BY DAN KARELL
What seemed almost inevitable a few days ago, now looks to be out of reach.
Kaka, the former talisman of the Brazilian national team and A.C. Milan, was all set for a move back to his former club from Real Madrid, before financial issues have forced the transfer to stall, according to reports.
A.C. Milan Vice-President Adriano Galliani has stated that the transfer was done, except for dealing with Kaka’s current wages, which reportedly amount to €9 million a season. Kaka had offered to take a pay cut to make the move, but it seems unlikely that he will reduce his salary enough to satisfy Milan’s directors.
The 30-year-old has made just seven appearances for Real Madrid this season in La Liga, with his only goals this season coming in the Champions League and Copa Del Rey.
Here are some other stories to get your Tuesday started:
NEWCASTLE EXPANDS FRENCH CONNECTION
Alan Pardew must be practicing his French, as he is on the verge of hauling in two more players from Ligue Un.
Montpellier defender Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa is currently in Tyneside completing a medical for his reported £8 million move to Newcastle, while the club is in advanced talks with Nancy defender Massadio Haidara on a move to St. James Park, according to a statement from the French club.
Haidara, 20, has made 17 appearances at left-back for Nancy this season, who sit in the relegation zone in Ligue Un. He is set to complete his medical today or tomorrow before the transfer is finalized.
FALCAO INJURES HAMSTRING, SET TO MISS AT LEAST THREE WEEKS
If not for Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, Radamel Falcao may be called the best goal scorer in the world.
For the next three weeks or so, his club Atletico Madrid will have to live without him.
Falcao injured his hamstring in the 57th minute of last Sunday’s 2-0 win against Levante, causing consternation amongst the fans and his manager Diego Simeone. Simeone has stated that Falcao will miss at least 20 days before he is cleared to play.
The Colombian striker has scored 18 goals this season in La Liga, and his team sits in second place in the table, on 47 points.
REINA TAPPED AS POTENTIAL REPLACEMENT FOR VALDES
Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina’s father, Miguel Reina, has opened a new can of worms by stating on a Spanish radio show that his son would love to return to Barcelona and be the first choice goalkeeper.
Current ‘keeper Victor Valdes announced his intent last week to leave Barcelona when his contract is over, leading to speculation within the Spanish media to who would take Valdes’ place in the team.
Reina, who came through La Masia at Barcelona before leaving for in search of first-team minutes, has been at Liverpool since 2005, when he moved to Merseyside from Villareal.
2013 COPA LIBERTADORES BEGINS TONIGHT
It’s been 202 days since Corinthians won their first ever Copa Libertadores title, but tonight South America’s premier competition returns to action with the first stage of the tournament.
Rafa Marquez and Mexico’s Leon will make their Libertadores debut tonight against Iqueque of Chile, while Venezuena’s Deportivo Anzoategui takes on Tigres from Argentina.
Mexican clubs Toluca and Tijuana, also in the competition, will begin playing in the second stage next month.
QUICK KICKS
Cardiff City have completed the signing of Frazier Campbell from Sunderland on a three-and-a-half year contract for a £650,000. (REPORT)
UEFA President Michel Platini believes match-fixing is the biggest evil in football today. (REPORT)
Former England manager Sven Göran Eriksson finally reached a deal, to take over as technical director at UAE side Al-Nasr. (REPORT)
Benfica have decided to keep Pablo Aimar at the club until the summer. (REPORT)
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What do you think of these reports? Do you see Kaka agreeing to take a bigger pay cut to make the move to Milan? Do you think Newcastle’s reinforcements will help them stay in the Premier League? Should Barcelona consider Reina as a potential replacement for Valdes?
Share your thoughts below.