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Real Madrid has finalized its preseason schedule, which kicks off with a trip to newly promoted Championship side, Bournemouth on July 21st. The tour will take los blancos to Lyon and Göteborg, Sweden to face Olympique de Lyon and PSG respectively before the team heads to the United States. Real Madrid is participating in the International Champions Cup and will face the Los Angeles Galaxy, Juventus or Everton and a third opponent to be determined. Sites include Los Angeles, Phoenix and Miami before they close their tour against Inter Milan in St. Louis, Missouri.
The Spanish U-20s bowed out of the U-20 World Cup in Turkey yesterday in the Quarterfinal round. Uruguay ousted the tournament favorites through an extra time goal that the Spanish side could uncharacteristically not produce themselves. Jesé is unlikely to end the tournament as top-scorer now with this early exit. Real Madrid's Derik Osede also had a very impressive tournament, including a crucial goal from his centerback position in the Round of 16 victory over Mexico.
AS is reporting that José María Callejón will be departing this week to join Napoli. Supposedly, the two parties have agreed on terms and are close to a signing of 10 million euros. It has been just over two years since Callejón signed with Real Madrid for 5.5 million euros.
Pepe is not only staying, he's likely to be a ranking team captain, reports Marca. With the likes of Manchester City calling for Pepe, the response from Real Madrid, and reportedly Carlo Ancelotti himself is that Pepe is not for sale. With Higuaín's likely departure, Pepe staying means he falls in line with the likes of Casillas, Ramos and Marcelo as the players with most seniority.
And, of course, we must include a throw-away rumor here on Bernabéu Bites: Xabi Alonso to Chelsea anyone? The Daily Star took off with the imminent arrival of Asier Illaramendi in Madrid to mean that Xabi Alonso must be on his way out in this transfer window to rejoin former boss, José Mourinho at Chelsea. No reporting, just speculation. It was enough for Marca to pick up the story, however.