Thursday Transfer Gossip

First off, Real Madrid have now joined the race to sign Lucho Gonzalez from FC Porto. Valencia had previously been in negotiations over a possible transfer, but Marca (Spanish link) report that a club official from Porto met Real sporting director Pedrag Mijatovic on Tuesday to discuss a deal for the Argentine international midfielder.

Liverpool are the latest club to be linked with a move for Celta Vigo defender Diego Placente. The Daily Express reports that the Merseyside club will turn their attention to Placente if they are unable to secure the transfer of his fellow Argentine Gabriel Heinze from Manchester United.

Alexandre Pato will decide his future within the next couple of weeks. Sky Sports quote Pato's father as saying "We will resolve this before August 15 once and for all as there is no point in renewing his contract at Internacional". AC Milan ,Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real Madrid are the sides thought to be vying for the young Brazilian's signature.

Barnsley have snapped up Daniel Souza after a successful trial period. Sky Sports report that the Brazilian defender has signed a two year deal with the Yorkshire side.

Villarreal are thought to be on the verge of completing a deal for Defensor Sporting defender Diego Godin. Marca (Spanish link) report that the Uruguay international will be today and will be presented to the press this afternoon, before joining up with his new teammates on Friday as they continue their pre-season preparations.

Having signed Guiseppe Rossi, Villarreal are now slightly overloaded up front, with Marca (Spanish link) reporting that Mexican striker Guillermo Franco has been offered to Racing Santander.

Finally, The Gazzetta Della Sport (Italian link) reports that Napoli are to rival Real Murcia for the signing of Brazilian international midfielder Josue.