Football news

Ireland defender Steve Finnan is keen to sign a new contract at Liverpool after this week's Champions League final.

The right back is one of five players manager Rafael Benitez has offered new deals to.

"I'm very happy here and want to stay here as long as I can," Finnan said. "Hopefully I can finish my career here and we can sort out a contract. There is no doubt that I want to stay here. The club has come on a lot in the past three years."

Barca must work harder - Xavi

A failure to appreciate the importance of hard work and a lack of team spirit has handed Barcelona's rivals the chance of depriving them of the league title, according to midfielder Xavi.

"We have spent the season thinking that we could win games just because of our name and it isn't like that. It's true we've messed up," Xavi told sports daily Marca.

"I don't think it's that we were 'cocky', but I think we believed we could win games without working hard. In terms of quality we are better than most teams, but if you don't work hard then anyone can beat you."

Barcelona lost sole leadership in the standings after a 1-1 draw to Real Betis saw them joined at the top by leaders Real Madrid with four matches to go.

Thaksin makes bid for Man. City

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has made a formal bid to take over Manchester City, his spokesman said yesterday.

"What I can say now is we have tendered a bid for the club," Thaksin's lawyer Noppadon Pattama told Reuters by telephone.

Thaksin, who has not returned to Thailand since a bloodless military coup in September, made an indicative proposal to Manchester City earlier this month but no further details have been released since.

"We had to be silent because we had to follow the stock regulations as we are trying to buy a listed company," said Noppadon.

Tevez hints at West Ham stay

Argentina forward Carlos Tevez said his priority was to stay with West Ham although he also dreams of playing for a big European club.

"The West Ham supporters were incredible to me, I will never forget it, and so West Ham will always have priority," said Tevez, a key figure as the London club escaped relegation from the Premier League.

"But, if they are going to sell me, yes, I would like to play for a big European club," he told reporters.

Cahill plans return to Samoa

Australia and Everton midfielder Tim Cahill is planning an emotional return to Samoa in the hope of promoting soccer and good health in the tiny South Pacific nation of Samoa.

Cahill has strong links with Samoa. His mother was born there and he once played for Samoa , aged 14, in an U-20s match 13 years ago.

"I've got a massive connection with my heritage, I always have had," Cahill said. "It's not the wealthiest country in the world. If I can help, if I can do something for my mum, if I can support my little brother, if I can promote football, good eating habits, that sort of thing, then I'm happy to do it.

Rui Costa cheering on Milan

Rui Costa has urged his former Milan team-mates to beat Liverpool in the Champions League final on Wednesday. The Portuguese midfielder was on the field when Milan lost on penalties after a 3-3 draw in 2005 in Istanbul and even though he has moved on, he has not forgotten that bond.

"Who, like me, has had the fortune to live in the Milan family does not forget and never stops feeling a part of it," he told the club's website.

"I am proud of what Milan have been able to achieve in this incredibly difficult season and I know they close it with class. So beat Liverpool, and it will be a small revenge for me as well. Good luck!"

Vieira could miss Euro qualifiers

France captain Patrick Vieira is a major doubt for June's Euro 2008 qualifiers after doctors assessed a knee injury sustained in the Italian Cup final.

His club Inter said he had suffered damage to a ligament in his right knee and although they failed to say how long he would be out for, his participation against Ukraine on June 2 and Georgia on June 6 looks under threat.

Vieira left the pitch in some pain during the first half of Inter's Cup final second leg with Roma.

Bazzani joins Livorno

Fabio Bazzani has thanked Sampdoria fans for 'five memorable years' at Marassi after he agreed to join Livorno last week.

"These have been five wonderful years and for this I truly thank everyone at Sampdoria, especially the fans," he said.

"It was here that I reached the apex of my career and now I accept that the club must focus on youth," added the 30-year-old who netted just once in 26 games in all competition this term.

Carvalho signs new Chelsea deal

Ricardo Carvalho has marked his 29th birthday by signing a new five-year contract with Chelsea.

The Portuguese defender has been an influential figure in the Chelsea back-line since joining from Porto in a £19.85 million deal three years ago.

Carvalho has been linked with a move to Real Madrid but has now ended any doubts about his future by agreeing a deal to stay with the FA Cup finalists until 2012.