Jordi Alba looks set to take his place in the Spain squad for the 2012 Olympics despite Barcelona’s protestations to his call-up.
The left-back completed his move from Valencia to Barca for €14 million just days ago but had already indicated his wish to feature at the Games.
Barcelona are concerned, however, that playing in another tournament might leave the 23-year-old tired before the season starts.
“Jordi has been our player for a very short time. It is clear that we haven’t signed him for a summer, but for five seasons,” Barcelona said in a statement.
“However, we are looking for the best solution regarding the Olympic Games. We will speak with the Federation and look at the interests of everyone to choose the best option.”
QPR agree deal for Man. United’s Park
Queens Park Rangers have agreed a deal to sign midfielder Park Ji-Sung from Manchester United.
The agreement, which could potentially be worth £5m, will see QPR pay an initial transfer fee of £2m for the 31-year-old.
The South Korea international has made 133 Premier League appearances for United since joining the club from PSV Eindhoven in 2005, scoring 19 goals.
He won four Premier League titles and the Champions League while at United.
Ivanovic to help Marin settle
Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic has pledged to help new signing Marko Marin settle into life at the west London club.
The Blues announced in April they had agreed a deal to sign the 23-year-old from Werder Bremen for an undisclosed fee.
Marin is a German international but comes from a Serbian background so has been getting a helping hand from Ivanovic.
“I met him in the World Cup in 2010 when he played against us for Germany,” Ivanovic said.
“We met again when he signed for Chelsea, and we trained today for the first time together and I am very impressed and feel very positive about him.
“He feels confident and he feels ready and this is most important thing for now.
Samp chasing Lopez signature
Sampdoria have joined Torino in the chase to sign Catania striker Maxi Lopez, La Gazzetta dello Sport reported yesterday.
The Argentine is on the market after Milan, who netted him on loan in the second half of 2011-12, opted against signing him outright.
Torino held exploratory talks with his agent last week and Sampdoria are also keen on the Argentine striker.
Samp, who were also interested in Inter forward Giampaolo Pazzini, are apparently ready to offer €6m for Lopez.
Questions remain over Bielsa future
Athletic Bilbao’s players once again trained without manager Marcelo Bielsa yesterday morning as questions still hang over whether the Argentinian will remain in charge.
Bielsa had indicated his intention to resign on Friday after the club refused to back his critical statements of the construction company employed to improve the facilities at the club’s Lezama training base.
However, after meeting with the club’s board on Fridy evening, Bielsa was convinced to rethink his decision and continue for at least another trial period of two weeks.
Fulham complete Riether swoop
Fulham have completed the signing of right-back Sascha Riether on a season-long loan.
The 29-year-old has made two appearances the German national team and joins the Cottagers from Cologne, who were recently relegated from the Bundesliga.
Riether has signed on loan until the end of the season and Fulham have an option to make the move permanent at the end of that period.
“I feel very pleased to have signed,” Riether said.
“It feels like I’ve had a long break from football and for me this is a new experience in a new country.
“Fulham is a good club, a big club with a big tradition and for me it’s great to be here.”
Holman in Lambert plans
Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has promised that newcomer Brett Holman will be given a fair crack of the whip – even though he was signed by his predecessor Alex McLeish.
The midfielder signed a pre-contract agreement with Villa in March before joining from AZ Alkmaar at the end of last season.
Lambert understands Holman might be concerned about his future.
“If there is one lad who has probably got a bit of trepidation, then it would be Brett because it wasn’t me who brought him to the club,” Lambert said.
“But I have spoken to him to reassure him and he will get a right fair chance.
“I don’t know much about him but I have watched some of his games. He did well at Alkmaar so I don’t have any worries about him.”