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..::Football III::..
- Thread starter Wolverine GTR
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- Status
Arsenal established a commanding lead after the first leg of their Champions League qualification play-off as they saw off a poor Fenerbahce in Istanbul. ARSENAL’S place in the group stage of the Champions League looks all but assured after they secured a 3-0 away victory in the first leg of their qualifying play-off tie against Fenerbahce.
Scorers: Gibbs 51, Ramsey 64, Giroud 77 pen
Referee: G Rocchi (Ita)
Attendance: 50,500 congtrats!! athletico madrid vs bacelona 1-1 Supercopa de España
meya http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23691545 page eken elesema copy kara paste karana laddak bawa karunawen salakanna
Scorers: Gibbs 51, Ramsey 64, Giroud 77 pen
Referee: G Rocchi (Ita)
Attendance: 50,500 congtrats!! athletico madrid vs bacelona 1-1 Supercopa de España
meya http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23691545 page eken elesema copy kara paste karana laddak bawa karunawen salakanna
Onna oka thamai thiyana lokuma awla Arsenal & Manchester United teams 2kema
thawa dawas 10yi thynneth
Mourinho puts Rooney bid on hold until after Old Trafford clash
Jose Mourinho has revealed Chelsea will temporarily halt their pursuit of Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney until after the two clubs meet at Old Trafford on Monday.
The Blues have seen two bids for the unsettled forward rejected by the Premier League champions, with manager David Moyes insisting the England international is not for sale.
Goal exclusively revealed on Wednesday that United are planning on re-opening discussions with Chelsea as they look to include Juan Mata as part of any deal - but Mourinho insists no talks will take place ahead of Monday.
"We did [bid for Rooney] before and we will do [again] later," the Portuguese told reporters after Chelsea's 2-1 win over Aston Villa.
"[But] I don't want Chelsea to do it before we go there ... from the ethical point of view."
On the night, Chelsea were pushed all the way by a revitalised Villans, with Antonio Luna's own goal and a late Branislav Ivanovic header maintaining their 100 per cent start to the Premier League season.
There were question marks over whether Ivanovic should have been given his marching order minutes before netting the winner after appearing to elbow Christian Benteke, but Mourinho deemed the incident as "50/50".
"That was very hard. I missed that about the Premier League! Normally matches in the Bernabeu we win every match very comfortable, this was very hard, it's what I like. I told Paul Lambert that they deserve a point, it wouldn't be unfair.
"Benteke makes a lot of fouls and the opponent who plays against him has to make a lot of fouls.
"Paul Lambert reminds me of me at his age. Now I complain with some decisions, at his age I complained at every decision. Paul complains at every decision, I was the same. Benteke and Ivanovic, they are two giants, it was 50/50."
Jose Mourinho has revealed Chelsea will temporarily halt their pursuit of Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney until after the two clubs meet at Old Trafford on Monday.
The Blues have seen two bids for the unsettled forward rejected by the Premier League champions, with manager David Moyes insisting the England international is not for sale.
Goal exclusively revealed on Wednesday that United are planning on re-opening discussions with Chelsea as they look to include Juan Mata as part of any deal - but Mourinho insists no talks will take place ahead of Monday.
"We did [bid for Rooney] before and we will do [again] later," the Portuguese told reporters after Chelsea's 2-1 win over Aston Villa.
"[But] I don't want Chelsea to do it before we go there ... from the ethical point of view."
On the night, Chelsea were pushed all the way by a revitalised Villans, with Antonio Luna's own goal and a late Branislav Ivanovic header maintaining their 100 per cent start to the Premier League season.
There were question marks over whether Ivanovic should have been given his marching order minutes before netting the winner after appearing to elbow Christian Benteke, but Mourinho deemed the incident as "50/50".
"That was very hard. I missed that about the Premier League! Normally matches in the Bernabeu we win every match very comfortable, this was very hard, it's what I like. I told Paul Lambert that they deserve a point, it wouldn't be unfair.
"Benteke makes a lot of fouls and the opponent who plays against him has to make a lot of fouls.
"Paul Lambert reminds me of me at his age. Now I complain with some decisions, at his age I complained at every decision. Paul complains at every decision, I was the same. Benteke and Ivanovic, they are two giants, it was 50/50."
Valencia 'would listen to offers for Guaita'
Valencia have admitted they will listen to offers for goalkeeper Guaita after Arsenal pulled out of a move for the player.The Gunners have been linked with a move for the 26-year-old keeper, but their initial interest was apparently rejected by the Liga side and Arsene Wenger was believed to have been put off by his €20 million price tag.
Guaita made 25 appearances in all competitions last season - two less than rival stopper Diego Alves - but was not selected for Valencia's opening day win against Malaga last Sunday.
Club president Amadeo Salva admitted the player was unhappy at being second choice at Mestalla, but insisted he would only consider a bid that met their valuation. "Guaita is a world-class keeper and we have no need to sell, but we would study the price of any offers," Salva told Las Provincas.
"He is not happy with being a substitute sometimes, and his agents have reported that he could find a way out."This does not sit well with the board - if you do not play every week, you have to make sure you keep respecting Valencia."
Guaita is reported to have a €25 million release clause in his contract at Valencia, which expires in 2015.
Valencia have admitted they will listen to offers for goalkeeper Guaita after Arsenal pulled out of a move for the player.The Gunners have been linked with a move for the 26-year-old keeper, but their initial interest was apparently rejected by the Liga side and Arsene Wenger was believed to have been put off by his €20 million price tag.
Guaita made 25 appearances in all competitions last season - two less than rival stopper Diego Alves - but was not selected for Valencia's opening day win against Malaga last Sunday.
Club president Amadeo Salva admitted the player was unhappy at being second choice at Mestalla, but insisted he would only consider a bid that met their valuation. "Guaita is a world-class keeper and we have no need to sell, but we would study the price of any offers," Salva told Las Provincas.
"He is not happy with being a substitute sometimes, and his agents have reported that he could find a way out."This does not sit well with the board - if you do not play every week, you have to make sure you keep respecting Valencia."
Guaita is reported to have a €25 million release clause in his contract at Valencia, which expires in 2015.
Chelsea not Manchester United's biggest game, says Rio Ferdinand
Rio Ferdinand has played down rivalry between Manchester United and Chelsea, insisting games against Liverpool and Manchester City are bigger.
United take on Chelsea at Old Trafford in David Moyes' first home Premier League match on Monday after getting their title defence off to a fine start with a 4-1 win at Swansea last week.
However, Ferdinand - who hit out at Jose Mourinho's recent claim United were not impressive champions - does not attach the same importance to facing the Blues as he does with those led by their more traditional rivals.
"I wouldn't say [playing Chelsea] was one of my favourites," Ferdinand said at United's launch of a commercial partnership with Apollo Tyres.
"You look forward to playing every time you step out at Old Trafford. It is a special place to play. We all appreciate playing there in front of our home fans and we try to put on a show. I wouldn't say we take anyone more seriously or enjoy playing against anyone more.
"The Liverpool and Manchester City games are usually hyped up a bit more than anyone else. The feeling after winning one of those games is probably the biggest of the season."
Meanwhile, Ryan Giggs - who faced Swansea on Saturday - is keen to get a good foothold in the league as they look to defend the title with a new manager, in David Moyes, and rivals who have strengthened over the summer.
"You want to get off to a good start," the 39-year-old added. "It is the first Premier League home game. When Mourinho was at Chelsea they obviously got off to good starts and we didn't manage to catch them.
"It has been well documented that we have a tough start. We got a good win at Swansea on Saturday and hopefully we can carry that on."
Rio Ferdinand has played down rivalry between Manchester United and Chelsea, insisting games against Liverpool and Manchester City are bigger.
United take on Chelsea at Old Trafford in David Moyes' first home Premier League match on Monday after getting their title defence off to a fine start with a 4-1 win at Swansea last week.
However, Ferdinand - who hit out at Jose Mourinho's recent claim United were not impressive champions - does not attach the same importance to facing the Blues as he does with those led by their more traditional rivals.
"I wouldn't say [playing Chelsea] was one of my favourites," Ferdinand said at United's launch of a commercial partnership with Apollo Tyres.
"You look forward to playing every time you step out at Old Trafford. It is a special place to play. We all appreciate playing there in front of our home fans and we try to put on a show. I wouldn't say we take anyone more seriously or enjoy playing against anyone more.
"The Liverpool and Manchester City games are usually hyped up a bit more than anyone else. The feeling after winning one of those games is probably the biggest of the season."
Meanwhile, Ryan Giggs - who faced Swansea on Saturday - is keen to get a good foothold in the league as they look to defend the title with a new manager, in David Moyes, and rivals who have strengthened over the summer.
"You want to get off to a good start," the 39-year-old added. "It is the first Premier League home game. When Mourinho was at Chelsea they obviously got off to good starts and we didn't manage to catch them.
"It has been well documented that we have a tough start. We got a good win at Swansea on Saturday and hopefully we can carry that on."
Liverpool vice-captain Agger looks to Gerrard for guidance
Daniel Agger has hailed the influence of Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard and says he will follow the midfielder's example after being made vice-captain.
The centre-back, who has been linked with a move to Barcelona in recent weeks, succeeded the recently retired Jamie Carragher for the new season, while goalkeeper Pepe Reina joined Napoli on loan.
And Agger is aware of the responsibilities that come with the armband, and sees Gerrard as the perfect inspiration to follow.
"I always have responsibility, no matter if you're vice-captain or not," Agger told the club's official website. "You have to always be there, always be at the front and, of course, try to help some of the young players.
"Now I have been here for almost eight years and Stevie has been the captain all the way. He is an amazing captain: he is the one I will look at.
"Not only in his football skills, because that speaks for itself, but the person he is and the way he treats people - he's just the best.
"It's the same in every single football team, in every single job - when somebody goes, somebody new has to take over. It has been like that forever. So there's nothing new there. Over the years, the players have changed a lot.
Agger, though, is confident he can shine when the opportunity arises, having captained Denmark of late - an achievement he describes as the pinnacle of a player's career.
He continued: "When I play for Denmark and I'm the captain for Denmark, I've learned a lot in the last 10 years of my career.
"I'm trying to take the best part of all the good things, also from Stevie, and put it together in the way I want to do it. I think that's the best way to describe that.
"It's the biggest thing you can achieve at international level, being captain of your country. Every time I put that armband on, it makes me proud.
"You learn something all the time and when you put that armband on, something happens to you. It's difficult to describe but it's a good thing."
Daniel Agger has hailed the influence of Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard and says he will follow the midfielder's example after being made vice-captain.
The centre-back, who has been linked with a move to Barcelona in recent weeks, succeeded the recently retired Jamie Carragher for the new season, while goalkeeper Pepe Reina joined Napoli on loan.
And Agger is aware of the responsibilities that come with the armband, and sees Gerrard as the perfect inspiration to follow.
"I always have responsibility, no matter if you're vice-captain or not," Agger told the club's official website. "You have to always be there, always be at the front and, of course, try to help some of the young players.
"Now I have been here for almost eight years and Stevie has been the captain all the way. He is an amazing captain: he is the one I will look at.
"Not only in his football skills, because that speaks for itself, but the person he is and the way he treats people - he's just the best.
"It's the same in every single football team, in every single job - when somebody goes, somebody new has to take over. It has been like that forever. So there's nothing new there. Over the years, the players have changed a lot.
Agger, though, is confident he can shine when the opportunity arises, having captained Denmark of late - an achievement he describes as the pinnacle of a player's career.
He continued: "When I play for Denmark and I'm the captain for Denmark, I've learned a lot in the last 10 years of my career.
"I'm trying to take the best part of all the good things, also from Stevie, and put it together in the way I want to do it. I think that's the best way to describe that.
"It's the biggest thing you can achieve at international level, being captain of your country. Every time I put that armband on, it makes me proud.
"You learn something all the time and when you put that armband on, something happens to you. It's difficult to describe but it's a good thing."
'Astori to Napoli was a done deal'
Davide Astori's transfer to Napoli was a done deal only for the move to be abandoned at the final hurdle, according to Cagliari president Massimo Cellino.
The Partenopei have been highly active in the transfer market this summer, with the likes of Gonzalo Higuain, Pepe Reina and Raul Albiol arriving on the back of Edinson Cavani's €63 million move to Paris Saint-Germain.
And Astori looked set to become Rafa Benitez's latest addition this week, but Cellino revealed the 26-year-old will now not be making the move to last season's Serie A runners-up.
“I am a friend of Aurelio De Laurentiis and we did have a deal for Astori,” Cellino told Radio Kiss Kiss.
“However, Napoli did not make themselves heard for several days, ignoring both us and the player.“At that stage Astori asked me if he should still consider himself a Cagliari player. I said yes, assuring him he wouldn’t be sold.”
Astori began his career with AC Milan before joining Cagliari in 2008, where he has gone on to become a firm fixture in the first team, while winning five caps for Italy. His current deal with the Rossoblu runs until June 2015.
Davide Astori's transfer to Napoli was a done deal only for the move to be abandoned at the final hurdle, according to Cagliari president Massimo Cellino.
The Partenopei have been highly active in the transfer market this summer, with the likes of Gonzalo Higuain, Pepe Reina and Raul Albiol arriving on the back of Edinson Cavani's €63 million move to Paris Saint-Germain.
And Astori looked set to become Rafa Benitez's latest addition this week, but Cellino revealed the 26-year-old will now not be making the move to last season's Serie A runners-up.
“I am a friend of Aurelio De Laurentiis and we did have a deal for Astori,” Cellino told Radio Kiss Kiss.
“However, Napoli did not make themselves heard for several days, ignoring both us and the player.“At that stage Astori asked me if he should still consider himself a Cagliari player. I said yes, assuring him he wouldn’t be sold.”
Astori began his career with AC Milan before joining Cagliari in 2008, where he has gone on to become a firm fixture in the first team, while winning five caps for Italy. His current deal with the Rossoblu runs until June 2015.
Raul calls for Ronaldo Madrid stay
Real Madrid legend Raul has called for Cristiano Ronaldo to stay at the club as he prepares to return to his former stomping ground on Thursday.
The former Blancos forward will grace the Santiago Bernabeu pitch for what is likely to be the final time as his current employers, Qatari outfit Al-Sadd, face Madrid in a friendly.
And after being quizzed about the future of the Portugual star ahead of his homecoming, Raul admitted Ronaldo has been the best signing the club has made in recent times and hopes he remains in the Spanish capital.
He told Marca: "I hope Cristiano continues. He has been the best investment by Madrid in recent years. He's really hungry, not tired of winning and hopefully he can renew and continue, all Madridistas would be very happy."
The 36-year-old also gave his backing to Madrid's pursuit of Tottenham winger Gareth Bale and hailed the Wales international as a player every side in world football would love to have at their disposal.
"He's a dominating player, makes a difference and behind Cristiano and [Lionel] Messi is a player who comes with drive," he added.
"All clubs would like to have him in their ranks. It seems that Real Madrid is going to make a big effort and if so everyone in Madrid will be happy and will enjoy a lot of his game."
Raul's contract in Qatar expires in one year and he admits he has considered returning to los Blancos in a non-playing capacity.
"At the moment I'm a player and I feel good, I have one more year of contract, then I'll take the most appropriate decision. Going back to Real Madrid is in my thoughts. If I think I can bring something to the club I will be happy."
Real Madrid legend Raul has called for Cristiano Ronaldo to stay at the club as he prepares to return to his former stomping ground on Thursday.
The former Blancos forward will grace the Santiago Bernabeu pitch for what is likely to be the final time as his current employers, Qatari outfit Al-Sadd, face Madrid in a friendly.
And after being quizzed about the future of the Portugual star ahead of his homecoming, Raul admitted Ronaldo has been the best signing the club has made in recent times and hopes he remains in the Spanish capital.
He told Marca: "I hope Cristiano continues. He has been the best investment by Madrid in recent years. He's really hungry, not tired of winning and hopefully he can renew and continue, all Madridistas would be very happy."
The 36-year-old also gave his backing to Madrid's pursuit of Tottenham winger Gareth Bale and hailed the Wales international as a player every side in world football would love to have at their disposal.
"He's a dominating player, makes a difference and behind Cristiano and [Lionel] Messi is a player who comes with drive," he added.
"All clubs would like to have him in their ranks. It seems that Real Madrid is going to make a big effort and if so everyone in Madrid will be happy and will enjoy a lot of his game."
Raul's contract in Qatar expires in one year and he admits he has considered returning to los Blancos in a non-playing capacity.
"At the moment I'm a player and I feel good, I have one more year of contract, then I'll take the most appropriate decision. Going back to Real Madrid is in my thoughts. If I think I can bring something to the club I will be happy."
Villas-Boas confirms Willian negotiations
Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas has confirmed that the club have held talks to sign Anzhi Makhachkala forward Willian.
Willian is one of a number of stars set to leave Anzhi, and Spurs have made the 25-year-old a prime target as they pursue a €70 million swoop for the Brazilian and Roma forward Eric Lamela.
"I can't really confirm anything regarding Willian," Villas-Boas told reporters. "There is interest in the player and there have been conversations.
"None of the names you have mentioned have signed for Spurs. I have answered about Willian in the past - not only time with Tottenham but also Chelsea.
"All the players are great, great players.
"On the players that are here, we are moving forward. We are not only trimming the squad but adding tremendous talent.
"I think we can become very, very strong regards to last season. It depends what deals we are able to conclude before the end of the market. We are looking to be stronger than before."
But the Spurs boss moved to deny reports that Gareth Bale has already agreed a deal to join Real Madrid, with the two clubs still at loggerheads over a fee for the Welshman.
"I cannot say anything about that but it is not true," he said when asked if a transfer was in place.
Tottenham have been uncharacteristically decisive in this summer's transfer market, moving to sign Brazil international Paulinho and Valencia striker Roberto Soldado with weeks of the transfer window to spare.
Technical director Franco Baldini has been credited for affecting this change in approach, and Villas-Boas is full of praise for the Italian.
"Franco is a massive appointment for Tottenham," he continued. "He's someone I wanted last year and it wasn't possible then.
"He has massive experience Real Madrid, Roma and the FA. He is one of the best technical directors there is."
Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas has confirmed that the club have held talks to sign Anzhi Makhachkala forward Willian.
Willian is one of a number of stars set to leave Anzhi, and Spurs have made the 25-year-old a prime target as they pursue a €70 million swoop for the Brazilian and Roma forward Eric Lamela.
"I can't really confirm anything regarding Willian," Villas-Boas told reporters. "There is interest in the player and there have been conversations.
"None of the names you have mentioned have signed for Spurs. I have answered about Willian in the past - not only time with Tottenham but also Chelsea.
"All the players are great, great players.
"On the players that are here, we are moving forward. We are not only trimming the squad but adding tremendous talent.
"I think we can become very, very strong regards to last season. It depends what deals we are able to conclude before the end of the market. We are looking to be stronger than before."
But the Spurs boss moved to deny reports that Gareth Bale has already agreed a deal to join Real Madrid, with the two clubs still at loggerheads over a fee for the Welshman.
"I cannot say anything about that but it is not true," he said when asked if a transfer was in place.
Tottenham have been uncharacteristically decisive in this summer's transfer market, moving to sign Brazil international Paulinho and Valencia striker Roberto Soldado with weeks of the transfer window to spare.
Technical director Franco Baldini has been credited for affecting this change in approach, and Villas-Boas is full of praise for the Italian.
"Franco is a massive appointment for Tottenham," he continued. "He's someone I wanted last year and it wasn't possible then.
"He has massive experience Real Madrid, Roma and the FA. He is one of the best technical directors there is."
Barcelona rebuff Napoli & Inter's Montoya interest
Napoli and Inter have both expressed an interest in signing Martin Montoya this summer but Barcelona have made it clear the player is not for sale, according to his agent.
Josep Maria Orobitg, who represents the Camp Nou defender, says the Serie A duo did make an enquiry but were swiftly informed there would be no chance of a deal.
Montoya will also continue discussions over a new contract with Barca in the near future, with his current deal expiring at the end of the current season.
“Inter and Napoli have asked about my client but Barcelona have been clear from the start that the player is not for sale,” Orobitg said to calciomercato.
“In the coming weeks we will continue to talk about a contract renewal. You never use the word ‘impossible’ in football, but Martin is unlikely to leave.”
Montoya was a key performer for Spain Under-21s this summer as they successfully retained their European title in Israel.
Napoli and Inter have both expressed an interest in signing Martin Montoya this summer but Barcelona have made it clear the player is not for sale, according to his agent.
Josep Maria Orobitg, who represents the Camp Nou defender, says the Serie A duo did make an enquiry but were swiftly informed there would be no chance of a deal.
Montoya will also continue discussions over a new contract with Barca in the near future, with his current deal expiring at the end of the current season.
“Inter and Napoli have asked about my client but Barcelona have been clear from the start that the player is not for sale,” Orobitg said to calciomercato.
“In the coming weeks we will continue to talk about a contract renewal. You never use the word ‘impossible’ in football, but Martin is unlikely to leave.”
Montoya was a key performer for Spain Under-21s this summer as they successfully retained their European title in Israel.
Tottenham yet to agree Bale deal with Real Madrid
Tottenham and Real Madrid have yet to reach a formal agreement over Gareth Bale's proposed record-breaking move to the Spanish giants - despite the London club's huge summer spending.
Sources from both clubs have moved to quash reports that a €109 million fee had been accepted by Spurs chairman Daniel Levy, who is holding out for €117m from the Santiago Bernabeu outfit.
Tottenham are closing in on a €70m double swoop for Roma star Erik Lamela and Anzhi attacker Willian as they anticipate Bale's departure for a world-record fee.
Yet Spurs sources insist that the Welshman will stay at White Hart Lane if the Spanish giants refuse to increase the value and structure of their existing offer, believed to be worth around €100m.
Bale has privately told senior Spurs officials of his desire to move to Madrid, where, he believes, he can fulfill his potential and pursue silverware after having spent six years in north London.
The PFA and FWA player of the year feels that the time is right to move on this summer after Tottenham failed to qualify for the Champions League last season and Levy accepts that a bid approaching the nine-figure mark would be too good to turn down.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is set to step up his efforts to sign Bale in the coming days, with the 24-year-old forward not expected to play in August, having missed much of pre-season with minor injury complaints.
Tottenham are trying to sign unsettled Madrid left-back Fabio Coentrao for around €17.5m but claim that negotiations over the Portugal international are independent to any discussions over Bale.
Real and Bale's camp are both confident that a move will go through before the transfer window closes but know that the final decision rests with Levy, who is set to break the £100m barrier for the club's summer spending.
The Spurs chairman, a notoriously fierce negotiator, is determined to build a squad capable of qualifying for the Champions League and even competing for the Premier League title - regardless of Bale's future.
The Londoners have already spent heavily this summer to sign Roberto Soldado, Paulinho, Etienne Capoue and Nacer Chadli, with Willian's arrival from Anzhi Makhachkala for around €35m expected to be confirmed in the next 24 hours.
Spurs are also confident of agreeing a deal for Lamela following a meeting in London on Tuesday between their technical director, Franco Baldini, and Roma chief Walter Sabatini, who values the Argentine at £29.9m.
Baldini knows Lamela well from his time at Roma and the 21-year-old was a major point of discussion when the Italian met his former colleague Sabatini, the sporting director of Roma, in London earlier in August.
Spurs are also thought to have registered an interest in Roma's Miralem Pjanic but the Italian outfit are only willing to offload one of the pair after selling Pablo Osvaldo to Southampton in a deal worth up to €17.2m £15m.
Tottenham and Real Madrid have yet to reach a formal agreement over Gareth Bale's proposed record-breaking move to the Spanish giants - despite the London club's huge summer spending.
Sources from both clubs have moved to quash reports that a €109 million fee had been accepted by Spurs chairman Daniel Levy, who is holding out for €117m from the Santiago Bernabeu outfit.
Tottenham are closing in on a €70m double swoop for Roma star Erik Lamela and Anzhi attacker Willian as they anticipate Bale's departure for a world-record fee.
Yet Spurs sources insist that the Welshman will stay at White Hart Lane if the Spanish giants refuse to increase the value and structure of their existing offer, believed to be worth around €100m.
Bale has privately told senior Spurs officials of his desire to move to Madrid, where, he believes, he can fulfill his potential and pursue silverware after having spent six years in north London.
The PFA and FWA player of the year feels that the time is right to move on this summer after Tottenham failed to qualify for the Champions League last season and Levy accepts that a bid approaching the nine-figure mark would be too good to turn down.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is set to step up his efforts to sign Bale in the coming days, with the 24-year-old forward not expected to play in August, having missed much of pre-season with minor injury complaints.
Tottenham are trying to sign unsettled Madrid left-back Fabio Coentrao for around €17.5m but claim that negotiations over the Portugal international are independent to any discussions over Bale.
Real and Bale's camp are both confident that a move will go through before the transfer window closes but know that the final decision rests with Levy, who is set to break the £100m barrier for the club's summer spending.
The Spurs chairman, a notoriously fierce negotiator, is determined to build a squad capable of qualifying for the Champions League and even competing for the Premier League title - regardless of Bale's future.
The Londoners have already spent heavily this summer to sign Roberto Soldado, Paulinho, Etienne Capoue and Nacer Chadli, with Willian's arrival from Anzhi Makhachkala for around €35m expected to be confirmed in the next 24 hours.
Spurs are also confident of agreeing a deal for Lamela following a meeting in London on Tuesday between their technical director, Franco Baldini, and Roma chief Walter Sabatini, who values the Argentine at £29.9m.
Baldini knows Lamela well from his time at Roma and the 21-year-old was a major point of discussion when the Italian met his former colleague Sabatini, the sporting director of Roma, in London earlier in August.
Spurs are also thought to have registered an interest in Roma's Miralem Pjanic but the Italian outfit are only willing to offload one of the pair after selling Pablo Osvaldo to Southampton in a deal worth up to €17.2m £15m.
'We must destroy opponents' – Mourinho
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has called on the west London club to find a killer instinct to ensure that the Blues do not just beat other teams but "destroy" them.
The Europea League winners won their opening Premier League fixture against Hull City Tigers but failed to add to the scoreline after registering an early two-goal lead.
Manchester City, meanwhile, struck four times against Newcastle to leap to the top of the table and Mourinho has urged his side to match that ruthlessness when they take on Aston Villa on Wednesday night.
"We want to win matches," the Portuguese told reporters ahead of his side's clash with the Villans, "but what I like is that when you have the chance to destroy - to beat them by three, four or five - we have to do it.
"If someone has the chance to do it to you, they will not forgive you. They will give you nothing. If someone feels that they can do it to us, they will do it. So, if we have the chance to do it, we have to do it.
"If we do that, we destroy an opponent, we get a much bigger result because going that way you have to score goals, even if the opposing goalkeeper saves a penalty."
Mourinho watched Manuel Pellegrini make his bow in English football on Monday evening and, impressed by what he saw, believes that City can mount a serious title challenge this term.
"I watched the game and they were very good. No doubt about it. They bought fantastic players, they have a fantastic squad and they looked very, very good," the Portuguese observed.
"When you look at the players they didn't have on the pitch - and some were not even on the bench - the squad is amazing. They are a fantastic team and an amazing squad so, yes, they are big contenders but, for me, I think we start, all six, on zero points."
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has called on the west London club to find a killer instinct to ensure that the Blues do not just beat other teams but "destroy" them.
The Europea League winners won their opening Premier League fixture against Hull City Tigers but failed to add to the scoreline after registering an early two-goal lead.
Manchester City, meanwhile, struck four times against Newcastle to leap to the top of the table and Mourinho has urged his side to match that ruthlessness when they take on Aston Villa on Wednesday night.
"We want to win matches," the Portuguese told reporters ahead of his side's clash with the Villans, "but what I like is that when you have the chance to destroy - to beat them by three, four or five - we have to do it.
"If someone has the chance to do it to you, they will not forgive you. They will give you nothing. If someone feels that they can do it to us, they will do it. So, if we have the chance to do it, we have to do it.
"If we do that, we destroy an opponent, we get a much bigger result because going that way you have to score goals, even if the opposing goalkeeper saves a penalty."
Mourinho watched Manuel Pellegrini make his bow in English football on Monday evening and, impressed by what he saw, believes that City can mount a serious title challenge this term.
"I watched the game and they were very good. No doubt about it. They bought fantastic players, they have a fantastic squad and they looked very, very good," the Portuguese observed.
"When you look at the players they didn't have on the pitch - and some were not even on the bench - the squad is amazing. They are a fantastic team and an amazing squad so, yes, they are big contenders but, for me, I think we start, all six, on zero points."
Meulensteen: I can see Eto’o moving to Chelsea
Former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen says he would not be surprised to see Samuel Eto’o leave Anzhi Makhachkala for Chelsea.
The Russian club have seen a number of star players leave following owner Suleyman Kerimov’s decision to cut costs, with Willian the latest player expected to depart as Tottenham close in on the Brazilian's signature.
Eto'o has previously revealed he would like the chance to work with Mourinho again, having played under the Portuguese at Inter, with the Chelsea coach reciprocating the affection.
Meulensteen, who spent just 16 days as coach of the Russian club before being sacked, says Eto’o could leave the club and would be a big success in the Premier League should he move to Stamford Bridge.
When asked if he could see such a deal going through he told Sky Sports News: “I can see it happening.
“I mean I know Samuel is a bit older, coming to the end years of his career, and obviously the English Premier League throws completely different demands on you, different than he’s been used to the last couple of years.
"But he’s still a very, very good player and if he’s surrounded by better players, if they can get him into scoring positions in the box he’s still very, very, very good.”
Former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen says he would not be surprised to see Samuel Eto’o leave Anzhi Makhachkala for Chelsea.
The Russian club have seen a number of star players leave following owner Suleyman Kerimov’s decision to cut costs, with Willian the latest player expected to depart as Tottenham close in on the Brazilian's signature.
Eto'o has previously revealed he would like the chance to work with Mourinho again, having played under the Portuguese at Inter, with the Chelsea coach reciprocating the affection.
Meulensteen, who spent just 16 days as coach of the Russian club before being sacked, says Eto’o could leave the club and would be a big success in the Premier League should he move to Stamford Bridge.
When asked if he could see such a deal going through he told Sky Sports News: “I can see it happening.
“I mean I know Samuel is a bit older, coming to the end years of his career, and obviously the English Premier League throws completely different demands on you, different than he’s been used to the last couple of years.
"But he’s still a very, very good player and if he’s surrounded by better players, if they can get him into scoring positions in the box he’s still very, very, very good.”
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