Football news

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has dismissed reports that he is ready to offload midfielder Xabi Alonso in the summer.

Alonso has been a key figure in the Liverpool team since making the move to Anfield from Real Sociedad in 2004. Benitez is planning a major overhaul in the close season but is ready to offer a new deal to Alonso.

"I heard about interest from Barcelona in the player. But he has two more years here and we are thinking about renewing his contract," Benitez told Skysports News.

Portsmouth agree Muntari fee

Sulley Muntari is on the verge of joining Portsmouth, Udinese confirmed yesterday. The Ghana midfielder has been granted permission to discuss personal terms with the Premier League club after an undisclosed fee for his transfer was agreed between the two sides.

Reports suggest that Portsmouth are prepared to pay a club record £7 million for the 22-year-old, who has been a long-term target of manager Harry Redknapp.

Adams reveals Arsenal ambition

Tony Adams has revealed his ambition to become the manager of his former club Arsenal in the future. Adams is currently working as assistant to Harry Redknapp at Portsmouth. He has made no secret of his desire to take charge of a Premier League club and would love to manage his old club some time in the future.

"Managing Arsenal is the ultimate aim. The club was a massive part of my life," Adams told the Daily Mirror. "Who would not jump at the chance to do that job? Everything is in place - the backroom staff, facilities, training ground and scouting network is phenomenal."

Baptista set for Real return

Arsenal are not going to take up the option to turn Julio Baptista's loan deal from Real Madrid into a permanent move, the Brazilian attacking midfielder has said.

"Arsenal have told me they are not able to buy me and so all I can do is return to Real Madrid," Baptista told sports daily Marca yesterday.

The 25-year-old international moved to London last August in a one-year loan swap, with Arsenal's Jose Antonio Reyes moving in the opposite direction.

"I have enjoyed my season with Arsenal. I didn't play much at first but finished much better. The first year is very difficult," Baptista said. "The English league is very strong and very competitive with great teams."

Berlusconi rules out Buffon bid

Milan are not interested in signing Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon in the summer, club president Silvio Berlusconi said yesterday.

Buffon has been constantly linked with a move to Milan but Berlusconi claims he has the utmost faith in Brazilian Dida and is not looking to bring in Buffon.

"I have no intention of signing Buffon," Berlusconi told the Italian press. "He's a big keeper but we have big faith in Dida with whom we have also recently extended a contract."

Kaladze tips Kaka for Golden Ball

Kakha Kaladze believes team-mate Kaka deserves to win this year's Golden Ball after Milan's Champions League win.

The Italian club beat Liverpool 2-1 in Athens, claiming the title for the seventh time, and the Brazilian finished as the competition's top scorer with 10 goals despite failing to score in the final.

"What Kaka has done this year is worthy of the Golden Ball," the Georgian international said.

"He has been extraordinary throughout the season and he fully deserves it."

Real forgo promotional tour

Real Madrid will not be doing a high-profile pre-season promotional tour to allow the team to focus on its preparations for next season, the club said.

"This year we are going to give the priority to the sports section of the club, and so we are not going to do a tour," Real board spokesman Miguel Angel Arroyo was quoted as saying on the club's website.

"It will be the longest pre-season we have had, with the team only having a national profile, so that we avoid the tiredness caused by long trips."

The club have accepted an invitation to play a friendly in Israel against a combined Israeli-Palestinian team on June 19, just after the end of this season.

Juve plan Marquez swoop

Juventus have set their sights on Barcelona defender Rafael Marquez as they look to strengthen their squad for next season's Serie A campaign.

Marquez is among Didier Deschamps's transfer targets this summer and the Barcelona defender has declared that he would favour a move to Italy.

"After experiences in France and Spain, a new adventure in Serie A would be stimulating," said the 28-year-old.

Giampaolo's future uncertain

Cagliari coach Marco Giampaolo has admitted that his future is still unsure despite having secured Serie A safety with one match to spare.

The Sardinia club ensured another season in the top flight thanks to their win against Roma last weekend, but their next match against Ascoli could be Giampaolo's last with the Sant'Elia outfit.

"I will meet with president Massimo Cellino shortly and we will take a decision which pleases both parties," said Giampaolo.

"I will stay here if the conditions are right to continue the work we started this year. I spoke to Cellino and he agrees with me."