Football news

Egyptian striker Mido is likely to leave Tottenham Hotspur in search of regular first-team football next summer. This season, he started just six Premiership games and his only league goal proved to be the winner against West Ham back in October.

Dimitar Berbatov's impressive form has kept Mido on the fringes.

"I was unfortunate with the injuries I had," Mido said. "Every time I play and put in a good display an injury strikes me to halt my progress with Spurs."

Mido was close to joining Manchester City last January.

Real with list of new coaches

Fabio Capello could soon be on his way out of Real Madrid but club president Ramon Calderon refused to confirm Bernd Schuster as a replacement.

Schuster, currently in charge of Getafe, has been strongly tipped to take over, while Premiership duo Rafael Benitez and Jose Mourinho have also been linked with the post.

Calderon said: "It is true that we have coaches on the list. People are not very happy since we have not had some good matches. Capello had to manage a team that has gone three years without winning anything and that is not easy either. We have had very bad luck."

Scholes wants to beat Chelsea

Paul Scholes wants Manchester United to beat Chelsea, irrespective of whether the game impacts on the Premiership title race. The league's top two will now clash at Stamford Bridge on May 9 after FA Cup semi-final commitments prompted the match to be rescheduled.

By the time of the re-arranged fixture, United could have clinched a first Premiership crown in four years.

"Winning that game is something we'll have to do to show we're worthy of being up there," Scholes said. "To me, it doesn't make any difference when we play Chelsea."

Milan have eyes on Ronaldinho

Ronaldinho has spoken publicly about his hopes of joining Milan to play alongside Brazil team-mate Kaka.

"I am happy at Barcelona, but in the future you never know what will happen," he said.

Milan have made absolutely no secret of their intention to make a huge summer bid for Ronaldinho as fellow Brazil stars Ronaldo and Kaka have confirmed they rang up the player to recommend a move to the San Siro.

"It was a nice gesture," he smiled. "Playing with Kaka is pure joy."

Good to be back - Vieri

Christian Vieri is celebrating his return to training with Atalanta and this week could play his first game in a year.

"After 12 months out of action, I have to say it is wonderful to be here and I am very happy. I really missed playing football," he said.

The former Milan, Inter and Lazio striker has had a very troubled couple of years due to a succession of injuries and contractual controversy.

Since switching to Atalanta for a minimum wage contract, Vieri has not yet made an official appearance due to injuries.

"It is very important for me to be back training with my team-mates. I saw Prof. Maertens on Friday and he gave me the all-clear," he said.

Euro 2012... Italy on pole

Luca Pancalli is confident Italy will host Euro 2012.

"I am convinced that after the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin the world knows our ability to organise big international tournaments," said the temporary Italian soccer federation chief.

"We are up to the task of Euro 2012. This is why I am not irritated by FIFA president Sepp Blatter's comments backing the Ukraine-Poland bid. Besides, I have grown to know his style by now."

Italy are on the three-nation shortlist along with Croatia-Hungary and Ukraine-Poland for a decision that will be announced in Cardiff on April 18.

Fixtures list worries Coleman

Chris Coleman has branded the Premiership fixture list 'nonsense' with Fulham playing just two matches in nearly four weeks. The manager believes the congestion at the start of the season and at Christmas could be avoided if better use was made of March and April.

"We would have preferred to have a game this weekend," he said. "The fixtures amaze me because at the start of the season you play three games in the first week.

"Then towards the end of the season you have a two-week break and we've got just two games in a month."

Pennant wants England chance

Jermaine Pennant is frustrated by an ongoing lack of recognition from England coach Steve McClaren.

The former Birmingham and Arsenal player has endured a mixed start to life at Liverpool since being signed from the Midlands club last summer. Pennant believes he has done enough to merit a place in the national team.

"I'm very keen for an England call-up," he said. "It's frustrating when you play for a big club and you're doing well not to get a chance.

"I feel as though I have played well for Liverpool this season... that's why it's frustrating not to have had a chance yet with England."