Barcelona to include Keita in bid for AC Milan defender Thiago Silva

Mon, 05/21/2012


Barcelona will seek to open talks with AC Milan this week for Thiago Silva.

Sport says Barca have their offer ready and intend to deliver it in the coming days to Milan.

Barca rate Thiago Silva at €25 million and will offer €20 million cash plus a player - likely to be Seydou Keita - in exchange for the Brazilian.

Thiago Silva expressed an ambition to play for Barca last season, though Milan insist they do not want to sell.

PSG in Barcelona contact for Daniel Alves price

Mon, 05/21/2012

PSG have made an approach to Barcelona for fullback Daniel Alves.

Sport says PSG have registered their interest with Barca for the Brazil international.

Alves' future at Barca is under a cloud after disappointing management with his behaviour this past season.

Barcelona plan swap offer for Malaga star Isco

Mon, 05/21/2012

Barcelona are eyeing Malaga star Isco.

The young Spaniard has made a big splash at Malaga this season and also attracting interest fromArsenal and Manchester City.

El Mundo Deportivo says Barca could buy back Sporting Gijon defender Albert Botia and include him in an offer for Isco.

Juventus rival Barcelona for Santos star Neymar

Mon, 05/21/2012

Juventus are joining the battle for Santos star Neymar.

Tuttosport says Santos have confirmed Juve's interest after denying reports of a pre-contract withBarcelona.

Neymar isn't expected to leave Santos until after the 2014 World Cup, but with €40 million to spend on a new attacking signing this summer, Juve could tempt the Brazilians into parting with their superstar.

Barcelona see Man City fullback Zabaleta as Daniel Alves replacement

Mon, 05/21/2012

Barcelona want to bring Manchester City fullback Pablo Zabaleta back to the city this summer.

El Mundo Deportivo says Barca have identified the Argentine as the man to replace Daniel Alves should they sell the Brazilian this summer.

Zabaleta was signed by City from Espanyol almost four years ago and has a good relationship with Barca pair Lionel Messi and Javier Mascherano.

In Barca's favour is City's need to sell this summer to comply to UEFA president Michel Platini's finance laws.

Barcelona, Real Madrid waiting for Spurs green light over Bale

Mon, 05/21/2012


Barcelona are expected to now turn up on the heat on Tottenham over their pursuit of Gareth Bale.

El Mundo Deportivo says Spurs recently wrote to Barca informing them that that they weren't interested in negotiating the sale of Bale. However, with Chelsea winning the Champions League, so condemning Spurs to the Europa League next season, all bets are off.

Bale is Barca sports chief Andoni Zubizarreta's top choice for wing-back this summer, but will face competition from Real Madrid should Spurs relent and invite an auction for the Welsh ace.

Chelsea defender Cahill amazed by his Cup Double

Mon, 05/21/2012

Chelsea defender Gary Cahill is amazed he's won two major trophies in less than six months as a Blue.

Cahill was outstanding in Chelsea's Champions League final triumph.

He admitted: "If you told me at the start of the season I would win the Champions League, I would've thought you were joking.

"I came here and signed for five and a half years and I wanted to win trophies. That's why I came here.

"But to win two in six months is what dreams are made of."

The other trophy was the FA Cup a fortnight earlier, which Chelsea secured while Cahill was recovering from a hamstring injury that threatened to shatter his Champions League dream.

The 26-year-old, who limped off in the semi-final triumph against Barcelona, was joined on the sidelines by centre-back partner David Luiz, with both only returning to training last week.

"When I picked up the injury against Barcelona, I feared I wouldn't make the game but I am thankful to the staff that got David and me back," Cahill said.

"Absolutely amazing night and highlight of my career so far."

Granada hope Man Utd, Barcelona come in for Siqueira

Mon, 05/21/2012

Granada are hoping to kickoff an auction for fullback Guilherme Siqueira.

Siqueira was watched several times by Manchester United chief scout Martin Ferguson last season as they consider the Brazilian a long-term successor for Patrice Evra, 31.

Valencia are keen on Siqueira and Granada are now hoping United and Barcelona come in for him to spark an auction.

Chelsea defender Cahill says he'll be fit for Munich

Wed, 05/16/2012

Gary Cahill says he'll be fit for Chelsea's Champions League final against Bayern Munich.

Cahill completed his first full training session for three weeks ahead of Chelsea's Champions League final and declared: "I will be fit."

Cahill and David Luiz both appeared to come through unscathed.

Cahill, who suffered his injury during last month's epic semi-final second leg at Barcelona, said: "I'm just happy that it's healed quickly.

"We've worked really hard, all day, afternoons, and I'm fortunate enough to be back.

"Hopefully, I'll be fit, I will be fit, and hopefully I'll be out there if selected."

He added: "First full session with the boys today after my injury, so nice to get back out there and get running around and kicking a ball about.

"There's some work to be done in two or three days now leading up to the game for me to get back into it.

"And if I need to do a little bit of other training, I'll do that.

"But, touch wood, there's no reaction from today and I felt fine out there."

Tottenham face Barcelona pressure over Vertonghen

Wed, 05/16/2012

Tottenham face pressure from Barcelona in their bid to close a deal for Ajax defender Jan Vertonghen.

The London Evening Standard says the Belgian is believed to have watched Spurs’s 2-0 win overFulham on Sunday and the club hope to conclude a deal for close to £10m.

Barcelona are also thought to be interested.

Barcelona players desperate to win Copa for Guardiola

Wed, 05/16/2012

Barcelona players are desperate to send off Pep Guardiola a winner, says midfielder Sergio Busquets.

Barca can still win silverware this season with victory in the Copa del Rey final against Athletic Bilbao.

Busquets aid: “We won our first final with him against Athletic and he’s leaving after the same fixture four years later, having won lots of titles and created a whole new playing philosophy. It’s been one of the best periods in our history and it’s the end of the era of a very special manager, the best there is.”

Real Sociedad defender Inigo Martinez cools Barcelona rumours

Wed, 05/16/2012

Real Sociedad defender Inigo Martinez has cooled talk of a move to Barcelona.

The youngster has been linked with Barca this week.

But Martinez says he wants to continue in San Sebastian "for many years".

Ex-Barcelona president Laporta: Vilanova a panic appointment

Wed, 05/16/2012

Former Barcelona president Joan Laporta has slammed the appointment of Tito Vilanova as new coach.

Laporta feels it's a "panic" decision after Pep Guardiola's departure.

"Guardiola was destined to be the coach for many years and I do not think they (the Board) created the ideal environment for him to continue," he said.

"The club is in a cycle and Guardiola decided to leave because he did not have enough support from the Board."

Chelsea icon Drogba approaches Barcelona about shock move

Wed, 05/16/2012

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba wants to hear from Barcelona.

Todomercadoweb says Drogba instructed his agent, Francois Gallardo, to make contact with Barca about a free transfer to the Nou Camp.

Drogba's current deal expires next month and he has decided his future now lies away from Chelsea.

Gallardo says he has several offers on the table and now Barca are being sounded out about their interest.

Barcelona chiefs have two defensive transfer options lined up

Wed, 05/16/2012

Barcelona will use the first-half of the summer market to make two new defensive signings.

El Mundo Deportivo says Barca chiefs Andoni Zubizarreta and Albert Valentin are working on two options involving Tottenham star Gareth Bale and AC Milan defender Thiago Silva.

If they can reach agreement with Milan for Thiago Silva, the remainder of their budget will be spent on left-back Jordi Alba of Valencia.

However, if Spurs agree to negotiate terms over Bale, then for their centre-half signing, Barca will turn to Real Sociedad youngster Inigo Martinez.

Barcelona seriously considering move for Chelsea freebie Drogba

Wed, 05/16/2012

Barcelona are seriously considering a shock move for Chelsea icon Didier Drogba.

Though a move to Shanghai Shenhua could be far more lucrative, the lure of playing alongsideLionel Messi and Co could prove irresistible for the Ivory Coast star.

A Barcelona source confirmed to The Sun: “What the team needs is an attacking player who has the presence and strength to trouble defenders.

“Drogba has that profile and is one of the players the club are looking at.”

Roma eager to send Bojan Krkic back to reluctant Barcelona

07 May 2012






AS Roma are set to send Bojan Krkic back to Barcelona.

RMC says Roma want to cut loose Krkic early from his two-year loan after a disappointing season.

Any such decision will leave Barca with a dilemma, as Krkic is not in the plans of new coach Tito Vilanova.

Agent: No Man Utd contact for Barcelona's Seydou Keita

07 May 2012






The agent of Seydou Keita has cooled talk of a move to Manchester United for the Barcelonamidfielder.

United are the latest European heavyweight to be linked with the Mali international.

Agent Pascal Boisseau said: "Seydou has a future at Barca at the moment. We will talk before the Copa del Rey with the Board of Barca. And after this meeting we will discuss its future.

"For now, we have not discussed anything with anyone: neither AC Milan nor Roma, nor with United.

"He wants to talk to the new coach Tito (Vilanova) and then consider everything calmly."

Laporta ponders shock Barcelona return

07 May 2012






Joan Laporta has raised the prospect of a shock return to the Barcelona presidency.

After seeing Barca surrender the Liga title back to Real Madrid and bundled out of the Champions League, Laporta has taken aim at the current board.

He told Canal+: "I had not thought of going back, but seeing that in a year and a half those running things now are breaking up what we had built with so much effort, dedication and enthusiasm, there may still be a possibility."

Real Madrid coach Mourinho takes aim at 'Mr Perfect' Guardiola

07 May 2012








Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has taken a swipe at 'Mr Perfect' Pep Guardiola.

Mourinho has wrestled the Liga title away from Guardiola's Barcelona this season and seen the celebrated coach now step down.

"It is not normal to sell an image of perfection and then in the end, nothing is perfect," said Mourinho. "I never sold a picture of perfection."

On the game of Barcelona and Real Madrid, Mourinho said: "I love the beautiful game of my team. I do not like to wear down the opponent with possession."

Man City willing to wait for ex-Barcelona supremo Ferran Soriano

07 May 2012






Manchester City are willing to wait for Ferran Soriano as the chief executive's post remains vacant.

The Daily Mail says former Barcelona vice-president Soriano has told City it could be October before he can leave the chairmanship of troubled airline Spanair and that date is not certain, such are the complications with his role there.

City are prepared to wait unless they find a suitable alternative in the meantime.

AC Milan tell Barcelona: €40M for Thiago Silva

07 May 2012











Incoming Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova sees AC Milan defender Thiago Silva as his priority signing for the summer market.

Sport says Vilanova has already requested Thiago Silva's capture during transfer talks with sports director Andoni Zubizarreta.

The Brazilian is aware of their interest and waiting anxiously for new developments - and its emerged Milan have discreetly spoken to agents about making interested clubs aware that he can be sold at a starting price of €40 million.

Barca won't go higher than €25 million - but are willing to include players in their offer. Adriano, Seydou Keita and Ibrahim Afellay are early candidates.

Ajax defender Vertonghen: Tottenham not only option

07 May 2012








Ajax defender Jan Vertonghen says joining Tottenham is just one of many options open to him.


Vertonghen is ready to leave Ajax in the summer.


He said: "I have a choice. There's something happening with Tottenham, but there are other clubs interested,"


"For me, it is important to get regular playing time. I also need a stable club."


He has also been linked with Barcelona, but admits playing in the Premier League appeals to him more.


"In England, there is a growing realisation that you can go far with good football. Arsenalstarted it and now you also see clubs like Newcastle United, Manchester City andTottenham Hotspur playing good football," he added.

Mourinho tells Ibrahimovic: Join me at Real Madrid

Tue, 05/01/2012


Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho wants to sign AC Milan star Zlatan Ibrahimovic this summer.

El Confidencial says Real are preparing a shock offer for the former Barcelona flop, which could includeKaka and Gonzalo Higuain moving in the opposite direction.

Mourinho has declared Ibra is the one player in the world he'd like to work with - and the Swede has also confessed his admiration for the Special One.

Indeed, the former Chelsea manager phoned Ibra a month ago asking him about a return to Spain - and assuring the striker he intended to carry on as Real coach.

For his part, Ibra has always maintained his commitment to the Rossoneri. But behind the scenes, there is friction between Ibra and upper management, including president Silvio Berlusconi, who would happily swap the Swede for fans' favourite Kaka if such a deal was put on the table.

Oriol Romeu proud of Chelsea triumph in Barcelona

Tue, 05/01/2012

Chelsea midfielder Oriol Romeu says there was no split loyalties during their Champions League triumph over Barcelona.

Romeu was in the travelling party for the second-leg at his former club.

"I got to see a lot of friends and I saw all the people with whom I have been working and it was good to ask how things are going. I had friends and family at the match and it was a good chance to see them.

"It was an unbelievable game but we played well," Romeu told chelseafc.com.

"We played two amazing games and we did a good idea because you know that with Barcelona, they always have the possession and you have to defend well, and we defended very well and that is why we are in the Final."

Barcelona's Busquets: We must win Copa for Guardiola

Tue, 05/01/2012

Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets says the players want to send Pep Guardiola away a winner with the Copa del Rey.

Barca will face Athletic Bilbao in the cup final, but first they have three league games left and begin by taking on Malaga at the Nou Camp on Wednesday.

"The most important thing is the team," Busquets told the club's official website, fcbarcelona.com.

"We have to do everything we can so that Leo Messi finishes the season as top goalscorer. He's broken all the records, he's the best in the world.

"Also, the game we have left [cup final] is very important, I hope Pep can leave the club with the cup title."

Barcelona keeper Pinto: Players happy with Vilanova appointment

Tue, 05/01/2012

Barcelona goalkeeper Jose Manuel Pinto says the players are happy with the appointment of Tito Vilanova as head coach for next season.

Vilanova will succeed Pep Guardiola when he steps down.

"I completely understand what Guardiola has done. He takes everything very seriously and that takes a big toll mentally," said Pinto.

"You can’t compare them, but Tito has the character and strength, as well as our full backing.”

Albert Ferrer linked with No2 role at Barcelona

Tue, 05/01/2012

Albert Ferrer is being linked with a return to Barcelona.

The former Barca and Chelsea fullback could return to the Nou Camp as new coach Tito Vilanova's No2 next season.

Ferrer is available after a difficult spell in charge of Vitesse Arnhem last year.

Arsenal set to slap in offer for Barcelona winger Isaac Cuenca

Tue, 05/01/2012

Arsenal are chasing Barcelona winger Isaac Cuenca.

Cadena Ser says Barca expect an offer to soon arrive from the Gunners for Cuenca after their deal for FC Cologne ace Lukas Podolski.

Cuenca, 21, is desperate for more first team football after managing just 21 appearances this term.

Barcelona coach Oscar Garcia wanted by Vitesse Arnhem

Tue, 05/01/2012

Barcelona coach Oscar Garcia is attracting European interest.

Garcia has been impressive with Barca's Juvenil A squad this season and his work has attracted the attention of Israel's Maccabi Tel Aviv and Holland's Vitesse Arnhem.

Several lower league English clubs are also interested, says Cadena Ser.

Barcelona chiefs split over Daniel Alves sale

Tue, 05/01/2012

Barcelona chiefs are split over whether to cash in on Daniel Alves.

Several directors, exasperated with the Brazilian's behaviour, feel its time to sell Alves this summer at the height of his value.

But there's others inside the club that believe it would be wrong to deprive new coach Tito Vilanova the best right-back in the world just as the club is undergoing a major transition with Pep Guardiola now departing.

Anzhi and PSG are among clubs watching developments closely.

Barcelona chiefs convinced Arsenal's Van Persie wants move

Tue, 05/01/2012

Barcelona are ready to step up their pursuit of Arsenal captain Robin van Persie.

El Mundo Deportivo says Van Persie is open to moving to the Nou Camp this summer, where good friend Cesc Fabregas is expected to take a more leading role next season.

Van Persie met with Cesc and Holland teammate Ibrahim Afellay at Barca's team hotel in London last month.

Barca are ready to spend big on a new striker signing and along with Van Persie, also have their sights set on Chelsea's £50 million man Fernando Torres.

Barcelona make shock move for Euro conqueror Chelsea ace Drogba

Tue, 05/01/2012

Barcelona are weighing up a shock move for Chelsea icon Didier Drogba.

El Mundo Deportivo says Drogba would welcome a final payday at the Nou Camp and his free agency status is attractive to Barca chiefs.

The Ivorian was the difference between the two teams in their Champions League semifinal and contact with Barca has already been made.

It's suggested Drogba is willing to sign a 12-month deal with Barca with the option for another year.

Chelsea owner Abramovich ponders shock move for Tottenham's Redknapp

Tue, 05/01/2012


Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp is a shock target for Chelsea after his dramatic England rejection.

The Daily Star says Blues owner Roman Abramovich is a fan of Redknapp’s style of attacking football and has added him to his shortlist, which is still headed by Barcelona’s departing boss Pep Guardiola.

But with Guardiola continuing to insist he wants a break and a return of Real Madrid’s Jose Mourinholooking less and less likely, Redknapp is now a serious candidate.

The 64-year-old – who was widely expected to get the England job ahead of Roy Hodgson – has just a year left on his contract at White Hart Lane.

And he knows he will have much bigger resources at Chelsea, having hinted at his frustration at an apparent lack of ambition at Spurs.

A source close to Abramovich last night said: “Roman has not given up on Guardiola, but Harry is in his thoughts as well.”

Chelsea defender Ivanovic: Di Matteo didn't tell us who were on yellows

Tue, 05/01/2012

Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic says manager Roberto di Matteo didn't inform his players of their potential bans ahead of their Champions League triumph in Barcelona.

The big Serb has revealed that keeping the Chelsea players in the dark about any possible ban was part of interim boss Di Matteo's winning strategy against the reigning champions.

He said: "No one told us because they didn't want to disturb us or put more pressure on us by making us think about yellow cards.

"Of course, you have to be disappointed not to play the final, but if you tell a player before the game then maybe the player will be thinking about not going into certain challenges to protect himself.

"But this is done and we can't think any more about it."