World Football Gossip Roundup: Isco, Fernando Llorente, Jose Mourinho

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It's shaping up to be an Iberian kind of day here at the B/R World Football Gossip Roundup.

Isco is suddenly Europe's hottest transfer target. Unless you consider Fernando Llorente, and unless you leave out managers like Jose Mourinho.

Point is: The rumor mill is really starting to heat up. Nearly a month after the summer transfer window closed, the gossip is getting juicy.

Today in the roundup we have updates on Isco, Llorente and Mourinho, along with news on Manchester City's spending and Liverpool's stadium plans.

Read on for all the details.

Isco in Demand

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Spanish midfielder Isco (full name Francisco Roman Alarcon) scored twice in Malaga's 3-0 victory over Zenit St. Petersburg this past week in the Champions League. Now he's being linked with half of Europe, it seems.

The Daily Mirror reports that Isco, 20, is being targeted by Tottenham, Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal and Juventus. The Mirror reckons Spurs and Liverpool have the early advantage.

Isco reportedly has a £16 million buyout clause in his contract.

Arsenal Chasing Fernando Llorente?

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Arsenal have joined the race to sign Spanish striker Fernando Lllorente from Athletic Bilbao (via Metro).

Chelsea and Manchester City are also thought to be interested in Llorente, a 27-year-old Spanish international with 21 caps.

Llorente's contract runs through the 2012-13 season.

Jose Mourinho Considering Return to England?

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Jose Mourinho could return to England if he leaves Real Madrid, saying he would manage "any Premier League club" (via Daily Telegraph).

In England I am blue. I will push a little but when I watch matches on TV I cannot deny what is clear in my mind. After Real Madrid, England, that's for sure. I keep saying the same, I know clearly. In England (I could manage) everyone. I am blue, but I am London blue. I am a professional.

Mourinho, 49, joined Real Madrid in 2010 after leading Inter Milan to the Champions League title. The Portuguese manager also led Chelsea from 2004 until 2007. He won another Champions League crown with Porto in 2004.

Roberto Mancini: Manchester City Will Keep Spending

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Manchester City's lavish spending is not over, according to manager Roberto Mancini (via Daily Mail).

City have spent more than £400 million on new players since Sheikh Mansour took control of the club in 2008. Last week, club executive Patrick Vieira told talkSPORT that City's big-spending days were done.

Not so, said Mancini.

"If we want to stay on top with all the other teams that spend a lot of money in the last 10 years we need to improve and buy top players," he said.

Liverpool to Stay at Anfield and Renovate?

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Liverpool will renovate Anfield instead of moving into a new stadium, according to the Daily Mail.

According to the Mail, Liverpool's £150 million plan will turn Anfield into a 60,000-seat stadium. The club has said it has not made a decision whether to build a new stadium or refurbish Anfield.

Anfield, which currently holds 45,276 spectators, opened in 1884.

 

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