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    Man Utd could swap Paul Pogba for Cristiano Ronaldo or Paulo Dybala as Juventus ‘cannot pay for transfer in cash’

    MANCHESTER UNITED could swap Paul Pogba for Cristiano Ronaldo or Paulo Dybala this summer, according to reports.Juventus remain keen to reunite with their former midfielder Pogba.
    Paul Pogba could leave Manchester United this summerCredit: EPA
    Paulo Dybala or Cristiano Ronaldo could be offered in exchange for PogbaCredit: Getty
    And with the Frenchman having just one year remaining on his contract, hopes of a reunion are growing in Turin.
    Juventus cannot afford the sort of transfer fee that the Red Devils would demand for their No6.
    So a swap deal could be most feasible for both parties.
    According to Tuttosport, Juve would be willing to part with Ronaldo or Dybala in exchange for Pogba, rather than cash.
    Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes has been in Italy for meetings this week, with the 36-year-old’s future on the agenda.
    The Portuguese remains a prolific goalscorer for the Old Lady.
    But Juve are struggling to afford his enormous wages.
    Parting with him could therefore be beneficial, especially if attaining Pogba in the process.

    Pogba has refused to be drawn on his future while on France duty at Euro 2020Credit: AFPWIN £50,000 with Dream Team EurosDream Team Euros is HERE!

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    Returning boss Massimiliano Allegri would be delighted to work with the 28-year-old again, having enjoyed success with him during his first stint.
    Dybala, on the other hand, reportedly wants to stay at Juve after Allegri’s return.
    But his future remains up in the air, as another expensive player whose form dipped dramatically last season.
    Pogba is currently away with France for Euro 2020.
    And he has refused to be drawn on his future during the tournament.
    He said: “I have one year left on my contract, everyone knows that.
    “There have been no concrete proposals for extensions. I’m still in Manchester.
    “After the season there was the vacation, so I didn’t sit down with the managers and coach. I’m focused on the Euro.”

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    Man Utd star Paul Pogba brutally shuts down PSG transfer talk after France team-mates joke about summer switch More

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    Paulo Fonseca could bring three Roma players with him to Tottenham as he plots transfer raid on old club

    PAULO FONSECA could reportedly bring three Roma players with him to Tottenham Hotspur this summer, if appointed by the North Londoners.The Portuguese has this week emerged as a leading candidate to replace his compatriot Jose Mourinho at Spurs.
    Paulo Fonseca could reunite with some of his former Roma playersCredit: AP
    Gianluca Mancini was a key man for Fonseca’s RomaCredit: AP
    Tottenham acknowledge that they are in serious need of a refresh this summer.
    And Fonseca could call upon trusted lieutenants.
    According to La Repubblica, there are three Roma stars that he has a ‘genuine passion for’.
    One of them is defender Gianluca Mancini.
    The Italian initially joined Roma on loan during the summer that Fonseca arrived from Shakhtar.
    And in their two seasons together, Mancini became integral to the playing out from the back that Fonseca demanded in Rome.
    In total Mancini, 25, has made 82 appearances for Roma, while winning six caps for the Azzurri.
    Fonseca is also a huge fan of creative midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini.
    Lorenzo Pellegrini bagged 11 goals for Roma last seasonCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Gonzalo Villar made his Spain debut this weekCredit: Rex

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    The 24-year-old joined Roma in 2017, and added more goals to his game last season.
    Pellegrini scored 11 times in all competitions, and has also won 17 Italy caps to date.
    The third player Fonseca could target is Spanish midfielder Gonzalo Villar.
    Having arrived from Elche last year, the 23-year-old made a superb impact at the heart of the team – even earning his first Spain cap this week.
    La Repubblica’s report admits, however, that it will be difficult for Tottenham to prise any of these three players from their current home.
    New sporting director Fabio Paratici is officially expected to take the reigns next week, but has already started planning Tottenham’s moves for what is set to be a crucial summer.
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    Tottenham ‘in advanced talks’ with Paulo Fonseca, the man AXED by Roma to make way for Jose Mourinho More

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    Granit Xhaka takes parting shot at Arsenal before £17m Roma transfer as he says ‘you are only as good as your team’

    SWITZERLAND skipper Granit Xhaka took a parting shot at Arsenal ahead of his move to Roma.Mikel Arteta’s side are open to allowing the 28-year-old to leave the club after five years.
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    Granit Xhaka has not always enjoyed the best of times with ArsenalCredit: Getty
    Jose Mourinho’s new side are close to agreeing a fee in the region of £17million for the midfielder.
    And Xhaka, 28, couldn’t resist a dig at the Gunners when questioned about his own form, insisting ‘you’re only as good as your team’.
    The bitter Gunners star said: “Football is a team sport and you’re only as good as your team.
    “Of course, it was a good year for me personally. I’ve always played and performed.
    “But the place at the end of the season is, of course, really bitter and disappointing for us.”
    “There were certainly a number of issues that didn’t go optimally, but there is now no point in looking back.”
    Xhaka has had a turbulent time in north London after telling fans to “f*** off” following being jeered off during a draw against Crystal Palace in 2019.
    But the Switzerland captain actually had one of his better seasons in an Arsenal shirt, playing 45 times.

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    The Swiss have reached the last-16 in their last three major tournaments and Xhaka believes they should not ruled out of this summer’s Euro 2020.
    He added: “I am convinced that we have developed significantly over time. I personally associate consistently positive experiences with the last 10 years.
    “Certainly there were disappointing moments in major tournaments, where we were partly unhappy. But otherwise I’m very happy about my time with this great team and I’m convinced that the development of this team is not over yet.”
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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    Xhaka tells Arsenal fans to ‘f*** off’ as captain is booed off pitch vs Palace More

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    Antonio Conte hints at why he rejected Tottenham and says he is ‘willing to stay at home if projects don’t convince me’

    ANTONIO CONTE says he snubbed Spurs because they lacked ambition – not cash.The ex-Chelsea boss seemed set to replace Jose Mourinho in North London after leaving Serie A title winners Inter Milan.
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    Antonio Conte failed to agree a move to Spurs after winning Serie ACredit: AFP
    Tottenham claim talks with the Italian about becoming their new boss broke down last week due to his “unrealistic” financial demands, which they feel could have left them on the brink
    But the former Chelsea chief insists HE halted negotiations because their project and vision for the future failed to convince him to make a Prem return.
    He told La Gazzetta dello Sport: “The market, the results achieved, the work done over the years make the figures.
    “But beyond this let me say that if my problem or my obsession was money, in the past I would have stayed where I was.
    “I would have accepted compromises and perhaps obtained new contracts, which can act as a golden umbrella.
    “But instead I look at the projects and I’m willing to stay at home if they don’t convince me.
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    “It is a question of vision, seriousness, intellectual honesty and principles from which I do not deviate.”
    Conte dramatically left Inter having been told that the club will need to make financial cutbacks this summer, despite winning a first Italian title in 11 years.
    His Scudetto success came against favourites Juventus, who he also led to glory as a coach and player.
    The former midfielder added: “In general, I like challenges and I have always accepted a lot of them, because even at big clubs I’ve never started as favourites when I took over.
    “But if there is something that does not convince me, I prefer not to accept or continue.”
    A multitude of Serie A clubs are changing coaches ahead of next season, including Juventus, Napoli, Fiorentina, Lazio and Roma.
    Mediocrity brings everyone closer. I, on the other hand, fight it and reject it.Antonio Conte

    Conte discussed what he considered an ‘an old and bad habit’ in Italian football of criticising those in charge despite their talents.
    He noted: “First we want excellence and after a while we tend to want to destroy them.
    “I could give many examples even in non-sporting fields but I don’t want to broaden the field. Everyone speaks, everyone judges and points the finger.
    “Maybe because mediocrity brings everyone closer. I, on the other hand, fight it and reject it.”
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    Inter Milan announce Simone Inzaghi as new manager to replace Antonio Conte after trophy-laden Lazio spell More

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    Kepa Arrizabalaga ‘set to be offered chance to end Chelsea nightmare with Maurizio Sarri transfer reunion at Lazio’

    LAZIO are interested in Chelsea misfit Kepa Arrizabalaga, according to reports.The error prone goalkeeper could be offered a reunion with former boss Maurizio Sarri this summer.
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    Kepa could be on the way out of Stamford BridgeCredit: Getty
    Maurizio Sarri has just been appointed Lazio managerCredit: PA
    Kepa, 26, lost his place to Edouard Mendy last season, despite the Blues having paid a goalkeeper world record £71million for his services in 2018.
    The Spaniard featured sporadically under Thomas Tuchel, but could be offered an escape route in the coming months.
    Sarri and Kepa famously clashed during the closing stages of the 2019 League Cup final – when the stopper refused to be replaced by Willy Caballero ahead of the penalty shoot-out.
    The Italian was visibly furious, and Chelsea went on to lose.
    But Kepa would appear to have made enough of a positive impression on Sarri that year for the new Lazio manager to want to work with him again.
    According to transfer expert Alfredo Pedulla, club president Claudio Lotito is chasing Kepa.
    Sarri does, however, have a good relationship with current Lazio No1 Pepe Reina from their time at Napoli together.
    The 62-year-old would happily work with Kepa again, but fears his new side could be priced out by his old one.
    Kepa infuriated Sarri during the 2019 League Cup finalCredit: PA:Press Association
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    Chelsea will want to recoup as much of the £71m they blew on Kepa as possible.
    But regardless, Lotito will try.
    Kepa has made 109 appearances for the Blues in total, including just 14 in all competitions during the 2020-21 season.
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    Kepa does superb triple save during Chelsea training More

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    How Chelsea could line-up next season with Achraf Hakimi and Erling Haaland transfers – but does Reece James fit in?

    CHELSEA are set for another summer of spending with Achraf Hakimi and Erling Haaland said to be the Blues’ top targets.And if Thomas Tuchel lands the two superstars his starting XI could look totally different but it would likely mean far less game time for Reece James and Timo Werner.
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    How Chelsea could line up if they land top summer targets Achraf Hakimi and Erling Haaland
    Inter Milan’s Moroccan star right-back Hakimi is valued at £70million by the Italian giants.
    The Blues and Paris Saint-Germain have both had bids of around £56m rejected by the Serie A champs, who are battling debts.
    And the West Londoners may now look to swing the deal their way by offering players in part-exchange.
    However, Hakimi’s arrival could spell trouble for England ace James who plays in the 22-year-old’s preferred position.
    But fortunately for James, Hakimi can also play on the left side of defence so the two could theoretically take to the field at the same time.
    Tuchel admitted he wants ‘two or three’ new players this summer to freshen things up and ‘challenge our ideas in training’.
    The financial fallout from Covid and a £220m transfer spree last summer will rein in Chelsea’s spending.
    But they will still go all out to land one or two marquee stars and flex their muscles as the new kings of Europe.
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    The Blues are among the clutch of top clubs chasing Borussia Dortmund’s superstar striker Haaland.
    He is one of the most wanted players in Europe this summer and is said to be keen on a switch to Chelsea.
    Dortmund are willing to listen to offers in the region of £150million this summer.
    That is because his bargain £68m release clause will come into effect by the end of next campaign.
    According to the Telegraph, Haaland would be open to holding talks over a potential switch to the European champions.
    But that could spell the end of Werner’s Chelsea career.
    Despite leading the line as the Blues claimed Champions League glory, many have questioned his ability after repeated struggles in front of goal.
    And with one of the best strikers on the planet in the side, the former RB Leipzig star would undoubtedly get a lot less minutes on the pitch.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

    Chelsea and PSG both want Inter Milan wing-back Achraf Hakimi More

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    Watch Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘worst free kick ever’ as Portugal captain mocked after Israel win ahead of Euro 2020

    CRISTIANO RONALDO was mocked for the ‘worst free-kick’ of his entire career during Portugal’s friendly with Israel. The Juventus superstar was renowned for his set-piece taking, especially earlier in his career with Manchester United and Real Madrid.

    Some think it was Ronaldo’s worst free-kick attempt everCredit: AFP
    Cristiano Ronaldo couldn’t hide his disappointmentCredit: AFP
    But he woefully dropped his standards in Portugal’s final game before the delayed European Championships.
    The legendary forward, 36, completed his iconic run up to the ball but riffled one right into the empty stands.
    Ronaldo was ruthlessly slammed by fans online, who called for him to stop taking free-kicks all together.
    One tweeted: “Who has video of that Ronaldo free kick? That’s the worst free kick I’ve ever seen him take.”
    Another commented: “Why does he continue to take them?”
    One posted: “He really needs to let go of the free kick duties now.”
    Another wrote: “He shouldn’t be allowed to take free-kicks once the crowd returns. It’s too dangerous. The ball can literally hit anyone.”

    He shouldn’t be allowed to take free-kicks once the crowd returns. It’s too dangerous. The ball can literally hit anyone. 💀 https://t.co/K4D634f514— Harvey (@LaPulga__10) June 10, 2021

    Who has video of that Ronaldo free kick? That’s the worst free kick I’ve ever seen him take 🤣🤣🤣— ElPadrino (@unDSthemkickz) June 9, 2021

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    The failed free-kick mattered little, as Ronaldo was on the scoresheet in the 4-0 win, with Bruno Fernandes scoring twice.
    Manchester City’s Juan Cancelo also grabbed a goal giving Portugal a boost going into the Euros.
    They have a what many consider ‘The Group of Death’ with fixtures against France, Germany and Hungary.
    Portugal open against Hungary and their manager Fernando Santos admitted his side must improve before next Tuesday’s clash.
    He told RTP: “In the second I changed things a little, I tried to put one more man next to Ronaldo and two midfielders coming in from the inside, but it didn’t work.
    “We started to miss a lot of passes and the ball circulation was not so good. There are many things to improve, certainly.
    “Now lets rest and calmly prepare for the Euros. This team has a huge will and an excellent team spirit.”
    Cristiano Ronaldo ‘contacts Man Utd, PSG and Real Madrid to find out transfer plans’ as he considers shock Juventus exit More

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    Watford ramp up free transfer bid for River Plate striker Rafael Borre for Premier League return but Lazio also keen

    WATFORD are edging closer to signing River Plate striker Rafael Borre on a free transfer, according to reports.But the Hornets reportedly face competition from Italian giants Lazio who are also said to be keen on the Colombian.
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    Watford are close to signing River Plate striker Rafael Borre on a free transferCredit: Getty
    Borre, 25, is leaving Argentine side River Plate — where he played in the Copa Libertadores final in 2019 — and wants to come back to Europe.
    His contract expires on June 30 and despite the Buenos Aires based side wanting to extend, the forward will leave El Monumental.
    The Colombia international – who scored eight goals in 13 league appearances last season – was with Atletico Madrid early in his career before heading back to South America for more regular action.
    Watford boss Xisco Munoz is looking for a couple of new strikers and Borre would fit in neatly with his limited budget.
    The Columbian would become Watford’s fourth summer signing after midfielder Imran Louza from Nantes, winger Kwadwo Baah from Rochdale and defender Mattie Pollock from Grimsby Town.
    The Hornets signed Borre’s countryman Carlos Sanchez in the promotion run-in and could land the forward.
    Watford’s recruitment drive comes after they finished the season second in the Championship to secure an immediate return to the Premier League.
    But they will have to battle Lazio for his signature, according to TNT.
    The Romans appointed Maurizio Sarri as their new boss with a hilarious cigarette tweet on Wednesday.
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    The 62-year-old will take charge of the Serie A giants and they poked fun at the ex-Chelsea boss’ chain smoking habit on Twitter.
    Sarri has reportedly been offered a two-year deal worth around £2.5million-a-season.
    Earlier this week it emerged Sarri is planning to raid his old side Chelsea and wants to bring Marcos Alonso and Ruben Loftus-Cheek to Lazio.
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    England’s Raheem Sterling and Jordan Henderson will get MBEs in the Queen’s birthday honours this week More