Football news

Ryan Giggs, 35, has dropped a hint that he could decide to hang up his boots this year. His contract with champions Manchester United expires at the end of the season.

Giggs said: "I will keep playing as long as I enjoy it, I am fit and the manager wants me.

"If one of those three things stops, I will consider retiring. It could be at the end of this season."

Giggs broke Bobby Charlton's United appearance record when coming on as a substitute in the Champions League final against Chelsea in Moscow last May. He has played 781 times for the Old Trafford club.

Winger Giggs is British football's most decorated player. His 28 winners' medals include two Champions Cup victories, a record 10 Premier League championships and four FA Cup wins.

Pennant to join Milan?

Speculation is rife in Italy that Milan are set to sign Jermaine Pennant, the 25-year-old winger who has fallen behind in the pecking order at Liverpool.

Pennant's contract runs out at the end of the season and according to reports Milan have already prepared a pre-contract agreement for next summer.

The reports added that Real Madrid had a £3m bid accepted two weeks ago, but a deal failed to materialise due to Pennant's personal terms.

Wigan, Blackburn and Tottenham are also in the hunt for Pennant, but their efforts could be blown away by a bid from Milan.

Rosina not moving - Cairo

Urbano Cairo, the Torino supremo, told reporters he will not let playmaker Alessandro Rosina, 24, join Arsenal on loan in the January transfer window.

The Serie A club president was reacting to reports that Rosina, who failed to leave his mark so far this season, could leave for London this month. Cairo said that Rosina is part of his club's plans despite only making seven starts in the Serie A.

"Rosina will not go on loan to Arsenal in order to rediscover his form, because he doesn't need that," he said.

"He will remain with us and will give us a helping hand to reach our aims."

Dossena to stay at Anfield

Liverpool won't be parting with defender Andrea Dossena in the winter transfer window, manager Rafael Benitez said.

The Italian arrived at Anfield from Serie A's Udinese last year for £7 million but failed to establish himself at left-back and lost his place to Fabio Aurelio. The latter suffered an injury last month but Benitez turned to Argentine Emiliano Insua rather than Dossena.

"I am not considering selling Dossena," Benitez said.

"I think it is important to keep the squad together."

Reggina could lose Corradi

Struggling Reggina are destined to lose experienced striker Bernardo Corradi this month with Bologna appearing to be his new destination in the Serie A.

Corradi is back in form and scoring regular goals for the Reggio Calabria outfit ever since returning to Italy last summer after a disappointing spell at Manchester City.

"Corradi is an important player for us," Reggina sporting director Gabriele Martino said.

"He has already scored seven goals in 15 games and several clubs, including Bologna, have expressed an interest in him.

"One thing is certain - Bernardo has never asked to leave Reggio Calabria."

Clough follows father as Derby manager

Nigel Clough has been appointed manager of Derby County 37 years after his father Brian led them to the English league title, the club said.

Clough signed a three-and-a-half-year contract to replace Paul Jewell, who resigned last month. He will take charge of the Championship (second division) strugglers after today's League Cup semi-final, first leg against Manchester United.

"It's definitely not a sentimental appointment," Derby chairman Adam Pearson told Sky Sports News.

"Nigel has created a dynasty of his own over 10 years at Burton Albion." Clough leaves Burton with the minor league club closing in on promotion to League Two (fourth division).

Brian Clough, who guided Derby to the league title in 1972 and won the European Cup twice with Forest, is remembered as one of the country's best and most charismatic managers. He died from stomach cancer at the age of 69 in 2004.

Appiah on verge of Spurs deal

Tottenham Hotspur could strengthen their midfield this week with the signing of Ghana midfielder Stephen Appiah.

The 28-year-old has been training at White Hart Lane for the past week now. He has been without a club since ending his deal with Fenerbahce in August following his move from Juventus.

Appiah, who looks set to be offered a deal until the end of the season, also attracted the interest of Arsenal and West Ham last summer.

"I watched him an awful lot for Ghana but I ended up taking Sulley Muntari at Portsmouth because Juventus were asking £14m for Appiah," Harry Redknapp said.