Sneijder set to stay at Real

Sneijder had been expected to move on (GETTY IMAGES)

Netherlands midfielder Wesley Sneijder looks likely to remain with Real Madrid next season, despite his first-team opportunities seeming to be limited.

The 25-year-old’s agent had hinted that Sneijder would seek a Bernabeu exit, but Soren Lerby has not gone back on his earlier statements.

He told La Gazzetta dello Sport: “We have an understanding with Real Madrid that Wesley can't leave the club and nothing has changed there.”

Real director, Jorge Valdano, had earlier told Cadena Ser: “Until it is proven otherwise, he is still a Real player.

“Our coach has a lot of confidence in his talents, therefore we are absolutely not under obligation to sell him.”

Former Spain international full-back Michel Salgado has left Real after a decade and 371 games.

He signed from Celta Vigo in 1999 and quickly established himself as one the best defenders in the country.

The following season he helped the side win the Champions League and in total he won two Champions Leagues, four league titles, three Spanish Super Cups, one European Super Cup and one Intercontinental Cup.

He also won 53 Spanish caps after making his international debut in 1998.

The 35-year-old has proved himself to be one of the most successful Real players in recent history.

Valencia forward Miguel Angel Angulo is hoping head coach Unai Emery will allow him to leave the club this summer on a free transfer.

The 32-year-old former Spain international has played over 300 games for the Mestalla-based club and has won two league titles and the UEFA Cup.

However, he has slipped out of the first-team reckoning and wants to revive his career elsewhere.

His agent, Jose Luis Tamargo, is aiming to reach a deal with the club's management, saying: “He has been in Valencia for many years and I believe this solution is favourable for everyone.”

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has confirmed that the European champions are in talks over a new contract with Argentina ace Lionel Messi.

The 22-year-old forward helped Barca to a unique treble of La Liga, Copa Del Rey and Champions League glory last season and Laporta is eager to tie up a new, extended deal.

He told the club's official website: “He's a great player, a homegrown lad, we're proud to have him in the team, because he is the best player in the world.

“Everything's going along well.

“Barca will always do whatever is necessary to keep Messi happy at the club and we know that Messi has a complete commitment to Barca.

“This commitment had to be repaid on all levels. The club will always equal that commitment and love that he has for Barca.”