Football news

Former Dutch World Cup finalist Ruud Krol has been re-appointed coach of Egyptian side Zamalek, club officials said yesterday.

The former Egypt manager, whose last job was with Ajaccio in France's Ligue 2, returns to the club he coached from 1997 to 1999 following last week's resignation of Frenchman Henri Michel.

Krol played 83 times for the Netherlands including the World Cup finals of 1974 and 1978.

West Ham hope to sign Gudjohnsen

West Ham have stepped up efforts to land Eidur Gudjohnsen but insist no fee has been agreed with Barcelona. Reports that the striker is on his way to Upton Park have increased after Thierry Henry's arrival at the Nou Camp pushed him down the pecking order.

Gudjohnsen is believed to be available for £6.7 million but reacting to reports that West Ham have agreed a fee with Barca, club chairman Eggert Magnusson said: "Talks are ongoing.

"We have not had an offer accepted... the papers are wrong."

Van Nistelrooy to return for final

Striker Ruud van Nistelrooy is set to return to action for Real Madrid in Sunday's return leg of the Spanish Super Cup against Sevilla.

The Dutchman, whose 25 goals fired Real to the league title last season, trained normally yesterday for the first time since tearing a thigh muscle in the final game of last season.

Real trail Sevilla 1-0 after the first leg of the traditional curtain-raiser to the Spanish season.

Lyon join chase for Heinze

Lyon are said to be preparing a late bid to land Manchester United defender Gabriel Heinze. The French champions were linked with the former PSG left-back earlier in summer and may revive their interest after Cris suffered a serious knee injury last weekend.

Lyon coach Alain Perrin is said to be a big admirer of Heinze, who has set his sights on a move to Liverpool.

With United manager Alex Ferguson having insisted he does not want to let the Argentina international join one of their arch rivals, the case will be heard by a Premier League arbitration panel next week.

'Atletico better without Torres'

Atletico Madrid's Portuguese international midfielder Maniche believes that the Primera Liga club have a better team this season despite the departure of leading striker Fernando Torres for Liverpool.

"Last season we didn't have a team even though we had some good players," he was quoted as saying .

"But this season I think we can build a good team and have some fine footballers at the same time."

Atletico finished seventh last season and have qualified for the UEFA Cup via the Intertoto Cup. They open their league campaign at city rivals Real Madrid on the weekend of August 25-26.

Milan bid for Ronaldinho rejected

Milan have had a bid of 60 million euros for Ronaldinho turned down by Barcelona, according to the player's agent. Roberto Assis, who is also the 27-year-old's brother, said: "Milan offered 60 million euros, but Barcelona said no."

Assis claimed the Catalans would like Ronaldinho to stay at the Nou Camp for the rest of his career. His current deal expires in 2010.

"To be honest, the contract of Ronaldinho has already been amended four times," he said. "There is an interest at Barcelona to extend the contract until the closing of Ronaldinho's career."

Beckham to join England squad

David Beckham has revealed he will meet up with his England team-mates later this month, even if he is not fit to play. The former Real Madrid midfielder start to his MLS career has been hampered by a troublesome ankle injury.

England manager Steve McClaren flew out to the US to assess the midfielder's progress and wants him to be part of the squad, even if he cannot feature.

"I spoke to Steve about my fitness and how it has been over here," explained Beckham. "He said he's looking forward to me coming over, even if I can't play. It's important that all players come together."

Trezeguet irked by Domenech rant

Juventus striker David Trezeguet has criticised France coach Raymond Domenech for his controversial comments about Italian football.

Domenech stunned the football world last week when he claimed that the Italian game was "full of secret agreements".

"I read what he said and my God I was annoyed," Trezeguet said.

"What a disgrace. By talking like that, Domenech has damaged the country of France and most of all the world of football. He talks for the sake of talking."

Trezeguet has an uneasy relationship with Domenech but is hopeful of making the French squad for the friendly against Slovakia.

Toro want to renew Rosina contract

Torino president Urbano Cairo is keen to start contract discussions with promising midfielder Alessandro Rosina.

"Judging by the feedback from Alessandro and his agent, it seems that his desire to come to an agreement is almost equal to ours," Cairo said.

"So, why wait? The sooner, the better for everyone."

With summer signing David Di Michele banned for three months for gambling, Torino are short of attacking options, prompting speculation that a move for Reggina's Nicola Amoruso may also be on the cards.