Misc Rumor - Soccer Wiretap

Xavi Denies Report Of Deal With Al-Sadd

Mar 31, 2015 12:34 PM

Xavi has denied reports that he's agreed to join Al-Sadd in Qatar this summer.

Xavi visited Qatar during the international break and was reportedly going to sign for €10 million per season over three years.

The arrangement was reportedly similar to that which saw former Real Madrid and current New York Cosmos star Raul spend 2012-2014 at Al Sadd, while also studying for his coaching licences at Qatar's Aspire Academy.

 

"I was just visiting, I was just visiting," Xavi said. "When I am ready to talk about it I will let you know."

 

Xavi was close to leaving Barcelona last summer.

Dermot Corrigan/ESPN

Tags: Barcelona, Misc Rumor

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David Silva Interested In Eventual Return To La Liga

Mar 31, 2015 12:25 PM

David Silva insists he's happy with Manchester City, but he also talked about how he'd like to return to La Liga later in his career.

Silva joined City from Valencia in 2010 for €32 million.

Asked on Radio Marca if he would come back and finish his career in Spain, the 29-year-old said he was happy at the Etihad Stadium but may consider it further down the line.

"I feel very good [at City], the fans treat me very well there," Silva said. "We have won two leagues, cups -- we just need to take another step in the Champions League.

"I am not thinking about [returning to La Liga] at the moment. If I had to return to Valencia, I would not rule that out. Also, I would like to play for Las Palmas and end my career there."

Dermot Corrigan/ESPN

Tags: Manchester City, Valencia, Misc Rumor, Transfer Rumor

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Liverpool Won't Sell Raheem Sterling Regardless Of Contract Situation

Apr 1, 2015 11:06 AM

Liverpool has no interest in selling Raheem Sterling this summer even if he refuses to sign a new contract with the club.

Sterling is currently committed to Liverpool until 2017 and negotiations on an extension through 2020 began in October.

Liverpool have offered the England winger around £100,000-a-week, a significant increase on his current salary of £35,000-a-week. Sterling is seeking £150,000 per week.

Manuel Pellegrini recently claimed Sterling has a market value of £100 million.

Mike Whalley/ESPN

Tags: Liverpool, Misc Rumor, Transfer Rumor

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Agent Denies Holding Talks With United On Transfer For Memphis Depay

Mar 30, 2015 10:58 PM

Memphis Depay's agent has denied being in contact with Manchester United about a summer transfer from PSV Eindhoven.

Louis Van Gaal managed Depay in the World Cup for the Netherlands.

"No, there has been a lot of rumors, but he still has a contract with PSV, so for now he is in Eindhoven," agent Kees Ploegsma is reported to have said, in comments appearing in the Daily Mirror. "We have not been in contact with any clubs.

"They [Depay and Van Gaal] had good contact during the World Cup, but since then there has been no contact."

Kevin Palmer/ESPN

Tags: Manchester United, PSV Eindhoven, Misc Rumor, Transfer Rumor

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Zidane Willing To Manage Real Madrid But Prefers Ancelotti To Stay

Mar 31, 2015 12:15 PM

Zinedine Zidane would be willing to become manager of Real Madrid, but he's in no hurry to get the job.

The future if Carlo Ancelotti is in doubt as Real Madrid continues to struggle in 2015.

“If the role is offered to me I would agree to it but once again there is an amazing coach in place,” Zidane, the Real Madrid reserve coach, told Canal+.

“I’ve got time, I’m learning. I did not become the player I was in two years, it’s the same in coaching.”

Zidane was an assistant for Ancelotti last season.

“I’ve learnt a lot from Carlo Ancelotti and he knows how highly I think of him. He is the perfect coach for Real Madrid, despite what people are saying,” Zidane said.

Reuters

Tags: Real Madrid, Misc Rumor

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Falcao Downplays Link To Juventus

Mar 29, 2015 5:26 PM

Radamel Falcao has dismissed talk of a move to Juventus and says he is "focused 100 percent" on playing for Manchester United.

Falcao has struggled this season on loan with United from Monaco.

"Juventus looking for me? They talk a lot, but now I'm focused 100 percent on Manchester United," Falcao told Radio Caracol.

ESPN

Tags: Juventus, Manchester United, Misc Rumor, Transfer Rumor

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Suárez Vows To Only Play For Liverpool If He Ever Returns To EPL

Mar 30, 2015 12:54 PM

Luis Suárez returned to Anfield on Sunday to play in a charity friendly. 

Suárez's return was his first since being sold by Liverpool to Barcelona in the summer.

Suárez came on as a half-time substitute alongside another ex-Reds hero Fernando Torres, with the two delaying their entrance before being met with huge cheers from those in attendance.

When asked if he'd ever return to the Premier League, Suárez said he'd only play for Liverpool.

"You never know in football what the future holds, but if I ever play in England again I will play for the Liverpool team and not another team," he said.

PA Sport

Tags: Barcelona, Liverpool, Misc Rumor, Transfer Rumor

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Kevin De Bruyne Open To Being Sold Back To Chelsea

Mar 27, 2015 7:21 PM

Kevin De Bruyne is open to a return to Chelsea after becoming a rising star since his move to Wolfsburg.

De Bruyne's immediate future likely pivots on whether Wolfsburg qualifies for the Champions League.

Manchester United and Manchester City are also interested in De Bruyne, who is one of the best young creative midfielders at the age of 23.

The former Genk player was only granted three Premier League appearances during his stint at Stamford Bridge, which ended with a move in January 2014, but he left Chelsea on good terms and has not ruled out a return.

Wolfsburg paid £18 million for De Bruyne, but his swift progress means he is now valued at around £50 million.

Richard Jolly/ESPN

Tags: Chelsea, VfL Wolfsburg, Misc Rumor, Transfer Rumor

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Angel Di Maria Won't Be Sold By United In Summer

Mar 29, 2015 5:25 PM

Angel di Maria has had an uneven first season at Manchester United and source say the club will not sell him in the summer.

Reports of United manager Louis van Gaal "berating" Di Maria, 27, in the dressing room following last week's 2-1 win at Liverpool have led to suggestions that he may move on this summer.

Di Maria was close to joining Paris Saint-Germain last summer, but moved from Real Madrid to United for a British record £59.7 million.

Miguel Delaney/ESPN

Tags: Manchester United, Misc Rumor, Transfer Rumor

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Real Madrid Working On Iker Casillas' Exit, Targeting De Gea

Mar 29, 2015 5:25 PM

Real Madrid have taken the first steps on the departure of Iker Casillas this summer after 18 years with the club.

Although Casillas has not yet begun negotiations with prospective new clubs, and a destination remains unknown, his representatives have already started discussions about the financial package he would receive on leaving the Bernabeu, sources say.

 

Real Madrid is expected to pursue David De Gea of Manchester United.

Sources in Spain say two things right now are certain: "The mood around Real is very much that Casillas will leave this summer" -- and the club wants De Gea as his direct replacement this summer.

Real Madrid realize they need Casillas to go if they're going to bring in De Gea as their long-term No. 1 choice in goal.

Casillas could be set to receive an extra €3.5 million in bonuses, on top of the €22 million for a contract that is set to end in 2017.

 

De Gea is signed through the 15-16 season.

Miguel Delaney/ESPN

Tags: Manchester United, Real Madrid, Misc Rumor, Transfer Rumor

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John Terry Signs Extension With Chelsea Through 15-16
John Terry has made 661 appearances for chelsea since his debut in 1998.

Dominic Fifield/The Guardian

David Alaba Downplays Link To Real Madrid
David Alaba is one of the world's best young left-backs at just 22.

Stephan Uersfeld/ESPN

Sami Khedira Confirms He'll Leave Real Madrid In Summer
Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Schalke have been linked to Sami Khedira.

Jack Davies/Goal.com

Xavi Signs Three-Year, €30M Deal With Al Saad SC Of Qatar
Xavi will also act as an adviser to the Aspire Academy and also plans to study for his coaching license.

Joaquin Maroto/AS.com

Messi, Mourinho Headline List Of Top Soccer Earners In 2014
Lionel Messi is believed to have earned $71 million in 2014 between his Barcelona salary, various bonuses and endorsement revenue.

Ian Holyman/ESPN

Falcao Wants To Find Club Where He Can Play Regularly Next Season
Radamel Falcao has been left out of United's starting lineup since February.

Gill Clark/Goal.com

Simeone: Best Thing Atleti Has Are Clear Ideas
Diego Simeone hopes Atleti is able to continue their growth during his extension.

FourFourTwo

Julian Green Could Play Next Season In Premier League
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge would like Julian Green to play in the Premier League to prove his quality.

Stephan Uersfeld/ESPN

Fluminense Fires Cristovao As Manager
Cristovao was hired by Fluminense early in 2014 and coached the team in 58 matches, winning 28, drawing 11 and losing 19.

ESPN

Report: Zero Chance Real Madrid Sells Bale Or Ronaldo In Summer
Reports in Britain have indicated either Cristiano Ronaldo or Gareth Bale could be sold by Madrid.

Guillem Balague/AS.com

Liverpool Expects Resolution To Raheem Sterling's Contract In Summer
Raheem Sterling's current deal expires at the end of next season.

FourFourTwo

Kevin De Bruyne To Be Targeted By City
Kevin De Bruyne was sold by Chelsea to Wolfsburg for £18 million and has scored nine goals in 25 Bundesliga appearances.

Jamie Jackson/The Guardian

United Considering Move For Aymeric Laporte Of Athletic
Aymeric Laporte is a 20-year-old French central defender has a £30 million buyout clause that could be a stumbling block.

Jamie Jackson/The Guardian

Manchester City Ready To Rebuild, Sell Yaya Touré
Manchester City would seek approximately £20 million for Yaya Touré as they attempt to get younger.

Jamie Jackson/The Guardian

Paul Pogba Not Interested In Move To Real Madrid
Paul Pogba doesn't have interest in moving to Real Madrid where they "throw away" players, according to his agent Mino Raiola.

Ian Holyman/ESPN

Billy Beane Hired By AZ Alkmaar As Adviser
Billy Beane will provide Alkmaar advice “in the areas of high performance and innovation”.

AP

Max Kruse Denies Interest In Leaving Gladbach For Dortmund, Schalke
Max Kruse has a €12 million release clause in his contract.

Stephan Uersfeld/ESPN

Schalke Interested In Sami Khedria
Last week, Spanish media reported that Sami Khedira and Real Madrid have already agreed on a new deal.

Stephan Uersfeld/ESPN

Diego Simeone Expected To Sign Extension With Atlético
Diego Simeone's long-term future has been uncertain as his current deal has little over a year to run.

ESPN

Cristiano Ronaldo Plans On Joining MLS As Soon As 2018
Cristiano Ronaldo plans to join the MLS when he decides to leave Real Madrid

Grant Wahl/Sports Illustrated