Football news

Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas has aspirations to play in Catalunya in the future but is not ready to return home just yet.

Fabregas, a former Barcelona youth player, has been linked with a return to Spain this summer but he has repeatedly denied the rumours.

With Barcelona and Real Madrid both touted among the clubs interested in him, the 19-year-old refused to rule out a move away from Arsenal in the future.

"I do not know where I'm going to be in two, three or four years," he was quoted as saying.

"I am only 19. I am very happy at Arsenal but I cannot predict what will happen in the future."

Fabregas has a Catalan girlfriend and with his entire family living in the area, knows that he is likely to be tempted to return one day.

"My girlfriend is Catalan and I expect that I will finish my career playing back in Catalunya," he stated.

Da Costa reveals Chelsea interest

Defender Manuel da Costa has spoken of his desire to move to English football after Chelsea reportedly made a move to sign him.

The highly-rated Portuguese defender, who joined PSV Eindhoven from French club Nancy last summer, has revealed that Chelsea have already held transfer talks with PSV, the latter already having a co-operation agreement with the English champions.

In January, the Blues loaned defender Alcides to PSV after signing him from Benfica.

Trochowski shuns Bayern return

German international Piotr Trochowski has ruled out a possible return to Bayern Munich by extending his contract with Hamburg until 2011.

The midfielder failed to hold down a regular berth during his first spell with Bayern from 1999 to 2005, but reports in the German media claimed that Munich were keen to take him back to the Allianz-Arena.

But the 24-year-old, who was initially tied to Hamburg until 2009, has now extended his contract by another two years.

"I wasn't interested in the speculation as my priority is Hamburg," Trochowski said.

Barca to open Sneijder talks

Barcelona are reportedly seeking to open talks with Ajax for Wesley Sneijder. The talented Dutch forward is the subject of interest from a number of clubs with Barcelona widely regarded as favourites to land his signature.

Sneijder is contracted to Ajax until 2009 but is expected to leave this summer.

Sources now claim that Barca have sent an official to open negotiations with Ajax who want around 12 million euros for their prized asset.

Milan step up efforts to lure Cannavaro

Milan have already approached Real Madrid over the possibility of signing Fabio Cannavaro (right), according to reports in Spain.

Spanish newspaper AS reported that discussions between Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani and Real chief Vicente Calderon have already started.

It is believed that Milan have received a positive response from Real after declaring their interest in the Italy captain during their negotiations for Ronaldo's transfer in January.

However, Cannavaro, who recently admitted that he was missing Juventus, said that he was determined to raise his game at Real Madrid.

"I know I am not on top form, but I am happy here in Spain," he said.

"I've never made so many mistakes in my career, but I'm working hard on getting back to being the player I was at Juventus and the World Cup."

Spalletti calls for more signings

Coach Luciano Spalletti believes that Roma are still a step behind Inter, Milan and Juventus despite their current second position in the Serie A.

"I always hear about the possible new transfers of Inter, Milan and Juve but the same names are never linked with Roma," Spalletti remarked.

"So I can tell that there is still a big difference between us and them."

Roma brought in Francesco Tavano from Valencia and Christian Wilhelmsson from Nantes during the January transfer window but Spalletti has asked for more reinforcements.

"We need at least three to four important players to be competitive," he concluded.

Adriano to miss Livorno match

Adriano will miss Inter's Serie A game against Livorno tomorrow after picking up an injury during Wednesday's 1-1 draw with Udinese.

However, the Brazilian striker, who pulled up after 35 minutes of Wednesday's match due to a muscular problem, will be ready for the Champions League clash away to Valencia on Tuesday night.

"Adriano won't make it for Livorno but he will be available for Valencia," Inter team doctor Daniele Combi said.

"It isn't a bad injury, and he stopped running as soon as he felt that something was wrong."

Breitner becomes Bayern adviser

Paul Breitner, the former Bayern Munich and West Germany left-back, who has been a newspaper columnist and television commentator in recent years, has agreed to serve as an adviser for Bayern Munich, sporting director Uli Hoeness said.

Breitner, whose biting critiques of Bayern Munich's management and coaching decisions caused friction with Hoeness, will serve as an "external adviser", Hoeness said in an interview with Kicker newspaper.