Nine things you might have missed in Europe this week: Keita, Bale, Bebe

Quick Reads
  • Planet Football
  • 2nd February 2018

RB Leipzig sending a cheeky message to Liverpool, an end to ‘Gareth Bale to Manchester United’ rumours and Lionel Messi opening the door for a future move to David Beckham’s MLS franchise all caught our eye this week.

While transfer window madness has dominated the headlines this week, plenty of news around Europe may have slipped under the radar.

We’ve rounded up nine of the best stories, clips and quotes to keep you up to date.

Naby Keita

RB Leipzig celebrated the end of January and the fact they have kept hold of Keita for another six months by tweeting a cheeky gif of the midfielder.

Liverpool are just going to have to be patient.

Bebe

There have been plenty of transfers on the continent this month that you’ve probably missed, but a word for everybody’s favourite Fergie signing returning to Rayo Vallecano on loan from Eibar.

The move is the 10th of Bebe’s career. He’s still only 27.

READ: 17 European transfers you might have missed: Subotic, Bartra, Eto’o & more

Gareth Bale

You know those tiresome rumours linking Bale with a move to Manchester United which plague social media literally every day? It’s not happening, is it? We know, you know, and Ryan Giggs knows.

“He’s happy at Real Madrid, he wants to stay, there’s no doubt,” Giggs said this week. “He knows that the coach and the club respect him, and he wants to show the fans what he is capable of.

“I don’t know [if United want to sign him], but Bale has no intention of leaving and Real Madrid won’t sell the player. It’s clear that United would’ve been very good for him, but I don’t think that’s an option at the moment, he’s not going to leave Real Madrid.”

Mauro Icardi

Icardi sparked rumours he was set to leave Inter for Real Madrid by posting the message “to be able to say goodbye is to grow” on Instagram. A move failed to transpire, but Argentina boss Jorge Sampaoli admits the striker has had his head turned by Los Blancos.

“I spoke with Icardi and told him what I’ve told all of them: not to relax, that, if he’s doing well, he’ll be called up,” he said.

“I know that Real Madrid are following him closely. He is also a little tempted by Real Madrid.”

Lionel Messi

The GOAT has hinted he could be tempted to join David Beckham’s MLS franchise in Miami in the future.

Messi posted a video clip on Instagram aimed at the former England captain, saying: “First of all congratulations.

“I wanted to wish you all the best in this new project, this new role for you.

“Who knows, maybe in a few years you can give me a ring.”

It was almost certainly tongue in cheek, of course, but go see him while you can. And if you are planning to travel to watch Barcelona, check for affordable hotels at Cheaprooms.co.uk.

Isco & Marco Asensio

Spain manager Julen Lopetegui has warned the Real Madrid duo they cannot afford to lose their place in Zinedine Zidane’s side ahead of the World Cup this summer, while he has opened the door for Diego Costa to return to the national side.

“I’m sure they will play again, but I’m worried that Marco and Isco play little,” Lopetegui told reporters at the Spanish Sports Press Awards.

“Diego Costa has not surprised me and he can be in the next squad.”

Hannes Wolf

Struggling Stuttgart sacked manager Hannes Wolf with the club just three points above the relegation/promotion play-off place in Bundesliga.

The 36-year-old has been replaced by Tayfun Korkut, who had a short spell in charge of Bayer Leverkusen last season.

Javier Pastore

Pastore, who had previously spoken of his desire to leave PSG, might have had an awkward return to training on Wednesday after a proposed move to Inter fell through on deadline day.

PSG boss Unai Emery told reporters: “I spoke to Pastore and the things he told the press is not what he told me.

“My opinion? I want him to stay because he’s an important player. But he wants to play more for the World Cup.”

Neymar

Neymar has been warned he must show more humility towards opposition players by Monaco defender Andrea Raggi.

Towards the end of PSG’s 3-2 victory over Rennes, which set up a Cup final date with Monaco, Neymar went to help Hamari Traore up off the floor, only to withdraw the offer of his hand.

“I saw what he did and I think that a champion like Neymar should have a little more respect for other players,” veteran defender Raggi said. “For me, it wasn’t a great thing to do.”

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