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      Claudio Marchisio begs Man Utd star Paul Pogba to return to Juventus in sensational transfer to ‘be happy again’

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      CLAUDIO MARCHISIO has begged Paul Pogba to make a sensational return to Juventus to be ‘happy again’.
      Pogba, 27, spent four successful years with the Old Lady between 2012 and 2016 before his record-breaking £89million move back to Manchester United.

      Claudio Marchisio has urged Paul Pogba to head back to Juventus and ‘be happy’ againCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      But he revealed during the current international break that this season has been ‘the most difficult period in my career’.
      And his former Juventus team-mate Marchisio called on the Frenchman to head back to Turin and rediscover his joy again.
      Pogba and Marchisio won four Serie A titles and two Coppa Italias together in four years.
      The Italian – who spent 25 years on the books at Juve – replied to a tweet Pogba sent on Monday reading: “Head up, look forward,” along with a photo of himself in mid air during France training.

      Marchisio wrote: “Please @paulpogba come to @juventusfc… you will be happy again – me too,” along with a series of emojis including a wink face.
      Pogba opened up on how tough he is finding life at the moment with his comments while away with world champions France.
      He said: “I had never known such a difficult period in my career.
      “The France team is a breath of fresh air, the group is exceptional, it’s magic.”

      Despite being fully fit all season, Pogba has started just five of United’s 12 matches this season, managing a goal in the Carabao Cup and assists against Paris Saint-Germain and RB Leipzig.
      The two matches he completed the full 90 minutes were the home defeats against Spurs and Arsenal, conceding penalties in both.
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer overlooked Pogba for the crunch game at Everton last time out when he desperately needed a win, instead opting for Fred and Scott McTominay to sit in midfield behind Bruno Fernandes.
      Pogba’s national team boss Didier Deschamps recognised his midfielder’s current dip and cited the struggles at Old Trafford.
      He said: “He’s not in his best form, of course. 
      “It’s hard to remember to be positive. Obviously, he’s not in one of his better periods.
      “Like all players who have a club situation that is not positive, they are also impacted mentally. I know him well enough and it can happen at some points.
      “We cannot, however, say that he is fulfilled in what he does at his club.”
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

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      Jamie Carragher calls for Man Utd to cash in on Paul Pogba More

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      Arsenal ‘offered Christian Eriksen in swap transfer for Granit Xhaka’ as Inter look to offload ex-Tottenham flop

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      ARSENAL could bring Christian Eriksen back to North London in a swap deal involving Granit Xhaka, according to reports.
      Inter Milan are considering selling the Dane only a year after signing him from Tottenham.

      Christian Eriksen is reportedly likely to leave Inter Milan in JanuaryCredit: Reuters

      The idea of swapping the Dane for Granit Xhaka has been floated in ItalyCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      According to Corriere dello Sport, Eriksen will be put up for sale in January unless he can pull of a considerable turnaround under coach Antonio Conte.
      The pair have sparked a war of words in the media with the midfielder speaking of his disappointment at being left out the side.
      The 28-year-old has started just 12 Serie A games for the club and is yet to register a goal or assist in 2020-21.
      That has led to Inter reportedly seeking a good return on their £17million signing.

      One idea that is said to be under consideration at the Giuseppe Meazza is a swap with Arsenal for Granit Xhaka.
      Conte wants to bring a defensive midfielder to Milan but first-choice signing N’Golo Kante is not available from Chelsea.
      Xhaka, 28, is seen as a good alternative and Inter may be able to convince the Swiss star to move given Thomas Partey’s increased prominence in the Gunners’ side.
      No bid has been launched yet and Eriksen is still thought to have time to improve before Inter commit to a sale.

      Tuesday’s Corriere dello Sport links Eriksen to the Gunners
      Should the deal be completed, the ex-Spurs star will join a select group of players to turn out for both North London clubs – including Pat Jennings, Emmanuel Adebayor and Sol Campbell.
      During the international break, he complained to Danish media that his move to Inter has been far from perfect.
      He told TV2: “This isn’t what I dreamt of.
      “All players want to play as much as possible, but the coach decides who gets to go on the pitch.
      “It is a strange situation, as the fans want to see me playing more and so would I, but the coach has different ideas and as a player I have to respect that.”
      He later added: “I don’t want to sit on the bench for the whole season. I hope this isn’t the coach’s or the club’s intention.”

      Inter boss Conte has been unapologetic in rotating Eriksen in and out his side, with the playmaker only completing the full 90 minutes twice during his Serie A stay.
      He told La Gazzetta dello Sport: “All the choices I make are always and only for the good of Inter, not for that of the individual player.
      “I am a hammer, but this is the only way to grow. Without a culture of victory, you can never get to success, but that comes through work and discipline.
      “When I leave Inter one day, I hope in the distant future, I am sure of one thing: the Inter I will leave will be better than the one I found, from all points of view. That has always happened in every club I have been to.”
      ⚽ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news from The Emirates More

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      Inter Milan enter Georginio Wijnaldum transfer race and will fight Barcelona for Liverpool star

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      INTER MILAN have entered the transfer race for Georginio Wijnaldum, according to reports.
      Barcelona appeared to be in pole position to land the Liverpool star but could not agree a deal over the summer.

      Inter Milan and Barcelona are both chasing Georginio Wijnaldum who is out contract next summerCredit: Getty – Pool

      And according to Calciomercarto, the San Siro outfit are hoping to swoop.
      The report suggests Inter CEO Giuseppe Marotta has placed Wijnaldum on his wish list.
      As things stand, he has only made a request for information but an official approach to Liverpool could come within weeks.
      Wijnaldum turned 30 last week and is out of contract at the end of the season so needs to make a decision on his future – after again refusing to commit to Liverpool.

      Jurgen Klopp is understandably keen to keep the Dutch midfielder, who has 19 goals in 199 Reds appearances.
      It is thought he has been offered a 40 per cent pay rise from £75,000 to £105,000 to stay at Anfield.
      But after winning the Premier League and Champions League with the Kop club and now in his sixth season in England, he may be ready for change.
      Inter, though, would need to clear out some of their unwanted players to make room for Wijnaldum with midfielders Christian Eriksen, Matias Vecino and Radja Nainggolan all on the chopping block.

      They would still face a battle for his signature from Barcelona, though.
      After missing out on him in the summer, the Nou Camp side will no doubt resurrect their interest in January – whether that be for an immediate transfer or to arrange a pre-contract deal for the summer.
      New Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman has not had things all his own way since arriving at the LaLiga giants.
      But reuniting with Wijnaldum – who played some of his best football under Koeman for the Netherlands national team – could help him get on track.
      The report adds Koeman has made the request to sign the ex-Newcastle midfielder to Barcelona chiefs.
      Despite his age, the board are thought to be keen but their dire financial position could make any deal impossible.

      Liverpool player Gini Wijnaldum catches fan tweeting about him on Easy Jet flight More

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      Juventus eye January transfer for Wolves winger Pedro Neto after targeting his teammate Adama Traore

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      JUVENTUS are reportedly weighing up a January move for Wolves winger Pedro Neto – after also eyeing up his teammate Adama Traore.
      The 20-year-old has had a strong start to the season after adapting to life at Molineux last season.

      Neto is attracting interest from some of Europe’s biggest sidesCredit: EPA

      He has also managed to cement a regular place in the first team with others, like Traore, seeing more time on the bench.
      And according to Tuttosport, Neto is attracting the interest of European giants Juventus who are looking to invest in younger players.
      The Old Lady believe Neto has big potential and could develop into a huge star.
      Along with his progress in the Premier League, the attacker gained his first international cap for Portugal this week in a 7-0 win over Andorra.

      The report claims the Serie A side have already opened talks with Wolves as they try and force through a January move.
      It is believed super-agent Jorge could potentially be crucial to helping a deal go through, given his close links to the club, many of their Portuguese stars and Juve forward Cristiano Ronaldo.
      The reports comes months after Juventus were linked to Neto’s teammate Adama Traore.
      It was claimed the Italian champions were willing to part with goalkeeper Mattia Perin as well as defenders Daniele Rugani and Cristian Romero just to land Traore.

      Either Wolves player could be lining-up as a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo, who Juventus have been rumoured as willing to let go.
      Reports suggests the club are looking to cash-in for the star, who they feel could still command one last pay day.
      Manchester United could be ready to make a move for Ronaldo to make an extraordinary return to Old Trafford.

      Wolves star Adama Traore shows off incredible ripped physique as he works out at home More

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      Chelsea set for £16m transfer boost after ‘agreeing deal in principle’ to sell Tiemoue Bakayoko to Napoli

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      NAPOLI have reportedly reached a gentleman’s agreement to sign Tiemoue Bakayoko on a permanent deal from Chelsea.
      The midfielder joined the Serie A club on loan in October and has quickly become an integral part of their title push.

      ⚠️ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

      Tiemoue Bakayoko has impressed since signing for Napoli on loanCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Gennaro Gattuso’s side sit third ahead of a clash with leaders AC Milan.
      Having first played under the Italian at the San Siro, Bakayoko looks set to extend his time under Gattuso.
      According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Napoli did not agree a fee for the 26-year-old when signing from Chelsea.

      But the two clubs are said to have now reached an agreement in principle over a £16million move in the summer.
      The Neapolitans reportedly want to renew coach Gattuso’s contract to 2023 before they complete the Bakayoko deal.
      And the Frenchman is thought to be loving his time in Naples, living by the sea with a similar lifestyle to the one he enjoyed at Monaco earlier in his career.

      Gattuso has played Bakayoko in all four of the Serie A matches since his deadline day move, with two outings in the Europa League.

      After an impressive debut against Atalanta, the ex-midfielder said: “Bakayoko has this technique that is all his own, because he has this first touch and long legs that make him break away from you in the midfield and he’s tough to catch.”
      Chelsea will not make a profit on the player, having signed him for £36m in 2017.
      A single season under Antonio Conte earned poor reviews before loan stays at Milan and Monaco.

      But the Blues will be able to pocket the cash and look towards the transfer market.
      Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng is reportedly a target for a free transfer in the summer.
      Further outgoings are likely to be the order of the day with Antonio Rudiger, Marcos Alonso and Emerson Palmieri touted for moves.

      Chelsea star Thiago Silva shows off his skills in the training ground More

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      How Juventus selling Cristiano Ronaldo could be a ‘bargain’ after total £275m spent on transfer and wages

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO leaving Juventus may end up being a ‘bargain’, according to reports in Italy.
      Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain are linked to the winger following claims that Juve are considering cashing in.

      ⚠️ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Cristiano Ronaldo may leave Juventus at the end of his third year in ItalyCredit: Getty – Contributor
      The coronavirus pandemic has hit the Serie A giants’ finances hard, opening the door to a potential sale.
      Corriere dello Sport tally up Juventus’ total spend on Ronaldo at £275million.
      That includes the £104m transfer fee and £57m annual wage packet, which earns the 35-year-old his post-tax £535,000 weekly salary.

      Furthermore, he boosted match ticket sales by roughly 17 per cent in his first year as well as the small matter of 71 goals and two Scudetti to date.
      Shirt sales boomed at the news of Ronaldo’s arrival and, although proceeds from individual jerseys go to Adidas, his pulling power helped strike last year’s new eight-year deal with the manufacturer worth £92m.
      But the Italian newspaper also highlights plenty of areas Juve would not suffer from the striker’s exit.

      How Man Utd could line-up next season with Ronaldo
      The pandemic has diminished even the biggest stars’ ability to sell merchandise and ticket sales have been slashed to zero.

      No one else in the Juventus squad earns anything like as much as Ronaldo, who takes home reportedly 25 per cent of the team’s total wage bill.
      Letting the Portugal international go with a year left on his contract would also save £57m in wages, while bringing in a chunky transfer fee from a United or PSG.
      The Ligue 1 champions have thrown their hat into the ring to sign the star with the Red Devils reportedly in talks.

      PSG sporting director Leonardo said earlier this month: “Today in football we do not know what will happen.
      “Maybe tomorrow Cristiano Ronaldo wakes up and says I want to go play elsewhere.
      “Who can buy him? It’s a closed circle. PSG enters this circle. Usually it is about opportunities, situations.
      “The transfer window, we have to prepare for it and that’s what we do. We have our priorities, our lists, but something unforeseen can happen.”

      Manager Andrea Pirlo only pockets £1.6million-per-year after taking charge of the club

      Man Utd ‘in talks over sensational Cristiano Ronaldo transfer return next season as Juventus look to offload superstar’ More

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      Liverpool set to be beaten to David Alaba transfer by Juventus as Reds desperately seek cover for Van Dijk and Gomez

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      JUVENTUS are pushing hard to sign Liverpool and Manchester City target David Alaba, according to reports in Italy.
      The Bayern Munich defender is out of contact in June and appears to be heading to the Allianz Arena exit door.

      David Alaba netted in Bayern Munich’s recent win over Borussia DortmundCredit: EPA

      According to Tuttosport, Juve are very keen on the Austrian as a replacement for 36-year-old star Giorgio Chiellini.
      Andrea Pirlo is intent on signing a centre-back for the left side of a defensive partnership, with left-footed Alaba a convincing option.
      The Austrian, 28, has been a star of Bundesliga since breaking out at Bayern in 2011.
      An extremely versatile player, Alaba started out as a midfielder before moving to left-back.

      But all ten of his appearances this campaign have been in central defence, a position he has taken up since Alphonso Davies’ emergence.
      Real Madrid and Manchester City are also named by the Italian media as interested in Alaba.

      What Liverpool are missing during Virgil van Dijk’s absence
      Pep Guardiola added Nathan Ake and Ruben Dias to his squad in the summer, having suffered from a defensive injury crisis last season.
      This time around, it is Liverpool who are struggling with a number of stars out of action.

      Virgil van Dijk is not expected to play again this season following his Merseyside Derby tangle with Jordan Pickford.

      The Reds hope to have Joe Gomez back by the spring while Trent Alexander-Arnold and Fabinho are out for a few weeks.
      Also linked to the Premier League champions are Napoli star Kalidou Koulibaly and Olympiacos bad boy Ruben Semedo.
      Meanwhile, Juventus are said to be keen on Diego Carlos of Sevilla and Fiorentina’s Nikola Milenkovic if Alaba does not arrive.

      Bayern Munich’s David Alaba show the best way to stay active with his fitness regime More

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      Usain Bolt reckons ‘super athlete’ Cristiano Ronaldo could beat him in a race despite being fastest man ever

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      FASTEST man of all time Usain Bolt thinks ‘super athlete’ Cristiano Ronaldo could beat him in a race right now.
      Bolt broke the 100m record in the 2009 World Championships clocking a world record 9.58 second time.

      Usain Bolt thinks Cristiano Ronaldo could beat him in a race right now.Credit: Rex Features

      Ronaldo was called a ‘super athlete’ by record breaking sprinter Bolt Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      But the Jamaican legend, 34, retired from athletics three years ago, while Ronaldo, 35, is actively leading the line for Juventus.
      As a result, Bolt backed the former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward to beat him in a dash at the moment.
      He told told Marca Sport Weekend: “For sure Cristiano [is faster].
      “For me he works out every day, he is a super athlete.

      “He’s always on top of his game, he works hard and he is focussed.
      “Right now I definitely think he would be faster than me.”
      Bolt is a United fan and supported Ronaldo during the Portugal icon’s Old Trafford days.
      The sprinter himself had aspirations of succeeding in a footballing career.

      After retirement, Bolt trained with Norwegian side Stromsgodset, and played a friendly against Norway’s Under-19 team up as a forward.
      Later that year, he had a trial with Australian team Central Coast Mariners and after a couple of friendlies was offered a contract.
      But following eight weeks he hung up his boots and in 2019 confirmed he would not longer pursue a career in football.

      Man Utd ‘in talks over sensational Cristiano Ronaldo transfer return next season as Juventus look to offload superstar’ More