La Liga

Subterms

    More stories

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Real Madrid desperate to offload Gareth Bale to Tottenham and replace him with £135m Kylian Mbappe transfer

      by

      REAL MADRID could free up funds for a Kylian Mbappe swoop if they offload Gareth Bale to Tottenham.
      The Welshman, 31, has finally found form in a Spurs shirt after his season-long loan deal.

      Real Madrid are delighted that Gareth Bale is finding form at TottenhamCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      And they could use Bale to help fund a £135m Kylian Mbappe moveCredit: Rex Features

      SunSport earlier reported that Real are now ready to capitalise on that by shipping him off permanently.
      And clearing Bale’s £650,000-a-week wages off their books would help them in their Mbappe quest.
      Los Blancos are reportedly lining up a £135m swoop for PSG superstar Kylian Mbappe.
      The Spanish giants hope it will persuade Tottenham to extend Bale’s stay for the final year of his contract next term.

      And the good news for them is the North Londoners will look at taking him on loan again for next season if he continues to impress between now and the summer.
      That will have Bernabeu bosses jumping for joy as they are desperate to get the Welshman, 31, off their wage bill.
      So desperate, in fact, that they agreed to let him rejoin Spurs in a ridiculously cut-price deal that involved no loan fee and the Premier League club paying around half of his weekly wages.
      Real hoped this deal would lead to Tottenham taking it up again next season, though the execs based at Lilywhite House were always eager to point out there was never any agreement in writing.

      CASINO SIGN UP OFFER: CLAIM UP TO £800 IN CASINO BONUS CASH

      Especially when Bale — after nearly two years left out in the cold by Zinedine Zidane — was blowing out of his backside and struggling to get into a Jose Mourinho side that was hardly pulling up trees.
      That frustrated Bernabeu bean counters who, with bridges to China burned by the collapse of his megabucks move to Jiangsu Suning last February, faced the prospect of their highly-paid and underplayed employee spending another 12 months getting his golf handicap down on local courses on their time.
      Worse still, from a football point of view, it seemed the career of one of the modern greats, and arguably the greatest British export of all time, was fizzling out with hardly a whimper.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      But, less than a month after even his own agent appeared to admit his client was coming to the end of his career, Bale hit back with a bang to cast a new light over his Tottenham future — and, indeed, his own.
      After encouraging cameos in both legs of Spurs’ Europa League last-32 romp over Wolfsberger and as a sub in their 2-1 Prem defeat by West Ham, the four-time Champions League winner reminded us there is still plenty of life in the old Dragon yet against Burnley on Sunday.
      After his brace and assist in the 4-0 win, boss Mourinho said: “Now he is better than ever. It’s not just the two goals, it’s about his physical performance. Now he’s not flat.”

      Jose Mourinho hints Gareth Bale may have earned Prem start for Tottenham with goal and assist in Europa League More

    • 200 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Gareth Bale’s form delights Real Madrid chiefs who hope Tottenham will extend £650,000-a-week ace’s loan transfer

      by

      GARETH BALE’S long-awaited return to form is being celebrated as much in Spain as it is at Spurs.
      The Welsh superstar rolled back the years as he helped Tottenham batter Burnley 4-0 on Sunday.

      Gareth Bale’s upturn in form could convince Tottenham to extend his loan spell in North LondonCredit: Tom Jenkins/ The Guardian

      It was undoubtedly his best display since he returned on a season-long loan from Real Madrid in September.
      The Spanish giants hope it will persuade Tottenham to extend Bale’s stay for the final year of his contract next term.
      And the good news for them is the North Londoners will look at taking him on loan again for next season if he continues to impress between now and the summer.
      That will have Bernabeu bosses jumping for joy as they are desperate to get the £650,000-a-week Welshman, 31, off their wage bill.

      So desperate, in fact, that they agreed to let him rejoin Spurs in a ridiculously cut-price deal that involved no loan fee and the Premier League club paying just £230,000 a week of his wages.
      Real hoped this deal would lead to Tottenham taking it up again next season, though the execs based at Lilywhite House were always eager to point out there was never any agreement in writing.
      Especially when Bale — after nearly two years left out in the cold by Zinedine Zidane — was blowing out of his backside and struggling to get into a Jose Mourinho side that was hardly pulling up trees.
      That frustrated Bernabeu bean counters who, with bridges to China burned by the collapse of his megabucks move to Jiangsu Suning last February, faced the prospect of their highly-paid and underplayed employee spending another 12 months getting his golf handicap down on local courses on their time.

      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      Worse still, from a football point of view, it seemed the career of one of the modern greats, and undoubtedly the greatest British export of all time, was fizzling out with hardly a whimper.
      But, less than a month after even his own agent appeared to admit his client was coming to the end of his career, Bale hit back with a bang to cast a new light over his Tottenham future — and, indeed, his own.
      After encouraging cameos in both legs of Spurs’ Europa League last-32 romp over Wolfsberger and as a sub in their 2-1 Prem defeat by West Ham, the four-time Champions League winner reminded us there is still plenty of life in the old Dragon yet on Sunday.
      After his brace and assist, boss Mourinho said: “Now he is better than ever. It’s not just the two goals, it’s about his physical performance. Now he’s not flat.”
      It was welcomed even more by his Real paymasters, who now believe if Tottenham do not want him this summer, there is at least a chance another club will.
      Yet the Spaniards may not have to worry about that now, as Bale’s form will undoubtedly force Spurs into a rethink over what they do with him at the end of the season.

      We always thought it could turn into a two-year loan
      Spurs insider

      Europa League shake-up

      UEFA have confirmed Spurs’ Europa League tie with Dinamo Zagreb has been switched so they lose home advantage for the second leg.
      Tottenham and Arsenal, who play Olympiakos, were originally drawn to play away first.
      But Europa League regulations do not allow two matches in the same city on the same date.
      Arsenal, as last season’s FA Cup winners, have a higher precedence than Spurs, so it is Mourinho’s side that must swap fixtures.
      Now Jose Mourinho’s Spurs play at home next week while Arsenal face a long flight to Athens just three days before the North London derby at the Emirates.

      A club insider insisted: “We were always going to make our decision then and always thought it could turn into a two-year loan.”
      Yeah, right. That is not the message club officials were relaying when Bale was playing badly or not playing at all.
      But, suddenly, Spurs are keen on keeping him, especially on the same bargain terms. Or even less, knowing chairman Daniel Levy.
      And why not? It would be a deal to sort all parties.
      Tottenham have sold many stars down the years to their benefit financially — but detriment in a football sense.
      To let Bale slip through their fingers if he continues to improve at this rate, and having spent months nursing him back to peak condition, would be an absolute crime.
      But so very Spursy.

      Real Madrid are desperate to get Bale’s £650,000-a-week pay off their own wage billCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Tottenham demolish Burnley 4 nil as Gareth Bale is back to his best More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Barcelona loanee Jean-Clair Todibo begs parent club to SELL him to Nice and admits he doesn’t follow Lionel Messi and Co

      by

      BARCELONA defender Jean-Clair Todibo has sensationally begged the Spaniards to sell him to loan side Nice.
      And the Frenchman also claims he does not follow Barca’s results, claiming their misfortunes on and off the field are ‘not my problem’.

      Jean-Clair Todibo has begged Barcelona to sell him to loan side NiceCredit: Icon Sport – Getty

      Ronald Koeman’s side have been far from impressive this season, potentially going eight points behind LaLiga leaders Atletico Madrid while also facing a Champions League last-16 exit at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain.
      The club was also today hit by a police raid on their offices, with ex-president Josep Maria Bartomeu arrested amid a corruption investigation.
      And things aren’t getting any better with highly-rated prospect Todibo demanding he is allowed to join Nice on a permanent deal this summer.
      The 21-year-old centre-back has played just five times for Barca since his 2019 move from Toulouse.

      In that time he’s also had unsuccessful loan spells at Schalke and Benfica.
      But since joining Nice in January, Todibo is starting to rediscover his old form.
      And the France U21s ace hopes he can join the Ligue 1 club on a long-term deal in the summer.
      Todibo told a press conference on Monday: “I don’t know if it is sorted (for next season), but it is an ambition of mine. So I strongly hope it happens. 

      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      “My individual performances will determine if I stay here or not. Nothing is done.”
      Todibo added that he also does not follow Barca while away from the club, and is uninterested in a potential turnaround against PSG in their second-leg tie.
      He said: “Without lying to you, I am not strongly interested in what’s going on. I watch from time to time matches when my French colleagues play like Ousmane Dembele, Clément Lenglet or Samuel Umtiti. 
      “I watch just because I consider them to be friends. But aside from that I am not necessarily following them. 
      “I am focused on OGC Nice, that is most important for me. What good does it do to dream of the Barcelona defence when at the weekend I play vs Rennes or Nimes. 
      “The most important thing is to focus on those matches. They are matches that will bring points for Nice. Today I am a Nice player, I am not a Barcelona player.
      “[Champions League comeback?] Honestly that doesn’t interest me at all. I hope for them that they will do it. They either do it, or they don’t. That is not my problem if you know what I mean.”

      Lionel Messi stuns Elche goalkeeper Edgar Badia by asking for his shirt after Barcelona’s 3-0 LaLiga win More

    • 188 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Real Madrid want Mo Salah but cannot afford transfer for Liverpool superstar, confirms club’s ex-president

      by

      MOHAMED SALAH is too expensive for Real Madrid, former Blancos president Roman Calderon has asserted.
      The Spanish side are one of a few linked to the Liverpool winger in recent weeks amid the Anfield club’s ailing title defence.

      Mohamed Salah continues to be a star for Liverpool, leading to interest from elsewhereCredit: EPA

      But a worthy bid will not arrive from the Bernabeu, according to 69-year-old Calderon.
      He told Egypt’s ONTime Sports: “[Salah] is a great player and a goalscorer.
      “He helped Liverpool by giving his best, but I don’t think they will let him go.
      “It is expected that, if they were to think about it, they would only let him go for a lot of money.

      “Salah is wanted, of course, by Real Madrid.
      “But Liverpool would ask for a lot of money and, if that deal were to be completed, it would be crucial.
      NEW CUSTOMER OFFER: GET £20 RISK FREE BET WITH PADDY POWER

      Liverpool boast the most-valuable squad in the Premier League
      “Salah is a great player with fantastic potential, and any club wishes to acquire such talents, but for Real Madrid I do not think they have the financial means to sign Salah.”

      Calderon led Los Blancos to two LaLiga titles in his three years in charge, striking the deal to sign Cristiano Ronaldo before resigning in January 2009.
      Real Madrid did not spend a penny in either of the last two transfer windows amid the coronavirus pandemic’s financial crash.
      Squad pay cuts have been negotiated and a new deal for club captain Sergio Ramos is yet to be agreed, much to fans’ dismay.
      In any case, Liverpool will remain determined to hold on to 28-year-old Salah, who boasts a tally of 24 goals in 36 appearances this season.
      Speaking ahead of the Reds’ win at Sheffield United, Jurgen Klopp said: “It is not often that I have to praise my own players, which of course I always like to do.

      Mo is a very, very important player for us. And hopefully he will be that for a very long time, of course.
      Jurgen Klopp

      “But in Mo’s case the numbers just speak for themselves.
      “Mo is not only a goalscorer. He has developed football-wise as well – and is a very, very important player for us.
      “And hopefully he will be that for a very long time, of course.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Seven stars who quit Chelsea and became world class including Kevin De Bruyne, Mo Salah and Tiago More

    • 238 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd could land Griezmann for just £50m as cheaper Jadon Sancho transfer alternative with Barcelona ‘ready to sell’

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED could try and land Antoine Griezmann in a £50million deal if Jadon Sancho is too expensive, according to reports.
      The 20-year-old Dortmund star would set the Red Devils back over £100m this summer.

      Antoine Griezmann could be a cheaper option than Jadon Sancho for Manchester UnitedCredit: Rex Features

      Jadon Sancho could cost Manchester United over £100m this summerCredit: Reuters

      And Spanish reports claim that Griezmann could be available for half that fee.
      OK Diario say that Barcelona are looking to recoup about £50m for the 30-year-old having signed him for £104million two years ago.
      That price might tempt Manchester United into a summer swoop as they look for more quality up front.
      The World Cup winner has scored just 15 LaLiga goals for Barcelona in two seasons and the Catalans are facing a financial crisis.

      They’re also looking to rebuild a squad that look set to miss out on the Spanish title again and are 4-1 down to PSG in the Champions League last 16.
      Dortmund, meanwhile, are reportedly open to selling Sancho this summer.
      And having failed to lure the player to Old Trafford last campaign, the Red Devils are understood to have retained their interest in the England international.
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has also let it be known that he is keeping tabs on Sancho’s Dortmund team-mate Erling Haaland.

      CASINO SIGN UP OFFER: CLAIM UP TO £800 IN CASINO BONUS CASH

      Man Utd’s biggest transfers ever, both in and out, including Ronaldo
      But according to Bild, the Bundesliga outfit are desperate to keep hold of the Norwegian striker beyond this year.
      That is despite the Norwegian striker being available for just £65m in 2022 due to a clause in his contract.
      Instead of cashing in on the ex-Red Bull Salzburg marksman, the German news outlet states Dortmund would rather sell Sancho at the end of the season instead of Haaland.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      They state that they are willing to part ways with the former Manchester City youth star if they receive a fee in the region of £104m.
      It was claimed last week that Sancho’s exit from Signal Iduna Park was ‘set in stone’.
      He could be one of eight players that could be offloaded by Dortmund as they look to recoup their losses caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

      Barcelona hoping to seal Neymar transfer by offering Griezmann and £54m with Paris Saint-Germain star seen as only player to save club More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Joao Felix shushes his own Atletico Madrid TEAM-MATE in fiery goal celebration after scoring vs Villarreal

      by

      JOAO FELIX delivered a spicy goal celebration after ending a dry spell in front of goal – by shushing his own team-mate.
      A fantastic hit from 20 yards sealed Atletico Madrid’s 2-0 win at Villarreal on Sunday.

      Joao Felix produced a cheeky shush celebration to his own bench on Sunday night

      Despite the cool volley helping to deliver a vital three points in the LaLiga title race, Felix produced a somewhat fiery celebration.
      Raising his finger to his lips, the 21-year-old shushed his own dugout and shouted towards them in Portuguese.
      According to Spanish radio station Cadena Cope, Felix had reacted to pre-match taunts from team-mate Renan Lodi.
      The Brazilian defender, one of the Felix’s best friends at the club, is said to have teased him over a recent lack of goals – with only two in 2021 ahead of the game.

      Lodi posted a reply to the celebration on his Instagram, captioning a photograph of the moment: “Don’t get angry, you said it and you did it, we’re together brother.”
      Atleti ended a poor spell of form, which included the Champions League defeat to Chelsea, by winning at Estadio de la Ceramica and going five points clear atop the table.

      But £113million signing Felix has only just hit double figures for goals this season.
      Nevertheless, Rojiblancos boss Diego Simeone lauded the attacker for his feisty reaction to scoring.

      The Argentine remarked: “You’ll have to ask him.
      “He scored a great goal. He came on and did well in the second-half.
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      If players are rebellious, give them to me!
      Diego Simeone

      “I love it when players rebel, when they look to be strong. We need him to be, he’s an important player for us.
      “I’ll ask him in the next training session. I love it when players show pride.
      “How long had it been since Joao scored? If players are rebellious, give them to me!”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Joao Felix shows his skills on the training pitch in Atletico Madrid training More

    • 275 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Real Madrid ‘jumped the limit’ when they signed David Beckham from Man Utd and had to sell as many players as possible

      by

      REAL MADRID ‘jumped the limit’ when they signed David Beckham from Manchester United in 2003, the club’s former transfer supremo has admitted.
      And the Spanish giants also had to ‘sell every player they could’ in order to balance the books as they added Becks to the already expensive Galacticos team.

      Real Madrid jumped the financial limit to sign David Beckham from Man Utd in 2003Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Becks – who recently saluted Sun readers for raising £10million for military veterans – joined Real in the summer of 2003 for £25m with United and Sir Alex Ferguson keen to sell.
      He was the most marketable footballer on the planet and Real were hell bent on compiling a team of Galacticos.
      Beckham’s first season at the Bernabeu – 2003-04 – saw him line up with some of the biggest stars of the modern era.
      His iconic new team-mates included Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos, Iker Casillas, Raul, Luis Figo, Esteban Cambiasso, Guti, Santiago Solari and Michel Salgado.

      But all of those global superstars came at a price and the Spanish giants took drastic measures to make Beckham’s transfer financially viable.
      Former Real player, manager and their sporting director in 2003 Jorge Valdano revealed it was a big risk signing Beckham as they attempted to start a ‘marketing revolution’.
      In quotes run by Marca, Valdano said: “The plan was to make Real Madrid the most successful team, but also the richest.
      “We began to sell every player we could, then to make things work we had to compensate that with academy products.

      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      Los Blancos signed Becks for £25mCredit: Reuters

      Real’s 2003-04 team included the biggest stars in the worldCredit: AP:Associated Press

      “We jumped the limit the day we signed Beckham, he unbalanced the relationship between football and marketing.
      “That’s the problem with revolutions, the person who starts them often has no idea how they will end.”
      Becks hit headlines last week for admitting he would love to sign Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo at Inter Miami.
      He also revealed Man Utd’s players love Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      David Beckham sings Friends theme to son Cruz on his birthday – and he actually has a good voice More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      How Barcelona could line up under Mikel Arteta with Bellerin, Saka and Garcia as Arsenal manager is targeted

      by

      MIKEL ARTETA has been linked to the Barcelona job – and could bring a couple of Arsenal stars with him.
      According to Catalan radio station RAC1, the Gunners boss is on Joan Laporta’s shortlist if he wins the upcoming club presidential election.

      How Barcelona may line up if Arteta arrives and pulls off a handful of big deals

      Laporta, 58, will give Ronald Koeman the rest of the season before making a decision on his future.
      Barcelona legend Xavi is thought to be the No1 alternative to the Dutchman.
      But Arteta has been named on the shortlist if the job becomes available to other candidates.
      The former midfielder began his career at the Nou Camp but never played for the first-team before signing for Paris Saint-Germain.

      His relationship with Catalan icon Pep Guardiola, who he worked alongside at Manchester City for three years, could also entice the club.
      Should Arteta make the jump, he may abandon Koeman’s move for Lyon star Memphis Depay.

      Would Mikel Arteta fancy bringing Hector Bellerin to Barcelona?Credit: PA:Press Association

      Perhaps Bukayo Saka would be a target if the coach left for SpainCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      But the deal to take Eric Garcia from Manchester City is reportedly done and dusted.
      The centre-back could line up alongside Hector Bellerin, another long-term target of the club.

      Presidential frontrunner Laporta has reportedly reached an agreement to try and land the Barcelona academy product this summer.
      It has also been claimed that Arteta, 38, has given his blessing to Bellerin’s exit at the end of the season.
      Should the job fall to the Arsenal manager, he may choose to go back to the Emirates and bid for another of their star talents.
      A move for Bukayo Saka would test both sides’ ambition as well as their precarious finances.
      BET OF THE DAY: BEST PRICES AND ODDS BOOSTS ON THE MARKET TODAY

      Topping off the attack, presuming a new deal can be agreed with Lionel Messi, could be one of the Argentine’s big pals.
      Sergio Aguero’s Manchester City contract runs out in the summer and a reunion with Arteta may be feasible.
      SunSport reported earlier this year that Barcelona are keen on the 32-year-old, who has been told to earn his new City deal but tallies just two goals all season.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Man City star Sergio Aguero eyed by Barcelona on free transfer with contract having just SIX-MONTHS left More