Cesc Fabregas heads Real Madrid’s wanted list as the giants attempt to build a team with Spanish roots.
The Arsenal star has been a long-term target for the Spanish league champions.
And president Ramon Calderon insists they still have an eye on Fabregas despite failing in previous bids to bring him to the Bernabeu.
The 21-year-old midfielder joined Arsenal as a teenager after coming through Barcelona’s academy.
Calderon said: “Something nice about Cesc is that he is Spanish and this is one of my objectives — to make Real Madrid more Spanish.
“Every coach likes him Fabregas but my policy is that it has to be the player who makes the first step for the signing because we don’t want conflicts with any team.”
Spanish international Joaquin could be set for a summer move to Everton.
The Valencia winger wants to quit the Mestalla following a disastrous La Liga campaign.
And Toffees boss David Moyes is keen to beat Italian giants Roma to the punch by sealing a move before Euro 2008 kicks off.
Joaquin’s agent Eduardo Espejo said: “I cannot deny there have been offers from Italy and the Premier League.
“European clubs are well aware of Valencia’s current situation because it has been well documented.”
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Barcelona boss Frank Rijkaard has given up on La Liga in a desperate bid to dump Manchester United out of Europe.
The Catalan giants have left almost their ENTIRE first team at home as they travelled to La Coruna for tomorrow’s game against Deportivo.
Barcelona could end up having to play a Champions League qualifier in the summer but Rijkaard couldn’t care less – all that matters is beating United.
The Dutchman has left stars Samuel Eto’o, Lionel Messi, Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Gabi Milito at home.
Bizarrely, with tongue firmly in cheek, Rijkaard claimed his decision to play a second-string side at Deportivo had nothing to do with the Champions League semi-final against United.
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Ronaldinho has agreed initial terms with Milan, who will now speak to Barcelona about a deal according to the Serie A club and the player’s agent.
The 28-year-old Brazilian has had a difficult few months at the Camp Nou because of injury and loss of form and a move has long been mooted.
The forward is out for the rest of the campaign with a leg injury, although it has been suggested by a club director that he has been sidelined as punishment for an unprofessional attitude.
“In general Ronaldinho and Milan are in agreement,” his agent and brother Roberto de Assis said.
Gazzetta dello Sport said a deal up to 2012 worth eight million euros (£6m) a year was in the pipeline with a few clauses to be agreed.
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Tottenham boss Juande Ramos is eyeing up Real Madrid starlet Esteban Granero.
Spanish midfielder Granero, 20, now on loan at Getafe, has impressed Ramos, who is looking to strengthen his squad with young talent.
Granero is due to return to Real Madrid this summer but Spurs are hoping they can lure him away if he fails to get regular first team action.
Arsenal are ready to pounce as Robinho becomes increasingly unsettled at Real Madrid.
DiarioSport says Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is monitoring developments closely as Robinho has instructed his agent, Wagner Ribeiro, to demand clear-the-air talks with Real management.
Robinho has become increasingly frustrated with the lack of game time he’s been given by coach Bernd Schuster and is now seriously considering his future in Madrid.
AC Milan chiefs are confident of winning the race for Barcelona star Ronaldinho.
Ronie’s brother and agent, Roberto de Assis, was in England on Saturday for Manchester City’s defeat at home by Chelsea. Both clubs held talks with Assis about his brother’s situation.
However, Gazzetta dello Sport says Milan directors have already settled on a four-year contract offer for the Brazilian and are ready to step in this week. Indeed, today Assis is expected to gain the green light from Barca to seek an official buyer for Ronaldinho.
Manchester City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson admits he would love Blues owner Thaksin Shinawatra to buy Ronaldinho this summer.
The Brazil forward, currently out injured, could leave Barcelona in the summer and his brother and representative Roberto De Assis was entertained at the City of Manchester stadium on Saturday by club directors ahead of the 2-0 defeat by Chelsea.
“It was the first time I had heard such a thing, so I really hope it is true,” said Eriksson. “We would be able to find a place in our team for him, I can guarantee that.
“I will phone the owners. It was a surprise, but if they want to package Ronaldinho for me I would accept him and be very happy.”
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The interest of Chelsea and Liverpool in Barcelona superstar Ronaldinho has intensified in the last 24 hours.
After meeting with AC Milan directors on Wednesday night, Ronaldinho’s brother and agent, Roberto de Assis, was in London yesterday, says AS.
An agent close to Barcelona, Enzo Bronzetti, confirmed earlier this week that both Chelsea and Liverpool were keen on the Barca ace.
Barcelona are ready to flog Ronaldinho for £12million at the end of the season — putting Chelsea on red alert.
The Catalan giants are fed up with the Brazilian’s erratic lifestyle and poor form this term.
Ronaldinho, 28, has an £85m buy-out clause in his contract but Barca believe no club will pay that much for a player who has barely featured all season.
The Sun revealed in September that Chelsea had provisionally agreed to hand him a five-year deal worth £11.6m a season.
But the two-time world player of the year decided to stay in Spain until at least the end of the season.
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