Football news

Premier League newcomers Stoke City are in talks with Valencia striker Nikola Zigic over a move to the Brittania Stadium, manager Tony Pulis confirmed.

The Stoke manager told reporters that chief executive Tony Scholes is in Spain for discussions with the towering Serbia international but insisted it is by no means a done deal.

"Tony (Scholes) is over in Spain speaking to the player at the moment but that doesn't mean he will be signing for us," Pulis said.

"He is a player with great pedigree and has an outstanding goalscoring record, but he isn't the only player we are looking at."

Ferguson looking to sign a striker

Man. United manager Alex Ferguson wants to sign a striker before the start of the league season.

The English champions have reportedly made a bid for Tottenham Hotspur forward Dimitar Berbatov as Ferguson looks to increase his attacking options.

With Wayne Rooney struggling with a virus, Cristiano Ronaldo out until October, and Louis Saha continuing to battle with his fitness, Ferguson is short of cover up front.

"We are looking at three or four different options in the striking department which I hope will come to a happy conclusion," Ferguson said.

"Hopefully we will have someone in for the start of the season."

Alonso free to leave says Benitez

Xabi Alonso will be allowed to leave Liverpool if a good offer arrived for the Spanish midfielder, manager Rafael Benitez said yesterday.

Benitez is still attempting to push through a deal for Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry, despite failing to receive financial backing from the club's American owners for the £18 million transfer.

"We knew Alonso was a very good player and as a result, his transfer value is quite high. We had offers, but they were not enough.

"For me it is not a problem if he stays or not. If the offer for Alonso is not right, then it is very simple... he will stay here."

Sampdoria renew Shevchenko interest

Sampdoria are pondering a fresh bid for Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko.

While the Ukrainian forward would prefer a return to Milan, the latter are not interested in bringing in new forwards and that is encouraging the Genoa club to offer Shevchenko an alternative return to the Serie A.

The Ukrainian is said to be unsettled at Chelsea after the English club tabled an offer for Real Madrid striker Robinho.

Reports in Italy said yesterday that Sampdoria are ready to offer €4.4 million in wages for Shevchenko on a one-year-loan deal with an option to buy at the end of the season.

Sissoko signs new Juve contract

Mohammed Sissoko has been rewarded for his good form with Juventus by signing a contract extension until 2013.

The midfielder only joined from Liverpool in January and was initially greeted with a lukewarm reception from fans, but has quickly become a favourite.

"I am happy to renew my contract," the midfielder told Juventus Channel. "I like it here and thanks to my team-mates, I have been able to settle in very quickly.

"Now we must all concentrate to qualify for the Champions League group stages."

Inler eager to seal Arsenal move

Udinese midfielder Gokhan Inler could be heading for a move to Arsenal after the player's agent held positive talks with Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

Wenger wants to increase his options in midfield after seeing Mathieu Flamini, Gilberto Silva and Alexander Hleb leave the club over the summer.

"It is true that I have had a meeting with Arsene Wenger," agent Dino Lamberti told Swiss newspaper Blick. "We have already had a very positive discussion and I cannot rule out that a transfer can go through."

Reports have claimed that Arsenal are prepared to make Inler the most expensive footballer in Swiss history by paying €15 million.

Cesar fancies Spurs switch

Real Zaragoza goalkeeper Cesar Sanchez is looking forward to completing a move to Tottenham Hotspur.

The Spanish keeper has emerged as a target for Spurs boss Juande Ramos, who is aiming to bring in back-up for first-choice keeper Heurelho Gomes.

Reports in Spain have claimed a deal has already been agreed between the two clubs, with Cesar due in London to undergo a medical tomorrow.

"Tottenham is the best move that I could expect in the situation, given my age, Cesar told AS.

"I'm going with the willingness to help and to contribute with my experience, then we will see if I play more or less."