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      Man Utd star Chris Smalling subject to ‘last ditch £13.6m Roma transfer offer’ with defender desperate for Italy return

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      ROMA have made a last-ditch £13.6million bid for Manchester United centre-back Chris Smalling, according to reports.
      The Serie A side reportedly have an official in Manchester to try and tie up a deal for the Englishman who is desperate to return to Italy.

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      Roma have made a £13.6m bid for Chris Smalling Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Roma’s bid is said to be £10.9m up front with £2.7m in add-ons.
      United are open to selling the 30-year-old but are still digging their heels in over their £18m asking price.
      And Roma have sent a representative to England in a bid to sway Old Trafford chiefs, according to Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport.
      The Serie A side have until Monday night to seal a deal, when the international transfer window shuts.

      But Roma will reportedly move on to alternate targets – including Daniele Rugani – if a deal is not complete by Friday.
      The ex-England international was a hit last season on loan in the Italian capital.
      Roma boss Paulo Fonseca recently angered United chiefs by admitting he is in regular contact with Smalling.
      Fonseca said: “I am confident Chris will return to Rome.

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      “We are working on Smalling.
      “I am always in contact with him, even yesterday I spoke with him, he wants to come back and we want to have him back.
      “I think that in the next few days we could have him back here with us.”
      Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Smalling has been reporting for training at Carrington.

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      Cristiano Ronaldo will still be talked about in 300 years and Pirlo is perfect boss for Juventus star, claims Rui Costa

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO will still be talked about 300 years from now, according to Rui Costa.
      And the Portuguese icon also reckons another of his former team-mates Andrea Pirlo is the perfect boss for Ronaldo.

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      Cristiano Ronaldo will still be talked about in 300 years timeCredit: Rex Features

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      That is according to Portuguese icon Rui CostaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Rui Costa also reckons Andrea Pirlo is the perfect manager for Ronaldo at JuventusCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Rui Costa, 48, played with Ronnie for Portugal and spent time with Juve boss Pirlo at AC Milan.
      And while he holds them both in the highest esteem, Rui Costa is certain his countryman Ronaldo will be remembered for centuries to come.
      He said: “In 300 years from now, Ronaldo will still be talked about.

      “He is unique. He keeps the same level in different teams, in different championships and in the national team.
      “He is 35, he has won everything several times.
      “When he has a goal he doesn’t rest.
      “And knowing him as I know him, I am convinced that he, besides the ‘Scudetto’, wants to be also to be the top scorer in the league.”

      Ronaldo had a rocky relationship with previous Juve manager Maurizio Sarri.

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

      But Rui Costa is confident his former Milan team-mate Pirlo was the perfect man to replace him.
      He added: “Andrea was a champion and he knows perfectly how great players think, he knows what strikers need to shine on the pitch.
      “Pirlo as a player was phenomenal serving strikers and that’s why he has this advantage in his relationship with Cristiano.
      “Then, contrary to what many may think, two champions like Cristiano and Pirlo solve problems and don’t create them.
      “They are two football geniuses.
      “I am convinced that Ronaldo will work well with him, as it worked with Zidane, like Andrea, he also knows exactly what strikers need.”

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      Francesco Totti visits girl awakened from coma by his voice More

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      Roma fan, 19, wakes up from coma after hearing Totti’s voice in inspiring video message and meets hero in hospital

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      A ROMA fan woke up from a nine-month coma after hearing a video message from club legend Francesco Totti.
      Ilenia Matilli, 19, was in a horrific car crash last December which killed her friend Martina Oro instantly.

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      Roma fan Ilenia Matilli, 19, woke from a nine-month coma after hearing a video message from Francesco Totti

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      Matilli used to play for Lazio’s Womens team

      Former Lazio Women player Matilli was air lifted to Gemelli hospital in Rome and her devastating head injury saw her put into a coma.
      Her parents regularly played Roma’s anthem to her at her bedside as they hoped for a recovery.
      But it was the message from Roma’s legendary former captain that finally saw her come around last week.

      Totti sent a message to the inspirational teenager and urged: “Ilenia don’t give up, you’ll do it, we’re all with you.”
      On the night of the accident, Matilli was travelling in a car that collided with a tree around 2am after a night out with friends.
      But there is finally light at the end of the tunnel for her parents who sent a delighted message back to Totti after their daughter regained consciousness.
      They said: “Your fantastic voice, combined with the passion and love Ilenia has always had for Roma, has favored her awakening.

      “The return of her smile is so contagious and her eyes are full of light and joy.

      “We look forward to seeing you, Ilenia is waiting for you.”
      And Totti granted their wish as he visited Matilli and her family in hospital on Monday.
      The 44-year-old Italian spent an hour and a half with Matilli – who is yet to regain her speech – and signed her Roma shirt and posed for photos.
      Totti has promised to meet up with the youngster again as she continues her recovery.
      He said: “It was beautiful and touching for me and I hope it was more for her. I was very happy.
      “She doesn’t speak but we hugged and she started to cry.
      “Had I known that it would help, I would have sent the video earlier. We will meet again once she leaves hospital.”
      Matilli’s dad Stefano was overwhelmed by Totti’s actions and he told Corriere Della Sera: “I have to thank a friend of my daughter who had the idea of contacting Totti and having him record a message.
      “Francesco accepted immediately, you can see that he is a person with a good heart, talking to him today in the hospital was like talking to a brother.”

      Francesco Totti’s message to car crash victim, Lazio women’s footballer Ilenia Matilli:”Don’t give up, you’ll do it, we are all with you.”The Roma fan woke up on Monday after a 9-month coma upon hearing his voice #ForzaRoma pic.twitter.com/QhZKwDNhoY
      — ST Sports Desk (@STsportsdesk) September 28, 2020

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      Arsenal and Tottenham in talks with Roma star Diawara after agent opens door to transfer following snub in Juventus draw

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      ARSENAL and Tottenham are facing a transfer deadline tug-of-war for Roma midfielder Amadou Diawara. 
      The Guinea star’s agent Daniele Piraino is said to be “angry” over Diawara’s treatment and in talks with the two London giants – after the 23-year-old was only a sub in Sunday’s 2-2 home draw with Juventus.

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      Roma’s Guinea midfielder Amadou Diawara could be set for a deadline switch to the Premier League, with Spurs and Arsenal keenCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Diawara was already upset after a mix-up over his age meant he started Roma’s opener at Verona without being registered.
      Serie A chiefs penalised Roma for their mistake by turning the 0-0 draw into a 3-0 win for Verona.
      Now Italian outlet Il Messaggero say Arsenal and Spurs have both “called” Piraino to enquire about £27million-rated Diawara.
      He would be a much cheaper alternative for Gunners’ boss Mikel Arteta to his prime target, Atletico Madrid anchorman Thomas Partey, who could cost up to £45m.
      And Piraino has confirmed his client’s frustration and desire to sort out his future before the transfer window shuts on October 5.
      He told Tuttomercatoweb.com: “It was a real displeasure for Amadou that the club forgot to list him in the squad [at Verona].

      There’s just one week left in the transfer window. If the forgetfulness over listing the player sums up the club’s true choices, we have to bring this up.
      Amadou Diawara’s agent Daniele Piraino

      “The fact it’s been made out to be the ‘Diawara Incident’ is a shame, because he certainly didn’t appreciate that and the responsibility isn’t his own.”

      Piraino described Diawara not starting against champions Juve as a “real shame”.
      He added: “He was happy with how his teammates played, but he was counting on playing from the beginning, above all because of what he does for the team and what he deserves.”
      “There’s just one week left in the transfer window. 

      “If the forgetfulness over listing the player in the squad sums up the club’s true choices, we have to bring this up with the club. 
      “We want clarity on Amadou’s true role and importance within the club’s project.”
      Despite his recent discontent, former Napoli and Bologna ace Diawara has been on the radar of Premier League clubs since at least July, having hit peak form after the coronavirus lockdown.

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      Houssem Aouar closes in on Arsenal transfer as Lyon sign Lucas Paqueta from AC Milan to replace midfielder

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      ARSENAL have received a boost in their pursuit of Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar, according to reports.
      The Gunners had a £32million bid for the 22-year-old knocked back last Friday but talks are ongoing to find an agreement with the French club.

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      Arsenal are closing in on the transfer of Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar

      French newspaper L’Equipe report Lyon have found a replacement for Aouar in AC Milan midfielder Lucas Paqueta, which could mean the former’s move to north London is edging closer.
      Paqueta will sign a five-year deal with Les Gones within the next few days after Milan accepted an £18m bid for the Brazilian.
      Milan will also be due a percentage of any sell-on fee.
      Lyon had a loan offer for the player which included a £15m option to buy rejected last week.

      Paqueta joined Milan for a reported £32m fee from Flamengo in January 2019 and made a bright start to life in Italy, earning a place in the Brazil squad for last year’s Copa America.
      But the 23-year-old has seen his playing time dry up considerably since the arrival of Stefano Pioli at the San Siro, and registered just one assist in 24 appearances last season.
      The news will be of huge encouragement to Arsenal as they look to land Aouar before the transfer window closes on October 5.
      The Frenchman has been identified as Mikel Arteta’s top target for the centre of his midfield but the Gunners have so far struggled to meet Lyon’s asking price.

      Last season’s Champions League semi-finalists are still demanding £54m for their homegrown star.

      However, the signing of Paqueta, coupled with the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic, could see Lyon accept a bid around the £45m mark.
      L’Equipe claim Lyon need to make £91m in player sales before the end of the window but are only about halfway to that target.
      Arsenal have been desperately trying to offload players to raise funds for another Aouar bid, with Lucas Torreira and Sokratis looking the most likely players to follow Emiliano Martinez out the exit door.

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      Lucas Paqueta is heading to Lyon as Aouar’s replacement

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      Serie A could be SUSPENDED for two weeks after surge in coronavirus cases as Genoa announce 14 positive tests

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      SERIE A could be suspended for two weeks after a surge in coronavirus cases.
      Genoa alone have announced 14 positive tests among players and staff.

      That means Napoli, who beat Genoa 6-0 last weekend, will have to self-isolate until they have returned negative tests.

      Napoli are set to take on Cristiano Ronaldo’s Juventus side on Sunday while Genoa are scheduled to play Torino on Saturday.
      The Italian government and ministry of sport are working together to decide how best to combat any clusters of the virus in Serie A.

      There were 159 new cases of coronavirus in Italy on August 3 – the day after the last season ended – and by last Sunday there were 1,766.
      Another outbreak along the same lines of this one could lead to football being put on hold.
      Italian news outlet Corriere della Sera claim a suspension by chiefs is one of the options under consideration.
      The timing could prove crucial.

      An international break kicks in next week so an immediate two-week stop of matches would disrupt fixtures scheduled for this weekend.

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      Genoa vs Napoli went ahead despite 14 Genoa players testing positive for Covid-19Credit: AP:Associated Press

      The rise in cases in Italy follows hot on the heels of an alarming number in the UK.
      David Moyes plus West Ham players Issa Diop and Josh Cullen all tested positive before the Carabao Cup clash against Hull.
      Leyton Orient’s Carabao Cup game was cancelled and Spurs given a bye after 18 O’s players and staff tested positive.
      Grimsby Town in League Two are another team struggling with an outbreak.
      Genoa’s game against Napoli on Sunday was delayed by several hours after No1 keeper Mattia Perin tested positive the day before.
      ⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates
      It was later confirmed midfielder Lasse Schone had also contracted the virus.
      And it was yesterday confirmed that 14 in all had Covid-19.
      A statement read: “After today’s tests, the number of COVID-19 positive employees has risen to 14 team members and staff.
      “The club has activated all the procedures according to the protocol and informed the authorities. The club will provide updates as the situation evolves.”
      The Italian Football Federation does not state in its rules how many players in a team need to be infected for a fixture to be postponed.

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      Man Utd outcast Diogo Dalot eyed by AC Milan in loan transfer but Solskjaer wants rid of him permanently

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      MANCHESTER UNITED outcast Diogo Dalot is a transfer target for AC Milan, according to reports.
      The Portuguese full-back, 21, has featured just once since lockdown – the 2-1 FA Cup win over Norwich in June – and is well down the pecking order at Old Trafford.

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      AC Milan are in talks with Manchester United over Portuguese full-back Diogo DalotCredit: Rex Features

      Aaron Wan-Bissaka is the first-choice right-back with Timothy Fosu-Mensah the back-up option.
      And with game time hard to come by, the young defender knows he needs to go elsewhere to progress.
      According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Milan have made contact with United over a deal.
      The San Siro club want to take Dalot on loan with the option to buy him at the end of the temporary switch.

      However, it is thought the Red Devils would prefer to arrange a permanent sale straight away.
      Negotiations are still continuing but no agreement has been reached at this stage, the reports add.
      Everton and Barcelona have both been linked with moves for the Portugal Under-21 international.
      AC Milan are keen to land a right-back before the transfer window closes next week and are also tracking Barcelona target Max Aarons as well as Spurs’ Serge Aurier.

      Liverpool boast the most valuable squad in world football

      Dalot signed as a 19-year-old from Porto for £19million in 2018 under compatriot Jose Mourinho.
      But he has struggled with long-term injuries and the arrival of Wan-Bissaka last year, limiting his appearances to 34.
      His only goal came in the 6-1 thumping of Tranmere in the FA Cup in January.

      Lazio want Man Utd duo Andreas Pereira and Juan Mata before transfer window closes after David Silva move collapses More

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      Lazio chief expects Man Utd outcast Andreas Pereira to complete transfer in next ‘two or three days’ with Mata to follow

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      LAZIO expect to sign Andreas Pereira by midweek – with fellow Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata tipped to follow soon after.
      One-cap Brazilian Pereira, 24, could join on loan with an option to buy, while 32-year-old ex-Spain playmaker Mata is eyeing a permanent switch.

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      Andreas Pereira and Juan Mata are on the brink of swapping Man Utd for LazioCredit: Mark Robinson – The Sun

      Italian football journalist Fabrizio Romano quotes Lazio sport director Igli Tare as saying: “We expect Andreas Pereira deal to be completed in the next 2-3 days with Man United.”
      And the Serie A club’s manager Simone Inzaghi could not be keener to complete the deal.
      He said: “I like Pereira so much. He’d be perfect for us.”
      Both players have been increasingly sidelined at Old Trafford.

      Bruno Fernandes’ arrival at United in January deepened their plight and Donny van de Beek’s £39million switch from Ajax this month confirmed it.
      Meanwhile, Lazio have been searching for more creativity in the middle since the shock of missing out on David Silva.
      The Manchester City and Spain legend, capped 125 caps, was thought to have agreed a three-year deal with the Italians.

      But instead the former Valencia hero, 34, returned to LaLiga with Real Socidedad.

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