Football news

Defender Jamie Carragher is confident that manager Rafael Benitez will stay at Liverpool despite touted interest from Real Madrid.

After Benitez led the Reds to the quarter-finals of the Champions League at the expense of holders Barcelona, there has been an increase in rumours linking him with the coaching job at the Bernabeu.

"Rafa wouldn't get anything better than Liverpool, or I wouldn't think so," Carragher said.

"He can buy his own players here. He's one of the best managers around. He proved that at Valencia, and he's already proved it here.

"Hopefully we can go on again over the next few years and win more things. All the players enjoy working with him. Next season we want to push on and do well in the Premiership as well."

Ferguson praises Queiroz

Sir Alex Ferguson has reiterated his intention to stay at Manchester United for at least another two years, and has backed Carlos Queiroz as the man to replace him when he eventually retires.

British newspapers suggested that Ferguson may be ready to bring his Old Trafford reign to an end but with United enjoying their most successful season in years, Ferguson is adamant he has not lost his appetite for the big occasion.

"I'll be here for at least another two years," he told The Mail on Sunday. "I couldn't be enjoying the job any more than I am now."

Ferguson is reluctant to say who he thinks should be appointed as United's next manager, but has paid tribute to assistant boss Queiroz.

"His teaching and his work is invaluable to the success of this club," Ferguson said. "It's not my role to say who the next manager is going to be but Carlos has the qualities to manage any top club."

Wenger reassured about transfer budget

Arsene Wenger has been reassured that his budget for summer transfers will not be hit by Arsenal's Champions League exit.

The Gunners were knocked out by PSV Eindhoven last week, losing their last 16 clash 2-1 on aggregate.

Managing director Keith Edelman had hoped Arsenal would reach the Champions League final for a second year in succession but insisted the club's financial plan had accounted for an earlier defeat.

"It will not affect the manager's budget at all," Edelman told Sky Sports. "If we had gone all the way to the final it might have been increased, but the budget set is based on an exit from the first knock-out round."

Klinsmann linked with Aussie job

Juergen Klinsmann has emerged as the front-runner to be Australia's next manager.

Football Federation Australia's boss Ben Buckley is said to have had meetings with the leading candidates including Gerard Houllier, Guus Hiddink, Dick Advocaat and Leo Beenhakker, but it is understood his preference is with former Germany manager Klinsmann.

"We have spoken to a number of people in recent weeks and we'd like to have someone in place by the end of this year," Buckley said.

Klinsmann exceeded all expectations when he guided Germany to a surprise third-place finish in the 2006 World Cup before stepping down, citing personal reasons.

Joe Cole targets April return

England midfielder Joe Cole believes he will be ready to make his injury comeback for Chelsea's Champions League quarter-final first leg against Valencia on April 4.

Cole has missed much of this campaign with a stress fracture of the foot.

"Joe Cole told me he will be ready for Valencia," Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho said. "So if not for Valencia maybe for the following week after that. The fact that he is saying that will push him."

Milan keen on Buffon, Ronaldinho

Milan president Silvio Berlusconi has claimed the club will try to acquire Gianluigi Buffon and Ronaldinho in the summer.

Asked by reporters who was his top priority between Juventus goalkeeper Buffon and Barcelona forward Ronaldinho, Berlusconi replied: "Why would I have to choose? I want them both.

"This is a really different Milan to the team that was there at the beginning of the season, thanks to the arrivals of Massimo Oddo and Ronaldo," he continued.

"We eventually overcame the shortfall in the summer transfer window due to the fact that we had to play a qualifying match for the Champions League. We already had Gianluca Zambrotta and Zlatan Ibrahimovic lined up but we had to let them go."

Kanu offered new contract

Portsmouth are waiting to see if Nwankwo Kanu will accept the club's offer of a new contract.

Kanu, whose current deal expires in the summer, has been a revelation at Pompey this season, helping them to fight for a place in Europe.

"We've made Kanu a generous offer to stay and it's in his hands," Portsmouth chief executive Peter Storrie said.

"He wants to leave it until the end of the season and see what happens then."

Villa not for sale, say Valencia

Valencia have warned Chelsea they will not be selling striker David Villa. The Spanish forward has been in excellent form this season and has reportedly attracted the attention of several top clubs, including Chelsea who are ready to offer £45 million for the forward.

"David is not for sale because we need him," president Juan Soler said.

"Valencia will only accept if his release clause of £85 million is met and I warn clubs that are interested."