Pep Guardiola has told Manchester City it is crucial to keep hold of Raheem Sterling - admitting his outstanding season will have attracted the attention of other clubs. Sterling has been the surprise success for the runaway Premier League leaders, with 20 goals in all competitions - putting him on the radar of Real Madrid. He still has two years to run on his current deal - but he is among a host of Guardiola’s star players the club wants to tie to down to long-term contracts. Having wrapped up deals for Kevin de Bruyne, David Silva, Nicolas Otamendi and Fernandinho in recent months, Guardiola has highlighted the importance of Sterling to his squad. “No doubts, it’s so important (he stays),” said the City manager. “But you know the deals are the deals. “The agents and many circumstances - maybe other clubs are interested in him. “Anything can happen but he knows how important he is to us.” Guardiola added that talks are yet to start with … [Read more...] about Pep Guardiola addresses Raheem Sterling amid Real Madrid links
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Manchester City growing confident of landing £75million Real Madrid star
Manchester City are confident they can land Real Madrid star Isco at the second attempt in a deal worth up to £75million. Pep Guardiola is known to have made Isco one of his chief transfer targets this summer, with Premier League champions-elect City working hard to pull off the deal. Isco, who scored a hat-trick in Spain's 6-1 win over Argentina on Tuesday, has become disillusioned with life at Real under Zinedine Zidane and is ready for a new challenge. Former City boss Manuel Pellegrini tried to bring Isco with him from Malaga when he took over at the Etihad Stadium in 2013, but the 25-year-old opted to join Real for £23m. Although Isco has won three Champions League crowns and one La Liga title at Real, he does not feel trusted by Zidane and has failed to secure a regular starting spot. After plundering his hat-trick in midweek, Isco opened up on his disenchantment at Real, with sources in Spain having since indicated a move to City is already well down the line. … [Read more...] about Manchester City growing confident of landing £75million Real Madrid star
Real Madrid star to double wages at Man City and more transfer rumours
Manchester City are prepared to double Isco's wages in the summer transfer window, according to reports. Spanish news outlet El Chiringuito suggest the Blues are preparing to make the player a massive offer at the end of the season. According to the report Pep Guardiola has already made contact with the Spain international and has promised he will 'always play and be a leader' at the club. It is suggested the 25-year-old would be open to a move after growing frustrated with a lack of playing time at Real Madrid this season. Isco is thought to be a long-time target for director of football Txiki Begiristain and it is believed Guardiola is keen to add fresh attacking talent in the summer transfer window. However, it is also believed City would face competition from Manchester United. In other transfer news, Calciomercato claim City have been handed a boost in their rumoured pursuit of Julian Weigl. According to the article, Borussia Dortmund are willing to let the midfielder leave at … [Read more...] about Real Madrid star to double wages at Man City and more transfer rumours
Real Madrid midfielder forced to explain comments made about Ronaldo and Messi
Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde was forced to "clarify a misunderstanding" after saying Lionel Messi is better than Cristiano Ronaldo. The 19-year-old is currently on loan at Deportivo La Coruna, and attended an event for young fans of the La Liga club during the international break. As part of a questionnaire, the youngster was asked who he believes to be the best player in the world, and like so many before him immediately name dropped Real Madrid legend Ronaldo and Barcelona hero Messi. "[Ronaldo and Messi] are the two best players in the world," Valverde told the group of young fans assembled. Adding: "But I opt for Messi". After the event the Real Madrid midfielder posted a video to social media, which has since been deleted, contradicting his earlier claim. "I wanted to clarify a misunderstanding that occurred today on campus, with the children in an interview," said Valverde. "It was a joke about Messi and Ronaldo because he knows that I am from Madrid and I always bet … [Read more...] about Real Madrid midfielder forced to explain comments made about Ronaldo and Messi
Real Madrid player forced to clarify comments after picking Messi over Ronaldo
Real Madrid youngster Federico Valverde was forced to backtrack on comments he made suggesting Lionel Messi was better than Cristiano Ronaldo. The 19-year-old is currently on loan at Deportivo La Coruna, and attended an event for young fans of the La Liga club during the international break. As part of a questionnaire, the youngster was asked who he believes to be the best player in the world, and like so many before him immediately name dropped Real Madrid legend Ronaldo and Barcelona hero Messi , report the Mirror. "[Ronaldo and Messi] are the two best players in the world," Valverde told the group of young fans assembled. Adding: "But I opt for Messi". 'He thinks he knows better than anybody': Ex-Bayern Munich doctor slams Pep Guardiola AGAIN After the event the Real Madrid midfielder posted a video to social media, which has since been deleted, contradicting his earlier claim. "I wanted to clarify a misunderstanding that occurred today on campus, with the children in an … [Read more...] about Real Madrid player forced to clarify comments after picking Messi over Ronaldo