Football transfer news

Manchester City have denied speculation that they are interested in Barcelona duo Cesc Fabregas and Sergio Busquets, stating that they have not made an offer, and are not planning to either.

Reports had suggested that City had made contact with the Spanish giants about the availability of former Arsenal man Fabregas, and also Busquets, who made his 50th appearance for his national team in the 1-1 draw against France.

A Manchester City statement said: “There’s no basis to these claims and the club has neither made nor is it planning to make an offer for these players.”

More to follow…

Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric has urged former Tottenham team-mate Gareth Bale to join him at the Bernabeu, saying the Welsh winger is good enough to play for the Spanish champions.

The 23-year-old has been a revelation for Spurs since being converted from a full-back to play further forward by Harry Redknapp, and Bale’s eye-catching displays in Europe have attracted the attention of top clubs.

Now Croatian star Modric – whose side beat Bales’ Wales 2-0 on Tuesday night – feels the speedy winger would be a fantastic signing for Jose Mourinho’s team.

“I agree [Bale] should play for Real Madrid and I hope he’ll come”, he told BBC Radio Wales.

“It would be amazing and I think he can [play for Real Madrid]. He’s a good enough player.”

Real currently trail bitter rivals Barcelona by eight points in La Liga after a stuttering start, but the acquisition of Bale could drive them on to a successful defence of their league title – although it is extremely unlikely Andre Villas-Boas will let his star leave in the January transfer window.

Bale led Wales to victory against Scotland on Friday night with a late penalty and a stunning solo strike, and after showing impressive form for Tottenham this year, the highlight being a powerful run and finish as Villas-Boas’ side won 3-2 away to Manchester United in September, the Welsh winger is a wanted man.

The winger won the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award for his performances during the 2010-11 campaign, including a hat-trick at the San Siro against Inter which won him widespread acclaim.

Spurs have a partnership scheme with Real which allows the two clubs to work together regarding players, coaching and commercial relationships, which could tip any future move in favour of the Madrid side.

Barcelona’s Andreu Fontas has joined fellow Liga side Real Mallorca on loan for the rest of the campaign, in a bid to get games under his belt after a serious injury.

The Spain Under-21 man suffered anterior cruciate ligament damage in January, and despite Tito Vilanova’s team being short of defenders after injuries to Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique, they do want to risk the 22-year-old after his lengthy layoff.

The youngster will provide cover for Joao Victor, who suffered a severe knee injury in the Islanders’ 2-1 defeat to Granada.

He is likely to make his debut for his new side when they travel to Sevilla on Monday, and he will wear the number 24 shirt.

Italy striker Giuseppe Rossi interests Serie A giants Inter, according to the Italian’s agent.

The 25-year-old had been linked with a move to Juventus, before the Bianconeri eventually turned down their chance of signing the player, as revealed earlier on Tuesday by Goal.com.

“Inter are a possible option for Giuseppe,” representative Federico Pastorello told Rai GR Parlamento.

“The side being put together by president Massimo Moratti, with a new project and a young well-prepared coach, is intriguing and we’ll leave the door open for it.

“We’ve often talked about various solutions in Italy and abroad, and Giuseppe has an undeniable appreciation for the Inter project, a club who want to remain at the top with a younger squad and cheaper costs.”

New Jersey-born Rossi is currently recovering from a knee injury, which he picked up during Villarreal’s 3-0 loss against Real Madrid in October, 2011.

“The operation went well and we are hoping that he’ll be back in training in March and will return to action by the end of the season,” his agent continued.

“I’m certain that he will be back stronger than ever.”

Borussia Monchengladbach attacker Patrick Herrmann has insisted there is no substance to the recent rumours linking him with a move to Tottenham.

Reports in Germany have claimed that Spurs manager Andre Villas-Boas is considering lodging a £7 million bid for the 21-year-old.

But, despite describing the suggestions as “flattering”, the midfielder has dismissed the idea of moving any time soon.

“I have heard about that. I read papers,” Herrmann told Rheinische Press. “Of course, those sums are somewhat flattering.

“You don’t have to overrate it. My agents did not tell me anything about it. That’s just rumours.”

Herrmann has made 56 appearances for Bundesliga side Monchengladbach in just over two years, finding the net 10 times.

He was keen to emphasise, though, his happiness with his current situation.

“I am happy about the praise. But why should I leave now? I feel great here,” he added.

“And the last season was great fun, we played beautiful football. We want to return to that now and are on the right path.”