☆ Barclays Premier League Season 2014-15 ☆

[Pochettino]

Newcastle United's Fabricio Coloccini writes letter of apology to fans

Newcastle captain Coloccini pens open letter apologising for abject run of form that has seen Premier League strugglers lose eight in a row

Opening up: Fabricio Coloccini has written a letter of apology to Newcastle's fans Photo: REX

By John Percy
7:24PM BST 05 May 2015

Fabricio Coloccini, the Newcastle United captain, has written an open letter to supporters pleading for unity as the stricken club attempt to avoid relegation from the Premier League.

Coloccini has moved to ease the tension on Tyneside by making a public apology over Newcastle’s “uncomfortable situation” and implored fans to put aside their frustrations over the club’s predicament ahead of the three remaining games.

Tim Krul was involved in a fracas on the team bus with Fabricio Coloccini

Newcastle are in genuine danger of dropping into the Championship after eight consecutive defeats under John Carver and their failed attempt to parachute in Derby head coach Steve McClaren only heightened the air of desperation around St James’ Park.

Coloccini was also involved in a bust-up with goalkeeper Tim Krul after the 3-0 defeat at Leicester City on Saturday but has retained the captaincy after extensive talks with management and club staff over the past 48 hours.

And the 33-year-old has taken the surprise step of issuing a message to supporters as Newcastle attempt to preserve their top-flight status, with the visit of West Bromwich Albion this Saturday.

Fabricio Coloccini applauds the long-suffering Newcastle fans at the weekend

“I would like to make a call to all fans today to leave aside all differences, all different opinions, anything that divides us as people who love this club,” he wrote.

“On Saturday, please come to St James' Park, create a great atmosphere, support the team more than ever, because at the end of the day what matters the most here is Newcastle United Football Club.

“Neither players nor staff would like to be in the position that we are in at the moment. This is something that has happened for many reasons and right now there is no time to look back and correct those mistakes.

“The time we have left to turn around this situation is short but after the end of the season we will try to learn from the mistakes we made so that we don't have to go through this again.

John Carver tries to speak to Daryl Janmaat at the King Power Stadium

“This is as painful for us as it is for you, because when this team comes onto the pitch we do so with the intention of winning and to defend not just the colours of this club, not just our shirt, but also to represent thousands of fans, the whole city.

“Today we are in a delicate situation, one that we have been through before, and it is one of the most uncomfortable situations in the world of football. Uncomfortable because this club doesn't deserve to be in this position, a position that puts its status at risk.

An open letter to supporters from the captain: http://t.co/QwyX0Ke8LU #NUFC pic.twitter.com/t1Pk7XLfzK
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) May 5, 2015

“Players and staff have come together in order to leave all past problems aside and to focus 100 per cent on the three 'cup finals' that we have left.”

Coloccini’s letter will do little to dampen the feeling of exasperation at the club, however, with owner Mike Ashley facing constant protests calling for his removal during the team’s slide towards the bottom three.

Newcastle United fans make their feelings clear during the defeat by Leicester City

Carver has been told his job is safe until the end of the season, despite his disastrous record, and McClaren’s decision to stay with Derby is seen as a huge source of embarrassment.

Newcastle are only two points above the bottom three and face West Brom this weekend before games against Queens Park Rangers and West Ham United.

“In these three games we need to be together, we need to be united, to be a family - a family that fights together against adversity, a family that strives to achieve the success that you and this club deserve,” said Coloccini.

“The players are committed to this and if you stay with us, if you join us, we are going to fight together for our black and white family.”

 

[Pochettino]

Daniel Sturridge has hip operation which will rule him out for rest of Liverpool season

Liverpool striker posts picture of himself in hospital bed as he confirms procedure on injured hip which will rule him out for remainder of the season

Frustrated figure: Danny Sturridge has endured a stop-start season with Liverpool thanks to a series of injuries Photo: AFP

By Telegraph Sport
7:27PM BST 05 May 2015

Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge has had an operation on his hip joint in an attempt to reach full fitness ahead of next season.

Sturridge posted a picture of himself in a hospital bed and confirmed that he had undergone a procedure on his injured hip.

"Just want to let the world know I've had a successful operation on my hip today and I want to thank God for allowing that to be possible," said Sturridge.

"Onwards and upwards from here. Thanks for the support."

The operation is likely to rule Sturridge out of Brendan Rodgers’ plans for the remainder of the campaign.

Sturridge featured for Liverpool against Blackburn in the FA Cup

The Liverpool striker has barely played since agreeing a new £140,000 a week deal in October but the club’s owner, Fenway Sports Group, has taken a hands-on approach to try and get him ready for pre-season.

Sturridge flew out to the United States last week for further assessments with a specialist and it is anticipated the operation will rule him out for six weeks.

The 25-year-old has only played 18 games this season due to thigh, calf and hip injuries and his absence has proven damaging to Rodgers’ hopes of securing a top-four place, while he also missed last month’s FA Cup semi-final at Wembley.

Keeping Sturridge fit is key to Brendan Rodgers's plans for next season

Behind the scenes at Anfield there has been frustration over Sturridge’s ongoing injury problems but the club also recognise they have to find a solution for one of their prized assets.

This is the second time this season Sturridge has flown out to the United States, after spending last Christmas in New England as he sought to recover from a thigh injury.

Even if Sturridge recovers in time for Liverpool’s pre-season programme, Rodgers is determined to recruit attacking "marquee" players in the summer.

PSV Eindhoven winger Memphis Depay is regarded as a priority signing but the Merseysiders face competition from Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain.

Sturridge shone for the Liverpool side which nearly won the league in 2014

Christian Benteke, the Aston Villa forward, is also a likely target but any deal could be complicated by the prospect of a takeover at the Midlands club this summer. Villa will also seek a fee of over £30million, which may prove problematic to Liverpool if they struggle to offload fringe players, and Tim Sherwood sees the Belgian as crucial to his own rebuilding plans.

Divock Origi is already scheduled to link up with the club for pre-season after spending the campaign back on loan with Lille, but Rodgers is expecting a busy summer of ins and outs.

Glen Johnson will depart on a free transfer while there are also doubts over the futures of Mario Balotelli, Rickie Lambert, Lucas Leiva and Fabio Borini.

 

[Gomis]

Martinez: Everton got carried away during unbeaten run

6 May 2015

Roberto Martinez said Everton paid the price for complacency after the Merseyside club crashed to defeat at Aston Villa last week.

Everton's six-match undefeated streak in the Premier League came to an end against a resurgent Villa outfit on Saturday, as they lost 3-2 away from home.

Martinez conceded his players were handed a reality check following wins against Manchester United, Burnley, Southampton, QPR and Newcastle United, and a draw with Swansea City.

"You do, you do [get carried away]. I think it's only human that you start to feel like you're on top of the world, you feel that you're performing well and that you just need to carry on turning up and getting the results," Martinez told the Liverpool Echo.

"Clearly, in this league, you need to be perfect from game to game.

"I wouldn't say that we dropped our standards at the beginning of the [Villa] game, it was more that we thought we could just turn up and be our normal selves, and that would be enough to get a positive result.

"Clearly that was a reality check. A team like us, we need to be perfect in every game that we go into. It's a shame, because we all know if we'd have had the same level in the first half as we had in the second half, then we would have got the result.

"We are a club that has high standards, every time we are on the football pitch. Now the ball is in our court against Sunderland, to make sure we have a good start and keep it going until the end."

Everton welcome relegation-threatened Sunderland to Goodison Park on Saturday.

 

[Gomis]

Liverpool to sign teenage Portuguese star

6 May 2015

Portuguese third-tier outfit Sanjoanense have revealed that 17-year-old midfielder Paulinho is set to join Liverpool ahead of next season.

Paulinho has made 12 league appearances in 2014-15 and will move to Anfield at the conclusion of the campaign.

"Sanjoanense informs that, after many months of negotiations, they have reached an agreement with Liverpool for the transfer, outright, of Paulo Alves [Paulinho]," a statement on Sanjoanense's website read.

"The agreement comes after a period of testing at the legendary English club, which met the expectations of his parents.

"It should be formalised in the coming days, with the player allowed to travel to Liverpool in the company of his father."

Liverpool are yet to confirm the deal.

 

[Gomis]

Guard of honour should spark Liverpool - Lallana

6 May 2015

Adam Lallana reckons Liverpool's guard of honour for champions Chelsea should spur them on to beat Jose Mourinho's men.

Chelsea secured the Premier League title with three games to play, with Lallana and his team-mates set to stand and applaud their opponents onto the Stamford Bridge pitch on Sunday.

While Mourinho has insisted his side does not need such an honour, Liverpool will follow through and applaud the English champions.

"We have to use it as motivation," Lallana told the Liverpool Echo.

"Chelsea deserve to be champions. The table doesn't lie. They have been the best team throughout the season.

"You have to respect that, whether you like it or not.

"All I know is we want to go there and spoil the party. We're looking to go there and cause an upset and put a dent in their celebrations.

"We all knew that last week was a big week and it was disappointing to only get four points out of the games against West Brom, Hull and QPR.

"We would have been right on their toes, if not ahead of [Manchester] United, if we had performed better. But we still have a chance and everyone believes fourth place is still possible.

"We have to concentrate on ourselves and look to take maximum points from our three remaining matches."

 

[Gomis]

Bournemouth to invest in players before stadium

6 May 2015

Fresh from gaining promotion to the Premier League, Bournemouth chairman Jeff Mostyn says the club will invest money in their playing resources before they consider stadium expansion.

Bournemouth were crowned champions of the second tier following Saturday's 3-0 win at Charlton Athletic and Watford's 1-1 home draw with Sheffield Wednesday.

With their Dean Court ground having a capacity of just 11,700, there has been talk that Bournemouth will need to expand ahead of their top-flight bow next season, but Mostyn says putting money into the squad is the number one priority.

"We need to make sure that we put the majority of our investment into the team, so that we can retain our Premier League position," he told BBC Sport.

"Rather than expand the ground and you've seen other clubs who have suffered the consequences.

"What we have to do is sit down as a board and look at the practicalities, what we can and what we cannot do in line with the council, and just prioritise what we believe is in the best interests of our club and our supporters."

 

[Gomis]

Chelsea still hungry for Liverpool win - Matic

6 May 2015

Nemanja Matic insists Chelsea remaing hungry for victory at home to Liverpool this weekend, despite having wrapped up the Premier League on Sunday.

Jose Mourinho's men made sure of their first league crown since 2010 with a 1-0 win against Crystal Palace - PFA Player of the Year Eden Hazard netting the winner on the stroke of half-time.

However, with matches against Liverpool, West Brom and Sunderland still to come, Matic says Chelsea will not be taking their foot of the gas.

"We will be prepared for those," he told the club's official website. "Of course we don't have the pressure of needing to win the league anymore, we are first whatever, but we will play seriously and try to enjoy the games we have left.

"We have done a great job this season and we want to carry on like that until the end."

Matic has made 46 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea this term, scoring three goals.

 

[PerMertesacker]

Bigirimana believes relegation could be good for Newcastle

6 May 2015

Newcastle United midfielder Gael Bigirimana has made a bold claim that relegation from the Premier League could benefit the club in the long run.

The St James' Park outfit sit two points clear of the drop zone with three games left to play, having gone on an eight-match losing streak.

"This might put me in trouble but you look at what happened to Southampton five or six years ago," Bigirimana told Sky Sports News in reference to Southampton's fall to League One before returning to the Premier League last season.

"Sometimes as a club you need everything to be reviewed – its foundation and the structure.

"I don't want them to go down and get relegated. Nobody wants that to happen, but it's all about the future."

Bigirimana is nearing the end of a loan deal with Scottish Championship side Rangers, for whom he is yet to feature due to illness.

 

[TonyPulis]

Southampton to place trust in academy - Reed

6 May 2015

Southampton sporting director Les Reed says the club will rely mainly on academy products next season, should they be faced with the extra games that UEFA Europa League qualification would bring.

Ronald Koeman's side have coped admirably with a pre-season overhaul, which saw the Dutchman appointed as Mauricio Pochettino's replacement while a number of key players departed.

With three games remaining, Southampton look well placed to at least seal a play-off berth for a return to European competition for the first time since the 2003-04 campaign.

The added fixtures in the Europa League are seen as a burden in some quarters, but Reed feels the club are equipped to deal with the extra workload.

The likes of James Ward-Prowse, Harrison Reed and Jake Hesketh have all come through Southampton's youth set-up to make their first-team debuts in recent seasons and Reed is seeking a continuation of that tradition at St Mary's Stadium.

"I think there's a lot of mythology around the Europa League. I think it's a good excuse for managers to say 'isn't my job hard'." Reed told Perform at the Sporting Directors' Summit at the Etihad Stadium.

"I don't see the difference between playing Wednesday in the Champions League then Saturday in the league, and Thursday and Sunday.

"It's probably between four and six more games, Championship clubs do that every week and they haven't got the resources.

"So I think it's manageable. Yes, you want a bit more strength, but what we've built is an academy that supplies players to the first team so we'll get our strength in depth from that.

"We'll tweak the team in terms of balance and we've got loan players we need to convert or replace, so that's more likely to be the type of activity we have in the transfer market."

 

[JoseMourinho]

Chelsea´s ´boring´ style not an issue - Arnesen

6 May 2015

Frank Arnesen believes Chelsea's style of play is no cause for concern and says it is up to rival clubs to try to match the Premier League champions.

Jose Mourinho's side claimed a fourth Premier League title - and a third under the guidance of the Portuguese - courtesy of Sunday's 1-0 win over Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge.

During their 0-0 draw at Arsenal the previous weekend, Chelsea were subjected to taunts of being "boring" by the Arsenal fans, with Mourinho hitting back by subsequently responding that "boring is 10 years without a title".

And Arnesen, who was sporting director at Stamford Bridge during their second title win in 2006, thinks any criticism of Chelsea's style is unfair.

"It's not an issue," he told Perform at the Sporting Directors' Summit at the Etihad Stadium.

"I think the fans are very happy and I think it's a little harsh to say they've not played some good football, of course they've played some good football.

"Mourinho does that, priority number one is winning and they are doing fantastic so I think you can never blame a style, you can blame the others for not winning.

"Chelsea is happy and satisfied that they'll be champions."

Arnesen expects Mourinho to use this season's UEFA Champions League disappointment - Chelsea exited at the last-16 stage at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain - as motivation to succeed next term, but says another top-flight crown in 2015-16 is not a given.

"You never know and that is what is fantastic about the Premier League," he said. "Nothing is for granted, but for this season Chelsea have been outstanding and they're the absolute number one.

"I expected them to win against Paris Saint-Germain, so that will be a good thing for Mourinho next season to get the players hungry and say 'we cannot go out so early'.

"They have the best squad, they will always do something, all the big clubs even if they are winning have to move on, but at the moment I think they have a fantastic squad."

 

[Rodgers]

Duff has Upton Park red card overturned

6 May 2015

Veteran Burnley defender Michael Duff will be free to face Hull City this weekend after his red card against West Ham was overturned.

Midway through the first half at Upton Park on Saturday, Duff was sent off for a clumsy challenge on Cheikhou Kouyate, with Mark Noble scoring the resulting penalty as West Ham won 1-0 to leave the Lancashire club on the brink of relegation from the Premier League.

Both Burnley manager Sean Dyche and West Ham counterpart Sam Allardyce agreed that Duff's dismissal was harsh, given several players appeared to be covering the 37-year-old at the time of the tackle.

Burnley subsequently appealed referee Jon Moss' decision, which was overturned on Wednesday.

Dyche's side remain bottom of the table, eight points from safety with three games remaining.

 

[Redknapp]

McClaren reiterates commitment to Derby amid Newcastle speculation

6 May 2015

Derby County manager Steve McClaren has reiterated his commitment to the Championship club amid continued talk of a move to Premier League strugglers Newcastle United.

McClaren is reported to have turned down an approach to take over relegation-threatened Newcastle for the final three games of the season after Derby missed out on a place in the play-offs.

But the former England, Wolfsburg and Twente boss told Sky Sports News: "I reiterate what I said on Saturday straight after the [Reading] game, and what I've said to the board and the players yesterday [Tuesday] – I'm 100 per cent committed to finishing the job here.

"I hear the speculation, I see it, but I'm 100 per cent committed to Derby County at this point. I've been saying it for months, that my total focus, my total commitment, is on Derby County.

"There is still a lot more to come from this team and this club. The aim is to get into the Premier League.

"For three-quarters of the season we were one of the best teams in the league, we were top of the league. We looked as if we were going to go on.

"Since that moment a lot of things have gone wrong but it is not a bad team, it is not a bad football club overnight. That is why I want to stay here and finish the job."

 

[LouisVanGaal]

Arnesen backs ´champion´ Van Gaal for success at United

6 May 2015

Louis van Gaal has the know-how to make Manchester United Premier League champions once again, according to Frank Arnesen.

Van Gaal moved to Old Trafford after guiding Netherlands to third place at the World Cup, with United looking to rebuild following a dismal season under David Moyes that saw them finish seventh.

Despite three consecutive defeats to Chelsea, Everton and West Brom, United are well placed to return to the top four and secure UEFA Champions League qualification, which former PSV, Tottenham and Chelsea sporting director Arnesen believes represents a successful campaign.

Van Gaal has previous experience of lifting league titles with Ajax, AZ, Barcelona and Bayern Munich, and Arnesen says United's improvement over recent weeks is evidence of the Dutchman's plans coming to fruition.

"He's done very well," he told Perform at the Sporting Directors' Summit at the Etihad Stadium.

"It's always very, very difficult to come after [Alex] Ferguson. Moyes was so difficult, now Louis van Gaal is a builder and he makes players better.

"He believes in himself and the players believe in his ideas and you can see that if you compare with the first three months and the last three months, they've been so much better.

"They will continue next year I'm sure. He knows how to be champion.

"He's done it in Barcelona, Ajax, Bayern Munich so he knows how to be champion. He's a world-class coach, for sure."

 

[Alexis]

Alexis Sanchez can be as good as he wants - Zamorano

6 May 2015

Chile legend Ivan Zamorano says Alexis Sanchez can only get better and feels the forward may be a catalyst for Copa America glory.

It has been a debut season to remember for Sanchez at Premier League side Arsenal, with the forward scoring 24 goals across all competitions.

Sanchez is due to participate in Chile's home Copa America that starts next month, and Zamorano - who scored 37 goals for his country, a record bettered only by Marcelo Salas - believes the former Barcelona star can be the talisman for Jorge Sampaoli's side.

"He [Sanchez] is the leading figure for us. Because of the level that he has displayed at Arsenal, he is the card we can play to do something different," Zamorano told the Copa America official website.

"When he has the ball something always happens and that is a good thing. If he plays well, we have a good chance.

"Let's hope the other 10 [players] are also in top form. He can be as good as he wants, although he can still improve. He will do very well for the team."

Chile are among the favourites to win the Copa America and face group stage matches against Ecuador, Mexico and Bolivia.

And Zamorano believes the likes of goalkeeper Claudio Bravo and midfield duo Gary Medel and Arturo Vidal will be vital to the team's chances.

"[Claudio] Bravo has amply demonstrated that he has the leadership qualities to take the team forward," he added.

"Through his attitude and courage, Gary Medel can lift the side. Arturo Vidal, with what it means to have triumphed in Italian football [with Juventus] which I believe is the most difficult in the world, can affect many from a human and sporting viewpoint - he is very mature.

"We already know what Alexis represents, he is a boy you enjoy watching play, the superhuman effort he puts in."

 

[Pochettino]

Cuadrado needs time - Bacca

7 May 2015

Sevilla striker Carlos Bacca has backed Colombia team-mate Juan Cuadrado to eventually find his feet and start impressing at Chelsea.

Since joining the Premier League champions from Fiorentina in February in a deal initially worth £23.3million, Cuadrado's limited game time has come mostly off the bench.

But Bacca believes the 26-year-old attacker just needs time to settle in England before showing his best form for Jose Mourinho's men.

"I know Cuadrado well as I see him in the national team," Bacca said on Wednesday.

"He's a great player and there's a reason Chelsea signed him which is one the best teams in the world.

"But we know that when you change leagues from Italy to England they are different leagues that have different ways of playing.

"I think that he signed for a team that has a very demanding manager and he also has to adapt to the league and the team with a squad that was already gelled.

"I think that he will very soon start to show what he's made of."

Bacca's Sevilla host Fiorentina in their UEFA Europa League semi-final first leg on Thursday.

 

[AC/DC]

No pressure from FA on black players - Taylor

7 May 2015 09:34

Graham Taylor has denied allegations that he was told to limit to amount of black players he selected by the Football Association (FA) during his time as England manager.

Extracts from a new book titled 'Pitch Black' by Emy Onuora, printed in The Guardian, claim that Taylor told former Birmingham City striker Richie Moran he was under pressure from the FA.

The conversation is alleged to have taken place during the 1999-2000 season at a function at Watford's training ground, where Taylor was manager at the time.

But Taylor, who managed England between 1990 and 1993, insists no one at the FA influenced him with regards to team selection.

"I have no memory of that conversation," Taylor told BBC Radio 5Live.

"I never had any problem in regards to team selection concerning black players from the FA.

"My record as regards the selection of black players at international and at club level is there for people to see. To have my name linked with that kind of thing is completely wrong."

 

[PerMertesacker]

Everton to wait on Lennon discussion - Martinez

7 May 2015 11:03

Everton manager Roberto Martinez says the time is not right to talk about a permanent move for Tottenham's Aaron Lennon and that any discussions will wait until the end of the season.

Lennon has become a fans' favourite since moving to Goodison Park on loan in January, scoring twice in 12 Premier League appearances.

The England international is set to say farewell to the home fans when Everton entertain Sunderland on Saturday, as he is ineligible to face parent club Tottenham in their final game of the season.

Reports suggest that Everton have been quoted £9million to sign Lennon permanently, but Martinez rejected that as mere paper talk.

"The reality is I don't know where those figures or stories come from. We've had no conversations with Spurs," he said. "It's a significant game [against Sunderland] for Aaron and us as a football club.

"It's the last game he's available at Goodison. He's had a big impact on the team, there'll be a celebration with our fans and Aaron.

"Whatever happens in the future it has to be something the player is happy with. Then we'll sit down with the player. The conversation hasn't happened yet, but he's been a revelation since he came here. He's set real high standards and enjoyed his football.

"It's not the moment to speak about [a full deal], the next two games for him it is important to finish strong. You don't want to finish a period in a club without good performances. Then we'll sit down and see where Aaron wants to be."

Martinez stated that the elation of beating Manchester United last month was part of the reason for last weekend's lacklustre showing in the 3-2 defeat at Aston Villa.

But with three games remaining the Spaniard, whose side are 11th, remains hopeful breaking into the top 10.

"I still see that the next nine points for us are important to achieve a top-10 finish," he added.

"It's an achievement internally that looked out of reach. From my point of view it's about getting that top-10 finish and the next three games are important for shaping the squad next season."

 

[Abramovich]

Amat out of Swansea run-in

7 May 2015 12:14

Jordi Amat is to miss Swansea City's final three Premier League matches after sustaining a broken metatarsal.

The centre-back was not involved in last weekend's 2-0 victory over Stoke City due to a foot injury.

Swansea have subsequently confirmed in a statement on their official website that a scan confirmed a broken metatarsal.

To cover Amat's absence, Swansea have recalled Dwight Tiendalli from his loan spell at Championship club Middlesbrough, who are contesting the play-off semi-finals against Brentford.

 

[Abramovich]

United and PSV agree Depay switch

7 May 2015 12:43

Manchester United have agreed a deal to sign PSV star Memphis Depay.

The Netherlands international has long been the subject of reports linking him with a move to Old Trafford, with Premier League rivals Liverpool and Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain also rumoured to have been interested in the 21-year-old.

And United confirmed on Thursday that Depay will sign for them once the transfer window reopens in June, subject to a medical.

Eredivisie champions PSV also announced the news, with sporting director Marcel Brands commenting: "We are very proud of this upcoming transfer, which has happened with great momentum.

"Memphis has gone through all the teams of the PSV youth academy and has played an important part in the national title this year.

"He's a wonderful exponent of our training and will make a great addition to a magnificent club in a beautiful competition.

"We obviously lose a fantastic player, who is of great value to the team, but everyone at PSV allows him this wonderful step."

Dpeay, who featured for Netherlands under Louis van Gaal at last year's World Cup, has scored 27 goals in 37 appearances for PSV this season.

 

[Ospina]

Bale staying at Real - agent

7 May 2015 13:04

Gareth Bale has no intention of leaving La Liga giants Real Madrid at the end of the season, his agent Jonathan Barnett said.

The Wales international has endured a tricky second season at Santiago Bernabeu, receiving criticism from the Spanish press and being jeered by his own supporters.

Bale, who joined Real for a world-record fee from Tottenham in September 2013, was also criticised for his showing in a 2-1 UEFA Champions League semi-final first-leg defeat at Juventus on Tuesday.

Manchester United and Chelsea are both reportedly interested in bringing Bale back to the Premier League, but Barnett does not foresee his client leaving the Spanish capital.

Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: "Why would he look to go elsewhere?

"Real Madrid are the number one club in the world.

"There's always interest in him - but as far as we are concerned he'll be at Real Madrid next summer."