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BBC Sport - Cesc Fabregas: Man Utd told Barcelona player not for sale
Barcelona vice-president Josep Maria Bartomeu has told Manchester United that they will not sell midfielder Cesc Fabregas at any price. Bartomeu said: "United's interest for Cesc Fabregas is obvious, he's a great player but it does not bother us. It does not matter what they offer us, we are not selling him."
Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino has signed his contract with FC Barcelona. On Friday morning, prior to his press conference in the Auditori 1899, he visited the offices to sign the agreement that binds him to the club for the next two seasons. He was joined by his assistant Jorge Pautasso and fitness coach Elvio Paolorosso. In addition to president Sandro Rosell, the event was also attended by vice presidents Josep Maria Bartomeu and Carles Vilarrubí, directors Ramon Cierco, Eduard Coll, Ramon Pont, Javier Bordas and the Director of Football Andoni Zubizarreta.
Sergi Roberto believes that Gerardo Martino is the ideal coach for Barcelona because of his style of play and his attitude towards young players. "Martino did a great job with Paraguay and with Newell's Old Boys," Roberto told the club's official website. "He’s a coach who has confidence in young players and his teams treat the ball well. Therefore, I think he's the ideal coach for us."
New Barcelona manager Gerardo Martino arrives at the Catalan club on Thursday and is greeted by fans waving the flag of his old Rosaria team, Newell's Old Boys. Martino was backed as the best choice for new manager by his countryman Lionel Messi. The Argentinian manager replaces Tito Vilanova who stood down due to ill health
The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) have confirmed that the much-anticipated match between Malaysia and Barcelona will still take place at the Bukit Jalil Stadium despite the pitch not being up to par with international specifications. He said: "FAM have assured me that the stadium will be ready for the match and we are not moving it to the Shah Alam Stadium."
Today saw the beginning of a historic partnership formed between Africa’s premier Lager, CASTLE Lager, and one of the world’s most popular football clubs FC Barcelona, when a three-year partnership was signed announcing CASTLE Lager the Official African Beer of FC Barcelona.
Former Barcelona president Joan Laporta has branded current incumbent Sandro Rosell as "neurotic and immature". Laporta, who was in charge at Camp Nou between 2003 and 2010, has regularly criticised Rosell in the past and his latest scathing criticism has seen him label his successor as being too covert with his actions. (Editor's note: Says the president that spied on his players/staff...)
Arsenal and Barcelona are set to go head-to-head with Manhester City over UAE wonder kid Omar Abdulrahman. Abdulrahman currently plays in the UAE for Al Ain and has been linked with clubs across Europe. Al Ain's coach, Mohammed Obeid, has confirmed today that several bids have been received for the 21-year-old.
Liverpool have turned their attention to Soldado - placing them in a straight shoot-out with Tottenham for the Spain international's signature. Spurs have been linked with Soldado ever since the transfer window opened but have stalled over his £26 million asking price, despite sending technical director Franco Baldini over to Spain to iron out a deal.
Gareth Bale will reject a move to Real Madrid because he does not want to leave his family. The Evening Standard report that a 'close associate' of the Wales international has told them Bale is not interested in a move to Spain - at least this summer - because of the strong ties to his family.
Valencia have identified Manchester United's Javier Hernandez as a possible replacement for Tottenham-bound Roberto Soldado. Indeed, SuperDeporte claim that Valencia will try to bring in two new attackers in an attempt to replace Soldado's goals from last season, with United's Hernandez near the top of the Spanish club's wish list.
Barça, through its vice president of the social area, Jordi Cardoner, has expressed its condolences for Wednesday’s train accident in Galicia and has sympathised with the families of the victims. "It is a sad day following the rail accident in Santiago. From here, in the name of the institution and my fellow board members, we send our most sincere condolences to the families and friends of the victims", he said. "FC Barcelona, like any other sports club, is sensitive to accidents like these that remind us so much about our priorities in life".