La Liga
As Real Madrid chase Atletico in tense title race, Lionel Messi takes a break
The 2020/21 La Liga season is coming to a close as Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid go head-to-head in a thrilling title race. Regardless of what happens on the final matchday of the campaign, the league crown will stay in the capital. Barcelona and Sevilla have already qualified for next season’s Champions League group stage, but all the attention is turned towards the Madrid sides in this nail-biting season finale. Ahead of the final kick-off, Atletico lead the way in one of the most exciting title races in Spain over the past few years, holding a two-point advantage on cross-town rivals Real. Zinedine Zidane hopes to make history Seeking league titles in consecutive seasons for the first time since 2007/08, Real go into Matchday 38 looking to overturn a two-point deficit on Atletico. Des...
Barcelona enter race to sign €60m Manchester United defensive target – report
Barcelona are the latest club to be interested in signing Villarreal defender Pau Torres this summer, according to Mundo Deportivo. Torres has been fancied to leave the Yellow Submarines at the end of the campaign, and he has been linked with Manchester United and Real Madrid. Madrid appear to have cooled their interest with the anticipated arrival of David Alaba, who is likely to occupy the left-sided central defensive role. It is now reported that the Blaugrana are interested in signing the Spain international, with Samuel Umtiti expected to be shown the exit door. The club have reportedly reached an agreement to sign Eric Garcia and have identified Torres as the left-footed centre-back to accompany him next term. The defender’s €60 million release clause remains a stumbli...
Barcelona linked with Alvaro Morata as Juventus future uncertain
Barcelona have been linked with a move for Juventus loanee Alvaro Morata, as his future in Serie A has not been resolved yet. Morata came to Juventus for a second spell last summer on loan from Atletico Madrid, with the option to make the deal permanent for €45 million. He has been the club’s second top goalscorer behind star man Cristiano Ronaldo, hitting 18 in all competitions. Morata has struck 18 times this season However, it’s been a disappointing season for the Old Lady. After winning nine successive league titles, they were comfortably beaten to the prize by Inter Milan and go into the final day knowing that Champions League qualification is out of their hands. Additionally, they were knocked out of Europe by underdogs Porto in the round of 16. Although, they have enjoyed some succe...
Barcelona close to signing £22.5m-rated star, deal could be finalised by May 31 – report
Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero could undergo his medical with Barcelona immediately after the Champions League final, Mundo Deportivo reports. The Argentine is expected to leave the Cityzens when his contract expires this summer, and he has been fancied to make the switch to the Blaugrana. The Catalan giants have already held talks with his representatives over a free transfer, and it is reported that the deal is ’80 percent’ done with a few formalities left. Aguero is likely to undergo his medical shortly after the Champions League final against Chelsea, and a two-year deal could be signed by May 31. If the logistics don’t work out, the move could be delayed until July with the striker due to play for Argentina in the World Cup qualifiers and Copa America. Sportslens view: Agu...
Juventus reportedly join 13-time UCL winners in the race for Everton man
Transfer market agent and intermediary Ivan Reggiani has told Calciomercato that Juventus are weighing up appointing Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti as their next boss. While he led the Serie A giants to the Coppa Italia prize last night, missing out on a top-four finish could cost manager Andrea Pirlo his job. Juventus have not particularly impressed under the 42-year-old, and it appears that they are looking at potential replacements ahead of next season. Ancelotti was in charge of the Old Lady between 1999 and 2001, and it seems they are looking to bring him back for the tough task ahead. The Everton boss has also been linked with a return to Real Madrid, with Los Blancos boss Zinedine Zidane tipped to leave the Santiago Bernabeu at the end of the season. The 13-time Champions League wi...
Seven players on the transfer list as Real Madrid look to fund Kylian Mbappe deal
Real Madrid have placed seven first-team players on the transfer list as they look to raise funds to sign Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe. It’s no secret how much Los Blancos president Florentino Perez admires the youngster. It is believed that he is the club’s number one target. However, despite having just one year remaining on his current contract, the 22-year-old would cost an incredible fee. PSG spent €180 million on him back in 2018, and they would likely demand a similar fee this time around. In Madrid’s current financial situation, this is not possible without making big sales. As a result, the Spanish giants have made seven players available for sale, according to Marca. Isco Isco hasn’t been at his best in recent years Once one of the brightest talents at the club, attacki...
53-year-old is ‘waiting’ for the Real Madrid job, could take charge if Zidane leaves
Massimiliano Allegri is waiting for the managerial role at Real Madrid amid the uncertain future of Zinedine Zidane, reputed journalist Fabrizio Romano claims. Los Blancos are currently two points behind Atletico Madrid for the top spot in La Liga with one game left in the campaign. Their chances of retaining their title are dependent on Atletico failing to beat Real Valladolid while they win against Villarreal. Regardless of the result, Zidane is said to be assessing his options, and it is reported that he could resign from his position. Allegri has been touted as a possible successor, and Romano claims that the 53-year-old has snubbed offers from Italy in anticipation of the Madrid vacancy. Contacted again by Italian clubs, Massimiliano Allegri has not changed his mind: he’s waiting for ...
Who will be managing Real Madrid and Barcelona next season?
Real Madrid and Barcelona have had mixed campaigns by their high standards this season, and the latter are out of the La Liga title race ahead of the final matchday. Barcelona had the chance to overtake Atletico Madrid for the top spot this month, but they played out a disappointing goalless draw against Diego Simeone’s side. The result was followed by a draw and a defeat, which sees them four points adrift of Atletico ahead of the last matchday of the campaign. Madrid, on the other hand, have matched Atletico’s result over the past four games (three wins and one draw), but they lie two points adrift of their rivals. Atletico clinched a dramatic 2-1 comeback win at Osasuna last night, where they scored both of their goals after the 80th minute. They must win at Real Valladolid on matchday ...
Premier League & La Liga giants forced to look elsewhere as Dortmund secure UCL football
Barcelona, Chelsea and Barcelona have received a blow to their summer transfer plans, with Borussia Dortmund securing Champions League football for next season. The Bundesliga outfit suffered a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt last month, which saw them seven points adrift of the top four with seven games to play. Their form has since been sensational with six successive league wins, and they recently guaranteed their Champions League spot with one match remaining. With the qualification, the club are likely to be boosted with the additional revenue, which could have a huge impact on their transfer strategy this summer. Over the past few weeks, there has been plenty of talk regarding Erling Braut Haaland’s future with suggestions that he could move on if Dortmund fail to mak...
Barcelona close to signing €45m-rated star with 31 goal contributions – report
Lyon forward Memphis Depay is close to joining Barcelona on a free transfer this summer, a report from L’Equipe claims. The Dutchman was on Blaugrana’s radar during last summer’s transfer window, but a deal failed to materialise as they could not meet the transfer demands. Depay has had another fine season for Les Gones with 21 goals and 10 assists from 38 appearances, but they could still miss out on Champions League football. Even if they make the top three, the 27-year-old has no desire to sign a new contract beyond June, and he now appears on the cusp of joining the Catalan giants. It is reported that Ronald Koeman’s side only have minor details to settle before the free transfer of the Netherlands international is finalised. Sportslens view: Depay has been constantly linked with the B...
13-time UCL winners reportedly admire Everton man, considering summer move
Real Madrid have Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti on their radar and will weigh up a move for the Italian if Zinedine Zidane leaves the Santiago Bernabeu at the end of the campaign, according to Mirror Sports. The Frenchman could leave the La Liga giants at the end of the campaign regardless of whether they pip Atletico Madrid to the title or not. Madrid president Florentino Perez has Ancelotti, Raul and Max Allegri on his list of Zidane’s replacement, but whether the Everton boss would be open to a return remains to be seen. The 61-year-old led the 13-time Champions League winners to their 10th European title in 2014, leaving them the following season after a trophyless campaign. Los Blancos won the Copa del Rey, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup under Ancelotti in 2014, and he is sti...
Manchester United linked with Getafe midfield star
Manchester United could make a shock summer move for Getafe midfield anchor man Mauro Arambarri. The Premier League side are rumoured to be in the market for midfield options ahead of the 2020/21 season and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is looking to La Liga for options. The Red Devils have also been linked with a move for Atletico Madrid star Marcos Llorente, but with Los Rojiblancos demanding a minimum of €80m for the Spanish international, Arambarri is a much cheaper alternative. The Uruguayan was linked with a move to Atletico himself at the start of the current campaign, after establishing a reputation as one of the best defensive midfielders in the Spain under Jose Bordalas. However, that interest has now cooled from their domestic rivals, and United are planning a €20m swoop according to rep...
