Real Madrid agree £72.3 million deal with Chelsea, Barcelona to complete first January signing this week, and more La Liga news – 20th December 2018

All the latest La Liga news in one place!

Gareth Bale responds to critics

Gareth Bale scored a hat-trick in the Club World Cup semi-final last night to help Real Madrid make it to the finals. The Welshman was then talking to the media and was asked what he thought of the critics making a meal out of his failure to score in a lot of matches this season.

He first spoke about his performance and said, “I’m happy but the most important thing today was to get the victory and get to the final. My leg was hurting a little bit but I wanted to be there and help the team. It’s an important win. We knew it was going to be a hard game in which we had to be professional.”

He then spoke about the fans and media talking about him replacing Cristiano Ronaldo in the team. Bale said: "No. I just try to play football. I will always try to give my best for the team. I don't have to do anything else. I don’t have to respond to anybody.”

Talking about his position switching from right to left under Solari, Bale added: "I have played a lot of my career on the left, on the right, up front. I am comfortable wherever the manager puts me, and I’ll give 100 per cent for the team."

After the hat-trick, the former Tottenham star now has 10 goals this season but the fans are expecting a lot more from him. With Ronaldo gone and Benzema still not firing in front of the goal, Los Blancos faithful want Bale to step up.

Reports suggest that Madrid are also looking for a long-term replacement for Bale. Last night, reports suggested that it was Jadon Sacho who was on top of the list with Madrid readying a £70 million for him!

Barcelona news and more on the next page!

Big move to be confirmed?

Barcelona to complete a loan deal this week

Big news coming in from Spain that Barcelona are set to finalize the deal for a centre-back this week. SPORT claim that the Catalan side are looking to get one of Andreas Christensen and Jeison Murillo on loan for the rest of the season.

Reports suggest that Murillo will be the one heading to Camp Nou for the season as Chelsea are not willing to let go of Christensen. Valencia have reportedly agreed to let go of the Colombian centre-back and it is not confirmed if the move will be made permanent at the end of the season.

Samuel Umtiti and Thomas Vermaelen are out injured and that has left the Catalan side with just 2 fit centre-backs; Clément Lenglet and Pique. They are keen on signing Matthijs de Ligt in the summer and thus, they are not willing to sign anyone permanently in the winter transfer window.

Real Madrid first 2019 sale and Solari's replacement on the next page!

Time's up already?

Solari set to be replaced by Mourinho

Real Madrid's board members have voted for Jose Mourinho to replace Santiago Solari according to various reports around Europe. Majority of the media houses report that Florentino Perez was keen on getting the manager back and has now managed to convince the board members as well.

Solari was signed to a contract until 2021 last month but with Jose's sacking at United, the Spanish giants want to take this opportunity and sign him up. Perez is a huge fan of Mourinho and believes he can be the one to turn things around for Los Blancos.

Isco to join Chelsea?

Don Balon have a huge story today and they claim that Real Madrid and Chelsea have agreed a £72.3 million deal for Isco. The Spanish midfielder is set to become the Premier League side's first signing in January.

The report claims that Real Madrid are planning for the future and do not see Isco as a part of it. Solari was not interested in keeping him at the club and they decided to let go of him.

The move comes as a huge blow to Manchester City who were looking to sign him as well. Chelsea have reportedly taken advantage of their good relationship with Madrid and signed him up.