Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann doesn’t care about the criticism heaped on his side by disgruntled opponents.

Most recently, Arturo Vidal labeled Atletico’s style as “ugly football” after Bayern Munich were sent crashing out of the Champions League by the Spanish club.

Despite dominating the return fixture at the Allianz Arena – where the German side had 72.5 percent possession and 33 attempts at goal – Bayern Munich were undone by Antoine Griezmann’s away goal and Atletico Madrid’s tremendous defensive teamwork.

“We were superior,” Vidal said following the match. “We controlled the game, but we did not finish off the chances we had.

“Today ugly football – Atletico – played against the best football in the world. The only time they saw the ball was for the goal.

SEE MORE: Antoine Griezmann should be considered among the world’s best players

“They are going to be dreaming about us right up to the final. They did not have the ball, they took on the best team in the world, they took their chances and got to the final.

“The best does not always win in football, like today. They are not deserved finalists.”

Most football ‘purists’ would agree with Vidal in regards to his criticism of Atletico Madrid’s tactics. However, during an interview with the Spanish publication AS, Griezmann dismissed the Chile international’s remarks and pointed towards the end result.

“We’re in the final and that’s the only thing that matters to us,” the France international said.

“Who cares what football we play? It works for us.”

Atletico Madrid have advanced to their second Champions League final in three seasons and are currently level on points with La Liga leaders Barcelona.

Griezmann went on to praise his manager, Diego Simeone, and admitted the Argentine coach changed his mentality as a player.

SEE MORE: Schedule of La Liga games on US TV and live streaming

“He always asks for more, he never wants you to slacken off – there should always be tension, in training in our games and he always seems to find the right words to say to you, so that you give everything and you’re at 100 percent,” Griezmann added.

“He has turned me into a better player, a goalscorer – before I didn’t score as many goals as I am now. I’ve also improved in training.

“Every day I learn from him – he’s turned me into a winner.”

Griezmann has scored 31 goals in all competitions this season and is now considered one of Europe’s top players.

Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane is unhappy with his current role at Real Madrid and is reportedly ready to leave the Spanish capital this summer unless he is given assurances from the club.

The 23-year-old France international has been the subject of speculation in the past. However, the young center-back would instantly quell those rumors by professing his desire to remain in Spain.

But recent developments have led to Varane questioning his long term future with the club.

Zinedine Zidane left the defender on the bench for Real Madrid’s last three Champions League matches (the quarter-final return leg against VfL Wolfsburg and both legs of the semi-final versus Manchester City).

In all likelihood, the manager simply preferred the defensive partnership of veterans Sergio Ramos and Pepe in the crucial European encounters. However, Varane’s omission has left him unsettled and the defender (and his representation) are now seeking assurances in regards to his role at the club.

Varane has featured regularly in Real Madrid’s lineup during a recent stretch of La Liga fixtures – which has seen Los Blancos gain ground on league leaders, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. But the 23-year-old has not been able to hide his disappointment at being benched during the club’s most important European fixtures of the season.

Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, and Manchester United are ready to capitalize on this breaking situation. The European giants have previously contacted Real Madrid officials regarding the player. However, at the time, they were informed the player was happy in Spain and was not for sale.

But recent developments have apparently unsettled the France international.

If Varane were to leave, a likely destination would be alongside his former manager Carlo Ancelotti, who will take control of Bayern Munich next season. The Italian tactician enjoyed a good relationship with the young defender during his time with Real Madrid and a reunion with his former boss in Germany would surprise no one.

SEE MORE: Schedule of La Liga games on US TV and live streaming

The future of Jose Mourinho could also determine the player’s destination. The Portuguese manager favored Varane during his time with Real Madrid and continues to be a huge admirer of the defender.

Should Mourinho resurface with Manchester United or Paris Saint-Germain (or another European club), it can be expected that his side would make a run towards signing the talented, young centre-back.

This will be a situation to keep an eye on over the coming weeks.

During an interview with the Italian news outlet Sport Mediaset, Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone once again reinforced his desire to return to Inter Milan and coach his former team.

Simeone played two seasons for the Nerazzurri from 1997-99, winning the UEFA Cup in 1998, and has made no secret of his desire to return to Italy over the past few seasons.

The former Argentine international is one of the hottest properties in soccer management. During his time in Spain, Atletico Madrid have won a Europa League title, the UEFA Super Cup, Spanish Supercopa, Copa del Rey and a La Liga title.

Los Colchoneros have also advanced to their second Champions League semi-final in three seasons – finishing runners-up in the competition during the 2013-14 campaign.

In recent years, Simeone has been linked with moves to Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain. There has always been a fear among Atletico Madrid supporters that Simeone would be tempted to leave the Vicente Calderon for greener pastures.

However, the 45-year-old signed a contract extension with Atletico Madrid last year binding him to the club until June 2020.

That deal had many believing Simeone would remain in Spain and continue the football renaissance he started in 2011.

SEE MORE: Diego Simeone should be Arsenal’s first choice as next manager

However, today, Mediaset reports that Simeone has admitted speaking about a return to Inter Milan with his former teammate Javier Zanetti, who is currently the Serie A club’s vice-president.

“We’ve exchanged a few words on the phone and as I’ve always said, and I have no fear of saying it again now, one day I will return to Milan because I did well there and left a great memory there, and I have the objective of going back as a coach,” Simeone stated.

Manchester United have no plans to replace their heavily criticized manager Louis van Gaal despite weekend reports proclaiming the club has reached a two-year agreement with Jose Mourinho to take charge next season.

United’s board is firmly behind Van Gaal, having never wavered in their support of the Dutchman and his three-year project in Manchester.

While this news will undoubtedly rile many United supporters, the fact is Van Gaal methodically revamped the squad over the course of four transfer windows after the stormy tenure of David Moyes.

Aging and unsettled players have been sold off, and United’s squad has become more youthful and cohesive. The team, which quit under Moyes, has shown tremendous chemistry since Van Gaal’s arrival; and the current blend of youth and experience is showing the signs of something special.

Most fans and pundits will disagree, pointing to the team’s slow and plodding style as well as it’s failed European campaign and current position outside of the top four. They continually overlook the fact that United were situated at the top of the Premier League earlier this season, before injury – a number which grew to fourteen at one point – slowly took its toll on Van Gaal’s squad.

Van Gaal gambled and chose to keep his squad size small. He allowed disgruntled fringe players to leave and placed his faith in United’s academy – should the club need them to step in for the first-choice players.

The manager’s detractors will say the Dutch tactician was “lucky” to unearth the talents of Marcus Rashford, Timothy Fosu-Mensah and Jesse Lingard. But that shows a level of ignorance on their part.

The bottom line is player performances are improving under Van Gaal and his strategy is beginning to pay off. His ambition has been for something bigger and longer lasting for the club. The Dutchman’s goal has always been for something more than a team which relies on star players shouldering the load.

Van Gaal is nurturing a “team” – absent of prima donnas – which is versatile enough to adjust to the flow of the game. He is steadily turning positional players into complete footballers who can play comfortably in any area of the pitch.

He has shown confidence and patience in United’s players during a difficult period; while keeping the team in striking distance of a FA Cup title and Champions League qualification – despite a staggering injury toll which has devastated United’s squad this season.

While the fans have cried for Van Gaal’s head, club legends Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Bobby Charlton have publicly and privately supported the Dutch manager; and United officials have begun preparations for next season with Van Gaal remaining in charge.

Recent stories have been leaked to the press by Jose Mourinho’s camp in an attempt to undermine Van Gaal and enhance their client’s chances of securing a dream move to Old Trafford. The English media have unsurprisingly jumped on the opportunity and have steadily served a stream of negative reports on the United manager, which have been picked up and devoured by angry supporters.

Over the past several months, what most have failed to see is that Mourinho’s people have embarked on a ferocious campaign in an effort to win over disgruntled supporters while hoping to erase the memories of Mourinho’s past managerial transgressions at Chelsea, Real Madrid and Inter Milan.

Unfortunately for Mourinho, United’s board members have not suffered from memory loss. They have not forgotten the media storm which engulfed Chelsea earlier this season.

The reigning champions of England only righted their sinking ship after replacing Mourinho with Guus Hiddink – who has since directed to the London club to the top-half of the Premier League table.

Meanwhile, Van Gaal continues to boast the support and confidence of influential members at United and (more importantly) the club’s board.

Even if United fall short of the top four and fail to secure the FA Cup, the much-maligned manager is set to finish out his contract next season.

Even though it is likely Real Madrid president Florentino Perez will make another run at signing David de Gea this summer, the club’s supporters have overwhelming voted to keep the team’s current number one – Keylor Navas – between the sticks at the Santiago Bernabeu next season.

In a poll released by the Spanish publication AS, 79% of Real Madrid fans chose Navas over De Gea.

While that may come as a surprise to neutrals, those who follow the Spanish giants understand the importance Navas has played in Los Blancos’ squad this season.

The Costa Rican has been the most consistent performer for the La Liga side and has been hailed for his professionalism, dedication and standout efforts in front of goal. If the season ended today, the goalkeeper would very well be voted Real Madrid’s player of the year.

Navas started of the campaign with five clean sheets in his first five matches in all competitions. The 29-year-old’s La Liga statistics are outstanding, boasting 0.88 goals conceded per game while averaging 2.65 saves per contest.

However, it’s European competition where Navas’ performances have really taken flight.

The Costa Rican international has yet to allow a goal in eight Champions League matches this season. When the final whistle sounded following Madrid’s 2-0 win over AS Roma earlier this week, Navas broke Edwin van der Saar’s previous record of unbeaten minutes in the Champions League.

It’s these statistics – as well as the goalkeeper’s humble demeanor – which have endeared him to the ultra-demanding supporters inside the Bernabeu.

Whether or not Florentino Perez will ultimately give up on his pursuit of De Gea is yet to be seen. In all likelihood, the club president will not be convinced to change his mind on the Manchester United goalkeeper.

But Real Madrid fans have made their choice clear. They want Navas as their number one next season.

A Spanish teenager has been sentenced to six years in a juvenile detention center for his role in the death of a Deportivo de la Coruna fan last season.

In late November 2014, a 41-year-old Deportivo supporter was killed during violence between radical fans outside of the Vicente Calderon stadium prior to the contest between Deportivo and Atletico Madrid.

The man – who was identified as Francisco Javier Romero Taboada – passed away at Madrid’s Hospital Clinico San Carlos after being pulled out of the Manzanares River having suffered from cardiac arrest, hypothermia and head injuries. He had reportedly been beaten and thrown into the freezing river. Romero was alive when he was pulled out of the water before later dying from his injuries.

Twenty-one people were taken into custody and 200 trouble makers were identified by Spanish police. According to data from the National Police, those arrested were members of the Frente Atletico (ultras group of Atletico Madrid), the Raizor Blues (ultras of Deportivo), Alkor Hooligans (ultras of AD Alcorcon) and two Bukaneros (ultras of Rayo Vallecano).

The Spanish Professional Football League (LFP) had attempted to suspend the match between Atletico Madrid and Deportivo following news of violent incidents outside of the grounds. However, LFP officials were unable to locate any representatives of the Spanish Football Federation (FEF) – who had the authority to issue the order to the match referee to stop the contest between the two La Liga sides.

In a statement issued on Monday, a Madrid court said an 18-year-old – identified only as “Alvaro C.G.” – was found guilty of homicide, illegally carrying weapons and taking part in a brawl. After he has served his term, he will be put on probation for a further two years.

After hearing testimony from a protected witness, the court found that Alvaro C.G. was the one who hit the victim in the stomach with a baton.

“Helped by three other youths, he continued to hit him with the intention of killing him,” the witness told the court. “Knowing his critical state, some of them then threw him into the Manzanares River.”

The incident led to both Atletico Madrid and Deportivo de la Coruna banning the Frente Atletico and Raizor Blues from their respective stadiums last season.

Manchester United are front runners in the race to sign Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The English club are reportedly ready to sign the player this summer for £70 million from the Bundesliga side.

Last week, United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward told share holders that the club has cash reserves of £121.6 million; before hinting there will be more ‘star signings’ during the summer transfer window.

It was also learned this week – despite widespread reports of his demise – that Louis van Gaal has been an integral part of United’s preparations for a summer tour of China. There is no sign from the club that Van Gaal will be asked to step down in order for Jose Mourinho to take over once the current campaign comes to its conclusion.

It appears the Dutch manager is still very much in charge and has already targeted his next signing.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has become the hottest transfer target in Europe after a standout season for Dortmund. The French-born Gabonese forward is the current holder of Confederation of African Football’s Footballer of the Year. Last month, Aubameyang was presented the award – despite the protests of Manchester City’s Yaya Toure – becoming the first Gabonese player to win the honor.

The versatile 26-year-old can play through the middle or on the flank, and fits into Van Gaal’s philosophy of buying young players who can play in a variety of positions.

Aubameyang would potentially form a lethal partnership with United current strike force of Anthony Martial and Wayne Rooney; adding more speed and finishing to the club’s attack.

United are also rumored to be monitoring the situations of Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski and Barcelona forward Neymar.

However, the consensus is Lewandowski will end up at Real Madrid this summer; and Neymar will eventually re-sign with Barcelona (according to the player’s father).

Former Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti doesn’t officially take over as Bayern Munich coach until July 1st.

However, the Italian tactician has already told officials at the Bundesliga club to start negotiations to bring his former players Karim Benzema and James Rodriguez to the Allianz Arena next season.

Ancelotti has expressed his desire to Bayern Munich chairman Karl Heinz Rummenigge, and it is believed the executive has opened dialogue with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez regarding the two Los Blancos players.

Benzema will be a tough negotiation for Bayern Munich considering the France international is one of Florentino Perez’s prized acquisitions.

Over the past several seasons, the 28-year-old striker has been linked with moves to a host of European clubs, only to see the player remain in the Spanish capital.

It is not believed Benzema’s current legal troubles – which have seen him suspended from the France national team – will influence Real Madrid’s decision to offload the striker to the German champions.

However, Bayern Munich officials are increasingly aware that they are likely to lose striker Robert Lewandowski to Real Madrid this summer. So finding a replacement for the target man has become a priority.

In regards to James Rodriguez, the attacking midfielder has found himself on the outside looking in following the departure of Ancelotti from Real Madrid last summer.

This season, the Colombian footballer has struggled with injury and playing time under former Real Madrid boss Rafa Benitez and current coach Zinedine Zidane. There has been talk around the Bernabeu that the 2014 World Cup Golden Boot winner is ready to be shown the exit door only two seasons removed from his mega-money transfer from AS Monaco.

Antoine Griezmann has been one of the standout players in Europe this season scoring 19 goals in all competitions for Atletico Madrid.

His outstanding performances have once again led to the former Real Sociedad forward being linked with a move away from the Vicente Calderon next season – just two years after his arrival in the Spanish capital.

The France international’s name has been heavily linked with moves to Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Manchester City in recent weeks; and there was a growing fear around the club that Griezmann could be tempted by the riches of other European clubs.

However, the 24-year-old has quickly squashed those rumors and committed his future to Atletico Madrid saying he is “content” with life in Spain and is relishing the chance to win trophies as part of Diego Simeone’s side.

SEE MORE: Antoine Griezmann should be considered among the world’s best players

“I’m good here. I’m content,” Griezmann said. “I want to stay and I don’t think the club intends to sell me, so I’m not going anywhere.

“The objective is to win every competition we’re playing in, and La Liga is the big one.

“So far we are on the right track, giving our all and if we can improve on the points we scored and the things we did last year, I’ll be happy. I’d rather be up there and not thinking about whether it would be a failure if we don’t win anything.”

Atletico are set to take on PSV in the Champions League Round of 16 in two weeks, and currently trail league-leading Barcelona by only three points on the La Liga table.

Griezmann is excited about the team’s objectives for the near future.

“We have a long week to work hard and we’ll see how we do in Holland,” the forward concluded. “I trust in the work of our coaches and the players. Everyone contributes in their own way on and off the pitch, and that’s the strength of the team.”

According to reports from Spain, Pepsi is in “advanced talks” with Barcelona officials and could usurp Qatar Airways as the Catalan club’s officials shirt sponsor next season.

The American multinational food, snack and beverage company initiated talks with the reigning Spanish and European champions over the past few days, and last week representatives from Barcelona were at Super Bowl 50 to hold face to face negotiations with corporate officials from PepsiCo Inc.

It is understood that contracts and numbers have already been discussed.

According to the Catalan daily SPORT, Pepsi have proposed a five-year deal worth nearly $70 million per season to have their brand name on the front of Barcelona’s shirt.

Pepsi has already used Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez in adverting campaigns across the world, and the corporation wants to continue strengthening its influence in soccer.

The American company already has brands (Lay’s, Gatorade and Pepsi Max) sponsoring the UEFA Champions League.

SEE MORE: La Liga schedule for US TV and live streaming.

Talks with Qatar Airways are expected to continue, but Barcelona officials have not been pleased with negotiations and are seeking alternatives for next season.

There has also been a suggestion that the Catalan club could go a season without a sponsor on its shirt – provided a suitable deal is not reached.

Real Madrid President Florentino Perez has continually professed that his club’s shirt is the most valuable in the soccer market, based on sales, worldwide exposure and sporting success.

It is now being reported that Real Madrid and Adidas are set to announce a record breaking kit-sponsorship deal which would see the ten-time European champions receive as much as $1.4 billion if all clauses of the deal are met.

The agreement is expected to be officially announced before the end of this season and would replace the club’s current deal with Adidas, which was penned in 2012 and was set to terminate in June 2020.

Once finalized, Real Madrid would regain the top position the Spanish side had relinquished to Manchester United last summer, after the Red Devils announced their deal with Adidas which pays the twenty-time champions of England 98 million euros ($107 million) per season.

Last summer, Bayern Munich also signed a deal with the German multinational corporation until June 2030. However, the agreement between club and sponsor is worth just over 60 million euros ($65 million) per year at the start, with the deal increasing to 90 million euros ($98 million) towards the end of the pact.

For more than a year, Barcelona players and executives have been attempting to convince Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba to join their formidable side in Catalonia, thus creating perhaps the most dominant squad in soccer history.

European opponents are already dealing with the reality of neutralizing Barcelona’s attacking trident of Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez. Now, imagine throwing Pogba into that mix.

Speculation surrounding the France international’s future in Turin has refused to die down, despite the player signing a contract extension with Juventus last season, which binds him to the Italian champions until 2019.

In January 2015, Pogba’s agent Mino Raiola (who is never at a loss for words) informed the media that his client will leave Juventus “this year or the next” – albeit to the highest bidder.

It is understood that the club is resigned to losing the player, and has him valued between €100-110 million.

Under their current structure, Barcelona are unable to sign Pogba due to the fact that the Catalan club already has the mega-money contracts of Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez on their payroll.

Last summer, Barcelona’s top executives met with Pogba’s representative and Juventus officials in order to hash out a deal. However, both sides were unable to come to an agreement .

Real Madrid are now in the driver’s seat have the clear advantage towards landing the talented France international.

Club president Florentino Perez has made signing Pogba his number one goal for next summer, and has re-opened the doors of communication with the player’s representative.

Last year, amidst a flurry of transfer speculation, former Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti discarded Pogba as a potential signing. This led to the player’s representative defiantly stating: “We don’t want to sign with a team like Real Madrid either. They treat players like they were towels; they use them and thrown away.”

But with Ancelotti out of the picture and Zinedine Zidane in charge of the team, the air has been cleared and tensions have lifted between the two sides.

Zidane has always spoken glowingly of the young France international. The legendary figure believes Pogba holds many of the traits he possessed as a player – minus the physicality.

The newly-signed Real Madrid boss is now awaiting the opportunity to make his final sales pitch to Pogba and his representative.

Florentino Perez is already prepared to meet Juventus’ valuation of the player and, despite his desire to suit up alongside Lionel Messi, Pogba is now resigned to the fact that a deal cannot be brokered with Barcelona.

Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos has chosen to endure the pain of a shoulder injury — with the assistance of cortisone injections into the damaged area — in an effort to enhance his side’s title charge both domestically and in Europe.

The 29-year-old’s shoulder problem dates back to Sept. 15, when the defender suffered the injury during a Champions League match against Shakhtar Donetsk. Since that time, Ramos has missed six games and elected to play matches against Atletico Madrid, Celta Vigo, Sevilla and Paris Saint-Germain with the assistance of pain-killing injections.

The Spain international landed on the injured shoulder while finishing off a spectacular overhead goal against Sevilla this past weekend. Following the match, there was concern among Real Madrid officials that the team captain would miss out on the upcoming Clasico showdown with Barcelona on Nov. 21.

SEE MORE: Long-term thinking makes Rafa Benitez the perfect fit for Real Madrid’s circus.

Speaking after his side’s 3-2 defeat to Sevilla, Ramos told the media: “The shoulder is not great. I fell badly on it and hurt it again. It’s something of a setback.” The center back was subsequently ruled out of Spain’s upcoming friendlies against England and Belgium.

However, after spending this morning undergoing tests at the Hospital Universitario Sanitas-La Moraleja, Ramos has informed the Real Madrid’s medical staff that he will postpone surgery until after the match against Barcelona in an effort to increase the team’s chances of victory during the crucial encounter at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Real Madrid will enter that contest trailing league-leading Barcelona by three points on the La Liga table after 11 games played.

Programming note: If you live in the United States, the game is being televised on beIN SPORTS and beIN SPORTS Español as well as being streamed live on fuboTV. If you don’t have a TV subscription to beIN SPORTS, you can watch Real Madrid versus Barcelona live on fuboTV for just $6.99 per month. The service streams the beIN broadcast in HD to your computer, tablet, smartphone, Apple TV or Roku. And set-up just takes minutes. Read our fuboTV FAQ. And sign up for fuboTV via their website.

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi will miss El Clasico on November 21 due to setbacks in his recovery, according to the Catalan daily SPORT.

The Argentine suffered a knee injury during the early stages of his side’s 2-1 win over Las Palmas in late September, and it was initially believed Messi could miss up to eight weeks of action.

Last Wednesday, SPORT reported that the forward’s recovery was running late. But there remained hope Messi would be ready in time for the November 21 clash at the Bernabeu.

However, the publication now understands the player’s recovery has continued to slow down, and Messi doesn’t have enough strength in his knee to begin running continuously.

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So the four-time Ballon d’Or winner has run out of time in order to be back in shape for the match against Real Madrid.

Barcelona officials have been aware of the fact they could be without Messi’s services for the November 21 showdown in the Spanish capital since he went down in late September.

The Argentine’s injury is a delicate one. And both the player and club have been extremely cautious with the approach of its rehabilitation.

Messi will continue working with physiotherapist Luis Garcia and masseuse Marcelo D’Andrea, with the hope that the forward will be ready for action in the weeks following the match against Real Madrid.

There is no concern that Messi will suffer a relapse of the injury. The focus of the club has always been to ensure that the Argentine’s knee recovers correctly – not quickly.

To the outside observer, Real Madrid appear to be in a good position in both its domestic and European competitions.

Rafa Benitez’s side are currently on top of La Liga on goal difference and level on points with Paris Saint-Germain in Group A of the Champions League.

The team has engineered its first place standing despite the early struggles of star man Cristiano Ronaldo, as well as having to cope with injuries to key personnel such as Sergio Ramos and Gareth Bale.

While the importance of these players goes without saying, the championship fortunes of Real Madrid – in both Spain and Europe – will weight heavily on whether or not the team will have a healthy James Rodriguez in its starting eleven.

James has not featured for Los Blancos since a 5-0 victory over Real Betis on August 29. The Colombian international scored twice during that contest – including a stunning free kick from the edge of the area – before departing for the international break.

In early September, during a match against Peru, the midfielder picked up a knee injury following a heavy tackle and has not featured for club or country since.

While Real Madrid have not lost during James’ ten-match absence. There is a concern around the Bernabeu that the club will once again fail to achieve its title targets without the 24-year-old Colombian pulling the strings and scoring goals for Los Blancos.

Looking solely at La Liga statistics, the effect of James’ absence to Real Madrid’s wins and losses is noticeable. The club wins 87% of its matches with the midfielder in the lineup; without him that figure drops to 62%.

While those numbers are not as resounding in other competitions (i.e. – Champions League and Copa del Rey), Real Madrid still sees its success rate drop off by 10% without James on the pitch.

Real Madrid’s goal scoring also takes a dip when the Colombian is not healthy. The team nets 2.8 goals per game when the 24-year-old plays and 2.1 goals when he does not.

Los Blancos also concede more goals when the versatile player is not in the squad, averaging 1.3 goals conceded without him compared to 1.1 goals when he’s in the squad.

Last season, Real Madrid were heavy favorites both domestically and in Europe, and were on course for what appeared to be a historical campaign after winning the FIFA Club World Cup in December.

However, the club’s fortunes took a massive hit when James went down with a broken foot in February. The team struggled immediately. Eventually falling out of the La Liga race, and ultimately being knocked out of the Champions League by Juventus in the semi-final of that competition.

Rafa Benitez’s men will be hoping they have a healthy James Rodriguez for the better part of the 2015-16 campaign, if they are to meet their goals of domestic and European success.

France Prime Minister Manuel Vallas has told the French publication Journal du Dimanche that he would consider allowing Barcelona into Ligue 1 should Catalonia gain independence from Spain.

There has been a movement afoot for Catalan independence which has caused a serious division among those living within the country’s boundaries. The heated debate reached its boiling point during September’s regional elections, which saw pro-separatist parties win an absolute majority in Spain.

SEE MORE: Tough talk makes Catalan independence a disaster for La Liga, Barcelona.

Support of the independence movement has been strong inside the Camp Nou, with pro-Catalan chants being heard in the 17th minute of every home match, commemorating the 1714, the last time Catalonia had complete autonomy. The region is currently an autonomous community of Spain and designated a “historical nationality” by its Statue of Autonomy.

La Liga president Javier Tebas has previously stated that Barcelona, as well as fellow Catalan La Liga club Espanyol, would not be able to continue playing in Spain because Spanish law will not allow it.

“Spanish sport law firmly establishes that the only state from which clubs can take part in domestic competitions is Andorra,” Tebas said.

While the league official went on to express his belief that Catalonia would “never separate from Spain,” there remains a possibility Barcelona could be kicked out of La Liga should Catalonia gain independence from Spain.

French Prime Minister Manuel Valls has offered Barcelona an outlet by expressing his desire to allow the Catalan club to join Ligue 1. Valls pointed out that the French league has already permitted AS Monaco — which is a sovereign European state — to play in its first division.

Monaco has competed in the French professional league system since 1933, even though its inclusion has caused controversy since it is based in a tax haven and was purchased by Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev in Dec. 2011.

In Jan. 2014, AS Monaco paid a sum of €50 million for the right to remain in Ligue 1 while remaining exempt from France’s tax laws.

“Monaco play in Ligue 1, so why not Barcelona?” asked Valls. “I’m a huge football fan, a Barca fan. They’re in my blood. France knows it and they ask me about it on the streets.”

Barcelona fans around the world were left stunned following the news of Lionel Messi’s injury during the early stages of yesterday’s 2-1 win over Las Palmas.

The four-time Ballon d’Or winner will be sidelined for 7-8 weeks after tearing a ligament in his left knee. The diminutive forward may miss Barcelona’s next eight fixtures – with many hoping the Argentine will be able to return in time for the November 21 showdown with Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.

In the meantime, Barcelona’s formidable attacking unit will be one dynamic player short during the club’s upcoming domestic and European fixtures.

Club officials are hoping their decision to sell veteran forward Pedro to Chelsea will not haunt them this season. Prior to the player’s transfer, manager Luis Enrique had expressed his desire to hold on to the Spain international, in the event one of his preferred starters had fallen victim to injury or suspension.

SEE MORE: Messi and Ronaldo: La Liga will return to normal when its big two are gone

Barcelona ultimately made the decision to sell Pedro because the veteran player desired more playing time ahead of next summer’s EURO 2016. And also, because the Catalan club is counting on 20-year-old phenom Munir El Haddadi to develop into the player many football experts believe is the next world class talent to come from La Masia.

Last season, Munir started the campaign as a key contributor to Luis Enrique’s side but eventually lost his starting position once Luis Suarez FIFA-imposed ban came to an end.

While Munir struggled in front of goal during the early part of the 2014-15 season, the youth academy product showed enough promise that club officials slapped a £28 million buy-out clause on him and refused to send the 20-year-old on loan – despite a host of European sides expressing a desire to take on the player.

Munir is considered one of the brightest football prospects in the world. He was part of the U19 squad which won the inaugural UEFA Youth League for Barcelona, scoring a brilliant goal in the final.

A few months later he was selected for La Blaugrana’s first-team by Luis Enrique, scoring on his La Liga debut against Elche; before later being called up to the Spanish national team by Vicente del Bosque, where he made his full debut in a game against Macedonia.

But Munir has found playing time difficult at Barcelona with the likes of Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez ahead in the pecking order.

Yesterday, following the injury to Messi, the 20-year-old entered the match against Las Palmas and provided an assist on Suarez’s second goal.

While his overall performance lacked precision, Munir now has the next several weeks to prove that he belongs alongside Suarez and Neymar in Barcelona’s starting eleven.

Next up is a home game on Tuesday against Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League, followed by an always difficult La Liga match on the road at Sevilla next Saturday.

Now is the time for Munir to step up and show his worth to the club.

Jaume Roures, a founding partner at MediaPro, announced on ‘Catalunya Radio’ the date and time of the first Real Madrid vs. Barcelona clash of the 2015-16 campaign.

MediaPro was named the agent for international broadcast rights for Spain’s first and second divisions in July. That meant the company would determine the date and kick-off time of the clash between two of the world’s most popular clubs.

The match between the two La Liga giants will take place on Sunday, April 23 at 2:45pm ET. beIN SPORTS and fuboTV will carry the match live in the United States.

Programming note: If you live in the United States, the game is being televised on beIN SPORTS and beIN SPORTS Español as well as being streamed live on fuboTV. If you don’t have a TV subscription to beIN SPORTS, you can watch Real Madrid versus Barcelona live on fuboTV for just $6.99 per month. The service streams the beIN broadcast in HD to your computer, tablet, smartphone, Apple TV or Roku. And set-up just takes minutes. Read our fuboTV FAQ. And sign up for fuboTV via their website.

The match will be played at the Santiago Bernabeu and will be the first game following the November international break in La Liga. The timing of the event means a host of players will not return to their respective clubs until a few days prior to the clash of football titans.

Match: Barcelona vs. Real Madrid

Kickoff: Sunday, April 23rd 2:45pm ET

Looking to watch Barcelona vs. Real Madrid online from your work, home or on the go? If you live in the USA, you can get a free 7-day trial to fuboTV.

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Real Madrid are currently on top of La Liga after five matches with 13 points, while Barcelona dropped to fifth place (12 points in five games) after a 4-1 defeat at Celta Vigo during the midweek.

SEE MORE: Where to watch La Liga on US TV and streaming.

[CBC show=”y” country=”uk”]

NOTE TO FOOTBALL FANS IN THE UK:

If you live in England or the United Kingdom, the Barcelona vs. Real Madrid match will not be shown live on TV or online. But you can watch it live online via fuboTV. More details below:

Match: Barcelona vs. Real Madrid

Kickoff: Saturday, 3:15pm GMT

Stream el Clasico from the UK by signing up with a VPN service and fuboTV.

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Available worldwide.

OR, you can use VyprVPN on a free 3-day trial:

After signing up for a VPN and setting your server to a USA location, sign up for the free 7-day trial to fuboTV to watch the match.
[/CBC]

Bayern Munich head coach Pep Guardiola walked out of his Friday press conference following repeated questions from regarding his future at the club. Guardiola has yet to sign an extension with the Bundesliga champions, and his contract is set to expire at the end of the season.

Despite winning the German league twice in his first two seasons, the former Barcelona manager has faced criticism for his side’s performances, the Spaniard’s tactics, man-management and team selection being the focal point of questioning from the club’s supporters and the German media.

Last season, Guardiola was heavily-linked with a move to Manchester City, and the fact that the 44-year-old has yet to agree to an extension with Bayern has many believing this season will be his last in Germany.

SEE MORE: Poor Bundesliga ratings show a bigger problem for FOX Sports.

This summer, Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge expressed his desire to tie Guardiola down to the club for the long term. However, the club has said that negotiations over a new contract would be held as soon as Guardiola was ready.

Speaking ahead of his side’s trip to Mainz on Saturday, Guardiola was curt when asked about his plans, ultimately walking out of the press conference when he was asked about the latest rumor regarding his future.

Fresh reports on Friday have suggested the English Football Association wants Guardiola to succeed Roy Hodgson as manager of the country’s men’s national team.

SEE MORE: Watch this 3D animation of Robert Lewandowski’s spectacular fifth goal vs. Wolfsburg.

When asked whether he would sign a contract extension with Bayern Munich, Guardiola responded: “Next question.”

The coach was then asked about rumors linking him to the England job. It was at that point that the 44-year-old stormed out of the press conference.

“Oh come on,” Guardiola said. “I’m the coach of Bayern Munich. Many thanks and auf wiedersehen (“goodbye).”

Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly willing to shell out upwards of £250 million next summer in order to pry Cristiano Ronaldo away from Real Madrid.

The French champions tested the Spanish giant’s resolved this summer with a £110 million bid for the Portuguese forward, and it appears PSG officials have not given up their chase to land the three-time Ballon d’Or winner next season.

In the past, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has insisted that his star man would finish his career in the Spanish capital. However, according to recent reports Perez is now ready to cash in on the 30-year-old Ronaldo before his skills begin to diminish and his market value decreases.

Bankrolled by their Qatari investors, PSG officials are preparing to offer Ronaldo a substantially more lucrative contract than he is currently being offer at Real Madrid.

The Portuguese forward now earns just over £15 million per season with Los Blancos, and is already the highest paid player in the sport.

SEE MORE: Messi and Ronaldo: La Liga will return to normal when its big two are gone

The whole deal broken down would be a world record transfer fee of £109.2 million with the rest being paid in the player’s wages.

If this transfer materializes, Ronaldo would become the first £100 million player in the sport.

The mutually rewarding relationship between super agent Jorge Mendes and Real Madrid — specifically, its club president Florentino Perez — is beginning to wind down.

Over the past several seasons, the former semi-professional soccer player, DJ and nightclub owner has represented a number of players in the Real Madrid squad: Cristiano Ronaldo, Pepe, Angel di Maria, Fabio Coentrao and Ricardo Carvalho, to name a few; as well as former manager Jose Mourinho.

The relationship between the agent and club has been beneficial to all parties included – both financially and on the pitch. Mendes’ players are some of the richest in the sport and, with the strength of having his clients in their squad, Real Madrid were finally able to win ‘La Decima’ two seasons ago.

SEE MORE: Cristiano Ronaldo scores five in rout of Espanyol.

However, following the failed transfers of Radamel Falcao last summer and the recent collapsed deal for David de Gea — as well as the player’s subsequent contract renewal at Manchester United — it is now being reported that the super agent has fallen out with Perez and Real Madrid.

Mendes is upset with the club’s arrogance and unwillingness to enter serious talks with United until the dying hours of the most recent transfer window. While a deal was agreed, the Spanish side’s failure to process documentation on time led to the transfer falling apart at the last second. This appears to have been the final straw for Mendes.

Real Madrid tried to lay blame on United for the collapse of the deal. However, Mendes has placed fault squarely on the shoulders of club president Florentino Perez and the Spanish outfit. The super agent has now cast a favorable eye on Manchester United, knowing that the club is willing to spend significant sums of money during future transfer windows as it continually looks re-establish itself both domestically and in Europe.

There is also a belief that, despite saying Cristiano Ronaldo would end his career as a Real Madrid player, Perez is preparing to offload the Portuguese star before his contract expires in June 2018.

Paris Saint-Germain reportedly tabled a £110 million bid for the forward recently, and even though Madrid were unwilling to part with the player at this time, the understanding is that Perez is ready to cash in on the 30-year-old before his skills begin to diminish – thus lowering his value in the transfer market.

This has further infuriated Jorge Mendes and has seen the super agent begin to sever his ties with Perez and Real Madrid.

SEE MORE: Agent: Bale never close to leaving El Real.

Although the representative is not expected to completely close the door on the Spanish club, he is expected to do less business with the La Liga giants in the near future.

FIFA has continued its investigation of Barcelona and is considering sanctioning the La Liga side further due to its unrepentant exploitation and trafficking of children into the club’s youth academy, La Masia.

In April 2014, FIFA issued a two-window transfer embargo on Barcelona after the Catalan giants were found guilty of repeatedly breaking rules governing transfers of international players under the age of eighteen. La Blaugrana would appeal that decision only to have the governing body of world football reject it.

Later, Barcelona took its appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport where it was also denied.

Despite being unable to register new players, Barcelona have been able to complete the signings of Aleix Vidal and Arda Turan – although both players cannot officially participate in matches until the club’s ban is lifted in January 2016.

Now, it is being reported in the Spanish press that Barcelona have once again halted the signing of youth players over fear of another transfer ban.

According to AS, FIFA has once again put the La Liga champions on alert by requesting “more information” on some of its youth players in recent weeks.

Journalist Moises Llorens reports that Barcelona officials are working hard with the legal department and are in the process of regularizing the documentation of the players FIFA have targeted.

SEE MORE: Where to find Barcelona games on US TV and streaming.

“There is a fear in the Catalan club about the academy and future youth signings,” wrote Llorens.

“There has been a full stop on bringing in talent from Spain and abroad.”

Barcelona are desperate to avoid another FIFA sanction and – despite having a ‘cadet’ squad of just 12 players to take to a tournament in Madrid this week – have now put on hold any plans to bolster their youth ranks.

The club are currently getting rid of eleven academy players. But two players who will not be leaving La Masia permanently are South Koreans wonderkids, Seung-Woo Lee and Gyeol-Hee Jang.

Barcelona believe the Koreans’ potential is big enough that they have told the youth players to remain in their home country until they come of age and can return to the Catalan side.

Lee, the brightest prospect of the two Korean players, will continue his international commitments with the national team, which finish at the end of November.

Barcelona do not want the player to participate in any of the youth side’s training sessions or friendlies, in case there is any chance of FIFA imposing further sanctions on the club.

Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea has signed a four-year extension with the club, keeping him at Old Trafford until 2019. There is also an option to extend the deal for a further year.

The news of De Gea’s renewal comes shortly after a proposed transfer with Real Madrid collapsed last week after the required paperwork did not go through on time.

There had been reports that United manager Louis van Gaal had threatened to bench the Spain international for the remainder of the 2015-16 campaign until the player signed a new deal with the club. The Dutchman had already excluded the goalkeeper from the team’s first six matches, and reports from Spain speculated that De Gea had told his agent, Jorge Mendes, to engineer talks with United in order to renew his contract.

However, United officials quickly dismissed the claims made by the Spanish media.

Speaking today via Manchester United’s official website, De Gea said he was looking forward to putting the transfer saga behind him and focusing on his future at Old Trafford.

“I am delighted to be starting this new chapter in my United career,” the goalkeeper said.

“I have always enjoyed playing with these great players in front of our fantastic fans. Manchester United is a special club and Old Trafford is an ideal place for me to continue to develop my career.

“I’m looking forward to putting a difficult summer behind me and concentrating on working hard to improve and help my teammates to be successful.”

It is not known how much De Gea will earn with his new contract. But previous reports speculated the goalkeeper could earn between £200,000-350,000-per-week.

The goalkeeper and his representative spent the better part of last season negotiating with United, with the two parties reportedly disagreeing on the player’s buy-out clause.

It is now clear that issue has been resolved.

Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea has instructed his agent, Jorge Mendes, to engineer talks with club officials in order to renew his current deal in England, according to the Spanish publication AS.

The newspaper claims the Spain international knows United boss Louis van Gaal is prepared to keep him on the bench for the remainder of the season until he agrees a new deal with the club. United’s stance is that de Gea must accept the club’s offer to amplify his contract — which was proposed last season — in order to strengthen its negotiating position against expected assaults from Real Madrid.

De Gea’s contract expires in June, and the player could join the Spanish giants without a transfer fee next summer. The 24-year-old was on the verge of joining Real Madrid during the dying hours of the most recent transfer window, only to see the deal collapse, with both clubs pointing the finger of blame at the other.

United vs. El Real: He said | Then he said | Then he said, again

Most have assumed that United would plug de Gea right back into the starting lineup after the players return from international break. However, van Gaal could continue keeping the goalkeeper on the bench unless he renews with the club. The Spain international has already been excluded from United’s first four Premier League games as well as their Champions League qualifiers against Club Brugge.

Van Gaal did name de Gea to his Champions League squad. However, the manager has also included goalkeepers Sergio Romero and Sam Johnstone in his side.

Spanish national team coach Vicente del Bosque has added to de Gea’s concerns with his public comments regarding the player’s current situation in England. The veteran coach says it will be “very difficult” to pick the goalkeeper for his Euro 2016 squad if he doesn’t play regular soccer.

De Gea has since been named in del Bosque’s squad for Spain’s upcoming qualifiers against Slovakia and Macedonia, and the coach is urging the 24-year-old to focus on his soccer – not off the field issues.

SEE MORE: David de Gea will be as professional as ever at United, says Juan Mata.

“He needs to be professional and move on from this episode,” del Bosque said.

“I hope that he starts playing again and is happy, and if he plays well we can bring him along, otherwise if he doesn’t play it will be very difficult for him to come [to Euro 2016].”

AS is reporting that De Gea’s agent has held meetings with United executives and has urged them to resolved his client’s situation. The club’s stance is the player must renew before any assurances are made regarding his playing time this season.

Manchester United have made a £140 million bid for Barcelona forward Neymar, according to the Brazilian publication Globoesporte.

United reportedly made the offer directly to Barcelona’s boardroom for an amount that will have met the player’s release clause at the club.

If a deal were completed, it would become the highest transfer fee ever paid in the history of the sport – almost doubling what Real Madrid paid Tottenham for Gareth Bale in 2013.

The report from Globoesporte is the latest in a string of big money transfer rumors being tied to United. In recent days and weeks, the English club has also reportedly tabled bids for Bayern Munich’s Thomas Muller and Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale.

Neymar has been linked with United over the past 48 hours, after his agent Wagner Ribeiro was pictured at Old Trafford during Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Newcastle. Then, on Sunday, The Guardian reported the Brazilian was “open” to moving to the Red Devils, though there was recognition the transfer is unlikely to occur before the current transfer window closes.

Neymar is under contract to Barcelona for the next three seasons. However, the forward’s deal is currently being re-negotiated with officials at the Catalan club and United are aware they may be being used as a ploy by the player’s agent to extract a lucrative deal from Barcelona.

Regardless, it is now understood that United chief executive Ed Woodward flew to Barcelona last week to continue his attempts to pry Neymar away from Barcelona. It was originally believed the club official was at the Camp Nou to broker a deal for Pedro.

Following Barcelona’s 1-0 win over Athletic Bilbao, manager Luis Enrique refused to discuss Neymar’s future at the club.

“Talking about Neymar and other clubs doesn’t interest me,” the manager said.

“I don’t talk about rumors. I focus on what happens in my team.”

SEE MORE: Louis van Gaal has complete confidence in Ed Woodward despite failed signing attempts.

Just about ten months ago, Chris Smalling hit perhaps the lowest point of his professional career after picking up two yellow cards in eight minutes to reduce his team to ten men against Manchester City.

At the time, Manchester United were sitting in eighth place in the Premier League and were unanimous underdogs heading into the match against their cross-city rivals.

With Smalling sent to the dressing room, City eventually broke through in the 63rd minute when Sergio Aguero slotted in what would turn out to be the only goal of the contest.

Although United put up a good fight during the defeat, Smalling became the focal point of abuse and criticize from fans and pundits respectively following the derby defeat. The 25-year-old would then spend the rest of the 2014-15 campaign battling injuries and poor form, with United’s overall defending bordering on comical for the remainder of the season.

As the summer transfer window approached, many expected manager Louis van Gaal to sign a world class center-back, and the futures of Smalling and Phil Jones looked to be in jeopardy.

SEE MORE: Read Manchester United’s 2015/16 season preview.

However, while Jones has yet to suit up this season, Smalling has transformed into a commanding presence at the center of United’s back four. The player who seemed passive and indecisive for the better part of 20140-15 is now an imposing figure who is being looked to for leadership.

After spending several seasons playing behind legendary United defenders Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, the 25-year-old centre-back is finally showing the characteristics once showcased by the former Red Devils.

United have started the season with three successive clean sheets in the Premier League, with only a Michael Carrick own goal against Club Brugge in the Champions League play-off as the team’s only defensive blip.

Smalling is enjoying his new role as the bully of United’s back four, as well as his one-on-one battles with the leagues top strikers.

“That is the case. I have always liked that competition with the striker and obviously Daley [Blind] is not that sort of center-back who is going to dominate, so it’s a case of I take that mantle on and I am enjoying it,” Smalling told the Manchester Evening News.

“I wouldn’t say I hadn’t done it previously in games because I feel like I bullied quite a few players in matches.

“But it’s a case of making sure there is that consistency and, hopefully, I can get that consistency where it can be on show every week.

“I feel like I am playing well and I am enjoying my football.

“It is good to keep playing each game and knowing that there are not too many changes at the moment because we are doing well, so I hope to keep that up.”

Smalling went on to say that Van Gaal has asked United defenders to take on a bigger role within the team. The Dutchman would like to see them do a better job at bringing the ball out of defense.

“He wants the center-backs to be the playmakers so when you see an opportunity it’s just a case of making sure you take it,” the England international added.

“All throughout the years here the center-backs have brought it out. Playing alongside Rio or Nemanja Vidic, you take turns in bringing it out, it is nothing new.”

United dropped their first points of the new seasons on Saturday against Newcastle. But Smalling says his side won’t let the weekend’s setback affect them when they travel to Belgium on Wednesday for the second leg of the Champions League play-off with Brugge.

“We haven’t got a full week to feel sorry for ourselves, we are disappointed about the Newcastle game but the good thing is we now have arguably the biggest game of the season.

“We will turn our attentions to that and we will take a lot of our positives from the first game when we played Brugge here,” Smalling concluded.

Manchester United is preparing a world record bid of £100 million for Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale, according to the Sunday World.

The story from the British publication comes on the heels of manager Louis van Gaal’s statement earlier today that his side does not need to add any more firepower before the close of the transfer window on September 1.

The Sunday World claims that United insiders have confirmed they are going to do all they can to pry Bale away from Real Madrid during the final week of the transfer window, with the order specifically coming down from Van Gaal who placed the club’s move for the Welshman in the hands of United chief executive Ed Woodward.

Real Madrid have insisted they have no intention of selling Bale, who they signed from Tottenham during the summer of 2013 for £86 million. However, the Wales international endured a difficult 2014-15 campaign and has continued to be singled out for abuse from club supporters – as well as being criticized by the Spanish press.

Bale has been consistently jeered at the Santiago Bernabeu and a recent online fan poll saw Real Madrid supporters vote the forward out of Rafa Benitez’s starting eleven.

United are also determined to hold on to goalkeeper David de Gea this summer. But the belief is that the club would be willing to let the Spain international go, if Real Madrid sign off on a deal for Bale.

Van Gaal and Woodward have come under fire after Chelsea appeared to trump United to the signing of Barcelona forward Pedro last week.

During his pre-match press conference on Friday, the manager denied ever having an interest in the former Barcelona player and supported Woodward’s abilities in transfer dealings.

Despite completing the signings of Memphis Depay, Matteo Darmian, Morgan Schneiderlin, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Sergio Romero; some United supporters are calling the current transfer window a ‘failure’ and have questioned the leadership of Van Gaal, as well as the bargaining abilities of Woodward.

Manchester United have tabled a staggering £60 million bid for Bayern Munich forward Thomas Muller, according to the German publication Sport Bild.

Should the story be true, it would appear United is once again prepared to flex its financial muscle in the transfer market. Just last summer, the club broke the British transfer record fee when it acquired Angel di Maria from Real Madrid for £59.7 million.

The report from Bild also speculates United may have dropped its interest in Barcelona forward Pedro, even though reports from England have stated a deal for the Spain international is near completion after the player agreed to personal terms with the English side.

The news of United’s renewed interest in Muller comes after reports surfaced this weekend stating that the German international had decided he wants to join Louis van Gaal’s squad.

United were believed to have two bids for the German World Cup star rejected by Bayern Munich earlier this summer, with the Bundesliga champions emphatically stating they would not sell anymore players to the English side this summer – following the deal which saw midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger move to Manchester.

“There are players who don’t have a price tag,” declared Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. “We would have lost our senses if we allowed such a player to leave.”

Regardless of the club’s stance, United have been given the green-light by Muller’s camp to table another bid, since the player has been convinced to move to England by his friend and former teammate, Schweinsteiger.

If a deal were to be agreed between the two clubs, United are reportedly willing to pay Muller £136,000-per-week.

However, it must be said that Bayern Munich have no need to sell the player for any amount. The club’s finances and global brand are rivaled by only the biggest clubs in Europe.

The likelihood that Bayern Munich would sell off perhaps its most prized asset is slim.

Manchester United chief executive Ed Woodward has flown to Catalonia to secure the £22 million transfer of Barcelona forward Pedro.

It has been widely reported that the much-anticipate move will be finalized this week, with the expectation being that the Spain international will be unveiled as a United player on Tuesday or Wednesday.

To this point, Barcelona has been successful in its attempts to delay Pedro’s departure from the Camp Nou. However, with the Spanish Super Cup set for its conclusion today (5pm ET on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes), the club will begrudgingly allow the 28-year-old to leave for England.

SEE MORE: Read Manchester United’s 2015/16 season preview.

Barcelona have been resigned to losing Pedro since manager Luis Enrique cannot guarantee the Spain international the playing time he desires with the likes of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar being his first-choice forwards.

After scoring the match-winning goal and securing Barcelona’s 5-4 extra-time victory in the UEFA Super Cup, Pedro informed the media that he did not want to leave Barcelona. However, the lack of continuity in the squad has forced him to rethink his future in Catalonia.

Asked if he wanted to go or not, the winger said: “The answer is no, but it’s complicated for many things.

“It’s not money, as has been said – which is another lack of respect. It’s a question of continuity, of minutes. I’m an ambitious player. Stay or go, I will always be of this team.”

Last week, a story was floated claiming Pedro was reconsidering his move to Manchester United over fears of Louis van Gaal’s managerial style, following the Dutch boss’ treatment of David de Gea and Victor Valdes. However, that report has been dismissed as pure speculation.

Van Gaal has all-but guaranteed Pedro a starting role alongside Wayne Rooney and Memphis Depay in United’s starting eleven, and news of the player’s imminent arrival in Manchester has been greeted with unanimous support by the players and coaching staff at Old Trafford.

Since his arrival in 2004, Pedro has been lauded for his professionalism and work ethic while plying his trade with La Blaugrana’s youth team and senior squad. And despite the transfer speculation that has followed him for the past few months, the winger has continued to produce solid performances when called upon by manager Luis Enrique.

In other Manchester United transfer news, the English club has reportedly rekindled its interest in Athletic Bilbao defender Aymeric Laporte, following the news from earlier today that Sergio Ramos has re-signed with Real Madrid – as well as reports from Spain regarding Valencia defender Nicolas Otamendi’s imminent arrival at Manchester City.

United were strongly linked with Laporte for the better-part of last season. However, the 21-year-old center-back agreed a contract extension with Bilbao in June, a deal which saw his release clause increased to £36.5 million.

According to Daily Mail reporter Ian Ladyman, United are prepared to trigger the highly-rated defender’s buy-out clause and complete this transfer in the coming days. The English club was unwilling to meet Valencia’s£ 36.5 million valuation of Nicolas Otamendi. However, United could be prepared to invest the same amount of money on Laporte – who is six years younger.

Manchester United will complete the signing of Barcelona forward Pedro on Tuesday, following the conclusion of the Spanish Super Cup.

The 28-year-old will say his farewells and depart for England shortly after the completion of the second leg of the competition, which Barcelona trail 4-0 to Athletic Bilbao.

United had been attempting to lure Pedro away from the Camp Nou since early July, but were stonewalled by Barcelona – as well as the player. Louis van Gaal wanted the Spain international in his squad for the Premier League opener against Tottenham. However, Barcelona won the battle to delay the forward’s move to Old Trafford until the conclusion of the Spanish Super Cup.

It is understood that United and Barcelona have agreed to terms on the transfer, but the deal remained ‘on hold’ until Pedro signed off on the move.

During his pre-match press conference on Friday, Van Gaal hinted that United were waiting on the veteran Barcelona player to finalize the deal.

Asked if he was optimistic of completing the transfer, the manager responded: “You have to ask Pedro, not me. My answer is it’s a process, it’s a club, it’s a player, and we are there also.

“I don’t mention anything until he has signed. When he has signed I come to you and say ‘hey, Pedro is here’. That is still not the case. We shall wait and see.”

Barcelona have been resigned to losing Pedro since manager Luis Enrique cannot guarantee the Spain international his desired playing time with the likes of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar being his first-choice forwards.

After scoring the match-winning goal and securing Barcelona’s 5-4 extra-time victory in the UEFA Super Cup, Pedro informed the media that he did not want to leave Barcelona. However, the lack of continuity in the squad has forced him to rethink his future in Catalonia.

Asked if he wanted to go or not, the winger said: “The answer is no, but it’s complicated for many things.

“It’s not money, as has been said – which is another lack of respect. It’s a question of continuity, of minutes. I’m an ambitious player. Stay or go, I will always be of this team.”

In the past few days, a story emanating from England claimed that Pedro was reconsidering his move to Manchester United over fears of Louis van Gaal’s managerial style, following the Dutch boss’ treatment of David de Gea and Victor Valdes. However, that report has been dismissed as pure speculation.

Van Gaal has all-but guaranteed Pedro a starting role alongside Wayne Rooney and Memphis Depay in United’s starting eleven, and news of the player’s imminent arrival in Manchester has been greeted with unanimous support by the players and coaching staff at Old Trafford.

Pedro has been lauded for his professionalism and work ethic. Despite the transfer speculation which has followed him for the past few months, the winger has continued to produce solid performances when he has been called on by Luis Enrique.

Regardless of the result during Monday’s second leg of the Spanish Super Cup, the match at the Camp Nou will be an emotional event as La Blaugrana’s supporters will say their final farewell to one of the most beloved players in the history of the great Catalan club.

Real Madrid have edged out Liverpool to the signing of Inter Milan midfielder Mateo Kovacic, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

The Italian publication reports that Liverpool tabled a bid of €25 million for the Croatian, only to be trumped by an offer between €30-35 million from Real Madrid for the 21-year-old playmaker.

Amid rumors of his imminent transfer, the Croatia international was pulled out of Inter Milan’s friendly with AEK Athens earlier today.

Kovacic broke through at Dynamo Zagreb when he was just 16 years old and signed for Internazionale in 2013. However, after making only appearances for the Serie A side, and despite signing a new contract until 2019 last season, the player is set to trade the San Siro for the Santiago Bernabeu this week.

The talented midfielder is expected to be partnered with fellow countryman Luka Modric in the center of the pitch for Rafa Benitez’s side.

With Kovacic set to arrive in Spain, Real Madrid will reportedly look to deal midfielder Lucas Silva and/or Asier Illarramendi before the close of the transfer window.

Illarramendi wants more playing time but has been told by club officials that he is free to leave and fulfill his desire for first-team football with another side. While Madrid are reportedly speaking with several La Liga clubs about the possibility of loan move for Lucas Silva.

The Brazilian signed for Los Blancos in January 2015 but played just 427 minutes of soccer in nine appearances since arriving from Cruziero last season.

Manchester City have completed a £28.4 million move for defender Nicolas Otamendi, with center-back Eliaquim Mangala heading to Valencia on loan for the remainder of the season.

Otamendi has long been linked with a move to Manchester United. However, United were unwilling to meet the player’s £35.4 million buy-out clause and didn’t have anything to offer Valencia in return to lower the fee. In recent weeks, the club distanced itself from the Argentine as it pushed for an agreement with Sergio Ramos.

Yesterday, as talks with Manchester City intensified, Otamendi reportedly asked out of training and told manager Nuno Espirito Santo: “Don’t select me anymore. I’m not going to play; I’ve got big money at stake.”

It is now expected that City will unveil the Argentina international tomorrow, with details of Eliaquim Mangala’s loan move to Valencia to follow.

To most fans and pundits, Mangala’s time in the blue half of Manchester will be looked at as a disappointment.

The France international won successive Primeira Liga titles with Porto before making the switch to Manchester City for £31.8 million last season. But failed to reach the heights he achieved in Portugal while plying his trade in England.

As fortune would have it, Mangala played perhaps his best match in a sky blue uniform earlier today as Manchester City defeated the defending Premier League champions Chelsea 3-0 at the Etihad.

The summer transfer saga of Nicolas Otamendi appears to finally be coming to its conclusion after the Argentine defender asked out of Valencia’s training session earlier today. Also, Otamendi has been excluded from Valencia’s probable first team squad ahead of their Champions League qualifier against AS Monaco next week.

According to Cadena Cope, the center-back has told manager Nuno Espirito Santo that he is “not in the right frame of mind” heading into the match against the Ligue Un side.

The Argentina international has clearly been unsettled by increased interest from Manchester United and Manchester City in recent days.

Earlier this week, Valencia-based TV station, SillasGol, reported there had been “movement” in a potential move for Otamendi. The news organization claimed it had ‘tax-based’ proof that United had begun the paperwork to sign the player from Valencia.

The following day, Sky Sports sources claimed that the report was false and United had “no interest” in the defender. However, earlier today Spanish football expert Guillem Balague confirmed that Louis van Gaal’s side were indeed involved with Otamendi, as well as their city rivals, Manchester City.

“Otamendi: Valencia considering offers from City and United. None reaches €50m of buy out clause. Spanish club resigned he will go to the PL”, Balague tweeted this morning.

Just a few hours later, Otamendi requested to be excluded from his team’s training session.

It can be determined that any move for the defender would likely be concluded before Valencia line up against Monaco during next week’s Champions League qualifier.

Manchester United are poised to complete a stunning double move for Barcelona forward Pedro and Valencia center-back Nicolas Otamendi, according to various reports emanating from Spain.

The news of Pedro’s imminent transfer to the English side should come as no surprise since the Spain international has been heavily linked with a move to United in recent weeks. There has been a firm belief that once Angel di Maria’s transfer to Paris Saint-Germain was finalized and Barcelona had participated in the UEFA Super Cup that Pedro would soon trade the Camp Nou for Old Trafford.

Yesterday, prior to their 5-4 victory over Sevilla, Barcelona’s sporting director confirmed that Pedro had asked to leave the club. Following the match, the veteran player denied making those comments but failed to rule out a possible departure from the club.

“[The sporting director] has made some very unfortunate declarations,” Pedro said after his extra-time goal defeated Sevilla and handed Barcelona the UEFA Super Cup. “I’ve crossed two words with him and he doesn’t know what I’ve been through at the club to talk like that of me.

“I know who I am and I will always be of Barca. Such people shouldn’t speak in this way. I’ve not said what he said, or at least not how I said it.

“I’m calm, happy and I will always continue giving everything if I continue at this club. Manchester? Yes. there are nice challenges on all sides.

“Today I’m here and I’m happy. And if I go I will go with my head held high having always given everything. These fans and this club are incredible.”

Rumors continue to persist that Pedro will join Manchester United in the coming days.

Now, according to reports emanating from Valencia, United appear to be closing in on the signing of Argentine defender Nicolas Otamendi.

United were heavily-linked with the player for much of the summer but appeared to put a deal for the player on the back burner while the club pursued the signing of Sergio Ramos. However, the Real Madrid captain is poised to sign a new contract which will keep him at the Bernabeu until 2020, and United have once again turned their attention towards Otamendi.

According to a report form a Valencia-based TV station, SillasGol, there has been “movement” in a potential move for Otamendi. The news program claimed it had ‘tax-based’ proof that United had started the paperwork to sign the defender from Valencia.

Otamendi has a £36 million release clause which United have been reluctant to pay. However, with Ramos set to re-sign with Real Madrid and defender Phil Jones ruled out for several weeks with an injury, it appears the club is finally ready to pull the trigger on Otamendi.

Speculation is that an official announcement will be made before United kick-off against Aston Villa on Friday. United would like to confirm the transfer as quickly as possible, before the defender participates in the first leg of Valencia’s Champions League play-off against AS Monaco next week.

Barcelona sporting director Robert Fernandez has confirmed to Spanish television that Pedro has asked to leave the club. The Spain international was subsequently left out of Luis Enrique’s starting eleven for today’s UEFA Super Cup against Sevilla.

Earlier today, reports emanating from Spain speculated Pedro’s transfer to Manchester United was “imminent”, with the expectation being that an official announcement and presentation could take place either tomorrow or Thursday in England.

“Pedro has told me he wants to go,” Barcelona sporting director told TV3, before confirming that the player would start on the bench for tonight’s match against Sevilla in Tbilisi.

The official later told BeINSPORTS: “Pedro’s clause is not negotiable, but this could be his last game.”

The timing of Pedro’s decision came as a surprise to many. It had been expected that the forward would start against Sevilla today before ultimately joining United at the conclusion of the competition.

Last week, it was reported that the two clubs had reached a £22.3 million agreement for the transfer of Pedro, all that remained was for the player to agree to personal terms with United.

Barcelona officials had held hopes that Pedro would have a change of heart and remain with the Catalan club – or at least delay his decision further – following this weekend’s news that Neymar would miss the next two weeks with the mumps.

However, it seems the player has been lured to England by the promise of more playing time with United. The Spain international had been concerned that a lack of playing time under Luis Enrique was hurting his chances of being included in La Roja’s squad for the upcoming Euro 2016.

Pedro has been all but guaranteed a starting role alongside Wayne Rooney and Memphis Depay in manager Louis van Gaal’s starting eleven.

Sevilla coach Unai Emery has been one of the hottest names in football management in recent years.

Since returning to Spain in January 2013, the 43-year-old tactician has guided Sevilla to back-to-back Europa League titles, while helping his side become the only club in the history of the competition to secure the trophy four times.

Last season’s Europa League victory means Sevilla have already qualified for this season’s UEFA Champions League group stages, and Emery is looking to build on his side’s recent European successes by beating heavy-favorites Barcelona in tomorrow’s UEFA Super Cup in Tbilisi.

Programming note: The UEFA Super Cup will be shown live Tuesday at 2pm ET on FOX Sports 1. Even if you don’t get FS1 or you won’t be able to watch it live from work, you can watch Barcelona vs. Sevilla live with a free 7-day trial to FOX Soccer 2GO. The service streams the broadcast to your computer, tablet or smartphone.

The Sevilla coach knows his team enters the contest as underdogs. But Emery says his squad is focused on securing their first piece of silverware this season, and believes his players are more than ready for the challenge of defeating last year’s domestic and European champions, Barcelona.

“First of all, we’re starting the season knowing we have the chance to win a trophy in our first match,” Emery told UEFA.com.

“Only the chosen ones can play in the finals. We are champions and we’ll go into it roaring to win.”

“Barcelona are favorites but we will go there with the dream we can spring a surprise. If we beat them, it will boost our confidence and our profile, and give us much-needed impetus for the campaign ahead.

“It’s one more opportunity. An opportunity to enjoy ourselves against a great opponent who will be favorite to win but we will work hard to overcome them. We want to play a lot of games against Barcelona in the future because it means we are at the top level.

“Tomorrow will be a continuation of what we achieved last season in the Europa League. We are happy to be here. We will play with our head and from our heart.”

This will be the third all-Spanish UEFA Super Cup, all featuring Sevilla including their 2006 victory over Barcelona in which Dani Alves scored against his future club.

Barcelona will be playing in a record ninth UEFA Super Cup, having won the title four times previously.

Unai Emery has not defeated Barcelona in his 19 encounters as coach of Almeria, Valencia, Spartak Moskva and Sevilla; drawing six and losing thirteen.

Zinedine Zidane is among the candidates to take charge of the Ligue Un side Olympique Marseille, following the surprise resignation of manger Marcelo Biesla last weekend.

Bielsa announced his resignation minutes after Marseille’s opening day league defeat to Caen on Saturday. The 60-year-old was just starting his second campaign in charge of the French club, having finished in fourth place last season. The Argentine coach has since been linked to the vacant Mexico job.

Following Biesla’s departure, Marseille have drawn up a list of candidates to step in, with Zidane rumored to be the club’s number one choice.

The former France international is currently in charge of Real Madrid Castilla and has been tipped by many to be the future manager of the senior squad. Just last season, the 43-year-old was being considered as a possible replacement to Carlo Ancelotti in the weeks leading up to the former Madrid boss’ sacking. The club ultimately decided to go with Napoli coach Rafa Benitez because the consensus was that Zidane was not quite ready to assume control of one of the biggest side’s in the world.

SEE MORE: View the Ligue Un TV schedule for viewers in the US.

Marseille know that hiring Zidane would be a major boost for the club’s supporters following the shock departure of Bielsa. The legendary French player was born in La Castellane, an area of Marseille, and despite never having played for Olympique, is idolized by fans of the local club. In the past, Zidane has spoken of his regret for never having played for Marseille and that he would always consider moving back to his hometown.

The French daily L’Equipe carried out an online survey amongst their readers on who they felt should be the new coach. Former Borussia Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp topped the list with 30% of the vote, former OM coach Eric Gerets came in second with Zidane receiving the third most votes.

Barcelona are attempting to further delay the departure of Pedro to Manchester United, following yesterday’s confirmation that Neymar will be sidelined for two weeks after being diagnosed with parotitis (mumps).

The Brazilian forward is set to miss tomorrow’s UEFA Super Cup versus Europa League winners Sevilla, as well as both legs of the Spanish Super Cup on August 14 and 17 against Athletic Bilbao; there is even concern that Neymar could miss the start of the La Liga campaign.

Barcelona, who were already against the idea of selling Pedro, are currently trying to convince the Spain international to remain at the club for the remainder of the season.

According to reports, an agreement has been reached between Manchester United and Barcelona for the forward, all that remains for the transfer to be completed is for the veteran player to agree personal terms and sign off on the deal. Barcelona understand that they are powerless to stop Pedro from leaving the club at this point. However they have been holding out hope that the player would reconsider his stance and remain with La Blaugrana this season.

Pedro has previously stated that he would play in the UEFA Super Cup and then make a final decision on his future. United wanted the forward’s move to be complete before the start of the Premier League campaign. However, club officials granted the player’s request to remain with Barcelona as he attempted to help his side secure their first trophy of the new season.

With Neymar sidelined, Barcelona have now made one final request for Pedro to hold off on his move, knowing that the forward is needed in Luis Enrique’s starting eleven for at least the next two weeks. However, the Spain international is aware that once Neymar is fully fit, he will once again be the manager’s fourth choice behind the Brazilian, Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.

On the other hand, United boss Louis van Gaal has all but guaranteed Pedro a spot alongside Wayne Rooney and Memphis Depay in his first-team squad.

It will be interesting to see how this story develops over the next 24-48 hours.

Manchester United and Barcelona have reached a £22.3 million agreement over the transfer of Pedro, following negotiations held between officials from the two clubs on Tuesday.

The Spain international has yet to agree personal terms with United. However, the veteran player is keen to make the switch to Old Trafford where he is expected to lineup alongside Wayne Rooney and Memphis Depay at the front of manager Louis van Gaal’s 4-3-3 formation.

The 28-year-old has become increasingly unsettled at the Camp Nou following the arrival of Luis Suarez and the subsequent lack of playing time he has received from manager Luis Enrique.

Even though Pedro recently signed an extension with the Catalan club, a clause was placed in his new deal which required the club to negotiate a transfer, provided the player’s £21 million valuation was met.

The Spain international had been concerned that a lack of playing time under Enrique would effect his chances of being included in La Roja’s squad for the upcoming Euro 2016.

While United and Barcelona have reached an agreement for Pedro, the forward will not arrive in England until after the completion of next week’s UEFA Super Cup.

Barcelona were reluctant to sign off on the player’s transfer with the match against last season’s Europa League winners, Sevilla, looming on August 11.

Lionel Messi and Neymar have only recently returned to training, and Barcelona boss Luis Enrique expects Pedro to play a significant role in the contest, which could see the Catalan club win its first major trophy of the new campaign.

Pedro will play his last home game at the Camp Nou today at 4pm ET when Barcelona takes on AS Roma in the 50th edition of the Joan Gamper Trophy (live on NGSN for viewers in the USA).

Barcelona manager Luis Enrique has once again insisted he is counting on Pedro before the start of the new season which kicks off next Tuesday.

But while the Spanish coach wants the forward to stay, he realizes the player’s future at the Camp Nou is in doubt.

Yesterday it was reported that officials from Barcelona and Manchester United had set a meeting for today in order for the English club to officially table a bid for the Spain international. United are prepared to offer the Catalan club £17.5 million with an additional £5 million in add-ons for Pedro’s services.

The transfer may not be straightforward since Barcelona are reportedly reluctant to sell the forward before the completion of the UEFA Super Cup on August 11. However, United want the player signed before the Premier League season kicks off on Saturday against Tottenham.

Speaking today ahead of his side’s final pre-season match, Barcelona manager Luis Enrique insisted he was counting on Pedro for the new season and wanted the veteran player to stay. However, the coach indicated that the Spanish striker’s future was out of his hands.

“Pedro is a world class player,” Enrique said. “He’s shown how good he is for both club and country.

“Speaking as a coach, I want him to stay. Nothing has changed. Any changes will be indicated by him.”

There is concern at Barcelona that if Pedro is allowed to depart it would leave the squad short of attacking options, should any of the club’s first-choice forwards (Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez or Neymar) fall victim to injury.

When asked about that possibility, Enrique refused to join in the discussion.

“I don’t look at ‘what ifs’,” the manager responded. “Especially when they’re on a negative note.

“I prefer to think that things will carry on as usual. We’re ready to deal with any situation that may arise during the coming season.”

Earlier today, Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola sat down in front of the media for the first time since Saturday’s German Super Cup defeat to Wolfsburg.

In their first competitive game of the new season, Bayern fell to Wolfsburg 5-4 on penalties. It was the third time Guardiola had suffered defeat in the Super Cup – his first two losses in the competition coming against Borussia Dortmund.

Despite winning the Bundesliga two times during his first two seasons in charge, the former Barcelona boss has faced tremendous criticism in Germany for his side’s performances. The Spaniard’s tactics, man-management and team selection being the focal point of questioning from the club’s supporters and the German media.

Most recently, the German publication BILD claimed that Bayern Munich players “do not understand him” and find the manager “irritating”.

Last season, Guardiola was heavily linked with a move to Manchester City, and the fact that the 44-year-old has yet to agree to a contract extension with Bayern Munich has many believing that this season will be his last in Germany.

Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s Audi Cup match against AC Milan, Guardiola defended himself when confronted by more questions from the German press. The Spanish coach twisted his face when asked about the absence of Mario Gotze against Wolfsburg, and when the press mentioned the criticism of former Bayern Munich players Matthaus and Effenburg (Matthaus said Jose Mourinho was a better coach than Guardiola).

“Everyone can criticize,” the Bayern Munich manager said. “You can can also criticize me, that’s your job. Effenburg and Matthaus are journalists now, therefore they can criticize the same as you.

“Mourinho is one of the best coaches in the world. I don’t know if I’m the best, I’m not here to be the best coach in the world, but to give my best for the team.

“If we win, we’re good coaches. If we don’t win, the players don’t understand me. There’s big drama. Everything depends on the outcome.”

When asked about the omission of Gotze against Wolfsburg, Guardiola responded: “We played in a competitive match. Mario did not play. You might also ask about [Arjen] Robben and [Thomas] Muller.

“I cannot say in every press conference why one player or another did not play. Only eleven can play. The players know that and the press should too.

“Gotze is one of my favorite players. Last season he played in all of the games except two or three. But they have to try and convince me on the pitch in every game, not in the past. They have to convince me, not you [the media].”

Guardiola was then asked about the ongoing links with the job at Manchester City.

“I’ve already talked about that at earlier press conferences. I don’t want to talk about that right now.”

Manchester United have scheduled a meeting on Tuesday with Barcelona officials where they are expected to make an official offer for Pedro in the range of £21 million.

It had been rumored that once the sale of Angel di Maria to Paris Saint-Germain was completed United would set forth with its plan to lure Pedro away from Barcelona.

The 28-year-old has become increasingly unsettled at the Camp Nou following the arrival of Luis Suarez and the subsequent lack of playing time he has received from manager Luis Enrique.

Even though Pedro recently signed an extension with the Catalan club, a clause was placed in his new deal which required the club to negotiate a transfer, provided the player’s £21 million valuation was met.

Barcelona boss Luis Enrique is against the transfer but admits that he would be powerless to stop a move if the forward’s valuation is met – and Pedro expressed a desire to leave.

The Spain international is concerned that a lack of playing time under Enrique will effect his chances of being included in La Roja’s squad for the upcoming Euro 2016.

The understanding is Van Gaal is prepared to line Pedro up alongside Wayne Rooney and Memphis Depay at the front of United’s attack – something that won’t happen at Barcelona so long as Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar are healthy.

On Tuesday, Manchester United chief executive Ed Woodward will meet with Barcelona officials and the club representative is expected to present the Catalan club with an offer of £17.5 million with an additional £5 million in add-on for Pedro.

The transfer may not be straightforward since Barcelona are reluctant to sell the forward before the completion of the UEFA Super Cup on August 11. However, United want the player signed before the Premier League season kicks off on Saturday against Tottenham.

Manchester United winger Angel di Maria is set to complete a reported £44.4 million move to Paris Saint-Germain on Monday.

The 27-year-old has flown from Argentina to Qatar where he will undergo a medical at the Aspire center and complete the formalities of his transfer to the Ligue Un champions.

It is understood that Di Maria has agreed a four-year contract worth around £170,000-a-week after taxes.

The deal for the winger has dragged on for weeks with Manchester United attempting to recover as much of the cost from their previous investment in the player. Di Maria only joined the English club last summer after completing a £59.7 million move from Real Madrid.

The Argentina international was due join up with his United teammates on July 25 as they continued their tour of the United States. However, in the days leading up to his expected arrival, news broke of the player’s “imminent” transfer to Paris Saint-Germain.

Di Maria failed to join up with the club and it was reported that the Argentine had “missed his flight” to the US.

In the following days, United manager Louis van Gaal refused to comment on the player’s future at Old Trafford. However, PSG boss Laurent Blanc and a number of his players gave every indication that Di Maria would soon been joining the French champions.

PSG’s initial bid for the player was rejected as United held out for more money, and Di Maria was fined by Van Gaal for missing scheduled time with the rest of the squad.

Now, just a week later, it appears that all parties involved are happy with the finances of the deal and the completion of a transfer is merely a formality.

With Di Maria set to join PSG, it is understood that United chief executive Ed Woodward is scheduled to fly out in order to meet with Barcelona officials in an effort to secure a deal for Pedro early this week.

The Spanish champions have yet to receive an official offer for the player and have repeatedly stated that they are reluctant to see the Spain international leave.

However, Pedro is aware that the likelihood of starting ahead of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar is remote, and the forward knows he needs playing time if he is going to secure a spot on Spain’s roster ahead of next summer’s European championship.

Barcelona officials are reportedly willing to let the veteran player leave. But would like him to remain with the team until the completion of the UEFA Super Cup on August 11.

However, United are keen to have the player in their squad before the Premier League campaign kicks off against Tottenham on August 8.

SEE MORE: View the Premier League TV schedule for the US.

The majority of Manchester United supporters were asking the same question when news broke last month of the club’s interest in Torino right-back Matteo Darmian – “Who?”

Fans quickly searched the player’s name and history on Google and watched various footage of Darmian on YouTube.

Almost immediately questions were raised asking why United had elected to drop its interest in Southampton right-back Nathaniel Clyne – who had established a solid reputation in the Premier League and internationally – in favor of an “unknown” 25-year-old Italian defender.

Even though the player arrived at Old Trafford boasting a solid reputation in Serie A – with most experts labeling him the best right-back in Italy – United fans were still leery of the purchase their club had made at a vital position.

The point was even raised that United had a poor history of assimilating Italian players into the squad.

However, after four pre-season friendlies Darmian’s arrival is proving a sound decision by the club and fans have universally embraced their new signing.

After manager Louis van Gaal initially proclaimed that the Italian would play second-fiddle to Antonio Valencia at right-back, Darmian went on to play the most minutes by a United player (243 mins) during the club’s preseason tour of the US.

While Valencia and Rafael da Silva’s performances have split fans’ opinions in recent seasons, Darmian’s effort have been unanimously praised. United supporters feel the Italian defender may finally the void left at the position following the retirement of Gary Neville in 2011.

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Darmian’s best performances came in United’s final two matches of the US tour against Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.

Against Barcelona, the 25-year-old kept United transfer target Pedro out of the game and ultimately forced the Spain international to switch wings midway through the first-half. While the following match versus PSG was overall a poor defensive performance by the team, Darmian stood out as the best player on the pitch with his timely tackles and bombing runs down the right-flank which gave the French champions problems for most of the contest.

When Darmian was unveiled last month, Louis van Gaal said: “I want always a player who can defend in the first place. At right-back you have to defend and cooperate with the defenders.”

While it’s still very early in his United career, it appears the Italian fits the bill for the club.

Van Gaal has already confirmed that Darmian will start the club’s Premier League opener against Tottenham next weekend.

It appears the player who was brought in to be the second-choice right-back behind Antonio Valencia is proving to be shrewd decision by the club.

Manchester United will finalize a deal for Barcelona forward Pedro once the sale of Angel di Maria is completed to Paris Saint-Germain.

Since the story first broke of Di Maria’s potential sale to the Ligue Un champions last week, United manager Louis van Gaal has sidestepped questions pertaining to the future of his unsettled Argentine winger. However, as more and more time passes it has become increasing clear that Di Maria’s time in England has come to an end and United have already begun preparations to replace the talented South American in their lineup.

A little more than a week ago United opened talks with Pedro’s representatives in order to gauge the player’s interest in a possible move to Old Trafford.

The Barcelona forward has become increasingly unsettled at the Camp Nou following the arrival of Luis Suarez and the subsequent lack of playing time he has received from manager Luis Enrique.

Even though Pedro recently signed an extension with the Catalan club, a clause was placed in his new deal which required the club to negotiate a transfer, provided the player’s €30 million valuation was met.

While no official bid has been made to Barcelona officials – as of yet – it is understood that United have prepared a €25 million offer for Pedro with an addition €7 million euros in add-ons.

Barcelona boss Luis Enrique is against the transfer but admits that he would be powerless to stop a move if the forward’s valuation is met – and Pedro expressed a desire to leave.

The Spain international is concerned that a lack of playing time under Enrique will effect his chances of being included in La Roja’s squad for the upcoming Euro 2016.

The understanding is Van Gaal is prepared to line Pedro up alongside Wayne Rooney and Memphis Depay at the front of United’s attack – something that won’t happen at Barcelona so long as Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar are healthy.

There had been reports that Pedro had asked United to wait until the conclusion of the Spanish Super Cup in mid-August, but it appears that rumor was false.

Once the sale of Di Maria to PSG is complete, it can be expected that Louis van Gaal will green-light an official bid for Pedro. The manager is intent on completing the transfer sooner rather than later in order to assimilate the player to his squad and solidify his lineup before the club’s Premier League opener against Tottenham on August 8th.

Atletico Madrid’s newest signing believes Diego Simeone‘s side will once again be challenging Barcelona and Real Madrid for the La Liga title this season.

Atletico were crowned champions of Spain on the final day of the 2013-14 campaign. However, after a summer which saw the key departures of Diego Costa, Filipe Luis and Thibaut Courtois to Chelsea; and the arrival of nine new players to the club, Simeone’s side finished two places and twelves points worse off in La Liga last season.

Because of their financial strength and global reach, many expected Barcelona and Real Madrid to reclaim their positions as the top two clubs in the Primera Division.

But Atletico has continued to make progress, increase its global brand and strengthened its squad in the transfer market.

The arrivals of Luciano Vietto (Villarreal), Yannick Ferreira Carrasco (Monaco), Stefan Savic (Fiorentina) and Jackson Martinez (Porto) – Filipe Luis is on the verge of re-joining the club as well – have given the club supporters reason to believe that Los Rojoblancos will once again be challenging for the La Liga title this season

This past weekend, Jackson Martinez was officially unveiled as an Atletico player at the Vicente Calderon in front of approximately 10,000 supporters, and the club’s latest signing believes his new squad possesses enough quality to challenge for the league title this season.

“I feel that I’m at a team with high demands and hunger for success,” the Colombia international told the media before his unveiling.

“The training staff demand the maximum and I feel we are building a great squad.

“[Fernando] Torres, Vietto and [Antoine] Griezmann are spectacular players. They’ve evolved as players and Vietto is a player with a great future ahead.

“Atletico are certainly candidates to challenge for the title. The squad is being really well-strengthened.”

Barcelona president Josep Bartomeu has heaped praise on Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal ahead of Saturday’s International Champions Cup match between the two sides in San Francisco.

Bartomeu feels Van Gaal – who coached Barcelona during two separates stints from 1997-2000 and 2002-2003 – is the perfect person to lead United back to domestic and European glory following the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013.

“We know Manchester United is one of the biggest clubs in the world,” Bartomeu said. “It’s a club that has always been very successful and they will be successful in the future because they are doing a nice project.

“You know that we know their coach, Louis van Gaal, very well. We know how strong, intelligent and clever he is, how he gets the best that is possible from his players, and United are going to be one of the top clubs this year, I’m sure.

“You have to remember that one of our best players of the past 15 years, Xavi, was brought through by Van Gaal. He put Xavi, [Carles] Puyol and others into the first team. Van Gaal did something very good by having a lot of confidence in our young players – he used them a lot and he was right because for the last 12 or 15 years, those players have been the best players in our team.”

United are reportedly in the process of securing the services of Barcelona forward Pedro, who is keen to join the English club since his playing time has taken a drastic hit following the arrival of Luis Suarez at the Camp Nou last season.

Bartomeu did not address the Pedro rumors, but the club president admitted that Barcelona – and La Liga as a whole – needs to show strength and resist the challenge posed by the financial strength of Premier League clubs – such as United.

He also feels that the new law which allows La Liga to sell all the television rights jointly will benefit the league in the long run because Spanish teams will now have a better chance of holding onto their players, instead of seeing them snatched up by clubs with a significant financial advantage.

“We are going to fight this,” Bartomeu said. “It’s true that the Premier League right now is the best in the world, not only in a sporting way but in terms of income.

“The new  television rights contract with the Premier League is something the rest of the leagues, including La Liga, have to follow.

“In Spain, we have a new law that obliges the clubs to sell all the TV rights jointly because we have to follow the Premier League.

“The Premier League is a reference point as an organization, we are following them and learning a lot of things from them, but we are going to fight against the Premier League. I talk about competition because we want to have the best players in our league.”

Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United have agreed a €65 million fee (£46 million) for winger Angel di Maria, according to a report from France Football.

The French publication believes Di Maria will join up with PSG tomorrow or Saturday in the United States. The Argentina international was scheduled to join up with United on July 25th.

This story has been “on and off” over the past 24 hours. But the reports from France are becoming louder and louder.

The Ligue Un champions chased the Argentine’s signature for most of last summer but were thwarted in their attempts to secure the winger due to their FFP restrictions. Di Maria would ultimately join United from Real Madrid for a British transfer record fee of £59.7 million (€75 million).

After initially hitting the ground running in England, Di Maria struggled with his form and personal issues for the remainder of the 2014-15 campaign.

The lowlights for the Argentine were his sending off against Arsenal in the FA Cup quarter-final and the incident which saw his home broken into by thieves while Di Maria was home with his family.

Despite his struggles, Di Maria professed his loyalty to United – insisting the club would be his last destination in England – and later revealed that he wanted to prove himself in England.

However, if the report from France Football is correct, it appears the Argentina international has backtracked on those statements.

There has been speculation over the past few days that if Di Maria were to move to France, United would quickly responded by bidding for Barcelona forward Pedro.

The understanding in Spain is that United have been in advanced talks with the player, and all that’s left is for the English club to trigger the player’s release clause.

As of this morning, Barcelona have yet to receive an offer for Pedro – or any of the players in their squad.

However, manager Luis Enrique and club president Josep Bartomeu have left the door open for the veteran player to leave provided he makes an official request.

The next 24-48 hours could be interesting.

Barcelona president Josep Bartomeu responded to speculation linking Pedro with a move to Manchester United by stating the club had not received any offers for any member of their squad.

Despite signing a contract extension with Barcelona last season, Pedro is understood to be keen on leaving the Catalan club because of their wealth of attacking options.

The 27-year-old wants to be in the Spain squad for Euro 2016, and that means he needs to play regularly for Barcelona. However, that is no longer possible with manager Luis Enrique expected to continue choosing a starting eleven with the attacking trio of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar at the forward positions.

It has been reported in Spain that United are in advanced talks with Pedro’s representatives and are prepared to offer Barcelona €24 million plus an additional €6 million in add-ons for the versatile forward.

Just yesterday, manager Luis Enrique confirmed he had held talks with the veteran player but was hesitant to give a firm answer as to whether or not Pedro would remain at the Camp Nou past this summer.

“Pedro? If he wants to go, a club will have to meet his release clause,” the manager said. “I have talked with Pedro to discuss the situation.

“I have told him how I think about it and he told me how he feels about it, but obviously I won’t reveal the exact content of the conversation we had.”

Pedro teammate Sergio Busquets also revealed that he had held talks with the forward, and was equally unsure of where his future lies.

“Yes, I have spoken to him but I won’t tell you what he said. It was a private conversation,” Busquets said.

“I would want him to stay, I would love him to stay. He is a friend of mine and it will be his final decision. He wants to play more and get more minutes. That what he wants.

“But we are in a team of great players and it’s hard for him. Finally it will be his decision but I hope he stays.”

However, speaking today after landing in San Francisco to join up with the squad, Barcelona president Josep Bartomeu confirmed there has yet to be any bids for any player, and no one had officially informed the club of their desire to leave.

“We have yet to receive any offers for any of our squad players and I go back to what out coach said – if anyone wants to leave they need to make a formal request and then ensure that their buyout clause is paid,” Bartomeu stated.

“As yet, no one has made this request so we are relaxed over the matter.”

Should United ultimately make a bid for Pedro, it is believed that Barcelona would be open to allowing the veteran player to leave in order to recoup some of the money the club has spent on transfers this summer.

Barcelona have spent almost €60 million on the signings of Aleix Vidal (from Sevilla) and Arda Turan (from Atletico Madrid) and only brought in €6 million for the transfer of Gerard Deulofeu to Everton.

It was believed that a deal for Pedro could be struck before the weekend – prior to Barcelona’s match against Manchester United in the International Champions Cup. However it appears that will not be the case.

It will be interesting to see how this story develops over the next 48-72 hours – especially if Pedro is left out of Luis Enrique’s squad on Saturday against United.

Atletico Madrid have completed the signing of former left-back Filipe Luis from Chelsea, according to the Spanish publication Marca.

Luis only joined the English side last summer from Madrid. However, during his first season at Stamford Bridge, the Brazilian defender failed to secure a spot in Jose Mourinho’s starting eleven and has ultimately elected to re-join Atletico Madrid, where he enjoyed domestic and European success from 2010 to 2014.

The defender made 127 appearances and won the Europa League and Copa del Rey as well as the Primera Division title as a member of Diego Simeone’s side.

Just yesterday, Mourinho hinted that Luis could be on his way out of the club – for the right price.

“If Atletico Madrid want him back then they have to pay and we have to discuss the offer,” Mourinho said.

“If he leaves then we have to react and we have to go in the market [to find a replacement].”

The agreement between Chelsea and Atletico Madrid is reportedly for €16 million – that would be €6 million less than the Premier League champions paid for the player last summer.

Once an official announcement is made, Luis will become Atletico’s fourth signing of the summer following the arrivals of Luciano Vietto (Villarreal), Yannick Carrasco (Monaco) and Jackson Martinez (Porto).

The La Liga club is also on the verge of completing a deal for Fiorentina defender Stefan Savic, with midfielder Mario Suarez expected to move in the opposite direction.

As for Chelsea, the reigning champions of England are reportedly eyeing Augsburg left-back Abdul Baba Rahman as Luis’ replacement.