Football news

Reports say Tottenham are expected to make a move for Newcastle no.1 Shay Given.

Spurs manager Harry Redknapp could move for a new goalkeeper when the transfer window re-opens in January following the indifferent performances of Heurelho Gomes.

Given's future at St James's Park has been the subject of speculation for some time with the Ireland international said to be considering his future due to the current turmoil at the club.

Redknapp said: "Shay Given is a great goalkeeper who I admire. Any manager would have to be interested in him if he became available."

Assistant referee says sorry

Atletico Madrid defender Mariano Pernia has received an apology from an assistant referee after conceding a late penalty in his side's 1-1 draw with Liverpool on Tuesday.

Pernia was adjudged to have fouled Steven Gerrard in an aerial collision in the box four minutes into stoppage time of the Champions League match. The Liverpool captain stepped up to score the penalty and in the process deny the Spanish side a place in the last 16.

"It was a very ugly decision by the linesman, but we all make mistakes, us players too, and I think the linesman made one here," Pernia said.

"It was not a foul, Gerrard threw himself on top of me. The linesman said 'sorry, sorry' after the penalty was given. He had time to correct it and go back on it but he didn't."

City's Petrov out for four months

Manchester City's Martin Petrov could be sidelined for up to four months to recover from a knee operation, manager Mark Hughes said.

Petrov suffered the injury on international duty with Bulgaria and has failed to respond to treatment. The former Atletico Madrid winger is scheduled to return to Spain next week for surgery.

"Martin is going to see a surgeon next Monday and he will probably stay and have an operation," Hughes told reporters.

"If that is the case he will be out for up to four months. That would be a blow for us as he gives us more options."

Adebayor blow for Arsenal

Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor has been ruled out of action for three weeks with ankle trouble. The 24-year-old sustained the injury after a tackle from Ryan Shawcross in the 2-1 upset to Stoke.

Shawcross's challenge drew a furious response from Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger who accused Stoke of overly aggressive tactics.

Asked if he felt opposing players were deliberately injuring his players, Wenger said: "Yes, of course. Was (Stoke's Rory) Delap trying to play the ball when he injured Walcott? Did Shawcross try to play the ball when he tackled Adebayor off the pitch?"

Adebayor will now miss league games against Man. United, Aston Villa, Man. City and Chelsea.

Mihajlovic to seek Mancini advice

New Bologna coach Sinisa Mihajlovic will contact Roberto Mancini for advice as he settles into his first coaching role.

The Serb was Mancini's assistant at Inter for two years until last summer.

"He knows the atmosphere," Mihajlovic told reporters.

"We have been friends for 20 years, he is my big brother. I will certainly ask him for advice. I am not ashamed to say it."

When asked if Mancini was an inspiration to him, Mihajlovic replied: "In part. I look to take the best from every one of the trainers I have had.

"In terms of preparation for a game Roberto is the best."

Rome could lose final - Platini

UEFA president Michel Platini has warned that Rome could lose the right to host the 2009 Champions League final if violence continues to blight Roma's matches.

Three Chelsea supporters and a policeman were hurt before Tuesday's game between Roma and Chelsea in Group A.

"Rome has to show itself to be the best option to host the Champions League final," Platini, who watched Roma beat Chelsea 3-1 from the stands, said.

"A high level test came with Chelsea and it's a shame that, for the umpteenth time, we had to experience such incidents."

Adriano settles differences

Adriano has solved all his differences with Inter coach Jose Mourinho, the player's agent said.

The Brazil striker had been disciplined by the Portuguese trainer and subsequently dropped altogether from Inter's last two matches due to repeatedly turning up late for training.

Agent Gilmar Rinaldi has confirmed that the problem has been solved and that Adriano will continue to play for the Italian champions.

"Everything has been solved between the two, now Adriano is getting back to form and will be available for selection," Rinaldi said.