Latest La Liga News

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Gianfranco Zola Admits West Ham United Interest In Eidur Gudjohnsen

West Ham United manager Gianfranco Zola wants to bring Barcelona forward Eidur Gudjohnsen to the club.


The Italian has made no secret that he wants to reinforce his front line this summer, but has so far remained tight-lipped on the players he has targeted.


However, Zola has now broken his silence and admitted he is trying to convince Gudjohnsen to return to England. But he is finding it difficult to persuade his former team-mate.


"He's playing for Barcelona, he's playing in the UEFA Champions League - although he is not playing regularly, he is there," Zola told the Daily Mirror.


"The alternative is to come and play for West Ham - which is obviously a smaller club. I can understand his concern. He is human.


"We are a good club with a good future but maybe he doesn't see that. We will see what happens," he concluded.

 

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It's An 'Honour' To Be Linked With Barcelona - Arsenal's Emmanuel Eboue

Emmanuel Eboue has been constantly linked with a move away from the Emirates Stadium. The player was under the magnifying glass about a prospective move to Serie A club Fiorentina, but is now reportedly being chased by Barcelona.

"It is an honour to be linked with the best team in Europe, that means I am valued by people," Eboue told Sky Sports.

The 26-year-old spoke in favour of leaving the north London outfit and a possible move to Spain, in the hope that he would feel that the club needed him. But the Ivorian remained wary of the talk about a possible trasfer, since he did not want a repeat of the Viola saga.

"I have lost my Arsenal place and while the papers talked about Fiorentina, nothing happened, so I don't know about Barcelona," he said.

"Let's wait and see."

The Gigliati reportedly stopped short of signing the former Beveren player due to the price on Eboue's head, but it is unclear if Barca will do the same.

 

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Liverpool Youngster Mikel San Jose Sent On Loan To Athletic Bilbao - Report

According to a report in The Daily Mail, young Liverpool centre-back Mikel San Jose has been loaned out to Spanish club Athletic Bilbao on a one-season basis in order to gain some experience.

The 20-year-old defender has spent two years at Merseyside playing for the reserves, but has not made a competitive appearance for the club yet.

The promising Spaniard has now been sent to his home country in order to ply his trade with los Leones, the club of his youth.

San Jose was a part of the Spain Under-19 squad that won the UEFA European U-19 Football Championship in 2007, and was an unused substitute when the Reds played Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last season.

 

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AGENT: NO OFFERS FOR ATLETICO DUO

Juventus have not made an offer for Sergio Aguero and Maxi Rodriguez, according to the players' agent.

Reports in Spain suggest the Serie A club are eager to snap up the Argentina internationals.

However, while agent Jose Segui admits Atletico have not made any move to renew Rodriguez's contract which expires next summer, he insists Juve have not been in touch.

"No-one has spoken with me or our agency," he told Calciomercato.it. "It's not true, there has not been any contact.

"With regards to Maxi Rodriguez, in the coming weeks, after the market closes, we will talk with Atletico Madrid.

"At the moment, there is no offer for a renewal."

Segui also dismissed reports Manchester United and Chelsea are pursuing Atletico striker Aguero.

He added: "There has also been no contact for Aguero, neither with Juventus nor with any other teams the press are talking about."

 

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LITMANEN BACKS IBRAHIMOVIC QUALITY

Former Barcelona forward Jari Litmanen believes his old side have made a "great signing" in Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and is confident the Sweden international will be a hit at the Nou Camp.

Ibrahimovic was at the centre of one of this summer's biggest transfers when treble winners Barca gave Inter Milan 46million euros - plus prolific striker Samuel Eto'o, who was valued at 20million euros - in exchange for the giant forward.

It was a deal that raised plenty of eyebrows, and the spotlight will be firmly on the 27-year-old next season to see how he fits into Pep Guardiola's all-conquering side and whether he can fill the boots of Eto'o - who scored a remarkable 130 goals in 200 official games for Barca.

Litmanen is backing his former Ajax strike partner to deliver the goods, saying: "Zlatan has all the quality to succeed at Barca.

"He's already shown it at Ajax, Juve and Inter - in all the places he has been. He's also shown it with the Sweden national team. I don't have any doubts about his personality or his quality as a player," Litmanen told El Mundo Deportivo.

"I played with him for two years and know him well. He is a great signing for Barca, with different characteristics to Eto'o, but with some particular virtues which make him a great striker."

Finland international Litmanen, who played for Barca between 1999-2001, also believes Ibrahimovic is well capable of 25 goals or more in a season for the Catalan giants.

"Barca are one of the most attacking teams in Europe," he reasons.

"With the players that he will have around him, anything is possible."

 

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REAL MADRID RULE OUT GAGO SALE

Real Madrid have made it clear that they will not consider any offers for midfielder Fernando Gago.

Reports in Spain suggest the Argentina international was recently the subject of an approach from Everton.

That bid, thought to have been around €16million (£13.7m), was immediately knocked back by Real.

The Spanish giants have bolstered their midfield options this summer with the acquisition of Xabi Alonso from Liverpool, but insist they have no plans of offload Gago.

"There is no way that Gago will be sold any time soon," said Real sporting director Miguel Pardeza.

The 23-year-old moved to the Santiago Bernabeu from Boca Juniors two years ago and helped Real secure back-to-back Primera Liga titles in 2007 and 2008.

 

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GUARDIOLA RULES OUT FABREGAS SWOOP

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has ruled out the possibility of signing Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas this summer.

Barca have long been linked with their former youth player and there were reports they were set to make a mega offer after sporting director Txiki Begiristain admitted the club are interested in the 22-year-old.

Fabregas' value is set to have increased still further after he scored a brace in Arsenal's 6-1 demolition of Everton on Saturday and Guardiola believes he will not be returning to the Nou Camp just yet.

"Cesc will not come," said the Barca boss. "He is an important player for Arsenal and they have already sold Kolo (Toure) and (Emmanuel) Adebayor.

"I believe it will not be possible this season. He is a very interesting footballer but now he will play another year in England."

Barca are feeling some pressure to spend from their fans following the spending spree of rivals Real Madrid, who have invested more than 250million euros on the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka and Xabi Alonso this summer.

But Guardiola has been impressed by his players and feels they can have another stunning campaign to follow last year's treble-winning season.

He added: "I have been surprised by the behaviour they've come back with and the intensity with which they've been training.

"I didn't need to talk to them too much and I feel we will compete very well this year because of the character they have."

 

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ALONSO: SOCIEDAD READY TO RETURN

Xabi Alonso believes his former club Real Sociedad have everything in place to mount a promotion bid back to the Primera Division this season.

Before their relegation in 2007, Sociedad had been a fixture in the top flight since the 1960s, twice winning La Liga and finishing runners-up as recently as 2003 when they were pipped to the title on the final day by Real Madrid.

In their two seasons in the Segunda Division, Sociedad have finished fourth and sixth. But Alonso believes it could be third time lucky for the San Sebastian-based club next time around.

"Real Sociedad are ready to return to the Primera Division. They have a good team, a good level - and I hope they can do it," said Alonso, who spent five years at Sociedad before moving to Liverpool in 2004.

Alonso was speaking following Saturday night's friendly between his old club and his new one, Real Madrid.

The match, which Madrid won 2-0, was part of Sociedad's centenary celebrations - and local boy Alonso admits it was a special night for him.

"It's a very important date for Real Sociedad. I've been fortunate to be able to play in this match, despite not being in Real's (Sociedad) team," the Spain international said on the Real Madrid website.

"The ovation from the Real fans was very nice. I'm very grateful. After five years, it's nice to feel the warmth of the fans."

 

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GUARDIOLA ADMITS FABREGAS DEFEAT

Barcelona head coach Josep Guardiola has conceded Cesc Fabregas is staying at Arsenal, for one more season at least.

The European champions have held a long-standing interest in the Spain international, who left the club at 16 to join The Gunners.

Barca have talked about Fabregas for much of the summer without firming up their remarks with an offer to the Premier League outfit.

Guardiola has now conceded Arsenal are unlikely to sell having already parted company with Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure this summer.


"Cesc will not come," he is quoted in the Observer. "I believe it will not be possible this season.

"He is an important player for Arsenal and they have already sold Kolo and Adebayor.

"He is a very interesting footballer, but now he will play another year in England."

Fabregas was sensational in Arsenal's opening day 6-1 win over Everton, scoring twice and bagging two assists as he romped home with the Man of the Match award.

 

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HOME CALLING FOR CICINHO

Roma right-back Cicinho insists that while he is flattered by Barcelona's reported interest, he is seeking a return to Brazil.

Speculation is rife that Barca are set to make a 10million euro offer for Cicinho, who is under contract at the Giallorossi until 2012.

However, the 29-year-old claims he has been looking to move back to Brazil since joining Roma two years ago from Real Madrid.

"I came to know about Barcelona's interest through the press," Cicinho told Globoesporte.com. "No official offer has been made to me.

"It's normal that I'm happy that a great club like Barca is interested in me. But my own wish at the moment is to return to Brazil.

"I don't feel happy in Europe and I've been trying to do this for two years, I've also spoken several times to (Sao Paolo president) Juvenal Juvencio, but Roma won't release me."

Cicinho has not ruled out a move to the Nou Camp completely, however.

He added: "As I said I have not been contacted at all by Barcelona and I am continuing working hard and dedicating myself to the maximum in Roma.

"I don't have an agent but a friend who looks after my business. I've not talked to him yet.

"It's obvious that if Barcelona's offer suits everyone it would make me happy also.

"At the moment I'm concentrating on rehabilitation and I'm trying not to listen to all the speculation about me."

 

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PELLEGRINI HAPPY WITH PRE-SEASON

Real Madrid coach Manuel Pellegrini declared himself happy with his side's latest friendly triumph, and insists their pre-season preparations are going "according to plan".

Back in Spain following their successful recent trip to North America, Madrid last night claimed their fifth win in seven friendly matches under new coach Pellegrini after downing Real Sociedad 2-0 in San Sebastian.

Karim Benzema and Wesley Sneijder struck the goals in the second half of a match which saw Madrid start with six of their nine summer arrivals - Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Xabi Alonso, Raul Albiol and Ezequiel Garay.

A pleased Pellegrini said after the match: "I am happy because they (Sociedad) created very few chances on goal and our back four kept its structure when we moved back and forth and that's very important.

"It was a very stop-start game, very intense in the first half, with some positive and negative things, as happens in pre-season games."

Madrid now have just two scheduled friendlies left before the start of the Primera Division season in a fortnight's time, and although Pellegrini knows there is still work to do, he is happy with how things are developing.

"The pre-season has gone according to how we planned. This week has been somewhat special due to the arrival of our international players and it was important for them to integrate quickly in this game, and they did it," he added.

Madrid's two most expensive summer signings, Ronaldo and Kaka, were also happy with the run-out against Sociedad.

Kaka, who missed Madrid's Peace Cup tournament last month due to an extended holiday following his exertions with Brazil at the Confederations Cup this summer, said on his club's website: "It was my first game in Spain with Real Madrid and I feel very happy, not only for the victory but also because we played well.

"It's very easy to play on this team. Now we must work to be a more balanced side."

Ronaldo added: "I felt good. In general we are all good and we are working hard to get to the form we want. It's still too soon, but I know that it will be easy for us to get there.

"It's important that we won the game, but we cannot forget our main objective, which is, little by little, to get closer to our ideal form."

 

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RIBERY WANTS TO STAY AT BAYERN

Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery has denied seeking a move to Real Madrid and insists he is staying at the Allianz Arena.

The 26-year-old France international has been strongly linked with a move to Madrid this summer and Bayern have also previously confirmed offers from Barcelona, Manchester United and Chelsea.

But while speculation persists that Ribery is unhappy in Germany, he says he has not tried to force a transfer and has no intention of moving on in the near future.

"I never said I wanted to go to Real Madrid," he told Telefoot.

"If I had wanted to leave, I would have made an announcement. What bothers me is that I have never spoken about it.

"I cannot stop clubs making offers. It was not just Real - there was also Barcelona, Manchester (United) and Chelsea.

"What I can tell them is that today I am still at Bayern. The door was well and truly closed.

"My bosses really want me to stay."

 

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MESSI TO MISS BARCA OPENER

Coach Pep Guardiola has given Lionel Messi the go-ahead to miss Barcelona's opening game of the Primera Division season in order to prepare for Argentina's crunch World Cup qualifier against Brazil.

Argentina, currently fourth in their qualifying group, face leaders and arch rivals Brazil in Rosario on September 5 - just five days after Barca start the defence of their Spanish league title against Sporting Gijon.

That game against Sporting had been pushed back to the Monday because of Barca's commitments in the European Super Cup final against Shakhtar Donetsk on the previous Friday, and meant Messi would have been late in joining up with the Argentina squad.

Guardiola has given his blessing for Messi to sit out the Sporting game, saying: "To say that he doesn't want to play for Barca is tendentious.

"He wants to play with Barca. But the (European) Supercup is on Friday and the league encounter is on the Monday.

"I've given him my permission to go with his national team. The footballer always pays in these cases when it's the fault of the fixture list."

Messi will not take part in the opening leg of the Spanish Supercup against Athletic Bilbao tonight either, because Guardiola decided not to include him in his squad following injury.

Messi complained of a thigh problem while with Argentina earlier this week - and although it is not deemed a serious injury, Guardiola is preferring not to take any risks, saying: "There are many games ahead."

 

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GUARDIOLA ADMITS FABREGAS DEFEAT

Barcelona head coach Josep Guardiola has conceded Cesc Fabregas is staying at Arsenal, for one more season at least.

The European champions have held a long-standing interest in the Spain international, who left the club at 16 to join The Gunners.

Barca have talked about Fabregas for much of the summer without firming up their remarks with an offer to the Premier League outfit.

Guardiola has now conceded Arsenal are unlikely to sell having already parted company with Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure this summer.

"Cesc will not come," he is quoted in the Observer. "I believe it will not be possible this season.

"He is an important player for Arsenal and they have already sold Kolo and Adebayor.

"He is a very interesting footballer, but now he will play another year in England."

Fabregas was sensational in Arsenal's opening day 6-1 win over Everton, scoring twice and bagging two assists as he romped home with the Man of the Match award.

 

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ALONSO: SOCIEDAD READY TO RETURN

Xabi Alonso believes his former club Real Sociedad have everything in place to mount a promotion bid back to the Primera Division this season.

Before their relegation in 2007, Sociedad had been a fixture in the top flight since the 1960s, twice winning La Liga and finishing runners-up as recently as 2003 when they were pipped to the title on the final day by Real Madrid.

In their two seasons in the Segunda Division, Sociedad have finished fourth and sixth. But Alonso believes it could be third time lucky for the San Sebastian-based club next time around.

"Real Sociedad are ready to return to the Primera Division. They have a good team, a good level - and I hope they can do it," said Alonso, who spent five years at Sociedad before moving to Liverpool in 2004.

Alonso was speaking following Saturday night's friendly between his old club and his new one, Real Madrid.

The match, which Madrid won 2-0, was part of Sociedad's centenary celebrations - and local boy Alonso admits it was a special night for him.

"It's a very important date for Real Sociedad. I've been fortunate to be able to play in this match, despite not being in Real's (Sociedad) team," the Spain international said on the Real Madrid website.

"The ovation from the Real fans was very nice. I'm very grateful. After five years, it's nice to feel the warmth of the fans."

 

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MARTINEZ REVEALS SIGNING HOPES

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez is hopeful of adding Rayo Vallecano midfielder Mohamed Diame to his squad in the coming days.

The 22-year-old's move has been held up by a medical issue but Martinez is confident the player will complete his transfer to the DW Stadium in the near future.

Former Rayo team-mate Antonio Amaya last week signed a three-year contract with the Latics and Diame's transfer was expected to be part of a double deal.

Having sold England Under-21 midfielder Lee Cattermole to Sunderland, Martinez is keen to find suitable replacements before the end of the transfer window.

"We are still waiting to finalise [the deal]," said the Latics boss.

"We are hoping we are in the final stage of negotiations."

Diame's arrival is not likely to be the last, however, as Martinez has another couple of targets he would like to bring in before the end of August.

"My concentration is on the players we have here but to help these players to be strong throughout the campaign I think we need another two (including Diame) or maybe three - depending on certain situations," he added.

"We have one mid-term injury with Olivier Kapo (knee) but apart from that we have a fully-fit squad which is young and can give us a little bit of cover for the first team.

"In that respect I would say until August 31 we should bring in another two or three players in to help the ones we have here."

 

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NO REDS MOVE FOR AMOREBIETA

Athletic Bilbao insist reported Liverpool target Fernando Amorebieta is not for sale.

The Venezuelan-born defender has been strongly linked with a move to Anfield of late, with Rafael Benitez keen to strengthen his squad before the transfer window slams shut.

The 24-year-old does have a clause in his contract which would allow him to leave for 30million euros (£26m), but Bilbao president Fernando Macua claims the Primera Liga outfit have no intention of discussing a deal.

"This player is not for sale and we have received no contact from Liverpool," he said.

"At this moment he is a key member of our squad and we have no interest in letting him go."

Reports had suggested Liverpool sounded out Amorebieta during talks regarding Mikel San Jose's recent loan move to Bilbao from Merseyside.

However, those suggestions have also been strenuously denied.

The player's agent claims there has been no contact from Liverpool in regards to a possible deal and has braded the recent rumours as paper talk.

"Nobody from Liverpool has been in touch with me," he said.

"Because of that I believe this story is just a rumour made up in the papers."

 

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BLUES CLOSE IN ON MICHEL

Birmingham are on the verge of completing a deal for Sporting Gijon midfielder Michel.

It is believed the two clubs are close to reaching agreement in terms of how the fee, of around £3 million, will be paid by Blues.

Michel has been on City boss Alex McLeish's radar for several weeks as he looks to further strengthen his squad before the transfer window closes.

The 23-year-old played against Birmingham in a pre-season friendly at St. Andrews 10 days ago, but has not featured in any of Sporting's subsequent warm-up games.

It remains to be seen whether the deal can be concluded for Michel to feature in the weekend home clash with Stoke, with Wednesday's game against visiting Portsmouth likely to be too soon.

McLeish has stressed the need to "manage expectation levels" after rubbishing speculation he has spent £20million in the market this summer.

He said: "It is premature to say we have done a deal for Michel. We have opened talks to see if we can do something.

"But the 'Is' are not dotted and the 'Ts' are not crossed.

"He is a good athlete, has terrific technique and touch which is what you would expect from a Spanish player. He would enhance the quality of the squad.

"But I can only do what I can spending-wise and once that becomes impossible I will respect that and get on with things.

"In terms of the budget, we have not spent £20m in transfer fees. That is ridiculous and rubbish.

"We paid money for Scott Dann, Roger Johnson and Barry Ferguson, a loan fee for Joe Hart and a loan fee for Christian Benitez with a view to paying big money eventually if he does the business.

"But people's expectations have to be managed. In terms of finance and comparing us with other clubs, we are still behind. But if we get the right result at the end of the season and stay up, then we can grow in strength."

 

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GUARDIOLA ADMITS FABREGAS DEFEAT

Barcelona head coach Josep Guardiola has conceded Cesc Fabregas is staying at Arsenal, for one more season at least.

The European champions have held a long-standing interest in the Spain international, who left the club at 16 to join The Gunners.

Barca have talked about Fabregas for much of the summer without firming up their remarks with an offer to the Premier League outfit.

Guardiola has now conceded Arsenal are unlikely to sell having already parted company with Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure this summer.

"Cesc will not come," he is quoted in the Observer. "I believe it will not be possible this season.

"He is an important player for Arsenal and they have already sold Kolo and Adebayor.

"He is a very interesting footballer, but now he will play another year in England."

Fabregas was sensational in Arsenal's opening day 6-1 win over Everton, scoring twice and bagging two assists as he romped home with the Man of the Match award.

 

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ATLETICO REJECT AGUERO REPORTS

Sergio Aguero has travelled to Greece with Atletico Madrid for their Champions League clash with Panathinaikos after the club rejected rumours he could be sold to Chelsea.

Aguero has been linked with a move away from Atletico this summer, with a number of top European sides said to be interested.

Chelsea are the latest to be mooted as suitors as manager Carlo Ancelotti reportedly looks to bolster his frontline with a star name.

However, Argentina international Aguero's likely involvement in Atletico's clash with Panathinaikos looks set to quell rumours of a possible deal.

Should Aguero play on Wednesday then he would become ineligible to feature for another side, including Chelsea, in the Champions League group stage this season.

Atletico head coach Abel Resino said: "Aguero travelled with us (to Athens) to play and there is no chance of a sale.

"This rubbishes all the rumours that have been in the newspapers."

Club president Enrique Cerezo added: "We have not received an offer from Chelsea.

"This story happens each summer but our answer is always the same - Sergio will stay with us."