Football news

Chelsea have given Milan the green light to approach Didier Drogba about a possible transfer but they are not willing to sell back former player Andriy Shevchenko, the Serie A club's vice-president said.

"Chelsea have authorised us to open negotiations with Drogba," Adriano Galliani said in an interview in yesterday's La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"Unfortunately, the response we feared came (for Shevchenko). Chelsea consider Andriy unsellable. This epilogue makes us very sad."

Galliani said that the seven-times European champions had also started talks with the agent of Barcelona forward Samuel Eto'o.

Ten Cate in talks with Panathinaikos

Former Chelsea assistant coach Henk Ten Cate is expected to be named as the new coach of Greek Super League club Panathinaikos.

According to reports in Greece, Ten Cate spent six hours in talks with Panathinaikos director of football Costas Antoniou and the new club president Nikos Pateras.

"We had a meeting with Henk Ten Cate. He is one of the main candidates for the coach's position," Antoniou was quoted as saying on the Sport in Greece website ( www.sportingreece.com ).

Fiorentina's Frey rejects Bayern move

Sebastien Frey has officially turned down Bayern Munich and Milan by pledging his future to Fiorentina.

"I am staying in Florence," the French goalkeeper told reporters yesterday.

"We fought so hard to earn a place in the Champions League preliminary round and now I want to continue this adventure. It will be a great challenge."

Frey had been heavily linked with a move away from the Stadio Artemio Franchi this summer, with first Milan and then Bayern Munich expressing firm interest in acquiring his services.

Alonso wants Juve switch

Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso has admitted he cannot wait to join Juventus.

The Spanish international has long been linked with the Serie A outfit and the two clubs are thought to be close to reaching an agreement.

"It would be magnificent to play alongside Alessandro Del Piero, David Trezeguet and Amauri," he said. "They are three great champions."

Alonso has reportedly agreed a four-year contract worth £12 million. Juve are eager to conclude the deal quickly as they fear a good performance by Spain in Euro 2008 could further raise Alonso's price-tag.

Man. City hopeful of landing Ronaldinho

English Premier League club Manchester City say they are hopeful Brazilian striker Ronaldinho will be playing for them next season.

Speaking on BBC Radio yesterday, the club's chairman Garry Cook said Barcelona had given City clearance to talk to the player over a switch to England.

"We have people in Brazil," Cook said. "We are nowhere near completing (a deal) but Ronaldinho wants to show that he is one of the greatest footballers in the world.

"The Manchester City fans would love to see him kick off the new season with us and I am holding out hope on that happening."

Former World Player of the Year Ronaldinho, 28, has been told he is free to leave Barcelona after a disappointing season at the Nou Camp.

Newcastle consider Barton's future

Newcastle United chairman Chris Mort has revealed the club are in talks about the future of jailed midfielder Joey Barton.

British media yesterday reported that Newcastle are considering sacking Barton unless he takes a 50 per cent pay cut.

The former Manchester City man is currently serving a six-month prison sentence for assault and affray, leading to calls for Newcastle to axe the England international.

"We are in discussions with his representatives about what is best for the club going forward," Mort said.

"It is too early to say whether Joey being sacked is a possible outcome but we are talking about what the future holds."

Simic prefers Celtic to Galatasaray

Dario Simic has confessed the chance to play in an Old Firm derby would tempt him to snub a move to Galatasaray in favour of joining Celtic.

The 32-year-old Croatia international is set to quit Milan in the close season and has been made aware of the Parkhead side's interest.

"Galatasaray want me to join them and Celtic want me too," Simic said. "If I could choose there is no doubt I'd prefer to join Celtic.

"They are a big club with an amazing football culture and there is nothing more exciting than the prospect of playing in a Glasgow derby against Rangers."