La Liga Leaks: Zidane doesn’t rule out Cesc move, Bravo’s farewell game?

Zinedine Zidane was asked about the possibility of signing Cesc Fabregas after last night’s Trofeo Bernabeu triumph. “If want to squeeze in another central midfielder it’s going to be complicated. Not just because it’s Cesc, who is a great player, but it’s complicated.” And even without signing Cesc, Zidane will have problems keeping all of his current squad happy. “I’m going to need to leave three or four players outside the match day squad.”

One question Zindane is tired of being asked is about James Rodriguez’s future. The Colombian international showed glimpses of his old self last night but it hasn’t stopped speculation he will be sold ‘for the right price’. “James is here. I’m happy with his performance and he’s going to stay. You always ask the same things and I always reply the same way.” It seems like James might get another season to prove his worth at the Bernabeu.

Tonight could be Claudio Bravo’s final match for Barcelona. Luis Enrique would love to have him available for the weekend’s opening fixture against Real Betis but knows he isn’t in control of the deal. Manchester City, naturally, want him in their squad as soon as possible and all signs suggest he’ll fly over to England tomorrow. Diego Alves is expected to be announced as Bravo’s replacement at Barcelona.

Speaking of players that could make the switch from Valencia to the Camp Nou, Superdeporte say Paco Alcacer’s move is being pushed by Peter Lim, and not necessarily by anyone else at the club. The familiar name of Jorge Mendes pops up as he agreed with Lim that a potential €45m deal was a good one. However this put president Layhoon Chan in a very awkward position as she faced club members. She said the club didn’t want to sell Paco but this appears more and more like a forced message, to keep face, as opposed to anything of real importance.

Both Plaza Deportiva and Mundo Deportivo are sharing the same information today in regards to the Alcacer deal itself. What was agreed between Lim, Mendes and Barcelona was €30m plus the loans of Munir El Haddadi and Sergi Samper. The former isn’t overly keen on the move after impressing throughout preseason but is smart enough to know his chances would be limited this season too, especially with Alcacer there.

Other news and rumours:

- While Bravo is set to become Man City’s goalkeeper for this season, the future could see them turn to another La Liga stopper: Geronimo Rulli. The keeper, who is technically only on loan at Real Sociedad, admitted he didn’t know where his future lied beyond the next two seasons. Jokin Aperribay, the club’s president, admitted that should City and the player wish to join the English side there was nothing they could do to stop him. (MARCA)

- Valencia are waiting for developments in deals for Aymen Abdennour and Shkodran Mustafi. Both players are wanted by Premier League clubs, Everton and Arsenal respectively, but as yet neither have made an official bid. Valencia hope to sell Abdennour and keep Mustafi, which looks increasingly likely as Arsenal don’t want to match Valencia’s evaluation for the German international (in the excess of €30m). (Plaza Deportiva)