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Gossip: Dembele issued ultimatum, Man Utd prepare 'swoop' for Pellegrini

Ousmane Dembele needs to ‘concentrate more’, his Barcelona teammate Luis Suarez says (AFP Photo/FRANCK FIFE)
Ousmane Dembele needs to ‘concentrate more’, his Barcelona teammate Luis Suarez says (AFP Photo/FRANCK FIFE)

Troubled Barcelona star Ousmane Dembele has been issued an ultimatum by his club: Shape up or ship out, and that has put Liverpool and Arsenal on high alert.

The France international forward, who joined Barcelona from Borussia Dortmund for £96million last year, has set alarm bells ringing with his attitude in recent times.

Club officials are reaching the end of their tether with the 21-year-old, after reports claim he called in sick to training last week – only for the club doctor to find nothing wrong him later that day. This is on top of reports claiming he spends his nights playing video games and partying.

READ MORE: Alex Sandro airs desire to play in the Premier League

It prompted the club to impress on Dembele that he needs to improve his focus to football if he’s to crack it at Barcelona.

They have ruled out selling him in January, but he could be moved on next summer if things don’t improve. However, Barca are unlikely to recoup the £96m they spent on him last season.

Liverpool and Arsenal have both emerged as potential suitors for Dembele with some reports suggesting Liverpool were ready to table a club-record offer in January.


Man United target Pellegrini (not West Ham’s manager)

Manchester United are reportedly preparing ‘a January swoop’ for Roma midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini.

The nine-cap Italy international has been in sparkling form for Roma this season and his release clause stands at only £26m. Reports in Italy claim the midfielder’s agent met United directors on Saturday where a ‘sizeable’ offer was lodged.

But Jose Mourinho may have to act quick – the Serie A side are set to offer Pellegrini fresh terms, with will either significantly increase the release clause or remove it all together.

Staying with Man United and PSG have reportedly joined Arsenal and Tottenham in the race to sign Eric Bailly.

The Ivorian defender arrived for £30m in 2016 but has found gametime hard to come by this season and could be ready to trade Old Trafford in for somewhere new.

Juventus want Mbappe AND Asensio

From the gossip rounds of football fantasy comes this peach. Juventus want to sign Kylian Mbappe and Marco Asensio to partner Cristiano Ronaldo up front. Not one or the other, but both of them. And only if the Old Lady sell Paulo Dybala and Mario Mandzukic.

Italian newspaper Tuttosport made the startling claims, believing Juve would be able to raise £150m from selling the pair, and then taking advantage of PSG’s FFP issues to prise Mbappe away from Paris.

Whether they would then be able to tempt Asensio to Turin would be another question. But good luck to Juve if they can pull it off – and say goodbye to any other club’s hopes of winning Serie A in the process.

Staying in Italy, and reports claim Zlatan Ibrahimovic could be in line for a return to AC Milan.

The Swede made an instant impact on the MLS, scoring 22 goals in 28 matches for the LA Galaxy and now agent Mino Raiola is reportedly keen to get him back to Milan permanently. A loan option, like the one David Beckham did in the US off-season, could also be an option.

Milan are willing to take Tiemoue Bakayoko off Chelsea’s hands – but only in a cut-price deal.

The on-loan midfielder has struggled to make an impact in Italy but reports claim the club are willing to offer £20m for him, far below the in-built £31m option in the loan deal.

And finally, the Rossoneri are willing to make make a move for Chelsea defender Gary Cahill in January. Wonder which deal Milan fans are most excited about there?