Aguero father rules out Barcelona switch

Sergio Aguero will not be leaving City in order to join Barcelona, his father has confirmed.

The 25-year-old has scored 19 goals in 20 appearances for the Blues so far this term, leading to speculation that the four-time European champions could offer him a return to Spain.

But his father, Leonel, insists there is no truth in such rumours.

"I would like to see Sergio and Messi playing together but there is nothing at all," he told Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo              .

Aguero, who is currently sidelined with a calf injury, will get the chance to visit the Camp Nou in February when City take on Barcelona in the Champions League.

He will come head-to-head with international team-mate Lionel Messi in that game, and Aguero Sr has revealed that the pair have exchanged good-natured messages about the contest.

Sergio and Leo always speak and more after the Champions League draw,” he added.

“They're good friends, like laughing and they're already joking between them ahead the City v Barca clash.

"We will see two great games. I don't know if I will visit Messi's home, but I will go to hotel for sure to say hello to him"

Leonel also expressed his belief that City will edge a tight two-legged tie between the teams.

"I think it will be a 2-0 in England and at least a 0-1 in Barcelona,” he added. “I love Messi so much, but I want my son's team to win. It's a pity both Barça and City are facing each other so soon.

"I wish Sergio to score but the main thing is Manchester City win. Barça's players are all great but they should be careful of City's ones, as they are very good as well.

“They are hungry and they need to rule Barcelona out of Champions League if they want to keep winning titles."

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Barcelona revive interest in David Luiz

Barcelona have made a renewed enquiry as to the availability of Chelsea defender David Luiz.

Camp Nou officials contacted Chelsea about the Brazilian shortly before Christmas and Footb-info understands that the Brazilian is keen to discuss a move away from Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea are willing to listen to formal offers for the 26-year-old, but Jose Mourinho considers the former Benfica man a valuable asset and would only sanction a move for a significant fee.

Barcelona, who are looking to bolster their defensive options with skipper Carles Puyol coming to the end of his career and only Javier Mascherano, Gerard Pique and Marc Bartra as recognised centre-backs, approached Chelsea over the summer but Luiz claims he rejected the chance to join the Catalan outfit.

"There was an official offer [from Barcelona], but I decided to stay at Chelsea," the defender told Brazilian newspaper Gazeta Esportiva in September.

Mourinho moved to play down talk of any potential transfer last month, stating: "He’s our player and we are happy he’s back in a moment when we need him and John Terry in defence.”

However, sources close to the club have indicated that Chelsea would be willing to let Luiz, who has impressed in recent weeks, leave the club if Barcelona make an offer that is too good to turn down.

Chelsea have been tracking Saint-Etienne defender Kurt Zouma in recent weeks, with the club set to go head-to-head with Manchester City and a number of other sides in the coming months to secure the highly rated 19-year-old.

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Neuer: Ter Stegen is a sensational goalkeeper

Germany international Manuel Neuer believes Borussia Monchengladbach goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has a bright future ahead of him amid ongoing rumours linking him with a move to Barcelona.

The Blaugrana have earmarked the 21-year-old as a potential replacement for current first choice goalkeeper Victor Valdes, whose contract expires at the end of the season and will not be coaxed into signing a new deal.

And Neuer feels the Gladbach star has the potential to become one of the best in his position.

"There is no doubt about it that Ter Stegen is a great goalkeeper. He is a player with a big future ahead of him," Neuer was quoted as saying by AS when questioned about his compatriot.

"He is sensational. He is very agile and always knows how to deal with complicated situations. He is a superb shot-stopper.

"I don't know whether he's ready to play for a team like Barcelona yet. That's a decision their technical staff will have to make."

Ter Stegen's contract with Monchengladbach runs until the summer of 2015.

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Xavi: Barcelona miss Guardiola at times

Barcelona midfielder Xavi admits that the Catalan giants miss certain aspects of former head coach Pep Guardiola's football philosophy.

Guardiola enjoyed a trophy-laden four years at Camp Nou, during which his side secured three La Liga titles and two Champions League triumphs.

The 42-year-old departed the Spanish champions in 2012, taking a short sabbatical before joining Bundesliga holders Bayern Munich in the close-season.

And Xavi hailed the "extraordinary project" engineered by Guardiola during his time in Spain.

"Pep made his job in Barcelona. We are so proud he was our manager," he said. "(We had) four years when we won plenty of trophies. He led an extraordinary project until he decided to leave for a gap year and nowadays he is doing a brilliant job in Bayern Munich.

"Obviously, we miss things from him, as (we do) the other managers who left the club. We have another coach, we had [Tito] Vilanova last year and Tata [Gerardo] Martino this season.

"Each person has a different way to work. Guardiola had his way, Vilanova too and Martino as well. All of them are good managers and we were lucky with Guardiola because we made history."

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Fabregas: Lazy reputation annoys me

Barcelona ace Cesc Fabregas has admitted that he is annoyed by accusations that he is lazy.

The former Arsenal captain has yet to nail down a regular position in the Blaugrana line-up since returning to Catalunya in 2011 and is regularly switched between midfield and attack.

Consequently, Fabregas, who has hit seven goals in La Liga this season, is upset by the perception within the media and among certain sections of the Camp Nou crowd that he does not work hard enough for the team.

"I know I have that reputation and it annoys me, because I don't stop moving around the whole pitch," he told AS. "Perhaps too much, because by moving so much it seems like I'm nowhere.

"Maybe [I am only appreciated for my goals] but after the game against Villarreal [on December 14], which I admit was my weakest match of the season so far, I was happy because I had played a part in the move that led to the [second] goal."

Barcelona, of course, are currently having to make do without talismanic forward Lionel Messi because of a hamstring injury, but Fabregas is keen to look on the bright side, believing that the Argentine's absence will mean that he is in peak physical condition for the business end of the 2013-14 campaign.

When asked if he was worried by Messi's injury problems, the Spain international replied: "No, because he'll be fine at the most important time of the season. That's what I told him when he got injured."

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Ronaldo : Neymar will go down in history

Former Barcelona and Real Madrid striker Ronaldo has claimed that Neymar will "go down in history" as one of the best Brazilian players ever.

The 21-year-old has shone in 2013 - after signing for the Catalans from Santos in the early summer, he starred as the Selecao stormed to the Confederations Cup title and has subsequently starred for Gerardo Martino's men this season.

"It is a fact that Neymar will be a great player," Ronaldo told Brazilian television. "He will go down in history as one of the best Brazilian players in the world.

"He's on the right track. He's a charismatic player and is focused on what you have to do to succeed."

The Blaugrana are in the midst of a winter break but they are back in action against second-placed Atletico Madrid, who are level on points with the club.

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Mascherano on Napoli wishlist

Napoli are set to dip back into the transfer market in January to aid their bid for the Serie A title, with Erik Lamela and Javier Mascherano top of their shopping list.

The Partenopei made the headlines throughout the summer with their spending spree, which saw them snap up the likes of Gonzalo Higauin and Jose Callejon.

And club president Aurelio De Laurentiis is determined to help the San Paolo outfit continue their growth by spending big in January.

Mascherano has been a regular at Barcelona this season but it is understood that he would seriously consider an offer from the Serie A giants.

Lamela, meanwhile, is De Laurentiis' dream, but the film tycoon is yet to contact either his entourage or Tottenham over a potential move.

Two other likely January signings are Luca Antonelli from Genoa, who will provide greater competition at left-back, and Marco Borriello from Roma to become Higuain's back-up.

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Yaya Toure : Barca are scared of Man City

Barcelona are "scared" of Manchester City based on their storming performances this campaign, according to former Camp Nou midfielder Yaya Toure.

The Ivorian has been a pivotal part of the Blues' ascension to second in the Premier League in 2013-14 as of Christmas, as well as helping the club to their first appearance in the Champions League knock-out stage.

Manuel Pellegrini's men will face Barca in the last 16 and Toure - who left the Catalans in 2010 - thinks that Gerardo Martino's side fear elimination to the Citizens, whom he thinks will be the biggest team on the planet in a few seasons.

"To make history sometimes it takes longer," the 30-year-old told Sky Sports. "I am a lucky man to be in the right place because the club have brought in fantastic players.

"Everything is in a good place to be honest, and I'm sure in a couple of years Man City will become the greatest club in the world.

"[Barcelona] are quite afraid about us, the way they see us play in the Premier League at home especially, they're quite scared.

"We play fantastic football and we score goals, it's total attack. But it's going to be a tough game and for us we know if we're to win we need to be at the top of our game."

Man City face Premier League table-toppers Liverpool on December 26 and can take first place with a win at the Etihad Stadium.

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Two Premier League clubs after Barca star

Arsenal & Liverpool keep tabs on Pedro


Barcelona forward Pedro has hinted that he may exit the club in the summer with Liverpool and Arsenal tracking the 26-year-old. The Spain international netted a hattrick on Sunday in Barcelona's 5-2 win over Getafe.

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Iniesta signs new Barcelona deal

Andres Iniesta has signed a new contract that will keep him at Barcelona until the summer of 2018.

The Spain interantional agreed terms on a new deal last week to end speculation that he could seek a move away from Camp Nou.

And he has now formally signed the contract, which expires in four and a half years, shortly after his 34th birthday.

"The player Andres Iniesta has signed a new contract this Monday which will keep him at Barcelona until 2018," a club statement read.

"The event took place a the club offices and was also attended by president Sandro Rosell, vice-president for sporting affairs Josep Maria Bartomeu, sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta and the player's agent.

"From the 2017-18 season the contract will be extended automatically annually, provided that the player plays the right number of games each season."

Iniesta first joined Barca when he was 12 years old back in 1996 and the contract could see him remain with the club for a total of 22 years.

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Tata Martino : Messi wont leave Barca

Barcelona boss Gerardo Martino claims there is no way Lionel Messi will leave the club.

The Argentine star has become embroiled in a dispute with club vice-president Javier Faus after claiming in a radio interview that the Blaugrana director "doesn't understand football."

With speculation rife over whether the player will be offered a new and improved contract, his future at the club has been cast into some doubt, but Martino has made it clear he is not concerned by what he believes is a private discussion between the pair.

"It's not true," he told a press conference when asked whether Messi could be sold next summer.

"Personally I'm concerned with how the team plays. I'm not distracted by these issues which have no relation to football.

"I only want to sit in on footballing matters, to make sure the team plays better, that they win. It seems to me that, as coach of Barcelona, these are the most important things that should concern me.

"I cannot continue on it because I'm not well informed. I don't what the vice-president said, nor what Leo said, as these are specific discussions."

Messi is currently recovering from a hamstring injury in his native Argentina and Martino revealed he plans to visit the 26-year-old during the winter break to check on his progress first hand.

"It's not something that was planned but, for sure, he will be training in Rosario in the days after Christmas, and I will go to see one of these sessions," said Martino. "We are totally informed of his progress."

One player who has committed his future to the club is Andres Iniesta, who has reached an agreement to extend his contract at Camp Nou, and Martino admits the news is massive for the club.

"In the NBA they call players franchises; Iniesta is the same for us. He must be very happy to sign a renewal. We are all very happy."

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Messi hits out at Barcelona vice-president

Lionel Messi has hit out at Barcelona vice-president Javier Faus in the wake of the latter's comments that the Argentina international will not be offered an improved deal any time soon.

A number of recent reports suggested that the prolific attacker had requested a pay-rise which would make him the best-paid player in La Liga again, prompting Faus to stress that Barca have no intention to hand Messi a new deal hardly a year after his previous extension.

However, Messi has insisted that he never asked for a new deal and has hit out at Faus for his lack of football knowledge.

"Faus is a person who does not know anything about football," Messi told RAC1.

"He tries to run Barcelona like a business, but this is a football club. Barcelona are the best club in the world and should also have the best directors in the world.

"I have never asked for a new contract and neither has any of my representatives."

The 26-year-old also took the time to discuss recent allegations that his foundation is involved in a money laundering scandal and stressed that he has not done anything wrong.

"I haven't read anything myself, but my family has told me what's being said. I deeply regret these allegations because everything we earn with these games goes to charity."

Messi is currently recovering from a hamstring injury in Argentina.

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Tata Martino criticises Song

Barcelona boss Gerardo Martino criticised the performance of Alex Song after his side beat Cartagena 4-1 in the Copa del Rey.

The hosts took a shock early lead but two goals from Pedro, a Cesc Fabregas strike and Jean Marie Dongou's debut goal ensured victory on Friday night.

But Martino was left frustrated by the showing of the former Arsenal man and felt his positional play was out of sorts.

"Playing as a holding midfielder is not the same as playing as half of a midfield pivot pair," he said.

"At times, he did well but other times he was turned inside out and he was having trouble finding a second, alternative option with his passing."

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Zubizarreta: Martino understands Barcelona

Andoni Zubizarreta says that Gerardo Martino's decision to hand Adama Traore his debut against Granadashows he understands Barcelona.

The Blaugrana secured a comfortable 4-0 win at Camp Nou on Saturday through penalties from Andres Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas complemented by strikes from Alexis Sanchez and Pedro, with 17-year-old Traore replacing Neymar in the 83rd minute to make his first senior appearance.

Speaking after the game, Zubizarreta claimed that the introduction of Traore underlines the Barcelona trainer's in-depth understanding of the club and its emphasis on youth development.

"Tata has understood what we are as a club and that when there are injuries, we turn to the younger players," the 52-year-old told journalists after the game.

"Adama is very young, but one thing is that he has been brought up here. Let's not forget that we also had [Martin] Montoya, [Marc] Bartra, Sergi Roberto. This is the new generation with whom we can continue dreaming."

Local-born forward Traore is a Spain Under-19 international and had played only four times for Barcelona B before making his senior bow.

Zubizarreta also praised the performance of goalkeeper Jose Pinto, who stood in for the injured Victor Valdes on Saturday.

"[Pinto] knows what it is to play for this shirt," the former shot-stopper continued.

"He dominates his area and has been strong when needed. He was very good, he gives us peace of mind and demonstrates that he is here because he is at that level required."

Barcelona sit top of La Liga with 40 points from 14 games, three ahead of Atletico Madrid in second.

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Messi: Berbatov to Barcelona is impossible

Barcelona striker Lionel Messi says it would be "impossible" for Fulham striker Dimitar Berbatov to join the club.

Recent reports have speculated that the 32-year-old Bulgaria international could be on his way to Camp Nou as coach Gerardo Martino looks for cover following Messi's hamstring tear that is expected to keep him out for the next eight weeks.

However, the Argentine believes that although the attacker is a good player and has experience the move is unlikely to materialise.

"I haven’t heard the rumour that Berbatov is linked to Barcelona. In fact he is a good player, he has experience in a big team," Messi told TV7.

"It’s not my business to interfere with the club’s transfer decisions but I think it’s impossible for Dimitar to join Barcelona."

Berbatov, who is out of contract at the end of the season, would be a cheaper alternative to other names that have been linked with a switch to the Catalan club, such as Oscar Cardozo and Sergio Aguero.

The Fulham striker has one goal in 10 Premier League appearances this season.

Martino has said he has faith in current forwards Alexis Sanchez and Neymar, but he would like additional cover.

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Busquets: Casillas working harder than ever

Sergio Busquets has revealed Spain No.1 goalkeeper Iker Casillas is working harder than ever before in training in the hope of regaining his spot for both club and country.

Casillas, 32, has fallen out of favour this season at Real Madrid, making only a handful of appearances since Diego Lopez was made the club's first choice shot-stopper, and it has raised questions about his suitability to be Spain's No.1 with Victor Valdes, Pepe Reina and David de Gea waiting in the wings.

Busquets, who is currently on international duty with Casillas as they continue preparations for the World Cup in Brazil next year with a visit to Johannesburg, South Africa on Tuesday, says he has never seen the Madrid 'keeper work so hard.

“I see him as a little better. It is clear that perhaps he is hoping for a regular place in the team and currently he is not getting that,” Busquets told Marca.

“Now he is working harder in training. He has always worked hard, but now even more so.

“Sooner or later he will get what he wants and we will all be happy, both collectively and personally.”

Casillas has been capped for Spain 151 times and currently holds the record for most appearances, beating former Barcelona shot-stopper Andoni Zubizarreta's milestone back in November 2011.

Meanwhile, Busquets proceeded to hit back at reports questioning the Catalans' playing style following the appointment of Gerardo Martino in the summer, claiming the criticism of the team is unfair.

He added: “We [Barcelona] aren’t at the level we were at during the [former manager Pep] Guardiola era, I don’t think that form is repeatable. But the criticisms Barca get are disproportionate.”

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Xavi: No-one better than Barcelona

Xavi says that no other side in Europe is playing at the same level as Barcelona right now.

Gerardo Martino's men currently sit atop of the Liga table with 37 points from 13 games and their influential playmaker claims that even though the Catalans are not quite at their brilliant best, they are still a cut above all of their rivals.

"Perhaps now we are not at the level of a '10', but we are still remarkably high. We can still reach excellence, but we are doing fine," Xavi told Mundo Deportivo.

"We have to work to reach that level again. But the question we should ask is - what team is playing better than Barca? No one is.

"We are in good form, we have improved and are progressing without drama and understand that there are discussions around the club and that is this club's requirement."

The Spain international then went on to discuss Lionel Messi's fitness problems and insisted that the Argentine will bounce back from his muscular problems.

"He is a very tough guy, mentally strong and he will return," Xavi declared. "He has had four or five years playing everything, remaining decisive in all the games, scoring two or three goals in many of them.

"He is the best in the world but the body says enough and so he must stop. The most important thing is that he recovers well.

"For us, he is the No.1 and we need him a lot. In January, he will return and prove to be the best."

Messi has been ruled out of action for the remainder of the year with a hamstring tear.

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Alexis: Messi is the same as always

Alexis Sanchez has defended the form of Lionel Messi, insisting the Barcelona star is "the same as always" despite his recent goal drought.

Messi scored just once throughout October and failed to find the net again on Friday as Barca battled to a 1-0 win over city rivals Espanyol.

But Alexis maintains the Argentina international is contributing a huge amount to the side.

"Leo is in the same form as always. He hasn't been scoring goals but he has provided assists and taking on players. We think he's the same as always, playing very well," he was quoted as saying by AS.

Alexis converted Neymar's pinpoint cross for the only goal of the game at Camp Nou on Friday, taking the 24-year-old's tally to seven goals in nine Liga matches.

And he admits he was relieved to break the deadlock against a spirited visiting defence.

"It was a very difficult game as it was tough and physical for us," the former Udinese attacker said.

"All of Espanyol's players sat back behind the ball, but I go home happy with my goal. I was in the right place at the right time.

"We won and go home relaxed after getting three crucial points."

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Fabregas: I was right to reject Manchester United offer

Cesc Fabregas believes that his decision to stay at Barcelona following Manchester United's interest has been vindicated by his performances for the Spanish champions this season.

The 26-year-old was targeted by David Moyes in the summer but was subsequently assured by the Blaugrana hierarchy that he was a valued member of the squad and would not be allowed a return to the Premier League.

And Fabregas has hailed the impact of Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino, claiming that the 50-year-old has been one of the main factors behind his form this term.

"The season's started brilliantly," the former Arsenal star told The Guardian. "[Martino] lets me play the way that suits my qualities and I'm very comfortable, very happy. I feel better all the time, more and more central. The coach is giving me more opportunities, more status, more leadership.

On the first day - well, not the first day, but maybe the third or fourth, early on - he called me over and told me: 'I want you to be the player you were at Arsenal' and I thought 'wow!' because I'd always felt so good at Arsenal, so important.

"I never planned to go back this summer," he declared. "It's not something I was even thinking about.

"I was always clear in my mind that I want to succeed at Barcelona and I'd give everything to triumph here. I said openly: I haven't even thought about leaving, I'm not going.

"When I heard [about United's bid], I contacted Darren [Dein, my agent] and he confirmed that it had come out officially. He said: 'Yes, it's true. What do you want to do?' I didn't know anything about it [until then].

"If a club comes in for you and you tell your representative that you want to go, then you go. I spoke to [Josep Maria] Bartomeu, the vice-president, and he told me: 'You're not going anywhere; we have complete confidence in you', then I spoke to the president.

"I was very relaxed about the whole thing because that's what they transmitted to me. It's true that they had offers, and they told me that, but the only thing in my head was staying at Barcelona. At no time did I say that I wanted to go and I stayed out of it. I was surprised. I didn't encourage them at all."

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Cruyff: Barcelona are Clasico favourites

Former Barcelona player and coach Johan Cruyff says home advantage should give the Catalan giants the edge over arch-rivals Real Madrid in Saturday's Clasico.

The Blaugrana have won their last 19 Liga games at Camp Nou since a Cristiano Ronaldo double secured a 2-2 draw for the Blancos over a year ago, and Cruyff thinks that formidable record will help the hosts secure a crucial victory.

"Respect to Madrid because they always have a very strong team," the 66-year-old told Sport.

"But there are many influencing factors, and at home, Barcelona are always favourites."

Cruyff also lent support to Barca's Brazilian forward Neymar, who has come in for criticism from some quarters after scoring just three goals in thirteen appearances since his €57 million summer switch from Santos.

"Even a blind man can see what a great player he is," Cruyff said

"Anyone who does not think he is a good player does not know the game."

Yet the Dutchman still chose a pair of familiar names as the men most likely to prove decisive in Saturday's tussle.

"Barcelona and Madrid depend on Messi and Ronaldo," he added.

"Both sides have lots of quality and both have players who can influence the game, but those two make the goals and that makes the difference."

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