Football news

Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant heads into the Champions League final with Milan admitting he is still short of his best form. Pennant signed from Birmingham City for £6.7 million last year and has taken time to adapt.

"It's always difficult to make an impact straight away. Not many players have got off to a flyer in their first season at a new club," Pennant told reporters.

"But now I've been here for a season I've got used to the players and the manager, I know how he likes to play. It has set me up for next season to really explode."

Vidic feared for United future

Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic said he feared he would not make the grade at Old Trafford after initially struggling after joining from Spartak Moscow in January, 2006.

"My first couple of months in England were very difficult," Vidic told reporters. "To be honest, I didn't think I had a future in England. I did worry that I wasn't going to make it at Manchester United.

"I missed passes I had never missed before. It was like I had forgotten how to play. But players need to be strong in the head to play at a big club here."

Vidic's progress was also disrupted by a knee injury, which ruled the Serbian international out of last summer's World Cup finals in Germany.

Givet drops transfer hint

French international defender Gael Givet has dropped a broad hint he could be leaving Monaco at the end of the season.

"I'm not saying I'm going to leave, but I don't want to close the door on this option," he said. "If I leave, it will be for a foreign club."

Juventus, led by former Monaco coach Didier Deschamps, have made it clear they are interested in signing the rock-solid central defender.

Monaco entertain champions Lyon at the Louis II stadium today.

Ljungberg planning to stay

Freddie Ljungberg has rejected reports that he could be leaving Arsenal in summer.

Widespread reports had suggested that the Gunners were willing to offload the Swedish international after enduring a frustrating season and missed large chunks of the campaign with a series of niggling injuries.

The Swede's representative Claes Elefalk has moved to clear up the confusion regarding Ljungberg's future, stating he has no plans to move elsewhere.

"I can confirm that it is not true," Elefalk said. "Fredrik's intention is to stay at Arsenal."

Nakamura makes clean sweep

Shunsuke Nakamura made a clean sweep of awards after picking up his latest accolade from sponsors Bank of Scotland. The 29-year-old was presented with his trophy as best player by last year's winner, Paul Hartley, formerly of Hearts but now a team-mate in Celtic's midfield.

He had already been voted player of the year by Scotland's football writers and by his fellow professionals.

Nakamura was also voted Celtic's player of the year by the club's supporters.

Robson linked with Blades' move

Reports in the UK yesterday said Bryan Robson is set to return to football management after being offered to take over from Neil Warnock at Sheffield United.

The 50-year-old former Middlesbrough and West Brom boss has emerged as the clear favourite after the Blades indicated they were looking to appoint an experienced manager.

Robson, who recently established a thriving sports consultancy business, said: "I have absolutely nothing to say about it at the moment."

Inter want to sign Chivu

Inter are preparing a bid for Cristian Chivu. The Roma defender's future is in doubt as his contract expires in 2008 and talks regarding a renewal are still at an early stage.

Real Madrid, Barcelona, Milan and Juventus are also monitoring the stopper's situation. But, Chivu is highly rated by Inter coach Roberto Mancini.

The two clubs allegedly started to discuss the proposed operation after the second leg of the Coppa Italia final on Thursday. It seems, Roma could be ready to sell rather than run the risk of losing him next year on a Bosman transfer.

Nesta extends Milan deal

Defender Alessandro Nesta has extended his contract with Milan until 2011. His previous contract was due to expire in 2008 and he had been linked with a sensational return to Lazio.

However, as expected, Nesta has ended the speculation about his future by making a fresh commitment to Milan.

Nesta, who is back at his best following shoulder surgery in November, is in his fifth season with Milan after growing up in the Lazio youth system. The 31-year-old was named by Pele as one of the top 125 greatest living footballers.

Napoli to bid for Vieri

Napoli are ready to make a bid for Christian Vieri should they secure Serie A promotion. Napoli are planning some key signings following the midweek 1-0 away win at Brescia and have targeted the high-profile Atalanta striker for their first Serie A campaign since 2001.

Vieri joined Atalanta last summer after signing a minimum wage deal. The former Inter player has hinted at a move this summer with Fiorentina and Torino touted as possible destinations, even if the ambitious Napoli have now joined the queue.

"I want this side's value to be recognised on the international stage," said Napoli supremo Aurelio De Laurentiis.