Football news

Former Northern Ireland and Wolves forward Derek Dougan has died at the age of 69.

Dougan scored more than 120 goals for Wolves in 320 games and was a member of their victorious 1974 League Cup side. His other clubs included Portsmouth, Blackburn Rovers, Aston Villa and Leicester City.

He won 43 international caps starting with the 1958 World Cup and during his time with Northern Ireland struck up a partnership with the late George Best. Dougan helped carry the coffin at Best's funeral in December, 2005.

Couto, 38, extends Parma stay

Fernando Couto is not ready to hang up his boots yet. Yesterday, the 38-year-old Portuguese defender extended his Parma contract for another year.

This will be his fifth year at Parma, although the first two, from 1994 to 1996, were interrupted by spells at Barcelona and Lazio.

With his current contract set to expire in the summer and his 38th birthday looming in August, many had thought Couto was set to hang up his boots.

Last season, Couto made 23 Serie A appearances and even scored one goal, helping Parma fight back from almost certain relegation to stay in the top flight.

Toshack return... pure speculation

Maria de la Pena, the Real Sociedad president, said reports linking Wales manager John Toshack with a return to the club were mere speculation.

Toshack has managed the Basque side on three separate occasions and would be a popular choice as sporting director. Sociedad are in turmoil after being relegated from Spain's top flight for the first time in 40 years.

"I have heard the rumours, but the press often goes in front of the news," De la Pena said.

Toshack has also coached Real Madrid and Deportivo la Coruna in Spain.

Caracciolo joins Sampdoria

Andrea Caracciolo joined Sampdoria from Palermo last weekend as a replacement for Fabio Quagliarella who is now at Udinese.

"This was not the first time that my name had been linked with Sampdoria, so it was this long-running interest that flattered me," Caracciolo told reporters.

"When I was offered the opportunity to complete the negotiations, I took less than a second to accept."

Known as the heron, Caracciolo left Palermo in bitter circumstances following a row with former coach Francesco Guidolin.

Anelka could replace Henry

Reports in the UK press yesterday said Arsene Wenger is lining up an £11 million bid for Nicolas Anelka as a replacement for Barcelona-bound Thierry Henry.

The Bolton striker is believed to favour a move back to his former club where he netted 28 goals in a two-year spell from 1997 to 1999.

Wenger has maintained a close link with Anelka, 28, despite the striker's acrimonious departure from Arsenal when he joined Real Madrid in a £22 million deal in 1999.

If Wenger fails to lure Anelka, the Arsenal boss will make a move for Ajax stars Klaas Jan Huntelaar and Ryan Babel.

Cisse won't be loaned out

Liverpool said Djibril Cisse will only be allowed to leave Anfield if an interested club are prepared to finance a permanent deal.

Cisse joined Liverpool from Auxerre for £14m in July 2004, but the 25-year-old forward spent last season on loan at Marseille.

"If another club wants him, they must buy him. We don't want another loan," manager Rafael Benitez said.

Cisse has two years left on his Liverpool contract.

Keane eyeing Lita, Carson

Sunderland manager Roy Keane is set to make a bid for the double signing of Leroy Lita and Scott Carson.

Keane has already bolstered his squad with defender Greg Halford and has now apparently identified a new goalkeeper and a striker as top of his target list.

Reading want to hold on to former Bristol City hitman Lita, who would command a fee of around £5 million. Keeper Carson, 21, has been told he is in Liverpool's plans, but with Jose Reina the undisputed no.1 at Anfield he may move on.

France winger interests Gers

Julien Faubert's agent plans talks with Bordeaux this week over the France winger's future after Rangers expressed an interest.

"A lot of clubs want to sign him," representative Philippe Sol said.

"Roma would like Julien, as would Tottenham. But, Rangers have shown the biggest interest and the passion to sign Julien is something that attracts him."

The link with Rangers was first reported by L'Equipe. It was suggested that Rangers would pay £4.3m for the 23-year-old.

Roma angry at Inter approach

Inter have again been accused of an illegal approach following the one of David Suazo, this time to poach Cristian Chivu from Roma.

Inter are interested in the defender but Barcelona are close to a deal.

Yesterday, a report in the Italian press said coach Roberto Mancini telephoned Chivu personally to convince him to choose Inter instead.

"Roma will never go behind another club's back," stated general manager Rosella Sensi.

Sources said that if Chivu does join Inter, then Sensi will report them to the FIGC and FIFA for an illegal approach.