Football news

Michael Owen scored on his return for Newcastle in a friendly against Gretna on Tuesday. Earlier this week, manager Glenn Roeder had poured cold water on a quick return for Owen but the England forward marked his comeback in a behind-closed-doors warm-up.

Owen had been sidelined since picking up a serious knee injury last summer, but looked sharp in the 4-1 win which also marked the return to action of Shola Ameobi.

Owen played 70 minutes and left those present in no doubt that he is ready for action.

"He didn't look rusty at all. He looked very sharp," Gretna midfielder Erik Paartalu told reporters.

Genoa offer for Viduka

Mark Viduka could be on his way to Italy after an interesting offer from Genoa, agent Steve Kutner said. The Middlesbrough player is out of contract at the end of the season and has so far only entered into tentative discussions with the English club.

Kutner expects talks over a new deal to progress over the next week or two. Serie B side Genoa, currently well placed to earn promotion, have reportedly offered Viduka a lucrative three-year deal.

Viduka has been in fine form of late and said earlier this week that he hoped to stay at The Riverside.

Voeller blasts Leverkusen players

Rudi Voeller criticised Bayer Leverkusen's players following a frustrating week for the Bay-Arena outfit with two heavy home defeats.

Leverkusen suffered a 3-0 UEFA Cup home defeat against Osasuna in midweek and then lost 4-1 against Bundesliga strugglers VFL Bochum. Director of Sport Voeller identified the poor defending as the main reason for the surprising defeats.

"We were lethargic and passive and had to pay the price for our attitude," he said.

"It's always the same story as we allow our opponents to create too many chances."

Sixteen charged after clashes

Sixteen fans have been charged with various offences following violent clashes at Tuesday night's Champions League tie between Manchester United and Roma at Old Trafford.

Four Italian supporters appeared at Manchester City Magistrates' Court yesterday, while 12 English fans have been bailed to attend Trafford Magistrates' Court on April 18.

Hundreds of supporters were caught up in ugly scenes outside Old Trafford as a stand-off ensued between rival fans, who were separated by riot police and dog handlers.

Juve will not let Buffon go

Juve will do all they can to keep Gianluigi Buffon but only if he is convinced of the club's project for the future, club supremo Giovanni Cobolli Gigli said.

The goalkeeper is pondering a move away from Turin at the end of the season, but Juve are understandably keen to keep a tight grip on the World Cup winner.

"We want Buffon to stay with us as we feel great friendship and respect towards him," said Cobolli Gigli.

"We will do all we can to keep him here."

Mourinho wants Crespo back

Jose Mourinho said Chelsea are not ready to free Hernan Crespo, currently at Inter, from his Stamford Bridge contract. The Argentine attacker is owned by the London outfit until 2008 but joined Inter on a loan deal last summer.

Crespo hinted he wants to remain with Inter and reports yesterday claimed that Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich was ready to make that happen.

However, Chelsea will face a striker shortage in the first part of next season as Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou will be away on international duty.

"That is why Hernan will have to return to London," Mourinho said.

Guidolin planning revival

Beleaguered coach Francesco Guidolin said he is determined to save Palermo's season after nearly getting the chop last weekend. President Maurizio Zamparini was all set to sack the coach after the 3-1 defeat to Cagliari, but opted for a different route.

"I am ready to fight all the battles that are ahead of us until the very end," Guidolin said.

"It is obvious that we are going through a difficult time as results are lacking, but we are still in the race for fourth place."

English game improving - Fergie

Alex Ferguson claimed the Premiership is the top league in Europe after a breathtaking display by Manchester United against Roma.

Ferguson said: "The fact that English teams are figuring prominently in the Champions League semi-finals probably makes our competition the best in Europe.

"Six or seven years ago Spanish football was the best. But on the evidence of this season Barcelona and Real Madrid are not as near to where they were in previous years. The competitive nature and the quality of the English game has improved over the seasons."

Tottenham to gamble on King

Tottenham Hotspur manager Martin Jol is almost certain to gamble on the fitness of Ledley King today as injuries have decimated his defence for the UEFA Cup quarter-final, second leg clash with Sevilla.

King has not played since Christmas because of foot injuries, but Dutchman Jol is running out of options at the back as his side try to overturn a 2-1 deficit at White Hart Lane.

"It's the worst defensive crisis we've had all season," Jol said.

"Ledley is very close, although he didn't train today because he felt something (in his foot). Normally he wouldn't be in the squad but he said he's ready to go. He wanted to start against Chelsea on Saturday."