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      Five clubs Lionel Messi could join including Man Utd, City and Chelsea after handing in Barcelona transfer request

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      LIONEL MESSI is on the verge of quitting Barcelona after requesting to leave his boyhood club.
      The 33-year-old Nou Camp legend demanded Barca exercise a clause in his contract that would allow him to quit for nothing with immediate effect.

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      Lionel Messi is on the verge of leaving Barcelona after requesting to leave his boyhood clubCredit: Getty Images

      But the Spanish giants believe the stipulation expired expired on June 10, with the Argentine superstar under contract until the summer of 2021.
      Club and player seem set for a legal battle over the clause, with Barcelona believing his €700m (£629m) buy-out clause is still valid.
      And with wages totalling £1.15m per week – it leaves very few teams capable of facilitating a move for Messi – here SunSport list five possible options.
      MANCHESTER CITY
      Since Pep Guardiola – who managed Messi for four seasons – took over at the Etihad in 2016, he has spent £700m on transfers.

      It indicates they have the backing to pull off a mega-money transfer for Messi, despite escaping a Financial Fair Play penalty this year.
      Acccording to Radio Catalunya, Messi has already spoken to Guardiola about a move to Manchester.
      And having grown frustrated throughout last season, reuniting with a familiar face could convince the forward to choose City.

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      Pep Guardiola managed Messi for four seasons at the Nou Camp Credit: Reuters
      PSG
      The French champions, like City, seem to have no limits when it comes to the transfer market.
      Having already broke the record when they signed Neymar for £198m from Barca three years ago, PSG are not afraid to role the dice and break the bank.
      It has been claimed Messi is open to linking up with strike partner Neymar again, with the Ligue 1 kings desperate to win the Champions League.
      But Messi’s £64m-a-year basic wages could prove to be a problem even for PSG, who pay £33m to Neymar and £19m to Kylian Mbappe every season.

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      It has been claimed Messi is open to linking up with strike partner Neymar again
      MANCHESTER UNITED
      United have reportedly not wasted any time in making contact with Messi’s representatives regarding a transfer.
      That is despite the fact they have so far failed to stump up the cash for Jadon Sancho – who Borussia Dortmund value at £108m.
      Messi is also said to prefer a move to Manchester rivals City or PSG over United.
      But SPORT, say Old Trafford bosses are confident they have the funds to pursue the sensation move.

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      CHELSEA
      The Blues looked disinterested in tempting Messi to London – until Rio Ferdinand tweeted news that Frank Lampard was in for the Argentine.
      Chelsea last season completed deals for Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner and have carried over the spending to this season.
      They are close to wrapping up transfers for Kai Havertz, Thiago Silva and Ben Chilwell – while also testing the market for a keeper.
      Making a swoop for Messi at this time seems unlikely, even if they do raise funds from money made by flogging unwanted flops.

      Just heard Frank Lampard is now in for #messiSome window this if Lamps pulls this off !!
      — Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) August 25, 2020

      INTER MILAN
      Throughout Messi’s Barca turmoil this year, Serie A giants Inter Milan are understood to have been monitoring the situation
      Their former owner Massimo Moratti even revealed the club will plan to prize the six-time Ballon d’Or winner to Italy.
      Inter have the backing of Chinese chairman Steven Zhang, son of billionaire Zhang Jindong. 
      Messi’s dad is also believed to have a home in Milan, fuelling speculation his son could be plotting a switch to the San Siro.

      Lionel Messi ‘has contacted old Barcelona mentor Pep Guardiola’ to tell him he wants Man City transfer More

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      Ex-Man Utd ace Lukaku is Serie A’s most valuable player but Cristiano Ronaldo just joint-seventh as top ten revealed

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      ROMELU LUKAKU is Serie A’s most valuable player – but Cristiano Ronaldo must settle for joint-seventh.
      The Italian top flight’s top ten players has been revealed in terms of their current market value.

      And while it makes pretty reading for the Inter Milan striker, his fellow former Manchester United man is snubbed much further down.
      According to Transfermarkt, Lukaku is valued at £76.5million – £3.5m more than the San Siro side paid the Red Devils for him a year ago.
      The Belgian striker, 27, scored a stunning 34 goals in his debut season as Antonio Conte’s men narrowly missed out on both the Serie A title and the Europa League.
      Ronaldo, 35, is rated at £54m, tying him with Inter Milan pair Christian Eriksen and Stefan de Vrij as well as AC Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

      The quartet fill up seventh to tenth in the list.
      Ronaldo’s Juventus team-mates take up two of the remaining five spots with Paulo Dybala and Matthijs de Ligt second and joint-third respectively.
      Dybala continues to be linked with a move away from the Allianz Stadium as Manchester United, Manchester City, Barcelona and Real Madrid all considering swoops.
      BEST OF THE REST
      But according to the data, he is worth a staggering £72m, £9m more than Dutch defender De Ligt, who signed from Ajax for marginally more than his £63m valuation.

      De Ligt’s price tag is matched by Inter forward Lautaro Martinez, another player tipped for a move with Barcelona interested.

      However, Pep Guardiola has moved into pole position to sign the Argentine for £81m as a long-term replacement for compatriot Sergio Aguero.
      Napoli centre-back Kalidou Kouliably – also linked with a summer switch to the Etihad – and Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic are tied as the joint-fifth most valuable players in Italy.
      They are worth an estimated £58.5m each, slightly less than the figure City are reportedly offering Napoli for the Senegal international.

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      Four Inter players make the top ten including Argentine striker Lautaro MartinezCredit: AFP

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      Only Romelu Lukaku and Paulo Dybala are valued higher than £63m-rated Juventus defender Matthijs de LigtCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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

      Cristiano Ronaldo and Pirlo seen together for first time as Juventus begin training ahead of new Serie A season More

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      Roma confirm free transfer signing of Pedro as ex-Chelsea star pens three-year deal with Serie A giants

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      PEDRO has signed for Roma on a three-year deal after leaving Chelsea.
      The Spanish winger, 33, was released at the end of last season when his contract expired.

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      Pedro joined Roma on a three-year deal following his release from ChelseaCredit: AS Roma
      So he was available to the Italian giants on a free transfer, just like former team-mate Willian who joined Arsenal.
      Pedro said: “I am delighted to be here at Roma.
      “I’m excited for this challenge and to compete to achieve our targets over the coming seasons.
      “I want to thank the fans for the welcome they’ve given me. I hope to make them happy.”

      The serial winner has won 25 major trophies in his career to date – including the World Cup, Euros and Champions League.
      And Roma CEO Guido Fienga wants him to add to his stunning collection at the Stadio Olimpico.
      He said: “It’s a privilege for us to be able to welcome a player of Pedro’s quality to the Roma family.
      “The hope we have, for both him and for us, is that he can continue to add to his extraordinary list of achievements with AS Roma.”

      Roma unveiled their first summer signing on Twitter on Tuesday afternoon.
      And, as they always do with new arrivals, took the opportunity to raise awareness of various missing people – from the UK to Italy to the United States to Kenya.
      With a wide social media following, they are determined to use it to benefit society and so have teamed up with a number of charities across the world such as Missing Kids and ICMEC.
      It means videos of new signings are half the player joining and half pictures and information of missing individual with contact details.
      Pedro confirmed his departure from Chelsea earlier this month after five years at Stamford Bridge, winning three major honours.

      The last of his 206 appearances ended in disappointment as the Spaniard dislocated his shoulder and was stretchered off in the closing minutes of the FA Cup final defeat to Arsenal.
      He underwent surgery but was not fit for Chelsea’s final game of the season, the 4-1 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
      Pedro had already agreed a two-year deal with Roma for next season but, as revealed by SunSport, will miss the beginning of the new Serie A campaign as a result of the injury.

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      The Spanish winger’s five-year spell with Chelsea ended in disappointment as he dislocated his shoulder in the FA Cup final defeat to ArsenalCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Pedro combines with Chelsea teammates to score a cracker of a goal in training More

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      Pirlo confirms Higuain’s Juventus contract will be terminated with striker free to find a new club this summer

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      ANDREA PIRLO has confirmed Gonzalo Higuain will leave Juventus this summer.
      The striker’s contract will be terminated as he does not feature in the new manager’s plans.

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      Gonzalo Higuain pocketed a whopping £6.7m-per-year at JuventusCredit: EPA
      Higuain has been given his marching orders following showdown talks with Pirlo.
      Speaking at Tuesday’s press conference, Pirlo said: “We’ve decided together with Gonzalo Higuain that he’ll leave the club this summer.
      “He’s out of the project and we’re ready to let him go.”
      Higuain, 32, has been with the Serie A giants since he joined from Napoli in 2016.

      The former Real Madrid forward has chipped in with 66 goals in 149 appearances since arriving.
      But Juventus have been keen to get his huge £6.7million annual salary off the books.
      Higuain’s contract with the Italian club was not set to expire until 2021.
      Reports claimed he would only leave if he was paid the £6.7m in wages he is due for the remaining year of his deal.

      Pirlo is on a mission to clear out the deadwood at Juventus after taking over from Maurizio Sarri.
      Blaise Matuidi left the club earlier this month to join David Beckham’s Inter Miami side.
      Cristiano Ronaldo was tipped to leave them this summer, but he was pictured at training with the new boss on Tuesday.

      Cristiano Ronaldo and Pirlo seen together for first time as Juventus begin training ahead of new Serie A season More

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      Man Utd defender Chris Smalling to have Roma ‘throw everything’ at securing permanent transfer amid Newcastle interest

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      ROMA are ready to come back in with an offer of £14.5million for Chris Smalling, according to reports.
      With the centre-back described as keen to extend his stay in the Italian capital, coach Paulo Fonseca and new Lupi owner Dan Friedkin want to match his ambition.

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      Chris Smalling has a number of options on the table after a strong spell in RomeCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      And Roma will therefore “throw everything” they have at a permanent deal for Smalling, according to Italian newspaper Il Tempo via Sport Witness.
      SunSport understand that a £20m price tag has been set by United.
      With the gap in valuations, Roma are said to be heavily relying on the player’s desire to push through a deal.
      A new agent has also been employed to negotiate with the Old Trafford giants.

      Smalling excelled in Serie A last season, fondly dubbed ‘Smaldini’ by fans as he reignited his career in 37 appearances.
      Should Roma not become a feasible option for next season, a spot in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s squad is not out of the question.
      The Norwegian said earlier in the summer: “It was best for him to go and play for a year in Roma and he has shown he will be valuable, I’ve been speaking to Chris throughout. I’ve been delighted with his season.”
      Inter Milan could also offer Smalling a route back to Italy having already plucked Alexis Sanchez, Ashley Young and Romelu Lukaku from United.

      A handful of Premier League clubs are reportedly best placed to afford Smalling with Newcastle thought to be leading the way.
      After snapping up free agent midfielder Jeff Hendrick, the Toon are monitoring the centre-back’s situation with Everton, Fulham and West Ham for company.

      Chris Smalling says he has no regrets about joining Roma More

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      Juventus line up double transfer swoop for Edin Dzeko and Moise Kean to link up with Cristiano Ronaldo

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      JUVENTUS are reportedly lining up a double transfer swoop for Edin Dzeko and Moise Kean to join forces with Cristiano Ronaldo.
      The Italian giants are determined to land at least one new striker this summer.

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      Edin Dzeko is a summer transfer target for Juventus who look set to release Gonzalo HiguainCredit: Alamy Live News
      Gonzalo Higuain is set to have his contract terminated at the Allianz Stadium while Paulo Dybala continues to be linked with a departure.
      And according to Tuttosport, the Old Lady want Dzeko and Kean to both come in.
      Former Juve man Mario Mandzukic could be on his way to Roma as he looks to resurrect his career following a spell in Qatar, paving
      Dzeko has also been linked with Inter Milan as well with reports suggesting Roma would be willing to listen to offers of £14million for their 34-year-old who scored 19 goals last season.

      His agent Silvano Martina left the door open to a move this summer when he spoke to the media last week.
      Martina said: “For now, he will continue wearing the Giallorossi jersey, then we’ll see. It’s no secret that Juve and Inter both like Edin.”
      But Dzeko’s wife Amra is believed to be settled in the Italian capital and does not want to leave.
      There is also the fact that she is pregnant with the couple’s third child – due in September – and therefore would rather not relocate.

      Kean, meanwhile, could be set for a return to Juventus just a year after leaving for Everton in a £29m deal.
      The Italian, 20, scored just two goals in his debut season and the chance to return to Juve – probably on loan – could be appealing for all parties.

      Kean came through the Juve academy so could be named on the B list for the Champions League, freeing up an extra spot.
      However, it is also understood Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette and Raul Jimenez of Wolves are high on new boss Andrea Pirlo’s wish list.
      Juventus’ transfer chief Fabio Paratici was reportedly set to fly to England to try and get a deal done with Lacazette the No1 target.

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      Moise Kean came through the Juventus academy before leaving for Everton for £29m a year agoCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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

      Juventus stars Aaron Ramsey, Douglas Costa and Alex Sandro linked with shock Wolves transfer in swap for Raul Jimenez More

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      Lautaro Martinez’s girlfriend Agustina wows in bikini on holiday as Man City fight Barcelona for transfer of Inter star

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      LAUTARO MARTINEZ’s girlfriend Agustina is not letting her boyfriend’s uncertain future affect her mood as she relaxes in a bikini on holiday.
      The Inter Milan striker is a target for Manchester City and Barcelona.

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      Lautaro Martinez’s girlfriend Agustina posted snaps of the couple’s luxurious holiday on her Instagram

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      The Inter striker is a target for Man City and Barcelona
      But he appears pretty chilled in glamorous beach shots posted by his partner Agustina Gandolfo.
      The couple are on holiday on the stunning Italian island of Caprera.
      And Gandolfo shared snaps of their luxurious trip with her 687,000 Instagram followers.

      One picture shows the loved-up couple gazing into each other’s eyes on the edge of a yacht.

      She captioned it: “Hola Bonbon.”
      And another shows the model in a blue and black bikini kneeling on a paddle board.
      The post received more than 159,000 likes.
      ‘CITY TARGET’
      Martinez is Pep Guardiola’s No1 target at City.

      Guardiola is desperate to sign a long-term replacement for Sergio Aguero and Harry Kane has been his first choice.
      But City know it would be impossible to land the Spurs and England striker this year so they are now focusing on Martinez, 23, who featured in Inter’s Europa League final defeat against Sevilla.
      Martinez has scored 20 times this season.
      He has a release clause of £81million which City will be able to match although they are keen to offload some players to help fund more buying.

      The Premier League opening day fixtures for 2020-21 have been revealed
      Barcelona have also been keen on bringing the hotshot to the Nou Camp.
      But they admitted defeat in their pursuit of the ace last week.
      Inter signed Martinez from Racing Club in Argentina for £20m two years ago.

      He has represented Argentina on 17 occasions, scoring nine times – including a hat-trick against Mexico last September.
      The Nerazzuri are keen for him to remain at the club.
      But Guardiola, who has signed defender Nathan Ake from Bournemouth for £41million, wants to buy both a new central striker and a No10.

      Distraught Neymar has to be persuaded to receive runners-up medal as Ferdinand slams PSG star for lack of respect More

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      Brutal Ronald Koeman ‘tells Luis Suarez he doesn’t want him at Barcelona’ amid Ajax and Juventus transfer interest

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      LUIS SUAREZ has been told he is no longer wanted at Barcelona by new boss Ronald Koeman, according to reports.
      The Dutchman reportedly called the ex-Liverpool striker today to let him know the news.

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      Luis Suarez has been told he is not wanted at Barcelona by Ronald Koeman
      Suarez, 33, has been linked with a £13.5million move back to his old club Ajax.
      And he could also link up with Cristiano Ronaldo with Juventus reportedly monitoring the situation.
      Barca put him on the transfer list as part of a major overhaul after their Champions League humiliation.

      And Koeman spoke to him on the phone to confirm the news, according to Spanish journalist Alfredo Martinez.

      He tweeted: “Koeman called Luis Suárez today and told him that he does not want him.
      “He has a contract for one more season. They will have to negotiate their termination.
      “If they do not replace him well by another scorer, it can be a VERY risky decision.”
      Following Barca’s 8-2 Champions League hammering by Bayern Munich and immediate shake-up with Quique Setien and Eric Abidal sacked, the majority of the squad are in the shop window.

      But in an interview with El Pais, Suarez blasted the club for their lack of communication and insists he does not know where he stands.
      He said: “There is talk of some names that the president gave, of changes that can be made, but nobody told me that they want to do without me.

      “If this is the desire of the club, it would be good if the person in charge who chooses speaks directly to me.
      “Better that than filter down the news if I am one of those who they want to leave. It remains to be seen.
      “I also want the best for the club and my idea today is to continue, but if the club decides that I am expendable, I have no problem talking to those who decide.”

      Koeman recently told a Dutch radio host he would sell Suarez if it made the DJ happy.
      Ex-Arsenal star Marc Overmars is also said to be working hard to bring Suarez back to Ajax.
      And David Beckham’s Inter Miami have also been linked.

      Distraught Neymar has to be persuaded to receive runners-up medal as Ferdinand slams PSG star for lack of respect More