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All the top LaLiga news in one place!
Raphael Varane to stay at Madrid
Raphael Varane's future at Real Madrid was in doubts before the arrival of Zinedine Zidane and reports suggested that he has informed the club that he wants to leave. Spanish and French media were sure that the defender was keen on leaving and trying his hand at a new challenge.
However, the centre-back has put the rumours to rest and confirmed that he is going nowhere. The Frenchman was talking to Marca when he revealed that he would be at Bernabeu next season. He said,
“I am going to remain [at Real Madrid] next season as I'm sure that we're going to respond in a strong manner."
"[This season] we fought and tried hard, but we can't blame anything as it's true that we missed that spark in difficult moments, and I haven't been at my best level, but we are going to see the best Varane again.”
“We have to evolve, and Zidane knows that. We have to rebuild and change things as we look to restart a new cycle.”
Manchester United, Juventus, PSG and Bayern Munich were said to be keen on signing Varane if he was to leave Madrid. The Red Devils have been long term admirers of the defender while Jose Mourinho, who brought Varane to Madrid, is expected to take over at Juventus and they need a long-term replacement for Bonucci.
Reports even suggested that Los Blancos were ready to sell the defender is he was adamant on leaving the club. AS reported that Madrid were looking to sign Napoli's Kalidou Koulibaly as a replacement in the summer. The report even quoted a price of £100 million, but they were facing some fierce competition from Manchester United for the defender.
De Ligt set for Barcelona move
After a few months of 'will he, won't he', De Ligt is finally set to join Barcelona according to Sky Sports. The English publication reports that their sources have got solid information that the Dutchman is off to Camp Nou.
Manchester United and Manchester City were also keen on signing him this summer. Apart from the two Premier League sides, PSG, Juventus and Bayern Munich were also linked with the teenager who has been impressive this season. Tottenham and Liverpool were keen on signing him last summer but have been priced out of a move this time around.
The 19-year-old is the captain of Ajax and has successfully led them to a league triumph. His teammate Frenkie De Jong has already signed for Barcelona and is heading to the Catalan club this summer.
Do you think this is the right move for De Ligt? Sound off in the comments section below!
Bale's situation at Madrid is 'soap opera', says Ramon Calderon
Gareth Bale's future at Real Madrid is in a big doubt. Zidane has indirectly made it clear that the Welshman is not a part of his plans, but the forward is keen on staying at the club.
Former Real Madrid president, Ramon Calderon has branded this situation as a 'soap opera' that has an unknown ending. He claims that Florentino Perez wants Bale to stay, but Zidane wants him sold. He said:
"Nobody knows how the soap opera is going to end because president and coach have different opinions in criteria.
"[Bale] is his highest signing ever and he doesn't want to accept that he was wrong when he thought that Gareth Bale could be the leader of this team when Cristiano left."
"Zidane left it clear, and he did last year, when he decided to resign because the president didn't accept his decisions."
Barcelona ready to sell Ivan Rakitic to Manchester United
Ivan Rakitic's time at Barcelona is all but over. The Croatian's form has dipped a bit this season, and the fans are desperately looking to see him sold in the summer.
Ernesto Valverde will have Frenkie De Jong at Camp Nou next season, and reports suggest that Rakitic will be the one making the way in the starting XI. The new signing, along with Arthur and Busquets are expected to form Barcelona's midfield next season.
Manchester United, meanwhile, have shown interest in the Croatian according to the Express. The Red Devils are keen on signing an experienced midfielder this summer after the departure of Ander Herrera.
Nemanja Matic was signed to play that role in the midfield, but the former Chelsea man has failed to impress. Reports suggest that he might be sold this summer.
Real Madrid desperate to sign Sadio Mane
Real Madrid are reportedly on the verge of signing Eden Hazard from Chelsea, but they are not done signing Premier League players. The Spanish side are also looking to sign Sadio Mane from Liverpool according to reports in Spain.
Los Blancos are keen on bolstering their attack and are desperately trying to lure the Liverpool star according to the report. The former Southampton star is reportedly high on Zinedine Zidane's wishlist as his work rate is impressive.
Liverpool are in no mood to sell their top star, who finished as the joint-highest goalscorer in the Premier League this season. He finished with 22 goals this season, same as teammate Mo Salah and Arsenal's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
The Spanish report, however, claims that Madrid will launch a €140M bid for Mane to try and test Liverpool.
