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- Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni is the latest voice in European football to question the wisdom/sanity of the numbers being attached to Gareth Bale in the World's Most Annoying Transfer Saga (TM). The respected veteran gaffer remarked that "for me there is no player valued at that money." Mr. Trapattoni is hereby publicly welcomed into the reality-based faction of the Managing Madrid universe.
- In Football UK's estimation (which tracks closely to my own), Real Madrid have captured two of the six most intriguing and impactful La Liga signings of the summer.
- Marca speculates that Carlo Ancelotti has already chosen his starting XI ahead of Sunday's match against Real Betis. The proposed line-up "leaves no room for doubt. Ancelotti is looking for football, the beautiful game, something for the 'Los Blancos' faithful to marvel at." Can't wait!
- Think Football also has an interesting take on who may be in the lineup against Betis.
Alright. Six days and counting!