Monday, October 18, 2010

No January signings, say Real, as Rooney rumors build momentum

One of Real Madrid's top officials has distanced the Spanish club from reports that it will launch a big-money January raid on Manchester United's prize asset Wayne Rooney.
British media have been widely speculating that the England striker will not sign an extension to his United contract, which expires in 2012, following an apparent rift with his club manager Alex Ferguson.
Ferguson has not selected Rooney in his starting line-up since newspaper reports emerged last month with claims about alleged marital infidelities, at first saying he was protecting the player and then that he had an ankle injury.

But the 24-year-old last week said he has had no fitness problems this season after returning to action in England's Euro 2012 qualifier against Montenegro.
Rooney came on as a second-half substitute in United's 2-2 draw with West Brom on Saturday, and the club released a statement the following day denying reports that he would be sold in January.
Predictably Real Madrid, who moved to the top of the La Liga title with Saturday's 4-1 win at Malaga, have been placed at the top of possible suitors.
However, the club's director general Jorge Valdano insists that Jose Mourinho has enough striking options and reiterated the coach's statement last week that there will be no new arrivals or departures at the Bernabeu when the transfer window reopens.
Former United star Cristiano Ronaldo and Argentina forward Gonzalo Higuain scored twice each at Malaga, while Mourinho also has France international Karim Benzema waiting for his chance.
"Madrid have two great strikers: Higuain and Cristiano, who already showed last season that they are capable of scoring 60 goals between them," Valdano told Spanish television station Telemadrid.
"As well as that there are [Angel] Di Maria and [Mezut] Ozil, who are going to help these two goalscorers. The question is, who would we move aside if we signed another striker?
"It's not a debate in Madrid. Mourinho had to come out and stop these types of rumors. And as well as that, Benzema has not had the last word."
Mourinho has also been linked with a move for Athletic Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente, who scored three times in Spain's Euro 2012 qualifying wins over Lithuania and Scotland in the absence of Fernando Torres.
"I like him," Valdano said. "But from that to finding him a place in Madrid, that won't be easy. Every season there will be a new player, but it doesn't always have to be a center-forward.
"Llorente is improving a lot and he is ready for new experiences, but often the media are discussing things that are not happening in the club. In January there will be neither ins nor outs. June is a long way away."
Mourinho's team return to Champions League action in Tuesday's home showdown with Italian giants AC Milan, seeking a third successive victory in Group G.
United fans will be waiting to see if Rooney returns to the starting line-up for Wednesday's home Group C clash with Turkish side Bursaspor.
Meanwhile, Mourinho confirmed on Monday that he wants France legend Zinedine Zidane to join his coaching staff.
Zidane has been working as a personal advisor to Real chairman Florentino Perez since mid-2009, having retired from playing after the 2006 World Cup final.
"I am a strong supporter for great men who are a symbol at the clubs where I work, and I would like Zidane to work with us," Mourinho told reporters.
"I feel he is close to working with the first team. Zidane is part of football and Real Madrid heritage."

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