May 2014 - Soccer Wiretap

Raphael Varane Signs Extension With Real Madrid Through 2020
Raphael Varane has made 71 appearances for Real in all competitions since arriving.

FourFourTwo

Löw: Manuel Neuer Represents Future Of Goalkeeping
Manuel Neuer was one of the most invaluable players in the World Cup due to his ablity to play a "sweeper keeper" role.

Stephan Uersfeld/ESPN

Diego Costa Continues To Need Substantial Rest With Hamstring Injury
Chelsea remains concerned with the recurring hamstring injury to Diego Costa.

Joe Prince-Wright/Pro Soccer Talk

Ballack: Özil Should Have Fought To Remain At Real Madrid
Mesut Özil has struggled to maximize his potential during his first year in the Premier League with Arsenal.

James Goldman/Goal.com

Di María: Playing For Van Gaal Was Big Factor In Coming To United
Ángel di María has admitted the chance to work with manager Louis van Gaal was a principle reason for moving to Manchester United.

The Guardian

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Steps Down As Manager Of Cardiff City
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has left his post as Cardiff City’s manager, citing a ‘difference in philosophy’ with the club’s owners.

The Guardian

Chelsea Seeks 10-Year Deal With Mourinho
José Mourinho returned to Chelsea in 2013 on a four-year deal.

ESPN

Xavi Prefers To Retire With Barcelona
Xavi was linked to a move to Qatar and then to the MLS this past summer, but he eventually decided to remain at Barcelona.

Stefan Coerts

FA Seeks Significant Reduction Of Non-EU Players In English Football
Under the proposals, only players from the top 50 Fifa-ranked countries in the world could be signed unless the transfer fee is more than a pre-defined figure, which could be set at £10 million or £15

Owen Gibson/The Guardian

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Could Be Fired As Manger Of Cardiff City
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s time in Cardiff has been little short of disastrous, with relegation in his first season and the club now languishing in 17th place in the Championship.

The Guardian

Mourinho: Eden Hazard Could Become Generational Talent
José Mourinho has claimed Eden Hazard can establish himself as “one of the greats of his generation” with Chelsea confident they will agree a new long-term contract in the coming weeks.

Dominic Fifield/The Guardian

Thiago Begins Training Ahead Of Return From Knee Injury
Thiago Alcântara has begun to train with his Bayern Munich teammates as he recovers from a partially torn MCL in his knee suffered last March.

Stefan Coerts/Goal.com

Guardiola: United Could Afford Bayern Targets
Louis van Gaal spent over £150 million on new players this summer, but Pep Guardiola said Manchester United could not afford his Bayern Munich players.

ESPN

Klopp Praises Summer Transfers By Arsenal
Jürgen Klopp has spoken highly of Arsene Wenger in the past.

Stephan Uersfeld/ESPN

Barça To Name Training Pitch After Tito Vilanova
Barcelona have announced that a pitch at the club's training ground is to be named after former coach Tito Vilanova, who died earlier this year.

Dermot Corrigan/ESPN

Eden Hazard Close To Record Contract At Chelsea
Eden Hazard is close to signing a new contract with Chelsea that would pay him £200,000 per week.

The Guardian

Marco Verratti Signs Extension With PSG Through 2019
Paris Saint-Germain has signed Marco Verratti to a contract extension through 2019.

Peter McVitie/Goal.com

Pulis Remains Secretive On Departure From Crystal Palace
Tony Pulis said “differences” of opinion with the co-chairman Steve Parish prompted his surprise departure from Crystal Palace but believes the club have enough strength to remain in the division desp

Jacob Steinberg/The Guardian

Wenger: Jack Wilshire Finally Gets Power Back With Ankle
Arsène Wenger is encouraged by the play of Jack Wagner as he comes back from an ankle injury.

David Hytner/The Guardian

Rodgers Remains Concerned About Liverpool's Defense
Liverpool arguably didn't win the Premier League last season despite a powerful offense because of their weakness in the back.

Andy Hunter/The Guardian

Klopp Open To Managing In Premer League
Jürgen Klopp is one of the most highly coveted managers in Europe after his successful run at Borussia Dortmund.

ESPN

Real Madrid Remains Confident In 4-3-3
Real Madrid will continue to use the 4-3-3 formation despite a 2-1 loss at home to Atlético Madrid.

Dermot Corrigan/ESPN

Sterling Seeks To Emulate Ronaldo
Raheem Sterling has become one of the world's best young players since the start of 2014 and hopes to improve his goalscoring record.

Goal.com

United Confident Of Acquiring Kevin Strootman In January
Louis van Gaal is a huge admirer of Kevin Strootman and United will make a huge offer to secure him in January.

Greg Stobart/Goal.com

Diego Godín Wouldn't Leave Atleti Merely For More Money
Diego Godín received offers from rival clubs, but he said he would never leave Atlético Madrid merely for more money.

Goal.com

Enrique On Messi: A Privilege To Have The Best Player In The World
Lionel Messi setup two goals for Neymar in Barcelona's 2-0 win on Saturday over Athletic.

Tom Conn/Inside Spanish Football

Barcelona To Wear Catalan Colors At Home For First Time
Barcelona will wear their Senyera kit at home for the first time in the history of the club.

Stuart Goodwin/The Guardian

Best Weekend Fixtures: Arsenal/City, Real/Atleti, Barça/Athletic
Arsenal will host City in the debut match of Danny Welbeck, while the top-4 clubs of La Liga in 13-14 all meet.

RealGM Staff Report

Van Gaal: Welbeck Not Up To 'The Standard'
Louis van Gaal said Manchester United's decision to let Danny Welbeck go had been made before it became apparent United could bring in Radamel Falcao.

Daniel Taylor/The Guardian

Phil Jones Out For One Month With Torn Hamstring
Phil Jones is likely to miss United’s next four matches.

The Guardian