SoccerBlogs

By Chris Wright

Former Arsenal dud Julio Baptista (currently of Roma or, more accurately, Roma's reserves) is in line for a return to North London come January, after hinting that he may have already received an offer from Tottenham.

When pressed specifically about speculation linking him with a move to White Hart Lane, the Brazilian brick-house told Spanish radio station Canal Sur:

"I have received something but there is nothing formal.

Cristiano Ronaldo failed to celebrate his two goals against Granada on Sunday evening, and there are reports coming out of Spain that the Portuguese star had requested a transfer from the club after failed contract extension negotiations.

After the game, Ronaldo was asked about his lack of celebration and said:

"I did not celebrate my goals because I'm unhappy with some people, and the club knows it, they are professional issues.

Cristiano Ronaldo failed to celebrate his two goals against Granada on Sunday evening, and there are reports coming out of Spain that the Portuguese star had requested requested a transfer from Real Madrid after failing to get a new contract.

After the game on Sunday Ronaldo was asked about his lack of celebration and said:

: 'I'm sad when I don't celebrate goals it's because I'm not happy.

According to reports in Spain, Liverpool are looking at signing David Villa of Barcelona and Real Madrid's Gonzalo Higuain in January.

The report by Spanish radio station Cadena Ser claims that Liverpool is concerned at the lack of goals by Andy Carroll, Dirk Kuyt among others so far, this season and are preparing big bids to land the top-class striking duo in the January transfer window in order to push for a tilt at the title.

It might be summer but that doesn't mean that the ill feelings between Barcelona and Real Madrid have gone away.

The war of words between the two clubs intensified today when Barca president Sandro Rosell accused Madrid of anti-sporting behaviour and slammed Real coach Jose Mourinho.

By Chris Wright

Not that anybody (except the Daily Mirror) ever thought he would for a split-second, but Cristiano Ronaldo himself has put the kibosh on rumours that he may be teetering on the edge of an exorbitant £150 million move to Manchester City, telling a Spanish radio station that 'money isn't the most important thing' to him no, hairgel is.

Former Barcelona president Joan Laporta says that is was Real Madrid executives who were indeed behind the recent doping allegations against Barcelona, despite recent statements from current Barca officials that refute talk of Real Madrid' involvement, AS reports.

Spanish radio station Cadena Cope sparked controversy recently when it reported that Barcelona had links to doctors with questionable reputations and that drug testing should be taken more seriously in La Liga.

Barcelona has denied allegations by a Spanish radio station that the club engaged in "doping practices."

Cadena COPE claimed late Sunday that Barcelona rival Real Madrid has asked the Spanish football federation to take drug testing in the league "more seriously", saying it doesn't understand how "doctors with questionable reputations" can be associated with the Catalan club.

Liverpool target Bojan Krkic has committed his immediate future to Roma amid reports of further interest from the Premier League.
Krkic, who moved to Roma in the summer of 2011, endured a mixed first season in Serie A, managing just seven goals in 33 league outings.
The former Barcelona forward had been tipped to follow recently-departed manager Luis Enrique out of the Stadio Olimpico exit, but he insists he wants to continue his progress in the Italian capital, despite mooted interest from Liverpool.

Despite being heavily criticized about their transfer policy in recent weeks it seems Liverpool are hoping to have more success this summer after they were linked with Barcelona striker David Villa.
On the day that Liverpool announced they had sacked Director of Football Damien Comolli, the club have been linked with the Barcelona and Spain star who has missed much of the current season through injury.

Liverpool striker target Gonzalo Higuain is being linked with a January move to Italy.
The Argentine international has been heavily linked with a move away from Real Madrid, with Kenny Dalglish reported to have taken an interest in the 24-year-old.
However, Italian publication La Stampa is claiming that Juventus have made the player their 'top priority' in the New Year, with an opening bid of £24 million prepared for the former River Plate starlet.

David Villa Linked With Liverpool

Liverpool have been linked with a shock move for Spanish International David Villa by Spanish radio station Cadena SER,the rumors suggest that Liverpool made contact with Villa's agent after the striker reportedly fell out with Lionel Messi.

Liverpool are being linked with a shock January move for Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain.
The Argentine international was speculatively place on the Reds' radar this summer, with Kenny Dalglish reportedly keen on the 23-year-old.
However, manager Jose Mourinho denied the club was looking to sell the former River Plate starlet, ending the Merseyside transfer link.

Barcelona winger Jeffren Suarez says he is proud of interest from Liverpool and has told fans to "see what happens" this summer.
It looks set to be a busy couple of months at Anfield, with the club already linked with several big-name signings including Sunderland's Jordan Henderson and Jeffren's Barca team-mate Bojan Krkic.

Fernando Torres has admitted Liverpool are a bigger club than Chelsea but says he moved to Stamford Bridge because he was losing enthusiasm for football at Anfield.
The striker has been heavily criticized by supporters of the Reds since his £50 million move to west London after three-and-a-half successful years on Merseyside.

After the shock departure of Fernando Torres to Chelsea, the last member of Rafa Benitez' Spanish Rafalution, goalkeeper Pepe Reina, has openly declared his intention to look elsewhere in the hunt for silverware.
"Yes, well Van der Sar will hang up his gloves in the summer so of course they (United) are looking," Reina told Spanish radio station Ondo Sera.

By Chris Wright

When questioned directly about the rumours linking him with Edwin van der Sar's soon-to-vacant lot at Manchester United during an interview with a Spanish radio station, Liverpool 'keeper Pepe Reina tiptoed around the subject, refusing to rule out a move to Old Trafford during the off-season.

After losing their hero, Fernando Torres, to Chelsea, it looks as though Pepe Reina is interested in jumping ship and joining the team at the top of the league.

"Yes, well Van der Sar will hang up his gloves in the summer so of course they are looking," Reina told Spanish radio station Ondo Sera.

I have to say that I was surprised to read the comments made by Thibaut Courtois the other day about Petr Cech and the longevity of his career. Courtois was speaking of the situation with joining Chelsea and being out on loan and told Spanish radio station Onda Cero the following about Petr Cech:

"I know he has problems with his knees and back, Chelsea's goalkeeping coach told me he doesn't know how much time Cech has left at the top level.

Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina has declared his intention to stay at Anfield next season, claiming the club is ready to compete for trophies once more.
Reina's future has been the subject of speculation and he appeared to be dissatisfied by Liverpool's struggles earlier this season. But the club have regained their status as a Premier League force since Kenny Dalglish took over from Roy Hodgson in January following the takeover by Fenway Sports Group.