Optimistic German fans have applied for over one million tickets to watch their team at Euro 2008 in Austria and Switzerland, leaving a lottery organised by the country's Football Association (DFB) massively oversubscribed.
A total of just 14,400 tickets are available for Germany's three group games over the border in Austria and the DFB said in a statement it took less than three days to pass the million mark in applications.
Barca to sign Celta keeper
Barcelona were expected to complete the signing of goalkeeper Jose Manuel Pinto on loan from second division Celta Vigo yesterday, his agent said.
"Only a few tiny details remain and we hope to sort those out on Thursday (yesterday) and then sign the deal," the player's agent Juan Maraver was quoted as saying by sports daily AS.
Pinto, 32, will provide cover for first-choice Victor Valdes following a serious injury to reserve keeper Albert Jorquera.
No more bids for Ferencvaros
English Championship (second division) club Sheffield United and Scarborough Property Group have said they will not submit another bid for ailing Ferencvaros after the fifth tender to sell the club was declared invalid by the Hungarian government.
"The announcement contradicts all that has been stated over the last four months by officials and members of the government and is detrimental to the future success and prosperity of Ferencvaros FC," United and the company said in a statement.
It was the only bid on the table at the tender, which involves selling Ferencvaros and property around the stadium and aims to provide enough investment to lift Hungary's most famous and successful club out of the second division.
Diarra joins Portsmouth
Midfielder Lassana Diarra joined Portsmouth from Premier League leaders Arsenal yesterday in a bid for regular football and a place in France's Euro 2008 squad.
The defensive midfielder, who failed to win a regular first-team place at Arsenal, signed a three-and-half-year deal for an undisclosed fee, Portsmouth said.
"I read that Arsenal wanted me to stay but if you want to keep a player, you make him play," Diarra told French sports daily L'Equipe in an interview. "I'm very happy, I feel a lot better because I know I'm going to play (with Portsmouth)," the 22-year-old added.
Real drop interest in Kaka
Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon said the club was no longer interested in buying Milan's Brazilian playmaker Kaka.
"There wouldn't be a place for Kaka at Real Madrid," Calderon was quoted as saying in sports daily Marca.
"It's not that he isn't an extraordinary player it's just that there's a great atmosphere in the present squad and any change would be likely to damage it."
Laursen agrees new Villa deal
Denmark defender Martin Laursen has agreed a new 2-1/2 year contract with Aston Villa, the Premier League club said on its website (www.avfc.co.uk).
Laursen has scored six goals as an ever present this season having recovered from three injury-ravaged campaigns following his move from Milan in 2004. His current deal was due to run out at the end of the season.
Olympiakos fan stabbed to death
A soccer fan was stabbed to death and another hospitalised after they were attacked following a Greek Cup match between Olympiakos and Panathinaikos, police said yesterday.
The two Olympiakos fans were attacked outside a cafe in Loutsa, a coastal town just outside Athens, by a group of Panathinaikos fans in the early hours of Thursday. The two men, who had just returned from watching Olympiakos beat Panathinaikos 4-0, were both stabbed in the chest.
Juve loan out Olivera
Juventus have agreed to loan midfielder Ruben Olivera to Uruguayan side Penarol until the end of the season.
Since arriving from Danubio in 2002, Olivera has struggled to adapt to life in Italy. The 24-year-old spent last season on loan to Sampdoria and has played only 20 games in total for the Old Lady.
Having failed to find a place in Claudio Ranieri's plans, Olivera may opt to make the move to Penarol permanent in the summer.
Brighi keen to stay at Roma
Roma midfielder Matteo Brighi is prepared to commit his future to the capital club despite his lack of first-team football.
Although 10 of Brighi's 13 outings this term have been as a substitute, he seems happy with life in the Italian capital.
"The meeting with Roma will happen very soon," agent Vanni Puzzolo said. "Matteo is happy to stay at Roma. He is living a relaxed and professional life in Rome - a lifestyle which playing for the club allows him."