La Liga

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd handed Frenkie de Jong transfer blow as Barcelona chief Laporta says ‘I’ve never wanted to sell him’

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED have been dealt another blow in their pursuit of Frenkie de Jong, with Barcelona president Joan Laporta insistent that he does not want to sell the midfielder.The Red Devils were heavily linked with a swoop for De Jong throughout the summer transfer window, but a move never came to fruition.
      De Jong has been linked with a move to Man UtdCredit: Reuters
      Laporta has insisted that he has no intention to sell the DutchmanCredit: AP
      Manager Erik ten Hag was desperate to reunite with the former Ajax star and he even prepared an offer of at least £70million in an attempt to sign him from Barcelona.
      However, Barca chief Laporta has now revealed that he never wanted to sell De Jong in the first place.
      In an interview with Barca TV, he said: “I’ve never wanted to sell Frenkie de Jong. He has to be a pillar of the team.”
      Earlier this year, De Jong confirmed his desire to remain in Spain.
      Read More on Man Utd
      He told The Guardian: “I’m very happy I’m at Barcelona: from a young age I’ve wanted to be here, so in that way it has been a dream come true.
      “But I would have liked to win more trophies than we did in my first two years. I expected more in that sense, let’s put it that way.
      “But other than that, I’m very happy here and hopefully [will be here] for many more years.”
      However, he recently informed Ten Hag that he would be “happy” to join Man Utd.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      After missing out on signing De Jong during the summer transfer window, the Red Devils added Casemiro and Christian Eriksen to their midfield ranks.
      Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez and Antony also made the switch to Old Trafford, but Ten Hag is looking to make a few more additions come January.
      United are reportedly interested in signing World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez from Benfica, but they will have to fork out over £105m for his services.
      Another name on the transfer radar is PSV winger Cody Gakpo, who has been priced at around £50m.
      PSV manager and former Man Utd striker Ruud van Nistelrooy is determined to to keep the Dutchman in Eindhoven until the summer, but he recently admitted that it will be difficult.
      He said: “If I have the choice, I prefer the summer, but it can also be now, you know there comes a time when you can’t say no.
      “It is wonderful how he has showcased himself.
      “I enjoyed watching him (at the World Cup), he deserves this because of how he has behaved, how he has continued to work and perform.
      “I was able to help him from very close by and that makes me proud. I’ll give him his path when it comes.” More

    • 275 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Real Madrid ‘ready to pay a BILLION euros to sign Kylian Mbappe’ as they refuse to abandon France World Cup ace transfer

      by

      REAL MADRID could pay one BILLION Euros to land Kylian Mbappe.The Spanish giants believe an extraordinary financial package can prise France’s World Cup final hat-trick scorer from PSG by the summer.
      FSG could do a roaring trade if they agree to offload Kylian MbappeCredit: AP
      Mbappe is under contract until 2024 and Gazzetta.it reckon any move would total one billion euros over four years – about £877million.
      That includes close to £552m in wages and a transfer fee of around £132m, plus signing-on fees and commission.
      Real president Florentino Perez is still keen on Mbappe, despite surprisingly missing out on him last summer.
      The pacy striker, who was 24 on Tuesday, won the Golden Boot in Qatar with eight goals.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      And Real Madrid legend Guti turned up the pressure on Perez to deliver.
      The ex-Spain midfielder insists the Bernabeu needs Mbappe – and he needs them.
      Guti said: “The best have to stay at Real Madrid. 
      “Seeing him play for PSG makes me angry, and not only for Real but also for La Liga. 
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      “La Liga must always have the best in the world. 
      “Mbappe is a player made for Real, and then if he wants to do what Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have done, he has to play for Real Madrid because he won’t make it for PSG. 
      “Madrid must go and get him immediately, now. 
      “There are good players on the market, but none like him. Yes, Haaland maybe, but a step below. Mbappe, he is unique. 
      “Only he can give what Messi gave to Barcelona or Ronaldo to Madrid. Nobody else.”
      Messi’s double helped Argentina lift the World Cup last Sunday, but unlucky loser Mbappe seems sure to shatter more records at the top level.
      He helped France win the trophy in 2018 and now has 12 goals in 14 games from just two tournaments.
      German Miroslav Klose is the World Cup’s all-time top scorer, with 16 from 24 matches. More

    • 213 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Ex-Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel ‘leaves UK and takes up Spanish lessons’ with Barcelona and Atletico Madrid targeted

      by

      THOMAS TUCHEL is edging closer to his next job after leaving the UK and taking Spanish lessons, according to reports.The former Chelsea boss was forced to leave the UK after his visa expired following his sacking at Stamford Bridge.
      Thomas Tuchel is learning Spanish ahead of a move to Barcelona or Atletico MadridCredit: Alamy
      But German chief Tuchel has not allowed this to stop him from pursuing his next gig – which included the England job if Gareth Southgate left the position.
      According to journalist Christian Falk, Tuchel has “intensified his Spanish” after leaving the UK.
      Falk then tagged Barcelona and Atletico Madrid in his post, indicating them as two of the interested parties.
      Barcelona appear to be on an upward trajectory under club legend Xavi, but once again failed to qualify for the Champions League knockout rounds.
      READ MORE TRANSFER NEWS
      Instead the Blaugrana have dropped into the Europa League playoffs, and will face a titanic clash with Manchester United in February.
      Meanwhile, Atletico are struggling under Diego Simeone this season having already been knocked out of the Champions League and sitting fifth in LaLiga.
      With both outfits struggling to overcome their Champions League demons, Tuchel could be brought in to remedy the situation.
      The 49-year-old masterminded an improbable Champions League victory with Chelsea months after being appointed.
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
      Success continued to flow for the Blues as they won the Club World Cup and Super Cup while also losing out on penalties in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
      Chelsea were knocked out of the Carabao Cup in the third round by Manchester City, meaning their next game is not until December 27 when they face Bournemouth. More

    • 250 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Newcastle looking to snap up Ivan Fresneda in January transfer but only want to pay half Real Valladolid’s asking price

      by

      NEWCASTLE are hoping to sign Ivan Fresneda from Real Valladolid but the fee they may have to pay is double what the Magpies value him at, according to reports.The 18-year-old is seen as a top prospect and a number of clubs are monitoring him.
      Ivan Fresneda has impressed in LaLigaCredit: Getty
      Fresneda has a contract at the Spanish side until 2025, however his deal includes a £26million release clause.
      Newcastle are “serious” about signing him, claim Radio Marca Valladolid.
      But the Premier League side value him between £8million and £13million.
      The Toon are interested in signing the right-back in January, then loaning him back to the club owned by Brazilian legend Ronaldo.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      It is unclear if this is something Real Valladolid would accept.
      The club have admitted they could sell players but want to keep their squad as it is as they look to stay in the top-flight.
      Arsenal are reportedly tracking Fresneda too.
      He has played for the first-team on seven occasions this season and only nine times in his career overall.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      Although he has impressed in the youth team and for Spain’s Under-19 side.
      As a kid, Fresneda was on the books of Real Madrid, but he left in 2018.

      He is not the only player Newcastle are interested from Real Valladolid, having also been reportedly looking at 22-year-old winger Gonzalo Plata.
      The Ecuadorian played in all three matches for his country at the World Cup. More

    • 238 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Isco ‘RIPS UP Sevilla contract after just four disastrous months with ex-Real Madrid star on hunt for new club’

      by

      ISCO is set to leave Sevilla only four months after signing for the club, dramatic reports suggests. The midfielder had been trying to find his feet at a new club after a difficult few years at Real Madrid.
      Isco’s unpredictable career could be set to take another turnCredit: Rex
      But his move to Sevilla has not gone to plan and the six-times Europa League winners find themselves in the relegation zone after 14 games.
      The manager Julen Lopetegui, who is believed to have been a close ally of Isco, was sacked in October after the club’s poor start to the season.
      And now the 30-year-old could himself be on the way out, according to Marca.
      Despite signing a two-year contract as recently as August, the star could reportedly rip up his contract after a breakdown in relationship with senior club figures.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      The Spanish publication report he is in “open conflict” with director of football Monchi.
      They reported last month: “Tension is palpable in each training. And Isco let Monchi know that he was at Sevilla at Lopetegui’s request, not because Monchi himself wanted his signing.”
      It represents a big challenge to current Sevilla boss Jorge Sampaoli who is looking to stop the club being relegated for the first time since 1997.
      Isco had been a regular starter in the team and appeared in 12 of their 14 league games.
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
      But he only has two assists to show for his efforts domestically.
      His only Sevilla goal came in 3-0 Champions League win over FC Copenhagen.
      Isco’s potential departure could catch the interest of several Premier League clubs.
      Arsenal and Tottenham are among those who have been linked to the former Real Madrid man, who at his height was viewed as among Europe’s best playmakers.
      Lopetegui, now boss at Wolves, may also fancy a reunion with the no.10 at Molineux. The Spanish manager is believed to want several new faces at the club. More

    • 188 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Leicester star Caglar Soyuncu ‘is close to signing for Atletico Madrid’ in shock January transfer

      by

      LEICESTER star Caglar Soyuncu is edging towards a move to Atletico Madrid, according to reports. The Turkish defender is out of contract at the end of the season, leaving the midlands club vulnerable to a transfer swoop.
      Caglar Soyuncu is the latest Leicester star linked with a move awayCredit: Getty
      He has proven to be a reliable and consistent figure at the heart of the Leicester defence after moving to the King Power in 2018.
      But Soyuncu is now edging towards the exit door, according to Marca.
      The Spanish publication report that Atletico Madrid are lining up the 26-year-old for a free move when his deal expires.
      But the report adds that the Spanish club could move as soon as January if they can clear space in their squad.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      If Atletico can shift 33-year-old defender Felipe and out-of-favour Spaniard Mario Hermaso, Marca say they will look to buy Soyuncu in the new year.
      This will require a fee but Leicester would likely have to sell the defender for less money than his worth due to his contract situation.
      Soyuncu has been a regular starter for the Foxes over the past few seasons and has often been a rock at the heart of the defence.
      He has also been a regular in the Turkish national team.
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
      He is not the only talent that Leicester are clinging onto.
      Youri Tielemans’ contract also expires at the end of the season with the midfielder subject to much transfer interest.
      Arsenal and Barcelona are among the clubs interested in the Belgian.
      Leicester also lost first-choice goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel in the summer, while fans were left frustrated at the lack of incomings during the transfer window.
      The season started poorly for Brendan Rodgers’ men as they lost six of their opening seven league games.
      But their form picked up drastically and they went into the World Cup break having won four of their last five. More

    • 225 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Zinedine Zidane puts Europe’s elite on red alert with ex-Real Madrid boss ‘open to return to club management’

      by

      ZINEDINE ZIDANE is now open to a return to club management, according to reports.The Frenchman has been out of a job since leaving Real Madrid at the end of the 2020-21 season.
      Zinedine Zidane has been out of work for over a yearCredit: AFP
      Zidane, 50, has been heavily linked with the France job, and was previously believed to be waiting for the position to become available.
      But now that Didier Deschamps appears to be staying at the helm, Zizou may look elsewhere.
      According to L’Equipe, Zidane is now ready to temporarily shelve his desire to coach Les Bleus by looking for a new club job.
      With Deschamps, 54, potentially being handed a contract extension to the 2026 World Cup, Zidane could be available for a long-term club project after all.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      The three-time Champions League-winning boss won’t jump into just any opportunity, however.
      He wants to return in a stable environment in a league he knows well.
      His agent Alain Migliaccio snubbed approaches from Manchester United last season, following the sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
      Despite his command of English getting better, Zidane is not attracted to working in the Premier League at present.
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST OFFERS FOR EXISTING CUSTOMERS FOR DECEMBER 2022
      Paris Saint-Germain have frequently been linked with making a move for Zizou.
      But, hailing from rival city Marseille, Zidane would prefer not to work for PSG – particularly with how the club is currently run.
      He starred for Juventus as a player between 1996 and 2001 and a return to Turin could appeal.
      But the Italian giants are currently in turmoil behind the scenes, with their entire board having resigned last month.
      Zidane revealed earlier this year that coaching remains his passion, despite over a year out of the dugout.
      He said: “Am I still able to contribute things as a coach? Yes, many things, or I think at least some.
      “I want to continue with that career because I still have the desire – it is my passion. I am 50-years-old, fulfilled, I’m happy, that’s the most important thing.” More

    • 250 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      How tall is Luka Modric, how many caps does he have for Croatia, and which clubs has he played for?

      by

      LUKA MODRIC has been hailed as one of the best midfielders of this generation after his performances at the World Cup this summer.Despite guiding Croatia to the final in 2018 and the semi-final this year where they face Argentina TONIGHT, the 33-year-old was once considered too small and weak to be a footballer.
      Modric has previously been rejected by clubs for his small statureCredit: Getty – Contributor
      How tall is Luka Modric?
      The Croatian magician stands at 1.72m tall or 5ft 7in.
      Modric has often been labelled as being too small, including by Eastenders’ star Mick Carter, ahead of the semi-final clash against England during the World Cup.
      He was even rejected by Croatian outfit Hajduk Split for his size, before eventually signing for Dinamo Zagreb years later.
      Yet, despite his diminutive stature, Modric has used it to his advantage, becoming able to evade taller and stronger opponents with quick feet and agility.
      How many caps does Modric have for Croatia?
      Modric has won 115 caps for Croatia since making his debut against Argentina in 2006.
      He sits in second on the all-time appearance holder list for the Balkans, behind only Darijo Srna (134).
      The midfielder is also his nation’s captain, assuming the role in March 2015.
      Modric has scored 14 goals for Croatia, including one each against Nigeria and Argentina at the World Cup in Russia.
      Modric has enjoyed a trophy-laden career at Real Madrid including winning four Champions League titles and the La Liga trophyCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Modric has grown to become an indispensable player for Los Blancos as he enters his seventh season at the club this yearCredit: Getty – Contributor
      What club does Modric play for?
      The Croatia captain is currently one of Real Madrid’s biggest players, with fellow countryman Mateo Kovacic also on the books.
      Modric joined the Spanish giants in 2012 from Tottenham, having moved to London from Dinamo Zagreb four years earlier.
      He has gone onto win 13 trophies at Los Blancos, including four Champions League titles.
      His performances at Real Madrid have seen him named in the World XI on three occasions
      And he is fighting against former team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo and Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah for the chance to be the Men’s Player of the Year at the Fifa The Best Awards.
      He has already collected Uefa’s crown as the best player this year, beating the Portuguese and Egyptian attackers to the title.
      Sergio Ramos, Luka Modric and Keylor Navas all scoop awards at the Champions League UEFA Awards More