Football news

Real Madrid forward Julio Baptista is not against a move to Roma who are looking to reinforce their squad to try and wrest the title from Inter next season.

With Antonio Di Natale and Vincenzo Iaquinta no longer interested in a move to the capital, Fiorentina's Adrian Mutu and Baptista are now top of Roma's shopping list.

The Brazilian has struggled at Real since joining in 2005 and is reportedly ready to sign up for a fresh start.

"At the moment he doesn't want to talk about things, but I can assure you that he really likes Roma," agent Herminio Menedez said.

Bosnich to trial in Australia

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Mark Bosnich has been given a two-week trial by Australian A-League club the Central Coast Mariners.

Bosnich, 36, also played for Aston Villa and Chelsea during a career in the English Premiership that ended in 2002 due to cocaine addiction.

"Mark has not signed a contract with the Mariners, but has been invited to train with us to further his aspirations to return to top-flight football, if not with the Mariners, then with another club in Australia or abroad," chief executive Lyall Gorman said.

The Central Coast are based at Gosford, an hour north of Sydney.

Spezia start liquidation process

Spezia became the second club in Italy to start liquidation process after Messina earlier in the week.

Spezia were in Serie B last season. But poor form, financial problems and a points penalty for failing to hand in paperwork before a deadline saw them relegated.

"We worked hard to save the side at the last minute, but in the end it was not enough, as we needed over £2m," Attilio Garbini, the club president said.

The Ligurian club, Italy champions in 1944, were set to play in Serie C1, but their financial collapse means that place will be left open to another outfit.

Fulham signings

Fulham completed the double signing of striker Bobby Zamora and defender John Pantsil from London rivals West Ham United.

Zamora signed a four-year deal while Ghana's Pantsil signed for three years.

Fulham's website said the two players had cost a combined £6.3 million.

Zamora, 27, joined West Ham in 2004 from Tottenham Hotspur and played a key role in helping the club gain promotion.

Pantsil played for Ghana in this year's African Nations Cup.

Priesthood first

A defender in Major League Soccer has quit his team to train for the priesthood in the Catholic Church.

Chase Hilgenbrinck, a 26-year-old left-back with the New England Revolution, said he was retiring from the game to attend a Catholic seminary in Maryland.

"After years of discernment, I feel strongly that the Lord has called me to become a priest in the Catholic Church," Hilgenbrinck said.

After college soccer in the US, Illinois native Hilgenbrinck spent four years in professional soccer in Chile before signing for the Revolution in March after a brief spell with the Colorado Rapids.

Milan let Grimi go

Milan have parted company with Argentine defender Leandro Grimi who will be joining Sporting Lisbon in Portugal.

The 23-year-old spent last season on loan at Sporting after being sent to Siena in 2007. Grimi made just three appearances in the Milan shirt and never managed to assert himself at the San Siro.

Sources said Sporting will pay 2.5 million euros for the left-back and offer him a five-year contract. Milan will pocket 35 per cent of any future transfer fee if he is sold on.

Bridge stays

Chelsea left-back Wayne Bridge has signed a new four-year contract, Chelsea said yesterday.

England international Bridge, 27, made just 19 appearances last season but new manager Felipe Scolari was keen for the former Southampton player to stay.

"I am pleased for Wayne that he has committed his future to Chelsea," Scolari said.

"He is one of the best professionals at the club and I very much like his playing style."

New players for Hull

Hull City signed three new players yesterday as the club continued preparations for its first campaign in the top flight of English soccer.

In a statement, the club confirmed that Hungary winger Peter Halmosi, midfielder George Boateng and goalkeeper Tony Warner had all completed their transfers.

Halmosi signed a four-year deal after moving from Plymouth, Boateng signed a two-year deal after moving from Middlesbrough while Warner joined from Fulham, also on a two-year contract.