Sven - Mourinho for England

Jose Mourinho should be considered as one of the frontrunners to take over from Fabio Capello, according to former England boss Sven Goran-Eriksson. Eriksson, now in charge at Leicester, believes the Real Madrid coach would relish an English return after his successful three-year spell at Chelsea. Capello looks set to leave his post when his contract expires after Euro 2012 and potential successors are already being widely speculated. "Nobody would complain if England were to take Mourinho." Sven Goran Erikkson Quotes of the week Many supporters are thought to prefer seeing an Englishman lead the national side but Eriksson reckons appointing Mourinho would be a smart move by the FA. Offers He said: "I wouldn't be surprised if Jose was a candidate for the England job - absolutely not. "Nobody would complain if England were to take Mourinho. "I think what he has done during the last ten years makes him perhaps the best, or one of the best, managers around. "When he's finished at Real he won't be short of offers, so why not?" Mourinho earned himself many admirers in English football on his way to winning two Premier League titles and the FA Cup during his spell at Stamford Bridge. And Eriksson insists the English game has a special appeal for foreign talent. Love He said: "If you've tried English football you love it, whether you are a player, coach or manager. "If you've been working in football in England then leave for another country it's not the same. "So I understand that Jose wants to come back."

Jose delighted with Benzema

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho insists that Frenchman Karim Benzema is a better striker than this time a year ago. The former Lyon man scored his second and third goals of Real's pre-season campaign as they beat Hertha Berlin 3-1 on Wednesday night. Benzema says he has worked hard over the summer on his game and Mourinho believes he deserves some of the credit for the 23-year-old's improvement. "Today, Karim thinks about football the way I do," the Portuguese tactician told Marca. "He has what it takes to produce a good season. "He is much better than this time last year. I have succeeded in converting him." Team And Mourinho is also confident of improvement from the team as a whole, pointing to his past record as an indicator of what lies ahead. Having taken over Porto midway through the 2001-02 season, he won the league the next year and added a further domestic title and the UEFA Champions League in 2003-04. He then left for Chelsea and added back-to-back Premier League titles during his successful spell at Stamford Bridge. "Football is not mathematics and nobody can guarantee this will happen this season, but my second seasons are always better," he continued. "The results of pre-season are not the most important thing. The good thing is taking shape. Winning is nice because you travel happier. "It was good training for us because the league starts soon and we are gathering pace and intensity. After playing against American and Mexican teams, it has been good to come and play in Germany."

Valencia deny Mata approach

Valencia sporting director Braulio Vazquez claims the club are yet to receive any offers for reported Arsenal target Juan Mata. The Gunners are thought to have stepped up their pursuit of Mata after holding talks over the sought-after Spain winger. But Vazquez insists there has been no approach for the 23-year-old, who has also been linked with Tottenham, Liverpool and Chelsea. He told Superdeporte : "I hope that he [Mata] will stay with Valencia and I think he'll do just that. We have not received any offers for him so far. "However, we have a back-up plan in case he leaves. "That's not just the case for Juan though. We have a plan like that for every player. We have to be prepared if something happens. "Juan is very calm and doesn't get carried away. Of course, the rumours don't go unnoticed, but there is absolutely no doubt about his commitment to Valencia."

Courtois relishing challenge

Teenage goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is relishing the challenge after joining Atletico Madrid on loan from his new club Chelsea. The Belgian recently arrived at Stamford Bridge from Genk but will spend the impending campaign on loan at Atletico, who were in the market for a new keeper following David De Gea's departure to Manchester United. And the 19-year-old is eager to make his mark in Spain following his arrival with the Primera Liga outfit. Courtois said at his presentation: "I'm very excited. I have to work very hard to show that I'm capable of winning the trust of the coach. "On a personal level I want to grow here. I'm know it won't be easy. There is a lot of competition for the goalkeeper's position and I must give my best to prove myself." Regarding his future, the 6ft 6in teenager said: "I would like to stay here. I want to focus on having a good season and then it would be great to stay two or three years here." Shirt Courtois will wear De Gea's old number 13 shirt as he competes with Sergio Asenjo and Joel for a starting berth at the Vicente Calderon. "Joel and Asenjo are two great goalkeepers. Atletico Madrid are a big team and they have to have the goalkeepers position well covered. Having competition in goal is good because it makes everyone one of us give their best," Courtois was quoted as saying on Atletico's official website. "The club have given me this number. It carries a lot of weight because it's the number that the previous goalkeeper wore. I only hope to be at that level." He continued: "I've always had two role models in my career. One is (Iker) Casillas and the other is (Edwin) Van der Sar. I think that I have a style similar to his. Now I want to focus on my work and fight to win things with this club." Courtois is also relishing the possibility of playing in front of 55,000 fans at the Vicente Calderon, saying: "The pressure is something that doesn't affect me - it's something that I think makes me play better."

Cazorla set for Malaga switch

Big-spending Malaga have agreed a deal to sign Villarreal winger Santi Cazorla, according to reports in the Spanish media. Villarreal are thought to have accepted a €21million (£18.6m) bid for the Spain international and Marca claim he will sign a five-year contract in Malaga this week. The ambitious Los Boquerones have already signed France international midfielder Jeremy Toulan for €10m (£8.9m) from Lyon this summer having had a massive cash injection when Qatari investors took over the Primera Liga club last year. Cazorla, a member of Spain's victorious Euro 2008 team, looks set to become their latest addition as they bid to build on their 11th-placed finish last season. A move to La Rosaleda would see the 26-year-old link up with coach Manuel Pellegrini, who he previously worked under at Villarreal. Last week Cazorla moved to play down speculation linking him with a move to Malaga, insisting he was happy at El Madrigal. Villarreal have already parted ways with a key player this summer in left-back Joan Capdevila, who departed for Benfica, while they are struggling to keep hold of reported Juventus target Giuseppe Rossi.

Santos won't sell Neymar

Santos maintain that they will not sell star striker Neymar to Real Madrid this summer. Real boss Jose Mourinho wants a new forward and has been repeatedly credited with an interest in activating the 19-year-old's €45million (£39.6m) contract release clause. It has been reported that Santos president Luis Alvaro Ribeiro has met with Real counterpart Florentino Perez in Paris to discuss the transfer. But Ribeiro is quoted as saying by Intereconomia TV : "There was no meeting in Paris. That was already denied by other members of the board of Santos. Negotiate "They (reports) also said that I was in Barcelona to negotiate for Neymar. People have a very fertile imagination." European champions Barcelona have been linked with Neymar, who is under contract until 2015, as have wealthy Premier League clubs Manchester City and Chelsea. The Brazil international's agent claims that all that remains is for his client to make a decision on when he will leave, because he is said to want to play in December's Club World Cup, where he could face Barcelona. Ribeiro added: "We have no interest in selling Neymar. Real Madrid might be willing to pay the buyout clause, but it all depends on the player. "We are sure of his will to be world champion with Santos. We hope to fulfil his contract here."

Valencia plan Mata stay

Valencia president Manuel Llorente insists in-demand star Juan Mata will not be sold this summer. A host of clubs are thought to be chasing Mata, with the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester City all credited with an interest in the 23-year-old. Mata has claimed he is happy to stay at Valencia, despite the constant speculation over his future at La Mestalla. Valencia coach Unai Emery admitted earlier this month they may sell if a big team comes in with an attractive offer because of the club's financial problems. However, Llorente is adamant the skilful attacker is not for sale at any price. "The decision is clear and money will not change our position," Llorente told Superdeporte. "Valencia will not sell to any club that wants to buy Mata."

Blues line up Barca deal

Chelsea are set to seal the signing of Barcelona youngster Oriol Romeu. The 20-year-old is set to finalise a move to Stamford Bridge with Chelsea offering €5million. Barca sources have confirmed to skysports.com that talks are on-going but a deal is imminent. Spanish sources also claim that Barca will have a clause in the deal inserted which will allow them to buy highly-rated Romeu back in the summer of 2013. Romeu is believed to be a long-term target of Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas and the Portuguese coach was trying to sign him for Porto before he moved to West London. Romeu, who was also believed to be a target for Arsenal, is now set to fly to England in the coming days to finalise the move. The 20-year-old, a Spanish youth international, made his senior debut for Barcelona in La Liga at the end of last season.

Blues confirm Romeu deal

Chelsea have confirmed that they have agreed terms with Barcelona for Oriol Romeu. Skysports.com revealed earlier this week that talks between the two clubs were ongoing over the highly-rated 19-year-old. The teenager is now due in West London to undergo a medical and finalise the move, although he is currently on Under-20 World Cup duty with Spain. Romeu has played for Barca's first-team but they have agreed to his sale after Andre Villas-Boas made his move. It is believed a deal worth around £5million has been agreed between the two clubs. "I don't want to speak too much about him because he is not our player," said Chelsea boss Villas-Boas. "It is a part of the squad in which we are struggling with numbers because of Michael Essien's injury and Oriol is a player with a bright future. He still has to evolve as a player. "The Barcelona B team had a magnificent year in the Spanish second division, they finished third. Oriol had an injury during the season but he came back late on and was in time to play for the first team. "So he is one of the most promising young players in that position and hopefully we can agree personal terms and hopefully he will pass a medical." Courtois Meanwhile, Villas-Boas insisted that a deal to send new goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois - who is arriving from Genk - on loan to Atletico Madrid was not yet complete. "It is also a question of time and of deciding where we think it is better for him to evolve as a player, in Spain or in another country,' the manager reported. "The Spanish League is an extremely competitive league and Atletico is a great club to be at but it is not decided yet on his future. "It is still a couple of days until we can confirm agreement between all three parties."

'No movement' on absent Fab

Arsene Wenger insists there has been 'no movement' on the Cesc Fabregas situation as the captain missed Arsenal's pre-season training camp in Germany. The Spaniard, who has been strongly linked with a return to Barcelona this summer, has not travelled to Germany after failing to recover from a muscular injury which also kept him out of the recent tour of Asia. A delegation from Barcelona, led by vice-president Josep Maria Bartomeu, is said to have been in London determined to push through a deal to bring midfielder Fabregas back to Camp Nou, although Arsenal remain steadfast in their £40million valuation. Wenger, who has previously spoken of his wish to keep his skipper at the club, denied anything has happened regarding the player. The Arsenal boss told the club's official website : "The position at the moment is a 'no comment' situation because there is no movement at all." Not recovered "The position at the moment is a 'no comment' situation because there is no movement at all." Arsene Wenger Quotes of the week In regards to Fabregas failing to make the trip to Germany, which will include Saturday's friendly against Cologne and a training camp, Wenger added: "(Fabregas) has not completely recovered from his muscular injury. "It is too early for him, he is not ready.
 "Gervinho is with us. (Lukasz) Fabianski is back. (Emmanuel) Eboue is injured and is behind and (Nicklas) Bendtner is behind.
 "(Abou) Diaby is out longer term so that is why I do not speak about him. We do not count Diaby for August. He will miss the start of the season for sure." Meanwhile, Wenger hopes to sort out Samir Nasri's future soon after the Frenchman was also linked with a move away from the Emirates. Stay He added: "[It is] not completely [sorted that Samir will stay] but I want him to stay. He knows that. Hopefully we can sort that out in the coming weeks."
 Wenger has admitted Manuel Almunia and Bendtner could be leaving the Emirates this summer and says the pair have already been contacted by other clubs. "Alumina has been contacted by a few clubs, Bendtner as well," Wenger said. "As long as the situation is not settled, we have to focus on the coming season with the players we have. "The players who are uncertain, it is difficult for them to focus on being completely committed."

Bojan to seal Roma switch

Barcelona have confirmed that young Spanish striker Bojan is close to finalising his transfer to Roma. The Giallorossi agreed a deal with Barca earlier this month for the 20-year-old, who is one of the game's rising stars. Bojan has been mulling over a switch to Serie A and the youngster admitted the potential move was a 'bittersweet' situation. Barca's sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta believes the transfer is now imminent and that everything should be finalised shortly. "Bojan's transfer to Roma is almost done," confirmed Zubizarreta. "It's only missing the official confirmation, which we'll give in few days. "We are defining details. The official announcement will arrive soon."

Caicedo set for Moscow move

Skysports.com understands former Manchester City striker Felipe Caicedo is set to join Lokomotiv Moscow from Levante for €10million. The Ecuador international moved to Eastlands in a £5.2million deal in January 2008 but was unable to force his way into the first-team picture. Loan spells with Sporting and Malaga followed before the 22-year-old joined Levante on a season-long loan last summer with a view to a permanent deal. The Spanish side immediately took up that option after Caicedo impressed and weighed in with 14 goals for the Primera Liga club. But they shelled out just €1million (£868,000) for his services and are now set to make a handsome profit for the powerful forward. Caicedo has recently been on international duty at the Copa America where he bagged two goals in Ecuador's three games.

Juve told to improve Rossi bid

Juventus need to improve their offer if they want to sign Villarreal striker Giuseppe Rossi, according to the player's agent. The Serie A club remain in talks with the Primera Liga club as they seek to take the Italy international back to Italy. But Rossi's representative, Federico Pastorello, claims the Turin side have yet to meet Villarreal's asking price. "Villarreal await the right offer," Pastorello told Gazzetta dello Sport. "One that reflects the value of Giuseppe. "There's a lot of money at stake and I believe the asking price is correct considering the value of the player. It is not disproportionate." Calm Juventus have also been linked with Atletico Madrid's Sergio Aguero this summer, but it seems they are closest to snapping up Rossi, if a deal can be struck for a player whose buy-out clause stands at €33million. "Juventus and Villarreal are discussing the financial figures and I await developments," added Pastorello. "But if the right offer does not arrive, I am in agreement with the club (Villarreal) that he will stay. "I have spoken to Giuseppe this morning and he is calm. He is not anxious." Former Manchester United and Parma striker Rossi, who is under contract with Villarreal until June 2016, joined his club on Monday on their pre-season tour of Ireland. The 24-year-old enjoyed a fine season in Spain last term, scoring 32 goals in all competitions.

Defender leaves Latics

Defender Antonio Amaya has joined La Liga outfit Real Betis from Wigan for an undisclosed fee. The 28-year-old joined the Latics on the eve of the 2009/10 campaign from Rayo Vallecano. Amaya scored on his debut in a Carling Cup defeat to Blackpool but failed to force his way into the first-team picture at the DW Stadium. The defender failed to make single Premier League appearance for the Latics, making just two further outings in the FA Cup, before re-joining Rayo Vallecano on a season-long loan last summer. There he helped the club earn promotion back to La Liga with a second place finish in Segunda Division. However, it is rivals Real Betis, who finished top of Segunda Division, who have swooped to take Amaya back to Spain on a permanent basis, with the defender penning a three-year deal at Estadio Benito Villamarín.

Dos Santos race hots up

Sky Sports sources understand that Udinese and Valencia have joined the race to sign Tottenham's Giovani dos Santos. The attacking midfielder has already been targeted by Sevilla after impressing on loan at Liga rivals Racing Santander last season while the Mexican has also caught the eye on international duty. Despite being only 22, Dos Santos has already reached 50 caps, scoring five goals in 16 international appearances in 2011. But he has played just 10 league games for Tottenham, going on loan in each of the three seasons since joining from Barcelona in 2008 - to Ipswich, Galatasaray and Racing. Sevilla have made enquiries about another loan switch, with first option on a permanent move, while fellow Spanish side Valencia and Italian outfit Udinese are now thought to be interested. Permanent deal preferred But Sevilla claim Spurs are only willing to let Dos Santos leave White Hart Lane on a permanent basis. Tottenham paid Barca an initial fee of £4.7million to secure his services in 2008 and they are believed to be looking for a similar fee, although Barca would receive 10 per cent due to a sell-on clause. Sevilla are currently unwilling to make such an offer so that has left the door open for Valencia or Udinese to land Dos Santos. "Tottenham want a sale but at the moment Sevilla are only interested in a loan with the first option to buy," Sevilla president Jose Maria del Nido has told Spanish press. "This is the problem because the subject is complicated."

Coentrao aims to justify fee

Fabio Coentrao is determined to prove his worth after his big-money move to Real Madrid. The Spanish giants splashed out €30million to sign the 23-year-old wing-back from Benfica earlier this month. The Portugal international has now joined up with his new team-mates on their pre-season tour of America and is confident he will justify that price tag. "I always hear about the 30million, they say it's expensive," he told Diario AS. "But I cannot answer this question yet, time will tell. "I have the certainty that I have the quality and I want to show everyone why they paid 30million. "I have to prove to everyone that I have the qualities to be here. I am certain that I will respond in the future to this question and that it was worth paying the money for me." Coentrao has become the fourth Portugal international in the Real Madrid squad after Pepe, Cristiano Ronaldo and Ricardo Carvalho. Kaka and Marcelo are Portuguese speakers while coach Jose Mourinho is Portuguese so Coentrao has soon settled in. Fantastic group "It's a fantastic group," he said. "I'm feeling well, and not just because of the Portuguese and Brazilians here. "I feel great in this group. It is a fantastic club and a team with high quality. I am proud to be here, but I have to work hard from now." Carvalho saw Real's bitter rivals Barcelona win the Spanish title and the Champions League in his first season at the Bernabeu, but he has warned the Catalan giants that Real will be even more competitive next term. Mourinho managed to lead them to Copa del Ray victory last term and his track record at Porto, Chelsea and Inter Milan shows he tends to be more successful during his second season in charge. "He always wants to improve, from the first day and every day," said Carvalho, who also played under Mourinho at Porto and Chelsea. Always learning "With him you learn every day. His second years are better than his first because the players know each other better." And Carvalho is hoping Kaka can get back to his best and play a key role next term following two injury-hit campaigns since his then world-record move from AC Milan. "We know he had a difficult season because of his injury," added the experienced defender. "He is coming back and he is looking good. We all know his quality and I hope he can reach his best to help us."

Osvaldo keen to stay

Pablo Daniel Osvaldo has insisted that he would be more than happy to remain at Espanyol. The 25-year-old striker was hugely impressive last season scoring 13-goals for the Barcelona side. He has since been linked to a host of clubs with Tottenham one of those said to be leading the chase. Inter Milan, Juventus and Atletico Madrid are also thought to be keen, but he admits he could yet be ready to stay put. "I want to stay and I would love to be captain," Oslavdo told press agency Efe. "I think only about Espanyol. It shows in my mood and in training, I am happy here. "My agent does his job, but I just focus on playing and I have a contract in place. "My agent is like a father to me, he is very concerned about my future." Captain The captain's armband is free after Ivan de la Pena retired and he would like the chance to take charge of the team. "I would love to captain Espanyol, but this is something that needs to be decided on between all partners. "I feel very identified with this team and with the project, so I want to stay here."

Adebayor hopes for Real

Emmanuel Adebayor has confirmed he wants to finalise a return to Real Madrid. Skysports.com revealed earlier this week that a return to Madrid was on the cards for the Manchester City striker, who finished last season on loan at the Santiago Bernabeu. Adebayor has been left out of City's tour to America and is very much out in the cold with the Premier League club, so a move back to Spain is a huge appeal to him. Adebayor revealed that Real boss Jose Mourinho had told him he wanted him back. "We talked before we went on vacation. He said he wanted me to stay," he said. "If he called me right now, I would catch the first plane out to Los Angeles and if I could play three or four years in Madrid and I would retire with the club." Mourinho dream The Togo striker is desperate to be reunited with Mourinho. "He is the best coach I've worked with," the former Arsenal man told AS. "No doubt about it, and Madrid will win titles with him. "He now has control of the club and it is being designed to his template. "He gave me confidence and made me believe in myself and I enjoyed my football again." Adebayor is currently spending time training on his own at City. "I am training twice a day, I am working on my dream and I do not want another exit other than to return to Real Madrid, I am waiting on the call and hopefully it will happen," he said.

Villarreal consider Jarvis

Skysports.com understands that Villarreal are considering a shock move for Wolves winger Matt Jarvis. The 25-year-old has been linked with the Primera Liga club and reports have suggested they are studying DVDs of the wide-man. Jarvis won an England debut in March's 1-1 friendly draw with Ghana at Wembley after an excellent season up to that point. But his form dipped after his international recognition, as Wolves narrowly avoided Premier League relegation on the final day of the campaign. Wolves boss Mick McCarthy took the bold decision to drop the former Gillingham player and that did lead to speculation that he could be willing to listen to offers. Juan Carlos Garrido's Villarreal have been linked with Jarvis as a result and the Spanish club have refused to rule out a surprise bid. Club sources said: "We are working on some possible players and none of them are Spanish." Villarreal have already confirmed the signing of defender Cristian Zapata from Udinese, while star striker Giuseppe Rossi is expected to leave for Juventus.

Wenger confirms duo can leave

Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Nicklas Bendtner and Manuel Almunia are both holding talks about moves away from the club. The duo have not been included for Arsenal's tour of Asia as they are in transfer discussions. Bendtner has been strongly linked with Borussia Dortmund and Fenerbahce in recent weeks, while Almunia looks set to return to Spain. "Both of them are possible departures," said the manager. "They are talking to other clubs at the moment. I cannot tell you which ones." No left-back Wenger, meanwhile, revealed that he does no intend to sign a replacement for Gael Clichy - who he sold to Manchester City. The Gunners boss says he is happy that he has Kieran Gibbs and Armand Traore, along with Thomas Vermaelen, who could also play there if required. "The plan for left back is that we have Kieran Gibbs, Armand Traore and Thomas Vermaelen can play there too. So we have what we need," said Wenger - who admitted that new signing Carl Jenkinson will be involved with the first team. "Jenkinson is an interesting buy. We bought him from Charlton and hopefully he will push Sagna," he said.

Chelsea and Real hunt Pastore

Palermo have confirmed that Chelsea and Real Madrid are currently showing the greatest interest in Javier Pastore. Malaga, with their new-found riches, Manchester United and Manchester City are also understood to be attempting to sign the playmaker in an ongoing transfer saga. Napoli have shown interest in Pastore, but Palermo's president, Maurizio Zamparini, has dismissed reports that their Serie A rivals have made an new enquiry. Zamparini instead believes that Chelsea or Real are the most likely destination for the 22-year-old Argentine. "At the moment it looks as if Pastore will move abroad. Real Madrid and Chelsea lead the race for his services," he is quoted as saying by La Gazzetta dello Sport. "There is not much news, as the same clubs still want him. "Napoli have not made a fresh approach for him. Those quotes are outdated. They're from a meeting several weeks ago. "(Napoli president Aurelio) De Laurentiis sat next to me and asked whether we could talk about Pastore. I said, 'no' and haven't heard from him since."

AZ still keen on Altidore

AZ Alkmaar technical director Earnest Stewart remains hopeful of reaching a deal for Villarreal striker Jozy Altidore. The Eredivisie side are keen to bolster their resources up front after star forward Kolbeinn Sigthorsson departed for Ajax earlier this week. USA international Altidore is on their radar, but it is thought the Dutch club would struggle to match his current wages at Villarreal. However, Stewart has not ruled out a swoop for the 21-year-old, telling Voetbal International : "We have some candidates for the top position in mind and that definitely includes Altidore." Altidore has failed to break into the Villarreal first team since joining from New York Red Bulls in 2008 and has spent time on loan at Hull City, Xerez and Bursaspor. Potential Despite his struggles in the Primera Liga, Stewart believes the young American has a lot to offer. "I think the timing of the course he chose was wrong," he added. "(The level of) Villarreal was just too high and I think he is aware (of that). "But he still has enormous potential. We have opportunities to consider." Altidore himself hinted at an Eredivisie move late last month when he said via his Twitter account: "Learning Dutch is gona (sic) be hard. Can I get the "how to" on Rosetta stone?" AZ's bid to capture the striker could be hindered after reports emerged he could sign for Udinese as part of an exchange deal with Villarreal for defender Christian Zapata.

Wigan in fresh Colunga link

Getafe president Angel Torres says a decision on Adrian Colunga's future will rest with the club's coach amid reports Wigan Athletic have made a bid for the striker. Colunga has been a long-time target for Latics boss Roberto Martinez and was first mooted for a move to the DW Stadium last summer. At that time, Martinez suggested Colunga had the necessary ability to adapt to playing in England after impressing during a loan spell at Real Zaragoza. The 26-year-old is now reportedly the subject of a £3million offer from Wigan as Martinez looks to improve his squad ahead of next season. Spanish side Getafe have yet to make a decision on the bid and Torres says it is up to coach Luis Garcia whether he wants to let Colunga go. "I don't want him to go, but the decision rests with our coach Luis Garcia," Torres told the Spanish media. "Colunga could score 12 or 14 goals this season and be very valuable to the club."

Pellegrini commits to Malaga

Manuel Pellegrini has signed a two-year contract extension to remain in charge of Malaga until 2015. The Chilean tactician, who has also coached Real Madrid and Villarreal, joined Malaga in November, taking over from Portugal's Jesualdo Ferreira. He has now committed his long-term future to the ambitious club after steering them from 18th place in the Primera Liga standings to 11th at the end of the season. Two members of his coaching staff, Ruben Cousillas and Jose Cabello, have also extended their deals until 2015. Malaga have embarked upon a considerable player recruitment programme this summer, backed by the fortune of Qatari owner Abdullah bin Nasser Al Thani. The likes of Joaquin, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Joris Mathijsen and Jeremy Toulalan have all been lured to La Rosaleda.

Zapata heading for Spain

Cristian Zapata has shunned Liverpool's interest and agreed a deal with Villarreal. Liverpool made a move for the Udinese central defender last month, but Villarreal were always at the head of the queue which also included Bayern Munich. And now, after talks with his agent, Villarreal have come to agreement with the Colombian. The 24-year-old has agreed a five-year deal and will officially put pen to paper after the Copa America. "They were the first club to show an interest in him," his agent Jerome Barbadillo said when asked why he opted for Villarreal. "He is very happy, but is now focused on the Copa America - but he is aware of everything." The deal is understood to be worth €7milllion and they are also reported to have offered them one of Jozy Altidore or Marco Ruben.

Coentrao's dream comes true

Real Madrid's new £27million man, Fabio Coentrao, has admitted that his dreams have come true after completing his move to the Bernabeu and he has set his sights on winning La Liga. The Portugal left-back's departure from Benfica was confirmed on Tuesday afternoon following several months of speculation and reports of interest from Chelsea. Coentrao, who will battle with Marcelo for a first-team place, is delighted to have now joined Real on a six-year deal and is relishing the prospect of working with Jose Mourinho. "It is every player's dream to play for Real Madrid and something I used to dream about as a kid," Coentrao told Real's official website. "I hope to continue my progress and show the fans what I can do. "The Spanish league is very competitive and there are lots of good teams. I am determined to try and win it with Real Madrid." Fabio Coentrao Quotes of the week "I can't wait to work with Jose Mourinho as he is the best coach in the word and it is a real honour to work with him." Competition Mourinho wants to improve his defence after finishing second best to Barcelona in the league and also suffering UEFA Champions League elimination at the hands of their bitter rivals. But Coentrao is not expecting to stroll into the Real first team and anticipates that the club will benefit from the competition for places between himself and Marcelo. "I am going to work hard to play and Marcelo will do the same," he said. "We will compete for the same position every week and that will benefit the team, which is the most important thing. "The Spanish league is very competitive and there are lots of good teams. I am determined to try and win it with Real Madrid."

Roma agree Bojan terms

Roma have confirmed that they have agreed terms with Bojan ahead of his proposed move from Barcelona. Reports in the British media claimed that Tottenham were ready to make a move for the young Spaniard. But with Barca legend Luis Enrique now in charge at Roma, a move to the Eternal City was always on the cards for Bojan. And now their sporting director Walter Sabatini has confirmed that the deal is almost in place. "The agreement with the player is done," he told La Graderia. "We have to fix some things with Barcelona, I am very optimistic." Jose Angel Roma are also lining up a move for Sporting Gijon's highly-rated Spanish Under-21 defender Jose Angel, but Sabatini refused to go into detail on their bid for the 21-year-old left back. "The player of Sporting and I can not speak of a player from another team. It is not right." However, Sporting president Manuel Vega Arango has told Roma that they will not get him on the cheap as they are believed to be holding out for €15million. "Jose Angel will go when Roma accept our conditions," Sporting president Manuel Vega Arango said in Sport. "We are waiting for a reply. "If he stays at the club we will be very happy. Sporting don't need to accept what people offer like we did in the past with the likes of David Villa. "The situation is much better now and footballers have a price. If clubs pay the amount they leave, if not, they will stay." La Liga champions Barcelona were interested in Angel but Roma are now the frontrunners for his signature.

Xavi would welcome Cesc move

Xavi insists he would welcome the competition Cesc Fabregas would bring if he makes a move to Camp Nou this summer. Barca failed with two bids for the Arsenal captain last year and have reportedly had an initial offer turned down this summer too. The Catalan giants are likely to return with a new bid for their former youth team midfielder, 24, despite already having the likes of Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets. Xavi believes adding a player such as Fabregas to their midfield ranks can only be a positive thing, though. "Competition is always good and Cesc is an extraordinary footballer," he said. "If he comes, it will be to help out." However, Xavi hopes Fabregas does not face the same comparisons he faced himself when he broke through in the late 1990s. Long-term successor? "They put that label on me of being a replacement for Pep Guardiola and it wasn't fun at all," said the 31-year-old. Barca have also kept faith in their home-grown players, though, with 20 year-old midfielder Thiago Alcantara signing a new contract until 2015. "Thiago has renewed and that's great news," said Xavi. "He is a fantastic player with a lot of talent - the competitiveness of the group is great." And although Xavi began last season with a niggling injury after helping Spain win the World Cup, he insists he is feeling fresh ahead of the new campaign. "I feel good physically, I'm very motivated and content," he said. "Last year I suffered some tendonitis in the Achilles tendon but I'm over that. "I'll try to start off as best I can and at the highest level."

Real kid joins Getafe

Real Madrid have confirmed that Pablo Sarabia has crossed town to join Getafe. The 19-year-old attacking midfielder has signed a five-year contract with Getafe for a reported fee of 3million euros. However, Real have confirmed the deal includes a buy-back option for the Spanish Under-19 international. Sarabia made his first-team debut against Auxerre in the UEFA Champions League in December but has found his progress blocked at the Bernabeu. But Sarabia has gone on to impress in Real's reserves and in March Arsenal were reported to be interested in securing his services. Getafe will be eager to improve on coming 16th in last season's La Liga, when the Madrid-based outfit finished just a point above the drop zone.

Higuain hoping to stay

Gonzalo Higuain has shrugged off speculation regarding his future by committing himself to Real Madrid. The Argentine striker has been a success story in Spain since moving to Santiago Bernabeu from River Plate in January 2007. He has made over 150 appearances for Real, scoring 77 goals, but that record has not been enough to stop rumours spreading that he could soon be on his way to pastures new. Real are understood to be chasing a number of attacking targets this summer, casting doubt over the future of those already at the club. Higuain is confident he remains part of Jose Mourinho's plans, though, and hopes he can play a leading role in their pursuit of major honours. Competition "My wish is to stay with Real Madrid," he told AS. "I feel very loved by the fans and I want to win many more trophies with this club. There's nothing better than playing at one of the world's biggest clubs. "I am very happy at Real Madrid. "It is clear that you have to work very hard to become and remain a first-team regular at a big club like this. There's always a lot of competition for places. "I am pleased to have the chance to play with the big stars here and want to continue winning things."

Udinese - No Sanchez deal

Udinese say that no club has yet agreed a deal with them to sign Chilean ace Alexis Sanchez. European champions Barcelona have been heavily linked, although their bid falls short of the Serie A club's €50million (£45.3m) valuation. Sanchez has ruled out a move to big-spending Manchester City, saying he would rather stay at Udinese than make the switch to Eastlands. Serie A rivals Inter Milan are also interested in the talented 22-year-old, although no one has come up with a deal to tempt Udinese. The club have no qualms with settling on a transfer fee for Sanchez, stating they would love to have the youngster among their ranks next season. "There are no definite agreements regarding Sanchez," sporting director Fabrizio Larini told Gazzetta dello Sport. "We have no need to sell the forward, who is improving and can still do better. "If no agreement is reached, we would be happy (to keep him)." Enquiry Larini revealed Inter had enquired about the player earlier this year, but questioned whether they would now be able to afford him. "Inter asked us about the player back in January," added Larini. "But we did not even begin any type of negotiation because we wanted to keep him at least until June. "At that time his value was different to what it is now and it has now become difficult for the Nerazzurri to compete. "They have proposed an exchange of players to be part of the deal, but there are other clubs that are ahead of them right now."