Football News

Norwegian giant John Carew looks keen to stay at Aston Villa and shed his reputation as a footballing nomad. The striker has now played for four clubs in three years after moving to the Premiership in January, with his transfer from Lyon ending a spell of 18 months in French football.

Carew also counts Besiktas, Roma, Valencia and Rosenborg amongst his former clubs, but he admits he has settled in well at Villa and is looking forward to a prolonged career under Martin O'Neill.

"I would like to stay at Aston Villa for a while. This is definitely not a one-year thing for me with this club," said Carew.

"I would like to be here for maybe three or four years and be part of what is really happening at Villa. I still have big ambitions and this is a new, interesting team."

Buffon will stay, say Juve

Juventus president Giovanni Cobogli Gigli is certain Gianluigi Buffon will remain at the club next season despite being repeatedly linked with a move away from the Stadio Delle Alpi.

Buffon turned down moves to Inter and Milan last summer and instead opted to remain with Juve after their relegation to Serie B for match fixing.

"I'm 100% certain Buffon will remain with us," said Cobogli Gigli.

"It's not something that worries me, my only concern is for the team to return to Serie A."

Gudjohnsen facing Nou Camp exit

Eidur Gudjohnsen looks to be on his way out of Barcelona. The English media had suggested that Manchester United were ready to make an £8 million bid to lure the Icelander back to England.

Gudjohnsen left the Premier League last summer when he quit Chelsea to accept the challenge at Barca. He was signed to replace Henrik Larsson and now, coincidentally, it is said that is what United want him to do at Old Trafford.

Despite still being in the running for the Treble, United have been left short of striking options in recent weeks as both Louis Saha and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer are struggling with injuries.

Gudjohnsen has been limited to just 13 starts this season.

Guidolin ban reduced

Francesco Guidolin had his three-match ban cut. The Palermo coach had been handed the punishment for his red card in the March 11 match against Fiorentina.

"I am pleased with this decision, the disciplinary commission understood the motivations of our appeal, which the club and myself explained personally during the hearing," said Guidolin.

"Now I only want to focus on the match with Torino. I'm very happy to be able to return to the bench on such an important occasion."

Guidolin lost his composure on the touchline when he got involved in a verbal confrontation with Fiorentina coach Cesare Prandelli.

Palermo's appeal against the verdict was accepted in midweek and the punishment was reduced to a one-match ban, which he already served last weekend in the 1-1 draw with Sampdoria.

Rummenigge warns Man. United

Bayern Munich are under no pressure to sell Owen Hargreaves in the summer. The Bavarian giants dug their heels last year to resist overtures from Man. United for Hargreaves.

The England international is tied to Bayern on a long-term deal and the German champions are once again preparing a summer defensive.

"We'll be presenting another first-class balance sheet this year so we can say 'no' if a club like United comes in with a large offer," Bayern chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said.

Hargreaves has made no secret of his desire to move to Old Trafford.

Rocchi going nowhere - Lotito

Claudio Lotito has denied reports that Tommaso Rocchi in on his way to Juventus.

"Rocchi does not want to play for Juventus," said the Lazio owner. "I do not think he wants to leave. In any case, he is not for sale, like many of his team-mates."

Rumours of a Turin temptation did spread yesterday after the former Empoli player admitted that catching Juve's eye was a reason to be cheerful.

"The interest of a prestigious club like Juventus flatters me and if an offer should arrive I would consider it," declared Rocchi.

Owen could play this season

Michael Owen is likely to make a return from a serious knee injury before the end of the season. The Newcastle striker is recovering from surgery after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament at the World Cup in June last year.

"I would think it would be a couple of weeks before I can join in training," the 27-year-old said. "I am kicking and running straight as hard as I like, and then it is the twisting and turning."

No offers for Nani yet

Sporting Lisbon said it would take £13.5 million to secure their starlet Nani amid claims that Tottenham had expressed an interest. The 20-year-old forward is likened to Cristiano Ronaldo and the ace winger has admitted he would love Nani to follow him to Old Trafford.

Spurs are the latest club to look at Nani but reports suggest that they would be unwilling to offer more than £6.7 million.

"The club that wants the kid have a price - £13.5 million. Only by this money would we be disposed to let Nani leave," a Sporting spokesman said.