Former Real Betis boss Pepe Mel has ended negotiations with West Brom concerning their vacant managerial position after a reported disagreement over backroom staff. Mel, who guided Betis to promotion in his first season and European qualification in his second, was looking the most likely candidate to succeed Steve Clarke but negotiations have broken down and Mel has returned to Spain. … [Read more...]
Mourinho targeting Musacchio
Mateo Musacchio is being lined up for a surprise transfer to the Premier League as Chelsea look set to bolster their defence by signing the Villarreal centre-back. Musacchio, 23, has excelled as Villarreal have impressed since their re-introduction to La Liga this season and was on the scoresheet in the Yellow Submarine's narrow defeat to Barcelona on Saturday. … [Read more...]
United in for Koke
Manchester United boss David Moyes was in Madrid last night to take a look at Atletico Madrid youngster Koke ahead of a potential January move. 21-year-old Koke has been impressive for a resurgent Atletico Madrid over the past two seasons and secured himself a spot in Vincente del Bosque's full Spain squad during the last international break. It is well known the problems United have in midfield with Michael Carrick injured and Marouane Fellaini struggling to adapt at Old Trafford and Moyes could make another bid to rescue United's title challenge. Moyes was looking at the Spanish market in … [Read more...]
La Real suffer dismal Champions League experience
As Carlos Vela slalomed through a static Lyon defence to delicately chip home a fourth goal for Sociedad back in August, there were few doubts that the side were capable of beating some of Europe's top sides. The Mexican's second of the night in front of almost 29,000 Basques rounded off a 4-0 aggregate win for Sociedad over the French side on a wonderful night that perfectly capped off the previous 12 months of industry. A squad full of creativity, passion and nous were the young trendsetters in European football; the next big thing from behind the Real-Barca curtain. At least it looked that … [Read more...]
Morata being tracked by Tottenham and Arsenal
The Daily Mail are reporting that both Tottenham and Arsenal are keeping their eyes on out-of-favour Real Madrid youngster Alvaro Morata. Carlo Ancelotti preferred Jese to Morata for the Champions League game with Galatasaray in midweek which has apparently alerted the two top teams in North London. … [Read more...]
Liverpool open talks with Montoya
Liverpool have made the first move to sign Barcelona defender Martin Montoya after the Reds opened talks with the Nou Camp youngster. Montoya is out of contract in the summer and Barcelona look ready to offload the La Masia graduate in January. Talks have been ongoing between Montoya and Barcelona with the 22-year-old keen on staying at the club but Liverpool Managing Director Ian Ayre has flown out to discuss a potential fee. … [Read more...]
Time for LFP to tackle racism
Another racism row flared up during the Seville derby on Sunday evening as 'supporters' (a loosely used term) of Betis turned on their own player, Paulao, apparently racially abusing the Brazilian centre-back. It is not the first time racism has been seen in Spanish football and it has been happening without sufficient punishment for too long. The incident at Betis needs to be Spain's watershed moment and the country should rally and appreciate that the issue of racism in football has to be addressed. … [Read more...]
Sevilla starlet Moreno a target for United and Chelsea
Chelsea and Manchester United are reportedly monitoring Sevilla full-back Alberto Moreno and planning a January swoop for the 21-year-old. Moreno has been in Sevilla's first team for only a few months but his impressive performances have seen him make his full Spanish debut and become a prime target for Europe's top clubs. Moreno is still eligible for the Champions League this season due to Sevilla not qualifying so a transfer in January would give both Chelsea and United extra depth for the knockout stages should they qualify. … [Read more...]
Messi will need time to return to his best
Lionel Messi has suffered many setbacks during the last six months and faces his longest battle yet to recover from injury in time for the second half of Barcelona's season. Messi suffered his third injury of the season, tearing his left hamstring just 20 minutes into the match against Betis on Sunday and will be on the treatment table for 6-8 weeks. It is the longest spell Messi will have been injured for and this recent spate of injuries has marked a new chapter in his career. … [Read more...]
Spain select controversial Costa
Vicente del Bosque has called up Atletico Madrid's Diego Costa to his Spanish side for the first time following the striker's recent switch of allegiance from Brazil to Spain. The selection marks the end of the tussle between the two countries for Costa who has caused friction between the two confederations and fans of La Roja. … [Read more...]