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Leo Messi's father and agent Jorge is currently in Rosario, Argentina, but will travel to Barcelona soon, Mundo Deportivo report. Josep Maria Bartomeu plans to meet the captain's representative on Wednesday, September 2, to talk about his future. Messi's desire to leave remains firm but he would like to say goodbye in a friendly manner, he wants to avoid going to court against Blaugrana. Meanwhile, Bartomeu is only disposed to discuss a contract renewal and nothing more, the same source reports. If he can't convince Leo to stay, the Barca boss want to keep the forward at the club at least until a new president is appointed. According to the most recent reports, the Argentine's release clause has expired at the end of the 2019/20 and he's now free to leave.

Meanwhile, Bartomeu refuses to even meet with the player if it means discussing his exit. Leo Messi 'has asked' Barcelona twice for a friendly exit, he wants to find an agreement with the club, Onda Cero's reputable Alfredo Martinez reports. The Argentine hopes to avoid a lawsuit against the club he loves. Moreover, the 33-year-old believes that going to court against the Catalans will hurt the fans. For now, Blaugrana refuse to sell Messi and will indicate to his €700m release clause if any club comes knocking. However, Leo's lawyers insist that his release clause has expired at the end of the 2019/20 season. La Liga have sided with Barca in this dispute, stating that the forward's release clause is still active.

Ronald Koeman reportedly wants to bring his fellow Dutchman at Camp Nou. Lyon won't be playing in the Champions League in the 2020/21 campaign. Hence, Depay doesn't know if he'll stay at his current club for the upcoming season. "I do not see the future, I do not know if I will do the full season here. I have been here for four years, I became captain," Memphis Depay said of his long-term future at Lyon after beating Dijon 4-1 on Friday night, as quoted by Goal. "After you have to look at your career, there is no Champions League. At the moment I don't know." The Netherlands international emerged as a target for Barcelona shortly after Ronald Koeman's appointment last week. The Ligue 1 side want €55m for their captain who has already entered the final 12 months on his contract.

Minguella claims that Messi's legal advisers don't understand the contractual situation right, he believes that no club can properly buy Leo because he considers himself free to go. If the Argentine signs for another club, the Catalans could report him to FIFA. "Someone suggested to them that the delay in the season would mean the dates of the clause expiring would change. Right now, Leo Messi's legal team don't see the situation clearly. There's a 90% chance he stays at Barca," former presidential candidate Jose Maria Minguella has told Diario Sport. "The interpretation of the clause stops any club from coming in to buy a player saying that the transfer is free. "If there is conflict, FIFA have the ability to let the player play for his new club but Barcelona could report the player for duplicity of contract." Josep Maria Bartomeu reportedly doesn't want to sell Messi and will insist on his release clause is any club come k...

Tammy Abraham will face increased competition at Chelsea but is keen to prove his worth. Aston Villa have asked about the availability of Tammy Abraham, according to the Daily Mail. The 22-year-old enjoyed a year on loan at Villa Park, scoring 26 goals in the 2018/19 season to help them win promotion to the Premier League. Since then, he's established himself as a first-team regular with Chelsea, finishing as their top goalscorer with 16 goals in the last campaign. Despite the arrival of Timo Werner and resurgence of Olivier Giroud, Abraham backs himself to remain an important part of Frank Lampard's plans. This is why, as per the source, Villa's approach is expected to fail as they're already looking at alternative ways to find a No.9. Meanwhile, Tammy is understood to be self-isolating at the moment due to the coronavirus concerns although he's feeling good and is likely to join the England squad next week.

Chelsea are reportedly looking to offer the German a £310,000-per-week deal. Kai Havertz's move to Chelsea is believed to be all but official with the 21-year-old reportedly set to have his medical this week. According to the Sun, the Blues are offering the German a massive £310,000-a-week contract which would make him the fourth-highest paid player in the Premier League. Bayer Leverkusen have so far refused to lower their asking price of £90 million for the midfielder, meaning that the Blues will have to break the bank in order to bring Havertz to London ahead of the 2020/21 campaign. Top 5 Premier League earners if Havertz joins Chelsea:  David De Gea - £375,000 per week 2. Mesut Ozil - £350,000 per week 3. Kevin De Bruyne - £320,000 per week 4. Kai Havertz - £310,000 per week 5. Raheem Sterling - £300,000 per week

The Blues are rated at just 14/1 to win the league next season. The 2020/21 Premier League season kicks off on September 12 with Liverpool looking to defend their first-ever domestic title in 30 years. Chelsea have had an incredible transfer campaign so far this summer, bringing in the likes of Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner and Ben Chilwell now that the embargo is lifted. And while things are clearly looking up at Stamford Bridge under Frank Lampard, bookmakers at Ladbrokes still rate the Blues behind Manchester United to win the Premier League next season. 2020/21 Premier League title odds, as per Ladbrokes: • Man City - evens • Liverpool - 6/4 • Man United - 10/1 • Chelsea - 14/1 • Arsenal - 50/1 • Tottenham - 50/1

Cole developed into the best full-back in England after joining Chelsea. Chilwell hopes to have a similar impact at Stamford Bridge. Speaking to Chelsea's official website, Ben Chilwell said: "It's great for myself, I've got that benchmark of what a great Chelsea left-back is. "I grew up watching Ashley Cole play so I know how respected he is here and again that was a big reason for me wanting to come. "I feel like I'm still young and I want that sort of career that he had at Chelsea for myself as well." Chilwell officially became a Chelsea player on Thursday, signing from Leicester City for a transfer fee in the region of £50 million. Cole, who moved to Stamford Bridge from Arsenal in 2006, spoke highly of his compatriot last year: "He's shown quality not just on the ball, but one-on-one he can defend and he likes to defend. He's got the quality. For sure he's good enough."

A 15-year-old boy went viral last summer after getting the crowd at the Glastonbury music festival to chant 'Oh, Thiago Silva'. Thiago Silva officially joined Chelsea on Friday, putting pen to paper on an initial one-year contract. Mason Mount was quick to welcome the Brazilian to the club, tweeting a viral video from last summer's Glastonbury festival. Alex Mann, who was just 15 years old, became famous overnight after he joined joined rapper Dave to perform his song 'Thiago Silva' and getting the crowd to chant along. 👀😂 @ChelseaFC pic.twitter.com/lFmZdznrKm — Mason Mount (@masonmount_10) August 28, 2020

Barcelona new boss Koeman has identify his compatriot as Camp Nou top target Memphis Depay had a magical night as Lyon beat Dijon 4-1 in their debut match of the 2020/21 Ligue 1 season. The 26-year-old got a hat-trick to his name. 71 minutes 3 goals (2 penalties) 4 shots on target 2 shots off target 2/6 successful dribbles 20/22 accurate passes 91% passing accuracy 4 key passes 2/11 crosses 1/1 long ball According to reports, Depay is one of the players Ronald Koeman wants at Barcelona next season. It's expected that the French outfit will demand €55m for the player while the Catalans hope to drop down the price to only €40m. Memphis has only one more year left on his contract with Lyon.

Brahim is yet to agree on the personal terms with the Italian side, the transfer guru claims. This will be a loan with a buy option for Milan and a buy-back clause for Real Madrid, he notes. "AC Milan are now 'one step away' from signing Brahim Diaz. The agreement has been reached with Real Madrid - waiting for Brahim to agree personal terms soon. Loan + buy option (Milan) + buy back clause (Real Madrid)," transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has tweeted. AC Milan have opened talks with Real Madrid to sign Brahim Diaz on loan with buy option. 🔴⚫️ @DiMarzio @SkySport #Milan #RealMadrid #transfers — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 24, 2020 What's curious about the report is that Madrid seem to be ready to let one of their brightest gems go – however, we're yet to find out the figure at which the buy-back clause stands. Brahim made just 21 appearances in two seasons for Real Madrid, recording 2 goals and 3 assists.

Real Madrid and Sevilla 'have reached an agreement' on Oscar Rodriguez's move worth €13.5m, according to MARCA. The 22-year-old is expected to sign a 5-year deal with the Andalusian side. Real Madrid will keep 25 per cent of the rights on the player, the rest will belong to his new club. Last term, the attacking midfielder featured in 32 games for Leganes, scoring 9 goals and providing 2 assists, as per Transfermarkt. Oscar is known as a very versatile player who can play as a central midfielder, defensive midfielder and even a winger.

Getafe has confirmed that their academy graduate Hugo Duro has joined Real Madrid Castilla on a season-long loan deal. As per reports, Castilla manager Raul Gonzalez personally requested the signing of the 20-year-old. Duro scored 11 goals in 23 appearances for Getafe's reserves in the Spanish 3rd-tier division last term, also featuring 12 times in the La Liga. Duro joined Getafe CF's youth setup in 2004, aged five. On 24 October 2017, before even appearing with the reserves, he made his professional debut by coming on as a second-half substitute for Chuli in a 0–1 home loss against Deportivo Alavés, for the season's Copa del Rey. Duro first appeared with the B-side on 29 October 2017, replacing Carlos Calderón in a 2–1 Tercera División away win against CD El Álamo. He scored his first senior goals on 19 November, netting a brace in a 3–0 home win against DAV Santa Ana. Duro made his La Liga debut on 17 March 2018, replacing Jorge Molina in a 2–1 away win again...

The Dutchman was in Amsterdam when Messi informed the club about his intentions to leave. Ronald Koeman has returned to Barcelona and now 'wants to meet' with Josep Maria Bartomeu and Leo Messi separately, Diario Sport claim. He wants to learn the plans for the 2020/21 season from the president, not that the captain hopes to leave Camp Nou. Koeman would also like to talk to Messi once more to see whether he can change his mind. However, it's been reported earlier that Leo's decision is firm and he plans to join Manchester City. The coach and the captain met before but it seems like Koeman couldn't convince the Argentine to stay. Meanwhile, Bartomeu reportedly doesn't want to sell the 33-year-old and has even refused to meet with him and discuss his potential departure.

Pedri is looking forward to making his debut for Barcelona, although he understands he may need to wait for a while. Although he prefers playing in midfield, the youngster is ready to play on the wings as well. "Passing football is my best virtue. My aim is to make the others play, and enjoy playing football," Barcelona's new signing Pedri has told Diario Sport. "I feel comfortable playing in the midfield, although it's true that I've played on the wing, on both sides. It's good to be versatile. That's important for a player because it means the coach can use you in other positions. "Senior side debut? I haven't done that yet, and I'm looking forward to it. I have to improve and work hard to do that. Whatever my debut is, I will always remember it. It will be the most special day of my life because I've always dreamed of that." The 17-year-old was signed by Barca last summer but spent the 2019/20 season on loan at La...

Messi is said to be determined to leave Barcelona and Kompany hopes that the Argentine joins his former club. The Belgian says he respects Leo's decision to leave the Catalans. "It’d be incredible for the club to have a player like Leo Messi. He could help Manchester City take the next step by winning the Champions League," the Citizens' former captain Vincent Kompany has told The Sun. "If Messi decided to leave Barcelona then I can only respect his decision. I hope Messi joins City." According to recent reports, Barca's captain is firm in his decision to leave the club and sees Man City as his preferred destination. Meanwhile, it's said that Josep Maria Bartomeu doesn't want to sell the 33-year-old and has even refused to meet with him to discuss Messi's possible departure.

After 20 years at Camp Nou, the Messi doesn't want to depart on bad terms. Despite all the negativity in the press, Leo Messi wants to leave Barcelona 'in a more friendly way', Onda Cero's Alfredo Martinez reports. The player's lawyers have requested a meeting with the club during which they would discuss the best exit scenario for both parties. Meanwhile, it's been reported that Josep Maria Bartomeu is determined to keep Messi at Camp Nou and will refuse to sell him. In such case, the only way of getting him out of Blaugrana would be to trigger his €700m release clause. Nonetheless, Leo's intention's to leave Catalonia are firm and it's believed that he's already picked Manchester City as his next destination.

Vidal is one of the four players Koeman has shown the door to. Inter Milan are currently negotiating a personal deal with Arturo Vidal, the main issue being the player's high wage demands, Gazzetta dello Sport say. However, the Nerazzurri think they will be able to afford the salary if they get the player for free. Moreover, they are 'convinced' that Barcelona will terminate the midfielder's contract just so he would leave. Meanwhile, Diario Sport report that Blaugrana would like to get at least €10-15m in return for the 33-year-old; Juventus are interested as well. Vidal is on the brink of leaving Camp Nou after Ronald Koeman informed him, alongside Luis Suarez, Samuel Umtiti and Ivan Rakitic, that he's not needed. Last season, 'King Arturo' managed eight goals and three assists in 43 matches for Barca.

The Manchester United legend believes Liverpool with Thiago would still win the Premier League even if City bring Leo. Still, Rooney describes the Barca great as 'the best player of all time'. "If Liverpool get Thiago from Bayern Munich, I think the Premier League title is done. That is a better signing than Messi going to Man City," Wayne Rooney may a bold claim in an interview with talkSPORT. However, the former Manchester United great didn't explain why he would put the 29-year-old midfielder ahead of the Blaugrana iconic star. On Messi, Rooney added: "I know Messi is getting older but he’s a player who no-one has seen before. Messi has everything – he can create goals, score goals, dictate the game and is the best player of all time." While Thiago is expected to join Liverpool for just €30m, Leo is now heavily linked with Manchester City after the news broke that he asked Barcelona for a transfer.

Barcelona have just confirmed the signing of Moussa Ndiaye, the 18-year-old Senegalese centre-back has signed a three-year contract with a €100m release clause. Ndiaye is a graduate of Qatari famous Aspire Academy and the whole transfer cost the Catalan club just €500,000 plus variables. Ndiaye has signed a three-year contract with an option to extend it for two more years. There is a €100m release clause which is a normal sum for a Barca B player. Moussa is a left-footed defender who can play as a centre-back and a left-back. He was named the player of the tournament of the Africa U20 Cup of Nations in February 2019. If Ndiaye continues to progress, he may eventually become Clement Lenglet's back-up in the first team.

Jurgen Klopp admits his club doesn't have the financial power to land the Argentinian and coach jokingly conceded that Leo is 'a good player, to be honest'. "Who doesn't want to have Messi in their team? But we have no chance - the numbers aren’t for us," Jurgen Klopp told the assembled media when asked on Leo Messi's potential move. "But he is a good player, to be honest,": the German jokingly concluded. Liverpool are now out of the race for the Argentinian but Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain could still be very much alive due to their financial power, according to multiple sources. Any potential transfer depends on whether Leo manages to leave Barcelona for free.

Both Leo's former teammate and fellow Argentinian have started their campaign to bring Barca's great at the Parc des Princes stadium. Neymar and Angel di Maria have both contacted Leo Messi after the news on his decision to leave Barcelona broke on Tuesday evening, ESPN have just revealed. The duo have started their 'lobbying' to persuade the Blaugrana captain to join Paris Saint-Germain. Both PSG stars have close ties with Leo: Di Maria is his teammate at the Argentina national team while Neymar has remained friends with Messi even after the €222m transfer. ESPN previously reported that the Parisians are monitoring closely the situation between Messi and Barca. It's unclear whether the Blaugrana great would be able to leave the Catalan club for free which complicates any further move.

Ceballos returned to Real Madrid after the win over Chelsea in the FA Cup final. Arsenal and Betis are believed to be the main competitors for his signing. The boss would like to keep the midfielder but says a lot will depend on Real Madrid's stance. During the pre-Liverpool press conference, Mikel Arteta was asked whether the board are making efforts to extend Dani Ceballos' loan deal. "Well, we have some talks and Dani knows really well what I think about him," the boss replied as quoted by the official club's website. "He was pretty clear with me as well that his intention was to remain with us but obviously Real Madrid is involved and I don’t know yet what they want to do with the player. "But he’s a player that we are interested in because we really saw, in the last few months of the season, what he is capable of bringing to us." The 24-year-old is on the crossroads in his career. Last season, he repeatedly expressed his desire...

Arsenal finished eighth last season but the boss is sure that his squad is already strong enough to fight for a Champions League spot. During the pre-Liverpool presser, Mikel Arteta was asked whether his squad are ready to mount a top-four challenge. "Well, let’s see how we look like at the end of the transfer window," he replied as quoted by Arsenal's website. "It just started and everything looks pretty slow at the moment not many teams are moving aggressively so a lot of things are going to happen from now to October 6 [the closing date of the transfer window]. "But it doesn’t matter who we have, we will challenge for the top, 100 per cent." The Gunners have been out of the Champions League for four consecutive years, including this campaign. Last season, we finished eighth, which is the worst result since 1994/95 when we ended the season twelfth. Even though Arteta beams confidence, this squad still requires strengthening. Midfield is t...

The 58-year-old would only serve as an interim president before the elections. Barcelona's VP Jordi Cardoner would become Barcelona's interim president if Josep Maria Bartomeu resigns, RAC1 reveal. He would remain in charge until the elections are carried out. Cardoner won't offer his candidacy for the presidential elections, though. There is still hope that Bartomeu accepts his resignation if it means keeping Leo Messi at the Catalan club. However, some other reports claim otherwise, stating that the captain's decision to leave is irreversible. Meanwhile, the motion of no confidence against the current board is expected to be officially presented in the coming hours.

Barcelona B star  Hiroki Abe   is isolated at home, feeling fine after testing positive for Covid 19 the club confirmed The 21-year-old attacker  is doing fine and is currently isolated at home just outside the city. The rest of the Barcelona B players have tested negative and will be able to start the pre-season on Monday. The 21-year-old managed four goals in 20 games for Barca B before suffering a season-ending knee injury in February. He only joined the Catalans last year after two seasons at Japanese side Kashima Antlers. Hiroki managed 4 goals in 48 games in the Japanese league.

The Croatian would sign a 3-year-deal worth just €3.7m per year after completing the €5-10m transfer. Ivan Rakitic is now 'on the verge' of returning to Sevilla, Diario Sport claim. The negotiations on the €5-10m transfer are currently at a very advanced stage. The Rojiblancos are expected to make the Croatian their highest-paid player even though he would have to accept a significant pay cut. Rakitic would earn €3.7m per season, compared to his Barca's annual salary reportedly set at €13m. The veteran midfielder would sign a three-year contract with an option to extend for another year. The 32-year-old is believed to be one of the Blaugrana stars discarded by Ronald Koeman. Last term, Rakitic managed just one goal in 42 matches in all competitions.

Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson is not only aiming to compete with David De Gea. Henderson is back at United after two successful years on loan with Sheffield United. Fresh off signing a new contract, the young Englishman wants to compete for a starting spot. But the 23-year-old believes he can not only compete, but learn from De Gea. "Yeah, obviously I can't wait to get back in and I know them well," Henderson told the club's website. "David De Gea has had an unbelievable career at the football club and it wasn't so long ago I was saying, if I could replicate that career one day I would be a very proud man. "So to learn off him and the other two top goalkeepers within the department would be great. "I am really looking forward to it."

According to former Arsenal man Petit Messi is better off staying in Spain. Speaking to the Mirror, former Arsenal man Emmanuel Petit said: "Honestly, I don't think Lionel Messi is suited to the intensity of England. "He doesn't like being closed down and being fought. In Spain, he's protected. Messi is not Cristiano Ronaldo. Physically, he's not the same machine. "Ronaldo is a monster but, at 32, Messi has only one or two more years playing at the highest level. He won't have the same pace or the dribbling ability." Messi has been sensationally linked with a move to Manchester United with the Argentine reportedly looking to quit Barcelona for good. However, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side are not believed to be interested in signing the forward with the Red Devils' transfer priorities laying elsewhere.

Manchester United no.9 has been summoned to help his country in the upcoming clashes with Sweden and Croatia. Anthony Martial has been called up by France for the upcoming Nations League matches against Sweden and Croatia. Les Bleus seront de retour lundi !! 🤩 #FiersdetreBleus #SUEFRA #FRACRO pic.twitter.com/EI97sEvYh6 — Equipe de France ⭐⭐ (@equipedefrance) August 27, 2020 The last time Didier Deschamps included the Man United forward in his squad was in March 2018. “Since the World Cup, three or four times he was due to be part of our squad”, the France boss explained the 24-year-old's inclusion on Thursday. “For various different reasons, it didn’t happen. With what he has been doing since last season, now he is back in the squad.” Paul Pogba, in turn, has been excluded from the 23-man list after testing positive for COVID-19. France will take on Sweden on Saturday, September 5 before hosting Croatia three days later.

The 27-year-old, however, is yet to give the green light to the transfer. Real Madrid and Benfica have agreed terms on a loan deal for Mariano Diaz, according to Portuguese outlet Record (via AS). Despite 'total agreement' between the clubs, the striker is yet to give the green light to the transfer. The 27-year-old played just 84 minutes across all competitions last season but is said to be ready to stay and fight for his place at the Bernabeu. As things stand now, Karim Benzema and Luka Jovic are ahead of Mariano in Zinedine Zidane's pecking order. If Diaz accepts a loan move to Lisbon, Benfica will have an option to buy him out at the end of the 2020/21 campaign.

Malang Sarr addressed Chelsea fans for the first time after signing a five-year contract with his new team. He posted on Instagram: "Blue is the colour! Happy and grateful to sign for Chelsea FC. Thanks for the love and support! Let's get to work and achieve big things together." Malang Sarr played more than 100 games for his boyhood club Nice before the age of 21. It's expected that he will be loaned out for the next season, with teams from Bundesliga keen on the centre-back.

Rudiger says that Lampard managed to lead a very young side to the Champions League and that's a commendable achievement. Rudiger adds that the first season in the Premier League is always hard - it was no different for Klopp and Guardiola! He says that it is important your coach always be authentic and while being a legendary footballer may not help in being the best manager, it's certainly not a disadvantage either. "He is one of the greatest club legends ever at Chelsea. He had to take on a very difficult job here and lead a young team to the Champions League without any transfers," Antonio Rudiger praised Frank Lampard while speaking to Transfermarkt. "We managed that together and we can build on that. The first year in the Premier League is always a special challenge – not only as a player but also as a manager. It was no different with Jürgen Klopp or Pep Guardiola. "It is important that your coach is very authentic. Klopp or José Mourinho...

AC Milan are keen on Real Madrid pair Brahim Diaz and Oscar Rodriguez. That's according to AS reporter Sergio Santos. On Brahim, he told MilanNews: “Milan managed to convince the player, who looks favourably on the move to the Rossoneri. But Milan want to insert an option to buy and Madrid prefer a loan with no option. “He is a very good and highly technical attacking midfielder. He can play on both wings or as a second striker. He knows how to use both feet equally. But he needs time, he has the Olympics and the U21 Euros at the end of next season and so he wants to play." On Oscar, Santos added: “Yes, it's true. Boban came to Madrid in January to talk about (Takefusa) Kubo too. Let's say that Milan are very interested in the young players of Real Madrid."

Valencia have approached Barcelona for youngster Monchu. Sport says Barcelona rate Monchu highly and Ronald Koeman would like to take a look at him during preseason before making a decision on his future. The midfielder won't form part of Barça B's squad next year because he's already proven himself ready to perform at a higher level. The decision Koeman must make is whether to include Monchu as part of his first-team squad or loan him out to a fellow top division side. At the moment, the team who have shown the most interest are Valencia. Javi Gracia wants Monchu to improve his midfield options following the departures of Dani Parejo and Francis Coquelin to Villarreal.

The Blancos are due to report back to training ahead of the new campaign. Real Madrid players are gradually returning to the Spanish capital with the new La Liga season kicking off on September 12. According to AS, the squad and club's technical staff will be tested for Covid-19 on Sunday after going away on their summer holidays. Should the latest coronavirus testing return zero positive results, August 31 will be the start of the pre-season at the training centre in Valdebebas. La Liga is yet to officially confirm the training protocols for the new season and it remains to be seen whether players will work together or in small groups.

Karim Benzema shared a post-workout photo of him on Twitter, leading to excitement among the fans. The Frenchman is seen flexing his biceps for the camera as he's seated on a piece of exercise equipment. The Real Madrid man captioned the post: "Still a long way to go before braking." Encore du chemin avant de freiner ☄️ #Nueve #NeverStop pic.twitter.com/k74GyG7HNx — Karim Benzema (@Benzema) August 27, 2020 Benzema recently received a medal from the Dubai Sports Council for participating in their 'Be fit, stay safe' campaign aimed at encouraging people to stay healthy even during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Griezmann felt that he wasn't part of the club's future, his former agent Olhats has revealed. The Frenchman was seriously considering leaving Barcelona. However, the new coach has told him that he'll be an important piece in the squad next season. "Before the disaster vs Bayern Munich, Antoine Griezmann wanted one thing: to leave. He felt like he was no longer part of the plan, that things couldn’t continue like that," the forward's former agent Eric Olhats has told RMC Sport. (h/t Get French Football News) "He was seriously looking at it (leaving). Then, there was what we know happened and a conversation with Ronald Koeman reassured him, that he was part of his plans, that he considered him as an important player for the future." The 29-year-old joined from Atletico Madrid only last summer for €120m. In his debut season at Barcelona, Griezmann recorded 15 goals and four assists in 48 matches.

Carles Perez has confirmed that he has tested positive for COVID-19 during the examination he passed ahead of the pre-season at AS Roma. The former Barcelona player is asymptomatic and has already self-isolated at home. The 22-year-old joined the Giallorossi on loan last January and the club eventually triggered their €11m buy option. Last season, he managed a total of 29 matches, four goals and six assists for the two clubs. Meanwhile, current Blaugrana players Jean-Clair Todibo, Samuel Umtiti and Miralem Pjanic have also gone down with the virus.

Several anti-Bartomeu forces have joined together to get the president out of office. A motion of no confidence against Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu will be officially filed on Friday, August 28, Diario AS journalist Javi Miguel reports. In order for it to be successful, 16,000 signatures are needed; the activists will start collecting them right away. Ant-Bartomeu groups like Cor Blaugrana, Compromissaris FCB, Dignitat Blaugrana, El Senyor Ramon and others will work together. They wil be supported by presidential candidates Victor Font, Jordi Farre and Lluis Fernandes-Ala. It's expected that the activists will hold a press conference at 10:30 am CEST during which more details will be unveiled. Bartomeu has already survived a motion of no confidence after presidential candidate Agusti Benedito failed to gather the necessary number of signatures back in 2017.

Real Madrid are closing in on signing promising Getafe striker Hugo Duro on loan after Raul Gonzalez reportedly asked for his signing, as per Marca. The 20-year-old will join up with Madrid’s Castilla side next season and a buy option will also be included if Los Blancos want to make the deal permanent. Duro’s arrival could also open up the doors for a Madrid player to join Getafe in the next few weeks as part of an exchange program. The promising striker has been selected for Spain U21s game against North Macedonia next month after impressing for his side. Duro has a great goal-scoring record in Segunda Division B with 11 goals in 23 appearances for Getafe’s reserves side and could be a real asset for Raul’s Castilla side next season.

Carvajal insists that Zizou’s ability to maintain composure under the most difficult circumstances is his biggest strength. The Spaniard suggests that he keeps learning from Zidane’s management with every single session. Speaking about Zinedine Zidane’s biggest trait which has helped him succeed as Real Madrid manager, Dani Carvajal told Esquire Magazine: “Zidane's greatest virtue is the tranquility that he transmits to us. He never alters and, whether things go well or badly, he keeps his composure. “That is something that gives us players a lot of peace of mind. His strong point is that he trusts the squad a lot. “Zidane makes us feel we can all add something, and that makes his team a winning team. I have won many years and titles with him, and I learn from his experience daily.” Indeed, Zidane is cool as ice during games and doesn’t flinch one bit even when the pressure is almost overwhelming. It’s his brilliant man-management style which has helped Zizou succeed a...

Toni Freixa claims he is disappointed by Leo's actions and He suggests the Argentinian should pay his €700m release clause himself if he wants out of the club. "I am not overly concerned about Messi leaving because everything has an end. What is important is that he did it in such an unfortunate way and without respecting the club," presidential candidate Toni Freixa told Marca. He added: "I am surprised and disappointed. I am disappointed by what Messi has done. The contracts are to be fulfilled and what Messi has to do is come with €700m and leave." Freixa is widely believed to be the exact candidate supported by Josep Maria Bartomeu to succeed him as Barcelona's future president which may explain his quotes. Messi reportedly requested Barcelona for a transfer, referring to the exit clause in his contract which allows him to leave for free after each season.

Messi could join Victor Valdes, Dani Alves and even Pep Guardiola as the Blaugrana legends who deserved a much better exit but the club denied them this right. Leo Messi could on his way out of Barcelona already this summer yet the Catalans are unwilling to let him leave and the whole situation could end up in the courtroom. Lets us remind you of three other Blaugrana legends mistreated by the board: Pep Guardiola Even though Pep mentioned several times he left Barcelona in 2012 because he was worn out, there are multiple claims that the tense relationship with Sandro Rosell could be the main reason. Marti Perarnau, Guardiola's biographer, describes Rosell as a person with 'cold, treacherous heart of a bureaucrat'. The president didn't trust the manager and was unwilling to support his sporting project despite Pep's unbelievable achievements in 2009. Pep's surprise failure to win either La Liga or the Champions League in his final season in char...

The Nerazzurri are planning to agree on the personal terms with the Chilean before contacting the Catalans. Inter have resumed talks with Barcelona over Arturo Vidal, Fabrizio Romano has just tweeted. The Chilean returns on the Italian side's radar as Antonio Conte 'wants him again', as the transfer guru has put it. Gianluca di Marzio added that the Nerazzurri want to agree on the personal terms with the player before contacting the Catalan club. The rumours on the potential Vidal-Conte reunion have been spreading for several months already. The duo used to work together at Juventus between 2011 and 2014. Moreover, Inter has recently confirmed that Conte will continue for the next season despite the failure to win any trophy. As for Vidal, he has been reportedly told by Ronald Koeman that he is no longer needed at Barcelona.

Manchester city contemplates offering €100-150m for Leo with Angelino and Eric Garcia heading to Barcelona. Manchester City 'would contemplate' paying between €100-150million for Leo Messi, highly reliable ESPN reveal. They are open to offering Eric Garcia and Angelino as part of the deal to lower the price. Both of them have been heavily linked with Barcelona in recent days. Yet, the Premier League giants will do 'everything possible' to land the Argentinian on a free deal. Leo has asked the club to let him leave for free, referring to his exit clause which allows him to quit after each season. However, the Catalan club remains firm in their stance, insisting that the said clause has expired.

Marc Overmars confesses there have been contacts with the Uruguayan star but he doesn't believe it's possible for the Eredivisie giants to land the striker this year. "Let me put it this way: the chance that he will come is quite small," Ajax's sporting director Marc Overmars told Ziggo Sport when asked on Luis Suarez's potential return. "That's a straight answer, I think. Whether there has been any contact with him? We have that with several ex-Ajax players. That is logical, you also have to maintain that." On Monday, Ronald Koeman reportedly informed the Uruguayan striker he isn't in his plans for the next season even though he has a contract for another year. Suarez has been linked with a return to his former club Ajax for a couple of days already yet it remains to be seen whether the Eredivisie giants may afford to land him.

Sergio Aguero is no longer known as 'kunaguero10' but simply 'kunaguero' which may suggest Leo could take his shirt number if he really joins City. Sergio Aguero has changed his nickname on Instagram, as he is no longer 'kunaguero10' but simply 'kunaguero'. Here are two screenshots to prove it: Certainly, this small detail may mean much more as there are strong rumours suggesting Leo Messi could be on his way on Manchester City. So, Aguero appears to be ready to pass the iconic No.10 kit to his fellow countryman. The 32-year-old has a contract until 2021 yet there are claims he could leave already this summer. Messi and Aguero still form the core of the Argentina national team, managing 111 goals between them.