Ancelotti: Madrid don't need Vidal

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has insisted that his side do not need to sign Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal.

The Chilean has been linked with a variety of clubs after leading the Bianconeri to two straight Serie A titles, most recently the Liga leaders and their arch rivals Barcelona.

However, Ancelotti has denied that Juve director Beppe Marotta came to visit Madrid's training centre to thrash out a deal for the former Bayer Leverkusen man.

"He came to see the sports centre," he told La Stampa.

"In midfield we won't take anyone. We don't need anyone and [Sami] Khedira will return."

The Italian also voiced his admiration for Paris Saint-Germain star Marco Verratti, but says that too much should not be expected of the youngster.

"He doesn't miss anything. He has personality and isn't afraid, but he shouldn't play because he is young. At Madrid, I have Jese, who is a phenomenon, but we have many champions."

Read More»

Manchester United ready to break the bank for Juventus star Arturo Vidal

Manchester United could be set to break the bank to sign Juventus star Arturo Vidal.

The Chile international has been one of the many names mooted with a move to Old Trafford to help bolster the champions flaky midfield.

The 26-year-old has long stated his desire to stay in Turin, but according to French newspaper Le 10 Sport may be persuaded to change his mind with extremely lucrative personal terms.

It would still be something of a coup if boss David Moyes managed to pull off the deal, Vidal having only signed a new deal at the club last month.

Moyes is expected to be a busy man over the next month with a host of famous faces linked with January moves.

Read More»

Bonucci : Llorente is our weapon in attack

Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci has lauded his teammate Fernando Llorente as the club's "weapon" on the back of a 3-1 win over Copenhagen on Wednesday.

The Spanish striker was a key focal point as the Bianconeri secured a comprehensive Champions League victory on home turf, though it was midfielder Arturo Vidal who grabbed the headlines with his hat-trick.

Bonucci was pleased with how he and his team-mates handled the anti-attacking tactics of the visitors and heralded Llorente for helping to break down the Danish side's defence.

"Copenhagen tried to defend with 10 players behind the ball," the Italy international, 26, said to reporters after the match.

"We did well to bring the advantage back in our favour by playing with the calm and the experience that we have acquired over the years.

"In recent years we have played great football but we are changing it [against some] opponents. When we sometimes play ball high, Llorente is certainly a most effective weapon for us."

Read More»