Sporting briefs...

No Panic: Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson is not panicking over Rio Ferdinand's new contract deadlock. Ferdinand's agent, Pini Zahavi, last week revealed that talks have stalled over his client's future at Old Trafford. Ferguson yesterday hinted the Red Devils could also cope with losing the England star. "It doesn't bother me. We have a good squad of players here and we will cope with whatever happens," Ferguson said. "It is really entirely up to the player. We have made an offer... it is a good offer." It is thought Ferdinand has been offered £100,000 a week but is holding out for an extra £20,000.

Coco: Francesco Coco is hoping to land a move to England. The Inter full-back is considering a move away from Italy after growing frustrated at his lack of first-team chances at the San Siro. Bolton are in the market for a new defender having lost Vincent Candela to Udinese. Boss Sam Allardyce reportedly sees Coco as an ideal replacement for the Frenchman.

Nakamura: Celtic have made a move for Japan midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura. New manager Gordon Strachan was a spectator at last month's Confederations Cup in Germany where the £2.75 million-rated Nakamura enjoyed an excellent tournament. The 27-year-old had already told Reggina he wants to move before the new season. Spain's Atletico Madrid and Deportivo are also showing interest in signing Nakamura.

Cole: Portsmouth could miss out on Carlton Cole with the player considering staying at Chelsea. Portsmouth have held talks with Chelsea over a possible move for the England U-21 international. Cole is back at Chelsea for pre-season training after spending the whole of last season on loan at Aston Villa. Portsmouth were hoping to do a similar deal for Cole this season with the offer of first team football, but it appears Cole is ready to fight for his place at Stamford Bridge.

Gilardino: Alberto Gilardino has again stressed he has no intention of joining Chelsea this summer. Previous reports have suggested that Chelsea are prepared to pay €35 million to take Gilardino to Stamford Bridge. But the striker said: "I have a contract with Parma that will expire in June 2007. From the beginning, I have left the absolute decision to Parma. I have indicated Milan as my preferred destination. The negotiation between the two clubs is continuing and, like everyone, I wait for news about my future."