Football news

Blackburn Rovers winger David Bentley has withdrawn from the England team for the UEFA Under-21 Championship, complaining of fatigue but his decision has met with strong criticism from coach Stuart Pearce.

Bentley told Pearce he was tired after three weeks with the England senior team following a long Premier League season in which he was named Blackburn's Player of the Season. He did not join the U-21 squad when they flew to the Netherlands for the championship starting this week.

"To say I'm disappointed is a massive understatement, but then again maybe I just come from a different generation," Pearce said.

Rossi to decide future in July

Manchester United striker Giuseppe Rossi, on loan last season at Parma, will decide his club future after playing for Italy in the UEFA U-21 Championship.

The 20-year-old scored nine goals in 20 games for Parma. Reports have suggested FC Porto might be interested in Rossi, but his agent Federico Pastorello said there had been no talks with Porto or any other club.

"Giuseppe will go and play in the Netherlands and we will then assess things when he returns," Pastorello told Sky Sports. "Things will be discussed at United in July."

No Real talks for Robben

Arjen Robben has never spoken to Real Madrid about a possible move to the Bernabeu, his father said. Instead, the Dutch winger is close to agreeing a new five-year deal with Chelsea.

Hans Robben, the 23-year-old's agent and father, has refuted the claim made by Real president Ramon Calderon that the two parties were in the 'early stages' of talks.

"I never met him or anyone from Madrid and did not speak to them," Robben senior said.

"We're nearly finished negotiating with Chelsea, Arjen will stay for another five years."

Fergie retirement not an issue

Manchester United are not concerned when Alex Ferguson will retire, the club's chief executive David Gill has been quoted as saying.

The experienced Scottish manager is currently in his 20th year with the Premier League champions, having put off a decision to quit in 2002.

When asked whether Ferguson still has the hunger and desire to succeed, Gill said: "I think it's always there to be honest. We've never had a chat about when he will retire. The issue of when he's going to go was never actually discussed because it's a non-issue for us."

Corini not in Palermo's plans

Eugenio Corini, 36, will leave Palermo after the club decided not to renew his contract which is due to expire this summer.

"I wanted to be a part of the club, but they did not want me," Corini said. "I thought I was a focal point for the club and hoped they would offer me more than just a simple contract renewal for a player, but unfortunately I was not given that chance."

The former Juve midfielder is likely to join a new club quickly with Napoli leading the race.

Aliadiere on his way to Boro

Middlesbrough have reached agreement with Arsenal to sign French striker Jeremie Aliadiere in the wake of Mark Viduka's exit.

A transfer fee has been agreed "in principle" and will be completed in the next couple of weeks when the 24-year-old returns from holiday.

"We tried to sign him in January but were thwarted by Arsenal's injuries," said Boro chief executive Keith Lamb.

Meanwhile, Lamb has denied rumours that Boro are interested in bringing Chelsea defender Geremi back to the North East.

Juve eyeing Huntelaar, Gilberto

Juventus are ready to step up their efforts to sign Klaas Jan Huntelaar, from Ajax, and Gilberto Silva, of Arsenal.

Reports also suggest that Sampdoria's Fabio Quagliarella and Milan's Alberto Gilardino are considered by Juve as potential targets if David Trezeguet goes but Huntelaar is top of their list.

New coach Claudio Ranieri is also keen to bring in a central midfielder with Gilberto reported to be his no.1 transfer option.

Di Natale linked with Wolfsburg

After Luca Toni, another Italian international could be heading to the Bundesliga as Antonio Di Natale is wanted by Wolfsburg. The Udinese forward rejected allegations last week he had agreed to join Roma.

According to Wolfsburger Allgemeinen Zeitung, Di Natale was quoted as saying that negotiations were at an advanced stage.

"I am attracted by German football and the opportunity to go to Wolfsburg is very appealing," he said.

Juve pledge can wait - Del Piero

Alessandro Del Piero is delighted at the news that goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has extended his contract but says there's plenty of time for his own Juventus pledge.

"We all hoped he would make that decision, so of course we're extremely happy," Del Piero said. "Now I hope that other team-mates like David Trezeguet and Mauro Camoranesi can stay."

Del Piero assured fans there is no need to fret over his own situation.

"I have recently spoken to Jean Claude Blanc, but not about my contract. There is time for this issue, as right now there are other priorities."