On-loan Manchester United striker Radamel Falcao has played down talk of a move to Juventus, as speculation about an imminent exit from Old Trafford continues to grow.
The ESPN FC crew react to reports suggesting Spain international and Real Madrid captain Iker Casillas is in talks to leave the club.
David De Gea believes playing in the Premier League has made him a better goalkeeper, and is relishing working with Victor Valdes at Manchester United.
De Gea, 24, since the beginning of the 2013-14 season after a difficult start to life at Old Trafford.
The Spanish keeper joined United from Atletico Madrid in 2011, and told he is benefiting from having to adapt to English football.
"Truth be told, English football has changed me a great deal," he said. "I've developed a lot physically, greatly improved my concentration and generally improved all aspects of my game.
"I was very young when I came here, but four years on, things are very good overall. This league really suits me, as you learn a lot here."
Louis van Gaal signed , and the United No. 1 said he is learning from his 33-year-old compatriot.
"Victor Valdes and I work very well together -- I'm very happy to be with him," he said of the former Barcelona keeper. "I'm learning so much from him, not just in goalkeeping terms given his immense experience, but also as a person.
United's No. 1 is happy to work alongside Victor Valdes at Old Trafford.
"He's a very straightforward guy with a lot of character. Moreover, he's always ready to lend a hand, trying to help out with his advice, especially during games."
De Gea's fine form has led to speculation linking him with replacing Iker Casillas for both club and country.
that Real Madrid have taken the first steps in moves that will see Casillas finally leave the club after 18 years, while De Gea has yet to agree a new deal at Old Trafford with his current contract up in the summer of 2016.
However, De Gea says that while he is ready to play for Spain should the opportunity arise, he is aware that Casillas and Bayern Munich's Pepe Reina provide strong competition.
Asked about succeeding Casillas for good, De Gea replied: "For the moment, no. At present there are three of us and Iker [Casillas] remains the first choice.
"You never know what the future holds so you just have to live in the moment, try to train as best you can and take advantage of whatever opportunities the boss gives you. Living in the present is what matters most."
De Gea could start for Spain in Tuesday's friendly against Netherlands, with the goalkeeper saying: "You always want to play against the biggest and best teams. We're heading into the game really determined to win and show we're a very good side."
Not bad, not bad at all. Casillas watches de Gea in this evening's training session in Amsterdam.
- AS English (@English_AS)
The 24-year-old was the only member of the Spain's 2014 World Cup squad not to play in Brazil last summer as Vicente de Bosque's side failed to defend their 2010 triumph, but De Gea is determined to succeed with in the future.
He added: "Thank God I was fortunate enough to be selected for Brazil... Well, the memory is a bittersweet one. I was really excited with it being my first full World Cup, but the result is obviously one to forget.
"On top of that, I injured myself out there. A World Cup can be very difficult. You need to go into it in very good form and play with immense focus. Otherwise, the smallest things could have you on a flight home.
"I want to play at a World Cup and not just go as a squad member. I want to win titles for my club and country as that's what makes a footballer great. I still have so much to do in my career."
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Lukasz Fabianski joined Swansea from Arsenal last July.
Swansea goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski insists he wants to carry on playing in the Premier League despite being linked to Italian giants Roma.
Poland international Fabianski joined Swansea from Arsenal on a free transfer last summer and has proved a fine acquisition in keeping 11 clean sheets to help the Welsh club into the top half of the league.
Fabianski's fine form has apparently alerted Roma, who currently lie second in Serie A behind Juventus, but he says he is not bothered about transfer speculation surrounding him in the Italian media.
"My brother mentioned that this information [about interest from Roma] appeared in newspapers, but to be honest, I feel very good in the Premier League," Fabianski .
"I know the language and culture. I think that the Premier League, despite the failure of English teams in European competitions this season, is still the most attractive place to play.
"That's why I'd rather not move anywhere."
Fabianski has played in the Premier League since leaving Legia Warsaw in 2007.
He made 78 appearances in seven seasons at Arsenal and won an FA Cup winner's medal there last May when the Gunners beat Hull 3-2 in the Wembley final.
The 29-year-old's form has also been noted by his country as he returned to the Poland team for their away to Republic of Ireland in Euro 2016 qualifying on Sunday.
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Roberto Mancini worked with Yaya Toure and James Milner at Manchester City.
Inter Milan coach Roberto Mancini is targeting Manchester City's Yaya Toure and James Milner after assuring supporters that the club will sign a "top player" in the summer.
Mancini -- City boss from 2009 until 2013 -- has spoken in the past about wanting to manage Toure once again,
Milner, meanwhile, is out of contract at the end of the season and sources have told ESPN FC that
While answering fans' questions on , Mancini listed a number of summer transfer targets, including the City duo, and said sporting director Piero Ausilio is doing his utmost to bring one of them to the San Siro.
"In the summer we'll sign a top player, because we are Inter, a top team," Mancini said. "I like [Torino's Matteo] Darmian, Milner's contract is expiring -- he'll decide what's best for him.
"Toure is a City player, [Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk's] Yevhen Konoplyanka and [Genoa's] Mattia Perin are both good players. Piero Ausilio is working on it."
Mancini also spoke of his desire to keep hold of the injured Mateo Kovacic, with Liverpool interested in acquiring the Croatia international's services.
"Kovacic has a knee problem," he said. "Today he did a little bit of running, we'll evaluate him tomorrow. He has all the qualities to be a and he'll stay here."
Life at Inter has not been easy for Mancini since his appointment in November, with the club currently languishing in 10th place in the Serie A table.
The Italian, however, is hopeful of a strong finish to the campaign and believes his side can mount a title challenge next season.
"I've asked the players for 10 wins between now and the end of the season," he said. "We'll fight to the end to qualify for the Europa League. Next year we have to fight for the ."
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Mike Ashley's Magpies side are due half a million pounds should Rangers win promotion to the Scottish Premiership.
Rangers have set a target of 2022 to progress to the "very top" in an interim report which revealed they must pay Newcastle £500,000 if they are promoted this season.
The Scottish Championship club have reported losses of £2.6 million for the final six months of 2014, although the accounts have not been officially audited.
Previous auditor Deloitte was not replaced by the old board in a sign of what interim chairman Paul Murray described as "staggering mismanagement."
The face an ongoing struggle to avoid being de-listed from the London Stock Exchange as they are still searching for a nominated advisor, but they have promised a medium to long-term funding solution to the club's financial problems is imminent.
Murray and fellow directors John Gilligan, Douglas Park and John Bennett were appointed following a shareholder vote on March 6, which was sparked by Dave King, whose appointment as chairman is dependent on approval from the football authorities, and possibly stock exchange authorities too.
And Murray claimed they needed more time to sort out the club's finances and contractual obligations, with two examples standing out in the accounts.
Rangers will have to pay a bonus to Mike Ashley's Newcastle if they are promoted this season , without having medicals.
Only one of the players, Haris Vuckic, has been fit enough to play regularly and only one other has featured -- Remie Streete managed 43 minutes before limping off during a Scottish Cup defeat by Raith Rovers.
The report also revealed that £54,000 was paid during the period to public relations firm Keith Bishop Associates, "a company of which the former director Derek Llambias was also a director."
Llambias and fellow Ashley associate Barry Leach were voted off the board earlier in March but Ashley could yet install two people on to the board as part of the deal that saw Sports Direct lend the club a total of £5 million.
Murray said: "The new directors have been in place only a matter of weeks but have already started to repair the damage caused through recent years of neglect and disrespect for this club, its people and its history.
"The mismanagement of the club in recent years has been simply staggering."
Rangers currently sit third in the Scottish Championship, behind second-placed Hibernian on goal difference.
Murray said they would present a medium to long-term funding plan in the "very near future" after plugging gaps short term by borrowing £1.5 million from the so-called Three Bears -- shareholders George Letham, George Taylor and Park.
Murray continued: "This funding will be provided by existing and new investors who now want to invest in the club.
"Thereafter, the club must quickly become self-sustaining and absolutely free from the kind of funding crises which have plagued Rangers in recent years.
"The vision I mentioned earlier is to focus on the next seven years so that by 2022, the club's 150th anniversary and the 50th anniversary of Barcelona [Rangers defeated Dynamo Moscow in Barcelona to win the 1972 European Cup Winners' Cup Final] we, Rangers, will be back at the very top.
"This means that over the next few years the finance we are putting in place now will provide the infrastructure and personnel at Murray Park to make sure Rangers are competing and winning in Scotland's top flight as well as stepping back into the European arenas again.
"Then for the three or four years after that all our efforts will be directed towards making Rangers stronger and European regulars as our 150th year approaches. That year should be one of celebration.''
Murray said that a major emphasis of their 2022 vision would be on the "neglected" areas of player identification and development.
The chairman added that they would take their time over a permanent managerial appointment after giving Stuart McCall the job for the rest of the season.
"Stuart jumped at the challenge without fear or hesitation and that tells us a lot about the calibre of the man but even so, we cannot rush into making a final decision on the permanent position because the success of everything we are planning behind the scenes will depend almost entirely on the team's ability to compete at the very top," he said.
"Only 13 men have held the position of Rangers manager so we have a duty to take whatever time is necessary to find the right man. We would expect Stuart to be a strong candidate in that process."
The club confirmed that former management team Ally McCoist and Kenny McDowall would continue to be paid throughout their 12-month notice periods.
Murray also revealed that Deloitte had submitted its resignation as auditors in June 2014 but the previous board did not announce the fact or find a replacement. Jeffreys Henry LLP reviewed the accounts.
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Manchester City product Eirik Johansen is crossing the Atlantic to play for NYCFC.
New York City FC have signed Norwegian goalkeeper Eirik Johansen from Manchester City.
Johansen, 22, is a a product of Manchester City's Academy and has played on loan at Scunthorpe in England in Sandefjord in Norway.
He spent the pre-season with NYCFC, appearing in two friendlies, and the MLS club announced his permanent contract on Tuesday.
"I had a great experience working with squad and coaches during the pre-season and I'm excited to re-join the team on permanent basis," the goalkeeper told NYCFC's official site.
"The quality of the training really impressed me, as did the way the team came together in such a short period of time."
NYCFC coach Jason Kreis said: "We had a good look at Eirik over the course of the pre-season, and he adapted well to the team and to our style of play.
"It's always good to have strong competition for places in the team, and Eirik will add to an already strong group of goalkeepers vying for game time. It's a long season and guys will get their opportunities for various reasons."
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Danilo, right, will join Real Madrid at the end of the season.
Real Madrid have reached an agreement with Porto to sign Brazilian right-back Danilo at the end of the season for a reported fee of €31.5 million
The 23-year-old, who has won two league titles with the Portuguese giants and has 11 Brazil caps, will commit to the Santiago Bernabeu outfit until June 30, 2021.
with the likes of Manchester United and Barcelona, moved fast to secure the star who will head to Madrid to provide competition to Dani Carvajal and Alvaro Arbeloa.
Danilo's summer transfer was confirmed by a statement on Real Madrid's , though no fee was disclosed.
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Jack Wilshere, Mikel Arteta, Mathieu Debuchy and Abou Diaby all took part in a 4-0 win over Brentford at Arsenal's training ground today.
Mathieu Flamini and January signing Krystian Bielik also featured in the match which will give Arsene Wenger a timely fillip as the Gunners compete in the FA Cup and fight for Champions League qualification.
Wilshere opened the scoring and provided the assist for youngster Daniel Crowley to grab Arsenal's second.
Crowley's youth team-mate Alex Iwobi scored twice before half-time and Arsenal comfortably held onto their lead in the second half.
Wilshere, Arteta and Diaby were all withdrawn at half-time, while Debuchy and Flamini both played 66 minutes.
The non-appearance of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain suggests he is still nursing the hamstring strain sustained against Manchester United earlier this month.
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Jack Wilshere and Mikel Arteta's return will delight Arsene Wenger
Roy Hodgson will not care a jot this morning that it was Andros Townsend, not Harry Kane, who rescued him just when he needed it. White Hart Lane seemingly boasts more than one national saviour.
The blistering right-foot finish Townsend thumped beyond Gianluigi Buffon with 11 minutes remaining here in Turin rewarded the visitors for a second-half performance that was as bright and incisive as the opening 45 minutes had been utterly wretched and ill-conceived.
A game which had started with a body-check for Kane threatened to develop into a brutal reality for England following Southampton forward Graziano Pelle’s first-half header.
Yet Townsend’s impact served as a reminder not only of the goal he struck on his international bow against Montenegro in October 2013, but how breaking into the England set-up is the easy part. Maintaining momentum, as Kane discovered, is much harder Here was a truer insight into the rigours of international football for Kane.
Just 16 seconds had elapsed when he bounced off the barrel-chested Giorgio Chiellini and onto the turf. Welcome to Turin.
Before Kane could try and muster his next meaningful touch Andrea Ranocchia stepped in to pinch possession.
It speaks volumes for his burgeoning reputation that if one of Italy’s three-man rearguard was not within a few metres of him, an Azzurri midfielder was.
It was the level of intensity that England were supposed to provide as they sought to maintain their improvement against opponents who represented a step up in class from the diet fed to Hodgson’s side since the World Cup.
Yet, confronted by rivals adept on the ball, familiar failings reared.
The quest for rhythm was perhaps not helped by a winger in Theo Walcott supporting Kane in attack, a forward in Wayne Rooney playing at the tip of a midfield diamond and a defender in Phil Jones performing at its base.
Encouraged by England’s deficiencies, Antonio Conte’s side gained the early momentum.
Marco Parolo forced Joe Hart to tip over the crossbar with a swerving shot from 25 yards before Phil Jagielka made a crucial last-ditch tackle in the six-yard box ahead of Pelle after Matteo Darmian had delivered an inviting centre.
The next time the England defender was called upon, his positioning was far less convincing. Jones had looked particularly ill at ease and will not enjoy watching his forlorn attempts to prevent Chiellini from sending over a cross with his right foot from the left.
However, such slackness was to be compounded with Jagielka not within four yards of Pelle as the centre came in and the forward flicked a deft header into the far corner to leave Hart, on his 50th cap, with no chance.
It was a dreadful goal to concede. Not the sort of slips that Lithuania and Slovenia might punish, but at this rarefied level there is seldom any escape.
When Chris Smalling trooped off injured just before the interval, Jones retreated into the back four almost before Michael Carrick had whipped off his tracksuit top and replaced him in a position that is natural to him.
England’s efforts going forward had been laboured with Kane starved of any real service and those balls he did receive not the sort that would allow him to showcase his talent.
The sight of Rooney pushed up alongside Kane at the start of the second half, with Walcott now in behind, made more sense, but also emphasised just how much of a mish-mash England’s original line-up had been.
The switch had still to take hold when Italy should have been out of sight but Pelle wasted a chance with the goal gaping.
It proved to be a turning point. Kane saw a shot hit the side-netting after Carrick played a pass into his feet and then Rooney teed up the over-lapping Kieran Gibbs, but the full-back panicked and shot horribly wide.
England’s tempo and intent was further helped when Ross Barkley replaced the disappointing Walcott, whose first start since September 2013 did not represent a new beginning.
Rooney was denied when Buffon repelled a thumping volley, but when debutant Ryan Mason touched a pass into the path of club-mate Townsend his finish was true. Now England have to continue as they finished.
Record signing Mesut Özil has been named alongside Chelsea’s Eden Hazard as the best attacking midfielder in Europe for 2015, according to .
The German star has been in fantastic form since his return from injury, and has been scoring and assisting with regularity. He hasn’t been receiving the plaudits he deserves in the media however, and has been continually slated regardless of his performances.
The stats show just how fantastic he has been however, with rigour, recovery, distribution, take ons, chance creation, and shooting all taken into account.
He’s not alone when it comes to Arsenal stars, with Santi Cazorla also named in the list at 11th. They are joined by two members of Premier League rival side Manchester City, with David Silva and surprisingly Jesus Navas included.
Navas is certainly a shock inclusion, and just goes to show that stats don’t prove everything. It’s hard to argue that the likes of Özil and Hazard belong atop the list however, as both players have been excellent.
Our form as a team for the most part has also been superb since new year, and hopefully it can continue for the remainder of the season.
Having won 33 League titles in total and lifting the FA Cup 11-times apiece, Arsenal and Manchester United are among the most successful sides in the history of English football. The two sides have already met twice this season – in the Premier League and FA Cup – with United winning in the former while Arsenal registered an emphatic victory to knock out the Old Trafford outfit in the last 8 of the latter.
On this day in 1895, Woolwich Arsenal (Currently known as Arsenal FC) met Newton Heath (later renamed to Manchester United) for the first time in their history. In what is seldom the case in modern football, the match had five different goal scorers with Peter Mortimer, Gavin Crawford and Robert Buchanan scoring for Arsenal while John Clarkin and Robert Donaldson netted for Newton Heath. Arsenal won 3-2 on the day on what was to be the beginning of one of the most competitive ties in the modern game.
The two sides are set to meet again on the penultimate game of the season in a match that could change the course of Champions League qualification.
30th March is thus considered the day modern football was born as two of the most glorious teams in England came head-to-head for the very first time.
Arsenal were completely in disarray at Stoke. The Gunners let in three goals before half time, and although they pulled two back, the defeat remains the nadir of Wenger’s recent years. Fast forward three months and Arsenal are the form team in the league with six straight wins, gunning for second place and have a place in Wembley for the semifinals of the FA Cup. The 1-3 loss to AS Monaco at Emirates Stadium aside, it has been quite a renaissance by the Gunners.
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While Louis Van Gaal and Brendan Rodgers are hailed for turning around their respective club’s seasons, it’s puzzling as to why Arsene Wenger doesn’t get any credit at all for bringing Arsenal from the brink. Is it because the media hate Arsenal (which often seems the case) or is it that Wenger’s success is taken for granted far too often?
Regardless, we at All Arsenal give credit where it’s due. We fully appreciate Arsene for the revival and in this two part post we take a look at the players behind the Renaissance.
What a couple of months for the Frenchman – he’s on course for his highest goal tally for a season with 17 goals already despite missing three months early in the campaign. His mental strength also came to the fore after his non-performance against Monaco. Lesser men would have wilted but Giroud responded in the best possible way. He has scored in all the games he has started since and although Arsenal were eliminated once again, Giroud’s positive response will no doubt help him in the future. His two goals against Everton, West Ham Monaco(away) and Newcastle were the mark of a man on a mission to avenge his profligacy. If Arsenal are to have a winning end to their season expect the Frenchman to be in the middle of it.
The vine of Cazorla skipping past challenges and weaving through a clutch of Man City players went viral after Arsenal’s landmark victory against the Citizens. The image of the diminutive Cazorla competing against thugs Fernando and Fernandinho will always be etched in memory.
The Spaniard didn’t appear quite himself at the start of the season but when he was moved to the centre, boy did he deliver. His ability to hold on to the ball in tight areas helps to release the pressure and his supreme technique is paramount when we play a counter attacking game. While Santa may not have bought any presents for Arsenal this Christmas, Arsenal’s very own Santi continues giving the gifts.
While Santi and Giroud may have been directly responsible for the goals scored it is important not to ignore the contributions of the defence. Monreal, the small but steely Spaniard, has been quite immense – be it at the centre or at his customary left back position. Kieran Gibbs has a battle on his hands for his place in the side; such has been the form of the former Malaga man. He has not only been a rock at the back but his sensible attacking play means he’s always a reliable option going forward.
While Gibbs is quicker, his final ball leaves a lot to be desired and he doesn’t get his positional sense right at all times. Nacho is more of a midfielder than a winger in the way he passes and attacks. His forays forward are measured but meaningful. It was his movement that drew the foul from Vincent Kompany that resulted in the penalty at City while he quite emphatically opened the scoring at Old Trafford. Quite some place to score a goal. Keep it up Nacho.
The second part of the article will be up soon. Who do you think will feature?
The former England goalkeeper believes that if Wilshere can prove his fitness, Gareth Southgate should include the midfielder in the squad for the tournament in Czech Republic.
Wilshere has not played for the Gunners since ankle surgery in November and a subsequent "minor procedure" in February.
Seaman told talkSPORT: "I'd like to see him go (to the European Championship).
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Jack Wilshere has struggled with injury throughout his career
"He has not played a lot of football this season and, if he is fit, he should go."
Seaman's comments come after increasing publicity over whether Tottenham's Harry Kane should join up with U21s.
Gary Lineker said it would be a "national disgrace" if clubs pulled their players out of England duty.
ESPN FC's Paul Mariner and Mark Donaldson discuss Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez's current situation at Real Madrid and predict what the future holds for the Mexico international.
The ESPN FC team discuss Javier Hernandez's frustration with his lack of match action since joining Real Madrid on loan, but Craig Burley believes Chicharito has since lost his confidence after his first season with Manchester United.
Mexico coach Miguel Herrera says his side's next friendly against Paraguay will be a good warm-up for the Copa America.
It was Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez's goal and Jose de Jesus Corona's penalty save that saw Mexico past Ecuador in an end-to-end thriller of an international friendly.
Mexico's Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez spoke to ESPN FC's John Sutcliffe following his side's international friendly win over Ecuador, and noted the importance of team development in these types of matches.
Mexico were victorious over Ecuador in their international friendly, as Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez's first half goal proved the difference.
Mexico football icon Hugo Sanchez says Real Madrid forward Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez needs to show more character if he expects to play a greater role in La Liga's top club.
"Javier needs to pound his fists on the table, strengthen his character and show who he is," . "He is playing on the best team of all time, which is Real Madrid, and they have great players, but he shouldn't shrink, because if he doesn't rise to that level, he will achieve nothing."
Sanchez was responding to comments to be a first-team regular on his season-long loan from Manchester United.
The striker, 26, has made 13 La Liga appearances and scored three goals for Carlo Ancelotti's side but just one of those has been as a starter.
Hernandez, who scored in over Ecuador on Sunday, said: "My situation is frustrating. I participate, give my all in training, but as for playing in matches, the opportunities are minimal. I belong to a team but am not part of the important bit, the actual games.
"Sometimes my confidence is right down on the ground, even though I am trying for it to be up there, with the help of the people who are always at my side and who support me."
Hernandez thanked his fans after the Mexico win. face Paraguay on Tuesday and Hernandez will start on the bench along with Villarreal's Giovani dos Santos as coach Miguel Herrera gives the younger players a chance.
Fe y confianza!!!... Muchísimas gracias por el gran apoyo en LA!...
- Chicharito Hernandez (@CH14_)
Real Madrid legend Sanchez said that during his time at the Bernabeu he also had to struggle because opportunities were scarce, but added that the experience helped build his character and helped him face the realities.
"I even fought with various teammates at training and I think Javier is just a bit too nice to have success in a team as competitive as Real Madrid," Sanchez said. "If you can't slam your fist and raise your voice in the Spanish league, if you don't show yourself to be the strongest, you'll get nowhere.
"I cried, I suffered, I didn't play, I had to put up with it. I would lock myself in the bathroom and cry because, since I was new, the coach didn't let me play so that it would strengthen my character. When they told me they wanted football players and not mariachis, that helped strengthen my character."
Sanchez said he is surprised it has taken Hernandez two years in Europe to express the frustration that is typical of Mexican players overseas.
"Now he is showing his personality, his character, but I think it has taken him too long," he said. "He needs to show that all the time. Javier, like other Mexico players in Europe needs to be insistent. This could also be the case with Raul [Jimenez] -- he needs to insist. They are big players. When an Argentinean or a Brazilian goes to Europe, immediately it is said that he will be a great player and they are revered and they play at that level."
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Xavi has made 21 La Liga appearances for Barcelona this season.
Xavi Hernandez has denied that his trip to Qatar this week was to sign a contract to join local club Al Sadd next summer.
Xavi's visit to the Gulf State was accompanied by that he was set to pen a three-year deal with Qatari club, over which he would be paid €10 million per annum.
The arrangement was reportedly similar to that which saw former Real Madrid and current New York Cosmos star Raul spend 2012-2014 at Al Sadd, while also studying for his coaching licences at Qatar's Aspire Academy.
Met by reporters on his return to Barcelona's El Prat airport, he had just been "visiting" the country, while suggesting he might have further news to tell down the line.
"I was just visiting, I was just visiting," Xavi said. "When I am ready to talk about it I will let you know."
Barca last summer, with moves to Qatar and the United States mooted, before he eventually decided to stay and play a squad-player role at the Camp Nou this season.
More recently it has been will make another effort to bring the World Cup 2010 winner to the US when the current La Liga season ends.
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On-loan Manchester United striker Radamel Falcao has played down talk of a move to Juventus, as speculation about an imminent exit from Old Trafford continues to grow.
Manchester United have taken non-league sensation Sam Grimshaw on trial, sources have told ESPN FC.
Grimshaw, who was on the books at Manchester City for nine years as a junior, has impressed for North West Counties League side Glossop North End this season.
The 21-year-old, who can play at left-back or as a left-sided winger, has caught the attention of a host of clubs higher up the football pyramid.
A number of sides have asked to take Grimshaw on trial so that they can have a look at him at close quarters, but United have now expressed an interest in the player.
Grimshaw, who can run 100m in under 11 seconds, is set to spend this week training at United. If he impresses the coaching staff, he could be offered a permanent deal with the Premier League giants.
The Old Trafford club are looking to bolster their youth ranks and are scouring non-league football for promising talent, having signed earlier this year and taken last month.
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Paulo Dybala has made 28 Serie A appearances this season.
Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini has told Juventus they need to act quickly if they want to sign Paulo Dybala this summer.
Juventus are regarded as the only club in Italy able to match Zamparini's €40-million asking price for the Argentine forward, who has found the back of the net 12 times so far this season.
, though, and Zamparini says time is running out if they want to get him.
"I've got some concrete offers -- two for 30 million from two different clubs -- but I've told them I want 40," Zamparini told RAI radio in quotes reported by .
"I've also had an offer for [Franco] Vazquez and Dybala together. I'm in contact with [Juventus general manager Beppe] Marotta and I know they're interested, but they have to hurry up because I've got other clubs interested.
"After Easter, I'll meet up with Dybala's agent, who's working hard on the lad's future. I'd say it's 50/50 he'll stay in Italy. [Napoli president Aurelio] De Laurentiis would like him, but I've already told him not to expect another [Edinson] Cavani -- this time, he'd have to break the bank."
Zamparini has previously claimed that Napoli got themselves a bargain by signing Cavani from them for €12 million in 2010.
Three years later, they sold the Uruguay international to Paris Saint-Germain for €64.5 million.
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ESPN FC's Sid Lowe responds to Gareth Bale's importance to Real Madrid, and where exactly he fits in.
Bayer Leverkusen have not received any offers for goalkeeper Bernd Leno, according to the club's CEO Michael Schade.
According to German tabloid Bild, 23-year-old Leno has an €18 million release clause he can trigger this summer.
has linked the Leverkusen keeper with a switch to Real Madrid, who reportedly rate him as highly as Manuel Neuer, Thibaut Courtois or David De Gea, with the latter frequently named a potential target.
that the Champions league holders have taken the first steps in moves that will see No. 1 Iker Casillas finally leave the club this summer after 18 years.
But Leverkusen have played down links of Leno being recruited as Casillas' replacement, with Schade telling : "Nothing has arrived here, and nobody has contacted us. It's just one of many rumours."
Leno is one of the Bundesliga's up-and-coming keepers, and his performances for Leverkusen in the Champions League knockout stage against Atletico Madrid have brought him to wider attention outside of Germany.
The 23-year-old joined Leverkusen from Stuttgart in the summer of 2011, and has missed only two league games through injury since. He has played in every one Leverkusen's last 83 league games, and has made a total of 112 consecutive appearances for his club.
Leno is currently competing with Barcelona's Marc-Andre ter Stegen for the No. 1 spot in Germany's under-21 squad for the European Championship in the Czech Republic this summer.
While the Leverkusen man took to the field in the 2-2 draw with Italy late last week, his rival played in the 3-2 defeat to England on Tuesday.
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Lucas Silva has made six La Liga appearances for Real Madrid this season.
Real Madrid's January signing Lucas Silva says he would prefer to spend next season playing regularly at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, rather than going on loan to Porto for a year.
Silva joined Madrid from Cruzeiro for around €14 million during the most recent transfer window, and has since made seven appearances, three of which have come as a substitute, for Madrid in La Liga and the Champions League.
Some have claimed that next season he could follow the route of another young Brazilian midfielder, Casemiro, and spend the 2015-16 campaign on loan at Portuguese club Porto.
Speaking to while on international duty with Brazil's Olympic team, the 22-year-old said his first choice was to stay at Madrid and fight for a regular starting place.
"I was surprised by the news, having heard nothing about it," Silva said "I have a contract with Real Madrid and want to fulfil it. I have had chances and I believe I am ready to be with the team and play."
Pressed as to whether he might benefit from playing regularly for a season at a smaller club, as Casemiro appears to be doing, Silva admitted it might be an option.
"Maybe [a loan to Porto] is a good option," he said. "As I said I have a contract with Madrid, although I want to play games."
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Hector Bellerin's admission could concern his manager Arsene Wenger
When the draw was made in December, the Gunners were made overwhelming favourites to win and qualify for the quarter finals for the first time in five years.
But their chronic defensive frailties were exposed in the first leg as they lost 3-1 at the Emirates, conceding a goal in the last minute.
A brave performance in the second leg saw Arsene Wenger's men beat the French club 2-0 on the night but they exited the tournament on away goals after drawing 3-3 on aggregate.
And the young right-back has admission of complacency from the team could concern Wenger.
He told Marca: "In the Champions League maybe we should have done things better.
ESPN FC Insider Tor-Kristian Karlsen wonders how Mats Hummels' attacking mindset can transfer to the Premier League.
Ahead of their Bundesliga clash with Bayern Munich on Saturday April 4, Borussia Dortmund's Sven Bender insists his side are confident of an upset, against the defending champions.
Manchester United target Mats Hummels has told that he is considering his Borussia Dortmund future.
Hummels, under contract at Dortmund until 2017, has been .
Last week, the Daily Mail reported that United were ready to bid £36 million for the Germany international, and that BVB are bracing themselves for offers and could be willing to sell.
Dortmund have said 26-year-old Hummels "is an incredibly important player for us, with whom we continue to plan," but the club captain told kicker on Monday that he had not yet made up his mind about his future.
He said: "As matters stand, I think about what is good for me and what I want to do.
"Everyone knows that I very much like it here in Dortmund, but I also want us to have a powerful squad and a powerful approach.
"I have held many talks in recent weeks, which are relevant for me and which will form my general view.
"But I have not made a decision regarding my future, and even if I had it does not necessarily mean that it can be turned into reality."
Hummels, who struggled with injuries and for form in the first half of the season, continued: "It's not like I'm now saying that I'll leave no matter what. Whenever I make a decision, no matter which direction, I will openly talk about it.
"I am not a friend of those who superficially talk about staying put and secretly have already decided against it."
Asked whether a move abroad generally would be of interest for him, Hummels replied: "Often I think that I definitely want to do it, but then I have days when I think that I don't need it.
"But fundamentally I believe that playing abroad is good for the footballing as well as the personal development.
"You can also see that when you're with the national team, and so it'll boil down to a switch abroad at some point. If I want to make the step, I would probably have to do it within the next two or three years."
Hummels could join a number of players leaving the Westfalenstadion in the summer, following a season that will see the club miss out on Champions League qualification, according to BVB CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke.
"There will definitely not be a radical overhaul, this is part of our philosophy," he told kicker. "But without European football we'd have a few established [stars] too many in the squad."
The newspaper named Ciro Immobile, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Dortmund-born Kevin Grosskreutz as potential candidates to leave in the summer.
"We want to have an ambitious squad next season," Watzke added.
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The FC team discuss whether Gareth Bale should stick it out at Real Madrid or head back to the Premier League.
There are several areas of the Manchester United team that should require surgery in the summer, one of which is up front. Surely, Radamel Falcao's loan will not be extended or made permanent, while Robin van Persie is not the player he was and James Wilson is still raw. The thing that United have lacked this season is real pace in their attack, a commodity that is not especially readily available in European football at the moment. Palermo's Paulo Dybala has been mentioned, but he is perhaps not the sort of forward United need, while Saido Berahino is probably too much of a risk for the sort of money West Brom could ask.
Another option is Lacazette, who, along with Nabil Fekir, has been the driving force behind Lyon's title bid this season and certainly has the speed that United require. Lacazette would of course represent a gamble because he really has only one season of goal scoring in Ligue 1 under his belt, but it would perhaps be a gamble worth taking.
Manchester United
It's difficult to remember a time when talk of Manchester United chasing Hummels wasn't a fixture in the gossip pages -- perhaps it's always been there, from the very dawn of time. Hummels would indeed be a fine fit for Louis van Gaal's side, whose central defensive options are limited, to say the least.
However, the German might well be equally coveted across town, where Manchester City have their own defensive problems, with Vincent Kompany's decline shifting from "worrying" to "potentially ruinous" in the past season. While Eliaquim Mangala is a walking example of throwing money at the problem being a flawed solution, they need to do something. Financial fair play considerations must be taken into account, but Hummels would appear to be as close to a proven solution as Manuel Pellegrini -- or whomever is in charge at City come the summer -- will find.
Manchester City
It's sometimes quite curious how managers simply take issue with certain players. For Van Gaal, that player seems to be Rafael. The Brazilian has been relegated to a substitute role and, perhaps even more damningly, has fallen behind Antonio Valencia, a limited winger, in the right-back pecking order. It seems fairly certain that United will therefore buy a right-back, and while Dani Alves could be one option, there are noises coming out of Barcelona to suggest he will be staying there.
Nathaniel Clyne has shone at Southampton, and the Saints could well be forced into selling the right-back in the summer.
In any case, Van Gaal might well want a younger option. Seamus Coleman might be a little expensive, so Southampton's excellent Nathaniel Clyne would seem to fit the bill. One might think the Saints will not want another summer of upheaval after last year, but this season will at least have displayed that they can cope with the sale of their top players, particularly if someone offers upward of £15 million for Clyne.
Manchester United
This is a transfer that seems so obvious that it's something of a surprise it hasn't happened yet. At the end of last summer, as he saw most of his teammates being sold around him, Schneiderlin expressed his dissatisfaction that Southampton wouldn't allow him to leave, too. While he stayed and things have gone rather better at St Mary's than he and many others feared, he still seems keen to move on after this season.
"In August, I wanted to take a move, but the club had lost too many players to agree to sell me," he was quoted recently as saying in L'Equipe. "Since then, I have had discussions with the leaders and I want to play at the highest level. It is important at 25 years old to finally know the Champions League ... Southampton may qualify for the Champions League and I can stay. Who knows? I have no desire to be in front of my TV on Tuesday and Wednesday." While the form of 23-year-old Francis Coquelin has been excellent this season, Arsenal still need a serious defensive midfielder, and Schneiderlin very much fits that bill.
Arsenal
It would appear that even if Burnley manage to survive this season -- and they are making a decent fist of things at the moment -- Ings will depart for pastures new in the summer when his contract expires. There has been , and he's also been linked with Liverpool, but it's perhaps the club across Stanley Park that would be a better fit for Ings. While his scoring record has been excellent this season, a move to a side with Liverpool's aspirations might be a step too far, while it's slightly difficult to imagine exactly where he'd fit in Rodgers' side.
Everton, however, would still represent a promotion but not an unmanageable one. It would makes sense for Roberto Martinez, too, as he'd have an alternative to the overworked Romelu Lukaku. A beneficial move for all concerned.
Everton
The latest flying winger to emerge from the Netherlands, Depay is attracting some rave reviews for his performances with PSV Eindhoven, but such is the hierarchy of European football these days, they will probably struggle to keep hold of him even though he signed a new contract last year. There have been plenty of suitors for him, too, notably Tottenham last summer.
"Tottenham were willing to offer €20 million for Depay," PSV director Toon Gerbrands said recently. "We decided to keep hold of him, but he has the option to leave after this season." It would certainly make sense for Spurs to revisit their interest in the summer, given that Erik Lamela still flatters to deceive, Nacer Chadli is inconsistent and Andros Townsend will probably never be quite good enough. Depay would represent another fairly significant outlay, but the signs are he would be worth it.
Tottenham
There was once a time when most people believed Milner was little more than a willing workhorse, the sort of traditional English grafter who was holding the national team back as other sides relied on technical excellence. However, many of those have disappeared, and most can now see the value of an enormously consistent and versatile midfielder; particularly Manuel Pellegrini, who called Milner a "phenomenon" a few weeks ago, but not enough of one to play him every week.
That has apparently led to Milner seeking a move away from Manchester City, and with his contract expiring in the summer he will be free to seek regular football. Liverpool would appear to be the most obvious destination, with a hole coming up in their midfield and Milner being both adaptable and tenacious, and thus seems to be a perfect player for Rodgers' style.
Liverpool
If you can have sympathy for a wealthy, young professional footballer, it's tough to feel anything but sorry for Walcott. put him out for not only the second half of the campaign and the World Cup, but sidelined him at a time when Arsenal were strengthening. In the summer, Arsenal signed Alexis Sanchez and Danny Welbeck, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain became one of the club's most consistent midfield options.
This doesn't leave much space for Walcott, as shown by his place on the bench most weeks, and with his contract having only a little over a year to run, it looks like a summer departure would be best for all concerned. Manchester City are thought to be set for a summer overhaul with one of the aims to lower the average age of their squad, so with Walcott still only 26 and the need for English talent, pace and the potential for goals in their squad, City might be a good fit for the winger.
Manchester City
It's something of a surprise that Cech has lasted this long at Chelsea. From the moment it was clear Thibaut Courtois was going to return to his parent club, it was inevitable that the young Belgian would be Jose Mourinho's first choice, and not necessarily because of anything Cech has or hasn't done.
Petr Cech's time at Chelsea is nearing an end, and his powers would be welcome across town at Arsenal.
"I don't want another season of this," he said recently. "I still have the contract for the next season, so it really depends on Chelsea a lot. It is not in my hands, but it's obvious I want to play." He won't be playing much at Stamford Bridge but has shown that he's still good enough to play at the top level and at 32 (33 in May), he still has a good five years left in him yet.
He would be a perfect fit for Arsenal, with Wojciech Szczesny and David Ospina remaining unconvincing, but Arsene Wenger's famous stubbornness could put paid to that idea, having brought the former up through the youth ranks and the latter purchased only a year ago. But if they did manage to persuade Chelsea to sell Cech to them, Arsenal could have a serious chance of at least challenging for the title with a proper goalkeeper behind them.
Arsenal
Life isn't especially sweet for Bale at the moment. He seemingly cannot do anything right at Real Madrid, forever in the shadow of Cristiano Ronaldo, where his poor form is simply exacerbated. Still, this "poor form" has seen him score a perfectly respectable 16 goals in 32 appearances, but that is seemingly not enough for the notoriously fickle and demanding Madridistas, who jeer his every move and have after the loss.
His obvious destination in England is Manchester United, and while contemplating how to fit the Welshman and Angel di Maria in the same team might give Van Gaal a headache, it's one that Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti eventually solved rather well last season. And, of course, one should not discount the possibility of United cutting their losses on the Argentinean, whose form has disappeared of late. It would take a hefty fee to get Real to part with Bale, but he will surely be worth it.
Manchester United
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