Football news

Bordeaux have given up hope on signing Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre.

Silvestre had been strongly linked with a move back to France in a deal that would have seen him link up once again with former United team-mate and Bordeaux boss Laurent Blanc.

But Bordeaux president Jean-Louis Triaud has admitted the lure of a lucrative testimonial for the 30-year-old, who made the move to Old Trafford in 1999, has put the brakes on the switch.

"There are several targets for the left-back role," Triaud said. "In that position, above all, there was one who was his (Blanc's) first choice and that proved to be impossible.

"Yes, I think the possibility of Mikael Silvestre coming here has ended."

Nasri yet to finalise Arsenal move - agent

Samir Nasri's agent has denied claims made by the Olympique Marseille midfielder that he has agreed a four-year deal with English Premier League side Arsenal.

"Discussions are continuing between the two clubs and the player," Jean-Pierre Bernes was quoted as saying yesterday by the website of sports daily L'Equipe (www.lequipe.fr).

"Nothing has been finalised, no element of the transfer has been finalised and everybody is still talking," he added.

On Monday, France international Nasri announced on his personal website that he had signed a four-year contract with Arsenal for a fee of €16.8 million.

Tottenham target PSV goalkeeper

Tottenham Hotspur have expressed an interest in signing PSV Eindhoven goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes.

Gomes asked for a transfer shortly after PSV claimed their 21st league title last season, citing differences with managing director Jan Reker.

"Tottenham have informed us of their interest," Reker said.

Although Reker insisted a deal has yet to be struck, he hinted it was close after revealing the club have already drawn up a list of replacements.

"It is true that Andreas Isaksson is one of the candidates to replace Gomes, but we are looking at other keepers too," he added.

Zebina set for Galatasaray switch

Juventus defender Jonathan Zebina is considering a move to Turkish giants Galatasaray.

The French stopper fell out of favour with coach Claudio Ranieri last season, starting just 14 games.

Zebina has been weighing up his future over the last few months and his chances of winning a starting role next term have been reduced by the arrival of Olof Mellberg, a possible approach for Siena's Simone Loria and the rise of Giorgio Chiellini.

Reports suggest that Galatasaray are keen to meet the player to discuss personal terms as soon as possible.

Ince proud to take over at Blackburn

Paul Ince spoke of his pride at taking over at Blackburn Rovers after he was presented to the media yesterday at Ewood Park. He also said that he was delighted to become the Premier League's first ever British black manager.

Asked if he had considered whether he might go on to become the first black England boss, Ince replied: "Not really. I am happy to be a role model. I am proud of where I come from. I am proud to be at Blackburn and I don't know where it will take me. Only time will tell.

"The feedback I have had from fans has been very encouraging and I am looking forward to meeting the players. I played with Brad Friedel at Liverpool. He's an exceptional keeper and someone I can speak to who can tell me things about the club.

"There is no fear factor coming to Blackburn. It is exciting coming here."

Injured Chivu to miss start of season

Inter defender Cristian Chivu is likely to miss the start of the season after undergoing surgery on his shoulder.

The Romanian international had been suffering from shoulder pain for months since sustaining extensive damage during a fall in March.

Chivu played on instead of seeking immediate treatment, but took the chance to address the problem after Romania's exit from Euro 2008.

Early indications are that the 27-year-old will be sidelined until the middle of September and will be absent for Inter's first games of the new campaign.

Shepherd in talks to buy RCD Mallorca

Ex-Newcastle United chairman Freddy Shepherd is in talks to buy Spanish soccer club RCD Mallorca. The soccer club is on sale for about €40 million after its parent Grupo Drac filed for insolvency last week, a source close to the situation told Reuters.

"All I can say is that we're in discussions," Shepherd said. "We live in Mallorca most of the year. Mallorca has always been our second team." Shepherd refused to give more details and Mallorca declined to comment.

Shepherd sold his 28 per cent stake in Newcastle United a year ago to British sportswear tycoon Mike Ashley, who bought the club for about £134 million.

He later tried, and failed, to buy Leeds United.