Latest La Liga News

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IKER GLAD ETO'O HAS GONE

Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas has confessed he is delighted that Samuel Eto'o has left Spain.

The former Barcelona striker went to Inter in a swap deal that saw Zlatan Ibrahimovic move the other way.

And while Casillas is fully aware of the danger the Sweden striker poses, he is relieved not to be facing Eto'o in domestic competition.

"Honestly, I am glad that Eto'o has gone to Inter because he was a nightmare for me," he said.

"I wish him all the best in Italy because he is a true professional.

"Ibrahimovic is a very good player and can create danger for you at any moment, but he is a different player who is nothing like Samuel."

It will be a new-look Madrid side attempting to challenge Barcelona's dominance this season after a busy summer in the Spanish capital.

Madrid have spent over 200million euros on reinforcing their team and broke the world transfer record to bring Cristiano Ronaldo to the Bernabeu.

There is a suggestion that Ronaldo's social activities could have a negative effect on the Spanish giants but Casillas dismissed this outright.

"He hasn't been here long, but all the hype is external," continued the Spain goalkeeper. "He is a very down to earth person and very professional.

"You only have to look at his body.

"It seems nonsense to me that they accuse him of going out at night because he has worked harder than anyone since his first day and has adapted very well."

Reports in Spain suggest Madrid are on the verge of releasing Michel Salgado and that they are currently negotiating with his agent to pay off the final year of the 33-year-old's contract.

Casillas, who has spent 10 years in the Madrid team with Salgado, believes they are losing a great professional.

"I spoke to him and there is nothing definitive yet," he said. "I am sure Michel wants what is best for him and the club.

"At the moment there is no official confirmation, neither from one party nor from another. But I am sure that everything will turn out for the best.

"Of course if he leaves he must be thanked for everything he did for Real Madrid.

"He is one of the greats and has been here for 10 years.

"He has always been a positive player for the group with his work, his temperament and his character.

"He has done a lot for the club. he has always given his best effort."

 

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BARCA HOPEFUL OVER MESSI DEAL

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has confirmed they are working on a new contract for star man Lionel Messi.

Reports suggest the Catalan club are to offer the 22-year-old 9.5million euros per year and increase his release clause, which currently stands at 150million euros, to 300million.

Laporta and other club officials have already met with Messi's father to discuss the matter and the Barca president insists the Argentina winger is worth every penny.

"There's a very good relationship between both parties," he told the club's official website. "They know that Barca want the player to feel happy here.

"He's a great player, a homegrown lad; we're proud to have him in the team, because he is the best player in the world.

"Everything's going along well.

"Barca will always do whatever is necessary to keep Messi happy at the club and we know that Messi has a complete commitment to Barca.

"This commitment had to be repaid on all levels.

"The club will always equal that commitment and love that he has for Barca."

The mooted new deal would see Messi, who has spent his entire career at Barcelona having come through the club's youth system overtake recent signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic as the best paid player at the Nou Camp.

After starring in Barca's successful treble-winning campaign last term Messi is widely viewed as the favourite for the Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year awards.

 

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ATLETICO WARN SUITORS OFF AGUERO

Atletico Madrid have stated that even an offer of at least 60million euros (£51m) may not be enough to tempt them to sell star forward Sergio Aguero.

The Argentina international is sought-after property and has been linked with Manchester United as Sir Alex Ferguson looks to replace Cristiano Ronaldo.

Inter Milan and Chelsea are also thought to be tracking Aguero, but Atletico have maintained that they do not want to sell.

The Primera Liga outfit's president, Enrique Cerezo, has now announced that even a huge bid could not be enough to make the club consider parting with the 21-year-old.

"Perhaps even if an offer for this amount of money (£51m) arrives, we would not accept the sale," Cerezo told Spanish media.

 

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REAL: SPENDING IS OVER

Real Madrid are to curtail their lavish summer spending once they have wrapped up a deal for Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso.

An unprecedented campaign of recruitment at the Bernabeu has seen the Spanish giants spend around £212million in a return to their Galactico days of old.

Alonso is due to take his medical at Madrid on Wednesday before tying up the finer details of a deal thought to be worth in the region of 30million euros (£25.5million).

Real director general Jorge Valdano believes the club have made the right call in making drastic changes but concedes the time is right to put the chequebook away.

"We understood Xabi Alonso was an important player to complete our squad, and it was worth Real Madrid fighting for him," Valdano told radio station Cadena Ser.

"The club needed a shake up. Some very good players have come in to strengthen every position and the fans are very excited.

"With this move we end the search for new players."

Madrid will now step up their efforts to sell those players who are likely to find themselves on the periphery of new coach Manuel Pellegrini's starting XI.

"We continue searching for an exit for those who are surplus to requirements."

 

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IBRAHIMOVIC TURNS PRESSURE ON REAL

Barcelona new boy Zlatan Ibrahimovic believes it will be bitter rivals Real Madrid who will be feeling the pressure ahead of the start of the Primera Division season.

Much will be expected of the Catalan giants again this year after their stunning treble-winning campaign.

Madrid have spent over 250million euros building a squad capable of challenging Barca.

It has been much quieter at the Nou Camp where they have only brought in Ibrahimovic and Maxwell, but the Sweden striker insists his new team are not worried.

"Barca won everything last year," he said. "The pressure will be on Madrid because they have spent so much money on signings.

"Barca already have a team made who have a great experience and that is always an advantage.

"That's why the club have only made two signings."

Ibrahimovic joined Barca from Inter Milan in a swap deal which saw Samuel Eto'o move the other way, while the Serie A club also received 45million euros.

And the 27-year-old has revealed compatriot Henrik Larsson, who played for two seasons at Barca, told him to jump at the chance.

"I decided on Barca for its history, for the style of play," he added. "All the players who I spoke to told me everything positive.

"When you see Barca play, you see that no-one is capable of copying them. Barca have their philosophy and that is very important.

"(Larsson) only had good things to tell me about the club and life in Barcelona.

"He told me that it was the best club he had ever played in and that I shouldn't think twice about making up my mind."

 

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ALONSO UNVEILED AT BERNABEU

Xabi Alonso was presented as a Real Madrid player on Wednesday night after signing a five-year contract at the Bernabeu.

The Basque midfielder joins Madrid from Liverpool for around £30million and was unveiled at the stadium in the evening.

The 27-year-old Spain international arrived in the capital this morning after a fee was agreed between Liverpool and Real Madrid.

Alonso then underwent various tests and met his new team-mates for training earlier in the afternoon.

The midfielder is Madrid's eighth summer signing, taking the Primera Division giants' spending to over £220million in just two months.

Madrid president Florentino Perez has brought in Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Raul Albiol, Esteban Granero, Arbeloa, Alvaro Negredo and Karim Benzema as he attempts to build a team capable of challenging Barcelona's treble winners.

"It's a very happy day for me," said Alonso. "It's an important step in my career to come to a club like Real Madrid.

"I'm very happy to be part of this club and I was very excited for this day to arrive.

"It's the best opportunity for me to develop as a footballer."

The transfer sees Alonso return to Spain after five years away from his homeland.

And, while he enjoyed his time on Merseyside, the former Real Sociedad player admitted he decided before the end of the season the time was right to move on.

"I am very grateful to Liverpool fans, they were very warm during my five years," he continued. "It will be really difficult to match their appreciation.

"I really enjoyed those five years.

"But a few months ago I took that decision as I thought it was the right moment to find a fresh challenge, to look for a new club.

"That's when Real Madrid came along. Luckily a deal has been done and I'm very happy.

"It is a personal challenge I felt is necessary for my football career.

"I felt it was right so I looked for a change, for a new experience, and when Madrid came in, that's when I decided to come back to Spain."

The transfer was one of the most protracted deals of the summer but Alonso claims he always believed he would be at the Bernabeu before the start of the season.

"I didn't have all the cards in my hand but I was confident," he said. "A while back I became determined to leave.

"The end result was what I wished for, here I am and I am very happy."

Reports suggest Alonso's relationship with Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez disintegrated after he professed his desire to leave.

However, Alonso insists he has nothing but respect for his former boss.

"I have repeated over and over again that the relationship was a professional one, of mutual respect, a normal one between coach and player," he said.

"I respect him and thank him for the opportunity he gave me.

"The goodbyes were quite brief, everything happened very quickly and I didn't have time to say goodbye properly,

"I want to return to say goodbye to my team-mates and Rafa.

"As everything was very quick I hardly had time so as soon as I can I will say goodbye as I should have done."

Alonso added: "I want to thank them for everything they gave me but now I am starting a new stage in my career.

"I'm very excited.

"Five years is a big deal in club like Liverpool. I learnt a great deal, had a great experience, played in the Champions League every year and won one.

"I'm arriving at Madrid more mature and with more experience."

 

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REPORT: HUNTELAAR SET FOR MILAN MOVE


Real Madrid striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar is reportedly set to join AC Milan.

The Holland international moved to the Santiago Bernabeu in January but he has failed to shine during his time in La Liga and is now set for a switch to the San Siro, according to Spanish daily Marca.

The fee for the former Ajax striker iwill reportedly be between 15 and 18million Euros and Real have confirmed that talks with the Italian giants are ongoing as they look to reduce the size of their squad after a massive summer spending spree.

Huntelaar has already turned down a move to Stuttgart this summer and Premier League rivals Arsenal and Tottenham have also been credited with an interest in securing the striker's signature.


AC Milan have confirmed that an agreement has been made with Real Madrid to sign striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.

Rossoneri chief officer Adriano Galliani revealed that a deal had been reached between the two clubs for the 25-year-old striker.

He told Sky Italia: "The agreement has already been closed with Real Madrid. The Dutch player will be in Milan this evening (Thursday)."

After a successful spell at Ajax, Huntelaar joined Spanish giants Real in January 2009, but fell down the pecking order after president Florentino Perez embarked on his second Galactico spending spree.

New Milan coach Leonardo targeted the Holland international after negotiations for Sevilla's Luis Fabiano broke down.

Tottenham, Arsenal and Stuttgart were all rumoured to be tracking the striker, but he is now set to finalise a move to the San Siro.

 

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MONREAL IN LINE FOR SPAIN DEBUT

Osasuna defender Ignacio Monreal has been handed his first call-up by Spain for the upcoming friendly against Macedonia.

The 23-year-old comes into the 21-man squad in place of the injured Sergio Ramos.

With the exception of Monreal, coach Vicente del Bosque has stuck with the same players who took part in the recent Confederations Cup.

Spain will play the Macedonians in Skopje next Wednesday.

Spain squad: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Jose Manuel Reina (Liverpool), Diego Lopez (Villarreal); Raul Albiol (Real Madrid), Alvaro Arbeloa (Real Madrid), Joan Capdevila (Villarreal), Carlos Marchena (Valencia), Ignacio Monreal (Osasuna), Gerard Pique, Carles Puyol (both Barcelona); Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Santiago Cazorla (Villarreal), Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal), Xavi Hernandez (Barcelona), David Silva (Valencia), Juan Manuel Mata (Valencia), Albert Riera (Liverpool); Daniel Guiza (Fenerbache), Fernando Torres (Liverpool), David Villa (Valencia).

 

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XABI ALONSO WANTED NEW CHALLENGE

Xabi Alonso bade Liverpool a fond farewell after completing his move to Real Madrid last night - but admitted he had been "determined" to leave for some time.

Alonso was presented as a Real Madrid player on Wednesday night after signing a five-year contract at the Bernabeu.

The Basque midfielder joins Madrid from Liverpool for around £30million and was unveiled at the stadium on Wednesday night.

The 27-year-old Spain international arrived in the capital after a fee was agreed between Liverpool and Real.

Alonso then underwent various tests and met his new team-mates for training.

The midfielder is Madrid's eighth summer signing, taking the Primera Division giants' spending to more than £220million in only two months.

Madrid president Florentino Perez has brought in Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Raul Albiol, Esteban Granero, Alvaro Arbeloa, Alvaro Negredo and Karim Benzema as he attempts to build a team capable of challenging Barcelona's treble winners.

"It's a very happy day for me," said Alonso. "It's an important step in my career to come to a club like Real Madrid.

"I'm very happy to be part of this club and I was very excited for this day to arrive.

"It's the best opportunity for me to develop as a footballer."

The transfer sees Alonso return to Spain after five years away from his homeland.

And, while he enjoyed his time on Merseyside, the former Real Sociedad player admitted he decided before the end of the season the time was right to move on.

"I am very grateful to Liverpool fans, they were very warm during my five years," he continued. "It will be really difficult to match their appreciation.

"I really enjoyed those five years.

"But a few months ago I took that decision as I thought it was the right moment to find a fresh challenge, to look for a new club.

"That's when Real Madrid came along. Luckily a deal has been done and I'm very happy.

"It is a personal challenge I felt is necessary for my football career."

The transfer was one of the most protracted deals of the summer but Alonso claims he always believed he would be at the Bernabeu before the start of the season.

"I didn't have all the cards in my hand but I was confident," he said. "A while back I became determined to leave.

"The end result was what I wished for, here I am and I am very happy."

Reports suggest Alonso's relationship with Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez disintegrated after he professed his desire to leave.

However, Alonso insists he has nothing but respect for his former boss.

"I have repeated over and over again that the relationship was a professional one, of mutual respect, a normal one between coach and player," he said.

"I respect him and thank him for the opportunity he gave me.

"The goodbyes were quite brief, everything happened very quickly and I didn't have time to say goodbye properly.

"I want to return to say goodbye to my team-mates and Rafa.

"As everything was very quick I hardly had time so as soon as I can I will say goodbye as I should have done."

 

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MONREAL IN LINE FOR SPAIN DEBUT

Osasuna defender Ignacio Monreal has been handed his first call-up by Spain for the upcoming friendly against Macedonia.

The 23-year-old comes into the 21-man squad in place of the injured Sergio Ramos.

With the exception of Monreal, coach Vicente del Bosque has stuck with the same players who took part in the recent Confederations Cup.

Spain will play the Macedonians in Skopje next Wednesday.

Spain squad: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Jose Manuel Reina (Liverpool), Diego Lopez (Villarreal); Raul Albiol (Real Madrid), Alvaro Arbeloa (Real Madrid), Joan Capdevila (Villarreal), Carlos Marchena (Valencia), Ignacio Monreal (Osasuna), Gerard Pique, Carles Puyol (both Barcelona); Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Santiago Cazorla (Villarreal), Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal), Xavi Hernandez (Barcelona), David Silva (Valencia), Juan Manuel Mata (Valencia), Albert Riera (Liverpool); Daniel Guiza (Fenerbache), Fernando Torres (Liverpool), David Villa (Valencia).

 

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AGENT: NEGREDO EYES ROMA MOVE

Alvaro Negredo would be interested in joining Roma, according to the Real Madrid forward's agent.

Negredo's future at the Bernabeu is uncertain following the summer captures of Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema.

The 23-year-old has spent the last two years on loan at Almeria and it is expected he could seal another season-long deal for the new campaign.

It is claimed interest from the Premier League is mounting, with Liverpool mentioned as suitors, while Roma have been linked with a move for his signature.

"We have heard talk of Roma from the media," Negredo's agent, Alejandro Camano, told Radio Radio.

"Right now I am in England for negotiations with four or five clubs, but I have not yet heard from anyone at the Giallorossi.

"Roma are a big club and they have Francesco Totti, one of the best players in the world. It would be an honour for Negredo to play with a team of this level."

He added: "Real would like to keep hold of the player and not sell him. The Spanish directors are focusing on him and their objective is to loan him out so he can return later.

"His transfer market value is around £15.5million."

 

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ATHLETIC AVOID EMBARRASSING EXIT

Athletic Bilbao avoided an embarrassing Europa League exit at the hands of Swiss side Young Boys as they sneaked into the play-off round on away goals.

The Spanish cup finalists lost the first leg of their third qualifying round tie 1-0 last week but goals from Fernando Llorente and Iker Muniain put them on course in Berne.

There was still time for Joetex Frimpong to level the scores on aggregate in injury-time but it was not enough for the hosts.

Former European Cup winners Red Star Belgrade mounted an even more impressive comeback to defeat Dinamo Tbilisi 5-4 on aggregate.

Having lost the first leg 2-0 in Georgia, the Serbians trailed in the tie for all but the final moments as Dejan Lekic netted his hat-trick goal in the 88th minute to put them 5-2 ahead on the night.

Italian giants Roma put Gent to the sword, captain Francesco Totti grabbing a hat-trick in a 7-1 victory in Belgium - six of the goals coming in the second half - as they romped through 10-2 on aggregate.

Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven were again unconvincing as an own goal from Mamoutou Coulibaly gave them a 1-0 win over Bulgarians Cherno More, 2-0 on aggregate.

Galatasaray had no such troubles, beating Israel's Maccabi Netanya 6-0 to secure a 10-1 aggregate romp. Shabani Nonda helped himself to a hat-trick.

City rivals Fenerbahce settled for a 1-1 draw against Hungarians Honved, going through 6-2 on aggregate.

Last season's semi-finalists Hamburg lost 1-0 to Randers, although the Germans still eased through 4-1, but Portugal's Braga are out, losing 2-0 to Elfsborg of Sweden on the night and 4-1 over the two legs.

Hapoel Tel Aviv comfortably maintained their advantage over Sweden's Gothenburg, a 1-1 draw on the night giving them a surprise 4-2 aggregate victory.

French outfit Lille left it late to beat Sevojno, with goals in the last 18 minutes from Yohan Cabaye and Tulio De Melo making it 4-0 on aggregate.

Club Brugge edged past Finnish side Lahti 4-3, with Joseph Akpala scoring the opener for the Belgians in a 1-1 draw.

Sturm Graz made home advantage count, thumping FK Petrovac 5-0 to ease through but countrymen Rapid Vienna needed extra-time to see off Cypriots APOP, Christopher Trimmel scoring the vital goal in the 111th minute.

Austria Vienna made it a triple celebration but they, too, left it late, netting twice in the last 10 minutes to progress 5-3 against Vojvodina after the Serbians had looked set to win on away goals.

Two goals from Alexander Frei helped Basle to a 3-1 win over KR of Reykjavik after a draw in the first leg while Holland's NAC Breda beat Polonia Warsaw 4-1 on aggregate.

Legia Warsaw are also out after two goals from Max Von Schlebrugge gave Brondby the edge on away goals as the tie ended 3-3.

Fellow Danish outfit Odense BK beat Rabotnicki 3-0 and 7-3 overall while Zilina scored the only goal in their second leg against Hajduk Split to progress 2-1 on aggregate.

Qarabag of Azerbaijan progressed with a 3-1 aggregate win over Finns FC Honka, Czechs Liberec beat Vaduz 2-0 for a comfortable 3-0 win on aggregate while Kosice of Slovakia easily saw off Slavija 5-1 in their tie.

Lech Poznan lost 2-1 to Fredrikstad but still cruised to a 7-3 aggregate victory while Norwegians Tromso beat Slaven Koprivnica 2-0 for a 4-1 overall victory.

In other ties, Metalurg Donetsk raced past Ljubljana 5-0 on aggregate, Metalist Kharkiv beat Rijeka 2-0 on the night and 4-1 overall and PAOK edged past Valerenga on away goals despite losing 1-0 on the night.

Israeli side Bnei Yehuda also qualified for the play-off round with a 1-0 win over Pacos de Ferreira in Portugal giving them a 2-0 aggregate victory.

And FK Sarajevo won 5-4 on penalties after beating Helsingborgs 2-1 on the night to draw 3-3 on aggregate.

 

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REPORT: HUNTELAAR SET FOR MILAN MOVE

Real Madrid striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar is reportedly set to join AC Milan.

The Holland international moved to the Santiago Bernabeu in January but he has failed to shine during his time in La Liga and is now set for a switch to the San Siro, according to Spanish daily Marca.

The fee for the former Ajax striker iwill reportedly be between 15 and 18million Euros and Real have confirmed that talks with the Italian giants are ongoing as they look to reduce the size of their squad after a massive summer spending spree.

Huntelaar has already turned down a move to Stuttgart this summer and Premier League rivals Arsenal and Tottenham have also been credited with an interest in securing the striker's signature.

 

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MERIDA AGREES LEVANTE LOAN DEAL

Arsenal midfielder Fran Merida is set to join Levante for the upcoming season after agreeing a loan deal with the Spanish club.

Sources from the Valencia-based team have indicated that the signing will be officially announced on Sunday.

The 19-year-old Spaniard spent half of the 2007/2008 season on-loan at Real Sociedad and now seems certain to spend another spell away from the Emirates Stadium.

Levante, who will celebrate their centennial year during the upcoming season, are looking to gain promotion from Spain's Segunda Division.

The club's sporting director Manuel Salvador believes Merida can lead the team towards this goal after the departure of striker Alexandre Geijo to Racing Santander.

"This player (Merida) could be very important for us after the exit of Alex Geijo. We have fought for his services because Arsenal have received many offers this summer," he said.

Merida's agent, Joseba Diaz, says that his client will be happy to play for Levante during the new campaign.

 

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O'NEILL HINTS AT SNEIJDER DEAL

Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill has hinted that he would like to sign Real Madrid midfielder Wesley Sneijder.

O'Neill has been linked with the Holland international over the course of the summer, as his place at Real looks increasingly uncertain.

Real have spent millions bolstering their squad with Xabi Alonso, Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka all arriving - making it unclear where Sneijder could feature.

Sneijder's agent, Soren Lerby, has made it clear that the Spanish giants have told him that they want to keep the 25-year-old.

But with Inter Milan also linked, it seems Real could be ready to allow Sneijder, amongst others, to leave.

And O'Neill admits he needs to be interested in players of the calibre of the former Ajax player.

"I think that the more creativity you have in your side the better chance you will have," the Villa manager said.

"These are particularly special players who are not (generally) available.

"If there were players like Sneijder, who have great talent and might be surplus to requirements at a club that is buying (new players), then I think you should be interested, even if that interest is not reciprocated. Because how else are you going to try and improve your team?"

 

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PELLEGRINI SETS BAR HIGH

Real Madrid coach Manuel Pellegrini believes his team can win the treble this season.

The capital club finished the last campaign empty handed for the fourth time in six years and saw bitter rivals Barcelona sweep all before them on the way to the Champions League, Primera Division and Copa del Rey.

It has been a summer of change at the Bernabeu with club president Florentino Perez spending over 250million euros on Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Raul Albiol, Esteban Granero, Alvaro Arbeloa, Alvaro Negredo, Karim Benzema and Xabi Alonso.

It will also be Pellegrini's first season in Madrid after moving from Villarreal, and the Chilean insists his new team can emulate Barca's success.

"The responsibility of coaching Madrid is always the same," he said.

"You always have to finish first, but your options grow bigger with the players that have arrived.

"We have a great squad, but now we have to show it.

"There are two aims: go for the three trophies and at the same time make sure people enjoy the game.

"I am happy with those who are already here who are great players and those who came in.

"We can aim for the three trophies."

Madrid are currently on a pre-season tour in Toronto, where over 18,000 fans turned up to see them train on Thursday night.

 

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WIGAN EYE RAYO DUO

Rayo Vallecano have confirmed they are in talks with Wigan over the sales of Antonio Amaya and Mohamed Diame.

Both players are understood to have agreed three-year deals at the DW Stadium, but the transfers are yet to be finalised.

It is believed Wigan have agreed to pay around £3.5million for the duo and Latics boss Roberto Martinez will be hoping to have both signed up by the weekend.

Martinez has used his excellent knowledge of the Spanish league to line-up a deal, which could be a real coup if it comes off.

The 26-year-old Amaya is an experienced central defender who has spent all his career with the Madrid-based club.

But the real coup will be if the Latics boss can land 21-year-old Diame - a very highly-rated central midfielder.

Diame began his career in France with Lens before health issues side-tracked him.

He kick-started his career in the Spanish lower leagues and was snapped up by Rayo last summer, and he shone with a series of outstanding displays in central midfield.

His performances attracted the attention of Real Madrid, Barcelona and Arsenal and Real Zaragoza thought they had recently sealed a deal for him.

But it now appears Wigan have stepped in to steal a march on their rivals to land the youngster.

A statement on Rayo's website states: "We have not yet completed a deal with Wigan for our players Diame and Amaya.

"The talks are very advanced, but there are still loose ends to be tied up."

 

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CACERES IN JUVE MOVE

Uruguay international Martin Caceres has joined Juventus on a season-long loan from Barcelona, the Spanish club have confirmed.

The 22-year-old defender made only 13 appearances as the Catalans claimed the treble last season and has been told he does not feature in the plans of Barca coach Pep Guardiola.

The deal gives Juve first option to sign Caceres permanently at the end of the season, with Barcelona slapping a 12million euro price tag on the player's head in a statement on www.fcbarcelona.cat, which confirmed the deal this evening.

Caceres took part in a training session with his new team-mates on Thursday and will attend Juve's pre-season friendly against Villarreal in Salerno.

 

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JUANITO SET FOR MALAGA RETURN

Malaga have confirmed they are set to re-sign Almeria midfielder Juanito.

The 29-year-old, returning to La Rosaleda after four years away, will undergo a medical this evening and should sign his contract before being presented on Tuesday lunchtime.

Juanito, whose full name is Juan Jesus Gutierrez Robles, makes the move across Andalucia having previously had spells at Real Sociedad and Alaves in the Basque region.

 

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HUNTELAAR COMPLETES MILAN SWITCH

Klaas Jan Huntelaar should make his AC Milan debut on August 17 against Juventus in the Trofeo Berlusconi after completing his move from Real Madrid.

Milan agreed a fee believed to be in the region of 15million euros on Thursday night for Huntelaar and the Holland striker signed a four-year contract at the San Siro on Friday following a successful medical.

Huntelaar will now return to Madrid and then fly to Holland for next week's international friendly against England before linking up with his new team-mates for the first time.

"I'm happy, everything went well," he said. "I will be there against Juventus in the Trofeo Berlusconi."

The move will see Huntelaar link up with international team-mate Clarence Seedorf.

The 25-year-old also becomes the latest in a long list of Holland players to join the Rossoneri, following in the footsteps of Marco van Basten, Ruud Gullit and Frank Rijkaard.

And he would love to emulate those Dutch legends who were part of the golden era of Milan in the late 1980s and early 90s.

"Milan the club and city are a special place for us Dutch," he said. "I know Van Basten very well, he was my coach at Ajax as well as in the national side.

"Milan should have a great season.

"I am calm, I'm really happy to be here, I know the football and the training in Italy are different to Spain, but I'm ready, I want both to start training and to start the new adventure itself.

"A dear greeting to all Milan's fans. I am very happy."

Milan released a statement on their website, acmilan.com, confirming the deal had been sealed.

It read: "After passing the medical, Klaas Jan Huntelaar is officially a Milan player. The Dutch striker has signed a contract which ties him to the club until June 30, 2013.

"All Milan gives Huntelaar the warmest possible welcome to the Rossoneri family.

"Klaas is Dutch, as so many of the sweetest memories of the whole Milan story in the past 23 years are Dutch."

Huntelaar only moved to the Bernabeu from Ajax in January, with Madrid paying 20million euros for the prolific striker, but has found life difficult in Spain and has been unable to hold down a regular starting spot in the side.

The arrival of several big-name players over the summer - including Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema - saw him pushed even further down the pecking order and Madrid made it clear they would listen to offers for the Dutchman.

A proposed move to Stuttgart was turned down by the player while Tottenham had also expressed an interest in Huntelaar, who scored eight goals in 20 La Liga appearances.

Milan increased their interest in Huntelaar after talks with Sevilla to sign Brazil striker Luis Fabiano hit a brick wall.