Barcelona want Bayern’s Alaba; Real plot double swoop for Arsenal stars

Barcelona want Bayern’s Alaba

Barcelona are weighing up summer move for Bayern Munich full-back David Alaba, according to El Mundo Deportivo.

It is no secret that the Catalans are searching for a new left-back, with Tottenham star Gareth Bale and Valencia hotshot Jordi Alba high on their wishlist.

El Mundo Deportivo reveals that Bayern Munich youngster David Alaba has also caught the attention of Barcelona officials.

The 19-year-old produced a stunning performance as Bayern Munich ensured progress to the Champions League final at Santiago Bernabeu, convincing the Catalans they should step up their interest in his services.

While Alaba has largely impressed in the left-back role at Alianz Arena this season, he also successfully deputized for Bastian Schweinsteiger in the centre of the park while the Germany international was sidelined through injury.

This versatility is believed to be one of player’s biggest assets, but it is also one of the reasons why Bayern chiefs are determined to keep hold of the young Austrian.

Nonetheless, Barcelona believe the good relations between the two clubs will finally see the highly rated defender make a move to Camp Nou.

Real plot double swoop for Arsenal stars

Real Madrid are set to launch an assault on Arsenal stars Alex Song and Thomas Vermaelen, Daily Mail understands.

After clinching the La Liga title with a win over Athletic Bilbao, los Blancos are prepared to shift their focus towards the summer transfer market.

According to Daily Mail, Jose Mourinho is searching for a new holding midfielder and has made Alexandre Song his number one priority.

The Portuguese coach is not entirely satisfied with Sami Khedira’s performances this season and believes the Cameroon international would form a much better partnership with Xabi Alonso.

The Spanish giants are also tracking Rennes hotshot Yann M’Vila, who is heavily linked with a move to Arsenal.

The English newspaper claims that Real also want Thomas Vermaelen as los Blancos look to further reinforce their back line.

Should los Blancos succeed in their effort to sign the Belgian defender, he would form a defensive partnership with Pepe, in which case Sergio Ramos would move to his preferred right-back position.

Prandelli coy on Italy future

Italy boss Cesare Prandelli has failed to deny a possibility of leaving the Azzurri after the European Championships.

The former Fiorentina boss was appointed Italy boss following the disappointing 2010 World Cup campaign and he has managed to get the national team back on track and led them to Euro 2012.

Nonetheless, when asked to address reports linking him with a return to club management, Prandelli failed to provide a clear answer.

“Working every day is something I do miss, but I also will say that my quality of life has improved a great deal,” he told reporters at a publicity event on Thursday.

“Every now and then I will talk with my colleagues about this, how they would want to work every day.

“But I tell them that we are fortunate to have time. And time is wealth. We are focused and determined to start this European adventure, after that the results will shape the decisions of all.”

Italy face a tough task at Euro 2012, having been placed alongside Spain, Croatia and Republic of Ireland.

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