Barca deny secret plot to sign Griezmann
Barcelona have denied reports that they have already reached an agreement to sign Antoine Griezmann behind the backs of Atletico Madrid.
Speculation surrounding the forward’s future continues to grow as Spanish outlet Sport reported on Saturday that the France international has reached an agreement with the Catalan side that will see him move to Camp Nou at the end of the season.
The deal is said to include financial penalties should either side back out before it goes through, but the Catalan side have moved to dismiss suggestions that they have entered a secret pact with the 26-year-old.
Rafinha cleared to complete Inter move
Barcelona have granted Rafinha permission to complete a move away from the club, with Inter set to take him on an initial loan agreement.
With Philippe Coutinho having arrived in a club-record €160 million deal to provide further competition, coach Ernesto Valverde has confirmed that the 24-year-old is heading for the exits.
He told reporters on Saturday when pressed for an update on Rafinha’s future: “He won’t be at the training session today as he has permission from the club to sort his situation.”
Zidane reveals Neymar admiration
Zinedine Zidane has revealed his admiration for reported Real Madrid target Neymar, while refusing to speculate on a possible transfer.
The Brazilian has been strongly linked with a move to the Bernabeu, with Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo tipped to move to PSG as part of the deal.
Real in secret Salah talks
Real Madrid have been in secret transfer talks with Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah, claims El Chiringuito TV .
The Liga giants are said to want the Egypt international as their next ‘Galactico’ signing after seeing him impress since moving to Anfield in the summer of 2017.
Liverpool join Bale race
Liverpool have joined arch-rivals Manchester United in the battle to land Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale, according to Don Balon .
The Wales international has been heavily linked with a return to the Premier League after struggling for form and fitness at Santiago Bernabeu.
Jurgen Klopp has the funds available to make a move after offloading Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona and is prepared to spend over €100 million on Bale.
Messi urges Barca to renew Umtiti’s deal
Lionel Messi is urging Barcelona’s board to offer defender Samuel Umtiti a new contract, according to Don Balon .
Manchester United are mulling over a bid for the 24-year-old, who has a £53 million release clause.
Griezmann agrees to join Barcelona
Barcelona and Antoine Griezmann have reached an agreement over a deal that will see the striker move to Camp Nou at the end of the season, Sport claims.
The Atletico Madrid star has been heavily linked to Premier League clubs, but the Catalan side have managed to lure him to partner Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Ousmane Dembele up front.
The Spanish outlet says Griezmann has struck a deal with Barca that will see either party face a financial penalty should they back out before the move is complete.
Pellegrini wants Mascherano move
Manuel Pellegrini is hoping to see Javier Mascherano complete a proposed switch from Barcelona and join him at Hebei Fortune, the experienced coach has told Marca .
He said of the versatile Argentine: “The plan is that he comes. We have to see his situation at Barcelona, but he is a player that I am very interested in.”
Luis Enrique lined up by Blues
Chelsea will look to replace Antonio Conte with former Barcelona boss Luis Enrique if their current coach walks away in the summer, reports the Daily Star .
It is also claimed that the Blues will seek to bring Juliano Belletti back to Stamford Bridge as the club’s director of football.
Man City bid halts Griezmann’s Barca move
Barcelona’s hopes of signing Antoine Griezmann have been put on hold after the striker received a call from Manchester City, claims Don Balon .
After splashing out on Philippe Coutinho, the Blaugrana have a limited budget with which to open negotiations with Atletico Madrid.
And City have reportedly already made contact with the forward after missing out on Alexis Sanchez.
