David de Gea has reiterated he wants to stay at Manchester United for a ‘long time’ after brushing off talk he could join Barcelona in the summer.
The 22-year-old is enjoying his second season at United and has played a key role in the club’s relentless pursuit of the title in recent weeks.
He has been mooted as a potential summer replacement for Barca’s Victor Valdes, but De Gea says he is in no rush to leave.
“I know things have been said and written but I have a contract,” De Gea said.
“It is not just my name that appears. At Barca, Valdes is still the keeper and Madrid is my city, one day I’d like to return. But now I hope to stay in Manchester for a long time.”
Ibra not returning to Italy – agent
It will be hard for Italian clubs to lure Zlatan Ibrahimovic back to the Serie A in future, the Swedish striker’s agent Mino Raiola said.
Ibrahimovic is currently playing for Paris SG in the Ligue 1 but reports recently suggested that Juventus could be tempted to re-sign him in summer.
Raiola said: “Italian clubs at the moment are looking for players with low wages. As a result, it would be hard to see great players like Ibrahimovic arrive.
“Things are improving in Italy though. The average age of the teams is decreasing.”
Capello brushes off Chelsea link
Fabio Capello insists he is committed to Russia’s World Cup campaign and has no knowledge of any interest from Chelsea.
The former England manager is among a number of coaches who have been linked with the Stamford Bridge hot-seat in the summer, when Rafael Benitez will leave the club.
But he is currently employed by the Russian FA and has made a strong start on the road to Rio. His pay packet, £7m a year, is also an incentive to remain in Moscow.
“I know nothing about this (link to Chelsea). I am really happy with Russia and focused to qualify for the World Cup,” Capello said.
Cacau extends his Stuttgart contract
Stuttgart and Germany striker Cacau has signed a one-year contract extension with the Bundesliga club, even though he is not expected to play again this season.
The 31-year-old tore cruciate knee ligaments in October and needed further surgery recently, ruling him out for a further few months, but he hopes to return next season.
“Stuttgart has been my home for almost a decade and I have celebrated huge sporting successes and fantastic moments here,” he said.
“My first goal is to get fit again to be able to give it my very best next season.”
Gary Mabbutt has emergency op
Tottenham have confirmed former captain Gary Mabbutt is recovering following an emergency procedure to remove a circulation blockage in his left leg.
Mabbutt, 51, won the UEFA Cup and FA Cup during his time at White Hart Lane and is a firm favourite among Spurs supporters. A statement on the club’s official website confirmed Mabbutt had undergone successful surgery and would remain in hospital for the next two weeks.
Mabbutt spent 16 years at Spurs, making more than 600 appearances before retiring in 1998. He also won 16 caps for England.
Lambert signs new Saints deal
Southampton striker Rickie Lambert has signed a new two-year contract extension with the club.
The 31-year-old former Roch-dale and Bristol Rovers frontman is currently the highest scoring Englishman in the Premier League with 13 goals this term.
And the Liverpool-born forward has been rewarded with an extension until 2016.
“To be spending the next three years at Southampton is something I’m absolutely delighted about,” Lambert told BBC.
“There’s a lot of ambition at this club and that was one of the main reasons why I’ve signed a new contract – that’s why I want to finish my career here at Southampton.”
Maran not seeking Catania exit
Rolando Maran, the Catania coach, told reporters he won’t be changing clubs in summer despite being linked with a move elsewhere after a successful campaign with the Sicilians.
Catania are currently eighth in the Serie A standings with 45 points after 29 matches.
Maran, who replaced Vin-cenzo Montella last year, said: “I thank Catania, a club which has allowed me to work well.
“To be paired with the big clubs is very gratifying for me and is the result of the work done by everyone here.
“I, however, intend to keep a tight grip on Catania. No doubt, my desire is to stay with this club.”