Latest La Liga News

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TEJERA SEALS MALLORCA SWITCH

Chelsea have confirmed that Sergio Tejera has joined Real Mallorca on a permanent deal.

Tejera signed at Stamford Bridge from Espanyol in 2006 but failed to make an appearance for the first-team.

The 19-year-old midfielder spent the second half of last season on loan at Mallorca where he represented the club's reserve side.

Tejera impressed during his time at Son Bibiloni and Mallorca have opted to secure his services.

 

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ZIGIC STAYS WITH VALENCIA

Nikola Zigic has declared he wants to remain at Valencia after turning down offers from other clubs.

The giant Serbian striker has been linked with a move away from the club this summer after reportedly attracting interest from across Europe.

Blackburn and Aston Villa were both understood to be chasing 28-year-old but he has now made it clear that he is committed to Valencia.

He admits he did have plenty of options but is determined to fight for his place at the Mestalla after falling down the pecking order last season.

"I have rejected all the offers because my desire is to stay with Valencia the next season," Zigic told Las Provincias.

"I am very happy to return to the team and I am prepared to demonstrate to the coach (Unai Emery) that I should be in the team. This is my challenge now.

"My agent had many proposals from Spain and Europe but my decision was always clear. To stay at Valencia.

"I have not personally spoken with the coach but Valencia know my intentions and I will not change my mind."

Serbia are well placed to qualify for the 2010 World Cup and Zigic added: "This year is key and I need many minutes on the pitch."

 

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TRISTAN JOINS CADIZ



Former Spain striker Diego Tristan has joined newly-promoted Segunda Division side Cadiz.

The 33-year-old, who scored four goals in 15 appearances for Spain, was a free agent after playing for West Ham in the English Premier League last season.

Andalusian-born Tristan started his career at Real Betis before also going on to play for Real Mallorca (twice), Deportivo La Coruna and Italian side Livorno.

Tristan's most successful season came in 2001/02 when he struck 21 league goals for Depor to claim the Pichichi award as the Primera Division's top scorer.

 

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HLEB NOT KEEN ON INTER SWITCH


Alexander Hleb has threatened to scupper one of this summer's biggest transfer deals by insisting he does not want to leave Barcelona.

The Belarus international has been included as a makeweight by Barcelona as they bid to land Inter Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Barca have offered 45 million euros and striker Samuel Eto'o for Ibrahimovic. Hleb was also due to join the Nerazzurri on a season-long loan.

But the former Arsenal midfielder is determined to remain at Barca and prove he is worthy of a starting place at the Nou Camp.

"I have a contract with Barcelona and am currently preparing for the new season with the team," he told Germany's Sport Bild magazine.

"My aim is to make the breakthrough here and be successful with this club."

Hleb's agent has even denied being contacted about a switch to Inter.

"Nobody has spoken to me or Alex about a possible transfer to Inter Milan," said Uli Ferber.

"We are all a bit surprised about the recent press reports, which we cannot confirm."

The move appeared set to go through in the next few days with Eto'o's agent confirming on Thursday that the Cameroon international had agreed personal terms with Inter while Sweden star Ibrahimovic has left Inter's pre-season tour of the United States to open talks with Barca.

 

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TRISTAN JOINS CADIZ


Former Spain striker Diego Tristan has joined newly-promoted Segunda Division side Cadiz.

The 33-year-old, who scored four goals in 15 appearances for Spain, was a free agent after playing for West Ham in the English Premier League last season.

Andalusian-born Tristan started his career at Real Betis before also going on to play for Real Mallorca (twice), Deportivo La Coruna and Italian side Livorno.

Tristan's most successful season came in 2001/02 when he struck 21 league goals for Depor to claim the Pichichi award as the Primera Division's top scorer.

 

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IBRAHIMOVIC AGREES TO JOIN BARCA


Zlatan Ibrahimovic has agreed personal terms with Barcelona as he edges ever closer to joining the European champions from Inter Milan.

The two clubs have worked out a swap deal involving Ibrahimovic and Samuel Eto'o, with Alexander Hleb also reportedly being offered to the Italian club on top of a cash payment of 40million euros.

Inter confirmed on Thursday they were on the verge of signing Eto'o and Barca have now stated that Ibrahimovic is close to coming to moving to the Nou Camp.

"There are agreements in principle with the player and with Inter and the documents are being drawn up," sporting director Txiki Begiristain told Barca TV.

He added that only a few details remained to be worked out and Ibrahimovic could be presented as a Barcelona player as early as Monday.

One potential problem could be Hleb's desire to stay at Barca and fight for a place in Pep Guardiola's side.

"I have a contract with Barcelona and am currently preparing for the new season with the team," the Belarus international told Sport Bild.

"My aim is to make the breakthrough here and be successful with this club."

Hleb's agent has also denied being contacted about a switch to Inter.

"Nobody has spoken to me or Alex about a possible transfer to Inter Milan," said Uli Ferber.

"We are all a bit surprised about the recent press reports, which we cannot confirm."

The Catalan giants announced on Friday evening that Ibrahimovic is due to arrive in Barcelona on Sunday before undergoing a medical on Monday.

Barca have also given permission for Eto'o and Hleb to travel to Milan to undergo medicals with Inter.

 

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CLUBS QUEUE FOR KEIRRISON


Barcelona sporting director Txiki Begiristain insists there are no shortage of clubs wanting to take new signing Keirrison on loan for next season.

Keirrison passed his medical with Barca on Friday before putting pen to paper on his five-year contract with the European champions, who have agreed to pay Palmeiras an initial 14million euros for the 20-year-old striker.

Barca have already decided to send the Brazilian out on loan, much like they did 12 months ago with Henrique, who joined in a 10million euro deal from Palmeiras before spending last season with Bayer Leverkusen in Germany.

And Begiristain is confident they will have no trouble finding a European club for their new signing, telling Barca TV: "There are many clubs interested, now we want to get it right so that he can develop as a player and be able to return to Barca.

"He is a player for the future, a similar case to that of Henrique.

"It's difficult to find goalscorers and he is a 20-year-old lad who has scored a lot of goals since he became a professional, both at Coritiba and Palmeiras."

 

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VILLARREAL SWOOP FOR NILMAR


Villarreal are close to completing the signing of Brazil international striker Nilmar on a five-year contract, the Primera Division club have confirmed.

The Yellow Submarine announced on their website that aside from "a few loose ends" they have reached an agreement with Internacional for the 25-year-old hitman, who is set to be presented next week.

The signing of Nilmar, which Spanish media report will cost Villarreal a club-record fee, will boost the attacking options for coach Ernesto Valverde following the departures of Nihat Kahveci and Guille Franco this summer.

Nilmar counts Lyon and Corinthians among his former clubs and was part of the Brazil squad that won the Confederations Cup in South Africa this summer.

 

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BARCA MOVE DELIGHTS IBRAHIMOVIC

Zlatan Ibrahimovic says he feels "like a kid" ahead of his dream switch to Barcelona.

The Inter Milan striker is set to move to the Nou Camp as part of a swap deal which will see Samuel Eto'o head in the other direction.

He is due to arrive in Barcelona on Sunday before undergoing a medical the next day, with reports suggesting he could then be officially presented to the fans if all goes to plan.

The Sweden striker, who was Serie A's top scorer last season, says he cannot wait to get started with the European champions.

He told El Mundo Deportivo: "I feel like a kid.

"I am immensely happy and have a huge desire to start already at Barcelona."

Ibrahimovic and Eto'o are set to swap clubs after Inter and Barcelona agreed a deal which will see the Catalans also pay cash and loan midfielder Alexander Hleb to the Italian side.

 

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BARCA MOVE DELIGHTS IBRAHIMOVIC


Zlatan Ibrahimovic says he feels "like a kid" ahead of his dream switch to Barcelona.

The Inter Milan striker is set to move to the Nou Camp as part of a swap deal which will see Samuel Eto'o head in the other direction.

He is due to arrive in Barcelona on Sunday before undergoing a medical the next day, with reports suggesting he could then be officially presented to the fans if all goes to plan.

The Sweden striker, who was Serie A's top scorer last season, says he cannot wait to get started with the European champions.

He told El Mundo Deportivo: "I feel like a kid.

"I am immensely happy and have a huge desire to start already at Barcelona."

Ibrahimovic and Eto'o are set to swap clubs after Inter and Barcelona agreed a deal which will see the Catalans also pay cash and loan midfielder Alexander Hleb to the Italian side.

 

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GETAFE SIGN PAREJO

Getafe have confirmed the signing of midfielder Dani Parejo from neighbours Real Madrid.

The 20-year-old Parejo, who will be presented on Monday at 1300 local time, will help cover the loss of fellow midfielder Esteban Granero, who moved from the Coliseum Alfonso Perez to Madrid on Thursday.

Parejo came up through the youth ranks at Madrid and spent a short spell on loan at English club QPR before returning to the Bernabeu in December.

 

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IBRAHIMOVIC NEARS BARCA MOVE

Zlatan Ibrahimovic could be presented as a Barcelona player on Monday if no late complications arise over his switch from Inter Milan, the Primera Division club confirmed on Saturday night.

Ibrahimovic is due to arrive in Barcelona on Sunday to put the finishing touches on his move, which includes the Sweden striker undergoing a medical with the European champions on Monday morning.

If all goes well and the deal is finalised then the 27-year-old could be officially unveiled by Barca in the Sala Paris at the Nou Camp on Monday evening.

Barca have agreed to pay Inter a reported 45million euros plus Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o in exchange for Ibrahimovic, with Alexander Hleb also set to join the Italian side on loan.

Meanwhile, Barca midfielder Yaya Toure believes the former Ajax and Juventus hitman will be a more than useful addition to the treble winners' squad, saying: "He is a very tall and skilful striker and his characteristics can help us a lot."

 

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GUDJOHNSEN NOT SET ON ENGLAND

Eidur Gudjohnsen has revealed there is no guarantee he will be heading to England this summer.

The Iceland international is widely expected to be offloaded by Barcelona during the transfer window, with the European champions already well stocked in the attacking department.

The former Bolton and Chelsea frontman has been strongly linked with a return to the Premier League, with West Ham reported to be keen to strike a deal.

Gudjohnsen, though, insists he is yet to decide what his future may hold, and claims he has not set his heart on a second spell in the English top flight.

"Everybody just seems to think if I don't continue at Barcelona then I'll be coming back to England," he said.

"But England's not the only country that plays football. There are so many options.

"Quite honestly, I don't know where my future lies."

Gudjohnsen did feature for a young Barcelona side against Tottenham on Friday in their opening game of the Wembley Cup, but he accepts opportunities with the Catalan giants may be limited this season.

As a result, the 30-year-old knows he may be forced to move on in order to find the regular football he craves.

"I said it a couple of days ago that my future is at Barcelona, unless anything changes," he added.

"There's not much I can say, because I don't know myself.

"I need to play, simple as that. I'm a footballer and I love the game of football. I want to play as much as I can.

"But I enjoyed myself against Spurs and I thought I played some good stuff.

"I'm just concentrating on getting myself fit. If I get too involved in speculation then there's a risk I'll lose focus on keeping fit for a new season."

 

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ROIG PREDICTS NILMAR SUCCESS

Villarreal president Fernando Roig is confident Nilmar will be a bit hit at El Madrigal after the Primera Division club pulled out all the stops to sign the Brazil international.

Nilmar is set to be presented next week after agreeing a five-year contract with Villarreal, who have been looking for attacking reinforcements following the departures of Nihat Kahveci and Guille Franco this summer.

According to reports in Spain Villarreal have agreed a fee in the region of 11million euros with Internacional for Nilmar, smashing the Yellow Submarine's transfer record, and Roig admits they made a huge push to bring in the 25-year-old.

"He's a great player and we hope he will give us five years of joy here," Roig said.

"We have high hopes and for this we've made the biggest effort in the history of the club, because we are convinced he will be a great player for Villarreal for the next five seasons."

Roig also admitted that the capture of Nilmar all but concludes Villarreal's summer transfer dealings, adding on his club's website: "The squad is practically finished."

Meanwhile, Nilmar, who already has experience of European football having played for Lyon, said of his switch to Spain: "I have the opportunity to play in one of the best leagues. I hope to shine in Europe as I shined in Brazil.

"I would like to thank Internacional for everything they have done regarding my sale, as they already knew how important a club like Villarreal could be in my sporting career," he added in AS.

"(Internacional) will always be my second home and I will keep great memories."

 

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MARQUEZ CLOSE TO RETURN

Barcelona defender Rafael Marquez is targeting the club's upcoming trip to the United States to make his return to the squad following injury.

Marquez was forced to miss the end of last season after suffering a knee injury during the Champions League semi-final first leg against Chelsea at the Nou Camp in late April.

The Mexico international underwent arthroscopic surgery and was initially told he would be out for up to 10 weeks, meaning he had to watch on from the sidelines as Barca won an historic treble of Primera Division, Champions League and Copa del Rey.

Marquez looks to be closing in on a return to full fitness now, though, and the 30-year-old could be back training with his team-mates during their trip to America at the start of next month .

"I feel very well, happy to return. I'm still not with the squad, but we are working towards me being part of the group in the United States and to be at 100%," said Marquez, who admits it was tough to miss the final weeks of Barca's record-breaking season.

"Without doubt. I felt helpless because I was out of such important games, but at the same time I felt a great happiness. I thank my team-mates for obtaining these victories.

"I hope that next season I can always be with the squad," Marquez told Barca TV.

Looking even further ahead, Marquez admits he would like to see out his career at Barca, and insists he is not concerned about the fact that his current contract runs out next summer.

"It would be my wish to retire at Barca. I'm very calm with regards the contract renewal. I know that we will arrive at an agreement, so it's only a question of time," said Marquez, who has been with Barca since 2003.

 

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BARCA POISED TO UNVEIL IBRAHIMOVIC

Barcelona are hoping to be able to present new signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic to their supporters on Monday.

The Sweden international is due in Catalunya on Sunday to undergo a medical and put the finishing touches to his move from Inter Milan.

Barca are hoping the deal, which will see Samuel Eto'o heading in the opposite direction, can be pushed through without a hitch.

They will then look to showcase their big-money acquisition in a presentation ceremony at Camp Nou.

"If everything goes to plan, and I am hopeful that it is something that is going to be done, we hope to present him tomorrow," Barca's vice-president of sport Rafael Yuste told Sky Sports.

"After long negotiations with Inter Milan we hope to find a way to present him to our fans tomorrow afternoon."

Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola, speaking to Sky Sports 1 after his side beat Al Ahly 4-1 in a pre-season friendly at Wembley, also said Ibrahimovic was close to joining the Nou Camp outfit.

Asked if the deal was done, Guardiola said: "Almost. Finally he can sign for us, it is almost there.

"He is a top player and we are here to help him as soon as possible play to his level."

Barca have also been strongly linked with a move for Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano, but Yuste insists no agreement is in place to take the Argentina international to Spain.

"I can confirm that Javier Mascherano is a fantastic player, that personally I like a lot, but we have not bid," he added.

"We have a lot of players that want to come to Barcelona and that is all. Mascherano is a fantastic player, but he is with Liverpool.

"In the future you never know."

 

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MESSI SHINES IN BARCA WIN

Lionel Messi was handed a second-half cameo as Barcelona claimed a 4-1 win over Egypt's Al Ahly to end their Wembley Cup on a winning note.

The Primera Liga side again blooded a handful of youngsters and fringe players, although Bojan Krcic was named in a starting XI that also included Eric Abidal and Seydou Keita.

It was against the same opposition in 2007 that Bojan made his Barca debut and, having scored in that game, the young striker again found the net with a neat run and finish after 16 minutes.

Hany El-Agazy levelled for the Africans before Jose Manuel Rueda restored Barca's advantage with a 35-yard piledriver.

Messi and Eidur Gudjohnsen were the big names among the second-half substitutes and the former had a hand in the third goal, producing a neat flick to help tee up Jeffren Suarez after 54 minutes.

Pedrito claimed the fourth, slotting home from a tight angle after a fine crossfield ball from Gudjohnsen with 23 minutes left.

The result left Barcelona on four points after their two matches, following their 1-1 draw with Tottenham.

Barca boss Pep Guardiola, speaking to Sky Sports 1 after the match, said his side were close to finalising their long-running pursuit of Inter Milan's Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

The Swedish forward is due to arrive at the Nou Camp, with Samuel Eto'o and a bumper transfer fee of around 40million euros going the other way.

Asked if the deal was done, Guardiola said: "Almost. Finally he can sign for us, it is almost there.

"He is a top player and we are here to help him as soon as possible play to his level."

Guardiola is also waiting to find out of Alexander Hleb will join Eto'o at Inter on a season-long loan.

"I think there is an agreement but we still don't know whether Alex will continue with us or go."

 

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BENITEZ QUIET ON ALONSO'S FUTURE

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez remained tight-lipped when quizzed on whether his side's 5-0 victory over Singapore on Sunday represented Xabi Alonso's last appearance for the Reds.

The Spain international, publicly courted by Real Madrid all summer, came on for the final 13 minutes for his first pre-season appearance.

Benitez has repeatedly stated his intent to keep Alonso at Anfield but when asked if the player would still be in England next season, he felt the question would be better directed at the 27-year-old.

"It's a question that you have to ask him," he said.

"Honestly, we've been talking about this for two months but I think that it is a question for him and not for us.

"He has three years on his contract and we know he is a great player - that's why we signed him and renewed his contract. So you have to ask him."

 

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ZLATAN ARRIVES IN BARCELONA

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has arrived in Barcelona ahead of his medical scheduled for Monday.

The Inter Milan striker is on the verge of completing a switch to the Nou Camp in a deal which will see Samuel Eto'o move the other way and the Serie A side receive 45million euros.

"I want to form part of Barca's history" Ibrahimovic told Barca TV.

The Sweden striker spent around 15 minutes at the Nou Camp where he was photographed in front of the Barcelona badge and will dine with club president Joan Laporta and other officials on Sunday night.

Ibrahimovic is set for a medical on Monday and, should all go to plan, will be presented as the treble winners' latest recruit at around 1830 local time.

And he has revealed that at that moment he will feel on top of the world.

"It's hard to describe my feelings," continued Ibrahimovic. "Everything seems to be all set, it just needs my signature.

"I'm really pleased and enjoying everything that's happening.

"I really am very, very happy and when this is all settled I'll be the happiest man in the world."

Ibrahimovic has spent the past three seasons at the San Siro but he insists that as soon as Barca came calling there was only one team for him.

"Every player wants to come to Barca, but not everybody can," he said.

"When I saw Barca were interested in me I told my manager to sort it out and he's done a great job.

"Who wouldn't want to come to Barca? I think any player would want to represent what is the best club in Europe and maybe the world.

"The best players have to be at Barca and I hope to be one of them."

Ibrahimovic finished last season as top goalscorer in Serie A, netting 25 times as Inter stormed to their fourth successive title.

The 27-year-old is hoping to continue that scoring streak in the Primera Division.

"I'm coming here with the qualities everyone knows I have," he added. "I play a skilful game, as Barca do and I want to do as well as I have done at Inter.

"The people who know me as a player know what I can bring. I want to learn how Barca play.

"There are champions in every position and I want to learn what I can from all of them.

"I'm coming here ready for anything and anything that I can bring will be great.

"I'll give my best to give everyone something to enjoy."

 

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ZLATAN ARRIVES IN BARCELONA


Zlatan Ibrahimovic has arrived in Barcelona ahead of his medical scheduled for Monday.

The Inter Milan striker is on the verge of completing a switch to the Nou Camp in a deal which will see Samuel Eto'o move the other way and the Serie A side receive 45million euros.

"I want to form part of Barca's history" Ibrahimovic told Barca TV.

The Sweden striker spent around 15 minutes at the Nou Camp where he was photographed in front of the Barcelona badge and will dine with club president Joan Laporta and other officials on Sunday night.

Ibrahimovic is set for a medical on Monday and, should all go to plan, will be presented as the treble winners' latest recruit at around 1830 local time.

And he has revealed that at that moment he will feel on top of the world.

"It's hard to describe my feelings," continued Ibrahimovic. "Everything seems to be all set, it just needs my signature.

"I'm really pleased and enjoying everything that's happening.

"I really am very, very happy and when this is all settled I'll be the happiest man in the world."

Ibrahimovic has spent the past three seasons at the San Siro but he insists that as soon as Barca came calling there was only one team for him.

"Every player wants to come to Barca, but not everybody can," he said.

"When I saw Barca were interested in me I told my manager to sort it out and he's done a great job.

"Who wouldn't want to come to Barca? I think any player would want to represent what is the best club in Europe and maybe the world.

"The best players have to be at Barca and I hope to be one of them."

Ibrahimovic finished last season as top goalscorer in Serie A, netting 25 times as Inter stormed to their fourth successive title.

The 27-year-old is hoping to continue that scoring streak in the Primera Division.

"I'm coming here with the qualities everyone knows I have," he added. "I play a skilful game, as Barca do and I want to do as well as I have done at Inter.

"The people who know me as a player know what I can bring. I want to learn how Barca play.

"There are champions in every position and I want to learn what I can from all of them.

"I'm coming here ready for anything and anything that I can bring will be great.

"I'll give my best to give everyone something to enjoy."