Lyon land Dabo

Lyon have completed the signing of Mouhamadou Dabo from Sevilla on a four-year contract. The 24-year-old arrives for a fee of 1million euros, with a further 800,000 euros in possible add-ons. Senegal-born Dabo has prior experience of life in Ligue 1 having spent time with St Etienne before moving to Spain. Lyon are happy to have got their man and have revealed that their latest capture is likely to accelerate the departure of Lamine Gassama. "Aged 24, Mouhamadou Dabo is a versatile player who can play on both sides of the defence," read a statement released by the club. "His arrival strengthens the defensive section of the team and anticipates the likely departure of Lamine Gassama."

Barcelona v Villarreal preview

Barcelona begin the defence of their Primera Division title against Villarreal on Monday night in buoyant mood after adding two more titles to their increasingly overcrowded trophy room in the last fortnight - but coach Pep Guardiola is remaining grounded. Sky Bet Match odds: Barcelona 1/5 Draw 11/2 Villarreal 12/1. Bet here. After winning the Champions League and La Liga double last season, Barca defeated arch rivals Real Madrid to win the Spanish Supercopa 5-4 on aggregate earlier this month before seeing off Porto 2-0 in the UEFA Super Cup on Friday. That latest triumph was the 12th title Barca have won since Guardiola took charge in 2008, and few would bet against the Catalan giants increasing that tally this season. Guardiola is not getting carried away though, saying following his side's triumph over Porto: "We've won two titles and we are very happy with that, now the league will show us if we continue to be as competitive as we have been in recent years. "This team have to show again what we have shown over the last few seasons. We have made a good start and now we have to get down to the day-to-day work." He added: "There's always room for improvement. I have to be on alert - that's an obligation of the manager. It takes a long time to build a team and just a moment for it to fall apart." Striker David Villa said in AS: "We're very happy to continue with our run of titles and this will give us a lot of strength and motivation to start a very tough season. "I'm happy, because I've been here little more than a year and this is my fifth title since I arrived, something I couldn't have dreamed about." Barca will be without Brazilian duo Dani Alves (suspension) and Adriano (injury) while captain Carles Puyol has only just returned to full training following knee surgery in June. Cesc Fabregas and Alexis Sanchez could be in line for their Primera Division debuts after joining Barca in a big-money moves from Arsenal and Udinese, respectively, this summer. Villarreal finished fourth last season but a massive 34 points behind champions Barca. The Yellow Submarine have lost two of their Spanish internationals this summer with Santi Cazorla joining Malaga and Joan Capdevila going to Benfica, but they have so far managed to keep hold of star strikers Giuseppe Rossi and Nilmar, who between them netted 50 goals in all competitions last term. Juan Carlos Garrido said on his club's website: "I'm happy that Giuseppe is at Villarreal, but also Cani, Bruno (Soriano), Borja Valero, Marcos Senna, Wakaso (Mubarak), Joan Oriol. "I'm happy to have the players that I have. Obviously you can always improve, ask for more, but in the end you have to adapt to the players you have and get the best out of them." Regarding Monday's clash, Garrido added: "Our objective is to play our best football and in a game like this that's all that counts. We need to defend well, run a lot, do everything perfectly. "We've heard in recent years many secret formulas to beating Barca and I don't see anybody having found the answer. We're going there with humility but also with high hopes. "Barca have won everything and have won with almost insulting ease against great opponents, but we have high hopes and will try to win." Best bet: Barcelona (-2 handicap) - 13/10

Espanyol agree Weiss deal

Espanyol have reached an agreement with Manchester City to sign Vladimir Weiss on a season-long loan, while fellow Blues youngster Loris Karius is on his way to Mainz. Slovakia international Weiss, who has had loan spells at Bolton and Rangers during the last two years, has been linked with a move to various clubs this summer. But it is Espanyol who have now announced that a deal is in place for Weiss to spend the remainder of the 2011/12 Primera Liga campaign in Spain. "Espanyol and Manchester City have reached an agreement in principle for the loan of Vladimir Weiss for one season," read an Espanyol statement. Weiss travelled to Barcelona on Monday morning in a bid to put the finishing touches on the switch. If all goes to plan and the deal goes through, Weiss, who will link up with Slovakia for the upcoming Euro 2012 qualifiers against Republic of Ireland and Armenia, will be presented next week following his international commitments. Karius Weiss is not the only City player on his way out of the club on loan, with highly-rated goalkeeper Karius to join Mainz in Germany until December. The 18-year-old is under contract with City until next summer but has yet to make the breakthrough into the first team and will now have a chance to press for more regular action in the Bundesliga. "Loris Karius is one of the most talented goalkeepers of Germany," Mainz general manager Christian Heidel told his club's official website. "We have been monitoring him for a while and when we met he left a very good impression on us. "We have put up a loan arrangement with Manchester City in the meantime and I feel this loan is a win-win situation for us as a club as well as for the player."

Primera Liga preview

The Primera Liga belatedly starts this weekend after the dispute between the Association of Spanish Footballers and the Spanish League was resolved. Sky Bet La Liga odds: Barcelona - 8/15, Real Madrid - 6/4. Bet now. Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid embark on Mission Impossible Part II with a trip to Real Zaragoza as they attempt to stop a Barcelona side strengthened by the acquisition of Cesc Fabregas and Alexis Sanchez. Mourinho was partially successful last season with victory in the Copa del Rey final, denying Pep Guardiola his second treble in three seasons as Barcelona manager. The other trophies, however, belonged to Barcelona. Madrid have focused on adding to the squad: left back Fabio Coentrao, Espanyol's Jose Callejon and sumptuous Turkish international Nuri Sahin arriving amidst little fanfare. Match previews Saturday 27 Sporting Gijon v Sociedad, 17:00 Valencia v Racing Santander, 19:00 Granada v Real Betis, 21:00 Sunday, 28 Atl. Madrid v Osasuna, 11:00 Bilbao v Rayo Vallecano, 15:00 Getafe v Levante, 17:00 Mallorca v Espanyol, 17:00 Real Zaragoza v Real Madrid, 19:00 Sevilla v Malaga, 21:00 Monday 29 Barcelona v Villarreal, 20:00 After the controversy of their Supercopa defeat, Mourinho will be looking to ensure his side avoid a repeat of the 3-2 defeat his side suffered when they last face Zaragoza when they meet a 7pm on Sunday, live on Sky Sports HD1. Barcelona have already got two trophies under their belt after adding the European Super Cup to the Supercopa title with Friday's 2-0 win over Porto. Fabregas is already off the mark after coming off the bench to net against the Europa League winners, while Lionel Messi took his tally to four goals before the league campaign has even started with the opener. Andalucian derby However, arguably the most intriguing encounter of the weekend sees Sevilla hosting big spending Malaga. Sevilla have perennially been Andalucia's top side but following a summer of star signings it is Malaga who are being tipped to push for a Championships League spot with the likes of Martin Demichelis, Jeremy Toulalan, Santi Cazorla, Joaquin and Ruud van Nistelrooy on board. In contrast, Atletico Madrid are also looking to move on after losing stars Sergio Aguero and David De Gea over the summer, with Falcao and Arda Turan leading the transition as they start the season with the visit of Osasuna. Sky Bet Top scorer odds: Cristiano Ronaldo - 7/4, Lionel Messi - 2/1, David Villa - 8/1, Gonzalo Higuain - 12/1, Karin Benzema - 12/1. Bet here. Marcelo Bielsa's appointment as Atletico Bilbao boss also represents a new era at the San Mames, which hosts Real Vallecano, while Getafe are set to hand a debut to Daniel Guiza when Levante visit the Coliseum Alfonso Perez. Modest targets In Sunday's other clash, Real Mallorca host Espanyol with both clubs harbouring modest ambitions with after the former only just clinging on to top-flight status last term while their visitors have lost top scorer Osvaldo. On Saturday evening, Valencia begin life without Juan Mata with a visit of Racing with new boy Dani Parejo looking to fill the Chelsea signing's void. Granada return to Primera Division football for the first time in 35 years when they entertain another newly promoted side in Real Betis, live on Sky Sports HD4 at 9pm , while the first game of the weekend sees Sporting Gijon host Real Sociadad.

Barrera joins Zaragoza

Pablo Barrera has joined Spanish club Real Zaragoza on loan from West Ham United for the 2011/12 season. The Hammers made the announcement on Thursday and outlined the reason why the winger has been allowed to leave for the Primera Division team. "West Ham United have allowed Pablo Barrera to join Real Zaragoza on a season-long loan," reads a statement on the club's official website. "The 24-year-old has been loaned out after struggling to adapt to life in London since arriving from Mexico because of language difficulties and personal reasons. "He started the 2-1 defeat by Aldershot Town on Wednesday night, before travelling to Spain on Thursday for a medical." Barrera joined the Championship club from Nacional last summer and will hope for better performances and a more suitable life in Spain. The Mexican is available to play for Zaragoza in their league clash with Real Madrid on Sunday evening.

Mata makes Blues move

Chelsea have confirmed that highly-rated Spain international Juan Mata has joined the club from Valencia, penning a five-year contract. Sky Fantasy Football Want to follow in AVB's footsteps and sign Mata? Get him in your team for £7.8m here. It was announced on Monday that an agreement had been reached for the 23-year-old, with Valencia having accepted an offer from the Blues. Personal terms have been thrashed out since then, while a medical has also been passed. Mata is now all clear to open a new chapter in his career in England and admits he is looking forward to getting started. The World Cup winner told the club's official website : "Right from the first moment there have been good feelings all around me. Training has been great and the players are a great group to train with. Sky Bet Odds Mata is 11/2 to open to scoring against Norwich on Saturday. Bet here. "Valencia was a big club anyway but I have left to join a bigger club and it is all about the opportunity to win trophies and I have that here." Mata becomes Andre Villas-Boas' fourth signing of the summer, following the arrivals of Oriol Romeu, Romelu Lukaku and Thibaut Courtois. Trophies On his early dealings with his new boss, Mata added: "He said he wanted Chelsea this season to play more attacking football, and that I would be a big part of that. "Villas-Boas is someone who won almost everything last year and we are both here with the idea of winning lots this season. "The plan is that I can play on either flank or even in the middle playing in between the lines of midfield and attack. I like to keep the ball and use it well, I am an attacking player and above all I like to set up goals and score them also. "Valencia was a big club anyway but I have left to join a bigger club and it is all about the opportunity to win trophies and I have that here." Juan Mata Quotes of the week "I want to adapt as quickly as possible to my new surroundings, my colleagues and this league, and I would love to win a trophy in my first season. If it can be the Premier League then great." Mata joins countrymen Romeu and Fernando Torres in West London and is pleased to have familiar faces around him. He said: "Fernando got me excited about the thought of coming here. "He said it would be good for me here and that me and him together could be good. I also talked to my family and friends about it as well."

Weiss reveals Wigan bid

Vladimir Weiss has revealed that Wigan are in the frame to land his signature. The 21-year-old Slovakian winger is set to leave Manchester City, and had been strongly linked with Ukrainian giants Dynamo Kiev. But he insists that a deal with Kiev is not yet complete and he has options with Wigan, but also in Spain. "Wigan and a Spanish clubs are immensely interested," he told CAS. "I believe my future will be resolved within hours." Weiss explained that although talks with Kiev were on-going, nothing had been signed. He added: "One thing is for sure, I want to leave Manchester. It is not true that I am already a Dynamo player, as has been put in the media." Weiss spent last season on-loan at Scottish champions Rangers.

Cesc on target for Barca

Cesc Fabregas scored his first goal since returning to Barcelona in his side's 5-0 friendly win over Napoli on Monday night. The former Arsenal captain, who completed his move back to his boyhood side last week, was named in a strong starting XI for the annual Gamper Trophy exhibition match. And, on his full debut following last week's substitute appearance in the Spanish Super Cup, the midfielder ingratiated himself to the Camp Nou crowd by opening the scoring in the 25th minute. Midfield colleague Seydou Keita made it 2-0 before Lionel Messi replaced Fabregas and helped himself to a 15-minute hat-trick.

Forlan seeks Atletico exit

Diego Forlan's father has confirmed the striker wants to leave Atletico Madrid and hopes to join Inter Milan. The Uruguayan star is unsettled at the Vicente Calderon and has been targeted as a replacement for Samuel Eto'o who is expected to finalise his move to Russian club Anzhi next week. Forlan Snr, Pablo, has revealed the former Manchester United forward's agent is in talks with Inter about a move to Italy. "Diego is unhappy at Atletico Madrid, for whom he has given everything and has been professional, although he has not been treated the same way," Forlan snr told Radio station AM Libre. "I hope Diego joins Inter and his agent is negotiating in Milan and Diego is anxious for things to be resolved. "If my son does not go to Inter then it will be another club. I don't know which one, but I am certain he will not stay with Atletico because his time there has come to an end even though he is still under contract."

Mata flies in for medical

Valencia winger Juan Mata has flown to London in order to undergo a medical ahead of a proposed move to Chelsea. A number of Premier League clubs, including Liverpool and Arsenal, have been linked with the highly-rated winger, who was part of Spain's World Cup winning squad and was their Under-21 captain. However, the Blues moved into pole position to sign Mata in recent weeks with manager Andre Villas-Boas open about his interest in the player. The Spanish outfit confirmed on Sunday that they had agreed a fee with the West London club over the transfer of the 23-year-old, believed be in the region of €30million (£26million). Mata then confirmed via Twitter that he was heading to London on Monday to undergo a medical with the Stamford Bridge club. He tweeted: "Travel to London for medical examination, and come back to Valencia to say goodbye to everybody as you deserve...thanks so much!"

Porto consider Atletico bids

Porto have announced that they are considering bids from Atletico Madrid for two of their star players. The Spaniards have made an offer for Colombia striker Radamel Falcao and Portugal midfielder Ruben Micael. 25-year-old Falcao scored 38 goals for Porto last season, including 17 in their Europa League triumph. 24-year-old Micael joined the Portuguese champions in January 2010 but has since earned a call-up to the Portgual squad and scored twice on his debut in March. Atletico are looking to replace Sergio Aguero who completed the move to Manchester City this summer in a deal believed to be worth 45million euros. In a statement, Porto said: "We announce that we have received an offer from Atletico Madrid to sign Radamel Falcao and Ruben Micael, and this is being considered by the club". Meanwhile, Porto have completed the signings of defender Eliaquim Mangala and midfielder Steven Defour for a combined fee of £11.4m from Standard Liege.

Fabregas not out to end Xavi

Former Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas insists he has not returned to Barcelona to send Xavi into retirement. After three years of transfer speculation, the Spain international this week finally secured a move back to the club he left in 2003 in order to head to England. Despite Arsenal's reluctance to sell, Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola was determined to get his man and secured a deal with it perceived Fabregas is considered as the successor to Xavi. The majestic midfielder, who himself replaced Guardiola in Barcelona's midfield, is 31-years-old and some have suggested Fabregas could take his place in the future. But Fabregas, 24, told Barcelona TV : "I think that Xavi still has some years left in him. He does things you wouldn't believe. "I haven't come to retire Xavi. I came here to play with Xavi, to compete with Xavi, and to win with Xavi." Cesc Fabregas Quotes of the week Desire "I haven't come to retire Xavi. I came here to play with Xavi, to compete with Xavi, and to win with Xavi. "What I'm saying about Xavi also goes for Andres [Iniesta] and Thiago. I think altogether we make a very good group. I know what we'll do. With the great group we are, we'll do great things together." Fabregas also recognises he is still developing as a player and has arrived at the Camp Nou with a desire to learn. "I'm very young and the best years of my football career are beginning now, and in the future," he said. "I still have a lot to learn and hope to mature with Barca for many years to come."

Spurs close on Diarra

Sky Sports sources understand that Tottenham Hotspur are closing in on the signing of Real Madrid's Lassana Diarra. Skysports.com revealed earlier this month that Spurs had made a move for Diarra - who wants to seal a switch back to England. The French international has already played for Arsenal, Chelsea and Portsmouth in the Premier League and now he looks set to join his fourth club. Redknapp signed Diarra during his time at Portsmouth, and has already confirmed his hope of completing his signing. A deal, worth around £10million, is now believed to be close to completion.

Forlan could leave Atletico

Atletico Madrid have confirmed they would listen to offers for Diego Forlan if they get their hands on Porto's Falcao. The Liga outfit previously confirmed they were keen on the Porto marksman, who enjoyed a blistering 2010/11 season in front of goal. Atletico are not looking to cash in on free-scoring Forlan following Sergio Aguero's sale, however, they would review the Uruguayan's future if Falcao's signature was secured. No interest "At the moment we're not interested in selling Forlan, since we've already lost Aguero, but we are currently trying to buy Falcao from Porto," Atletico's chief executive Migel Angel Gil told FCInter1908. "If we close that deal, we'd listen to offers for Forlan." Italian giants Inter Milan are believed to be keen on landing Forlan with their star striker Samuel Eto'o expected to join Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala.

Benzema - No complacency

Karim Benzema has pledged there will be no complacency as he seeks to land a regular starting role with Real Madrid. The French striker was initially out of favour with Real boss Jose Mourinho when the Portuguese took over at the Bernabeu last term. But he has since won his manager's praise, with Mourinho recently declaring Benzema is 'much better than this time last year'. Following an impressive pre-season, the 23-year-old started the 2-2 first leg Spanish Super Cup draw at the Bernabeu on Sunday, setting up Mesut Ozil for the opener. He insists he will continue to work hard to impress his boss and win a starting role on a regular basis. Asked if he is now Real's first-choice striker, he told AS : "What I'm doing is working to have the role permanently. "This is the challenge that lies ahead of me. In a team like Madrid, each situation is won every day. That's why there is never room for complacency." Understands He added he understands what Mourinho wants from him now. "I never had any problems with Mourinho. I talked to him and now I understand perfectly what is expected of me," he said. The striker believes Real can win the second leg of the Super Cup at the Camp Nou on Wednesday. "Two great teams faced each other, but honestly, Madrid deserved the win," he said. "We did much more than Barça, but, hey, we know we have the chance to win tomorrow in Barcelona and lift the Supercup." He added: "There are many things that have changed since last season. This time, we had control of the field and we didn't let them play. That's exactly what's required against an opponent like that."

Wenger sad over Cesc exit

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger had expressed his sadness after Cesc Fabregas sealed his return to Barcelona on Monday. The Gunners initially signed the Spain international as a teenager and helped to mould him into one of the world's best midfielders. After years of speculation linked him with a return to Camp Nou, the 24-year-old has signed a five-year deal with the Spanish champions. Wenger fought tooth and nail to retain the playmaker, but accepts the club finally relented in granting the player his wish to leave. The Frenchman is sad to see Fabregas go although big names have left in the past and he insists Arsenal will continue to thrive. Sad "We've lost a world-class player," commented Wenger. "We are sad about it. We did fight to keep him. "In the end we've respected the desire of the player. "The club is 125 years old this season and many big players have left and the club went on. "That's what we want to show, that we have the strength and unity to fight on."

Cesc says sorry to Gunners fans

Cesc Fabregas has apologised to Arsenal's fans for keeping quiet over his Barcelona move and has vowed to explain the decision to rejoin his boyhood club to them in due course. The Gunners captain returned to Barca after eight years in North London on Monday, ending months of speculation over his future. He has penned a five-year contract with the Catalan giants, with the deal believed to be worth £35million. Spain midfielder Fabregas kept quiet over his future in the weeks leading up to his move, despite the very public advances of his new club. The 24-year-old claims the Gunners enforced a strict vow of silence, and has lamented the fact he was unable to explain himself to the club's supporters. Fabregas admits it was difficult to leave Emirates Stadium and says he will let Arsenal fans know the full story. "I'm sorry I didn't say anything to them in the last few months but I couldn't. I was very, very sad to leave, I spent one third of my life there, eight years, so I'm very sad but life goes on." Cesc Fabregas Quotes of the week Sorry "I have time to talk about it and I'm sure I'll do an interview especially for them," he said. "I'm sorry I couldn't say anything in the last two and a half months, Arsenal wouldn't allow me to talk to anyone, even if I wanted to I couldn't. "I'm disappointed and upset about it because I have had a great relationship with the fans over the years. It took time to build this and I'm disappointed I could lose some of them. "All I have are words of gratitude. I'll never forget what they have done for me, I gave absolutely everything to the club and I think they know that but it was the right time to come back here. "I'm sorry I didn't say anything to them in the last few months but I couldn't. I was very, very sad to leave, I spent one third of my life there, eight years, so I'm very sad but life goes on."

Turan deal done

Arda Turan's move to Atletico Madrid has been finalised, the Spanish club has confirmed. Galatasaray and Atletico both announced late on Wednesday that the deal was complete after they agreed terms on the move. Atletico will pay €12million for the highly-rated 24-year-old, who had long been linked with a move to England. Turan will hold a press conference in Istanbul on Thursday to say his goodbyes to the Gala fans before departing for Spain.

Turan poised for Atletico move

Atletico Madrid are set to sign Turkey midfielder Arda Turan from Galatasaray in a deal worth around 12million euros. The 24-year-old will undergo a medical on Friday, and if he passes successfully, will sign a four-year contract with the club. During his tenure with Galatasaray, he has won two league titles since making his debut in 2004, and notched 45 goals in 184 appearances. Turan starred for Turkey during Euro 2008 and scored two goals during the tournament that helped them reach the semi-finals. At international level, he has a record of nine goals in 45 appearances for his country.

Romaric on Lille's radar

Koffi Romaric is a summer transfer target for Lille, but he claims no deal has been done as yet. The Ivorian playmaker has been identified by reigning French champions Lille as a possible replacement for Gervinho. It is understood that manager Rudi Garcia has been given the green light to make an approach for the Sevilla man, with a €3million (£2.6m) bid believed to be in the pipeline. Romaric admits he is aware of the interest from Ligue 1, and has conceded that he might be open to such a move. He is, however, refusing to get carried away by the transfer talk and insists he must remain focused on his duties in Spain until any potential deal is put in place. Relaxed Romaric said: "I am very relaxed at the moment. "I have had a lot of contact from various clubs and agents working for clubs, but I am calm. "Lille? I have had contact with them but nothing has been decided yet. "I would like to play in the Champions League as it is the best club competition in the world."

Varane - England not an option

Real Madrid starlet Raphael Varane claims he never came close to moving to the Premier League this summer. The 18-year-old defender was hot property once the transfer window reopened, with Europe's top clubs desperate to secure his signature. Various reports suggested Manchester United were keen on the Frenchman, while Barcelona, Paris St Germain and Real were also believed to be leading the chase. In the end Varane opted for a move to the Spanish capital, instead of the French one. He claims PSG and Real were the only clubs he gave consideration to, with a move to England never really on the cards. "It was sorted out very quickly with Real," Varane told L'Equipe. Interest "At the start there was a lot of interest from Manchester, but in my mind there was only a choice between Paris and Real. "The choice was simple in the end because the Paris shareholders wanted me, not the coach. If the coach had come to me and said, 'Here is my project for you', things might have been different. "The arrival of the Qataris also made things messy and a little unclear. "Before I signed for Real, I met (Jose) Mourinho in Madrid. He told me, 'If you come, it is to be a part of the group and not to go out on loan'. He was very clear and it is reassuring when Jose Mourinho tells you that. "I am now looking to improve. I want to play as often as possible, but without rushing myself. "I can't see myself being a part of the starting XI straight away. That is not possible. First of all I have to adapt."

Spurs in Diarra move

Skysports.com understands that Tottenham Hotspur are pushing ahead with a move for Lassana Diarra. Harry Redknapp is a confirmed fan of the 26-year-old France international, who is on the fringes of Jose Mourinho's first-team squad at Real. Now skysports.com understands that Spurs have made a move for Diarra, and are hopeful of agreeing terms with Real. Diarra already has extensive experience of English football, having featured for Chelsea, Arsenal and Portsmouth before his move to Spain in 2009. Diarra has been linked with moves across Europe, but is reported to have told Real he would only consider a move back to England.

Blues midfielder joins Getafe

Birmingham have confirmed midfielder Michel has joined Getafe for an undisclosed fee. The 25-year-old Spaniard failed to make an impact at St Andrew's after signing from Sporting Gijon in January 2010. During his tenure he made just 12 appearances for the Blues, half of those coming as a substitute. Michel was loaned to Greek side AEK Athens last season but has now returned to La Liga to resume his career. "Blues would like to thank Michel for his time at the club and wish him well for the future," a club statement read.

Levante capture Del Horno

Defender Asier del Horno has rejoined Levante on a one-year deal after spending last season on loan with the club. The 30-year-old left-back spent last term on loan from Valencia, making 22 appearances for the club. The former Spain international's contract was then cancelled on his return to the Mestalla earlier this summer, allowing him to rejoin Levante as a free agent. Del Horno has previously played for Chelsea and Athletic Bilbao, as well as spending time on loan at Real Valladolid.

Santos firm over starlets

Santos president Luis Alvaro Ribeiro has again insisted that neither of their prized assets Neymar or Ganso will be leaving. Neymar, 19, has been tracked closely by Real Madrid, whilst Chelsea and Manchester City have also been linked. Ganso has also been linked with many European clubs, most recently big spending Paris Saint Germain, however, Ribeiro insists that talk of a move for either player is not true. On Neymar, who Real have made a bid for, he insisted he did not want to sell either now or in January when he is being tipped to move to Spain. "We have no interest in selling Neymar and we have formally communicated this," Ribeiro said. "It's the same proposal. We had been given until end of the month to respond and had already decided the answer was no and now we've formalised this. "The offer had two possibilities - take it now or later, but we do not want either." Ganso Ribeiro also insisted that Ganso, who was linked with both Milan clubs, would be staying put after talks. "I had a conversation with him and he said he was committed and I thanked him and praised his behaviour," he said. "He still has time to move in the future." Ribeiro denied that PSG's sporting director made an offer for Ganso, adding: "There has been no offer from Leonardo, he called me when I was in Paris and we talked - he talked about Neymar being an essential player, but I said no and we said our goodbyes." Meanwhile, one Santos player who has made his departure is Danilo, who has completed his move to Porto. The Brazilian youth international has followed former team-mate Alex Sandro to the club as he only signed for the Portuguese champions last month.

Santos - Neymar not for sale

Santos have once again reiterated they have no intention of selling Neymar to a top European club. The 19-year-old forward continues to generate speculation on an almost daily basis, with his future the subject of a summer-long transfer saga. Reports suggest the Brazil international will soon be on his way out of his homeland, with a host of clubs prepared to part with big money in order to secure his signature. Santos have confirmed the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona and Chelsea remain keen, with informal discussions having been held. Barca president Sandro Rosell and Real supremo Florentino Perez have expressed their interest in Neymar, but both have been informed Santos have no desire to discuss a deal. The Brazilian outfit are determined to see their young forward honour his contract and have warned an ever-lengthening list of suitors no sale will be sanctioned until at least 2012. Dialogue Santos president Luis Alvaro De Oliveira told radio programme Al Primer Toque : "Rosell has asked me about Neymar, but we do not want to sell him, at the earliest, until next year. "I have spoken to Rosell, he is an interesting and elegant man, like Perez. I met him at the farewell for (former Brazil and Barca striker) Ronaldo. "Neymar is not only wanted by Madrid, he is of interest to Barcelona, Chelsea, Juventus, Paris St Germain. It is normal. "There will always be dialogue, but we want Neymar to fulfil his contract with Santos." Neymar's deal with Santos is due to expire in the summer of 2014.

Emery - Mata will stay

Valencia boss Unai Emery believes that Juan Mata will be staying with the club after considering his future. Mata has long been linked with a move to England, and Arsenal had a bid for his services turned down late last month. The Spanish winger has not really spoken out about his future, but Valencia have maintained all along that they thought he would stay. Now Emery has revealed his belief that Mata will shun the English interest. "Mata has gone through a process of doubts about his future," Emery said after seeing Mata captain his side in a 2-1 victory over Hamburg. "But now we all believe he will stay at Valencia."

Ronaldo - We don't need Ade

Cristiano Ronaldo has shot down Emmanuel Adebayor's hopes of returning to Real Madrid by saying he is not needed. The 27-year-old is keen on a return to the Spanish capital where he was on loan last term. Adebayor has been marginalised by Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini and was left out of the club's tour of North America and forced to train with the youth team. "I don't think that we need to sign another forward. We are happy with the line-up as it already is." Cristiano Ronaldo Quotes of the week Real have already signed Spanish attacker Jose Maria Callejon this summer, while Karim Benzema has enjoyed a free-scoring pre-season. Forward "I don't think that we need to sign another forward. We are happy with the line-up as it already is," Ronaldo told reporters on the club's pre-season tour of China. Jose Mourinho had hinted he would like to bring the former Arsenal striker back to Spain last month but so far nothing has materialised and he has also been linked with Tottenham and Bayern Munich. Ronaldo, though, is targeting a quick start to the new season and is focused on gaining an early advantage over Barcelona with victory in the Spanish Cup later this month. "It's an important match because it's the beginning of the season so we want to start well - it could give us vital impetus going into the campaign," he added.

Barca - No Cesc comment

Barcelona sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta insists the club will not comment on negotiations over their continued pursuit of Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas. The Catalan side's long-running bid to recapture their former youth team player - who left Barca as a 16-year-old to join the Gunners in 2003 - has dragged on for more than two years. It has intensified this summer with the club seemingly determined to end the protracted saga but their attempts to bring the Spain international back to Camp Nou have so far been rebuffed. Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has been critical of Barca's public pursuit of Fabregas and Zubizarreta, currently in Miami with Pep Guardiola's team, insists the European champions need to be respectful of the Gunners as they look to reach a deal for the 24-year-old playmaker. Asked about the current situation, he said: "We won't comment on the negotiations for Fabregas. We will have time for that. "We must be respectful of the club Cesc belongs to. You just have to let things happen without being optimistic or pessimistic."

English eyes on Mangala

Standard Liege starlet Eliaquim Mangala has attracted interest from England, according to his agent. Valencia have looked like landing the 20-year-old for most of the summer, but they have thus far failed to push through a deal. Portuguese giants Benfica and Porto have also been linked to the highly-rated French Under-21 international but his agent Fabrizio Ferrari says he wants to move to Spain or England. "His future is in Spain or England," Ferrari told the Portuguese media. "Currently this is where he has received the most attractive offers, but nothing is signed yet. "The dream was always was to find Mangala a competitive league like the Spanish or English." The identity of the English clubs interested is not known, although both Newcastle and Bolton have been linked by sources in Belgium.

Mourinho - No Adebayor talks

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho claims the club are not in discussions to sign Emmanuel Adebayor. The Manchester City striker was in the stands to watch the Primera Liga club's pre-season victory over Leicester on Saturday with his future at City in doubt following the arrival of Sergio Aguero. Adebayor spent the second half of last season on loan at the Spanish giants, but Mourinho was quick to play down the 27-year-old's presence at the King Power Stadium. Welcome Asked if he was looking to seal a permanent deal for Adebayor, Mourinho said: "No. He is here because he is our friend and he belongs to us. He is one of us. "It doesn't matter if he is playing at Real Madrid or Manchester City or another club, he is one of us. "He was with us for six months and went to the heart of everybody. He is a great lad and everybody loves him. "When he called us asking permission to come here today, there was not one second of thought. "He was with us in the dressing room and he is always welcome." Mourinho added: "If he comes he comes, if he doesn't it doesn't matter. We will all know by August 31st who is in and who is out and where they are playing. "But today he came as a friend and he is always welcome."