Toure dismisses Manchester City rumours

Asked about the rumours earlier this year linking him with a move to Manchester City (read more here), Barcelona defensive midfielder and Ivorian international Yaya Touré (26) has said in an interview with English newspaper The Times that a move to England is not an option at this moment:

"I heard some things like that being said about City's interest in me. All I would say about it is that I have always said I like English football. You never know what might happen in a few years' time but for now I'm part of a great team.

As far as my brother joining City, for a while it was a difficult decision for him. After Adebayor made his choice to go to City, that maybe helped make up my brother's mind. They are both Africans, and knowing that he would have Manu there was encouraging. I think City are building a team that should be capable of winning the league. But then you look at Chelsea and Man United and you know that my brother's got a lot of work."

read the full interview here


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Abidal, Keita and Toure not doing ramadan
Manchester City prepares summer bid for Toure

Abidal, Keita and Toure not doing ramadan

Catalan sports paper Sport reports that the three muslims in the Barcelona squad - Eric Abidal, Yaya Touré and Seydou Keita - are not taking part in the ramadan, the islamic month of fasting. The three would plan to make up for this later.

Catalan sports paper El Mundo Deportivo claims that, while Touré and Abidal will postpone the ramadan, Keita will try to do it the best he can without endangering his health or physical capacities. He will therefore be more closely monitored by the club's medical staff.

Toure could play as attacking midfielder

Speaking at a press conference, Barcelona manager Josep Guardiola has said that he could change the position of Barcelona defensive midfielder Yaya Touré (26):

"I have the feeling he can play as attacking midfielder. He's very strong, he can deal with a lack of space, he can be dangerous from outside the area and when he goes forward, he does it with a lot of power.

I would like to see him playing more in that position. Maybe I will put him there in the Gamper game on Wednesday. I'm sure he would do well. That way, we could give Xavi some rest."

Read more:
Position of Toure could change
Pique reveals dressing-room secrets
Toure vs Toure

Barcelona's wage structure

Catalan sports paper Sport claims that Barcelona's wage scale has six levels:



GROUP A
Messi

GROUP B
Henry
Ibrahimovic

GROUP C
Alves
Xavi
Iniesta
Puyol

GROUP D
Valdés
Touré
Márquez
Keita

GROUP E
Bojan
Piqué
Jorquera
Pinto
Busquets

GROUP F
Pedro
Víctor Sánchez
Muniesa
Jeffren

Toure vs Toure

During next month's Gamper Trophy game between Barcelona and Manchester City, brothers Kolo Touré and Yaya Touré could face each other, after Kolo signed earlier this week a contract with City.

Read more:

Toure would like to play with brother at Arsenal

Position of Toure could change

Catalan sports paper Sport claims that Barcelona manager Josep Guardiola is considering to change the position of Barcelona defensive midfielder Yaya Touré.

If Barcelona could sign another defensive midfielder this summer, Touré could move up one line and act as attacking midfielder in certain games. This would allow Barcelona to play with Andrés Iniesta on the left wing.

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Pique reveals dressing-room secrets

Official players' pictures (part 1)

Víctor Valdés

José Manuel Pinto

Albert Jorquera

Rafael Márquez

Henrique

Martín Cáceres

Eric Abidal

Maxwell

Yaya Touré

Pique reveals dressing-room secrets

In the run-up to the Champions league final, Barcelona player Gerard Piqué discussed his team-mates in an interview with British tabloid The Daily Mail.





Víctor Valdés
He's unbelievable when one-on-one with a player. The fact he's not in Spain's team is strange because he is one of the best five goalkeepers in the world. I like him because he doesn't moan when I am DJ in the dressing room. He also plays the piano.

Carles Puyol
Despite playing centre-back, I think he is best at right-back. He is like a barnacle or limpet that you find on rocks on the beach. You have to keep scratching away but still get little out of it! He is the captain, a good friend but an animal who is relentless on the pitch. If I was playing chess, he would be my rook. A tower of strength.

Gerard Piqué
What can I say? Scandalously good-looking (see my picture, above right). Talented on and off the pitch. There's nothing better than me, but maybe I could do with a little more confidence!

Sylvinho
The daddy of the team. A real good guy. He is always concerned for the welfare of the side and asks questions all the time when we are travelling, making sure we are ok. Not played enough in key games but very reliable.

Xavi
Best example of how good Barcelona's academy can be. He loves the ball more than anything else in the world. It is almost impossible to take the ball off him in training and if anyone does you normally get an ovation from the rest of the team.

Sergi Busquets
He is the rookie of the season. He was a striker and Pep changed him into a defensive midfielder. We call him Superman. You can kick him as much as you like but he won't feel it. He will be a reference point in world football in a few years' time.

Andrés Iniesta
Best midfielder in the world. You can study his hips as he is moving towards you but he will bluff you with his body. If Andres scored more goals he would be the biggest act in the world. Bigger than any singer! As a person, soft as a loaf of bread.

Lionel Messi
No 1 in the world. You can't fight against him, you will lose because he is quicker and more athletic than you. Not superstitious, but always wears his Argentina flag shinpads. I grew up with him here at Barcelona and he hasn't disappointed me.

Samuel Eto'o
We asked the coach and the chairman at the start of the season to make sure that we kept him. He had to stay, there's no other striker like him. He was having a bad time but proved to everyone that he is a top professional. He is fanatical about cars and watches.

Thierry Henry
He looks very cocky, but on a daily basis he has shown strong humility — despite being the best footballer in Arsenal's history. He kisses a tattoo on his wrist every time he scores and I have told him he is in danger of wearing out his skin, he has scored so many.

Yaya Touré
He always leaves everyone open-mouthed with his show of strength. Quiet in the dressing room but very friendly and never complains. He doesn't care whether he plays defensive midfield or centre-back, and we all feel comfortable whichever position he plays. Has some unusual dance moves, though.

Seydou Keita
The lungs of the team. He can run from deep and score, he is good in the air and cares a lot defensively. He doesn't know the meaning of the word 'no'. He says 'yes' to requests from the gaffer and ends up paying five times for it.

Eidur Gudjohnsen
The Viking or The Gargoyle. He has a special humour for the dressing room. He is always funny and cheery. Unbelievable first touch and is probably the best in the team with his back to goal. Speaks very good English and likes a party.

Bojan
It doesn't matter how many minutes he plays, because he always gets a chance. Don't give him half a metre because he will take you to the cleaners. His body is like a snake, he can change direction quickly and can slip past easily. He is a kid in the dressing room but I am trying to make him become a man!

read the full article including Piqué's comments on his former Manchester United team-mates here


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The merging paths of Pique and Busquets
Pique: "Classical music makes me fall asleep"

Manchester United asks for Toure

British tabloid The Daily Mail claims that Manchester United have stepped up their interest in Barcelona defensive midfielder and Ivorian international Yaya Touré (26) (read more here).

Amid growing concern over the fitness of Manchester United player Owen Hargreaves after two major knee operations last season, Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson would have asked about Touré, who could be allowed to leave Barcelona if Liverpool defensive midfielder Javier Mascherano is signed by Barcelona this summer.

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Manchester United wants to sign Toure
OFFICIAL: Toure renews until 2012
Manchester United preparing a bid for Toure

Manchester United preparing a bid for Toure

British tabloid The Daily Mirror claims that Manchester United is preparing a move for Barcelona defensive midfielder and Ivorian international Yaya Touré (26) (read more here).

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has reportedly targeted the midfielder as fears grow about Owen Hargreaves's ability to overcome the tendinitis problems that have plagued his Old Trafford career so far.

If Barcelona would sign Liverpool defensive midfielder and Argentine international Javier Mascherano (25), the English champions will be encouraged to bid for Touré, with Ferguson having become aware during the Champions League final that he needs to add a physical presence to his midfield .

Read more:
OFFICIAL: Toure renews until 2012
Meeting on Mascherano in Barcelona
Manchester United wants to sign Toure

OFFICIAL: Toure renews until 2012

Barcelona has today officially announced that Barcelona defensive midfielder and Ivorian international Yaya Touré (26) has signed this evening a contract renewal that will link him to the club until 2012. The buyout clause of the player is raised from 60 to 100 million euro°.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta, the player's representative Dimitri Seluk, Barcelona sports vice-president Rafael Yuste, Barcelona economic vice-president Joan Boix, Barcelona sports director Txiki Begiristain and Barcelona general director of football Raül Sanllehí assisted the signature of the player.

Yaya Touré, whose current contract expired in 2011, joined Barcelona in the summer of 2007 arriving from French club Monaco.

Read more:
OFFICIAL: Busquets renews until 2013
OFFICIAL: Xavi renews until 2014
OFFICIAL: Bojan renews until 2013

Deal on renewal Toure

Dimitri Seluk, the agent of Barcelona defensive midfielder and Ivorian international Yaya Touré (26), has told journalists after a meeting with Barcelona sports director Txiki Begiristain this afternoon that a deal on a contract renewal has been reached.

Seluk, who travelled from Monaco to Barcelona earlier today, said that he will return later today to the Camp Nou offices together with Touré to sign the new contract.

Catalan sports paper Sport claims that, besides a considerable pay rise, the contract of the Ivorian will be extended for at least one more year. Catalan sports paper El Mundo Deportivo claims that the current duration, until 2011, will not change.

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Total deal on contract renewal Toure
Meeting on Mascherano in Barcelona
Manchester United wants to sign Toure

Total deal on contract renewal Toure

Asked about the renewal of Barcelona defensive midfielder and Ivorian international Yaya Touré (26) (read more here), the player's agent Dimitri Seluk has said in an interview with Catalan sports paper El Mundo Deportivo that a deal has been found:

"Everything has been agreed upon. And on Friday or at the latest on Saturday, we'll sign the improved contract of Touré."

The paper claims that Touré will interrupt his holidays to return to Barcelona and sign the new deal, which would only consist of a pay rise and not of an extension of the contract duration.

Catalan sports paper Sport on the other hand claims that, besides almost doubling his wage, Tourés contract would be extended for one more year, until 2012.

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Toure could sign renewal on Thursday
Manchester United wants to sign Toure
Agent Toure in Barcelona to close renewal deal

Toure could sign renewal on Thursday

Asked about the renewal of Barcelona defensive midfielder and Ivory Coast international Yaya Touré (26) (read more here), the player's agent Dimitri Seluk has said in an interview with Spanish radio station Onda Cero that the deal could be signed on Thursday:

"We know the positions of all parties involved and we agree on the main things. If everything goes like planned we'll sign the contract at the end of this week. I hope Yaya will be able to come to Barcelona on Thursday, so he could also put his signature.

Touré isn't worried about the rumours saying that Mascherano could join Barcelona. Mascherano is the one who should be worried if he comes to Barcelona because he will have to sit on the bench and maybe play for only ten minutes each game, like is happening with some players at Barça at this moment."

Read more:
Agent Toure in Barcelona to close renewal deal
Meeting on Mascherano in Barcelona
Manchester United wants to sign Toure

Agent Toure in Barcelona to close renewal deal

Asked about the contract renewal of Barcelona defensive midfielder and Ivorian international Yaya Touré (26) (read more here), the player's agent Dimitri Seluk has said in an interview with Catalan radio station RAC 1 that a deal is now very close:

"I have received the offer of Barça and it's coming quite close to what we want. Next week it can be a done deal. I've come to Barcelona to finalize the operation. I've talked with Txiki Begiristain and we're very close to an agreement. I hope it will be signed soon. I have the feeling there won't be any more problems."

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Deadline for Toure renewal next week
Meeting on Mascherano in Barcelona
Manchester United wants to sign Toure

Deadline for Toure renewal next week

Asked about the contract renewal of Barcelona defensive midfielder and Ivorian international Yaya Touré (26) (read more here), the player's agent Dmitri Seluk has repeated in an interview with Catalan radio station Ona FM that the coming week is decisive:

"Barça is optimistic about resolving this case and I think we're on the verge of being able to sign a deal. But it's clear that next week is the deadline: then a new deal wil be signed or not signed. There are a lot of clubs interested in Touré but none of them interests us... He can in fact only play for eight teams, three in Italy, three in England and two in Spain."

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Agent Toure sets deadline for renewal
Meeting on Mascherano in Barcelona
Manchester United wants to sign Toure

Meeting on Mascherano in Barcelona

Catalan radio station RAC 1 claims that Barcelona officials met representatives of Liverpool defensive midfielder and Argentine international Javier Mascherano (25) yesterday.

The meeting took place in the Rey Juan Carlos I hotel in Barcelona and lasted from 5 to 7 pm. Barcelona sports director Txiki Begiristain and Barcelona director of football Raül Sanllehi, the player's agents Walter Tamer and Federico Vitali as well as an intermediary took part.

Mascherano is willing to join Barcelona and a deal between the player and the club will not be an obstacle. Barcelona could now use the wish of the Argetinian to put pressure on Liverpool, who nevertheless doesn't seem to have plans to let him go.

Catalan sports paper El Mundo Deportivo claims that Liverpool could be asking 30 million euro° for Mascherano, while Barcelona would only be ready to pay 20 million euro°. *British tabloid The Daily Mail claims that Barcelona will have to make a bid of 53 million euro° or include Barcelona defensive midfielder and Ivorian international Yaya Touré (26) in the deal.*

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Barcelona looking at possible substitutes for Valdes
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Agent Mascherano in Barcelona for transfer talks

Football site Goal claims that Walter Tamer, the agent of Liverpool defensive midfielder and Argentine international Javier Mascherano (25), has travelled to Barcelona earlier today.

Tamer would meet with Barcelona officials at the club's Camp Nou offices this afternoon to hold talks on a transfer of the Argentinian.

Mascherano's wish to move to Barcelona could have helped to convince Liverpool to give the player's representatives the authorization to start talking with Barcelona (read more here). No fee has reportedly been agreed upon although the site claims that a swap deal including Barcelona defensive midfielder and Ivorian international Yaya Touré (26) might be an option.

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Guardiola talks with Mascherano
Agent Toure sets deadline for renewal
Mascherano wants Spain move for personal reasons

Agent Toure sets deadline for renewal

Asked about the contract renewal of Barcelona defensive midfielder and Ivorian international Yaya Touré (26) (read more here), the player's agent Dmitri Seluk has said in an interview with Catalan radio station RAC 1 that a deal has to be signed in the coming week:

"If we don't sign a new contract at the beginning of the coming week, we won't sign anything.

Or Touré signs, or he doesn't sign, but we want things to be clear soon. We won't wait. We are claiming what we have been promised when we signed. We're not asking more money, we only ask what has been agreed upon when we came to Barça two years ago. Not one euro more."

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Toure could sign renewal this week
Manchester United wants to sign Toure

Toure could sign renewal this week

Asked about the contract renewal of Barcelona defensive midfielder and Ivorian international Yaya Touré (26) (read more here), the players agent Dmitri Seluk has said in an interview with Catalan sports paper Sport that the new contract could be signed this week:

"Touré is very happy at Barça and in the city of Barcelona. The atmosphere is excellent and the team is wonderful, so that is why we would like to continue here and we might reach a final agreement this week."

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Deal on contract renewal Toure close
Mascherano wants Spain move for personal reasons
Manchester United wants to sign Toure