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    Messi’s ‘2020 Barcelona contract demands leaked’, including VIP boxes for his and Suarez’s families and private jet

    LIONEL MESSI’S Barcelona contract demands from 2020 have reportedly been leaked.And among the alleged wishes from his failed deal are a private jet – plus VIP boxes for his AND Luis Suarez’s families.
    Lionel Messi’s Barca contract demands from 2020 have reportedly been leakedCredit: Instagram / @leomessi
    Messi allegedly asked for a private jet, as well as private boxes at the Nou Camp for him and Luis SuarezCredit: Instagram / @leomessi
    Messi, 35, sensationally left Barca after 21 years in the summer of 2021 when his contract expired.
    The Argentina legend eventually joined Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer.
    And Messi is now into his second season with the French champions.
    But things could have worked out differently had Barcelona agreed to contract demands reportedly laid out by Messi in 2020.
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    El Mundo claims the iconic forward had a list of wishes he wanted fulfilled before committing his future to the Nou Camp.
    The first thing Messi apparently wanted was a whopping signing-on bonus of £8.7million.
    Incredibly, it’s alleged he also wanted a new release clause worth just £8,700 – effectively allowing him to quit for free at the time of his choosing.
    Messi reportedly told Barcelona he wanted a three-year deal with an option to extend.
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    And after the first year, his £65m wages were to reportedly increase by TEN per cent each season – on top of annual interest worth three per cent.
    Messi also allegedly demanded a private jet be laid on for him and his family so they could fly to Argentina every Christmas.
    And finally, Messi reportedly wanted a luxury executive box at the Nou Camp for his family PLUS the family of then-teammate Suarez.
    In total, the entire contract would have allegedly set Barcelona back a world-record £492m.
    It’s added Barca were happy to go along with all the demands apart from the signing-on fee and release clause.
    This is what reportedly led to Messi attempting to force through an exit in the summer of 2020.
    And things got even worse when in the same window, Barca sold best pal Suarez to rivals Atletico Madrid.
    Ironically a year later, Messi wanted to stay at Barcelona but was informed he could not renew due to their dire financial situation.
    But it’s reckoned Xavi Hernandez would jump at the chance to bring Messi back, with his PSG deal up next year.
    Barcelona fired back a response following El Mundo’s report.
    A statement read: “In relation to the information published today in El Mundo del Siglo XXI, under the title ‘BarçaLeaks, los archivos secretos del club, parte 1’, FC Barcelona expresses its indignation at the leaking of information that would form part of a judicial proceeding. 
    “The Club also regrets that the medium boasts of having ‘access to a huge amount of documentation and emails that are in the possession of the Barçagate investigation’ when this information and documentation have not yet been shared with the parties.
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    “In any case, the article in question makes public documents that have nothing to do with the investigation of the case and its use is an attempt against the reputation and confidentiality of the Club. 
    “For this reason, and with the aim of protecting FC Barcelona’s rights, the Club’s legal services are already studying the appropriate measures to be taken.” More

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    Arsenal ‘contact Eintracht Frankfurt star Jesper Lindstrom as they plot £17m January transfer swoop’

    ARSENAL have reportedly opened talks over a January move for Eintracht Frankfurt attacking midfielder Jesper Lindstrom.The Gunners, who sit top of the Premier League table, are expected to be active in the New Year with Mikel Arteta keen to bolster his squad.
    Eintracht Frankfurt ace Jesper Lindstrom is claimed to be attracting interest from ArsenalCredit: Getty
    Denmark international Lindstrom has scored three goals in ten games this seasonCredit: Getty
    Boss Arteta is known to be in the market for a new midfielder having failed to bring in Aston Villa ace Douglas Luiz on deadline day.
    And according to Bild, Denmark international Lindstrom is on Arsenal’s radar having starred in Germany.
    The 22-year-old was named Bundesliga Rookie of the Year last season after impressing in his opening term at Frankfurt following his move from Brondby.
    He has continued his fine form this campaign having chipped in with three goals in ten games in all competitions – including last week’s winner away at Marseille in the Champions League.
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    Bild state that Arsenal have contacted Lindstrom’s team over a potential switch to the Emirates in the New Year.
    It has been said that the 2022 Europa League winner fits the profile of player that Arteta is targeting.
    Arteta has been keen to bring in versatile players in the last year, and with Lindstrom able to operate in the No 10 role or on the wings, he fits the criteria.
    The German news outlet has declared that a fee of £17million would be enough to secure Lindstrom’s services.
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    Arsenal failed to dip into the market in the last winter transfer window, and it proved costly as they missed out on the top four by two points.
    However this time around they may not be so quiet, with Shakhtar Donestk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk believed to be a target.
    Meanwhile it remains to be seen whether they will go back in for Brazilian star Luiz, who has entered the final year of his contract at Villa Park.
    And Leicester contract rebel Youri Tielemans could be available in a cut-price transfer with the Belgian ace to become a free agent next summer.
    Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli is also claimed to be attracting interest from the Gunners after they failed to sign the Italian from Sassuolo last year. More

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    Sergio Busquets ‘set to sign for David Beckham’s Inter Miami on free transfer after deciding to QUIT Barcelona’

    SERGIO BUSQUETS looks set to call time on his 22 year career with Barcelona amid interest from David Beckham’s Inter Miami.According to reports, the veteran midfielder will depart the club when his current deal ends on June 30, 2023.
    Busquets is reportedly heading to Inter Miami after his contract ends with BarcelonaCredit: Rex
    It was rumoured that the MLS club were heavily interested in the defensive midfielder, with the aim of making the World Cup winner their franchise player.
    The 34-year-old is reported by Sport to have made his intentions to leave a while ago, as well as stating that he’s passionate about his new adventure.  
    Despite starting four out of a possible six games this season, the emergence of youth in the Pedri and Gavi will have no doubt provided a timely reminder that the end is near.
    The Barcelona captain was handed his debut by Pep Guardiola against Racing Santander in 2008, fast forward fourteen years and he is now being managed by his midfield partner in that very game, Xavi.
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    685 appearances later, a glittering career has seen him lift eight LaLiga titles and three Champions Leagues, as well as achieving international glory with Spain.
    The midfield maestro has also been repeatedly linked with a move to the Premier League in the last few seasons.
    According to reports the Spanish midfielder has the option to play for an extra year beyond this season.
    Barcelona’s financial struggles could also be a factor as the captain agreed to a substantial reduction in his wages.
    According to Catalan outlet ARA, there hasn’t been much progression with Busquets and Pique as they are both owed huge sums.
    FC Barcelona have to pay €52M to Gerard Piqué & €50M to Sergio Busquets next season.
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    Jude Bellingham at centre of massive £130m summer transfer battle with Man Utd and Chelsea among FIVE clubs interested

    CHELSEA and Manchester United are among FIVE European clubs interested in signing Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham this summer, according to reports.Bellingham, 19, joined Borussia Dortmund in a £25million transfer from Birmingham City two years ago.
    Borussia Dortmund want at least £130m for BellinghamCredit: Getty
    He snubbed Man Utd in favour of the move to Germany, but the Red Devils have refused to give up in their pursuit of the teen.
    According to The Athletic, United are in a transfer race along with four other clubs.
    Premier League giants Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool are also eager to sign Bellingham while Real Madrid retain a strong interest.
    But, Borussia Dortmund are demanding at least £130m for the young star which would make him the most expensive English player of all-time – surpassing Jack Grealish and his £100m move to Man City last year.
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    Bellingham made his 100th appearance for Dortmund last week.
    Since arriving at Signal Iduna Park he’s scored 13 goals and assisted 18, making him one of the club’s most valuable players.
    His consistent performances have also seen him earn a regular spot in Gareth Southgate’s England squad.
    Last year Bellingham became the youngest-ever English player to appear at a major tournament when he made a substitute appearance against Croatia during Euro 2020.
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    And now he could be given the opportunity to shine on the World stage as England prepare for the World Cup in November.
    Bellingham was given another international call-up last week ahead of England’s upcoming Nations League fixtures against Italy and Germany. More

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    Arsenal could return for Manuel Locatelli in shock transfer move after Italy star’s struggling start at Juventus

    ARSENAL could reportedly reignite their interest in Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli after failing to sign him last year.The 24-year-old snubbed a switch to the Emirates following Euro 2020 as he opted instead to link up with the Old Lady from Sassuolo.
    Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli is claimed to be facing an uncertain future in TurinCredit: Getty
    Locatelli linked up with Juve on an initial two-year loan, with the Serie A giants obligated to turn his temporary stay into a permanent transfer for £30million.
    But he has struggled to live up to his billing in Turin, and it has been claimed that he could be facing an uncertain future at the Allianz Stadium.
    According to Calciomercato, Juve boss Massimiliano Allegri has been left underwhelmed by the player since his arrival.
    And this has led to speculation over whether he could soon be departing the club, with Paul Pogba to replace him in the line-up once the Frenchman is fully fit.
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    The news outlet stated that should he fail to convince Allegri and the board in the next few months, Juventus wouldn’t stand in his way of departing.
    And they have said that Arsenal could be willing to return to the table for Locatelli where they would be prepared to take a gamble on him.
    It has been reported how the North London outfit were ‘on the footballer’s trail for a long time’ prior to him joining Juve from Sassuolo.
    Arsenal could now look to make a swoop to sign Locatelli at the second time of asking next summer.
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    Calciomercato refused to confirm whether there have been any talks between Arsenal or Juve for Locatelli.
    Gunners gaffer Mikel Arteta is known to be in the market for a new midfielder having failed to bring in Aston Villa ace Douglas Luiz on deadline day.
    The Villans knocked back three bids by Arsenal for the Brazilian, with Arteta desperate to sign cover for Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny.
    With Luiz in the final year of his contract, Arsenal could look to snap him up in January or wait until the end of the campaign to land him on a free transfer.
    But they know they face competition from Liverpool in the race to secure his services. More

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    Man Utd ‘already working on transfer for Monaco right-back Vanderson but face competition from Barcelona’

    MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly working on a deal to sign Monaco star Vanderson.But they face competition from Barcelona for the Brazilian right-back.
    Man Utd are keen on landing Barcelona target Vanderson from MonacoCredit: Getty
    Sport claims Erik ten Hag is keen on signing a new defender in January.
    United’s backline has already improved thanks to the additions of Lisandro Martinez and Tyrell Malacia.
    And Vanderson, 21, has been earmarked as the next exciting talent to boost the squad.
    The former Gremio star only joined Monaco in January, but his fine performances quickly resulted in a new contract.
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    It’s reckoned Vanderson is valued at over £52m by his club.
    But United have shown they are willing to pay high fees if Ten Hag believes it is worthwhile.

    There could yet be one issue for the Red Devils though.
    That’s because Barcelona are thought to remain interested after targeting Vanderson over the summer.
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    They balked at Monaco’s asking price when Xavi Hernandez identified the youngster as Dani Alves’ successor.
    But Barca’s rebuild has so far gone to plan after a huge summer splurge.
    And Xavi is targeting a new right-back amongst others as he looks to keep pace with Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid.
    Monaco are now braced for enquiries and bids in the build-up to January. More

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    Nottingham Forest secure 23RD summer transfer as Sarajevo goalkeeper Adnan Kanuric joins three weeks after deadline

    STEVE COOPER has made goalkeeper Adnan Kanuric his 23rd summer signing for big-spending Nottingham Forest.The 22-year-old has been training with Forest’s first team after his contract with FK Sarajevo expired in July and he has impressed enough to earn a contract.
    Adnan Kanuric has become Nottingham Forest’s 23rd signing of the season
    Kanuric has previous experience in England with Stoke City
    Forest issued a short statement to confirm they had signed the Bosnia and Herzegovina Under-21 keeper, who is expected to challenge third-choice Jordan Smith for his Under-21 shirt.
    It stated: “Nottingham Forest is pleased to confirm the signing of goalkeeper Adnan Kanuric. Welcome to The Reds, Adnan!”
    Austrian-born Kanuric will want to target Forest’s experienced back-up keeper Wayne Hennessey who signed a two-year deal in July.
    He will also target Ethan Horvath who is currently excelling on loan at Luton Town as Steve Cooper encourages competition within his squad.
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    Dean Henderson, Forest’s current No1, has made a positive start but is only contracted to the club until the end of this season, following his season-long loan from Manchester United.
    Kanuric already has experience of playing in England, having spent two years at Stoke City.
    He left the Potters in 2020 to sign for Slovakian side SKF Sered.
    He then moved on to FK Sarajevo, where he featured twice in the Europa Conference League qualifiers at the beginning of the 2021-22 term.
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    He could get his first taste of action in a friendly against Italian side Palermo on Friday.
    Forest splashed out a remarkable £165million on new players over the summer, with Morgan Gibbs-White their biggest acquisition. More

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    Best XI of free transfers your team can sign TODAY including Danny Rose, Fabian Delph and Hatem Ben Arfa

    THE SUMMER transfer window may be over, but there’s still time for your team to nab themselves a bargain.An incredible XI of free agents can still be signed TODAY, or at any point in the season.
    A best XI of free agents currently available to sign
    For one reason or another, they have found themselves at a loose end over the summer.
    That’s despite a number of them boasting stacked CV’s.
    Here SunSport take a look at some of the best free agents currently on the market.
    Two of the starting XI we have compiled have won Premier League titles with Manchester City, while two ex-England internationals also make the team.
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    In goal is former West Ham goalkeeper David Martin, 36, who was released at the end of last season.
    At right-back is Colombia’s ex-Atletico Madrid star Santiago Arias, who won three Eredivisie titles with PSV during his spell from 2013-2018.
    On the opposite side of defence is Danny Rose – capped 29 times by the Three Lions – who recently had his Watford contract ripped up by mutual consent.
    A centre-back pairing would then consist of ex-City ace Eliaquim Mangala, who won the top-flight title in 2018, and Jason Denayer.
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    Denayer, who came through the academy at the Etihad, was released by Lyon in the summer after making 139 appearances during his four-year stay in France.
    In defensive midfield is Mangala’s ex-City team-mate Fabian Delph, with the two-time Premier League champion a free agent after Everton decided against offering him a new deal.
    Former Spurs, QPR and Benfica man Adel Taarabt features in a free-roaming No8 role, alongside Lille icon Xeka.
    Xeka – part of Lille’s 2020-21 Ligue 1 winners squad – scored four goals in 31 games in all competitions last season, including the winner in the French Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain.
    Multiple French top-flight champ Hatem Ben Arfa slots in on the left wing, with ex-Spurs, Everton and Burnley ace Aaron Lennon on the right flank.
    Leading the line is Lennon’s former Clarets team-mate Matej Vydra, who fired in two goals in the Premier League last term. More