International: Spain out of Confederations Cup

USA yesterday defeated Spain 0-2 in the semi-finals of the Confederations Cup. Barcelona players Puyol, Piqué and Xavi played the whole game, Busquets stayed on the bench.

Three youth players to start pre-season in London

Catalan sports paper El Mundo Deportivo claims that, because of injuries and international games, Barcelona can at this moment only count on fifteen squad players for the trip to London and that several Barcelona youth players will therefore start the pre-season with the first team.

Since Barcelona Atlètic central defenders Albero Botía (20) and Andreu Fontàs (19) are playing an international tournament with the Spanish under-20 national team, Barcelona Juvenil A central defender Marc Muniesa (17) would certainly take part.

Barcelona Atlètic attacking midfielder Thiago (18 - picture) and Barcelona wing attacker Gai Assulin (18) would also have a big chance to join in.

Read more:
Muniesa will start pre-season with first team
Barça B: Thiago rejected Chelsea offer
Gai: "I believe one day I'll reach the first team"

Madrid is boycotting the transfers of Barcelona

Valdano:
Don Floren, there are rumours that Barcelona is interested in Huntelaar.

Florentino:

Well, you contact the team of this boy
and you offer them 15 million euro more than what they ask for.

(click the cartoon to enlarge)

source:
golsud.com

see more cartoons here

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.

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

Cesc wants to start winning titles

Asked about a rumour linking him with a move to Spain (read more here), Arsenal midfielder and Spanish international Cesc Fàbregas (22) has said in an interview with British tabloid The Sun that it would be difficult for him to choose between Barcelona and Real Madrid:

"At the moment it's not happened so I don't have to choose. For any player it gives great pride that those two clubs come to sign him. It would be a difficult choice.

Of course my family would understand if I signed for Real Madrid because they love me, they want me to be happy and what is best for me. They'd support me, whichever club I joined. My family will always be there for me, whatever decision I make. They're the ones who are always by my side.

The absence of titles at Arsenal is what angers me the most, seeing the impotence. This year we wanted it, we were giving everything - but we couldn't reach the level that everyone expected of Arsenal. When you win, you're well. But when you don't, everyone is in a bad mood. For four years now, we've needed a title to regain our belief in ourselves.

I will never force my way out by publicly declaring his desire to leave. It's not the way I am. If I have to say I want to leave I will do it face to face. If one day I'm not happy, I am the first who will tell the manager. I admire Arsene Wenger but each of us has his own life and looks after his own interests."

Read more:
Barcelona preparing bid for Cesc
Cesc wants to continue at Arsenal
Barcelona wants Cesc and four other players