By DAN KARELL
Mexico National Team goalkeeper Guillermo “Memo” Ochoa has found a new club.
According to multiple reports, the shaggy-haired Ochoa is set to sign a three-year contract with La Liga side Malaga, joining after his contract with AC Ajaccio expired in June. Malaga were looking for a new goalkeeper after losing starter Willy Caballero to Manchester City.
The move to Malaga is Ochoa’s second European destination after landing in Corsica in 2011. Prior to his move to Ajaccio, he starred for Club America in Mexico City.
Ochoa was a star for El Tri at the World Cup, keeping a shutout against Brazil and nearly leading Mexico to the quarterfinals at the expense of the Netherlands, though the Dutch pulled off a late comeback to advance.
Here are some more stories to start off your Friday:
CAVANI HOPES TO REMAIN AT PSG
For the second year running, Edinson Cavani is high among many team’s transfer targets.
However, the Uruguayan forward doesn’t seem to have any desire to leave Paris Saint-Germain.
Speaking to reporters in Beijing ahead of the Trophee des Champions, Cavani said that as long as he has a contract at PSG, he’s prefer to stay at the club, and even said he’d welcome Argentine midfielder Angel Di Maria to the team.
“I’d rather be in Paris,” Cavani said, via Le Parisien. “I feel good here. As I’ve said, it does not depend solely on the will of the player but also some things that can happen in the club. The most important thing is that I have a contract with PSG.”
LOPEZ EXPECTED TO DEPART MADRID
Diego Lopez’s second spell at Real Madrid is likely coming to a close.
According to reports in Spain, Real Madrid have decided to move forward with Iker Casillas and Costa Rica international Keylor Navas, leaving Lopez the odd man out. The reports state that Lopez has 72 hours to determine his club future, with Napoli, AS Monaco, and Chelsea all reportedly interested in his services.
Lopez was signed by Jose Mourinho in Jan. 2013 after Casillas picked up a serious injury, but surprisingly, Lopez never lost his place in the first team, holding on to the starting role through the rest of Mourinho’s time in charge and into Carlo Ancelotti’s reign as manager.
The 32-year-old Spanish goalkeeper started 52 La Liga games in the last year and a half, though Real Madrid failed to win the league both seasons.
ARSENAL IN TALKS TO SIGN QUINTERO
The star of the 2013 South American Under-20 Championship could be heading to the red side of London next week.
Colombian international midfielder Juan Fernando Quintero, who scored as a substitute at this summer’s World Cup, is expected to arrive in London on Monday to finalize a transfer move to Arsenal, according to reports in Colombia and England. Arsenal are expected to pay €20 million to FC Porto, though reports in Portugal state that Quintero wouldn’t leave for anything less than €40 million.
The 21-year-old was brought to Porto in 2013 from Serie A side Pescara. Quintero was a spot starter last year for Porto, making 22 league appearances and scoring four goals but also spending 22 times on the bench without playing.
QUICK KICKS
With Romelu Lukaku sold, Jose Mourinho has confirmed that Fernando Torres will remain with Chelsea this season. (REPORT)
Germany Under-19s won their second UEFA U-19 Championship on Thursday with a 1-0 defeat of Portugal. (REPORT)
Borussia Dortmund midfielder Nuri Sahin will miss the next three weeks with knee tendonitis. (REPORT)
Atletico Madrid have signed outside back Cristian Ansaldi one a season-long loan from Zenit St. Petersburg. (REPORT)
AC Milan will be keeping an eye on Arsenal forward Joel Campbell at this weekend’s Emirates Cup ahead of a possible transfer bid. (REPORT)
Juventus have signed a six-year extension with Italian car maker Fiat, worth €17 million per year. (REPORT)
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What do you think of these reports? Do you see Ochoa succeeding in La Liga? Do you expect Cavani to remain in Paris? Where do you see Diego Lopez heading?
Share your thoughts below.