No Verratti? Better Call Saul! Or Kovacic!

  Ernesto Valverde's side, FC Barcelona, are looking to bolster their midfield this summer. They want to find a suitable replacement for ageing Andres Iniesta.

   The Catalans have had a tough season, winning only Copa Del Rey. They lost La Liga to historic rivals Real Madrid, and got kicked out from Champions League quarter final by Italian giants, Juventus.

   Barca's midfield was disasterous, with Andre Gomez failing to make an impact, and the diappointing form of both, Sergio Busquets and Ivan Rakitic.

   There have been rumours linking Marco Verratti with the Blaugrana, but Paris Saint Germain will refuse any offer for the dynamo.

   The French giants have a clear plan. Their objective is to succeed in Europe and if that is going to happen, they must keep their key players.
   
   Moreover, the club is one of the richest clubs in the world which means they don't have to sell players for money, and no price can lure them.

   This barrier led Barcelona to search for other options to strengthen their midfield.

   According to Sky Sports, the Catalans are keen on signing Atletico Madrid's Saul Niguez. Barcelona are ready to pay €80 million for their long-time-target. But Atletico Madrid are banned from bringing new players to the Vicente Calderon, by FIFA. This means that the Madrid side are desperate to keep their players which makes the deal unlikely.

   In this case, Barcelona will switch their interest towards Real's Mateo Kovacic, who's being tipped to become a long-term-replacement for Croatian team-mate Luka Modric.

   Don Ballon reports that Ernesto Valverde will work hard to make Kovacic one of the few players who switch from the Santiago Bernabeu to the Camp Nou.

   It also claims that the 23-year-old has no intention of leaving Los Blancos, as he is considered to be one of Real's big stars in the years to come. Moreover, he was reliable when needed in the center of the park in the absence of the star players, which contributed to Real winning the Champions League and La Liga.

Arsenal's Error Reveals Sanchez Is Leaving!

   Arsenal made a huge mistake earlier this day, when they revealed their new kits for fans to pre-order. According to The Telegraph, Danny Welbeck was given #7 before the error was fixed and then switched back his #23.

   This slip fueld speculations about Alexis Sanchez' future with the Gunners next season, amid interest from Bayern Munich, Manchester City, and Chelsea.

   The Chilean's plans are still unkown, and he is yet to sign a new contract with Arsenal. Meanwhile, Sanchez was absent from the official unveiling of the puma strip, but it could be due to his sponsorship deal with Nike.

  Arsene Wenger announced last month that neither Alexis Sanchez, nor, Mesut Ozil are leaving this season. But with top clubs roaming around the 28-year-old, he could leave instantly, as Arsenal are out of Champions League, in addition to feeling unappreciated by the club, who refuse to offer a better deal.

   Reports claim that Alexis has made it clear he wants Manchester City switch, after he told Bayern he wants £420,000 a week, knowing that the club has a strict wage structure. And with 1 year left in his contract, City can snatch the forward for £50 million, plus they are able to meet his demands.

  Real Madrid also have shown interest in the player, as they have doubts about their stars futures, like Ronaldo and Bale. But Alexis would prefer a move to The Sky Blues, where he can rejoin Pep Guardiola who helped him during his spell at Barcelona.

Cristiano Ronaldo To Quit Real And Join United After Fraud Allegations.

   Every summer we hear rumours about Ronaldo reuniting with Manchester United, then Real offer a bumper deal on the table and he stays. But this time is different!

   Cristiano Ronaldo is accused of defrauding the authorities of £13 million in tax between 2011 and 2014, and if that turns out to be true, then he's facing 6 years of jail time.

  A Bola reports that the Portuguese has told the club of his decision to leave. It's been rumoured that Florentino Perez is willing to support the 4-time-Ballon d'Or-winner, but if he wants to leave Perez won't stand in his way, and would name the price tag for interested clubs. Real Madrid released a statement supporting their #1 star on their official website,hoping he stays at the Santiago Bernabeu:

 "Real Madrid CF shows their full confidence in our player Cristiano Ronaldo, who we understand has acted in accordance with the legality regarding compliance with their tax obligations.

Cristiano Ronaldo has always shown since his arrival at Real Madrid CF, in July 2009, a clear will to fulfill all his tax obligations.

Real Madrid CF is absolutely convinced that our player Cristiano Ronaldo will prove his total innocence in this process.

Real Madrid CF hopes that the Justice will act as quickly as possible so that its innocence can be demonstrated as soon as possible."

   Though, a source close to the player told the BBC that the 32-year-old is is willing to leave Los Blancos. The source added:"He's very sad and really upset. He doesn't want to stay in Spain. At this moment, he wants to leave."

  It's obvious that Ronaldo's destination is a world class club, that plays Champions League. And the only clubs that are able to afford his €1 billion release clause, and pay his wages are Manchester United and Paris saint Germain. China move looks unlikely at the moment. It's not a good choice.

Ronaldo would like to return to the Premier League and rejoin the Red Devils, escaping the media and fraud allegations in Spain, where accusing players seems to be a trend. Manchester United fans are very excited about this potential move, and they would like to see Ronaldo again in the Old Trafford. Jose Mourinho could be an additional factor that would facilitate this deal, for the two have worked together in Real Madrid.  

                                                                                       

Lionel Messi Hails Phenomenal Cristiano Ronaldo And Hints On Contract Renewal

   There has been a debate in the past decade about the best player in the world. The competition is limited between the two incredible players, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

   According to The Telegraph, Lionel Messi hailed the Portoguese's title winning season, and insisted that the rivalry between the two has been created by the media.

   Ronaldo was exceptional in the 2nd half of the season, netting his 600th career goal, and his 105th for Los Blancos. Although he struggled at the beginning of the season, his performances later on were impressive. His efforts helped Real Madrid win La Liga for the 1st time in a while, and brought back the Champions League trophy to the Santiago Bernabeu for the 2nd time in a row. Now he is the #1 nominee to win Ballon d'Or.

   Messi also admitted to Tencent Sports, while on international duty, that he was overwhelmed by Ronaldo's recent performances.

"He is a phenomenal player who has many qualities that  he improves year after year  and that is why he is one of the best in the world,"

  And about their rivalry he added:

 "That thing about our rivalry is something more invented by the press than by us.What we want is to do our best every year, to do the best for our teams and what is spoken from outside is not something I give importance to."

   Meanwhile the 5-time-Ballon d'Or-winner revealed his desire to stay at the Camp Nou, to assure reports claiming the Argentine is ready to sign a 5-year-deal with Barcelona.

  "Today, I only think of my day today, in Barcelona, where I am at," Messi said.

  "To strive to achieve and get the most titles that we can, because in football, we don't know what could happen in the year to come. So I like to take it calm and little by little."

  "Staying with Barca is what I have always wanted, what I have always dreamt of. I said that I would like to end my career in Barcelona, and we will see if it ends that way."

   And by this declaration, Messi played down all speculations about his future. The 29-year-old was linked with a move to Manchester City where he can rejoin his ex-mentor Josep Pep Guardiola, who was keen on the debatably best player in the world. Moreover there has been talks about him jheading to China when Football Espana reported the Chinese were willing to offer unbelievable £500 million per year, tax free, for the ace."
 

Alvaro Morata to Undergo Medical at Manchester United!

    Manchester United are close in on signing Alvaro Morata from Spanish giants Real Madrid. The deal will cost the Red Devils about €73 million.

   Onda Cero Radio revealed that the deal is already done, and it may include add-ons, and the player should be on his way to Manchester on Monday to undergo medical and then sign a 5-year deal at Old Trafford.

   Morata admitted earlier this week that he does not want to leave Real and would prefer to fight for his place. But the Spaniard's agent, Juanma Lopez, met Florentino Perez on Friday and informed him that his employer wants to play for a team where he can get regular football, in order to secure a place in the Spain national team to play in the World Cup in Russia 2018.

   Still The Daily Mirror claim Real Madrid want in excess of this figure in retaliation for them missing out on David De Gea. But if a deal for Morata proves to be too complicated, Jose Mourinho could turn his attentions to Torino striker Andrea Belotti or even reignite his interest in Griezmann.

   The deal is said to be a record breaker if it happens. The 24-year-old will be the most expensive Spanish player in the history of football.
 

   

Dybala on Manchester United's radar

   Jose Mourinho is desperate to strengthen his attacking options for next season. He's on the hunt for a new forward, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic ruled out for the rest of the season because of his horrific knee injury, and Wayne Rooney rumoured to leave Old Trafford.

   Starsport reports that Mourinho cooled his interest in Atletico Madrid's man Antoine Griezmann, who was the 1st on the wishlist. And according to Mundo Deportivo, Dybala is the next target who's viewd as Wayne Rooney's heir, and identified by Mourinho as the perfect fit for Manchester United.

   This deal could be easier than ever, after Real Madrid shifted their interest to Monaco's starlet Kylian Mbappe, and Chelsea close on reuniting with Romelu Lukaku.

    The Argentine signed for Palermo in 2012. Dybala had his breakthrough season in the 2014–15 Serie A where he scored 10 goals in the first half of the season, forming a successful striking partnership with fellow Argentine–Italian Franco Vázquez and being linked with several top European clubs. He finished the season with 13 goals and 10 assists, which made him one of the top assist providers in the league. After this impressive season, Juventus announced the signing of Dybala on a five-year deal for a fee of €32 million (plus €8 million in add-ons).

   Since then, the 23-year-old has proved himself as one of Europe's best players, scoring 35 goals and providing 16 assists for the Old Lady. News about his transfer to top clubs in Europe bursted especially after his  2 valuable goals against Barcelona in the Champions League quarter final, despite signing a new deal last month which keeps him in Turin until 2022, earning €7 million per year.

   The versatile, skillfull player has been linked to Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid, in addition to other EPL teams. But few hours ago, his agent played down speculations about the rising star's move to another club, and declared that he is happy in Torino, and that he has a long term deal with a team that can win things.

   But can we see Dybala play alongside Pogba, again?

 
 

   

Manchester United want Alvaro Morata to replace Zlatan Ibrahimovic

   As soon as Antoine Griezmann announced that he's staying at Atletico Madrid after they lost their appeal against the transfer ban, Manchester United shifted their interest towards Alvaro Morata, who tops the teams wishlist right now. The club has been linked with a bunch of strikers, but Telegraph claims Morata is the most wanted.

   After Zlatan's horror injury, against Anderlecht on April 20, which will sideline him for about a year, United are keen on a striker to succeed the Swede and to reinforce their attack, which got Jose Mourinho complaining about wastefulness. But with the unbelievable price tags on both Lukaku (£100 million), and Belotti (£90 million), Morata's £50 million tag seems pretty cheap, as he has the same quality as them, maybe even better!

   Morata has struggled this season as he was the 2nd in pecking order, behind Karim Benzema, who was preferred by Zidane. Morata's move looks definite, but the destination is still unkown. The Spaniard has been linked to many top clubs in Europe. Chelsea's Antonio Conte is a huge admirer of the 24-year-old, and has the advantage of working with him before. Meanwhile, AC Milan also are keen on the center forward, and some reports claim that the 2 parties had an agreement. Milan's advantage is Serie A, and the player is familiar with this league. Arsenal are also reported to have an interest in the player, but their priorities now are Monaco's Kylian Mbappe and Lyon's Alexandre Lacazette.
 
   Manchester United may have one problem in their approach, which is De Gea. For about 2 years Real Madrid are dreaming about bringing the keeper inside their club's walls. This could be a chance for the Champions league winners, or an obstacle in front of the Red Devils.

Aggressive Pepe leaves sentimental message for Real fans and slams Zidane as he says farewell!

 After 10 seasons leading the defence at Santiago Bernabeu, Pepe's journey nears to its end. He stepped in the club on 12 july 2007, made 334 appearances and won 14 trophies. His contract ends on 30 june 2017, and there's no sign that the club wants to renew. So he posted some photos on instagram with a goodbye note (@official_pepe).

   A few hours after the Champions League win against Juventus, the Portoguese defender spoke to Cadena Cope explaining why he has to leave the Spanish capital, without confirming any agreement with PSG. 

  "It is clear that I will leave Real Madrid , an important stage of my career has come to an end. It is time to look ahead and advance to the next step. At the moment I have not signed anything with anyone, there are many clubs interested in me, some even in the Premier League. We'll see what happens."
   
      So Pepe spoke about his future. Arriving at Real Madrid from Porto in 2007 for just over 30 million euro figure, the Portuguese had immediately won the title in central defense, becoming a reference point for the team and one of the symbols of the fans. He also spoke how he struggled under Zidane, so he added:
  
 "Zidane and the club knew that I would leave after the Champions League final. The coach has done spectacular things but he behaved in a haphazard manner with me. They disappeared from the field without even knowing why, I'd be really curious to know the reasons for his choices. On the contrary, I enjoyed the sincerity that Rafa Benitez has had on me."

  And about his relation with Florentino Perez, he added:

   "With the president it has always been a professional relationship but not friendship. It was very painful to see the club lose interest in my problems. I had to resolve them alone with the authorities.The board of directors it's just screwed. For Real Madrid I gave blood and sweat in every game I played, I will be forever linked to this city and to the fans."
  
The 34-year-old has been linked with a move to the French giants PSG. The club is looking forward to sign new quality players to bloster their squad after a disappointing season. 

Ex-Real Madrid star to Barcelona!

   FC Barcelona's season ended in the worst possible way, with winning only 1 trophy, the Spanish Cup, and losing La Liga to historical rivals Real Madrid, who won  the Champions League to make things worse for Barca. Last week Barcelona introduced their new coach Ernesto Valverde who promised to make Barca a bigger club. Still no signings were done although the club is highly in need for some, like the vaccant spot in the right back. But some players have been linked to the club, such as Manchester United's Ander Herrera and Arsenal's Hector Bellerin and others. But most shockingly is the presence of Di Maria's name among the players linked with Barca.

   According to Le Parisien and Mundo Deportivo Di Maria will come to Camp Nou as a replacement for Arda Turan who's linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium or to China. Arda was expected to do better when he moved from Atletico de Madrid to the Catalan club back in 2015. And with Rafinha rumored as a Liverpool target by Sport, Barcelona will need a midfielder/winger to fill the gaps.

   Although Turan's agent denied any link to the Gunners, reports say that Barcelona are willing to sell the player to help fund other transfers, or could be swapped with the blaugrana's #1 target Hector Bellerin.

   It is reported that Barcelona have shown interest in Di Maria before his move to Paris Saint Germain, but Real Madrid put a clause in his transfer deal to Manchester United preventing the club from selling the player to Barcelona. Now with the interest reignited and no clause obstacles, the deal could be possible, and Barca could use the help of Lionel Messi to lure the Argentine to the Nou Camp. Even some reports claim that Messi is the one who demanded that  Barca  should sign Di Maria, and this will facilitate negotiations between the 2 parties.

   Di Maria is a quick, tricky and talented winger who is also capable of playing as a more central attacking midfielder or on either side of the pitch, although he is predominantly a left-footed player. In recent years, he has even been deployed to great effect as a central midfielder, in particular under Carlo Ancelotti's tenure with Real Madrid. Di Maria is an agile, creative and highly technical player who possesses excellent dribbling skills and ball control, as well as great pace, stamina and acceleration, attributes which allow him to beat players easily in one-on-one situations. He is also gifted with excellent vision, set-piece delivery, passing, and crossing ability, which allow him to function effectively as a playmaker and as an assist provider, although he is also capable of scoring goals himself. Despite not being physically imposing, he is also a very hard-working player, and he improved on the defensive aspect of his game under manager José Mourinho. These characteristics qualify the 29-year-old to play for Barcelona, and make him suitable to replace aging Iniesta.

   This move will be a shock for Madridistas, who are always mad at their own players. It seems like he is betraying his old team, but in fact it was the club's fault to let him go. Florentino Perez didn't want to renew and improve his contract, eventhough he was a vital player for the team at the time, and had potential to improve even more.

Monaco reject Arsenal's 100 million euros for Kylian Mbappe!

After an incredible season at Monaco, Kylian Mbappe caught the eyes of big clubs. There were many rumors linking the 18-year old with a move to one of the Spanish giants Real Madrid or Barcelona. Then rich English clubs  were linked with the forward such as the 2 Manchester clubs and Chelsea, and PSG showed interest in the Frenchman. But then Arsenal surprised us all by bidding 100 million euros to get the player's signature, and more surprisingly, Monaco rejected the offer!
Mbappe netted 26 goals this season, and provided 8 assists helping Monaco win League 1, and qualifying to UCL semi-final where they lost twice against Juventus. This young starlet is said to be one of the best talents and expected to be one of the best players one day, and the French champions are trying to keep him in the club for at least one more season. Mbappe still has 2 years in his contract, and he said that he doesn't want to play less which may be a relief for his club, but he also said that he's not afraid to leave! And there are still rumors that Real Madrid could blast a 120 million euros deal to snap the ace. There is a factor that could facilitate this mega money deal: Kylian is a huge fan of Real Madrid, Ronaldo, and Zidane. We'll see about that in the coming couple of days.