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    Chelsea transfer target Aubameyang ‘waves goodbye’ to Barcelona fans during Man City game as Blues prepare final offer

    PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG appeared to bid farewell to Barcelona fans in his team’s friendly against Manchester City as his exit to Chelsea looms.Aubameyang has been identified by Chelsea as the man to boost their attack following the departures of Timo Werner and Romelu Lukaku.
    Aubameyang seemed to confirm his Barcelona exit with a telling wave during their friendly draw with Man City as Chelsea close in on his signature
    At present, Thomas Tuchel’s side only have the inexperienced Armando Broja to rely on as a striker by trade.
    They splashed £50million on winger Raheem Sterling this summer, but still lack firepower upfront.
    Chelsea’s dire need for goals was exposed during their 3-0 loss to Leeds last weekend.
    This is why they’ve presented Barcelona with a final offer of £17m to secure Aubameyang’s services.
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    And the ex-Arsenal forward seemed to confirm his Barca exit with a telling wave to Barca’s supporters at the Nou Camp.
    Aubameyang reminded fans what they’ll be missing as he put on a sizzling display in Barca’s 3-3 draw against Manchester City.
    The 33-year-old’s goal cancelled out City’s opener, and Barca fans showed their appreciation for his input by giving him a standing ovation when he was subbed.
    Aubameyang simply cracked a smile and offered a wave to the home crowd as the rapturous gesture engulfed the stadium.
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    His love affair with Barca fans has developed over the course of seven months since he joined in February from Arsenal.
    The Gabon international made an instant impact at the club ina short space of time – scoring 13 goals in 23 La Liga and Europa League games last season.
    Barca would prefer to keep hold of Aubameyang but need to balance to books in order to register new signing Jules Kounde. More

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    Gerard Pique’s FC Andorra, in Spain’s LaLiga 2, make shock £21m transfer move for Man Utd starlet Hannibal Mejbri

    MANCHESTER UNITED star Hannibal Mejbri could be set for a shock move to FC Androrra, owned by Gerard Pique, according to reports.The Barcelona centre-back purchased the club via his company Kosmos Holding back in 2018 and they recently got promoted to LaLiga 2, the Spanish second division, for the first time in their history.
    Hannibal Mejbri could be set for a loan move away from Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
    Gerard Pique owns FC AndorraCredit: Getty
    The club are interested in signing Hannibal on loan with a clause in the deal that would allow them to sign him for £21million, report the Daily Mail.
    The 19-year-old is set to depart Man Utd on loan this summer.
    Rumours suggest a host of Championship clubs have shown an interest such as West Brom and Birmingham.
    The teenager has made three first-team appearances for United all of which came under Ralf Rangnick towards the end of last season.
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    Despite his limited minutes the Tunisian has already developed a reputation for his aggressive style of play.
    He has been dubbed a ‘hothead’ and ‘the next Robbie Savage’ by supporters.
    The central-midfielder supposedly impressed new United boss Erik ten Hag in pre-season but following the signing of Casemiro his chances at starting games will be severely restricted.
    He was used during one pre-season game as a striker by the Dutchman.
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    FC Andorra have made a respectable start to the season and have three points from two matches.
    Pique continues to make headlines away from being a Barcelona player following his split with long-term partner and pop star Shakira.
    The 35-year-old former Man Utd youngster has also invested in tennis’ Davis Cup and a production company via Kosmos Holding. More

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    ‘Barcelona like him a lot’ – Pep Guardiola opens door to Bernardo Silva transfer exit after Man City’s Nou Camp friendly

    PEP GUARDIOLA confirmed that he will not stop Bernardo Silva from leaving Manchester City to join Barcelona, if he wants to.The Portuguese midfielder has been linked with Barcelona throughout the summer.
    Bernardo Silva might seek a move to Barcelona during the last few days of the transfer windowCredit: Getty
    The 28-year-old still has three years left on his contract that keeps him at Man City.
    The midfielder would cost Barcelona £80million, which they are struggling to whip up due to their financial turmoil.
    Silva featured in the friendly against Barcelona last night, which took place at Nou Camp.
    The match ended in a 3-3 draw, thanks to a controversial penalty earned by Erling Haaland, who was accused by Barca fans of diving.
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    After the match, Pep was asked about Bernardo’s future and revealed that the Portuguese is interested in a move to Catalunya.
    Guardiola said: “He is our player.
    “We want him to be with us because he is very important.
    “Having said that, I don’t want anyone to be unhappy.
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    “But I don’t want him to leave because he is a superlative player.
    “As a player and as a person, he is one of the best I have ever had.
    “In any competition he is the best player.
    “If an offer arrives there are seven days left and if Bernardo leaves we would have to go to the market and it’s not easy.
    “Having said that, Bernardo likes Barcelona a lot.”
    Pep’s words contradicts with what City’s CEO Ferran Soriano said about Silva not leaving the club.
    When speaking with Spanish outlet Que T’hi Jugues, Sorian said: “It’s a little late [in the transfer window] to talk about ins and outs.
    “This story has taken many turns and in the end it has never moved from its starting point.”
    Barca boss Xavi was questioned about the matter, and he was realistic in his answers and left little space for rumours.
    The Barca legend said: “Who doesn’t like Bernardo Silva? Or Haaland or De Bruyne?
    “Silva has great decision-making ability, he protects the ball very well, he’s very good.
    “It depends on City.
    “But now there’s no news.”
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    So far this season, Silva scored the equalising goal and assisted one, in the 3-3 draw against Newcastle.
    He’s started every Premier League outing so far, adding to the 253 games he played across all competitions, scoring 48 goals and registering 50 assists. More

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    Chelsea make contact with Edmond Tapsoba after Wesley Fofana frustration but Leverkusen could demand £60million

    CHELSEA are ready to switch their attention to Edmond Tapsoba after failing to agree a deal for Wesley Fofana.The Bayer Leverkusen centre-back is seen as an alternative to the Frenchman with Leicester refusing to budge on their £85million valuation.
    Edmond Tapsoba of Bayer Leverkusen is wanted by ChelseaCredit: Getty
    Wesley Fofana is frustrated at Leicester’s stanceCredit: Getty
    Initial enquires regarding Tapsoba have been made by the Blues but no concrete negotiations have taken place.
    Tapsoba has another four years left on his contract at the Bundesliga club so £60million may have to be paid for his services.
    The Burkina Faso international arrived at Leverkusen in 2020 from Portuguese outfit Vitoria.
    He has since established himself as a regular first-team player featuring in 29 games last season.
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    The 23-year-old is reportedly Chelsea’s first choice other option after seeing three bids rejected for Fofana.
    Thomas Tuchel’s side tabled £70million but after it was turned down by the Foxes and they have withdrawn from any potential deal.
    Fofana saw the move to Stamford Bridge as a ‘dream’ and he has been left out the last two Leicester matchday squads.
    The 21-year-old has also been forced to train with the Under-23s for not turning up to training to try to push through the transfer.
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    Due to the financial backing provided by new owner Todd Boehly, Chelsea have been splashing the cash this summer.
    The Premier League’s biggest spenders have already signed Marc Cucurella and Raheem Sterling, both for more than £50million.
    And after missing out on Jules Kounde to Barcelona, Tuchel remains desperate to add defensive reinforcements especially after losing Antonio Rudiger to Real Madrid. More

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    Cristiano Ronaldo discovers FINAL transfer options as Rangers fans eye shock swoop for Man Utd star after Euro boost

    CRISTIANO RONALDO has SIX more clubs to choose from in his bid to play Champions League football this season.The remaining qualifying ties for Europe’s premier competition took place this week.
    Cristiano Ronaldo is running out of transfer optionsCredit: Getty
    Rangers qualified for the Champions League after beating PSV Eindhoven 3-2 on aggregateCredit: Getty
    Rangers beat PSV Eindhoven 3-2 on aggregate to reach the Champions League for the first time in 12 years.
    And now Gers fans are eyeing a shock swoop for Manchester United star Ronaldo.
    One Rangers supporter wrote: “Maybe Ronaldo should join Rangers. Can play CL football alongside Lord John Lundstram.”
    Another added: “Ronaldo should join Rangers, since he wants to play in the champions league, life in Scotland is cool.”
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    And a third said: “Ronaldo wants champions league football, sign for the Glasgow Rangers.”
    Earlier in the window CR7 reportedly asked United to let him leave in search of Champions League football.
    But he is now short of options after seeing proposed moves to the likes of Atletico Madrid, Napoli and Sporting Lisbon collapse.
    However, the superstar now has more options as Rangers were joined by five other clubs in qualifying for the Champions League this week.
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    Benfica are the pick of the teams but their rivalry with his boyhood club Sporting means the Portuguese club could be out of the question.
    That leaves Copenhagen, Dinamo Zagreb, Maccabi Haifa and FC Viktoria Plzeň – none of whom are likely to appeal to Ronaldo.
    Marseille are the latest club to be linked with Ronaldo, who can also offer Champions League football, but such rumours have upset club president Pablo Longoria who insists signing players like CR7 is not within the project. More

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    Chelsea ready to extend outcast Michy Batshuayi’s contract before sending striker out on ANOTHER loan to Salernitana

    CHELSEA are expected to extend Michy Batshuayi’s contract by a year before sending him out on ANOTHER loan, it’s claimed.The Belgian forward has had loan spells at Crystal Palace, Borussia Dortmund and most recently Besiktas.
    The next loan move for Michy Batshuayi seems to be SalernitanaCredit: Getty
    The Belgian’s forward contract with Chelsea expires at the end of season, and the Londoners are reportedly looking to extend it by another year.
    This will allow the Blues to send the 28-year-old on loan to Serie A side Salernitana.
    The loan deal will include an option to buy for Salernitana report the Daily Mail.
    By getting the striker to extend by a year, the Blues can demand a fee rather than him being available for nothing when his contract expires next summer.
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    Throughout the summer, Batshuayi also sparked interest from Premier League side Wolves, but no deal was concluded.
    He was also linked with a loan move to Everton with talk he could be included as part of the deal to bring Anthony Gordon to Stamford Bridge.
    Batshuayi spent pre-season playing for Chelsea, once he returned from his loan in Turkey.
    During the 2021/22 season, he won the love of the Turkish fans thanks to 14 goals in 33 league appearances, along with the five assists.
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    He played 45 minutes in each match against Charlotte FC and Club America during pre-season.
    However he’s not been included in any Premier League outing so far this season.
    In Italy, Salernitana recently failed to sign Neal Maupay in a £12million deal from Brighton so continue to look to strengthen as they start off their second season in Serie A.
    They’ve already secured a loan deal with Senegalese forward Boulaye Dia from LaLiga club Villareal, but want another striker.
    The Italian side are yet to win in Serie A this term after a loss to Roma in the season opener and then a goalless draw against Udinese. More

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    Tottenham outcast Harry Winks ready to turn down Sampdoria transfer to stay in Premier League despite Antonio Conte snub

    HARRY WINKS is determined to stay in the Premier League amid interest from Serie A side Sampdoria.Antonio Conte has confirmed that the English midfielder is not part of his plans for this season.
    Harry WInks does not make part of Antonio Conte’s plans for Spurs this seasonCredit: Getty
    Sampdoria are offering him a way out of England, but it seems that Winks prefers to stay in the Premier League, as reported by the Evening Standard.
    Everton and Leicester are amongst the clubs to have shown interest in the England international, but there have been no concrete negotiations.
    As the last week of the transfer window approaches, Southampton and Nottingham Forest are potential options for Winks.
    Clubs from LaLiga, including Valencia, have also shown interest in Winks, according to Fabrizio Romano.
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    The 26-year-old lost his place in the Spurs first XI following the arrivals of Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma and has been training alone throughout pre-season.
    Winks has spent his entire career playing for his boyhood club so far, making his debut with the Tottenham senior team in 2014 in the Europa League clash against Partizan Belgrade.
    Since Mauricio Pochettino’s departure from the club, successive coaches – Jose Mourinho and Espirito Santo – have not made good use of the midfielder’s talents.
    His playing time halved when compared to the 2019/20 season, in which he played 31 Premier League matches.
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    The following season, he only had 15 starts, and was benched for most matches or was even left out of the squad entirely.
    Under Antonio Conte, he started 17 matches in the Premier League and was left on the bench for most of the matches without coming on to contribute.
    In this year’s first three Premier League matches, he did not make part of any squad which has recorded two wins and a draw so far. More

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    Man Utd legend Dwight Yorke SLAMS transfer policy and claims Red Devils ‘don’t need’ £70m Casemiro

    MANCHESTER UNITED legend Dwight Yorke has slammed his former club’s transfer policy claiming they shouldn’t have signed Casemiro. The Real Madrid midfielder has just joined the club in a deal worth £70million and is yet to make an appearance.
    Dwight Yorke has taken aim at Man Utd’s transfer policyCredit: Getty
    Casemiro was unveiled to fans ahead of the clash with LiverpoolCredit: Getty
    But Yorke, 50, has criticised the signing as well as hitting out at Man Utd’s recruitment set-up.
    Speaking to Lord Ping, Yorke said: “Casemiro is a great player with pedigree, but he clearly wasn’t the first choice pick otherwise United would have signed him in June. 
    “I don’t think he is the type of player United need at the moment, but United aren’t getting top targets through the door so I imagine they’ve been a bit creative and signed the best player they could.”
    The three-time Premier League champion believes the club can no longer attract the best players in the world.
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    He added: “United used to be able to pick the best players in Europe, but Man City and Liverpool are more attractive clubs these days.
    “Not qualifying for the Champions League, not playing expansive and flamboyant football, has contributed to United missing out on players.”
    Yorke, currently manager of Australian side Macarthur FC, is shocked at the decline of Man Utd since Alex Ferguson’s departure saying: “Top four should never be described as a target for the club.
    “It wouldn’t have been considered in my day, but that’s where we are as a football club. We absolutely need to qualify for the Champions League this year and anything else is a bonus.”
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    Despite Erik ten Hag masterminding an impressive win against Liverpool there remains long-term problems to fix.
    And Yorke has suggested what he would have done.
    He said: “I would have made Cristiano Ronaldo captain for the coming season. I think that would have been a clever move from Ten Hag.
    “Because I don’t think Harry Maguire will be his number one centre-back and Ronaldo is the most experienced player in the team.
    “That could have given Ronaldo a new lease of life. I don’t think you would have all of this uncertainty if he was appointed captain.”
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    Yorke stressed that the current squad does have quality in the likes of Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Bruno Fernandes and Ronaldo but those players must find their best form.
    He believes part of Ten Hag’s job is to make the training ground at Old Trafford a happy place again and “get the players believing in his ideas and enjoying their football.”
    Dwight Yorke won the Champions League with Man UtdCredit: Getty More