Football news

Reports in the Italian media say Arsene Wenger is urging Arsenal directors to launch a bid for Sebastian Giovinco, the diminutive playmaker currently on the books of Juventus.

Giovinco, an Italy U-21 international, is in talks over a new contract with Juve who are said to be refusing to meet his wage demands.

Agent Andrea d'Amico said: "The new contract isn't just about figures but about certainty for the future."

Wenger is likely to pounce when the transfer window re-opens in January but Juve would be reluctant to sell a player who the fans are seeing as a possible heir to Alessandro Del Piero.

Napoli appeal

Serie A club Napoli are facing a logistical headache ahead of their team's next home fixture on Sunday against Fiorentina following the Italian League's decision to close down two large sections of their stadium.

Tickets for the match have already been sold for curvas A and B which house the southern club's most notorious fans. The League's decision was taken as punishment following the destruction left behind the Napoli fans at a railway station and outside Roma's Olympic Stadium.

Napoli appealed against the Italian League's decision, saying in a statement: "SSC Napoli has ordered its lawyer to present an urgent appeal regarding the decision made by the sporting judge of the Lega Calcio on the partial closure of the stadium."

Tevez apology

Argentine's Carlos Tevez apologised after being sent off in the first half for the second time in three international appearances.

The forward was booked in the 16th minute of Saturday's 1-1 World Cup qualifying draw with Paraguay for a tackle from behind and received a direct red in the 31st for a studs-up challenge on Dario Veron. Argentina were losing 1-0 at the time.

"I'm sad because I left my team-mates with 10 players again," said the Manchester United player.

"In the first incident, the referee could have sent me off. They were two senseless tackles which made me miss another important game."

Kaka reiterates he's not leaving Milan

Kaka has reiterated that he has no intention of leaving Milan although he is flattered by the huge amounts Premier League clubs Chelsea and Manchester City are reportedly willing to pay for him.

"I'll never ask to leave... I'll only go if Milan decide to sell me," the Brazil playmaker told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Over the last 12 months, Kaka has been the constant subject of transfer speculation and the latest side to enter the frame are Manchester City.

"First it was Real Madrid and now it is fashionable to talk about England," Kaka said.

"The market goes like that... Milan make offers to other clubs and they make offers to Milan. But I would never ask to leave."

Zico shows Newcastle interest

Former Japan and Fenerbahce coach Zico told reporters he would be interested in succeeding Kevin Keegan as Newcastle manager. A number of big names have been linked with the St James' Park job following the resignation of Kevin Keegan and now it seems that Zico has entered the fray.

Zico, who made 88 appearances for Brazil, has no qualms with the Newcastle's internal structure, an issue that forced Keegan out.

"The Newcastle job is one that I would be very interested in taking. It would be a privilege and an honour," Zico said.

"I've always wanted to experience the Premier League as I believe I could enjoy much success coaching in England. I am used to working alongside technical directors so this isn't an issue for me."

Hammers to seal Zola deal

Gianfranco Zola is favourite to land the manager's job at West Ham and the London club expect to agree a deal with the former Italy forward by tomorrow.

Zola was on a shortlist alongside Roberto Donadoni and John Collins but it seems the West Ham board, which met earlier this week, decided in favour of Zola to succeed Alan Curbishley.

Zola, the assistant coach of Italy U-21, has given the Hammers encouragement that he is keen to move to Upton Park. West Ham believe the Italian, who played for Chelsea from 1996 to 2003, has the attributes to be a big success at Upton Park.

"It's true that he has no experience of managing a club side, but he knows the Premier League very well," a club source said.

Genoa set to sign Davids

Genoa are on the verge of pulling off an unexpected transfer deal for former Serie A star Edgar Davids.

The 35-year-old midfielder wore the Inter and Milan colours but made his name at Juventus, where he chalked up over 150 appearances between 1997 and 2004.

Davids spent last season at Ajax, but left the club when his contract expired at the end of June. Sources said the Dutch international is eyeing to continue his career elsewhere and Genoa are believed to be ready to offer Davids a contract.

President Enrico Preziosi is a long-time admirer of Davids and, the sources added, is said to have a one-year contract in mind.