Lionel Messi names 5 players Barcelona should sign; Real Madrid eye €110M striker and more La Liga news: 3rd January 2019

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Solari talks about Villarreal and Isco

Reports suggested that the tensions were high between Santiago Solari and Isco after the Spaniard was left out of the Real Madrid squad on a lot of occasions by the manager. The midfielder was also linked with a move away from Santiago Bernabeu in January with Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal, Juventus and Bayern Munich linked.

However, all the rumours were put to rest by the player after he openly said that he wanted to remain at Madrid and fight for his place. Now, Solari has heaped praise on him and hinted that he will also like to keep Isco in the squad. He said, “Isco is a great player, he has given us a lot of joy and will continue to do so.”

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Talking about Madrid's next opponents, Villarreal, Solari said at his press conference on Wednesday, “Villarreal are always a difficult opponent, they will be hoping to turn around their fortunes, they have a new Coach and are always one of the league’s most difficult trips.”

“This is the same team who excelled last season, they have a different style and system but they have a lot of quality. We have to give a lot of energy to generate a strong performance, to get back into our rhythm and show good transition between defence and attack,” said Solari.

“It is a difficult time to play, returning after the holidays, we only had a few days to train but the circumstances are not ideal. We start the New Year with eyes on three fronts, we are going into optimism in the league, in the Copa and in the Champions League,” added the manager.

FC Internazionale v Udinese - Serie A

Real Madrid back in for Mauro Icardi

The need for goals has left Real Madrid hunting for a world class striker this winter transfer window. Reports in CalcioMercato claim that Los Blancos are back in the running for Mauro Icardi.

The Argentine was said to be a target for Madrid during Zidane's reign but nothing materialized. The manager was happy to play with Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo up front and did not make a move for the Inter Milan star.

But now with Zidane and Ronaldo gone, Madrid are struggling for goals and Benzema isn't able to do much about it. Gareth Bale is also on a topsy-turvy run and it is hurting Los Blancos' chances of winning a trophy this season.

Icardi has a €110 million release clause in his contract right now but that will soon be removed. The Argentine is in talks regarding a new contract and Inter are looking to remove or double that release clause as per reports in Italy.

FC Barcelona v UD Las Palmas - La Liga

Messi names 5 players Barcelona should sign

Lionel Messi has a big say in transfers at Barcelona if rumours are to be believed. The Argentine is easily one of the greatest players in the club's history, if not the greatest, and it wouldn't be a surprise if the rumour is true.

Don Balon have a scoop now and report that Messi has named the 5 players Barcelona should try to sign in the 2 transfer windows of 2019. They claim that the forward has also submitted a list of players he wants sold as well.

The 5 players Messi wants signed are: Adrien Rabiot, Matthijs de Ligt, Benjamin Pavard, Frenkie De Jong and Krzysztof Piątek. The Argentine believes that these players will be vital for the club's present and future and wants them signed at any cost.

Barca have been linked with 4 of the 5 names with only Pavard not making the rumour mill so far. They do have Sergi Roberto and Nélson Semedo to play right-back right now and it will be a surprise if the Catalan side does sign the French defender.