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      Man Utd refused AC Milan transfer buy option for Diogo Dalot with club ‘convinced he will be top full-back in future’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED reportedly refused to include an option-to-buy clause in Diogo Dalot’s loan deal with AC Milan as the club remain ‘convinced’ he will be a top full-back in the future.
      The defender left for a season-long loan at San Siro at the beginning of the month.

      Dalot impressed in AC Milan’s Europa League victory over Sparta PragueCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      In his short stay there, he has already impressed AC Milan chiefs, not least last night when he stole the spotlight in a Europa League win over Sparta Prague.
      Dalot grabbed both a goal and an assist in a dominant 3-0 win for the hosts.
      Reports say Old Trafford bosses always recognised his potential, despite his indifferent form with the Red Devils.
      It is main reason why the club refused to insert an option-to-buy clause into his loan deal, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

      That would’ve allowed AC Milan to buy him for a pre-agreed fee when his temporary stay ended.
      Instead, United officials are keen to keep him at the club permanently as they are sure he will develop further as a player.
      Milan are reported to want him on a permanent deal but their chances now appear slim.

      If the 21-year-old does return to Manchester, he faces a battle to get regular football in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team in the near future.

      Aaron Wan-Bissaka has continued his impressive form this season, including an outstanding defensive performance against PSG.
      In the other role Dalot can play, Alex Telles has made an encouraging start to life at left-back since United swooped for him on deadline day.

      Man Utd star Diogo Dalot takes on Burno Fernandes in goal scoring lockdown challenge More

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      Real Madrid ‘considering transfer swap with Isco and Vinicius Jr in exchange for Juventus star Paulo Dybala’

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      REAL MADRID are considering allowing stars Isco and Vinicius Jr to leave the club in an exchange deal for Juventus ace Paulo Dybala, reports say.
      The Argentine ace has long been linked with the LaLiga champions and Zinedine Zidane is believed to be keen on bringing him in.

      Zidane has long been an admirer of Dybala, who can play as a striker or in the no.10 role Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Isco’s performances have been heavily criticised this season Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      But reports suggest the French boss will have to make sacrifices in order to bring in the 26-year-old striker, who is highly-rated across Europe.
      Italian outlet Calciomercato claim Isco and Vinicius Jr could join Juventus in order to make way for the move as Zidane bids to bolster his strike force in the next window.
      The Los Blancos boss has tried to capture Dybala in previous windows but has failed despite huge fees reportedly being involved.
      A two-for-one swap is believed to be more likely to challenge Juventus and manager Andrea Pirlo’s resistance.

      It could also prove beneficial for Madrid, who have seen the two players involved on their side of the deal hit the headlines in the past few days.
      Club stalwart Karim Benzema was caught on camera appearing to tell team-mates not to pass to Vinicius Jr during their 2-2 Champions League draw with Borussia Mönchengladbach.
      Zidane’s side went into half-time 1-0 down and French TV station Telefoot reports he told left-back Ferland Mendy “don’t play with him. On my mother’s life, he [Vinicius] is playing against us.”
      Although he doesn’t reference the Brazilian winger in particular, Spanish publication Marca report how Vinicius Jr was the topic of conversation.

      Talented Vinicius, 20, duels with Sergino Dest in El Clasico, days before he clashes with Benzema in a Champions League gameCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Meanwhile, Isco alarmed fans as training photos emerged this week of the once trim midfielder looking out of shape.
      He is also reported to have drawn the ire of captain Sergio Ramos who has taken issue with his string of poor performances this season.
      And the 28-year-old has also been seen on camera blasting his manager’s substitutions in just the latest demonstration of behind-the-scenes turmoil at the club.

      The form of Isco is in huge contrast to Dybala, who notched up 11 goals and 11 assists in 33 Serie A games for Juve last season.
      He was heavily linked to Tottenham during the last transfer window but remained in Turin.
      In the last few days, Chelsea are also reported to have re-entered the race to sign him.

      Inside Karim Benzema’s astonishing tunnel bust-up as he tells Real Madrid team-mates not to pass to Vinicius More

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      Ex-Arsenal flop Gervinho wanted by Inter Milan in January transfer from Parma as competition for Romelu Lukaku

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      GERVINHO is a shock transfer target for Inter Milan, according to reports.
      The Italian giants are thought to be keen to bring in another option in attack to ease the load on Romelu Lukaku.

      Inter Milan are weighing up a move for former Arsenal forward GervinhoCredit: Rex Features

      And Calciomercato reckon Antonio Conte could make a move for the former Arsenal flop.
      The report adds Inter did try and land the forward in the closing hours of the summer window but a deal could not get sorted in time.
      Gervinho, 33, is currently at Parma, where his contract runs out in 2022.

      He managed nine goals in 32 appearances for the Serie A side last season – despite allegedly going AWOL in February – but is yet to get off the mark in four games this term.
      The Ivorian scored 11 goals in 63 Arsenal matches between 2011 and 2013 before joining Roma.
      And Inter are confident they would be able to negotiate a deal when the January window opens thanks to the strong relations between them and Parma.
      Conte has Lautauro Martinez, Alexis Sanchez and Andrea Pinamonti at his disposal as other attacking options on top of Lukaku, who has scored seven in seven.

      Argentine Martinez – linked with a move to Barcelona – has three in seven to be the second-top scorer but Sanchez and Pinamonti are yet to get off the mark.

      Romelu Lukaku has seven goals this season while Lautaro Martinez is Inter’s next highest scorer on threeCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Only Danilo D’Ambrosio, Achraf Hakimi and Roberto Gagliardini have added goals for Inter this season.
      It is that lack of goal threat that was particularly apparent on Wednesday as they were unable to break Shakhtar Donetsk’s defence in their Champions League goalless draw.

      Romelu Lukaku shows off his striking skills in Belgium team training More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi: The ‘who is better’ debate ended once and for all by those who played alongside BOTH

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO or Lionel Messi?
      For well over a decade, fans have bickered in pubs, parks and playgrounds about which superstar is better.

      Who is truly the greatest of all-time: Messi or Ronaldo?

      Now more than ever supporters seem to be arguing the case for their favourite on social media.
      Both have enjoyed glittering careers, winning loads of trophies, scoring hundreds of goals and earning piles of personal accolades.
      In truth there is no way us mere mortals can truly know whether Ronaldo or Messi is the best of all-time.
      So we’ve gone to those who know them best to find out who they think is No1.

      Below are 12 stars who played alongside both during their careers – and who THEY believe to be the best ever…
      PAULO DYBALA

      Dybala is a current team-mate of Messi and Ronaldo – and couldn’t separate the two
      CURRENTLY a club team-mate of Ronaldo and international pal of Messi – Dybala refused to commit to either when asked which of the two was best.
      The Juventus and Argentina ace diplomatically claimed: “It is impossible to make a comparison between the two of them or say who is the best.
      “They are at a level on a par with each other and well above everybody else and that has been the case for several years.”

      RESULT: Draw
      DECO

      Deco couldn’t split Ronaldo and Messi
      THE midfield maestro played alongside Messi during the Argentine’s early days at the Nou Camp – while featuring alongside Ronaldo for Portugal.
      But when asked to end the “who’s better” debate, Deco opted against naming EITHER – instead choosing former Barcelona pal Ronaldinho.
      Deco revealed: “From the outset, it is clear that Leo and Cristiano are the greatest.
      “Especially because no one thought they could take so many years to this level, but the one that impressed me most despite not being so decisive was Ronaldinho.
      “For me, he will always be the best.
      “We met in Barcelona and immediately connected with him, the moments I lived with him are difficult to compare to anything. It was magical.”
      RESULT: Draw
      ANGEL DI MARIA

      Di Maria considers it an honour to play alongside Messi
      THE Paris Saint-Germain winger teamed up with Ronaldo at Real Madrid – where they won the 2014 Champions League – and has played many times with Messi for his country.
      But on who was better, Di Maria claimed Messi was the one, saying: “It was a dream to have the possibility to play with [Wayne] Rooney, [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic, Cristiano [Ronaldo], Leo [Messi]…
      “Leo is the best of the four.
      “With all the great players I have played with, it’s hard to choose. But if I had to pick one, it would be Leo.
      “Messi is the best in the world – there is no question about that.
      “When I am an old man I will tell my grandchildren bedtime stories about when I won the Champions League, hopefully when I won the World Cup…
      “But most of all I will tell them their grandfather used to play with Lionel Messi.”
      RESULT: Messi
      GABRIEL HEINZE

      Heinze was the only star to play alongside both who opted for Ronaldo
      THE Argentine left-back played with Ronaldo at Manchester United and Messi for his country – but their paths would have crossed at Newell’s Old Boys too, when Messi was a lad.
      Over the years, Heinze has had his say on both.
      In 2008, he claimed: “If I had to pay for one player I would choose [Ronaldo].
      “I don’t think Cristiano will get any better as a footballer, he is already next to God in his ability.”
      But in 2016, he added: “Leo is inexplicable. Footballistically, he does not come from this planet. And as a person, he leads such a quiet life that is admirable.”
      Despite his glowing praise, technically he did not overturn his decision to name Ronaldo in 2008…
      RESULT: Ronaldo
      GONZALO HIGUAIN

      Higuain currently plays alongside both Messi and Ronaldo
      A team-mate of Ronaldo’s at Juve – after a spell together at Real Madrid – and Messi for Argentina, Higuain knows all about both.
      And he revealed: “[Ronaldo and I] had already played together with Real. Many years have passed, and I have found another player, a more mature person, with a family.
      “I enjoyed playing alongside him before and I am glad that we are back together.
      “I’m a forward and I have the chance to play with Messi. It’s a privilege to play alongside him.
      “Every time he gets the ball you need to be on your toes because you know that at any moment he can give you a great ball or pull your marker away from you.
      “He does things that a striker can anticipate but a defender can’t.”
      RESULT: Draw
      FERNANDO GAGO

      Fernando Gago opted for Messi over Ronaldo having played with both
      ANOTHER former Real team-mate of Ronaldo who played alongside Messi for Argentina, Gago was in no doubts as to is the better player.
      Gago claimed: “For me he [Ronaldo] is not No1. For me, the best in the world is Messi because of the way he plays, moves with the ball and changes matches.
      “Messi has incredible ability and I love the way that he plays.
      “We know that he has the ability to win a match in half a second and that gives you peace of mind.
      “In every game I have the feeling that he can make us win at any time. Messi’s way of leading is with the ball, sometimes a glance is enough.
      “He has an incredible personality, he understands the game perfectly, he has fought for 14 years to be the best without letting himself down, and that shows how he is.
      “He is the best I have seen in my life, without a doubt.”
      RESULT: Messi
      EZEQUIEL GARAY

      Garay opted for his fellow Argentine Messi over Ronaldo
      YET another former Los Blancos team-mate of Ronaldo who starred on the international scene with Messi, Garay also ranks Leo as the No1.
      Garay revealed: “When people ask me who is the best player ever, I say Leo.
      “From the first time I saw him with Argentina Under-15s to this day he continues to amaze me. He has no limit.”
      RESULT: Messi
      ANDRE GOMES

      Gomes spent time with Messi at Barcelona and still plays with Ronaldo for Portugal now
      THE Everton midfielder spent two years playing alongside Messi at Barcelona, and is captained by Ronaldo for the Portuguese national team.
      And he claimed: “[Ronaldo] is a very important player, who is always present and ready to play.
      “He is very serious about the responsibility of leading our country, we have great spirit, and he’s a great example for all of us.
      “Everyone knows that Messi is very, very good. He does things in games that you cannot explain; he just knows different things and can do it.
      “In training it is a show, because every day he can invent something new.
      “You think you’re used to it, but there is always one day you go to the dressing room surprised by something he has done.”
      RESULT: Draw

      HENRIK LARSSON

      Larsson opted for Messi over Ronaldo thanks to their time at Barca
      THE Swedish legend won the Champions League with Messi, early in the Barca star’s career, and played 13 times alongside Ronaldo during his loan spell at Old Trafford.
      But Larsson knows who he’d choose, saying: “Cristiano is unlucky to be playing at the same time as Messi.
      “Ronaldo is a very good player, but Messi is even better.
      “He is out of this world. He’s so good that it’s almost incredible.
      “When you see him with the ball at his feet it’s hard to believe that anybody else could do the same. He’s a fantastic player to see.”
      RESULT: Messi
      GERARD PIQUE

      Gerard Pique chose long-standing Barca pal Messi over Ronaldo
      THE Spaniard played with Ronaldo early in his own Man Utd career and is now a long-serving team-mate of Messi at the Nou Camp.
      He has his favourite though, saying: “Cristiano is a perfect machine, a hard worker who always wants to improve.
      “I always said that Messi has some talent that no one has.
      “For me it’s like Messi is not human but [Ronaldo] is the best of the humans.”
      RESULT: Messi
      NELSON SEMEDO

      Semedo is a former team-mate of Messi, while he plays with Ronaldo for Portugal
      HAVING won back-to-back LaLiga crowns at Barcelona before moving to Wolves, along with the Uefa Nations League with Portugal, Semedo has enjoyed success with both Messi and Ronaldo.
      And he claimed: “Real Madrid have noticed [Ronaldo’s] absence a lot.
      “I cannot say that it was bad for [Barcelona] that Cristiano left. With him it would have been a more difficult league for us, more competitive.
      “He is a player that requires a lot of attention and care.
      “Messi is spectacular. It’s a privilege to play with him, he always surprises, he’s from another planet.”
      While the quotes suggest he favours Messi, there is no concrete evidence to prove it, so this goes down as a draw.
      RESULT: Draw
      CARLOS TEVEZ

      Carlos Tevez has partnered both forwards up front during his career
      A FORMER Man Utd team-mate of Ronaldo during some trophy-laden years and a long-serving Argentina colleague of Messi, Tevez knows both stars very well.
      On the debate, he said: “Cristiano always stopped in the gym after training: for him it is an obsession and, being the best in everything.
      “Messi plays another sport. For Messi to score three goals [in any given game] is normal.”
      Much like Semedo, while it feels Tevez would sway towards Messi, he’s not come out and said it just yet…
      RESULT: Draw
      SO WHO IS THE WINNER?

      Lionel Messi takes the win over old frenemy Cristiano Ronaldo, according to those who’ve played with bothCredit: Reuters
      WITH six draws from the 12 players, many were either unsure of who is truly better or unwilling to rock the boat.
      But of the six who did commit to giving an answer, FIVE chose Messi, with just one player picking Ronaldo.
      So that settles it then?
      Maybe not. You can have your say with our exclusive poll. Or just sit back and enjoy watching them play.

      (Can’t see the poll above? Tap/click here to open the article in a new tab.)

      Watch Cristiano Ronaldo keep up fitness with run in coronavirus quarantine as Juventus star pulls off ‘Siu’ celebration More

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      Watch Cristiano Ronaldo keep up fitness with run in coronavirus quarantine as Juventus star pulls off ‘Siu’ celebration

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO still got to wear his Juventus kit this week as he exercised at home during coronavirus quarantine.
      Unable to play in Wednesday night’s clash with Barcelona, the winger got in on the action with his trademark ‘Siuuu’ celebration for Instagram.

      Cristiano Ronaldo jogged on the treadmill before pulling off his ‘Siuuu’ celebrationCredit: https://www.instagram.com/cristiano/

      The forward gave his team-mates a thumbs up before they faced BarcelonaCredit: https://www.instagram.com/cristiano/

      Although Ronaldo, 35, is not said to be suffering from any coronavirus symptoms, he continues to test positive for the illness.
      Earlier in the week, he was diagnosed for a third time and hastily deleted a furious comment attacking PCR testing.
      But Ronaldo was back in good spirits as he jogged on a treadmill in his Juve kit.
      The Portuguese star leapt off to produce his trademark celebration, before turning and delivering a message to his Juve team-mates.

      He captioned the post: “Come on guys! All together! Until the end!”
      The Bianconeri suffered a 2-0 defeat to Barcelona in Turin, Alvaro Morata having three goals ruled out for offside.
      With viewers denied the chance to see Lionel Messi and Ronaldo go head-to-head, their GOAT debate spilled over on to Twitter.
      Posting a picture of their superstar in action, the LaLiga giants wrote: “We are glad you were able to see the GOAT on your pitch, Juventus!”

      You probably looked it up in the wrong dictionary. We’ll bring you the right one at Camp Nou 🔍📖
      — JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) October 28, 2020

      A cheeky kiss emoji followed with the Italian club’s social media team vowing that Ronaldo will have his day.
      They replied: “You probably looked it up in the wrong dictionary. We’ll bring you the right one at Camp Nou.”
      Indeed, Barcelona host Juventus on December 8 to round off Group G, which both sides are expected to qualify from.
      Fans will hope Ronaldo finally returns a negative test by then to face up to his longtime Ballon d’Or rival.

      Cristiano Ronaldo earns more money than FOUR Serie A teams as Juventus squad’s wages revealed More

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      Fans leave pig’s head and three crosses on pitch of crisis club Livorno as Serie C chief slams ‘unacceptable’ threat

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      A PIG’S HEAD has been left on the pitch of Italian team Livorno in a chilling message to the club’s owners.
      The Serie C side are enduring a slow start to the season following an ownership saga that continues to engulf the team.

      A very macabre scene at Livorno.A severed pig’s head found on the pitch in front of three crosses with names of club directors and banner in the background which reads: “You will pay for everything. You will pay dearly.” pic.twitter.com/I94RuDeOHO
      — Andrew Cesare (@AndrewCesare) October 21, 2020

      Francesco Ghirelli led the criticism of the threat against Livorno’s ownersCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      And angry ultras made their feelings known last week with a horrific message on the pitch of their Stadio Armando Picchi.
      A pig’s head was laid in front of three crosses, each bearing the name of a club director.
      According to journalist Andrew Cesare, the banner behind the display read: “You will pay for everything. You will pay dearly.”
      Lega Pro president Francesco Ghirelli described the scene as ‘unacceptable’ amid the recently relegated club’s financial issues.

      He stated: “The precarious situation of the club does not justify any act of absurd violence.
      “We ask for an answer the problems that anguish the city of Livorno and we invite the various actors to give a strong and rigorous solution that provides certainties quickly, as well as stable and lasting responses.”
      Aldo Spinelli bought the Tuscan club in 1997 and led them up the leagues to Serie A, their first top-flight stay in 55 years.
      Reaching the Uefa Cup in 2006, they have since bounced around Italian football’s top tiers and Spanelli decided to sell the club in the summer.

      All that remains is to surrender and step aside.
      Rosettano NavarraFormer club president

      The threat of bankruptcy has not gone away after a proposed takeover by Dutch businessman Majd Yousif collapsed.
      And last month club president Rosettano Navarra, who only arrived at the crisis club in the summer, handed his shares over to the city council before ex-Trapani chief Giorgio Heller came in to steady the ship.
      He wrote in an open letter: “All that remains is to surrender and step aside. I have therefore decided to donate my share of Livorno Calcio to this city and its fans.”

      Livorno boss Filippini breaks down during minute’s silence for coronavirus victims after death of mother More

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      Barcelona new boy Pjanic slams ex-Chelsea chief Maurizio Sarri for ‘misjudging’ and ‘failing to trust’ Juventus stars

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      MIRALEM PJANIC has hit out at ex-Juventus boss Maurizio Sarri, claiming the tactician “didn’t trust” his own players last season.
      Former Chelsea manager Sarri spent just one year in Turin before being replaced by Andrea Pirlo.

      Maurizio Sarri has been accused of not trusting his players at JuventusCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Miralem Pjanic, now at Barcelona, says Sarri’s man-management skills were ‘disturbing’Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      He arrived after leading the Blues to Europa League glory in 2019.
      But Juventus failed to adapt to his tactics, despite them turning previous side Napoli into one of Europe’s most exciting teams.
      Sarri – who has since been linked with Fiorentina – did manage to hold off challenges from Inter Milan, Lazio and Atalanta to win his first-ever Serie A title.

      But after crashing out of the Champions League to Lyon in the last-16, Sarri was sacked from his post.

      And Pjanic, who ditched Juventus for Barcelona over the summer, has now lifted the lid on life under Sarri.
      The playmaker has not painted a pretty picture though, claiming he was left “disturbed” by Sarri’s man-management skills and lack of trust in the squad.
      Pjanic told Tuttosport: “What still disappoints me to this day is that Sarri didn’t trust his men and that disturbed me.
      “The way he misjudged people remains the worst aspect, because every player in that locker room has always and will always give their all for the club and team.

      “You might not get along with one or two, but that has never affected our efforts.
      “Every player wants to win, because they are incredible professionals who want to pursue their objective.
      “So, if a coach puts that into doubt, it means you don’t have that alchemy that the president talked about.
      “Nobody is doubting Sarri’s qualities as a coach, but there was this problem.
      “At the end of the day, we still brought home another Scudetto, which must never be taken for granted.”

      Inside Juventus’ title celebrations as Sarri smokes a cigarette and swigs magnum of champagne while Ronaldo and Co party More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo tests positive for coronavirus and is OUT of Juventus’ clash with Barcelona

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO will MISS the Champions League clash against Barcelona after testing positive for coronavirus for a THIRD time.
      Juve star Ronaldo will miss the chance to go up against old rival Lionel Messi and Co on Wednesday.

      Juventus will be without Cristiano Ronaldo for the Champions League match against Lionel Messi and BarcelonaCredit: EPA

      Ronaldo would have been given the OK to play if his latest test returned a negative result.
      But the 35-year-old’s third Covid-19 test came back positive on Tuesday night – just 24 hours before the match.
      He will now be hope to make his return in the Serie A game against Spezia on November 1.
      Ronaldo first contracted the virus while on international duty in October.

      The Juve star immediately left Portugal’s training camp and flew to Turin in a private air ambulance.
      And he recorded his second positive result last Thursday – nine days after his first diagnosis.
      He is currently self isolating in his Turin home and has reportedly displayed no symptoms.
      Ronaldo has been sleeping separately from partner Georgina Rodriguez and his four children – who all returned negative tests.

      Cristiano Ronaldo, 35, has shaved all hair off while in self isolation Credit: Instagram / @cristiano

      The former Manchester United star has spent his free time topping up his tan in his garden.
      And he is now sporting a new look after he shaved off his hair during isolation.
      Ronaldo has missed Juventus’ 1-1 draw with Crotone, a 2-0 win over Dynamo Kiev and this weekend’s 1-1 draw with Verona.

      Cristiano Ronaldo shaves off his hair as Georgina Rodriguez reveals his dramatic new look after self-isolating More