29-year-old Argentine Díaz is set to become the latest defensive addition to the White Hart Lane squad, according to The Sun.
With Alan Hutton, Jonathan Woodgate and Chris Gunter already signed by the Spaniard, Ramos continues to look to strengthen what he perceives as the club’s weak area with another reliable purchase.
Díaz, who has been capped four times by his country, is a strong centre-back, but one that can also play out on the right.. The former Boca Juniors man was an important factor for Getafe as they had a strong campaign in both La Liga and the UEFA Cup, having only joined the Spanish side in 2007.
And Ramos sees the experienced player as a solid squad player to cover for his side in instances of injury and poor form as he exercises his vast array of knowledge and contacts in the Spanish top flight.
According to The Sun, Díaz would welcome a move to England, presuming the two clubs can come to an agreement – with the fee set to be similar to the 4 million Euros paid by Getafe last year.
Spurs are still being linked to big name signings such as Samuel Eto’o, with Croatian star Luka Modric already signed for £18.6 million this summer as they look to build on the Carling Cup success already achieved this year.
Happy Ramos flattered
Milan To Bid For Unsettled Ramos
González Praises Getafe
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Jorge Messi: Leo's Olympics? Up To Barça
According to Jorge, Lionel - who is eager to play at the Games - will not hold the final decision as to whether or not he travels to China.
Instead, Jorge told Telam that it's all up to Barcelona.
"The decision is in their hands," he said.
"The club is looking at the legislation to see whether or not they are required to give up Leo, and he'll have to do what they say - both the club and the AFA."
As for the player himself, he will "do what is required to avoid being sanctioned by any party."
Having met with club technical secretary Txiki Begiristain, Jorge admitted that it's "natural" for Barça to seek to retain one of their stars, and that they will look for an "argument" that allows them to do so.
Messi wants Ronaldinho stay
Messi: Great Preparation For The Bernabéu
Instead, Jorge told Telam that it's all up to Barcelona.
"The decision is in their hands," he said.
"The club is looking at the legislation to see whether or not they are required to give up Leo, and he'll have to do what they say - both the club and the AFA."
As for the player himself, he will "do what is required to avoid being sanctioned by any party."
Having met with club technical secretary Txiki Begiristain, Jorge admitted that it's "natural" for Barça to seek to retain one of their stars, and that they will look for an "argument" that allows them to do so.
Messi wants Ronaldinho stay
Messi: Great Preparation For The Bernabéu
Keita Living The Dream At Barca
The Mali international is the first signing of new coach Josep Guardiola, arriving from Sevilla for around €14 million.
The 28-year-old has made a huge impact since his move from French side RC Lens last summer, swiftly establishing himself as one of the best box-to-box players in Spain.
Keita is thrilled to join the Blaugrana, insisting it is a great opportunity to fulfil his ambitions of succeeding at the very highest level.
“I’m very happy,” he said. “Signing for Barça is a dream come true.
“FC Barcelona is a big club for any player that wants to go a long way. We’d all like to play one day for Barcelona and I’m very pleased to join this great club and above all I hope to give everything I’ve got to help the team get good results.
“[Pep Guardiola and I] haven’t had the chance to see each other yet but I’ve been able to talk to ‘Titi’ [Henry] and some other players. He’s starting a new project and I’m also new so I think we’ll get on well and everything will go fine.”
Desire
Keita arrived in Andalusia with a reputation as a strong holding player, but has shown considerable attacking qualities and the ability to score from outside the box.
The former Marseille man believes he can contribute in a wide array of areas, but insists his focus first and foremost is on his holding duties.
“Well I’m certainly a defensive midfielder and in that position I like to defend and help out my team-mates,” he said.
“But I’m also lucky enough to score the occasional goal, I’m pretty comfortable on the ball as I’ve played a bit in an attacking midfield role.
“But the most important thing for me is the desire to win and fight for the team. When there’s desire, everything is possible.”
Confident
Some have queried whether Keita would suit Barca’s attacking, possession-based game, and also whether he is a necessary addition given the presence of Yaya Toure.
But the ex-Lorient man is confident of slotting into the Barca midfield without any issues, insisting his defensive qualities will help the team express themselves offensively.
“I think [I'll succeed] because a team like Barça needs to have possession but it also needs to defend well and I think I can help the team a lot in this aspect,” he said.
“I’ve seen Barça play loads of matches. In addition, there’s Touré Yaya, who I know pretty well and who plays in midfield. I hope to give my all and help to defend well.
“As well as attacking you have to defend well and that’s why there has to be a balance. I hope to adapt rapidly to the system at FC Barcelona.”
Proud
Keita is one among many African-born stars making their name in the upper echelon over the last few years, joining the likes of team-mates Toure and Samuel Eto’o.
However, he is the first Malian to ever play for Barca – a fact that makes him feel honoured.
“I’m very proud I had other offers but I’ve wanted to come to Barcelona for some time and when I had the chance to join other teams I did everything possible to come here,” he said. “In addition, Barça wanted me and that helped. It’s a club I’ve always liked.
“It’s true that there have been African players in the big clubs for the last few years and that shows that African football has progressed a lot. We players have become aware of the qualities that we can bring to our teams.
“I hope this keeps on because African players always try and give our best in our respective teams.”
Grateful
Keita remains grateful to Sevilla for giving him the opportunity to shine on the big stage, and admits it is not without sadness that he leaves Andalusia.
“For everybody, Barça is a great club, a team everyone wants to play for,” he said. “I was lucky enough to come to Spain with Sevilla, which is also a great club, a club that gave me everything and helped me grow.
“Now I’m in Barcelona and I’m very happy but I’m very grateful to all the Sevilla directors and to the fans, who have always supported me. But in life you have to make choices.
“I’m sad to leave Sevilla, but at the same time I’m very happy to sign for Barcelona, because it’s an option that you can’t turn down even though you’ve had everything at Sevilla. The truth is I’m very happy to be here because it’s what I’ve always wanted.”
Easier
Keita is looking forward to running out on the Camp Nou in the famous Blaugrana strip, and is certain it will be more enjoyable than past experiences as a visitor.
“I’ve played here but against Barça,” he said. “It’s a very big stadium, with a lot of people, but when I was here it was as an opponent and it was very difficult. This time I’ll be wearing the Barça colours so it’ll be easier.”
Piqué: It Is A Dream Come True
Barca set Ronaldinho price
Barça To Seal Keita Deal
The 28-year-old has made a huge impact since his move from French side RC Lens last summer, swiftly establishing himself as one of the best box-to-box players in Spain.
Keita is thrilled to join the Blaugrana, insisting it is a great opportunity to fulfil his ambitions of succeeding at the very highest level.
“I’m very happy,” he said. “Signing for Barça is a dream come true.
“FC Barcelona is a big club for any player that wants to go a long way. We’d all like to play one day for Barcelona and I’m very pleased to join this great club and above all I hope to give everything I’ve got to help the team get good results.
“[Pep Guardiola and I] haven’t had the chance to see each other yet but I’ve been able to talk to ‘Titi’ [Henry] and some other players. He’s starting a new project and I’m also new so I think we’ll get on well and everything will go fine.”
Desire
Keita arrived in Andalusia with a reputation as a strong holding player, but has shown considerable attacking qualities and the ability to score from outside the box.
The former Marseille man believes he can contribute in a wide array of areas, but insists his focus first and foremost is on his holding duties.
“Well I’m certainly a defensive midfielder and in that position I like to defend and help out my team-mates,” he said.
“But I’m also lucky enough to score the occasional goal, I’m pretty comfortable on the ball as I’ve played a bit in an attacking midfield role.
“But the most important thing for me is the desire to win and fight for the team. When there’s desire, everything is possible.”
Confident
Some have queried whether Keita would suit Barca’s attacking, possession-based game, and also whether he is a necessary addition given the presence of Yaya Toure.
But the ex-Lorient man is confident of slotting into the Barca midfield without any issues, insisting his defensive qualities will help the team express themselves offensively.
“I think [I'll succeed] because a team like Barça needs to have possession but it also needs to defend well and I think I can help the team a lot in this aspect,” he said.
“I’ve seen Barça play loads of matches. In addition, there’s Touré Yaya, who I know pretty well and who plays in midfield. I hope to give my all and help to defend well.
“As well as attacking you have to defend well and that’s why there has to be a balance. I hope to adapt rapidly to the system at FC Barcelona.”
Proud
Keita is one among many African-born stars making their name in the upper echelon over the last few years, joining the likes of team-mates Toure and Samuel Eto’o.
However, he is the first Malian to ever play for Barca – a fact that makes him feel honoured.
“I’m very proud I had other offers but I’ve wanted to come to Barcelona for some time and when I had the chance to join other teams I did everything possible to come here,” he said. “In addition, Barça wanted me and that helped. It’s a club I’ve always liked.
“It’s true that there have been African players in the big clubs for the last few years and that shows that African football has progressed a lot. We players have become aware of the qualities that we can bring to our teams.
“I hope this keeps on because African players always try and give our best in our respective teams.”
Grateful
Keita remains grateful to Sevilla for giving him the opportunity to shine on the big stage, and admits it is not without sadness that he leaves Andalusia.
“For everybody, Barça is a great club, a team everyone wants to play for,” he said. “I was lucky enough to come to Spain with Sevilla, which is also a great club, a club that gave me everything and helped me grow.
“Now I’m in Barcelona and I’m very happy but I’m very grateful to all the Sevilla directors and to the fans, who have always supported me. But in life you have to make choices.
“I’m sad to leave Sevilla, but at the same time I’m very happy to sign for Barcelona, because it’s an option that you can’t turn down even though you’ve had everything at Sevilla. The truth is I’m very happy to be here because it’s what I’ve always wanted.”
Easier
Keita is looking forward to running out on the Camp Nou in the famous Blaugrana strip, and is certain it will be more enjoyable than past experiences as a visitor.
“I’ve played here but against Barça,” he said. “It’s a very big stadium, with a lot of people, but when I was here it was as an opponent and it was very difficult. This time I’ll be wearing the Barça colours so it’ll be easier.”
Piqué: It Is A Dream Come True
Barca set Ronaldinho price
Barça To Seal Keita Deal
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Villarreal Reject First Barça Cáceres Offer
The former Valencia stalwart stated that the first bid placed by the blaugrana did not meet his valulation of the young Uruguayan.
He said, "This morning we received an offer from Barcelona for our player, Martín Cáceres, but we deemed it unsatisfactory and have made that known to Barcelona."
It seemed as though this could be game over for Barça, given that only yesterday Roig stated that any club wishing to land the ex-Recreativo loanee must pay up his entire €20m release clause.
However, today he seems more amenable to the prospect of a bit of haggling.
"We're in a situation where we're going to negotiate with Barcelona," he revealed.
"If their final offer is one that we think is a good option then we can take it; if not, the player has four more years of contract with us and will remain a Villarreal player."
Real Madrid are also said to be interested, with sporting director Predrag 'Pedja' Mijatović having met with the 21-year-old's agent, Daniel Fonseca, earlier in the month.
However, the blancos have since signed (and loaned out) Ezequiel Garay of Racing Santander.
Palermo reject Gunners link
Villarreal Silent Over English Rumours
Crosas: Barça Here For Benzema
He said, "This morning we received an offer from Barcelona for our player, Martín Cáceres, but we deemed it unsatisfactory and have made that known to Barcelona."
It seemed as though this could be game over for Barça, given that only yesterday Roig stated that any club wishing to land the ex-Recreativo loanee must pay up his entire €20m release clause.
However, today he seems more amenable to the prospect of a bit of haggling.
"We're in a situation where we're going to negotiate with Barcelona," he revealed.
"If their final offer is one that we think is a good option then we can take it; if not, the player has four more years of contract with us and will remain a Villarreal player."
Real Madrid are also said to be interested, with sporting director Predrag 'Pedja' Mijatović having met with the 21-year-old's agent, Daniel Fonseca, earlier in the month.
However, the blancos have since signed (and loaned out) Ezequiel Garay of Racing Santander.
Palermo reject Gunners link
Villarreal Silent Over English Rumours
Crosas: Barça Here For Benzema
Zanetti Reveals Messi Dream
The 34-year-old Zanetti again had a brilliant season with the Nerazzurri, leading them to a third straight Scudetto victory.
Mancini Or Mourinho?
In an interview with the Corriere dello Sport, Zanetti was first asked whether it would be Roberto Mancini or Jose Mourinho who would be sitting on the Inter bench next season.
'This answer only the coach and the president can decide,” Zanetti stated.
“What Mancini has done in recent years is there for all to see. I am convinced that Moratti will choose the best solution to keep Inter at the top in the future."
Mancini Enemies?
Mancini has had a number of reported falling outs this season with the likes of Luis Figo, Patrick Vieira and Hernan Crespo. Zanetti was asked if the dressing room was against the coach.
"In every team there are those who are discontented,” he explained.
“However a group can not get to win the championship if it is divided or if it is against coach. We were and are with him."
Good Season?
The Inter skipper was asked whether he was happy with Inter’s season.
"I would have signed for this at the beginning of the season, although I would have liked to have gone further in the Champions League too," he pointed out.
“The season has been positive and with all the injury problems we have had that have penalized us it was difficult to do any better."
Messi Dream
Finally Il Trattore was asked if there was one player he dreamed about bringing to San Siro, who that player would be.
"Messi is my dream and Moratti thinks exactly the same, but the chance of Leo arriving is difficult. Maybe I try to convince him in these days with the national team,” he concluded.
Inter deny Mourinho deal
Messi: Great Preparation For The Bernabéu
Mancini Or Mourinho?
In an interview with the Corriere dello Sport, Zanetti was first asked whether it would be Roberto Mancini or Jose Mourinho who would be sitting on the Inter bench next season.
'This answer only the coach and the president can decide,” Zanetti stated.
“What Mancini has done in recent years is there for all to see. I am convinced that Moratti will choose the best solution to keep Inter at the top in the future."
Mancini Enemies?
Mancini has had a number of reported falling outs this season with the likes of Luis Figo, Patrick Vieira and Hernan Crespo. Zanetti was asked if the dressing room was against the coach.
"In every team there are those who are discontented,” he explained.
“However a group can not get to win the championship if it is divided or if it is against coach. We were and are with him."
Good Season?
The Inter skipper was asked whether he was happy with Inter’s season.
"I would have signed for this at the beginning of the season, although I would have liked to have gone further in the Champions League too," he pointed out.
“The season has been positive and with all the injury problems we have had that have penalized us it was difficult to do any better."
Messi Dream
Finally Il Trattore was asked if there was one player he dreamed about bringing to San Siro, who that player would be.
"Messi is my dream and Moratti thinks exactly the same, but the chance of Leo arriving is difficult. Maybe I try to convince him in these days with the national team,” he concluded.
Inter deny Mourinho deal
Messi: Great Preparation For The Bernabéu
Javi García: I Won't Leave Madrid Again
Javi, who came through the youth ranks at Real Madrid Castilla, seemed destined for great things when he broke through to the first team as a 17-year-old back in 2004.
He managed three Liga appearanceds in the 2004-05 campaign - including one start - but from then on was used almost solely by Castilla, moving up only for matches outside the league.
Thus when the chance came for him to grab first team football last season he took it, securing a transfer to Osasuna. But after playing 24 Liga matches for the rojillos, it appears he's back to square one - and he couldn't be happier.
Madrid have exercised their re-buy option for the 21-year-old defensive midfielder, and this time he's eager to make a go of it.
He told Marca, "[Madrid] contacted me and said that, in principle, I'd be in the first team squad, and that's why I'm here.
"It's true that there are many twists and one can never know what last-minute signings will come or what will happen at Real Madrid, but I'm going to do everything I can to stay among the 25 [first team players]."
You Are The Quarry
In the past he has stated that it would be "difficult" for him, as a cantera product, to succeed in Madrid, also once stating that he'd prefer to avoid the fact of Roberto Soldado, another Osasuna loanee who has so far failed to make the grade in the capital.
"Each case is different, though," he protested. "Real Madrid play 70 games a year... and I will fight to the death to be among the 25.
"My chance here in Madrid must be exhausted to the fullest. Madrid are one of the best teams in the world and for any boy the greatest dream is to play for them. Unless I'm given a kick in the butt, I'm going nowhere."
Calderón: Sergio Ramos Is Staying
Granero Wants Permanent Resolution
He managed three Liga appearanceds in the 2004-05 campaign - including one start - but from then on was used almost solely by Castilla, moving up only for matches outside the league.
Thus when the chance came for him to grab first team football last season he took it, securing a transfer to Osasuna. But after playing 24 Liga matches for the rojillos, it appears he's back to square one - and he couldn't be happier.
Madrid have exercised their re-buy option for the 21-year-old defensive midfielder, and this time he's eager to make a go of it.
He told Marca, "[Madrid] contacted me and said that, in principle, I'd be in the first team squad, and that's why I'm here.
"It's true that there are many twists and one can never know what last-minute signings will come or what will happen at Real Madrid, but I'm going to do everything I can to stay among the 25 [first team players]."
You Are The Quarry
In the past he has stated that it would be "difficult" for him, as a cantera product, to succeed in Madrid, also once stating that he'd prefer to avoid the fact of Roberto Soldado, another Osasuna loanee who has so far failed to make the grade in the capital.
"Each case is different, though," he protested. "Real Madrid play 70 games a year... and I will fight to the death to be among the 25.
"My chance here in Madrid must be exhausted to the fullest. Madrid are one of the best teams in the world and for any boy the greatest dream is to play for them. Unless I'm given a kick in the butt, I'm going nowhere."
Calderón: Sergio Ramos Is Staying
Granero Wants Permanent Resolution
Monday, May 26, 2008
Aragonés Linked With América
Speculation over Aragonés' future in charge of the national team has been rife in recent months, with reports suggesting that former Real Madrid coach Vicente Del Bosque has been lined up to replace the 69 year old after the tournament.
Aragonés has himself offered his resignation from the position in the past, most notably following the 2004 World Cup, and could be set for a move back to club management by the end of the summer.
The experienced coach is hopeful that a Spanish team will be interested in his services, but if not, it looks as if he can count on an offer from América, who have apparently approached his agent Emilio Azcárraga to declare their interest.
América sacked Argentine coach Daniel Brailovsky in February after a poor start to the 2008 Clausura and although stand-in coach Juan Antonio Luna has taken them to the semi-finals of the Copa Libertadores, he will not be given the job on a full-time basis.
President Guillermo Cañedo is determined to bring in a high-profile coach in time for the 2008 Apertura tournament and feels that Aragonés would be the ideal man to lead them back to the top of the Mexican football pyramid.
Blues linked with Zlatan
Milito Linked With Italian Return
Valencia Track Zapater And García
Aragonés has himself offered his resignation from the position in the past, most notably following the 2004 World Cup, and could be set for a move back to club management by the end of the summer.
The experienced coach is hopeful that a Spanish team will be interested in his services, but if not, it looks as if he can count on an offer from América, who have apparently approached his agent Emilio Azcárraga to declare their interest.
América sacked Argentine coach Daniel Brailovsky in February after a poor start to the 2008 Clausura and although stand-in coach Juan Antonio Luna has taken them to the semi-finals of the Copa Libertadores, he will not be given the job on a full-time basis.
President Guillermo Cañedo is determined to bring in a high-profile coach in time for the 2008 Apertura tournament and feels that Aragonés would be the ideal man to lead them back to the top of the Mexican football pyramid.
Blues linked with Zlatan
Milito Linked With Italian Return
Valencia Track Zapater And García
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
