..::Football II::..

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Rafael relishing pre-season at Manchester United

The Brazil international is ready to get going again and thinks the club’s overseas tour allows the players to see their supporters and help to integrate youngsters into the squad "Pre-season is always good, it’s enjoyable," he told the club’s official website. "I like this stage of the year a lot. Of course, there is a lot of running! But it’s good as well because when you come back from holiday, sometimes you can get tired from doing nothing. I feel good when I’m working.

"The pre-season tours are a big part of preparation work for the new season. If you play well, you can put a thought in the manager’s mind and maybe change his mind if you perhaps weren’t in his plans for the first few games.

"Not only are we able to put in some hard work on the training pitch when we're on tour, it's good to see different cultures and different things. It's great that we're able to visit countries across the world because we have so many fans.

The 22-year-old established himself as the club’s first-choice right-back last season and is looking forward to meeting the Red Devils supporters from around the world.

“We are a big club and we have supporters everywhere and it’s good for us to go on tour and see them. They give us so much support and it's great that we're able to meet some of them, especially those who aren't able to get to Old Trafford.

"The tour is a great experience for the young players and the older players like Ryan Giggs and Rio Ferdinand are always really encouraging when we're away and help us a lot. I'm sure this year's tour will be another great trip and it's one we're all looking forward to." Rafael is relishing starting pre-season training at Manchester United and believes it gives players an opportunity to impress new manager David Moyes.

The Scot officially took over the reins at Old Trafford from Sir Alex Ferguson on 1 July, with the club’s first pre-season game on 13 July.

And following a summer of rest, Rafael cannot wait to get going again and is prepared to put in plenty of effort to impress as United embark on tour of Asia.

 

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Kaka: I will stay at Real Madrid

The Brazil international was one of several players tipped to leave los Blancos following Jose Mourinho's exit but he has confirmed he will not be leaving the Santiago Bernabeu Kaka says he will stay at Real Madrid next season after holding crunch talks with new coach Carlo Ancelotti.

The 31-year-old joined the club from AC Milan back in 2009 with a reputation as one of the game's greatest players, but his stock has fallen during a disappointing spell at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The Brazil international was one of several players tipped to leave los Blancos following the departure of Jose Mourinho to Chelsea, but recent developments will see the former-Rossoneri star remain at the club beyond the summer transfer window.

The appointment of Ancelotti as coach, who masterminded Kaka's rise to stardom at San Siro, has culminated in the pair having positive talks regarding his future, and he is now certain over where he play his football next term.

He told reporters: "I have a contract with Real Madrid, and we have got a new coach. I have had positive communication with Carlo Ancelotti and I will stay."

The midfielder was left out of Brazil's squad for their Confederations Cup campaign and watched the Selecao's 3-0 dismantling of Spain in the final during a plane journey to Dubai.

However, national team boss Luiz Felipe Scolari has hinted at handing recalls to Kaka and fellow absentee Ronaldinho for future internationals and he admits World Cup 2014 remains one of his main objectives.

"I saw the game [Brazil 3-0 Spain] in Dubai during my flight. Brazil played very well and congratulations," he added.

"There is one year until World Cup 2014, I really want to play in the World Cup and I have many memories about that."

Kaka's contract at Real Madrid runs until June 2015.

 

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Still no acceptable bid for Gomez, insist Bayern Munich

The club insist they have not yet agreed terms with another side over the potential sale of the striker, despite reports that a move to Fiorentina is close Bayern Munich sporting director Matthias Sammer has revealed the club are still waiting to receive an acceptable offer for striker Mario Gomez.

Reports had suggested Serie A side Fiorentina were on the brink of sealing an €18 million deal for the forward, with personal terms said to be agreed on a four-year contract worth around €4.6m-per-year.

However, Bayern have refuted those claims and insist they have yet to receive an offer that matches their valuation of the former Stuttgart player.

“As of now the club have not received a bid which we are satisfied with for Gomez,” Sammer said to SID.

If a development does not arrive within the next two days, Gomez will travel with Bayern’s squad to a training camp in Trentino on Thursday as planned.

The Germany international has enjoyed a prolific spell with the Bavarians, scoring 75 goals in 115 Bundesliga games for the club.

Despite being contracted with the German champions until the summer of 2016, Gomez is expected to move during this summer’s transfer window after losing his regular starting place to Croatian Mario Mandzukic last season.

Sammer also dismissed reports linking the Champions League winners with a swoop for Chelsea and Brazil defender David Luiz but did not rule out more arrivals in the weeks ahead.

 

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Quagliarella, Vucinic & Matri set for Juventus exit

The Bianconeri are continuing to reassemble their squad ahead of the new season and three first team players appear likely to leave the club
Juventus are set to sell Fabio Quagliarella, Mirko Vucinic and Alessandro Matri as they look to make space for further recruits.The Bianconeri have wasted little time in launching their summer transfer assault, with Fernando Llorente completing his free transfer from Athletic Bilbao on Monday and Carlos Tevez unveiled for an €11.8 million fee last week.The arrival of the two strikers means there is now an over-crowded forward department at Juventus Stadium and coach Antonio Conte has decided to allow the trio of forwards - who mustered just 33 goals between them last season - to leave in the summer window.

AC Milan are believed to hold an interest in Matri, 28, but their preference for a loan deal is of little interest to the Serie A champions, with his current deal running until June 2017.

Juve are, however, hoping Vucinic will attract permanent bids from England, with Premier League sides Manchester United and Tottenham having been linked with the 29-year-old Montenegro international in recent times.

But the future of Quagliarella remains unclear. Like Vucinic, the Italian has a contract with the club until 2015 and is believed to be ready to fight for his place in Turin, despite the prospect of reduced playing time next season.

Lazio and Roma both made tentative enquiries for the 30-year-old in May but are yet to follow up with a firm bid, while interest could also emerge from the Bundesliga.

 

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Barcelona step up pursuit of Marquinhos

The Blaugrana are hoping to bring the Brazilian teenager to Camp Nou as they look to bolster their defence but Roma are holding out for a €30 million fee Barcelona are preparing an improved offer for Roma defender Marquinhos.

The Spanish champions have already had a €20 million bid rejected for the Brazilian teenager, who is regarded as one of the most promising centre-backs in world football.

It is understood that Roma have placed a €30m price tag on the player they bought from Corinthians 12 months ago.

And Barca are now ready to up their offer for Marquinhos as they step up plans to reinforce their back four.

The Catalan club are in the market for a new centre-back who can provide competition for Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique after releasing Eric Abidal.

As reported by Goal, Barcelona have made an enquiry for Arsenal's highly rated centre-half Laurent Koscielny.

They have moved for Marquinhos following his excellent debut campaign in Serie A, with Barca scouts confident the 19-year-old will be comfortable with their fluid playing style.

It has been reported in Italy that the Spanish giants could offer cash plus a player in part-exchange for Marquinhos. One possibility is Alexis Sanchez, while another name that has been mentioned is Martin Montoya.

"These rumours are flattering, but he still has a four-year contract with Roma," his agent Roberto Calenda last week told Radio Sportiva.

Barcelona have also been linked with another Brazilian defender, Thiago Silva, and club officials reportedly flew to South America to watch the Paris Saint-Germain player during the Confederations Cup.

 

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Gotze: Messi is my role model

The former BVB star is keen to follow in the footsteps of the Argentina international and is relishing the opportunity to work under Pep Guardiola New Bayern Munich signing Mario Gotze has revealed that Barcelona star Lionel Messi is a role model to him.

Many have speculated that head coach Pep Guardiola will deploy the Germany international as a Messi-esque 'false No.9' at Bayern and is keen to emulate the Argentine star.

"Lionel Messi is a role model for everyone, including me," Gotze said during his presentation on Tuesday afternoon.

"I don't see the transfer amount as extra pressure. It's something to be proud of having just turned 21.

"Looking back, it wasn't easy when the news broke that I was leaving Dortmund, but that's behind me now. The important thing is to develop myself and I wanted to do that at Bayern."

The 21-year-old then went on to discuss his relationship with Guardiola and stated that his first meeting with the former Barcelona boss was rather special.

"The first contact with Guardiola was really special. We talked about when I would be fit again. I watched Guardiola's training sessions and I saw that he works a lot with the ball on technical things."

Gotze is currently recovering from injury and could miss the beginning of Bayern's season.

 

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Ranieri: Monaco need more players

The Italian coach hopes that the Ligue 2 champions will sign some more players this summer as they aim to join the French elite again Claudio Ranieri has insisted that Monaco's busienss in the transfer market is not over just yet and they intend to make a few more signings as they are chase Champions League qualification in 2013-14.

The Ligue 1 side have already added seven new players to their roster, including high-profile names such as Radamel Falcao, Ricardo Carvalho, James Rodriguez and Joao Moutinho, but the Italian feels they still lack a bit of quality that would allow them to compete with Paris Saint-Germain.

"The club's objective is to finish in the top three, but the team is still missing something," he told the Corriere dello Sport.

"We are missing some players of substance who would really add something to the team. The squad has already changed a lot compared to last year and has become very strong, but we are not complete yet.

"We are still far away from PSG's level, although I understand that the people will see Ligue 1 as a battle between us and them. We have an ambitious president and a lot of money."

Monaco have won seven Ligue 1 titles but their last success was back in 2000.

 

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El Shaarawy's Milan future in doubt, says Boban

The young attacker's progress has seemingly stalled after an impressive start to the 2012-13 campaign and the Croat thinks a transfer could be an option Former AC Milan midfielder Zvonimir Boban believes Stephan El Shaarawy is at risk of being sold this summer unless he improves his game.

The Italy international was one of the stars of the first half of the 2012-13 campaign, but his progress halted after the winter break as he struggled to hit his best form.

A number of recent reports even suggested that Milan could cash in on the 20-year-old if a good offer comes in and Boban thinks a transfer is not out of the question.

"El Shaarawy needs to improve a lot. He is too predictable at the moment. Everybody knows what's going to happen when he cuts inside," he told Sky Sport Italia.

"I get the idea that Milan see him as a good player, but nothing more than that. I get the feeling that they are already considering selling him.

"[Adriano] Galliani has already said that he's not unsellable, so I think they will sell him if the price is right."

El Shaarawy's current contract with Milan runs until June 2018.

 

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Liverpool revive Ince interest

The Merseysiders have made their first move for the England Under-21 international since January as they step up plans to add another wide player to the squad Liverpool have re-entered the race to sign Tom Ince as their pursuit of Christian Atsu stalls, Goal can reveal.

The Merseysiders have registered their interest in the England Under-21 international once again and will notify the player later this month as to whether they will follow up by activating his £8 million release clause.

As reported by Goal, Cardiff City have already bid £8m for the Blackpool attacking midfielder, while Swansea City are also closely monitoring his situation.

It is understood that Liverpool have been in contact with the player's camp for the first time since January amid fears that a deal to capture Porto winger Christian Atsu could collapse.

The Ghana international, 21, has been on the Reds' radar as they continue an extensive summer recruitment programme that has already included the signings of goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, defender Kolo Toure, attacking midfielder Luis Alberto and striker Iago Aspas.

Manager Brendan Rodgers wants to add further width and penetration to his attack and has now targeted another swoop for Ince.

The Merseysiders came close to signing Ince in January but could not agree a fee with Blackpool during what were understood to be "heated" negotiations with the Championship club, which were complicated by the 35 per cent sell-on clause in the deal that took Ince from Anfield to the Seasiders in August 2011.

Cardiff made their first formal move for Ince, with the player's father, Paul, the former England and Manchester United midfielder who is his manager at Bloomfield Road, admitting that Blackpool had accepted a bid from the Premier League newcomers.

However, Malky Mackay's men have not yet agreed personal terms with the youngster, opening up the possibility that he could still move elsewhere, and Goal understands that Ince's preferred destination would be a return to Anfield.

The Liverpool academy graduate has blossomed at Bloomfield Road, scoring 18 league goals for the Championship club last season.

 

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PSV tell Man Utd: Strootman not for sale

The combative midfielder is continually being linked with a move to a bigger league, but his current club have stressed that he's not for sale PSV sporting director Marcel Brands has made it clear that the club have no intention of selling Kevin Strootman ahead of the 2013-14 campaign.

The midfielder has long been linked with a move to Manchester United, while Napoli also made an enquiry for the 23-year-old this summer.

However, the English champions have turned their attentions to Thiago Alcantara instead, while a move to the San Paolo now seems out of the question as well following Brands' latest comments.

"We do not want to lose Strootman this summer. He knows that he will stay at PSV for another season," Brands told De Telegraaf.

Strootman is a product of the Sparta youth academy and also wore the Utrecht jersey before joining PSV in the summer of 2011. He has since developed into a key player at the Eindhoven side.

The midfielder's contract with PSV runs until June 2016.

The Eredivisie side previously lost Jeremain Lens to Dynamo Kiev, Dries Mertens to Napoli and Erik Pieters to Stoke City, while Ola Toivonen is in talks with Norwich City.

 

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Isco: Real Madrid the ultimate for any player

The Spain international was keen to lavish praise on his new club after previously criticising los Blancos in an interview four years ago Isco has claimed Real Madrid represents the pinnacle of any professional player's career after completing his move to the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday.

The 21-year-old attacking midfielder, who will wear the No.23 jersey, was formally presented to the press at lunchtime after passing a morning medical.

Isco had infamously stated four years ago that he had little love for Madrid, whom he labelled as "arrogant", but at Wednesday's unveiling, he had nothing but praise for los Blancos.

"First of all, I want to thank the efforts of the president [Florentino Perez], my family, and love of all the fans," the former Malaga man told reporters.

"For a player there is nothing greater than being at Real Madrid; it is the ultimate. I hope to enjoy it a lot here, and delight everyone, winning many titles for Real Madrid."

Perez, for his part, was keen to give Isco a warm welcome to the Bernabeu, admitting Madrid were delighted they had beaten off stiff competition from Manchester City for one of the most highly rated young players in Europe.

"Isco had offers from other clubs, but he has chosen to play for Real Madrid," the Blancos supremo said.

"Isco is joining a club that doesn't know the word impossible. This is your stadium and your home. Welcome to Real Madrid."

Isco came through the youth team ranks at Valencia before becoming a star during his two-year stay at Malaga.

 

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Blanc: I love Cavani

The reigning Ligue 1 champions have blown the race for the Uruguay international wide open after revealing their desire to acquire the 26-year-old's signature
Paris Saint-Germain boss Laurent Blanc says he "loves" Edinson Cavani and revealed the club are interested in the
Napoli striker.

Earlier on Wednesday the Ligue 1 champions' director general Jean-Claude Blanc cryptically announced that les Parisiens were in talks "with a great player", prompting speculation that they had made a late move to sign striker.

And PSG's new coach has now confirmed their move for the 26-year-old, blowing the race for the Uruguay international wide open, with Real Madrid and Chelsea previously thought to be favourites for his signature.

He told reporters: "I love Cavani, yes we are interested."

Representatives from the Ligue 1 giants were on Wednesday present at an appeal against the French Football Federation's (FFF) to impose a suspended three-point penalty upon the club in relation to an incident involving sporting director Leonardo.

The Brazilian was notable by his absence, though, but Blanc explained that the former AC Milan attacker was busy "negotiating with a great player", who is believed to be Real Madrid and Chelsea target Cavani.

Meanwhile, in a further boost for PSG, Blanc has revealed that he is supremely confident that Thiago Silva will still be at the Parc des Princes next season.

"My position is identical to that of President Nasser Al-Khelaïfi," the ex-France defender declared. "I had Thiago Silva on the phone yesterday [Tuesday] after and I can tell you that he feels Parisien now."

Silva only joined PSG from Milan last summer but Barcelona have reportedly identified the centre-half as one of their primary transfer targets.

 

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Berlusconi Junior: El Shaarawy has a lot to prove to Milan

The Rossoneri have decided to resist the temptation to cash in on the 20-year-old, who suffered a dramatic dip in form during the second half of last season Pier Silvio Berlusconi has welcomed AC Milan's decision to hold onto Stephan El Shaarawy but believes that the onus is now on the forward to "prove" his worth to the Italian giants.

The Italy international carried the Rossoneri during the first half of last season, netting 15 times in Serie A, but he performed poorly from February onwards, finding the net just once more before the campaign's end.

Berlusconi, the son of Milan owner Silvio and vice-president of Mediaset, supports the decision to rule out selling El Shaarawy this summer but feels that the 20-year-old must now vindicate the club's faith in him.

"As a fan, I'm glad he is staying with us," he told reporters. "He is already a champion, despite his age.

"But he still has to a lot to prove, so I expect the highest commitment from him next season."

Of course, El Shaarawy's dramatic dip in form coincided with the arrival of Mario Balotelli, a player for whom Berlusconi has nothing but reverance.

"I adore him," he enthused. "He is one of the best in the world, physically and technically, and can only improve. I have been supporting him for years."

Berlusconi was also full of praise for Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri, who it had been thought might leave San Siro for Roma this summer before the Diavolo eventually decided to retain the coach's services.

"He worked well with the youngsters," he reasoned. "We gave him time and he achieved good results.

"I was always in favour of him staying. He is the right choice for Milan."

Milan recovered from a dreadful start last season to clinch a place in the Champions League with a third-placed finish.

 

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Berlusconi Junior: El Shaarawy has a lot to prove to Milan

The Rossoneri have decided to resist the temptation to cash in on the 20-year-old, who suffered a dramatic dip in form during the second half of last season Pier Silvio Berlusconi has welcomed AC Milan's decision to hold onto Stephan El Shaarawy but believes that the onus is now on the forward to "prove" his worth to the Italian giants.

The Italy international carried the Rossoneri during the first half of last season, netting 15 times in Serie A, but he performed poorly from February onwards, finding the net just once more before the campaign's end.

Berlusconi, the son of Milan owner Silvio and vice-president of Mediaset, supports the decision to rule out selling El Shaarawy this summer but feels that the 20-year-old must now vindicate the club's faith in him.

"As a fan, I'm glad he is staying with us," he told reporters. "He is already a champion, despite his age.

"But he still has to a lot to prove, so I expect the highest commitment from him next season."

Of course, El Shaarawy's dramatic dip in form coincided with the arrival of Mario Balotelli, a player for whom Berlusconi has nothing but reverance.

"I adore him," he enthused. "He is one of the best in the world, physically and technically, and can only improve. I have been supporting him for years."

Berlusconi was also full of praise for Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri, who it had been thought might leave San Siro for Roma this summer before the Diavolo eventually decided to retain the coach's services.

"He worked well with the youngsters," he reasoned. "We gave him time and he achieved good results.

"I was always in favour of him staying. He is the right choice for Milan."

Milan recovered from a dreadful start last season to clinch a place in the Champions League with a third-placed finish.

 

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'Messi's management have no respect for American fans'

The Barcelona forward had been scheduled to feature in a star-studded friendly at the Coliseum but the encounter was called off just 26 hours before the planned kick-off Lionel Messi and his management team have been accused of having "no respect" for American fans or the United States market following the late cancellation of a charity game in Los Angeles.

The Argentine and a host of other top international stars had been scheduled to take part in a friendly at the Coliseum on Wednesday but the match was called off some 26 hours beforehand, much to the fury of Todd Graham, CEO of El Padrino, one of the event's sponsors.

"After hours of trying to convince Lionel Messi's management team to fulfill their contractual agreement and come to Los Angeles, it is clear they have no respect for these fans and this market," he stated.

The match was supposed to have been part of a series of charity games involving Messi, who led an all-star line-up to an 8-5 victory over a 'Rest of the World' XI in Lima, Peru on Tuesday evening.

According to the Los Angeles Times, the Barcelona forward had been unavailable for comment at the time of going to press.

 

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Cech: I could see Rooney in a Chelsea shirt

The Blues keeper believes the England striker would be a welcome addition to the Stamford Bridge squad should he decide to leave Manchester United this summer
Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech admits he would be delighted if the west London club signed Wayne Rooney from Manchester United this summer.

The 27-year-old's future at Old Trafford is currently uncertain after former boss Sir Alex Ferguson claimed the striker had asked to leave the Premier League champions in the closing stages of last season.

Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain have been credited with an interest in Rooney but Cech is hoping the England international moves to Stamford Bridge should he opt for a change of scenery - but only if Jose Mourinho wants him.

"I could see him in a Chelsea shirt," the Czech Republic international told Sky Sports. "Players can change shirts and obviously he had a fantastic career with Manchester United and sometimes players need new challenges.


"Sometimes the consequences are the way that you are looking for the new challenge and change of the shirt."So if that happened, obviously he is a fantastic player and he will be welcome to our squad but now we are only in the moment of speculation about it so we will see what this week will bring.

"He's a great player and you always want to see great players in your team."

Chelsea have also been heavily linked with Napoli's in-demand forward Edinson Cavani, although Cech admits he wouldn't try to influence Mourinho into signing the Uruguay star or any other player.

"I could see anybody in a Chelsea shirt, it depends if Jose Mourinho wants to see those players in the Chelsea shirt," he added."So I believe that he has his own ideas about the team, he knows exactly what he wants in the team. And as I said, now the transfer window opens and we will see what will be the movement in our squad in reality."

 

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Ambrosini set to sign one-year contract with Fiorentina

The veteran midfielder is currently without a club following his release from AC Milan but is now on the verge of putting pen to paper on a season-long deal with the Viola Massimo Ambrosini's agent has claimed that his client will imminently sign a one-year contract with Fiorentina.

The 35-year-old is a free agent following his release by AC Milan and is set to continue his illustrious career at the Artemio Franchi.

“We’re in the final stretch, I do not know what day exactly, but during the week we should close the deal,” Ambrosini's representative, Moreno Roggi, told Violanews.com.

“It does not take much to convince a player to come to Fiorentina, a large city with a team that has a great project and pay on time.

“Even so, he is taking less money than it is believed or written. He will sign for a year.”

Roggi also stated that while Ambrosini is a two-time Champions League winner, he will arrive in Florence without any airs or graces.

“He will enter the dressing room on tiptoe and will be ready to also sit on the bench when it is needed," the agent revealed.

“He is a boy of great humanity and a great fighter; if you are not such a man then you do not have a career like he has.

Ambrosini, who has been capped 35 times by the Azzurri, joined Milan from Cesena in 1995.

 

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Puyol eyes Barcelona contract extension

The veteran defender says he has no intention of calling time on his professional career and is instead targeting a new deal with the Blaugrana Injury-plagued Barcelona captain Carles Puyol has denied that there is any chance of him retiring this summer, revealing that he is actually hoping to extend his contract with the club.

The 35-year-old centre-half was forced to undergo a fourth operation on his troublesome right knee at the end of last season, prompting speculation that he might be forced to call it a day.

However, when asked during an interview with El Mundo Deportivo if he would consider hanging up his boots, Puyol stated defiantly: "Now is not the time. I will not retire. Right now I feel I want to fulfill my contract and if I can, make it longer.

"I am recovering slowly but progressing very well. This operation is not like the others: the post-operative period is more painful but the recovery is faster.

"My idea is to train on the first day of pre-season, though maybe not with the group at first."

Puyol did admit, though, that he is not yet sure if he will continue to make himself available for selection for Spain.

"I have a good relationship with [Vicente] Del Bosque and will not take a final decision or say anything until I talk to the coach," he explained.

"My goal now is to recover from the knee injury and then next season, we'll see. I always take the best decision for Barcelona."

Puyol, whose current contract runs until June 2016, is a product of the Blaugrana's youth academy and has spent his entire career at Camp Nou.

 

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Cavani has heart set on move to Mourinho's Chelsea

The Uruguay striker, who scored three goals at the Confederations Cup, has told his close friends that he wants to move to Stamford Bridge so he can play in the Premier League Edinson Cavani has set his heart on a dream move to the Premier League and wants to join Jose Mourinho at Chelsea, Goal understands.

Having fulfilled his Confederations Cup commitments with Uruguay the Napoli striker is now seeking urgent talks with the Serie A club’s owner Aurelio De Laurentiis, who is intent on receiving the player’s €63 million release clause in full.
Manchester City, Real Madrid and Paris Saint Germain are all competing with Chelsea for the 26-year-old’s services, but the allure of spearheading Mourinho’s strike force at Stamford Bridge is understood to have swayed Cavani, who has spoken of his desire to play in the Premier League on a number of occasions.

"Although Edinson loves Real Madrid, he feels that his style would fit the Premier League much better, and Chelsea are the only chance he has of playing there," a source close to the player revealed to Goal.

“Edinson has already instructed Napoli that he wants to leave and is hopeful that his situation can be resolved as soon as possible.”

Both Manchester City and Real Madrid, whom Cavani claimed it would be “a dream” to play for, have refused to be drawn into a bidding war for the player while, as reported by Goal last month, Chelsea’s €40m plus Fernando Torres offer was firmly rejected.

Chelsea have remained in negotiations with Napoli, however, and will be encouraged by Cavani’s desire to become an integral part of Mourinho’s second coming at Stamford Bridge where he would be an automatic first choice start ahead of the disaffected Torres, youngster Romelu Lukaku and Rafa Benitez’s only major signing Demba Ba.

According to De Laurentiis, Real Madrid have also made a formal offer for the player who has scored 29 league goals last season, while City have cooled their interest having refused to meet the buyout clause and are actively pursuing alternative targets, including Sevilla’s Alvaro Negredo.

Paris Saint Germain’s desire to make Cavani their headline summer signing remains strong after they met with his representatives in January and on Tuesday were reported to have submitted a €50m bid.

 

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Messi & Neymar shine in charity game

Both players notched in a friendly in Lima, with the Brazilian scoring a stunning long-range effort that totally bamboozled Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera
Lionel Messi and his new Barcelona team-mate Neymar both shone in a charity game in Peru on Tuesday night.

The Argentine opened the scoring in the 'Duel of the Giants' with a low finish from the edge of the area and had a hand in subsequent strikes from Dani Alves - who switched sides and also scored from the spot for the 'Rest of the World' in the second half - and Pablo Osvaldo, before making it 4-0 with a tap-in on 37 minutes.

Pablo Aimar was also on target as 'Messi and Friends' went in 5-1 up at the end of a half that had also featured a missed penalty from Neymar.

However, the Brazil international netted twice after the restart, with the second of those goals coming courtesy of an outrageously nonchalant, first-time chip from all of 45 metres out.

'Messi and Friends' eventually triumphed 8-5 but it appeared that the real winners on the night were not only the children that will benefit from the money raised but also Barcelona, who last month confirmed the €57 million signing of Neymar to play alongside their talismanic No.10 next season.