Inter's Diego Forlan nearing comeback after injury lay-off

Inter coach Claudio Ranieri has received some encouraging news from the treatment room in the build-up to Saturday's Serie A match at home against Udinese as striker Diego Forlan is nearing full match fitness again after a spell on the sidelines due to injury.

The experienced attacker picked up a muscular problem halfway through October while away on international duty and has since been out of action.

However, the Nerazzurri have now announced on their official website that Forlan has returned to the training pitch and is close to making his comeback.

Forlan featured in a training game on Wednesday without any significant problems before continuing with an individual practice session.

The 32-year-old joined Inter from Atletico Madrid in the summer transfer window but has so far been unable to make an impact due to injury, making only five appearances and scoring just one goal, all in Serie A.

Gary Speed found dead: tributes paid to Wales manager

Tributes pour in for Wales manager who has taken his own life at 42 years old.
Read & Watch On BBC Sports

LONDON -- Gary Speed, who became Wales' soccer coach just 11 months ago after playing for his country a record 85 times, has died. He was 42.

The Football Association of Wales announced Speed's death Sunday without giving the cause. Police said there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding Speed's death.

Speed is survived by his wife and two children.

"We extend our sympathies and condolences to the family," the FAW said in a statement. "We ask that everyone respects the family's privacy at this very sad time."

Speed, whose 85 caps is a Welsh record for an outfield player, had only become Wales coach in December in a move that had long been predicted by former teammates and commentators. Only goalkeeper Neville Southall, with 92 appearances, played more games for Wales.

Last year, Queen Elizabeth II gave Speed the Member of the British Empire award in her annual Birthday Honors list for his services to soccer.

"Just cannot believe the news regarding Gary Speed. We waved at each other a couple of days ago dropping our kids off at school. I'm numb," Manchester United striker Michael Owen wrote on Twitter. "He has died aged 42. So sad. He lived local to me and we knew his family. He leaves behind 2 sons. Tragic."

Admired for his dedication, fitness and consistency in a 20-year playing career -- as well as a knack for goals -- Speed started out with Leeds and won the English league championship with the club in 1992.

Moving on to Everton and then Newcastle, Speed became the first player to play in 500 Premier League games and held the record with 535 until it was surpassed by goalkeeper David James in 2009. Ryan Giggs has also since passed the mark.

Speed scored in every topflight season in which he played until dropping out of the Premier League in 2008 when he joined Sheffield United.

With injuries finally beginning to affect him, Speed became a coach at Sheffield United and formally retired from playing at the end of the 2009-10 season. He became Blades manager early in the following season but was soon approached by Wales after John Toshack resigned as coach.

Speed led the team to five wins in 10 matches, including a 4-1 victory over Norway two weeks ago, earning praise for Wales' style of play and emphasis on youth.

"We've got talent in abundance and I'm fortunate to be in that position," Speed said after the Nov. 12 win in Cardiff. "We are building for the future. There is still a lot of improving to be done but we are going in the right direction.

Cristiano Ronaldo: 2011 European Golden Shoe Award Winner

Being rewarded for his hard work on the field, Cristiano Ronaldo was on-hand to receive the 2011 European Golden Shoe Award in Madrid, Spain on Friday (November 4).

The Real Madrid star confidently accepted his honor at the presentation held at the Intercontinental Hotel.

Of the award, Ronaldo said, "I would like to win something bigger at a collective level. I do not think about breaking records, but about Real Madrid. I think our team is more mature and with more trust, and we all have to think the same way to achieve an important goal."

There cheering on her main man, Irina Shayk was among the hundreds of people who came out to show their support for Ronaldo.

Enjoy the pictures of Cristiano Ronaldo and Irina Shayk at the 'Golden Boot' Ceremony in Madrid (November 4).

FIFA: List of 23 nominees for the Ballon d'Or 2011

The Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) announced Tuesday the list of the 23 players nominated for the Ballon d'Or 2011. The latter will be awarded Jan. 9 in Zurich, Switzerland.
On the 23 nominees, there are seven Spanish: Cesc Fabregas, Andres Iniesta, Gerard Piqué, David Villa, Xavi Hernandez, Iker Casillas and Xabi Alonso.

Portugal will be represented by Ronaldo and Nani while Italy does not have any player. Germany two players from Bayern Munich, Schweinsteiger and Thomas Muller, and Brazil two candidates, Dani Alves and Neymar. Wayne Rooney will be the only English candidate, and the Eto the only African candidate for this prestigious title.

Here are the 23 players nominated for the Golden Ball and the ten coaches nominated for the Coach of the year.

The 23 players nominated:

Eric Abidal (FRA / Barcelona)
Karim Benzema (FRA / Real Madrid),
Sergio Aguero (ARG / Manchester City),
Iker Casillas (SP / Real Madrid),
Cristiano Ronaldo (POR / Real Madrid),
Daniel Alves (BRA / Barcelona)
Samuel Eto'o (CMR / Anji Makachkala)
Cesc Fabregas (SP / FC Barcelona)
Diego Forlan (URU / Inter Milan),
Andres Iniesta (SP / FC Barcelona)
Lionel Messi (ARG / FC Barcelona)
Thomas Müller (GER / Bayern Munich),
Nani (POR / Manchester United),
Neymar (BRA, Santos)
Mesut Ozil (GER / Real Madrid),
Gerard Piqué (ESP / FC Barcelona)
Wayne Rooney (ENG / Manchester United)
Bastian Schweinsteiger (GER / Bayern Munich),
Wesley Sneijder (NED / Inter Milan),
Luis Suarez (URU / Liverpool)
David Villa (SP / FC Barcelona)
Xabi Alonso (SP / Real Madrid),
Xavi Hernandez (SP / FC Barcelona).

The 10 coaches nominated:

Vicente Del Bosque (ESP / Team Spain)
Alex Ferguson (SCO / Manchester United),
Rudi Garcia (FRA / Lille)
Josep Guardiola (SP / FC Barcelona)
Jürgen Klopp (GER / Borussia Dortmund)
Joachim Löw (GER / Team of Germany)
Jose Mourinho (POR / Real Madrid),
Oscar Tabarez (URU / Team Uruguay),
André Villas-Boas (POR / Chelsea),
Arsene Wenger (FRA / Arsenal).

Denmark, France, Greece, Russia, Sweden qualify

Denmark, France, Greece, Russia and best runners-up Sweden took the last five automatic places at UEFA EURO 2012 while the next month's eight-team play-off lineup was also confirmed.

Denmark, France, Greece, Russia and best runners-up Sweden secured the last five automatic places in the UEFA EURO 2012 finals while next month's play-off lineup was also confirmed as the nine qualifying groups concluded.

Already through alongside co-hosts Poland and Ukraine were holders Spain, the Netherlands, Germany, Italy and England. Now 12 teams are confirmed for the finals draw on 2 December in Kyiv while next month's play-offs will involve Turkey, the Republic of Ireland, Estonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Portugal and the Czech Republic.

There were two direct contests for group supremacy and for a while it seemed as if Bosnia and Herzegovina would make their first final tournament at France's expense as they led 1-0 in Paris, but Samir Nasri's penalty 12 minutes from time ensured Les Bleus topped Group D.

Meanwhile in Copenhagen, Denmark secured the victory against Portugal they needed to overtake their visitors in Group H. The 2-1 result means Portugal go to the play-offs, pipping Norway – who beat Cyprus 3-1 – on goal difference.

In another first-versus-second fixture Sweden knew they could not overtake the Netherlands in Group E. However, a home win would mean automatic qualification as the runners-up with the best record against the sides first, third, fourth and fifth in their section. And having had a lead wiped out and then fallen behind, the Swedes replied with two goals in a minute for a 3-2 advantage that took them to the finals, and also meant they were the only side to take points off the Dutch.

Meanwhile, both Greece and Russia began the day needing only a point to seal their places and did so with victories. With 11 minutes left Greece were actually heading for the play-offs as they were 1-0 down in Georgia and Croatia were beating Latvia 2-0, but substitute Giorgos Fotakis and Angelos Charisteas ensured Greece topped Group F.

It was more comfortable for Russia, who saw off Andorra 6-0 to win Group B two points ahead of the Republic of Ireland, who sealed a play-off by beating Armenia 2-1. Also in Thursday's draw, despite not having a game tonight, are Estonia, thanks to Serbia's 1-0 loss in Slovenia giving the Baltic nation a first play-off as Group C runners-up behind Italy.

The Azzurri only dropped two points but Germany and Spain completed perfect runs and denied their opponents play-off chances. Germany made it ten Group A wins with a 3-1 defeat of Belgium, leaving Turkey second after their 1-0 victory against Azerbaijan. Meanwhile Spain overcame Scotland 3-1 for an eighth success, allowing the Czech Republic to end as runners-up with a 4-1 triumph in Lithuania.
Only in one section was everything wrapped up before today, England having won Group G and Montenegro with a first play-off, despite tonight's 2-0 loss in Switzerland. They can now await the play-off draw at 13.00CET on Thursday in Krakow when the four ties to take place on 11/12 and 15 November will be determined.

Final standings

Automatic qualifiers
(draw 2 December, matches 8 June to 1 July)
Hosts: Poland, Ukraine
Group A: Germany
Group B: Russia
Group C: Italy
Group D: France
Group E: Netherlands, Sweden*
Group F: Greece
Group G: England
Group H: Denmark
Group I: Spain (holders)

*Best runners-up

Play-offs
(draw Thursday, matches 11/12 & 15 November)
Turkey
Republic of Ireland
Estonia
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Croatia
Montenegro
Portugal
Czech Republic

(Four teams to be seeded based on coefficient tbc)

The nine pool winners, plus the runners-up with the best record against the sides placed first, third, fourth and fifth in their pool qualified directly, with the other second-placed teams entering the play-offs. More details, including the procedure for breaking ties and determining the best runners-up, are in the Official Regulations.

Kaka: I never wanted to leave Real Madrid, and Jose Mourinho insisted I should remain

The Brazilian midfielder, who is finally hitting the form which earned him a move to the Santiago Bernabeu two years ago, has maintained his desire to stay in the Spanish capital.
Real Madrid midfielder Kaka has revealed that he never considered departing the club, and remains fully committed to their cause despite a difficult start to life in Spain.

The Brazilian star spoke of his admiration for his employers and how he has ambitions of lifting silverware with the Spanish giants.

"I am indebted to Real Madrid," Kaka told reporters. "It would have been very easy to have left, but that is why I chose to raise my game. I have a dream of succeeding at Madrid which I want to realise."

The 28-year-old put in a man-of-the-match display against Ajax in the Champions League on Tuesday, and admits he is delighted to have repaid the faith shown by both president Florentino Perez and coach Jose Mourinho.

"Many reports have claimed that Madrid wanted to sell me, but he [Perez] told me he wouldn't and kept his word," Kaka continued. "I owe a lot to the president."

"Three parties decided [on me staying]. I did not want to leave, Mourinho did not want me to go and the club did not want to sell me either.

"After the game [Perez] gave me a hug and congratulated me. He has always supported us, even through in bad times."

Kaka arrived from AC Milan in the summer of 2009 as one of Perez's first signings after returning to Real Madrid as president, but a mixture of injuries and poor form initially prevented him from living up to his price tag.

Former Chelsea boss Ranieri to manage Inter

Former Chelsea boss Claudio Ranieri has been appointed as Inter Milan's new manager following the sacking of Gian Piero Gasperini, according to reports from Italy.

Ranieri, who has also managed Roma, Juventus and Valencia in the past, has been drafted in as the Italian giants seek a set of safe hands with which to stablise their disastrous start to the season.

"I think I will need to talk a lot with the squad, the mental aspect is very important," Ranieri told RAI Sport of his prospective move to the San Siro.

"Inter are a great team, we have to pick up the pace after this false start. The players are there and we have everything to lift the team."

'The Tinkerman', as is he affectionately known, has been out of work since quitting Roma in Febuary and is the fourth man to take over at Inter following the exit of Jose Mourinho, with Rafael Benitez, Leonardo and Gasperini all failing to stop the side's decline.

"Gasperini had every right to try to execute his ideas, he tried to make his system work with all his strength, but without success. I do not think he can be criticised, he tried to implement his ideas until the end.

"For me, every system can bring victories, if Inter have always played in a specific way, there must be a reason," said Ranieri.

Others linked to the job include the current England manager Fabio Capello, but he looks set to stay in the job until the end of Euro 2012.

If given the top job, as reported, Ranieri refused to reveal his goals for the remainder of the campaign.

"I do not like to promise things, I want the best from these players, who have so much to give," he said.

Cristiano Ronaldo right about jealous fans – Levante's Javi Venta agrees with Real Madrid star

Cristiano Ronaldo was right when he said that Dinamo Zagreb fans booed him because they are jealous of him, Levante defender Javi Venta has exclusively told Goal.com.

The Portuguese winger was subjected to intense booing from the crowd during Real Madrid’s Champions League victory in Croatia in midweek, and afterward said that “it was surely because I’m good-looking, rich and a great footballer.”

But Venta told Goal.com that while Ronaldo had a point, he should have thought twice about saying so.

“Honestly, on one hand I think what he says is right,” the 35-year-old admitted.

“Unfortunately it’s true that a lot of people are jealous, but the reality is that you have to be careful what you say.

“Many children set a lot of stock by what they hear from people like him, Messi and others, so you have to be polite when you speak.”

However, the defender’s manager, Juan Ignacio Martinez, believes the comments were a heat-of-the-moment mistake.

“Cristiano is an icon, but the moment he said what he did he already started to regret it, because what he said goes against the values of Real Madrid,” the Levante coach told Marca.com.

“He was affected by the stress of the match and upset by what has happened. Nothing more than that.”

Levante are Real’s next opposition in La Liga, although Ronaldo himself is a doubt for the game.

Quique Flores Says Inter Have Approached Him About Coaching

The Gian Piero Gasperini reign as Inter boss might well be coming to a close as former Atletico Madrid boss Quique Flores says that Inter have contacted his agent about a coaching position at the club.

While Massimo Moratti has given Gasperini a vote of confidence and said his job is not on the line, it would seem that Inter are making plans if the club’s losing streak continues.

“There has been an approach with [agent] Jorge Mendes,” Flores told MARCA TV. “If Inter call me, even though Diego Forlan is there, of course I will go.”

Forlan and Flores have failed to see eye-to-eye for several months now, with the Uruguayan striker stating his former coach had a problem with him, and referred to the Spaniard as a troublemaker.

Questioned about his troublesome relationship with Forlan, Flores said it all began after the Uefa Super Cup against Inter in August of 2010.

"On that day, as he celebrated, I saw a different Diego," Flores noted.

'A great player like Cristiano Ronaldo should get more protection from referees' – Real Madrid defender Ricardo Carvalho

Portuguese centre-back says his compatriot gets unfair treatment from officials, pointing to the torrid night he endured in the Champions League at Dinamo Zagreb.

Real Madrid centre-back Ricardo Carvalho has called upon referees to give his compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo more protection during matches.

Carvalho believes Ronaldo was on the receiving end of some harsh treatment from the opposition during his side's 1-0 victory over Dinamo Zagreb - a match during which he was left requiring stitches following one robust challenge for which there was no punishment.

"Marcelo was sent off, Cristiano took many hits and we feel we got very little justice from the referee, who left a few things," Carvalho told Real Madrid TV.

"The challenge on his ankle was wrong, and it's natural for him to get angry. A great player like him should get more protection."

The former Chelsea man also spoke about the ongoing row surrounding his sudden international retirement at the end of August.

"The Portuguese know it was honour for me to wear the shirt - I love Portugal. I made a mistake and people make mistakes. It's a bad time," he said.

The 33-year-old also pledged his support to Jose Mourinho.

"He always wants what's best for the club," he said.

Real Madrid travel to Levante on Sunday as they look to keep up their 100 per cent start to this season's league campaign.

It will take a lot of hard work for Inter to get out of this situation - Julio Cesar

The Brazilian shot stopper did not expect the home loss against Trabzonspor and has made it clear that the Giuseppe Meazza side have work to do.
Inter goalkeeper Julio Cesar has made it clear that the 1-0 Champions League Group B loss at home against Trabzonspor on Wednesday evening came as a huge surprise for the Serie A representatives and added that they have a lot of work to do.

The Giuseppe Meazza side created plenty of chances to grab the lead, but sloppy finishing prevented them from opening the scoring, while Trabzonspor proved to be much more clinical in front of goal, as Ondrej Celustka netted the winner in the 76th minute.

"We didn't expect a defeat like that but it happened, and now it will take a lot of hard work to get out of this situation," Julio Cesar was quoted as saying by Sky Italia.

"It's a difficult moment, but we all have to be united and work hard to get back on the right path. It's something that we need to discuss between ourselves, to understand and to find what is missing to put us on the right path.

"There are no guilty ones to find, just hard work to do. Against Roma on Saturday? We'll have to play the match of our lives; all of the matches will be like that."

Inter will be looking to record their first win of the season at Stadio Olimpico at the weekend after losing their first three competitive games of the 2011-12 campaign.

Real Madrid's Mesut Ozil will one day be World Player of the Year - Lothar Matthaus

The former Germany international claims his compatriot has the ability to win the prestigious award and that he is at the right club to achieve such success.
Lothar Matthaus believes Mesut Ozil could be crowned the World Player of the Year in the not so distant future.

The Real Madrid playmaker has been in superb form for club and country and was nominated for the Fifa Ballon d'Or last year, with Lionel Messi eventually winning the crown.

Matthaus was the last German player to win the award back in 1991, but the former midfielder, who now coaches the Bulgaria national team, is confident Ozil can take the trophy.

"Mesut Ozil has the making of a German world footballer of the year," the 50-year-old told Sonntag-Express.

The former Bayern Munich and Inter player is adamant that playing for a club of Real Madrid's stature will only aid Ozil's hopes of becoming the best in the world.

"Real Madrid are seen internationally as an even bigger club than Bayern, just as the Italian league was stronger when I won the award," he added.

Matthaus also hopes to agree a new deal with the Bulgarian FA to carry on his role as national coach, despite the recent defeats to England and Switzerland.

"I've verbally agreed with a handshake to be given a contract extension. For me it is clear the contract will be extended until 2013 because two gentleman have shaken on it," he concluded.

Milito: We are not Mourinho's Inter

Diego Milito says the current Inter Milan team cannot be compared to the treble winning side of 2009-10 under Jose Mourinho and has called for the fans to be patient.

The Inter striker's comments came in response to the team's opening 4-3 loss to Palermo in Serie A on Sunday night.

Milito, who bagged a brace in the defeat, admitted after the game that Inter need to "tighten up in defence" as they try to hit the ground the running under new manager Gian Piero Gasperini.

"It's not right to think of the Inter of two years ago," he told Rai Sport.

"Today we are a different team with a new coach who has another scheme in mind compared to those of the past and we have to be able to adapt to it.

"Of course it's going to take time for us players too. For example, today [Sunday] an attacking midfielder like [Wesley] Sneijder played wider than he usually does. I think that he in particular has changed position.

"I repeat, we shouldn't try to compare. I agree that we have to tighten up in defence especially, but this doesn't only involve defenders."

He added: "On a personal level it is always gratifying for a striker to score, but I can't hide my disappointment at the result. Naturally we all want to win, but now it's time to look to the future and try to improve."

Gasperini will be hoping to get Inter off on the right foot on Wednesday when they clash against Turkish club Trabzonspor in their opening Group B game in the UEFA Champions League.

'I am angry with myself' - Julio Cesar accepts blame for Inter's 4-3 loss to Palermo

Inter goalkeeper Julio Cesar believes his club's 4-3 loss to Palermo is his fault after failing to stop a Fabrizio Miccoli free-kick which turned the game on its head.

"I am really angry with myself. We were playing great, but then after Miccoli's goal I was really angry," blasted Julio Cesar on Sky Sport Italia.
Diego Milito gave Inter the lead against the run of play in the first half before Miccoli responded for Palermo. Milito then converted a penalty, but Abel Hernandez restored parity just minutes later.

After a flurry of exchanges, it was Miccoli and then Mauricio Pinilla who made it 4-2 before Diego Forlan grabbed a late consolation.

The goalkeeper is particularly annoyed at the last two Palermo goals after he was left standing.

"As for Pinilla's strike, had I been a step closer to goal I would have got to the ball," said Cesar. "Miccoli's free-kick, I did not really see the shot come through.

He added, "But, despite the goals, it was a nice game. We had chances, but I think it was that free-kick which decided the game."

Inter play Turkish side Trabzonspor in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Fernando Torres says Chelsea midfielders too old and slow

Chelsea striker Fernando Torres says his midfield teammates lack leg speed.

The Spain striker has hit just one goal for club and country since a £50million move from Liverpool in January.

He told The Sun: "When I changed clubs, I knew it was going to be a slow process, although I didn't expect it to be so long.

"Chelsea is, between the English teams, maybe the least English.

"That's because of the kind of player Chelsea has — an older player, who plays very slow, who has a lot of possession — and that's what the club is trying to change now."



It's the home stretch! 24/7 click for the best coverage of Chelsea's final transfer market moves

Inter sorry for Forlan error

Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti has apologised for the mistake that saw Diego Forlan named in their Champions League squad for the group stages.

New signing Forlan appeared for Atletico Madrid in the qualifying rounds of the Europe League, hence making himself unavailable to Inter until the knock-out stages of the Champions League (assuming they get that far).

To make matters worse, Forlan's inclusion in Inter's 25-man squad came at the cost of Luc Castaignos, leaving the Italians unable to call on either striker.

"I'm sorry mostly for Castaignos because otherwise he could have played," Moratti said. "The Forlan oversight is fairly serious and it's not something we can fix, we have to find a way of avoiding it in the future."

Uruguay striker Forlan was bought as a direct replacement for striker Samuel Eto'o, who left Inter to join Russian side Anzhi for a reported fee of £25 million this summer. Eto's sale was widely criticised by Inter fans, who feel the club should have done more to keep the Cameroon international.

"The fans are very sensitive to big problems and the difficult moments the club finds itself in, and of course sometimes they can't help but show their dissent," Moratti said. "I understand that, it's human. The financial fairplay forces painful decisions to be made to come back within the parameters.

"But I'm convinced we'll still be very strong."

Sneijder: Jose told me to stay at Inter

Inter Milan star Wesley Sneijder claims Jose Mourinho told him to reject a move to Manchester United and stay at the San Siro.

Mourinho, now at Real Madrid, guided Inter to the Champions League, Serie A and Coppa Italia treble in 2009-10 and made Sneijder the playmaker of the all-conquering side.

Sneijder has admitted that he was in contact with Premier League champions United during the summer transfer window but a move never materialised and the 27-year-old revealed his former manager played a big part in the decision.

"Mourinho called me and he told me to stay. He has an Inter heart and he has always told me to remain," Sneijder told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"I am happy to have stayed because I never wanted to leave and so I no longer want to speak about Manchester United."

Sneijder had long been linked with a move to Old Trafford but when team-mate Samuel Eto'o was sold to Anzhi Makhachkala it was always unlikely that Inter would allow another star name leave the club.

"My agent called me and told me Inter wanted to sell. I spoke with Manchester United, but then the Eto'o sale started and so things changed," the Holland international explained.

Despite Sneijder's claims that he is happy at Inter the UK press have been full of reports that a move to Old Trafford could be back on in January.

The Sunday Mirror claims it was Sneijder's demands that scuppered a £30 million summer switch but the player has told 'people close to him' that a move to United could be resurrected in January.

A source told the newspaper: "Wesley wanted to go to United and was in negotiations until quite late. They couldn't agree terms but he is still saying he will end up at United."

Spain, Netherlands & Italy book Euro 2012 places after Tuesday's wins

The European trio won their respective matches and have all booked places in the European Championship next year.
Spain, Italy and the Netherlands have all sealed automatic qualification for Euro 2012 after winning their respective matches on Tuesday.

The current European and world champions were odds-on to beat Liechtenstein and confirmed their billing with a 6-0 mauling, with Alvaro Negredo and David Villa each bagging a brace.

Italy was made to work hard to beat Slovenia at home as a late Giampaolo Pazzini strike proved the difference, while the Netherlands saw Finland off 2-0 with goals from Kevin Strootman and Luuk de Jong.

With two games left to play, the Dutch have not yet secured the top spot in their group, but they have assured themselves of a place at Euro 2012, as they will finish at the very least as the best runner-up of the qualifiers.

The trio will join Germany, who secured qualification last Friday after beating Austria 6-2, and Euro 2012 hosts Poland and Ukraine in the list of teams who are already qualified for the showpiece event, which will take place from June 8 to July 1.

Croatia, Greece and England have booked their spots in the eight-team playoff regardless of results in the final two matchdays.

Real Madrid Transfer News: Ronaldo, Neymar, Suarez and Hernandez in Today’s Press

All the latest transfer rumours from Real Madrid for Monday 5 September 2011. Real Madrid are rumoured to be ready to make bids for Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez and Luiz Suarez in the January transfer window. Ronaldo has told Neymar to join Real Madrid in the next transfer window whilst Cristiano Ronaldo has claimed Real Madrid is the world best team in an interview with UEFA.

Brazil and Real Madrid legendary striker Ronaldo has told Neymar that he should join Real Madrid over rivals Barcelona this January.

Reports over the weekend claimed that the Brazilian forward was poised to join Barcelona but Santos has dismissed the rumours. Ronaldo has told the young striker that whilst both options are favourable for the development of his career, Real Madrid is the club for him.

"Both options are great, but I still hope he goes to Real Madrid, where I spent five years," Ronaldo told Terra. "I think it would be better for him," he added.

Neymar has always affirmed he is in no rush to embark on a move in Europe, but two-time World Cup winner Ronaldo says the 19-year-old needs to leave his homeland sooner rather than later. "Brazil has become too small for Neymar," Ronaldo added. "This is his moment and he needs to have the ambition to conquer the world, rather than just be the best in Brazil," the Real Madrid legend continued.

Jose Mourinho is said to be keen to sign Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez.

The Mexican international was a revelation for the club last season and has attracted attention from Real Madrid with Jose Mourinho said to be ready to test Manchester United's resolve to keep the forward. Javier Hernandez's agent earlier this year revealed that any offers for 'Chicharito' would have to be considered, but the former Chivas Guadalajara striker is happy at Old Trafford and is not looking to leave the club.

Caughtoffside.com also reports that Jose Mourinho and his Real Madrid side will make a move for Liverpool striker Luis Suarez. The website claims that Mourinho is keen o land the Uruguayan international in January after missing out of Neymar in the transfer window and will play on the fact that Madrid can offer the player Champions League football.

Cristiano Ronaldo has told UEFA that it his belief that Real Madrid are the world's number one side.

According to Goal.com, former Manchester United star man claims that despite Barcelona's recent dominance at home and abroad, Real Madrid still remain the side to beat.

"Real Madrid are the best club in the world and [there is] a lot of envy," he told UEFA in a recent interview.

Jose Mourinho's side started their 2011-12 campaign with a 6-0 away win over Real Zaragoza, with the 26-year-old netting a hat-trick, and he feels that it could be a successful season in the Spanish capital city.

"I think this will be a great year for us," he continued