CRYPTIC
Manchester United’s interest in Real Madrid duo Alvaro Morata and James Rodriguez is no secret and Morata’s comments following Spain International friendly against Colombia has sent tongues wagging. When asked about whether he hopes to continue playing with Rodriguez, Morata replied: “Who knows. Maybe we’ll be team-mates next year. Hopefully, because I like him a lot. He’s a great player.” Of course it could also mean that both players remain at the Bernabeu but that is highly unlikely.
SUBTLE
James Rodriguez took a subtle hit at Real Madrid in an Instagram post after Colombia’s friendly against Spain.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BVDlsWij0Rh/?taken-by=jamesrodriguez10&hl=en
The caption ‘que lindo es jugar con esta camiesta’ directly translate to ‘how nice it is to play with this shirt’. It is another hint that he is going to force through a transfer this summer after growing frustrated with a lack of playing time at the Bernabeu. He was omitted from the match day squad for the Champions League Final completely.
DROPPING INTEREST
Spanish outlet Marca believe that Real Madrid have dropped their pursuit of David de Gea. Marca known to be close to the Madrid hierarchy and is often considered to be the clubs mouthpiece, claim that it would take a ‘remarkable turnaround’ for Madrid to reignite their interest in the Spain No.1. De Gea’s agent Jorge Mendes is also believed to have been informed about this decision. Zidane was keen on keeping Navas who was in impressive form in their run to the Double. United are also working on a new improved contract for De Gea which will secure his future at the club for the long term.
CLASS OF 2017
Manchester United u-18 coach Kieran McKenna believes that the current crop of u-18 players could give teams like Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich a run for their money. Players like Angel Gomes and Zack Dearnley have been included in matchday squads in the Premier League.
He said: “I think the standard of games is really high and we’ve had some terrific games this year. After the derby with Manchester City here before Christmas, the 2-2 draw, a lot of coaches at national level said to me it was the best game of under-18 football they’d seen this season – and in quite a few other seasons as well. I thought it was two really good sides going toe to toe and everything you want to see in a high-level youth game. I’d say the ones against City, Chelsea and some of the games with Liverpool have been at high a level.”
INCREASED OFFER
Manchester United will return to Real Madrid with an increased offer of £60m after their initial offer of £52m was rejected by Real Madrid on Tuesday. United will not offer an improved bid and test Madrid’s resolve and hopefully bring them down from £78m.