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La Liga Leaks: Bellerin to replace Alves, Cristiano wants to stay & Griezmann to Man Utd?

Yesterday saw two breaking transfer stories involving the same clubs: Juventus and Barcelona. You’d be mistaken for thinking it could be Paul Pogba and Paulo Dybala leaving Turin to play under the bright lights of the Camp Nou but, in fact, it’s Dani Alves and Javier Mascherano who look set to leave one double-winning side to join another.

The move for Dani Alves looks pretty much sealed. He signed a new deal just last summer after long and tense negotiations but had a clause inserted into it which meant he could leave on a free at the end of the first year: something he’s since activated. One of the most successful footballers in Spain is set to join arguably the most successful side in Italy.

Of course this leads to speculation as to who will replace the iconic Brazilian. The name at the top of the list, so say Mundo Deportivo, is Arsenal’s Hector Bellerin. The youngster was at Barcelona between 2003 and 2011 before he left to join Arsene Wenger’s side at the age of 16. His former coach at Barcelona even called the player to sound him out over a return as the two remain on great terms. Other options include Joao Cancelo (Valencia), Mariano (Sevilla) and Juan Cuadrado (Chelsea).

Mascherano’s situation is vastly different to that of Alves as he has no such escape clause, meaning Juventus would need to agree a fee with Barcelona. “Mascherano won’t be sold,” was the message from the club yesterday and according to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona would only sell for €60m – a crazy asking price for a 31-year-old defender.

Fresh after rumours of a mega bid from Paris Saint Germain, Cristiano Ronaldo spoke with a Spanish TV show ‘Jugones’ where he left everything quite clear – for arguably the first time in 3-4 years. When asked if he was going to sign a new contract after the Champions League final he said: “We’ll see.” When pressed further he said, “It’d be a smart move by Real Madrid (to offer me a new contract). I want to stay here.”

The interviewer asked specifically about two clubs, PSG and Manchester City, and whether they should forget about signing Cristiano this summer. “All of them (should forget about signing me) – Real Madrid are the best.” He later laughed about Rafa Benitez offering him advice on how to shoot and dribble before praising Zinedine Zidane and hoping that he stays on as coach next season.

Antoine Griezmann’s agent set the cat amongst the pigeons yesterday when he spoke about “listening to offers from different clubs” while the Frenchman negotiates a new contract with Atletico Madrid. “You need to know that nowadays they can’t decide or guarantee anything.” The key part in all of this is that he’s negotiating a new deal with Atletico. Call me cynical, but what better way to earn yourself a few extra euros more than saying other clubs are interested? It’s rule number one in the ‘How To Negotiate The Best Deal For Your Client’ handbook.

Lucas Perez’s agent has also been talking about his client’s future and it seems increasingly likely it will be away from his hometown of La Coruña. In an interview with Estadio Deportivo, his agent mentioned there were “various offers – from Spain and abroad” but he wouldn’t leave Deportivo without their blessing and in a deal which they’d be happy to accept. “Lucas is ambitious and is always looking to improve. It’d be nice for him to test himself in the Champions League.” Sevilla are considered front-runners for the move and his agent said it’d be “a privilege” to remain in Spain, “But Lucas has already played abroad for three years and we wouldn’t have a problem to do so again, for a new experience.” This news should please Leicester City fans.

After the stories in the English press of Jose Mourinho having a bumper war chest available to strengthen Manchester United’s squad, a day hasn’t gone by without them being linked with a La Liga midfielder. The latest name on that list is Sevilla’s defensive midfielder Grzegorz Krychowiak but Estadio Deportivo reports the player is extremely happy where he is and wouldn’t force a move to the English giants. His release clause stands at €45m.

Alvaro Negredo has been told he can leave Valencia this summer and talks are already underway with AC Milan in order to make this happen. Negredo is represented by Doyen Sports and they have a very strong working relationship with the new Chinese owners at Milan, which could help facilitate a move to the fashion capital. Valencia would lose up to €18m on the €30m they paid for him two years ago but it’d take the highest wage earner off their books as they look to rebuild.

IN BRIEF:

• Sevilla, Borussia Dortmund and Leicester City are fighting it out to sign Wissam Ben Yedder from Toulouse.

• Real Betis’ new president, Angel Haro, is heading to London to try and secure a new loan deal for Chelsea’s Charly Musonda.

• Sevilla are interested in Sven Kums as a replacement for Ever Banega.

• Jose Callejon could return to Spain with Barcelona but the clubs are miles apart when it comes to the valuation of the player.

• Paco Jemez has rejected a new deal at Rayo Vallecano as Espanyol and Malaga wait in the wings.