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    Barcelona ‘reject £60million transfer offer’ from Premier League club for former Leeds star Raphinha

    BARCELONA have reportedly rejected a £60million bid for Raphinha from an unnamed Premier League club.The Brazilian, 27, joined the Catalan giants from Leeds in a £57m deal in the summer of 2022.An unnamed Prem club has allegedly had a bid rejected for Raphinha by BarcelonaCredit: RexThat was after he snubbed both Arsenal and Chelsea to secure his dream switch.However, the winger has struggled to be a regular starter since his arrival and has been linked with a departure numerous times.Tottenham were the latest team believed to be readying a swoop to try and bring Raphinha back to the Premier League, where he shone at Elland Road.Raphinha managed ten goals in his debut season to help Barcelona win LaLiga.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe has battled several injury problems this term, which has restricted him to eight goals in 33 matches.However, he has popped up twice at crucial times over recent weeks with the winner against Las Palmas and then two goals in the 3-2 first leg win at PSG in the Champions League.Now Spanish publication Sport says that has led to “big European clubs” keeping an eye on him once again.It then goes on to state that Barcelona have placed a £68.3m price tag on his head due to his recent good form.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBarca are “very happy” with his performances and it will be “difficult” for them to accept anything less than this.And that figure was allegedly decided after a proposal worth around £49m was made by a mystery Premier League side.Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson spotted arguing with Blues team-mate after 6-0 Everton thumping as penalty row rages onThey received the offer but club chiefs rejected it as they believe the star’s value is continuing to rise.However, Barcelona are waiting to receive offers for him and several others that could help ease some of their financial difficulties.And they have both Ferran Torres and Lamine Yamal who are able to line up instead of Raphinha.SunSport also reported how Al-Hilal are chasing former Leeds star Raphinha.The Saudi Pro League side, who forked out over £300million on new signings last summer, are ready to splash out £86m on him. More

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    Kalvin Phillips thrown career lifeline after West Ham loan disaster with Man City ready to sell £30million midfielder

    KALVIN PHILLIPS could reportedly be thrown a lifeline by former club Leeds this summer.The England midfielder is currently on loan at West Ham from Man City.Kalvin Phillips could secure a stunning return to Leeds this summerCredit: AlamyHe managed just four Premier League games for the Treble winners this term before being shipped off to London.But Phillips’ capital adventure hasn’t gone to plan either, with the 28-year-old putting in several disastrous appearances under David Moyes.The Euro hopeful is now sidelined with an injury.And West Ham are unlikely to make his loan permanent.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, the Mail claims Phillips could yet secure a move away from the Etihad this summer.It’s reckoned former club Leeds are lining up an initial loan swoop should they win promotion back to the top flight.Phillips started his career at Elland Road and made 234 appearances before joining City for £42million in 2022.Pep Guardiola’s side are ready to cut ties with Phillips.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut they want £30m to let him go.Leeds are unlikely to meet this price if they achieve promotion from the Championship.Kalvin Phillips responds with furious gesture as he’s heckled by fans on way to team bus after nightmare vs Newcastle, And they’ll be hoping City will agree to a loan with the option for a permanent deal at a lower price.It’s reckoned Phillips could have other options though, with Newcastle retaining interest despite his £150,000-a-week wages.Meanwhile, teams abroad could also be willing to take a gamble, especially if Phillips reclaims his England spot and heads to the Euros.Kalvin Phillips’ career statsThose numbers in full:

    Leeds, 2015-2022: 234 games, 14 goals

    Man City, 2022-2023: 31 games, 1 goal

    West Ham, 2024 (loan): 9 games, 0 goals

    England, 2020-2023: 31 games, 1 goal

    Trophies: Championship (Leeds); Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League, Uefa Super Cup, Club World Cup (Man City) More

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    Donny van de Beek’s career thrown into further chaos as transfer clause in Man Utd loanee’s contract refused

    DONNY VAN DE BEEK has suffered yet another setback in his search for a way out of Old Trafford.The Manchester United loanee, 26, has spent the second half of this season with Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt.Donny van de Beek loan stint with Eintracht Frankfurt has not gone according to planCredit: GettyIncluded within the deal was an option-to-buy clause worth £9million plus £2.5m in add-ons.However, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano is now reporting Frankfurt will NOT make the deal a permanent one.He goes on to state Van de Beek will search for a “new chapter” and “new club” in the summer window.Van de Beek has started just four of Frankfurt’s 13 league games since arriving in January.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe is yet to contribute a goal or assist for the German side.The 2022 Europa League winners sit sixth in the Bundesliga but 14 points adrift of fifth.As a result they are set to qualify for the Europa Conference League, but are not expected to take Van de Beek with them.The ex-Ajax midfielder played just 21 minutes for Man Utd during the first half of this season – having started only four games during Erik ten Hag’s opening campaign as manager.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSVan de Beek has featured just seven times since arriving at Frankfurt in JanuaryHe joined the Red Devils in 2020 for £39m.He has played 62 times for Man Utd, scoring two goals and providing two assists.Man Utd target brutally trolls Arsenal during wild celebrations with Granit Xhaka after Bayer Leverkusen clinch titlePrior to joining Frankfurt, his first loan spell came at Everton during the 2021/22 campaign when he played just seven times, scoring one goal. More

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    Man Utd target brutally trolls Arsenal during wild celebrations with Granit Xhaka after Bayer Leverkusen clinch title

    MANCHESTER UNITED target Jeremie Frimpong brutally trolled Arsenal during Bayer Leverkusen’s title celebrations.The Germans scooped their first-ever Bundesliga trophy as they cruised to a 5-0 win over Werder Bremen on Sunday.Jeremie Frimpong trolled Arsenal as he and Granit Xhaka celebrated Bayer Leverkusen’s title winCredit: Instagram @jeremiefrimpongFrimpong is being lined up for a move to Man UtdCredit: GettyXhaka joined Leverkusen from Arsenal last summerCredit: GettyLeverkusen’s win ended Bayern Munich’s 11-year stranglehold on the division.And it saw Xabi Alonso cement his status as Europe’s most exciting coach after so far going unbeaten in all competitions this season.The former Liverpool target has already confirmed he will stay at the Bay Arena next season.Club chiefs hope this will encourage stars such as Florian Wirtz and Alex Grimaldo to remain despite interest from abroad.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFormer Celtic wing-back Frimpong is also being lined up by several sides, including Manchester United.But after lifting the Bundesliga title with Leverkusen, Alonso’s Dutch defender took aim at United’s rivals Arsenal.He celebrated the trophy alongside former Gunner Granit Xhaka, who swapped England for Germany last summer.The Swiss midfielder narrowly missed out on the Premier League title last season.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAnd after Arsenal fluffed their lines against Aston Villa to miss going top of the table, Frimpong could not resist trolling the Londoners for letting Xhaka go.He said on video: “We won it! Granit, you came from Arsenal and you won it here, my f*****g G!”Football stars’ weird phobiasJeremie Frimpong’s career statsThose numbers in full:

    Celtic, 2019-2021: 51 games, 3 goals

    Bayer Leverkusen, 2021-2024: 133 games, 23 goals

    Holland, 2023-2024: 2 games, 0 goals

    Trophies: Scottish Premiership, Scottish Cup, Scottish League Cup (Celtic); Bundesliga (Bayer Leverkusen)

    Fans certainly found Frimpong’s comments hilarious, with one saying: “He knew he couldn’t win the league with Arsenal so he went to German to get it. Respect.”Another declared: “Frimpong isn’t a fan of Arsenal at all.”One noted: “Xhaka is enjoying his life.”Another added: “Bro cooked Arsenal.”Granit Xhaka’s career statsThose numbers in full:

    Basel, 2010-2012: 61 games, 2 goals

    Gladbach, 2012-2016: 139 games, 9 goals

    Arsenal, 2016-2023: 297 games, 23 goals

    Bayer Leverkusen, 2023-2024: 41 games, 2 goals

    Switzerland, 2011-2024: 123 games, 14 goals

    Trophies: Swiss Super League x2, Swiss Cup (Basel); FA Cup x2, Community Shield x2 (Arsenal); Bundesliga (Bayer Leverkusen); U17 World Cup (Switzerland) More

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    Liverpool ‘plot shock transfer for England U21s goalkeeper’ if Caoimhin Kelleher leaves in summer

    LIVERPOOL have reportedly identified an England Under-21 as a potential replacement for Caoimhin Kelleher.The Reds are currently preparing for the departure of boss Jurgen Klopp this summer but a number of players could also be on the move.Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing Anthony Patterson from SunderlandCredit: GettyCaoimhin Kelleher has plenty of clubs keen on signing him this summerCredit: GettyAnd that could lead to some big changes in the goalkeeping department regarding back-up for their Brazilian No.1 Alisson.Third-choice stopper Adrian, 37, seems set to leave once his contract expires in June.Interest has been mounting in Irish keeper Kelleher after his impressive campaign that has led to him stepping in to replace injury-riddled Alisson 26 times so far.The 25-year-old has come through the ranks at Anfield since joining from Ringmahon Rangers in his homeland back in 2015.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLNottingham Forest had a bid rejected for him on January’s deadline day and their boss Nuno Espirito Santo remains a big fan.Kelleher’s price tag will have continued to rise since then due to his impressive displays over the past two months.Celtic are also believed to be keen but could be priced out of a transfer.Liverpool “would likely not stand in Kelleher’s way” if he wanted to go to become a No1 in his own right elsewhere, according to a new report by the Daily Mail.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAnd the same publication has also identified the list of potential replacements for him.They claim that the Reds have “retained an interest” in Sunderland’s Anthony Patterson.Football’s weirdest contract clauses revealed including non-Arsenal agreement and a private jet promiseThe 23-year-old helped the Black Cats to win the League One play-offs two years ago and has shone in the Championship since.That has led to him being recognised at international level after winning an England U21 cap last summer.Meanwhile, another England U21 ace has also been mentioned.We have reported previously how a number of Premier League teams have been scouting Wigan Athletic’s Sam Tickle.He has shone for Shaun Maloney’s team in the League One this season.And Liverpool are also believed to be among those that are continuing to monitor the 22-year-old’s progress, says the Mail.Kelleher’s exit would mean the Reds would be in the market for a new back-up, although he could decide to stick around on Merseyside.READ MORE SUN STORIESLiverpool do have a number of youngsters that they could call upon to step up, although it is felt that none of those are quite “ready” to make that jump just yet.Therefore they are looking at targets with first-team experience. More

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    Ex-Arsenal and Chelsea star Willian hints at plan to leave Fulham on free transfer as he reveals ‘other opportunities’

    WILLIAN has revealed that he is considering leaving Fulham at the end of the season.The Brazilian winger, 35, has been a star for Marco Silva’s side this season but will be out of contract in the summer.Willian has hinted at leaving Fulham this summerCredit: RexWhile Fulham have offered a new deal, the ex-Arsenal and Chelsea man will not make a decision until the season is over.Willian has not ruled out staying at Craven Cottage, but says he has ambitions of returning to the Champions League and would be open to joining a Saudi Arabian club.He said: “It’s true, my contract runs out at the end of the season.”Fulham are a team I’m very grateful to, they opened the door for me so that I could return to the Premier League.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”They’ve also signalled their interest in me renewing my contract. I told the club that I would decide my future at the end of the season.”For now I’m just thinking about finishing the season well, finishing playing, finishing well without injury, which is the most important thing.“And I’ll decide my future that way, towards the end of the season.”I’m open to hearing about other opportunities too, if that’s the case.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”Here at Fulham I have the door to renewal and I’m very happy to know that they want me to stay here. But nothing has been decided yet and, as I said, I’m open to hearing about other options, other opportunities too.”Asked if his phone had been ringing with opportunities, Willian joked: “Not yet. Not mine yet. My agent’s should be ringing a lot!”Football stars’ weird phobiasWillian has five goals and two assists in all competitions this season and boss Silva – who rejected a Saudi offer last summer – has often hailed his impact on the squad.Fulham also suffered the blow of losing star striker Aleksandar Mitrovic to Saudi side Al-Hilal last year.Asked about making a move to Saudi, Willian told South American journalist Andre Hernan: “Well, I suppose so.”If suddenly it was something I thought would be interesting for me, something good. Why not?”As I said, I’m open to hearing it, whether it’s Arabia or wherever. As long as it’s something good, right, for me.”I’ll be able to play at a high level for a few more years. Of course, being in Europe, playing in Europe, coming back, in this case, suddenly playing in the Champions League, would be very nice, right?”Every player wants to play in the Champions League, regardless of their age.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Since I left Chelsea, it’s been a few years since I’ve played in the Champions League. So I’ve been watching Champions League games and sometimes I feel the urge, the longing to play Champions League games.”I’m going to try to decide my future calmly, wisely too, to think carefully about what’s going to be best and let’s see now, wait until the end of the season to decide.” More

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    Newcastle plan free transfer raid on Premier League rivals after ‘extensively’ scouting two stars

    NEWCASTLE are eyeing up a double swoop for Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo and Bournemouth centre-back Lloyd Kelly, according to reports.Both players are out of contract at the end of the season and are understood to have been “scouted extensively” by Eddie Howe’s men.Fulham’s Tosin Adarabioyo has been linked to a host of Premier League clubsCredit: GettyBournemouth’s Lloyd Kelly is another Newcastle transfer targetCredit: GettyNewcastle have identified the pair as targets during a number of recruitment meetings over recent weeks.No deals have been reached at this stage, but the idea of not having to pay a transfer fee is an attractive proposition for the Toon – who are short on money as they attempt to stay within profit and sustainability rules.According to The Telegraph, the absence of both Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles for up to nine months means they are keen to bolster their central defensive options this summer.But they will have a great deal of competition in their pursuit of ex-Manchester City man Adarabioyo – who is also being admired by Tottenham, Liverpool, West Ham and Manchester United.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFulham also remain hopeful they can convince him to stay by making him one of their highest-paid players following a superb season.Adarabioyo, 26, has played 131 games for the Cottagers since arriving four years ago for £2million.Meanwhile, Bournemouth’s Kelly, 25, is a versatile player that can fill in at left-back and centre-half.He was first linked with a move to St James’ Park in January having been with Bournemouth since 2019 when he joined for £13m from Bristol City.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAdarabioyo has been superb for Fulham this seasonBut Newcastle are aware they will need to sell players while bringing others in.Miguel Almiron, Sean Longstaff, Martin Dubravka, Matt Targett and Callum Wilson are among those that could be set to leave, along with Yankuba Minteh who has impressed on loan at Feyenoord.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballersBruno Guimaraes is expected to stay, but Newcastle would be powerless to losing him if his £100m release clause was triggered.Striker Alexander Isak, who has scored 21 goals this season, has also been linked with the likes of Arsenal and Tottenham.Newcastle’s 4-0 win over Tottenham on Saturday moved them up to sixth and into pole position for a Europa League spot next season.Lloyd Kelly has played 18 Premier League games for Bournemouth this season More

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    Wrexham set for huge ‘scramble’ for Arsenal star as they target first transfer since promotion to League One

    WREXHAM are eyeing up a first transfer since returning to League One, according to reports.The Welsh club clinched successive promotions on Saturday following a 6-0 win over Forest Green.Arthur Okonkwo has impressed for Wrexham during his loan spell this seasonCredit: AlamyHe has started 34 of Wrexham’s 44 league matchesIt means they will spend next season in the third tier for the first time since 2005.And they are now understood to be considering a permanent move for keeper Arthur Okonkwo – who has spent the 2023/24 campaign on loan at Wrexham from Arsenal.He has been Phil Parkinson’s first-choice shot-stopper this season, starting 34 of their 44 matches in League Two.Okonkwo, named in the League Two Team of the Season, is set to return to Arsenal in a fortnight following the end of Wrexham’s domestic campaign.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, according to Sport Bible, the Gunners have not offered a new deal to the man who played for them in a pre-season friendly against Hibernian in 2021.His existing contract expires at the end of May.And an exit from the Emirates, that would bring to an end a 15-year stay with Arsenal, is expected to spark a “scramble for his signature”.But Wrexham’s desire to sign Okonkwo, 22, will depend on his wage demands.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Welsh outfit, owned by Hollywood A-listers Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, have covered less than half of his wages this season, with Arsenal continuing to pay the majority of his salary.But Wrexham will be keen to bring players in on permanent deals as a number of current players are preparing to see their contracts run down.Inside Wrexham stars’ boozy promotion celebrations as they sink Jagerbombs with fans and belt out songs at restaurantAaron Hayden, Jordan Tunnicliffe, Luke Young, Ben Tozer, Callum McFadzean, Rob Lainton and Matk Howard are all set to become free agents in the summer if they do not pen extensions.Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney could splash the cash this summerCredit: Getty More