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      Barcelona fans all chant Lionel Messi’s name just days after he is BOOED by PSG supporters amid transfer interest

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      BARCELONA fans chanted Lionel Messi’s name in the 10th minute of their El Clasico clash with Real Madrid.Messi, 35, is being heavily linked with a return to the Spanish giants in the summer as his Paris Saint-Germain future remains up in the air.
      Lionel Messi is being linked with a return to Barcelona this summerCredit: Rex
      The Barcelona fans chanted Messi’s name during Wednesday night’s El ClasicoCredit: Reuters
      It was reported last week that Barcelona have “made contact” with Messi in a bid to bring the club legend home.
      And fans of the club made their feelings known at the Nou Camp on Wednesday evening.
      They could be heard singing “Messi, Messi,” in the 10th minute of their Copa del Rey semi-final second leg against fierce rivals Real Madrid.
      Messi, who scored 672 goals in 778 games for Barcelona, wore the No10 shirt for 13 years until he left in emotional circumstances in 2021.
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      And the adulation he received from the supporters was in stark contrast to the treatment he received from the PSG faithful on Sunday.
      Messi’s name was jeered by his own fans before their clash with Lyon.
      Christophe Galtier’s side then went on to lose the game 1-0 as their lead at the top of Ligue 1 was cut to six points over the weekend.
      Messi has contributed 18 goals and 17 assists in 33 appearances for PSG this season.
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      But he looks increasingly likely to exit the club at the end of the season after two years in the French capital.
      Messi is out of contract in the summer as Barca prepare to try and pounce to secure his return.
      Barca vice president Rafa Yuste said: “We’ve been in contact with Leo Messi’s camp.
      “Leo knows how much we appreciate him and I’d love for him to come back.
      “For sure Messi loves Barca and the city, so we hope to find the right conditions to continue his history here.”
      But Messi has also been the subject of a ridiculous £350million-a-year deal from Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal. More

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      Lewandowski laughed in face of Premier League manager over transfer offer after having Man Utd dream dashed

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      ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI has revealed he laughed at Jurgen Klopp when the Liverpool boss made a cheeky transfer offer.Lewandowski’s ex-Borussia Dortmund manager had STOPPED the strike legend joining Manchester United six years earlier in 2011.
      Robert Lewandowski was linked with Prem clubs, mainly Man Utd, before joining Barcelona from Bayern Munich in July 2022Credit: Getty
      And the former Bayern Munich hero, now in scorching form for Barcelona, admits he was stunned when Klopp asked him about moving to Anfield.
      It came when Bayern hosted Liverpool in the 2017 Audi Cup.
      Lewandowski told Bild: “We spoke on that occasion. Klopp asked me, ‘Don’t you want to come to Liverpool?’ 
      “We looked at each other, then I laughed.

      “I don’t know if he was totally serious. But going to Liverpool was never in my mind.”
      The form of Lewandowski, 34, is as hot as ever as he closes on LaLiga title glory in his first season with Barca.
      The Poland superstar has notched 27 goals in 34 games across all competitions for the Spanish giants.
      That compares to netting 344 times in 375 appearances for Bayern, where he won the Champions League and eight Bundesliga crowns.
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      It followed two German titles with Klopp’s Dortmund.
      But he admits he was thrilled when Old Trafford chief Sir Alex Ferguson called him 12 years ago.
      Lewandowski, however, was less delighted by the fact he struggled to understand Fegie’s Scottish accent!
      And although he “wanted to go to Man Utd” Klopp ruled it out by saying: “No chance – we need you.” More

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      Lewandowski struggled to understand Sir Alex Ferguson’s Man Utd transfer offer… before Jurgen Klopp blocked move

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      BARCELONA star Robert Lewandowski struggled to understand Sir Alex Ferguson when he tried to sign him for Manchester United.The legendary boss gave the striker – then at Borussia Dortmund – a call to convince him to move to Old Trafford.
      Robert Lewandowski struggled to understand Sir Alex Ferguson due to his accentCredit: EPA
      Fergie tried to get the striker to join Man UtdCredit: Sportsfile
      Lewandowski was ready to quit the Bundesliga side only for then-manager Jurgen Klopp to block the transfer.
      The 34-year-old moved to Bayern Munich a few years later, where he spent eight seasons, scoring 344 goals in 375 games.
      Now at Barca, Lewandowski recalled the moment he nearly signed for United.
      He told Bild: “I remember the moment exactly. We had a friendly with Dortmund in preparation, I think against Bochum.
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      “I was subbed at half-time. I looked at my mobile phone in the dressing room. There was a text message with the sender +44.
      “Ferguson had tried to call me and then sent me a message. He wanted to talk to me.
      “I was still in the dressing room, I took a shower and called him back, in a quiet corner.
      “My English wasn’t as good as it is today. He has a strong Scottish accent. I was so focused on understanding what he meant. Ferguson tried to be considerate, spoke slowly.
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      “I was 22-years-old, it was a special moment. I spoke to Aki Watzke and Jurgen Klopp in the camp. I wanted to go to Man Utd.
      “But they said: ‘No chance, Robert. We need you. You have to stay’.”
      Lewandowski also opened up on the time Klopp tried to rekindle his relationship with him and bring him to Liverpool.
      The Pole claims the German had approached him after Bayern met the Reds in a pre-season friendly in 2017.
      Lewandowski said: “We spoke on that occasion. Klopp asked me, ‘Don’t you want to come to Liverpool?’ We looked at each other, then I laughed.
      “I don’t know if he was totally serious. But going to Liverpool was never in my mind.”
      Jurgen Klopp cheekily tried to get Robert Lewandowski to join LiverpoolCredit: Bongarts – Getty More

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      Former Premier League star reveals why Zidane WON’T manage in England in blow to Tottenham

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      ARSENAL legend Emmanuel Petit claims Zinedine Zidane will never manage in the Premier League… because he can’t speak English.That works as a major blow for Tottenham, who are weighing an ambitious bid to sign Zidane after former manager Antonio Conte’s exit.
      Zinedine Zidane won’t move to the Premier League because he can’t speak EnglishCredit: AFP
      Emmanuel Petit believes Zidane wants to work at a team where he can communicateCredit: Getty – Contributor
      However, Petit insists Spurs will have to look elsewhere as his former France team-mate will “definitely” not come because he doesn’t know the language.
      The 50-year-old tactician considers good communication a “priority”, which is why he avoids working with translators.
      Petit told Stadium Astro: “Zidane, he won’t come. Definitely. Do you know why? Because he doesn’t speak English.
      “That’s the truth – because I have known Zidane for ages and the way he manages players, he’s very close, he always talks to his players.
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      “So he wants the communication to be a priority. Very important for him, he doesn’t want someone to translate everything he has to say publicly.”
      Conte left Tottenham by mutual consent after a 16-month stint in charge of the club.
      The Italian exited under a cloud following a rant about the players and club in the wake of a 3-3 draw with Southampton before the international break.
      Spurs, though, have a long list of other potential managers they are keen on.
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      A return for Mauricio Pochettino is one of the possible options for the summer.
      Former Bayern Munich manager Julian Nagelsmann and ex-Barcelona boss Luis Enrique have also been mooted.
      Zidane has been out of work since leaving Real for the second time at the end of the 2020/2021 season. More

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      Leicester set asking price for James Maddison as Arsenal, Tottenham and Newcastle prepare to fight over England star

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      LEICESTER CITY have reportedly set their asking price for James Maddison amid interest from Tottenham and Newcastle.The midfielder has impressed this season with nine goals in 21 Premier League games.
      Leicester could be forced to sell James Maddison this summerCredit: Getty
      Maddison’s form has won him many admirers as well as his first England cap, which came against Montenegro in November.
      And Leicester could be forced to sell their prized asset with Maddison’s contract expiring in 2024.
      That means the Foxes have one last opportunity to cash in and are demanding £50million to let him leave, report The Telegraph.
      Leicester announced losses of £92.5million for 2021-22 and selling Maddison would help their financial situation.
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      The club have tried to tie Maddison down to a new deal but there has reportedly been no breakthrough in talks.
      That could allow potential suitors to pounce when the transfer window opens.
      Tottenham are believed to be keen on the England star as they rebuild following Antonio Conte’s departure.
      Newcastle also want Maddison and could reignite their interest after missing out on the midfielder in January.
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      The Magpies also tried to sign the 26-year-old last summer but had a bid worth £45million rejected.
      There is also said to be interest in the playmaker from Arsenal and abroad, so Maddison looks set to be involved in a summer transfer tussle. More

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      Chelsea considering Frank Lampard as caretaker boss for rest of season with club legend in crowd for Liverpool clash

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      FRANK LAMPARD made a shock return to Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night.And the Chelsea legend could even end up staying there as caretaker boss.
      Frank Lampard was in the stands at Stamford Bridge to watch Chelsea on TuesdayCredit: Alamy
      Lampard was sacked by Chelsea in January 2021 after 17 months in chargeCredit: PA
      Ex-Blues chief Lampard was in the stands to watch the goalless draw with Liverpool, just 48 hours after Graham Potter was sacked.
      Now owner Todd Boehly could turn to Lampard to take the reins until the end of the season.
      Lampard, who was Chelsea boss for 17 months as well as being the club’s record goalscorer, has been out of work since he was axed by Everton in January.
      Potter’s assistant Bruno Saltor took charge of the Blues on Tuesday night but admitted he had never even picked a team before.
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      Speaking after game, the 42-year-old Brighton legend said: “It’s been a really difficult 48 hours for everyone because it’s not the first time the players have been in this situation this season and they have suffered..
      “As a player you invest a lot in the manager. They had a  great relationship with Graham and he has been really supportive with them after leaving. 
      “It was truly difficult for me to enjoy tonight. It’s been a really sad time but I’ve just been trying to focus on being the best version of myself  to help the boys.”
      Chelsea, who sit 11th in the Premier League table but face Real Madrid in the quarter-finals of the Champions League next week, have reportedly made contact with both Julian Nagelsmann and Luis Enrique.
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      Asked if he expected to still be in charge for Saturday’s trip to Wolves, Bruno added:  “As it stands I just expect to go home to rest and focus on hour by hour, day by day.
      “The owner know the staff are going to be as professional as we can. We try to represent this club the best we can. We know the standards here and what is demanded.”
      Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp made six changes against Chelsea, leaving Mo Salah and Cody Gakpo on the bench as well as Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
      Virgil van Dijk also missed out through illness.
      The goalless draw leaves Liverpool eighth in the table, seven points behind fourth placed Spurs but with a game in hand.
      Klopp admitted: “I don’t know if there’s any chance of the top four. For that to happen we must win pretty much all our games and other teams above us must lose a lot.
      “It’s not in our hands but it’s not important. At the moment I don’t even know where we are and I’m not interested.
      “We have another ten games and the next one is Arsenal. If we are difficult to beat against them we can win this game. If not, Arsenal will just roll over us.
      “Today’s match was not the most spectacular and no-one is going to be writing a book about it. But it’s a little step in the right direction.” More

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      Crazy N’Golo Kante stat shows shambolic situation at Chelsea after he is named in Bruno Saltor’s team to face Liverpool

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      A STARTLING N’Golo Kante stat has brought into focus the chaos at Chelsea over the past eight months.The French midfielder, 32, makes his first Premier League start since August on Tuesday night when the Blues host Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.
      N’Golo Kante starts for Chelsea against Liverpool on Tuesday eveningCredit: AFP
      Follow live updates of Chelsea vs Liverpool via SunSport’s blog
      The game comes just 48 hours after manager Graham Potter was sacked, with interim boss Bruno Saltor taking charge.
      And the change means Kante will now start his third Premier League home game of the season under a THIRD different manager.
      His first came under Thomas Tuchel in a 2-2 draw with Tottenham in August.
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      He was then brought on as a substitute under Potter in their 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa at the weekend.
      And now he will return from the start for the first time in nearly eight months as Saltor assumes caretaker charge.
      Reacting to the incredible stat on social media, one person said: “Three home games total this year for him with three different managers is wild to think about.”
      Another added: “Kante’s head must be fried. The last time he started a game was two managers ago 😭😭😭😭😭.”
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      A third replied: “Two managers and 6582 new signings ago 😭.”
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      And a fourth responded: “His fourth one could be under a different manager too 😭😭😭.”
      Kante has been sidelined for most of the campaign with a hamstring injury.
      He has made just three appearances for Chelsea this season and also missed France’s World Cup in Qatar.
      But he lines up alongside Enzo Fernandez and Mateo Kovacic in the Blues midfield against Liverpool as Kante looks to help his side to a first Premier League win in three games. More

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      Man Utd ‘want to trigger Kim Min-jae’s bargain release clause but face transfer battle with two Premier League rivals’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly interested in triggering the release clause of Napoli star Kim Min-jae, but will have to fend off a lot of competition.The Mail Online has reported that the Red Devils are among three Premier League clubs who are keen on a move for the centre-back.
      Kim Min-jae has managed two league goals from centre-half in the league this season
      The 26-year-old is rumoured to be interested in a move to the English top flight and will have plenty of options if his clause is triggered.
      United are said to be joined in the chase for the South Korea international by Liverpool and Tottenham.
      Kim has been a crucial part of Napoli’s impressive campaign this season.
      He has featured 36 times for the club already as they sit 16 points clear at the top of Serie A with a Champions League quarter-final tie with AC Milan to come.
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      The former Fenerbahce defender joined the Italians in the summer for a modest £16million, but is understood to be valued significantly higher now.
      The £40million release clause in his contract would see him leave for below his market value after only one season at the club.
      Napoli could try to remove the clause by offering Kim a fresh set of terms despite his recent arrival.
      Manchester United are looking to improve their defensive line after their leaky defence conceded seven goals against under-achievers Liverpool.
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      Liverpool and Tottenham are also both looking for defensive reinforcements and will join United in the battle for Kim’s signature alongside the battle for a place in the top four.
      Other European sides are said to be looking at triggering his release clause with Bayern Munich and Paris Saint Germain amongst them. More