Football news

Zenit SP want to make the most from the possible transfer of Andrei Arshavin this month, according to his agent. The Russians are asking £20 million for the 27-year-old star midfielder with both Arsenal and Italy's Juventus chasing his signature.

Arshavin, a long-time target for the Gunners, is reported to have visited the Londoners' training ground during a trip to England last year. However, the player's representative insists no deal is yet done.

"There are no negotiations yet," Dennis Lachter said.

"It is the people of Zenit trying to initiate some kind of interest. They are trying to use the media to make the price of Arshavin £20 million."

No Man. City bid for Toure - Barca

Manchester City have not tabled a big-money bid for Yaya Toure, his club Barcelona have said.

The Premier League outfit have already been linked with a host of top names, with manager Mark Hughes admitting he wants to sign five new players over the coming weeks.

Ivory Coast international Toure is believed to be a target for City but Barcelona have dismissed claims that an approach has already been made.

"We have not received any formal offers for Yaya Toure," a club spokesman told skysports.com.

FA cut prices for Slovakia friendly

Ticket prices for England's friendly with Slovakia at Wembley on March 28 have been reduced significantly, the English FA said.

Members of the official England supporters club can watch the game for £25, with juniors paying just £12.50 in the family enclosure, which has been increased in capacity by 60 per cent.

Fans in the main section of the stadium need to pay a maximum of £30 for the game, arranged as a warm-up for the World Cup qualifier against Ukraine on April 1.

Before both games, England face Euro 2008 winners Spain in Seville on February 11.

Pompey still with tight budget

Despite netting almost £30 million from the transfers of Lassana Diarra, to Real Madrid, and Jermain Defoe, to Tottenham, Portsmouth manager Tony Adams said he is working on a tight budget with little cash to spend on new signings this month.

Portsmouth are misfiring badly in the Premier League but Adams, more concerned with trying to prevent a mass exodus from Fratton Park, will not be handed big money to add new faces to his squad.

"There's not a lot I can do, to be honest," said Adams.

"It's tight. We haven't got millions and millions of pounds at the moment.

"I know how these deals work. I haven't got £20m to go and spend and we are paying for a few other players we have bought in the past."

Reports say Inter keen on Cassano

Reports in Italy claim that Inter could swoop for Antonio Cassano during this month's transfer window.

Inter are believed to be in the market for a striker and have sought talks with Genoa in a bid to sign 12-goal ace Diego Milito but they have been told he isn't for sale.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Italian champions could turn their sights to Sampdoria's Cassano.

There have been suggestions that Mario Balotelli may be offered as a makeweight in Cassano's deal as the young forward has failed to impress coach Jose Mourinho.

Cassano had previously been tipped to join Juventus after he becomes a free agent in 2010.

Ameobi pens Newcastle deal

Newcastle striker Shola Ameobi has signed a new deal at St James' Park.

Ameobi, whose contract was due to expire in the summer, has sealed a three-year extension to keep him on Tyneside until 2012.

The 27-year-old looked to be heading for the exit door last season after a loan spell at Stoke.

However, Ameobi has reclaimed his place in the first team under Joe Kinnear, scoring three goals in 14 appearances this term.

"I'm delighted to sign a new deal and commit my future to Newcastle United," Ameobi, who has come through the ranks at the Magpies, told the club's official website.

Juve linked with French defender

Juventus are poised to declare their interest in PSG defender Mamadou Sakho, according to reports in the French media.

Juve aren't expected to splash out on big signings this month but they could make some minor additions to the squad.

According to L'Equipe, the 19-year-old Sakho, who can play in central defence or as a left-back, has caught Juve's eye. Sakho has 18 months left on his deal with PSG where he became the club's youngest ever captain at the age of 17, but has yet to agree a new contract with the French team.

Juve scouts have been seen watching the former France Under-17 captain but they may face competition from Arsenal and Newcastle.