Vorschau » Barcelonas actions take the price of Neymars transfer

BARCELONA, Spain -- Barcelona paid 13.55 million euros (US$18.6 million) to Spanish tax authorities on Monday to cover any potential irregularities in its signing of Neymar, all the while maintaining its innocence of the fraud charges levied against it. The Spanish champion said in a statement it had paid the "complimentary" amount to cover any "eventual interpretations that could come out of the contracts signed relating to the transfer of Neymar. Meanwhile we are convinced of the legality of our initial fulfilment relating to our tax obligations." Barcelonas actions take the price of Neymars transfer to more than 100 million euros ($138 million) after the Catalan club initially said it had paid 57.1 million euros ($74 million) for the Brazil forward. That sum does not include bonus payments made by Barcelona or the 22-year-olds salary, meaning his total cost likely exceeds the record-breaking 100 million euros-plus spent by rival Real Madrid on Gareth Bale last summer. Spanish tax authorities had charged Barcelona with fraud on Thursday, alleging it swindled the state of 9.1 million euros ($12.5 million) through payments to varying companies and false contracts. Barcelona said it had "scrupulously" met its financial obligations in signing the player from Brazilian club Santos and it would continue to work with the state authority in the matter. Neymars signing forced the resignation of Sandro Rosell as president last month, after one club members petition to learn more about the intricate details of what has become a club-record signing were kept in the dark. Rosell has preached financial prudence while signing lucrative sponsorship deals that have put advertising on the front of Barcelonas jersey for the first time in the history of an institution that considers itself "more than a club" and a symbol of Catalan values. Rosell is being investigated by the same Spanish court that laid the fraud charges against the club. Of the initial transfer fee, Brazilian club Santos received 17.1 million euros ($23 million) while Neymars father, who also goes by Neymar, earned 40 million euros ($55 million). Barcelona said the decision to make the payment came after an emergency board meeting on Sunday. Hydro Flask With Straw Sale .Y. - Major League Soccer is prepared to start its season this weekend even if there isnt a labour deal with its referees and other on-field officials. Hydro Flask Deals Online . The Philadelphia Eagles acquired running back Darren Sproles from the New Orleans Saints for a fifth-round draft pick on Tuesday. http://www.hydroflasksalenearme.com/ . According to the Globe and Mail, a decision between the NHL and the Players Association should come within the six months. "I can tell you, (a decision) shouldnt take all that long," NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly told the Globe and Mail. Hydro Flask With Straw Cheap . Lineup news, Fantasy and more in Scott Cullen’s Statistically Speaking. HEROES St. Louis Blues – After rolling the San Jose Sharks for seven goals, for the second time in a week, the Blues have a bunch of players on hot streaks. Hydro Flask With Straw Near Me .Y. -- As if the worst start in franchise history isnt bad enough, Buffalo Sabres President Ted Black braced his teams win-starved fans for potentially more tough times.TORONTO - A stretch of six wins in eight games has the Ottawa Senators achingly close to a playoff spot. And this recent run of success also has general manager Bryan Murray re-thinking his plans for the near future with the March 5 trade deadline not too far away. Murray, who on Monday agreed to a contract extension through the 2015-16 season, said his team probably needs another piece — most likely a forward — to make a run this spring. Through Sundays games, the Senators sat two points back of the Philadelphia Flyers and Detroit Red Wings, who hold the Eastern Conferences two wild-card spots. "Just watching the progress in the last month and a little bit, I think that the objective now is certainly more than it was a month before," Murray said on a conference call. "We are available to make a deal." As an example, Murray pointed to the July 5 trade with the Anaheim Ducks that landed the Senators Bobby Ryan. Ottawa gave up young forward Jakob Silfverberg and prospect Stefan Noesen to get the winger who filled a void left by Daniel Alfredssons departure. Again, the Senators would be willing to trade from their position of youth in the organization. "We do have a number of players that probably are deserving of playing some games or playing in the NHL that may not get a chance because of our numbers up here that we would talk to teams about for a more veteran-type player," Murray said. Earlier in the season, Murray expressed a desire to upgrade his teams mobility on the blue-line and talked to "a number of teams" about a puck-moving defenceman. That need has been eased by the recall of 20-year-old rookie Cody Ceci, who has been a mainstay since making his debut in mid-December. "Hes young, but we cantt get him out of the lineup now that weve brought him up from Binghamton," Murray said.dddddddddddd "Hes been real good for us, real solid for us." Like a lot of teams, Murray said the Senators could use a forward who could help in the scoring department or add a physical element. "Either-or, and I think that would address a need on our hockey team.," he said. Perhaps physicality and defensive responsibility should be priorities. The Senators have given up 146 goals in 46 games, which is third-worst in the league. No matter the area of improvement, Murray has limits on how much hell draw from Ottawas prospect pool. Blue-chip centre Curtis Lazar, last years first-round pick, had three goals and four assists for Canada during the world junior championship and is, at least for now, considered untouchable. "Were not moving Curtis Lazar, I can tell you at this point in time," Murray said. "We would make the right common-sense trades if there was something there without robbing what would be our future." The Senators scouting staff is expected to meet soon to draw up a list of trade-deadline targets. "We hope to have kind of an objective by the trading deadline, by the Olympic break, whatever the case may be, and then well see where we go," Murray said. The playoffs appear to be back as the most immediate goal. Murray reiterated that "there are no guarantees in this business," and owner Eugene Melnyk understands that specifically applies to the post-season. "Once the playoffs start, as we all know, anything goes," Melnyk said. "We have to get there first, and then after that, we just cross our fingers and hope for the best." — Follow Stephen Whyno on Twitter at @SWhyno. ' ' '