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    Barcelona star Martin Braithwaite demands £4MILLION to leave Nou Camp as stand-off with cash-strapped Catalans goes on

    MARTIN BRAITHWAITE is reportedly demanding a £4million payoff to leave Barcelona this summer.The 31-year-old is surplus to requirements at the Nou Camp this summer.
    Martin Braithwaite wants £4million to rip up his Barcelona contractCredit: Getty
    And broke Barcelona want to get rid of Braithwaite to ease their financial worries.
    The Danish striker has so far refused all transfer offers to leave.
    And Braithwaite will only accept terminating his contract if his wages are met in full.
    That amounts to £98,000-a-week for the next two years.
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    And the Mail claims Braithwaite is seeking an immediate £4m total payment before agreeing to Barcelona’s wishes.
    However, the Catalans have no intention of reaching that figure.
    They are instead happy to pay off one year of Braithwaite’s salary, which amounts to £2m.
    It’s believed the ex-Middlesbrough man currently has an offer on the table from LaLiga rivals Mallorca.
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    But he is determined to hold out until his demands are met by Barca.
    Earlier this month, it was claimed the Spaniards are ready to do whatever it takes to offload Braithwaite before his salary counts towards LaLiga’s limits for this season.

    Barcelona are now exploring legal options that will allow them not to pay his entire contract.
    And they are also considering terminating Braithwaite’s deal on transfer deadline day to leave him without a club until January.
    Braithwaite has been at Barcelona since February 2020 after a shock move from Leganes.
    He has gone on to score ten goals in 58 games.
    But with Robert Lewandowski, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Memphis Depay all battling for a place in attack, Braithwaite’s chances of playing again for Barcelona are virtually zero.
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    Aubameyang and Depay have also been tipped to leave the Nou Camp.
    Aubameyang is a target for Chelsea, while Depay is wanted by Man United after seeing a move to Juventus collapse. More

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    Liverpool ‘to offer Roberto Firmino to PSG in swap transfer for Leandro Paredes’ with Klopp desperate for a midfielder

    LIVERPOOL are reportedly considering a swap deal of Roberto Firmino for Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Leandro Paredes.The Argentina international, 28, is on the chopping block at the Parc des Princes.
    Klopp has made PSG midfielder Paredes a priorityCredit: Getty
    Liverpool are considering a straight swap for popular forward FirminoCredit: Rex
    And Calciomercato claim the Reds have made Paredes a priority before the transfer window shuts.
    Anfield bosses will make a last-ditch attempt to land the PSG star and will consider swapping Firmino to get the deal over the line.
    This is because both players are valued between £21million and £25million.
    Despite this, it seems like Jurgen Klopp will have competition as Juventus remain favourites to sign the playmaker.
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    Paredes initially joined the French club from Zenit in 2019 for a reported £36m.
    The midfielder has won three league titles with the club, having previously played for the Russian giants and Roma.
    During his spell in the French capital, he has made 115 appearances, scoring three goals and registering ten assists.
    Liverpool have rejected bids for Brazilian Firmino but are considering a switch.
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    He is out of contract next summer so bosses will consider cashing in on the exchange now. 
    The Brazil international has been at Anfield for seven seasons, winning the Premier League and Champions League titles.
    Lovingly known as Bobby, he has made 327 appearances, scoring 98 goals and notching 74 assists. More

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    West Ham ‘in talks with Adnan Januzaj over free transfer’ as David Moyes eyes reunion with former Man Utd midfielder

    WEST HAM are in talks with Adnan Januzaj over a free transfer, according to reports.The Belgian ace is without a club after leaving Real Sociedad at the end of last season.
    Adnan Januzaj has left Real Sociedad after five years in SpainCredit: EPA
    Januzaj, 27, played under Davod Moyes at Man United and SunderlandCredit: Getty
    Januzaj, 27, played under Hammers boss David Moyes at Manchester United and Sunderland – and the pair could be set for a third spell together.
    According to talkSPORT, West Ham have opened negotiations with Januzaj’s representatives.
    The winger was handed his Man United debut by Moyes and went on to play 63 times for the Red Devils.
    During his six-year stint at Old Trafford he was sent on loan to Borussia Dortmund and Sunderland – encountering Moyes again at the Stadium of Light.
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    He made 28 appearances for the Black Cats during the 2016-17 season and was powerless to prevent them from being relegated.
    Januzaj has been away from the Premier League ever since, joining Sociedad in the summer of 2017.

    The former wonderkid went on to make 168 appearances for the LaLiga side – scoring 23 goals and laying on 21 assists.
    He has won 15 caps for Belgium – including at the 2018 World Cup.
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    During the finals in Russia he scored the winner against England during the group stage.
    Should he move to West Ham, Januzaj could team up with Lyon star Lucas Paqueta.
    The Hammers have sealed a club-record £51m deal for the Brazilian attacking ace.
    Moyes and Co are believed to have agreed personal terms with Paqueta.
    West Ham find themselves bottom of the Prem table after three matches – losing all of their matches and failing to score a single goal.
    Lucas Paqueta has agreed to join West HamCredit: Getty More

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    Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti CONFIRMS Marco Asensio has asked to leave as Man Utd eye £25m transfer

    CARLO ANCELOTTI has revealed Marco Asensio is seeking a move away from Real Madrid amid reports linking him with a switch to Manchester United.The versatile 26-year-old has been deemed as surplus to requirements by the Italian gaffer and will be allowed to depart.
    Real Madrid ace Marco Asensio is seeking a move away from the club before the window closesCredit: AP
    And with Asensio having just a year left on his contract at the Bernabeu, Real are keen to cash in on him while they can.
    The Spain international has struggled for a regular place in Ancelotti’s line-up, where he made just 19 LaLiga starts last season.
    Still, he was Los Blancos’ third top scorer in the 2021-22 campaign with 12 strikes, only behind Karim Benzema and Vinicius Jr.
    But Asensio has been limited to just seven minutes of top-flight action this term after falling down the pecking order.
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    And now Ancelotti has confirmed that Asensio, who can operate as a winger and attacking midfielder, has asked to leave Real.
    Quoted by AS, the ex-Chelsea manager said: “Marco is looking at something to see if he can leave.”

    Before stating: “If he doesn’t leave, he will remain a Madrid player.”
    A transfer to Old Trafford has been mooted, with it claimed that the Red Devils are poised to make a £25million offer.
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    Asensio could be tempted by a move to the Theatre of Dreams with his ex-team-mates Cristiano Ronaldo and Raphael Varane at the club.
    And he could follow Casemiro in swapping Madrid for Manchester this summer after the Brazilian joined United in a deal rising to £70m.
    The three-time Champions League winner has also been linked with moves to Arsenal and Newcastle before the transfer window slams shut on September 1.
    Since making his Real debut in August 2016, Asensio has scored 49 goals in 236 games.
    But he knows he must be playing regular game time if he wishes to be included in Luis Enrique’s World Cup squad. More

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    Newcastle confirm Alexander Isak from Real Sociedad as Toon smash transfer record with mega £63million deal for striker

    NEWCASTLE have confirmed the club-record signing of Alexander Isak from Real Sociedad in a deal rising to £63million.SunSport reported earlier in the week how the Magpies had struck a deal with the Spanish side to bring the Swedish striker to St James’ Park.
    Alexander Isak has swapped Real Sociedad for Newcastle in a £63million transferCredit: https://www.instagram.com/nufc/
    Isak is expected to go straight into Newcastle’s starting XI for Sunday’s clash against WolvesCredit: Getty
    Sweden international Isak has penned a long-term contract at St James’ ParkCredit: Getty
    And now the Toon have officially unveiled the arrival of the 22-year-old on a long-term contract.
    His transfer smashes their previous record fees of £40m which they paid to sign Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes.
    Isak is now expected to go straight into Eddie Howe’s starting XI in Sunday’s away clash against Wolves at Molineux.
    Speaking to Newcastle’s website, Isak said: “I’m delighted to have it done. It was a big, big decision for me but it is a decision I am really happy with.
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    “It is a great, historical club that I think anyone would like to play for, with amazing fans.
    “They were a big part of why I came here – and also the club’s project, which is one that I really believe in.

    “You always want to go into a team and know how they play.
    “I think Newcastle play very attractive football and I want to be a part of that.”
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    Boss Howe remarked: “I’m very excited that Alexander has chosen to join us.
    “He is an outstanding talent who is capable of making a big contribution to the team.
    “He is technically very good, with a mix of attributes that will complement us, but he is also at a great age to grow with this club.
    “I want to thank the club’s owners and transfer committee for bringing Alexander to Newcastle. We are all delighted to have him on board.”
    Isak, who will wear the No14 shirt, is Newcastle’s fourth major signing of the summer following the arrivals of Matt Targett, Nick Pope and Sven Botman.
    He has already found the back of the net this season after scoring in Sociedad’s 4-1 defeat against Barcelona last weekend. More

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    West Ham agree club-record £51million deal for Lyon’s Lucas Paqueta as David Moyes finally lands Brazil international

    WEST HAM have agreed a club-record £51million transfer for Lyon midfielder Lucas Paqueta.An initial £34million bid was rejected with the Ligue 1 club keen to focus on the structuring of the deal for the 24-year-old Brazilian international.
    West Ham have broken the bank to secure the signing of PaquetaCredit: Getty
    The Hammers then sent a second offer of £48m to the French outfit in a bid to get the move over the line.
    Now Sky Sports are reporting that the final fee which has been accepted is a whopping £51m.
    Manager David Moyes is keen to recruit reinforcements after a dreadful start to the season.
    West Ham currently sit bottom of the Premier League table having lost all three of their opening matches without scoring a goal.
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    They were beaten 2-0 by Manchester City, 1-0 by Nottingham Forest and then 2-0 by Brighton on Sunday.
    Paqueta would offer the Irons some more creativity in midfield – something they have been crying out for in recent weeks.
    He has scored 21 goals and provided 14 assists in 80 appearances for Lyon.
    The South American has also been capped 33 times by Brazil, netting seven times.
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    Paqueta is set to become West Ham’s eighth signing of the summer.
    They have already brought in Gianluca Scamacca, Maxwel Cornet, Flynn Downes, Alphonse Areola, Nayef Aguerd, Emerson Palmieri and Thilo Kehrer.
    It is not yet known whether Paqueta will be available for selection for West Ham’s clash away at Aston Villa on Sunday. More

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    How Newcastle could line up with Alexander Isak leading the line and Edson Alvarez patrolling the midfield

    NEWCASTLE will be eyeing up a potential European push following the summer transfer window as they continue to splash the cash.The Toon are unbeaten in their opening three Premier League games and have impressed fans and pundits with their free-flowing football.
    This is how Newcastle could line up with Alexander Isak and Edson Alvarez
    A 2-0 win against Nottingham Forest was followed up by a gritty 0-0 draw away at Brighton down on the south coast.
    Eddie Howe’s side then held champions Manchester City to a 3-3 draw at St James’ Park in a game they should have won having led 3-1 going into the last 30 minutes.
    Newcastle have already spent over £60million this summer having brought in Nick Pope from Burnley for £10m, while landing defender Sven Botman from Lille in a deal rising to £39m.
    And left-back Matt Targett had his loan spell from Aston Villa turned into a permanent £15m stay after impressing in the second half of last campaign.
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    Howe remains keen to bring in another forward, with Real Sociedad star Alexander Isak closing in on a move.
    A transfer worth £63m has been agreed with the LaLiga outfit for the former Arsenal target.
    And Newcastle are reportedly weighing up a potential second offer for Ajax defensive midfielder Edson Alvarez having had a £25m bid knocked back.
    Here SunSport takes a look at how Newcastle could line up should they manage to secure the services of both players.
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    England international Nick Pope will have forced himself back into contention under Gareth Southgate having starred between the sticks for Newcastle.
    And right-back Kieran Trippier will have done his chances of a World Cup call-up no harm having impressed since joining from Atletico Madrid in January.
    A fully fit Targett should start at left-back, with Fabian Schar to partner Botman in the heart of defence at the expense of Dan Burn.
    Alvarez could then be deployed as the anchor sitting in front of the backline, with Brazilian duo Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes featuring as the two roaming No8s.
    In an effort for Callum Wilson to be included in Howe’s side, he could play alongside Isak and Allan Saint-Maximin up top.
    This is another potential starting XI Eddie Howe could choose from More

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    Chelsea’s £25million Aubameyang transfer stalls as Blues refuse to give Barcelona striker, 33, two-year contract

    THOMAS TUCHEL’S hopes of a reunion with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang are stalling over personal terms.The Barcelona striker wants a deal for at least two years while Chelsea are only prepared to offer a one-season contract.
    Chelsea are unwilling to give Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang more than a one-year dealCredit: AFP
    Aubameyang is 33 and Chelsea are mindful of his age and committing to a long-term agreement – broadly in line with their policy on older players.
    It is still hoped a compromise will be reached and that the former Arsenal captain will return to the Premier League before next Thursday’s transfer deadline.
    Tuchel wants Aubameyang to join him at Stamford Bridge to provide the outlet needed in front of goal as an out-and-out centre forward with bags of experience.
    Chelsea are relying on the use of so-called “false nines” – using attacking midfielder Kai Havertz or Raheem Sterling in the striker’s usual position.
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    Tuchel can call on rookie Armando Broja but the 20-year-old Albanian has only one full term under his belt in the Premier League on loan at Southampton last season where he impressed, scoring nine goals.
    Aubameyang has a deal until 2025 at Barcelona although there is a chance to re-negotiate at the end of this season.
    He played for Tuchel previously at Borussia Dortmund and the pair remain close.
    Chelsea are reluctant to hand out long-term contracts to players over 30 and have encountered problems in the past with this.
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    Defender David Luiz and winger Willian left as a result. Current captain Cesar Azpilicueta was tempted to leave in the summer when Barcelona offered him a longer contract than was on offer at Stamford Bridge, although he stayed in the end.
    Chelsea and Barcelona are largely in agreement over Aubameyang with a fee of around £25m to be paid – but it now needs the player and the club to sort out terms. More