World Football Gossip Roundup: Radamel Falcao, Luis Suarez, Kaka, Ashley Cole

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It was bound to happen sooner than later. Bayern Munich and manager-elect Pep Guardiola are officially being linked with big-name players.

Who are the players? That story leads this Sunday edition of the B/R World Football Gossip Roundup. Inside, we also have updates on Barcelona's search for a keeper, two Chelsea veterans going in different directions and Kaka's quest to rejoin his old club.

Keep reading for all the details.

Pep Guardiola to Target Luis Suarez, Radamel Falcao for Bayern Munich?

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Incoming Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola will target forwards Luis Suarez of Liverpool and Radamel Falcao of Atletico Madrid, according to the Daily Mirror.

Guardiola, 42, is set to become manager of Bayern this summer. He previously led Barcelona to 14 trophies in a four-year tenure.

Suarez, a 25-year-old Uruguayan international, is valued at £40 million. Falcao, a 26-year-old Colombian international, reportedly has a £46 million release clause in his contract.

Barcelona Interested in Pepe Reina, Thibaut Courtois?

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Barcelona could move for Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina this summer, according to the Daily Mail.

Reina, 30, joined Liverpool from Villarreal in 2005. He has earned 26 caps for Spain.

He would potentially be a replacement for Victor Valdes, who announced last week that he will not renew his contract with Barca.

Meanwhile, Metro reports that Barcelona could offer £10 million for Chelsea keeper Thibaut Courtois, who is on loan with Atletico Madrid.

Courtois, 20, has been capped seven times by Belgium.

Ashley Cole Set for New Chelsea Deal? Frank Lampard to Join LA Galaxy?

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Chelsea fullback Ashley Cole is set to sign a new deal with the club (Press Association via ESPN.co.uk).

Cole, 32, has been linked with Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid. His current contract is set to expire at the end of the season.

He joined Chelsea from Arsenal in 2006 and has made 99 appearances for England.

Meanwhile, Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard is set to join the Los Angeles Galaxy of Major League Soccer in the summer, according to the Sunday Express.

Lampard, 34, joined Chelsea from West Ham in 2001.

Kaka Must Take Pay Cut to Join AC Milan?

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Kaka could rejoin AC Milan on loan from Real Madrid, but the Brazilian midfielder will have to take a 50 percent pay cut (via ESPN FC).

Kaka, 30, was named FIFA World Player of the Year in 2007. He joined Real Madrid from AC Milan in 2009.

Reports indicate Milan and Madrid have agreed on a 24-month loan deal.

Latest News on Mario Balotelli and AC Milan

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AC Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri says the Rossoneri do not want to sign Mario Balotelli or David Beckham (via Goal.com).

"(We are) only negotiating for Kaka, so there will be no Mario Balotelli or David Beckham," Allegri said.

The Sun reported last week that Balotelli, a 22-year-old Italian forward, was set to join Milan in a £24 million deal.

Meanwhile, ESPN FC quoted Milan chief Adriano Galliani as saying Manchester City had asked €37 million for Balotelli.

Carlos Tevez Wants Argentina Return?

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Manchester City forward Carlos Tevez says he wants to return to his native Argentina after his current contract expires in 2014 (via Daily Mirror).

Tevez, 28, joined City in 2009 after a two-year spell with rivals Manchester United. He spent most of last season away from the team following a drawn-out disagreement with manager Roberto Mancini.

Tevez said:

I’ve got a year left on my contract at ­Manchester City and they want me to sign for two more ­seasons. I would prefer to return home, but it is very ­difficult because City won’t let me leave for nothing. I will stay in Europe for another two years and then go back.

Tevez then plans to join Boca Juniors on a free transfer.

 

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