Inside Spain: Dani Alves case, Kylian Mbappe-Erling Haaland futures and Chelsea eye new manager

Inside Spain is a weekly instalment brought to you by Football España, providing an insight into all of the major stories coming out of the rich and intense climes of La Liga and beyond. Warning: this article discusses a rape trial.

It was another chaotic week in Spanish football, where even the refereeing controversy was dropped down the agenda. Perhaps there is nowhere else to start than the most grim story, and also the most closely followed trial in Spain in some time.

Dani Alves finally sat in front of judge 13 months after he was taken into custody, facing a rape accusation. The trial lasted three days, saw 28 witnesses give testimony, and Alves break down in tears. He maintains his innocence, while the victim maintains that she did not consent to penetration – Alves will wait for his sentence which will arrive in the next month.

In less depressing news, Real Madrid appear to be advancing slowly but surely to the signature of Kylian Mbappe. It looks like they are close on the terms of a deal, with Mbappe’s initial demands being a €125m signing bonus, €50m per year in wages, and a large chunk of his image rights. *If* he does not arrive, then they will go all out for Erling Haaland, who is holding off Manchester City renewal talks just in case.

While they are shopping in France, they have also started looking at Lille wonderkid Leny Yoro. The 18-year-old is their top target to reinforce their defence, which has been destroyed by injuries this season. This week they are yet to train with a central defender, just two days out from their top of the table clash with Girona, who arrive at the Bernabeu just two points behind them.

Michel Sanchez’s work has been remarkable, and it has been no surprise to see him linked with the