La Liga Leaks: Mahrez 'not wanted by Barca’, Villarreal ‘target Rojo’

in Barcelona word of Riyad Mahrez rejecting Leicester City’s offer of a new contract hasn’t gone unnoticed. The Algerian winger has been linked with the club throughout last season where he was eventually crowned ‘Player of the Year’ for his performances in Leicester’s title-winning campaign. Speculation suggests he’d like to play for Barcelona - but he doesn’t quite fit into their plans.

Barcelona sources told Mundo Deportivo that Mahrez definitely wasn’t an option they were considering this summer, which suggests that if Mahrez is to leave, it’ll be to another Premier League side - and not to La Liga. Arsenal are said to be interested in him.

Villarreal got their preseason underway yesterday and lined up with two completely different XIs but there was no place for Mateo Musacchio. The Argentine international is subject of strong interest from AC Milan as the two clubs haggle over the price with Villarreal wanting close to €30m while Milan would prefer it was nearer €20m.

However, according to MARCA, Villarreal have already set their sights on a new defender: Marcos Rojo. The 26-year-old defender can play at left back or on the left hand side of the two centre backs, both positions Villarreal need to strengthen. It’s believed a move for the Manchester United player isn’t dependent on Musacchio leaving. Villarreal would want to loan Rojo initially with perhaps an option to buy at the end of the deal.

Various media outlets have reported that Valencia rejected Sevilla’s offer for Dani Parejo but according to AS, Real Madrid and Barcelona are ready to enter a bidding war for Andre Gomes. The Portuguese midfielder, triumphant at Euro 2016, is wanted by the two biggest sides in Spain but Valencia won’t consider offers below €65m.

Other news and rumours:

- Chelsea and Juventus have had bids for Gabriel Barbosa, ‘Gabigol’, rejected but even though Barcelona have first refusal on the player the price is beyond what they wanted to pay. Santos hope to bank €30m for the sought-after forward. (SPORT)

- Zinedine Zidane and Florentino Perez are said to have had an argument over the president forcing the coach to take Martin Odegaard with him for preseason training in Canada. (AS)

- Sevilla finally confirm the signing of Ganso. The midfielder had been touted as one of the brightest prospects in Brazil a few years ago.

- Nicolás Schiappacasse will meet up with Atletico Madrid for preseason ahead of joining the first team on a permanent basis in January. He’s currently on the books of River Plate. (AS)

- Barcelona are watching Lucas Lima after a recommendation from Brazil teammate Neymar. (MARCA)

- Isco will hold talks with Zidane next week to discuss his role at Real Madrid. The player is happy to stay and fight for his place but wants assurances he is valued by the coach and will get playing time. (MARCA)