Football transfer news

Ignazio Abate could leave AC Milan if the defender’s valuation is met as the Rossoneri are looking to free-up cash for Manchester City forward Mario Balotelli, according to the full-back’s representative.

Zenit St Petersburg coach Luciano Spalleti is said to be interested Abate, who he knows from his time in Serie A when coaching Roma.

The defender’s agent claims Spaletti has tabled an unsatisfactory offer for the 26-year-old, but hinted that a higher bid from Zenit may change things as the San Siro outfit seek to bring in Man City attacker Balotelli.

“We thank Zenit and Spalletti for their interest, but the lad will remain in Italy with Milan,” Claudio Pasqualin told Personal Press.

“If Zenit raise their offer, then maybe something will change, considering Milan are looking for cash to take Mario Balotelli.”

AC Milan are pushing for Europe in Serie A having risen to sixth place after a slow start to the season.

Fiorentina look set to sign Poland international Rafal Wolski from Legia Warsaw subject to the successful completion of a medical at Stadio Artemio Franchi on Thursday.

The deal, reportedly worth €2.8 million, will represent Vincenzo Montella’s third deal of the transfer window following the captures of Italy international striker Giuseppe Rossi and Argentine forward Marcelo Larrondo.

The 20-year-old midfielder will be tasked with supplying the ammunition to the Viola’s new look front line as they look to continue their push for the European spots.

“Rafal Wolski flies to Italy [on Wednesday] evening and will have medical tests tomorrow,” Legia president Boguslaw Lesnodorski told the official club website.

“A deal with Fiorentina has not yet been signed, but the clubs are negotiating and are close to an agreement.”

Fiorentina currently occupy fifth place in Serie A with 36 points.

Barcelona have announced that Xavi will sign a new contract on Monday.

The Liga leaders revealed in December that the 32-year-old had agreed to extend his current deal at the club, which is due to expire in June 2014.

Tito Vilanova’s side have now confirmed that the midfield star will put pen-to-paper at the beginning of next week, with the new deal set to keep him at the club until June 30, 2016.

The news follows Carles Puyol’s decision to pen fresh terms at Camp Nou earlier this week, with the captain also signing an extension until 2016.

While Lionel Messi is expected to sign a new deal in the coming weeks, with the Argentina attacker set to commit his future to the club until 2018.

Stade Rennais have confirmed they have agreed to sell Yann M’Vila to Rubin Kazan, with the deal set to be completed on Wednesday night.

The 22-year-old has been touted for a move away from the club for some time, with Premier League sides Tottenham and QPR thought to be at the front of a long list of admirers, before the Ligue 1 club made an announcement on their official website

“Stade Rennais FC, Rubin Kazan and Yann M’Vila have reached an agreement for the permanent transfer of the French international. After undergoing a medical, the Rennes midfielder will join the Russian club officially on Wednesday evening,” the statement read.

Earlier, Rubin’s vice-president Kamil Ishakov admitted the player was close to sealing a switch, but for the ironing out of the final details of the deal.

He told Sport-Express: “M’Vila attracts many European clubs. In England, clubs such as QPR, Fulham and Arsenal have, like Rubin, made concrete proposals.

“[But] Negotiations are currently in our favour. There are still some details, including the final results of the medical visit which takes place in Rome. Once the results are published, all will be decided. It is possible that he could sign the contract tonight.”