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      Xavi ‘asks for Barcelona to re-sign Messi in shock transfer return from PSG’ after struggles against Rayo Vallecano

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      BARCELONA boss Xavi has asked the club to re-sign Lionel Messi from Paris Saint-Germain, according to reports.Messi, 35, joined PSG in a free transfer from Barcelona last summer, but he failed to reach the same heights that he did while in Spain.
      Xavi wants Messi to return to BarcelonaCredit: Getty
      In 37 appearances for the Parisians he’s scored 14 goals and assisted 16, but many fans have been unimpressed with his performances.
      The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner was BOOED off the pitch following PSG’s 3-0 win against Bordeaux earlier this year.
      And some fans even urged him to quit the club in a graffiti message plastered across the Camp des Loges training ground.
      Meanwhile, Barcelona are pushing to climb back to the top of La Liga after finishing 13 points behind league champions Real Madrid last season.
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      Despite already spending big this summer, the Catalan giants only managed to claim a point from their opening league game of the 2022-23 campaign.
      They were held to a 0-0 draw by Rayo Vallecano on Saturday with new forwards Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha both failing to get on the scoresheet.
      As a result, Xavi is now eager to bring in at least two more attacking players.
      And according to Spanish football reporter Guillem Balague, he wants Messi to return to the Nou Camp.
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      Xavi is already known to be interested in signing Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva, who has not denied rumours of a proposed £80million move to Spain, but now Messi has emerged as a top target.
      Balague tweeted: “Clearly the midfield of Barcelona, with the exception of Pedri, has not got the subtle touch/thinking necessary to play as Xavi wants, to find the right tempo, to feed forwards (and Busquets has played his best football).
      “Hence Xavi wanting Bernardo Silva (and asking for Messi).”
      The Argentina legend’s father and agent Jorge Messi was claimed to be on the phone to Barca chiefs repeatedly at the start of the year in a bid to negotiate a return for his son.
      Messi’s PSG contract expires next summer, so it will likely cost his former club to bring him back.
      But, Barcelona are currently in a financial crisis so some current players will have to be offloaded before another deal can be pushed through.
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      Officials are currently attempting to force Frenkie de Jong and Memphis Depay out of the club in a bid to free up space on the wage bill.
      And Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could also depart just eight months after signing – he is being targeted by Chelsea. More

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      How PSG could line up with Marcus Rashford added to star-studded attack alongside Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar

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      PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN are plotting a sensational move for Manchester United ace Marcus Rashford.The England international has been struggling for form at Old Trafford and a change of scenery could do him some good.

      Marcus Rashford is linked with a Manchester United exitCredit: Reuters
      Rashford’s camp are claimed to be entering talks with “an open mind”, although PSG are yet to make a formal bid.
      The 24-year-old has just one year remaining on his United contract, although the Red Devils possess the option to extend it by a further 12 months.
      Should PSG land their man, he would have the opportunity to rebuild his form alongside some of the world’s most potent attacking talent.
      Fitting everyone in, however, would not be an easy task.
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      Former boss Mauricio Pochettino struggled to squeeze Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar into an XI that could press coherently enough in the Champions League.
      So adding the extra element of Rashford may introduce a further dilemma.
      In certain matches, new manager Christophe Galtier could possibly get away with fielding all four in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
      Messi would begin wide on the right, with Rashford on the left and Neymar in the No10 position behind Mbappe.
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      In his opening games, however, Galtier has opted for a 3-4-3 formation.
      Should he try similar with the addition of Rashford, one of his attacking four would have to be dropped.
      And if Rashford were to recapture his form to the extent that he makes himself undroppable, Neymar might be the man to fall out of the XI.
      The back three would enable Galtier to field Sergio Ramos, Marquinhos and Presnel Kimpembe in a formidable back line, with Marco Verratti and one of new boys Vitinha or Renato Sanches in midfield.
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      Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes could supply plenty of ammunition to the forwards from wing-back.
      Meanwhile, Gianluigi Donnarumma looks to have won the battle to play in goal ahead of Keylor Navas.
      Rashford, 24, could join up with Neymar, Lionel Messi and Kylian MbappeCredit: Reuters More

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      Lyon clash with Lorient set to be postponed with severe hot weather causing droughts and making pitch ‘unplayable’

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      THE French Ligue 1 fixture between Lyon and Lorient is at risk of being postponed due to scorching weather.The severe heat currently being experienced in the UK is also being felt in mainland Europe, with football the next victim of the heatwave.
      The hot weather is causing issues on pitch conditions to be exacerbated around EuropeCredit: PA
      Lorient supporters may be forced to wait to see their team play LyonCredit: AFP
      And now, a top flight fixture in France is set to be postponed due to the drought.
      Lorient are scheduled to host Lyon at the Stade du Moustoir this weekend.
      However, the pitch is said to be in a far from ideal state.
      Lorient director Arnaud Tanguy described the pitch as not in an “optimal state.”
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      Quest-France have reported a delegate from Ligue 1’s governing body – the LFP – has inspected the pitch prior to the game.
      Following the Thursday morning inspection another visit has been scheduled to take place this morning to determine whether the game will go ahead.
      On top of the drought being experienced across the country, Lorient’s Celtic Festival was partly hosted in the stadium.
      In a similar vein, Championship side Coventry saw their game with Rotherham postponed over pitch concerns.
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      Ricoh Arena saw a number of the Commonwealth Games rugby sevens games played on its surface, leaving it in an “unsafe and unplayable” condition.
      Coventry have since seen their Carabao Cup clash against Bristol City move venue, with the second round fixture instead being played at League One side Burton Albion’s Pirelli Stadium – 42 miles away.
      Coventry City’s pitch was deemed “unplayable” by authoritiesCredit: ccfc.co.uk More

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      PSG planning sensational transfer swoop for Man Utd ace Rashford and ‘have already held talks with his representatives’

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      FRENCH giants Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly planning a sensational transfer swoop for Marcus Rashford.The Ligue 1 champions are keen on adding an attacker to link up with superstars Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe.
      Marcus Rashford is a reported transfer target for PSGCredit: Getty
      And Rashford, 24, is the man they want, according to French newspaper L’Equipe.
      It’s claimed PSG have already held talks with the England ace’s representatives.
      While ESPN say Rashford’s camp have gone into the discussions with an open mind.
      But PSG are yet to make a formal approach to Manchester United.
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      The Red Devils are likely to command a high fee if PSG do come to the table with a bid, especially as they are on the lookout for a new forward themselves.
      Rashford is out of contract next summer, but United do have the option to extend his deal for a further year.

      Les Parisiens are want to sign a forward who can either play out wide or as the main striker.
      Rashford himself can do both, having moved out to the wing in recent years after bursting onto the scene as a clinical centre-forward.
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      The Carrington Academy graduate has been linked with PSG in the past – when ex-boss Mauricio Pochettino was claimed to be a fan.
      New sporting director Luis Campos is also reported to be an admirer.
      PSG gaffer Christian Galtier confirmed this week that the club want to sign a new forward, and they are “working hard” to bring someone in.
      He said: “We wish the arrival of a new striker. With a very busy calendar until Nov. 13, plus the World Cup, obviously we wish this arrival. The club is working very hard.
      “I am in direct contact with [sporting director] Luis Campos on this and he is in direct contact with the management and our president.”
      Galtier added: “I cannot confirm it but the club is working hard on this position.”
      Rashford struggled for form last season, missing the start of the campaign due to a shoulder injury.
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      He scored just four goals in 25 Premier League games when he returned, seeing him lose his place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad.
      But he did look sharp in pre-season and played 90 minutes in United’s 2-1 defeat to Brighton on Sunday. More

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      Watch ‘shy’ Lionel Messi look embarrassed as whole crowd chants his name in PSG’s French Super Cup clash

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      OTHER than the Bernabeu, Lionel Messi is adored by fans pretty much everywhere he goes.And it was no different when Paris Saint-Germain took on Nantes in the French Super Cup in Tel Aviv.
      Lionel Messi waving to fans during the French Super Cup clash against Nantes in IsraelCredit: Reuters
      Messi appeared “shy” when waving to fansCredit: https://twitter.com/leomessidepre
      Some fans joked that the way Messi was standing made him look embarrassedCredit: https://twitter.com/leomessidepre
      But despite the love he has received over the years, Messi doesn’t seem to be used to it.
      Footage has emerged on Twitter of Messi standing by the corner flag looking into the crowd during the French Super Cup clash in Israel last month.
      As he gazed into the stands, supporters chanted “Messi, Messi, Messi!” back at him.
      The 35-year-old superstar didn’t know quite what to do, waving shyly and giving a quick thumbs up to the fans before switching his attention back to the game.
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      Even the way he stood appeared awkward, as if he was embarrassed by the adulation.
      Fans on social media were left loving him even more following the heartwarming interaction, with one writing: “He is so shy.”
      Another joked: “I hate how shy Messi is for real, he could’ve given us some little dance moves.”
      A third said: “How can anyone hate this guy. That pose when he joins hands, looks like a little kid.”
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      While another fan suggested: “He doesn’t know how massive he is.”
      Luckily for PSG, Messi wasn’t too overwhelmed by the adulation.
      He opened his goal tally for the season with a first half strike in an easy 4-0 win over Nantes.
      And Messi looks like he means business this campaign after a mixed first term in Paris.
      The Argentinian ace followed up his Super Cup strike with a brace, including an outrageous overhead kick, in the 5-0 thrashing over Clermont on Saturday. More

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      ‘Quickest injury ever’ – Watch ex-Man Utd star Alexis Sanchez slip as he high fives Marseille fans following transfer

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      ALEXIS SANCHEZ almost sustained the ‘quickest injury ever’ after slipping while high-fiving Marseille fans. The former Manchester United star yesterday agreed a free transfer in principle with the French club.
      Alexis Sanchez’s plan to greet Marseille fans did not quite go to plan
      Sanchez just about manages to recover from his slip
      He will be officially announced once he passes his medical.
      The 33-year-old is set to arrive from Inter after he mutually agreed to terminate his contract with the Italian club.
      But Sanchez’s attempts to greet the fans almost ended up in unexpected chaos.
      A video from Get French Football News shows frenzied supporters behind small fences desperate to get a glimpse of their new signing.
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      The Chilean then emerges wearing Marseille’s shirt to do a running high-five with all the fans who had gathered.
      But the forward came very close to losing his footing and falling flat on his face.
      Sanchez just manages to stay on his feet, with some help from a nearby steward.
      Get French Football News tweeted alongside the video: “Alexis Sanchez with nearly the fastest injury sustained at a new club in the history of football.”
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      Sanchez’s arrival brought out dozens of fans who were keen to see their new man.
      He will now link up with the club’s manager Igor Tudor, who won his first league match again Reims on the weekend.
      Arsenal loanee Nuno Tavares impressed fans with a wonder goal for Marseille in the 4-1 rout, while fellow Gunners loan star Folarin Balogun also netted at the other end. More

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      Man Utd set to sign one of football’s bad boys with Adrien Rabiot’s colourful career revealed including bust-ups

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      ADRIEN RABIOT is closing in on his £15million transfer to Manchester United with talks ongoing.The Juventus midfielder, 27, looks set to sign his contract at Old Trafford in the coming days.
      Adrien Rabiot has a long list of previous misdemeanours throughout his careerCredit: Getty
      But Erik ten Hag should know he may well have his hands full trying to keep the French bad-boy on the right path – just weeks after another talented-but-high-maintenance midfielder, Paul Pogba, went the opposite way from United to Juve.
      Because Rabiot certainly has a colourful career including his fair share of bust-ups with team-mates, managers, sporting directors and fans alike…
      ZLAT WAS SILLY
      Brave or stupid? You decide.
      Rabiot decided to get into two heated clashes with none other than Zlatan Ibrahimovic – his own team-mate.
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      And he did it during a FRIENDLY match against Chelsea in 2015 – then later admitted it was “not cool of me”.
      The pair then tussled in PSG training a year later with verbal insults fired at each other before captain Thiago Silva stepped in to break it up.
      Rabiot revealed: “The first encounter with Ibrahimovic took place during a friendly match in the United States.
      “Zlatan got p***ed at me because I played stupidly. But he had lost the ball and I had to take a card to compensate for his mistake.
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      “I became angry and insulted Zlatan. It was not smart.
      “The other incident was in training. We were close to fighting.
      “But Zlatan was annoyed that day. He likes guys like me, who have character, and we are friends now.”
      SNUB NOT SUB
      After missing out on France’s 2018 World Cup squad, Rabiot was absolutely fuming with manager Didier Deschamps.
      So much so that he refused to be included in Les Bleus’ standby list in case of injuries.
      Rabiot refused to be part of the standby list for the 2018 World CupCredit: AFP or licensors
      Deschamps probably didn’t mind the “huge mistake” too much, though, as he guided his country to glory in Russia.
      Rabiot finally returned to the team in 2020.
      AD ENOUGH
      Thomas Tuchel is a stickler for timings.
      So when Kylian Mbappe and Rabiot turned up late to a pre-match team meeting in October 2018, the then-PSG boss dropped them to the bench.
      RESERVE JUDGEMENT
      Rabiot could not agree a new PSG contract due to a row over wages in December of the same year as his future appeared to be away from the Parc des Princes.
      As a result, he was banished from Tuchel’s team and forced to train with the reserves.
      Rabiot and Kylian Mbappe were dropped for their poor time-keepingCredit: AFP or licensors
      The midfielder appealed to the French FA to get him reinstated back among the first team.
      His mother Veronique said: “My son is a hostage of the club, he will soon live in prison on bread and water.”
      ONE-CLUB MAN
      There was only one club in Rabiot’s heart as Manchester United knocked his PSG side out of the Champions League three months later.
      Unfortunately for grieving PSG players and fans, that was the nightclub.
      Rabiot was filmed partying just hours after the European exit – and made things worse by liking Patrice Evra’s post about the United win.
      The midfielder had a long list of dramatic episodes with PSGCredit: The Mega Agency
      He was banned for two weeks as sporting director Antero Henrique blasted: “I find unacceptable the attitude and lack of professionalism of a player like Adrien Rabiot towards the club, his team-mates and his supporters.”
      Ouch.
      Rabiot eventually left PSG after nine years that summer to join Juventus, where things calmed down a fair bit.
      VER-Y UNHAPPY
      Before a transfer gets over the line, United will have to successfully navigate negotiations with Rabiot’s mum Veronique.
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      It is safe to say she is a fiery character, and one you don’t want to get on the wrong side of.
      Just ask Mbappe’s dad Wilfried who was confronted by Veronique after his son missed the crucial penalty against Switzerland that knocked France out of Euro 2020.
      Veronique Rabiot let rip at Wilfried Mbappe after Kylian’s costly missed penalty at Euro 2020Credit: AFP More

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      PSG demanding £17m transfer fee for Leandro Paredes ‘as midfielder agrees personal terms with Juventus over move’

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      PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN are demanding £17million to sell Leandro Paredes.With the imminent arrival of Napoli midfielder Fabian Ruiz to the PSG squad, Paredes is set to be pushed further down the pecking order.
      Leandro Paredes in action for PSGCredit: Getty
      Paredes reportedly has a good rapport with Lionel Messi and NeymarCredit: AP
      Paredes, 28, has reportedly agreed personal terms with Juventus, but an agreement over a fee is yet to be struck.
      Despite his low ranking in the squad in terms of minutes, Paredes is said to rank quite highly in the social popularity scale at the club.
      He is said to have a particular affinity with countryman Lionel Messi and Brazilian Neymar, as well as the Spanish-speaking members of the squad.
      According to Get Football French News, his departure could cause a fracture in the dressing room.
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      Paredes initially joined the French club from Zenit in 2019 for a reported £36m, but struggled to settle in to begin with.
      In his time there he has made 115 appearances, scoring three goals and registering 10 assists, including for Messi’s stunning overhead kick against Clermont.
      Juventus are looking at Paredes due to the expected departure of Adrien Rabiot.
      The Frenchman is reportedly on his way to Manchester United, who have opted to go for him after thus far failing to land Frenkie de Jong from Barcelona.
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      After being excluded from the last French World Cup squad, Rabiot believes joining United would provide him with a golden opportunity to muscle his way into Didier Deschamps’s plans for Qatar.
      Rabiot reportedly thinks he is guaranteed a starting spot due to United’s “weak” midfield. More