Barcelona join race for Garay
La Liga giants Barcelona are being linked with a move for Benfica defender Ezequiel Garay, according to FIFA agent Francois Gallardo.
River Plate president Daniel Passarella recently revealed that Gerardo Martino was looking to reinforce his back line in January, with the Argentine coach hoping to lure a high-profile centre-back to Camp Nou.
After missing out on Thiago Silva and David Luiz, Barcelona have been linked with Daniel Agger, but they also seem to be thinking about former Real Madrid stopper Ezequiel Garay.
Speaking on TV programme Punto Pelota, FIFA agent Francois Gallardo has revealed that Gerardo Martino has elected the Benfica star as his number one target.
It is no secret the 26-year-old will be allowed to leave Estadio da Luz if the right offer comes along, with Manchester United also believed to be keen.
Ezequiel Garay has managed to kick-start his career following a disappointing spell at Santiago Bernabeu, but it remains to be seen whether he would be interested in a move to Camp Nou.
Fabian Schar on Juventus radar
Juventus are keeping close tabs on FC Basel defender Fabian Schar, according to Il Corriere dello Sport.
The 21-year-old has largely impressed since joining the Swiss giants from Wil and his amazing performances in last year’s Europa League did not go unnoticed.
According to Il Corriere dello Sport, Juventus boss Antonio Conte is a huge admirer of the talented defender and he continues to monitor his progress.
The Bianconeri had the player watched in Basel’s 2-1 victory over Chelsea, where Schar produced another solid performance in the heart of defence.
Schar has already played his way into the first team plans of national team boss Otmar Hitzfeld, scoring no less than three goals in two 2014 World Cup qualifiers.
Meanwhile, he has netted 12 goals in 50 competitive matches for FC Basel, which is an excellent return for a central defender.
PSG confident Matuidi will stay
Paris Saint-Germain chairman Nasser al-Khelaifi believes the club can keep hold of star midfielder Blaise Matuidi.
The highly rated footballer has less than a year left on his current deal and it appears he is no closer to signing a contract extension than at the end of last season.
With top European clubs casting admiring glances his way, Matuidi could decide to look for a new challenge, but the Saints are convinced they can persuade the 26-year-old that his future lies at Parc des Princes.
“Blaise Matuidi has not extended his contract. First we need to solve the problem between two agents,” chairman Nasser al-Khelaifi explained to L’Equipe.
“Matuidi has confirmed that he wants to stay in Paris beyond the current season. I am sure we will keep him with us and that he will not leave on free.”
Blaise Matuidi has been in fine form since joining the Saints from Saint Etienne two years ago, scoring 7 goals in 73 Ligue 1 appearances for the club.
Having recorded an impressive 4-1 Champions League victory over Olympiakos in midweek, PSG resume domestic campaign with a home game against title rivals Monaco, where they are 4/5 to extend their winning run.
For more news about football transfers and rumours, visit our Transfer News section. To view all football transfers for 2013/14 season, visit our Soccer Transfers section.
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