Football news

Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood reassured manager Arsene Wenger yesterday he would have money to spend on new players in the close season.

In a letter to shareholders, Hill-Wood also said he was planning to meet Stan Kroenke over the US billionaire's recent increased stake in the Premier League club.

"Our philosophy at the club is the same as it always was: to ensure Arsenal remains one of the elite football clubs and consistently competes at the highest level," Hill-Wood told shareholders.

"Should Arsene wish to strengthen the squad in the summer, funds are available for him to do so."

Whelan blasts Premier League

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has hit out at the Premier League's decision not to deduct West Ham any points after a hearing into the signings of Argentine duo Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano.

The Hammers were fined £5.5 million by the Premier League after they were accused of acting improperly and without holding documentation regarding the transfers of the duo.

"The Premier League have now established that no one can ever be docked points unless a club goes into receivership and then it's an automatic ten-point deduction," Whelan told the Times.

"The rules are the rules and if this breach doesn't merit the docking of points, then let's make it clear - nothing does. A precedent has been set."

Inzaghi fit for United clash

Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Filippo Inzaghi is fit for the second leg of Milan's Champions League semi-final against Man. United.

Inzaghi missed last week's 3-2 defeat at Old Trafford with a thigh injury but is now fully fit.

"Inzaghi is well and he has recuperated from his physical problem, so he's got a good chance of playing on Wednesday," the Milan coach said.

Inzaghi has a prolific record of 56 career goals in Europe, while Gilardino has netted just one in 17 Champions League matches.

Toni to join Bayern - media

Luca Toni has agreed a move to Bayern Munich worth €5.4 million per season, reports in Italy said yesterday.

The Fiorentina forward has long been linked with a summer switch and although Inter, Milan and Juventus were touted as favourites for his signature, it now seems that an overseas option is his preferred destination.

Bayern Munich have allegedly offered €18m to tempt the Italian international to the Bundesliga next season.

This would give him the opportunity to play in the Champions League and ensure the Viola do not reinforce their direct opponents in Serie A.

Messina up for sale

Messina's difficult season took a turn for the worst yesterday after club president Pietro Franza announced that he is ready to listen to offers from potential buyers to take over the Sicilian club.

"After 10 years I am leaving this club," Franza said yesterday. "I have led this side for a decade, taking them from the amateur League up to Serie B, then promotion to Serie A and the historic seventh-place finish.

"In the meantime the costs of running the team rose and I received help from nobody, including the local authorities."

Strachan has 'pressures of a PM'

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan insists he could do Tony Blair's job as after two years of the stress and strain of bossing the Scottish champions.

The 50-year-old believes the pressures of managing Celtic are comparable with those facing the Prime Minister.

"It's great, don't get me wrong," Strachan told BBC. "I do believe if you can manage Rangers or Celtic you can go on to become Prime Minister of Great Britain. I think it's that hard."

Dyer staying at Newcastle

Newcastle boss Glenn Roeder has told Tottenham to forget about trying to persuade Kieron Dyer to follow Jermaine Jenas to White Hart Lane.

Reports have suggested Martin Jol will target the 28-year-old England international this summer after his return to fitness from a troublesome hamstring complaint.

'Kieron Dyer has only really just returned to full fitness," Roeder said.

"He is a major player for us. He can open up defences - no-one can run with the ball quicker than Kieron Dyer - maybe Joe Cole at Chelsea - but Kieron at his best is a big asset to Newcastle."

Cannavaro 'stifled' by trophies

Fabio Cannavaro has blamed the endless interviews and awards ceremonies for his poor campaign at Real Madrid.

"It has been a difficult year with many photographs, interviews and profiles," said the Ballon d'Or winner and FIFA World Player of the Year.

"I am a player who needs to be 100 per cent concentrated on his work and this season I have been unable to do that."

Buffon's future still undecided

Gianluigi Buffon has rejected speculation that he has already decided his future. The Juventus goalkeeper has hinted several times that he is reconsidering his position and reports in the media have pictured him as either already wearing the Milan or Inter jersey.

"Everything I hear has been totally invented, because I have not spoken to anyone about my future," he said. "The only thing I feel that I can say is that I will not make the decision by myself. It will be in agreement with the club."