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    Lamine Yamal ‘lined up for shock summer transfer to Premier League but Barcelona blocked move for record-breaking teen’

    MANCHESTER CITY tried to sign Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal this summer, according to a club chief.The two clubs have conducted a number of deals in recent years, with former City captain Ilkay Gundogan joining Barca this summer.
    Manchester City tried to sign Lamine YamalCredit: Getty
    Joao Cancelo also signed for the Spanish giants on loan until the end of the season.
    In return City tried to sign 16-year-old Lamine Yamal, according to Barcelona board member Enric Masip.
    He told Radio Marca: “Lamine Yamal and Balde were in serious danger of leaving this summer because there is a club that tried to poach them.”
    But Barca blocked the move from happening and they are now plotting a contract extension for the youngster.
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    Yamal is set to be offered a three-year deal – the maximum that can be given to a player of his age.
    The Spaniard impressed in pre-season for Barca and he has been rewarded for his fine form with minutes for the first-team this season.
    He has featured in all four LaLiga games so far and even has two assists.
    Barcelona boss Xavi is a big fan of Yamal and predicted a bright future for the teenager.
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    He said after Barcelona’s win over Villarreal: “He is a very good player. Very unbalancing, very electric, a difficult opponent to cover. He has a great future.”
    Yamal has also burst on to the international scene and set a new record for the youngest player to represent Spain when he made his debut against Georgia last week. More

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    Real Madrid track down boy who lost entire family in Morocco earthquake and fly him to Spain to join their academy

    REAL MADRID have traced a boy who lost five family members in the Morocco earthquake and flown him to Spain to join their academy.Real fan Abdul Rahim Awhida, 14, had worn a club shirt and used it to wipe tears from his eyes in a TV interview re-living his horrific experience.
    Abdul Rahim Awhida caught the attention of Spanish viewers and the club he supports as he explained his tragic lossCredit: INSTAGRAM
    🤍🇲🇦 Real Madrid has already located the Moroccan boy who lost his family in the earthquake.🙏 It has been confirmed by the boy himself, who’ll be able to continue studying in Spain thanks to Real Madrid. @jpedrerol pic.twitter.com/TDwvqnrbiH— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) September 14, 2023

    The interview touched the hearts of other nations around the world, including Spain and at his favourite team.
    Real asked TV station Al Arabiya for a contact number for Abdul’s uncle.
    The club were then able to locate him so they could bring him into their football family.
    Abdul’s father, mother, two brothers and grandfather were among more than 2,900 people killed in the 6.8 magnitude quake in his home country last Friday.

    In an interview afterwards that sparked an outpouring of emotion from viewers, he explained he wanted to fulfil his father’s dream of finishing his education to become a teacher or a doctor.
    He added: “I just want to finish my studies.”
    Abdul was then surprised and delighted to be told by Al Arabiya in a second conversation that Real were keen to help him.
    The Bernabeu giants plan to integrate him into their academy to play football and continue studying.
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    Abdul said in the video: “Thank God… This made me [so] happy,” 
    The earthquake destroyed remote villages of the High Atlas Mountains in central Morocco.
    How you can help
    THE British Red Cross has launched an emergency appeal to help get essential aid to Morocco’s earthquake victims.
    You can donate to the British Red Cross Morocco Earthquake Appeal through the charity’s website at redcross.org.uk or by calling 0300 004 0338. More

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    Mason Greenwood’s girlfriend Harriet Robson ‘has been out with Getafe Wags’ as couple settle in days before his ‘debut’

    MASON Greenwood’s girlfriend has reportedly been out with Getafe Wags as the couple settle in – days before he could make his debut.The striker, 21, was offered a return to football after signing for the Spanish club just before the end of the transfer window last month.
    Mason Greenwood was unveiled to Getafe fans earlier this monthCredit: PA
    The striker could make his debut for the Spanish club this weekendCredit: Rex
    Mason Greenwood’s girlfriend Harriet Robson posted a picture from a training sessionCredit: instagram
    Greenwood was later unveiled to a stadium of fans and has been seen training in footage shown on the club’s social media accounts.
    But a week-long break from club football owing to an international break has delayed his first appearance for Getafe.
    It has allowed Greenwood an extra week of training to improve his match fitness, having not stepped on the pitch since his arrest in January last year.
    And Getafe is understood to have been pulling out all the stops to ensure he is accommodated off the pitch ahead of his debut.
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    Greenwood and his family are said to have dined with the club’s president, while a translator is also available on request, MailOnline reports.
    The striker’s girlfriend Harriet Robson has also been welcomed by Wags and has visited Madrid’s shopping districts.
    It is unclear whether she will live in Spain with him or regularly visit with their baby.
    Greenwood is understood to be living with his dad while a search for a property in Boadilla del Monte is ongoing.
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    The quiet and affluent town is located to the west of the Spanish capital.
    It comes as he could make his Getafe debut this weekend.
    Despite only signing on loan ten days ago, he is expected to feature against Osasuna on September 17, Sunday afternoon.
    The match will take place at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez, with kick-off set for 1pm BST.
    A source told The Sun this week: “Mason was very nervous about how he would be received by his new team-mates and his coaches but they have been very welcoming to him.
    “He feels relaxed in their company and a couple of the Spanish lads have taken him under their wing.
    “He can’t believe how well its gone and how quickly his life has changed.”
    The source added: “The Getafe Wags have also welcomed Harriet so they are both very happy with the move at the moment.”
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    It would be Greenwood’s first professional match for more than 18 months, having been suspended by Manchester United following his arrest in January 2022.
    Charges of attempted rape, assault and coercive control were dropped in February, but United announced last month the club had “mutually agreed” he would rebuild his career away from Old Trafford.
    Greenwood waves to fans at his unveiling last weekCredit: PA More

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    Abandoned stadium which had bigger capacity than Emirates reduced to rubble with new park set to be only link to past

    THE Vicente Calderon Stadium was once the home of Atletico Madrid, but six years on from its closure it is set to be turned into a park. Built in 1966 the stadium was used for Atletico’s home games for over 50 years before they moved into the swanky new Metropolitano Stadium.
    Vicente Calderon Stadium was previously the home of Atletico MadridCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    The stadium has now been reduced to rubbleCredit: Getty
    It is being torn down to make way for a new parkCredit: Getty
    The ground was opened in 1966, but hasn’t been used since 2017Credit: Getty
    The ground played host to World Cup fixtures in 1982, 14 Copa del Rey finals and saw greats of the game such as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo grace the pitch.
    At its peak it had a capacity of 66,000, over 5,000 more than the Emirates Stadium, but it was later reduced to 54,907 in order to allow for it all to be seating.
    It took over seven years to build after breaking ground in 1959 and opening in 1966.
    But now it has been reduced to rubble with plans to turn it in to a park.
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    Atletico called the Vicente Calderon Stadium home for over 50 yearsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    It regularly played host to the Copa del Rey finalCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    The plans will see a roman circus built, which will be surrounded by trees offering a space for members of the public to go on walks and enjoy a rest.
    And, despite the stadium no longer being their for fans to marvel at, the Madrid City Council have ensured the new park will continue its legacy.
    It will be named “Park Atletico Madrid” as a homage to the La Liga club who played their football there.
    The final game played at the Vicente Calderon Stadium was a fixture between a past and present Atletico Madrid side against a World XI comprising of an array of mega stars.
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    Fernando Torres lined up for Atletico whilst legends of the game such as Ronaldinho and Clarence Seedorf took part for the World XI.
    The 11 time La Liga champions now play their games at the Metropolitano Stadium which has an impressive capacity of 70,460.
    The stadium is making way for a park that will feature a Roman CircusCredit: Ayuntamiento de Madrid
    It will offer walkways and rest spaces in a vast change from its days as a stadiumCredit: Ayuntamiento de Madrid
    The Park will still keep the soul of the club going with the name “Park Atletico Madrid”Credit: Ayuntamiento de Madrid More

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    Crisis club Barcelona have wage bill slashed by £232MILLION which could force giants to sell top stars

    CRISIS club Barcelona’s financial issues show no signs of slowing down after another blow from LaLiga bosses.The club have been told that they must cut their wage bill by £232million after having their squad wage cap reduced, according to The Daily Mail.
    Xavi will see his spending capped next season – with the club likely having to sell players to comply with LaLiga rulesCredit: AFP
    The club’s financial struggles began after misspending the money received for the world record sale of Neymar for £196million in 2017.
    They have since faced cost-cutting measure for years, which ultimately saw them lose the likes of Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets.
    Gerard Pique also took a voluntary mid-season retirement last season in order to relieve the club of having to pay his hefty wage packet.
    This season the club sold Ousmane Dembele to PSG and Franck Kessie to the Saudi league as well as loaning out Clement Lenglet to Aston Villa and Ansu Fati to Brighton to meet their salary cap.
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    But that cap is set to become even tighter, with Barcelona’s wage bill being cut by 50% after been told in February they could spend approximately £558m.
    Barcelona’s staff and player costs currently stand at £347m, which leaves the club approximately £115m over their new cap of £232million.
    That means the club could be forced to sell a number of players in order to make up the £115m deficit.
    Given Fati and Lenglet already find themselves out on loan, they could be the first players to make way.
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    The club also have sellable assets in the form of Frenkie De Jong, Gavi, Pedri and Ferran Torres.
    Barca notably did not spend much this summer, with their high-profile transfers either being frees or loans.
    Gundogan was signed on a free, while Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo arrived on loan deals.
    Despite this, they faced a reduction in their cap after a late payment of one of their economic levers worth £51million in August 2022.
    A comparison with rivals Real Madrid really sheds light on Barcelona’s struggles.
    Madrid were put on similar financial measures last season, but have seen their spending cap increased to £627million this time around. More

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    Jude Bellingham fumes at EAFC24 rating as game claims he has got WORSE in huge aspect

    JUDE BELLINGHAM was far from happy after finding out his pace rating for EAFC 24.The England midfielder announced himself on the global stage with a string of impressive displays with Borussia Dortmund last season and the 2022 World Cup.
    Jude Bellingham has been a revelation since his move to Real MadridCredit: Getty
    The England international has scored five times in four appearances for Los BlancosCredit: The Mega Agency
    Bellingham was far from happy after learning his EAFC 24 pace ratingCredit: YOUTUBE@REALMADRID
    His form landed him a mega-money move to European giants Real Madrid, where he’s flourished in his first four outings for the Spaniards – scoring five goals already.
    As with hundreds of players around the world, Bellingham recently learned his rating for the upcoming EAFC 24 video game – although he discovered his stats alongside Real team-mates Brahim Diaz, Lucas Vazquez and Rodrygo.
    “I’ve got to be like 84,” the former Birmingham City star said when he was asked to predict his pace racing.
    But he was way off the mark and his jaw nearly hit the floor when he was told he’d only been given a 76.
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    Diaz was quick to mock his Los Blancos team-mates’ rating – and his running style.
    The Spaniard said: “You’re running like this all the time bro.”
    A perplexed and stunned Bellingham couldn’t believe the rating, adding: “You’re joking?
    “I was more last year, so I’ve gone down?”
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    Bellingham was left gobsmacked by his 76 speed ratingCredit: YOUTUBE@REALMADRID
    Bellingham may not be happy with his stats for the soon-to-be-released video game, but he can have no complaints about his numbers for Real Madrid.
    The 20-year-old is the top goalscorer for Carlo Ancelotti’s side this season with five goals in four matches, plus an assist.
    He picked up his sixth goal of the season in England’s 3-1 win over old rivals Scotland at Hampden Park on Tuesday night.
    But the soft-spoken midfielder is refusing to get too far ahead of himself, telling beIN Sports: “I’m always learning.
    “I’m so lucky to have played with so many great players with my last club and even more so at my new club which is a big boost for me and for my own confidence to play with such great players.
    “I’m just learning all the time really. I’m trying to add more attributes to my game and trying to affect the ones I’ve already got.
    “If I can keep being effective in goal and doing the things that I do well already overall in my game then I think I could be doing well and hopefully have a good season.
    “So it’s important that I keep it up.”
    Bellingham and his Real Madrid team-mates will be back in action on Sunday night, welcoming Real Sociedad to the Bernabeu. More

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    I’m a £60m future Real Madrid striker – I HATE partying, going out and I don’t want to know how much I earn

    FUTURE Real Madrid striker Endrick is focused on becoming one of the best players in the world – and nothing else.The wonderkid is set to join up with Los Blancos next summer when he turns 18.
    Endrick revealed he does not like going out or partyingCredit: AP
    Palmeiras accepted a £60million offer from Real Madrid for the striker, showing how highly rated he is.
    And Endrick is keen to prove why he is worth so much at such a young age, with the teen concentrating solely on playing football and improving.
    The Brazilian revealed he wants to emulate the success of players like Erling Haaland, Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham.
    His lifestyle is set up to do exactly that, with Endrick preferring to stay at home rather than go out.
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    He told TNT Sports: “I hate going out, I hate going to parties. I hate going to clubs. I just want to play football and be with my family.
    “I don’t even like knowing how much I earn, I just want to play.”
    Real have tied down Endrick until 2027 with the option to extend his stay for a further three years.
    Chelsea were interested in the youngster and even invited him to their training ground following his impressive start to his career.
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    He scored three goals in seven Serie A games as he burst onto the scene for Palmeiras last season.
    Endrick has ten goals in 43 games for the club as well has five in four for Brazil Under-17s. More

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    Exact date Mason Greenwood to make his debut for new club Getafe revealed after impressing coaches in training

    MASON Greenwood is set to make his footballing comeback in a debut for Getafe within days after impressing in training.The ex-England striker has not kicked a ball professionally since January last year when he made his final appearance for Manchester United against West Ham United.
    Mason Greenwood is expected to make his Getafe debut within daysCredit: PA
    But despite only signing for the La Liga club in Spain in a transfer deadline day deal on loan ten days ago, Greenwood is expected to feature against Osasuna on September 17, next Sunday afternoon.
    He has not played since he was arrested in January last year on suspicion of attempted rape, assault and coercive control.

    He stayed suspended by United despite the Crown Prosecution Service announcing in February they were dropping all charges.
    United and Greenwood jointly announced on August 21 he would be leaving the Old Trafford club, in what they called a “collaborative decision”.
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    His move to Getafe was confirmed late on September 1, just before the English and Spanish summer transfer windows closed.
    A source has now said: “Mason was very nervous about how he would be received by his new team-mates and his coaches but they have been very welcoming to him.
    “He feels relaxed in their company and a couple of the Spanish lads have taken him under their wing.
    “He can’t believe how well its gone and how quickly his life has changed.
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    “He has been very very low at times while he was suspended by United and within the space of a few days he has fans chanting his name again.
    “He was scared to walk down the street in England because he was worried he would be attacked or abused.
    “In Spain, he’s able to wander around freely. He’s been able to concentrate 100 per cent on his football and want to get back to playing as soon as possible.”
    “The coaching staff have been impressed with his sharpness and plan to throw him in as soon as they can.”
    Greenwood has been joined in Spain by his partner Harriet Robson, also 21, and the couple are looking at houses in the capital Madrid.
    It is unclear whether she will live in Spain with him or regularly visit with their baby.
    The source added: “The Getafe Wags have also welcomed Harriet so they are both very happy with the move at the moment.”
    Getafe have released multiple videos of Greenwood’s unveiling at the club on the outskirts of Madrid as well as others showing him training with his new colleagues.
    The club’s president Ruben Reyes insisted the player’s arrival was “just the same” as their other signings despite critics calling the move “tone deaf”.
    Greenwood’s Old Trafford exit had been welcomed by former England and United defender Gary Neville, but the Sky Sports pundit criticised the club for their “horrible” handling of the situation.
    BBC’s Match Of The Day presenter and ex-Three Lions captain Gary Lineker called United’s move “inevitable and right”.
    But women’s charities urged football clubs to do better when dealing with such situations.
    Dedicated Red Devils fan Rachel Riley had threatened to no longer support United if they permitted Greenwood to come back.
    The Channel 4’s Countdown co-host and Strictly Come Dancing contestant also accused the club of having “handled this appallingly”.
    Greenwood’s last United appearance came in a 1-0 Premier League victory over West Ham United on January 22 last year.
    The CPS charged him last October and he was scheduled to go on trial this November, until the case was withdrawn on February after alleged victim and 12 other witnesses declined to co-operate.
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    Greenwood, born in Bradford in West Yorkshire, scored 35 goals in his 129 matches for United.
    England manager Gareth Southgate brought him on as a late sub against Iceland in September 2020 for his only international appearance.
    The striker has not played since Manchester United beat West Ham in January last yearCredit: Getty
    The Crown Prosecution Service dropped all charges against him in FebruaryCredit: EPA
    Greenwood moved on loan to Spain’s La Liga on September 1Credit: Twitter/GetafeCF More