Real Madrid: Bringing glory days back to the Bernabeu

This is a Real Madrid Story based on the ever popular, Football Manager 2007. In this thread, you will find out details on how my, or shall I say, YOUR Real Madrid is doing, news, transfers, matches, etc. I may be the Manager, but YOU are the reason why Real Madrid is here!

Before I begin writing my story, I'd like to clarify some stuffs. I may not be the biggest fan of Real Madrid, but I consider myself as a fan as Real Madrid is the only team I watch play (My house don't offer sports channel, and I have to wake up at around 4am, cycle to the coffee shop just to watch them play.), the only team that affects my mood, the only team that will make me go, "GOAL!!!!!! GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL!!!!!!" when they score, and the only team that will make me shake my head for 90minutes of the match. I haven't supported them since the day I knew about football, but they're the first team I have ever supported. I was around the age of 14 when I started supporting them, and I'm now 19. There are ALOT of history and information of Real Madrid that I do not know, so please forgive me and at the same time correct me on any mistakes I make during the story. Also, my vocabulary is rather limited, so, yeah.. . There might be several double post here as I might stop playing at a certain match, and continue a while later. If the moderators feel that the post is too much, please PM me. Thank you.

I will be trying my very best to make this story as good as I can offer. Here are some information you all should know.
1. Because this is a Real Madrid forum, it will be ALOT more interactive than previous forums I have wrote stories on (There were very few repliers, but alot of views.). So, in order to take advantage of this interaction, I WILL take into consideration YOUR suggestion of players to buy, players to sell, tatics to play, etc. (Just like how you all would post in the Transfer Threads, Match Threads, etc.) This will also become YOUR Real Madrid.
2. Feel free to critisie me, they way you all critisie Capello.
3. Post the way you would post when Real Madrid win, lose, draw, etc. Just post normally like you would. I know it is difficult as you won't be able to see the match, but just give it a go.
4. Please comment on the story, whether good or bad. so I can imporve my style. I really want this story to go the distance, and I really want the readers to enjoy this. Be supportive! There is nothing more motivating than a post that says, "Good Job! Keep it up! I love it!"!

The first post will come up really soon. Either in a few hours, or either in 2 days. (Currently on a 1day break from my exams. It ends in 2 days.)

Here are some details you might want to know on my game.
Running Leagues:
Italy, Spain, England, Germany, Argentina, France, Brazil.
Database Size:
Large

Now for one final phrase, HALA MADRID!

Updated 25 June 2007

Fabio Capello shocks Real Madrid, La Liga, and Football World.

Capello, reciving the honour of coaching Real Madrid.
__________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________

Only a few days into his job, Fabio Capello has already handed in his resignation letter. Ramon Calderon refused to give details about the sudden decision of Fabio Capello, but has mentioned something about "style of football". Medias believe that fans have protested heavily against Fabio Capello's lack of attacking football and heavy defensive strategy, and that Real Madrid will never be the same again.

Thousands of fans packed outside Santiago Bernabeu few days after Capello was assigned the role, waving signboards saying, "GO BACK TO ITALY!!", "THE BEST ATTACK IS THE BEST DEFENCE!", "WE WANT TO CHEER! NOT YAWN!". These fans certainly ain't giving Fabio Capello a single chance to prove himself, as he has yet to bring the squad he has made, which included signings of former Juventus players, Fabio Cannavaro and Emerson, and Manchester United Striker, Ruud Van Nisterlrooy, to a single game in pre-season. There are absolutely no reasons to doubt Fabio Capello's tatics though, as he has won silverwares in his only year in Real Madrid, and if Real Madrid want an instant success, Fabio Capello might be the only one that will be able to bring it to them under their current situation.

This shocking news dealt yet another severe blow for Real Madrid, who has been changing managers for the past 2 years in search for one that will once again bring back the glory days. Ramon Calderon has already named a few managers that might take the role of coaching Real Madrid. These names include Arsenal's Arsene Wenger, Chelsea's Jose Morinho, and one of Real Madrid's famous coach, Vicente Del Bosque. However, it is unlikely that Arsene Wenger will give up his little kids and Jose Morinho to give up the success his enjoying at Chelsea for Real Madrid. All that is left, is Vincente Del Bosque. But will Real Madrid suffer yet another twist? Has the great Real Madrid finally come to an end?

The press wants to know if Ronaldo is still in the team?

(aka what database are you running, 7.0.1 or 7.0.2? Feel free to edit your first post to answer this question, and get a mod to delete this post).

Silly me. I forgotten to put my version. Well, If I've patched successfully, I'm running on 7.0.1. . Thinking of changing to 7.0.2 once I find one without the transfer data.

I'd like to know though, the transfers in 7.0.2, does it happen as soon as you start the game? For example, does Ronaldo start at AC Milan, or does he still play for Real Madrid until the transfer window opens in mid season?

Also, please forgive spelling mistakes I will be making along the way. I didn't know the time limit to edit is only 120minutes. Now that I know, I'll make sure I'm EXTRA careful.

Ronaldo starts at Milan, Gago and Higauin at Madrid. For some reason Marcelo is still in Brasil untill January.

Even if you download the patch with data, you can still choose to play the 7.01 data.

You can? I never knew that. I'll give it a try now. Thank you!

Updated 26 June 2006

Managers reject Real Madrid.

Arsene and Jose enjoying their time in the EPL. Vicente Del Bosque rejects another chance at Real Madird
__________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________

Real Madrid's bad luck just got worse as the 3 managers that Ramon Calderon named rejected the chances of coaching Real Madrid.

Arsene Wenger calmly stated, "Real Madrid is a big club, the best club in the world. But Arsenal is where I belong, and these youngsters I have brought in need my guidance. Cesc Fabregas, Theo Walcott, Helb, Van Persie, all these kids, I will not give them up for anything in the world. I want to make them superstars, and win thropies for Arsenal again."

The Special One, Jose Mourinho, on the other hand, said, "Chelsea are just beginning to dominate the League, and giving all this success up for a Real Madrid that is going down just isn't worth it. Real Madrid isn't the team the used to be anymore. They are no longer the most feared team in the world. What's more, the superstars in Chelsea need someone to control their egos, and who else would do a better job than me?"

Vicente Del Bosque, who was the manager most likely to success Real Madrid, shocked them after he rejected the offer. He says, "Real Madrid just isn't the same anymore. In the past, everyone was willing to play their heart out for Real Madrid. Now, most of them are just here because of the money. It's a different world now, and I don't think I have the power to keep this players under control. Their egos are bigger than the coach's. I love Real Madrid, but things have changed."

All 3 managers stunned Ramon Calderon, who continues his search for a new Manager to take over Fabio Capello. Things cannot seem to get anymore messy for newly elected Ramon Calderon, who seem to be feeling the early pressure of Real Madrid. Now that all the names Ramon Calderon has mentioned rejected the offer, Ramon Calderon is left poundering, who is left that is worthy enough to take the role of coaching Real Madrid.

26 June 2006

26/06/06 "We're still the greatest": Raul in his press conference.
__________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________

Captain of Real Madrid voices out after Capello's shock resignation, and managers rejection to coach Real Madrid. He calls for calmness and confidence. "Things may be in a mess, but we have to keep calm and stay confident. We cannot let our opponents see us weak.", he said.

Do you think Capello is a good coach?
He isn't a good coach, but a WORLD CLASS coach. He is the best tatician around. His history speaks for himself, and during his season at Real Madrid, he has brought us thropies. We believed he would do the same this season, but..

What are your thoughts of Capello's resignation?
Obviously shocked. Capello isn't a man that cannot handle pressure and I have no idea why he handed in his resignation letter so early. He has brought 4 great players into the team and has yet to bring us onto the pitch. He has created a great confidence in the squad, and training with Capello around was a great thing. He didn't stop motivating us. We all believed Capello will be the man to guide us to the silverwares this season. He should have stayed to prove the fans wrong.

What is the current situation of the squad?
I wouldn't say it is chaotic, but it isn't very good. The players are sadden by the departure of Capello. He was a great coach and we all looked up to him. He brought alot of confidence to us, and he told us, "You're still the best. Prove it to the world.". None of us would have expected just days, he would leave us. None of the players smiled during training today, not even Cassano. But we have to stay focus and pick ourselves up soon. The season is starting, and we want to end our thropiless run.

All 3 managers have rejected Ramon Calderon's offer, what would you expect?
We must believe Ramon Calderon and who he is going to choose. Real Madrid would be great under one of the three managers Ramon Calderon named, but that is impossible now. We just have to keep believing in ourselves and the staffs.

Vicente Del Bosque has hit out on the current Real Madrid, what are your thoughts?
I have always respected Vicente Del Bosque, but I have to say what he said to the media is rubbish. We're still the greatest. All of us here care for Real Madrid and would play our heart out for this club.

Your form has been heavily critisied by fans and media.
I admit, things aren't going right for me, and I don't want to find excuses. I just have to keep trying and find back the touch I once had. I'm the captain of Real Madrid, I cannot lose faith in myself.

I understand most of you that are reading are finding the start draggy, and want some action ASAP. I promise action will happen in a day or two. All these media, interview stuffs are a big gamble. If I screw them up it'll probably screw the whole feeling of the story, so please stay tuned and keep comments/critics coming.

Updated 27 June 2006

Real Madrid turns to Teenage Prodigy?

Teenage Prodigy, or just messing around during classes?
__________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________

Real Madrid's newly elected, President Ramon Calderon, put his status at risk when he announced the appointment of what he believe is a teenage prodigy, Alex Sim, to take coaching responsibilites of Real Madrid.

At the age of only 20, and virtually unknown, nobody in the football world would have thought a club as big as Real Madrid, would turn to him. But Ramon Calderon had his reasons for choosing him, out of many hundreds of experinced coach.

"He brought a stack of notes and camped outside my house the day Capello resigned. I ignored him and even ask my security to get him away, but the next day he returned again.", stated Calderon.

"When the 3 managers rejected my offer, I became nervous. This kid came up to me and showed me the first page of his note, and it was full of tatics, notes, players names, etc. I thought it was intresting, so I continued to flip through his notes. He had around 100pages with him, and he said he had more at home."

"I invited him into my house and flipped through his notes for 2 hours. I realised his heart is with Real Madrid, as no one in the right state of mind would draw 100 pages of tatics, and to be honest, most of his tatics were actually great ideas."

"I asked him if he wanted to try the job out, at least until the pre-season ends, to see how things work, and I saw the joy on his face. The next thing you know, it was pens and papers."

Fans are left angered by Calderon's choice, as this was certainly not what they wanted after overthrowing Fabio Capello, but Calderon has said he will not sack the teen, not until he sees what he can offer.

"I know this is unprofessional and stupid to let a 20 year old coach a club like Real Madrid, but you have to see what he has done to actually believe how much he loves the club. I think he is someone special, and might have the power to unite all the players together. I want to see what he can offer before confirming if I made the wrong choice. I won't say I have full confidence in the kid, so I will still keep my options open, just in case.", said Calderon

Hehe, pretty entertaining. Good job.

Haha, i was wondering how you were going to introduce yourself to the footballing scence. . very nice indeed !!
if u need any suggestions on players to buy, a lot of us here play FM07
so just jot down a position you want taken care of and let the suggestions role in.

I'm patching now to 7.0.2. I'll be playing it without the transfers data, so Ronaldo & Becks will still be in Real Madrid, and Gago, Higuian, Marcelo will still be at where they were.

My exams have finished, so that means updates will start pouring in. I hope as I update, more people will read and reply. Remember, this is YOUR Real Madrid as well! I'm about to officially start the season after I finish patching. I hope things go well for me as I'm not really very experinced in Football Manager yet. Here goes nothing!

Updated 29 June 2006

29/06/06 "Somebody punch me!". Alex in his first press conference.
__________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________

It wasn't a conference for newly hired coach Alex Sim to remember as he was knocked out cold by frustrated reporters after he continuously asked someone to punch him.

Good afternoon, Alex Sim. How are you feeling?
Am I f**king in Real Madrid?! Somebody punch me! Hala Madrid!

Err..Yes you are in Real Madrid, and you're having a press conference now. Please be more professional. I'd take it that you're feeling excited. You're 20 years old only, how experinced are you?
Somebody punch me! Hala Madrid!

The squad's morale is pretty low at the moment.
Somebody punch me! Hala Madrid!

Please contain your excitement and answer the questions professionally, Alex Sim. So, what do you think you can achieve in Real Madrid?
Somebody punch me! Hala Madrid!

The fans are very angry with Ramon Calderon's decision to hire you. Do you have anything to say to the fans?
Somebody punch me! Hala Madrid!

..Okay, this is not going well. What do you think of previous coach, Fabio Capello?

Somebody punch me! Hala Madrid!

WHOK!!!!!

Updated 29 June 2007

Teenage Prodigiy makes a fool of himself

Alex Sim in his first press conference.
__________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________

Dupped the "Teenage Prodigy" by Real Madrid's president, Ramon Calderon, Alex Sim made a shocking, unprofessional start to his career when he was knocked out cold by reporters present at his press conference earlier today.

"He was irritating, unprofessional, and on top of that, he looks stupid." said a reporters present at the press conference.

"He just kept asking someone to punch him, and one of the reporters just did it. He was lying motionless on the floor after the punch. I hope that punch will knock some sense into him."

Ramon Calderon was stunned by Alex Sim's behaviour, but insists he understands. "The kid is only 20 years old and it's his first time coaching after many years of drawing tatics. I understand that he is nervous and probably thinks he is still dreaming, which is why he continiously asked someone to punch him. He needs time to calm down, and as soon as he does, he will show what he is capable of on the field."

Fans, on the other hand, disagrees with Ramon Calderon. "What the f**k that guy doing? Even my grandmother who doesn't watch soccer might coach Real Madrid better than that stupid looking guy. Real Madrid is doomed! "

Alex Sim, who is still laying in the hospital after the punch he suffered today, will be discharged tomorrow and start training with the squad Fabio Capello has formed.

Updated 30 June 2006

Alex Sim's first training session with squad
__________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________

Alex Sim, who was admitted to hospital yesterday after being knocked out by an interviewer, joined the squad for the first time since his arrival at training in the late morning.

Thousands of fans packed outside the stadium just to see how stupid Alex Sim looked like, and many of them were laughing their ass off. Alex Sim responded to the crowd with just a smile.

Surprisingly, the squad accepted Alex Sim very quickly, and followed his instructions carefully. Alex Sim gave each field of players specific training instructions so they can excel in their positions, and carefully allocated coaches to coach each field. It was smiles on every players face as they were training.

Alex Sim will be preparing for his first match of pre-season, as Real Madrid host Anderlecht in 2 days time. It will the best time to prove to the fans that he is made of something special.

GOALKEEPERS:
Medium - Heavy: Goalkeeping, Areobic, Strength, Tatics.
Light - Medium : Attacking, Defending, Set Pieces.
DEFENDERS:
Medium - Heavy: Defending, Tatics, Ball Control, Attacking.
Light - Medium: Shooting, Set Pieces, Strength, Areobic.
FULLBACKS:
Medium - Heavy: Defending, Attacking, Set Pieces, Ball Control, Tatics.
Light - Medium: Shooting, Areobic, Strength.
DEFENSIVE MIDFIELD:
Medium - Heavy: Tatics, Defending, Set Pieces, Attacking.
Light - Medium: Shooting, Ball Control, Areobic, Strength.
MIDFIELD RIGHT LEFT:
Medium - Heavy: Tatics, Ball Control, Attacking, Set Pieces.
Light - Medium: Defending, Shooting, Areobic, Strength.
ATTACKING MIDFIELD:
Medium - Heavy: Tatics, Ball Control, Attacking.
Light - Medium: Defending, Shooting, Set Pieces, Areobic, Strength.
STRIKERS:
Medium - Heavy: Ball Control, Attacking, Shooting.
Light - Medium: Tatics, Defending, Set Pieces, Areobic, Strength.

Updated 2 July 2006

Ruud and Cicinho leads Real Madrid to first win in pre-season.
__________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________

The first match of pre-season got off to a good start after Ruud and Cicinho scored one each. Over 30,000 fans packed the stadium to watch Alex Sim's first match in charge, and they weren't dissapointed. Real Madrid compleletly dominated Anderlecht, who seemed to have gone into the game half hearted, allowing Real Madrid to run all over their defence. The scoreline should have been more, as Ruud and Robinho both missed great chances.

Real Madrid accelerated into the match, as V.Nistelrooy opened the score board in just 8 minutes. Reyes put a low cross from deep, and Anderlecht's Juhaz missed the interception, which left V.Nistelrooy completely clear. V.Nistelrooy controlled the ball well at first touch, and blasted the ball into the top corner. It was the first shot of V.Nistelrooy, and he made no mistake that his scoring boots are still well in tack.

V.Nistelrooy continued to split the defence of Anderlecht with his runs, and was sent through again by Helguera's stunning through ball. However, Zitka rushed out just in time to block the V.Nistelrooy's shot.

The second half saw substitutes Robinho, Cassano, Da La Red, Cicinho and Emerson coming on for Raul, Reyes, Guti, Beckham and Diarra. The frontline of Real Madrid posed equal amount of threat after Robinho left the defence of Anderlecht flat-footed, only to see his shot go over the bar. Robinho had another chance to score after expertly controlling Cicinho's deep cross, but lacked the final product as his shot went over the bar again.

Cicinho put an end to the game in the 82 minute, after receiving Cassano's low cross and sending it first time into the top corner.

Updated 7 July 2007

Ruud continues fantastic pre-season form. Wonderkid Alberto Beuno gets his share of goal.
__________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________

33000 fans packed the stadium again to continue to see what Alex Sim can offer, and went home with smiles on their face. Real Madrid proved too much for Braga as Ruud and Alberto Beuno netted a goal each to bring home another pre-season victory.

Raul got the crowd cheering after receiving Cassano's through ball on the left, but his half volley from a tight angle went too high. In the 16 minute, V.Nisterlrooy was in the right place at the right place as he pounced on Cannavaro's rebound to open the scoreboard. It wasn't the easiest of rebound as the angle was tight, but V.Nistelrooy managed to bring the ball forward and put it over the keepers head.

Braja tried to hit back immediately, with a long range drive from Pinto that was well pushed over the bar by Casillas. Real Madrid pushed forward to search for a second goal, but failed to hit any as all their shots went wide or over.

Real Madrid's wonderkid Alberto Bueno got his share of playing time today, coming on for goal scorer V.Nistelrooy. He paired up with Robinho, and proved a deadly pair as he put Robinho's rebound shot into an open net in the 70 minute.

Thank you horsehead. I hope my ideas won't run out when I finish the pre-season. I'm really enjoying writing the story so far and I hope it'll gain more popularity. Thanks for your support!

Updated 11 July 2007

Real Madrid coach, Alex Sim, eyes new players.

Alex Sim, getting the go ahead signal from Ramon Calderon.
__________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________

Ramon Calderon entrusted the future of Real Madrid in the hands of Alex Sim after he expanded Alex Sim transfer fund. Alex Sim has since, declared intrest in many players, particuarly players in the defence and midfield.

Some of the names Alex Sim is chasing include Sevilla's Jesus Navas, Boca Juniors's Fernando Gago, Feyenoord's Jonathan De Guz Man, Deportivo's Fabricio Coloccini and Manchester City's Micah Richards. It is obvious Real Madrid won't be able to sign all of them, so who will Alex Sim end up signing?

Emerson, who joined Real Madrid with Cannavaro and Capello, has found himself in the bad books of Alex Sim, after Alex Sim repeatedly offered him to clubs, but receiving no offers in response. It seems only someone like Capello would treat Emerson so well, that they were sometimes mistaken as gays.

"CAPELLO, PLEASE COME BACK! I LOVE YOU!" said the Tenacious Midfielder after finding himself unwanted by Alex Sim.

Updated 13 July 2006

Cassano scores late winner as De La Red put game beyond doubt.
__________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________

Feyenoord almost went home with a draw today in the Bernabeu Stadium after holding Real Madrid for 80 minutes, only to have Cassano and De La Red net 2 late goals. But it was a deserved win for Real Madrid, as the front line showed their determination.

Both team had their chances early in the game, when Ramos headed Beckham's corner just over, and Boussaboun going really close at the other end. Real Madrid posed more threat, but Feyenoord goalkeeper Timmer's lightning reflexes kept Ruud and Real Madrid frustrated, as he saved shots after shots.

Timmer seemed to be heading to a clean sheet with 10minutes left in the game, after he saved a close range shot from De La Red. Timmer seemed determined to keep Real Madrid from scoring, but Cassano connected Cicinho's corner with a brilliant header to break the dead lock in the 81 minute.

Feyenoord changed their tatics to 4-2-4 in the dying minutes of the game, hoping to pull 1 back, but instead, paid the price when De La Red picked up a lovely ball from V.Nistelrooy, and drived past Timmer to make sure Real Madrid walk out as the winners.

Updated 16 July 2006

Fabricio Coloccini and Fernando Gago set for Real Madrid.

The argentinian duo shining in their national colours.
__________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________

Alex Sim has secured his first signings in Real Madrid as Fabricio Coloccini and Fernando Gago pens contract with Real Madrid. The argentinian duo, who specialises in defence and passing, will no doubt add depth to Real Madrid's defence and midfield.

Coloccini, who earlier declared his unhappiness with Deportivo's Manager for rejecting Real Madrid's first offer, will no doubt be looking forward to this move.

"Real Madrid is a huge club and to play for them is a great honour. I know I can play well in Real Madrid because I've played in the Spanish League for 2 years already. I understand the game.", said Coloccini as he prepares for his amazing move.

Fernando Gago will make a great leap forward in his career if he were to succeed in Real Madrid.

"This is more than a dream come true for me. I know the pressure will be great, especially what Real Madrid is looking to achieve. I'm really looking forward to the move and I believe I have alot to offer.", Gago, excited and anxious.

The 2 signings is believe to cost Real Madrid a total of £16.5million. Other names Alex Sim declared might have to wait now, seeing Real Madrid has already splurged the cash on 2 players.

Real Madrid's rival, Barcelona, is relishing the prospect of signing Henry again. Rijkaard offically declared intrest in signing Arsenal's striker, Theirry Henry.

Theirry Henry dismissed links to Barcelona last season after Arsenal lost to Barcelona in the Champions League final. Arsene Wenger has issued hands off warning to Barcelona, saying Henry is here to stay. Henry hinted that he might have changed his mind since the Champions League, as he says a move to Barcelona would be too good to turn down.

Updated 13 August 2006

Liverpool penelised on penalty shootout.

Shevchenko, one of the scorer in the penalty shootout.
__________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________

It was a game that could go both ways, as Liverpool and Chelseashowed displayed wonderful attacking football. Claude Mekelele opened the score board for Chelsea in the 11 minute, and looked set for a win as Liverpool missed the target time and again.

At the 71 minute, Mark Gonzalez put Liverpool on level terms and the game went on to extra time where both sides still couldn't be sperated.

Liverpool fans were left shocked, as players like Robbie Fowler, Dirk Kuyt and Steven Gerrad all missed from the spot, handling the Community Shield to Chelsea, where Shevchenko, Lampard, and newly signed Rodrigo Palacio all scored.

Chelsea would feel disappointed not to have taken the Community Shield in 90minutes as they were more accurate than Liverpool, but it didn't matter.

Updated 18 August 2006

Transfer window hots up!

Steven Gerrard, David Villa, Jesus Navas, Maxi Rodriguez find themselves targets of top clubs.
__________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________

The transfer window gets exciting as Steven Gerrard is being linked to a move to Barcelona, while teenage star, Jesus Navas, is being linked to Real Madrid.

Barcelona, who has only made 1 signing so far (Luka Mordic), has yet to splurge, and it seems they will be spending to cash to try signing either Theirry Henry or Steven Gerrard. In order to prise Steven Gerrad away from Anfield, it is believed Barcelona must bid up to £41million. It is also up to Rafa Benitez to decide the future of Steven Gerrard, and he is most likely never going to let him going, seeing what Steven Gerrard alone can offer to the club.

Real Madrid, who has already splurged the cash on Fernando Gago and Fabrico Coloccini, turns to Jesus Navas to add more spark to the midfield. Jesus Navas, already a star at the age of 20, is known for his dazzling dribbling and runs. Real Madrid is rumoured to be willing to pay up to £16million for the wonderkid, who is currently being valued at £10million. However, bids would have to wait as Real Madrid might have run dry on transfer funds.

Inter's is looking to strengthen their squad for the Champions League, and has turned to Valencia's star striker, David Villa. However, Inter must be prepared to splurge as Valencia would not be likely to let go of David Villa for anything less than £40million. Already having a strike force consisting of Zlatan, Adriano, and Hernan Crespo, an addtion of David Villa would make Inter's strike force one of the best in the world.

Chelsea chases Atletico's Argentinian midfielder, Maxi Rodriguez, and even though Atletico's Manager, Javier Aguirre has issused a hands off warning, Ramon Abramovich's billions might still be able to prise the 25 year old Argentinian away from his current club.