By DAN KARELL
On most occasions, Real Madrid gets what they want, at any price.
Recently re-elected club President Florentino Perez has agreed to pay Paris Saint-Germain more than $5.2 million to buy out manager Carlo Ancelotti from the final year of his contract, according to reports out of France.
Ancelotti has long been the target for the Spanish club ever since internally it was decided that Jose Mourinho would leave the club at the end of the season. The decision to rid themselves of Mourinho was finally made public on May 20.
The 53-year-old Italian Ancelotti, also a former Chelsea manager like Mourinho, has been at PSG since December, 30, 2011, taking over for Antoine Kombouare and leading the club to only their third Ligue 1 title this past season. Previously, Ancelotti had spent his time at Chelsea for just over a year as well as an eight year run at AC Milan, guiding them to UEFA Champions League titles in 2003 and 2007, as well as a Club World Cup title in 2007.
Here are some more stories to get your Thursday started:
RIBERY SIGNS EXTENSION WITH BAYERN
Bayern Munich looks set to continue to be one of the best teams in the world, signing the best talent from around the world and holding onto their stars.
Franck Ribery has signed a contract extension with the German club through 2017, keeping him out on the left wing to terrorize opposition defenses for at least the next four seasons. The France international has been a constant in the side since moving from Marseille in 2007.
The 30-year-old will face more competition at his position though next season with the acquisition of Mario Götze from Borussia Dortmund. This season Ribery had another top season, scoring 11 goals and adding 18 assists in all competitions, leading his side to a treble winning season, taking home the Bundesliga, German Cup, and UEFA Champions League.
Ribery’s teammate Daniel Van Buyten, 35, also signed a one-year contract extension at Bayern on Thursday.
CITY CLOSE IN ON FERNANDINHO SIGNING
Manchester City are close to bringing in one of the more underrated midfielders in all of Europe.
After being spotted having a medical in Manchester on Wednesday, reports out of England state that City are close to signing Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Fernandinho, helping shore up the defensive midfield position that’s beginning to show it’s age with Barry and Toure, while youngster Jack Rodwell has struggled to stay fit.
The 28-year-old Brazilian has been at Shakhtar since 2005, leading them to a regular place in the Champions League each of the last three seasons and helping the club win the UEFA Cup in 2009. Fernandinho starred last fall in the Champions League group stage in matches against Juventus and Chelsea, moving on ahead of Chelsea into the knockout rounds.
This past season, the former Atletico Paranaense player played 36 times for Shakhtar in all competitions, scoring six times.
QUICK KICKS
Arsenal have announced that Andrei Arshavin, Sebastien Squillaci, and Denilson will all be released as their contracts expire at the end of the month. (REPORT)
The Netherlands starting goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenberg has finally signed with Fulham from AS Roma, after nearly signing on deadline day last January. (REPORT)
The English Premier League revenues have increased 25 percent to more than $3.68 billion, according to Delloite. (REPORT)
Norway scored a stoppage-time equalizer to tie Israel in the first match of the European U-21 Championships. (REPORT)
Italy recorded an important win to the start of their Euro U-21 campaign over England in Tel Aviv. (REPORT)
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What do you make of these reports? Do you see Ancelotti ending up at Madrid? Do you see Ribery keeping his place in the lineup? Do you believe Fernandinho can help City?
Share your thoughts below.