Van de Beek offers short response to Madrid rumors

Last week, Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf reported that Donny Van de Beek would be making a move to Real Madrid over the summer. Ahead of Ajax’s Champions League match against Valencia on Tuesday, he was asked about the report.

“They are rumors, it isn’t something I think about. The most important thing is the game tomorrow.”

While he was very short with his response, the press reportedly asked him for further clarification to which he responded “For now, this is not to be discussed.”

It’s hard to say what will exactly happen with this entire saga. De Telegraaf is generally quite reliable when it comes to Ajax news, but there’s no definitive answer as of yet.

It really will most likely be a wait until the summer to see if Real do make a bid for him and ultimately sign him ahead of next season.

Real Madrid reportedly not happy with referee choice for El Clasico

According to Jose Felix Diaz of MARCA, Real Madrid are not happy that Alejandro Hernandez Hernandez has been appointed as the official for El Clasico.

He is, according to Diaz, the same referee who ruled out a Bale goal, chose not to award Ronaldo a penalty, and gave a red card to Ramos. This is also Hernandez Hernandez’s fourth Clasico he’ll officiate.

They are also not reportedly happy with the VAR official who was appointed for this match as well. This would be Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, who was the official Cristiano Ronaldo shoved during the 2017 Supercopa against Barcelona. Ronaldo subsequently received a five-match ban for this action.

It certainly could be possible they’re not happy with the choices, but there’s not really any evidence to back this up other than past scenarios. So who knows if this is actually a concern of Real Madrid’s ahead of December 18.

Benzema still facing blackmailing allegations in France

A bit more of a serious story, Karim Benzema had an appeal turned down by France’s highest court, according to France 24. This appeal challenged the legality of a blackmail allegation involving French teammate Mathieu Valbuena back in 2015.

The court struck down Benzema’s appeal, which means he cannot appeal again. The investigating judge now decides if this will actually move to a criminal trial.

This is something to pay attention to moving forward. While it doesn’t affect Benzema directly at Real Madrid currently, it could possibly become something in the future if this case really goes to trial.

It’s hard to say really what will happen, it just has to play out. Benzema hasn’t been selected by the French National Team since these allegations arose.

On a more positive note, Benzema is having one of the best seasons of his career and has been arguably Real Madrid’s best players. He will continue to be so until otherwise.