Football news

UEFA president Michel Platini wants the Champions League final to take place at the weekend rather than on a Wednesday night.

Platini, who took over as president of UEFA earlier this year said at a media briefing: "At the final in Athens in May I was astounded that there were no families and children at the match. This would change if it was played at the weekend."

The Champions League, and previously the European Cup final, have traditionally been scheduled for a Wednesday night since the first final took place in 1956.

Ujfalusi turned down Liverpool

Tomas Ujfalusi, Fiorentina's Czech defender, turned down a move to Liverpool this summer, according to agent Pavel Paska.

The 29-year-old international joined Fiorentina from Hamburg in 2004 and has since become a fixture in their defence.

"When Jamie Carragher was injured, Rafael Benitez made us an offer, but Tomas refused it," Paska said.

"He really loves being in Florence and if he were to leave Italy he could only be tempted by an offer from Spain."

Ujfalusi's current contract with Fiorentina expires in June 2008.

McCarthy ends S. Africa boycott

Blackburn Rovers striker Benni McCarthy has agreed to end his almost two-year stand-off and play again for South Africa when they host Zambia in an African Nations Cup qualifier next week.

McCarthy has refused to play for his country since last year's Nations Cup finals after being singled out as the ring leader of an attempt by players to strike over better payment terms for the competition, an accusation he denied.

South Africa coach Carlos Alberto Parreira said he had spoken to the forward last week and that McCarthy had agreed to a comeback for the match in Cape Town on Sept. 8.

Del Horno returns to Ath. Bilbao

Spain left-back Asier del Horno has returned to his former club Athletic Bilbao on loan from Valencia. Athletic said they had an option to buy the 26-year-old for three million euros plus an additional two million euros depending on the number of games he played.

Del Horno joined Valencia from Chelsea for around 7.5 million euros in July 2006 but missed most of the season because of an Achilles' tendon problem, making just six league appearances.

Valencia coach Quique Sanchez Flores made it clear in the close season that the Spanish international did not feature in his plans for the current campaign.

Villa in talks with WBA's Davies

Aston Villa are engaged in talks with West Brom centre-half Curtis Davies. The 22-year-old had a transfer request turned down in June but the Hawthorns club did suggest they would be open to offers.

"We've given Curtis permission to speak to Villa but it is not concluded and negotiations are ongoing," WBA manager Tony Mowbray said.

Villa have long been linked with a move for the former Luton star, who is desperate to move back to the Premiership.

Davies has also attracted the attentions of Spurs and a fee anywhere in between £8m-£15m has been touted for his services.

Shevchenko loan still possible

Andriy Shevchenko has talked to Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich about a possible loan move to his former team Dynamo Kiev, the Ukrainian champions' boss Igor Surkis said.

"I talked to (Shevchenko) the day before yesterday. After that, he met the president (Abramovich). Today or tomorrow, he is supposed to talk to Mourinho," Dynamo's press service quoted Surkis as saying yesterday.

Surkis had previously said the Ukraine international would be interested in playing for Dynamo if they reached the Champions League, which they have done. Shevchenko has yet to play for Chelsea this season due to a back injury.

Anelka signs new deal at Bolton

French international striker Nicolas Anelka has signed a new contract with Bolton Wanderers, ending months of speculation over his future.

Anelka, 28, who had been linked with moves to Man. United, Man. City and Portsmouth, among other clubs, signed a new deal that will keep him at the Reebok Stadium until 2011.

The Frenchman has already scored three times this season despite Bolton's poor start to the new campaign.

Beckham waits on scan after injury

David Beckham will undergo a scan after he suffered a knee injury playing for LA Galaxy on Wednesday.

Beckham, who is hoping to take part in England's qualifiers against Israel and Russia in September, was substituted in the 33rd minute of the Superliga final against Mexican team Pachuca.

It is the latest injury setback for the midfielder, whose two months in the US have been hampered by a nagging ankle problem.

"It's just gone from one thing to another. Maybe it is a sign to give it a rest and not come back until it is right," Beckham said after the game which Galaxy lost on penalties.

Reading refuse £4m Shorey offer

Reading turned down a West Ham bid for defender Nicky Shorey. Reports said the Royals had refused a £4m offer for the 26-year-old.

"I cannot deny there was a written offer made," said Reading manager Steve Coppell. "Given the price of players today we thought it was nigh on a derisory offer.

"We turned it down immediately and we have had no contact since."

Shorey, 26, made his England debut against Brazil at Wembley at the end of last season.