Oodles of rumours are coming from the La Liga today, the most interesting and therefore most unlikely involving Real Madrid and Spain keeper Iker Casillas, who has apparently attracted interest from both Manchester United and Arsenal (AS)
Casillas, 26, has won just about every domestic and European honour available to him in his long tenure as No.1 at the Bernabeu, hence his agent appearing to tout his player. Apparently Sir Alex Ferguson has already made a large offer for him, which makes sense given the advancing years of Old Trafford keeper Edwin van der Sar.
Arsenal, too, have been linked with the top-class Spanish stopper and Gunners fans will be all too aware that it is in the keeping position alone that they need strengthening. And let’s face it, you don’t get much better than Iker. What do United and Arsenal fans feel about the possible move?
From one Real legend to an even bigger one. Striker Raul now adopts a much deeper position with the reigning Spanish champions, but he remains a class act and amazingly is still only 30. The five-time La Liga winner and three-time Champions League victor is reportedly attracting the interest of several Premier League clubs including Newcastle, Liverpool and Manchester City (AS).
Raul’s agent has been quick to dampen the rumours but has admitted that contact has been made with some big names in England. Liverpool would appear the most likely choice and he could do a good job at Anfield. Who knows, he may want a new challenge before hanging up his boots.
Poor old Pascal Chimbona is worried that Tottenham’s poor season is hurting his chances of retaining a French international spot (various). The concerned full-back said: “I do not understand why I am not being picked for France. Tottenham have had a bad start to the season and that could have something to do with it.”
Yes, indeed, Monsieur Chimbonda, that could have something to do with it. The former Wigan man has hardly been exceptional this season, but at the same time there have been worse offenders at White Hart Lane. At the same time Chimbonda seems to be stating the bleeding obvious with his quotes.
Perhaps the thought of a potential move to Chelsea in the summer had something to do with his less than magical form for Spurs – and it won’t be long before he is once again linked with a move away from north London.
Like many of his team-mates, Pascal needs to show some desire and passion when wearing the white jersey, otherwise he and many others may find it even harder to maintain international places as they embark on a season in the Championship. It could happen and it’s time the players showed their loyal fans that they want to fight it out and help keep Martin Jol in a job.