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    Bizarre clause in Jules Kounde’s deal means he can quit Barcelona for FREE if he’s not registered before end of window

    THERE remains a chance that Jules Kounde does not become a Barcelona player this season due to a clause in his contract, according to reports.The bizarre claim has been made by Spanish journalist Adria Soldevila who reports that he could walk away on a free transfer if the club don’t register him soon.
    Jules Kounde has only featured in pre-season games for Barcelona so farCredit: Getty
    Kounde, 23, has agreed to join Barcelona from Sevilla in a deal believed to be worth around £50million.
    However, the centre-back is currently nursing an injury so has therefore not been officially registered as a Barca player.
    Therefore it is reported that if he isn’t registered by the end of August he would be allowed to leave on a free transfer.
    The speculation further suggests that Barcelona would have to pay him £2million in contract clauses if this happens.
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    LaLiga banned the club earlier this summer from registering new players until they met spending regulations.
    Kounde was not in the squad for their season opener at home to Rayo Vallecano and it remains to be seen whether he is available for the second match versus Real Sociedad this weekend.
    The Catalan giants reportedly therefore have less than two weeks to sort out the deal or he could depart.
    This unusual saga could become music to Chelsea’s ears after they were desperate to bring him to West London only for their £55million deal to be hijacked by Xavi’s side.
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    With Barcelona battling financial difficulties the last thing they’d want is for the deal not to go through and lose a sizeable amount of money.
    Barca have spent heavily this summer bringing in the likes of Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski, who both have been registered after delays.

    More players could be set to arrive at the Nou Camp with Marcos Alonso, Hector Bellerin and Bernardo Silva some of the players linked with moves.
    There could be departures too with Frenkie de Jong, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Sergino Dest all rumoured to be of interest to Premier League sides. More

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    Crystal Palace interested in bringing Aaron Wan-Bissaka back this transfer window and ending Old Trafford nightmare

    CRYSTAL PALACE are open to bringing Aaron Wan-Bissaka back to the club in a bid to end his Manchester United nightmare.The right-back is not part of Erik ten Hag’s plans for the season having struggled to make an impact at Old Trafford since his £45million move from Selhurst Park in 2019.
    Wan-Bissaka could return to Crystal PalaceCredit: Getty
    Palace chiefs have discussed the possibility of bringing the academy graduate, who left for a club-record fee, back to south London this summer.
    While they would consider a deal, the Eagles are waiting for a final and firm decision over price and whether Manchester United would either let Wan-Bissaka leave on a loan or permanent deal.
    The 24-year-old started 20 games in the Premier League last season but struggled to get into the side once Ralf Rangnick replaced Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and has not featured yet this term – despite United’s desperate start.
    Ten Hag has lost his first two games in charge, defeated 2-1 by Brighton on the opening day before being thumped 4-0 at Brentford last weekend.
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    The Dutchman would need to bring in a replacement at right-back were Wan-Bissaka allowed to leave given he is currently the only cover for first choice Diogo Dalot.
    Patrick Vieira, the Palace manager, currently has both Joel Ward and Nathaniel Clyne to choose between at right-back, while Nathan Ferguson could be an option if he can stay fit.

    While Vieira has options in the position, none are considered long term given the age of both Ward and Clyne, meaning a move could happen if United are open to it and the fee is considered good value for Palace.
    Palace have already added four new faces this summer with Chris Richards, Cheick Doucoure, Malcolm Ebiowei and Sam Johnston all arriving.
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    As well as considering Wan-Bissaka, Palace could be in the market for a forward following the departure of Christian Benteke to DC United.
    The Eagles are still waiting for their first win of the season but managed an unexpected point at Liverpool on Monday night. More

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    Chelsea complete £12.6m transfer of Cesare Casadei from Inter Milan and hand teenage midfielder six-year contract

    CHELSEA have officially announced the signing of Inter Milan starlet Cesare Casadei. The deal is believed to be worth £12.6million not including add-ons and the player has been handed a six-year contract.
    Cesare Casadei signs for Chelsea from Inter MilanCredit: Getty
    The Italian is one of the most highly rated young talents in the worldCredit: Getty
    The 19-year-old has been described as one of Europe’s top young talents after impressing in Inter’s youth team throughout last season.
    Casadei was named player of the season last campaign in the Under-19s set-up.
    His performances as captain guided Inter to finish second in the league and he netted 14 goals in 30 matches.
    He has also represented Italy through the youth age groups and played an integral role in his country making the semi-finals of the Under-19s European Championship.
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    Casadei has been dubbed a complete central midfielder with an eye for goal.
    The teenager may not have much first-team experience but he was named among the substitutes last season.
    Head of Chelsea’s youth development Neil Bath: “Cesare is a player we have tracked for some time and we are delighted that he has agreed to join, he will initially strengthen our Under-21s squad.”
    Chelsea are continuing to splash the cash this summer following the takeover of the club by Todd Boehly.
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    They have already spent more than any other Premier League side bringing in the likes of Raheem Sterling, Marc Cucurella and Kalidou Koulibaly.
    And the Blues are showing no signs of stopping as they remain in the race for Wesley Fofana, Anthony Gordon and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
    To help balance the books their could be departures such as the likes of Christian Pulisic.
    Thomas Tuchel’s men currently have four points and their next Premier League match sees them travel to Leeds. More

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    Newcastle have second Joao Pedro transfer bid of £25m rejected by Watford who want at least £35m for striker

    NEWCASTLE have seen a second bid of £25million for Watford striker Joao Pedro rejected, according to reports. The Athletic are claiming that the Magpies’ second offer for the Brazilian forward was in the region of £22million with £3million in add-ons.
    Watford have received a second bid from Newcastle for Joao Pedro but it is still short of their asking priceCredit: Getty
    The Hornets still reportedly deem this not enough and have again told Newcastle to up their bid after the initial move of £17million with £3million add-ons was declined too.
    It is believed that the Championship side are holding out for £35million and are yet to show a sign of budging.
    Pedro, 20, would be allowed to leave Watford providing their valuation of him is matched.
    Manager Rob Edwards has admitted this saying after the Toon’s opening offer: “The bid that has come in is not anywhere near the level we’d expect it to be for him.
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    “If anything else was to come in again, then we’ll sit down and talk about it as a club and as a board.”
    Pedro burst onto the scene as a teenager playing for Fluminense in his home nation of Brazil.
    He consequently earned a transfer to England and since arriving he has netted 14 times in 78 appearances.
    Newcastle are desperate to add more attacking talent to their front line after being knocked back in approaches for the likes of Hugo Ekitike who opted for a switch to Paris Saint-Germain.
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    They have also been linked with Chelsea duo Christian Pulisic and Callum Hudson-Odoi to add depth in the wide areas.
    Meanwhile, Watford are in danger of losing another one of their attacking stars with Ismaila Sarr attracting interest from the likes of Crystal Palace and even Manchester United.
    Yet Edwards also revealed a bid is yet to come in for the Senegalese winger.
    Watford have already lost one part of their attacking trio via selling Emmanuel Dennis to Nottingham Forest. More

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    Mauro Icardi and wife Wanda Nara travel to Turkey for transfer talks with Galatasaray and Fenerbahce from PSG

    MAURO ICARDI’S wife Wanda Nara has travelled to Turkey for transfer talks ahead of a potential transfer from Paris Saint-Germain.The glamorous agent is representing her husband amid discussions with Galatasaray and Fenerbahce.
    Icardiis wanted by the Istanbul rivals Galatasaray and FenerbahceCredit: Alamy
    Agent and wife Wanda Nara will reportedly negotiate with the Turkish sidesCredit: Instagram @wanda_icardi
    It was revealed earlier this week that the two Turkish giants had joined Manchester United in the chase for Icardi’s signature.
    The pair of Istanbul rivals are both interested in signing the 29-year-old striker.
    And according to RMC Sport, Nara has travelled to Istanbul in order to negotiate the conditions on a proposed move. 
    The PSG No9 wants to make sure he will be starter at whichever club he ends up at.
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    However, his annual salary of around 170k-a-week remains a stumbling block.
    The lucrative wage packet threatens to derail any deal to the Super Lig, even if it was only a loan move.
    Icardi is not in PSG’s plans as new boss Christophe Galtier attempts to manage a host of superstar attacking options.
    The Ligue 1 champs boast a terrifying front three of Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Neymar.
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    And Icardi is then competing for a position behind the formidable trio alongside Julian Draxler and Pablo Sarabia.
    Man Utd are claimed to have enquired after the Argentine forward by making an “informal enquiry” to Nara.
    But there has still been some backlash to talisman Mbappe after he sulked and gave up on a counter-attack when he was not passed to.
    The Red Devils are desperately searching for a new goalscorer with Cristiano Ronaldo looking for a way out of the club and Anthony Martial sidelined by injury.
    There is not thought to have been any official contact yet between United and PSG. More

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    Man Utd working to get Casemiro transfer sealed in the next hours with medical over weekend – but won’t face Liverpool

    MANCHESTER UNITED are hoping to finalise a deal for Casemiro today, according to reports.The Red Devils struck a £60million agreement with Real Madrid for the 30-year-old midfielder earlier this week.
    Casemiro is set to join Man UtdCredit: Getty
    SunSport revealed on Thursday that United chiefs were willing to DOUBLE his salary to a staggering £350,000-a-week in a bid to tempt him to Old Trafford.
    Talks over a four-year contract have been successful so far and are now in the final stages.
    According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Man Utd are working to get the deal completed in the next few hours.
    Casemiro is expected to travel to Manchester within the next 48 hours to complete a medical once Real Madrid have given the green light.
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    The Brazil international has already bid goodbye to his teammates in Madrid.
    Spanish journalist Edu Aguirre claims he held a farewell dinner with close friends ahead of the big move.
    Casemiro is set to leave the Santiago Bernabeu after nine years at Real Madrid.
    He signed for Los Blancos in 2013 and has since made 336 appearances for the club.
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    During his time in Spain he helped the club to five Champions League titles, three Club World Cups and three La Liga titles.
    Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag believes he will be the answer to the squad’s midfield woes.
    The Red Devils currently sit bottom of the Premier League table with no points after losing their opening two fixtures.
    They are now set to take on Liverpool at Old Trafford, but Casemiro will not be available for selection. More

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    Casemiro transfer to Man Utd CONFIRMED by Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti in £60m deal worth £350,000-a-week

    REAL MADRID boss Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Manchester United are set to sign midfielder Casemiro.SunSport exclusively revealed how the Red Devils are closing in on a £60million move for the 30-year-old.
    Manchester United are set to complete the signing of Casemiro from Real MadridCredit: EPA
    Brazilian midfielder Casemiro won 18 trophies during his time with Los BlancosCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Casemiro is set to be soldCredit: Rex
    The player has already agreed personal terms with the Old Trafford outfit where he is expected to pocket a whopping £350,000-a-week.
    Casemiro trained with his Los Blancos team-mates on Friday morning ahead of the club’s clash against Celta Vigo on Saturday, before saying his goodbyes, according to Fabrizio Romano.
    And Ancelotti has stated that he has informed the LaLiga giants of his desire for a new challenge having spent nine years at the Bernabeu.
    Speaking in his pre-match press conference, he said: “I have spoken with Casemiro.
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    “Casemiro wants to try a new challenge, and I and the club understand that.
    “After all, he’s done for this club, we need to respect his decision.
    “Negotiations are ongoing but he has decided to leave Real Madrid.”
    Ancelotti continued: “Casemiro is leaving but we have a lot of resources to replace him. There is no turning back, Casemiro has decided to try a new challenge.
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    “We want to wish him the very best. Just yesterday I realised that Casemiro is leaving, but our plans don’t change – we’ll compete for everything with or without Casemiro.
    “I think Casemiro has been a key player for us, he was important to [Toni] Kroos and [Luka] Modric – the combination was key to success.
    “Casemiro’s team-mates understand his decision, they respect it – it was his will to try a new challenge and we have to accept it.”

    Ancelotti then expressed his confusion as to why the player has decided to swap the Champions League for a team sitting bottom of the Premier League table.
    He remarked: “I can’t reply to why Casemiro traded European Champions for a struggling side, it’s his personal decision.”
    Casemiro has been allowed to depart with Real able to rely on French duo Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni in central midfield.
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    The ex-Porto loanee departs Real having scooped 18 major trophies including five Champions League titles, while also chipping in with 31 goals in 336 games.
    United are hoping to confirm the transfer before Monday’s match with rivals Liverpool at the Theatre of Dreams.
    Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag has made landing a midfielder a top priority this summerCredit: Getty More

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    Leicester open talks with James Maddison over extending £100,000-a-week deal after rejecting £40m Newcastle transfer bid

    LEICESTER have opened talks with James Maddison over a new contract, according to reports.Maddison, 25, has been heavily linked with a move away from the King Power Stadium this summer.
    Leicester hope to tie Maddison down with a new contractCredit: Getty
    Newcastle were eager to seal a deal for the midfielder earlier this month, but the club’s interest quickly cooled after their £40million bid was rejected by Leicester.
    Brendan Rodgers has since insisted that he will not be sold before the transfer window closes next month.
    And in a bid to deter any interest from other clubs, Leicester chiefs have opened talks with Maddison over a contract extension.
    According to The Telegraph, The Foxes are attempting to tie him down with an improved deal.
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    Initial discussions with the midfielder’s representatives are understood to have taken place before Newcastle expressed an interest.
    Talks are still claimed to be in the early stages.
    Maddison has just under two years remaining on his current £100,000-a-week contract.
    He was Leicester’s star man last season with 18 goals and 12 assists in 53 appearances across all competitions.
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    If the Foxes can tie him down with a new contract, it would arguably be their most important signing of the summer.
    The club are already at risk of losing Youri Tielemans before the transfer window slams shut.
    Tielemans has less than one year remaining on his current deal, and he is not willing to extend.
    Arsenal are expected to make a bid for the Belgium international, who is expected to cost around £25m, in the next few weeks. More