Football news

Sven-Goran Eriksson could become the new manager of Manchester City if Thaksin Shinawatra pushes through his £120m takeover of the club.

The former England coach has been reportedly approached to take over at Eastlands after Claudio Ranieri joined Juventus and Juande Ramos opted to stay with Sevilla.

However, Shinawatra's buy-out looks certain to be doomed after he had £1.4 billion of assets frozen by the military government that deposed him - but negotiations are still said to be ongoing.

Eriksson has been out of work since England's World Cup exit 12 months ago but has constantly stated his desire to manage in the Premiership.

Hammers to keep Tevez - report

West Ham striker Carlos Tevez is reportedly poised to agree a new deal to remain at Upton Park for next season.

Liverpool and Manchester United are believed to be interested in Tevez while Italian champions Inter are rumoured to have made a £32 million bid.

However, a 'top source' told the News of the World: "Eggert Magnusson has pulled out all the stops to keep Carlos for at least another season. The package will cost £9 million in wages and payments to his owner Kia Joorabchian but the chairman is convinced the deal is done."

'I almost quit Chelsea' - Mourinho

Jose Mourinho has revealed he almost walked away from Chelsea last season but his strong resolve to get on with his job saw him through.

The Portuguese tactician's job was reportedly on the line last term following a fall-out with billionaire owner Roman Abramovich.

"We reached a ridiculous situation that there were 14 coaches linked to my job last season," Mourinho told the News of the World.

"It was a crazy time and if it hadn't happened in a period when I was in a mature state of mind, I may have ended things at Chelsea."

Newcastle set sights on Kanoute

Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce is lining up a bid for Sevilla striker Fredi Kanoute amid increasing speculation about Michael Owen's possible exit from the club this summer.

Kanoute, who joined Seville from Tottenham for £4.4 million in August 2005, is reportedly keen on a return to the English Premiership.

"It's true Newcastle are interested. There's no concrete offer yet but Fredi is interested," Kanoute's agent was quoted as saying.

Rossi yearns for United chance

Giuseppe Rossi has spoken of his desire to stake a first-team claim at Manchester United next season.

The 20-year-old striker was loaned out to Newcastle at the start of last season before joining Parma, where he enjoyed a good run in their side.

"It is all a bit confusing at the moment," Rossi said. "All I will say is that my main goal is what it always has been - to cut it with Manchester United."

Rossi's goalscoring exploits at Parma have caught the attention of other Serie A clubs but he does not want that to divert his attention from his primary aim. "Joining Juventus is just talk. I've read about it once or twice but it's not on my mind," he added.

Gravesen to fight for Celtic spot

Celtic midfielder Thomas Gravesen is determined to stay and fight for his place. The 31-year-old Dane failed to hold down a regular place in Gordon Strachan's first team last season after his £2m move from Real Madrid.

Sunderland and Sheffield United have been linked with a move for the former Everton player but his agent, John Sivebaek, told the Sunday Express: "Thomas wants to prove that he can be a success at Celtic.

"I think Thomas will still be at Celtic next season. He will fight to get back into the first team."

Totti's ankle gets all-clear

Roma doctor Paolo Mariani has explained why Francesco Totti opted not to remove the metal plate from his ankle.

The Italian international had the plate inserted back in February 2006 when he fractured his ankle and it was meant to be removed over the summer. Totti has now decided otherwise.

"Totti decided not to remove the plate and that will not cause any problems for next season," assured professor Mariani.

"Francesco said 'I scored 30 goals with the plate, so I don't see why I should stop to have it removed'. Keeping it in place over the short term does not create complications, but we certainly have to be prudent."

Reggina set to appoint Ficcadenti

Former Verona boss Massimo Ficcadenti is set to become Reggina's new coach. Reggina are currently the only Serie A side without a confirmed coach for next season after Walter Mazzarri's departure to Sampdoria.

Several names have been linked with the club, including Zdenek Zeman, but it seems that Ficcadenti has struck a deal.

Meanwhile, Messina have chosen Nello Di Costanzo as their new coach, plucking him from Serie C outfit Venezia.

Lippi praises 'special' Buffon

Marcello Lippi has welcomed Gianluigi Buffon's "special" decision to stand by Juventus, but warned David Trezeguet will be a huge loss.

"Remaining at Juve was a wonderful decision," said the former Bianconeri and Italy boss. "He is a very special person."

Whereas Buffon has committed himself to the new Juventus, the same cannot be said of Trezeguet, who has stormed off after what he said was a "ridiculous" contract offer.

"It would be a huge loss for Juve if Trezeguet were to leave. He is a complete player, although having said that so is Vincenzo Iaquinta," noted Lippi.