Kaka's only option to return to Italy is Napoli, claims former minister

The politician feels there is no place for the Brazilian at any of the other big teams in Serie A but the Partenopei, who are seeking reinforcements following Lavezzi's departure

Italian politician Clemente Mastella believes Napoli are the only realistic option for Kaka if he wants a return to Serie A.

The Real Madrid midfielder faces stiff competition for a starting berth at the Liga champions and has therefore been linked with a move away from the club this summer.

Nonetheless, Mastella, who served as minister of labour under Silvio Berlusconi from May 1994 until January 1995, feels the circumstances in the transfer market pave the way for Napoli to enter the fray.

"There is a chance that Kaka will go to Napoli," Mastella told Radio Kiss Kiss.

"Napoli have not yet spoken with Real Madrid, but it would be the best option for Kaka if he wants to return to Italy. 

"AC Milan don't have the money to sign him, Juventus would be impossible, and a move to Inter would be impractical, too."

The 30-year-old has made 93 appearances for the Blancos since his arrival three years ago, scoring 24 goals, and is under contract with the side until 2015.

'We will save €150m' - AC Milan president Berlusconi suggests Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva deal with Paris Saint-Germain is complete

The Rossoneri patron has told the press the duo will be leaving San Siro and it will be a huge boost to the club's finances, though there is no official word from either side yet

AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi has claimed that he has sold Thiago Silva and Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Paris Saint-Germain.

It is understood that a €60 million offer was enough to persuade the Italians into parting with two of their biggest assets, with the move then subject to the players negotiating personal terms with the Ligue 1 giants. Although the supremo did not confirm the figure involved in the transfer, he conceded that letting the duo leave would allow the club to reduce their costs.

"It is true that I have sold them to Paris Saint-Germain," he is quoted as saying by Ansa. "With their departures, we will save €150m."

Despite Berlusconi's statements, neither the Serie A side or PSG have confirmed the transfers.

Earlier in the summer, Thiago Silva was close to joining PSG in a €46m swoop, but Berlusconi vetoed the deal at the last minute before offering the Brazilian defender an improved contract.

However, with Milan's financial problems well documented, the Rossoneri have not been able to make a big investment in the summer transfer market following a season in which they lost their Serie A crown to Juventus.

The side have so far spent little over €4m on quintet Francesco Acerbi, Gabriel, Bakaye Traore, Riccardo Montolivo and Kevin Constant.

Alongside Alonso, in place of Ozil: Where will Modric fit in at Real Madrid?

With the Croatian playmaker looking more and more likely to head to the Santiago Bernabeu, We examine the possible positions the 26-year-old can take up

After what has been a eerily quiet summer so far by Real Madrid's shopping standards, the reigning Spanish champions could be about to seal their first signing for the 2012-13 campaign in the form of Luka Modric.

The minimal buzz linking high-profile stars to Madrid so far could suggest that, much like last summer, this will be a conservative assault on the market as coach Jose Mourinho looks to bring in just a small selection of players who will strengthen the squad without upsetting the balance - just enough to continue where they left off in La Liga last term, but also to go one step further in the Champions League.

David Silva and Modric have been the only big names linked with the Santiago Bernabeu in the early days of this transfer window, but with the former having recently snubbed a return to Spain, it appears that the latter will become Real's main priority in the coming days, with the transfer looking imminent at this stage. 

With that in mind, We look at how Modric will fit into Madrid's star-studded midfield.

ALONGSIDE ALONSO

HOW THE TEAM WOULD LOOK

(4-2-3-1) Casillas Arbeloa, Ramos, Pepe, Marcelo Alonso, MODRIC Di Maria, Ozil, Ronaldo Benzema/Higuain

Xabi Alonso and Sami Khedira have formed a solid partnership in the double-pivot role over the past two seasons. Their communication and understanding have been integral to Mourinho's set-up in protecting the back four.

But Los Blancos are bound to face off against even more ultra-defensive opponents in the coming season after striking fear into their rivals by shattering, by some margin, the record for the most goals scored in a single league campaign in 2011-12.

The continued use of two strictly defensive-minded midfielders could become superfluous, and this is where the more creative and offensive Modric comes in. 

Goal.com International Spain Football Editor Ben Hayward believes the Croatian can make Madrid tick in the same he has done for Spurs: "Modric has played largely alongside a more defensive-minded midfielder [Wilson Palacios, Sandro, Scott Parker] at Tottenham and, even though he doesn't score many or often provide the final pass in a goal, his vision and creativity make him the fulcrum of Spurs' attacking play. He makes Tottenham tick."

Alonso would retain his role as Madrid's fulcrum, but Modric would give the team an extra dimension in attack - something that Khedira has not been able to provide consistently enough against the big teams - while at the same time maintaining the defensive security.

Likelihood rating: 

PART OF A THREE-MAN MIDFIELD

HOW THE TEAM WOULD LOOK

(4-3-3) Casillas Arbeloa, Ramos, Pepe, Marcelo Khedira, MODRIC Ozil, Benzema, Ronaldo

While this system also sees Modric feature alongside Xabi deep in midfield, it presents Mourinho with an opportunity to employ the 4-3-3 formation that he has often been fond of.

It is a set-up that the Portuguese could have experimented with last season with the trio of Alonso, Khedira and Nuri Sahin, but all three have similar overlapping characteristics and they would only have suffocated each other. Not to mention Sahin's lengthy injury lay-off.

But Modric offers something extra. He can be as robust and aggressive as Khedira, and he has more pace and creativity than Sahin. It is a formation that provides a good balance between defence and attack, one that can be best maximised against the big teams in Champions League competition.

"I wouldn't expect Mourinho to play with just Alonso and Modric against a team like Barcelona," says Ben Hayward, "Unless Khedira plays too in a 4-3-3. In fact, that could be just what Mourinho has in mind for Modric as we know he is a big fan of the 4-3-3 formation."

Khedira then becomes the primary ball winner, Xabi the deep-lying playmaker who dictates the rhythm of the game, and Modric the most advanced player in the triumvirate in which he can utilise his burst of speed from the back. It is the classic box-to-box midfield role that the Spurs man will excel in.

Likelihood rating: 

THE PLAYMAKER-IN-CHIEF

HOW THE TEAM WOULD LOOK

(4-2-3-1) Casillas Arbeloa, Ramos, Pepe, Marcelo Alonso, Khedira Ozil, MODRIC, Ronaldo Benzema/Higuain

If Modric is to be deployed in an attacking midfield role, he will face extremely stiff competition for a regular place in the starting XI: Cristiano Ronaldo has rubber-stamped his ownership on the left-wing spot, while Mesut Ozil and Angel Di Maria have become the perfect accompaniment for the Portuguese ace in the front three behind the lone striker.

However, Di Maria was plagued by inconsistency and injuries last season and never really shone in the high-stake games: against Barcelona and the double header versus Bayern Munich in particular.

As a result, the Argentine could become the sacrificial lamb, with Ozil to be pushed out wide to the right and Modric to become the main central playmaker. If Mourinho struggles to get the best out of the German, who has been Madrid's key creative inspiration for the last two seasons, he could also opt to reinstate Mesut to the middle and move Modric to the right instead.

It is not a position the 26-year-old Croat is accustomed to but, with the guidance of Mourinho, he could stamp his mark out on the right, seeing as it is viewed as Madrid's weakest side due to Alvaro Arbeloa's lack of attacking flair from full-back.

Likelihood rating: 

THE UTILITY MAN

HOW THE TEAM WOULD LOOK

(4-2-3-1) Casillas Arbeloa, Ramos, Pepe, Marcelo Alonso*, Khedira Di Maria*, Ozil*, Ronaldo* Benzema/Higuain (* Modric as back-up)

Spurs are believed to be holding out for a €52 million (£40m) fee for Modric, and although that figure is likely to drop if a deal is to go through, the playmaker would still be an expensive reinforcement if he is to be brought in only as a squad player.

However, he could play just as much as the other key figures throughout the season with Real expected to aim for a treble, making the Champions League their priority. His versatility will allow him to cover for more than just one player or position. He would be an ideal back-up to Alonso, who has hardly had a rest over the last three seasons. Similarly, he can occupy Ronaldo's left-wing slot should the Portuguese be ruled out with an injury or, albeit highly unlikely, require a rest.

Modric's versatility across midfield will give him, as well as Mourinho, numerous combinations to work with in the starting XI. For a coach like Mourinho, who frequently mixes up his tactics mid-game, a player such as Modric could be crucial to his plans. Against a high-profile attacking rival, the Croatian could line up as a defensive player, but switch to a more offensive role as the match progresses if necessity dictates, or vice versa. 

If Modric arrives and settles in quickly, it could spell the end of Kaka, and possibly Sahin as well, by the winter as the duo will be called upon less and less.

Likelihood rating: 

HAVE YOUR SAY

Where do you think Modric will play at Madrid if he arrives? Which of the above positions and roles would suit the Croatian best? Is Modric the man who can help Real win La Decima? Let us know your views on the debate by posting a comment below or by engaging with us on Facebook and Twitter.

Modric close to Real Madrid switch, claims former team-mate

Mate Bilic, who previously played alongside the midfielder at international level with the Vatreni, says he expects his compatriot to sign for the Blancos this summer

Luka Modric is "very close" to swapping Tottenham for Real Madrid, according to former Croatia striker and international team-mate Mate Bilic

The 26-year-old has enjoyed a successful four-year stint at White Hart Lane following a €16.5 million move from Dinamo Zagreb in 2008, but is being tipped to call time on his career in north London this summer.

However, in a surprise twist, the Sporting Gijon striker claims the playmaker is on the verge of signing for the Spanish champions, despite reported interest from Manchester United and Barcelona.

“I’m very good friends with Modric,” Bilic told the Daily Mail. "He wants to play in the Spanish league. He loves the Premier League but he wants to play in Spain. He’s very close to agreeing a move.”

	EURO DARK HORSES?
33/1	Luka Modric's Croatia are 33/1 to win Euro 2012 with bet365

Modric has attracted suitors all over Europe with a series of assured displays for the Lilywhites this season, but is expected to depart in order to pursue his ambition of playing regular Champions League football.

And Croatia legend Davor Suker has backed his countryman's potential move, claiming: "Luka Modric is a player who could play for Real Madrid. He needs to be playing for a team that will win trophies. He’d be perfect for them.

“I would recommend that [Real Madrid president] Florentino Perez signs him. If he doesn’t sign for Real Madrid, he’ll end up at Manchester City or Chelsea. He has to leave Tottenham to win trophies.".

Transfer News: The Good, The Bad and The Ridiculous

With speculation, reports and the loosest of links set to do the rounds this summer, Goal.com takes a look at all the potential movers and shakers in the Premier League

Euro 2012 will take centre for the next month but the transfer furore is here to stay all summer.

Earlier this week, we've seen Manchester United agree terms with Dortmund over a deal for Shinji Kagawa, while the agent of Ajax defender Jan Vertonghen has claimed the defender's proposed move to Tottenham could be concluded by the end of the week.

We brings you a new weekly feature where we take a look at the best, worst and ridiculous of this week's transfer rumours connected with the Premier League.

THE GOOD

Manchester United step up Baines interest

Sir Alex Ferguson is eyeing a long-term successor for Patrice Evra, and top of the Scot's list is Everton left-back Leighton Baines.

Goal.com revealed on Wednesday that United had ramped up their intent to sign the England international and are willing to loan Everton up to two players, believed to be out of Ji-Sung Park and the Da Silva twins Fabio and Rafael, in order to push the deal through.

David Moyes' side have slapped a £20 million price tag on the 27-year-old but United are confident a bid of up to £15m, plus two loan players, will secure the signing of the adventurous full-back.

Manchester City plan surprise £10m Sturridge recapture

After falling out of favour in the second half of the season at Stamford Bridge, Daniel Sturridgeis now the target of his former club Manchester City in a £10m deal.

The 22-year-old has just one year remaining on his current deal with the newly crowned European Champions, while uncertainty over his future role within the squad has been thrown in doubt following the signings of Marko Marin, Eden Hazard. Porto powerhouse Hulk is also expected to join this summer which will increase competition along the flanks at Chelsea.

Pogba poised for Juve switch

The 19-year-old's future at Old Trafford looks to have reached an end as reports suggest the midfielder is finalising an agreement with Serie A champions Juventus.

The France Under-19 international is believed to have rejected a new deal with United after becoming frustrated over the lack of first-team football under Sir Alex.

Diame in limbo as Liverpool switch breaks down

Mohamed Diame was in line for a free transfer to Liverpool after failing to renew his contract with Wigan Athletic but following the sacking of Kenny Dalglish, the midfielder is now without a club as pre-season looms.

“I don’t think that is the lad – that is the agent giving him all kinds of advice. It’s down to money, money, money," Wigan chairman Dave Whelan told Goal.com. "I think he should be able to step back and have a look and think: Who gave me the chance to play in the Premier League?"

Moses claims Liverpool and Chelsea interest

After scrapping in the relegation zone for the majority of their campaign, Wigan's brightest outlet throughout last season was the mercurial Victor Moses, who has now claimed Chelsea, Liverpool "and some other clubs in England" are after him this summer.

Wigan chairman Whelan, however, has issued a hands-off warning: "Victor Moses will be staying with us and I don’t think there is any doubt about that," he said.

THE BAD

Liverpool in £16m swoop for Johnson

If this report had been circulating last summer, a £16m bid for Manchester City winger Adam Johnson may have had some substance. But Liverpool are likely to have wisened to their lavish outlay which, so far, has reaped little return on their challenge for Champions League football.

But Caughtoffside reckon Liverpool, under the guidance of Brendan Rodgers, are looking to bolster their left flank following Downing's uninspiring first term at Anfield with another huge transfer.

Wigan and Fulham battle for Theo

Roberto Martinez was able to keep relegation at bay last season, and so, according to theDaily Mail, the Spaniard is looking to bolster his attacking ranks with Derby County striker Theo Robinson.

Fulham are also said to be in the hunt for the 23-year-old, who notched 12 goals in the Championship last term.

Norwich scour Europe for new boss - but end up in West Brom

Paul Lambert's departure to Aston Villa created a promising managerial opportunity at Carrow Road, and on Tuesday, the Daily Express reported that Norwich chiefs were looking to "scour the Continent" for their new boss after Cardiff's Malky Mackay dropped out of the running.

Presumably, after trawling through the available CVs of managers hailing from France, Italy and Spain, Norwich were forced to settle for a man just 136 miles away, as Chris Hughton was plucked from Birmingham City on Thursday.

THE RIDICULOUS

Manchester United prepare £22m Modric bid

In stark contrast to last week's edition of our rumour round-up where Spanish website Sportreckoned Paris Saint-Germain were lining up a gargantuan £120 million offer for Wayne Rooney, Manchester United are now concocting a £22m swoop for Tottenham midfielder Luka Modric, according to the Daily Mail, which, it the grand scheme of things, is not enough.

Lest we forget, the Croatia international was the subject of a £40m bid from Chelsea last summer which was rejected by Tottenham. Unless Sir Alex Ferguson was oblivious to the situation at White Hart Lane, it seems unlikely that United would expect Spurs to let the 26-year-old leave for nearly half of what they were offered less than a year ago.

Pastore's girlfriend leaks Lavezzi's move to Paris Saint-Germain on Twitter

The Argentine's girlfriend Chiara Picone has congratulated Lavezzi’s partner Yanina Screpante on the Napoli striker's move to the French capital via the social networking site

Ezequiel Lavezzi's Transfer; Confirmed by an Unlikely Source

Despite denials from the Parisians' coach Carlo Ancelotti, fellow Argentine and ex-Napoli stiker Roberto Sosa has leaked news of the signing to the press, while Javier Pastore’s girlfriend has also hinted the move has been completed on Twitter.

"Chatting to Lavezzi via text messages, I found out the news I hoped to the end I would not receive: the agreement with Paris Saint-Germain is done," Sosa told Sky Sport Italia.

"The rumours of the last few days were unfortunately true. It will be tough for Napoli to replace him."

Meantime, Pastore's girlfriend Chiara Picone congratulated Lavezzi's partner, Yanina Screpante, on their move to the French capital via the social networking platform.

"I'm happy you are coming to Paris. We're waiting for you and we'll spend some fun times together," she wrote.

Recent reports suggest a deal has been struck of around €27.5m plus performance-related bonuses and the profits from an August friendly match for the 27-year-old.

The Paris club faced stiff competition for the signature of Lavezzi as Inter had also set their sights on the Argentina international, but now seem to have lost out to the Ligue 1 runners-up.

The switch is expected to be finalised once the transfer window officially reopens on June 13.

Ronaldinho quits Flamengo

The Brazilian playmaker, who had complained over unpaid wages, is no longer tied to the Rubro-Negro after being granted an injunction but the club will appeal against the decision

The Brazil international has long been involved in a tug-of-war with Flamengo, with reports suggesting that the 32-year-old has become disillusioned with life at the club after being insulted by Rubro-Negro fans during a match against Internacional.

Earlier on Thursday, Flamengo had quashed rumours suggesting that Ronaldinho had been released, but the former Barcelona ace decided to take legal action against the club.

Ronaldinho claims he is owed over €16 million in salaries, bonuses and image rights, and the Labour Court in Rio de Janeiro has ruled in favour of the player.

The Brazilian Football Federation (CBF) is expected to acknowledge the court's decision before the end of the day, which will turn Ronaldinho into a free agent.

Flamengo vice-president Rafael de Piro confirmed that the club has been notified of the ruling and insisted that it will appeal against the decision.

Ronaldinho signed for Flamengo in 2011 in a deal worth €3m after spending three years at AC Milan.

AC Milan to sell Robinho, Pato, Cassano or Boateng to hold on to Ibrahimovic & Thiago Silva

The Rossoneri could be forced to cash in on at least one of the four attackers to generate transfer funds without having to sell off Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva

Robinho and Alexandre Pato

AC Milan are ready to cash in on one of Kevin-Prince Boateng, Antonio Cassano, Alexandre Pato or Robinho in the summer transfer window in a bid to retain Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva

The Rossoneri need to offload several players ahead of the 2012-13 season to generate funds to finance their transfer campaign. Both Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva have attracted plenty of interest and their sale would boost the club's cash flow significantly, but the 2011 Serie A champions are desperate to keep hold of their two star players. As a result, they could be forced to let go of at least one of their other prized assets.

Although Boateng, Cassano, Pato and Robinho have all been important first-team members in the past two seasons, Milan see no other option but to sacrifice at least one of the aforementioned quartet, and are willing to listen to offers.

The 22-year-old Pato was close to joining Paris Saint-Germain in the winter transfer window, but the move eventually fell through. 

However, PSG coach Carlo Ancelotti remains interested in bringing the Brazil international to the Ligue 1 runners-up, and could make another approach for Pato this summer.

Robinho, meanwhile, has been linked with a return to Santos. Although the Brazilian giants appear reluctant to pay a hefty transfer fee for the attacker and Milan unlikely to let him go on the cheap, the prospect of getting his wages off the books could convince the Rossoneri to part company with the former Manchester City forward regardless of the price.

Furthermore, Boateng, 25, has caught the attention of a number of Premier League clubs, and the sale of the former Ghana international would generate the necessary funds for Milan.

There is no concrete interest for Cassano at this point, but the Rossoneri hope that a fine display at Euro 2012 will help the attacker catch the attention of some of Europe's bigger clubs.

Hazard to leave Lille for Chelsea

Eden Hazard has decided to join European champions Chelsea, the Lille playmaker said on his Twitter feed.

The 21-year-old is considered one of Europe's best young players, and he has already been given an emotional send-off from his current club Lille, with whom he won the Ligue 1 title in 2010-11.

And, after teasing fans for several days and saying he would reveal all on Monday afternoon, he finally made his decision, saying in French: "Something promised, something due - and I will join the champions of Europe."

He confirmed his decision in English in a subsequent Tweet.

Hazard had been mulling over offers from Manchester City,Manchester United and the Blues, with the West London side emerging as favourites after he reacted positively to their Champions League victory.

Before Chelsea's win Hazard had said he was interested in moving to one of the two Manchester clubs.

He is expected to cost around £25 million, plus wages of £170,000-a-week.

Hazard had said he would choose the team that guarantees him the most playing time in his favoured 'number 10' position.

He said last week: "I scored 20 league goals also had the most assists in the league (16), and I never believed I could possibly come up with such a fantastic set of statistics.

"Certainly I could not have made such a decisive contribution had the coach at Lille not changed my position.

"It is all down to that. I have always dreamed of playing the No 10 role, and wearing that number on my back, and you can see what a difference it makes from how many goals I have scored and set up for others. That will be a consideration when I decide on my club. Where I will play will influence my thinking on who I should join."