..::Football III::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Dortmund without Piszczek until 2014

Borussia Dortmund defender Lukasz Piszczek will be out of action until 2014 after undergoing an operation on a troublesome groin.

The right-back had hip surgery at the beginning of June after suffering cartilage damage and has now gone under the knife for a second time to treat a separate problem.

“The long-planned surgery was this morning in the Dortmund Hospital, successfully performed by Dr. Karl-Heinz Bauer," read a statement on Dortmund's official website.

"According to BVB team doctor Markus Braun, the surgery will not result in any delays in the healing process."

The club have been starting Kevin Grosskreutz at right-back and could dip into the transfer market to reinforce their defence, with Oliver Kirch their only other option in the full-back slot.

Piszczek was an integral part of Dortmund’s run to the Champions League final last season, starting 12 of the club’s 13 games in the competition, while adding two goals and 10 assists in 29 appearances in the Bundesliga.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Honda deal has stalled, reveals Galliani

AC Mian vice-president Adriano Galliani has admitted that they are unlikely to sign midfielder Keisuke Honda from CSKA Moscow.The Japan international had looked set to join the Rossoneri, with the Italian club recently suggesting the transfer had been delayed only because CSKA president Yevgeni Giner was away on holiday.

However, Honda now appears unlikely to complete a move to San Siro after Galliani revealed that negotiations with CSKA have come to a standstill."I called the president of CSKA and he said no to selling Honda," revealed Galliani."So we are as we were. There are not a lot of gifts out there."

Although Galliani remains pessimistic over incoming transfers, he is insistent that M'Baye Niang - who has reportedly attracted the interest of Genoa and Newcastle United - will be staying at the club."Niang will be staying with us, that is for certain," he added.

Milan have already brought in seven players in the close-season, with midfielder Andrea Poli joining from Sampdoria, and centre-back Cristian Zapata moving permanently from Villarreal following a loan spell last season.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Perez: Ronaldo wants to stay

Florentino Perez is convinced that Cristiano Ronaldo wants to end his career with Real Madrid.

The 28-year-old scored two goals on Wednesday night as los Blancos beat Chelsea 3-1 in the final of the Guinness International Champions Cup and celebrated by pointing his finger at the club's crest.

However, the Portugal international has been linked with a return to Manchester United, while the club have continued to pursue Tottenham winger Gareth Bale.

But the 66-year-old is confident they can reach a new deal with their star forward, following reports a five-year contract worth €17 million has already been struck in principle to make Ronaldo the best paid player in La Liga.

“We are all convinced that he will end his playing days at Real Madrid,” Perez told ESPN.

“At the end of the summer we will try to resolve this matter.

“The season starts next week, but before the end of the month or the beginning of next month, I'm sure [it will be sorted out].”

“There is no great hurry because there is good will on his part and we will resolve it satisfactorily. At least that is my wish, and I believe it is his too.”

Earlier this week, the former Man United star was named on a three-man shortlist, along with Lionel Messi and Franck Ribery, for Uefa's Best Player in Europe award.

Ronaldo is entering his fifth season with the club and has scored 146 goals in 135 games since arriving at Santiago Bernabeu.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Abidal returns to France squad for Belgium friendly

Didier Deschamps has recalled defender Eric Abidal to his France squad as they prepare to take on Belgium next week.

The Monaco captain is set to win his first cap since February 2012 after recovering from a liver transplant, while Samir Nasri has also been named in the selection as les Bleus look to bounce back from friendly defeats to Uruguay and Brazil.

“The South American tour was a disappointment when I compare what I expected and what I did not see,” Deschamps told reporters.

“We were facing opponents in competition mode, we were not equipped to fight, but in terms of investment, our guys needed more. I now have more information about each individual to prepare for the next step.

“Abidal was not selectable [in June], but I do not want to dwell on it. I think he is competitive again and I do not have a lot of players with international experience.

“Nasri should have been with us in South America. As soon as he became competitive, I chose him. He’s not a special case. He could definitely have a future in this group. We agree on a lot of things.”

The 44-year-old analysed the path his team is on, while addressing concerns regarding the lack of striking options at his disposal.

“I have no anxiety, nor overconfidence regarding recent results. We are on track to achieve our goals for 2014 qualification. I would have liked better results, but the goal remains qualification. I’m not worried about our Fifa ranking.

“It is not that the level of strikers is too low. Karim [Benzema] and Olivier [Giroud] have been quite effective. [Bafetimbi] Gomis is struggling with Lyon, and as for [Andre-Pierre] Gignac and [Jeremie] Aliadiere, I do not have enough perspective on their playing time and their efficiency.

“Unfortunately [Edinson] Cavani and [Radamel] Falcao are not available for selection,” he joked.

Paris-Saint Germain’s Mamadou Sakho and Blaise Matuidi are notable omissions from the squad, as not a single member of Laurent Blanc’s squad was called up for next week’s friendly.

“Not a lot of players are selectable. I like clubs with high-level requirement, but they need playing time to go to the national team.

“I didn’t talk to Laurent (Blanc) about Sakho, but I had J-Louis (Gasset) and I saw the matches. I would not recommend to him anything about his departure. This is his life and his career. Apparently he has already made up his mind, but I do not know if everyone has understood his decision. He played 60 minutes twice.”


Goalkeepers Mickael Landreau (Bastia), Hugo Lloris (Tottenham Hotspur), Steve Mandanda (Olympique Marseille)

Defenders Eric Abidal (Monaco), Gael Clichy (Manchester City), Mathieu Debuchy (Newcastle United), Patrice Evra (Manchester United), Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal), Eliaquim Mangala (Porto), Adil Rami (Valencia), Bacary Sagna (Arsenal)

Midfielders Etienne Capoue (Toulouse), Clement Grenier (Olympique Lyonnais), Josuha Guilavogui (St Etienne), Geoffrey Kondogbia (Sevilla), Rio Mavuba (Lille), Moussa Sissoko (Newcastle United)

Attackers Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Olivier Giroud (Arsenal), Samir Nasri (Manchester City), Dimitri Payet (Olympique Marseille), Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich), Mathieu Valbuena (Olympique Marseille)

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'£100m for Bale is a lot of money', says Real Madrid president

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has played down reports that Tottenham's Gareth Bale is close to moving to the Spanish capital, citing the £100 million fee for the Welshman as "a lot of money".

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy held decisive talks with the Madrid chief in Florida this week, with the north London club holding out for a world record bid for the PFA and FWA Player of the Year.

But Perez has refuted claims that a deal for Bale is close to being struck, and has baulked at the world-record fee Tottenham are demanding for the 24-year-old.

In an interview with ESPN, Perez said: "We have spoken to lots of people and let's see what happens in our negotiations - with this player (Bale) and others.

"We don't usually talk about other players, out of respect to the player, to the club and the president (Levy), who is a friend of mine, with whom I built a good friendship last summer during the signing of Luka Modric.

"If I don't speak about names, I won't speak about money either... If you say 100 million, that's a lot [of money] - for anything! I can't speak and I shouldn't speak - out of respect to the club (Tottenham), I can't [say any more]..."

Madrid players Fabio Coentrao and Alvaro Morata could yet be included in any deal for Bale, reducing the cash required to take the former Southampton star to the Santiago Bernabeu.

Bale scored 26 goals in all competitions for Tottenham last season and added a further 15 assists, as Spurs narrowly missed out on a place in the Champions League to north London rivals Arsenal.

His current deal at White Hart Lane runs until June 2016.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Lisandro Lopez set for Al-Gharafa switch

Lisandro Lopez is set to end his four-year spell at Lyon and move to Qatari side Al-Gharafa.

The 30-year-old joined Lyon from Porto in 2009, but is now ready to end his four-year spell in Ligue 1.

A statement on Lyon's official website read: "Olympique Lyonnais announces its acceptance of a request made to president Jean-Michel Aulas, at the end of the May and again in July, by Lisandro Lopez to leave the club in the summer transfer window for personal reasons.

"Lisandro was authorised to travel to Qatar yesterday evening (Wednesday), where he must finalise the terms of a potential contract with Al-Gharafa and undergo a medical prior to his engagement with his new club.

"Olympic Lyonnais will reveal the conditions of the transfer agreement as soon as it has been confirmed.

"Lisandro will be present on Saturday at the Stade de Gerland for the match agains OGC Nice."

The Argentine forward scored 81 goals during his time at Lyon.

His departure leaves Bafetimbi Gomis - whose proposed moved to Newcastle is on hold - as the French club's only senior centre forward.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Premier League chief Scudamore hails Hawk-Eye

Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore has hailed the impending introduction of Hawk-Eye in England's top flight.

The British-based firm beat off competition from rival bidder Cairos to secure what Goal understands is a five-year contract worth £100 million starting with the upcoming new season.

Scudamore is confident the new system will prevent dubious goal-line decisions in the future, describing the equipment as different to DRS in cricket as it gives a definitive decision and not part of a review process.

"It's going to be an absolute decision," Scudamore told Sky Sports News at a public demonstration of the system at the Emirates Stadium. "There'll be no argument - it'll be fact and that's for the good of the game.

"There are seven cameras at each goal, and it's a very quick decision - within a second all the officials will know. The technical system will tell the referees and it's very simple - it either will or won't be over the line. If there was any doubt in my mind we wouldn't be doing it at all there's too much at stake.

"There is no goal-line incident in the 21-year history of the Premier League that this system wouldn't have been able to identify. There were 31 incidents last year that could have benefited from this technology. It will work, it's been fully tested.

"We're in a very different situation [to cricket]. This is not a review system, there's no person reviewing anything. I don't see that this system will lead to anything like the same discussions."

Meanwhile, inventor Paul Hawkins is excited at the potential of Hawk-Eye and highlighted their previous success in other sports.

"It's a day of great pride and a day of great responsibility just to deliver the system to the Premier League, the FA and to football," Hawkins added.

"The eyes of football will be watching and it needs to get off to a great start and deliver an accurate, reliable system that we know we can deliver.

"The system is as close to 100% as any piece of technology can ever be. We have a great track record in other sports for delivering accurate, reliable technology. Those sports trust us and we now have to build that reputation in football.

"Whether the ball goes over the line is 100% definitive which is why there is no human involved as in DRS in cricket."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Moyes banishes Rooney to Manchester United reserves

Wayne Rooney has taken a significant step towards the Manchester United exit door after he was ordered to train with reserves by David Moyes on Thursday, Goal can reveal.

Rooney arrived for training expecting to join up with the rest of the United first-team but at 10am was told that he would be working with the reserve players.

The wantaway striker is recovering from a shoulder problem that ruled him out of Tuesday’s friendly against AIK in Stockholm, but was given no indication that he would be exiled from the first-team squad.

Sources have told Goal that Rooney appeared to be training 'normally' and was courteous and smiling as he showed no emotional reaction to the decision.

Moyes’ decision to keep Rooney away from the first-team represents a change in United’s stance towards the striker. The United boss has publicly insisted Rooney is not for sale but, privately, has been angered by the 27-year-old’s attempts to engineer a summer transfer to Chelsea.

Rooney is desperate to push through a move to the Blues, who have had two bid rejected for the 27-year-old, the latest worth nearly £30 million including add-ons.

Rooney is now ready to submit a formal transfer request as he seeks a fresh start following nine years at Old Trafford.

He believes there is no way back for him at the club and is highly unlikely to play in Rio Ferdinand’s testimonial against Sevilla on Friday or the Community Shield clash against Wigan on Sunday.

And after Moyes banished him from the first-team on Thursday, it appears increasingly likely that United will look to cash in on the England international this summer.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'One of France’s best central midfielders' - Meet Tottenham target Etienne Capoue

If Tottenham sign Etienne Capoue they’ll have secured the arrival of one of Ligue 1’s most coveted players.

In recent years the 25-year-old France midfielder has been linked to a host of clubs at home and abroad, including Monaco and Atletico Madrid this summer, but Spurs appear to have won the race after Toulouse's president Olivier Sadran confirmed on Wednesday the player was on his way to north London.

Over the past three seasons Capoue has developed into one of France’s best central midfielders. At Toulouse he has normally operated as a holding player, sweeping up in front of the defence.

Under manager Alain Casanova Toulouse have become a powerful, athletic team set-up in a 4-1-4-1 formation until experimenting with 3-5-2 towards the end of last season. In the former system, Capoue operated as the ‘sitter’ in front of the defence, a role that allowed him to use his immense physical power to break down opposition moves and launch attacks from deeper areas.

It’s a position he’s learned perfectly, so if Tottenham are looking for someone to protect their back four Capoue would be an ideal choice. As a youngster Capoue also played centre-half for France U21s so has a good understanding of defensive positions.

Capoue’s development has been steady rather than meteoric: he made his league debut at 19 and France debut at 24. If you compare that to one-time Toulouse team-mate Moussa Sissoko – league debut at 17, France debut at 20 – you’ll see Capoue spent much of the early part of his career in the shadows.

Capoue is a year older than Sissoko but when the pair broke into the Toulouse first-team around the same time it was Sissoko that first caught the media’s eye. Perhaps Capoue’s unintrusive style of play was why he initially had a lower profile but he has always been highly-regarded within the game.

If there’s a criticism of Capoue, it’s that he doesn’t do enough going forward. There is a feeling he could use his good passing ability more broadly than he does, that he is too happy to keep things safe rather than trying to be more progressive in possession.

There is some truth in this – at times, he can look a touch too static, a little too willing to settle for picking up the ball and moving it on rather than really driving his team forward. Rightly or wrongly, he can give the impression of playing within himself.

And yet some of this is also down to the nature of the game in France. In Ligue 1 it’s far more common for midfielders to stay in their zone rather than get about the pitch as much as they do in England. Having played in a tactically restrictive role at Toulouse Capoue would surely relish the greater freedom and movement that midfielders in the Premier League normally enjoy.

And on the occasions he has ventured forward for Toulouse he has shown he has plenty to offer – he can pass the ball smartly higher up the pitch and get into the box.

At 25, this is the most important moment of his career. He briefly lost his place in the France squad this year so needs to excel, to remain a part of Bleus coach Didier Deschamps’ plans for the World Cup in Brazil next summer.

He faces a battle to win his place in Andre Villas-Boas' starting XI with Spurs already well stocked in his preferred position having added Paulinho to their ranks this summer, while Sandro and Scott Parker would provide futher competition.

After five seasons at Toulouse, however, you could sense he was growing stale. A new challenge should refresh him. The time is right to move on and his best years are ahead of him..

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Fabregas joins list of SIX who have rejected Manchester United

Another one bites the dust for David Moyes and Manchester United.

Cesc Fabregas became the latest player to snub the Premier League champions on Thursday when the midfielder confirmed he will stay at Barcelona next season.

In truth, United’s very public pursuit of Fabregas always looked doomed, despite the club’s willingness to pay up to €40 million to land the former Arsenal captain.

Moyes is desperate to secure a top-class central midfielder this summer. It has been a problem position in recent seasons under Sir Alex Ferguson and has become an even more pressing concern in light of Paul Scholes’ retirement and Darren Fletcher’s ongoing fitness problems.

Yes, United would not have launched successive bids for Fabregas had they not received at least some indication that he would be interested in a move to Old Trafford, but the word from the player’s camp - and the Camp Nou - all summer has been that the 26-year-old would stay for at least one more season.

United turned to Fabregas in the first place after missing out on his former Barcelona team-mate Thiago Alcantara, who rejected Moyes’ advances in favour of a switch to Bayern Munich, where he has been reunited with former boss Pep Guardiola.

But even beyond those two, United have endured four further failed pursuits of midfield targets this summer.

Firstly, a £35m enquiry for Real Madrid star Luka Modric was swiftly dismissed by the Spanish giants last month, while United have also made discreet approaches for Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti, as well as Juventus stars Claudio Marchisio and, astonishingly, Arturo Vidal.

United were given indications that the prodigious Italian starlet had his heart set on a move from Paris to Juventus which sent them in the direction of the Serie A champions to check on the availability of Vidal and Marchisio. Tentative enquiries were flatly rejected - the scattergun approach yielded no rewards.

Slowly but surely, United’s transfer window - dominated by speculation surrounding the future of Wayne Rooney - threatens to descend into a farce.

Now United will turn to Plan F.

Marouane Fellaini has always been the fall-back option for Moyes and it looks increasingly likely that the Belgian will follow his former manager’s journey from Everton to Old Trafford.

Moyes is an admirer of the 25-year-old, a versatile, physical midfielder proven in the Premier League, but if Fellaini was a priority for United they would have signed him two months ago.

After all, the £22m buyout clause in Fellaini’s contract, allowing him to join a side in the Champions League, expired on July 31, meaning United will be forced to negotiate with Everton to agree a deal for the player.

As it is, as revealed by Goal last month, the Premier League champions have been forced to turn to Fellaini following the failure of their other pursuits, rather than having identified the Everton man as their preferred option.

While Fellaini would be a reliable signing for Moyes, he is hardly the stellar name to mark a new era at the club following Ferguson’s retirement, nor does he satisfy the need for more creativity in the side.

Given Moyes’ public comments about United’s attempts to land Fabregas - and, indeed, his insistence that Rooney is not for sale - the club face something of a PR battle before the transfer window shuts on September 2.

It has been difficult for Moyes, while new executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward has also floundered as the leader of transfer negotiations following David Gill’s resignation.

United cruised to the Premier League title last term but there is a sense that they have needed to make a statement signing before they start their title defence against Swansea on August 17.

So far, their transfer policy has lacked direction and strategy - although you can’t fault their ambition in chasing some of the best midfielders in Europe.

Fellaini should arrive in the coming weeks, but you have to wonder if this is now United’s place in the food chain in the Moyes era.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Team 1kata onama karana player Fellaini nam neweiIta wada Fabregas,Thiyago Alcantara,Modric,Marchisio thamai pattaath ithin dan ithiyana 1kama hope 1ka Fellaini thama,ath sure 1kak thiyanna baha​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez questions Gareth Bale's price tag

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has claimed a €100m (£85million) price tag is too much for Tottenham star Gareth Bale.Real have been chasing Bale all summer with Spurs reluctant to sell him for anything less than a world record fee of £85million.

Bale is thought to be keen on moving to the Spanish capital, but Tottenham are adamant last season's double player of the year will only leave on their terms.
Perez has admitted talks are ongoing between both clubs as Real look to thrash out a deal to try and secure the Welshman's signature, but he questioned the fee Tottenham are reported to be demanding for the 24-year-old.

"We are talking with a lot of people and we will see what comes of our negotiations, I am talking about that player (Bale) and others," Perez is quoted as saying to ESPN."I do not want to talk about players out of respect to the player himself (Bale), the club and the chairman (Daniel Levy) who is a friend of mine and with whom I struck up a good friendship last summer because of the transfer of Luka Modric.

"If we're not talking about names, we're not talking about money either, but 100 million (euros) seems a lot to me," he said with a smile. "But I am not talking seriously because there is no need and, as I said, out of respect for the club."

Perez also reiterated his belief that he expects Cristiano Ronaldo will stay and finish his career at Real.Ronaldo played down talk that he had agreed a new deal at the Bernabeu earlier this week and Perez confirmed that there was still a way to go before a contract extension was resolved, but remains confident the Portuguese superstar will remain in the Spanish capital.

Asked if Ronaldo was very close to signing a new deal, Perez added: "No. We are all convinced he will finish his sporting career at Real Madrid.
"I think by the end of summer we will try to resolve this matter."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Bale ge price 1kanam hodatama wadi thamai

 

[unicornx]

'£100m for Bale is a lot of money', says Real Madrid president

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has played down reports that Tottenham's Gareth Bale is close to moving to the Spanish capital, citing the £100 million fee for the Welshman as "a lot of money".

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy held decisive talks with the Madrid chief in Florida this week, with the north London club holding out for a world record bid for the PFA and FWA Player of the Year.

But Perez has refuted claims that a deal for Bale is close to being struck, and has baulked at the world-record fee Tottenham are demanding for the 24-year-old.

In an interview with ESPN, Perez said: "We have spoken to lots of people and let's see what happens in our negotiations - with this player (Bale) and others.

"We don't usually talk about other players, out of respect to the player, to the club and the president (Levy), who is a friend of mine, with whom I built a good friendship last summer during the signing of Luka Modric.

"If I don't speak about names, I won't speak about money either... If you say 100 million, that's a lot [of money] - for anything! I can't speak and I shouldn't speak - out of respect to the club (Tottenham), I can't [say any more]..."

Madrid players Fabio Coentrao and Alvaro Morata could yet be included in any deal for Bale, reducing the cash required to take the former Southampton star to the Santiago Bernabeu.

Bale scored 26 goals in all competitions for Tottenham last season and added a further 15 assists, as Spurs narrowly missed out on a place in the Champions League to north London rivals Arsenal.

His current deal at White Hart Lane runs until June 2016.

Thanks to Ramos Casillas Ronaldo, Perezge as 2 arila

 

[unicornx]

Moyes banishes Rooney to Manchester United reserves

Wayne Rooney has taken a significant step towards the Manchester United exit door after he was ordered to train with reserves by David Moyes on Thursday, Goal can reveal.

Rooney arrived for training expecting to join up with the rest of the United first-team but at 10am was told that he would be working with the reserve players.

The wantaway striker is recovering from a shoulder problem that ruled him out of Tuesday’s friendly against AIK in Stockholm, but was given no indication that he would be exiled from the first-team squad.

Sources have told Goal that Rooney appeared to be training 'normally' and was courteous and smiling as he showed no emotional reaction to the decision.

Moyes’ decision to keep Rooney away from the first-team represents a change in United’s stance towards the striker. The United boss has publicly insisted Rooney is not for sale but, privately, has been angered by the 27-year-old’s attempts to engineer a summer transfer to Chelsea.

Rooney is desperate to push through a move to the Blues, who have had two bid rejected for the 27-year-old, the latest worth nearly £30 million including add-ons.

Rooney is now ready to submit a formal transfer request as he seeks a fresh start following nine years at Old Trafford.

He believes there is no way back for him at the club and is highly unlikely to play in Rio Ferdinand’s testimonial against Sevilla on Friday or the Community Shield clash against Wigan on Sunday.

And after Moyes banished him from the first-team on Thursday, it appears increasingly likely that United will look to cash in on the England international this summer.

Pissu nattan Shoooi...heta Sevilla eken kanawa sure honda attack ekak natuwa

 

[Dulanzz]

onna maath join una ape neymar ta match ekak ehema thaama set une nadda machan laa messi ekka set wela wada daanawa balanna asai

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Prandelli to invite Pope to Italy-Argentina

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has revealed he plans to invite Pope Francis to attend his side's friendly clash with Argentina in Rome.

The Nerazzurri boss believes it would be a deeply special occasion for the Pope to watch "his countries" in action, although he fears nerves could get the better of him when it comes to speaking to the pontiff.

"I'd like to tell him, 'tomorrow, if you've nothing better to do, come to the stadium with us'. But I'm afraid I'll lose my voice because of the emotion," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"It was just a sudden flash, after watching Pope Francis and his first appearances in public," he explained of his idea to invite the 76-year-old. "He generated a tremendous sense of fondness and approval.

"The thought of ‘his countries’, Italy and Argentina, immediately entered my head. Two squads leaving together, from the same hotel, to have an audience full of joy and happiness with the Pope. The two footballing federations worked together to get it done. And, on Tuesday, it will take place."

Prandelli also revealed that Mario Balotelli is "really moved" by the prospect of the event, describing the delight it gave the AC Milan star to visit fans in Bahia after speaking with a local missionary during the Confederations Cup.

"Yes, when he asked me whether he could visit the favela following a visit by a missionary from there, you could see the joy in his eyes when I said he could go, even if we were under heavy guard in our hotel. Balotelli is big-hearted enough and sensitive enough to be really moved by the meeting with the Pope," Prandelli added.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Mascherano reveals transfer enquiries

Javier Mascherano has revealed he has received enquiries from other clubs during his time with Barcelona and would be prepared to leave should the Liga champions no longer need him.

The Argentina international joined Camp Nou from Liverpool in 2010 for €24 million and has been used primarily in central defence due to the Catalans' strength in midfield and fragility at the back.

The 29-year-old admits there were tentative calls from interested parties during the past three seasons and, while he insists he will always determine to fight for his place in the side, he confesses he would be prepared to move on should Barca deem him surplus to requirements.

"You never know," he told El Pais when asked about a potential transfer. "In football, you have to be prepared for anything. There were calls from somewhere else, but no offers.

"There are always doubts. You are at Barcelona and you have to fight for your place. The question is whether you now fight in the same circumstances, as I have have always had to win my starting place throughout my career. It's as it should be.

"If Barca tell me they don't need me, I will be off within a minute."

Gerardo Martino is thought to be keen on bolstering the club's defence this summer, with Chelsea defender David Luiz linked with a potential move to Camp Nou after their interest in Paris Saint-Germain's Thiago Silva cooled, and Mascherano believes such investment could prove vital.

"You always have to improve as much as possible. I understand it perfectly. The reality is we have suffered a lot in this position," he added.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Lambert lost for words over 'dream' England call-up


Southampton striker Rickie Lambert had a day to remember on Thursday after his first England call-up followed the birth of his first daughter.

The 31-year-old welcomed Bella Rose into the world at 4:30 in the morning, only to find out he was in Roy Hodgson's squad hours later.

He told the club's official website: "It's been a special day and I'm trying to absorb what's happened. It's hard to describe how I'm feeling, if I'm being honest. Today has been a bit of a blur because there are a few things that have happened in my life and I'm trying to take them in.

"I was obviously already over the moon about the birth of my daughter - she was born at half-past-four this morning, and she's doing fine and so is the mother. And I'm absolutely delighted to be involved with England. It's the dream I've been fighting for and hoping for all my life.

"I don't think I'll be forgetting this [day] any time soon."

Lambert's journey to the England squad has been a long one. Spells at Blackpool, Macclesfield, Stockport, Rochdale and Bristol Rovers preceded his move to the Saints in 2009.

His goals helped them move up the leagues eventually into the Premier League, where he continued to find the net, finishing joint-top English goalscorer with Frank Lampard with 15 goals.

Lambert continued: "For most of my career I didn't think it'd ever happen but, for the last year or so, I thought there might be a slight chance so to get the call-up has been a dream come true.

"I'm over the moon just to be involved, but I want to make a claim and show that I'm here for the future. Obviously I understand my age means I'm not going to be there for the long term, but I am hoping that I can bring something to the squad over the next year or so.

"I am just concentrating on being at the top of my game, and if I can help [England] then that'll be brilliant."

England manager Roy Hodgson was thrilled to name him in his squad, and had at one point considered signing him when he was in charge of Fulham.

He is under no illusions the task ahead of the striker, but is delighted he can offer the opportunity to him

Hodgson said: "He deserves it because he has ploughed a very difficult furrow to get this far and wherever he has gone he has done extremely well.

"If Rickie Lambert can help us qualify, I will quite happily turn a blind eye to the fact that he is 32 at that time because it's not age that plays football, it's human beings."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Financial Fair Play is working, insists Uefa

Financial Fair Play (FFP) is working well despite the enormous sums being spent in the summer transfer window, according to Uefa general secretary Gianni Infantino.

The likes of Monaco have spent lavish sums over the past two seasons, with the Ligue 1 newboys investing upwards of €130 million this summer alone on new signings - although their absence from European competition allows them certain leeway.

Meanwhile, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger claimed Real Madrid's proposed €115m bid for Gareth Bale "made a joke" of Uefa's regulations, but Infantino has made it clear that such a sum is easily possible for a club which generates sufficient income.

He told the Press Association: "People see these signings and ask how it can happen with Financial Fair Play but it's possible - if you generate €100m you can spend €100m.

"The other thing which must be taken into account is that a club may have an agreement to pay that over five years, so the cost is €20m for the season.

"The problem comes is if a club doesn't generate €100m but spends it - then there will be disciplinary consequences."

The likes of Malaga and Panathinaikos have been hit with sanctions having failed to adhere to FFP guidelines, and, while Infantino acknowledges that banning clubs from competitions is tough for some to take, he insists Uefa's efforts are paying dividends on the whole.

"No one likes to punish clubs but we will do it," he continued. "In the last five years we have excluded 41 clubs from European competition and eight this season have not been admitted.

"It is quite positive. It shows financial fair play is working and that it's happening right now. Overall losses in European club football are down for the first time, and by several hundreds of millions [of euros]."