Is Nistelrooy going to Manchester City?

After failing to break into coach Manuel Pellegrini's side and having struggled with a host of injuries, Real Madrid striker Ruud Van Nistelrooy has been linked with a January transfer to Premier League side Blackburn Rovers.

According to The Sun, Rovers manager Sam Allardyce would be thrilled to have the ex-Manchester United man return to England while Bolton, Birmingham, Sunderland and Fulham are also reported to be interested in the Dutchman's services.

Van Nistelrooy has endured a difficult year of fitness problems, including a season-ending knee injury last year, and the 33-year-old is seeking regular playing time in his quest to earn a spot in the Dutch national team for next summer's World Cup in South Africa.

The player's agent, Barry O'Connor, has remained diplomatic about the transfer rumours, saying that it is a private issue until Real Madrid decide on Van Nistelrooy's future.

Real Madrid Players support the ELA Association(Photo Gallery)

Zinedine Zidane and Real Madrid joined forces once again with the European Leukodystrophy Association (ELA). The legendary player inaugurated ELA-Spain in 2005 with friiend and former team-mate Raul Gonzalez. Several children who have the illness visited Valdebebas on Friday and had a chance to meet their idols. In the next couple of days they will take the Stadium Tour with Zidane and will see the banner of their association held by the players on the pitch right before the Real Madrid-Valladolid match kicks-off.

Real Madrid will use their match against Valladolid to spread awareness on the fight against leukodystrophy.

Children with the illness witll see the game live at the stadium with ELA Founding Chairman Guy Alba and ELA-Spain Chairman Bienvenido Corral.

Lukodystrophy destroys myelin (a layer that covers up nerves) in the central nervous system and gradually paralizes vital biological processes. It is currently incurable. Ever since its foundation in 1992, the ELA has tried to make people aware of the illness, to support families of people who suffer from it and to finance scientific research. The ELA has founded 317 research programmes, spending a total of 25.2 millon euros.

The Association's fight is beginnig to get its first results; current research results bring hope and allow scientists to believe that the illness may be treated in the future.

Nistelrooy is back

Nistelrooy has begin to get better.He says he is so happy to return to Santiago Barnebau.After a long injury he will start training with ball soon.He denied the talks about leaving Real Madrid for an another team.

First of all, how do you feel?

Fine now. I’ve spent the last six months recovering and the worst is now behind me.

How was the day to day work? Did you put in many hours?

The first phase was the most difficult because I was still on crutches. I did eight hours of passive rehab on my knee each day and spent a lot of time getting massages from physiotherapists. Then I began working on my physique with a stationary bike, elliptical machine and water exercises. I’ve been increasing the load since February and working hard on cardio, increasing my stamina and building muscle mass. It was a hard process, but I can now say that I am ready to begin running.

When will we see you back on the pitch?

I will start jogging slowly next week and will increase the pace on a daily basis. The team’s preseason begins around the middle of July, and if everything goes as planned I hope to be back in action with the squad in August. I am so anxious to return.

Have you thought a lot about the night you were injured against Juventus? Nobody thought it was such a severe injury.

I wasn’t injured during that match. It happened during the first half of the match in Turin and I played through the pain. Then I played the match at the Bernabeu although everyone knew I wasn’t well. It was an important match. I wanted to play and the club wanted me to play.

Do you regret it?

No.

When they told you they had to operate on the same knee, did you think back to the injury sustained back in 2000?

We didn’t think the meniscus was affected and that I would return within six to eight weeks. Then they saw a more severe problem, the cartilage, and I knew it would take a lot more time. I had to lie down and have a glass of water because it was a tremendous shock. I spoke to the doctor to ask him how long I would be out. All that mattered was my knee; my life. I was told it would take about nine months, that my knee would be as good as new and that I could return to football. I knew I would have to work hard, but I immediately focused on recovering and returning as soon as possible.