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    Real Madrid looking to cash in on Vinicius Jr after former £39m wonderkid branded ‘next Neymar’ hits ‘rock bottom’

    REAL MADRID starlet Vinicius Junior could spark a transfer battle this summer with the Spanish giants reportedly ready to cash in after a drop in form.
    With the 20-year-old Brazilian previously seen as one of Real’s prized assets, they are now apparently willing to part with him to offset the financial burden caused by coronavirus.

    Vinicius Jr could find himself on the way out of Real MadridCredit: Rex Features

    He was blamed by Spanish media for poor displays in losses to Levante and third-tier minnows Alcoyano in the Copa del Rey, while he has netted just three times this season.
    Now, according to Madrid paper AS, the end of the line could be near. Vinicius has now hit ‘rock bottom’ of his time at Real.
    It is the latest blow in a torrid season for the youngster, with his performance in October’s Champions League match at Borussia Monchengladbach the subject of a dressing room bust-up.
    A furious Karim Benzema was caught on camera at half-time slamming his team-mate to fellow Frenchman Ferland Mendy – seeming to instruct him not to pass to Vinicius.

    Benzema, in French to his compatriot, said: “Don’t play with him. On my mother’s life, he [Vinicius] is playing against us.”
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    Real boss Zinedine Zidane has fallen out with the Brazilian this seasonCredit: Rex Features
    Manager Zinedine Zidane has used Vinicius sparingly since the turn of the year, with the starlet’s relationship with his boss souring this season.
    Vinicius was reportedly looking through his phone rather than listening to Zidane’s team talk before Real’s last-16 Champions League clash at Manchester City in August.

    Zidane was furious with this apparent disrespect, after Vinicius was angered by being left on the bench in favour of the out-of-form Eden Hazard.
    It has all led to a drastic fall from grace for Vinicius – once dubbed the new Neymar – at the Bernabeu and he may well be looking for pastures new in the summer. More

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    Man Utd ‘in transfer talks to beat Real Madrid to Yusuf Demir, 17,’ after Rapid Vienna star breaks into first-team

    MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly in talks with Rapid Vienna’s 17-year-old starlet Yusuf Demir as they aim to beat Real Madrid to his signature.
    The teenage midfielder has burst into the Austrian side’s first team, scoring four goals and bagging two assists in 17 senior appearances this term – attracting the attention of Europe’s big boys.

    Rapid Vienna’s Yusuf Demir is reportedly in talks with Manchester UnitedCredit: PA:Press Association

    And United are believed to be the club most interested with Los Blancos also in the frame, according to Defensa Central.
    The report states United are yet to make a formal offer but have started negotiations with the player’s representatives.
    Vienna are believed to want £8.9million for Demir who has also been sounded out by Barcelona.
    Demir featured against Arsenal in the Europa League earlier this season and could find himself in the Premier League permanently.

    He has a contract until 2022 which he signed at just 15 and has impressed European giants playing as an inverted winger.
    The left-footed star has quick feet and is technically gifted with a great range of passing.
    Demir would fit in well with United’s shift in recruitment strategy with the focus now on younger talent rather than more established professionals.
    Amad Diallo, 18, was confirmed as the Red Devils’ first January transfer in a £37m move from Atalanta last week.

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    Demir starred against Arsenal at the Emirates in the Europa League group stageCredit: PA:Press Association

    Demir revealed he hopes to play for a ‘top European team one day’ and dreams of winning the Ballon d’Or.
    Earlier this month, he told Transfermarkt: “Of course I want to play for a top European team one day, but everything step by step.
    “Everything has it’s time. The most important thing is to be successful with Rapid now. Everything else comes about after good performances from me.
    “Of course I have goals, such as winning as many titles as possible or even the Champions League.
    “Personally, ever since I was a little kid, I have had the dream of one day winning the Ballon d’Or.”
    ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

    Rapid Vienna’s Yusuf Demir shows why he is in such high demand More

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    Real Madrid launch ‘operation Kylian Mbappe’ with SIX first-team stars to be axed to help fund £135m transfer from PSG

    REAL MADRID are reportedly launching ‘operation Kylian Mbappe’ which will see SIX players axed to fund a £135million move.
    Gareth Bale, Isco, Dani Ceballos, Luka Jovic, Marcelo and Brahim Diaz will be sold to raise between £90m and £135m to pay for the PSG striker’s arrival, Spanish paper AS claim.

    Spanish paper AS splash on Real Madrid’s financial plan to land Kylian Mbappe

    Madrid want to sign Mbappe from PSG for £135millionCredit: AP:Associated Press

    Mbappe’s contract at the Parc des Princes expires in 2022 and the World Cup winner is yet to sign an extension.
    The report states Los Blancos hope to open negotiations with PSG in June and aim to broker a deal worth £135m – given the state of the transfer market following the coronavirus pandemic.
    But Madrid chiefs are thought to be preparing for a worst case scenario where the French giants demand a fee in the region of £200m to match what they shelled out for Neymar in 2017.
    The club are concerned the arrival of former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino could throw a spanner in the works as he launches his own Parisian project.

    But with only one year left on his deal and the possibility he could quit Ligue 1 and walk away for free 12 months later, club brass are confident Mbappe will stick to his word and not sign an extension, allowing them to knock down his price.
    And the report states Bernabeu bosses would be willing to stretch to a fee of £180m if Mbappe was to sign a bumper contract in the Spanish capital.
    If the former Monaco man penned a five-year deal, for example, then the outlay would be spread over the course of the contract and Madrid’s books would only have to contend with £36m of expenses each year – which they are believed to see as an acceptable outgoing.
    Mbappe’s hefty salary is not thought to be an obstacle in the way of a potential move with Real willing to match his current wages.

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    Ramos is one of Real Madrid’s top earners but is demanding more to stay on for a further two years, claim reports

    He is believed to take home a net annual income of £18.8m at PSG – estimated to be around £380,000 a week.
    And Madrid hope to fund Mbappe’s earnings by dumping highly-paid stars like Spurs loanee Bale, Serbian striker Jovic and midfielder Isco to free up space on their wage bill.
    Bale collects a huge £650,000 a week with Jovic on £175,000 and Isco reportedly paid around £123,000.
    With the proposed transfer a year away, Madrid don’t see any moral issue with future negotiations over staff wage cuts due to Covid – they assume fans and normal finances will definitely have returned by next summer.
    The Spanish side are keen to land the marquee signing to keep pace with clubs powered by wealthy American and Asian owners.
    As well as Mbappe, Madrid are targeting moves for Bayern Munich defender David Alaba and Rennes forward Eduardo Camavinga.
    French starlet Camavinga, 18, admitted he’s flattered by the interest from the Galacticos but a move ‘depends on several factors’.

    Kylian Mbappe shows off his moves in training More

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    Eduardo Camavinga claims Real Madrid transfer ‘depends on several factors’ as he admits he is considering switch

    EDUARDO CAMAVINGA has claimed his Real Madrid move ‘depends on several factors’ but admits he is considering a switch from Rennes.
    Los Blancos have long been interested in the 18-year-old attacking star and he is seen as one of their top priorities in the next transfer window with a £44million move on the cards, according to reports in Spain.

    Eduardo Camavinga is weighing up a move to Real MadridCredit: Rex Features

    Already a senior France international with three caps, Camavinga is in the last 18 months of his contract.
    And the highly-rated teenager has also been linked with Premier League giants Manchester United as a potential long-term replacement for Paul Pogba.
    Camavinga has confessed ‘it is nice’ that big clubs like Madrid are fighting for his signature ahead of an anticipated summer move.
    He told Canal: “‘Of course it is nice when a big club is interested in you. But I have a cool head, I am at Rennes.

    “We will wait until the end of the season. We will meet and weigh up the pros and cons then.”
    Camavinga praised his dad for making sure he doesn’t get big-headed as European powerhouses make noises around his availability.
    He added: “I always remember where we come from. I know where I come from and where I want to go.”
    When asked if his destination will be Zinedine Zidane’s Real Madrid, Camavinga replied: “It depends on several factors.”

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    Camavinga celebrates scoring on his full France debutCredit: AFP or licensors

    Ramos is one of Real Madrid’s top earners but is demanding more to stay on for a further two years, claim reports

    With his eyes set on a move, Camavinga has employed Gareth Bale’s agent Jonathan Barnett to help secure a dream transfer.
    The main obstacle in Camavinga’s path to the Bernabeu is the club’s desire to finally land Kylian Mbappe from Paris Saint-Germain.
    At the end of the season the 22-year-old French World Cup winner will have just 12 months left on his deal at the Parc des Princes.
    And Madrid have made no secret of their desire to bring boyhood Real fan Mbappe to the Spanish capital.
    But a mega bucks move could mean the Spanish giants do not have the money required to bring in Camavinga at the same time – with club books set to show losses of £81million.

    Watch Eduardo Camavinga, 17, score stunning overhead kick on first start for France More

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    Liverpool set to sign Ezequiel Garay on free transfer with Klopp also looking to land Real Madrid defender Eder Militao

    LIVERPOOL are reportedly set to sign free agent Ezequiel Garay and are also interested in landing Real Madrid defender Eder Militao.
    Reds boss Jurgen Klopp is desperate for defensive reinforcements after an Anfield injury crisis left Virgil Van Dijk and Joe Gomez as long-term absentees with serious knee problems.

    Former Valencia centre-back Ezequiel Garay is a free agent and is close to joining LiverpoolCredit: Reuters

    Real Madrid defender Eder Militao is on Liverpool’s radarCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    And Todofichajes.com reports Liverpool are ‘one step away’ from finalising a deal for former Valencia centre-back Garay, 34, with Klopp also keen on Brazilian Militao.
    Garay has been without a club since leaving Valencia at the end of last season.
    Previous reports suggest the Argentine’s agent had made contact with Liverpool chiefs over a potential deal.
    Former Real Madrid and Benfica ace Garay would provide immediate experience to the depleted Liverpool backline.

    But Militao is seen as a more permanent option in defence with the 22-year-old having struggled to settle at the Bernabeu.
    Zinedine Zidane is reportedly not keen on Militao leaving in January as he wants the centre-back up his sleeve in case of any injuries or suspensions in his squad.
    Militao only moved to the Spanish capital from Porto in a £45million deal in 2019 but has played just 134 minutes in LaLiga this season.
    However, the report states a move away could be given the green light if Madrid sign experienced Bayern Munich star David Alaba.

    Both Manchester United and Chelsea have been linked with the 28-year-old Austrian who is set to leave the Allianz Arena with his contract up in the summer.
    Fabinho has often had to play in the heart of defence for Liverpool who top the league despite being blighted by injury.
    The reigning champions have had to contend with crucial players such as Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alisson and versatile James Milner all spending time on the sidelines.
    However, there has been some good news for Klopp after Milner, Thiago and Xherdan Shaqiri were all back in training ahead of Sunday’s game at home to West Brom.

    Jurgen Klopp reads out touching letter to Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson during SPOTY More

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    West Ham offered Real Madrid striker Mariano on loan transfer after Zidane gives green light to exit

    WEST HAM have reportedly been offered Real Madrid striker Mariano on loan.
    The Mail reports Bernabeu boss Zinedine Zidane is prepared to let the 27-year-old go and a move to London to join the Hammers could be an attractive option in January.

    Real Madrid striker Mariano could head to West Ham on loanCredit: EPA

    Premier League new boys West Brom were one of the clubs believed to have shown an interest in the Spanish-born forward when he was offered around in the summer.
    However, the report states Mariano was unconvinced about moving to a newly-promoted side.
    The Hammers are keen to bolster their attack after boss David Moyes missed out on signing Bournemouth’s Josh King.
    Sebastian Haller has failed to have the desired impact in East London after West Ham forked out a club record £42m to sign him from Frankfurt last year.

    The Ivory Coast star has managed just one goal in seven league appearances this season.
    Mariano returned to the Spanish capital from Lyon for £21m in 2018 but has struggled to nail down a berth.
    He first joined Madrid’s C team in 2012 and progressed into the second-string Castilla side – bagging 32 goals – before stepping up to the first team in 2016.
    After managing just eight appearances he moved to Ligue 1 with Lyon in 2017.

    Mariano’s impressive return of 18 goals in 37 appearances in the South of France convinced Madrid to re-sign him two years ago.
    But it hasn’t gone to plan and he has scored only five times in 27 games since returning to Los Blancos.
    After only making one appearance so far this season, he could be looking for pastures new in order to get more game time.
    The Dominican Republic international has only just clocked up 1,000 minutes on the field for the Madrid first team.

    Jack Wilshere claims he’d be silly to join another club like West Ham More

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    Real Madrid star Vazquez insists he would welcome Mbappe, Haaland and Camavinga transfers

    REAL MADRID star Lucas Vazquez has welcomed the prospect of signing Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and Eduardo Camavinga.
    The Spanish champions have been linked with the trio and winger Vazquez is excited about the possibility of bringing them to the club.

    Kylian Mbappe is one of Real Madrid’s main transfer targets

    Speaking to Bernabeu Digital, Vazquez said: “Mbappe, Haaland, Camavinga … they are all great players. If they are in Madrid tomorrow, they will have to be enjoyed.”
    Real Madrid did not sign anyone this summer due to the coronavirus crisis and Zinedine Zidane knows he needs to strengthen his squad by attracting some of the best young players in the Europe.
    Mbappe is considered the most valuable player in world football and Los Blancos are setting their sights on luring the Paris Saint Germain striker to the club.
    The France international helped his country win the 2018 World Cup and the 21-year-old fits the bill as the star name for Real Madrid in a new wave of Galacticos.

    Mbappe’s contract expires in 2022 and Real Madrid are eyeing up a £161million move with the forward yet to agree a new deal.
    Haaland is also one of the most sought after players in the game and the striker reportedly has a verbal agreement to leave Borussia Dortmund in 2022.
    The prolific Norway striker scored 40 goals for club and country last season and has already netted 17 in just 16 matches during the latest campaign.

    Erling Haaland cannot stop scoring for Borussia Dortmund
    The level of interest in Haaland is guaranteed to be high with the likes of Manchester City and Manchester United known admirers of the forward.

    Real Madrid are also in the market to replace experienced midfielder Luka Modric and have set their sights on signing Rennes teenager Camavinga.
    The 18-year-old midfielder is highly regarded and would be keen on joining one of the biggest clubs in the world.

    Kylian Mbappe shows off his moves in training More

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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.

    Luka Jovic gives stunning Wag a cheeky wink as Real Madrid ace keeps fit isolating with Serbian model Sofija Milosevic More