Football news

Middlesbrough have made a £6.1 million bid to Heerenveen for striker Afonso Alves, according to a report in Holland.

The 26-year-old Brazilian, top scorer in the Dutch Eredivisie last season with 34 goals, is keen on joining the English Premier League side.

"They are seriously interested in me," Alves said. "Middlesbrough have shown this, too, with their offer.

"For such a big club and for the Premier League, I am always open and the first talks are really hopeful. That will not be the problem."

US winger Lewis joins Derby

US winger Eddie Lewis has completed his move from English third division side Leeds United to Premier League side Derby County for an undisclosed fee, his new club said on their website.

The 33-year-old played 96 times for Leeds, scoring nine goals. He has signed a two-year deal.

Lewis moved to England in 2000, signing for Fulham from San Jose Earthquakes for £1.3 million. He made only 22 appearances for the Craven Cottage outfit before moving to Preston two and a half years later for £500,000. His contract expired in 2005 and he opted to join Leeds on a free transfer.

Strachan risks ten-match ban

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan could be banned from the touchline for up to 10 matches after he was ordered from the dugout during his team's 3-1 win at Aberdeen on Sunday.

However, he will have to wait for the case of his dismissal during April's match against Hearts to be heard before any punishment for Sunday's incident is imposed.

If Strachan is found guilty of a disrepute charge when that case is heard, he will receive a four-game ban as it will be a second offence within three seasons.

And under Scottish FA guidelines, a third offence will result in a further six-match ban.

Everton optimistic on Cahill

Everton are hopeful that midfielder Tim Cahill could be back to full training by the end of September.

The Australian, 27, fell awkwardly on his left foot in a pre-season friendly with Werder Bremen earlier this month and has not played since.

Cahill had recovered from a previous injury in July, featuring in three games for Australia during their Asian Cup campaign.

But his return to Premier League action was delayed by the latest setback.

Germany 'mentally stronger' than England

Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has turned the heat on England with his claim that the latter are mentally inferior to his native Germany ahead of tomorrow's friendly between the two countries.

Germany hold an edge over their rivals through the years, having beaten England in several penalty shoot-outs and other important matches.

"Mentally, Germany are stronger, because we have experience of success in the last 20 years," Lehmann said.

"We are always successful, not always winning, but somewhere near or winning, and that is what England are lacking."

Makelele extends Chelsea deal

Chelsea midfielder Claude Makelele has signed a one-year extension to his contract which will keep the 34-year-old at Stamford Bridge until 2009, the Premier League club said.

The senior member of the Chelsea squad, whose duties are mainly defensive, has made 183 first team appearances (two as a substitute) and scored two goals.

Zalayeta set for Napoli switch

Juventus striker Marcelo Zalayeta is close to joining Napoli, according to his agent Daniel Delgado.

The 28-year-old Uruguayan has been unable to claim a regular place at Juventus and has been sent out on loan to Sevilla, Empoli and Perugia in recent years.

"Zalayeta should become a Napoli player soon," Delgado was quoted as saying. "There is a very good chance that you will see him in a Napoli shirt."

Alves admits Real dream

Sevilla full-back Daniel Alves is hoping that his dream of playing for Real Madrid will be fulfilled soon.

Alves is looking to quit the Uefa Cup holders and has already been the subject of a failed bid from Chelsea.

Chelsea are still regarded as favourites to sign Alves but the Brazil international has spoken of his ambition to wear the Real Madrid shirt.

"The player who says that he does not dream of playing for Real Madrid is a liar," Alves told Marca.

"Any footballer would like to play for this club. I am no different, but it is a decision that I do not have to take."

City open Amelia talks

Manchester City are in talks with Italian Serie A club Livorno over goalkeeper Marco Amelia.

Sven-Goran Eriksson is looking to bring in a goalkeeper after losing his experienced No.1 Andreas Isaksson to injury.

In the Swede's absence, Kasper Schmeichel has kept three clean sheets for City and has earned the praise of Eriksson.

"Finding a keeper that is better than Kasper is not easy," Eriksson said after Sunday's 1-0 win over Manchester United.

Lazio have expressed an interest in Amelia, but Livorno president Aldo Spinelli confirmed City are favourites to sign the keeper.