Arsene Wenger Refuses to End Chase for Real Madrid Striker Alvaro Morata

Despite Real Madrid insisting that there will be no mid-season departures either on loan or as permanent signings, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is not giving up on his chase to capture the signing of striker Alvaro Morata, according to The Daily Telegraph newspaper.

Casillas reveals condition for Real Madrid exit

The Spain goalkeeper has hinted at a possible departure from the Santiago Bernabeu, suggesting he wants to play for a club where he would be considered No.1

Casillas has dropped the biggest hint yet that his future lies away from Real Madrid.

The goalkeeper, who is currently understudy to Diego Lopez at the Bernabeu, has spoken of his desire to be first choice again at club level.

Casillas has been linked with a string of top European sides ahead of next summer's World Cup when he faces a battle to keep his position as Spain's No.1.

The 32-year-old was expected to attend a training camp in Doha - backed by the Iker Casillas Foundation - for around 20 specially selected, young goalkeepers from around the world.

Bale plays better without Ronaldo - Villas-Boas

The former Tottenham boss feels the Wales international is only able to play his best football without the Portugal captain on the pitch - the player he says has been 2013's best

Former Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas feels Real Madrid star Gareth Bale has performed far better this season without Cristiano Ronaldo in the side.

The 24-year-old delivered some exceptional displays for los Blancos after initially struggling for fitness following his €100 million summer move, notching nine goals and six assists in 15 games in all competitions prior to the winter break.

Queiroz: Ronaldo was destined to become the Michael Jordan of football

The former Manchester United assistant has stressed that the attacker's success does not surprise him and expects the Madrid man to make a big impact at the World Cup

Former Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz believes Real Madrid attacker Cristiano Ronaldo was destined to become one of the best players in the history of the game from a young age.

Queiroz - who is now Iran national team coach - coached Ronaldo during his time in charge of Portugal between 2008 and 2010 and also worked with the prolific attacker during his two spells as assistant manager to Alex Ferguson at Manchester United before his compatriot left for Real in 2009.

'I'm living the dream' - Jese in wonderland after winner against Valencia

The 20-year-old was thrilled with his decisive strike at Mestalla, explaining that he celebrated with Blancos assistant coach Zinedine Zidane as he's been a huge influence on him

Jese Rodriguez admitted he had fulfilled "a dream" by netting the winner for Real Madrid in their La Liga clash with Valencia on Sunday night.

The 20-year-old struck late at Mestalla to hand Los Blancos a vital 3-2 victory that saw them draw back to within five points of Liga leaders Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.

Bale back for Real at Valencia

Gareth Bale could return for Real Madrid in Sunday's La Liga fixture away to managerless Valencia.

The Wales international missed Wednesday's cup win over Olimpic Xativa through injury but is in contention for a starting place as the Spanish league returns.

Anything less than a win risks Real slipping further off the pace of La Liga leaders Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, who share a five point advantage at the top of the table.

Ancelotti expected La Liga title fight

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has not been surprised by the level of competition in La Liga.

The Italian left Paris Saint-Germain in June to take charge of a Spanish side for the first time, having previously enjoyed spells in Serie A and the Premier League.

Despite winning 12 out of 16 league games thus far, Real sit five points behind Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.

However, Ancelotti claims he expected a fierce battle for the title when moving from the Parc des Princes.

Real Madrid's Ronaldo unsure if he'll attend Ballon D'Or gala

Cristiano Ronaldo may be favoured to win the Ballon D'Or, but the Portugal forward says he is not sure if he will attend the awards ceremony.

The Real Madrid star tells Europa Press agency "there are still some days to go. I am still talking about it with the club and I will see if I go."

Ronaldo was speaking at the opening of a museum in his honour on his home island of Madeira.

PSG after Sergio Ramos?

Reports in the French Press have claimed that Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) have contacted FC Real Madrid (Spain) regarding Spanish national squad defender Sergio Ramos, Football España reports.

Ramsey on the same level as Bale, says Coleman

The Wales boss believes that the Arsenal midfielder's "brilliant" form puts him at a similar standard to that set by the Real Madrid winger.

Wales manager Chris Coleman believes that Aaron Ramsey's current displays for Arsenal put the midfielder on the same level as Gareth Bale.

The 22-year-old has scored 15 goals in 22 appearances for Arsene Wenger's side this season as the Gunners sit at the top of the Premier League and are on course to secure qualification for the knockout stage of the Champions League.

"When you see what he is doing at the minute then why would you not say he is at a similar level [to Bale]?" Coleman told Sky Sports.

'Cristiano Ronaldo is above the rest' - Real Madrid's Marcelo says there is no comparison despite Gareth Bale hat-trick

Real Madrid left-back Marcelo is refusing to compare Gareth Bale with Ballon d'Or favourite Cristiano Ronaldo after the Welshman bagged a perfect hat-trick on Saturday.

Bale starred in Saturday’s 4-0 La Liga victory at home to 17-placed Real Valladolid, but Marcelo said: "There is no need to compare them, Cristiano is above the rest of the players and everyone in the team knows that.”

Gareth Bale praises Cristiano Ronaldo and other team-mates after first Real Madrid hat-trick

The former Tottenham man was in scintillating form as he put Valladolid to the sword with three goals and a brilliant assist.

Real Madrid star Gareth Bale was full of praise for his teammates following his first hat-trick for the Spanish giants, while reiterating his belief that Cristiano Ronaldo is the world's greatest.

The world's most expensive player scored three times as Los Blancos beat Real Valladolid 4-0, while his exquisite pass picked out Karim Benzema for Madrid's other goal.

Ribery 'disappointed' with Sakho Ballon d'Or snub

The Bayern Munich star admitted his frustration that his compatriot publicly stated he would vote for Cristiano Ronaldo to win the prestigious award.

Bayern Munich star Franck Ribery revealed he was "disappointed" by Mamadou Sakho's declaration that he would back Cristiano Ronaldo to be crowned Ballon d'Or winner.

Ribery was instrumental in die Roten's unprecedented treble last season and recently helped France to the 2014 World Cup by impressing in a 3-2 aggregate play-off win against Ukraine.

Real Madrid hat-trick is a dream come true, says Bale

The Welshman was ecstatic at registering his first treble for the Spanish giants and attributed his progress to learning from Cristiano Ronaldo

Gareth Bale admitted he had realised a dream after scoring his first hat-trick for Real Madrid against Valladolid on Saturday.

The Wales international's form in front of goal has been exceptional since his return to full fitness, with the €100 million man notching seven goals and six assists in nine Liga matches, and he pinned his impressive return on the opportunity to train every day alongside Cristiano Ronaldo - the man he insists deserves this year's Ballon d'Or.

Messi: Ronaldo will be good for World Cup

Lionel Messi says despite the current hype around Cristiano Ronaldo, he has been “playing well for years”.

Ronaldo was pivotal to Portugal’s qualification for Brazil 2014, scoring all four goals in a 4-2 aggregate victory over Sweden last week.

The two superstars are both in line for the Ballon d'Or, and have been pitted against each other in the media recently, after Fifa president Sepp Blatter revealed – supposedly as a joke – that he prefers the Argentine.

Oscar Admits To Madrid Interest

Chelsea star Oscar has admitted that he almost signed for Real Madrid in 2012 before Chelsea came in for him.

The playmaker was considered hot property when Internacional decided they were willing to sell and according to Sky Sports, Mourinho was keen on signing him at the Bernabau before meeting up with him in West London this season.

In the end Madrid decided they had enough creative players in that area and Chelsea took the opportunity to lure Oscar to Stamford Bridge.

Zinedine Zidane: “France will qualify”

The Real Madrid sporting director is as confident as ever.

Zinedine Zidane, legendary former French striker and current figurehead at the Bernabeu, didn’t leave any hesitation where he thought France would end up in their World Cup qualifier.

“You came to ask me questions about the France team, so I’ll get up and leave. We all know they will qualify.”

Problem is, they’re down 2-0 to Ukraine as Les Bleus head home to Saint-Denis.

Sami Khedira injured 'severely'

Real Madrid and Germany could be without Sami Khedira for an extended period, with the midfielder taken to hospital for treatment after suffering a knee injury during Friday's 1-1 draw in Italy.

                      

Sami Khedira is helped off the field after colliding with Italy's Andrea Pirlo.

Khedira collided with Italy's Andrea Pirlo in the 67th minute and was carried off the pitch with a suspected knee problem.

Ribery: I deserve to win Ballon d'Or

The winger, who has shone as Bayern Munich won the treble in May and been brilliant this season, believes he has taken his game up a level recently

Bayern Munich attacker Franck Ribery says he deserves to win this year's Ballon d'Or over fellow frontrunners Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Frenchman has shone in 2013 as the Bavarians stormed to a Bundesliga title win, lifted the DFB-Pokal and became European champions, and have started the current campaign under new coach Pep Guardiola in terrific fashion too.

Bartra: I feel at home with Madrid rivals & Barca team-mates

The defender has described his Spain call-up as a "surprise" and a "dream" and says he wants to help keep the nation the best in the world

Marc Bartra says he feels at home alongside his Barcelona team-mates in the Spain squad - and is even pleased to be among rival Real Madrid players.

Bartra has stepped into first-team action at Camp Nou this season following injuries to Carles Puyol, Javier Mascherano and Gerard Pique, making nine appearances in all competitions.