Emery claims Jordi Alba already sold; Roma readying bid for Rolando

Emery claims Jordi Alba already sold

Departing Valencia coach Unai Emery has revealed that star player Jordi Alba has already been sold.

The highly rated full-back has been repeatedly linked with a summer move to Barcelona, but there have been no official reports that the transfer has been completed.

Nonetheless, Unai Emery, who has already agreed to take over the reigns at Spartak Moscow ahead of the new season, claims that Alba is to leave the club at the end of the season.

“Valencia is a team that buys players who are not the finished article and then, when they are finished, possibly sells them on, as has happened with Jordi Alba,” Emery told Spanish radio Onda Cero.

The talented tactician did not disclose Alba’s next destination, although a move to Camp Nou looks on the cards.

Manchester United and AC Milan are also believed to be interested in the 23-year-old left-back, but the player is expected to opt for Barcelona.

Jordi Alba has been named in Vincent Del Bosque’s preliminary Spain squad for the European Championship.

Roma readying bid for Rolando

AS Roma are preparing an official bid for Porto defender Rolando, Portuguese newspaper A Bola has revealed.

The Serie A side have been experiencing huge problems in their back line this season and they are actively searching for defensive reinforcements.

With Simon Kjaer, Gabriel Heinze and Juan all set to leave the club at the end of the season, the Giallorossi defence is set to undergone a major overhaul.

According to A Bola, Roma have made Porto defender Rolando their number one target in the summer transfer window and they are willing to offer around €10 million for the Portuguese international.

The source claims Roma sporting director Walter Sabatini flew to Lisbon on Thursday to open negotiations with Porto chiefs.

The 26-year-old has been a real rock in Porto’s defence over the last few years, but recently lost his place in the starting line-up and is thought to be ready to leave Dragao Stadium in the summer.

Argentine defender keen on Benfica switch

Spartak Moscow defender Marcos Rojo has admitted he would love to join Benfica at the end of the season.

The Eagles are searching for a new left-back seeing they are not too satisfied with the latest performances of summer signing Emerson da Conceicao.

The Portuguese giants have been paired with Spartak Moscow defender Marcos Rojo, and the player has now confirmed reports linking him with a move to La Luz.

“I know that Benfica are interested and I want to go,” the Argentine international told Record.

“My representative told me that he had been contacted by someone connected to Benfica and now I am waiting for more news.”

The 22-year-old joined Spartak Moscow in a €2 million deal from Estudiantes in December 2010 but had a somewhat slow start to his career in Russia.

The player, who has five Argentina caps to his name, is, nonetheless, still held in high regard by top European clubs.

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