Football news

David Bentley decided to prolong his stay at Blackburn after signing a new contract, tying him to the club until 2011. The 22-year-old England U-21 midfielder, who joined Rovers from Arsenal last year, has missed only one first-team game this season, scoring six goals.

"David has really blossomed this season to produce a consistently high level of performance," manager Mark Hughes said.

"He is a great talent with a big future and we are delighted to have signed him up for the long term."

Juve cool on transfer rumours

Juventus have distanced themselves from reports linking them with moves for Luca Toni and Fabio Cannavaro. They have been associated with the World Cup heroes, but yesterday Juve cooled speculation that the Fiorentina striker and the Real Madrid stopper are on their way.

"There has been no official contact for Toni," explained Juventus president Giovanni Cobolli Gigli.

"I was interviewed by one of the major newspapers recently and was asked for an opinion on him. I answered that I consider him a great champion. However, that didn't mean that we are interested in making an offer for the player, who is doing very well with his current club.

"As for Cannavaro, his return seems very unlikely to me as it wouldn't be easy."

Almunia thought Terry died

Manuel Almunia, the Arsenal keeper, feared the worst for John Terry after the Chelsea defender was knocked out in the League Cup final on Sunday.

Almunia was one of the closest players to the incident during the second half in Cardiff when Abou Diaby accidentally kicked Terry in the face during a goal-mouth scramble.

Terry was stretchered off with his neck in a brace, but after being taken to hospital, he was quickly released and returned to the ground to join in Chelsea's victory celebrations.

Almunia said: "When I saw him at first his eyes had rolled the other way and he looked like he was dead. I was very scared."

No feud with Becks says Fergie

Alex Ferguson has denied there is a feud with David Beckham as the pair prepare for Manchester United's gala game against Marcello Lippi's European XI on March 13.

Beckham is one of those named in Lippi's all-star side for the game, which will mark the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome as well as Manchester United's entry into European competition.

"David will get a great reception, just like all the others who have done great things for United," Ferguson told reporters.

"I have seen him a couple of times since he joined Madrid and everything is fine between us. He is returning home for a night and that is just what we needed for a gala game."

League Cup 'just a start' - Drogba

Didier Drogba thinks Chelsea can build on their League Cup success and secure an historic quadruple this season. Only Manchester United have claimed the treble of League, Champions Cup and FA Cup (in 1999).

"The League Cup was just a start," said Drogba. "People criticise Chelsea, but we are still there and we're in a good position.

"There is a strong spirit in the group and we're not going to stop here. I hope we can push on from here.

"We want to be the English champions for the third time running. We want the FA Cup and we want, of course, the Champions League... you are going to see that."

Quaresma... a Figo alternative

Inter are mulling options to sign Porto's Ricardo Quaresma who could be an ideal replacement for the departing Luis Figo. The Serie A leaders are searching for young blood as the Portuguese winger will leave in June after agreeing to an Arabian switch, despite Massimo Moratti's attempts to keep him.

Quaresma started his career with Sporting in his homeland before completing a dream move to Barcelona in 2003. However, the 23-year-old had a frosty relationship with Frank Rijkaard and joined Porto just 12 months later.

Quaresma has been impressive since his last switch and the player, dubbed as Harry Potter because of his magical skills, has also caught the eye of Atletico Madrid and Chelsea.

Mellberg in no rush for contract

Aston Villa defender Olof Mellberg is content to put talks about a new contract on hold for the immediate future.

Villa boss Martin O'Neill wants to speak to Mellberg and midfielder Gavin McCann about extending their stay after their current deals expire at the end of the 2007-2008 campaign.

Mellberg has already intimated he is happy to put pen to paper on a new contract but stressed he is in no rush to open negotiations.

"I'm not too worried about my contract just yet," he said. "I've just been focusing on games, not just for Villa, but for the national team.

"It's important to concentrate on my performances. I'm enjoying my football as much as ever here and it was good to hear the manager talk about the possibility of a new deal."

No goals... no points

Former Israel coach Shlomo Scharf proposed yesterday that Israeli league teams who draw their matches 0-0 should not be awarded any points. Scharf said that a totally new approach was needed to revive dwindling public interest in one of the dullest league campaigns in living memory.

"Negative play must not be rewarded, I would even deny teams a point for goalless draws," Scharf said.

As has been typical this season, in the last round of matches which ended on Monday night only eight goals were scored in six matches.