Manager Paul Jewell's miserable year in charge of Derby County has ended after the Championship (second division) club announced that he had resigned following Sunday's defeat by Ipswich Town that left them in 18th place.

"Paul has taken the decision to leave his role as he believes it is in the best interests of the club, and feels his is no longer in a position to take the club forward," the club said on their website www.dcfc.premiumtv.co.uk.

Derby have reached the semi-finals of this season's League Cup, where they face Manchester United, but their league form has been poor.

Oddo pessimistic about Italy recall

Bayern Munich defender Massimo Oddo remains pessimistic about playing for Italy during Marcello Lippi's second stint in charge despite being part of the coach's 2006 World Cup-winning squad.

"When Lippi's second spell started he called up lots of players who were with him at the World Cup but Oddo was not among them," he told Sky television.

"I think he's unlikely to go back on the decision. I leave my doors open to the national team but I don't think I'm part of the boss's plans any longer."

Wigan sweat over Heskey injury

Wigan manager Steve Bruce is waiting to learn the extent of Emile Heskey's latest injury.

The England forward limped off in the first half of Sunday's 1-0 win at Bolton after suffering a hamstring strain. Reports suggest he could be out for up to a month.

Bruce is unsure of the severity of the injury which could end any prospect of Heskey leaving the JJB Stadium in January.

"We do not yet know the extent of the damage of Emile's hamstring," said Bruce. "The good thing is that we have had no bids in for him, or anybody else here for that matter, and I just hope that continues all through January."

Juve linked with Genoa's Milito

Juventus are keen on signing Genoa striker Diego Milito, according to a report in Tuttosport.

The Argentine ace has been in prolific form in his second spell at the Marassi and leads Serie A's top scorers chart with 12 goals alongside Marco Di Vaio and Alberto Gilardino.

Genoa chief Enrico Preziosi has already dismissed the possibility of selling Milito in January but the report suggests that he has already agreed a deal with Juventus for the striker's transfer next summer.

The two clubs have a good business relationship after agreeing terms on a co-ownership arrangement for Raffaele Palladino and the loan of Domenico Criscito last summer.

Huntelaar eyes Champions League

Dutch striker Klaas Jan Huntelaar wants to play for Real Madrid in this season's Champions League. UEFA rules mean Real are likely to have to choose between their two big winter signings, Huntelaar from Ajax and midfielder Lassana Diarra from Portsmouth, with only one allowed to play in Europe.

Huntelaar is determined to stake his claim for a place in Real's Champions League squad by impressing coach Juande Ramos.

"They can only register one player and I have to do everything possible so that player is me," Huntelaar said. "I hope to be chosen. It's up to me."

Huntelaar confirmed he had not discussed the issue with the club, saying: "I've heard about it from the press," he said.

Zola determined to retain key players

West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola is adamant that all his key players will stay at Upton Park during the January transfer window.

Several players in the Hammers squad have been linked with moves elsewhere amid reports that the club may be forced to sell to ease their financial woes. Craig Bellamy is reported to be a Tottenham target and goalkeeper Robert Green is attracting interest from a host of clubs.

"The commitment is to improve this team so we'll try to keep all our players," Zola said after West Ham's 2-1 win over Stoke. "It's not easy because we have very good players in our team and big clubs are looking for good players.

"There's also the financial thing but the club tells me it's not a problem."

Roma ponder attacking options

Roma are keen to increase their attacking options and could make an approach for Ruud van Nistelrooy and Lukas Podolski.

A report in the Corriere dello Sport claims that Roma are planning to strengthen their squad ahead of next season and Real Madrid striker Van Nistelrooy, currently recovering from a knee operation, is one of their top targets.

Lyon marksman Karim Benzema has also been linked with a close-season move to Roma but a cheaper option may be available in the form of Bayern Munich his Podolski.

The 23-year-old fancies a move away from the Allianz Arena after slipping down the pecking order at the German champions.

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