Real Madrid confirms Di Maria deal

Real Madrid have confirmed they have reached an agreement with Benfica over the transfer of Argentina winger Angel di Maria.

His switch to the Bernabeu, on a six-year deal, is reported to be worth 25 million euros (£20.3m).

The 22-year-old, who is currently part of his country's World Cup squad, becomes Jose Mourinho's first signing since taking charge at Real last month.

Di Maria moved to Portugal in 2007 from Argentine side Rosario Central.

The attacking midfielder has started all four of his country's World Cup matches so far, playing on the left side of a central three - although he has not yet hit top form in South Africa.

Di Maria won the World Under-20 Championship with Argentina in 2007 and scored the extra-time winner against Holland in the final of the 2008 Olympic Games.

But he especially caught the eye of Europe's top clubs last season as he helped Benfica to a Portuguese league and cup Double.

Despite reported interest from elsewhere, Di Maria has opted to become the first player to join Mourinho in Madrid since the ex-Inter, Chelsea and Porto boss signed a four-year deal with the Spanish giants on 31 May.

Mourinho is interested in Schweinsteiger

According to the Spanish AS newspaper, Mourinho has put the 25-year-old German international on a shortlist of midfielders he wants to sign, along with Liverpool's Steven Gerrard , Roma's Daniele De Rossi and Athletic Bilbao 's Javi Martínez.
A fortnight ago, it was reported that Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti had alreadylined up Schweinsteiger as a replacement for Michael Ballack and was willing to make a £25-million bid to secure his signature.

Schweinsteiger was instrumental in Bayern Munich capturing the domestic double and reaching the Champions League final last season.
His three-million-euro-a-season contract at Bayern runs until 2012.

Kaka: Gerard must join Real Madrid

BRAZIL ace Kaka insists Steven Gerrard MUST join Real Madrid to win the trophies he deserves as one of the world’s best players.

Kaka, 28, who is in South Africa as part of Carlos Dunga’s squad, has the highest regard for Liverpool and England skipper Gerro and said: “He would get into any team in the world.”

And he believes a role within Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid revolution would see him win the trophies he craves.

“He is one of the few players in the world that has the ability to be a Madrid player,” said playmaker Kaka.

Gerrard, 30, has yet to decide his future after Liverpool finished only seventh in the Premier League last season. With no manager appointed since Rafa Benitez’s departure, Kaka added: “I would urge him to join Madrid.

“If you never play for Madrid, then there will always be something missing.

“There is no greater achievement than wearing the white shirt of Madrid.

“His next contract will be his last big one – and that’s a big choice not just financially but about what you can win.”

Mourinho (left) tried three times to lure Gerrard to Chelsea when he was boss.

And Kaka added: “I am sure Gerrard respects Jose a lot and Madrid would be the ideal move for him.”