Soccer News

Barcelona readying bid for Moutinho

Catalan daily Sport understands that Barcelona have joined the race to sign midfielder Joao Moutinho from Porto.

The highly rated midfielder has been linked with Manchester United and Tottenham following some scintillating showings at the Euro 2012, but it appears Barcelona have moved to the front of the queue.

Catalan newspaper Sport claims that the La Liga giants want to sign the 25-year-old as a replacement for Seydou Keita.

The Catalans initially tried to sign Javi Martinez from Athletic Bilbao but decided to turn their attention to Moutinho after being informed the Spaniard would cost €40 million.

The Portuguese international caught the attention of Barcelona scouts during his time at Sporting Lisbon and the Camp Nou outfit have now reignited their interest in the experienced midfielder.

According to the source, Moutinho can be purchased for around €18 million, which is well within Barcelona’s price range, just like the player’s salary of €1.5 million per campaign.

The Portuguese footballer, who scored 3 goals in 29 league games for Porto last season, is a highly skilled player and he would fit perfectly into Barca’s style of play.

Cabaye urges Debuchy to join Newcastle

French midfielder Yohan Cabaye has called international teammate Mathieu Debuchy to join him at St James Park.

The Lille full-back has expressed his desire to leave les Dogues this summer and he has been heavily linked with a move to Newcastle.

The highly rated defender is reportedly interested in joining the Magpies, where he would be reunited with former Lille captain Yohan Cabaye.

The player, who largely impressed since making a €5 million move to St James Park, hopes Newcastle can win the race for Debuchy.

“Mathieu has made a very difficult to decision to leave Lille but he has made the decision,” Cabaye told The Journal.

“Now I hope Newcastle push for Mathieu and I want them to do the deal. I spoke with him two days ago and he told me he wants to come. I hope Derek (Llambias) and Mike Ashley will do the business now.

“He wants to play for Newcastle and I hope that he comes to Newcastle because, of course, he is my friend but also a very good player for Newcastle.”

Debuchy is an attack-minded defender and he would form an excellent full-back partnership with Davide Santon at St James Park.

Sevilla agree fee for Brazilian defender

Sevilla have reached an agreement with Palmeiras over the signing of full-back Alexandro Mendonca Dos Santos, the Spanish club announced on their official website.

Los Rojiblancos have been very active in the summer transfer window, having already signed no less than five new players, and now they are on the verge of completing the sixth signing of the summer.

The La Liga side have announced on their official website that they have reached an agreement with Palmeiras to sign Brazilian right-back Cicinho.

The player is scheduled to have a medical in Seville later today and is set to sign a four-year deal with los Rojiblancos.

The 25-year-old is an attacking full-back who has spent last two seasons at Palmeiras following a move from Santo Andre.

Cicinho has made 71 league appearances for the Brazilian giants and scored 2 goals in the process.

For more news about football transfers and rumours, visit our Transfer News section. To view all football transfers for 2012/13 season, visit our Soccer Transfers section.