Football news

Zlatan Ibrahimovic told reporters Lazio veteran Cristian Brocchi never stood a chance of stopping him from leading Inter to victory at the Olympic Stadium on Saturday night.

The Inter striker scored one goal in a sound 3-0 victory away to Lazio before getting engaged in an argument with midfielder Brocchi in the second half.

The Lazio midfielder accused Ibra of 'taking the mickey' with his flicks and tricks, earning a booking for a crunching tackle.

"He talked, I played," Ibrahimovic, who also performed an acrobatic kick in midfield to release team-mate Sulley Muntari with his heel, said.

"The truth is he tried to get the ball off me, but he could never do it."

Kinnear wants to sign Mareque

Newcastle boss Joe Kinnear said Argentine Lucas Mareque is one of his top transfer targets for January as the Magpies are looking to strengthen the squad and add more options on the left-back position.

The likes of John Arne Riise and Leighton Baines have been linked with Newcastle but Kinnear has now expressed an interest in Mareque, 25. He currently plays for Independiente.

Kinnear said: "Mareque is a player we are looking to sign in January and we are trying to find out what that would entail. He is 6ft 2ins and height is something we could do with in our back four.

"We have looked at the way our own Argentinians Jonas Gutierrez and Fabricio Coloccini have settled in and we have spoken to them about Mareque and they have given us glowing reports."

Ferdinand mulling retirement

Defender Rio Ferdinand is mulling retiring when his current contract at Manchester United expires in four years' time. Ferdinand, 30, moved to Old Trafford from Leeds in 2002.

He said: "When I signed my extension in May I said to David Gill: 'I hope this isn't the last one'. But I'll be 34 when this contract runs out and, if I'm honest, I'd have to be very lucky with injuries and keep myself in tip-top shape if I want to go beyond that.

"At the moment I'm just aiming to see out this term. If I'm still playing in the first team at 34, I'll be delighted.

"Maybe then I can say I've had a good innings."

Milan keeping tabs on Ronaldo

Milan want Ronaldo to return to the San Siro when he recovers fully from injury. The Brazilian striker has been inactive since damaging his knee tendon in a Serie A match for Milan in February.

Agent Fabiano Farah said Ronaldo's contract with Milan had expired but the former World Player of the Year wants to play again for a big club and San Siro could be his destination.

"It is right to clarify something," Farah said. "Milan have never stopped seeking us out and have already shown they are interested in renewing the agreement.

"This option cannot be ruled out, but whatever happens, Ronaldo will in any case play for a big club."

Gaydamak decides to sell Pompey

Portsmouth owner Alexandre Gaydamak has decided to sell the club and has already rejected two offers.

"I have come to realise over a period of time that I can no longer invest the time required to oversee the running of the club," the French-born tycoon was quoted as saying.

Gaydamak said a new owner would need to commit to building a new stadium and training ground. Portsmouth have been seeking a move away from Fratton Park, their home since 1898, for some time.

Cassano blames Lippi for omission

In-form Sampdoria forward Antonio Cassano thinks his chances of playing for the national team are as good as nil with Marcello Lippi on the Azzurri bench.

Cassano said: "I think I have very little chance of getting back into the Azzurri shirt. I don't know the reason. Maybe there are stronger players than me, but I doubt I'll play while this coach is still on the bench.

"I don't think Lippi will ever call me. Nowadays I see these things happening before anyone else, but I don't care, as I remain satisfied and happy with my life."

30 applications for Sunderland job

Niall Quinn, the Sunderland chairman, said his club will not be rushing to find a replacement for Roy Keane.

A host of names have been linked with the vacancy, with Sam Allardyce, Gerard Houllier, Phil Brown and Peter Reid all reported to be in contention for the job at the Stadium of Light.

Quinn said: "There have been over 30 sensible applications so far, which is great.

"Roy was a dream to work with and will be very hard to replace. We will not get another like him, that's for sure. But we will look at all the available options and come to a conclusion over the next couple of weeks.

"We have not sat down to discuss anything yet. We just intend to take it easy and make the right decision."