Liverpool name Coutinho’s price to Barcelona

Philippe Coutinho hopes to seal a move to Barcelona after Liverpool named their price for the playmaker.

Anfield chiefs maintained a not-for-sale stance on Coutinho last summer by rejecting three bids from the Catalan giants including a final one of £114 million.

However that position has altered with the Brazil international’s refusal to commit his long-term future to the Reds as he aims to secure a switch to the Nou Camp.

Barca are expected to renew their approach for Coutinho during the January transfer window, with Liverpool finally ready to set the player’s valuation.

Nike, who hold sponsorship deals with both Barca and Coutinho, falsely claimed the 25-year-old had moved to the La Liga champions-elect.

Read More: http://www.clickliverpool.com/sport/liverpool-fc/24393-liverpool-name-coutinhos-price-to-barcelona/

Man Utd double blow: Real Madrid offer Gareth Bale to Spurs in £150m Harry Kane deal

REAL MADRID are reportedly set to offer Gareth Bale to Tottenham to sweeten a deal for Harry Kane in the summer - spelling bad news for Manchester United.

Real Madrid are in the market for a new striker, with Karim Benzema’s days at the Bernabeu looking numbered.

The Daily Star Sunday claim Zinedine Zidane wants a replacement for the 30-year-old and has set his sights on Tottenham’s Harry Kane.

To ensure a deal for the England striker is agreed, Real are reportedly willing to offer a £150million package which includes Gareth Bale.

The Wales international was reluctantly sold by Spurs four years ago and the Spanish club hope his inclusion will sweeten the offer.

Read More: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/898486/Real-Madrid-Harry-Kane-Real-Madrid-Transfer-Gareth-Bale-Manchester-United

Arsenal legend compares Salah to Leo Messi

Following his brilliant performance in Liverpool’s comeback against Leicester City in the league, Arsenal former star Ian Wright compared Mohamed Salah to Barcelona’s legendary Lionel Messi.

Salah’s brace gave Liverpool a much needed win over Leicester City as the match ended 2-1 for the Reds. The young Pharaoh is enjoying the best season of his career so far since he has been involved in 22 goals in 21 premier league appearances for Liverpool since his move to the Anfield, scoring 17 goals and assisting five. He is one goal behind the Premier League’s top scorer Harry Kane.

“I’m not saying he is as good as who I am going to say but dare I say it, He reminds me of Lionel Messi, the scampering way he plays, he has a Messi vibe,” Wright said during his analysis of the game on Saturday comparing Salah to five-time Ballon d’Or winner.

Premier League’s all-time top scorer Alan Shearer also praised the Egyptian international saying that he is good in any position and can play anywhere across the frontline. “He can play on the left, the right or through the middle,” he said. “He has got such quick feet, the way he gets away from defenders, they know that once he is there they can’t touch him. You can’t go anywhere near him, the balance is superb.”

Read More: https://www.kingfut.com/2017/12/31/ian-wright-salah-style-messi/

Diego Costa reveals Chelsea regret and Atletico Madrid frustration during unveiling

DEIGO COSTA has revealed he is “tired” of training after being unveiled at Atletico Madrid today.

Chelsea striker Costa will officially complete his move to Atletico when the transfer window opens on Monday.

The Brazilian, who plays for the Spain national side, went on strike in the summer to force through a move.

Chelsea and Atletico could not come to an agreement back in August but have since settled on terms to send Costa back to his former club.

But the 29-year-old admits he has some regrets about having played in England.

"I did not learn English, which was a pity,” he told reporters.

“I was very well, the people, the fans, the teammates have helped me a lot.

“They made my life easier.

“Chelsea is a great club. I have a special affection for them and there are only good memories.”

Asked if his game has changed since he left for England, Costa said: "I think that with the passage of time you always learn in all aspects of life.

“On and off the field.

“I hope I can contribute to La Liga from what I learned there.”

Read More: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/898477/Diego-Costa-Chelsea-Atletico-Madrid-training-unveiling

Barcelona rumors: Christensen wanted, Man City to make Umtiti offer and Real Madrid eye Oriol Busquets

Barcelona eyeing Christensen

Today’s rumors start in west London and with Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen, who has apparently been catching Barcelona’s eye.

According to the Mirror, Barca are “long-time admirers” of the defender and are monitoring his progress as they seek to strengthen defensively.

Christensen has become a regular for the Blues in recent months, since replacing David Luis in Antonio Conte’s starting XI.

Barca to seal £125m Coutinho deal

Over at the Daily Express, they have a hot new ‘exclusive’ which tells us that Barcelona are hoping to finally land Philippe Coutinho next week for £125 million.

A meeting is set for Wednesday where the Catalans are hoping to reach agreement with Liverpool owners FSG.

Apparently both parties are now keen to get the deal done as soon as possible to prevent it dragging on throughout January.

Guardiola to offer £50m for Umtiti

Meanwhile, The Sun are reporting that Pep Guardiola is set to offer Barcelona £50 million for defender Samuel Umtiti.

Having missed out on Virgil van Dijk, Pep is ready to spring Umtiti’s release clause as he looks to add another defender to the ranks.

A centre-back is apparently a priority for City this winter as the club aim to continue their brilliant form and end the season with four trophies.

Read More: https://www.barcablaugranes.com/fc-barcelona-transfer-rumors-news/2017/12/31/16835206/barcelona-rumors-christensen-wanted-man-city-to-make-umtiti-offer-and-real-madrid-eye-oriol-busquets

FC Barcelona News: 30 December 2017; Holiday Break Ends, Juventus Looking at Sergi Roberto

FC Barcelona training resumes on Saturday 30 December | FC Barcelona
Since ending the year with a fantastic win at the Santiago Bernabéu, Ernesto Valverde and his squad have been getting some well-earned rest with their families, but they are due back at the Ciutat Esportiva at 6.00pm CET on December 30.

How many kilometres have Barça travelled in 2017? | FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona have done no less than 53,398 kilometres on the road this calendar year spread over 36 trips. Starting back on 5 January with an away game in the last 16 of the Copa del Rey in Bilbao and ending with the victorious trip to the Santiago Bernabéu to take on Real Madrid which saw Ernesto Valverde’s men take a 3-0 win that left them nine points clear of their nearest rivals in the league at the turn of the year, the squad have travelled around the world to great success.

Juve eye Barca star, if Can plan fails | Calciomercato
Juventus are said to admirers of Liverpool midfielder Emre Can and their tactic of signing players once their contracts expire will help them sign the German. But Liverpool’s resistance means that the Old Lady could be forced into looking at possible alternatives. One of them happens to be Barcelona’s Sergi Roberto.

FC Barcelona's Most Viral Tweets of 2017 | FC Barcelona
See which Twitter posts on the Club's official account were the most heard 'round the world over the last 12 months.

Real Madrid star requests affordable selling price

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo has requested that the La Liga and European champions set their asking price for the forward at an affordable £89m in order to attract potential suitors next summer, reports the Daily Record.

The 32-year-old has been linked with a move away from the Bernabeu for some time now, even if he penned a new deal in November 2016.

However, the release clause in that contract is set at a staggering £887m and Ronaldo’s representatives are asking club president Florentino Perez to lower that figure in order not to deter long-term suitors PSG and former club Manchester United.

Tensions between Ronaldo and Perez are believed to be at their lowest, with the former looking to secure a move away from the Spanish capital.

Football’s World Player of the Year is supposedly angered by Perez’s decision not to bring his basic pay to match his accolades, with the 32-year-old basic salary bettered by Neymar and Lionel Messi, of PSG and Barcelona respectively.

Ronaldo’s current deal with Real Madrid runs until 2021, though his time at the Bernabeu could draw to a close next year, with PSG and United willing to match his astronomical demands. 

Read More: https://www.whoscored.com/News/iBaGk-uC50Cf2HZKDChAiw/Show/Real-Madrid-star-requests-affordable-selling-price