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It's a slow news day, as one might have expected, but that didn't stop us from rounding up all of the latest news in one convenient post. Inconsistent QPR midfielder, Adel Taarabt revealed that he is in talks with AC Milan - which means that the skilful Moroccan could line up against the Blaugrana in February - but he also revealed that he has aspirations of one day playing for Barcelona. Elsewhere, Vicente del Bosque confirmed that Michu is set to receive his first ever call-up to the Spanish squad for their February friendly against Uruguay, which may mean that some of our key players may (or more likely may not) be allowed a rest.
2012 saw Barça take the Spanish Cup and chalk up some astonishing statistics – winning 49 of their 63 official games over the 12 months – a 78% win rate, with 9 draws (14%) and just 5 defeats (8%). The team scored 175 goals, averaging 2,7 a game and conceded 61 -0,95 a game. Both the number of wins and the goals scored are a Spanish League record for a calendar year.
Real Mallorca president Jaume Cladera has resigned from his post with the La Liga club. He said: "There comes a time when the right thing to do is look for the best solution for the club and I understand that right now the best thing was to tender my resignation. I'm leaving because I think it's the most positive thing for Real Mallorca and to make things work better. I'm convinced that I've dedicated two-and-a-half years of my life to Real Mallorca, obviously with successes and mistakes as well."
Adel Taarabt has revealed his agent is in talks with AC Milan over a possible January move, although he admits he would only be going there to engineer a transfer to either Barcelona or Real Madrid. "Milan aren’t going through a glorious period now, and they’re no longer a part of the top clubs," said Taarabt. "However, if I joined Milan then it would open up the doors for me to great clubs like Real Madrid and Barca."
Michu's red-hot form since arriving in the Premier League is set to be rewarded with a first Spain call-up. Spain face Uruguay in a friendly in Doha on 6 February and their coach Vicente del Bosque said: "Michu and Iago Aspas will appear."
Dani Alves admits football is of secondary importance while Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova fights a second battle against cancer. He told Brazilian newspaper O Estado de Sao Paulo: "It was a surprise and we were happy to know that he was already at home (after the operation). We're ready to help in any way he needs. Football is secondary right now. He is fighting for his life."
To get into the holiday spirit, SB Nation Soccer asked our bloggers what their teams might most want for Christmas. Here are the responses.