Football news

Andy Cole is not happy with the way things are evolving at Nottingham Forest where he is made to stay on the bench for most of the time.

The veteran striker joined his hometown club on a one-year deal in the summer, but has started only once this season.

Cole has made five substitute appearances and was given just a late run-out in Saturday's 0-0 draw at Charlton Athletic.

The former England international is eager to play on a regular basis and is likely to discuss his future with Forest manager Colin Calderwood.

"I did not come here to sit and watch," Cole told reporters.

"If I am not going to play there is no point me being here."

Montolivo staying

Fiorentina made it clear that Riccardo Montolivo, their prized asset in midfield, will not leave the club next January to join Gianfranco Zola and West Ham.

Coach Cesare Prandelli insisted Montolivo will not be sold to West Ham or any other club in January.

Zola, the new West Ham manager, is a great admirer of the Italian playmaker and reports in England have linked the 23-year-old with a move to Upton Park in a transfer deal worth £12 million at the turn of the new year.

"West Ham want Montolivo?" Prandelli said when asked about the situation. "This season he will make the leap in quality here. Twelve million is not a great offer."

Montolivo is under contract with Fiorentina until June 2012.

Buffon injury not worrying

Gianluigi Buffon asked Juventus to substitute him at half-time during Sunday's match at Cagliari as a precaution rather than anything else, the goalkeeper assured the fans yesterday.

Juventus chalked up another win last weekend when beating Cagliari 1-0 away but the taste of victory was marred by fears that Buffon could be sidelined for a long time.

"I did not feel OK when I kicked out for the ball," Buffon said. "I asked to be substituted and I waited until half-time to come off. However, I don't think it is anything serious and I'll be out for a week at most."

Buffon was replaced by Alex Manninger who had an excellent performance and pulled off a fine save late on to deny Cagliari an equaliser.

Djourou signs long-term deal

Johan Djourou, 21, has reached agreement with Arsenal on a new long-term deal with the club.

The Switzerland defender joined the Gunners from Etoile Carouge in 2003 and has racked up over 50 appearances.

Djourou was on loan at Birmingham last season before returning to the Emirates Stadium to challenge for a place in Arsene Wenger's team. Initially a defensive midfield player, Djourou has largely been deployed at centre-back for Arsenal.

He has played four times this season and came off the bench on Saturday as Arsenal moved to the top of the Premier League table with a 3-1 victory at Bolton.

Nigerians to launch Newcastle bid

Reports in Africa said yesterday that a group of Nigerian businessmen are planning to take over Newcastle United. Mike Ashley, the current owner, is trying to find a buyer for the ailing club, after proving unsuccessful with his initial efforts to secure a sale.

Ashley has announced he wants to sell his interest in Newcastle just 16 months after staging a £134.4 million takeover. A Nigerian company claim they have £350 million behind them and are bidding to secure the remaining funding which would improve their chances of a successful takeover.

Chris Nathaniel, NVA Management director, wants to make Nigeria the first African country to own a Premier League club.

He said: "Right now I am happy to tell you that well meaning Nigerians have so far contributed £350 million to buy Newcastle."

United face fine

Manchester United are likely to face a £25,000 fine for the seven yellow cards incurred by their players during Sunday's match against Chelsea which finished one-all.

The FA will wait for referee Mike Riley's report before deciding whether to look into a clash between Rio Ferdinand and Didier Drogba on the final whistle which left the Chelsea man needing treatment.

"It was a competitive game but I did not think there was one bad tackle in it," Alex Ferguson said.

"People are saying what is going on here but it is difficult to say anything about the referee. I do not want to get involved."

Hughes... integral part in City plans

Abu Dhabi United Group boss, sheikh Mansour bin Zayev al Nahyan, told reporters that manager Mark Hughes is part of the club's future and he won't be replaced.

Sheikh Mansour squashed speculation about the manager's future and insisted he had their full support.

"Mark Hughes is absolutely integral to our plans," he said in a statement.

"We're lucky to have someone who we believe is the best young British manager. He's been successful on the global stage, the Premier League and, of course, as a player."

Sheikh Mansour said he's prepared to give Hughes time and has promised the manager that he will have the final say in which players he wants to try and sign.