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    Chelsea ‘make £15m transfer offer plus Marcos Alonso to Barcelona for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’

    CHELSEA have submitted a bid for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and offered Marcos Alonso to Barcelona in exchange, according to reports.Barca have been linked with a move for Alonso for much of the summer after already pinching Andreas Christensen off the Blues.
    Chelsea have made a £15million bid to sign Pierre-Emerick AubameyangCredit: Rex
    The Blues have offered Marcos Alonso to Barcelona in exchange for AubameyangCredit: Getty
    And though Chelsea previously ended negotiations to sell Alonso to the Catalans, they have now offered up the Spaniard along with £15million to sign Aubameyang, report The Athletic.
    And it is believed negotiating personal terms with the striker will not be a problem, with Aubameyang opting to join Chelsea over Manchester United.
    But the Gabon international is happy at the Nou Camp and would like to stay – with manager Xavi also wanting to keep hold of the star.
    However Barcelona need to sell to ease their financial turmoil and wish to remove his £80,000 a week salary from their wage bill.
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    The Spanish giants are believed to want around £21m to let Aubameyang go, but could be enticed by the opportunity to sign Alonso.
    Barca were thought to be close to completing a move for Alonso earlier this week after Chelsea accepted a £6m bid.

    And the left-back has reportedly agreed a three-year contract with Barca after speaking directly to Xavi about the switch.
    But the transfer cannot be completed until Barcelona register new signing Jules Kounde.
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    That will only be possible if the club reduces its wage bill – which means Aubameyang may have to be sold first.
    Fellow summer signings Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Franck Kessie and Andreas Christensen have finally been successfully registered with LaLiga following a lengthy delay. More

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    What makes Casemiro so good and why he could finally get Man Utd’s midfield ticking as Real Madrid transfer edges closer

    CASEMIRO will be a success at Manchester United if Erik ten Hag uses him the right way.That’s according to La Liga expert and former Red Devils striker Terry Gibson.
    Manchester United are set to complete the signing of Casemiro from Real MadridCredit: Rex
    Spanish football analyst Gibson explains why the Brazilian will help Ten Hag get the best out of his defenceCredit: Rex
    The Old Trafford club have settled on a £60million transfer fee with Real Madrid for the 30-year-old midfielder.
    Casemiro has already agreed personal terms on a deal worth a whopping £350,000-a-week.
    Boss Erik ten Hag is looking to improve his defensive unit following a humiliating 4-0 defeat at Brentford.
    And Gibson says the Brazilian, if part of the right system, will provide Ten Hag with a sizeable upgrade.
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    He told SunSport: “Casemiro is a serial winner in terms of his mentality.
    “It might be a tough start for him right now at Man Utd but if you look at his qualities, his pedigree, his career, and his experience – it should be a success.
    “But I think it’s important that United use him exactly the same way as Madrid did.
    “I think it would be disrespectful to Fred and McTominay [to say he’ll replace them both], but you are talking about a player that’s played for Real Madrid for a decade and won five Champions Leagues.
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    “He should be an obvious upgrade. My hope is that he’ll play in front of the back four on his own.
    “He should be that first line of defence in front of the back four.
    “I hope for United’s sake they can ask him to do exactly the same job he did at Real, which is quite straightforward but he does it really well and really effectively.
    “I think he’s better suited playing as that one holding midfield player and allowing others to go and express themselves.”
    Gibson lauds Casemiro’s character and insists the three-time La Liga champion will bring some toughness to United’s midfield.
    He added: “His aggression is good. I think the Premier League will suit him in terms of aggression.
    “In Spain, he got away without picking up a red card. He is clever at making professional fouls, and cynical fouls, yet only picking up one yellow rather than two.
    “He’s always been clever enough to get away with it to be honest.
    “Personality wise, he is really good. He’s a great personality. He rubs people the wrong way if you don’t support the team he’s playing on.”
    The former forward says ‘serial winner’ Casemiro will add aggression to the clubCredit: Rex
    Some have suggested that those in charge at Manchester United need to focus on the team rather than trying to build a brand.
    Criticism has been fired at the club’s transfer strategy for chasing players who don’t want to come or aren’t available.
    However, Gibson reckons Casemiro could start to give the Old Trafford faithful something to cheer about.
    He explained: “United supporters will be clapping because he’ll be mopping up danger and putting his foot in, spotting things, covering the fall backs or defending just in front of the back four.
    “Of course, that’s what they need. That’s what they’ll be clapping for.
    “He’s most effective in covering the gaps that the other players leave, whether that’s his midfield team-mates, full-backs or even centre-backs.
    “He’s excellent at attacking set-pieces, getting onto knock downs from corners and free kicks because of his determination and his will to win.
    “He isn’t lightning quick, doesn’t get about the pitch a great deal but defensively, he’s solid.
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    “If people are expecting him to start bringing the ball down and beating two or three players then they’re interested in Frenkie de Jong, two totally different players.
    “Casemiro will catch the eye if Man Utd start conceding less goals, more clean sheets. You know, people might then appreciate his worth.”
    Terry Gibson spoke to SunSport on behalf of Spanish football podcast La Liga Weekly. More

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    Wesley Fofana to be left OUT of Leicester clash with Southampton and wants Chelsea transfer sealed after agreeing terms

    LEICESTER star Wesley Fofana has requested that he is left out of the squad for their trip to Southampton amid interest from Chelsea.Leicester welcome the Saints to the King Power on Saturday afternoon with Fofana set to not be involved.
    Wesley Fofana started Leicester’s last match a week agoCredit: Getty
    The centre-back will be dropped by manager Brendan Rodgers while he tries to force a transfer to Chelsea.
    Rodgers said he has not problem with omitting him from the side, when asked if he would be prepared to do so he said: “Yes, 100 per cent.
    “If the players aren’t totally focused and committed to the club and being here, or for whatever reason just aren’t in the right mindset, that won’t help us.
    “We have to ensure everyone is really focused in order for us to play the best game we can. I will always assess that after the sessions.”
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    Fofana has been the subject of two bids from the Blues but both are below what the Foxes value him at and the offers have been rejected.
    Leicester are demanding £85million for him with Chelsea reportedly ‘nowhere near’ that figure.
    The Frenchman is supposedly desperate to leave and sees Chelsea as a “dream move” claims Fabrizio Romano.
    Personal terms have been agreed for some time and the 21-year-old is waiting for Thomas Tuchel’s side to up their offer.
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    Chelsea have been busy this summer and have been the league’s biggest spenders and today added talented youngster Cesare Casadei to their squad for £12.6million.
    He joins the likes of Raheem Sterling, Marc Cucurella and Kalidou Koulibaly as new additions.
    As for Leicester, they have made just one signing, Alex Smithies, who is expected to be a back-up goalkeeper. More

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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