Football news

Real Betis will be making a move for Liverpool's Mark Gonzalez next summer. Reports in Spain suggest Betis coach Luis Fernandez has made Gonzalez one of his top transfer targets.

Gonzalez is highly regarded in Spain after two successful seasons with Albacete and Real Sociedad before moving to Anfield.

The Chilean winger has struggled for form and fitness since his transfer to Anfield, struggling to hold down a regular place in Rafael Benitez's starting XI.

The news has alerted Betis who are in the market for a left-sided midfielder for next season and reports suggest they have sounded out Gonzalez's representatives about a possible return to Spain.

Sevilla... a severe test for Spurs

Steed Malbranque feels Tottenham will face a severe examination against Sevilla in the UEFA Cup. Tottenham are in the quarter-finals but have now been pitted against last season's winners.

Malbranque feels Tottenham have the potential to go all the way to Hampden Park for the final, but is not taking victory over Sevilla as a foregone conclusion.

"We can do very good in this cup, but we play a good team in the next round and it will be a tough game," Malbranque said. "It is 50-50."

Schuster thinks Capello will go

Bernd Schuster thinks Fabio Capello will not be coach of Real Madrid next season. Capello has struggled to leave his imprint at the Bernabeu as Real are out of the Champions Cup, King's Cup and trail bitter rivals Barcelona by five points in the title race.

Getafe coach Schuster, who is a candidate to replace Capello, feels the former Juve coach's style could play a part in his downfall.

"It is practically certain that he is not going to be the trainer of Real Madrid next season," Schuster said. "Capello only wants to win - it does not matter how - and with that philosophy he will not prevail in Real Madrid."

Milan block United's Gattuso bid

Gennaro Gattuso said Milan have consistently blocked any chance of him joining Manchester United. The gritty midfielder has repeatedly been linked with a switch to Old Trafford, often mooted as the ideal replacement for Roy Keane.

Alex Ferguson is rumoured to be a fan of the former Rangers ace, but Gattuso admits he has never spoken to the United manager.

"Maybe for two or three years I have had the chance to go and play for Manchester," Gattuso said. "I have never spoken to Ferguson.

"It's impossible to go to another team right now as I have signed a new contract for 2011."

Poor preparation at Man. City - Corradi

Bernardo Corradi criticised his club Manchester City saying his stay with them has been a 'nightmare' and also claiming the club is not properly prepared for games.

The Italian international is currently on a season-long loan from Valencia, but he seems highly unlikely to remain at the club.

Agent Moreno Roggi revealed earlier this week Corradi was unsettled.

"The manager is typically English," Corradi said.

"He expects you to go out and beat the other team without knowing how they play. There's no preparation. It has been a nightmare."

Newcastle will not rush Owen

Freddy Shepherd yesterday told England that striker Michael Owen will not be rushed back from injury to help the national team in the Euro 2008 qualifying campaign.

Owen, 27, has targeted a return from cruciate ligament damage before the end of the season, putting him in line for England's game against Estonia in June.

But the Newcastle supremo said: "He will return when it suits him and Newcastle, not England. If he's not fit for Newcastle this season, he won't be fit for England."

The importance of Owen to England has been highlighted by the goal drought suffered by Steve McClaren's side, who have scored only once in five international matches.

Australia protect Viduka

Australia want to reach a compromise with Mark Viduka to prolong his international career. The 31-year-old Middlesbrough striker played a part in Australia's 2-0 friendly win over China last weekend.

Interim coach Graham Arnold said: "Call it what you like but we can look after him with a well-thought out schedule.

"He won't have to play in too many meaningless games and we can cut down on his travelling."

Arnold is keen to convince Viduka to continue playing for Australia beyond the Asian Cup finals in July.

Di Vaio wants Serie A football

Marco Di Vaio is pleased after scoring his first brace for Genoa and hopes to help the once-mighty team return to Serie A.

The former Monaco striker had failed to impress since his January move, scoring just once in Serie B but netted two goals in the 3-0 win away at Crotone on Sunday.

"I hope I can continue helping the team, unfortunately I have missed playing with continuity in an important club," said Di Vaio.

"I miss Serie A, but we want to return there at all costs and we hope that will happen at the end of this season.

"That is the only thing I really miss, whereas I don't miss the market talk. I want to stay here as long as possible and find stability."