So Fabregas has spoke to Real Madrid

After weeks and months of speculation, Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas has today admitted he has spoke with Spanish giants Real Madrid.

The Spanish international has been constantly linked with a move back to his homeland in recent months, with both Barcelona and Real Madrid keen on him.

Fabregas had this to say about the matter : "It's true the president of Real Madrid (Ramon Calderon) called me personally - we spoke on the phone,"

"But I never gave him my word that I was going to sign for Real Madrid. He asked about my progress and that was it ... It is an incredible compliment that two of the most important clubs in the world are interested in you, but I am an Arsenal player and have a contract with them until 2014."

Fabregas, 21, is still sidelined by a knee injury he picked up back in December, however the media spotlight certainly hasn't gone away from the Gunners skipper. It was alleged earlier this month that Fabregas spat at Hull City assistant manager Brian Horton in the immediate aftermath of Arsenal's 2-1 FA Cup victory over the Premier League strugglers.

Obviously Arsenal fans won't be too happy to see their most prized asset had been talking to one of Europe's elite. There is no doubt that Arsenal are a far better outfit when Fabregas is in the team and Arsene Wenger will certainly be doing his best to keep him once the summer comes. Despite what Fabregas says at the end about being under contract for another five years, I wouldn't be at all surprised to see him leave the Emirates before the start of next season.

What do you think? Comments below please.

Do Liverpool really need Gareth Barry?

I ask this question after there were fresh reports in some newspapers today that Liverpool were ready to make a summer move for the Aston Villa midfielder.

Yes, after all last summer's constant speculation, Gareth Barry has once again been linked with a move to Anfield. After admitting earlier this year that he would leave Villa Park if Martin O'Neill's men didn't qualify for the Champions League this season (which now looks pretty certain), he has today been linked with a cut-price £8 million move to Merseyside.

The reason for the massive decrease in his price-tag is the fact that his contract is due to expire at the end of next season. We all know that Reds boss Rafa Benitez is a big admirer of Barry's, however does he really need another central midfield player at the club.

My personal response to that would be no.

Benitez already has three quality central midfielders to chose from in the shape of Steven Gerrard, Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano. He also has the likes of Lucas and Damien Plessis if he is really stuck, so bringing Barry to the club would just be a waste of money.

There's no denying Barry is one of the best midfielders currently plying his trade in the Premier League, but is he better than the three currently filling the midfield for Liverpool at the moment? I don't think so.

What do you think? Should Benitez do all he can to bring Barry to the club or should he spend his money elsewhere? Comments below please.