WITH reports that manager Jose Mourinho has caused star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic to lose his appetite to play for Inter Milan, El Mundo Deportivo claimed that the Portuguese tactician has convinced Barcelona star hitman Samuel Eto’o of the Nerazzurri’s ambition.

BARCELONA goalkeeper Victor Valdes is under no illusions he and his teammates must be ready for the new season and is adamant the successes of 2008/2009 have already been consigned to history.

The 27-year-old was an integral part of Barca’s now-famous triplete triumph where Barca won the Primera Liga title, Copa del Rey and Champions League.

And Valdes was rewarded for his efforts with a new contract which is likely to see him finishing his career at Nou Camp.

BARCELONA teenage striker Bojan Krkic has taken a swipe at Real Madrid as the 18-year-old insisted it will be impossible for Los Blancos to win it all next season.

SPAIN and Valencia ace striker David Villa has firmly set his sights on a move to Barcelona and looks unlikely to change his mind as he continues to push for a way out of the Mestalla.

It had been reported that Villa would force an exit and demand to be transfer listed if Los Che did not grant him his wish.

FEARLESS Barcelona captain and centreback Carles Puyol has cheekily admitted it would be sweet to secure their fourth Champions League trophy in Madrid. It has been just a few short weeks since Puyol emerged from Stadio Olimpico in Rome holding the trophy aloft after outplaying English champions Manchester United 2-0.

But Puyol is already making plans to defend the crown and admits it would be satisfying to retain their title, of all places, at Santiago Bernabeu — home of bitter rivals Real Madrid.

For the record, next year’s final will be held on May 22 at Bernabeu.

PORTO centreback Bruno Alves appears to be one of the most sought after defenders in Europe at the moment — with both Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona keen on securing his services.

FORMER Real Madrid manager Juande Ramos believes despite all the spending at Santiago Bernabeu, bitter rivals Barcelona are still better because they are a team.

Real have spent nearly a quarter of a billion euros so far on players like Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo, Raul Albiol and soon Karim Benzema while Barca have not yet signed anyone this summer.

 

BARCELONA are chasing Porto defender Bruno Alves. Sport reported Barca sports chief Txiki Begiristain has settled on Alves as their top defensive target this summer.

 

Begiristain maintains a good relationship with Alves’ agent, Jorge Mendes, and also the player’s father, Washington.

BARCELONA’S star midfielder Xavi Hernandez would not pick up the phone to talk to Real Madrid president Florentino Perez as he would not be happy living in the Spanish capital.

BARCELONA captain Carles Puyol was one of the key influential figures but an unsung hero in leading Barcelona to a historic treble glory — Primera Liga, Champions League and Copa del Rey — last season.

Now, the versatile defender hopes to put the icing on the cake as he sets his sights on Confederations Cup success with Spain despite having gone through a long, arduous club campaign.