European Paper Talk: Gareth Bale facing summer axe by Real Madrid

The transfer window does not open until January 1, but clubs across Europe are busy planning and contacting the players they hope to sign.

Our friends at Football Whispers have scoured the European newspapers and websites to bring you the latest transfer gossip and news from the continent.

SPAIN

Gareth Bale is one of eight Real Madrid players who could be axed next summer. The reigning Spanish and European champions have endured a difficult start to the campaign, and the Welshman's injury struggles mean he could be let go in a squad refresh along with Lucas Vazquez, Dani Ceballos, Marcos Llorente, Kiko Casilla, Achraf Hakimi, Jesus Vallejo and Luka Modric. (Diario Gol)

Chelsea transfer target Marco Asensio has spoken out about his lack of a regular starting berth at Real Madrid, saying his situation is unlike Alvaro Morata's prior to the striker's summer departure for Chelsea.

"When [Morata] returned to Madrid…game time for him was important," he said. "I am only starting out my career, I'm a 21-year-old and cannot expect to be playing every match." (Marca)

Ivan Rakitic hopeful Lionel Messi will stay at Barcelona

Ivan Rakitic is optimistic Lionel Messi will remain at Barcelona beyond next summer despite speculation over his future rumbling on.

The Argentina forward agreed a new deal until 2021 with the Nou Camp club in July but did not sign paperwork at first.

La Liga's president Javier Tebas claimed earlier this month a contract has now been signed, although questions remain over whether that is the case.

Rakitic, speaking at a news conference ahead of Barcelona's Champions League meeting with Juventus, said he wants to keep playing alongside Messi for the next few years.

He said: "Leo's part of the club's badge. I am confident he will stay. He is not just a very important player, he is more than that, looking at his career, how much he means for Barca.

Source: http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11833/11138508/ivan-rakitic-hopeful-lionel-messi-will-stay-at-barcelona

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European Paper Talk: Tottenham duo Harry Kane and Dele Alli top Real Madrid wishlist

The transfer window does not open until January 1, but clubs across Europe are busy planning and contacting the players they hope to sign.

Our friends at Football Whispers have scoured the European newspapers and websites to bring you the latest transfer gossip and news from the continent.

Spain

Tottenham duo Harry Kane and Dele Alli are at the head of a five-man Real Madrid wishlist, with president Florentino Perez determined to make a significant splash in the summer transfer window.

The Spurs pair have caught the eye for Mauricio Pochettino's side, with Alli instrumental in downing Madrid when the sides met in the Champions League at Wembley recently.

Kane has recently said he would like to spend his whole career at Spurs, though, while there is no suggestion that Alli is angling for a move away. (Diario Gol)

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone believes his side can still qualify for the Champions League last 16. Los Rojiblancos beat Roma 2-0 on Wednesday night to keep their hopes alive and now need to overcome Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and hope that Qarabag can take a point off Roma when they travel to the Stadio Olimpico.

Source: http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/11139732/european-paper-talk-tottenham-duo-harry-kane-and-dele-alli-top-real-madrid-wishlist

Griezmann: I don't regret staying at Atletico

Antoine Griezmann is happy he stayed at Atletico Madrid despite his struggles this season.

Atletico Madrid star Antoine Griezmann insists he has no regrets over his decision to stay at the LaLiga club, and he ruled out a January exit.
The France international was linked to Manchester United in the off-season, but ended up staying at Atletico due to the club's transfer ban.
Despite scoring just three goals in 14 games in all competitions this campaign, Griezmann said he was still happy with his choice to stay at Atletico.
"I don't regret staying. It was my choice," the 26-year-old told Telefoot.

"I'm happy with my choice, even if I've gone seven games without scoring. It will come back."
Griezmann is now being linked to Barcelona, who are flying high with a four-point lead atop LaLiga.
Atletico are also unbeaten through 12 league games but six of those have been draws to leave them in fourth, 10 points back.
Griezmann said the arrivals of Diego Costa and Vitolo in January would boost Diego Simeone's men.


Read more: https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/griezmann-i-dont-regret-staying-atletico

Barcelona Transfer News: Latest on Antoine Griezmann, Inigo Martinez Rumours

Atletico Madrid are reportedly already putting plans in place for Antoine Griezmann’s exit next summer, with Barcelona said to be keen on signing the forward.

Griezmann was linked with a possible exit throughout the summer window, though he eventually remained in the Spanish capital. But according to Sky Sports’ Spanish football columnist Guillem Balague, Atletico are resigned to the fact he’ll move on at the end of the season.

"Having said no to a huge offer from United after he had spoken to Jose Mourinho, he will now consider those possibilities," Balague wrote. "PSG, meanwhile, will need to sell first, but they have also made some enquiries about his interest in joining them. Nothing has been signed at the moment with anybody, I'm told, but the club feel he will leave."

Read More: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2745282-barcelona-transfer-news-latest-on-antoine-griezmann-inigo-martinez-rumours

Cristiano Ronaldo wants to leave Real Madrid, four marquee names considered claims Spanish football expert

• Real Madrid have faltered so far this season as they risk real disappointment
• Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly wants to leave the club
• Portuguese international has struggled on the pitch

Things aren’t going well for Real Madrid so far this season, and Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly isn’t a happy man amid their struggles.

Aside from the fact that they’ve slipped 10 points adrift of Barcelona in the La Liga title race, they’re at risk of missing out on top spot in Group H of the Champions League.

In turn, with some poor results to analyse so far this season already, Zinedine Zidane needs to find the solutions in order to avoid it becoming a more difficult situation.

As for Ronaldo, the 32-year-old has scored just eight goals in 14 appearances so far this season, which for him, is arguably somewhat of a crisis, especially when considering he’s found the back of the net just once in eight La Liga outings having been so prolific over the last six years.

Read More: http://www.caughtoffside.com/2017/11/21/cristiano-ronaldo-wants-to-leave-real-madrid-four-marquee-names-considered-claims-spanish-football-expert/

Real Madrid announce squad for Champions League match against APOEL

Real Madrid published their squad list for Tuesday’s away match against APOEL in the UEFA Champions League.

REAL MADRID SQUAD:

Goalkepers: Casilla and Moha.

Defenders: Carvajal, Vallejo, Varane, Nacho, Marcelo, Theo and Achraf.

Midfielders: Kroos, Modric, Casemiro, M. Llorente, Asensio, Isco and Ceballos.

Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo, Benzema, Lucas Vázquez and Mayoral.

As expected, Sergio Ramos will not be available. The Spanish defender will need around a week to recover from his broken nose and then he will wear a mask during the games.

Kovacic still isn’t ready either and might be aiming at next weekend’s home game against Malaga for his return after a big groin injury which has kept him out of the team for the last two months.

Coach Zinedine Zidane might decide to make some rotations in this one and players like Ceballos, Marcos Llorente or Theo will surely be looking forward to getting a chance of proving their worth.

Read More: https://www.managingmadrid.com/2017/11/20/16678496/real-madrid-apoel-squad-list-2017-champions-league