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    Real Madrid in ‘pole position’ over Kylian Mbappe transfer with PSG star wanting to link-up with ‘mentor’ Zidane

    REAL MADRID remain the frontrunners to snap up Kylian Mbappe, according to reports in Spain.
    The Paris Saint-Germain star’s contract expires at the end of next season, making the next few months critical in any transfer bid.

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    Kylian Mbappe is a top target for Real Madrid next summerCredit: AFP or licensors

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    Zinedine Zidane is a childhood idol of the FrenchmanCredit: Reuters

    Spanish newspaper AS detail how Real are formulating a complex plan to persuade the Ligue 1 champions to sell up next summer.
    Real president Florentino Perez reportedly believes PSG’s paymasters in Qatar will be the key figures in thrashing out a deal.
    If Mbappe makes clear that he does not want a contract renewal, the hope is that Les Parisiens will accept a sale.

    A massive pay packet of around £600,000-a-week has been mooted for the French international, 21.
    But Madrid hope to persuade Mbappe by offering him the chance to play under Zinedine Zidane.
    The France legend, 48, is a big fan of the striker – a feeling that Real believe is reciprocated.
    Mbappe was welcomed to the club for a training day at the age of 14 by the coach, who is being discussed as a potential “mentor” for his career in Madrid.

    Furthermore, the LaLiga champions know that schmoozing the player’s entourage may also prove pivotal in their bid.
    Kylian’s father, Wilfried, is another key figure in his decision making, as well as newly-hired lawyer Delphine Verheyden, who will figure prominently in any negotiations.

    PSG are expected to put up a fight to hold onto their World Cup winning star.
    And Real are not the only club monitoring the situation, with Liverpool and Juventus rumoured to be keen.
    The Old Lady are said to be plotting a £360million raid for the PSG attacker.
    Barcelona could also arrive on the scene with presidential candidate Victor Font reportedly laying the groundwork for an offer if he is elected early next year.

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    Man Utd ‘tried to sign Martin Odegaard several times’ but never pulled off transfer for Real Madrid star

    MANCHESTER UNITED reportedly failed in several bids to land Real Madrid star Martin Odegaard.
    Spanish outlet Marca claim the Red Devils were prepared to pay big money for the Norwegian following his performances while on loan at Real Sociedad last season.

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    Manchester United have held a long-standing interest in Martin OdegaardCredit: AFP or licensors

    Yet the report adds that Madrid held off interest from the Old Trafford outfit to bring Odegaard back to the Bernabeu this summer.
    But it was just the latest effort from United to land the attacker, who first registered an interest in him in 2014, when he was 15.
    Odegaard was making a name for himself as a teenager for local side Stromsgodset but turned down England for Spain.

    Speaking in 2015, he said: “I visited Liverpool, the two Manchester teams and they were all very nice.

    “But my choice was Real Madrid and I am very happy with that.”
    United then returned for Odegaard last October with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in charge as the Norwegian was keen to swoop for his young compatriot.
    SunSport also revealed that club scout Marcel Bout was spotted watching Odegaard in Sociedad’s 3-0 win over Valencia in February.
    And Madrid were even thought to have offered the playmaker to United in a potential deal for Paul Pogba before the summer.

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    Yet the financial impact caused by the coronavirus pandemic scrapped Los Blancos chances of signing the Frenchman and Odegaard stayed put.
    The Norway international has since been handed a second chance to shine at Madrid by boss Zinedine Zidane.
    Odegaard made his first appearances for the LaLiga champions in five years last month – half a decade after becoming their youngest ever player.

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    Erling Haaland puts Real Madrid on transfer ‘alert’ after stunning Dortmund season as Zidane also eyes Giovanni Reyna

    REAL MADRID are reportedly keeping tabs on Borussia Dortmund pair Erling Haaland and Giovanni Reyna.
    Spanish outlet Marca claims that Los Blancos will target Norwegian Haaland if they cannot sign Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe.

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    Real Madrid are interested in Borussia Dortmund duo Erling Haaland and Giovanni ReynaCredit: EPA

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    Los Blancos are said to view striker Haaland as an alternative to Kylian Mbappe

    The striker, 20, is said to have a £63million release clause in his Dortmund contract and is considered the perfect replacement for Karim Benzema.
    Frenchman Benzema turns 33 in December while £62m frontman Luka Jovic has flopped since he sealed a switch to the Bernabeu.
    Haaland meanwhile underlined his striking credentials after bagging a hat-trick in the 4-0 UEFA Nations League win over Romania on Sunday.

    That treble made it 51 goals in his last 48 games for club and country and proved why he would be such an attractive option for Madrid.
    Yet Zinedine Zidane has still reportedly made French compatriot Mbappe his number one target.
    Madrid have been long-term admirers of the 21-year-old but could not make their move this summer due to the financial impact caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
    The FIFA 21 cover star has entered the final two years of his PSG deal and has so far resisted talks to agree new terms.

    SunSport previously reported that Madrid are planning an incredible transfer splurge to land both Mbappe and Haaland.

    And the latter may also be joined by Dortmund team-mate Reyna – with Madrid also keeping tabs on the young American.
    Marca claim the two clubs are in constant communication and the Spanish giants will be aware of any departure.
    The 17-year-old, son of ex-Sunderland star Claudio Reyna, has enjoyed a meteoric rise since joining Dortmund from New York City.

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    Juventus ready to hijack Real Madrid’s transfer for Camavinga with Pirlo desperate to build team around wonderkid

    JUVENTUS are ready to rival Real Madrid for Eduardo Camavinga, according to reports.
    The French midfielder has shot to fame with Stade Rennais and was widely tipped to move to a European giant this summer.

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    Eduardo Camavinga is set to be one of Europe’s hottest properties next summerCredit: AFP or licensors

    However, Camavinga committed to staying in Ligue 1 ahead of his side’s shot at the Champions League group stage.
    Several media outlets from across the continent are predicting a bidding war for the youngster’s signature at the end of the season.
    According to Tuttosport, Juventus will make a serious play for Camavinga, who turns 18 next month.

    The Old Lady are said to be developing a strong relationship with Rennes, having sent defender Daniele Rugani to Brittany on loan earlier this month.
    Furthermore, new Juve boss Andrea Pirlo reportedly wants to make the midfielder a central part of his new, young side.
    Arthur Melo, Dejan Kulusevski, Federico Chiesa and Weston McKennie were all brought in during the transfer window, with Gonzalo Higuain and Blaise Matuidi among those leaving.
    And Camavinga is seen as one of Europe’s hottest teenage talents, with 49 appearances for Rennes already under his belt.

    After making his France debut last month, he opened the scoring in Les Bleus’ 7-1 rout of Ukraine on Wednesday.

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    Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United have all been tipped to bid for the Angola-born ace.
    Having made zero signings during the autumn, Real are reportedly formulating a triple swoop for French stars next year.
    Along with Camavinga, long-term target Kylian Mbappe and Dayot Upamecano have been named as key targets.

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    Real Madrid didn’t spend a penny on summer transfers for first time in 40 years to save up for mega Mbappe signing

    REAL MADRID failed to make a summer transfer purchase for the first time in 40 YEARS as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
    The seismic event has reportedly frustrated boss Zinedine Zidane – but also opened the door to buying Kylian Mbappe next summer.

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    Mbappe could be set for a mega-money move to Real next summerCredit: Reuters

    World champion Mbappe has long been a target of the Bernabeu club – and would represent a true Galactico signing in the style of old.

    AS say Real contemplated making a move for the Paris Saint-Germain striker in March.
    But were put off when the crippling implications of the Covid-19 pandemic became clear.

    Mbappe’s contract in the French capital is up in 2022.
    Reports last month claimed, with an eye on his future, that Mbappe was willing to take a pay cut to seal a move to Real.
    Mbappe is thought to earn £375,000-a-week in Paris after signing from Monaco in 2017.
    Talks between PSG and the 21-year-old over a contract renewal have reportedly focused on bumping his wage up to £600,000-a-week.

    With a market value estimated to be around £231m, Real could well take advantage of their frugal summer to use every asset to land Mbappe.

    And other reports in Spain have claimed PSG could sell Mbappe for a reduced price of anywhere between £111m and £91 once he enters the final 12 months of his deal.
    Zidane knows he has the total admiration of Mbappe and that the young Frenchman wants to be coached by his idol.
    For now though, ZZ is left praying the likes of Eden Hazard can carry the burden of expectation.
    But even team-mate Luka Modric has revealed the ex-Chelsea sensation is ‘not in a comfortable situation’ with mounting injuries curtailing his playing time.
    Zidane could have turned to Gareth Bale in Hazard’s place but the Welshman has gone back to Spurs on loan.

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    PSG’s superstar duo of Mbappe and Neymar could go their separate ways if the Frenchman moves to Real MadridCredit: AFP or licensors
    James Rodriguez has found a new lease of life at Everton, Sergio Reguilon has joined Bale at Tottenham and Achraf Hakimi has departed for Inter.
    Zidane will hope tightening the purse strings will pay off next summer.
    Bernabeu chiefs are said to be planning a spending spree of old with a £261m splurge on Mbappe, Dortmund’s Erling Haaland and Rennes midfielder Eduardo Camavinga.
    That would be like previous Real transfer windows, like when they spent £290m in 2019 landing the likes of Hazard and Luka Jovic.
    And in 2009 they splashed £230m, with a large chunk going on Cristiano Ronaldo’s £85m move from Manchester United.
    Kaka also arrived that summer for £60m, along with Karim Benzema for £32m and ex-Liverpool ace Xabi Alonso, who signed for £31m.

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    Luka Jovic ‘wants to QUIT Real Madrid and end nightmare 12-months to return to Eintracht Frankfurt on loan’

    LUKA JOVIC reportedly wants to quit Real Madrid and return to Eintracht Frankfurt after a torrid year away.
    Mundo Deportivo reports the 22-year-old is pushing for a move back to Frankfurt and an end to a nightmare 12 months in the Spanish capital.

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    Luka Jovic is looking to return to Eintracht FrankfurtCredit: Getty – Contributor

    The Serbian striker has been given the Gareth Bale treatment by Zinedine Zidane at the Bernabeu.
    Jovic started just FOUR LaLiga games last season as he was frozen out by the club’s French boss.
    The young forward had enjoyed a prolific 2018-19 season with Frankfurt, slamming home 27 goals and seven assists in 48 games in all competitions.

    His stock rose across the continent after some eye-catching displays in the Europa League.
    Jovic bagged ten goals in just 14 games to help his side reach the semi-finals where they were knocked out by eventual winners Chelsea.
    His scintillating form in front of goal convinced Los Blancos to fork out £53million for his services last summer.
    But Jovic has struggled to live up to his big billing, mustering just two goals in 27 appearances in the famous white shirt.

    And the report states he told the club last week he wants to return to Frankfurt where he was previously happy.

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    Luka Jovic has been used sparingly by Real Madrid manager Zinedine ZidaneCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Jovic has also had off-field problems after being rapped for escaping Madrid during lockdown to return to his homeland.
    Zidane has appeared reluctant to throw him into the action, even when chasing goals in games.
    In the first match of the new league season, Zidane ignored Jovic as he made changes to try and break the stalemate against Real Sociedad, instead handing debuts to youth-team products Marvin and Arribas.

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    Gareth Bale transfer back to Tottenham ‘close but complicated’ reveals agent as bookies suspend betting on move

    GARETH BALE’S move back to Tottenham has been described as “close” – with bookies suspending betting on the stunning switch.
    The Welshman is in talks with his old side over a loan move that would see him link up with Jose Mourinho.

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    Gareth Bale has been training away from the Real Madrid squad after returning from Wales actionCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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    A deal is “complicated” but “close”, according to Jonathan BarnettCredit: Getty – Contributor

    Jonathan Barnett, the player’s agent, insists there are vital details still to be hammered out in talks between the three parties.
    But a deal is nearing completion, amid rival interest from Manchester United.
    Barnett told AFP: “It’s close but not done.

    “It’s a complicated deal.”
    Bale’s £650,000-a-week wage bill is thought to be a major negotiating topic in the loan deal.
    Spurs, who are also in talks to sign Real left-back Sergio Reguilon, want to seal the switch before United can fully enter the running.
    And bookies stopped taking bets on the transfer on Wednesday.

    Having shortened the odds as low as 1/6, Ladbrokes announced at lunchtime that they had suspended the market.

    Bale is thought to be keen to return to North London having left in 2013 for £85million.
    Last month, the 31-year-old opened the door to a Premier League return after Madrid pulled the plug on a move to China last year.
    He stated: “If [Premier League] options arise it is something I’d look at for sure.
    “We’ll see what happens, we have plenty of time in this transfer window and a couple of others as well.

    Real Madrid want to get Bale and his £650,000 weekly salary off their mammoth wage bill

    “Time will tell but mainly I think the reason is that the decision is in Real Madrid’s hands.
    “I tried to leave last year but they blocked everything at the last second. It was a project I was excited for but it didn’t materialise.
    “There have been other instances where we have tried to go but the club won’t allow it or they’ve done something. It’s down to the club.
    “I want to play football, I am still motivated to play football, so I guess it’s on the club.”

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    Gareth Bale’s first game back for Tottenham would not be until NEXT month… even if transfer is done in next 48 hours

    TOTTENHAM fans are unlikely to see Gareth Bale in their shirt for a month – even if he completes a stunning move back to the club in the next 48 hours.
    Bale is edging close to making a dramatic return to Spurs on loan as he seeks a way out from his Real Madrid nightmare.

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    Tottenham fans will have to wait to see Gareth Bale back playing for themCredit: Getty

    But though Daniel Levy is on the brink of sealing a complicated deal, SunSport understands the 31-year-old is still not planning to travel to London imminently.
    And the earliest the brilliant winger is likely to be free to make his second debut for the North London side would be October 17 – a clash with bitter rivals West Ham.
    There are complicated issues to thrash out in a contract that would see Real stump up a large chunk of his £650,000-a-week salary just to get him off their wage bill.

    Until they are ironed out, Bale will remain in Madrid reporting for pre-season training with Zinedine Zidane’s squad.
    Even if they are sorted by the weekend and Bale returns to the UK, he would then have to go into quarantine for 14 days under government rules to control Covid-19.
    That would leave him unable to link up with Jose Mourinho’s squad until October 2, with Spurs facing a trip to Manchester United the following day.

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    It seems impossible for him to be considered for the match at Old Trafford, and then the Premier League season goes on the back burners for another international break.

    Given his involvement with Wales, it would mean Bale would not be able to take part in full training with Mourinho and Spurs until the couple of days leading up to the home game against the Hammers on October 17.
    So though Tottenham fans are struggling to contain their excitement, they will have to wait for a full month before they will see their hero back in the white shirt again.

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