Barrera joins Zaragoza on loan

West Ham United winger Pablo Barrera has joined Primera Division side Real Zaragoza on a season-long loan.

The Mexico international travelled to Spain today for a medical, with the West Ham website explaining the player had been loaned out "after struggling to adapt to life to London since his arrival from Mexico because of language and personal reasons".

The 24-year-old, who joined the London outfit in July 2010 from Nacional, started the Hammers' Carling Cup defeat by Aldershot on Wednesday.

Barrera's only previous appearance this season was a substitute in the opening-day defeat by Cardiff.

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Ramos: Madrid squad trust Mourinho

Sergio Ramos has thrown his support behind under pressure Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho and insisted the squad "trust him".

Mourinho issued a statement on Tuesday after reports in the Spanish media suggested he was on the brink of walking out on the club due to a apparent lack of support from the board in the ongoing row with Barcelona.

But Spain defender Ramos remained clear in his backing for the former Porto, Chelsea and Inter Milan boss.

He told Marca: "We (the players) have done nothing wrong but we do not regret anything and in football you cannot live in the past."

On Mourinho, he added: "He trusts us and we trust him.

"Mourinho has the full confidence of the staff. He leads the group and we are willing to do what he says.

"He will always have our support."

The Spanish Football Federation announced on Tuesday the Portuguese was under inquiry for his role in a mass brawl at the end of last week's Spanish Super Cup against Barcelona.

The growing pressure has seen him become increasingly outspoken about the Catalans and their practices, with talk of his departure coming on the back of the latest blow-up.

The issue has also led to suggestions it may disturb the harmony between the Madrid and Barca players in the Spain squad which won Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup.

But Ramos denies it will be a problem and also backed Madrid and Spain skipper Iker Casillas to resolve any lasting tension.

"The past will not have any bearing on the performance of the squad and the good feeling that has always reigned," he said.

"I have not spoken but it is normal that Iker, as skipper of the Spain national team, is at the helm on this sort of thing."

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Robben itching to join Barcelona

 

Bayern Munich forward Arjen Robben has confirmed he would be interested in joining European champions Barcelona.

The Catalan giants have been linked with the Dutch international, although the 27-year-old maintained no bid from the Nou Camp has been forthcoming.

The former Real Madrid and Chelsea man is aware the club wanted him in the past, but has heard nothing recently from Barca.

Robben is more than happy at the Allianz Arena and does not want to worry himself about rumor regarding a possible move.

"Barcelona are the only club where I would say: 'If they're interested, that would be a fantastic option'," he told Sport Bild.

"Whether they have ever made an offer for me? No, not as far as I know.

"There was something going on about three years ago, but they never made a bid. I'm not speculating about a summer transfer, though.

"I'm feeling very well here and am happy at Bayern. Don't go writing that I want to join Barcelona, because that's not the case."

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Espanyol striker Osvaldo competes move to Roma

 

Argentina striker Pablo Osvaldo has completed his move to Italian outfit Roma from Espanyol.

Osvaldo underwent a medical in the Italian capital and has signed a four-year contract with the Giallorossi.

Osvaldo joins the Serie A outfit in a reported transfer fee of 18million euro (£15.9million) from Espanyol.

"I am very happy to be here," said Osvaldo.

"I have chosen Roma because it is a great club. For me it is an honour to play alongside (Roma captain Francesco) Totti."

Osvaldo has ample experience in Serie A having played for Atalanta, Fiorentina, Lecce and Bologna before joining Espanyol in 2010.

He netted 20 goals in 44 appearances for the Barcelona club.        

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Liverpool loan Aquilani to AC Milan

Liverpool’s unsettled midfielder Alberto Aquilani will return to Italy with AC Milan for the rest of the season after agreeing a loan move to the San Siro.

The former Roma midfielder moved to Anfield in 2009 but struggled to make an impact in the English Premier League and was allowed to spend the 2010/11 campaign back in Serie A with Juventus.

Now AC Milan have moved for the 27-year-old Italy international, with the deal only now pending on the outcome of a medical.

The Reds have announced on their official website that an option has been negotiated to make the move permanent in the future.

Liverpool director of football Damien Comolli said: "I want to pay tribute to the way Alberto has conducted himself during these discussions.

"Throughout the entire process, his only desire has been to play football and he has put this ahead of any other considerations and at personal cost to himself. We wish him well for the season ahead."

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