Football news

Former England winger Steve McManaman has been appointed to the board of the company buying into Birmingham City.

The 35-year-old will become an executive director with Grandtop International if it completes its deal to buy a 29.2 per cent stake in the club.

McManaman will offer advice to the group, which is owned by Hong Kong businessman Carson Yeung.

"They know my expertise in sport in England and in particular football," he told the South China Morning Post.

"I will help out and give ideas as a friend as the people involved in the company are very good friends of mine."

Blackburn reject Roberts bid

Blackburn have turned down a bid from Fulham for striker Jason Roberts. Roberts is currently considering his future at Ewood Park as he ponders a move to London because of personal reasons.

Fulham quickly submitted an offer of £2.5 million for the former Wigan forward as they look to add to their attacking options.

Blackburn have rejected the bid as they want to keep hold of Roberts who impressed in his first season at Ewood Park.

Genoa eye defensive additions

Genoa president Enrico Preziosi is keen to sign Palermo's Andrea Barzagli and Lazio's Guglielmo Stendardo in a bid to strengthen his team's defence.

The Rossoblu won promotion to Serie A last term largely thanks to their prolific attacking prowess which saw them hit 68 goals - a total only bettered by Juventus.

"Up front we can rely on quality from Borriello, Papa Waigo and Luciano Figueroa, but we need to reinforce the defence and that's why we've been tracking Barzagli and Stendardo," Preziosi said.

Tudor blasts Juve approach

Former Juventus defender Igor Tudor has launched a damning attack on the Italian club in his first interview as a Hajduk Split player.

The Croatian international spent nine years in Turin before becoming a free agent this summer when Juventus decided not to renew his contract. Having returned to his hometown club, Tudor criticised his former employers for the way he was treated during his long spell in Italy.

"I learnt a very brutal lesson at Juventus," Tudor said. "When you play well everyone is there for you, but if you hit bad form you're straight on the transfer list.

"During my time there I saw some great players, such as Antonio Conte and Paolo Montero, leave the club without receiving any kind of appreciation for their service."

Veron linked with Inter return

Argentine midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron is giving serious thought to the possibility of rejoining Inter, according to reports in Italy.

Veron is a free agent after being released by Chelsea this summer following loan spells with Inter and Argentine club Estudiantes.

The 32-year-old is currently on international duty at the Copa America, but has admitted that he is flattered by the Italians' interest.

"The fact that Inter are still interested in me is really satsifying because it shows I left good memories," he told the Corriere dello Sport.

Lyon keen to strengthen attack

Lyon have expressed an interest in Bolton striker Nicolas Anelka, as well as Toulouse ace Johan Elmander. The French champions have been forced to look for a new striker following the news that Fred has broken his foot while playing in the Copa America.

Anelka has been linked with a host of clubs this summer, including Manchester City, Arsenal, and most recently Spanish side Valencia.

Lyon have now confirmed they would be keen to sign the France international but have been put off by Bolton's €15 million asking price. They could instead turn their attention to Elmander, who would likely cost slightly less, but they may also struggle to land the Swedish front man.

Ljungberg douses Viola rumours

Freddie Ljungberg's agent has dismissed reports in Italy linking the Arsenal midfielder with a move to Fiorentina.

La Gazzetta dello Sport claimed that the Serie A club were preparing a £5 million-plus bid for the 30-year-old midfielder but Ljungberg's agent has dismissed the report as pure speculation

"Pure speculation," Claes Elefalk said on the rumours.

"We have said it many times and I will say it again, Freddie will stay at Arsenal for a 10th season."

Hildebrand seals Valencia switch

German international goalkeeper Timo Hildebrand said he will fight hard to oust the experienced Santiago Canizares after completing his move to Valencia yesterday.

"It will be difficult but I came here to fight it out and this is the sort of challenge I was looking for," the former VfB Stuttgart keeper told a news conference after signing a three-year deal with his new club.

Canizares, 37, has been first-choice keeper at Valencia for the last nine seasons and has kept players of the calibre of Andres Palop and Ludovic Butelle out of the team during that time.

Sheringham, 41, joins Colchester

Former England, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur striker Teddy Sheringham has joined second-division Colchester United on a free transfer at the age of 41.

A European Cup winner with United in their 1999 Treble season, Sheringham was at West Ham United in the Premier League last season but failed to get a game after January.