FC Barcelona News: 21 March 2011; International Duty Calls Players, Dani Alves Expected To Sign (Very) Soon, More Fabregas Talk

Giants torn apart by dope claims | The Sun
Cadena Cope Radio were forced into issuing an immediate apology to both Barca and Valencia but this hasn't taken away the huge question marks as to where the story came from and why it was reported. The whole issue has left a sour taste and a trail of suspicions, innuendo, accusations and counter-accusations.

Dani Alves Could Sign Barcelona Contract Extension This Week - Report | Goal
Brazil international Dani Alves could sign a contract extension with reigning Spanish champions Barcelona in the coming days, a report in Catalan publication Sport suggests. The 27-year-old defender and the Blaugrana have been in talks for several weeks now and the club seem determined to wrap up negotiations by the end of the week.

International call ups for 12 Barça players | FCBarcelona
Ahead of the key last few weeks of the season, Barça have a break as their players fly off to all parts to play for their national teams, with a dozen stars missing from the training sessions over the next few days.

Just six squad players in training | FCBarcelona
The first of this week’s four training sessions was limited to the six first team squad players available - Pinto, Alves, Fontàs, Keita, Jeffren and Bojan, who were joined by Miño, Muniesa, Sergi Gómez, Montoya, Tello, Carmona, Rafinha and Víctor Vázquez from the B team under Pep Guardiola’s supervision.

Exclusive: Arsenal Prepared To Grant Cesc Fabregas Dream Summer Move To Barcelona | Goal
The Premier League club privately accept that it will be almost impossible to hold on to Fabregas for another season against his wishes. But Arsenal will only consider doing business if Barcelona make an offer for their prize asset and captain in the region of £45m.

How Would Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas Fit In At Barcelona? - Here Are The Possibilities | Goal
What has often been assessed is where Fabregas fits into the grand plan. He has been regarded as the playmaker-in-waiting, Xavi's successor who would share first team duties with the cultured creator as his illustrious career reaches its climax. Xavi will be 32 next season, and while his performances haven't waned, his body eventually will.

Reds eye Barca starlet | Sky Sports
Jeffren is contracted to the Camp Nou outfit until the summer of 2012 and it remains to be seen whether he will spend another season battling for a first-team place. Barcelona are believed to seek a fee in the region of €10million (£8.7m) for the starlet's services, although they could settle for €8m (£6.9m) to strike a deal.

Keita eyes Mali comeback | Sky Sports
The 31-year-old Barcelona battler quit playing for his country after the African Nations Cup in 2010 but could now make a return. Keita has spoken with new Mali coach Alain Giresse and admits he is keen to get back on the field for the African outfit.

2010-11 Transfer Report Card: How Good Were Barcelona's Signings? | Goal
Coach Pep Guardiola has made no secret of his desire to maintain a compact, closely-knit squad, and this was reflected in the fact that more players vacated the Camp Nou than arrived over both the summer and winter windows. But with a second Triplete within the space of three seasons well within reach, how much of an impact has Barca's transfer activity had on the success of the team?

Hercules axe Vigo | Sky Sports
The board's patience finally snapped after Sunday's heavy home drubbing and Vigo's successor will be tasked with the job of moving Hercules off the foot of the table to safety. Barcelona B manager Luis Enrique, who has already confirmed he will be leaving his post in the summer, and AEK boss Manolo Jimenez are the early contenders to succeed Vigo.

Ronaldo out for three weeks | Eurosport
He is likely to miss Portugal's friendly internationals against Chile and Finland later this month and will be a doubt for Real's Champions League quarter-final first leg against Tottenham Hotspur on April 5.

Pepe Signs 2016 Real Madrid Contract Extension - Report | Goal
Portuguese defender Pepe has agreed terms with La Liga powerhouse Real Madrid over a contract extension until the summer of 2016, Spanish publication Marca reports. The highly rated centre-back has been in contract talks with Los Blancos for several weeks now and the two sides have finally managed to reach an agreement.

Atletico track Gervinho | Sky Sports
Spanish outfit Atletico see Gervinho as a replacement for experienced winger Simao and are rumoured to be considering a bid of €12million.