Chelsea and Real hunt Pastore

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 Those quotes are outdated.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

AZ still keen on Altidore

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

Wigan in fresh Colunga link

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

Pellegrini commits to Malaga

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

Zapata heading for Spain

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

Coentrao's dream comes true

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

Roma agree Bojan terms

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