FC Barcelona News: 17 July 2012; Four Players Nominated for UEFA Award, Dani Alves Resumes Training

Messi with group from first day | FC Barcelona
Leo Messi is one of the 14 FC Barcelona players that reported back today for the 2012/13 preseason. And this year he’s here to stay, something unusual for him. But it’s excellent news for Barça and Tito Vilanova that the best player on the world will be able to concentrate fully on preparing with his club.

Xavi, Iniesta, Cesc and Messi nominated for UEFA Best Player in Europe Award | FC Barcelona
UEFA unveiled the list of nominees for the UEFA Best Player in Europe Award this Monday afternoon. This is the second edition of the award, formerly known as the European Footballer of the Year Award, after Lionel Messi won the inaugural award in Monaco last year during the UEFA Champions League group stage draw.

Dani Alves resumes Barcelona training after shoulder surgery - Goal.com
Barcelona right-back Dani Alves is set to resume squad training on Tuesday in the Catalans' first workout session of the new season after spending the past two months on the sidelines due to a shoulder injury. The Brazil international did not feature in Barcelona's Copa del Rey final win over Athletic Bilbao due to his physical problem, and also missed out on a spot in Brazil's Olympic squad.

First training session under Tito Vilanova | FC Barcelona
Following on from Monday’s medical examinations, two training sessions – at 9am and 7 pm – have been scheduled for Tuesday at the Joan Gamper sports facilities. For new manager Tito Vilanova it was his first day in charge.

Tito Vilanova starts with new-look staff | FC Barcelona
Tito Vilanova is ready to take centre stage after four years as assistant to Guardiola, and was the main attraction on a Monday on which medical tests were the order of the day. But he is not the only change the players are going to have to get used to, although for the time being, the new faces are all coaches rather than players, as the only new signing, Jordi Alba, is away preparing for the Olympic Games in the UK.

2012: Gerard Deulofeu – UEFA.com
It is a rare thing for a championship-winning team to be dependent on just one player as the sole source of their success and the same is true of Spain's triumphant Under-19 crop of 2012. In winger Gerard Deulofeu, however, La Rojita had a focal point through which most of their creativity in the tournament flowed.

Bañuz: "It's going to be a great season" | FC Barcelona
Miguel Bañuz is one of the U18 players that was promoted to the Barça B team this year. The keeper is very aware that his job is to continue improving and in order to accomplish his goal he’s dedicated himself to give his utmost each day. Bañuz’ motivation isn’t diminished by being the team’s third keeper, in fact, the contrary is true.

Ricardo Carvalho and Gago edge closer to Madrid exit after missing training - Goal.com
Ricardo Carvalho and Fernando Gago are both believed to be close to leaving Real Madrid after missing the club's training session on Monday. The duo are not part of coach Jose Mourinho's plans for the new season and have been given permission to discuss their future with any interested clubs, according to AS.

Malaga owe their players 35 to 40 per cent of their wages, says Association of Spanish Footballers - Goal.com
President of the Spanish Footballers' Association (AFE) Luis Rubiales has hit out at Malaga over the non-payment of 40 per cent of the players' wages. The Rosaleda outfit were purchased by a member of the Qatari royal family in 2010 and have since purchased talents players like Martin Demichelis, Santi Cazorla and Joaquin.

Kone in Levante no-show - Yahoo! Eurosport UK
The Ivory Coast international, who had been given an extra week’s holiday, was due to show at Ciudad de Valencia before moving on to La Manga for a training camp. But the 28-year-old’s absence adds fuel to reports he is angling for a move to the Premier League after hitting 15 Liga goals last season.

Orellana, returns to Granada
The Chilean midfielder, Fabian Orellana, returns to Granada FC after having played last season with Celta Vigo where he achieved promotion to la Liga BBVA with the team. Orellana wants to build on the maturity he has gained from his time with the Galician team: "I want to build on what I have done in la Liga Adelante".

Swansea' make Michu bid' - Yahoo! Eurosport UK
According to Marca.com, the Spaniard was given the all clear to discuss personal terms with the Welsh side on Monday. Michu has a four million euro release clause from his contract but the Madrid-based side has been struggling financially, with players threatening to leave last season in a row over unpaid wages.

Qatari side Al Rayyan set to sign Villarreal forward Nilmar - ESPN Soccernet
Nilmar, 28, had impressed after moving to Villarreal from Brazilian side Internacional 2009, and was part of the Brazil squad that reached the quarter-finals of the 2010 World Cup. However, he has since suffered with injuries, and Villarreal have agreed to his sale for a fee reported to be in the region of €8 million following their relegation from the Spanish top flight.