Lucas Moura confirms Real Madrid interest; Borussia deny Lewandowski exit

Lucas Moura confirms Real Madrid interest

Sao Paulo midfielder Lucas Moura has confirmed reports that Real Madrid are keen on his signature.

The young attacking midfielder is one of the most sought-after players in world football, with top European clubs lining up for his signature.

The player’s agent revealed few days ago that Inter Milan had an €18 million bid rejected by Sao Paulo, but it is Real Madrid who are the favourites to sign the highly rated player.

The Brazilian now confirms that he is interested in joining los Blancos, while he also confirms initial talks have already taken place.

“They (Real Madrid) are one of the biggest clubs in the world,” he told Esporte Espetacular, a program on Globo TV. “But for now I am thinking only of São Paulo.

“My father went to Spain with my agent, who met the top directors, probably even Florentino Perez. There were some talks, but nothing official.”

Lucas Moura is regarded as one of the hottest prospects in world football and he has already managed to earn a starting berth in the national team despite his fragile age.

Borussia deny Lewandowski exit

Borussia Dortmund have denied reports linking star striker Robert Lewandowski with a summer exit from Signal Iduna Park.

The Polish striker exploded onto the big stage last season, scoring 22 goals in 34 Bundesliga games, while attracting attention from top European clubs in the process.

The 23-year-old is set to enter the final year of his deal at Borussia and the Bundesliga giants have yet to persuade the player into signing a contract extension.

Nonetheless, club sporting director Michael Zorc is confident the Pole will remain at Signal Iduna Park for years to come.

“It is pretty surprising that this topic is appearing again and again in the media, when we have taken an unequivocal position on several occasions,” Zorc told Kicker.

BVB are desperate to keep hold of their star player after Lucas Barrios made a switch to China, especially as Shinji Kagawa is set to leave as well.

The Bundesliga champions have agreed to sign Marco Reus from Borussia M’gladbach, but they need to sign another centre forward even if Lewandowski stays.

Roma defender hints at Brazil move

Roma full-back Cicinho has confirmed reports that he will be leaving the Giallorossi when his contract expires in June.

The experienced defender was not in Jose Enrique’s plans last season and he only made two Serie A appearances.

As expected, the player has now announced that he planned to leave Roma at the end of the season, with a return to Brazil the most likely scenario.

“I’ll return to play my football in Brazil, but not with Sao Paulo,” the Brazilian told Jornal a Ciadade.

“I’ve spoken with my agent and he is in advancing talks with a club from the south of the country.”

Cicinho joined Roma in a €9 million deal from Real Madrid in August 2007, but he never quite managed to prove his worth at Olimpico.

The Brazilian enjoyed a short loan spell at Sao Paulo in 2010, and is now set for his third stint in Brazil.

For more news about football transfers and rumours, visit our Transfer News section. To view all football transfers for 2011/12 season, visit our Soccer Transfers section.