Clubs across Europe are indulged in heavy business as they aim to acquire suitable acquisitions in the ongoing transfer market. Lionel Messi’s feud with Barcelona still remains the hot topic, while one transfer that has garnered a lot of attention is that of James Rodriguez from Real Madrid to Everton. Having already played under the Italian at Madrid and in Bayern Munich, the duo to set to reunite, but this time in England.

Meanwhile, there are other developments as well, and here’s what’s happening in Europe:

Inter closing in on Arturo Vidal

Barcelona’s restructuring this summer has already seen midfielder Ivan Rakitic moving to Sevilla and another player who could follow suit is Arturo Vidal. Linked with Antonio Conte’s Inter, journalist Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that the personal terms between the player the Serie A side have already been agreed.

Inter are getting closer to sign Arturo Vidal. The agreement on personal terms is almost ready by days. His agent is now working to find a way out from Barça for free - Inter don’t want to pay any after Barcelona told he’s totally out of the project. @SkySport @DiMarzio #Inter

�Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 1, 2020

As things stand, it is evident that the midfielder has no place in Ronald Koeman’s blueprint at Barca, and thus, his representatives are working on the possibility of a free transfer. Both Conte and Vidal have a great working relationship, having already played together during their time at Juventus.

Aleksandar Kolarov will sign on next days his contract with Inter until June 2021. He’ll also have an option for the 2nd season. The Serbian LB is now gonna leave AS Roma. Here we go confirmed. @SkySport @DiMarzio #Inter #transfers

�Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 1, 2020

Meanwhile, Inter are also edging towards acquiring full-back, Aleksandar Kolarov. The former Manchester City left-back will arrive at Inter on a one-year contract, with an option of another year.

PSG make £25m Bellerin bid

UEFA Champions League runners-up, Paris Saint Germain have made a £25m plus £5m in add-ons bid for Arsenal right-back, Hector Bellerin.

Bellerin, who is under contract with Arsenal until 2023, has attracted interest even from Bayern Munich and Juventus, but it is PSG who have been in contact with Arsenal over the past week. It is understood that although manager Mikel Arteta wants to rebuild the squad Bellerin is someone that he wants to keep. 

The Gunners have already acquired Gabriel Magalhães and Pablo Mari for a combined fee of £41m, while Cedric Soares and Willian have arrived on a free transfer. Furthermore, there are also reports Dani Ceballos might return to the Emirates for another season on loan.

Tottenham listening offers for Ndombele

A fresh report from the Daily Mail has suggested that Tottenham Hotspur are ready to listen to offers for midfielder Tanguy Ndombele only a year after signing him for £54million. 

Ndombele arrived at Tottenham on the back of much fanfare under Mauricio Pochettino, but failed to have an impact under Jose Mourinho. With the game time hard to come by, the club has decided to listen to offers for the midfielder.

It is evident that the club will look to recoup as much as they can, and thus, it remains to be seen whether they can actually find a buyer, especially in the time of the pandemic. As for Mourinho, he is not expected to exclude the midfielder from his plans, but the club will put him in the market as long as the window is open.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Ben Stansall

Lionel Messi made it 20 assists for the season in Barcelona's stodgy 1-0 win over Real Valladolid on Saturday, even as his team's La Liga challenge appears almost over. 

Messi teed up Arturo Vidal's winner at Jose Zorilla to become the first player to provide 20 assists in Spain's top flight since Xavi Hernandez in 2009. 

Victory for Barca means Real Madrid cannot clinch the title on Monday by beating Granada but only an incredible collapse will prevent them putting their name on the trophy later in the week. 

If they beat Granada, Madrid will win La Liga by prevailing at home to Villarreal on Thursday, regardless of Barcelona's results.

Overall, Madrid need only five points from their remaining three matches to secure their third La Liga title in eight years.

"We are doing things that deserve more than where we are," said Barca coach Quique Setien. 

"To win La Liga, I don't know, because our rival is winning everything."

20 - Barcelona's Lionel Messi is the first player to reach 20 assists in a single La Liga season since Xavi (20) in 2008/09. Legend. pic.twitter.com/zRtO2dyEi8

�OptaJose (@OptaJose) July 11, 2020

Yet even as Barca's turbulent domestic campaign draws to a close, Messi continues to shine. His delightful pass for Vidal in the 15th minute, a scoop between two Valladolid defenders, triggered more remarkable milestones. 

As well as matching the best La Liga total for assists by one player in the last 11 years, Messi extends his own career-best number of assists in a single league season.

- 'Not rocket science' -

He also becomes only the second player in the 21st century from the five major European leagues to hit 20 goals and 20 assists in the same campaign, after Thierry Henry in 2002-03.

Messi has halted negotiations to extend his current contract, which expires in 2021, perhaps to express frustration with the running of the club. 

As Barcelona's title challenge has wilted, Setien's position has come under scrutiny too, despite him only taking over in January. 

But he was bold against Valladolid, deploying a 3-5-2 formation, with Nelson Semedo and Jordi Alba as wing-backs and the versatile Sergi Roberto dropping into the back three. 

Luis Suarez started on the bench but replaced Antoine Griezmann at half-time, the Frenchman enduring one of his quieter displays before having to go off injured.

"He came off because he had a problem," Setien said. "It was him who asked for the change." 

After playing Messi behind Suarez and Griezmann against Villarreal on Sunday, Setien appears to be experimenting, perhaps with an eye on the Champions League's resumption next month.

Or he may be making the best of a stretched squad that appears to be feeling the effects of fatigue. Setien only named five outfield players on the bench.

"We've had a lot of games, a lot of wear and a lot of players playing a lot of minutes. It's not rocket science," he said. 

"When you're tired, you lose more balls, make bad decisions. It's normal." 

The system worked well in the first half but Barca's problem of converting possession into chances remained and Valladolid grew in confidence late on.

Defeat leaves Valladolid 14th but survival looks all-but secured, with seven points between them and the bottom three.

Griezmann snatched at an early finish inside the box before Vidal showed him how it was done. 

Messi recovered the ball on the edge of the area and after receiving it back from Semedo, scooped it through to Vidal, who gathered and unleashed all in one movement to find the far corner. 

Valladolid's Kike Perez raced clear of Gerard Pique but lost his footing at the crucial moment before Messi weaved through but drove wide. 

Marc-Andre Ter Stegen had to make two saves in the second half as Valladolid pushed, the first from an Enes Unal header and the second in injury-time, after Sandro Ramirez was allowed space at the back post.

Earlier, Celta Vigo surrendered a valuable point in the relegation battle by conceding in the 91st-minute to Osasuna, Jose Arnaiz sealing a 2-1 win.

Defeat means Celta stay four points clear of the bottom three but having played a game more than those below them.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Cesar Manso

When Bayern Munich won their record eighth consecutive title, many records were broken by the Bavarians. While David Alaba and Thomas Muller both won a record nine Bundesliga titles, the latter also recorded 20 assists this season, the highest in Bundesliga history, drawing level with former Wolfsburg star Kevin de Bryune who got 20 in the 2014-15 season.

However, these two stars, along with the likes of Manuel Neuer and Jerome Boateng, have won the league title staying at one club. So today, we look at five players who won consecutive trophies with different European sides during their playing career: 

Eric Cantona (four titles)

Eric Cantona was one of the Premier League’s most fierce and most notorious forwards during the initial years of the league. Most famous for his roundhouse kick on a Crystal Palace fan, Eric Cantona was the skipper of Sir Alex Ferguson’s dream team.

However, the French footballer had already won many accolades before coming to Old Trafford. He led Marseilles to the Ligue 1 title during the 1990-91 season, before moving to Nimes and then Leeds United. Cantona then led Leeds to the erstwhile First Division title in 1991-92 before moving to arch-rivals Manchester United and winning four titles with the Red Devils.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic (five titles)

World football’s most successful journeyman, Zlatan Ibrahimovic has won titles wherever he has played, be it in Spain, Italy, France, or even England. Having started his career at Malmo as a youngster, before moving to Ajax, and winning the Eredivisie twice in three years, Zlatan moved to Juventus, where he won two Scudettos before the Calciopolli scandal. 

However, he managed to retain three consecutive Scudettos between 2006 and 2009 after moving to Inter Milan, before moving to Barcelona and winning the La Liga in his first season in Spain. He wasn’t done though, because he moved to AC Milan during the 2010/11 season, and led them to another Scudetto. A trophy-less 2011-12 season coupled with the infamous calciopolli scandal has ensured that Zlatan has only five consecutive titles, instead of a staggering 13 consecutive league trophies.

Xherdan Shaqiri (five titles)

Shaqiri is one of football’s most underrated wingers, and yet he is one of Switzerland’s most decorated players. After winning the UEFA Champions League with Liverpool last season, while on the verge of sealing the Premier League title, one can easily forget that Shaqiri went from winning five consecutive league titles to playing for relegation-threatened Stoke City once. 

Shaqiri broke into the FC Basel first team back in 2009, much like many Swiss internationals. He led the side to three consecutive Swiss Super League titles before the riches of Bayern Munich enticed him to a move to Germany. However, he could not displace the likes of Arjen Robben, Franck Ribery, and then Kingsley Coman, but won two Bundesliga titles before playing for Inter Milan, Stoke City, and now Liverpool. At just 28, Shaqiri can win a lot more trophies if he can seal a starting spot in a major European club.  

Kingsley Coman (eight titles)

​Kingsley Coman has seemingly been around since forever, yet he is just 24 years of age. The winger is one of the most talented players to have graced the modern game and has been racking league medals since the age of 16.

After winning the 2013/14 Ligue 1 title with Paris St. Germain, Coman moved to Italian Giants Juventus, winning the Scudetto, before moving on a two-year loan deal to Bayern Munich. Since joining the club, Coman has won five consecutive Bundesliga titles and has been a key cog in the Munich team, keeping the likes of Ivan Perisic and Philippe Coutinho on the bench.

Arturo Vidal (eight titles)

Arturo Vidal is among the most sought-after midfielders, and has been at top clubs across Italy, Germany and currently Spain. Having started his European career at Bayer Leverkusen, leading the club to a second-place finish in the 2010-11 season, he earned himself a move to Juventus in 2011.

Vidal established himself as the best South American midfielder while at Juventus, after winning the Scudetto in his first season while his team went the whole season undefeated. He won three more Serie A trophies before moving back to Germany and winning three more titles with Bayern Munich. Vidal moved to Barcelona in 2018 and won yet another league title, his eighth in a row. With the Blaugrana on top of the table yet again, expect the Chilean to become the only player to win nine consecutive League titles.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Marco Berorello

La Liga is back after a three-month shutdown with games behind closed doors, and with Lionel Messi looking different but playing like he always does.

Here are some stories that stood out, from the return of top-flight football in Spain:

Messi back with new look

More than three months had passed since Messi's last appearance on a football field. The six-time Ballon d'Or winner will be 33 in little over a week, but while he approaches veteran status, his post-lockdown look is more of a reminder of the young Messi.

The hair is longer and swept over to one side. Most strikingly, the beard has gone, leaving the Argentine looking fresh-faced.

Read | La Liga resumes after three months away as Sevilla defeat Betis

La Liga's leading scorer looked sharp with the ball at his feet too, and scored the final goal of a 4-0 win away in Mallorca -- after earlier strikes by Arturo Vidal, Martin Braithwaite and Jordi Alba -- as Barcelona moved five points clear of title rivals Real Madrid, who play on Sunday.

Virus victims remembered

La Liga's return is a boost for a football-mad country that has been ravaged by the global pandemic, with more than 27,000 officially recorded deaths making it one of the worst-hit nations worldwide.

Like other sports competitions getting going again, strict health protocols mean games in Spain are being played behind closed doors, ensuring unusual atmospheres at matches that would otherwise go ahead in front of large crowds like the derby between Valencia and Levante.

At Mestalla, as elsewhere, a minute's silence was held before kick-off to remember the victims.

The new matchday experience

Without access to stadiums, supporters are still coming together to watch games. However, only a limited number of Barcelona fans could access this supporters' club in the Catalan capital to watch their team's game against Mallorca.

Read | Valencia and Getafe stumble in La Liga race for top four

Spaced out to respect social distancing measures, and wearing face masks, they took in Barca's win which allowed the defending champions to extend their lead at the top of the table.

Without fans inside grounds, broadcasters have instead been projecting virtual crowds taken from the computer game FIFA onto seats, and adding crowd chants.

Suarez boon for Barca

Barcelona's first game since March also saw Luis Suarez make his first appearance since early January after injury.

The Uruguayan underwent surgery on a knee problem that at one point threatened to rule him out of the rest of the season, but the shutdown has allowed him to come back in time to play a potentially key role in the title run-in.

Suarez replaced Antoine Griezmann in the second half of Barca's game at Mallorca. He didn't find the net but will have a big part to play in the weeks to come, with 10 games left for Quique Setien's team as they try to fend off Real Madrid's challenge.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Jaime Reina

Barcelona may be leading the La Liga table at the moment, but they have hardly been at the top of their game in 2019/20. Having sacked Ernesto Valverde midway through the season, the club brought in Quique Setien into the fold.

While there have been signs of improvement under the new manager, there is no denying the fact that there are quite a few players in the squad that don’t fit into the scheme of things under the veteran tactician.

So, there is a likelihood that Setien will ring in the changes to the current roster when the transfer window opens for business. But who will be shown the doors and who will survive the axe? We assess the possibilities.

Goalkeepers

Marc-Andre ter Stegen

The German has been Barcelona’s best player this season after Lionel Messi. He has been linked with Bayern Munich recently but is going nowhere.

Verdict: Stays.

Neto

Signed only last summer, the Brazilian has hardly featured this term. With Barcelona looking to re-sign Andre Onana from Ajax, Neto could be shown the doors.

Verdict: Leaves. 

Defence

Clement Lenglet

The Frenchman has firmly established himself as the first-choice centre-back at Barcelona. His form has been up and down, but he remains a key cog.

Verdict: Stays.

Read | Who could stay or leave this summer? Real Madrid’s squad assessed

Samuel Umtiti

Another injury-riddled campaign has seen Samuel Umtiti feature sparingly for the Catalans. Umtiti has been seeing increased game-time after Quique Setien took over, but with Barcelona looking to generate funds, his time at Camp Nou could be coming to an end.

Verdict: Leaves.

Gerard Pique

The leader of the Barcelona defence, Pique at 33 is entering the final stages of his career. He will stay at the club without a doubt, but the Catalans need to start looking for long-term replacements.

Verdict: Stays.

Jordi Alba

Expect Jordi Alba (L) to remain a key cog at Barcelona. Image courtesy: AFP / Javier Soriano

Spanish international Jordi Alba remains the undisputed first-choice left-back at Camp Nou and will continue to do so come next season, despite his advancing years.

Verdict: Stays.

Junior Firpo

Signed from Real Betis only last summer, Spanish full-back Junior Firpo has failed to impress in his debut campaign with the La Liga champions. The rumour mill has been spinning with reports of an exit for Junior Firpo but he is likely to stay put for another season.

Verdict: Stays.

Nelson Semedo

Another full-back whose performances haven’t been up to the mark this season, Semedo too has been linked with an exit from Camp Nou. And with Emerson impressing heavily on loan this season, the Portuguese could be shown the exit door.

Verdict: Leaves.

Sergi Roberto

The midfielder has been turned into a right-back in recent seasons and has done a decent job in the role. His versatile nature adds value to the side.

Verdict: Stays.

Midfielders

Sergio Busquets

The mainstay in the middle of the park, Sergio Busquets has been rejuvenated in recent months after a slow start to the campaign. Ageing but still remains an extremely important member.

Verdict: Stays.

Frenkie de Jong

Signed in a big-money deal last summer from Ajax, the midfield sensation is still settling down in Spain. Expect him to display his full abilities next season.

Verdict: Stays.

Arthur Melo

Arthur Melo has been troubled by injuries this season, but the Brazilian remains a key member of the team. Melo has been linked with Tottenham, but he has dismissed all speculations, stating that he intends to remain at Barcelona.

Verdict: Stays.

Ivan Rakitic

Ivan Rakitic is likely on his way out of Camp Nou. Image courtesy: AFP / Gabriel Bouys

Croatian Ivan Rakitic has been a brilliant servant for Barcelona but he has slowly been phased out of the first-team picture at Barcelona and with his contract expiring in a year, he is very likely to be moved on when the transfer window opens.

Verdict: Leaves.

Arturo Vidal

Another seasoned campaigner in Barcelona’s midfield department, Vidal’s contract will also expire in 2021. Given his age, Barcelona will want to cash in on him and get whatever transfer fee they can for the Chilean.

Verdict: Leaves.

Riqui Puig

Rated very highly within the club, the La Masia graduate has seen game time at a premium this season. However, with the likelihood of multiple midfielders leaving the club in the summer, his chances should increase, especially given that Setien is an admirer.

Verdict: Stays.

Attackers

Antoine Griezmann

The marquee signing of last summer has struggled to get going in his debut season at Camp Nou. Griezmann has already been linked with a summer exit, with moves to Inter Milan and PSG being mooted as part of Barcelona’s attempts to land Lautaro Martinez and Neymar respectively.

The Frenchman though, has no intentions of leaving at the moment. Expect him to fight it out for a starting berth next season.

Verdict: Stays.

Lionel Messi

Verdict: Stays. Obviously.

Luis Suarez

Ageing and injury-prone but remains Barcelona’s best option for the centre-forward role. There are likely to be new additions to the position in the summer, but Luis Suarez will stay put till his contract expires in 2021.

Verdict: Stays.

Ousmane Dembele

Signed to replace Neymar three years ago, the Frenchman has spent more time on the treatment tables than he has on the field during his stint with Barcelona.

The club want to offload him, but it remains to be seen if there are any suitors, given the transfer fee he is likely to command. Even then, a loan exit could also be worked out. But it is hard to see him stay at Camp Nou come next season.

Verdict: Leaves.

Ansu Fati

The breakout star of the season for Barcelona. The teenager has been quite exceptional in his debut campaign. Expect Ansu Fati to be given more responsibility moving forward.

Verdict: Stays.

Martin Braithwaite

Brought in as an emergency signing in February, the Frenchman did fairly well in the three games he played for Barcelona. A decent backup option to have in the ranks.

Read | Martin Braithwaite: I deserve to be at Barca

Verdict: Stays.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Lluis Gene

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author's and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of SportsAdda.