Football news

Dutch Under-21 forward Ryan Babel has ruled out a move to Arsenal this summer even though he admitted he would be interested in a transfer to the North London club in future.

"Reports about Arsenal are nothing more than rumours. Nothing concrete has happened," Babel said. "Next season I will definitely play at Ajax. There will be a time when I play at Arsenal. But there's nothing at the moment."

Babel starred for Holland in their Euro U-21 Championship success, and was named man of the match in the 4-1 win over Serbia in the final.

Benayoun still keen on Liverpool

Yossi Benayoun is still hoping he can secure a move to Liverpool. The West Ham midfielder has agreed a new deal with the club, but Liverpool have mounted a bid for his services.

The player's agent, Ronen Katzav, admits that Benayoun's future is still undecided. "We are still waiting," Katzav told skysports.com.

"The deal is still in place with West Ham. We are waiting to see if the two clubs can come to an agreement. I am not going to say Yossi is desperate for a move at all. But any player in the world would be attracted by Liverpool."

Eriksson accepts City job - report

Former England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has agreed in principle to become manager of Manchester City on a three-year contract, Sky Sports News reported yesterday.

The English club responded by noting the media speculation but said it did not plan to name a new coach until a £81.6 million takeover bid by former Thai Premier Thaksin Shinawatra had been completed.

Eriksson, 59, has been out of football since he stepped down from his England job after the 2006 World Cup in Germany and has been out of the club game since leaving Lazio in January 2001. He would replace Stuart Pearce, who was sacked in May.

Ronaldo tips Nani to shine

Cristiano Ronaldo believes Nani has the potential to emulate his own achievements at Manchester United.

Nani has agreed to join United from Ronaldo's former club Sporting Lisbon and is seen as Ryan Giggs's long-term successor on the left wing. He showed flashes of his ability at the Euro U-21 Championship and he will be helped to settle in at Old Trafford by fellow Portuguese Ronaldo.

"I still haven't spoken with Nani, but I am going to do everything I can so that his stay in Manchester goes well," Ronaldo said.

"I really hope he has the same success as me, or even more, because he's got the ability to do this. He's joining the right club to evolve as a player and as a person."

Monaco's Toure joins Barcelona

Barcelona completed the signing of Ivory Coast midfielder Yaya Toure from Monaco on a four-year contract yesterday.

The 24-year-old passed a medical in the morning to seal a move Spanish media reported to be worth over 10 million euros.

He is the Primera Liga club's second signing after the arrival of striker Thierry Henry and will help add some strength to a midfield which looked lightweight a times last season.

Toure, younger brother of Arsenal defender Kolo Toure, was a member of the Ivory Coast squad at the World Cup finals in Germany last year.

Four Newcastle directors resign

Businessman Mike Ashley's takeover of Newcastle has gathered pace as the departure of four of the club's directors was confirmed yesterday.

Deputy chairman Douglas Hall, Bruce Shepherd, Allison Antonopoulos and Tim Revill have all resigned from their positions on the Newcastle board. Chris Mort and Steve Hayward have been appointed in their place.

However, Newcastle have confirmed on their website that chairman Freddy Shepherd remains in his current role.

Protests over Everton's move plan

Protests were held in Merseyside yesterday over the proposals to relocate Everton FC to a new location outside Liverpool.

Plans are being considered to move the club to a purpose-built 55,000-seater ground in Kirkby town centre. A two-day public consultation on the town's regeneration started yesterday.

Keep Everton in Our City campaigners and the Kirkby Residents Action Group (KRAG) demonstrated outside Knowsley Council offices against the proposed move.

Livorno agree Tavano fee

Francesco Tavano is on his way to Livorno after Valencia accepted a £4 million bid from the Tuscany club.

The former Empoli forward moved on loan to Roma in January after failing to settle in the Primera Liga side following his transfer last summer. However, his limited impact with Roma led them to decide against taking up the option to buy out his contract.

La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that Valencia have finally accepted Livorno's offer and the final details are expected to be ironed out in the coming days.

Abbiati leaves Milan for Atletico

Milan goalkeeper Christian Abbiati has joined Atletico Madrid on loan for one year, the Serie A team said on their website (www.acmilan.com).

Abbiati, 29, has been with Milan since 1996 but is not a regular first-team starter. He has spent the last two seasons on loan, first at Juventus and then with Torino.