Drogba sets 10-day deadline on Chelsea future

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba will decide on his future within the next 10 days, according to his agent Thierno Seydi.


Drogba has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge since launching a scathing attack on the club over the way they parted company with former coach Jose Mourinho early last season and vowing to leave.


The Ivory Coast international also did himself no favours as he was sent off in the Champions League final defeat to Manchester United at the end of the campaign.

Barcelona, AC Milan and Inter Milan are all reportedly interested in Drogba, but his agent now claims he could decide to remain at the Blues.

'Didier has given himself 10 days,' Seydi told France Football. 'If nothing happens he'll stay at Chelsea and extend his contract by two years.

'He doesn't see himself starting training in a few days with Chelsea and then leaving to a new club.

'The reality of November is not that of today. At the time Didier was affected by departure of Jose Mourinho who he was very close to.

'Today, there is nothing to say that he won't stay at Chelsea.'

Drogba has seemed destined for the Stamford Bridge exit door for months but recently looked to be reconsidering his options.

New Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari claimed at his official unveiling that Drogba was still '200% in his plans', and the Blues have reportedly offered the 30-year-old a big-money deal to remain at the club.

Meanwhile, Drogba is also aware of the Marseille fans' audacious bid to bring him back to the club he left four years ago. The supporters have launched an appeal to raise the £22million they feel is needed to buy the forward.

According to his agent, Drogba has praised the fans for their initiative but is upset they have had to resort to such a scheme.

'OM would have difficulty paying the player's transfer and salary,' added Seydi. 'The 'Drogbathon' really touched him.

'He found the initiative nice but pitiful, because that shows a bit that OM and French clubs have real difficulties in attracting great players.'

Robinho is worth more than £47.5m - Calderon

Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon has claimed Brazil international Robinho is worth more than the £47.5million price tag placed on him by the media.
There have been reports Chelsea have offered that amount for the 24-year-old forward, although the Premier League club have denied the suggestion.
It has also been mooted Robinho could be included in a deal to try to bring Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo to the Bernabeu.
But when quizzed about the player's situation and the supposed big-money offer for his services, Calderon said: 'There is nothing new about Robinho.
'He is not upset with Real Madrid. He has told us that he is happy to continue with us.
'We are going to give him the affection that he deserves because it has been suggested that on occasion he felt he has not had it.
'I think that he is worth more than 60million [euros], there are few players like him.'
Calderon was also asked about how much the Spanish champions would be willing to pay for United ace Ronaldo.
It has been claimed that Madrid would be willing to splash out a world record £80million on the 23-year-old, but Calderon continued to insist the matter was out of their hands.
'We cannot pay anything because he is a player who is not for sale,' Calderon was quoted as saying by Spanish media.
'It is not a matter for Real Madrid but for Manchester (United) and the player. If he wants to go, then we will be alert as long as it's for a reasonable price.

Benfica poised to complete swoop for Aimar

ZARAGOZA, July 16 (Segunda Division) - Pablo Aimar is poised to complete his deal from Real Zaragoza to Benfica after the clubs agreed a deal on Wednesday.
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The 28-year-old announced his intention to leave the Spanish side soon after they were relegated, with Lisbon giants Benfica instantly showing their interest in the player.
The delay in the clubs reaching an agreement had reportedly attracted the attention of Newcastle and Everton, but now it seems the transfer to Portugal is all but completed.
Zaragoza communications director Luis Sol said: 'He is about to sign a contract with Benfica.
'Between Zaragoza and Benfica everything is sorted out. The doors are open for Aimar to become Benfica player.
'At around 6.30pm Aimar was in Soria with his team-mates, but he received a phone call and travelled to Zaragoza.
'The only information we have is that between both clubs, everything is resolved. This is the reason he went to meet the Benfica board.
'He might travel to Lisbon (on Wednesday night) with (Benfica sporting director) Rui Costa.
Reports in Portugal suggest that Aimar will be offered a three-year contract, and the Lisbon-based club will pay Zaragoza around 7.5million euros.

Mourinho ready to up ante in Lampard chase

Jose Mourinho is preparing to step up his bid to be reunited with Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard at Inter Milan next season.

Lampard, 30, has not signed a fresh contract at Stamford Bridge and Inter coach Mourinho is ready to bide his time to sign him before the end of the next campaign, when he would be available on a Bosman free transfer.
'The transfer market is open until August 31 and we need a midfielder,' said the former Chelsea boss on the opening day of Inter's pre-season training.
'Lampard is a Chelsea player but I have worked really well with him. I also like Ricardo Quaresma but he is at Porto.'
Chelsea have not indicated a willingness to sell, although new boss Luiz Felipe Scolari has added Deco to his midfield options for next season.
Another new signing is right-back Jose Bosingwa, who was previously linked with Manchester United.
The Portugal international said: 'I came to the club that showed more interest in me and I heard about United only in the press and I came to the right club who came to speak to me.
'I knew there was interest from other clubs but never spoke to United or any other club.'
It means he could be playing against Cristiano Ronaldo rather than with him, should the Portugal winger remain at Old Trafford rather than move to Real Madrid.
'It's good for the English league to have him here but it's not my decision,' Bosingwa said.
'Usually we train in the same team so I don't have to face him in training!'
Aside from Ronaldo, one player Bosingwa rates highly is Blackburn winger Morten Gamst Pedersen, who he believes will be a tricky customer.
'He's very fast and the way he plays, he's not typical left winger and likes to bring you into the game and cross the ball very quickly,' Bosingwa said.

Wenger 'comfortable' with Hleb exit

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has described himself as 'comfortable' with the decision to sell Alexander Hleb to Barcelona.
The Belarus midfielder joined Mathieu Flamini in leaving Emirates Stadium since the end of last season and although Wenger had initially been keen to retain his services, he was content with the terms of a deal worth an initial £11.8million, rising to a possible £13.5million.
Barca formally unveiled the 27-year-old yesterday and while his former club responded by thanking him for his efforts during his time in England, Wenger insisted he had no regrets over the transfer.
'We must firstly thank Alex for his contribution towards Arsenal during his time with us.
'He played a significant role in the three seasons he was with the club.
'We are comfortable with our decision to let him go and we are all looking forward to continuing our preparations for the new season ahead.
'Everyone at Arsenal wishes Alex the best of luck for the future.'
Hleb, meanwhile, has set his sights on helping Barcelona return to their trophy-winning ways after completing his 'dream' move to the Catalan giants.
'I want to give my best for this club. I have realised a dream. My aim is to win many trophies,' he said.
Hleb also hopes his versatility will be an asset to new Barca coach Pep Guardiola, insisting he is willing to play anywhere on the pitch.
'I am ready to play in any position, I am available to the the coach to play in any position, including goalkeeper,' he joked during his presentation.
Former Gunners skipper Gilberto Silva is another player on his way out and is likely to be unveiled as a Panathinaikos player later today.
The Brazilian anchor man flew into Greece yesterday and is close to finalising a deal that would make him the country's highest-paid player.
The 31-year-old is set to undergo a medical before signing a three-year contract with the Athens club.
PAO president Nikos Pateras met with Gilberto's representatives last week and thrashed out a deal after Arsenal accepted an offer of around £1million to bring to an end a six-year stay with the Gunners.
Gilberto was overwhelmed by the reception he received at Athens Eleftherios Venizelos airport and was whisked away by Pana officials without making any statements to the local media.
Barring any last-minute changes, the World Cup winner will ink a deal that will see him earn £6million over the course of his contract.
Despite being made vice captain of Arsenal in 2006, Gilberto found himself on the fringes of the first team last season due to the presence of Cesc Fabregas and the emergence of Flamini, who has since left the club and been replaced by France midfielder Samir Nasri.

Ronaldinho to be unveiled at AC Milan

MILAN, July 16 (Serie A) - Ronaldinho will be formally unveiled as an AC Milan player on Thursday evening, the club have confirmed.


The Barcelona star spent Wednesday in Milan undergoing a medical and will now be presented to the Rossoneri fans at 9.30pm on Thursday.


The club posted a statement on their website, saying: 'Ronaldinho will be unveiled tomorrow (Thursday) at the San Siro Stadium at 21.30 to his new fans.

'The entrance will be free for all Rossoneri fans.'

Ronaldinho has always professed his desire to join the Rossoneri and he backed up his words with actions when he renounced his right to 15% of the transfer fee in order to facilitate a move to the San Siro.

Manchester City offered considerably more than the 21 million euros which Milan are prepared to pay, but the Brazilian confirmed he was only interested in joining the San Siro club, with a three-year contract thought to be on the table.

'I can confirm that I strongly wanted to join AC Milan,' he said. 'It's true.

'Many things have happened but in the end I have become a Rossonero player.

'I am happy to find so many Brazilians but also all the champions that wear the Rossoneri colours.'

Now the 28-year-old is determined to rediscover his magic at Milan, after his last campaign in Spain was marred by injuries and poor form at the Nou Camp.

'I am really happy,' said Ronaldinho.'After many years I am here.

'I am delighted to have arrived to AC Milan and I hope to be able to give a lot of joy to everyone.'

Milan showed their commitment to the player by announcing they will allow him to play for Brazil at the Olympics, delaying his debut for the club.

Ronaldinho was included in his country's squad for the tournament as an overage player and had been in a dispute with Barcelona over his desire to play in China. But his new employers do not want to get off on the wrong foot with their new star signing.

'We respect the obligation that he took on before he came to Milan,' said club vice president Adriano Galliani. 'If he had already been a Rossonero, we would not have let him go, but as he is joining us later we will let him go to the Olympics.'

Coach Carlo Ancelotti put a positive spin on allowing the forward to play for his country.

'It is a chance for him to find his fitness,' Ancelotti said. 'When he comes back he will be ready. He will only need to learn his place in our system.'

Earlier, Ronaldinho issued an apology for making the Milan fans wait so long to greet him - a wait which will now go on one day longer.

'I am sorry if I made you wait,' he told Italian sports daily Gazzetta dello Sport. 'But the facts have shown that I always wanted Milan.

'It's not the moment to talk about Barcelona because I want to enjoy this new page in my life.

'I will only say that to Milan I promise a lot of effort, not only my technical skills.'

Ronaldinho joins fellow Brazilians Kaka, Dida, Emerson and Alexandre Pato at the Serie A giants.

And Kaka was delighted at the arrival of his compatriot.

'I'm very happy with the arrival of Ronaldinho, who brings a lot of talent and quality to Milan and who will put us in a position to fight for titles,' he said in a press statement.

Arsenal's Gilberto to seal Panathinaikos deal

Arsenal midfielder Gilberto Silva is set to be unveiled by Panathinaikos tomorrow after flying into Athens tonight.
The 31-year-old Arsenal is set to undergo a medical before signing a three-year contract in a move which will cost the Athens club a reported total of around £7.9million.
PAO president Nikos Pateras met with Gilberto's representatives last week and thrashed out a deal after Arsenal accepted an offer of around £1million to bring to an end a six-year stay with the Gunners.
Gilberto was overwhelmed by the reception he received at Athens Eleftherios Venizelos airport and was whisked away by Pana officials without making any statements to the local media.
Barring any last-minute changes, the World Cup winner will ink a deal that will see him earn £6million over the next three years, making him by far the best paid player in the country.
Despite being made vice captain of Arsenal in 2006, Gilberto found himself on the fringes of the first team last season due to the presence of Cesc Fabregas and the emergence of Mathieu Flamini, who has since left the club and been replaced by France midfielder Samir Nasri.
After beginning his career in 1997 with America Mineiro, Gilberto moved to Atletico Mineiro three years later. He earned a starting berth in the Brazil team that won the 2002 World Cup.
His displays in Japan and Korea were rewarded by a move to Arsenal that summer and he went on to win one Premier League title and two FA Cups with Arsene Wenger's men.

Hleb signs for bercelona for 4 years

Alexander Hleb has set his sights on helping Barcelona return to their trophy-winning ways after completing his 'dream' move to the Catalan giants from Arsenal.
Hleb was unveiled as Barca's fifth signing of the summer on Wednesday evening after penning a four-year contract, and he will join Seydou Keita, Gerard Pique, Martin Caceres and Daniel Alves in a new-look squad next season.
The Belarus international's arrival is part of a major summer overhaul by Barca following two seasons without winning a trophy, and it is that situation that Hleb is hoping to change.
'I want to give my best for this club. I have realised a dream. My aim is to win many trophies,' said the 27-year-old, whose transfer will cost Barca an initial 15 million euros, rising to 17m depending on how successful the club is during his stint.
Hleb also hopes his versatility will be an asset to new Barca coach Pep Guardiola, insisting he is willing to play anywhere on the pitch.
'I am ready to play in any position, I am available to the the coach to play in any position, including goalkeeper,' he joked during his presentation.
Hleb joins Barca after three years with Arsenal, who he joined from German side Stuttgart before going on to make 129 appearances for the Gunners.
He also became the first Belarusian to appear in a Champions League final when he faced Barcelona in Paris in 2006, a match which Arsenal lost 2-1.
Also part of the Gunners side on that day was Thierry Henry, who will now be Hleb's team-mate again at Barca.
'I hope that he helps me to adapt to the city and the club,' Hleb said of the France international, who moved from Arsenal to Barca last summer.
Barcelona sporting director Txiki Begiristain was pleased with Hleb's acquisition, and believes he will have little trouble settling into the team's style of play.
'He is Barca-style player - he is very technical, intelligent and has good movement. This is a reinforcement of quality and will create a lot of competition,' said Begiristain.
Hleb's former coach at Arsenal Arsene Wenger also spoke highly of the midfielder, who was voted Belarusian footballer of the year in 2002, 2004, 2005 and 2006
'We must firstly thank Alex for his contribution towards Arsenal Football Club during his time with us,' Wenger said.
'Alex played a significant role in the three seasons he was with the club. We are comfortable with our decision to let him go and we are all looking forward to continuing our preparations for the new season ahead.'

Klinsmann satisfied with debut Bayern win

Jurgen Klinsmann declared himself satisfied after his first game in charge of Bayern Munich ended in a 7-1 win over SV Lippstadt of the German sixth division on Sunday.

Bayern were without the likes of Luca Toni, Lukas Podolski, Philipp Lahm, Miroslav Klose, Bastian Schweinsteiger and the injured Franck Ribery.
But Thomas Muller bagged a hat-trick, Andreas Ottl scored twice and Toni Kroos and Deniz Yilmaz also netted as Klinsmann gave his youngsters a chance to impress at the Stadion Am Waldschlosschen.
'It was interesting for us to see today how, after two weeks of training, the team puts a few things into practice, how the boys are, how their play without the ball is, how they look for and support each other,' Klinsmann said after the game.
'From that point of view it was actually a really top game.'

Eintracht Frankfurt complete Liberopoulos deal

Eintracht Frankfurt have signed veteran Greece striker Nikos Liberopoulos following his release by AEK Athens.
The 32-year-old, who has racked up 60 caps for his country, has signed a two-year contract with the Bundesliga outfit.
Eintracht coach Friedhelm Funkel told the club's official website: 'Due to his age and his great experience we are convinced that he can help us further. He is a classic spearhead for the attack.'
Liberopoulos scored 148 goals in 350 games in the Greek top flight during spells with AEK, Panathinaikos and Kalamata.

Sampdoria planning audacious Shevchenko swoop

Sampdoria general manager Beppe Marotta has revealed his club are plotting an audacious swoop for Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko.

Shevchenko has spent two difficult seasons in the Premier League after making the move from AC Milan to London for £30 million in 2006, and has been linked with a return to his former employers at the San Siro.

ue appearances for the Blues, admits he misses life in Italy but Chelsea
The 31-year-old, who has scored just nine goals in 47 Premier Leaghave so far resisted pressure to offload the underperforming hitman.

Marotta feels his club can succeed where Milan have failed by luring Shevchenko back to Italy on a loan deal, although he concedes the Ukrainian's wage demands could prove to be a stumbling block

'We want to solve our problems in front of goal with a player capable of exciting the crowd but who can also score plenty of goals,' Marotta told Italian newspaper Secolo XIX.

'Sheva would be proud to join us, but the problem would be his wages.

'Lots of great players like Samp and the transfer is a complete possibility.'

Last season the Italian club managed to rescue another striker from a difficult situation overseas when they signed Antonio Cassano from Real Madrid.

Marotta believes the lessons learned from that deal will give his club confidence as they try to prise Shevchenko from Chelsea.

'We're in the same situation with Sheva [as we were with Cassano],' he continued.

'The transfer of Cassano was difficult to carry out but he came here, so never say never.'

Flamengo planning move for Milan's Ronaldo

Flamengo have declared their intention to sign Ronaldo when the striker returns to full fitness.
The Brazilian star's contract with AC Milan expired at the end of June, leaving the 31-year-old as a free agent for the first time in his career.
He is still recovering from a serious left knee injury, but once he is back in shape, Flamengo are ready to snap him up.
'We have talked to Ronaldo's agent,' Fla president Marcia Braga said to globoesporte.com. 'Once he has recovered and ready to play we are going to sit and discuss his contract.'
Ronaldo has not played since February, and is rehabilitating in Brazil under the watch of physio Bruno Mazziotti and Brazil and Flamengo doctor Jose Luiz Runco.

Robinho insists his future is at Real Madrid

Robinho insists he wants to stay at Real Madrid next season and not be used in any deal to bring Cristiano Ronaldo to the Bernabeu.

Robinho's future in Spain has been cast into doubt with media speculation suggesting he could be the fall guy in Madrid's pursuit of Manchester United ace Ronaldo.
One option appears that Robinho will be sold to another club in order to help fund a big-money bid for Ronaldo, while it has also been mooted that the 24-year-old Brazilian could be included in a part-exchange deal for the Portugal international.
However, Robinho, who has been linked to Premier League side Chelsea, is adamant that neither of those options are preferable to him, telling Spanish newspaper AS: 'I hope to remain at Real Madrid this year.
'Now I am only thinking about Madrid. I am not prepared to enter into the operation to sign Cristiano.'

Beckham backs Casillas for Ballon D'Or glory

David Beckham has backed the claims of Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas to win the Ballon D'Or as footballer of the year.

Although Manchester United ace Cristiano Ronaldo is arguably favourite to claim France Football magazine's coveted award, Casillas also looks to have a solid case for taking over the mantle currently held by Brazilian ace Kaka.
Not only did Casillas help Madrid defend their Primera Liga title last season, but he also won the 'Zamora' award as the goalkeeper with the best goals-against average in the Spanish top flight, conceding just 32 in 36 league goals.
In addition to that, the 27-year-old then captained Spain to glory at Euro 2008 the summer, helping the Iberian nation end a 44-year long wait to win a major trophy.
Many at Madrid believe Casillas deserves to be the first goalkeeper since Russian legend Lev Yashin in 1963 to be win the Ballon D'Or, and Beckham is also of that mind.
'I hope so. He is hugely talented, is a great goalkeeper and a great person. And it would be good if a goalkeeper won it,' said Beckham, who played alongside Casillas for four years at the Bernabeu, in Marca.
'We shall see what happens, but I hope that he wins the Ballon D'Or, he deserves it'
Beckham also admitted to the Spanish newspaper that he would relish the chance to return to Real Madrid sometime in the future to work with the club's youngsters.
Beckham proved a hugely popular figure during his four years at the Primera Liga giants before moving to the MLS with LA Galaxy last summer, and the England midfielder has always spoken highly of his time both at Madrid and in Spain.
'I would like to return to Spain some day and to Real Madrid. To work with the kids or something similar at Madrid would be an honour for me,' said Beckham, who helped Madrid win the Primera Liga title in his final year at the club - his only major trophy during his time at the Bernabeu.
'Everybody knows that I love to work with kids and that I adore Spain. I still have my house in Madrid and if I return some day I already have somewhere to live.
'When the moment comes we will have to see, but to be part of Madrid would be great. I have many friends there and many people who I respect a lot, such as (former president) Florentino Perez, who is one of the best friends I have in Madrid.'
Beckham also repeated his desire not to enter into football management when he retires from the game.
The former Manchester United and Madrid midfielder has played under some great managers during his career, including Sir Alex Ferguson and Fabio Capello, but he has again admitted he has no interest in following in their footsteps.
'I have my academy of football here in Los Angeles, but I will never be a coach. I don't have this passion, I prefer to be with my academy and work with the children, with UNICEF...and things like this where you can help people,' he said.
'I love football and I will always continue being involved in it, but I don't want to be working on the sidelines or anything like that.'
The 33-year-old former England captain also spoke in glowing terms of Fabio Capello's dedication to football.
Beckham has seen first hand the Italian's application, both with England and Real Madrid and has been impressed with the passion of Capello, who has also coached AC Milan, Roma and Juventus, and replaced Steve McClaren as England boss in December.
He told Marca: 'He is passionate about football. He has a total dedication to this sport.
'I think he is one of the coaches who spends most time watching football, talking about football, analysing football - and this shows the passion that he feels for his work.
'He always wants the best for his team and for his players. Now that he is England coach I am sure that things are going to go well.
'He is an ambitious coach who only wants to win - and he is someone with a lot of success behind him.'

Toni admits to questioning Italian retirement

Italy striker Luca Toni has admitted he considered retiring from international football in the wake of his side's exit from Euro 2008

The Bayern Munich hitman failed to score in the tournament as the Azzurri lost their quarter-final clash with eventual winners Spain on penalties.
The world champions' poor showing in Austria and Switzerland cost coach Roberto Donadoni his job, and Toni admitted he too was left questioning his future with the national team.
The striker missed a host of chances in Italy's four games, especially the 2-0 win over France which sent them into the knockout stages.
The 31-year-old told the Bild am Sonntag newspaper: 'After the exit I considered whether I ought to retire.
'But it is my country, it is my team. I cannot and do not want to give that up. If (new Italy coach Marcello) Lippi wants me, I am available for the defence of the title in 2010.'
Toni's goal return at Euro 2008 was in stark contrast to his performances for Bayern last season, for whom he scored 39 times in all competitions.
The former Fiorentina forward won the Bundesliga title and the DFB Pokal in his debut year in Germany, but believes new coach Jurgen Klinsmann has to strengthen the squad if Bayern are to challenge for the Champions League.
The German champions have been strongly linked with a move for Stuttgart frontman Mario Gomez, but so far midfielder Tim Borowski and back-up goalkeeper Hans-Jorg Butt are their only acquisitions this summer.
'We have a good team, but in my opinion it is very clear,' he said. 'Yes (Bayern have to strengthen).
'In order to win the Champions League you need as many champions as possible. Let's see what Bayern are still prepared to invest.'

Cardiff close in on Charlton striker Bent

Cardiff are poised to complete the signing of striker Marcus Bent from Championship rivals Charlton.

The Bluebirds claim they have agreed a fee for the 30-year-old, who is expected to undergo a medical at Ninian Park tomorrow before joining up with their pre-season trip to Portugal.
Bent spent last season on loan at Wigan, scoring seven goals in the Premier League, but a permanent move to the JJB Stadium fell through.
Addicks manager Alan Pardew admitted Bent and fellow forward Chris Iwelumo are set to leave The Valley following his side's 6-0 pre-season friendly win over Ebbsfleet on Saturday.
'Cardiff have expressed interest in Marcus, but at the moment he remains our player. There is interest in him from other clubs as well,'' he said.
'We have some players leaving this weekend. Chris (Iwelumo) is possibly leaving and so could Marcus Bent.''
Iwelumo has been linked with a move to south London rivals Crystal Palace.

Berbatov's agent 'confirms' Man Utd interest

SOFIA, July 13 (Reuters) - Manchester United are interested in signing Tottenham Hotspur striker Dimitar Berbatov, the Bulgaria captain's agent said on Saturday

British media earlier reported that the European and Premier League champions had made a 20 million pounds ($39.53 million) bid for the gifted marksman, saying United were prepared to offer Berbatov 80,000 pounds a week to move to Old Trafford.


'I know for certain Manchester United have shown interest in signing Dimitar Berbatov,' agent Emil Danchev told Bulgaria's Darik radio. 'But I'm not entitled to make any more comments.'

Last year, United also made enquiries about the possibility of signing Berbatov but he stayed with the north London club.

The striker turned down an offer from United when he joined Spurs from Bayer Leverkusen for 16 million euros in 2006.

The 27-year-old has been linked with some of Europe's other top clubs following excellent performances in his first two seasons in England. He was instrumental in helping Tottenham win the League Cup last season - their first trophy since 1999.

Vieria encourages Lampard to join Inter

Internazionale star Patrick Vieira believes Frank Lampard is more than capable of making his mark on Italian football if he completes his move to the San Siro.

Speculation has been rife that the Chelsea midfielder is on his way to the Serie A champions to link up with former Blues boss and new Inter coach Jose Mourinho, with the Nerazzurri already having had a bid turned down for the England international.
Vieira is well aware of Lampard's talent, having squared up to him in midfield several times while playing for Arsenal, and the World Cup winner is convinced that Lampard is up to the challenge of Italian football.
'It will be a big challenge for him but at the same time it will be a fantastic one,' Vieira told the Sunday Mirror.
'He has won everything there is to win at Chelsea, he is one of the key men in the team there.
'Would he be welcome at Inter? He is a fantastic player and you want to play with players of that class. It will be one more good player.'
Vieira's former team-mate at Arsenal, Dennis Bergkamp, found it hard to adapt to the defensive style of play and was one of the many high-profile flops in Serie A.
But the France midfielder is confident Lampard would not be among that number.
'I know that the change in lifestyle would not be a problem,' continued Vieira. 'Frank would adjust to that.
'On the field there is less space than there is in England. It is more congested and that is why you don't get many 3-3 or 4-4 draws.
'It is not as open as it is in England. But he can adapt, don't worry.
'A good player can play in any league in the world - and he is a good player. I do not believe that will be a problem.
'When you are an international like him you get used to it very quickly.
'You have to live with the problems outside the stadium, but I don't think that will be a problem for Frank.'
Vieira believes Lampard could help finally end Inter's Champions League hoodoo.
The Serie A giants have won the Scudetto for three years on the trot but last won Europe's premier club competition in 1965.
Lampard helped propel Chelsea to the final last season and Vieira thinks the England player's arrival could be the final piece of the puzzle.
'He can enjoy himself at Inter, I really believe that,' said Vieira. 'Inter is a club that is going up as a football club. Now we want the Champions League. The club have the motivation and the ambition to do that.
'If Frank comes here then we will be stronger. The better players you have then the better chance you have.'
Vieira also feels that Lampard will easily fit into the Inter dressing room.
'I spoke with the players I know at Chelsea about him and all those players love him,' he continued. 'There must be a reason for that.
'I talked to him and he was really relaxed. He was cool and he was joking. He was sounding like people were saying he was.
'Now the aim is to win the league title in Italy, which we have done for the last (three) years, and the Champions League is a big target for us.'

Scolari - Chelsea gambled by appointing me

Luiz Felipe Scolari admits Chelsea 'gambled' by making him their new manager, but insists he will strive to repay the club by bringing world-class football to Stamford Bridge.

The Brazilian coach was named as Avram Grant's successor midway through his Portugal side's Euro 2008 campaign and despite a glowing CV, which includes victory at the 2002 World Cup with his native country, there were some concerns about his lack of experience in top-level European club football.
Scolari agrees that there was an element of risk in his appointment but has backed himself to deliver the results - and the style - owner Roman Abramovich wants.
'Chelsea gambled on my ability but I believe in myself,' he said.
'I had two meetings with the owner Roman Abramovich (before getting the job). He said to me 'I want Chelsea to play well, beautiful and win'. I said 'yes, I agree with you'.
'I am not afraid of my job. All over the world coaches need to win competitions, not only in Chelsea.'
Jose Mourinho brought home back-to-back Premier League titles during his stint with the Blues but failed to capture the Champions League, while Grant got to the final of the competition before losing to Manchester United on penalties.
But Scolari denies his focus will be on European success, instead choosing to cast his net wider.
The 59-year-old continued: 'My pressure is the desire to become world-class, not just to win the Champions League.
'If I say to my players that the Champions League is more important than another competition, I think the players might only prepare for the Champions League. I don't think that's the correct way to look at it.
'I need to prepare my players for the Carling Cup, the FA Cup, for the Champions League, for the Premier League.
'If I say to my players all competitions are important for Chelsea, then I think that is the way.'
Scolari also sought to clarify his position with Abramovich, insisting he has full control of all on-field decisions.
'I also told him that when it comes to the pitch it is all mine, no-one interferes. He was happy with that.'

Benitez determined to clinch key signings

Rafael Benitez insists he will successfully complete some major Liverpool signings in the coming weeks.

The Anfield boss had seen the supporting cast of youth and fringe players from his squad complete the club's first pre-season friendly with a 1-0 win at Tranmere today, thanks to a fine first-half winner from Yossi Benayoun.
But it was the players Benitez is trying to bring to the club - Gareth Barry and Robbie Keane - who occupied minds of the manager and many of the big Liverpool following in the 15,000 sell-out Prenton Park crowd.
Benitez would not be drawn on specific names, but as he prepares to take his squad to Switzerland tomorrow for a fortnight-long training camp, he said: 'We are still working hard to bring in two more players.
'I would hope that there would be some progress next week or very soon.'
Benitez added: 'I was delighted with the fitness levels of the players, Benayoun scored a fantastic goal and there were plenty of things that were really positive.
'I was happy with Daniel Agger's comeback, he will be a welcome addition to our defence in the coming season.
'Philipp Degen also did well on his debut, he was very impressive attacking down the right side.'
Liverpool also brought new £3million goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri on for his debut in the second half.
He embarrassingly delayed the restart because he was not ready for action, with Agger having to tie the Brazilian's bootlaces for him on the pitch.
But Benitez said: 'He did not have too much to do, but he is a keeper who will fight for his place and put pressure on others around him.'

Man Utd cruise to friendly win over Aberdeen

A first-half penalty from Michael Carrick and a Wayne Rooney header after the break gave Manchester United a comfortable win over Aberdeen in their challenge match at Pittodrie.

A minute before half-time Rooney was felled by Dons keeper Jamie Langfield inside the box, allowing the former Tottenham midfielder to slot home his first spot-kick since the Champions League final penalty shoot-out win over Chelsea in Moscow.
Rooney headed home number two from Darren Fletcher's cross in the 69th minute before going off to a standing ovation minutes later.
A near sell-out of 20,500 turned up for the testimonial game in honour of the Aberdeen side that won the European Cup Winners' Cup 25 years ago in Gothenburg when United boss Sir Alex Ferguson was manager at Pittodrie.
A good percentage of the crowd appeared to be there to see United who fielded a strong side including Rooney, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Scotland international Fletcher.
Aberdeen had new signings Mark Kerr and Gary McDonald making their debuts in midfield.
Ferguson was given a rousing reception by the home fans as he made his way to the dugout before a typically tepid pre-season game began.
As United eased themselves in to the match, Rooney had three efforts on goal, none of them impressive, before 10 minutes had elapsed.
The first eruption from the traditionally subdued Dons fans came in the 21st minute when midfielder Jeffrey de Visscher drove inches past United keeper Ben Amos's right-hand post from just outside the box.
A minute later Pittodrie striker Darren Mackie took a Lee Miller pass and toe-poked the ball past Amos from five yards out but was correctly ruled offside.
Rooney, looking keener than most, had a further two efforts but neither troubled Langfield.
But in the 44th minute, the Aberdeen keeper pulled the England striker down inside the box after he latched on to a defence-splitting Carrick pass, the former West Ham player sending the Dons keeper the wrong way with his spot-kick.
There were eight substitutions made between the two sides at the interval, the five home changes including 6ft 7in Bertrand Bossu making his debut in goal, and more followed in a confusing second half.
On the hour mark, Giggs met a Rooney cross with his forehead 12 yards out but Bossu rose to his left to tip the ball on the bar, Aberdeen escaping with their goal intact.
That only lasted nine minutes until Rooney coolly headed a Fletcher cross past the flailing Frenchman from 10 yards out.
Bossu pulled off a fine top corner save from United substitute Danny Simpson, before another United substitute Chris Eagles, who had missed a sitter just after the break, chipped a loose ball wide of an open goal after some confusion in the Pittodrie rearguard.
Ferguson described his return to Pittodrie as 'emotional' and said he was satisfied with United's first outing ahead of the new season.
'They all did all right. There was no real great performances,' he told MUTV.
'You can't expect any great performances - that's the reason for pre-season games.
'The important thing is to get your fitness and also to come through without injury.'
Afterwards Aberdeen manager Jimmy Calderwood pinpointed the talents of Scholes and Giggs in particular, saying: 'It was a worthwhile exercise and a wonderful learning process for our players.
'You could see the quality of the United players.
'When you see older players like Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs, their attitude, hunger, touch and vision - it was fabulous.'
'I thought we did really well in the first half when they were at their strongest,' the Dons boss said.
'I don't think Darren Mackie's goal was offside and I spoke to Wayne after the game and he said his touch was too heavy and he wouldn't have caught the ball at this stage of the season.
'But they got the penalty. However, all in all, it was a fantastic work-out.'
A near sell-out crowd of 20,500 turned up at Pittodrie for the testimonial game in honour of the Aberdeen side that won the European Cup Winners' Cup 25 years ago in Gothenburg when United boss Sir Alex Ferguson was manager at Pittodrie.
Ferguson took the microphone after the game and addressed the Dons crowd, saying: 'It was an emotional day for many reasons.
'The squad (of 25 years ago) were a fantastic bunch of lads.
'Many teams never win a European trophy but it's part of Aberdeen's history, they have won a European trophy.'
United coaches Mike Phelan, Brian McClair, Rene Meulensteen are in the frame to replace Ferguson's former number two Carlos Queiroz who was named as the new head coach of Portugal on Friday; but Ferguson insists the English champions are in no rush to name a replacement.
He said: 'You take your time with these things, there is no hurry. We have got good staff and we will carry on, we've always done that.
'We've never made a quick appointment. It's always disappointing to lose good men and he was a good man.
'He was honest and very loyal to me and a good coach. He brought a lot of initiatives that we now carry on.
'He has taken a challenge on that people do, if they have that patriotic passion and the nationalist fervour to go and manage their country. He's got that.
'I knew when Portugal came for him that it would be very difficult for us.'

Harry promises more new signings at Pompey

Harry Redknapp is determined to make further additions to his Portsmouth squad after securing Peter Crouch's club-record £11million arrival at Fratton Park.
Crouch, 27, has signed a four-year contract as the FA Cup winners ended their two-month pursuit of the England striker after first enquiring about his availability in May.
Redknapp is happy with his compliment of forwards - with the south coast club set to compete in Europe for the first time in their 120-year history - but is keen to build on last season's cup win.
Redknapp said: 'We are always looking to improve and we will see where we go - we keep looking around.
'If you are competing in the UEFA Cup as well, there are a lot of matches. We need strength in depth.
'You can end up playing every Thursday and Sunday and players are going to get injured or need a rest at some stage.
'There are a few positions we need strengthening and Peter (Storrie, chief executive) will be seeing what we can do.'
Tottenham's Younes Kaboul, 22, remains a target as Redknapp attempts to reinforce an ageing central defence consisting of Linvoy Primus, 34, Sol Campbell, 33, and Sylvain Distin, 30.
Spurs are prepared to hear offers around £6million after paying Auxerre £8.2million last summer but have been left disappointed by the France Under-21 star's first season in England.
Reading's Nicky Shorey is also a possibility as Pompey have just one recognised left-back in Hermann Hreidarsson but Royals manager Steve Coppell has demanded at least £4million for the England international.
Storrie, who successfully negotiated Crouch's return to the south coast, said: 'We have got a very strong squad now but one or two may want to leave.
'We will be having a continuous look at it and see where we can go in the future.
'(Owner) Alexandra Gaydamak has backed us all the way and the squad has gone from virtually nothing to what it is today.'
Crouch is now among four England internationals at Fratton Park, with strike partner Jermain Defoe, goalkeeper David James and defender Glen Johnson all in Fabio Capello's more recent squads.
Storrie added: 'With Peter's arrival, we now have four England players here and if Sol gets back in the set-up that will make five.
'What with all this talk about foreigners ruining the England team, we are trying to do our bit. Maybe the England manager needs to buy a season ticket down here.'

Aston Villa agree deal for US keeper Guzan

Aston Villa are hoping to finally secure the services of United States goalkeeper Brad Guzan after agreeing a fee with Chivas USA.

Villa manager Martin O'Neill agreed a fee in the region of £2million for Guzan during the January transfer window but the deal was scuppered after he failed to obtain a work permit.
Now Villa have again reached agreement with the Major League Soccer (MLS) club for Guzan who played against England as a second-half substitute at Wembley in May.
And Guzan's increased number of international appearances - he has been involved in five of the last eight internationals - means Villa are more hopeful of gaining Home Office approval.
In addition to his appearance against England, he has started against Sweden and Barbados and came off the bench against Switzerland, South Africa and Spain in internationals since October 2007.
A Villa spokesman said: 'Aston Villa can confirm that a fee has been agreed this morning for Brad Guzan and he will become a Villa player subject to gaining a work permit.'
Guzan will become Villa's second summer signing after Chelsea midfielder Steve Sidwell who moved from Stamford Bridge for around £5million earlier this week.
O'Neill, who has also been linked with Tottenham's Paul Robinson, currently has only one senior keeper at his disposal in Stuart Taylor who is number one during the current tour of Switzerland.
Thomas Sorensen left on a free transfer after not being offered a new contract and Scott Carson has returned to Liverpool after a season long loan at Villa.
Guzan said: 'I would love to sign for Villa. When I was there in January for a few days it was an absolutely brilliant time. Great people, great facilities and I couldn't say one bad thing about it.'
'It looks like exciting times at Villa and I would love to play for Martin O'Neill.
'When I met Martin at the end of January he was a fabulous guy, a great person. The entire staff were outstanding.
'It is about the whole way he carries himself as a manager. To have a guy like Martin O'Neill saying good things about you, it makes you feel good as a player.
'And as a person it makes me feel good to have that interest from such a well-respected manager.
'Being among good people who understand the game of football and are people who able to put players out on the pitch to compete week-in, week-out, that is important to me and that is what I want to be involved in.'
'Hopefully it all goes well (with the work permit). Hopefully I will be able to sign.'

Ronaldo should see out his contract - Pele

Pele today joined in the Cristiano Ronaldo transfer saga debate by insisting the Portugal international should see out his contract with Manchester United.

And the Brazil legend also suggested that Sepp Blatter's view that there is 'modern slavery' in the game was wide of the mark.
Earlier this week the FIFA president was asked about Ronaldo's current situation and he replied that players who are tied to long-term contracts were treated like slaves. Ronaldo later said he agreed with Blatter's comments.
Pele, speaking ahead of a charity football match at Stoke's Britannia Stadium in aid of the Gordon Banks Foundation, said: 'You are a slave if you work without a contract or you don't get paid.
'If you have a contract then in any job you have to finish the contract. I think that when he finishes his contract, then he should be free to go wherever he wants to go.'

Guthrie completes switch to Newcastle

Newcastle have completed the signing of Danny Guthrie from Liverpool for an undisclosed fee.

The 21-year-old midfielder, who spent last season on loan at Bolton, has penned a four-year deal at St James' Park.
'I'm really happy to be joining Newcastle United,' Guthrie told the Magpies' official website, www.nufc.co.uk.
'I'm ready to get involved straight away and I cannot wait to meet the boys and get started.'
Guthrie, who only made a handful of appearances for Liverpool after coming through the ranks, is Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan's second summer signing following the capture of Jonas Gutierrez.
Keegan said: 'I'm absolutely delighted that we've got Danny.
'He proved himself in the Premier League last season so we know he can play at that level.
'He's at the right age and is a good signing for us.'

Queiroz appointed as boss of Portugal

Manchester United assistant manager Carlos Queiroz has been appointed as the new head coach of Portugal.

Queiroz has agreed a four-year contract and is to be presented to the media on Wednesday.
The 53-year-old former Real Madrid coach will take full responsibility for all aspects of Portugal's national teams, including oversight of the youth teams.
He was previously coach of Portugal's Under-20 teams from 1990 to 1993.
'Carlos Queiroz is unquestionably one of the top Portuguese coaches and was my first choice to be head coach,' said Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) president Gilbert Madail.
'Although I have never worked with him because he was no longer with the national set-up when I arrived, I have followed his career with much interest and the experience he has gained in all the places he has worked will be important in helping us achieve the success we want.'

Pompey unveil £11million striker Crouch

England international Peter Crouch has completed his £11million move to Portsmouth from Liverpool.

Crouch underwent a medical on Friday morning and signed a four-year contract before he was officially unveiled at a press conference.
The England striker scored 19 goals in 39 matches in his first spell at Portsmouth in the 2001/02 season before moving on to Aston Villa and then Southampton.
The 27-year-old's return to Fratton Park brings and end to his three-year stay at Liverpool and he rejoins a much changed Portsmouth to the one that he left.
'This club is going places and they can match my ambitions,' the 6'7" striker said following his third reunion with manager Harry Redknapp.
'It's fantastic to be back,' Crouch added. 'I believe Harry gets the best out of me and think the best years of my career can be here.'
'The chance of regular first team football was part of the appeal. I know I'll have to work hard to prove myself in training, but I believe my best years are in front of me.'
Redknapp said: 'When I first mentioned Peter to (Portsmouth chief executive) Peter Storrie last year, I didn't think we'd get him.
'We all know what a fantastic place Liverpool is and what a fantastic place it is to play football.
'Peter Storrie has worked hard and delivered our man. I had no need to speak to him (Crouch) because I know him well and I know what he's about,' said Redknapp, who previously coached the player in his first spell at the club and during his time at Southampton.
'He'll be a real threat here, a real handful. He has great ability and is a tall lad so you can drop balls off him and he's great at bringing people into play.
'There's no reason why he can't get a lot of goals here this year.'
Redknapp also predicted that England boss Fabio Capello would be a regular visitor to Fratton Park as the ranks of established internationals at the club continues to grow.
'When you look at our team we have David James, Glen Johnson, Sol Campbell, Peter and Jermain Defoe.
'We have five players he'll want to keep an eye on this year.'

Homegrown quota plan still alive, says Blatter

FIFA president Sepp Blatter is adamant he will not give up his campaign to impose quotas for homegrown players.

But he has admitted his organisation's plan is 'against one of the principles of European Union law'.
However, despite seeing the proposal, which would limit clubs to five foreign players, flounder on the EU's insistence on free movement of labour around its member states, Blatter is adamant he will not give up his campaign.
'I would say, for the time being, it is against one of the principles of European Union law - free circulation of workers in Europe,' he told Sky Sports News.
'I think there are arguments to say it would be good for English football, but also concerning the legal point of view, we have to investigate exactly what is illegal in this matter.
'We are now working on three different levels to get through the resolution which was taken by the FIFA congress at the end of May in Sydney, and was taken by a very huge majority - 155 votes against five, and those five votes included no European association.
'Therefore the mandate was given to the FIFA president and UEFA president, Michel Platini, to investigate this matter and look at, always within the limits of the law, how it can be achieved.'

Germany not on standby for 2010 World Cup

The president of the German Football Association has revealed Germany is not one of the countries on standby to host the 2010 World Cup should South Africa be unable to stage the event.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter recently claimed three countries were in line to step in should South Africa not be ready for the tournament in two years' time.
Fears over South Africa's preparations have arisen since it emerged the new stadium in Port Elizabeth had fallen behind schedule and would not be ready in time to stage Confederations Cup games next summer.
But German FA (DFB) chief Theo Zwanziger feels staging the World Cup for the second time in four years would be too much to ask for the 2006 hosts.
'Our country is fundamentally not ready to host the 2010 World Cup if the problems in South Africa are not resolved in time,' he told the German media.
'We would be barking up the wrong tree if we tried to repeat the fantastic summer fairytale of 2006.'
DFB spokesman Harald Stenger added: 'Mr Blatter has not yet contacted the DFB with regards to this and has not informed us of his intentions either.'

World Cup qualification a must, says Eriksson

MEXICO CITY, July 10 (Reuters) - Mexico have an obligation to qualify for the 2010 World Cup, said new coach Sven Goran-Eriksson on Thursday.
The former England coach, whose first match in charge will be a World Cup qualifier at home to Honduras next month, said Mexico were the better side but complained about the short period of time he would have to work with the team.
Mexico face Honduras, Canada and Jamaica in the first group phase of the CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers, which will be played between August and November.
The top two then progress to the final round of CONCACAF qualifiers, featuring six teams, next year.
'I think that qualifying for the World Cup is an obligation for Mexico, without doubt,' the Swede told a media conference.
'I think Honduras have a good team but Mexico are better and we have to win. We don't have much time but we have to work.'
Eriksson said his players would only get together three days before the match.
'I would have liked to have had the players earlier,' he said. 'It's not ideal, but it's reality, we have to do it that way and that's the end of it.'
He added: 'I can't say how Mexico will play, or with what style, before I've spoken to the players.
'I feel that Mexico have a strong team and we won't have trouble adapting.'
Eriksson's appointment has caused controversy in Mexico, with critics saying he will not have time to get to know the players and will be unfamiliar with the conditions.

Goalkeeper Given commits future to Newcastle

Shay Given has committed his future to Newcastle amid speculation he is wanted by Arsenal.

The 32-year-old Irishman insists he is happy at St James' Park 10 years after his arrival and is focussing only on the club's drive to establish themselves back among the Barclays Premier League's elite.
Arsene Wenger is known to be an admirer of the Lifford-born goalkeeper and is understood to have identified him as a possible target.
However, Given claims he has heard nothing and is concentrating on the task of regaining full fitness after the groin surgery which allowed Steve Harper to establish himself in the side at the end of last season.
The Republic of Ireland international said: 'I don't know where the story came from.
'I have said all along that I'm extremely happy living and playing here in Newcastle. I want to help to move this club forward.
'Hopefully we will get new players in and strengthen the squad. We want to get this place going.'
Given has been one of the club's most consistent performers over the last decade and has experienced both the highs and the lows of an eventful few years on Tyneside.
But having avoided injury for much of his career at St James' to leave Harper kicking his heels for lengthy periods, he has endured a difficult time since an horrific clash with then West Ham striker Marlon Harewood in September 2006.
He was left with a perforated bowel - an injury doctors likened to those often suffered by road accident victims - and has been plagued by groin problems ever since.
Given is hoping the operation he had as the last campaign drew to a close has addressed the issue once and for all, and is now eagerly anticipating the challenge of persuading manager Kevin Keegan that he is the man to provide the last line of defence once again.
He said: 'I am just raring to go and ready to play football again.
'It has been a long close season and it was a long end to the season as well.
'I was working on fitness towards the end of last season and continued that throughout the summer. I feel as fit and strong as I have ever felt.
'I have done a lot of rehabilitation with the physios and been in the gym. Now I am just ready to get back out on the field.
'I only had a bit of a break, but even when I was away I was doing my work and training.
'I'd had a break after I had an operation, so my aim was always to get fit for the start of pre-season, not the end. As I say, I feel as fit as ever, so it has paid off.'

Hull confirm signing of French defender Mendy

Hull City have confirmed the free transfer signing of French international Bernard Mendy on a three-year contract.
Former Bolton defender Mendy was strongly linked with the Barclays Premier League newcomers after leaving Paris St Germain as a free agent and has now confirmed his expected return to England.
Tigers coach Phil Brown previously worked with the 26-year-old during his season-long spell at the Reebok Stadium, where Brown was assistant coach to Sam Allardyce.
'The sporting project is ambitious and interesting,' Mendy told L'Equipe shortly before the club announced the signing.
'I'm happy to go back to England. And above all I'll be meeting up again with Phil Brown, who was the assistant coach at Bolton when PSG loaned me out there. That counted a lot.
'The club are searching for other French footballers and have signed Geovanni from Manchester City.'
Mendy, who played 23 times for Wanderers, has three full caps for Les Bleus.

Fowler eyes Ince reunion with Rovers switch

Robbie Fowler will join Blackburn Rovers at their pre-season training camp in Germany after deciding to leave Cardiff City.
The former England striker is expected to spend several weeks with Rovers before new manager Paul Ince decides whether to sign the 33-year-old.
Blackburn's official website stated: 'Former England striker Robbie Fowler has teamed up with Rovers and will be a member of the travelling party on the pre-season training camp in Germany.
'Fowler, most recently at Cardiff, will be expected to spend a few weeks with Rovers.'
Fowler, who is well known to Ince having played with him for both Liverpool and England, scored six goals in 16 games for the Bluebirds last season.
A statement on Cardiff's website said: 'Late on Thursday Robbie informed us that he has been offered the opportunity to join Blackburn Rovers.
'We fully understand the lure of the Premier League was a major factor in his decision and we wish Robbie well in the future at his new club.'
City chairman Peter Ridsdale insisted the release of Fowler would free up funds for other strikers to move to Ninian Park.
'We signed him last year with a year's option, but at this stage in his career it's understandable that he accepts an offer to go to the Premiership,' he said.
'We have to thank Robbie and move on, he goes with our best wishes.
'His image rights were important to us last year, but now we're looking at what he could do on the field.
'Robbie's move frees up budget for us to look for another striker.
'We're pretty close to signing a new striker in a deal that I've been working on all week, when that's done we'll look for another front man to take Robbie's place.'
Fowler's agent George Scott admitted the approach from Rovers 'was too good an opportunity to turn down'.
He told the South Wales Echo: 'Robbie was all set to sign up [at Cardiff] but at the last minute Paul Ince came in and handed him a chance to return to the Premier League. He started in the Premier League and it seems right to finish his career in the Premier League.'

Liverpool complete Cavalieri deal

Liverpool have clinched the signing of Brazilian goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri from Palmeiras, it was announced on Friday.
The 25-year-old has signed a four-year contract with the Premier League club and will begin life at Anfield as understudy to Jose Reina.
Cavalieri becomes the third Brazilian at the club alongside Lucas and Fabio Aurelio and is manager Rafael Benitez's third major signing of the summer following the arrivals of full-backs Philipp Degen and Andrea Dossena.
Cavalieri, who also holds an Italian passport, fully accepted he would play second fiddle to Spain international Reina after joining the Reds.
'I know it won't be easy to get into the team,' he said.
'I watched some Liverpool games in both the Premier League and Champions League last year and I know Pepe (Reina) is a very good goalkeeper. But everyone has to fight for their place and I'm sure we will have a healthy rivalry.
'I know I will have to be patient and work very hard to achieve my aims - but it is always like that when you come from another country.
'You have to adapt inside and outside of the pitch and get used to the way things work. But with hard work you get there.
'My confidence has got me where I am today and maybe people are aware of what I did at Palmeiras in Brazil.
'I am sure that one day I can get the number one position but that will only come with hard work.'
Despite the prospect of spending much of the coming season on the bench, Cavalieri, who is thought to have cost the club around £3million, hailed a 'dream' move to Merseyside.
'The name Liverpool is known all around the world. It's an honour to wear this shirt,' he added.
'It was a dream for me to come to Europe, though I was taken aback by how quickly everything happened. It's all been sorted out in one week.
'But I have been given a very good welcome from my team-mates and the manager, so I'm very happy to be here. I just hope I can respond to all this.
'Rafa and I spoke for a long time on the day I arrived. He explained to me how the football is here and the differences from Brazil. He also talked to me about the responsibilities of representing a club like Liverpool.'

Bayern munich decided not to bring new players

Laborta decided to stay in bercelona

Mancini in his way to Intermilan

Lampard wants to join us, says Inter director

MILAN, July 10 (Reuters) - Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard is very keen to join Inter Milan, the Italian club's director Gabriele Oriali said on Thursday.

Chelsea said this week they

would not enter into negotiations with the Serie A champions over the England player, who has a year left on his contract.
'We have done everything possible,' Oriali told Mediaset television. 'What is certain is that the player strongly wants to come to Inter.'
New Inter coach Jose Mourinho is keen to link up again with Lampard having won two Premier League titles with the 30-year-old while in charge at Chelsea.
Oriali was speaking after coming to an initial agreement with AS Roma about signing their Brazilian midfielder Mancini.
The deal is due to be completed next week but the Lampard saga is expected to drag on.

OM fans club together to buy Drogba

Marseille fans have launched an appeal to raise the £22million they believe is needed to buy Chelsea star Didier Drogba.

New Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari claims Drogba is still '200% in his plans' but the striker is reportedly adamant that he will be heading for the Stamford Bridge exit door.
Barcelona, AC Milan and Inter Milan are all said to be interested in the Ivory Coast international but Marseille fans have launched an audacious bid to bring the 30-year-old back to the club he left four years ago.
A supporter called Kain has set up the collective on www.doodle.ch asking fellow fans to pledge one, two or five euros to the club, writing: 'Let's try to see if us supporters can pay for him by each donating one or two euros maximum to the club.'
The collective attracted immediate attention and has already raised nearly 5,000 euros thanks in part to 800 fans each pledging the maximum five euros.
'We know that it would be very, very, very complex to achieve this, even impossible,' one of its contributors Yaniss told regional newspaper La Provence.
'But what we want is only that it arrives to the attention of Pape Diouf and other OM directors.'

Rafa gives up on Villa but wants Keane

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has ruled out making a move for Spain striker David Villa but said Robbie Keane is still on the Reds' radar. Benitez, who has allowed striker Peter Crouch to join Portsmouth, had been linked with the Valencia player who top-scored at last month's Euro 2008 finals. 'I said the other day that Villa is one of the names we had on our list, but I can say at this moment that it is not an option for us,' Benitez told Liverpool's website. 'We know Villa is a very good player, we know the price and we know the players we have, so when you consider everything we decided he was one of the names but, at this moment, not our target.' However, Benitez confirmed that a move for Tottenham Hotspur's Ireland striker Robbie Keane was a possibility. 'Keane is one of the other names and OK we are still working with other names. We were in contact and we will see now,' he said.

Arsenal complete deal for Marseille starlet Nasri

Arsenal have finally completed the signing of midfielder Samir Nasri from Marseille.

The 21-year-old French international has joined the Gunners on a long-term contract for an undisclosed fee.


Nasri, who will join up with the Arsenal squad on their pre-season tour of Austria on July 21, said: 'I am very happy to become an Arsenal player, it means such a lot to me.

'This is a very important step in my life as a football player because Arsenal is a massive club.

'I really hope everything will go well for me here. I will my best for Arsenal and its fans and I am honoured to be part of such a great football club.'

Nasri made two appearances for France at Euro 2008 and has been a long-term target of Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger all summer - with the player having announced last month, somewhat prematurely, the deal had been completed.

With all the relevant documents now processed, and the fee reported to be in the region of £12million, Wenger can look forward to shaping his team ahead of the new season which kicks off with a Champions League qualifier on either August 12 or August 13.

Wenger said: 'He is young, quick and technically an outstanding player.

'He has shown great potential with his performances for Marseille and the French national team over the past two seasons and he will add great quality to our squad.'

The confirmation of Nasri's arrival could soon be followed by the departure of winger Alexander Hleb to Barcelona.

Wenger will also want the future of leading scorer Emmanuel Adebayor, a £30million target for AC Milan and Barcelona, to be resolved before the Gunners' start their pre-season schedule.

Ronaldo Backs Blatters (slavery) comments

Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo has backed FIFA president Sepp Blatter's condemnation of 'modern slavery' in the modern game.

When asked about Ronaldo's

long-mooted prospective transfer to Real Madrid, Blatter yesterday suggested that there was a trend towards treating players like slaves in the transfer process.
His comments have been met with criticism in some areas, with Professional Footballers' Association chairman Chris Powell calling for him to retract the comments while UEFA president Michel Platini reacted by highlighting the spiralling wage demands of players.
But Ronaldo, who is currently recovering from ankle surgery after taking part for Portugal in Euro 2008, has failed to commit himself to United and has given mixed messages about Real's obvious interest.
He has now supported Blatter's stand, but refused to shed any more light on the proposed transfer.
'I agree with the comments of the president of FIFA. What he said is right,' he told Portuguese channel TVI.
'At the moment there is no agreement with Real Madrid. We have to wait for the next few days to see, but I do not know where I will begin next season.
'This is all I have to say at the moment.'
Regarding his injury, the winger confirmed he would be out for as long as three months but remained upbeat about his rehabilitation.
'I'm very well. I'm optimistic. My recovery is going well. Everything is fine.'

Blatter puts Oar into ronaldo transfer Saga

FIFA president Sepp Blatter believes Cristiano Ronaldo should be allowed to leave Manchester United for Real Madrid if he so desires, criticising a trend towards 'modern slavery' in football

The Portugal winger is one of the hottest properties in the sport after a superb season at Old Trafford last term and speculation about a move to the Spanish side has dominated the summer's transfer gossip.
There has been an ongoing war of whispers emanating from both clubs for several weeks and when asked about the protracted wrangle over the 23-year-old's future, Blatter insisted players should be allowed to leave with impunity when they want to move clubs.
'The important thing is, we should also protect the player,' he told Sky News.
'If the player wants to play somewhere else, then a solution should be found because if he stays in a club where he does not feel comfortable to play then it's not good for the player and for the club.
'I'm always in favour of protecting the player and if the player, he wants to leave, let him leave.'
Blatter believes the issue raises interesting questions about the way transfers and contracts are dealt with in the game.
'I think in football there's too much modern slavery in transferring players or buying players here and there, and putting them somewhere,' he continued.
'We are trying now to intervene in such cases. The reaction to the Bosman law is to make long-lasting contacts in order to keep the players and then if he wants to leave, then there is only one solution, he has to pay his contract.'
Blatter went on to dismiss the Premier League's much-criticised '39th step' proposals, insisting plans to play competitive matches overseas - either in the league or domestic cups - was doomed to fail.
He said: 'The 39th game as presented will never happen. To my knowledge what they (the Premier League) want to do is perhaps to play some of the League Cup matches somewhere outside of England. That's the last information I got.
'They should just forget about that.'