline day.
    He is still under contract with the club until 2025.
    It comes as The Sun reported Valencia and Real Sociedad are understood to both be “monitoring” the England striker and could be poised to 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.
    “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.
    “He owes a huge debt to Getafe for the help and support they have given him, and it’s possible he could make his move there permanent at the end of the season.
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    “But if he carries on playing like he is, other bids and offers are likely to come in, leaving Mason, and the club, with a decision to make.
    “After a very difficult year or so Mason feels like his career is on the up.”
    Greenwood was arrested n January 2022 following charges of attempted rape, assault and coercive control but he denied them all and the charges were later droppedCredit: EPA
    With Sir Jim Ratcliffe poised to take control of the club, Man Utd could make a dramatic u-turn over GreenwoodCredit: Reuters More

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    Bruno Guimaraes linked with swap transfer to Barcelona as Spanish giants hope to tempt Newcastle into deal

    NEWCASTLE’S Bruno Guimaraes has been linked with a sensational transfer to Barcelona.And that’s despite committing his future to the Magpies until 2028, after signing a new contract with the club in October.
    Guimaraes is top of Barcelona’s wishlistCredit: Getty
    According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, though, that hasn’t put Barcelona off making him one of their top transfer targets.
    The club are keen to sign a holding midfielder and have reportedly put Bruno Guimaraes top of their list.
    Alongside the Brazil midfielder on their wishlist is Youssouf Fofana of Monaco and Everton’s Amadou Onana.
    Barcelona are obviously cash-strapped after years of financial struggle so will not be able to fund the deal through typical means.
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    The report said Barcelona are prepared to include several players as part of the deal as they “really like” Guimaraes.
    They did not specify on what players Newcastle might like, however.
    The report claims that Guimaraes has a £100million release clause in his new contract but Barcelona would be unable to pay this.
    Guimaraes has one goal and one assist in his 14 games played so far this season.
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    Bruno has been impressive this seasonCredit: The Sun
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    Newcastle will be reticent to lose him given that they are already short of midfielders and looking to bring one in.
    Sandro Tonali’s ban for illegal betting means the Magpies are already in the market for a new central midfielder.
    And Newcastle could lean on their Saudi owners to bring in Ruben Neves from Al-Hilal either on loan or on a permanent basis. More

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    Marcus Rashford ‘could make shock Barcelona swap transfer with ex-Chelsea and Arsenal target moving to Man Utd’

    BARCELONA are considering a swoop for Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford, according to reports.Rashford, 26, scored 30 goals and provided 11 assists for the Red Devils last season but has struggled to replicate that form this term.
    Barcelona are interested in signing Marcus RashfordCredit: PA
    Erik ten Hag dropped him from the starting line-up ahead of Wednesday’s Premier League clash with Chelsea.
    And now the forward is being linked with a move away from Old Trafford.
    Calciomercato claim Barcelona are considering a shock move for Rashford.
    A potential swap deal could also be on the cards, with the La Liga champions allegedly willing to send Raphinha the other way.
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    United were linked with a move for the Brazil international in 2021 alongside Chelsea and Arsenal.
    The two London sides then battled it out in a bid to sign him, but he instead decided to join Barcelona from Leeds instead.
    He has since made 64 appearances for Xavi’s side, scoring 12 goals.
    Meanwhile, Rashford signed a bumper five-year United contract worth £325,000-a-week just five months ago.
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    Rashford has struggled to match last season’s form
    Raphinha has started just four La Liga games so far this season
    However, fans have been far from impressed with him in recent weeks.
    Club legend Paul Scholes criticised the England international following his poor performance against Newcastle last week.
    Speaking on Premier League Productions, he said: “Marcus last year was brilliant and he’s got ability, there is no doubt about that.
    “But when you decide to walk back like he was, and he comes off and behaves like that, I do not think it’s good for the team.
    “And he’s one of the most experienced players now. He’s a player that players look up to. Mainoo looks up to him. Garnacho looks up to him.” More

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    De Gea and Ramsdale shock Barcelona targets as LaLiga side draw up NINE-man transfer list to replace injured Ter Stegen

    BARCELONA could hand Aaron Ramsdale or David de Gea a dramatic lifeline to replace injured No1 Marc-Andre ter Stegen, it’s claimed.The LaLiga giants are reportedly considering at least NINE alternatives as Ter Stegen faces up to two months out.
    Aaron Ramsdale is tipped to be on Barcelona’s radarCredit: Rex
    David de Gea is regarded as a contender to step in at BarcelonaCredit: Reuters
    Barca keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen puts a brave face on his injuryCredit: Alamy
    The Germany star, 31, has opted for back surgery after missing Barca’s last three games.
    And Spanish outlet Sport suggest Arsenal’s second-choice keeper Ramsdale as well as club-less former Manchester United hero De Gea are under consideration.
    But it’s understood the Gunners would fight any attempt to lure Ramsdale away in January, even on loan.
    The England ace, 25, is keen for regular action to help safeguard his place at Euro 2024.
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    But although David Raya appears entrenched as the Arsenal No1, Emirates boss Mikel Arteta is determined to keep Ramsdale until at least the summer.
    In contrast, free agent De Gea might be easier to lure.
    The Spaniard, 33, has been linked with Saudi clubs and, this week, Newcastle following Nick Pope’s injury.
    But the ex-Atletico Madrid stopper would surely be tempted if Barca came calling.
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    Hugo Lloris, 36, is on the list of possible replacements after losing his Tottenham place under Ange Postecoglou to Guglielmo Vicario.
    But perhaps the most surprising name mentioned is Kasper Schmeichel.
    The former Leicester man, 37, joined Anderlecht on a one-year contract last summer.
    Ex-Borussia Dortmund keeper Roman Burki, 33, now in the MLS with St Louis City, and 32-year-old Al-Hilal No1 Yassine Bounou are also rated as contenders.
    Former Real Madrid ace Keylor Navas could be on the radar too as the 36-year-old is well behind first-choice Gianluigi Donnarumma at PSG.
    And two other veterans – both without a club since last summer – would surely also love an opportunity with Barcelona.
    That’s former Vallodolid star Sergio Asenjo, 34, and 30-year-old ex-FC Koln stopper Timo Horn.
    And there’s even a chance Barca will catapult 19-year-old Ander Astralaga into the senior team. More