Football news

Portsmouth manager Tony Adams is planning to hold talks with Inter over the possibility of signing French midfielder Patrick Vieira.

Vieira, who left Adams's former club Arsenal in 2005, has been plagued by injuries in recent times and is entering the twilight of his career, but Adams believes the 32-year-old would still have plenty to offer.

"He is definitely a player I'd like to bring here if he was available," Adams said. "I will be speaking to Inter manager Jose Mourinho and asking about him.

"With Patrick you know what you are getting - he is a proven winner and a great character."

Real still keen on Ronaldo - Ferguson

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has reignited his row with Real Madrid over Cristiano Ronaldo by claiming that he does not believe the Spanish champions have given up hope of signing the Portugal winger.

Last week, Real president Ramon Calderon declared that they were no longer interested in Ronaldo but Ferguson is not trusting the Spanish club.

"I don't care two monkeys about our relationship with Real Madrid to be honest with you. We have the player we want. They don't have the player they would like," Ferguson said.

"Yes, it's possible that these are the first shots of another attempt to get him. They do it all the time. We have enough ammunition ready."

Eto'o victim of racist chanting

Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o was the victim of racist chanting during the second half of Saturday's 4-1 Primera Liga win at Malaga, Spanish media reported yesterday.

One section of the crowd made monkey noises when the Cameroon international touched the ball and whistled at him when he was substituted near the end, newspapers, including El Pais and Marca, reported.

The referee's match report, published on the Spanish soccer federation's website, made no mention of abuse and described the behaviour of the crowd as "normal".

Roma fans attack team bus

Roma fans protested at the airport and at the training ground after their struggling team flew back from Turin following a 2-0 defeat at Juventus on Saturday, their sixth league loss.

Media reports said fans threw coins in the direction of the players and chanted against coach Luciano Spalletti and president Rosella Sensi, who was close to selling the club last season.

"Our faith must not be betrayed, you are all mercenaries. Go to work," screamed some of the ultras present.

Saturday's defeat left Roma just outside relegation zone with the second-worst defence in Serie A. They have conceded 17 goals in nine games, while Reggina and Bologna have let in 19 in 10 matches.

Mourinho receives apology from mayor

The mayor of Reggio Calabria has apologised to Jose Mourinho after the Inter coach was heckled following his side's 3-2 win at Reggina for giving a crucifix to a disabled fan.

"The mayor (Giuseppe Scopelliti) accused me of wanting to give money to the disabled kid. Actually I gave him a crucifix that my wife had given to me as a present and which I've kept in my pocket for three or four years," Mourinho said.

"Even when I do a nice gesture I get criticised."

Scopelliti acknowledged his error. "It was simply a misunderstanding," he said. "I even apologised when the kindness of his gesture was confirmed to me, which in the eyes of many of the fans in the crowd appeared to be at first offensive."

Benitez eager to sort out future

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is keen to sign a new deal with the English club and avoid any similar problems that forced him to leave Valencia.

Benitez won a second Primera Liga title and the UEFA Cup with Valencia in 2004 and had prepared a list of targets including the likes of emerging talents Cristiano Ronaldo and Didier Drogba.

But the Spanish boss walked out on the final year of his contract to take charge of Liverpool after broken promises over a new deal.

"I left Valencia because there were problems with my contract and other situations," he said.

"I hope there are no similar problems here. I would like to remain at Liverpool for a long time so I am waiting for contract developments."

Kinnear urges club to keep Owen

Joe Kinnear has urged Newcastle United to do their utmost to keep Michael Owen.

Owen is a free agent in the summer and his latest injury cost him his place in the England squad. But the 28-year-old has still scored five goals for the Magpies this season and has averaged a goal every two league starts since returning to the Premier League from Real Madrid in 2005.

"It's better that this club has Michael and players like him because it's a big club and he's a big player," Kinnear was quoted as saying yesterday.