Football news

The Glazer family yesterday refuted suggestions that they are considering selling Manchester United.

For the second time in a fortnight, speculation surfaced yesterday that Malcolm Glazer, United's American billionaire owner, is ready to offload the Old Trafford club after realising the profits to be made will not meet his lofty expectations.

"The Glazer family have a long-term commitment to Manchester United and that is not going to change," a spokesman for the United owners said. "They are determined to make United more successful, both on and off the pitch."

Bellamy on Villa's shopping list

Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill is prepared to make a bid for striker Craig Bellamy if Liverpool decide to part ways with the Welsh striker.

Bellamy enjoyed a good relationship with O'Neill during a successful loan spell at Celtic two-and-a-half years ago.

Bellamy, who is also attracting interest from Blackburn Rovers, his former club, has struggled to command a regular place and was an unused substitute during Wednesday's Champions League final against Milan.

Meanwhile, more fringe players at Aston Villa are expected to leave with Lee Hendrie poised to follow Jlloyd Samuel who joined Bolton Wanders.

Allardyce holds Owen talks

Newcastle United manager Sam Allardyce has held face-to-face talks with Michael Owen for the first time since his appointment.

Allardyce interrupted his holiday earlier this week to talk to Owen, whose future on Tyneside has been the topic of intense speculation in recent weeks, and midfielder Kieron Dyer.

Reports of a get-out clause in Owen's contract sparked rumours that he could be available for as little as £9million this summer.

Makelele staying at Chelsea

Chelsea midfielder Claude Makelele is staying put, the club has said.

"We have not had any offers for Claude and we are not looking for any offers," a statement said.

Makelele said: "I have one year to run on my contract with Chelsea and I am not looking to leave. The comments that have been made on my behalf have not been authorised by me."

Earlier this week in Spain, Villarreal were reported to be trying to sign the 34-year-old.

Beckham recall rumours grow

England coach Steve McClaren has refused to dispel growing speculation that former captain David Beckham is in line for a recall.

McClaren announces the England squad for the friendly against Brazil at Wembley and the Euro 2008 qualifier in Estonia today.

Beckham, 32, has not played for England since the World Cup quarter-final defeat against Portugal in June.

McClaren said: "Is the door open for Beckham? I never said it was closed. I keep my eye on everyone and David is one I said from day one that his form will be monitored."

Benitez promised transfer funds

Liverpool co-owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks have pledged to back manager Rafa Benitez in the summer transfer market.

And American Gillett has not ruled out a move for former Reds striker Michael Owen. "He is a great player but it is down to Rafa's recommendation, not us," Gillett said of the England international.

Gillett and Hicks are not limiting themselves to Owen after promising Benitez funds to help Liverpool compete for the Premiership next season. "Rafa's feeling is we need more depth because of the rigours of the schedule to be competitive," Gillett said.

Moratti salutes 'lucky' Milan

Inter owner Massimo Moratti has congratulated Milan for their Champions League success - even if he is convinced that Liverpool were the better side on Wednesday.

"I want to compliment Milan for their win," said Moratti. "However, I must admit that Liverpool played better and Milan were a bit lucky..."

Relations between the two city rivals were tested again on Thursday night when a banner insulting Inter's title success briefly appeared on the Rossoneri's open-top bus as it made its way through the streets of the city.

"I have nothing to really say about the incident," remarked Moratti. "These things are just part of the game."

Zambrotta settled at Barca

Barcelona's Gianluca Zambrotta denied yesterday that he is on the verge of joining European champions Milan.

"I'm staying at Barcelona and I'm 100 per cent sure of that," the former Juventus left-back said.

"I have never thought about moving back to Italy or playing for a different club," Zambrotta added. "I am very happy to be part of Barcelona and I'm settled here."

Deschamps future still unclear

Didier Deschamps's future as Juventus coach is still uncertain after he held crisis talks with the club.

According to reports in the Italian press, the Frenchman met with director general Jean-Claude Blanc to discuss the possibility of an extension to his current contract which runs until 2008.

It has been alleged that a hot topic during the negotiations was over Deschamps's strained relationship with sporting director Alessio Secco, who is in charge of the club's transfer strategy.