Pedro is staying put, Barcelona warn English suitors

No way, Pedro! Barcelona warn a trip of English clubs that the playmaker is staying put, while Manchester United have drawn a blank with their pursuit of Porto defender Danilo.

•ŸŸ Get your grubby paws off Pedro! That's the message from Barcelona, who, according to the Daily Star, have issued a "hands-off" warning to Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal. The three clubs have all been linked with the 27-year-old playmaker in recent months but in an interview with Spanish TV, Barcelona sporting director Ariedo Braida had this to say on the matter of a possible transfer to England in the summer: "Pedro has an essential role here at Barcelona. He is a very important player." The Star says that Barcelona are aware of English interest and the figure of £22m has been mooted in some quarters, but Braida is adamant that Pedro has a future at the Camp Nou despite competition for places from the likes of Neymar, Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi.

•ŸŸ According to Metro, Manchester United have suffered yet more disappointment with the news that their pursuit of Danilo has gone up in flames. Having being dumped out of the FA Cup by Arsenal on Monday, the Red Devils have learned that Porto defender has apparently agreed terms with Real Madrid in a deal that will see him move to the Spanish capital in the summer. United, along with Barcelona, have been heavily linked with the Brazilian full back but speaking to Catalan broadcaster Esport 3, Barcelona director of football Carles Rexach conceded defeat in the race to Danilo's hand. "I've been told that he has already been signed by Real Madrid," he explained. "But I don't know for sure. That's something for him to say." Metro says that no official confirmation has been forthcoming from the player or the clubs but that "any transfer is likely to cost potential suitors in the region of £20-£25million".

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•ŸŸ Are West Ham United poised to make a play for midfielder Josef Shirdel? Now a free agent, the former Hamburg playmaker is seen by Hammers boss Sam Allardyce as the sort of midfield hardman his side needs now that Alex Song is reportedly unlikely to extend his loan deal at the end of the season. Talksport says that Shirdel has "already been training with the first-team squad" at Upton Park and if all goes well he'll sign terms this month.