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    Fans convinced Jude Bellingham has dropped major hint over transfer as they ‘read his lips’ during celebration

    FANS are convinced that Jude Bellingham dropped a major hint over his future in a goal celebration. The Borussia Dortmund star netted twice in his team’s 6-0 hammering of Wolfsburg on Sunday.
    Jude Bellingham said something during his celebration, sending fans into a frenzyCredit: BVB TV
    Bellingham passionately celebrated punching the air as he mimicked people talking in his ear.
    Fans have read his lips as he shouted and they are convinced he said: “F*** the talk, I’m staying.”
    However, some believe he didn’t say that and was in fact swearing at Bayern Munich fans after he received criticism from them.
    The 19-year-old midfielder, who is under contract until 2025, has been heavily linked with a transfer away from Dortmund this summer.
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    Manchester United, Manchester City and Real Madrid are all in the race to sign him after Liverpool pulled out.
    Bellingham has supposedly agreed personal terms with the LaLiga club after they reportedly offered him a £12million-a-year deal.
    Despite Real Madrid leading the race, they are yet to agree a fee with Dortmund.
    They are supposedly demanding £124million, which is more than Carlo Ancelotti’s men are ready to spend.
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    Dortmund are chasing down Bayern at the top of the Bundesliga and sit one point behind them with two games to go.
    Despite the title race and transfer saga, Bellingham found time to head back home to Birmingham to watch his former side and brother Jobe play and he was mobbed by fans on his way out the ground. More

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    Lionel Messi’s dad gives major update on Saudi Arabia move amid reports star has agreed HUGE contract

    LIONEL MESSI’S dad Jorge has shut down reports that the Paris Saint-Germain star has made a decision on his future.French media agency AFP alleged Messi, 35, has held negotiations with a club in Saudi Arabia over a “huge” contract with his PSG deal set to expire this summer.
    Lionel Messi’s dad, Jorge, has declared the PSG superstar is yet to make a decision on his futureCredit: AFP
    Messi and his dad Jorge, pictured here back in 2016Credit: EPA
    The Daily Mail claim it is worth a staggering £522million.
    Elsewhere, reports last week suggested Messi could be offered a staggering £400million for one season with Saudi side Al-Hilal.
    However, Jorge has now publicly claimed his son is yet to decide on where he will play next season.
    Taking to his Instagram story on Tuesday, Jorge declared “there is absolutely nothing with any club for next year”.
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    He added that seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi will not make a decision on his future until the end of the Ligue 1 campaign.
    A statement Jorge posted to Instagram read: “There is absolutely nothing with any club for next year.
    “The decision will never be made before Lionel finishes the league with PSG.
    “Once the season ends it will be time to analyse and see what there is, and then make a decision.
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    “There are always rumours and many use Lionel’s name to gain notoriety but the truth is only one and we can assure you that there is nothing with anyone.
    “Neither verbal, nor signed, nor agreed, and there will be no until the season ends.”
    Messi has scored 15 goals and provided 15 assists in 28 Ligue 1 games this season, helping PSG to the top of the table.
    The Parc des Princes outfit are six points clear of Lens with four games left to play.
    And Jorge has declared Messi will only decide on his future when the season has come to an end.
    Reports earlier this month claimed PSG had initially suspended Messi for two weeks after he allegedly skipped training to fly to Saudi Arabia without permission.
    Remorseful Messi was then pictured in PSG training kit on the club’s official Twitter account on Monday, before he spent the night with his wife Antonela Roccuzzo at the Laureus World Sports Awards in Paris.
    His two-year contract with PSG officially expires on June 30 and rumours continue to swirl on his future.
    However, French newspaper L’Equipe state Messi’s wife Antonela is reluctant to move the family to Saudi Arabia and would prefer to stay in Europe. More

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    Man Utd set to rival Arsenal in Declan Rice transfer race as Ten Hag makes England star ‘number one’ target

    DECLAN’S RICE performance against Manchester United has seen the West Ham star rocket to the top of Erik Ten Hag’s summer shopping list. The Dutchman has been an admirer of the midfielder for many months. 
    Declan Rice is wanted by Man UtdCredit: Rex
    Erik ten Hag was left impressed by his performance versus his sideCredit: PA
    And the SunSport has learned his performance against Man Utd in Sunday’s 1-0 clash left Ten Hag in awe after defeat. 
    A source said: “Rice is fast emerging as United’s number one summer target.
    “He completely ran the game and United’s coaching staff and scouts were all talking about him after the match.
    “There’s a growing belief that Rice is interested in leaving at the end of the season and United believe they simply have to ensure he heads north and not to Arsenal or Chelsea.
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    “The club regard him as a player they could potentially build a team around.”
    Rice was seen chatting after the game with England team-mate Marcus Rashford, with the United attacker asking for the Hammers’ captain’s shirt.

    The source added: “Declan is good friends with Marcus and Luke Shaw from England.
    “Man Utd believe they can persuade Rice that his future lies with them in Manchester.
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    “It would be a massive sign of intent and a great way for any new owners to show they are determined to try and match Manchester City in the years ahead.”
    West Ham’s win over the Red Devils thanks to a goal from Said Benrahma damaged the club’s top four hopes with Liverpool hot on their heels, sitting just one point behind them.
    Meanwhile, SunSport also understands that Ten Hag is set to remain loyal to goalkeeper David De Gea, despite his blunder. 
    Declan Rice was impressive against Man Utd
    Benrahma’s weak shot trickled through the grasp of the Spaniard, who has made other high-profile errors this season.
    The source said: “Erik still has faith in David. He still has a future at the club. It’s likely De Gea will start next season in goal for United.
    “There was interest in Jordan Pickford earlier this season. But after he signed a new deal with Everton that interest has cooled.”
    Declan Rice ran rings around Man Utd at the weekendCredit: PA
    David De Gea let a poor shot roll into his netCredit: Reuters More

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    Lionel Messi ‘agrees Saudi Arabia move on HUGE contract’ with PSG star set to reignite rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo

    LIONEL MESSI is reportedly closing in on a transfer to move to an unknown club in Saudi Arabia.And that would see the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner reignite his rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo.
    Lionel Messi could leave PSG and move to Saudi Arabia this summerCredit: AFP
    That would see him go up against Cristiano Ronaldo againCredit: Getty
    Reports last week suggested Messi could be offered a staggering £400million for just one season in the Gulf State with Al-Hilal.
    Now French media agency AFP alleges Messi, 35, has held negotiations with a club in Saudi over a “huge” contract with his Paris Saint-Germain deal expiring this summer.
    The Daily Mail claim it is worth a staggering £522million.
    But SunSport understands Messi will make no decision on his future until after the end of the Ligue 1 season.
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    He is fully focused on securing the league title with PSG and then will assess his options.
    L’Equipe also state Messi’s wife Antonela Roccuzzo is reluctant to move the family to Saudi and would prefer to stay in Europe.
    But AFP tweeted: “Messi’s move to Saudi a ‘done deal’ – source close to negotiations.
    “Argentine superstar Lionel Messi will play in Saudi Arabia next season under a ‘huge’ deal, a source with knowledge of the negotiations told AFP on Tuesday.”
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    The alleged move to Saudi, following Ronaldo’s late last year, would prove a massive boost for the country’s publicity and the league’s promotion.
    However, AFP remains unclear which Saudi team are trying to close in on the World Cup winner.
    The forward has also been linked with a return to Barcelona as well as MLS side Inter Miami.
    Messi’s two-year deal at the Parc des Princes expires next month, two years after his emotional free transfer from boyhood club Barcelona.
    And he looks increasingly unlikely to sign an extension in the French capital, especially after initially being suspended for two weeks for his unauthorised promo trip to Saudi.
    Remorseful Messi, who returned to training just five days later yesterday, said: “I thought we were going to have a day off after the game as always.
    “I had this trip organised and I couldn’t cancel it. I had already cancelled it before…
    “I apologise to my team-mates and I’m waiting for what the club wants to do with me.”

    Messi spent Monday night with his wife at the Laureus World Sports Awards in Paris, hours after being pictured in PSG training kit on the club’s official Twitter.
    He was crowned sportsman of the year after captaining Argentina to glory at Qatar 2022, pipping Max Verstappen, Mundo Duplantis, Rafael Nadal, Steph Curry and PSG team-mate Kylian Mbappe to the prestigious gong.
    Messi angered PSG with his unauthorised trip to Saudi ArabiaCredit: AFP
    He collected the sportsman of the year award in Paris alongside wife Antonela RoccuzzoCredit: Getty More

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    West Ham ‘accept they will have to sell Declan Rice in summer’ as Arsenal, Chelsea and Man Utd eye £100million transfer

    WEST HAM have reportedly accepted that they will have to sell Declan Rice this summer.The club captain has attracted interest from top clubs in the Premier League for his form at the club over the last couple of seasons.
    West Ham are reportedly willing to sell Declan RiceCredit: Rex
    The Hammers have been able to keep hold of him following the retirement of veteran Mark Noble.
    But according to the Daily Mail, the East London side are prepared to sell Rice, 24, if an appropriate offer comes in for him.
    Rice’s contract expires in 2024, but there is an option to extend the deal by a further year for the club.
    West Ham will use this clause in their negotiations and argue that his contract is valid until 2025.
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    The England international is valued at £100million and is believed to be a target for Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United.
    And if the club receive a bid that matches their price tag, they will be willing to let him go.
    Rice has already stated that he wants to be competing for the biggest trophies.
    Since breaking into the team Rice has become one of the most complete midfielders in the Premier League, making 200 appearances in the competition.
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    Manager David Moyes previously stated that the midfielder will be very expensive for interested clubs.
    However, there is still some hope at the club that if they win the Europa Conference League and qualify for the Europa League, Rice may be willing to extend terms with the club.
    West Ham play their first leg of the semi-finals against AZ Alkmaar at the London Stadium on Thursday. More

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    Granit Xhaka ready to QUIT Arsenal in summer as Gunners eye swap transfer involving Leverkusen winger

    GRANIT XHAKA has been offered the chance to return to Germany’s Bundesliga by Bayer Leverkusen.And Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will not stand in his way if he wants to leave.
    Granit Xhaka could quit Arsenal for Bayer Leverkusen this summerCredit: AFP
    The midfielder, 30, has been a huge figure in the Gunners’ title bid.
    And he is now adored by fans after his previous Emirates fallout.
    But Arteta wants to sign £100million-rated West Ham skipper Declan Rice and another central midfielder this summer.
    That would leave Swiss Xhaka facing the prospect of seeing out the final year of his deal on the subs’ bench.
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    With Leverkusen willing to offer the former Borussia Monchengladbach man a long-term deal, he is tempted by the opportunity to extend his top-flight career.
    It also throws up the prospect of Arsenal allowing Xhaka to leave for £15m.
    And that could help set up a deal for Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby.
    The Gunners are battling with Newcastle, Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain for the £50m-rated 23-year-old France international.
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    Xhaka’s exit could help Arsenal in their pursuit of Leverkusen winger Moussa DiabyCredit: Getty
    Xhaka, who cost £38.25m when he joined from Monchengladbach in 2016, was ready to quit the Gunners after being stripped of the captaincy by former boss Unai Emery in 2019 when he swore at fans while being substituted.
    Arsenal have budgeted £100m for England star Rice.
    And they are also looking at Brighton’s Moises Caicedo and Chelsea’s Mason Mount as they plan for a return to the Champions League. More

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    Man Utd ‘refuse to guarantee De Gea No1 shirt’ despite new deal with Ten Hag looking at alternatives after blunders

    MANCHESTER UNITED have reportedly refused to guarantee David de Gea the No1 shirt next season.That’s after the goalkeeper committed another high-profile blunder while closing in on a new deal.
    Man Utd are refusing to guarantee David De Gea the No1 shirt next seasonCredit: Getty
    De Gea is still closing in on signing a new deal with a huge pay cutCredit: Getty
    De Gea, 32, is set to extend his 12-year Old Trafford stay for one more season following Sunday’s defeat at West Ham.
    The Spaniard is already willing to take a huge pay cut on his current £350,000-a-week salary.
    But the Telegraph claims De Gea may also end up as United’s back-up stopper following several costly errors on the pitch.
    The gloveman had a shocker as the Red Devils crashed out of the Europa League to Sevilla last month.
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    And his latest mistake came just yesterday as he turned in Said Benrahma’s shot to gift West Ham a 1-0 win.
    As a result, Erik ten Hag is wondering whether he can trust De Gea to continue between the sticks.
    The ace is valued for his experience and leadership, having joined under Sir Alex Ferguson in 2011.
    And Ten Hag is keen for De Gea to continue at the club, saying yesterday: “We have the most clean sheets in the Premier League and we wouldn’t be in this position without him.
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    “Mistakes happen but he has my full belief and I have no concerns about him. We want him to stay and extend his contract.”
    But despite De Gea’s impending new deal, United have also started exploring the market for a goalkeeper to potentially take the No1 jersey.
    Brentford’s David Raya is high on Ten Hag’s list after revealing his desire to move on this summer.
    United are also looking at Porto’s Diogo Costa, who has been linked with Chelsea.
    And a decision will also be made on Dean Henderson, who could be sold to raise funds once his Nottingham Forest loan ends.
    However, United’s ability to compete for a new goalie will be dictated by other factors – namely how much money they have to spend.
    Ten Hag is prioritising a world-class striker to lead the line, and he would also like a midfielder to play alongside Casemiro.
    There is the small matter of the Glazers’ plan to sell up too, with new bids being received at the end of last month.
    But De Gea’s sudden drop in form could prompt United into moving for a new goalie should the right deal come along. More

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    Inside Newcastle’s summer transfer plans as ‘England trio joined by Spain star and RB Leipzig midfielder on wishlist’

    NEWCASTLE have reportedly made some changes to their summer transfer wishlist.The Magpies are planning for European football next season and are set to receive more investment from their Saudi owners.
    Nico Williams Jr is reportedly on Newcastle’s wishlist for this summerCredit: Getty
    Dominik Szoboszlai is also believed to be a targetCredit: Getty
    Mason Mount could also be offered a move to St James’ ParkCredit: Getty
    Eddie Howe’s side are interested in bringing Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams to St James’ Park, according to the Daily Mail.
    He is the younger brother of the club’s star player Inaki Williams having also been brought up in Spain after his parents moved there from Ghana.
    Williams, 20, has played 68 times in LaLiga since breaking into the team and has shown plenty of promise, scoring six goals and assisting 11 more.
    He has also played eight times for the Spanish national team, scoring one goal.
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    The report suggests that he has a £50million release clause and has also gathered interest from Aston Villa and Arsenal.
    It is also thought that RB Leipzig attacker Dominik Szoboszlai is on the club’s wishlist.
    The 22-year-old Hungarian has enjoyed a solid season with the Bundesliga side, scoring seven goals and assisting ten more in all competitions.
    Szoboszlai could be a more expensive option with his release clause set at £65m.
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    However, with the addition of this duo, it is thought that Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby has dropped off the list.
    The Magpies have also been linked with some Premier League stars over the last few months.
    Arsenal’s Kieran Tierney has regularly been linked to the club since January as he searches for more game time.
    Meanwhile, West Ham captain Declan Rice, Leicester City star James Maddison and Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount are also on the wishlist for this summer.
    Rice is expected to leave the Hammers, but Newcastle will face competition from Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City for his signature.
    The Magpies did try to sign Maddison last summer and could get him cheaper this year if the Foxes are relegated.
    Kieran Tierney is also a long-term targetCredit: Getty
    Newcastle have also been linked with both Declan Rice and James MaddisonCredit: Getty More