Football news

Roy Keane has refused to rule out a move for Inter midfielder Patrick Vieira.

Sunderland were first linked with the French international midfielder in the summer and now Keane has admitted that he would not rule out signing any player - even Vieira.

"If I believe Vieira can give us something, I'm sure the board would back us. We're always making enquiries about lots of players," he said.

"How great is he? I don't know. I don't go down that road. I just know he was a good player.

"He had good leadership skills, too and will certainly be a great addition to Sunderland."

Robinho eyes Liverpool upset

Robinho insists Manchester City can beat Liverpool this afternoon and become genuine title contenders.

City's new Abu Dhabi-based owners have stated they want to see the title coming to Eastlands in the future, but the club's record signing feels a title tilt is possible this season.

"This is a great time to start winning games against the bigger teams so we can prove we are here to win the title," he told The Sun.

"Do I think it's possible to beat Liverpool? Yes. Liverpool is one of the great games with their history and tradition.

"Every player loves these moments and I cannot wait. We are not so far from the leaders and the league has just started."

Sommeil advised to quit

Former Manchester City defender David Sommeil has been advised never to play football again following his recent heart attack.

The Valenciennes defender collapsed at the end of a training session on August 20 because of cardiac problems and has been in hospital ever since.

He woke up from a coma at the start of September and his condition is improving but Marc Chasselat, Valenciennes' club doctor, doubts he will be able to return to the pitch.

"At the moment, Sommeil is like a child who is learning to walk and speak again," he said.

"His rehabilitation will take a long time. In the long term, he shouldn't have a problem but on the other hand, I don't think he can play football again."

West Ham's Ashton out until 2009

West Ham striker Dean Ashton will not play again until next year after undergoing surgery on an injured ankle. The Hammers said that they cannot put a firm date on when the 24-year-old might return.

"The main thing is the operation went well. Now we need to wait a little bit to see how long it will take," manager Gianfranco Zola said.

"As far as I know there were a few particles that needed to be removed but the main thing is it went well."

Injured Iaquinta to miss Palermo match

Vincenzo Iaquinta has been added to Juve's injury list after he failed to recover from a thigh problem and will now miss today's Serie A match against Palermo.

The Italy forward suffered the injury during Tuesday's 2-2 draw at Bate Borisov in the Champions League. Coach Claudio Ranieri had hoped that Iaquinta would recover for today's match but the injury seems to be more serious than first thought.

Apart from Iaquinta, Ranieri is sweating on the fitness of Giorgio Chiellini and youngster Sebastian Giovinco who are not 100 per cent fit.

Santa Cruz could leave Blackburn

Blackburn striker Roque Santa Cruz believes he will have to leave Ewood Park if he is to fulfil his ambition to play Champions League football.

The Paraguay international signed a new deal with Rovers earlier this season but admitted his ambitions were to play in the Champions League and be with a club who could challenge for the Premier League title.

"Realistically I don't think I can achieve that at Blackburn. We have different goals in this team than in other teams.

"If I have the chance and some people can give me the opportunity then I think it is a thing to discuss. There might still be time for a move, if something is going to happen, it is going to happen."

Agger is not for sale - Benitez

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has rejected reports linking Daniel Agger with a possible move to Real Madrid.

Reports had suggested that Real were lining up a move for the Danish central defender when the transfer window reopens in January. Real's vice-president Jose Angel Sanchez was quoted as saying Agger was among their top targets as they look to bolster their defensive options.

Agger has struggled to reclaim his place in the Liverpool side this season after recovering from a foot injury which ruled him out for the majority of last term.

"The situation is very simple, Daniel Agger is our player and he is not for sale," said Benitez.

"His future is at Anfield and nowhere else."