Barcelona keen on Jordi Alba and Thiago Silva; Ronaldinho nearing Flamengo exit

Barcelona keen on Jordi Alba and Thiago Silva

Barcelona are already preparing summer moves for Valencia full-back Jordi Alba and Milan stopper Thiago Silva.

According to Catalan daily Sport, the Spanish giants want to reinforce their back line in the summer and have already identified their targets.

The Catalans see Valencia’s Jordi Alba as a perfect solution for the left-back position and they have already enquired about the Spanish international.

The 22-year-old has one and a half years left on his deal at Mestalla and his release clause stands at €20 million.

On the other hand, Barcelona also want Milan defender Thiago Silva, who they see as an obvious replacement for Carles Puyol.

The Brazilian is considered a key member of Maxi Allegri’s side and he has a contract until June 2016.

However, he is reportedly interested in a move to Camp Nou, whereas Milan will have no option but to let him go if Barcelona meet the €30 million release clause.

Ronaldinho nearing Flamengo exit

Flamengo star Ronaldinho could leave the club in January because of unpaid wages, his brother and agent has revealed.

The Brazilian club only pay one quarter of the player’s wages, whereas the remaining amount is covered by marketing company Traffic.

The company have stopped all payments over the last five months, meaning that the player is now owed €1.6 million, which could see him leave the club in January.

“I want to reach an agreement and then he can play in the Copa Libertadores,” Roberto Assis was quoted as saying in Extra newspaper. ”But, I do not know if this will happen.”

The player’s agent also told O Globo that Ronaldinho has several offers from Italy and Spain, as well as from some smaller leagues.

The former Barcelona star really impressed after arriving to Flamengo, having scored 14 goals in 31 games last season.

Giovinco rules out Juventus return

Parma forward Sebastian Giovinco has moved to deny reports that he is set for Juventus return.

The player is currently co-owned by Juventus and Parma, but it was recently revealed that the Bianconeri boss Antonio Conte would like to bring him back to Turin.

However, the Italy international has now ruled out such a possibility.

“Do Juventus want me back right away? One thing is certain: I’m staying at Parma,” Giovinco told Mediaset Premium.

“I chose this club because from the start they showed the most concrete interest in me.”

The 24-year-old left Juventus frustrated by the lack of playing time and has had a bright start to his career ay Parma.

“I can only speak well of the Juve fans, as they are the only ones who always supported me and tried to stop me leaving.

“I could’ve learned so much by playing for Juventus alongside champions like Alex Del Piero, but I wasn’t given the chance. They chose another path and now I hope to go along it as far as possible.

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