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    Jude Bellingham’s preference for next season threatens to deal blow to Man Utd, Chelsea and Liverpool’s transfer plans

    JUDE BELLINGHAM’S reported transfer preference is set to deal a big blow to the summer plans of England’s financial heavyweights. The likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool are all big fans of the 19-year-old and are eager to try and secure his signature.
    Jude Bellingham’s preferred club next season will come as a blow to the likes of Man Utd and ChelseaCredit: Getty
    However, these plans are set to be thwarted due to Bellingham’s own preference of destination next season.
    According to The Times, Bellingham would prefer to STAY in Germany with Borussia Dortmund until 2024.
    The reason derives from Bellingham’s fear of pushing for a move which may not be “absolutely right” for him.
    Liverpool had been the widely reported frontrunners to land Bellingham in the summer.
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    However, the Reds pulled out of the race to sign him after bulking at Dortmund’s £130million asking price.
    The fee is in the budget of some other interested clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and Manchester City.
    The Times report also suggests there was no real indication from Bellingham that he preferred Anfield to elsewhere despite his father, Mark, being a Liverpool fan.
    Dortmund would like to keep Bellingham for another season before they are forced into a decision with his contract expiring in 2025.
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    But they are said to be planning a new contract for Bellingham that would see his salary rise by a whopping 150 per cent to £13m a year.
    This deal would also include a release clause of £131m. More

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    Gavi holds talks over Chelsea transfer but desperate Barcelona boss Xavi warns ‘I don’t think he would be happy’

    BARCELONA boss Xavi has warned Gavi the grass is not always greener amid reports linking him with a transfer to Chelsea. Gavi was rewarded with his first contract at the Nou Camp which would keep him at Barcelona until 2026.
    Gavi could leave Barcelona as a free agent this summerCredit: AP
    But Xavi has warned the grass is not always greenerCredit: Getty
    But the Catalan giants have been forced to remove him from their registration of first team players due to their ongoing financial issues.
    Consequently, the teenager may now leave as a free agent in the summer.
    Chelsea have reportedly been in talks with Gavi’s representatives over a potential deal, with one report suggesting Todd Boehly is willing to make him one of the Premier League’s highest earners.
    However, Xavi is desperate to keep the 2022 Kopa Trophy winner and he has questioned whether a move away from Barcelona would be right for him.
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    When asked about Gavi leaving, he said: “I don’t think Gavi would be happy at another club.
    “He has everything here. He is 18 years old. He’s a key player of our team.
    “For me, he’s a footballer that is outstanding.
    “I don’t know what he’ll decide but I think his future is here at the club.”
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    Gavi has featured 40 times in all competitions for Barcelona this season, including 27 times in La Liga.
    He also starred at the World Cup and became the youngest goalscorer at the tournament for Spain with his effort against Costa Rica. More

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    Aston Villa leading transfer chase for Charlton wonderkid Miles Leaburn who Chelsea let slip through their fingers

    ASTON VILLA are among the Premier League clubs considering a summer move for young Charlton striker Miles Leaburn.The 19-year-old is son of former Addicks star Carl.
    Aston Villa are eyeing a move for Charlton star and ex-Chelsea youngster Miles LeaburnCredit: Getty
    And he is second in the club’s scoring ranks this season.
    That’s despite missing more than two months of the campaign with injury.
    Leaburn has hit 11 goals in 31 League One appearances — with only 14 of them starts.
    And that has alerted Villa and other top-flight sides.
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    The 6ft 5in forward came through Chelsea’s academy.
    He then joined Charlton in 2019 and turned pro last summer.
    The Addicks expect offers for him after just one season.
    Dad Carl played more than 300 games for the club from 1987 to 1998.
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    Meanwhile, Villa have also been linked with a move for Divock Origi.
    The Belgian left Liverpool for AC Milan last summer.
    But he has struggled to impress with just two goals this term.
    And Origi could now be set for a Premier League return with Unai Emery’s side. More

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    Michael Olise ready to SNUB Arsenal transfer this summer to stay at Crystal Palace and continue dazzling form

    RISING star Michael Olise plans to stay at Crystal Palace next season – despite growing interest.The French magician has been in dazzling form and top clubs in the Premier League including Arsenal are watching him.
    London-born Frenchman Michael Olise is tipped to stay at Selhurst ParkCredit: Rex
    And the Eagles midfielder has attracted the attention of multiple Champions League giants too.
    However, he is settled with Palace and wants another full season at Selhurst Park to develop and get more consistency.
    Palace have the Under-21 international under contract and are happy to know his opinion.
    It will also soften the blow if Wilfried Zaha, 30, wants to try his luck and move on at the end of his contract.
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    Meanwhile, the Eagles are checking on Blackburn’s young midfielder Adam Wharton who signed a new deal in the season despite their interest.
    England youth cap Wharton could be tempted by the Premier League even if he would have to be brought through slowly in their squad.
    Palace will also be back in the market for old boy Aaron Wan Bissaka who is set to be traded by Manchester United at the end of the season.
    It comes as the Eagles’ hot form since interim chief Roy Hodgson replaced the sacked Patrick Vieira continued.
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    Eberechi Eze fired home twice in the second half to clinch Saturday’s 2-0 win at bottom side Southampton, leaving Palace 12th.
    Meanwhile, Feyenoord chief Arne Slot is the latest name linked with the permanent Eagles’ job.
    Tottenham and West Ham have also been mentioned in connection with the Dutchman, 44. More

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    Ivan Perisic wants to ‘quit Tottenham in summer transfer window just one-year after joining following tough season’

    IVAN PERISIC hopes to quit Tottenham for old club Inter Milan after just one season, reports say.The Croatia legend, 34, still has another year left on his lucrative contract but has struggled with his first taste of English football.
    Spurs ace Ivan Perisic could head out of the Prem if claims in Italy are trueCredit: Getty
    Perisic played the whole game on Saturday as fifth-placed Spurs were stunned 3-2 at home by Bournemouth.
    But Tuttosport claim the 125-cap wideman would love to return to the Italian giants, despite his reported £170,000-a-week deal with Tottenham.
    Antonio Conte’s departure as Spurs boss in March also counts against Perisic staying in North London.
    Ex-Chelsea chief Conte got the best out of the former Borussia Dortmund and Wolfsburg winger in Italy.
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    Perisic won Serie A under Conte at Inter in 2020-21, also winning the Italian Cup and the Italian Super Cup the following season.
    And, when the pair were reunited at Spurs, Perisic said: “It’s a privilege to work with a coach like this.
    “He’s living football, every minute, every hour, every day. When he’s sleeping, he’s thinking about football.
    “I like his character and I know he’s going to do a great job here.”
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    Two-time Bundesliga winner Perisic also triumphed in the Champions League on a season’s loan from Inter at Bayern Munich.
    But he revealed his affection for Inter after sealing his Tottenham move.
    He posted on Instagram: “After 254 games, 55 goals, 49 assists, 3 trophies and 18,934 minutes spent on the pitch wearing this glorious jersey, my journey here has come to an end. ⁣⁣⁣
    “It was an unforgettable learning experience for me as a player and for my whole family. ⁣⁣⁣⁣
    “To the team, the staff, to all the employees but most importantly to the fans: you will always have a special place in my heart. ⁣⁣⁣
    “I leave feeling privileged having this club in my portfolio.” More

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    Liverpool star Roberto Firmino wanted by Roma in free transfer as Jose Mourinho looks to raid Reds for striker

    LIVERPOOL forward Roberto Firmino is reportedly receiving interest from Jose Mourinho’s Roma.The Brazilian, 31, will become a free agent in the summer after it was confirmed he will not renew his contract at the end of the season.
    Roberto Firmino will become a free agent in the summerCredit: Reuters
    It brings to an end an eight-year spell at Anfield where he has contributed 109 goals and 79 assists in 359 appearances.
    But it has not yet been confirmed where he will be playing his football come the start of the 2023/24 campaign.
    According to journalist Nicolo Schira, Roma are keen on the South American forward.
    Mourinho’s men are set to qualify for the Champions League as they sit third in the Serie A table.
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    Roma are also still in with a chance of winning the Europa League, despite a 1-0 defeat to Feyenoord in the first leg of their quarter-final tie.
    But the Italian giants will need to pull out all the stops if they are to secure Firmino’s signature.
    He has been linked with Napoli, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and AC Milan.
    And earlier this week it was reported that Real Madrid are set to make a shock swoop for the former Hoffenheim man.
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    Firmino is best known for forming part of Liverpool’s deadly front trio alongside Mo Salah and Sadio Mane.
    But the arrivals of Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota and Coady Gakpo have slowly seen his game time dwindle under Jurgen Klopp.
    Firmino’s agent Roger Wittmann confirmed last month that the Brazil international will depart Merseyside in the summer.
    He told Scores365: “I can confirm that [he will leave Liverpool]. It’s a nice way to leave after eight incredible years.” More

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    David De Gea has NO intention of taking £9MILLION-A-YEAR Man Utd pay cut… but won’t leave club on free transfer

    DAVID DE GEA is unwilling to take an £9million-a-year pay cut at Manchester United.The Spaniard, 32, is keen to stay on after 12 years at Old Trafford.
    David De Gea is facing an £9million-a-year pay cut if he wants to stay at Man UtdCredit: AFP
    But, with United looking to reduce their wage bill, De Gea may have to compromise to secure his future.
    The keeper is United’s current top earner on £375,000 a week.
    And he has no plans to run down his contract and leave on a free next year.
    United want to keep him but their latest offer sits at £200,000 a week – less than fellow 30-somethings Casemiro and Raphael Varane.
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    United are hoping to reach a compromise by loading up on bonuses.
    But De Gea’s camp feel their man should not be asked to slip too far down the basic salary pecking order.
    Yet de Gea and United are still confident of reaching an acceptable middle ground, with both sides keen on a further three-year stay.
    Hopes of Marcel Sabitzer also being at United next term rest with Bayern Munich dropping their £25million asking price for the Austrian midfielder.
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    Manager Erik ten Hag is plotting a major summer overhaul of his squad.
    A striker, centre-back and “dynamic” midfielder are all said to be on his wishlist.
    The front man seems likely to be Napoli goal machine Victor Osimhen, who has scored 21 goals in 23 Serie A games.
    But Ten Hag wants quality reinforcements in all areas of the pitch.
    After shelling out over £200million in the summer on Antony, Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez and Tyrell Malacia, money was tight in the January window.
    Ten Hag added to his squad by bringing in Marcel Sabitzer, Wout Weghorst and Jack Butland on temporary deals.
    But permanent transfers are expected as Ten Hag looks to refresh in the summer.
    Part of the overhaul also includes waving goodbye to a number of players.
    It’s thought United are willing to listen to offers for Anthony Martial, Donny van de Beek and Scott McTominay.
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    Eric Bailly and Alex Telles, who are both out on loan this season, are also set to be moved on.
    Club captain Harry Maguire is another who has been linked with a move away. More

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    Man City began Jude Bellingham transfer charm offensive last October with gift to Borussia Dortmund star

    MANCHESTER CITY began ramping up their charm offensive to land Jude Bellingham last October.They presented the midfielder with a shirt signed by Erling Haaland after the 0-0 draw with Borussia Dortmund.
    Man City hinted at their interest for Jude Bellingham after meeting Dortmund in a Champions League group game six months agoCredit: Getty
    Bellingham, 19, was invited into City’s dressing room and given the top his old team-mate  wore in the Champions League tie.
    Boss Pep Guardiola has made signing the England star his priority this  summer and City are  confident of  winning a bidding war with Real Madrid, despite Dortmund likely to want £130million.
    They feel the chance to work under Guardiola and link up again with Haaland  also gives them the edge.
    Manchester United are also thought to be keen.
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    But any serious offer from Old Trafford could depend on a potential takeover being completed in time for the summer window.
    Liverpool, however, appear to have backed out of the hunt because of the expected fee
    And Dortmund still believe they can keep Bellingham.
    The Bundesliga giants reckon the £138m deal they received from Barcelona for Ousmane Dembele in 2017 is a fair indicator of how much the ex-Birmingham teenager should command.
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    At the time France winger Dembele was just 20 — a few months older than Bellingham is now.
    Any move seems certain to shatter the £106m Chelsea paid Benfica for Enzo Fernandez in January. More