Guillermo Ochoa is in no rush to decide his long-term future, with fresh reports linking him with a sensational summer move to Spanish giants FC Barcelona.
The Mexico international, 28, could potentially replace long-time Barcelona No. 1 Victor Valdes, with the La Masia graduate set to search for pastures new when his contract expires at the end of this month.
Ochoa, who spent last season at French side Ajaccio, is currently a free agent and is reportedly attracting interest from several clubs across Europe.
According to the player’s agent Jorge Berlanga, 20 clubs — including Barca — are keeping tabs on the Mexican shot-stopper, who turned in an absolutely brilliant man-of-the-match performance against tournament favorites Brazil at the World Cup earlier this week.
“I have spoken with Barcelona, yes, in the same way that I have done with 20 other teams,” Berlanga said.
“I spoke about the possibility of Memo, I offered him to Barcelona, that is true.”
Berlanga added: “The match that Memo played against Brazil changed everything because the World Cup shows you to the whole world.
“We will keep on having conversations with the teams that we were already in touch with, but we will also listen to those that have started to approach me now.”
However, all things considered, Ochoa — a reported target for AC Milan and Liverpool — is staying calm heading into the upcoming transfer window.
“I am not worried about what is being said about where I could continue my career, my agent takes care of those things”, Ochoa told Mediotiempo.
“I am staying calm, as there are options and there is a lot of time for analysing which is the best.”
Paulinho attracting interest
Livorno president Aldo Spinelli has revealed Al-Jazira and Stoke City are interested in the club’s Brazilian-born striker Paulinho.
Paulinho, 28, impressed a number of clubs from abroad with 15 goals in 35 Italian Serie A appearances for Livorno last term.
The 28-year-old front-man, who has on numerous occasions been linked with a move to England’s top-flight in the past, has spent the past nine years in Italian football but his days in Italy seem to be numbered.
“Al Jazira have already spoken with Paulinho, but Stoke City also want him and there are also a couple of other English clubs,” Spinelli told Gazzetta dello Sport.
“We will take the decision which is best for everyone together.
“What I can say is that the negotiations (with Al Jazira) have started and in the coming hours we will know more about this, with everything still open, and talk to the player to work out the best opportunity.”
Now then, should Paulinho join Al Jazira for a bigger pay day or Stoke City for a chance to grace the English Premier League?
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