Football news

Silvio Berlusconi, the Milan supremo, reckons Emmanuel Adebayor could be too expensive for them to sign from Arsenal.

Milan have made the Togolese star one of their prime striking targets and vice-president Adriano Galliani confirmed last week that they had asked Arsenal what they wanted for Adebayor.

Samuel Eto'o was also named and Milan could now concentrate their efforts on the Barcelona striker, after Arsenal reportedly placed a huge £30 million price on Adebayor's head.

"I don't know whether he will wear our jersey," Berlusconi said when quizzed about Adebayor.

"He costs a lot."

Roma contact United's Silvestre

Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre could be making a return to Serie A after almost 10 years following interest from Roma.

"I am afraid the situation with Silvestre has become complicated," revealed Bordeaux director Marius Tresor.

"I met him recently and he told me he had just been contacted by Roma. Both clubs are interested in the player, but there is the risk he'll find a permanent transfer to Roma more attractive than a loan to Bordeaux."

Silvestre flopped in his one year at Inter in 1998-99, making just 18 Serie A appearances.

Gers to hold Velicka talks

Rangers have been given the go-ahead for talks with Andrius Velicka, the Lithuania striker on the books of Norwegian club Viking Stavanger. The 29-year-old, who left Hearts in February, will speak to Ibrox officials over the next few days and the deal is expected to go through next month.

"It wouldn't have been right for us to block a move to one of the biggest clubs in Europe," said Viking sporting director Egil Ostenstad.

"He will earn considerably more than he earns at Viking."

It is believed that both clubs have agreed a fee of around £1m for Velicka, who scored 25 goals in 55 appearances for Hearts.

Villa valued £30m

David Villa, whose goals have led Spain to the knock-out stages of the European Championship, is now being valued at £30 million following his scoring exploits for the national team.

But, desperate to land at least one big-name signing this summer, Villa's inflated price-tag is unlikely to deter Chelsea from making a bid.

The Spanish striker, who has already scored four times during the tournament, has become one of the most sought-after players in Europe. Chelsea are thought to be near the head of the queue for the striker even though they will face stiff competition from both Barcelona and Real Madrid.

According to reports, the 26-year-old Villa has informed his agent that he would be happy to play in the Premier League.

Greece duo to stop after Euro 2008

Greece keeper Antonis Nikopolidis and defender Paraskevas Antzas yesterday announced their international retirements after their final Euro 2008 Group D match against Spain on Wednesday.

Nikopolidis, 37, who was a member of the victorious Euro 2004 team and has won 89 caps, and 31-year-old Antzas, who has 25 caps, said it was time for younger players to come into the squad.

"For me the match on Wednesday will be the last match," Nikopolidis said. "We lived through a great time and bad times but the important thing is we always were a family."

Greece are already certain to make a group stage exit from the tournament.

Lippi to make a comeback?

Italy still have a slender chance of progressing into the quarter-finals of Euro 2008 but the media is already saying that Marcello Lippi should get a blank contract to lead the Azzurri again.

Roberto Donadoni has always been under pressure ever since the moment he took charge and the dismal start to the European Championship only served to intensify it.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Lippi is prepared to make a comeback, without discussing wages or demands, to lead the team into 2010 World Cup qualifying.

"Would I return to the Italy squad? Never say never," was his telling quote after two years of rest and recuperation.

Donadoni only signed a contract extension on June 4, but it was clear for everyone involved that failure in Euro 2008 would mean immediate resignation.

Spurs chasing Hart, Coupet

Tottenham want to sign new goalkeepers and Joe Hart and Gregory Coupet are top of their list as manager Juande Ramos is seeking to offload Paul Robinson.

Ben Alnwick, 21, is currently the only other senior keeper on the books at Spurs and Ramos is certain to bring in two goalkeepers of his own.

England new boy Hart, 21, is top of his target list and Tottenham are ready to vastly improve the £10,000 weekly wage he commands at Manchester City.

Ramos is hoping to introduce an experienced keeper alongside Hart. France's Coupet, 35, is believed to be Ramos's preferred choice, having featured in over 500 games for French champions Lyon.