President of Seria A side comfirm he wants to sign Barcelona star Messi

Italian side Sampdoria have emerged as a suitor for Barcelona star Lionel Messi after the club’s president Massimo Ferrero admitted he was eyeing up a ‘dream’ transfer for the Argentine ace.

 Since taking over Sampdoria in June 2014, Ferrero has focused his attentions on making the Serie A side a powerhouse in Italy, as well as in Europe, again after the club’s success in the 1980s and early 1990s.

 And Ferrero, 63, believes that Messi would help in that aim – despite the Barca man having a contract at the Catalan giants until 2018 and a whopping buyout clause of nearly £185million.

 ‘I want to be at the heart of a great Sampdoria again,’ Ferrero told Sky Sport 24.

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Gerard Pique praises Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi as the defender looks to overtake Real Madrid at the top of La Liga

Gerard Pique has paid tribute to his Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi as the defender eyes a surge to the top of La Liga in the second half of the season.

 Luis Enrique's side are second in the Spanish league, four points behind Real Madrid, while they are also contending for the Champions League and the Copa del Rey.

 And Pique raved about Messi's talents in a season where the Argentina striker has already netted 30 times in 32 games and backs him to lead the club into first.

 Gerard Pique (right) described Barcelona team-mate and striker Lionel Messi (left) as 'a great hero' 

'It’s easy playing alongside him, for he is a great hero,' Pique said on Barcelona's website.

'Our understanding is getting better and better on the field.'

Barcelona could have an opportunity to dislodge Madrid at the top of La Liga on when they play Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.

 The Spanish league leaders face a difficult fixture away to defending champions and city rivals Atletico Madrid on Saturday, meaning if they drop points, Barcelona will know they could whittle down the difference should they beat Bilbao.

 But Pique refused to be drawn on how much attention the squad will be paying to the Madrid derby.

'We just have to keep the same level, keep getting results in the league try to put pressure on Madrid, the leaders, so they drop points,' Pique said. 'We have to keep picking up three points.'

Barcelona could change Camp Nou name in new deal with Qatar Airways

Barcelona’s Camp Nou stadium may incorporate Qatar Airways into its name as part of a future sponsorship deal.

 The airline’s chief executive officer, Akbar al-Baker, said: “Everything is a possibility for our company, we’re open to surprises and one of these could be connected to the name of Camp Nou.

Qatar Airways and Barcelona have the same values. It is possible that our name is added to Camp Nou.” Last month the Barcelona president, Josep Maria Bartomeu, cast doubt on an extension to the current €165m (£123.2m) five-year deal with Qatar Sports Investments by saying that social and political issues in Qatar had led to a rethink.

 “We will look at other options – we are obliged to do that,” he said. “It ends in 2016. We are sensitive to the current situation in Qatar, which has changed since four years ago. Now there are social and political aspects which were not there when we signed.

” However, speaking at the Qatar Airways event , Javier Faus, Barcelona’s vice-president, said he expected the partnership to continue. “We need a new sponsor, we have zero problems with Qatar, so it will be a quick decision,” he said.

 Real Madrid’s president, Florentino Pérez, was recently caught on camera admitting that the Bernabéu could be renamed the Abu Dhabi Bernabéu. Staff and agencies

Rodgers compares Coutinho to Suarez

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has compared Philippe Coutinho to Luis Suarez after the Brazilian fired his side into the fifth round of the FA Cup.

Coutinho scored a thunderous stoppage-time winner from the edge of the box to seal a 2-1 win in Liverpool's fourth round replay at Bolton Wanderers on Wednesday.

 A contentious Eidur Gudjohnsen penalty gave Bolton the lead shortly before the hour mark, and it was not until the last 10 minutes of the game - after Neil Danns had seen red for the hosts - that Liverpool found a way in the game.

 After Raheem Sterling had pulled the visitors level, Coutinho wrapped up the win in stoppage.

And Rodgers was in awe of his 22-year-old playmaker, who signed a new long-term deal at the club earlier this week, comparing him to departed striker Suarez, who left for Barcelona during the close-season.

 "You would pay money to watch the kid," claimed Rodgers. "He is a great role model for lots of technical players in this country.

 "Luis Suarez grew and grew in this team and I can see Coutinho the same way, although he might not be as prolific.

 "Signing a new deal shows he is really committed to Liverpool and his development.

"He will become world class in the next couple of years."

Arsenal, United, Liverpool and Chelsea receive HUGE BOOST as Reus RULES OUT Barcelona move

The German international, 25, is a target for Catalan giants, and according to reports, Barca boss Luis Enrique is a big admirer of the pacy forward.

 However, the La Liga giants look set to miss out on the former Borussia Monchengladbach star.

 In a recent interview, Reus addressed the reports linking him with a move to the Nou Camp, and claimed he couldn't occupy a role in Enrique's star studded team.

 He said: “Where would I play at a club where the attack is made up of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar?

” Reus' latest comments will be a huge boost to Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea. 

The English quartet have been tracking the German for the past year, and are believed to be interested in luring him to the Premier League this summer.

Barcelona forward Pedro may leave at end of season due to club’s lack of continuity

During a recent press conference, Barcelona forward Pedro expressed that while he is focused on helping the La Liga side until the end of the season, the 27-year-old may leave La Blaugrana due to a lack of continuity at the club.

The Spain international was regularly called on by manager Luis Enrique at the start of the season. But with the emergence of Munir El Haddadi, and since Luis Suarez became eligible for competition, Pedro has found it difficult to earn a spot in the manager’s starting eleven.

 “I don’t know. For now, I’m happy at the club, but you never know what’s going to happen tomorrow,” the Spanish forward said. “I’m calm, with my mind set on the club until the end of the season and then we’ll see what happens after that.

” When asked if he would like more playing time, Pedro responded: “Not having continuity makes things complicated. It’s tough, but what I try to do is help out as much as possible.

” In 22 matches since Suarez return from his FIFA-imposed ban, Pedro has appeared 21 times, making only seven starts and fourteen appearances as a substitute – with the majority of his starts coming in Barcelona’s non-La Liga fixtures.

Even though the Spain international seems to be struggling with his new role under Luis Enrique, he remains positive about the club as a whole.

 “The years go by, but at Barcelona there is always the same philosophy,” Pedro continued. “It’s a style that has been there for many years despite the coming and going of different managers.

” The forward went on to say that his style of play has continued under Enrique’s leadership, and he doesn’t feel the manager wants him to change.

Pedro has been with Barcelona since 2004 when he joined the youth team as a 17 year old. He’s made 186 appearances for La Blaugrana since his call-up to the first team in 2008, and has scored 56 goals.

The 27-year-old has also been a Spain international since 2010, helping La Roja win the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012.

Andrés Iniesta: "The Mathieu issue is part of the past"

Amdst the amazing momentum surrounding Barcelona's impressive eight-game winning streak, there was a bit of controversy surrounding some remarks made by Barça center-back Jérémy Mathieu, who revealed that there were actual issues between Lionel Messi and coach Luis Enrique. The rumors of such player-coach beef triggered #TheCrisis that made Barça the talk of the town for a week.

 But, according to one of Barça's most important leaders, that is all part of the past.

 Andrés Iniesta spoke after the win against Villarreal, and he made clear that nobody is thinking about the Mathieu issue anymore, and the focus is solely on the winning streak:

 "We are all teammates here and nobody wants to damage each other; with Mathieu is no different, and he is a great teammate. What happened is part of the past. What we have to do now is keep our momentum going.

 "Copa semifinal? Both games will be intense and equal. Once again the games will be decided on details and that's what a knockout game is all about. We hope to maintain our current level of play and advance to the final.

 "Luis Suárez? Suárez is helping us in different ways that are equally as important as scoring goals. He's been a scorer all his life and his moment to shine on that aspect will come. We hope that time comes early, maybe next game."

La Liga Team of the Week: Messi and Benzema the inspiration for Barcelona and Real Madrid

The Argentine struck a wonderful winner for Luis Enrique's side at home to Villarreal, while the Frenchman hit two and was excellent as the league leaders thrashed Real Sociedad

 There is no change at the top of La Liga after Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico all won in the 21st round of fixtures.

 Madrid thrashed Real Sociedad 4-1 on Saturday to stay in pole position, before Barca - having played one game less - closed the gap to a point once again by beating Villarreal 3-2 in an exciting encounter at Camp Nou on Sunday, while Atletico stay third after overcoming Eibar 3-1 in the Basque Country.

 There were also wins for Deportivo La Coruna, Celta Vigo, Granada, Athletic Bilbao, Almeria, Sevilla and Malaga in the latest round of matches and here, Goal picks the standout performers from the latest action in La Liga.

Ter Stegen: Real Madrid will slip up

Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has little doubt Real Madrid will slip up at some stage this season to let the Catalans back in the Liga title race.

 Luis Enrique's men are currently trailing Madrid by one point, while the league leaders also have a game in hand.

 Nevertheless, the Germany international remains optimistic about his side's chances of winning the title this campaign, especially given their defensive improvements since last season.

 "In the league we hope Madrid stumble, which they surely will do. To stay in the title race we have to keep winning our games," Ter Stegen told the official Barcelona website.

 "We have to stay focused. We've also shown that we can be tough on defence if necessary.

" The former Borussia Monchengladbach man then went on to discuss Barcelona's chances in the Copa del Rey and Champions League and is confident they have a chance of a treble under Luis Enrique.

 "In the Copa del Rey and the Champions League, luck certainly is a factor; we have to make our own luck.

 "I think if we keep playing well defensively, we have a shot at succeeding in all three competitions."

Barcelona star Jordi Alba admits that he loves to see Real Madrid lose and defend's teammate Neymar after recent criticism

Barcelona's full back Jordi Alba has revealed that he loves to see rivals Real Madrid slip-up but has defended teammate Neymar, following the recent criticism over his disrespectful style of play.

Luis Enrique's side currently trail the European Champions by a point but are currently on a four-game winning streak and beginning to find their form.

The Spanish international is staying focused on Barcelona but knows that catching Carlo Ancelotti's men is a tough ask.

As a Barcelona man, I always want Real Madrid to lose,' Alba was quoted as saying by Marca.

 'But I prefer to focus on Barcelona, which is what matters the most. We need to win all of our games if we want to try and catch up, which is almost impossible.

' Alba has stuck up for teammate Neymar, who came under fire recently, for being to provocative in his style of play.

 'Neymar is a very humble down to earth guy, who enjoys playing football and likes to play that way. Anyone that knows him understands this,' said the full-back.

'He doesn't play that way intending to disrespect anybody. He doesn't kick or insult people.'

Barcelona president charged with tax fraud

A Spanish judge has charged the president of FC Barcelona, Josep Maria Bartomeu, with tax fraud linked to the signing of Brazilian star Neymar.

Judge Pablo Ruz at the National Court in Madrid on Tuesday ordered Bartomeu in a written ruling to appear before him on February 13 as a suspect over alleged tax evasion worth 2.85 million euros (NZD$4.48 million).

"It must be investigated whether the sum of 2,845,700 euros was defrauded from the public treasury by FC Barcelona and its current leaders, with Josep Maria Bartomeu as president," the judge wrote.

The summons followed a call by public prosecutors on Monday (local time)n for Bartomeu and the club as a whole to be tried on the tax fraud allegations relating to the 2013 signing.

FC Barcelona reacted to that request with "surprise, indignation and total disagreement", in a statement on Tuesday (local time) ahead of the judge's summons.

The judge will now question Bartomeu and later decide whether he should stand trial.

The prosecutor alleges that the club and its former president Sandro Rosell paid more for Neymar than the 57 million euros that they declared to he Spanish taxman.

 They believe the figure was 82.7 million euros divided into separate contracts that secured the signing.

"All of the actions involved in the player's transfer process were conducted with no intent whatsoever to breach the law in any way," the club said.

According to the Spanish tax authorities, Barcelona owe 12 million euros in tax on the Neymar deal, which would see the overall cost of the operation rise to 94.8 million euros.

Rosell resigned as president over the affair just over a year ago when a complaint brought by one of the club's members for misappropriation of funds was taken to court.

 In his testimony before a judge on the case in July 2014, Rosell insisted that Neymar cost the club 57 million euros, 17 of which went to his former club Santos and 40 million paid to N&N, a company owned by the player's father.

 However, following Rosell's resignation, Barcelona also confirmed a number of extra agreements including a 10 million euro signing bonus for the player and scouting and collaborative agreements between the two clubs taking the total to 86.2 million euros.

In February of last year, the club announced that they had made a voluntary payment of 13.5 million euros to the Spanish tax authorities regarding the transfer