GALACTICOS ARE WRECKING MADRID
MADRID, May 18 (Reuters) - A Spanish businessman vying for the presidency of Real Madrid criticised on Tuesday the club's policy of signing big-name stars, or 'galacticos', which he said had driven debt to 352 million euros ($420.9 million).
Carlos Gonzalez launched his bid for July's election at a time when Spain's biggest club is suffering the worst league run in its 102-year history, with four consecutive defeats leaving it third in the Primera Liga with one game to play.
'We don't want any more 'galacticos'. This idea of the 'galaxy' has hurt us a lot. We want to be earthly beings,' Gonzalez, 41, told a news conference.
A season which began with fanfares heralding the arrival of England captain David Beckham is drawing to a close ignominiously after losses in the European Champions League and Spain's Kings Cup.
Club president Florentino Perez has steered Madrid to two league titles and a Champions League crown during his four-year term thanks to a mixture of world-class signings and home-grown talent.
Perez has dubbed this a policy of 'Zidanes and Pavones' in reference to French international playmaker Zinedine Zidane - who he signed for a world record $66 million - and defender Francisco Pavon, who emerged from the youth team.
Perez, yet to set a date for July's election, has come under fire in Spain's sporting press for the self-destruction of one of the most expensive squads ever assembled, amid reports that several high profile players may leave at the end of the season.
Gonzalez - who does not hold a membership of the club although he says he is a regular at the Bernabeu stadium - remains an outsider for the top job.
LIVERPOOL ACCEPT THAI BID
Thailand's Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra claims Liverpool have accepted his ?60million bid to buy a 30 per cent stake in the club.
The Liverpool board have to choose between Thaskin's offer and a rival ?73million bid from building tycoon and lifelong fan Steve Morgan.
David Moores, whose family has had control of Liverpool for half a century, owns 51% of the club and television company Granada have a 9.9% share.
The board have claimed Morgan's offer does not represent the true value of the club.
Morgan aimed to raise ?61million with a rights issue and ?12million through a share issue, but directors branded the plan 'unattractive' after a board meeting on Thursday.
Thaksin, a billionaire telecoms tycoon before he turned to politics, has said he wants to promote Thai football and employ Liverpool coaches to lift the lacklustre national game up to international standards.
'In principle they agreed to give it to us and now we are working on details,' Thaksin told the BBC. Spokesman Santiparb Tejavanija said: 'I am flying to Liverpool tonight. Our proposal has been approved.Santiparb, whose Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) was appointed by Thaksin to work on the details of the investment, added: 'What I will sign in England would be something of a memorandum of understanding or letter of intent.
'After that we will work on the legal details of the investment.' Thailand's dubious human rights record has prompted criticism of Liverpool's willingness to do business with Thaksin. But the deal would provide a financial boost for the club, allowing them to compete with the Premiership's richest clubs, buy new players, and help finance an ?80million proposed new stadium in Stanley Park.
Thaksin's motivation appears less clear, however. His representatives say it is because of a love of the game, while more cynical voices have said it may be to boost his political popularity in the soccer-mad nation.
UNBEATEN GUNNERS GET SPECIAL TROPHY
The Premier League have commissioned a one-off trophy to mark Arsenal's achievement of going through the entire league season unbeaten.
The trophy will be a replica of the Premier League trophy presented to the Gunners on Saturday, but reversed in composition with gold replacing silver and vice-versa.
Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore said: This award has been under consideration for some time, though the board of the Premier League felt it was inappropriate to come to a decision as to how to honour this achievement before Saturday's game, as it would have prejudged the outcome of a match.
'Arsenal's remarkable achievement has crowned what has been another season of top-class football with some of the game's finest players displaying the blend of skill, passion and commitment that makes the Premier League the most watched domestic league competition in the world.'
Heskey sold for 6.25 million pounds
Birmingham have clinched a ?6.25million five-year deal to sign Emile Heskey from Liverpool. The move had been mooted for several days but the paperwork of what is effectively a pre-contract deal was finally completed this morning and the England striker will officially join the St Andrews pay-roll on July 1. Bruce was delighted to have signed an international striker to bolster the forward line alongside Mikael Forssell, who has agreed to extend his loan spell from Chelsea for another season.
Heskey, who flew out to New York yesterday for a short break before joining up with the England squad, said he was looking forward to getting back among the goals. 'I am also looking forward to linking up with Mikael Forssell. I have been very impressed with what I have seen of him and I think we can create an effective partnership.'
MORIENTES KEEN ON GUNNERS
Spanish striker Fernando Morientes has revealed he is flattered that Arsenal are reportedly interested in his signature.
Morientes is currently on loan at Monaco from Real Madrid but will return to Santiago Bernabeu at the end of the season.
He has enjoyed a fantastic spell in France with his goals playing a key part in Monaco reaching the final of the UEFA Champions League.
The lethal forward is the competition's top scorer and his form has alerted a string of clubs to his potential availability in the summer.
Morientes has two years remaining on his Real contract but the signs are that he will be shipped out of the Spanish capital permanently.
Chelsea are rumoured to be among his admirers while speculation has suggested Premiership champions Arsenal are ready to fork out ?17.5 million for Morientes.
That would constitute a mammoth outlay for The Gunners, with Morientes seemingly clearing the way for a move to Highbury.
He admits he is tempted by a switch to The Premiership but is waiting to learn what Real's plans are before making a decision.
"I'm proud that they are interested in me," Morientes told The Sun.
"There are some big clubs in England and it's a very competitive league.
"I've been away from Real Madrid for a year and I don't know what will happen.
"If an offer comes from England then Real Madrid have to take the decision but I'd like to go there."
Okocha Signs New Bolton Deal
05/19/2004. Jay-Jay Okocha has committed his long-term future to Bolton Wanderers by signing a new three-year deal.
Earlier this season the Nigerian had looked set to be departing the Reebok Stadium when his contract expired at the end of the season.
Okocha has been a huge hit at Bolton since joining on a free transfer from Paris St Germain in the summer of 2002.
However, Bolton boss Sam Allardyce told BBC GMR: "Securing Jay-Jay's services underlines this club's desire to compete in the upper reaches of the Premiership.
"His performances over the past two seasons have helped to fortify the name and reputation of Bolton. His signature is a marvellous boost for everybody." Said Rob Hogley
Leeds Reject Man Utd Bids For Smith
05/18/2004. Leeds United have rejected two offers from Manchester United for their striker Alan Smith.
The Premiership club reportedly offered ?3.5 million for 23-year-old Smith before coming back with an improved offer of ?5.5 million.
But Leeds, relegated to Division One this season, value Smith closer to ?10 million.
A club spokesman said: "Both offers were rejected immediately.
"The offers by Manchester United substantially undervalue Alan Smith's position as a top Premiership player."
Smith, Mark Viduka and several other players are expected to leave Elland Road this summer, following in the footsteps of goalkeeper Paul Robinson who has already joined Tottenham.
Leeds fans will be dismayed and angered if Smith joins bitter rivals United, but caretaker manager Kevin Blackwell told the Leeds website that Smith should not be criticised.
"Leeds and Manchester United fans are not the best of friends, but Alan has got to move on," Blackwell said.
"I am sure the fans respect what he has to do. If things had been different Alan would not be leaving.
"I don't think the lad deserves any criticism whatsoever for what he has done."
The fans see things differently, however, and Smith was abused by a section of them at the club's final Premiership match against Chelsea last Saturday.
They made it clear they would not forgive their erstwhile hero if he followed Rio Ferdinand and Eric Cantona and crossed the Pennines to Old Trafford.
But Blackwell said: "Alan can go with his head held high because he has never let this club down. He was just unfortunate that feelings are running very high."
Redondo Exists Milan
Argentine midfielder Fernando Redondo is to leave Italian champions AC Milan, the former Real Madrid player said on Wednesday. Redondo, who is 35 next month, has made just eight league appearances for Milan in the three seasons since he joined them from Real. He suffered a knee injury shortly after signing for Milan and it took him two years to make his debut for the club. 'I am sorry to be leaving Milan but I need to be playing,' he revealed
Samuel-Real, It's A Deal
05/18/2004. Walter Samuel will play for Real Madrid next season. After many meetings and discussions the two clubs have signed the deal and the news should become official by the end of the week.
Roma would like to convince the merengues to allow Morientes to move to Italy but Real Madrid prefer to pay the defender in cash. However the two sides are also discussing about Emerson's future and if the Brazilian midfielder will accept a transfer to Spain then Morientes will be wearing a giallorosso shirt in September.
Next Week Cambiasso Will Join Inter
05/18/2004. Inter hasn't decided yet what to do with Vieri and Veron but the Italian club is closing in on Cambiasso and the midfielder could be an Inter player by the end of the week.
The 24 year old's contract with Real Madrid is over and he will sign a four year deal with the nerazzurri.
Rivaldo Looks Set to Join Celtic
Rivaldo insists the lure of the 'temple' of Glasgow football and the Champions League has convinced him to look towards Celtic as his next career destination.
The 32-year-old has previously stated Bolton were his 'priority' although he was flattered by the Parkhead link.
But the deal with Sam Allardyce appears to have fallen through after the Wanderers boss became frustrated by a lack of movement.
However, Rivaldo has now urged Hoops' boss Martin O'Neill to make his move.
The Brazilian told Sky Sports: 'Scotland is a paradise for forwards and to play for Celtic would be sensational for a Brazilian. Glasgow is a temple of football. It would be very nice to play there.
'The Scottish supporters are magnificent. For them a player is sacred and they defend him to the maximum. They are an example for other countries. To play in the Champions League is very important to me and that will be a favourable point.
'Playing in England has always been attractive for me, but not whatever the cost. I am not auctioning myself to the highest bidder. At my age, although I am in good physical condition, I cannot make another error like I did in Italy - I want to enjoy football.
'Sincerely, I would choose a great Scottish club before a smaller English club because I aspire to win trophies and not only spend the time to gain a little more money.'
Official: Stam Joins Milan
05/17/2004. Milan have announced the signing of Jaap Stam from Lazio on their official website.
The defender has signed a two-year contract with the Rossoneri which will run from July 1, 2004 to June 30, 2006.
The deal had been in the pipeline for quite some time.
Will Houllier Stay?
Gerard Houllier's future as Liverpool manager appears increasingly under threat as support for him dwindles within the Anfield board. Speculation has mounted after the board of directors failed to publicly congratulate Houllier and the team on securing a place in the Champions League qualifiers. However, the Frenchman remains unmoved by the rumours, insisisting that he will continue to work with 'dignity'. He said: 'I am carrying on my work as normal.'
Official: Zebina Signs Up With Juve
05/20/2004. Roma defender Jonathan Zebina has joined Juventus on a five-year contract.
"It is an honour to play for the Bianconeri," he told the 'Gazzetta dello Sport'. "I have only ever scored one goal in my entire career and that was against Juventus, so perhaps it was a sign."
Zebina, who had been linked with Milan, has signed a five-year contract.
Baldini Confirms Samuel And Emerson On Their Way Out
05/19/2004. Roma's Sports Director, Franco Baldini, stated today that the only two big player sales the giallorossi will have are those of Emerson and Samuel.
Baldini declared: "Samuel and Emerson, for different reasons, are the only big club players for whom offers will be taken into consideration. There are contrasting interests, but we shall have the last word."
Valencia Exceed Benitez' Expectations
05/20/2004. Valencia coach Rafa Benitez was full of praise for his players after they beat Marseille 2-0 to lift the Uefa Cup.
"When we started the season no one expected us to win two such important trophies," he said.
"I thought that given the commitment and the players' readiness to work we could achieve things this season, but this is a really great achievement."
He continued: "The first half was very even. We found it hard to get behind them and they put us under a lot of pressure, but the incident at the end of the half opened the game up. We might even have got a third goal.
"From the bench I expected a penalty and a red card because it was a very clear goalscoring opportunity.
"It was such a clear chance that it deserved the punishment that it got."
Barthez Blows it
Fabien Barthez was sent off as Valencia claimed the UEFA Cup with victory over Marseille in Gothenburg. The former Manchester United keeper saw red for a cynical 45th-minute challenge on Mista which enabled Vicente to set the Spaniards on their way to victory from the spot. It was another continental nightmare for Barthez who was axed by Sir Alex Ferguson last year after United's Champions League semi-final defeat to Real Madrid.
MORIENTES ON BRINK OF SEALING MOVE
Thursday 20th May 2004
Fernando Morientes has revealed he is close to joining a new club with French sources claiming the Real Madrid striker is on the brink of signing for Chelsea.
The experienced hit-man was the West Londoners' chief tormentor in the UEFA Champions League semi-final but had been expected to return to Real when his loan spell with Monaco expired.
However, the Spanish forward has since hinted at a possible move to London and, despite rumours that his destination could be champions Arsenal, it is believed Chelsea are in pole position to snap up the 28-year-old.
"We are close to a solution," Morientes told L'Equipe. "We can say it is settled at 90 percent.
"I like the project a lot, but the finalisation of the contract can need a little more time.
"So it is possible, meanwhile, from the end of the season, that I will go back to Real Madrid."
Roman Abramovich has reportedly offered a five-year contract to somebody who impressed the Russian owner with his appearances in Europe with a ?12 million offer winging its way to El Santiago Bernabeu.
Valencia are potential rivals for Morientes's signature and they could have an Ace up their sleeve if they offer combative captain Roberto Ayala in exchange, but Chelsea appear to be clear favourites.
Hitzfeld to exit Bayern at weekend
BERLIN, May 18 (Reuters) - Bayern Munich coach Ottmar Hitzfeld will leave the 2003 German champions at the end of this season after a lacklustre campaign in which they failed to win a trophy, the club said on Tuesday.
Germany's most successful club ended weeks of speculation with a statement saying Saturday's game against SC Freiburg, which wraps up the team's Bundesliga season, would be Hitzfeld's last as Bayern's coach.
The decision follows a disappointing season in which Bayern were knocked out of the Champions League and domestic cup competitions early on and deposed last week as German champions by Werder Bremen.
Hitzfeld, Germany's most successful club coach ever, said he would have liked to have stayed until his contract expired at the end of the 2004/05 season but realised after talking with executive director Uli Hoeness that it was impossible.
'Uli Hoeness told me the club had decided otherwise,' he told German television following a friendly match in Hungary.
'I have always been a fighter and I would have liked to carry on, even though there would have been a lot of pressure. But the club didn't want it because the pressure on everyone would have been immense,' he said.
'Maybe if we'd won against Bremen and Stuttgart, the situation would have been different.'
Houllier set for high noon departure
Liverpool have called a press conference for midday where they are expected to announce the departure of Gerard Houllier as manager.
Chairman David Moores and his board did not give public backing to the manager after he achieved the 'minimum requirement' of Champions League qualification by finishing fourth.
The Frenchman may yet remain at Anfield in another role, but the club are expected to look for a new manager to take the club forward.
The Reds trailed Premiership champions Arsenal by 30 points and were 15 points behind third-placed Manchester United.
Houllier won five trophies in 2001 and won the League Cup for a second time in 2003, but has failed to return the club to the past glories of the 1970s and 1980s.
The Frenchman insisted at the weekend that he was '100% certain' to remain in charge at Anfield, even though fourth place was deemed to be the minimum acceptable target by chairman David Moores.
Celtic manager Martin O'Neill, Charlton's highly-rated Alan Curbishley and Valencia coach Rafael Benitez have all been reported as contenders to succeed Houllier.
Everton scoop "Rooney to Man Utd" romour
Everton's deputy chairman Bill Kenwright has laughed off reports they have sold Wayne Rooney to Manchester United.
The 18-year-old England striker has also been linked with a summer switch to Chelsea.
But Kenwright told the club's official website: 'It is always difficult to respond to rubbish. David Moyes and myself have discussed a combined response and it is - the article is laughable.
'No deal has ever been discussed, set up or agreed with Manchester United or, indeed, any other football club on the planet.'
Barca Reps Travelling To Brazil For Luis Fabiano
05/22/2004. Representatives of Barcelona are set to travel to Brazil next week with the intention of signing Sao Paulo forward Luis Fabiano.
The Brazilian club's president, Marcelo Portugal Gouvea, said that he will listen to Barca's proposal, but has insisted that he does not want to sell.
But if the Catalans were to offer 20 million dollars to terminate the player's contract, negotiations could advance.
Lacombe To Replace Deschamps At Monaco
05/21/2004. With Monaco almost certain of losing Didier Deschamps to either Juventus or Chelsea, the French club has already targetted its new coach: Guy Lacombe.
Lacombe currently coaches Sochaux and seems to be the ideal replacement for the departing Deschamps according to the Monaco management.
Edu issues Ljungberg plea
Arsenal's Brazilian midfielder Edu has pleaded with the Highbury board to make sure that Swedish star Freddie Ljungberg stays at Highbury.
Ljungberg struggled to recapture his best form last term after making his comeback from a persistent hip injury.
The former Halmstads star has been linked with a switch to Real Madrid and there have been suggestions that the North Londoners will look to cash in on him if a suitable offer arrives.
However, Edu feels it is imperative that the squad which took The Gunners through the league season unbeaten is kept intact, and has urged the club to make sure Ljungberg stays.
"I think I speak for all the players when I say that no-one wants this team to be broken up," he told the News of the World.
"Of course, that decision is really out of my hands.
"But we all have formed a close bond and it's not nice when someone has to break away from that bond.
"I know there has been some stuff said about Freddie and that is really sad.
"We all need him here and we all want him to stay.
"He played a big part in what we achieved this year and like all of us, he can play a big part in the future.
"He is a player I really admire."
Bercelona claim second
Barcelona took runners-up spot behind Primera Liga champions Valencia despite a 2-1 defeat at Real Zaragoza after Real Madrid continued their late season meltdown with a 4-1 defeat at home to Real Sociedad. With Deportivo Coruna winning 1-0 at Racing Santander on the final day of the season, Real were condemned to fourth-place after slumping to a record fifth defeat in a row. Real took just three points from their last eight games, while Barcelona made up 20 points on their arch-rivals in the second half of the season
Lyon confirm champion in style
PARIS, May 23 (Reuters) - Olympique Lyon joined Olympique Marseille and St Etienne in the record books on Sunday when they clinched their third consecutive French league title.
Lyon humbled Lille 3-0 at home to finish with 79 points, three ahead of Paris St Germain with Champions League finallists Monaco another point behind.
The champions effectively wrapped up the title last week after Monaco were beaten 4-1 at home to Stade Rennes, meaning Sunday's match turned into a coronation.
'It's a great stunt which deserves respect from everyone,' said Lyon chairman Jean-Michel Aulas. 'I want to pay tribute to coach Paul Le Guen who steered the team to the title in a strong championship.
'You needed to take a record 79 points to become champions this year. It means something to me.'
Striker Sidney Govou scored from a pass by Peguy Luyindula five minutes from the break to give his side the lead and midfielder Mahamadou Diarra slotted home from the penalty spot to make it 2-0. Luyindula added a third 11 minutes from time.
Ambitious PSG secured a direct Champions League berth thanks to a 1-0 win at Bastia, striker Pedro Pauleta scoring the winner eight minutes into the second half.
They will be playing Champions League soccer for the first time since 2000-2001
Bayern finish as bundesliga runners up
BERLIN, May 22 (Reuters) - Bayern Munich secured a Champions League spot with a 2-0 victory over SC Freiburg on Saturday in their final Bundesliga game of the season and their last under coach Ottmar Hitzfeld.
The outgoing champions finish runners-up to Werder Bremen and will enter the group phase of European club soccer's premier event.
Germany midfielder Sebastian Deisler, starting a Bundesliga game for the first time in over six months after recovering from depression, opened the scoring with a deflected effort from outside the box on 18 minutes.
France defender Bixente Lizarazu wrapped it up from a penalty in the 73rd minute.
Bayern end the season without a title and Hitzfeld has been told to leave to make room for Felix Magath, who will join from VfB Stuttgart.
'We took the game seriously and did what we had to,' said Hitzfeld, who fought back tears when he was handed flowers before the kickoff.
'Overall I had a great time at Bayern,' added the man who guided the Munich club to four Bundesliga titles and their Champions League triumph in 2001.
Werder, who sealed their fourth crown with two games to spare, signed off with a 3-1 defeat at Hansa Rostock.
The northerners will now chase their first domestic double when they play second division Alemannia Aachen in the German Cup final next Saturday in Berlin.
'We did not have the concentration you need to win such a game,' said Werder coach Thomas Schaaf. 'Let's hope it will be different in the final.'
LEVERKUSEN THIRD
Bayer Leverkusen snatched third place and a ticket to the qualifying round of the Champions League with a 2-0 win over VfB Stuttgart, who will have to be content with fourth place and a UEFA Cup spot.
Bulgaria striker Dimitar Berbatov gave Leverkusen the lead on 63 minutes and midfielder Bernd Schneider doubled it with five minutes left, following up after a penalty by goalkeeper Hans-Joerg Butt bounced off the post.
'I am disappointed but not bitter,' Magath said after his last game in charge of Stuttgart. 'I am a bit sad to leave Stuttgart behind but I am looking forward to going to Bayern. It will be a great challenge.'
Modest VfL Bochum will also play in Europe after crowning a surprise late run with a 3-1 win over Hanover 96 which gave them fifth place in the final standings.
Borussia Dortmund ended a disappointing season with a 1-1 draw at Kaiserslautern and finish sixth, narrowly missing out on a UEFA Cup spot.
TSV 1860 Munich and Eintracht Frankfurt were relegated after defeats that left them second and third from bottom respectively. They will play in the second division next season alongside bottom club Cologne, who have been relegated for weeks.
TSV 1860 lost 3-1 at Borussia Moenchengladbach while Eintracht lost 2-1 at Hamburg SV.
Roma In Mexes Talks - Agent
05/23/2004. The agent of Auxerre defender Philippe Mexes has confirmed that Roma are in talks for his client.
"It is not true that we will be in Rome next week (as some reports had suggested) but I know that Capello is a big fan of Philippe and there are negotiations in place," Olivier Joanneaux told Goalcity.it. "It is pointless denying that.
"Juventus are also interested in Mexes, as are a very prestigious English side, so the talks are still wide open. The French transfer market opens tomorrow, but I think we'll know a lot more about his future in about ten days."
?20m Roberto Carlos set for Chelsea?
Real Madrid director of football Jorge Valdano claims left-back Roberto Carlos will complete a ?20million move to Chelsea in the next few days.
The 31-year-old Brazilian star was linked with a switch to Stamford Bridge several months ago but it is reported he will now take up an offer from the Blues which will double his salary to around ?120,000 a week.
With new manager Jose Antonio Camacho installed at the Bernabeu in place of Carlos Queiroz, it may be time for Carlos, and possibly some of Madrid's other star names, to move on following a disastrous finish to the season which saw Real slip to five straight defeats.
Valdano told Spanish daily sports paper AS: 'We're waiting for a fax from Chelsea confirming they will pay the ?20million fee in order to complete the deal'.
Carlos himself has sent out mixed messages over the weekend.
He told BBC Radio Brazil: 'I'm leaving Real Madrid, I'm going.'
But after Madrid's 4-1 defeat by Real Sociedad he was adamant he wanted to stay at Real, saying: 'I want to stay at Real Madrid and I think my situation will be sorted out in the next 20 days.
'I am certain I will be here next season. I need a rest now, because I have had a lot of years playing a lot of games.
'I will go home to Brazil on Tuesday, my lawyer will call the club and he will sort things out.'
Bayern Close To Lucio Capture
05/25/2004. Bayern Munich have confirmed that they are close to signing Bayer Leverkusen defender Lucio.
The Brazilian apparently has a clause in his contract that allows him to leave for 15 million euros, and Bayern's Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said: "We have found a common basis with the player and Leverkusen.
"If the medical results are okay, there's a very good chance that Lucio will join us."
Roma, Juventus and Chelsea have been linked with the World Cup winner in the past.
Mido set for Toon Talks
Marseille's Egyptian striker Mido claims he is set to hold talks with Newcastle United manager Sir Bobby Robson.
Mido has not had the expected impact since arriving at Marseille in the summer of 2003 from Ajax and is believed to be one of the players l'OM coach Jose Anigo will look to move on.
The talented Egyptian was linked with Newcastle last summer, but Robson opted against getting involved in a bidding war as he felt he had enough strikers on the books at St James' Park.
It would appear the veteran tactician has continued to monitor Mido's progress and circumstances could now see Robson dip into his transfer kitty.
Mido claims he will speak to Robson before assessing the options open to him, which suggests he could be in line for a move to St James' Park.
"I am not sure if I will stay at Marseille or not," Mido told Egyptianplayers.com. "There are many clubs interested. They are AS Roma, Atletico Madrid, Newcastle and also Besiktas of Turkey.
"I may have a meeting in the next couple of days with Sir Bobby Robson to discuss a possible transfer to Newcastle.
"I will look carefully at all offers before making my decision."
Newcastle could well perceive Mido as the perfect striking capture, as Alan Shearer has made no secret of the need for the club to find his long-term replacement.
Mido's power and ability in the air mark him out as a potential replacement for Shearer, and Robson is likely to have space in his squad for new faces if Tresor Lomana Lua Lua is sold to Portsmouth.
Pompey have the chance to sign Lua Lua and his sale could see Robson handed the green light to press home a move for a player he has admired for some time
Reds part company with Houllier
Liverpool have parted company with manager Gerard Houllier but the Frenchman insisted: 'I may have left Liverpool, but Liverpool will not leave me.'
The news brings to an end weeks of speculation that the Frenchman's time at Anfield was drawing to a close.
Houllier's departure was initially announced in a statement and he made it clear he still has a strong affinity for the club.
'I arrived here six years ago as a Liverpool supporter and I leave as an even bigger supporter,' he said.
'I may have left Liverpool, but Liverpool will not leave me. I will return to watch the team as a fan.
'I have four special memories that I take away with me,' the Frenchman explained.
'Michael Owen scoring the winner against Arsenal with his left foot [in the FA Cup final], Gary McAllister being handed the man of the match award against Alaves [in the UEFA Cup], the mosaic when I was recovering from heart surgery and Steven Gerrard taking his daughter around the pitch on the last day of the season.'
Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry said: 'After considerable thought and discussion the board have decided to part company with the manager and Gerard has accepted this with typical good grace.
'We have always said we would review our position at the end of the season and that is what we have now done.
'Although we have reached the Champions League that is a minimum standard and not a goal.
'For a variety of reasons the board decided that change was necessary if we were to realistically challenge for the title next season.
Parry added: 'But this is not a day for anger, recrimination or speculation. It is a day for dignity and respect and I want to publicly thank Gerard for his considerable achievements during his time in charge.
'We all have very fond memories of the historic treble and the other trophies won but there were many other special occasions and I will personally never forget the reception given to Gerard after he returned from illness for the Champions League game against Roma.
'We had many good times together.'
Houllier paid tribute to his players, saying: 'Thanks to them we have won six trophies. We have also qualified for the UEFA Cup once and for the Champions League three times in the last four years.'
'Thanks also to David Moores, Rick Parry, the board of directors, Phil Thompson and all the staff at Anfield and Melwood.
'The team and I have had a great relationship despite the mischief that has been spread recently.
'The club has considerably improved both on and off the field and must keep on developing.
'The club is in my heart. It is one of the most fantastic clubs in the world.
'But the club needs to consider its roots and understand that it cannot always have a quick fix.'
Figo "Quieroz paid for other mistakes"
Carlos Queiroz, sacked as Real Madrid coach on Monday, paid for decisions that had been made before his arrival, according to Real midfielder Luis Figo.
'The coach did everything possible to win with what he was given by the club,' the Portuguese international told Spanish sports daily Marca on Tuesday.
Figo said decisions to organise an exhausting but money-spinning pre-season tour of Asia and offload several key players, plus Real's failure to strengthen the defence had made Queiroz's job especially difficult.
'He did everything he could and did it with the utmost professionalism and commitment,' Figo said.
Real president Florentino Perez accused Queiroz of lacking sufficient authority as coach and has replaced him with former Spain coach Jose Antonio Camacho. Real ended a humiliating season with a record run of five straight league defeats.
Queiroz, who warned Real that the squad was dangerously thin when he took over as coach in June, said he thought his dismissal had been unjustified.
'I'm disappointed with the decision that they have taken,' he told Marca. 'I believe that it was unjust but I have to accept it.
'All I can say is that serving Real Madrid has been an honour for me and I want to wish the club all the best in the future.'
Queiroz's predecessor Vicente del Bosque, who was discarded after leading Real to two league titles and two European Cups during his three and a half years at the helm, said he saw similarities between his departure from the club and that of Queiroz.
'It didn't surprise me,' he told Spanish radio station Onda Cero on Tuesday. 'They did the same with me but the only difference was that we had just won the league and were still celebrating the title.
'They were unjust, aggressive and insensitive and I'm not just talking about the decision not to renew my contract. The squad was thin then and it is even thinner now.'
Del Bosque said that Camacho, who played alongside him at Real, was the ideal person to take charge but warned that he would not have an easy job.
'Camacho now has a difficult task as the club expects a lot of him and he can't afford to fail but he is the best coach the club could appoint,' he said.
Unlike Queiroz, Camacho, who will be presented to the media on Tuesday, will have the benefit of a more balanced squad when he takes charge.
Last week Perez signed the first defender of his four-year presidency by recruiting Argentine centre-back Walter Samuel from AS Roma for 25 million euros ($30.19 million).
Perez confirmed on Monday he will be standing in this year's presidential election which is likely to take place on July 11.
Magath takes charge at Bayern
Felix Magath has been confirmed as the new coach of Bayern Munich after formalities over a three-year contract were agreed on Sunday.
The 50-year-old takes over from outgoing boss Ottmar Hitzfeld, whose contract was cancelled one year early by mutual consent, and Magath will officially take over on June 28.
The club have turned to Magath after finishing a disappointing second to Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga.
Davids to shun Barca for England?
Dutch international Edgar Davids could be on his way to the Premiership.
Barcelona have called a press conference this afternoon to discuss Davids' status and sporting director Aitor Begiristain is expected to say the 31-year-old midfielder has turned down a two-year extension.
Begiristain met with the player and his agent Robert Geerling this morning.
Geerling is reported by the Spanish national newspaper El Mundo to have said that a club from England had made 'a huge offer'.
'We haven't reached an agreement with Barcelona,' he added.
Barcelona wanted Davids to remain in Catalonia because he was instrumental in helping them surge up the table and finish in second place but appeared reluctant to give him the three-year deal he was seeking.
Inter Milan have been strongly linked with Davids but Geerling said to El Mundo that he has no knowledge of an offer from the Italian giants.
Giuly unsure about Monaco future
PARIS, May 24 (Reuters) - Monaco midfielder Ludovic Giuly is unsure whether he will stay with the Champions League finalists next season even though his contract with the principality team does not expire until June 2005.
Giuly, who will play in the European Cup final against Porto on Wednesday, told L'Equipe on Monday: 'I want them (the club) to show me that they want me to stay.'
The French international criticised the club's attitude towards the players.
'I don't even want to talk about me. We are all in the same situation. So everybody waits. So I wait, like the others,' added Giuly.
He said coach Didier Deschamps's decision to stay or leave would be decisive in the players' choice: 'If he leaves, many players will be keen to go.'
Media reports have suggested Deschamps could land a job with either Juventus or Chelsea.
Giuly added he wanted to stay at Monaco provided his team mates were also assured their futures with the club.
'Either we all stay, or we all leave.'
Croatia striker Dado Prso has already agreed to join Glasgow Rangers during the close season after he failed to reach a deal with the club over another contract.
Monaco have debts of up to 87 millions euros ($104.1 million) and Giuly said the club remained vague about their financial future.
'It is up to the club to know what they want to do. There are financial solutions. But it's the president's problem and the shareholders' problem, if there are any shareholders', said Giuly.
Last month, Monaco gave the French Soccer League (LFP) assurances about their financial future after investors in the Ligue 1 side took control of the principality club.
The seven-times French champions were relegated last season despite finishing second because of heavy debts and were only reinstated to the top flight following an appeal.
However, a group of investors, Monaco Football Investment (MFI), have increased their stake in the club to 51 percent from 34 percent, which appears to have brought enough guarantees for the LFP not to take sanctions.
MFI is reported to be composed of investors close to the prince's palace.
E.Europe round-up: Krakow title
Wisla Krakow clinched their ninth Polish league title with two games to spare after a 1-0 away win at Gornik Leczna as nearest rivals Legia Warsaw were held to a 2-2 draw at Groclin Grodzsik.
A deflected 30-metre shot from Maciej Stolarczyk gave Wisla the win and lifted them seven points above Legia, who were reduced to 10 men early in the match at Groclin after taking an 11th minute lead through Piotr Wlodarczyk.
Marek Jozwiak was sent off in the 15th minute for a professional foul and the home team's Sebasrian Mila turned the match around with two first half goals before Marek Saganowski headed home a 78th minute equaliser.
Two goals from Serb striker Igor Bogdanovic and one from Peter Bajzat gave Debrecen a 3-0 win over Siofok Balaton and put them in the driving seat to win the three-way title race on the final day of the Hungarianseason.
Debrecen are a point ahead of Ujpest, who beat third-placed Ferencvaros Budapest 1-0 thanks to a delightful 21st minute lob from Peter Rajczi to stay in touch.
Ferencvaros are two points behind the leaders and entertain them in the final match while Ujpest are away to last season's champions MTK Budapest, who continued a dreadful run with a 4-1 defeat at Sopron.
Slovakia's Dukla Banska Bystrica, who returned to top flight this season after two years in the second division, stayed on course for their first league title with a 6-0 destruction of Spartak Trnava.
Peter Penov gave Dukla a fifth minute lead and the floodgates opened after Martin Jakubko capitalised on a defensive blunder just after the hour to keep the home side in pole positioin.
Second-placed MSK Zilina stayed in touch two points adrift with a 3-0 win against Trencin. Stanislav Sestak opened the scoring and then turned provider for Michal Gottwald before Dusan Sinsky sealed the match.
Second half substitute Anders Oper scored in the 71st minute to give Russian league leaders Torpedo Moscow a 1-0 win over Rotor Volgograd and keep them three points clear at the top of the table.
Second-placed Zenit St. Petersburg beat struggling Kuban Krasnodar by the same score, courtesy of an Alexander Kerzhakov effort just before halftime.
Krylya Sovietov Samara beat Lokomotiv Moscow 1-0 while Spartak Moscow's slump continued with a 1-0 home defeat by Alania Vladikavkaz, leaving them 16 points off the pace.
A Sergey Fedorov own goal gave third-place Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk a 1-0 win against Ukrainian champions and league leaders Dynamo Kiev, who saw their advantage at the top slashed to three points with four matches to go.
Second-placed Shakhtar Donetsk took advantage and romped to a 5-0 rout of Karpaty Lviv with two goals from Andriy Vorobyey and one each from Razvan Rac, Ciprian Marica and Zvonimir Vukic.
Rac opened the scoring with a curling free kick but it was Marica who netted the best goal of the match, a spectacular shot from the edge of the box in the 49th minute.
Maribor edged closer to their eighth successive Slovenian league title wih a 0-0 draw against Olimpija Ljubljana as second-placed Nova Gorica lost 2-0 at Ajdovscina Primorje.
Maribor, a point ahead of Gorica with one match remaining, had the upper hand against their bitter rivals but escaped a costly defeat in the end as Olimpija's Bostjan Kreft rattled the crossbar in the 89th minute.
Gorica, in pole position for most of the season, were beaten by a brace from Ajdovscina's Drazen Zezelj, who converted a first half penalty and sealed the match in the 79th minute after a good pass by Goran Vicentic.
Romania's Dinamo Bucharest strike partners Ionel Danciulescu and Claudiu Niculescu were on target to give the league leaders a 2-1 win at Poli AEK Timisoara and keep them four points clear of city rivals Steaua.
Niculescu gave Dinamo a 10th minute lead and the league's top scorer Danciluescu doubled it in the 67th with his 19th goal of the season before Silviu Balace pulled one back for the hosts.
An early goal from Marian Aliuta gave Steaua a 1-0 home win over Bacau to keep alive their slim hopes of snatching the title from Dinamo's grasp with two matches remaining.
In Bosinachampions Siroki Brijeg, who earlier secured their first league title with three games to spare, celebrated the success with a 3-3 draw against Glasinac in their final home match of the season.
The three-way battle for UEFA Cup slots continued as second-placed Zeljeznicar Sarajevo beat Rudar Ugljevik 4-1 to go three points ahead of city rivals Sarajevo, 3-1 losers at Modrica, and last season's champions Leotar Trebinje.
Ronaldinho helps usher out Dutch era
MADRID, May 26 (Reuters) - 'Brazil' is the word on everyone's lips at Barcelona after a stellar first season by playmaker Ronaldinho ushered out a long period of Dutch domination of the Catalan side.
Ronaldinho, who joined the club from Paris St Germain last July, notched up 15 goals this season and inspired Barcelona to a 17-game unbeaten run which lifted them to a second-place finish in Spain's Primera Liga.
His visionary passing and strong finishing have brought life to a Barcelona side that has not lifted a trophy in five years.
'Enchanted by the Brazilians,' read one headline in a Catalan newspaper after the Nou Camp hosted a friendly on Tuesday between Catalonia and a Brazil side including Ronaldinho.
Only hours before Barcelona's stadium erupted into samba rhythms, the club said it had signed Brazil defender Juliano Belletti, a member of the 2002 World Cup winning squad, and also said they wanted to buy striker Luis Fabiano from Sao Paulo.
Meanwhile, Barca unceremoniously dumped a raft of Dutch internationals.
The club has not renewed the contracts of Michael Reiziger and captain Philip Cocu and said striker Patrick Kluivert and winger Marc Overmars - who each have a year to run on their contracts - were free to move on.
Some of these signings date back to the stewardship of Dutch coach Louis Van Gaal between 1997 and 2000, when Barca claimed two successive league titles and a King's Cup to secure their position as the most successful Spanish side of the 1990s.
Barca's legendary 'Dream Team' - which won four consecutive league titles between 1991 and 1994 - was coached by Dutch master Johan Cruyff. The crowning moment in the club's history came courtesy of another Dutchman, defender Ronald Koeman, whose free kick clinched the 1992 European Cup at Wembley.
Barcelona, whose motto 'more than a club' celebrates their special place as a symbol of Catalan independence from Spain, have not completely severed their fruitful Dutch connection.
Frank Rijkaard remains the latest in a long line of Dutch coaches, maintaining Barcelona's close ties with Ajax Amsterdam which has acted almost as a feeder club.
The Catalan side also confirmed on Tuesday that Dutch defender Giovanni van Bronckhorst, signed on loan from Arsenal last year, would be staying at the club.
Barcelona are also keen to lock combative midfielder Edgar Davids into a permanent deal, although big-spending sides are in the chase for the Juventus player, whose mid-season arrival at the Nou Camp coincided with Barca's return to form.
Club president Joan Laporta's shopping list also features German international Michael Ballack and France striker David Trezeguet.
Chevanton Very Close To Juventus
05/27/2004. According to the latest Italian reports, Lecce's forward, Chevanton, who had an excellent season with the southern club, is very close to join Juventus in the next days.
This has been confirmed by Lecce's Sports Director who admitted that Juventus have met Lecce yesterday, even though no agreement has been reached as of yet.
Lecce has apparently asked for aorund 10 million Euros and the loan of Fabrizio Miccoli and so the bianconeri have asked for time to think about it.
Expect more news regarding this transfer negotiation in the coming days.
Barca chase Bayern misfit Ballack
Barcelona are chasing Germany midfielder Michael Ballack as manager Frank Rijkaard begins to revamp his squad for next season.
The Catalans have already shown the exit door to the Dutch quartet of Patrick Kluivert, Phillip Cocu, Marc Overmars and Michael Reiziger, plus goalkeeper Rustu Recber.
And while Edgar Davids looks set to stay at Camp Nou, Rijkaard is looking to strengthen his midfield resources further with Bayern Munich star Ballack.
Ballack's agent, Michael Becker, confirmed that Barca have made approaches for his client but that a deal needs to be struck with the German club as the midfielder has a contract for two more years.
Bayern president Karl Heinz Rummenigge said if Ballack, who has failed to hit form this season, is unhappy then they would not stand in his way if he wanted to leave.
'If an offer is made for him then we will study it, but for that to happen it has to be serious and adequate, that is to say it has to have a certain level,' he said.
Rummenigge admitted that Bayern are interested Porto midfielder Deco - who scored in his club's Champions League final victory on Wednesday - but do not want to pay more than ?6.7million for him.
Meanwhile, Kluivert has revealed he is waiting for offers from the Premiership after expressing his disappointment at being released by Barcelona.
No decision will be taken on his future until after Euro 2004, but Kluivert said: 'To go and play in England is certainly an option for me, but the options only exist when the offers are on the table.
'Neither me or my agent have had any contact with an English club or any other for that matter. We will consider the offers when they arrive.
'After six years Barca and I will go different ways and I think that it is a good time to look for another club.
'I have always said that England is one of my preferred countries and that I want to play there. There are enough clubs but nothing concrete.'
Conte leaves Juve as Kapo arrives
MILAN, May 27 (Reuters) - Former Italy midfielder Antonio Conte has left Juventus after 13 seasons with the Serie A club.
The 34-year-old told Italian news agency ANSA on Thursday that he had turned down a new offer with the Turin side.
Conte's exit comes as French midfielder Olivier Kapo completed his move from AJ Auxerre to Juve.
The Italians said on their website Kapo had visited the club and tied up the final details of his move to the Delle Alpi.
The 27-times Italian champions are without a coach after Marcello Lippi left the club at the end of the season.
They are expected to announce an appointment in the next week with Monaco's French coach, former Juve midfielder Didier Deschamps, widely tipped for the job.
Conte, who has suffered a series of injuries in the past four seasons, said the offer he had received from Juve was 'inadequate' but added that 'maybe it was the right decision because we have reached the end of a cycle'.
The midfielder, who joined Juventus from Lecce in November 1991 and made 20 appearances for Italy, said he was not sure if he would continue his playing career.
'I haven't decided whether to give up playing or not because I am a little confused about my future. It is certain though that either this year or the next I want to start my career as a coach,' he said.
Kapo is Juve's second French signing of the close season following the arrival of defender Jonathan Zebina from Roma.
Bayern Complete Lucio Capture
05/27/2004. Bayern Munich have completed the signing of Bayer Leverkusen's Brazilian defender Lucio.
The World Cup winner signed a three-year deal with the Bavarians in Munich on Thursday. The transfer fee payable to Leverkusen is ?12 milion.
Bayern Chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge expressed his pleasure at the deal "We're delighted to have brought off this transfer." Lucio completed medical examinations at the club on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Lucio is the first new Bayern signing under coach Felix Magath. Porto's Champions League star Deco is expected to follow in the coming weeks
Python Porto Pounce For Pot
05/26/2004. FC Porto of Portugal are the new European Club Champions after beating AS Monaco 3-0 in the final of the Champions League in Gelsenkirchen tonight.
The Portuguese champions strangled the life out of a game Monaco in a fashion that has become their signature this season. Having withstood early Monaco endeavour, Porto took a decisive lead six minutes before the interval when 19- year-old Carlos Alberto instinctively volleyed past a stranded Fabio Roma after hesitation in the Monagasque defence. For Monaco, the dye was cast, as influential playmaker Ludovic Giuly had left the field with injury just ten minutes earlier.
Despite much midfield possession, Monaco rarely threatened Vitor Baia's goal in the second half, and were picked off on the break with 20 minutes keft by substiture Dmitri Alenichev who pulled a wonderful ball back to Deco on the edge of the penalty box. With two defenders floundering, Deco put Roma the wrong way with a decisive strike inside the left-hand post.
By now the Portuguese were liberated from their smothering defensive hard-work, and came out to play in celebration of their impending ascent to champion status. Four minutes after setting-up the second, Alenichev himself ran on to a deflected through ball by Derlei and hammered a fierce shot past Roma for the final goal.
Monaco could feel slightly hard done-by at 3-0, but in the final analysis, the tactics of coach Jose Mourinho and the tireless dedication of his side had set the platform for the flair players to exploit defensive frailties that opened once Monaco had to chase the game.
The victory is Porto's second European Cup - the first coming in 1987 - and their second European trophy in 12 months having won the UEFA
Porto left to face up to the future
GELSENKIRCHEN, Germany, May 27 (Reuters) - Porto were still in a state of euphoria on Thursday after winning the European Cup for the second time with a 3-0 victory over Monaco that will live long in the memory of their fans.
The Portuguese champions will have to face up to reality soon enough, however, with inspirational coach Jose Mourinho and many of the club's best players set to leave before the start of the new season.
'We have an inexhaustible appetite for titles,' Porto's football director Reinaldo Teles told Lusa news agency when the team arrived back in northern Portugal in the early hours of Thursday morning.
'The important thing now is to celebrate and then start to plan the conquest of new trophies, starting with the Super Cup against Valencia.'
Porto have every right to enjoy their moment of glory but they will face a far harder task when they begin next season without the architect of their success.
Mourinho said after the game that he was anxious to take up a coaching job in England, presumably at Chelsea.
The handsome 41-year-old turned Porto into European champions thanks to his eye for a bargain in the transfer market, meticulous planning ahead of matches and sheer force of personality.
ERA ENDS
It is possible that his replacement, whoever he is, will prove to be just as successful but the coach's post-match comments seemed almost to admit that it was the end of an era for Porto as well as himself.
'I told the players before the game that they had better finish the match with a good memory of it,' Mourinho said.
'We'll never forget this day. We made history for Porto, so let me enjoy the moment.'
Porto are renowned as the best-run club in Portugal, with a popular and successful president in Jorge Pinto da Costa.
But after spending 125 million euros ($152.1 million) on their new Dragao stadium the club will be in no position to turn down big offers for their best players.
Bayern Munich have reportedly made a bid for Deco Souza, scorer of the second goal against Monaco, and the Brazilian-born Portuguese international also seemed ready to leave.
'It will be very hard to go but we'll have to see the situation in the coming days,' Deco said.
Ricardo Carvalho, who had an immense game at centre-back, Brazilian teenager Carlos Alberto, who set Porto on their way with a brilliant opening strike, and fast-improving midfielder Maniche Ribeiro will also be on the wish lists of many clubs.
'It's going to be hard to do better than this,' captain Jorge Costa acknowledged after the game. 'There'll be time to think about next season but now is the moment to celebrate.'
Porto fans will still be celebrating when their ground stages Portugal against Greece in the opening match at Euro 2004 in a little over two weeks.
Whether they have as much to cheer about next season is another matter entirely.
Fletcher to skipper Scotland aged 20
Darren Fletcher was today told he is to be handed the Scotland captaincy at the tender age of 20.
The decision to give the Manchester United midfielder the armband for tomorrow night's friendly in Estonia means he is almost certainly Scotland's youngest ever captain - and definitely the most youthful in living memory.
Scotland manager Berti Vogts decided to pick Fletcher ahead of Steven Pressley, who is captain at Hearts, in the absence of Barry Ferguson, the first choice skipper and Christian Dailly, his deputy.
Vogts said: 'Darren Fletcher is a guy in a key position in my team and a key player for the World Cup qualifiers.
'He is the future of Scotland and also the future Scotland captain - and I think he is the future captain of Manchester United.'
Portsmouth midfielder Nigel Quashie is set to make his Scotland debut and in the process become the first black player to represent the country since Andrew Watson in the 1881-82 season.
A former England B international, who re-qualifies through a Glaswegian grandfather, Quashie could also be joined in the starting line-up by fellow debutant and Pompey team-mate Richard Hughes.
Norwich duo Malky Mackay and Gary Holt are also in the starting line-up but Vogts has still to decide on certain positions after 18 players made themselves unavailable.
Pressley is set to play the first 45 minutes but is likely to captain the side in Edinburgh on Sunday when the season ends with a friendly against Trinidad and Tobago.
Capello Makes Shock Juve Move
05/28/2004. AS Roma coach Fabio Capello has signed a three-year contract with Juventus.
The former Bianconeri player has reportedly taken a pay-cut to join the club, and will earn just over ?2m per season.
It had been expected that Juve would name Monaco's Didier Deschamps or Claudio Prandelli of Parma as the new coach.
This amazing development will leave Roma fans in a state of shock, having already seen Walter Samuel, Francisco Lima and Jonathan Zebina leave the club.
Emerson is expected to follow suit.
CHELSEA MAKE DROGBA APPROACH
Chelsea have approached Marseille with a view to signing Didier Drogba at the end of next season, but l'OM have stated that their Ivory Coast attacker is not for sale.
Drogba starred in the French club's charge to the Uefa Cup final, playing particularly well in the semi-final win over Newcastle United.
The African has pledged to remain at Stade Velodrome for at least another season, but Chelsea are already planning for the future with Roman Abramovich's transfer chest always a tempting proposition for any selling clubs.
"They have contacted us about Drogba but have not made a precise bid," confirmed Marseille chairman Christophe Bouchet.
"We met Chelsea and Juventus officials out of courtesy but a transfer is out of the question.
"We want to build a winning team around Didier."
Marseille have signed Habib Bamogo from relegated Montpellier which has sparked speculation in some quarters that he could be a long-term replacement for Drogba.
Bamogo is signing a five-year deal with his new club with Montpellier receiving around ?4 million for their top scorer.
The deal has not been finalised because Bamogo is in Burkina Faso at the moment.
Boro Open Talks With Kluivert
05/28/2004. Middlesbrough have opened talks with Dutch striker Patrick Kluivert.
The 27-year-old is a free agent following his release by Barcelona, although his wages of around ?70,000 a week is likely to be a stumbling block.
Boro chief executive Keith Lamb said: "Any potential deal is at a very early stage."
Kluivert was released along with fellow Dutchman Edgar Davids, Phillips Cocu and Marc Overmars earlier this week.
The former Ajax star has repeatedly been linked with a move to English football.
GRAILLE: UNITED TO SIGN HEINZE
Friday 28th May 2004
Paris Saint Germain president Francis Graille thinks Gabriel Heinze is likely to complete his proposed move to Manchester United, even though Valencia are also reportedly keen on the Argentina international.
Sir Alex Ferguson has targeted the unspectacular 26-year-old stopper, who will miss the French Cup final with Chateauroux due to his international commitments.
Graille is ready to do business with United despite relations between the two clubs becoming strained during The Red Devils' failed bid to land PSG's star turn Ronaldinho last summer.
"We are keeping in touch with Manchester United's chief executive (David Gill)," Graille told PA International.
"I am confident but we will see what happens in the coming days."
Chelsea tried to sign Heinze in January and the player expressed a determination to represent a major club.
"Now Chelsea is the chance of my whole life," he said at the time.
"It is a massive club with very important ambitions.
"Everyone dreams of one day playing for a big team."
The former Real Valladolid man is capable of playing as centre back but also at left back which could explain Ferguson's interest in the player.
The Scot has been using John O'Shea as a makeshift left back since Mikael Silvestre's switch to the middle and it may transpire, when Rio Ferdinand returns from suspension, that Heinze is being earmarked for a left-sided role at Old Trafford.
Indeed, the South American played more often on the flank for PSG last term as Frederic Dehu and Jose Karl Pierre Fanfan filled the central slots.
Djalminha set to leave Deportivo
MADRID, May 28 (Reuters) - Brazilian midfielder Djalminha is to leave Deportivo Coruna after agreeing to end his contract with the Primera Liga side.
The 33-year-old former international, who joined Deportivo in 1997 from Palmeiras, had been in dispute with the club over money owed to the Spanish tax authorities as a result of earnings derived from his image rights.
The two parties settled the dispute late on Thursday, reaching an agreement whereby Djalminha will be released from the remaining year of his contract while the club will pay part of the money owed to the tax authorities.
Deportivo said the deal also included a clause which prevented Djalminha from signing for another Spanish club.
Djalminha, who played a key role in helping Deportivo to their first ever league title in 2000, said he was relieved to have settled the dispute and wanted to thank the fans at the club for all the support they had given him.
'I'm never going to forget the fans, especially because they have always helped me when things haven't gone well and that has given me a great deal of motivation,' he told a news conference after the deal had been agreed.
'Now I'm beginning a new stage in my career and I hope to find a new team as soon as possible because I am keen to get back to work.'
Del Neri: Porto Have Been In Touch
05/28/2004. Chievo coach Luigi Del Neri has confirmed that Porto would like him to replace the departing Jose Mourinho.
"Yes, they have contacted my agent and there is a possibility." he told Portugal's Radio Renascenca.
"Porto are a beautiful team that anyone would want to coach."
Del Neri has been linked with the job for some weeks now.
Houllier Slams Diouf
05/28/2004. Former Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier has slammed El Hadji Diouf for failing to deliver in his two-years at Anfield.
Houllier, who was sacked on Monday, has singled out the Senegalese forward for criticism and believes his poor form has played a part in his own demise.
"I believe I have prepared the team for tomorrow with (Milan) Baros, (Djibril) Cisse, (John Arne) Riise, (Anthony) Le Tallec and (Florent) Sinama-Pongolle. But you know there are never perfect reinforcements," Houllier told L'Equipe.
"The disappointment is El Hadji Diouf, because he has a big potential, but he was never steady.
"Sometimes he didn't give a good image of the club and it probably harmed me."
Diouf joined for ?10m from Lens soon after the 2002 World Cup finals.
Ranieri Favourite For Roma Post
05/28/2004. Chelsea coach Claudio Ranieri has emerged as the front-runner to take over at Roma after Fabio Capello's shock departure to Juventus.
Ranieri looks to be in the final straight of his Chelsea career, and has revealed his admiration for hometown club Roma.
"I am a Roma supporter and would obviously love to come back here," he had said. "I'd even be willing to take a risk for this club, but first I'd have to be sure there was a project in place."
Perugia's Serse Cosmi and Claudio Prandelli of Parma are other candidates.