Football news

John Williams, the Blackburn Rovers chairman, yesterday said the club is in talks over a possible takeover deal. Williams said the Ewood Park outfit have been involved in negotiations with a third party - believed to be American investors - for a number of months.

He stressed a deal is not imminent but admitted talks were ongoing towards a possible takeover.

"I have said before we are willing sellers in discussions with third parties and those discussions have naturally progressed over a period of time," Williams said.

"We have made some progress with a third party but it is very difficult because of all of the formalities involved."

Villa intends to stay at Valencia

David Villa wants to stay at Valencia next season despite reports linking him with a move to England next month. Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool are all interested in the 25-year-old striker.

However, Villa, who is under contract until 2013, insists his future lies at Valencia.

"My wish is to stay here," Villa said. "Not only this year but in the future because I am under contract and I hope I can extend it."

Villa has established himself as one of the hottest properties in European football since joining Valencia in 2005 from Real Zaragoza. He has scored 15 goals in 35 league appearances this season.

Smith may opt to quit United

Alan Smith told reporters he may leave Manchester United if he fails to get assurances about his future from Alex Ferguson. Smith, 26, has failed to command a regular first-team place since recovering from a broken leg.

"If the manager tells me he wants me, I'm there for him. If he doesn't, it's time to move on," he said.

"If you're no longer wanted, then you have to consider your options."

Smith, signed from Leeds United for £7m three years ago, has two years left on his current deal.

Miccoli looking to play for Juve

Fabrizio Miccoli said he is ready to play at Juventus next season at the request of Claudio Ranieri, the new coach. The 27-year-old's future was in doubt after spending the last two years on loan at Benfica.

However, Ranieri said last week that he wants Miccoli in his squad.

"If they want to keep me then I will happily accept," noted the pint-sized striker.

"I am a bit tired of travelling back and forth. I would like to stop moving around. I will turn 28 shortly and I would like to stay with the same outfit for three or four years."

Arsenal to go for Trezeguet

Arsenal are looking to sign David Trezeguet from Juventus to partner Thierry Henry in attack next season. The Juventus striker looks set to leave after rejecting the club's offer of a new contract and is eyeing a fresh challenge after 140 goals during his seven years in Turin.

Arsenal are well aware of his situation and are hoping Trezeguet's arrival would help Henry, an alleged £37m Barcelona target, to remain in England.

Given that Trezeguet has just a year left on his current deal, he may be available for transfer to the Gunners at a cut-price £4m.

Bellucci favours Roma move

Bologna's Claudio Bellucci has revealed that he would favour a move to Roma. The 32-year-old, who joined Bologna in 2001 from Napoli, has chosen not to renew his deal with the Serie B outfit and has been paired with Roma over the past few weeks.

"Conversations between Roma and my agent have already started and a move would make me extraordinarily happy," said Bellucci.

"I'm Roman. It is true, I am 32, but I run a lot and I am fit," he added.

"When will I sign? That I cannot say."

Ancelotti still keen on Eto'o

Carlo Ancelotti has not given up hope of signing Samuel Eto'o from Barcelona this summer. The 26-year-old is the top target for the European champions, but they may have to play the waiting game.

Eto'o, who is under contract until 2010, said this week his intention was to remain in Spain, despite being linked to Milan, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal. However, Ancelotti still has a glimmer of hope.

"Eto'o is a great striker," he said. "But he is under contract with Barcelona. If there was a chance to sign him, I believe Milan would be there to negotiate.

"The arrival of Eto'o would be a fantastic signing for our future."

Fans abuse Valencia players

A group of Valencia's "Ultra" fans have disrupted training, shouting abuse at the players after Saturday's 4-2 defeat at local rivals Levante.

The supporters hung banners round the training pitch, called the players "money-grabbers" and accused them of making the club a laughing stock. Striker Fernando Morientes and midfielder David Albelda appeared to bear the brunt of the attacks and had to be restrained by team-mates as they reacted to the provocation, exchanging insults.

Valencia are fourth in the Primera Liga while Levante are 15th.

Diouf set to stay at Bolton

El Hadji Diouf's agent has played down speculation linking the Bolton player with Newcastle. The Senegal international is reportedly on Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce's shopping list after forming a good relationship with the former Trotters boss at the Reebok Stadium.

But agent Alexandre Krstic revealed Bolton have received no firm offers for Diouf.

Krstic said: "Diouf is under contract at Bolton, that is the reality.

"As long as there are no offers for him then he remains a Bolton player."