Football news

Former Germany international Gunter Netzer yesterday told Bayern Munich to accept Manchester United's latest offer for Owen Hargreaves and let the player go to England.

Writing in his weekly Bild column, Netzer advised the Bayern management to alter their stance on the Hargreaves saga and listen to the mooted offer, believed to be worth £20 million.

"If the sum really is £20 million," he said, "then I can only say that you have got to sell Hargreaves straight away."

Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and general manager Uli Hoeness have blocked United's previous bids for the 25-year-old, whose stock rose considerably after the World Cup. However, Netzer believes the time is right for Bayern to sell.

He said: "Hoeness and Rummenigge would not be breaking their word. Quite the opposite - Hoeness has actually pushed the price up."

Juve plan summer additions

Juventus are reportedly set to add two other promising talents to Didier Deschamps's squad next summer. The club's plans for 2007/08 are clear as they look to trust youth in their bid to return to the summit of Italian football.

Roberto Bettega has been searching Europe and South America for potential world-class players, with Jose Ernesto Sosa and Jan Klaas Huntelaar on top of his list.

Sosa is a 21-year-old attacking midfielder and valued at £3 million. He plays for Estudiantes and has been one of the revelations of the season. Ajax striker Huntelaar would cost a lot more.

Huntelaar, who was top scorer at the last U-21 European Championship, has yet to be the subject of any bids.

Crouch transfer... a tall order

Rumours linking towering striker Peter Crouch with a move to St James's Park were yesterday dismissed by Newcastle manager Glenn Roader.

Rafael Benitez recently insisted he has no plans to sell Crouch, who has seen the partnership of Dirk Kuyt and Craig Bellamy restrict his chances at Liverpool in recent months.

But with Shola Ameobi and Michael Owen injured, and Giuseppe Rossi returning to Manchester United, reports claimed yesterday that the North East club were lining up a £12 million swoop to give added depth to their frontline.

But Roader said: "Someone knows more than I do. As far as I am concerned, there has not been a deal even spoken about. Crouch is a Liverpool player and I do not think Rafael Benitez would appreciate me talking about him when he is not a Newcastle player."

Active role for Collina

Pierluigi Collina, perhaps the most popular and respected referee ever, is on the verge of making a comeback to the game as a technical adviser to the Italian referees association.

Collina became something of a cult figure all over the football world before his retirement in 2005. After his exit from the game, the Bologna-born financial adviser has been working for Sky Italia.

However, he has now opted to take the role of technical adviser to the nation's officials - a voluntary post.

"I've talked things through with Sky and we found a way that this can suit everyone," he explained.

"In my opinion the preparation of referees is a crucial part of the profession. The work interests me and I'm sure it'll be a great success."

China captain to join Charlton

China captain Zheng Zhi is moving to Charlton Athletic. The 26-year-old Shandong midfielder will be loaned to Charlton for the rest of this season before completing a formal transfer.

"I hope the Chinese fans can see me play against Arsenal on Jan. 1," Zheng was reported as saying.

Zheng had a two-day trial at the London club in late November after leading Shandong to the Chinese Super League (CSL) and Chinese FA Cup double last season and winning his second CSL player of the year title. He was named China captain in October.

Difficult for Neil to leave Rovers

Mark Hughes said Lucas Neill (picture) will not be allowed to leave Blackburn next month. He goes only if the deal is 'right' for Rovers, the manager said.

Neill is out of contract in the summer and Liverpool are believed to be ready to follow up a summer bid for the Australia World Cup star by making another move when the transfer window opens on Monday.

Barcelona are also thought to be monitoring Neill's progress. However, an Ewood Park exit is far from certain for the 28-year-old full-back, with Hughes re-stating his intention to keep Neill unless he believes Rovers will benefit.

"The situation with Lucas has been well documented," said Hughes.

"Lucas may go if we can do a deal that will allow Blackburn to remain strong. If it is not right for us, he will stay."

Ramos rejects Milan move

Sergio Ramos has turned down a possible transfer to Milan. The 20-year-old stopper, who joined Real Madrid from Sevilla last year, is happy to stay in Spain and is negotiating an improved contract, Italian newspapers reported yesterday.

Milan will have to look elsewhere now. While the signing of Massimo Oddo remains as complicated as ever, vice-president Adriano Galliani is now tempted by Barcelona's Juliano Belletti.

Meanwhile, Argentine left-back Leandro Grimi, who was supposed to join Milan during the transfer window, is having troubles with his passport and may only be available from June.