Martino lauds ´amazing´ Neymar

Gerardo Martino heaped praise on Neymar after the forward scored a hat-trick in Barcelona's 6-1 UEFA Champions League thrashing of Celtic.

The Brazil international became the first player to score trebles in both the Copa Libertadores and the Champions League as he struck three times in 14 minutes during a sparkling display.

Neymar has now found the net eight times in all competitions since joining Barca from Santos in June.

Alves angered by Barcelona's treatment of Abidal

The Brazil international still feels upset with the Liga champions' decision to release the left-back whilst he also believes Thiago Alcantara left the club too soon

Dani Alves is angry over Barcelona's treatment of Eric Abidal, who was released on a free transfer this summer, after battling his way back from cancer.

The 33-year-old, now a Monaco defender, fought his way back to full match fitness after a liver transplant in April 2012.

Bernard denies Shakhtar Donetsk agreement as failed bids from Arsenal and Tottenham are revealed

The Brazil international midfielder is expected to leave Atletico Mineiro for Europe this summer but the Ukrainian champions are the only club to meet his asking price

Bernard has insisted a deal with Shakhtar Donetsk has not been agreed despite them being the only club to meet Atletico Mineiro's asking price for the attacker.

The 20-year-old is widely expected to complete a move to Europe this summer and the Ukrainian champions had a €25.4 million bid accepted last week.

Bernard is now set to visit Donetsk but insists nothing is official, after his father revealed the midfielder has set his heart on a move to Porto.

Julio Cesar: Balotelli is scared of taking penalties against me

The Brazil international believes the duo's time together at Inter would leave him with a distinct advantage over the Italy star from 12 yards

Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar says he would have liked to face a Mario Balotelli penalty during his country's 4-2 Confederations Cup win over Italy on Saturday.

Balotelli has never missed a penalty during his professional career, but the Canarinha shot-stopper says he would have fancied his chances after bettering the striker in training whilst the two were at Inter.

"I would have liked to take on Balotelli, as we often practiced penalties in training at Inter," the 33-year-old told Rai Sport. "I managed to save a few, so he's scared to face me now."

The former Flamengo star also took time to praise team-mate Neymar, whose stunning free kick put the Selecao 2-1 up following Emanuele Giaccherini's equaliser.

"[Neymar] is a world-class player," he continued. "He plays with joy and can move well even off the ball. Goalkeepers are always blamed, but Neymar's free kick was fantastic."

Cesar also spoke about rumoured interest from Roma, following current club Queen's Park Rangers' relegation from the Premier League last term.

"I do hear news every now and then, so I am happy about that interest," he added. "After everything that happened at Inter, my career has changed a great deal.

"I thank QPR, who were the only club who wanted me. They gave me a great opportunity and I am still in the Selecao thanks to them."

Tottenham closing in on Paulinho deal

Corinthians have confirmed they are in advanced talks with Tottenham over the transfer of their midfielder Paulinho.

Brazil international Paulinho, who has made an impression in this summer's Confederations Cup, is believed to be closing in on a £17m move to White Hart Lane, with Corinthians director of football Edu confirming a deal is imminent.

"The situation is well underway," stated the former Arsenal midfielder when asked about a possible deal with Tottenham. "We have to agree on some details of the negotiation, so I can't say he will leave yet, but the negotiations are good."

Paulinho, who scored for Brazil in their 2-2 draw with England earlier this month, has also been linked with moves to Real Madrid and Roma in recent weeks, but the Premier League appears to be his likely destination as Spurs look to seal their first big signing.

The move would also be the first to be concluded by the club's new director of football Franco Baldini, who is working closely with boss Andre Villas-Boas in a revised player recruitment set-up at the north London club.

AC Milan closing in on Julio Cesar

The Brazil international is close to agreeing a two-year contract with the Italian giants having impressed for Harry Redknapp's Premier League strugglers this season

AC Milan are closing in on the signing of QPR goalkeeper Julio Cesar, Goal.com can reveal.

The 33-year-old joined the west London club last summer from Inter and his performances have represented a rare highlight in a season that seems almost certain to end in relegation.

Cesar has recently won his place back in Luiz Felipe Scolari’s Brazil side and is keen to return to Italy, rather than risk appearing at the 2014 World Cup on home soil by plying his trade in the Championship with QPR.

Cesar is close to agreeing a two-year contract worth £1.8 million-a-year with the Rossoneri, who will install the former Flamengo man as their No.1 and retain Christian Abbiati as back-up, while Marco Amelia will be allowed to leave on a free.

Despite his long-standing interest in the player Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani, who made an enquiry for the goalkeeper last summer, distanced himself with a move.

Cesar on Thursday although he adopted a similar stance during the club's negotiations with Manchester City for Mario Balotelli.

Galliani told reporters: "Julio Cesar is an excellent keeper, but no, there are no negotiations on course with him or with Queens Park Rangers."

Cesar spent seven highly successful years with Milan’s fierce rivals Inter, winning 14 major honours and playing a key role in the club’s treble season of 2009-10 under Jose Mourinho