Football news

Chelsea are still in discussions with Milan to sign Kaka, according to the player's personal assistant.

Milan have repeatedly insisted that their gifted playmaker is not for sale, but reports suggest a €100 million (£78 million) bid could tempt the Serie A giants to do business before the closure of the transfer window at the end of the month.

Diogo Kotscho, Kaka's personal assistant, has claimed talks between the two clubs are ongoing.

"I spoke with Kaka yesterday (Saturday). We know that the clubs are talking about the transfer, although they have not reached a conclusion yet," Kotscho told The Observer.

"I think an August transfer is still a possibility, though Kaka will only talk about that when they do a deal."

Barry too expensive, says Parry

Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry has cast further doubts about Gareth Barry's proposed move to Anfield by saying that the price quoted "is too high".

Reports in England claim Liverpool's American owners are not willing to fork out £18 million for the Aston Villa midfielder following Robbie Keane's £20.3 million move from Tottenham.

"This is not about questioning the manager's judgement or the ability of a particular player," Parry said on Liverpool's official website.

"It is obviously the selling club's prerogative to put whatever price they want on the player, but on this occasion Liverpool think the price quoted is too high."

Spurs interested in Corluka - Hughes

Manchester City manager Mark Hughes has confirmed that Vedran Corluka is the subject of interest from Tottenham Hotspur.

Spurs boss Juande Ramos is looking for defensive reinforcements following the departure of Pascal Chimbonda to Sunderland.

And while Hughes confirmed that contact had been made over the full-back's services, he insisted a deal was still to be concluded.

Hughes told a press conference: "The situation is that Spurs are interested but the deal has not been done.

"If the deal does not feel right then it will not be done."

Barca set to keep Eto'o - report

Samuel Eto'o is now likely to stay at Barcelona, according to reports from Catalonia.

For most of the summer, the Cameroon forward was widely expected to follow Ronaldinho and Deco as a big-name departure from the Nou Camp following the exit of coach Frank Rijkaard.

A host of clubs were reportedly interested in fighting it out for his signature, including Chelsea, Spurs, and Lyon.

But now Spanish daily Mundo Deportivo claims new coach Pep Guardiola has decided to keep Eto'o at Barca.

Eto'o has performed well in pre-season and spirit within the squad is good.

Lazio enter Ljungberg chase

Lazio are believed to be heading the chase for Fredrik Ljungberg who has also been linked with a move to Roma.

The Swede is out of contract after terminating his deal with West Ham United by mutual consent following a poor season in the Premier League.

"I have been called by many clubs, but Ljungberg is no longer our player and I don't know what choice he could make," revealed Hammers director of sport Gianluca Nani.

"I can certainly confirm that he is physically fit."

Newspaper Tuttosport repored yesterday that Lazio president Claudio Lotito has made contact with Ljungberg's agent.

Everton focus on three new signings

Everton manager David Moyes has increased his efforts to sign three players and bring an end to a summer of transfer frus-tration.

CSKA Moscow's Brazilian striker Vagner Love could join Everton either on a season-long loan deal or permanent move.

BBC Sport also reported yesterday that talks are continuing in a bid to bring Newcastle's Alan Smith and Rennes midfield man Stephane Mbia to Goodison.

Everton, however, have not made any progress in their long-running pursuit of Joao Moutinho, their top target, because of Sporting Lisbon's £18m asking price.

Moyes has failed to bring in any new players since guiding Everton to fifth place last season and his squad was further depleted by the sale of Andrew Johnson to Fulham.

Almunia tells Walcott to get 'nasty'

Arsenal forward Theo Walcott has been told he needs to toughen up if he is to fulfil his immense potential in the Premier League.

Gunners goalkeeper Manuel Almunia believes the talented teenager needs to work on just one aspect of his game ahead of the new season.

"He is one of the best players in the squad. The only thing he has to improve is an aspect of his character. He's a very lovely guy - maybe too lovely on the pitch," Almunia said of Walcott who joined Arsenal as a 16-year-old from Southampton in 2006.

"I keep saying to him he has to become more nasty. After this he will be one of the best players in the Premier League."