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Sunday, September 24, 2017
Friday, July 28, 2017
Angry Neymar clashes with Barca team-mate in training as PSG talk intensifies
The Brazilian forward continues to be heavily linked with a summer move away from Camp Nou and has now been seen tangling with colleague Nelson Semedo
Neymar has been caught on camera tangling with Barcelona team-mate Nelson Semedo in a heated training ground bust-up as speculation regarding his future intensifies.
Footage captured by Splash News shows the Brazilian forward becoming involved in an angry dispute with his Portuguese colleague.
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The incident occurs at Barca’s American training camp in Miami, with Neymar seen scuffling with recent signing from Benfica Semedo.
The pair are forced apart, with Javier Mascherano quickly on the scene.
Semedo walks away from the fiery flashpoint, but Neymar refuses to let the issue lie.
Clearly flustered, the Samba star shouts over to Barca’s £26.8 million summer signing from Benfica as the rest of Ernesto Valverde’s squad watch on.
Dani Alves hits out at Neymar claims
He then looks to head back in the direction of Semedo before being restrained by Sergio Busquets.
Neymar tears off his training vest before kicking a stray ball away in frustration.
The bust-up has served to further fuel speculation suggesting that the 25-year-old could soon be heading out of Camp Nou, with Paris Saint-Germain leading the race for his signature.
The Ligue 1 giants are reportedly willing to meet Neymar’s €222 million release clauseand make him the most expensive player in history.
Barca have sought to play down the rumours, with club president Josep Maria Bartomeu telling the New York Times that the club are reluctant to part with a player of such talent .
He said: "Well, you know Neymar is one of our best players, and so we don't want to lose that player.
"We want him to continue, continue with us. He still has four years of his contract, so nothing else to say.
"You know that players decide if they want to leave, they can decide.
"But as far as Barcelona, we want him, and we need him. Because if we want to win, we need the best players possible."
Neymar has, however, stayed quiet on the subject of his future, allowing the exit talk to rumble on.
DI MARIA LINED UP AS NEYMAR REPLACEMENT
Paris Saint-Germain winger Angel Di Maria has been identified as a potential new signing for Barcelona should they lose Neymar to the Ligue 1 side, according to RMC.
Rumours of a blockbuster €222 million move continue to circulate around the Brazilian, despite claims by Gerard Pique that he is staying put.
And while Paulo Dybala and Philippe Coutinho also appear on the Barca shortlist, the Argentine is similarly seen as a possibility to fill the attacking vacancy that would be left by Neymar's exit.
Thursday, July 27, 2017
COUTINHO TO COST BARCELONA £133M
Liverpool have reluctantly named their price for Barcelona target Philippe Coutinho, according to a report from Sport .
The Brazil international has reportedly agreed a deal with the Camp Nou side, though the Reds are determined to hold onto their star player.
If the Liga side are serious about landing Coutinho, they will have to pay £133 million for his services according to the Spanish publication.
MILAN ASK ABOUT RONALDO'S INTENTIONS
Milan's CEO Marco Fassone and Massimo Mirabelli had a meeting with agent Jorge Mendes in which the subject of Cristiano Ronaldo was broached, according to Sky Sports .
The Serie A club bosses were hoping to be alerted to any situation that would see the Portugal star leave the club, though there are no negotiations over a potential deal at this point.
BARCA OFFER RAKITIC IN COUTINHO DEAL
Barcelona will offer midfielder Ivan Rakitic as part of any deal to sign Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho, according to a report from Don Balon .
The Camp Nou side are determined to secure a deal for the Reds playmaker, though Jurgen Klopp and his team are unwilling to let him leave Anfield.
In an attempt to tempt Liverpool into selling, however, Barca will allow Rakitic to go in the opposite direction.
PERISIC TO BE OFFERED NEW INTER DEAL
Despite near constant links with Manchester United, Ivan Perisic will be offered a new deal to remain with Inter, with the Serie A club looking to make him a star, according to Football Italia who cite a Mediaset Premium report.
The Serie A club do not believe Man Utd will come back in with an improved monetary offer or with a deal that includes Anthony Martial in exchange.
Wednesday, July 26, 2017
AC Milan and not Man Utd
The midfielder has been linked to both Old Trafford and San Siro, but should choose a Serie A transfer in order to rediscover himself
The summer transfer window is always a time for speculation, with numerous articles written projecting how teams will look next season. How will X team line up with Y player? How will Manchester City utilise all their new full-backs? Where would Renato Sanches fit in at Manchester United? Simple answer - he wouldn't.
The 19-year-old has reiterated his desire to leave Bayern Munich, despite joining the Bundesliga giants just one year ago. He started just six league games for Carlo Ancelotti's side last season after making a €35 million move from Benfica, but is set to leave already.
"Personally, I am not satisfied with my first year in Munich," Sanches told Bild. "Of course, I'd like to play more. That's why I would like to go to a club that can give me more playing time."
Sanches and Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho share the same agent, Jorge Mendes, and the Portugal international was linked with a move to Old Trafford before he agreed to join Bayern. After his disappointing season in Munich, that speculation has returned, but the 2016 Golden Boy rightly has his heart set on a move to Serie A rather than the Premier League.
"AC Milan is an interesting option. If the opportunity arises and the clubs can agree, I would like to see them," Sanches continued.
"I am now on the China tour with FC Bayern, but after that we will get together in Munich and hopefully find a solution.
"I'm young and I have to play a lot. I think the chance to do so is greater in Milan than in Munich."
Sanches's current disappointment comes from a lack of first team opportunities, having played just 25 times domestically and in Europe last season following his breakthrough campaign at Benfica. At Manchester United, his chances would also be limited, with Mourinho having a large number of choices in midfield.
Mourinho has spoken of his desire to add another central midfielder to his squad as United return to the Champions League, but his language is telling when he speaks of his summer targets.
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"One midfield player would give me more options," Mourinho told the BBC. "The other is an attacking player through the wings to give me more attacking options."
At United, Sanches would just be another option. The first team football he so desires would be far from guaranteed. Last season, Mourinho spent almost £30m on Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who started just 14 Premier League games, while Juan Mata, Michael Carrick and even Mourinho-favourite Marouane Fellaini all started less than 20 games in the league.\
Milan will offer the teenage midfielder more opportunities. Vincenzo Montella has been given a lot of money to spend by the club's new Chinese owners, adding Leonardo Bonucci, Ricardo Rodriguez and Andre Silva among over €215m of new signings during the transfer window. Signing Sanches could see them surpass the €250m mark as they look to usurp Juventus in Italy.
They have already brought in midfielders Franck Kessie from Atalanta and Lucas Biglia from Lazio, while the other realistic first team options in the centre of the park will be Giacomo Bonaventura and the veteran Riccardo Montolivo.
So, if Sanches arrives, it will likely be five midfielders playing for three places in central midfield, although Bonaventura's flexibility means he may often be deployed further forward on the left wing, thus opening up more space.
With Milan fighting on two fronts due to their presence in the Europa League - a competition that will be taken less seriously by Milan than the Champions League will be by Man Utd - the Euro 2016 Young Player of the Tournament will thus receive plenty of opportunities to develop as a player at San Siro.
In Montella, he would also be playing under one of the best young coaches in Europe, someone who champions attractive, technical football and trusts youth - something that hasn't often been said about Mourinho.
Sanches undoubtedly has the talent to prosper, and Milan offers him the best opportunity to once again show what made him the most coveted teenager in world football. Montella is trying to build something great at the San Siro, and the Portugal international can help him achieve his goals. It is the best fit for all involved.
AC MILAN JOIN RACE FOR COSTA
AC Milan are keen on securing a deal for Chelsea striker Diego Costa, according to Gazzetta dello Sport .
The Spain international has been frozen out at Stamford Bridge and despite reports he is pursuing a move to either China or Atletico Madrid, Milan are attempting to arrange a transfer with Costa's agent Jorge Mendes.
Monaco hit Arsenal's hopes
The Stade Louis II club are insistent that they have managed to keep hold of all the players they wanted to this summer
Monaco vice president Vadim Vasilyev has told Arsenal that midfielder Thomas Lemar is not for sale.
The Gunners were chasing the France international but the Ligue 1 champions have outright rejected speculation he could leave before the end of the summer transfer window.
"I will address speculation relating to the case of Thomas Lemar. He is staying with us," he said. "He is an immense talent and is essential for the team.
"We have kept all of the key players that we intended to keep."
Arsenal launched a €35 million move for Lemar in June, though Monaco rebuffed their offer for the midfielder, who scored 14 times for the principality club last season, creating 17 more.
Vasilyev also addressed speculation regarding the future of Fabinho, who had been linked with Manchester United earlier in the transfer window.
"Fabinho stays, he is an essential player in the midfield,” he said.
ARSENAL & LIVERPOOL CONSIDERING BENZEMA
Arsenal and Liverpool could make a move for Karim Benzema should Real Madrid decide to sell the French striker, Don Balon reports.
Madrid reportedly have set their sights on Monaco star Kylian Mbappe, with the club planning to use Benzema to help finance the move. While the Gunners and Reds are in contention for Benzema, the 29-year-old also could end up at Monaco to help lower the price for Mbappe
ARSENAL CLOSE TO £45M LEMAR DEAL
Arsenal are finally close to agreeing a £45 million deal with Monaco to sign winger Thomas Lemar, claims The Sun.
Monaco have already rejected two bids for Lemar and had been determined to prevent the France international from joining the club exodus, but Arsenal have reportedly persuaded the Ligue 1 champions to sell.
REAL AGREE €180M MBAPPE DEAL
Real Madrid have reached an agreement with Monaco regarding a €180 million deal for teenage sensation Kylian Mbappe, reports Marca.
Once a record-breaking transfer is pushed through, the France international striker will pen a six-year contract with the reigning La Liga champions.
However, Nice Matin claim that Monaco have rejected this speculation out of hand
Sunday, June 18, 2017
LYON NEAR TRAORE DEAL
Lyon are in advanced talks to sign Chelsea forward Bertrand Traore, according to the Ligue 1 club's president Jean-Michel Aulas.
The 21-year-old scored 13 goals last season while on loan at Ajax. Aulas said Lyon face competition from a host of other club to land Traore.
JUVENTUS END PURSUIT OF VERRATTI
Juventus has pulled out of the race to sign Marco Verratti, according to AS.
The report states the Serie A champions are concerned about the cost to bringing either the Italian international or Andres Iniesta to Turin.
OXLADE-CHAMBERLAIN IN LIMBO
Arsenal midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has grown frustrated at the club and could push for a summer exit, according to the Daily Mirror.
The Gunners are yet to offer him a new contract and Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City are all rumoured to be interested in the 23-year-old England internationa
CHELSEA COULD TURN TO LUIS ENRIQUE
Chelsea could turn to Luis Enrique should Antonio Conte walk out as Chelsea boss over a transfer fallout, according to the Telegraph.
Conte is yet to put pen to paper on a new Chelsea contract, despite winning the Premier League in 2016-17, and there are reports in Italy he's unhappy with the Blues' transfer policy.
Although Chelsea are desperate to keep him, Enrique has emerged as a potential replacement having stepped aside from the Barcelona job this summer.
CHELSEA PLOT MORATA MOVE
Chelsea are set to hijack Alvaro Morata's transfer to Manchester United with a surprise bid for the Real Madrid forward, according to the Daily Mirror.
Diego Costa's expected departure from the Premier League champions means Antonio Conte needs a new, top-class striker and Blues owner Roman Abramovich has sanctioned a £70 million bid.
PSG TO BID €140M FOR RONALDO
Paris Saint-Germain are prepared to make Cristiano Ronaldo the most expensive player in history, Corriere dello Sport reports.
It is claimed that the Ligue 1 side are already in talks with the Portugal captain's agent, Jorge Mendes, and are ready to offer the wantaway Real Madrid man a salary of €30m per year.
ZIDANE TELLS CRISTIANO: WE NEED YOU!
Cristiano Ronaldo has been called by Real Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane and pleaded with him to stay, according to Marca.
The two are believed to have an excellent relationship and Real hope the France legend can bring their star forward back into the fold after two days of reports that Ronaldo wants to leave Spain.
RONALDO GIVES REAL ULTIMATUM
Cristiano Ronaldo has given Real Madrid an ultimatum, according to the Daily Mirror, and demanded they pay the €14.7 million tax bill he's being accused of owing if they want him to stay.
The Portugal international sent shockwaves across the football world on Friday when it emerged he was unhappy in Spain and could seek to leave.
Ronaldo has a €1bn release clause but suitors are expected to have to pay over €200m - double the current world-record transfer - to buy him this summer.
VERRATTI TELLS PSG HE WANTS TO LEAVE
Marco Verratti has told Paris Saint-Germain that he has no interest in returning to the club after his holiday and wants to sign for Barcelona, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.
The Italian daily claims he's said to PSG: "Let me go to Barca, I do not want to come back to PSG."
The 2015-16 Ligue 1 champions, who were knocked off their French throne by Monaco last season, value Verratti around the €100 million mark and are unlikely to sell their star midfielder on the cheap.
BAYERN STUNNED BY ALEXIS WAGE
Bayern Munich are stunned by Alexis Sanchez's wage demands and suspect he's trying to force a move to Manchester City, according to the Daily Mirror.
The Chilean attacker, who has 12 months left on his contract at Arsenal, is reportedly demanding £420,000 a week from the Bundesliga champions.
Bayern believe such a pricetag is unrealistic and that he's trying to force Arsenal's hand into selling to Pep Guardiola's Premier League rivals.
Saturday, June 17, 2017
UTD QUOTED £50M FOR DIER
Manchester United have been told they will have to stump up £50 million to sign Tottenham midfielder Eric Dier, the Telegraph reports.
Jose Mourinho is said to want the Spurs man signed well before the start of the new season, with the England international seen as a long-term replacement for Michael Carrick.
MAN UTD OFFERED DONNARUMMA
Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma has been offered to Manchester United by his agent Mino Raiola, reports Diario Gol.
The highly rated teenager has opted against signing a new contract at the San Siro, with Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain among those keeping a close eye on his situation.
ROMA JOIN DARMIAN HUNT
Roma have joined Serie A rivals Inter in the hunt for Manchester United full-back Matteo Darmian, according to Corriere dello Sport.
The Italy international enjoyed a strong finish to the 2016-17 season under Jose Mourinho, but was not always a first choice and could soon be heading hom
MAN CITY MAKE RONALDO CONTACT
Manchester City have been in contact with Cristiano Ronaldo after learning that he is looking to leave Real Madrid, reports Don Balon.
The Portuguese forward has strong ties to City's arch-rivals Manchester United, and has been linked with a return to Old Trafford, but Pep Guardiola is eager to sound out a move.
BARCA OPEN VERRATTI TALKS
Barcelona have opened talks with Paris Saint-Germain regarding a possible deal for Marco Verratti, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
The Italy international has long been linked with a move away from the French capital, with Barca seemingly leading the likes of Juventus and Inter in the race for his signature.
PSG HOLD RONALDO TALKS
Paris Saint-Germain have already held talks with Cristiano Ronaldo's agent regarding a possible summer transfer, claims the Daily Mail.
The Portuguese forward has informed Real Madrid of his desire to move on and PSG met with Jorge Mendes to discuss a deal while Madrid were in Cardiff for the Champions League final.
CHELSEA TO BACK CONTE WITH £250M
Chelsea are ready to back Antonio Conte with £250 million worth of transfers this summer, according to the Mirror.
Despite reports that Conte is unhappy with the Blues, plans to sign a host of big-names will continue, though there has been no progress in inking the manager to a new deal that would make him the highest-paid manager in club history.
Friday, June 16, 2017
MENDES TELLS REAL: RONALDO HAS PL OFFERS
Cristiano Ronaldo's agent Jorge Mendes has told Real Madrid that the attacker has offers from Premier League clubs, according to Cope.
The Portuguese forward has suddenly and unexpectedly been launched into a summer transfer saga following accusations in Spain that he avoided paying €14.7 million in tax between 2011 and 2014.
Ronaldo's release clause at Madrid is a lofty €1 billion and, although any sale would likely be considerably lower, only a few clubs are likely to be able to afford the former Manchester United forward.
Cristiano Ronaldo want to leave Real Madrid
Los Blancos would have a difficult time replacing the superstar but would be able to field a strong lineup without him
How might Real Madrid line up without Cristiano Ronaldo?
A week ago that seemed like a question that would not be asked for some time. But now with rumours of the Portugal star demanding his exit from the Bernabeu, it’s something that has to be considered.
While replacing a player like Ronaldo, who alongside Lionel Messi has an argument to be considered the best in the world, would be near impossible, you would be hard-pressed to find a side more capable of it than Real Madrid.
The team’s base would likely remain intact, with the midfield trio of Toni Kroos, Luka Modric and Casemiro providing indispensable support for the attacking trio.
Up top, Karim Benzema would likely retain his place. Despite questions about his role on the side, he continued to perform well as the centre-forward this season.
Meanwhile, Isco, who came into the side for an injured Gareth Bale toward the end of the year, impressed with his ability to drive play for Benzema and Ronaldo. At the same time, Ronaldo, whose role involved him playing further inside rather than on the wings, could see his spot taken by Bale.
At the very least, that would help solve the issue of what to do with Isco, who proved himself worthy of a place in the lineup with his performance at the end of the year for Madrid.
As for who from outside the club could step in for Ronaldo, the possibilities are endless. The money Madrid would bring in from the transfer itself — his release clause reportedly stands at €1 billion — and freeing up Ronaldo’s wages would be astronomical, and could probably entice most players into joining if the club so chose.
But one intriguing option could be French teenage prodigy Kylian Mbappe. Could he slot into Ronaldo's old position, forcing either Bale or Isco back to the bench? Here is one possibility:
Monday, June 5, 2017
Cheick Tiote dies after collapsing during training
The former Newcastle United player was rushed to hospital in Beijing, but emergency services failed to revive him, his agent confirmed
Former Newcastle United player Cheick Tiote has died after collapsing during a training session on Monday.
The Ivorian was training with second-tier Chinese side Beijing Enterprises, who he joined in February, when he passed out and was rushed to hospital.
But emergency treatment failed to revive him, and it was later confirmed that he had passed away.
Tiote's representative Emanuele Palladino said: "It is with deep sadness that I confirm that my client Cheick Tiote sadly passed away earlier today after collapsing in training with his club Beijing Enterprises.
"We cannot say any more at the moment and we request that his family's privacy be respected at this difficult time.
"We ask for all your prayers."
A statement from Beijing Enterprises also confirmed the news of Tiote’s death.
It read: “At 6pm on June 5th, Mr Cheick Tiote fell unconscious to the ground during training.
“He was immediately taken to hospital, but unfortunately died at 7pm on June 5th. We have informed his relatives of his death.
“After joining Beijing Enterprises Group FC on February 5th 2017, Mr Tiote has made a great contribution to the club and has received plaudits from the coaching staff and team-mates for his superb ability and professionalism.
“We hereby express our sincere condolences following Mr Tiote’s unfortunate death.”
Tiote had been a mainstay for Beijing Enterprises, starting all 11 matches to date this season.
On Saturday, the 30-year-old helped his team secure a 4-2 victory against Baoding Ronda.
The midfielder started his career in Belgium with Anderlecht and also represented Twente and Roda JC in the Netherlands, as well as making 52 international appearances for Ivory Coast.
Sunday, June 4, 2017
Ronaldo fires Real to CL final win
Real Madrid won a record 12th Champions League/European Cup trophy courtesy of Cristiano Ronaldo's double against Juventus.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Real Madrid defeated 10-man Juventus 4-1 in Cardiff to retain their Champions League crown.
Madrid became the first team in the Champions League era to successfully defend the trophy with their sixth triumph in the competition - and 12th when you include it in its former guise of the European Cup - three of those victories coming in the last four years.
A thrilling first half saw Ronaldo put Madrid ahead, becoming the first player to score in three different Champions League finals in the process.
Mario Mandzukic equalised for Juventus with a spectacular overhead kick that will live long in the memory.
But Madrid dominated the second half as Juve collapsed, Casemiro scoring with the help of a huge deflection before Ronaldo made sure of the victory from close-range, ensuring he finishes above Lionel Messi as the competition's top scorer this season.
Any hopes of a Juventus comeback were ended when substitute Juan Cuadrado was sent off 18 minutes after coming on, the winger receiving a second yellow card for a clash with Sergio Ramos, before Madrid substitute Marco Asensio put the icing on the cake in the last minute.
Having also secured LaLiga glory, the win seals a famous double for Zinedine Zidane in his first full season at the helm, with Madrid the first side since AC Milan in 1990 to win back-to-back European crowns.
Juventus, who had been seeking a treble after winning Serie A and the Coppa Italia, have now lost five straight finals since last tasting continental success back in 1996, including two of the last three, having also lost to Barcelona in Berlin two years ago.
Former Madrid star Gonzalo Higuain tested Keylor Navas early on with a 25-yard drive, before the goalkeeper had to make a terrific one-handed save to keep out a powerful Miralem Pjanic strike from a similar distance.
It was Madrid, though, who opened the scoring after 20 minutes, Ronaldo capping a slick passing move.
Karim Benzema and Ronaldo were both involved in the build-up before Dani Carvajal's cut-back led to the Portugal international producing an impressive first-time finish, finding the far corner from the edge of the area with the help of a slight deflection off Leonardo Bonucci.
The lead lasted just seven minutes before Juve hit back in magnificent fashion.
Bonucci's pass from defence was helped on by both Alex Sandro and Higuain – the ball not leaving the ground throughout – to set up Mandzukic and the Croatia international took one touch and unleashed a magnificent overhead kick into the top corner, with Navas not close to it
Ronaldo had a chance to hit back, but he misjudged an attempted diving header from Isco's cross as an entertaining first half ended level.
Luka Modric tested Gianluigi Buffon with a left-footed strike from outside the box as Madrid made a faster start to the second half.
And Zidane's men retook the lead just after the hour mark when Toni Kroos had a shot blocked and Casemiro latched on to the loose ball 35 yards out, firing in a shot which took a huge deflection off Sami Khedira to deceive Buffon.
With Juve shell-shocked, Madrid struck again just three minutes later. Modric played a one-two with Carvajal, latching on to the full-back's return pass down the right and digging out a superb cross, allowing Ronaldo to nip ahead of a stationary Bonucci and prod in from inside the six-yard box.
Juve brought on Cuadrado, Mario Lemina and Claudio Marchisio as they attempted to reverse the momentum, wThe Italian champions needed a superb intervention from Bonucci to stop Bale from tapping in a Ronaldo cross, before coming close themselves when Alex Sandro's glancing header fell just wide from Dani Alves' free-kick.
A miserable night for Juve got worse with six minutes to go when Cuadrado, already booked for a late challenge on Ronaldo, saw red after Ramos went down dramatically, the Colombia international having lightly pushed him and made minimal contact with his foot.
Madrid wrapped up a famous triumph in the final minute when Asensio – eight minutes after coming on - slotted in left-footed from eight yards after superb work from Marcelo down the left in an emphatic triumph for Zidane.
Key Opta stats:
- Real Madrid have won their last six European Cup finals, last losing one in 1981 versus Liverpool.
- Mario Mandzukic (Bayern Munich, Juventus) became the third player to score in a European Cup/Champions League final for two different teams after Velibor Vasovic (Partizan Belgrade, Ajax) & Cristiano Ronaldo (Man Utd, Real Madrid).
- Ronaldo has now scored at least twice as many Champions League goals as any other player in the quarter-final stage (20), semi-final stage (13) and final of the competition (4).
- Ronaldo made his fifth European Cup/Champions League final appearance - only Paolo Maldini, Paco Gento (8) and Alfredo Di Stefano (7) have played in more.
- Juan Cuadrado became the third player to be sent off in a Champions League final, after Jens Lehmann (2006) and Didier Drogba (2008).
- Gianluigi Buffon was the third oldest player to feature in a European Cup final (39y 126d) after Dino Zoff and Edwin van der Sar.
- Juventus (4) conceded more goals in this game as they had in the rest of the campaign (3).hile Gareth Bale was introduced for Madrid in his home city.
Saturday, June 3, 2017
Champions League final team news: Isco starts ahead of Bale as Real take on Juventus
The Spaniard has been given the nod over the Wales star in Cardiff, while James Rodriguez has not been included for the showpiece event
Isco has been named in the starting lineup ahead of Gareth Bale as Real Madrid take on Juventus in the 2017 Champions League final
The Spaniard played a key role in helping the Blancos see off rivals Atletico Madrid in the semi-finals, scoring in the second leg at the Vicente Calderon.
However, with Bale returning to fitness ahead of the showdown, there was uncertainty over who Real boss Zinedine Zidane would opt for out of the two men.
But Zidane has decided to put his faith in Isco from the start with Wales ace Bale named amongst the substitutes in his home city Cardiff.
James Rodriguez, however, has not been included for the showpiece event.
Real Madrid starting XI: Navas; Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo; Modric, Casemiro, Kroos; Isco, Benzema, Ronaldo.
Real Madrid substitutes: Casilla, Nacho, Bale, Kovacic, Asensio, Morata, Danilo.
Friday, June 2, 2017
ARSENAL JOIN MBAPPE CHASE
Arsenal are in the race to sign Monaco star Kylian Mbappé, according to L'Equipe.
The young forward has drawn interest from several sides, with Real Madrid and Manchester City the clubs with the strongest links to the player so far.
But with Arsene Wenger under contract again, it seems the Gunners are willing to offer up €100 million to bring the youngster to Emirates Stadium.
MAN UTD MAKE LACAZETTE MOVE
Manchester United have made an approach for Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette, according to L'Equipe.
The France international was all set to join Atletico Madrid, but the Liga outfit's failure to overturn their transfer ban has seen that move fall apart.
And now United have moved ahead of Borussia Dortmund and Arsenal in the race for the 26-year-old.
REAL MADRID TARGET £100M HAZARD
Real Madrid are prepared to break the transfer world record to sign Eden Hazard from Chelsea, according to the Sun .
The Liga side have already met Hazard's entourage three times as they look to bring the Belgium international to Santiago Bernabeu for a record £100 million fee. Madrid believe that Zinedine Zidane's presence can help entice Hazard to leave Chelsea, but Antonio Conte does not want to sell his star player.
Saturday, May 13, 2017
'Bale's not even training with us' - Zidane suggests Real Madrid star not close to return
The winger will miss the Blancos' La Liga match against Sevilla on Sunday and his coach admits he does not know when he will be available again
Zinedine Zidane remains unsure when Gareth Bale will be available for Real Madrid again but hopes it will be soon.
Wales international Bale sustained a calf injury in the Champions League quarter-final victory over Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena on April 12 and lasted less than 45 minutes on his return against Barcelona 11 days later.
The 27-year-old has not featured since that 3-2 defeat and he has just four more chances to feature this season with Madrid chasing glory in Spain and Europe.
Zidane revealed Bale's condition is improving, but admitted he is unsure when the forward will be in a suitable condition to return to the pitch.
"We have to see day to day with Gareth Bale," he told a news conference ahead of Sunday's La Liga match against Sevilla. "He is continuing in the gym, working, trying to get rid of his discomfort.
"It's getting better, but you have to go day by day. But he's not even training with us. I cannot tell you when he will return, but hopefully it is soon."
Another player who will not feature at Santiago Bernabeu this weekend is Pepe.
The experienced centre-back has been struggling with a rib injury and has been linked with a move to Inter or AC Milan when his contract expires at the end of the campaign.
Zidane paid tribute to Pepe's contribution to the club since joining in 2007 but said he is unable to clarify what the 34-year-old's future holds at the moment.
"Pepe's career has been spectacular," said the Madrid coach. "It's been 10 years where he's done fantastic things, but with this I'm not telling you what is going to happen next year because I do not know.
"He will not be in the squad tomorrow because of his rib. He trained with us, but it's not quite right."
Madrid sit second to Barcelona in LaLiga due to an inferior head-to-head record, but Zidane's side possess a game in hand which they play against Celta Vigo on Wednesday.
With Juventus in the Champions League final following their final league outing away to Malaga, Zidane called for concentration to ensure the season does not fall apart.
"We have done phenomenally so far. We look very good in La Liga and are in the Champions League final, but it does not mean anything," said the Frenchman.
"We have three finals in La Liga remaining and we are going to start with the first one.
"The three matches are very difficult. The one in Seville because they are always high up in the table and are a very good team.
"Look at what Celta are doing, and Malaga are in impressive shape at the moment. But we are only thinking about tomorrow."
