Football news

Eidur Gudjohnsen said he would be interested in leaving Barcelona for a move to Manchester United. The 29-year-old has struggled after an £8m move to the Nou Camp last summer and has now been linked with United.

"If I leave then my idea would be to return to British football," he said.

"A perfect choice for me will be a club that plays in the Champions League. Obviously, United is a club that fits into that category."

Gudjohnsen, formerly of Chelsea, is under contract until 2009 and could be available for around £8m.

Sheringham will not quit

Teddy Sheringham has pledged to keep playing for as long as possible. The 41-year-old former England international has been without a club since he was released by West Ham at the end of last season.

"I still can't believe I get paid for doing something I love so much," said Sheringham. "I'm determined to go on playing for as long as I can."

Sheringham started his career with Millwall in 1984 and since has made more than 800 appearances for club and country.

Delvecchio wants to lift Celtic

Gennaro Delvecchio thinks he is good enough to make Celtic a force in Europe if he joins them from Sampdoria. The 29-year-old midfielder is interesting Gordon Strachan along with fellow Italian Massimo Donati.

Delvecchio could be available for around £3 million.

"If I move to Celtic I would help them become bigger and stronger and dominate Scottish football," Delvecchio said.

"Celtic have already shown they can compete in the Champions League, but I think I could take them further down that road."

Stars tie the knot

Three England footballers - Manchester United duo Gary Neville and Michael Carrick and Liverpool's Steven Gerrard - tied the knot with their partners yesterday.

On Friday, England captain John Terry married Toni Poole in an event believed to have cost almost a £1m.

Neville and Emma Hadfield got married in Manchester Cathedral.

Neville's best friend David Beckham was not at the wedding though because he is on duty with Real Madrid. Carrick married Lisa Roughead and Gerrard tied the knot with Alex Curran.

Ranieri targeting Riquelme

Claudio Ranieri continued to dictate the Juventus transfer policy and after Gabriel Milito has requested Juan Roman Riquelme.

Didier Deschamps, the previous coach, resigned following a row with the club over the players that were being signed for the return to Serie A.

One of the first names on Ranieri's list is Argentine midfielder Riquelme, 28.

Although still owned by Villarreal, he has spent the last few months in Argentina with Boca Juniors. He is leading his old club towards Copa Libertadores glory as the loan spell expires on June 30.

Cruz stalls Chivu move to Inter

Julio Cruz is willing to join Roma in exchange for Cristian Chivu, but the Inter striker won't accept a salary cap.

Inter have been trying to tempt Chivu to San Siro for over a year now and face competition from Barcelona to capture his signature.

"Last month, president Massimo Moratti told Cruz that he would renew his contract for another year, but in the intervening two weeks we have heard nothing," said agent Gustavo Ghezzi.

"Cruz can play in any team... if there is a chance, then we will negotiate."

Gillett cautious on 'Pool spending

George Gillett, the Liverpool co-owner, said he will sanction the level of spending that Rafael Benitez has demanded. The fans have become frustrated with the club's lack of action in the transfer market so far.

Gillett said: "I sense that kind of pressure building from the media. Rafa has a programme under way and, as that unfolds, that will be the time for us to be judged, not now."

Last month, Benitez said Liverpool must "spend big and spend now" to close the gap on Man. United and Chelsea at the top of the Premiership.

Spurs eyeing Wilhelmsson

Tottenham are still very much interested in signing Christian Wilhelmsson. The 28-year-old Swede spent last season on loan at Roma from French outfit Nantes. Nantes were relegated which means the right winger will not be returning to France.

Roma want him back but other clubs are keen to secure his services.

"There could be an extension to the loan but there have been several clubs who have shown a real interest," his agent Mino Raiola said.

"One of those clubs is Tottenham."

£10m bid for Downing

Everton are ready to offer a deal worth around £10 million to lure Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing to their fold.

David Moyes, the Everton manager, has reportedly made the 22-year-old his top summer target.

Striker James Beattie and winger Andy van der Meyde could be offered as makeweights in any potential deal for Downing, who last summer was a target for Spurs.