No Premier League return for Diarra
Real Madrid's French international Lassana Diarra looks like he will stay put for the time being despite interest from Tottenham and Manchester United.
Lassana Diarra will not be returning to the Premier League this summer after declaring he is happy to stay at Real Madrid, despite having very limited game time.
This comes as bad news to Manchester United and Tottenham who are said to have made enquiries about his availability. United are keen to sign a defensive midfielder with Owen Hargreaves a long-term absentee, Paul Scholes approaching retirement and Michael Carrick not enjoying a good period of his career, despite having just signed a new contract.
Spurs are also on the look-out for a midfielder with Diarra's characteristics given that Wilson Palacios has had a poor season and Jermaine Jenas has fallen slightly out of favour at White Hart Lane.
Both teams would also have been interested in the France international because of his vast Premier League experience after spells at Arsenal, Chelsea and most recently Portsmouth.
Chances have been limited for Diarra with Jose Mourinho often preferring to play Xabi Alonso and Sami Khedira in the middle of the pitch but Real's number 10 says he has no intention of leaving the Spanish capital in the near future.
"I am very happy at Real Madrid. I don't have any problems with anybody and I want to help the team win titles."
Published: 26 Mar 2011
Comment on this rumour - or post a rumour you've heard