Football news

A 22-year-old footballer has been charged with blackmailing a Premier League player. Goalkeeper Ashley Timms, who is without a club, is accused of demanding £15,000 from the player.

He appeared at Manchester Magistrates' Court charged with making an unwarranted demand for money with menaces between March and April 2008. Magistrates made an order banning the publication of the Premier League player at the centre of the allegation.

Timms was once the goalkeeper for Manchester City's U-19 team.

Koller sets target date

Czech striker Jan Koller will retire from the national team after this year's Euro 2008 finals in Austria and Switzerland.

The 35-year-old Nuremberg frontman is the Czech Republic's all-time leading scorer with 52 goals in 85 matches but he will not be adding to that tally after the conclusion of the 16-team tournament running from June 7-29.

"It's a final decision, the date can't be changed in any way," the 2.02 metre Koller was quoted as saying.

Bristol City face FA charge

The Football Association has charged Bristol City, their striker Enoch Showunmi and agent Charles Collymore with misconduct. All parties have until April 18 to respond to the charges, which relate to Showunmi's move from Luton in 2006.

It is alleged that City dealt with an unlicensed agent and paid £30,000 to a third party. City broke FA rules by handing the money to licensed agent Charles Collymore for the deal when they knew part or all of the money was actually going to an unlicensed operator.

Roma still have a chance - Lippi

Former Italy coach Marcello Lippi believes Manchester United are the best team in the world but admits Roma still have a chance of reversing a 2-0 deficit in today's Champions League quarter-final second leg.

"There is every reason for hope, given the precedents against Lyon and Real, even though United are the best team in the world," Lippi said referring to the Serie A side's exploits last season and this term.

"If they have the luck to score immediately and if the players give 150 per cent they can make the semi-finals."

Newcastle keeper extends contract

Newcastle goalkeeper Fraser Forster has signed a new contract that will keep him at St James' Park until 2010. Forster has been acting as back-up to Steve Harper in recent weeks with Shay Given recovering from groin surgery.

Manager Kevin Keegan said: "Fraser has come on in leaps and bounds and could become an outstanding goalkeeper.

"We will look for him to continue his development here and there is no reason why he can't go on to represent his country at U-21 level."

No Italy stars in rich list

A study by France Football has revealed that Serie A's stars are not among the top earners in the world. For the first time in the history of the survey, which also takes into account money earned through sponsorship, there wasn't an Italian-based player in the top seven.

David Beckham, of LA Galaxy, leads the way, followed by Ronaldinho, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Thierry Henry. The top earner from Serie A is Ronaldo of Milan. He is pocketing £10.7m annually.

Fabio Capello is the second wealthiest coach behind Jose Mourinho, with Roberto Mancini's £4m per year at Inter putting him ninth.

Cech seeks early comeback

Petr Cech has rejected suggestions he might be ruled out for the rest of season through injury. The Chelsea keeper has been forced to undergo surgery to his lips and chin following a collision with team-mate Tal Ben Haim in training on Sunday.

The Czech international was reported to have had 50 stitches in the wounds. He believes he could be back in action soon.

"I might possibly be back in two weeks. It depends on what the plastic surgeon will say to me," Cech said.

Valencia not for sale - Bruce

Wigan manager Steve Bruce has warned off any potential suitors of his Ecuadorian winger Antonio Valencia. Bruce was responding to claims Manchester City are preparing a £5 million summer bid to take the playmaker to Eastlands.

Valencia has been in fine form of late, playing a major role in the Latics' move away from relegation trouble.

Bruce said: "I'm sure there will be a lot of interest in Antonio but the last thing we want to be doing is selling our best players."

Ajax seek partnerships

Ajax are investigating possible partnerships with a number of top European clubs. Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger revealed over the weekend that incoming Ajax coach Marco van Basten had visited the Gunners' training ground to speak about a possible co-operation.

And yesterday the club said they were looking at similar arrangements with other clubs.

"We're also looking at Milan and Barcelona," Ajax technical director Martin van Geel said. "A partnership with Arsenal has certainly not been finalised yet."