Football news

FA Cup winners Portsmouth want to strengthen their squad this summer and their first transfer targets are Peter Crouch and Nolberto Solano.

Manager Harry Redknapp could be signing as many as ten new players as he prepares the club for their first European campaign next season. He wants Crouch, estimated at £8 million by Liverpool, and Peru's Solano who was released by West Ham.

Some clubs from the MLS in the US are thought to covet the 33-year-old Solano but he would like to play in England for two more seasons.

"We are working on a few options and seeing what we can do," Redknapp said.

"It is not a case of looking at one player for each position. We are looking at a few in each area."

Referee right to dismiss Volkan

Referee Peter Frojdfeldt was right to send off Volkan Demirel after the Turkey keeper clashed with Jan Koller in the final minutes of their thrilling Euro 2008 Group A defeat of the Czech Republic, his coach Fatih Terim said.

Swede Frojdfeldt dismissed Volkan in the second minute of injury time after the keeper pushed Koller in the chest in an off-ball incident and the towering striker fell to the ground.

"There were only minutes left until the end so I didn't approve of what he did at all," Turkey coach Terim said.

"I don't know exactly what happened but I know what he did wasn't right," he said. "The referee was correct to send him off."

Bologna sign Ascoli's Bernacci

Bologna continued their push in the transfer market with the addition of Ascoli hitman Marco Bernacci to their ranks.

The Serie A newcomers grabbed second spot in Serie B last season to return to the top flight after a three-year absence. The task now is to build a squad capable of holding their own among the elite.

Bernacci, who scored 16 goals in the Serie B last term, has joined Sampdoria midfielder Sergio Volpi at Bologna. Bernacci, 24, signed a five-year contract. He is seen as a big prospect for the future, but is yet to test his talent on the big stage.

Bologna are expected to invest heavily after being bought by a group of American investors.

Scots get extra place in Europe

As from season 2009/10, there will be five European places for Scottish teams with this year's Intertoto Cup the last before UEFA Cup qualification changes.

There will be an additional qualifying round in the UEFA Cup in summer of 2009, with the fourth-placed team in the SPL the likeliest to benefit.

SPL secretary Iain Blair warned holidays would need to be curtailed, though.

"The UEFA Cup will start in June and participation is mandatory, whereas the Intertoto was voluntary," said Blair.

Deco confirms Chelsea interest

Deco has confirmed Chelsea are interested in signing him but he had not talked with Luiz Felipe Scolari about a move to Stamford Bridge. The Portugal playmaker has been linked with the Blues for a number of years.

Jose Mourinho tried and failed to take him to Chelsea four years ago, but now with Barcelona ready to let him leave, Scolari looks to have made the 30-year-old one of his top transfer targets.

"There is interest from Chelsea, which is normal," Deco said.

"But Scolari has not told me anything, we are now just talking to the club."

McClaren to open Rovers talks

Steve McClaren is to start talks with Blackburn Rovers over the vacant manager's job. The former England boss has been out of work since the national team's unsuccessful qualifying bid for Euro 2008 came to an end last November.

He has recently expressed his desire to return to the game and had been linked with Dutch club FC Twente.

McClaren has been mentioned among the favourites to take charge at Ewood Park and he told reporters last week that he would be interested in the post.

Blackburn are looking to replace Mark Hughes who switched to Manchester City two weeks ago.

Stankovic set to leave Inter

Dejan Stankovic could be heading out of the San Siro this summer after playing more than 150 matches for champions Inter. It seems the 29-year-old Serb does not feature in Jose Mourinho's plans and could leave for the highest bidder.

Reports suggest that Inter director Marco Branca has already informed Stankovic's agent about Mourinho's plans despite the player still having two years left on his contract.

Inter are expected to demand around £8m for Stankovic but while that fee may be matched, the player's wage demands may rule out some clubs.

City rivals Milan are believed to be keeping an eye on the situation but the lack of options in Italy may lead Stankovic to look to England, where Everton and Manchester City are said to be interested.