Inter Milan has first option on Messi

Italian sports paper La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that Inter Milan has an informal agreement with Barcelona right wing attacker and Argentinian international Lionel Messi (22).

Inter president Massimo Moratti would have closed a verbal deal with the player's father and agent Jorge Messi that they will first negotiate with the Italian club if Messi would have to leave Barcelona in the future for whatever reason, also because the player would prefer to join Inter in that case.


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Eto'o happy and emotional about Camp Nou return

In an interview with Italian sports paper La Gazzetta dello Sport, Inter Milan forward Samuel Eto'o has commented on the Champions League group-stage draw that put Barcelona and Inter Milan in the same group:

"It's a good thing to be able to return to the Camp Nou. I am relaxed, I am happy but above all I am emotional. The fans of Barcelona will always have a place in my heart.

And I prefer Barcelona over Sevilla. When their game is over, they just keep on running. I already received an sms text message from Puyol saying 'Guardiola told me that if I mark you well, he will renew my contract'. I am also satisfied that Messi and Xavi have won the awards, although I think both Valdés and Piqué deserved a recognition."

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Ibrahimovic: "The atmosphere was fantastic"

Speaking to Italian sports paper La Gazzetta dello Sport, Barcelona forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic commented on his physical condition and on his debut on Wednesday:

"The important thing is that I'm back on the field. I had stopped for a month and have been training for one week. My physical condition is not the best and I'm still lacking some rhythm but at least I'm playing again.

What impressed me more than the numbers was the atmosphere, it was fantastic. I was not nervous, rather excited and happy. Here, everyone wants to make me feel good. They said that that night was a demonstration of the affection of the public. I'm having a hard time thinking of something better that has happened to me.

Every time you move to a new team you need to start from zero again to get used to the style. In Barcelona, it seems it is even more necessary. They have a very precise style, one that marks their identity. Adapting to that needs training and matches, which I still have not been able to do. It also needs knowing your teammates on and off the pitch.

Playing with Messi is a pleasure, it makes life easier. He gives you the ball in such a way that you have already done half the work. In Barcelona, everyone, youngsters or stars, wants the ball, in a natural way, they never hide. It's a pleasure to play this way."

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Genoa interested in Milito

Italian sports paper La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that Genoa is interested in Barcelona central defender Gabriel Milito (29) (read more here).

The Italian club would have asked Barcelona more information about the Argentinian centre-back and reportedly wants to pick up the injured player for cheap hoping on a quick recovery, like happened with former Barcelona player Thiago Motta last season.

Italian newspaper La Repubblica meanwhile claims that Genoa saw Milito as a back-up option in case the transfer of Lecce player Esposito wouldn't go through.

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What is happening with Hleb?

Although Barcelona officially announced on Monday that Barcelona attacker and Belarusian international Alexander Hleb (28) would move on loan to Inter Milan (with a buy option of 10+2 million euro) as part of the deal on the transfer of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, it is still not yet clear where Hleb will play next season.

Italian sports paper La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that one of the player's agents Maurizio Gaudino travelled to Spain yesterday trying to close a deal. He would nevertheless not have been able to find an agreement with Barcelona on last season's bonuses, nor to convince Hleb to join Inter. Inter would already be looking at other options.

German sports weekly Sport Bild reports that Hleb's agents Uli Ferber and Niki Spilevski travelled to Milan on Monday and Tuesday, but despite the pressure by Barcelona to leave, Hleb would want to stay at the club. Catalan sports papers Sport and El Mundo Deportivo meanwhile both claim that Hleb, who won't travel with the squad to the United States (read more here), could finally end up with his former club Stuttgart.

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Eto'o agent confirms Inter deal

Josep Maria Mesalles, the agent of Barcelona forward and Cameroon international Samuel Eto'o (28) has confirmed to journalists after a new meeting that Eto'o and Inter Milan have reached an agreement on a transfer:

"This is it. We have closed a deal between Eto'o and Inter. Eto'o talked to Mourinho yesterday and he's very happy. All the details are arranged. Now we only have one problem left with Barcelona about the bonus, but I'm optimistic about that. Next week this should be solved. Eto'o will arrive in Milan on Monday or Tuesday."

Inter sports director Marco Branca confirmed the deal to the journalists gathered outside the meeting place. Italian sports paper La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that Eto'o will arrive in Milan on Monday to sign a five-year deal worth 10,5 million euro a year.

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New Ibrahimovic offer: 75 million plus Hleb on loan

Italian sports paper la Gazzetta dello Sport claims that Barcelona has made a new bid of 75 million euro plus the loan of Aleksander Hleb after the club rejected to pay an exit bonus to Barcelona forward and Cameroonian international Samuel Eto'o (28).

Italian sports site Sportmediaset claims that Barcelona has rejected the exit bonus request and that Josep Maria Mesalles, the player's agent, would now be flying back to Milan for a new meeting with Inter Milan officials. The Italian champions would now have to raise the salary offer and come closer to the 12 million euro asked previously.

Another problem would meanwhile be that Inter Milan manager José Mourinho isn't interested in Barcelona attacker and Belarusian international Aleksander Hleb (28), who was offered by Barcelona to join Inter on a free loan. The Portuguese coach would prefer to sign Benfica winger Angel Di Maria to strenghten his squad.

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Exit bonus last step for Eto'o transfer

Exit bonus last step for Eto'o transfer

Italian sports paper La Gazzetta dell Sport claims that the negotiations between Eto'o and Barcelona about the exit bonus are the last step before finalizing of the transfer, after the striker yesterday agreed a deal with Inter Milan (read more here).

The player's agent Josep Maria Mesalles would be in Barcelona today to hold talks with Barcelona officials on the exit bonus the Cameroonian striker will receive. The player would be asking for 3 to 4 million euro.

Eto'o, who will reportedly sign a five-year contract worth 10 million euro plus an incentive of 2 million euro for every trophy won by the Italian club, is quoted by the paper as telling Inter sports director Marco Branca yesterday afternoon by phone that he wants to tie his bonuses to team achievements:

"Chief, I am delighted to join Inter, and I'm convinced that we can bring the Champions League to Milan. I don't want bonuses linked with the goals I score. Scoring is my job, and that's what I'm already paid for. Bonuses linked with team successes, like the Champions, is the right way to go. And with this team we can win everything."

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Deal Inter-Eto'o will be announced soon

Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport claims that a new meeting between Inter Milan officials and Josep Maria Mesalles, the agent of Barcelona forward and Cameroon international Samuel Eto'o (28), started at 3 pm this afternoon. The meeting is expected to last for two hours.

Italian sports paper La Gazzetta dello Sport claims Inter president Massimo Moratti will meet with Mesalles at 4 pm. The official announcement on a deal would be near. Inter and Eto'o would sign a five-year contract worth 10,5 million euro (plus incentives) a year. The Cameroonian striker would already be in Milan and once there's a formal deal, Eto'o is expected to undergo the medical tests tomorrow.

The paper also claims that Barcelona will in the end pay 50 million euro° plus Eto'o plus a one-year loan of Hleb (with Barcelona paying the entire salary) for Inter Milan forward and Swedish international Zlatan Ibrahimovic (27).

Eto'o is in Milan

Italian sports paper La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that Barcelona forward and Cameroon international Samuel Eto'o (28) is in Milan, where he is kept hidden from the press.

After negotiations yesterday evening between the player's agent, Josep Maria Mesalles, and Inter Milan officials, the difference between offer and demand would only be 1 million euro. While Eto'o has reportedly dropped his salary demands from 12 million euro to 11 million euro (plus incentives), Inter would have raised their offer from 9 to 10 million euro (plus incentives).

The duration of the contract would already have been agreed upon with Eto'o, who would also be negotiating with Barcelona about his exit bonus, expected to sign a five-year deal with the Italian champions. A new meeting would be planned later this morning and a deal is believed to be close.

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Laporta in Milan for Ibrahimovic

Italian sports paper La Gazzetta dello Sport is reporting that an entourage from Barcelona including president Joan Laporta and technical secretary Txiki Begiristain has traveled to Milan late Thursday, July 16th to hold transfer discussions with Inter Milan.

La Gazzetta supposes that the topic of discussion could be Barcelona midfielder and Belarusian international Aliaksandr Hleb (28) or more likely, Inter Milan striker and Swedish international Zlatan Ibrahimovic (27). Barcelona would be trying to use Hleb and out of favor striker Samuel Eto'o (28) as bargaining chips in the deal for Ibrahimovic.

update - the meeting has been confirmed by Inter president Massimo Moratti through Italian television station Sky Sport Italia, "I have met with Laporta, we spoke about Hleb and also about Eto'o and Ibrahimovic"

update 2 - asked about the the possibility of Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o moving to Inter, Moratti told Sky Sport Italia, "If an operation of this kind was carried out, it would regard both players."

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Maxwell to be presented tomorrow

Catalan sports paper El Mundo Deportivo claims that left back defender Maxwell (27), who is currently on tour in the United States with Inter Milan, will arrive in Barcelona this evening.

The Brazilian is expected to be officially presented tomorrow after undergoing the medical tests.

Barcelona sports director Txiki Begiristain and Barcelona director of football Raúl Sanllehí would have travelled on Tuesday to Milan to lay the basis for the deal. All media agree that Maxwell will sign a contract for five seasons. Italian sports paper La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that the defender will receive a year salary of 4 million euro.

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Caceres is an option for Juventus

Italian sports paper La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that Juventus is interested in Barcelona central defender and Uruguay international Martín Cáceres (22).

Because Fiorentina doesn't accept players in return, Juventus would need money to finance the transfer of Fiorentina midfielder Felipe Melo and could therefore sell Grygera to Panathinaikos. Cáceres would in that case be an option to strengthen the defense.

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Agent Frey dismisses Barcelona interest

Italian television channel Sky claims that Barcelona is interested in Fiorentina goalkeeper Sébastien Frey (29).

Barcelona reportedly could try to include Barcelona central defender and Mexican international Rafael Márquez (30) in a bid for the French goalkeeper, which would make Fiorentina willing to accept an offer. Italian sports paper La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that Barcelona might offer 12 million euro° plus Márquez.

Asked about the rumours linking Frey to Barcelona, the player's agent Carlo Pallavicino has nevertheless said in an interview with Tuscany regional newspaper Il Giornale della Toscana that the goalkeeper will continue at Fiorentina: "You always have that kind of rumours this time of the year, linking players to the big clubs. But I'm willing to bet that Frey, Mutu and Felipe Melo will not leave Firenze. Barcelona? I repeat: Seba won't move."

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Fiorentina interested in Marquez

Italian sports paper La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that Fiorentina is interested in Barcelona central defender and Mexican international Rafael Márquez (30).

The Italian first division club wants to sign an experienced defender and the Mexican defender would be the first name on the list.

Because they aren't able to match the current salary of the player, Fiorentina plans to compensate that by offering Márquez, whose deal with Barcelona expires next summer, a long-term contract.

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Manchester United confident of signing Eto'o

British newspaper The Guardian and The Times report that Manchester United is interested in Barcelona forward and Cameroon striker Eto'o (28).

The latter claims that the English champions are lining up a move for Eto'o. Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson is eager to find a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo as soon as possible and would have made a firm inquiry about Eto'o.

Manchester United would be confident of getting the striker and looks like beating their city-rivals Manchester City. While City reportedly offered 30 million euro° for Eto'o and was prepared to make him the highest-paid player in the Premier League, United would hope to secure a deal for less.

Italian sports paper La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that Barcelona has offered Eto'o, whose current contract expires in 2010, a three-year renewal worth 7,5 million euro a year, while Eto'o's agent Mesalles is asking ten million euro. Barcelona manager Josep Guardiola would have set 20 July as deadline: when the pre-season starts, the coach want to know who will be his centre forward next season.

Asked about the renewal negotiations, Barcelona president Joan Laporta said in an interview with Spanish news agency EFE that he hopes to renew the contract of Eto'o: "A lot of clubs want to sign him. We'll do what we can to renew him, to extend his contract because in my opinion he's the best goalscorer in the world and a very professional player. Things depend on two parties but I believe we can reach an agreement, although not any price."

Madrid sports tabloid As claims that like last summer Barcelona has put Eto'o on the market and has discretely offered the player to several clubs. British tabloid The Daily Mirror claims that Barcelona has offered Eto'o to Liverpool in exchange for Liverpool defensive midfielder and Argetnine international Javier Mascherano (25) (read more here).

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Deal with Inter on Ibrahimovic

Catalan sports paper El Mundo Deportivo claims that Barcelona and Inter Milan have reached an agreement on the transfer of Inter Milan forward and Swedish international Zlatan Ibrahimovic (27).

After continued negotiations over the past days, the transfer fee would be 10 million euro° plus Barcelona forward and Cameroon international Samuel Eto'o (28).

Barcelona would also be close to find a personal agreement with Ibrahimovic, who wants to join Barcelona because this would give him more chances to win the Champions League. It's not yet clear if Eto'o will accept to be included in the deal.

French sports paper L'Equipe unconfirmedly claims that Eto'o and his agent Josep Maria Mesalles travelled to Milan on Monday to meet with Inter officials. Italian sports paper La Gazzetta dello Sport claimed earlier this week that Eto'o has asked Inter a fee of 10 million euro for five years plus a bonus of 15 million euro to sign for the Italian champions.

Catalan sports paper Sport claims that Eto'o flew to Paris to negotiate with Inter Milan but that Eto'o could at this moment be closer to city rivals AC Milan. Barcelona would ask a transfer fee of 40 million euro for Eto'o. El Mundo Deportivo nevertheless claims that Barcelona won't ask a high fee and is ready to accept any decent bid.

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Luca Toni could be alternative for Ibrahimovic

Italian sports paper La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that Barcelona is interested in Bayern Munich forward and Italian international Luca Toni (32).

A few days ago, Barcelona manager Josep Guardiola would have called Toni to inform him about Barcelona's interest. Guardiola and Toni have been team-mates at Bresia six years ago and still have an excellent relationship. Guardiola would have made the Italian an offer and Toni would be delighted to join Barcelona.

Toni could be an alternative for the signing of Inter forward Ibrahimovic, whose transfer fee and wage demands would make a transfer very difficult at this point (read more here). Since Bayern Munich has already signed Mario Gómez a few weeks ago, the German club could be willing to sell the Toni this summer.

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Deal on Bruno Alves very close

Italian sports paper La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that Barcelona is very close to signing Porto central defender and Portuguese international Bruno Alves (27).

While Porto is asking a transfer fee of 25 million euro°, Barcelona would have offered 22 million euro° and everything indicates that a deal could be found soon. Inter Milan is also interested in Bruno Alves.

Asked about the rumours linking Alves with several European top clubs, his father Washington said in an interview with Portuguese sports paper A Bola that he will only leave for a top club: "Bruno has a contract until 2012 and he's only thinking about Porto. If you want to jump too high, you can hit your head. In terms of organization, structure, it's difficult to find a better place than Porto. So a transfer will only be possible if a very big clubs makes us an offer.

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Inter asks record transfer fee for Ibrahimovic

Italian sports paper La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that Inter Milan is asking a record fee of 80 million euro° for Inter Milan forward and Swedish international Zlatan Ibrahimovic (27).

Because Barcelona president Joan Laporta couldn't offer more than 25 million euro° plus Barcelona forward Samuel Eto'o (28) for both Ibrahimovic ànd Inter left back defender Maxwell (27) during Thursday's meeting with Inter president Massimo Moratti, Barcelona's bid was soon rejected (read more here).

Inter could be willing to accept players in return, but the cash part of the deal cannot be less than 50 million euro. The transfer fee Real Madrid could have paid for Kakà makes Inter stand firm. Real Madrid and Chelsea would meanwhile be preparing to enter the race for Ibrahimovic.

Italian sports paper Il Corriere dello Sport claims that Inter prefers to be paid in cash, but could accept to include players in the deal. Inter Milan manager José Mourinho would prefer Barcelona attacker Andrés Iniesta (25) but realizes that it's highly unlikely Barcelona will let the former youth player go. Two other possibilities that are mentioned are: Eto'o plus 40 to 50 million euro or Barcelona defensive midfielder Yaya Touré (26) plus 60 million euro.

Catalan sports paper Sport claims that Inter rejected a bid of 40 million euro plus Eto'o. Catalan sports paper El Mundo Deportivo claims that Inter asked 40 million euro plus Eto'o, while Barcelona, that is not interested in Maxwell, offered 25 million euro plus Eto'o. Madrid sports tabloid As claims that Inter asks a transfer fee of 65 million euro.

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Meeting with Inter on Ibrahimovic: A reconstruction
1 Ibrahimovic - 2 Forlan - 3 Villa - 4 Benzema