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      Barcelona ‘open talks’ with Prem legend about becoming manager with bizarre clause that will let him keep current job

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      BARCELONA have contacted Portugal boss Roberto Martinez over the prospect of replacing Xavi in the dugout this summer, reports suggest.The Barca manager has announced he will leave his post in June once the season is complete and club chiefs are rigorously searching for his replacement.Barcelona have contacted Portugal manager Roberto MartinezCredit: GettyMartinez has been offered the chance to continue coaching Portugal after replacing XaviCredit: RexA number of candidates have been touted, including the likes of Barcelona B coach Rafa Marquez, ex-Germany and Bayern Munich boss Hansi Flick and Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi.Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has also been linked with the Blaugrana but he quickly dismissed those rumours as “totally fake news”.According to FootballTransfers, however, Barcelona have approached Martinez, 50, over the possibility of taking over the top job at the Nou Camp.The Catalan giants are offering the ex-Swansea, Wigan and Everton boss an initial one-year deal with the option for one more.Read More on FootballBarcelona are also on board with the Spanish tactician juggling his current job as Portugal’s head coach, which will allow him to continue working with Cristiano Ronaldo and Co.Barca have been keeping tabs on the Premier League hero for a long time as they almost signed him in 2021 before ultimately turning to Xavi following Ronald Koeman’s dismissal.Club president Joan Laporta is a big admirer of Martinez, who has close ties to Barcelona because of his relationship with the Cruyff family. The ex-Wigan star is godfather to one of the sons of Jordi Cruyff, who is the son of Barcelona legend Johan.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSReports suggest Martinez has previously expressed interest in coaching the Spanish giants.The Catalan head coach is no stranger to success as he shocked the world when he won the FA Cup with Wigan in 2013 after beating Manchester City in the final.Sports reporter Melissa Reddy works up a sweat as she shows off her gym routineHe also led Belgium to third place in the 2018 World Cup as well as the top spot in the FIFA rankings.Roberto Martinez’s Managerial Record

      2007-2009: Swansea
      2009-2013: Wigan
      2013-2016: Everton
      2016-2022: Belgium
      2023-: Portugal

      Trophies: League One (Swansea – 2007-2008), FA Cup (Wigan-2013) More

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      Coventry ace Callum O’Hare ready to seal Premier League free transfer after snubbing Sky Blues contract offer

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      SOUTHAMPTON are interested in signing Coventry star Callum O’Hare this summer but will face Premier League competition.O’Hare, 25, is available on a free transfer at the end of the season having snubbed a new contract at Coventry.Southampton are set to compete with Premier League clubs to sign Callum O’HareCredit: RexSouthampton have been tracking the attacking midfielder for while and considered a move in January, but O’Hare’s preference was to see out the season with Mark Robins’ side.Fulham have sent scouts to watch the former Aston Villa man of late while relegation battling Everton have also kept tabs.The midfielder is expected to attract far more interest as the summer window draws closer.O’Hare missed the start of the season with a cruciate ligament injury but has still managed to rack up nine goals and four assists in all competitions since returning in October.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCoventry are yet to fully give up on hopes of a new deal for their star man, but O’Hare has made it clear he wants to move on at the end of the season.Given the Premier League interest, Southampton’s chances may hinge on whether Russell Martin is successful in taking them back to the top flight or not.A poor recent run of form, losing three of their last four Championship games, has dented hopes of automatic promotion significantly.The Saints are on the lookout for a central midfielder after Carlos Alcaraz joined Italian giants Juventus in January.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAlcaraz had struggled for game time under Martin and the loan deal to Turin includes an option to buy this summer.Top ten greatest Premier League players of all time as Kevin de Bruyne and Cristiano Ronaldo both miss out on top spot More

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      ‘Infectious’ former Newcastle star who ‘lived his dream’ at boyhood club given classy farewell by Eddie Howe

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      EDDIE HOWE has delivered a classy farewell message to ex-Newcastle United star Matt Longstaff, who has finally landed a new club.Older brother Sean Longstaff has been tipped for an England call-up by the Toon boss due to his displays in both the Premier League and Champions League this term.Ex-Newcastle ace Matty Longstaff has landed himself a new clubCredit: AFPThe star famously burst on the scene with a winning goal against Man UtdCredit: GettyThe midfielder, 26, has been cheered on from the stands by his younger brother Matty, 23, who could quite easily have been the one making the headlines after his own dramatic breakthrough into the Newcastle first-team.Matty, who says he “lived his dream” playing for his hometown team, burst on the scene in October 2019 with a debut man of the match display and the only goal of the game in a 1-0 victory over Manchester United.Back then he was only earning £850-a-week and a host of big clubs were soon circling as they chased his signature with Italian sides Inter Milan and Udinese both allegedly keen as were French giants Marseille.However, things failed to pan out as expected when his development contract ran out in 2020 after three goals in 15 appearances during his maiden campaign.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLA downward spiral then led to him ending up unemployed after he finally agreed a two-year contract.Matty suffered a big drop in form and injuries restricted his progress and he failed to shine in loan spells at Scottish club Aberdeen and in League Two with Mansfield.Then last season he headed to the fourth tier again to try to reignite his career at Colchester United but suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury on Boxing Day.The Geordie was released by Newcastle in June when his contract expired – but the Magpies did not turn their back on him.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowe and his staff allowed him to continue coming into the training ground while undergoing his rehab and now that gesture has paid off after Matty landed himself a new club.He has joined MLS side Toronto FC on a two-year deal, with an option of a further year.Fan’s baffling request to Alan Shearer picked up by BBC mic on live TV during Blackburn’s FA Cup clash with NewcastleAnd after the news emerged this morning, Howe said: “I’m delighted for Matty. He’s an inspirational character.“We obviously have close connections with the family with Sean, but Matty has worked incredibly hard and is an infectious guy. We wish him all the best.”His new manager John Herdman said: “I’m thrilled to welcome Matty to our squad.“His Premier League experience and dynamic playing style will add depth to our midfield and complement our tactical blueprint.”Eddie Howe delivered a classy message to the star after the transfer announcementCredit: PA More

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      Victor Osimhen ‘wants to join Chelsea’ over Man Utd and Arsenal, reveals Blues icon who is trying to seal transfer

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      VICTOR OSIMHEN wants to join Chelsea, a Blues legend has claimed.The 25-year-old Nigerian earned legendary status last season and was instrumental in Napoli ending their 33-year wait for the Serie A title.Reports are mounting that Chelsea are winning the race to sign Victor OsimhenCredit: GettyJohn Obi Mikel says his fellow Nigerian wants to join the BluesCredit: GettyOsimhen scored 26 goals in 32 top-flight matches and has continued that red-hot form this term despite several controversies.The hotshot was linked with a host of Europe’s biggest clubs over the summer as both Manchester United and Chelsea chased his signature.After a move failed to materialise, the Premier League duo and rivals Arsenal were then put on red alert after a controversial TikTok post left the player contemplating SUING his employers back in September.Then it emerged that Chelsea were leading the race to try and sign him – despite Napoli working hard to secure their talisman to a new long-term deal.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLLiverpool were another club linked with him despite him eventually agreeing an extension with Napoli until 2026.However, the Italian media appear to be convinced that Osimhen is heading to Chelsea in the summer transfer window.And a compatriot of the star who enjoys legendary status with the Blues has claimed that the hotshot wants to move to West London.According to Calciomercato, John Obi Mikel appeared to be trying his best to get Osimhen to join his old side Chelsea in quotes he reportedly said at the Web Summit Qatar event.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe 2012 Champions League winner said: “I think there is genuine interest on both sides.“I am convinced that Victor wants to come to Chelsea.Watch Man Utd and Chelsea transfer target Osimhen ‘cook’ three players with ‘casual elite tekkers’ during kickabout“He obviously wants to follow in my footsteps and the footsteps of the Nigerian players who played for Chelsea, like Victor Moses and Celestine Babayaro.“And there is London, a fantastic city: there is no comparison with Liverpool or places like that.”Mikel then added: “He has so many clubs interested in him, like Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, but I’m pushing, sending him messages, trying to make sure there is only one club in his mind: the Blues!”Osimhen is believed to be prioritising a move to the Premier League and is seeking around £250,000-a-week wages, which both Arsenal and Chelsea would be willing to pay.He reportedly has a release clause worth £111m that Chelsea are willing to activate. More

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      Liverpool star Luis Diaz in line for shock transfer exit as Reds make Mo Salah decision and line up three new deals

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      LUIS DIAZ is in line to be the biggest name exit from Liverpool this summer — if they can tie down Mo Salah to a new deal.Several Spanish clubs have their eyes on Kop forward Diaz.A number of Spanish clubs have an eye on Luis Diaz ahead of a shock summer transferCredit: GettyLiverpool are keen to agree a new contract with Mohamed SalahCredit: APThe Reds are prepared to listen to offers due to their wealth of attacking options.The top priority for Jurgen Klopp’s successor is new contracts for Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk.And the outcome relating to Salah in particular will have a bearing on the future of 27-year-old Colombia ace Diaz.He struggled in the first half of the season — even before his parents were kidnapped in his homeland.READ MORE LIVERPOOL NEWSBut Diaz has recently shown glimpses of his  initial form after moving from Porto for £37m in January 2022.Thiago Alcantara and Joel Matip are set to leave Anfield when their contracts expire this summer.Salah, Alexander-Arnold and Van Dijk all have just one full season left on their current deals.Saudi Pro League clubs and Paris Saint-Germain want Salah while captain Van Dijk has rowed back on comments that he was unsure of his future after Klopp’s exit.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Reds realise they can have only sensible conversations with their stars once a new sporting director and Klopp’s replacement are in place.The sporting director, who could be named in the coming fortnight, will have input into the identity of the new manager.Liverpool 3 Southampton 0: Jayden Danns scores twice after Lewis Koumas goal as Klopp’s kids set up Man Utd FA Cup clashBayer Leverkusen chief Xabi Alonso — a former Kop hero — is favourite to get Klopp’s job.Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann, Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi and Sporting Lisbon head coach Ruben Amorim are also candidates.No direct approaches have yet been made but it is believed Alonso’s camp have been kept informed of Liverpool’s timetable.Chiefs expect a relatively quiet summer in the transfer market although Bayern Munich are eyeing left-back Andy Robertson.And the Reds are braced for bids for back-up keeper Caoimhin Kelleher, who has shone in Alisson’s absence. More

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      Chelsea star Levi Colwill ‘lined up for shock Champions League transfer’ as Blues look to comply with FFP

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      LEVI COLWILL is being lined up for a shock move to French giants Paris Saint-Germain.The 21-year-old has emerged as a long-term transfer target for the Ligue 1 champions.Paris Saint-Germain are lining up a move for Chelsea defender Levi ColwillCredit: AlamyColwill has made 31 appearances for Chelsea so far this season, scoring once from defence.The academy graduate has established himself in the first-team after shining on loan at Brighton last season.His performances for the Seagulls saw him rewarded with a new six-year deal at Stamford Bridge back in the summer.Meanwhile, he was handed his senior England debut by Gareth Southgate in October.READ MORE CHELSEA NEWSAccording to Jonathan Johnson, though, he could now be set to leave the Premier League.Colwill is said to have emerged as a target for PSG, who are willing to play a long game to land their man, with the Blues unlikely to sell this summer.The report adds that he is seen as an alternative to first-choice defensive target Leny Yoro.Yoro, 18, has broken into the Lille first-team this season, sparking a transfer race involving PSG, Real Madrid and Liverpool.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSManchester United were also linked with a move before the January transfer window.The interest in Colwill comes after reports Chelsea may have to sell a host of players this summer in order to comply with Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules.Chelsea 3 Leeds 2: Gallagher nets last-gasp winner ease pressure on Pochettino as Blues edge out brave Whites in FA CupIn addition, homegrown player sales are seen to provide greater value when adhering to FFP.This is because there are no reductions to the value of the sale in FFP calculations due to the price of the player’s initial contract.However, Colwill is not thought to be one of the stars Chelsea are willing to sell this summer. More

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      Ebere Eze ‘shortlisted by Tottenham’ ahead of summer transfer with Premier League clubs battling to sign England star

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      TOTTENHAM and Manchester City are interested in signing Eberechi Eze, according to reports.The Crystal Palace star has impressed this season, scoring five league goals in 16 matches.Eberechi Eze is attracting interest from top Premier League clubsCredit: GettyEze, 25, could leave Selhurst Park this summer despite his contract not expiring until 2027.Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou is keen to add more pace and depth to his attack.And two-time capped England ace Eze is reportedly one of their top targets.However, Man City are also in the battle to sign him and have been tracking the player for some time.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Independent claim Eze is currently more swayed by a move to the Treble winners than Spurs.Therefore, the North London side have singled out Pedro Neto as an alternative.But the Wolves star is also wanted by Manchester United and Arsenal.Speculation suggests the club could demand around £60-£80million for the Portuguese winger.Most read in FootballHOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALLAny deal for the 23-year-old could be staggered to allow teams to pay the huge fee over several years.Additional clauses are also set to be involved to make up the total price.Tottenham fans say ‘that’s just ridiculous’ as transfer deadline day signing runs rings around defenders in viral video Wolves may need to sell to fund Gary O’Neil’s summer spending and not breach Profit and Sustainability Rules.At the moment, they are just about breaking even on PSR. More

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      Juventus ‘set to TERMINATE Paul Pogba’s contract’ after ex-Man Utd star banned four years for doping

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      JUVENTUS will terminate Paul Pogba’s contract after he was hit with a four-year ban from football, according to reports.The ex-Manchester United star tested positive for banned substance DHEA in August. Paul Pogba could see his deal at Juventus terminatedCredit: ReutersPogba, 30, has not stepped foot on the pitch since September after he was handed a provisional suspension.The Anti-Doping Prosecutor’s Office have now slapped the midfielder with a four-year ban, meaning he cannot play again until 10 September 2027.It was reported back in December last year by La Gazzetta dello Sport that Juventus would rip up Pogba’s contract should he be officially found guilty of the offence.The Frenchman is supposedly on £130,000-a-week in Turin.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMeanwhile, there has also been suggestions that Pogba could retire from football.He now plans to appeal the ruling to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, Switzerland.A ban can be reduced if he can prove the banned substance was in his system due to contamination or by accident.In a statement, Pogba said: “I have today been informed of the Tribunale Nazionale Antidoping’s decision and believe that the verdict is incorrect.Most read in Football”I am sad, shocked and heartbroken that everything I have built in my professional playing career has been taken away from me.”When I am free of legal restrictions the full story will become clear, but I have never knowingly or deliberately taken any supplements that violate anti-doping regulations.Watch as Paul Pogba leaves Floyd Mayweather’s exhibition with John Gotti III after mass brawl breaks out”As a professional athlete I would never do anything to enhance my performance by using banned substances,”And have never disrespected or cheated fellow athletes and supporters of any of the teams I have played for, or against.”As a consequence of the decision announced today I will appeal this before the Court of Arbitration for Sport.”Pogba has played just 12 times for Juventus since returning to the club after his six-year spell at Man Utd.The Red Devils signed him from Juve in a club record £89million deal in 2016.He went on to win the Europa League and make 225 appearances for United.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut the 2018 World Cup winner fell out of favour at Old Trafford and left for a return to the Old Lady two years ago.Juventus have said they have are aware of the ban but are making no official comment.Pogba’s career
      2009 – Paul Pogba joins Manchester United’s academy from Le Havre as a 16-year-old.
      2012 – Pogba leaves Old Trafford in a free transfer to Juventus having made just seven appearances for the Red Devils.
      2014 – Representing France in his first World Cup, Pogba is named the tournament’s best young player as France bow out in the Quarter-Finals.
      2016 – Pogba returns to Man United in Premier League record £89.3m deal after winning four consecutive league titles for Juventus.
      2017 – Aged just 24 Pogba lifts both the Europa League and League Cup in his first season back at Man Utd.
      2018 – Pogba wins the World Cup with France and scores crucial goal in 4-2 final win over Croatia.
      2022 – After making over 225 appearances for Man Utd, Pogba returns to Juventus in another free transfer.
      2023 – Pogba is provisionally suspended from professional football in September amid a doping investigation.
      2024 – The star is banned for FOUR years after he tested positive for banned substance DHEA, which naturally boosts testosterone production, in August of the previous year More