Barca reveal tranbsfer bounty

Barcelona have announced their summer transfer budget after confirming they are taking measures to reduce their debt.

Javier Faus, the European champions' vice-president of the finance department, said on Wednesday night coach Pep Guardiola would have "45 million euros (just over £40million) for new signings, plus money that may be obtained from sales".

Guardiola: Will have £40million to spend

The announcement has already led to speculation Barca will not be able to move for targets such as Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas, although income could be generated from sales of the likes of Bojan Krkic, Jeffren and Maxwell.

In announcing a reduction in the amount the club owe, Faus said: "The gross debt has been reduced from 532million euros to 483million euros, and the net debt from 431million euros to 364million euros.

"We want to decide our future and to do so we must reduce the debt to acceptable levels.

"There has been a great effort, which will continue over the next two years, to reduce this debt...a millstone that is essential and indispensable.

"This will make Barcelona the most financially solvent club in the world in two or three years."

Real Madrid appeal against Mourinho ban

Real Madrid have appealed against the five-match touchline ban imposed on their coach Jose Mourinho.

Mourinho's punishment came in the wake of ill-tempered Champions League semi-final first leg against Barcelona at the Bernabeu, when he was sent to the stands and criticised Barca in the post-match press conference.

Mourinho has already indicated his intention to take his case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport if necessary and a statement on the UEFA website read: ''Real Madrid have appealed against the disciplinary verdict handed down to Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho by the UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body on May 6, and relating to the UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg between Real Madrid and Barcelona in Madrid on April 27.

''The appeal follows the sending by UEFA of the reasoned decision on June 6. The date of the hearing will be communicated in due course.''

Mourinho was unhappy at the red card shown to Real midfielder Pepe, and afterwards claimed there was a refereeing conspiracy in favour of Real's great rivals.

Mourinho said after the game: ''Today it's clear that against Barcelona you have no chance.

''I don't understand why. I don't know if it's the publicity of UNICEF (the club's shirt sponsor), I don't know if it's the friendship of (Spanish football federation president Angel Maria) Villar at UEFA, where he is vice-president, I don't know if it's because they are very nice, but they have got this power. The rest of us have no chance.

''(Pep) Guardiola is a fantastic coach, but he has won one Champions League which I would be ashamed to win after the scandal at Stamford Bridge and this year, if he wins it again, it will be after the scandal at the Bernabeu.

''I hope that one day he will win a clean Champions League, with no incidents behind it.''

Ashley Young 'agrees' United deal.

Ashley Young has reportedly agreed personal terms ahead of his proposed big-money move from Aston Villa to Manchester United.

The talented forward, who has also undergone a brief medical, is now expected to complete a switch to Old Trafford when he returns from holiday.

Young: Heading to United

It emerged on Thursday that the Premier League champions had held discussions with Young's representatives over a possible switch.

The England international admitted earlier this summer that he was keen to play at the very highest level, sparking speculation that he would leave Villa Park.

United have been credited with a long-term interest in the former Watford player, while Liverpool were also understood to be monitoring the situation.

And Sir Alex Ferguson now looks to have pipped the Reds to yet another transfer target, with Blackburn defender Phil Jones also set to sign for the champions.

Liverpool chasing Serie A defender

Serie A club Catania say that Liverpool have expressed interest in their Argentine defender Matias Silvestre.

GettyImagesMatias Silvestre has scored six times since joining Catania

Silvestre, 26, has been playing for the Sicilian club for the past three-and-a-half seasons, after transferring from Boca Juniors and has since become captain of the Rossazzurri.

The defender has been a standout in Vincenzo Montella's side and Catania general manager Pietro Lo Monaco stated earlier this year that he expected the South American to head on to a bigger stage in the summer.

Lo Monaco now says that it is Liverpool, along with Villareal, who are leading the charge to lure Silvestre away from Italy next season.

"Top of the list of those moving on is Silvestre," Lo Monaco told Itasportpress. "I'd struggle to keep him here, considering what a great player he is. There are two Italian clubs tracking him, but Liverpool and Villarreal are also interested in Silvestre."

Sneijder staying with Inter

Wesley Sneijder has moved to end speculation over his future by declaring he wants to stay with current club Inter.

The 27-year-old playmaker has been touted as a target for Chelsea and Manchester United but is set to remain at the San Siro.

"Milan is marvellous, picturesque and full of elegance. I love it," Sneijder told the Inter website.

"At the moment I am very happy here and I don't see why I should leave."

The Dutch international joined Inter in the summer of 2009 and played a major part in helping Inter win the Treble of the Champions League, Serie A and Coppa Italia in his first season.

The Italian club finished second in the league and reached the last eight of the Champions League last season, although they did retain the Coppa Italia.

"There is a family atmosphere at Inter and there are all the ingredients to aim high," added Sneijder.

Iniesta: We'd be Fab with Cesc

Barcelona star Andres Iniesta has expressed his belief that he, Xavi and Cesc Fabregas can operate as a successful midfield trio.

Iniesta's comments follow reports emerging in Spain that Barca have upped their pursuit of Arsenal captain Fabregas.

Iniesta: Believes he, Xavi and Fabregas can work

The UEFA Champions League holders targeted Fabregas last summer but failed to have a bid accepted by the Gunners.

It is suggested a fee in the region of £40million could tempt Arsenal this year, amid claims Fabregas' agent may meet with Barca this weekend.

Iniesta told ONA FM: "(The signing of Cesc) is a matter of Arsenal and Barcelona, ​​we cannot do anything.

"Xavi, Cesc and I are not incompatible. If he comes, the team level will be better."

Barca defender Gerard Pique, meanwhile, has reiterated his desire to be reunited with Fabregas, whom he played alongside at youth level at the Spanish giants.

Pique said in The Sun: "I would like him to. It's my wish for that to happen. I can't be clearer.

"He is a Barcelona fan and has been his whole life and he would love to come. It would be very, very good for us.

"Last year it looked like he would come but he didn't. Now it looks like he could again but we have to wait. I hope the people in the offices can work well and can bring him in this time.

"I have said before and I still do that my hope is that one day he will play for Barcelona.

"I would love to have him alongside me because as well as a good person, he is a great player.

"I would love him to be here this year or if not then next year. He would give us more.

"I haven't spoken to him recently. I don't know how Arsenal set up are economically but I do know that he is a great player and a real friend of mine and he is a Barcelona player - he has been in the youth system here and he knows what we are about. He could perform perfectly here."

Van Persie critical of player attitudes

Robin van Persie believes the behaviour of some of his "English colleagues" may hamper Arsenal's chances to win the Premier League next season due to their party lifestyle.

GettyImagesRobin Van Persie points the finger of blame at "English colleagues"

Van Persie says players must have pure motivation in order to win titles, something Arsenal have struggled to do in recent years, and questions whether young English players have that drive.

"The really top players aren't fooled by riches or fame because they are fully focused with their football. For me, it's very important to be having breakfast every morning with my two children and that wouldn't be possible if you were hanging about in a disco all night. When I see some of my English colleagues who are out till three in the morning, then I can only conclude that they are invariably finished at 33."

The Dutchman said in order for the Gunners to be in contention next season, they must learn from the mistakes of recent campaigns and add depth to their current playing roster over the summer.

"Every year it always goes wrong in an identical way and that is frustrating," said Van Persie. "When you look at results in the last years, then Arsenal shouldn't be talking about winning the league because too many times things have gone wrong.

"Sometimes you have to eat the truth and be realistic. But I do believe with the signing of a number of players, then next season we should be in there competing for prizes."