Real Madrid transfer targets leaked, Barcelona to sign world-class midfielder, and more La Liga news – 19th November 2018

All the latest La Liga news in one place!

Griezmann didn't join Barcelona because of Messi

Antoine Griezmann has finally revealed the actual reason why he rejected Barcelona in the summer. The Frenchman claims that being 'number two' to Messi was influential in his decision to reject the offer.

The striker released a documentary in which he constantly spoke about the 'big decision' he had to make and also how difficult it is to make that same decision. In the end, he signed a new long-term contract at Atletico Madrid and stayed put.

Speaking to Canal Plus, Griezmann said, “Being second to Messi may have influenced my decision.”

“It was difficult to refuse Barcelona’s offer, in fact, it was very difficult. They made it clear they wanted me, they called me, they sent me messages…it was pressured. But then you also have the players, you have your family and the club where you already are an important player, who have promised to build around you,” added the Frenchman.

Continuing to talk about his decision, Griezmann said, “Atleti showed they wanted me, they told me how important I was, how they increased my salary, the players and Coach talked to me and explained everything. Everything was done to persuade me not to leave, and I would have spoken to my wife at 3 am to talk about it – but I made the right decision.”

Diego Simeone not in Atletico Madrid contract talks

Several Spanish media outlets have been running the story about Atletico Madrid opening contract talks with Diego Simeone. However, ESPN report that there have been no such talks between the club and the manager.

Reports suggested that the new contract was set to make the manager the highest paid individual at the club. There were claims that the offer was over €20 million a season – way more than what Griezmann currently earns at the club.

Simeone's current deal runs until the summer of 2020 – a deal that was signed in September 2017. The Argentine has been at the club for 8 years now and is currently the longest-serving manager in LaLiga.

Tottenham Hotspur v FC Barcelona - UEFA Champions League Group B

Tottenham tracking Riqui Puig

Mauricio Pochettino is eye a move for Barcelona starlet, Riqui Puig according to a report in Football Espana. The Tottenham manager was seen scouting the midfielder during Barcelona B's match over the weekend.

Puig has been impressive for quite some time and made his way to the B team earlier this year. The 19-year-old has been a regular in the team since February and has been training with the first team as well.

The release clause of Puig currently stands at €100 million and there is no way Spurs are going to activate it.

Barcelona scouting Luka Jovic

Barcelona have been regularly scouting Luka Jovic according to the Mundo Deportivo. The 20-year-old striker has been impressive at Eintracht Frankfurt – scoring 12 goals and assisting 3 in 15 apps this season.

The Serbian is currently on loan from Benfica and is being monitored by Liverpool as well. The striker has a €45 million release clause and Barcelona are keen on beating Liverpool to him.

However, he might be sent to the B team straight away as he is yet ot prove his talent on a big stage. The Catalan side are reportedly keeping tabs on him and will make a move only if another club submits a bid for him.

Barcelona to sign Adrien Rabiot

Barcelona are confident of signing Adrien Rabiot from PSG according to SPORT. The Frenchman has rejected the latest contract offer by the Ligue 1 champions and is set to walk away for free in the summer.

Barcelona have prepared a €10 million-per-season contract offer for the 23-year-old as per the report. However, PSG have not given up just yet and still believe that they will be able to keep the midfielder at the club beyond this season.

Don Balon, on the other hand, report that Barcelona are preparing a €20 million bid to get Rabiot in January itself.

Zinedine Zidane Announced As New Real Madrid Manager

Juventus eye James Rodriguez

Bayern Munich have reportedly decided against signing James Rodriguez on a permanent deal. The report in AS claims that Juventus are ready to pounce on him now that the German side have dropped their interest.

Bayern have a €35 million option to buy but he has fallen out of favour with the new manager, Niko Kovac. Juventus have been looking to sign an attacking midfielder and want to make the most of the situation and lure him to Turin.

Luka Modric not focused on Ballon d'Or

Luka Modric has revealed that he is not focused on the Ballon d'Or award this season. The midfielder was once the favourite to lift the trophy on December 3rd but is no longer in the running.

Modric has been out of form for the last 2 months and that has resulted in many changing their opinion. His side lost 2-1 to England on Sunday and that got Croatia relegated to League B.

“I have already said that for me it is an honour to be mentioned for this fantastic award. Nothing will change for me if I win this, I will be extremely happy but either way, I have enjoyed a fantastic year and that is it,” said Modric after the loss.

Real Madrid's transfer plan leaked!

The infamous Don Balon have leaked Real Madrid's transfer plan that has been chalked out by Florentino Perez. The publication claims that the president is not going to spend big once again and wants to build a team with youngsters.

The plan is to sign Spanish youngsters with huge potential in January and in the summer. The president has identified 5 such players and is now working on the deal to get them all to Bernabeu.

Don Balon report that the names targetted by Madrid are: Mario Hermoso, Marc Roca, Alfonso Pedraza, Junior Firpo and Brahim Diaz. All 5 players are seen as the future of the club by Perez and he is now working on getting them all.