Kalou: Drogba wants to finish career in US

The two Ivorians are good friends and the Lille attacker says that his compatriot is keen to move to the MLS before he retires
EXCLUSIVE
By Alex Labidou

Salomon Kalou has revealed that Didier Drogba would like to finish his career in the United States.

The veteran forward is currently plying his trade in Turkey with Galatasaray, but Kalou says his Cote d'Ivoire team-mate has his heart set on a move to MLS before he hangs up his boots.

"He loves America, he always goes there for holidays and it's a place he always enjoys," the Lille attacker told Goal.

"For him to work there would be an amazing experience. I think that's his goal and that's where he wants to finish [his career].

"He hasn't told me directly, but he has told me that finishing in New York or LA would be amazing experience. I know that's in his mind right now. He would love to finish there.

"Didier is the type of guy who never goes to a place without making an impact. For him, going to MLS is a great thing because MLS is developing as a football league.

"I think having Didier in that league would give it an extra boost and continue to help the league develop."

As for his own future, Kalou was reluctant to be drawn on reports that West Ham are keen to bring the former Chelsea man back to the Premier League.
"Well right now, I haven't really talked about it, I'm working hard on my pre-season," the 27-year-old insisted. 

"I'm trying to get myself ready for the season. I still have a contract with Lille. The most important thing is to stay focused and I think the club will decide in the right moment and I'll decide at the right moment.

"Right now, I'm not in a rush to make any decisions. I'm happy that teams are interested in me and I love the fact that even though we didn't qualify for Champions League, I scored a few good goals. 

"It means that other teams can see that I can develop as a player. So, I like to keep [things] open and then see what the best move is."
Kalou spent six years at Stamford Bridge before joining Lille on a free transfer last year.

Real Madrid want Bale in case Ronaldo leaves, claims Calderon

The Blancos legend has claimed that the Spurs winger is being targeted because Florentino Perez is concerned that the Portuguese star will not sign a new contract

Former Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon believes the club are trying to sign Gareth Bale because they fear losing Cristiano Ronaldo.

Tottenham and Madrid have opened negotiations over a €114 million move for Bale, with the winger keen to move to the Santiago Bernabeu.

Calderon, who was president for three years between 2006 and 2009, believes the transfer will be completed this summer, not least because current Blancos supremo Florentino Perez is concerned Ronaldo will not renew his contract.

"I know that [Ronaldo] is not happy at all with the attitude and behaviour of the president," he told TalkSport. "He is asking for €20million net every season, which is going to be difficult for Real to accept.

"I think the president has all his eggs on the table just in case he can’t get the renewal of Cristiano. That is my impression.

"He's afraid at some moment that Cristiano will say, 'I am not going to go on'. That will be bad news for Madrid.

"I would like to see him retire at Real but now the situation is difficult. Let's see in the next weeks or months if it can be sorted out and he can stay."

Ronaldo sparked speculation about his future at the beginning of last season after revealing he was "sad" in Madrid, while reports in Spain over the summer have claimed that he is still unhappy with the club's attitude to his contract renewal.

Toka zhduket në pak sekonda…duket se diçka po lëviz cuditshëm në këtë botë!

Cadillac luxury, recharged

When the Chevrolet Volt, the ELR’s commoner cousin at General Motors, began a staggered sales roll-out across the United States in 2010, demand was so fierce that some dealers charged thousands of dollarsover the car’s suggested $41,000 price.

Fast forward to summer 2012, when the average price for gasoline in the US was lower than it was in 2010, and those same dealers were offering rebates to clear languishing Volts from their lots.

Early Volt adopters purchased a technological marvel that looked little better than a pre-bankruptcy GM economy car. But those who awaited a reconciliation between high style and high technology have now been rewarded with what could be the hybrid of their dreams.

The ELR begins with the powertrain principle of the Chevrolet Volt. A 16.5-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack gives the dashing wedge ofMichigan machinery enough power to travel 35 miles on electricity alone. When the batteries are depleted, a 1.4-litre gasoline motor kicks in to recharge them, buying the driver an additional 300 miles of travel.

To this, Cadillac adds a hand-sewn leather interior, chrome brightwork, LEDs and a body seemingly fashioned from stone. The ELR is a looker.

What Cadillac does not add is urgency. During its official introduction at the Detroit auto show on 15 January, Bob Ferguson, Cadillac’s global vice president, said GM would begin producing the ELR for the North American market late this year, with a targeted sale window of early 2014. European admirers must wait even longer, perhaps more than a year after US sales begin, much as they did for the Vauxhall-Opel Ampera, the European equivalent of the Volt.

Given the ELR is based on a four-year-old concept vehicle called theConverj, the delay is as surprising as it is disheartening.

Another red flag is the ELR’s as yet unknown price. A premium of $20,000 over the Volt would not be unexpected, given the Cadillac’s superior breeding. Even for plug-in converts, that may prove too dear a tithe to extract – regardless of what gas stations may be extracting from us in a year’s time.

Until then the ELR remains a glinting bauble of virtue, waiting for its moment to be loved or spurned.

Mercedes-Benz reveals S63 AMG

Seems AMG has been busy of late, what with the new A45 and CLA45 both making their debuts in 2013, and now this, the crowning glory of the stunning new S-Class range (until the S65 arrives, of course).

And what a new S-Class it is. Smooth, confident, accomplished, packed to the rafters with technology and – as we found out when we drove it – better than ever before. This AMG version then, uses the same 5.5-litre twin-turbocharged V8 doing the rounds in Merc's Big Cars – E63, CLS63, et al. – to great effect.

As mentioned, it gets 577hp and a whopping 664lb-ft of torque, which means it will out-accelerate a manual Porsche 911 Carrera 4S. That's genuine pace. The twin-turbo “M157” unit is hand-built by one man – as per AMG's rules – and comes complete with an aluminium crankcase, direct injection, an air-to-water intercooler and a lightweight composite oil pan.

Elsewhere on the new S63, you'll find an AMG sports exhaust with special flaps that automatically open and close depending on the transmission selection on the seven-speed ‘box. In “controlled efficiency” mode (“C”), they're closed, but switch over to “Sport” (“S”) or “Manual” (“M”) and you're highly likely to scare the neighbour's Labrador.

Oh, and like the new E63 AMG, the S63 is available as a four-wheel-drive, too, the 4Matic.

It's fitted with “magic body control” that – unfortunately – doesn't involve a miniature Paul Daniels on the dashboard telling you to slow down, but instead sensors that detect the road surface and adjust the suspension accordingly. “Comfort” and “Sport” modes are available for the chassis and steering, and you can work out what each one does.

Underneath the 19in lightweight alloy wheels (or optional forged alloy 20s) sit horrendously big carbon ceramic brake discs (420mm up front. 420mm!) that are “fade-resistant” and display “higher thermal stability”. We suspect energetic use of these brakes will display “higher intestinal instability”.

There's a new front apron and splitter, side sill panels with 3D inserts in silver chrome, lots of AMG lettering, a black rear diffuser with chrome trim and, of course, a pair of twin exhaust pipes. Inside there are new AMG sports seats, lots of lavish leather, an AMG sports steering wheel, TFT colour display and, erm, some more AMG lettering.

Naturally, you can lose quite a significant portion of your time flicking through the options list, which includes a chauffeur pack, a “first-class” rear suite, an air-balance pack, coloured calipers and AMG carbon fibre exterior/brake packs.

Prices to be confirmed in due course, closer to its sale date later this year. The previous generation cost just under £114k, so expect something similar.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class Brabus: The power of ‘B’

Because what we have here is the German tuner's take on the S-Class, packing a whole lot more power. Welcome to the B63S.

It's the most powerful performance pack available from a trio of upgrades offered by Brabus, the first two weighing in at 520bhp (a simple ECU remap available for the S500) and 650bhp (available on the S63).

But it's the range-topping B63S - 730 that's drawn our attention, chiefly because it gets gold heat reflection on the inlet pipes – a bit like the McLaren F1's engine bay – two special Brabus turbochargers (replacing Mercedes' own blowers) with larger compressor units for higher boost pressures, and a low-temperature water radiator for the intercooling system.

There's a free-flow exhaust system with 3in-thick downpipes, as well as Brabus engine mapping for the 5.5-litre V8. But the real reason it caught our attention is because this performance upgrade unleashes 730bhp – as much as a Ferrari F12 – and 785lb-ft of torque. That is many, many torques. Top speed is "limited electronically" to 202mph. Limited to 202mph. More than any other stat you've just read on this new Brabus, that last one speaks volumes about its power.

You can option a special sports exhaust, too, with a butterfly valve that changes from a discreet “coming home” mode (well, as discreet as a 730bhp über-saloon can ever get), or the full banana “wake the neighbours and terrify the dog” mode (here shortened to “Sport”).

Elsewhere, you can specify a new aero kit to help minimize negative lift (increase downforce, basically), new monoblock alloy wheels ranging from sizes 19in to 21in, special control modules for the Airmatic or active body control suspension that lower it by 15mm, and of course, many exclusive interior options.

No word on price – not even the standard S63 AMG's ticket has been confirmed yet – but the base S63 is expected to cost upwards of £115k.

Messi leads Argentina squad for Italy friendly

Manchester City star Sergio Aguero misses out through injury but there's a recall for Roma's Erik Lamela for next month's match versus Cesare Prandelli's team
Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella has announced his 22-man squad for the upcoming international friendly against Italy, with Lionel Messi included in the party.

The Argentines will have to make do without the services of the injured Sergio Aguero when they take on the Euro 2012 finalists, while Juventus striker Carlos Tevez has again been left out.

Messi makes the cut for the clash on August 14, as does Inter midfielder Ricky Alvarez and new Napoli signing Gonzalo Higuain, while Roma's Erik Lamela earns a recall to the squad.

Defenders Cristian Ansaldi and Jose Maria Basanta are two of the more surprising names in Sabella's squad for the Italy clash.

Kolarov flattered by Juventus link

The 27-year-old insists he is happy to remain with Manuel Pellegrini's side, despite only starting 11 Premier League games under Roberto Mancini last season
Aleksandar Kolarov insists he is happy to stay at Manchester City but is flattered by reports linking him with a move to Juventus.

The 27-year-old started just 11 Premier League matches for City last season and has struggled for regular football due to the presence of French left-back Gael Clichy.

Kolarov has been linked with a switch to Serie A champions Juventus recently, and when quizzed about the rumours, he declared that he would be interested.

"I'm happy at City and it is my intention to remain," Kolarov told Tuttosport.

"I want to play as much as possible to show [Manuel] Pellegrini my qualities. I want to remain in Manchester, but it is only logical that should I not be given any space in the team then I'll have to evaluate a few things.

"It is nice to know that an important and prestigious club such as Juventus like me, but I'm not the only person who will have a say on my future.

"If something is to happen then it will be decided by the two clubs first. What I can say is that I was happy in Italy and I like your football."

De Rossi hints at Roma stay

The midfielder has been heavily linked with a move away from the club but says he is focused on helping the Giallorossi bounceback from a disappointing season last year
Daniele De Rossi has dropped his biggest hint yet that he could stay at Roma by insisting he is committed to helping the club bounce back from a disappointing season, despite speculation linking him with a move this summer.

The 30-year-old has attracted a host of suitors with Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea having all been in the frame for the midfielder's signature.

Roma star Francesco Totti has urged the Italian to stay at the Giallorossi, however, and De Rossi says he is ready to ensure the club improve on last term's sixth-placed Serie A finish.

"The last few seasons have not gone well, that is clear," De Rossi told reporters.

"What we need is to be reborn. And we start from here, in pre-season. This is the preparation for a revival ahead of an important year.

"The club has always been a strong one, even in the years that things didn't go so well.

"However, something has been missing or else we wouldn't have had these seasons that were not too positive.

"We are not missing that much at Roma, but we are lacking a little. What we really need is enthusiasm. We need to put a winning run of games together and start to believe in ourselves again."

De Rossi - who has been a Roma player since graduating from the club's youth ranks in 2001 - has been used in a variety of positions throughout his career.

And the Italy international says he is happy to play anywhere for new coach Rudi Garcia.

"I do everything. I've always done that. I've never made myself unavailable for a particular tactical solution," he said.

"I've played as a playmaker, a ball-winner, even as a defender. I think that has been under-estimated."

Roma open the Serie A season away to Livorno on August 25.

Braziliane flet shqip e fort fare (VIDEO)

Twelve players at morning training

The ten first team players that didn't travel to Poland, plus Pinto and Oier, trained this morning under Tata Martino

Casillas kicks off his 15th season with Real Madrid’s first team

The team captain debuted in an official match in San Mames against Athletic Club on 12 September 1999

Realmadrid.com

Iker Casillas kicks off his 15th season with Real Madrid’s first team as the squad begins their preseason preparation in the U.S. The goalkeeper, who started playing in the lower tiers of the club in 1990, has played 654 official matches with the first team and has won every major Spanish and international championship with the Whites.

The relationship between Casillas and the club began 23 years ago, when the player signed with Real Madrid’s Benjamin squad on 1 July 1990. Casillas steadily climb his way through the ranks until making it to the top tier in 1999. His debut with the first team in an official match was on 12 September of that same year, in a La Liga clash against Athletic Club in San Mames.

Since then, Casillas has won two Champions Leagues, two Intercontinental Cups, five Ligas, a Copa del Rey, a European Supercup and four Spanish Supercups with Real Madrid. He has defended the Whites’ goal in a total of 654 official matches, is the third goalkeeper with the most games played (476) in the history of the Spanish national championship and eleventh in the global list of players. 

Ramos: “Ancelotti is one of the best and we’re going to try to enjoy it”

“The excitement and desire to secure a spot on the squad is palpable in every training session”, said the Whites’ second captain

Realmadrid.com

Sergio Ramos spoke to the press for the first time this season. The Whites’ second captain was excited for the season, set to officially start in just over a fortnight, and had words of praise for Carlo Ancelotti: “He’s one of the best in the world and we’re going to try to enjoy it. Having highly experienced coaches is a very positive thing. You learn a lot from him and hopefully I can bring titles. The important thing is that we understand perfectly what he teaches us and have a good year from there. It's a tremendous joy to be here and we hope he has a hard time choosing because competition is very important on great teams”.

Ramos was clear about the high spirits observed at every training session and every player’s motivation to convince the Italian coach: "Everything settles down when a new coach arrives, but also you can see each player’s desire and effort. We can convey calm, but the uncertainty created from wanting a spot on the squad is palpable. Your motivation encourages you to keep working and growing. You should never lose your motivation, because you’ll have a problem the day you do”. 
When asked about the club’s reinforcements for the upcoming season and the player that has surprised him the most over these last few days, Ramos replied: “We shouldn’t criticise anybody, because we have a group of players that are trying. There are players who make the difference and who can have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to play here and they shouldn’t squander it. The train only passes once and you have to be ready for it. The hard part is keeping it up. This isn’t just any team, this is Real Madrid”. 
Ramos also commented on his personal situation on the squad: “I think I’m a player that has given his all. I wake up excited to continue growing both personally and professionally and the ideal team to do that on is Real Madrid, because it has the best coaches and players. I can bring a humble attitude and young outlook to the squad as I did from the start. There is little to add about the past. I don’t hold grudges and I focus on the best that I’ve experienced. I wake up each day eager to learn. I did it with Mourinho and I do the same with Ancelotti”. 
The Whites’ second captain also had words for two of his teammates. Regarding Isco, the defender commented: “It’s good that young players with ambition and a desire to win trophies are on the squad. He made a difference on his former team. He’s good news for the team and can add a lot of great things. Competition is always good and we have to expect things from our teammates. We all want to play and the best players should be the ones that do”. Regarding Pepe: “He’s always been a guarantee on the pitch and is one of the best in the world. It would be wonderful if he continues here, but everyone is free to decide their future. He continues to form part of this team, which is more or less complete on defence”. 
When asked about Real’s first rival on American soil and the type of football played in the United States, Ramos replied: “Los Angeles Galaxy are a leading team in this country. They’ve won two titles in a row and it’s always good to face the best in order to be as ready as possible for the official season. Their biggest player is Donovan, but Keane also makes a difference. They’ve also had strong growth in this country. They won the Gold Cup and continue to show progress and consistency today. As players we’re happy that they’re on par with the best competitions in the world”.
To conclude, and in reference to the Whites’ possible signing of Bale, Ramos said: “The price of players is determined by the market. He’s not very expensive from my point of view. It’s important that there are young, national players on this squad because a national core is very important. But from there it’s wonderful to have great players. It’s a good philosophy and a good project. The president and Ancelotti will decide if he needs to come here”.

Ja si fitohen like me shume ne status

Njerzit nuk mund ti ndajne syte nga gjoksi i kesaj shitesje ne Qendren tregtare ne prishtine

Vali Corleone publikon Videon e nxehte me Vipin e Rradhes

ja kush jane njerezit me fame qe jan mbytur nga Illuminati (VIDEO)

Fenomeni paranormal qe tmerroi Ankarane. (VIDEO)

Ka marrë dhen dhe ka befasuar qytetarët e Ankarasë, një fenomen i pashpjegueshëm i cili u shfaq papritur në qiellin e qytetit...! Papritur, në qiell shfaqet një cikët i rrumbullakët dhe formë spirale, teksa del një objekt nga “zemra” e saj!/ Shikoni sesi aktivizohet dhe zhvillohet ky fenomen:

HTC warns of first ever operating loss

Taiwanese mobile phone maker HTC has warned it may make an operating loss - its first ever - in the third quarter, sending its shares down sharply.

Its shares fell 7% to 159.5 Taiwanese dollars, a near eight-year low.

On Tuesday, the firm warned that it may swing to an operating loss as its revenue projections missed analysts forecasts hurting investor morale.

It said its margins were hurt by "relatively higher cost structure" as well as the "lack of economy of scale".

It said it expects its operating margin in the third quarter to fall to between zero and minus 8% on revenues of between T$50 to T$60bn ($1.7bn-$2bn; £1.1m-£1.3bn)

Most analysts had forecasting a margin of between 2-4% and revenues of close to T$72bn.

Dwindling fortunes

Continue reading the main story

“Start Quote

It doesn't seem like the company has any strategy that can turn this around”

Daniel ChangMacquarie Securities

Once a major global player, HTC has seen its fortunes slide in recent times as it lost market share to rivals such as Samsung and Apple.

It net profit dipped 83% in the second quarter, from a year earlier.

In an attempt to revive growth, it has launched new products - including the HTC One - the response to which, it said, had been encouraging.

"With the help of HTC One, we have regained superphone market share across major markets including China," the company said.

It added that it plans to launch a range of innovative and competitive mid-tier products in the coming months, which it expects will help it "regain momentum and market share in these segments" in the coming months.

While the company said it expected an improvement in the fourth quarter, some analysts were sceptical if it will be able to turn around things in the near-term.

"It doesn't seem like the company has any strategy that can turn this around," said Daniel Chang, an analyst at Macquarie Securities.

HTC shares have fallen 44% over the past 12 months and are trading at their lowest level since 2005.

Rihanna wins Topshop T-shirt court case

Pop singer Rihanna has won a legal battle with Topshop over a T-shirt bearing her image.

The star sued Topshop's parent company Arcadia for $5 million (£3.3m) over the T-shirts, which featured a photo taken during a video shoot in 2011.

Her lawyers told the High Court in London the fashion chain duped fans and may have damaged her reputation.

They said the picture was "very similar" to images used on CD sleeves for one of her albums.

Judge, Mr Justice Birss, ruled that a "substantial number" of buyers were likely to have been deceived into buying the T-shirt because of a "false belief" that it had been approved by the singer.

He said it was damaging to her "goodwill" and represented a loss of control over her reputation in the "fashion sphere".

Topshop's lawyers had claimed the 25-year-old was making an unjustifiable bid to establish a "free standing image right" over use of her picture in the UK.

The photograph used by Topshop had been taken during filming of a music video in Northern Ireland in 2011.

In a two-minute judgment Mr Justice Birss, said there was "no such thing as a general right by a famous person to control the reproduction of their image".

"The taking of the photograph is not suggested to have breached Rihanna's privacy," he continued.

"The mere sale by a trader of a T-shirt bearing an image of a famous person is not an act of passing off.

"However, I find that Topshop's sale of this T-shirt was an act of passing off."

Mr Justice Birss however did not make an assessment of any liable damages in his ruling.

Zimbabwe election: Robert Mugabe faces Morgan Tsvangirai

Long queues have formed at polling stations in Zimbabwe as people vote in fiercely contested elections which have already been hit by fraud allegations.

President Robert Mugabe, 89, has said he will step down after 33 years in power if he and his Zanu-PF party lose.

Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai's Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) have accused Zanu-PF of doctoring the electoral roll, a charge it has denied.

Campaigning for the presidential and parliamentary poll was mostly peaceful.

Zanu-PF and the MDC have shared an uneasy coalition government since 2009 under a deal brokered to end the deadly violence that erupted after a disputed presidential poll the previous year.'Determined to vote'

"They want to find a way out," Mr Mugabe said.Mr Mugabe dismissed the MDC's allegations of vote-rigging as "politicking" as he voted in the capital Harare's Highfield township, AFP news agency reports.

"I am sure people will vote freely and fairly, there is no pressure being exerted on anyone."

Mr Tsvangirai described casting his ballot as an emotional moment "after all the conflict, the stalemate, the suspicion, the hostility".

"This is a very historic moment for us," he is quoted by AFP as saying.

Mr Tsvangirai won the most votes in the first round of the 2008 poll, but pulled out of the run-off with Mr Mugabe because of attacks on his supporters.

The government has barred Western observers from monitoring Wednesday's elections, but the African Union (AU) and the Southern African Development Community (Sadc), as well as local organisations, have been accredited.

Polls opened at 07:00 local time (05:00 GMT) and are due to close at 17:00 GMT.

The turnout is expected to be high among the 6.4 million people registered to vote, with tens of thousands attending rallies in recent weeks. Results are expected within five days.

Wednesday has been declared a national holiday to ensure people can vote. Despite this, voters queued for several hours outside polling stations across the country before they opened, reports the BBC's Nomsa Maseko in Harare.

Zimbabwe Election Support Network, the main domestic monitoring agency, said the vote appeared to be taking place without too many problems, Reuters news agency reports.

"There are some concerns around long queues, but generally, it's smooth," said its spokesman Thabani Nyoni.

"I got up at four but still couldn't get the first position in the line," Clifford Chasakara, a voter in the western province of Manicaland, told the Reuters.

"My fingers are numb, but I'm sure I can mark the ballot all the same. I'm determined to vote and have my vote counted."

Mr Tsvangirai, who voted in Harare's middle class suburb of Mt. Pleasant, said there was a sense that "finally Zimbabwe will be able to move on again", AFP reports.

His party will win "quite resoundingly, I must say", he added.

At a news conference at State House on Tuesday, Mr Mugabe was asked if he and Zanu-PF would accept defeat.

"If you go into a process and join a competition where there are only two outcomes, win or lose, you can't be both. You either win or lose. If you lose, you must surrender," he said.

But Mr Tsvangirai dismissed the president's remarks.

"He does not believe in the right of the people to choose. He does not believe he can be voted out of office," he told the BBC.

The 61-year-old has vowed to push Mr Mugabe into retirement; it is his third attempt to unseat him.

An MDC spokesman said separately that the party was only prepared to accept the results of the elections if they were "free and fair".

Courtois: Last season was 9.5 out of 10, but I can do better

The Atletico Madrid goalkeeper is delighted to be included in the Goal 50 list after a brilliant 2012-13 campaign, but says he hopes to improve for the Spanish side next season
EXCLUSIVE
By Adrian Boullosa & Ben Hayward

Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has given his side "nine-and-a-half out of 10" for their brilliant season last term, but believes he can perform even better with the Spaniards next year.

Courtois has spent the last two campaigns at Atletico on loan from Chelsea and extended the agreement to a third season earlier this summer, having starred for Diego Simeone's outfit in their qualification for the Champions League, their Uefa Super Cup success against Chelsea and the Copa del Rey win against city rivals Real MadridThe Belgium international produced a number of sensational saves in the Bernabeu victory in May as Atletico upset their local adversaries with a 2-1 extra-time success, and believes that the capital club can build on the momentum they generated during a memorable 12 months.

He told Goal: "We hope to equal and even improve on last season, which was a very good one for our team. I wouldn't say it was a 10, because you can always do better, but I would give it nine-and-a-half out of 10.

"I will try to play like I did last year and also improve because I am young and I can do better."

At the age of just 21, Courtois further enhanced his reputation by collecting the prestigious Zamora award for conceding fewer goals than any of his contemporaries in La Liga, and he is delighted that his inspired displays have led to his inclusion at No.28 in the Goal 50.

He added: "It is an honour and a satisfaction for me to see my name in relation to the best players in the Goal 50 list.

"I would like to give my thanks to the Goal team, to their readers and followers for this recognition, which I would not have achieved without the help of all of my team-mates and the coaching staff at Atletico Madrid.".

Bale talks open: Tottenham & Real Madrid start negotiations over €115m transfer

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has opened dialogue with the Liga giants in the last 24 hours and is expected to meet Florentino Perez on August 6 to discuss a world-record deal
By Greg Stobart

Tottenham have finally opened talks with Real Madrid over the €115 million sale of Gareth Bale, with club officials increasingly convinced the Welshman will leave this summer.

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has been adamant all summer that the club's prized asset would not be sold under any circumstances. 

However, Madrid's concerted campaign has borne fruit in the last couple of days, with their most recent tactic - a warning to Bale and his advisors that it is 'now or never' for him to force a move - prompting the 24-year-old to privately declare in a meeting with Levy that he wants to join the Spanish giants. 

That has led the Spurs chairman, whose 'no sale' policy had been fully backed by owner Joe Lewis, to open dialogue with Real in the last 24 hours, with a meeting between Levy and Madrid president Florentino Perez expected to take place on August 6 in Florida. 

Even now Levy will only sanction a sale if the deal - cash only - smashes the world record €91m fee Real paid for Cristiano Ronaldo in 2009. Tottenham are keen on Blancos left-back Fabio Coentrao, in particular, while Angel di Maria is also seen by many as a good like-for-like replacement for Bale. 

But big-money player exchange deals are a complicated matter, and Levy is keen that he realises the full monetary value for a player who still has three years left on his contract, preferring to keep any follow-up bid for Coentrao and Di Maria separate. 

Though it is not a foregone conclusion that the transfer will go ahead - as recently as Monday, Tottenham were insistent no bids had yet even been formalised - Levy and manager Andre Villas-Boas are now making plans for the coming weeks to bolster the squad in Bale's absence. 

Roberto Soldado is expected to arrive in a €28m deal from Valencia, joining fellow big-money recruits Paulinho and Nacer Chadli, while Romanian defender Vlad Chiriches is also expected to sign in an €8m deal from Steaua Bucharest. 

It looks increasingly likely, though, that they will not be lining up alongside Bale next season, with Real pulling out all the stops to land a 'Galactico' summer signing to rival Barcelona's €57m capture of Neymar. 

Despite telling Spurs of his desire to leave the club for Real, Bale has been keen to underline his happiness at the north Londoners and could yet play a part in a behind-closed-doors friendly against a non-league opponent on Thursday.

Further still, should negotiations with Madrid break down, it is still expected that the former Southampton youngster will play a full and committed part under Villas-Boas in the 2013-14 campaign as Spurs aim to claim a place in top four of the Premier League.

But with Levy now willing to talk to Perez and Real desperate to land their number-one target, a world-record deal is now more likely than ever to be completed in the coming weeks. 

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Mascherano confident Fabregas will snub Manchester United

The ex-Liverpool man believes his team-mate is happy with life at Camp Nou and will resist a return to the Premier League in favour of remaining at the Liga giants
Javier Mascherano is confident team-mate Cesc Fabregas will resist the opportunity to join Manchester United and a return to the Premier League to remain at Barcelona.

United have already has two bids rejected for the ex-Arsenal man as new boss David Moyes sets about strengthening his side's central-midfield position, with Goal exclusively revealing the club will return with a final €40 million bid.However, Mascherano believes Fabregas is happy with life back in Spain and will be a key player for the club under their new coach Gerardo Martino.

"I didn't talk to him but I think he is happy," he told Sky Sports News. "It is difficult when you have to speak about the personal situation of other players because sometimes you don't know what they think.

"I see him here training and he is happy. He grew up in Barcelona and feels the call of the shirt.

"It is difficult when you grow up here to leave because Barcelona is a big team, a big city, really nice to live in and all his family is here.

"I think he is a really key player for us and I think the coach and the people who work here want to keep him.”