Perez offers Mourinho support

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has publicly backed manager Jose Mourinho, branding him the 'best coach in the world'. The Real supremo used the club's general assembly to defend the Portuguese tactician from a growing number of critics. Mourinho has attracted headlines for his actions inside and outside of the dugout during his time in Madrid, with a clash with Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup seeing him widely condemned for jabbing a finger in the eye of Tito Vilanova. A number of Madrid members have expressed concern at having such a temperamental character at the helm, with the club's global reputation on the line, but Perez insists Los Blancos have the best man for the job. "We believe in this team and in the best coach in the world: Jose Mourinho," he said. "He understands what it means to be Real Madrid's coach and he has a high level of empathy and compromise with the club. New era "His 'Madridismo' is unquestionable. We should remember the team wasn't even a top seed in the Champions League when this new era at the club began two years ago. "Last season we reached the semi-finals, something that hadn't happened since the 2002/03 campaign. "We took more points than any other side in the group stage, and were the top scoring and least scored upon team." Mourinho was recently handed more responsibility at the Bernabeu after winning a power struggle with now-departed sporting director Jorge Valdano. Perez added: "The experience of last season proved we needed a new and modern organisational structure at the club that would give our coach autonomy and avoid dysfunction due to the existence of a sport director general's office."

Villa hails 'incredible' Messi

David Villa insists team-mate Lionel Messi is in a league of his own as the Barcelona star closes in on the club's all-time goalscoring record. Messi, 24, only needs 44 more goals to surpass the 235 mark, a record currently held by Cesar Rodriguez, who played for the club between 1939 and 1955. This season the Argentine has already scored 12 goals and provided 10 assists in nine games - a share in 22 of Barca's 31 goals this term - as he continues to re-write the club's history books. "Each day he surprises everyone with a new record, he continually outdoes himself." David Villa on Lionel Messi Quotes of the week His scoring ratio this season is 1.33 goals per game and strike partner Villa, who has chipped in with four goals in all competitions this season, insists no other player comes close to him. "He is doing incredible things," said Villa. "Each day he surprises everyone with a new record, he continually outdoes himself. "Nobody can compare with him, and we are very happy to have him wearing our colours."

Laudrup quits Mallorca post

Former Denmark international Michael Laudrup has quit as coach of Primera Liga side Real Mallorca. The 47-year-old made the announcement at a press conference on Tuesday morning, indicating his relationship with club owner Lorenzo Serra Ferrer had become untenable. Laudrup's resignation comes hours after the dismissal of his assistant Erik Larsen, who was sacked on Monday night after criticising Serra Ferrer. "This situation cannot continue like this," said Laudrup. "From now on, Mallorca will be whatever it is Serra Ferrer wants." Laudrup had previously expressed his frustration at not having been able to add quality to his squad during the transfer window, particularly after the departure of Jonathan de Guzman to Villarreal. Larsen went a step too far for the Mallorca board, though, when he described Serra Ferrer as a "bad person" and someone "unfit to lead the club". Laudrup acknowledged last week that managers being sacked was "a part of football" and that his side had "no other option but to win on Sunday" at home to Real Sociedad - which they duly did, 2-1, to end a three-game losing streak in which they had failed to score a goal. He revealed at Tuesday's brief press conference, during which he did not take questions, that he had been contemplating his future for a while but did not want to leave with the team in the lower reaches of the standings. "Why go now that you've won a game and you're in the middle of the table?" he questioned. "I had long been thinking about this, but I could not do it with the team in a bad situation. "Now I can quit being in the middle of the standings." The highly-decorated former Juventus, Barcelona and Real Madrid midfielder, who was five years ago voted Denmark's best player ever, sealed a return to Spanish football when he took up the Mallorca reins in July 2010. His discontent at off-field matters has become all too apparent, though, prompting him to call time on his reign after just 14 months. Laudrup started his managerial career as assistant to Denmark boss Morten Olsen in 2000 before taking over at the Brondby helm two years later. He guided the Danish club to a league and cup double in 2005. A short but impressive stint followed with Getafe in 2007-08, during which he took the club to the quarter-finals of the Uefa Cup and the final of the Copa del Rey, and then an ill-fated seven-month spell with Spartak Moscow which ended in dismissal in April 2009.

Acosta blow for Racing

Racing Santander striker Lautaro Acosta could be out of action for up to three months after picking up a knee injury during the goalless draw with Sporting Gijon. The Argentine joined on a loan deal from Sevilla during the summer's transfer window, and had scored in Racing's first match of the season against Valencia. However, Acosta was found to have damaged the meniscus in his right knee after limping out of Sunday's game against Sporting and will now face a lengthy spell on the sidelines. He told Racing's official website : "At the time I thought it was just a sprain or something similar, so I carried on. "But a few minutes later I was going to defend a ball in the area and I felt the crack in the knee when turning." However Acosta is keen to recover quickly and again be available for selection, adding: "Now I have to think only about recovering as soon as possible. "It's disappointing but at least I know I will be able to rehab in two or three months." Injuries have so far blighted the career of the 23-year-old, as many believe he never reached his potential at Sevilla due to a serious injury suffered shortly after arriving in Andalusia.

Surgery for Afellay

Barcelona have confirmed Ibrahim Afellay will require an operation after the winger tore a ligament in his left knee during training. It is another injury blow for the Dutchman, who had recently returned to fitness after picking up a hamstring injury in the pre-season. The 25-year-old has played just substitute roles this season, appearing in games against AC Milan and Osasuna. "Bad news for Josep Guardiola and FC Barcelona," the club said in a statement on Thursday night. "Ibrahim Afellay has torn a cruciate ligament in his left knee while training this evening. "He will require surgery and further details will be revealed tomorrow (Friday) regarding how and when."

Primera Liga round-up

Both Barcelona and Real Madrid returned to winning ways on Saturday as they registered comprehensive victories in the Primera Liga. Click the links below for individual match stats Athletic Bilbao 1 Villarreal 1

Barca dealt Afellay blow

Barcelona midfielder Ibrahim Afellay faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a serious knee injury. Afellay sustained the knee injury in training on Thursday after only recently returning to action after suffering a hamstring problem in pre-season. Scans have confirmed Afellay has torn the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee and he faces up to six months out of action. It means Afellay will miss the majority of Barcelona's campaign as well as the remainder of Holland's Euro 2012 qualifiers. The news is a major blow for Afellay as he looked to push for a regular place in Pep Guardiola's star-studded line-up.

Xavi - Cesc has helped me

Barcelona midfielder Xavi believes the arrival of Cesc Fabregas has helped him improve his game. Xavi is widely-regarded as one of the world's best in the middle of the field, helping the Catalan giants win no less than six league titles. It had been thought Fabregas' arrival could limit Xavi's playing time, but the duo work well together according to the 31-year-old. There are very few things Xavi can learn about football, although he believes the re-signing of Fabregas has taken his game to a new level. "We are very comfortable together on the pitch. I think we complement each other quite well," explained Xavi. "If he goes forward I stay back and cover for him or vice versa. We have shown that many times this year. I think Cesc improves my football."

Ronaldo rules out Barca

Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo insists he could never join Liga rivals Barcelona, regardless of the circumstances. The ex-Manchester United man is currently in talks to extend his Santiago Bernabeu stay for the remainder of his career. The world's most expensive footballer never likes closing doors on opportunities, but has ruled out ever making the Camp Nou switch. Real have fallen into Barcelona's shadow in recent seasons, however, the Portugal international is ready for the challenge of taking them on. "I would not rule out any club, but I could never see myself joining Barcelona," he told RTP 1. "I'm close to signing a new deal to stay at Real for the rest of my life without any problems. "Real is one of the best teams in the world with great pressure on the players. I can see that in the streets, but I'm not afraid of failure." Real have not won the UEFA Champions League trophy since the 2002 season and Ronaldo is determined to make amends this time around. "It's amazing to see Real has gone so long without winning the trophy. I intend to change that this season," he continued.

Mourinho defends Real brawl

Jose Mourinho has accused the media of unfairly criticising Real Madrid for brawling after commending the Spain squad for the same behaviour. The Portuguese boss is still stinging from Sunday's shock 1-0 defeat to Levante, during which Sami Khedira was sent off for a second yellow card imposed for shoving during an on-field fracas. Real have come under fire in the press for that scuffle, which Mourinho feels is hypocritical given the reaction to a similar incident when Spain met Chile earlier this month. "I don't know if what Khedira did can be called a brawl. To me it was not a brawl," the coach said. "A brawl is what happened in Spain-Chile and you said it was spectacular, incredible, that it showed the team spirit, that it showed tremendous character and that the players were like brothers. "Real Madrid does it and, well, we are a group of bandits." Brawl The Spain incident Mourinho referred to occured on September 2nd, when angry Chilean players sparked a brawl at the final whistle in Switzerland after the world champions battled back from two goals down to win 3-2. The manager said he was shocked at Khedira's sending off because he is a "very, very, very calm player." "He is one of the last I would have expected it from. But he did it and there is the sanction. The team played with 10, the team lost and tomorrow he won't play, that's the sanction," he added. "He does not deserve any other sanction. Tomorrow after the match his sanction ends and he is a player like any other. "He is one of the players I don't even worry about because I don't think he will do it again. He does not have that profile of an adversarial player."

Pellegrini keen to stay at Malaga

Manuel Pellegrini has declared that he wants to end his career at his current club Malaga. Malaga have made a bright start to the Primera Liga campaign which has injected a fresh shot of confidence into the club. Pellegrini has previously coached some of the world's biggest teams in Real Madrid and River Plate, but the job at Malaga has again whetted his appetite for the game. Contract "I don't only want to get to the end of my contract, I also want to end my career at Malaga," he told Spanish radio station Candena Ser. "I would be very happy if I was able to do that and if I could lead them to the highest level of European football." Pellegrini wants to build success steadily at the club and insists he will not put on due pressure on himself to make Malaga a formidable outfit overnight. "I do have a wish and that is to do something special here," he added. If it's not this year then it may be the next."

La Liga round-up

Valencia went top of La Liga, whilst Barcelona fired eight past Osasuna. Click below for match facts: Barcelona 8-0 Osasuna Granada 1-0 Villarreal Real Mallorca 0-1 Malaga Sevilla 1-0 Real Sociedad Sporting Gijon 0-1 Valencia Unai Emery's side maintained their perfect start to the new season with a 1-0 win at Sporting Gijon. The only goal of the game at El Molinon arrived after half-an-hour with Roberto Soldado firing home. It was somewhat easier for Barcelona at Camp Nou, as they demolished Osasuna 8-0. Lionel Messi opened the scoring after just five-minutes and he went on to complete his hat-trick. The brilliant Argentine also also created further goals for Cesc Fabregas and Xavi, whilst David Villa bagged a brace. The other goal came courtesy of Brazilian Roversio who put through his own net. La Liga new boys Granada claimed their first win of the season with a 1-0 win over Villarreal. Ikechukwu Uche scored the winner just after the break, but the visitors wasted a golden opportunity to claim an equaliser with Giuseppe Rossi missing a penalty with ten-minutes left. Big spending Malaga made it back to back wins with a 1-0 success at Real Mallorca. The only goal in the Balearics arrived just before half-time when Argentine Martin Demichelis scored. The late game, saw Sevilla maintain their unbeaten start to the new season with a 1-0 win over Real Sociedad at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan. The only goal arrived just into the second-half with Fredi Kanoute firing home. The win takes Sevilla into third.

Topal blow for Valencia

Valencia midfielder Mehmet Topal will spend up to a month on the sidelines after picking up a shoulder injury in UEFA Champions League action this week. The Turkey international fell awkwardly during Valencia's Group E opener against Genk on Tuesday night, which ended in a goalless draw. Medical tests have since confirmed that Topal has suffered a muscle tear in his right shoulder and the midfielder has been told to rest. The 25-year-old will undergo further examination on the injury in 10 days' time, when it will be decided whether he requires surgery. The problem is expected to rule Topal out of Valencia's next two Champions League games, against Chelsea at the end of the month and at Bayer Leverkusen on 16th October, as well as at least five Primera Liga matches.

Cesc denies Arsenal criticism

Cesc Fabregas has denied criticising Arsenal after he was quoted as saying he doubted his former club's prospects of winning the Premier League or UEFA Champions League in the near future. The midfielder left the Gunners during the summer to rejoin boyhood club Barcelona after six years without winning a trophy at Emirates Stadium. Fabregas was joined in leaving Arsenal by Samir Nasri, who moved to Premier League rivals Manchester City in order to win 'big trophies'. In an interview carried by Sport magazine, Fabregas also questioned Arsenal's chances of enjoying success due to their inability to compete financially with England's other big clubs. However, the 24-year-old has denied making such comments and has reiterated that he would never say a bad word about his old club. Not professional Live on Sky Sports vs

Carvalho - Protect Ronaldo

Ricardo Carvalho believes referees should do more to help Real Madrid team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo was unhappy with the treatment he received during Real's 1-0 victory over Dinamo Zagreb in their UEFA Champions League Group D opener on Wednesday night. He felt there were too many heavy tackles and that match official Svein Moen was 'shameful' for not giving him more protection. Real defender Carvalho can understand the frustration of his compatriot, who was left needing stitches following one robust challenge, and has called on referees to do more. "Marcelo was sent off, Cristiano took many hits and we feel we got very little justice from the referee, who left a few things," Carvalho told Real Madrid TV. "The challenge on his ankle was wrong, and it's natural for him to get angry. A great player like him should get more protection." Portugal Carvalho also responded to criticism of his sudden retirement from the Portugal national team a couple of weeks ago. The defender reportedly stormed out on the Portugal squad when it was revealed he would not be starting their recent game against Cyprus, before announcing his retirement the next day and saying that he had been 'disrespected'. National coach Paulo Bento later asked for an explanation and Carvalho has now attempted to make amends by insisting he was always proud to play for Portugal. He said: "The Portuguese know it was an honour for me to wear the shirt - I love Portugal. I made a mistake and people make mistakes. It's a bad time."

Barca confirm Sanchez blow

Barcelona have confirmed summer signing Alexis Sanchez will be out for eight weeks due to the thigh injury suffered against Real Sociedad. The winger, who joined Barca from Udinese, was carried off on a stretcher during the first half of the 2-2 draw in San Sebastian and he is now facing a lengthy lay-off. The Chilean is expected to miss the next 13 games with Barca pencilling in the clash with Real Zaragoza on the weekend of November 19/20 as a date for his possible return. His absence will be a blow for a Barca side still reeling from throwing away a two-goal lead at the Estadio de Anoeta. Goals from Xavi and Cesc Fabregas had Barca cruising after just a quarter of an hour before Sociedad hit back and midfielder Sergio Busquets has spoken of the need to "correct the mistakes". He said: "Last year we also began with problems, losing to Hercules, but it's no good worrying about it. "We have to take note of it, correct the mistakes, and think from today about the Champions League and AC Milan (on Tuesday night). "At half-time we didn't think at all that the game was won, and it turned out like that. "It's a fact that away from home winning is always tough and will get increasingly tougher. We haven't had the chance to talk about what happened yesterday but we will." Most of the Barca squad were away on international duty last week, and Spain international Busquets believes that may have been a contributing factor. He added: "It's always tricky. You come back from another setting, another team, and different team-mates. "It's not easy to get back to what we do well, but we can't let it happen again."

Three months out for Albin

Espanyol have confirmed that Uruguayan striker Juan Albin will be out for around three months after tearing a muscle in his right leg. The 25-year-old left-sided forward sustained the injury in last Sunday's 2-1 victory over Athletic Bilbao. Albin was forced from the pitch after just 12 minutes of the contest and tests have now confirmed he faces an extended period on the sidelines. The player, who also damaged a tendon in the incident, will undergo surgery on Wednesday to correct the problem. The news will come as a big blow to Espanyol coach Maurizio Pocchetino who has already found his forward options stretched this season - indeed, he was forced to replace Albin with untested French youth product Thievy in Sunday's match. Albin arrived at the Barcelona-based team this summer after spending five seasons at Getafe.

Primera Liga round-up

Real Madrid made it two wins from two against Getafe, while Barcelona were held at Real Sociedad. Click below for match stats: Real Sociedad 2 Barcelona 2 Villarreal 2 Sevilla 2 Real Madrid 4 Getafe 2 Valencia 1 Atletico Madrid 0 Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid maintained their perfect start to the season with a 4-2 win over Getafe at the Bernabeu. Karim Benzema fired the home side in front after just 14 minutes, but Miku drew Getafe level six minutes before the break. Cristiano Ronaldo restored Real's lead on the hour with a controversial penalty and Benzema added a third nine minutes later. Getafe refused to give in with Miku reducing the arrears with his second of the contest on 73 minutes, but Gonzalo Higuain came off the bench to seal the win with Real's fourth two minutes from time Barcelona threw away a two-goal lead as Real Sociedad snatched a superb and deserved 2-2 draw at the Estadio de Anoeta. Two goals in as many minutes from Xavi and Cesc Fabregas put Barca 2-0 up inside the opening quarter-hour to put them in firm control. However, Sociedad hit back with two goals in two minutes in the second half to stun Barcelona. Imanol Agirretxe headed home Xabi Prieto's cross on 59 minutes and Antoine Griezmann's bizarre goal two minutes later drew the home side level. David Villa's dreadful pass from inside the Sociedad half sent Agirretxe through on goal and the forward's lob was pushed on to the bar by the hand of Sergio Busquets, but Griezmann followed up to head into the empty net. After some confusion over whether the goal had been awarded the referee gave the goal to Sociedad. Barcelona tried to rally in a bid to find a winner, but Sociedad held on for a share of the spoils. Valencia maintained their 100 per cent start to the season with a 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid at La Mestalla. Roberto Soldado scored the only goal of the game on 52 minutes when he headed home Miguel's cross. Ten-man Villarreal picked up their first point of the season after a 2-2 draw with Sevilla at El Madrigal. Villarreal were reduced to ten men when goalkeeper Diego Lopez was sent off for a foul on Diego Perotti on 22 minutes. Alvaro Negredo's resulting penalty was saved by Cesar Sanchez but the striker fired home the rebound. Villarreal drew level from a penalty of their own 12 minutes later with Giuseppe Rossi scoring from the spot. Marco Ruben gave ten-man Villarreal the lead on 72 minutes, but Sevilla secured a draw three minutes from time when Alexis headed home.

Primera Liga preview

Four clubs with UEFA Champions League aspirations top the bill for this week's La Liga fixtures. The quartet of Atletico Madrid, Sevilla, Valencia and Villarreal will all be looking to gain an advantage at the formative stages of the season. Wins for Sevilla and Valencia would put them on six points from six, leaving Atletico and Villarreal on one point between them. Even at this early stage, it's vital to keep in touch at the top. Villarreal, who host Sevilla, will be keen to prove their 5-0 defeat to Barcelona reflected more on the La Liga champions than themselves; Sevilla, meanwhile, will look to continue momentum from their 2-1 win over Malaga - another team in Champions League contention. Alvaro Negredo scored both goals in Sevilla's win and was again in fine form midweek with another brace, this time on the international stage in Spain colours. He will need to be in fine form if Sevilla are to make it two wins out of two, while Villarreal know avoiding defeat is imperative for both their points total and general morale. This weekend's fixtures Real Sociedad v Barcelona; Villarreal v Sevilla; Real Madrid v Getafe; Valencia v At. Madrid; Betis v Mallorca; Racing v Levante Osasuna v Gijon; Rayo v Zaragoza Espanyol v Ath. Bilbao; Malaga v Granada Valencia and Atletico Madrid face off at 9pm on Saturday, live on Sky Sports HD4, with very different outlooks after the opening week. Valencia were euphoric after their incredible 4-3 win against Racing Santander. 3-2 down with two minutes remaining, Roberto Soldado secured the win - and his hat trick - with a quick-fire double. The story couldn't have been more different at Estadio Vicente Calderon, where Atletico Madrid toiled to a goalless draw with Osasuna. But all is not lost for Gregorio Manzano's men, who could start newly-signed attacking trio Diego, Arda Turan and Falcao for the first time. Title race off to a flyer The title race started at breakneck speed, with Barcelona scoring five and Real Madrid netting six. Real Zaragoza had no answer to Mourinho's men and especially Cristiano Ronaldo, who will be looking for more goals in his side's local derby at home to Getafe, 7pm on Saturday, live on Sky Sports HD4. Sky Bet Odds La Liga top goalscorer: Ronaldo 6/5, Messi 7/4, Villa 10/1, Negredo 20/1. Bet now Their performance will no doubt be stirred by what Barcelona do away to Real Sociedad at 5pm on Saturday, live on Sky Sports HD4. Real Sociedad were the only side to inflict an away league defeat to Barcelona last season, so Pep Guardiola's side will have revenge on their minds. Fabregas and Alexis Sanchez settled in quickly in the opening weekend and will look to continue that against a Sociedad side who won 11 times at home last season. Mourning Mallorca Elsewhere, Betis look to build on their first win back in Spain's top flight at home to Real Mallorca, 11am on Sunday, live on Sky Sports Xtra. Mallorca sold talisman Jonathan De Guzman on deadline day, leaving Betis confident of picking up maximum points in their first two games. Marcelo Bielsa returns to his former club as Athletic Bilbao travel to Espanyol, 9pm on Sunday, live on Sky Sports HD4, while Zaragoza look to bounce back from their Real battering away to newly-promoted Rayo Vallecano. Racing host Levante, Osasuna take on Sporting Gijon and moneybags Malaga end the week's action on Monday night at home to Granada, Monday at 8pm, live on Sky Sports Xtra. Malaga stumbled to a 2-1 defeat away to Sevilla on the opening weekend and will look to make amends against a Granada team still finding their feet in Spain's top division,

Alves rules out Anzhi switch

Barcelona full-back Dani Alves has rubbished rumours suggesting he could be the next high-profile arrival at Anzhi Makhachkala. The ambitious Russian outfit burst onto the scene once their wealthy owners secured the signature of legendary Brazilian defender Roberto Carlos. They have been working hard to bring in further fresh faces since then and enjoyed considerable success this summer. A big-money deal was put in place for Samuel Eto'o, and the Cameroonian has left Inter Milan to enjoy the considerable riches on offer in Russia. It had been suggested that a number of others could follow his lead, with Alves reported to be among them. Gossip The Brazil international has, however, moved to quash those rumours by insisting that he remains fully committed to Barca. "I want to remain a Barcelona player," Alves said in Marca. "There was a lot of gossip and a supposed offer from Anzhi, but at the moment I want to play for Barca. "In the future I might think about it, but not now."

Sanchez suffers injury blow

Barcelona winger Alexis Sanchez could be ruled out for up to two months after picking up a leg injury during Saturday's Primera Liga clash at Real Sociedad. The Chile international, a big-money arrival at Camp Nou from Udinese this summer, was stretchered off during the first half of the 2-2 draw in San Sebastian. It was later diagnosed that 22-year-old Sanchez has torn a muscle in the back of his right leg. The initial prognosis is that Alexis will be out for between six and eight weeks, although he will undergo more tests on Sunday to determine exactly how long he will be absent for, according to Barca's official website. Sanchez looks set to miss a minimum of eight matches for Barca in both La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. He could also miss the first round of the South America qualifiers for the 2014 World Cup in October.

Eriksen keen on Spanish move

Highly-rated Ajax starlet Christian Eriksen has revealed he would be interested in joining a Spanish side in the future. The Danish midfielder was thought to be on Manchester City's radar this summer but it appears the Primera Liga would be his preferred destination. The 19-year-old, who is under contract in Amsterdam until 2014, insists he is in no hurry to leave the Eredivisie champions but admits his game would be well suited to Spain. "With my style of play, there is no doubt that Spain would be ideal for me," Eriksen told Voetbal International. "But I'm still not transferring. My priority is to play football and at Ajax I play in the championship and I will play in the Champions League. "It may take two or three years before I move to Spain. I'm in no hurry to go until I'm ready to go. " Eriksen admits he took a course to try and learn Spanish but has already given it up. The Dane added: "It was pretty demanding, since it was learning Spanish from Dutch."

Dos Santos upset with Spurs

Giovani Dos Santos admits he has been left 'disappointed and angry' after failing to secure a move away from Tottenham Hotspur before the close of the transfer window. The Mexico international has struggled to establish himself at Spurs since joining from Barcelona in 2008 and has made just 10 appearances in the Premier League. It is almost 12 months since he last featured for Spurs and he has undertaken spells on loan at Ipswich Town, Galatasaray and Racing Santander during his time at White Hart Lane. He was hoping to secure a move to Sevilla this summer after also being linked with Genoa, Lazio and Wigan Athletic, and is unhappy that Spurs failed to agree a deal. Very surprised "Both myself and my agent have been left disappointed, sad and angry at the way Tottenham have acted and after such a long time without having any confidence in me I am now going to get my chance, which seems strange." Giovani Dos Santos Quotes of the week "To be honest I already felt at another club, Sevilla, and we had already completed more than 50% of negotiations," the 22-year-old told Sport. "Almost everything had been agreed but with half an hour to go Spurs changed their minds, something I found very odd. "I was very surprised Harry Redknapp changed his mind, given that in the three years I've been with Tottenham he has not used me or had confidence in me. "I hope this time he is honest and tells the truth when I talk to him about where he would like me to play. "Both myself and my agent have been left disappointed, sad and angry at the way Tottenham have acted and after such a long time without having any confidence in me I am now going to get my chance, which seems strange. "Even so, I mean to take this opportunity out of respect to the Tottenham fans and also because of the professional I am." Dos Santos has been included in Spurs boss Redknapp's 25-man squad which has been submitted to the Premier League for the first half of the season.

Del Bosque - No internal rifts

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque insists there is no tension between his Barcelona and Real Madrid squad members. The Primera Liga giants have been involved in regular tussles on the field, with tempers having boiled over at times. Their latest clash, in the Super Cup, saw players and coaching staff from both sides involved in a mass brawl. Three players were sent off in the game and an angry exchange broke out at the end of the contest. Real boss Jose Mourinho poked Barca assistant Tito Vilanova in the eye, claiming to have been the subject of provocation and insults from the Catalan bench. Difference Bad blood has existed between the two domestic rivals for generations, but those differences are expected to be put to one side when on international duty. Del Bosque claims that is the case in his camp, with Barca and Real players prepared to compete alongside each other without complaint. "There is no problem within the national team," he said. "The players know the difference between the league and the national team, they know they represent Spain." Barca and Real contribute 14 members of Del Bosque's 24-man squad for a friendly date with Chile and a Euro 2012 qualifier against Liechtenstein.

De Boer relieved to keep duo

Ajax coach Frank de Boer was relieved to see key duo Gregory van der Wiel and Jan Vertonghen snub transfer deadline day interest from Spain to stay at the Amsterdam Arena. Primera Liga side Valencia were thought to have made a late move for the talented pair but neither player opted to make a Spanish move. De Boer admits he was delighted to see the two defenders remain with the Eredivisie champions. He told Ajax TV : "Greg and Jan can see that there is something beautiful growing in Amsterdam. "They have both always emphasised that they are really enjoying themselves and it is not necessary to have to leave now. "And besides, we play in the Champions League." Despite the pair's insistence that they wanted to stay, De Boer admits he was scared of losing them when he heard of the interest from abroad from technical manager Danny Blind. "I said, 'I do not want you calling'," he added. "There were rumours that Inter were in the market for them in January. "If the club accepts the set amount in the contract, then there's not much you can do."

Milan reveal Diarra bid

AC Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani has revealed the club failed in a last minute bid to sign Real Madrid's Lassana Diarra on loan. The 26-year-old was widely expected to leave the Bernabeu over the summer, with Roma and Tottenham among the sides heavily linked with a move for the former Portsmouth man. However, the transfer deadline passed without a move materialising, though earlier in the month Diarra had to deny rumours a deal had been agreed with Spurs. It has now been revealed that Italian giants Milan made a late, but ultimately unsuccessful, bid to try and lure him to Serie A as cover for the injured Mathieu Flamini. "We wanted to sign Lassana Diarra at the last minute," Galliani told Sportmediaset.

Everton eye Drenthe

Sky Sports sources understand that Everton are to hold talks with Real Madrid midfielder Royston Drenthe over a possible transfer. The versatile Dutchman, who can also play in defence and is known for his lightning pace, joined Real from Feyenoord in 2007. He has struggled to hold down a regular place in the side and was loaned out to Hercules last season. However, the 24-year-old is still held in high regard and it is believed that Everton are hopeful of pushing through a deal before Wednesday's 11pm deadline. Reports suggest the move would be an initial season-long loan agreement. David Moyes will be especially eager to finalise a swoop for Drenthe if he loses Mikel Arteta to Arsenal, with it understood that a cash offer in the region of £10million has been made.

Seagulls move for Vicente

Skysports.com understands Brighton are closing in on the signing of ex-Valencia winger Vicente. Vicente is available on a free transfer after his Valencia contract expired and he has been chased by a string of clubs. The former Spain international has received several offers to stay in La Liga, but the 30-year-old is understood to be open to a move to the England. Brighton are now ready to offer Vicente a move to the Championship with Gus Poyet using his contacts in Spain to set up the move for the winger. The Seagulls have shown their ambition this summer by beating a host of clubs to the signing Craig Mackail-Smith and Poyet is now hoping to bring Vicente to the Amex Stadium.

Gago snubs English interest

Real Madrid midfielder Fernando Gago is set to join Roma on loan with a view to a permanent deal after snubbing interest from England, according to one of the Spanish club's agents. The Argentine was linked with big-spending Premier League pair Manchester City and Liverpool earlier this summer, but he is said to prefer a move to Italy. Agent Ernesto Bronzetti, who works as an intermediary for Real, says the Spanish club have agreed to the loan, which could lead to a €6million (£5.3m) permanent deal, and now Roma just have to complete negotiations. "There was the opportunity for him to go to England," Bronzetti told Tele Radio Stereo. "But when the player heard of Roma, he blocked any other case to give his all to Roma." Bronzetti at the same time claims Roma have made an enquiry about former Chelsea, Arsenal and Portsmouth man Lassana Diarra, who was reportedly a target of Tottenham. "Roma have also made an attempt for Diarra, but Real Madrid do not want him to leave him unless there is a definite offer to buy him," said Bronzetti.

Zaragoza land Postiga

Former Tottenham striker Helder Postiga has signed for Spanish club Real Zaragoza on a three-year deal. The 29-year-old joins from Sporting Lisbon, where he had been since 2008. Zaragoza are believed to have paid €1million for the forward, although Postiga's former club, Porto, will receive half of the transfer fee. The Portugal international is joined by Luis Garcia, who also made the move on deadline day from Espanyol. Postiga had a disappointing and short-lived career at Spurs, scoring just one goal in the 2003-04 season. Since then, he moved back to play for Porto as well as their rivals Sporting Lisbon. He has remained a regular member of the Portuguese national team and scored in a European Championship qualifier against Norway in June.