Barcelona news: Lionel Messi reveals SECRET about Neymar and Real Madrid

LIONEL MESSI has reportedly told his Barcelona team-mates that Neymar WILL join Real Madrid next season on one condition.

Neymar left Barcelona last summer for a world record fee worth £198million to join Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain.

But there have been constant speculation suggesting the 25-year-old is unhappy with life in PSG.

Real president Florentino Perez is said to be strongly interested in bringing him back to Spain in a move that would rock La Liga.

Neymar was forced to tears on international duty earlier in the season to deny rumours about time at PSG.

However, Spanish outlet Mi Otra Liga claim Neymar has held conversations with Messi about what his next move will be.

And the Argentina international has relayed the message to his Barcelona team-mates.

Neymar reportedly told his friend he intends to join Los Blancos at the end of the season if PSG don’t make the Champions League final.

Read More: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/910950/Barcelona-news-Lionel-Messi-Neymar-transfer-Real-Madrid-PSG-gossip-rumours

Neymar to Real Madrid: PSG president offers HUGE transfer update

That’s according to club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi.

The Brazilian arrived in Ligue 1 from Barcelona last summer for a world-record fee of £198m.

But despite an impressive first half-season in Paris, in which he’s already bagged 26 goals, the 25-year-old reportedly wants to leave the club.

Neymar is believed to be unhappy following fallouts with manager Unai Emery and strike partner Edinson Cavani.

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has made it clear he wants to bring the forward to the Bernabeu and is willing to sacrifice star striker Cristiano Ronaldo to do so.

Reports this week suggested that Al-Khelaifi had promised Neymar he could go this summer if he helped the French club to Champions League glory.

But the Qatari has dismissed suggestions that his talisman is going to leave the club.

"When I listen [to the rumours], I smile because it is not true," he told L'Équipe.

"We have Neymar, he is very happy here, he is happy to score. We signed five years here. It's been four months. I do not think he wants to leave.

Read More: https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/677529/Neymar-transfer-update-Real-Madrid-PSG-Champions-League-Florentino-Perez?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+daily-star-football+%28Daily+Star+%3A%3A+Football+Feed%29

Cristiano Ronaldo to Manchester United transfer news: Real Madrid teammates ‘fed up’, injury latest

CRISTIANO Ronaldo was back in training and sporting a rather noticeable shiner after he copped a boot to the face against Deportivo La Coruna.
CR7 has been in poor form and linked with an exit from Real Madrid this season, and he’s even had to be defended by coach Zinedine Zidane for using the doctor’s phone to assess his injury on the field.

Ronaldo’s act was widely mocked, with photos later emerging to show the severity of the cut.

The Portuguese star took the blow from opposition defender Fabian Schar as he stooped to head in Madrid’s sixth goal - his second - in Real’s 7-1 La Liga win at the weekend.

The 32-year-old remained down and was immediately attended to by the club’s medical staff who escorted him off the pitch.

“We can’t control what people say. He just took the phone to have a look at what had happened, to see if it was a big or small cut - that’s all,” Zidane told a news conference.

“He wanted to know whether or not he could continue or not; that’s what he told us in the dressing room and for me that’s it. They stitched him up and now he’s coming back. The fact he’s training with his eye as it is shows just how important it is for him to play.”

The injury means Ronaldo will miss Real’s Copa del Rey quarter-final second leg at home to local rivals Leganes on Thursday morning AEDT, although the former Manchester United star had been rested throughout the competition.

Read More: https://www.foxsports.com.au/football/la-liga/cristiano-ronaldo-to-manchester-united-transfer-news-real-madrid-teammates-fed-up-injury-latest/news-story/4bfddb6da7457a65e5a2b44f538bd313

Real Madrid Transfer News: Marco Asensio Rumours, Kepa Arrizabalaga Comments

Marco Asensio could be included in an offer to tempt Eden Hazard away from Chelsea, with the forward consistently starting on the bench in La Liga.

Spanish outlet Diario Gol (h/t Jack Otway of the Daily Express) reported Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane is hesitant to include the winger in his first XI, forcing the Spain international to grow frustrated as a substitute.

Per Diario Gol, Zidane's future as coach will dictate what happens with Asensio, and he could be used as a makeweight to convince the Premier League champions to sell their best player.

Alvaro Morata recently exchanged life in the Spanish capital for a new adventure in west London, and he could form a devastating attack with his countryman if Hazard signs for Los Blancos.

Asensio remains one of Spain's premium young talents, and Madrid fans will not want to see another burgeoning superstar shown the door.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale continue to dominate the hearts and minds at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, and there is little room for developing forwards.

The 22-year-old has started only nine games in La Liga this season, rising from the bench on seven additional occasions.

The player has provided a disappointing total of four goals and three assists during the current campaign, with Madrid struggling to find the back of the net as a squad until recently.

Read More: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2755626-real-madrid-transfer-news-marco-asensio-rumours-kepa-arrizabalaga-comments

Cristiano Ronaldo's injury vs Deportivo La Coruna could have been worse: Real Madrid

Madrid: Cristiano Ronaldo's face cut could have been much worse, according to video released by his Real Madrid club on Monday.

Ronaldo was sliced extremely close to his left eye by a defender's boot while he was scoring in the Spanish league on Sunday. The club confirmed he needed a few stitches, and released video of the incident.

Ronaldo was diving to head in the ball from near the penalty spot for his second goal in minutes. Deportivo La Coruna defender Fabian Schar tried to hit the ball and ended up striking Ronaldo's face with his right boot.

Doctors attended to him but they could not contain the blood, and Ronaldo had to leave the game even though there were about five minutes left and Madrid had already made all three substitutions.

As he left the field and blood was spilling down his face and neck, he asked for the doctor's cell phone to look at the injury. Using the phone camera as a mirror, Ronaldo checked the damage and was not happy with what he saw, shaking his head briefly. While Madrid said the injury was not serious, it did not say if he was fit to play.

Read More: http://www.deccanchronicle.com/sports/cricket/230118/cristiano-ronaldos-injury-vs-deportivo-la-coruna-could-have-been-worse-real-madrid.html

Sevilla-Atlético Madrid: Time, TV, streaming and how to watch Copa del Rey 2018

It’s time to see what this Atlético Madrid side is made of.

(I hate ending a sentence with “of,” almost as much as I hate conceding sloppy away goals. But what am I to do?)

Atlético will be in Andalusia on Tuesday night for a tussle with Sevilla. The Pizjuán faithful are expecting their side to advance to a second semifinal in three seasons after a 2-1 win at the Wanda Metropolitano last week. However, Atleti have hyped up a remontada since Wednesday’s disaster and Diego Simeone tried to rest his key players on Saturday in anticipation of a rally.

However, the boss wasn’t entirely successful. Los colchoneros could only draw with Girona over the weekend and lost Diego Costa to an ever-so-familiar hamstring injury following that match. Filipe Luís is still absent with a heel injury and there is no timetable for his return.

Diego Godín will return from suspension though, and Gabi was rested Saturday with this match in mind. Also, Simeone confirmed Monday that cup keeper Miguel Ángel Moyá will retain his place between the sticks.

Finally, it’s worth noting Atlético have won twice by multiple goals at Sevilla since August 2013. They’ll need a two-goal win Tuesday in order to progress.

Possible XI
Moyá; Vrsaljko, Savić, Godín, Lucas; Correa, Koke, Gabi, Saúl; Griezmann, Gameiro.

Predicted scoreline
Sevilla 2-2 Atlético Madrid (4-3 aggregate).

How to watch
Date: Jan. 22, 2018

Location: Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, Sevilla, Andalusia, Spain

Kickoff time: 21:30 CEST, 20:30 GMT/BST, 3:30 p.m. EST, 12:30 p.m. PST

SB Nation opposition blog: N/A

Available TV/streaming: beIN LaLiga, beIN Sports Connect España (Spain), beIN Sports en Español, beIN Sports USA, fuboTV (United States), beIN Sports 1 (France), DIRECTV Sports Argentina (Argentina)

Read More: https://www.intothecalderon.com/2018/1/23/16921876/sevilla-atletico-madrid-time-tv-streaming-how-to-watch-copa-del-rey-2018

Manchester United top world soccer money list

LONDON (Reuters) - Manchester United have retained their position as the highest revenue-generating soccer club in the world, edging out Spain’s Real Madrid by the narrowest margin ever between the top two.

The Premier League club topped the Deloitte Football Money League for the 10th time by posting a revenue for the 2016-17 season of 676.3 million euros ($827.25 million), 1.7 million euros more than the reigning European champions.

Barcelona were third on 648.3 million euros.

The combined revenue for the top 20 highest-earning clubs rose by six per cent to a record 7.9 billion euros.

The top 20 was made up of 10 English clubs, who were boosted by the fact that 2016-17 was the first season of the current Premier League broadcast rights deal.

The remaining 10 clubs comprised of three each from Spain, Germany and Italy and one from France. Seven-time European champions AC Milan dropped out of the top 20 for the first time.

The 44.5 million euros United received from UEFA for their victory over Ajax Amsterdam in the 2017 Europa League final was crucial to retaining their number one status, although broadcast revenue is now the largest individual revenue stream for the top 20, accounting for 45 per cent.

Read More: https://ca.reuters.com/article/canadaSportsNews/idCAKBN1FC01J-OCASP?rpc=401&feedType=RSS&feedName=sportsNews&rpc=401

La Liga news: Javier Tebas makes bold Barcelona and Real Madrid title claim

The Spanish football honcho is doing all in his power to stop the domestic league becoming monopolised.

Barcelona are currently unbeaten this season and top the table by nine points.

They are also 19 points ahead of fourth-placed Real Madrid, who have won the competition for the past two seasons.

But Tebas is hoping Barcelona do not go on to achieve over 100 points this season, as they are currently on 51 at the half-way stage.

He says that it would make the competition too predictable and he wants to see the likes of Atletico Madrid and Valencia challenge for the top honours.

“I don’t get worried if the likes of Barcelona or Real Madrid win the league but it worries me if they win with about 100 points,” Tebas told Sky Spots’ Revista de la Liga.

“In a league of 20, like we or the Premier League have, we have to fight that the leagues are won with a total of abut 80-85 points and it doesn’t matter who wins it.

Read More: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/905788/La-Liga-news-Javier-Tebas-makes-bold-Barcelona-and-Real-Madrid-title-claim

Cristiano Ronaldo reacts to challenging Roger Federer and Lewis Hamilton for honours

The Portugal international was in dazzling form last year as he helped Real Madrid lift the La Liga title, Champions League and Club World Cup.

The 32-year-old topped off 2017 by winning his fifth Ballon d’Or in December, taking his tally level with that of rival Lionel Messi.

But now he is to battle it out among the best sports stars in the world for the Laureus Sportsperson of the Year.

Tennis stars Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are among the nominees, as is British Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton.

And Ronaldo took to social media to express his delight at being held in such supreme company.

“Honoured to be nominated for the 2017 Laureus Sportsman of the Year award,” Ronaldo wrote on Twitter.

“This is only possible because of the great team effort at Real Madrid.

“Thanks to all my team-mates and also to the world’s media for having placed me among the candidates to win this very special award.”

Read More: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/905742/Cristiano-Ronaldo-Real-Madrid-Roger-Federer-Lewis-Hamilton-Laureus-Sportsperson-of-year

Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane offered shocking Bernabeu exit

The Frenchman has won two La Liga titles and two Champions Leagues since taking over the reins in 2016.

But this season has started disastrously as they trail league leaders Barcelona by 19 points.

Real Madrid sit fourth in the table and are at risk of missing out on the Champions League places if they continue their current form.

Stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema have not hit the heights of previous seasons and now Zidane has come under increasing pressure to turn results around quickly.

According to Spanish outlet Diario Gol, the 45-year-old has the option to leave the Spanish capital in the summer.

It is reported that Zidane’s national side France could offer him their head coach position after the World Cup in Russia this summer.

Current boss Didier Deschamps’ future will not be decided until after the tournament.

Real will then look at either Germany manager Joachim Low or Chelsea’s Antonio Conte to replace Zidane.

Read More: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/905768/Real-Madrid-Zinedine-Zidane-Bernabeu-La-Liga-news-France-football

ZIDANE LAMENTS REAL MADRID'S LATEST LOSS: IT'S JUST VERY F****** UP

The Madrid manager knows the confidence of his side is shaken after another disappointing loss in league play

Zinedine Zidane said confidence is low at Real Madrid after the struggling Spanish and European champions crashed to a shock defeat to Villarreal.

An 87th-minute counter-attack saw Villarreal silence the Santiago Bernabeu as the visitors claimed a remarkable last-gasp 1-0 La Liga victory Saturday.

Madrid – fourth in the table – have only won once in their past five games as they face the prospect of falling 19 points behind runaway leaders and bitter rivals Barcelona.

"It's very difficult for the confidence," said head coach Zidane, who guided Madrid to UEFA Super Cup, Supercopa de Espana and Club World Cup glory earlier in the season.

"We had chances to score but in the end... we couldn't avoid the counter and... it's just very f****** up for all the players.

"What we have to do is keep working, because there will come a time and we have to be there.

"Within all the negative things that are happening to us, we are going to look for something positive."

Read More: http://www.goal.com/en/news/zidane-laments-real-madrids-latest-loss-its-just-very-f-up/1j0g4jwociwy1gxy0qzrrx6sr

Kroos says Madrid must focus on qualifying for Champions League

Toni Kroos insisted Real Madrid have to focus on finishing fourth in LaLiga and qualifying for the Champions League following Saturday's shock loss to Villarreal.

Madrid conceded with three minutes remaining as Villarreal upstaged the struggling Spanish and European champions 1-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The result left Madrid fourth and 16 points adrift of leaders Barcelona, who could extend that advantage to 19 with victory at Real Sociedad on Sunday, and only a point ahead of fifth-placed Villarreal.

"We have to focus on qualifying for the Champions League next season," Kroos told BeIN Sports USA. "We have to think about our current position.

"I think this should be our goal for the remainder of the season."

Read More: https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/kroos-says-madrid-must-focus-qualifying-champions-league

Real Madrid: What Zinedine Zidane had to say after the 0-1 loss to Villarreal

Real Madrid had chance after chance but was unable to find the back of the net in a 1-0 loss to Villarreal Saturday. Here is what manager Zinedine Zidane had to say after yet another disappointing defeat.

“It might be a mental aspect that is stopping us from winning. When we are on a bad run there are always negatives to pick up on. We shot on target but didn’t score, when there were rebounds we were not on the end of them. This can wear you down mentally. We need to keep plugging away in search of the next win. We did everything possible to win and I honestly cannot reproach my players for their actions. I am not happy but nor do I feel beaten. This is another chance to show that we can turn this situation around. After a game like this, things are tough, but we can turn this around.”

“Everyone is entitled to their opinions, but we’ll keep on because we’ve still got something to prove. We’re here and don’t write Real Madrid off because there’s still life and hope in this team. There’s a game every three days in football. When things aren’t going well, you’ve got the chance to change it, and when they’re great, to keep that going. We’ll change it by sticking together and helping each other out. That’s what we need to do to get out of this rut.”

Read More: https://therealchamps.com/2018/01/14/real-madrid-zinedine-zidane-say-0-1-loss-villarreal/

Barcelona news: Lionel Messi is such a luxury, Jordi Alba reveals why

JORDI ALBA has reserved special praise for Lionel Messi after his performance for Barcelona in the Copa del Rey.

Barcelona thrashed Celta Vigo last night 5-0 to book their place in the quarter-finals.

Lionel Messi grabbed a double, scoring twice in the opening 15 minutes to take his tally to 21 goals in all competitions this term.

After drawing 1-1 in the first leg, Barca named a stronger line-up to secure a 6-1 aggregate victory.

Alba, who set up both of Messi’s goals, got on the scoresheet in the 28th minute as Messi repaid the favour to put the win beyond doubt.

Read More: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/903608/Barcelona-Lionel-Messi-Jordi-Alba-Copa-del-Rey-Celta-Vigo-reaction

Conflicting Reports Claim RB Leipzig May or May Not Have Sanctioned Early Keita Move

A mooted Thomas Lemar to Liverpool transfer was so the Monday that just past, like, 72 hours ago. With Jürgen Klopp and FSG valiantly wading back into the frigid January transfer waters after the sucker punch of Philippe Coutinho’s graceless departure for the Camp Nou, Liverpool fans have been entertained by links to every footballer with a pulse. And now, barely a third of the way through a winter silly season that is mercifully only a month long, we’re back on the Naby-Keïta-Right-Bloody-Now train. Toot toot, yah bastids.

Things have been progressing swimmingly to this point in the quest to bring the RB Leipzig dynamo to Anfield earlier than planned. However, in the last 24 hours, the German club seem to be putting out mixed signals. On the one hand, there have intimations that a pot-sweetner in the range of €20 million on top of the already agreed fee would be enough to close an early deal; while at the same time discouraging statements have emerged from both the ED Leipzig coach stubbornly maintaining that, “There is no reason to let [Keïta] go now,” and the club themselves stating “Nothing has changed and our position hasn’t changed from before regarding the transfer.”

Let’s recap: £48m-£60m has already been agreed for the Guinean midfielder to join in July. Awesome. Except here’s the thing though: he’s really good. Really, really good. So good, that it would be great to have Keïta driving the Reds to league glory ASAP.

ED, currently sitting fifth in the table but only two points off of second (hey! the Bundesliga looks kind of fun!) obviously weren’t too keen at first on the prospect of their best player leaving in the middle of their own fight for Champions League places.

Read More: https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2018/1/12/16881518/conflicting-reports-claim-rb-leipzig-may-or-may-not-have-sanctioned-early-keita-move-jurgen-klopp

Messi’s 2 Goals Help Barcelona Advance in Copa del Rey

BARCELONA, Spain — Lionel Messi scored twice in the span of three minutes during a 5-0 win over Celta Vigo on Thursday that sent Barcelona through to the quarterfinals of the Copa del Rey.

Messi, who also created Barcelona’s third goal for Jordi Alba, set his team on its way to a 6-1 aggregate victory with his 21st and 22nd goals in all competitions this season.

Alba had provided the assists for Messi’s strikes in the 13th and 15th minutes, and Messi returned the favor by setting up Alba in the 28th.

Luis Suárez made it 4-0 before halftime, and Ivan Rakitic headed in a corner kick by Dembele in the final minutes to complete the rout.

Philippe Coutinho, Barcelona’s new acquisition, watched from the Camp Nou stands following his club-record transfer from Liverpool earlier this week. He will make his debut after he recovers from a right leg muscle injury.

Barcelona Coach Ernesto Valverde took no chances after a 1-1 draw in the first leg, starting Messi in his first appearance in the tournament this season — he had rested for the first three cup games.

Messi quickly quashed any chance of Celta springing an upset. He swept Alba’s cross past goalkeeper Sergio Álvarez, who got a hand to the ball, and he followed up by firing home after another exchange of passes with Alba.

Read More: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/11/sports/messi-barcelona-copa-del-rey.html

Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane reveals uncertainty over future

Real Madrid are currently having a nightmare season as they sit fourth in the La Liga table, 16 points behind Barcelona.

And they have also been less than convincing in the cups as they finished second in their Champions League group and drew 2-2 with second division side Numancia last night.

Zidane signed a contract extension with Real in September but pressure has been growing on his position in recent weeks.

And he understands the need to turn results around quickly.

"I just go game to game, year to year," said Zidane.

"I cannot think two or three years down the line, as I know how it is here, even having a contract, which means nothing.

"It is not easy for the players who play less. We played a good game. We maybe lacked a bit of gas at the end."

Lucas Vazquez scored a brace as Real progressed to the quarter-final of the Copa del Rey with a 5-2 aggregate win last night.

And Zidane says he was pleased with how his side played.

Read More: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/903059/Real-Madrid-Zinedine-Zidane-future-La-Liga-news

Paper Talk: Klopp’s Dortmund warning, Lukaku seeks legal advice, Messi’s hand-painted boots

BARCELONA have forked out huge coin to finally replace Neymar and it’s been revealed Jurgen Klopp was behind making them pay so much for two record signings.
Plus Romelu Lukaku responds to ‘voodoo’ claims and Leo Messi shows off his new boots.
A text Jurgen Klopp sent to former club Borussia Dortmund essentially cost Barcelona $405m.

Barca have finally got their man in Philippe Coutinho, but had Klopp not alerted his ex-employers to their transfer plans, they’d have almost certainly have saved themselves a huge sum of money.

Last summer the Catalans were in the market for an attacker after selling Neymar to PSG, with Coutinho very firmly atop their wish list. The Spanish giants had money to spend and Klopp was in no way ready to part with his prized asset.
Aware of the situation and Barca’s probable plan b, the German manager got in contact with Dortmund and informed them to be weary of an approach for starlet Ousmane Dembele.

According to German journalist Raphael Honigstein, Klopp informed the BVB that he would not be selling Coutinho, and that they could essentially hold the Spaniards to ransom over Dembele’s transfer fee.

Honigstein revealed the bombshell on The Totally Football Show, “Dortmund revealed that they benefited from Barca’s interest in Coutinho in the Summer. Klopp passed on a message to them to say that LFC wouldn’t sell, saying, ‘don’t worry, we’re not selling Coutinho to Barcelona. So, if they come to you looking to sign Dembele, be assured that they have enough money and ask for a lot of money’. They signed Dembele for a lot and topped that with Coutinho, so I don’t know where that leaves with them in terms of Antoine Griezmann.”

It appears, Klopp may have had the last laugh.

MESSI’S INCREDIBLE HAND-PAINTED BOOTS

The remarkable story of Lionel Messi’srise from Argentina to Barcelona has been immortalised on a pair of football boots.

30-year-old Messi was presented the boots by Paraguayan artist Lili Cantero, who had painted them by hand after being inspired by the Barca ace’s life and achievements.

The boots feature a range of moments from the forward’s life, dating back to his early childhood and also feature images of his family.


His famous celebration against Real Madrid is depicted, as is the iconic picture of the Argentine on Ronaldinho’s back.

“These boots were sent to Barcelona as a gift for the player, they are fully hand-painted,” Cantero said of her artwork.

“The boots are inspired by the life of Messi, narrating with images its history and how it was working hard to reach the top. From Paraguay with Love, for the world.”



Read More: https://www.foxsports.com.au/football/premier-league/teams/liverpool/paper-talk-klopps-dortmund-warning-lukaku-seeks-legal-advice-messis-handpainted-boots/news-story/affaf43df87a4ff59d1ab468c289aa7d

Real Madrid, Barcelona transfer news: Mo Salah, Zinedine Zidane, Arda Turan, Philippe Coutinho

REAL Madrid are plotting an audacious Anfield raid of their own to steal the spotlight back from Barca, while Zinedine Zidane is at loggerheads with club president Florentino Perez.
That and more in a La Liga edition of Rumour Mill!

REAL TO RAID LIVERPOOL FOR SALAH

Not fans of being outdone, Real Madrid are preparing an audacious counter to Barcelona’s signing of Philippe Coutinho, by sanctioning an Anfield raid of their own.

Despite manager Zinedine Zidane’s assertion that Los Blancos wouldn’t sign anyone in January, Los Blancos are being linked with a big-money swoop for Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, according to Sky Sport Italia.

Barca smashed their transfer record with the signing of Coutinho, and now Real are determined to splash the cash themselves in a bid to counter the deal.

Salah has been on fire since joining Liverpool in the summer, netting 17 goals in 21 appearances after signing for £37m from Roma.

Read more: https://www.foxsports.com.au/football/la-liga/real-madrid-barcelona-transfer-news-mo-salah-zinedine-zidane-arda-turan-philippe-coutinho/news-story/ffb0108fcaaa4391931d213318035e61

La Liga news: Suarez to Liverpool, Griezmann to Man Utd, Kane to Real Madrid updates

LA LIGA news is coming thick and fast with Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid all looking at strengthening during the January transfer window. Express Sport brings you all the latest.

Luis Suarez to Liverpool
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is reportedly hopeful of re-signing Luis Suarez from Barcelona.

Spanish outlet Diario Gol claim the Reds manager is determined to bring Suarez back.

Liverpool are on the lookout for new attackers after selling Philippe Coutinho to Barca for a huge £142million.

And though Roberto Firmino has excelled in a no9 role this season, Liverpool want Suarez back to lead the line.

The Uruguay international swapped Anfield for the Nou Camp in 2014 after hitting 31 Premier League goals during his final season on Merseyside.

Antoine Griezmann to Manchester United
ESPN journalist Mark Ogden thinks Manchester United could sign Antoine Griezmann from Atletico this month.

“Manchester United looked at Antoine Griezmann last summer,” Ogden told ESPN FC.

“They kind of pulled out of the race because they said their priority was a centre-forward, they signed Lukaku.

“Diego Simeone has admitted Griezmann will probably leave Atletico Madrid this year.

“He’s got an escape clause in his contract which is around £85million.

“He’s a player that United like, he scores goals, his future at Atletico Madrid is uncertain so it’s a deal that could be done in January.”

Read More: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/901492/La-Liga-news-Luis-Suarez-Liverpool-Antoine-Griezmann-Man-Utd-Harry-Kane-Real-Madrid

Manchester United may take full advantage of Barcelona's Coutinho transfer from Liverpool

As far as weekends go, it was a pretty quiet one for Manchester United ahead of their trip to Dubai.

With FA Cup progress secured, the squad enjoyed a rare Saturday off. Daley Blind headed back to Amsterdam, Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard wore matching jackets in Paris while Ander Herrera paid his favourite London restaurant a visit.

But, away from Carrington, there was a development which could yet have a huge bearing on United's summer and, indeed, Jose Mourinho's tenure.

Barcelona finally announced the signing of Liverpool talisman Philippe Coutinho for a whopping £142m, making him the second-most expensive footballer of all-time. Sorry, Paul.

Coutinho has been signed as the heir apparent to 34-year-old Andres Iniesta and it is hard to imagine him dislodging Lionel Messi to play in the left-wing role he excelled in at Liverpool.

With Ousmane Dembele fit and firing again, following a hamstring injury, Coutinho looks set to take up a role in Barcelona's midfield three with Iniesta and Sergio Busquets.

Having made £197m from the world-record sale of Neymar last summer, Barcelona have since spent £35m on Paulinho, £93m on Dembele, a fee which could yet rise to £124m, and now a further £142m on Coutinho.

But they will not stop there, as they put together the most feared frontline in world football, and Antoine Griezmann is top of their list.

Barcelona director Guillermo Amor only admitted last month that 'there may well have been an approach' already. Those comments have landed the Catalan giants in hot water after Atletico Madrid reported the alleged approach to FIFA earlier this month, but that will not dissuade them.

Griezmann's release clause stands at £178m until July 1 and it is unclear, officially, whether it reverts back to the original £84m figure after that. If so, expect teams to wait in a summer where the World Cup will take centre stage.

Read More: http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/man-utd-transfer-barcelona-coutinho-14123807

Messi marks new milestone

Lionel Messi marked his 400th appearance in La Liga with the opening goal as Barcelona eased to a 3-0 win over Levante at the Camp Nou on Sunday, AFP reports.

Messi’s 365th goal in Spain’s top flight came inside 12 minutes, with Luis Suarez adding the second before the interval and Paulinho completing the victory late on as Barcelona stretched their lead at the top of the table back to nine points over Atletico Madrid.

The Catalans are still unbeaten in La Liga this season and have Philippe Coutinho to come in, with the Brazilian expected to be officially unveiled as a Barcelona player on Monday following the announcement of his 160m-euro move from Liverpool.

The 25-year-old Brazilian, whose transfer is the third-biggest in football history, was not in attendance at the Camp Nou as the club’s previous record recruit Ousmane Dembele started.

The Frenchman, signed for 105m  euros from Borussia Dortmund at the start of the campaign, was included in the line-up for the first time since tearing his hamstring nearly four months ago.

He came close to scoring on a couple of occasions, including from one 20-yard strike that was beaten away by Levante’s ex-Barcelona goalkeeper Oier Olazabal.

But it was Messi who broke the deadlock from a Jordi Alba assist, a combination that has proved fruitful on so many occasions this season.

The Argentine’s flighted pass found Alba, and the left-back headed the ball down for Messi, arriving in the area, to finish first-time in off the far post for his 16th league goal of the campaign.

The second goal arrived seven minutes before the interval, as Suarez controlled Sergi Roberto’s fine ball into the box before firing home.

Read More: http://punchng.com/messi-marks-new-milestone/

Barcelona news: When will Philippe Coutinho make his debut after Liverpool transfer?

PHILIPPE COUTINHO is expected to complete his move to Barcelona at some point today, but when will he be able to make his debut for the Catalan club?

The Brazilian finally got his dream move to Barcelona when it was announced yesterday Liverpool had agreed a deal worth £142million.

Coutinho made it clear in the summer he wanted to leave but Liverpool stood firm and released a statement that the player would not be sold.

However, six months later and an improved offer from Barcelona with ‘achievable’ add-ons as opposed to the ones offered in the summer left Liverpool with little choice but to sell.

Coutinho arrived in Barcelona yesterday and is expected to be in attendance for the club’s match against Levante this afternoon.

Read More: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/901185/Barcelona-Philippe-Coutinho-Liverpool-transfer-La-Liga-debut-Nou-Camp-Celta-Vigo

Liverpool delay Wales starlet Ben Woodburn's loan to Sunderland due to Philippe Coutinho sale

Liverpool have moved to block Ben Woodburn's move to Sunderland on loan ahead of Philippe Coutinho 's move to Barcelona.

The Reds agreed to sell the Brazilian to the La Liga giants for £142m with the Wales starlet already set to join the Championship club and link up with Chris Coleman again.


But Jurgen Klopp is now having second thoughts, report the Mail, as Mo Salah is currently injured.

Coleman is desperate for reinforcements and wants Woodburn to help fire the Black Cats away from the relegation zone.

The 18-year-old may now have a role to play at Anfield in Coutinho's absence.

Read More:http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/liverpool-delay-wales-starlet-ben-11808344

Barcelona vs Levante, La Liga: Team News, Match Preview

Barça play their first La Liga match of 2018 looking to stay light-years ahead of the rest
Things are looking pretty good for Barcelona right now. The team is playing well again, the results have been fantastic, we dominated El Clasico and we now have Ousmane Dembélé and Philippe Coutinho to partner Luis Suárez and Lionel Messi to kind of destroy the rest of Spain.

But one result is all it takes to bury all the positivity, and that’s especially the case with this weekend’s match, the first in La Liga in 2018. Levante come to Camp Nou in poor form, with only one win in their last six matches and sitting just three points above the relegation zone.

Levante have a young and hungry squad filled with talented players who can cause problems to any team regardless of form or momentum. They’ll surely come to Camp Nou looking to upset the leaders and virtual champions, so Barça have to play their best football to make sure that things continue to look pretty good for the Catalan giants.

Read More: https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2018/1/7/16858874/barcelona-levante-team-news-possible-lineups-preview-prediction

Barcelona players inform Josep Maria Bartomeu to complete signing of Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho

Barcelona players are reportedly confident that Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho will complete a switch to Camp Nou in the January transfer window.

According to Spanish publication Sport, Ernesto Valverde's men are delighted the Catalan club are further strengthening the squad for the second half of the 2017/18 season by adding the former Inter Milan man.

The heavyweights inside the Camp Nou dressing room have already made their decision known to the La Liga giants' president Josep Maria Bartomeu. They want Barcelona to secure the services of Coutinho after last summer's disappointment.

Liverpool star has been a transfer target for the Spanish outfit even before the season started. Barcelona's multiple approaches were turned down by the Merseyside club, with their last bid believed to be around £118m ($160.4m) and included add-ons worth £36m ($48.9m).

The 25-year-old also handed in a transfer request to leave the club, but his request to leave Anfield was rejected by the Reds. He was then promised by Liverpool that he will be allowed to complete his dream move to Barcelona.

Liverpool's league win over Leicester City is believed to be Coutinho's last match for the Premier League outfit, reports The Times. He missed the tie against Burnley due to a minor thigh injury and is expected to miss the derby clash against Everton in the third round of the FA Cup.

Read More: http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/barcelona-players-inform-josep-maria-bartomeu-complete-signing-liverpool-star-philippe-coutinho-1653690

Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino gives Harry Kane transfer update amid Real Madrid interest

TOTTENHAM boss Mauricio Pochettino insists Harry Kane is not for sale - but admits he will not stand in his way if he asks to leave.

The England international has won the Premier League golden boot two seasons running and is in pole position to make it a hat-trick, having notched 18 Premier League goals so far this campaign.

His stunning form has attracted attention from European heavyweights Real Madrid, who boast Spurs alumni Gareth Bale and Luka Modric in their ranks.

But Pochettino is desperate to keep hold of his talisman and will fight off any interest during the transfer window.

"If you look at it from a the personal side, if the player asked to go like Modric or Bale, we would have to see but today that has not happened," he told El Chiringuito de Jugones.

Read More: https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/671340/Tottenham-Harry-Kane-Mauricio-Pochettino-Real-Madrid-Gareth-Bale-Luka-Modric