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      Tottenham braced for Serge Aurier transfer bids after AC Milan and Bayer Leverkusen eye up right-back

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      TOTTENHAM are bracing themselves for transfer bids for Serge Aurier after Bayer Leverkusen reportedly joined the race.
      The right-back, 27, is also wanted by AC Milan in a summer swoop, according to Sky Sports.

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      Serge Aurier is a summer transfer target for Bayer Leverkusen and AC MilanCredit: PA:Press Association
      Milan technical director Paolo Maldini confirmed his club held talks with Aurier’s agent last year while reports suggest they may make another move this summer.
      Now Leverkusen have joined the race with Spurs thought to be open to selling the Ivorian if the right offer comes in.
      Aurier still has two seasons remaining on the five-year contract he signed at White Hart Lane in 2017.
      He arrived from Paris Saint-Germain for £22.5million but initially struggled for game time with Kieran Trippier the first choice.

      Even with Trippier sold, though, Mauricio Pochettino was not convinced enough to play him but he got a better run in the side under Jose Mourinho.
      Of his 83 Spurs appearances, 42 came last season including 33 in the Premier League.
      But while it was a better season on the pitch, the Aurier family suffered the tragic loss of Serge’s brother Christopher, who was shot dead in July.
      Should he stay at Spurs, he will continue to compete with Japhet Tanganga for a spot in the side after the young defender, who can play at centre-back or right-back, penned a new five-year deal.

      Juan Foyth – another versatile defender – is another option but he was frozen out by Mourinho and could leave, with Leeds interested in the Argentine.
      But Kyle Walker-Peters did depart the club as he made his loan to Southampton permanent.
      Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg moved in the opposite direction on the same day.

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      After struggling under Mauricio Pochettino, Aurier has thrived far more with Jose Mourinho in chargeCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Mario Balotelli reveals ‘Black Power’ tattoo above his eye as he shows off FIVE new inkings amid search for new club

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      MARIO BALOTELLI has revealed five new tattoos including the words “Black Power” above his eye.
      The Italian, 30, took to Instagram to show off his latest inkings across his face and neck for his 9million followers.

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      Mario Balotelli revealed his five new tattoos to his 9m Instagram followers

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      The Italian striker shared a series of emojis to help explain each of the inkings across his face and neck
      He got the Black Power writing in a handwriting-style font over his right eye.
      The phrase is often used by the ex-Manchester City man on social media as he continues the fight against racism.
      Further down on his right temple, the striker has had a simple cross done.
      Balotelli was born to Christian parents and so the symbol is likely to be in recognition of his faith in Jesus.

      He has also opted for a gorilla’s face on his neck behind his right ear.
      On the other side, he chose an eagle’s feather in front of his ear and a letter ‘M’ behind it on his neck.
      His new additions join the various tatts he already had across his arms, shoulders and chest including a quote from Mongol warlord Genghis Khan.
      The 36-cap Italy international used a series of emojis to help explain the tattoos, which look as though they were done by Eros Saviano in Brescia.

      The forward returned to his home town to join Brescia last year.
      But with two years still to run on his deal, he has been frozen out and effectively “sacked” by the Italian outfit after a monster bust-up with the club’s chief and former Leeds supremo Massimo Cellino.
      The 2011/12 Premier League winner racked up five goals in 19 Serie A appearances for Diego Lopez’s side last season.
      But he caused a stir when he started missing training sessions when lockdown restrictions eased.

      However, Balotelli has been handed a football lifeline by SuperLig side Besiktas, who are in talks with his agent Mino Raiola over a £43,000-a-week contract.
      He fuelled the fire when he posted heart emojis in response to a Besiktas fan page that tagged him in a message imploring him to join the Turkish side.
      The former AC Milan and Inter star was also linked with Galatasaray, Romanian side Cluj and Serie C outfit Como.

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      Balotelli’s future remains unclear after being booted out of home town club BresciaCredit: Reuters

      Mario Balotelli denied entry to Brescia training before hitting out at reporters after missing sessions with diarrhoea More

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      Man City ‘agree transfer with Napoli to sign Kalidou Koulibaly’ as Italians look set to miss out on replacement Gabriel

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      MANCHESTER CITY have agreed a deal with Napoli for defender Kalidou Koulibaly, according to reports.
      The Napoli defender, 29, is wanted by a number of clubs this summer as they look to bolster their back lines.

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      Manchester City have reportedly tied up a deal to sign Kalidou Koulibaly from NapoliCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      But according to Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla, it is City who will sign the Senegal international.
      Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia has been in constant contact with his agent over a possible switch.
      But it looks as though Koulibaly will instead choose Pep Guardiola at City.
      Reports earlier this week suggested the Etihad side were ready to splash out £63million for Koulibaly.

      The Premier League runners-up signed Nathan Ake from Bournemouth for £41m earlier in August as they look to resolve their defensive woes and mount another title charge in the new season.
      Napoli had hoped to bring in Gabriel Magalhaes as Koulibaly’s replacement.
      They even had a £22m bid accepted by the Serie A club.

      However, they may have to turn their attention to other targets.

      The Gunners’ Shkodran Mustafi and Shakhtar Donetsk man Mykola Matviyenko are both in contention, with negotiations underway with the latter who is also targeted by Leeds.
      Arsenal remain favourites to land the Gabriel from Lille – but Manchester United made a last-ditch swoop to snatch him.

      Kalidou Koulibaly scores brace for Napoli vs Chievo in Serie A More

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      Romelu Lukaku refuses to collect runners-up medal as cruel own goal costs Inter in Europa League final vs Sevilla

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      ROMELU LUKAKU refused to collect his runners-up medal as his stunning debut season for Inter ended in late heartbreak in the Europa League final.
      The striker scored the unluckiest of own goals as Sevilla ran out 3-2 winners in a thrilling game.

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      Romelu Lukaku refused to collect his runners-up medal after a heartbreaking late own goal handed Sevilla the Europa LeagueCredit: Friedemann Vogel

      The former Manchester United man – who gave Inter the lead with a penalty after just five minutes – accidentally diverted into his own net after an audacious bicycle kick by Diego Carlos to hand the La Liga side their winner.
      Nothing can be taken away from Carlos’ miraculous acrobatics but his eye-catching effort was going wide.
      Lukaku instinctively stuck a foot out to block it, only to guide the ball into the net, giving Sevilla the lead with just 15 minutes to play.
      The final in Cologne could not have started better for the Belgian, who continued his red hot form early on.

      Romelu Lukaku equals Ronaldo’s Inter record 🙌2️⃣2️⃣ years apart, the pair both struck 34 times in their debut season at the club! 🔵⚫️#Club2020 pic.twitter.com/anjA1yvU5d
      — Football on BT Sport #Club2020 (@btsportfootball) August 21, 2020

      Romelu Lukaku was not at the post-match medal and trophy presentation with his Inter Milan teammates.@Carra23 and his national team coach, Roberto Martinez share their perspective. pic.twitter.com/Zes6wrq0e4
      — Champions League on CBS Sports (@UCLonCBSSports) August 21, 2020

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      A disappointed Antonio Conte collects his runners-up medal Credit: Reuters
      The striker made no mistake to coolly tuck away from 12 yards and get Antonio Conte’s men rolling – reaching some personal milestones in the process.
      That was Lukaku’s 34th goal of his first season with Inter, a feat only matched by Brazilian maestro Ronaldo in 1998.
      It meant the Belgian had scored in a record ELEVEN successive Europa League games.
      While he also became the first player to score in six consecutive knockout stage matches in major European competition since Cristiano Ronaldo between 2012 and 2013.

      Lukaku’s joy was short-lived, as Sevilla hit back seven minutes later after former Newcastle flop Luuk de Jong brilliant nodded home from inside the box.
      And the Premier League flop was again on the scoreboard following another brilliant header to give Sevilla the lead.

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      Belgian striker Lukaku diverted into his own net after an audacious bicycle kick by Diego CarlosCredit: Reuters

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      It had started so well for Lukaku, who scored his 34th goal of the season after just five minutesCredit: EPA
      The Dutchman expertly looped the ball over Samir Handanovic after a deep cross from a free-kick.
      But the first-half drama did not stop there, as yet another headed goal brought the teams level once more.
      Diego Godin’s effort from a set-piece 10 minutes from half-time levelled up the match.
      With it all to play for both teams pushed for a winner – but a moment of misfortune saw Lukaku deflect Carlos’ spectacular effort beyond a helpless Handanovic.

      Romelu Lukaku has scored in 11 consecutive Europa League matches. ELEVEN!🆚 Sevilla: ⚽️🆚 Shakhtar: ⚽️⚽️🆚 Leverkusen: ⚽️🆚 Getafe: ⚽️🆚 Ludogorets: ⚽️🆚 Ludogorets: ⚽️🆚 D. Kyiv: ⚽️🆚 D. Kyiv: ⚽️🆚 Young Boys: ⚽️⚽️🆚 Young Boys: ⚽️⚽️⚽️🆚 Wolfsburg: ⚽️#Club2020 pic.twitter.com/ijOETybmMu
      — Football on BT Sport #Club2020 (@btsportfootball) August 21, 2020

      Sevilla secured their SIXTH Europa League while it was heartbreak for Antonio Conte’s Inter again.
      The Italian’s finished just a point behind Juventus in Serie A and again came runners up in Germany.
      And it was all too much for Lukaku, who was not present as Inter collected their silver medals.

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      Lukaku opened the lead but his own goal won it for Sevilla Credit: Getty Images

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      It was heartbreak for Antonio Conte’s Inter in Cologne Credit: Getty Images

      Watch furious Antonio Conte scream ‘see me after the game’ after Sevilla’s Ever Banega takes mickey out of his hair More

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      Arsenal eye shock swap transfer with Juventus involving Alexandre Lacazette and Man Utd target Federico Bernardeschi

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      ARSENAL could eye a transfer swap with Juventus involving Alexandre Lacazette and Federico Bernardeschi.
      The Italian champions are searching for a forward under new manager Andrea Pirlo, who released veteran striker Gonzalo Higuain.

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      Arsenal are willing to offer Alexandre Lacazette to Juventus in exchange for Federico Bernardeschi

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      Bernardeschi has been linked with Manchester United
      Wolves’ Raul Jimenez – who hit 27 goals last season – remain Juve’s No1 target.
      But according to Nicolò Schira, Arsenal striker Lacazaette has emerged as an alternative.
      And with the Serie A kings looking to reduce their wage bill, they may try to include attacker Bernardeschi in any deal with the Gunners.
      Bernardeschi has been linked with Manchester United and despite playing 38 times last term the Italian’s career in Turin remains uncertain.

      Reports in Italy say Pirlo has a seven-man shortlist as he targets a new centre-forward.
      Alvaro Morata, Karim Benzema, Edin Dzeko, Arkadiusz Milk and Duvan Zapata also feature.
      Pirlo has already stamped his mark with Juve having terminated the contracts of three players.

      Blaise Matuidi was the first to go, joining David Beckham’s Inter Miami in MLS.

      Now Higuain and Sami Khedira have followed, with talks between the club and the unwanted pair are ongoing as they seek a payout.
      Old Lady bosses have been under pressure to cut wages, leading to several stars facing an uncertain future. 

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

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      Ruthless Andrea Pirlo terminates contracts of Gonzalo Higuain and Sami Khedira a year early in Juventus revolution

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      ANDREA PIRLO has ruthlessly terminated Gonzalo Higuain and Sami Khedira’s contracts a year early, reports say.
      The club legend this month took over from Maurizio Sarri, who was axed after Juve’s Champions League exit despite a title win.

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      Gonzalo Higuain and Sami Khedira’s contracts have been terminated early Credit: Getty Images

      Pirlo, who is yet to manage a game since embarking on a coaching career, has put down a marker after getting rid of three players already.
      Blaise Matuidi was released to join David Beckham’s Inter Miami in MLS and now Higuain and Khedira have followed.
      According to Fabrizio Romano, talks between the club and the unwanted pair are ongoing as they seek a payout.
      Sacked Sarri led the Italian kings to their ninth consecutive Serie A title, but the club have been deeply financially impacted following the coronavirus pandemic.

      Old Lady bosses have been under pressure to cut their wage bill, leading to ex-Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey facing an uncertain future.
      It is understood the Welshman pockets £400,000-a-week after joining on a free transfer last summer.
      Veteran striker Higuain is the club’s third highest earner with an annual salary of £6.7m.

      The Argentine – who flopped in a loan spell at Chelsea last season – could join Matuidi in the States after discussing a move to MLS.

      Pirlo, 41, has already put in place his plans for a new project in Turin, but will be dealt limited funds.
      As a result, the manager will take home just £1.6million-per-year.

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      Pirlo took over from Maurizio Sarri Credit: Getty Images

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      Juventus 2020-21 third kit leaked online as Cristiano Ronaldo shows off horrific ‘tiger print’ design compared to Hull

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      JUVENTUS’ third kit for the new season has been leaked and slated online – with some blasting the Italian giants for copying Hull City.
      Photos emerged online of Cristiano Ronaldo, Paulo Dybala, Matthijs de Ligt and Juan Cuadrado modelling the ‘tiger print’ number.

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      Juventus’ new third kit has reportedly been leaked and features a ‘tiger print’ effect

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      Fans were not overly pleased with the orange and black design for the Old Lady
      The shirt, leaked by Footy Headlines, is orange with black trim and splattered with various black and orange splodges across the front and shoulders.
      It is certainly a bold choice of design and contrasts to the sleek, stylish home and away jerseys for the 2020/21 campaign – the classic black-and-white stripes with gold trim and navy with white trim respectively.
      But judging by the majority of fans’ reactions on Twitter, they will be hoping the alleged third ket does not get too many run outs.
      It was labelled as “embarrassing”, “atrocious” and “a disgrace” by some.

      One user compared the shirt to the East Yorkshire club: “@HullCity called. They want their kit back.”
      A Tigers fan joked: “Closest we’ll ever get to Ronaldo in a Hull shirt.”
      Another wrote: “It’s one of the ugliest shirts Juve ever had. Maybe the ugliest. At least the other two look not bad. I hope we won’t use the third one more than once or twice.”
      A fourth added: “Looks like used toilet paper was thrown into a tie dye barrel.”

      One simply said: “Terrible, utter garbage.”
      And a final user commented: “This is worse than our season.”
      Juventus may have won a ninth Serie A crown in a row but the 2019/20 campaign ultimately ended in disappointment.
      Defeat in the Coppa Italia final was compounded by a shock Champions League last-16 exit to Lyon – enough to see Maurizio Sarri sacked.
      Andrea Pirlo replaced him and has plenty of work to do before the season starts.
      Most importantly, Ronaldo’s future needs securing following reports of the Portuguese hero’s unrest and links with a stunning transfer to Paris Saint-Germain.

      Elsewhere, Dybala is another name being tipped for a departure from the Allianz Stadium – with Barcelona, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Manchester United all reportedly interested.
      Douglas Costa, Aaron Ramsey, Federico Bernardeschi, Alex Sandro and Gonzalo Higuain are all at risk of being let go by the new boss.
      The Old Lady have been tipped to make moves for a new No9 with Alexandre Lacazette and Raul Jimenez among the contenders – and now Luis Suarez, too.

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      Fans on Twitter compared the leaked kit to that of League One side Hull CityCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      That kit is a disgrace.
      — Rafael Aparicio (@rafaapariciogt) August 20, 2020

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      Inter Milan plot Lionel Messi transfer after Europa League final following Barcelona legend’s crisis talks with Koeman

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      INTER MILAN are plotting to launch a sensational Lionel Messi transfer after the Europa League final, according to reports.
      The Serie A giants take on Sevilla in the Europa showpiece in Cologne tonight.

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      Lionel Messi is being lined up by Inter Milan for what would be an incredible transfer this summerCredit: AP:Associated Press
      But after the match is done, La Gazzetta dello Sport reckon their attention will turn to their transfer window and landing Messi.
      The Barcelona great, 33, could be on course to leave his boyhood club after a series of disagreements and fallouts with the board.
      He held crisis talks with new manager Ronald Koeman on Thursday, cutting his holiday short for the personal chat.
      And according to RAC1 he dropped the bombshell that he sees his future away from Barcelona, the club he joined aged 13 and for whom he has scored 634 goals.

      Even though Barca president Josep Bartomeu said on Tuesday that he will be staying put, Messi is thought to be giving serious consideration to leaving.
      He has one year left on his current contract and reportedly added that he sees himself more “out of the club than in it”.
      And despite links surrounding a reunion with Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, Inter are the favourites should Messi leave.

      The Argentine icon’s dad, Jorge, has even splashed out on a luxury pad in an exclusive region in Milan, further suggesting a move for his son could be imminent.
      And their former president Massimo Moratti reckons Suning Holdings, Inter’s current owners, have “everything it takes” in their power to prise Messi away from the Nou Camp. 
      Barcelona are very interested in signing Lautaro Martinez so there is the outside possibility of a swap deal of some kind being agreed, although a clause in his Nou Camp contract could see him quit for free.

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      La Gazzetta dello Sport reckon Inter’s attention will turn from the Europa League final straight to signing Lionel Messi

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