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Barca favourites to sign Sanchez | ESPN
Udinese president Franco Soldati claims that Barcelona are favourites to sign in-demand winger Alexis Sanchez ahead of several of Europe's top sides. Sanchez, 22, has been the subject of intense interest this summer following an impressive campaign that saw him bag 12 goals and help the Bianconeri to a fourth place finish in Serie A.
Xavi - We're the best | Sky Sports
"There have been some great teams in history, Pele's Brazil, (Johan) Cruyff's Ajax, (Arrigo) Sacchi's Milan but in the past 20 years this Barcelona team is the best," he told Bild. On Messi, he added: "He is the best player of all time - better than Pele, Maradona or Cruyff. We have to protect him as he is crucial.
Barça B release starlets | LFP
Barcelona B have announced that five reserve players will not continue with the team next season. The contracts of all five players, Abraham, Edu Oriol, Benja, Nolito and Victor Vázquez, are due to expire on 30th June and for different motives, their respective contracts will not be renewed.
Barcelona rightfully recognized as one of the greatest teams ever | SI
Perfection is impossible in football, but that does not prevent some demanding it. This was as close as you are likely to get. There could be no arguing with the result. The destruction of Manchester United was unanswerable, Barcelona killed United softly, almost imperceptibly but defeated it absolutely.
Sprain sidelines Thiago | LFP
FC Barcelona player Thiago Alcántara picked up a sprain whilst on duty with Spain's Under-21s in the weekend friendly against Russia in Soria. The injury has affected the player's left foot but he should be given the all clear in two to three days.
Ibrahim Afellay: I will be even better next season for Barcelona | Goal
He has admitted that he feels that there is still room for improvement in his own game, telling Sport: "I think that the conditions are there to do even better next season. The past six months have already been quite good, though. I feel very well and the future is looking very bright.
A golden goalkeeping generation - why Barcelona's Victor Valdes is a victim of Spain's success | Goal
So Valdes is also a World Cup winner, albeit as third keeper – the 23rd squad member that no one ever remembers. It’s not Valdes’ fault; he has reached the top of his profession and the rewards have been outstanding. He just hasn’t reached the pinnacle.
Benfica: No Real deal for Coentrao | ESPN
"Fabio Coentrao is a Benfica player," the statement read. "Unlike the news that came out in the media, fuelled, as always, by 'sources' with no name and no face, there is no kind of agreement with Real Madrid. "The player's release clause is €30 million and the potential interested parties know that."
Inter deny Kaka swap deal claim | Eurosport
The Gazzetta dello Sport carried a report on Monday alleging Inter had agreed a swap deal with Real Madrid that would have seen Brazilian full-back Maicon head for the Spanish capital. Moratti was unhappy with the rumour and said: "These are all lies.
De Gea delays decision | Sky Sports
On Tuesday some Spanish papers reported that United have agreed to pay Atletico a fee of €21million (£18.8m) to secure De Gea's services. But while the 20-year-old keeper has admitted he wants to play at the highest level, he insists he will not discuss his future with the media until after the Under-21 tournament in Denmark.
Atletico stand firm over Salvio | ESPN
Atletico Madrid forward Eduardo Salvio will not be sold for less than €15 million, according to club president Enrique Cerezo. The highly-rated 20-year-old Argentinian spent last season on loan at Benfica but looks set to return to the Vicente Calderon next term unless Los Rojiblancos' asking price is met.
Marcelino set for Sevilla job | Sky Sports
Marcelino García Toral is set to be presented as the new coach of Sevilla, the club has confirmed. Marcelino quit as Racing Santander coach on Friday having steered them to a 12th-placed finish in La Liga after replacing Miguel Angel Portugal in February.
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