Preparations for the new season at Villarreal have taken a sinister turn after Roberto Soldado's injury and boss Marcelino's exit, but the club are now targeting a loan move for Real Madrid striker Mariano in a bid to solve their problems.
Highly-rated at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, Mariano netted 25 goals for Castilla in Segunda B last term and is also being chased by the likes of Leganes, Osasuna, Alaves and Las Palmas.
Although the 23-year-old is keen to stay with Los Blancos and fight for a place, coach Zinedine Zidane has stressed his immediate chances of first team football are slim with Ronaldo, Bale and Benzema at the club. [Source MARCA]
Just hours after making his debut for PSG, Jesé Rodríguez is suffering from appendicitis and will need an operation. During the season's Ligue 1 opener against Bastia,
Racing Club forward Lautaro Martinez has claimed Real Madrid have tabled an offer for him, but the 18-year-old believes his club are unlikely to let go of him unless his €8 million buyout clause is met.
The attacker is regarded as one of the most promising youngsters in Argentina and Martinez's potential has seemingly not gone unnoticed at the Santiago Bernabeu:
"It is true that I received a rough draft of an offer from Real Madrid to play a year on loan, with an option to buy,"
"But my buy-out clause was a bit high at €8 million. If they really want me, they'll have to pay that amount as Racing won't accept anything less."
"I'm constantly talking with the president of my club and I know that my coach is counting on me for the season."
"At this moment, I'd like to learn more here before making the move to Europe. I came to Racing in 2014 and I'm still getting used to playing in the first division. For now, Racing remain the priority." [Source Marca]