Former Liverpool boss targeting swoop for Anfield star?

Napoli boss Rafa Benitez is still hopeful of raiding a Premier League side for a defensive midfielder.

The former Liverpool boss has been linked with a move for Anfield star Lucas Leiva – having purchased the Brazilian during his time on Merseyside – with Tottenham man Sandro and Manchester United misfit Marouane Fellaini also reported targets.

So far Benitez has been constantly rebuffed but, after failing to complete a permanent move for Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina, who joined Bayern Munich, he is now fully focussed on capturing an anchor man and defensive shield.

“There are a lot of names on the list, but we are where we are and I, as the coach, have to think about preparing his team,” he said.

“We have tried to do something until the end but we haven’t had time. We will continue to work in the next days.”

Reports - Man United make £16m bid for Argentina star

Manchester United have bid £16m for Sporting Lisbon left-back Marcos Rojo, according to reports in Portugal.

Sport paper O'Jogo claims Louis van Gaal has tabled an offer to take the Argentina international to Old Trafford.

United splashed out £31m on Luke Shaw earlier this summer, but the Reds parted company with Alex Buttner and Patrice Evra and are without cover for the former Southampton man.

Rojo, at 6ft tall, can also play at centre-back and that may appeal to Van Gaal as he plans to adopt a new 3-5-2 formation.

United have reportedly offered around £9.5m up front, with £6.5m to be paid off in future instalments.

But Rojo is only part-owned by Sporting, with sports investment group Doyen owning 75 per cent of the player's economic rights, which could make the deal more difficult.

Blow for Arsenal? Casillas ready for right for Real Madrid place

Arsenal target Iker Casillas looks set to continue his career at Real Madrid after coming through a dip in form.

The Spain keeper lost starting spot at the Bernabeu last season, but was still named number one in the national side that was embarrassed at the World Cup.

Madrid have signed Keylor Navas this summer to offer even more competition to Casillas, the club captain, but he is not jumping ship even though a number of Premier League sides would love to sign him.

“I understand that when you play so long at Madrid constantly your name sounds good and bad, luckily in my case it has usually been good," he said.

“You have to face up and cope with the situation. I've always faced up and I will not hide.

“I understand that when you are at Madrid you are always being watched. But I have been treated great, I have no complaints. I want to push myself even more than the previous year.

“There is no getting around it. I have not been at my best in recent games, with Real Madrid and the national team, but I've had worse moments in my sporting life. And I have analysed and learned from them.”

Blow for Arsenal? Casillas ready for right for Real Madrid place

Arsenal target Iker Casillas looks set to continue his career at Real Madrid after coming through a dip in form.

The Spain keeper lost starting spot at the Bernabeu last season, but was still named number one in the national side that was embarrassed at the World Cup.

Madrid have signed Keylor Navas this summer to offer even more competition to Casillas, the club captain, but he is not jumping ship even though a number of Premier League sides would love to sign him.

“I understand that when you play so long at Madrid constantly your name sounds good and bad, luckily in my case it has usually been good," he said.

“You have to face up and cope with the situation. I've always faced up and I will not hide.

“I understand that when you are at Madrid you are always being watched. But I have been treated great, I have no complaints. I want to push myself even more than the previous year.

“There is no getting around it. I have not been at my best in recent games, with Real Madrid and the national team, but I've had worse moments in my sporting life. And I have analysed and learned from them.”