Football news

Relegation-threatened West Ham United have been boosted by the news that striker Dean Ashton is approaching full fitness after seven months on the sidelines.

Ashton, who joined West Ham for £7 million last season, has stepped up training over the past few weeks as he enters the final phase of his recovery from the broken ankle he suffered on England duty back in August.

Ashton is expected to play in a reserve outing against Charlton's second string on Monday where a successful run-out could see him on the bench for the crucial London derby against Tottenham at Upton Park on March 4.

Baptista wants key Arsenal role

Julio Baptista is ready to give up his status as Arsenal's 'king of the cups' if it meant securing a regular spot in Arsene Wenger's team.

Since his loan move from Real Madrid last summer, the Brazilian has delivered his best performances for Arsenal in cup competitions, in particular the League Cup where he has scored six goals in just two games.

Baptista is likely to have the chance to increase that impressive tally when the Gunners face Chelsea in the final on Sunday but the former Sevilla star is not fully satisfied with his contribution this term.

"They say that I'm the king of the cups for the goals I've scored, but I'd swap all of them for the chance to start more games," Baptista said.

"It's not easy to be a regular in the Arsenal side, even less so as a striker, and I genuinely believe playing in attack here is more difficult than in Spain."

Cagliari ready to let Suazo go

Cagliari chief Massimo Cellino has admitted that he could be tempted to cash in on striker David Suazo at the end of the season.

The Honduran international fancies a move away from Cagliari and has been linked with both Milan and Inter, who have been impressed by his recent performances.

"I am glad I didn't sell Suazo during the summer, although I know that staying at Cagliari was a sacrifice for him and to his ambitions," Cellino said. "I don't know what our situation would be if he had left us.

"Now we have a written agreement with the player, allowing him to free himself whenever he wants to. If he decides to accept an important offer, I will let him go - I owe it to him."

Juve make Kanoute offer - reports

Juventus have made a €19 million offer for Sevilla striker Frederic Kanoute, according to reports in Spain.

The Bianconeri are looking to strengthen their squad in view of their likely return to Serie A and need fresh blood in their striking department, especially in view of the probable departure of David Trezeguet.

Kanoute is contracted to Sevilla until 2009 and has a €26.5m release clause but rumours suggest that Juve's bid might convince the Spanish outfit to let the 29-year-old leave.

Man. City in talks with investors

Manchester City have announced to the Stock Exchange they are in "preliminary discussions" with potential investors that may result in an offer being made for the club.

City revealed in their annual general meeting last December that they were in talks with one investor, but it seems more than one party is keen.

"The board confirms it remains in preliminary discussions with third parties," said the statement.

The club's major shareholders are John Wardle and David Makin who own nearly 30 per cent of the Premiership club.

Celtic's Gravesen losing patience

Thomas Gravesen is frustrated at his lack of first-team opportunities with Celtic, prompting his agent to suggest that the Danish midfielder could seek a move away from the club.

"It can be difficult for footballers who have ambitions to accept these things," Gravesen's agent, John Sivebaek, said.

"Sometimes you have to look at your future over the next six months or year.

"Thomas loves Glasgow and is happy with Celtic. But he doesn't know why he is out of the team at the moment.

"It is a bit too early to conclude things. But, of course, Thomas won't accept being a substitute forever."

Rivaldo set to stay in Greece

Brazilian midfielder Rivaldo has said he was likely to extend his contract with Greek champions Olympiakos until June 2008.

Rivaldo, who joined Olympiakos in 2004, was due to return home to end his playing career in Brazil. But the 35-year-old has told Greek media he expects to stay on for one more year.

"I'm very happy here, so is my family," Rivaldo said. "I'm very fond of Olympiakos and I would be delighted to end my career in Piraeus."

Since joining the club, Rivaldo, a World Cup winner with Brazil in 2002, has helped Olympiakos to consecutive domestic league and cup doubles in 2005 and 2006.

Torres pledges future to Atletico

Spain striker Fernando Torres, 22, has reiterated his desire to stay with his boyhood club Atletico Madrid.

"It would mean more to me to win three titles here than eight with another club," Torres said on radio station The Cope.

"I've experienced a lot with this team, relegation and promotion, and hope to experience much more in the coming years."