Football news

The transfer of Alan Gow from Rangers to Wolves was called off yesterday after the winger failed a medical test.

Gow, 26, had agreed in principle on his new terms at the Premier League promotion hopefuls and had been looking forward to playing for Mick McCarthy's side. However, Gow failed to prove his fitness.

"Alan has gone back to Rangers," McCarthy said.

"We'd agreed everything with him but something has shown up in the medical which we are not completely happy about.

"He's a good player but the transfer is definitely off. There's still plenty of time left in January and hopefully we will strengthen."

Celtic's Donati feeling homesick

Massimo Donati, 27, wants to return home to Italy and is prepared to take a substantial pay cut from what he is currently earning at Celtic to achieve his goal.

Donati, who moved to the Scottish league following a move from Milan 18 months ago, has not figured regularly for Celtic this season and told reporters he would welcome a move to Atalanta, where he started his career.

"I am very devoted to Atalanta," Donati said.

"I am getting on well in Scotland but they know Italy is my home and I know one day I'll be back in Bergamo. My possible deal would mean a further option for them.

"I'm ready to earn less, maybe not a 50% cut of my salary, but if we should come to discuss things seriously there wouldn't be any problem."

Crespo-Rocchi swap possible

Inter could be tempted to offer Hernan Crespo plus cash to get striker Tommaso Rocchi from Serie A rivals Lazio this month, reports said.

Inter coach Jose Mourinho wants another forward in his squad as Adriano's future at the club is still uncertain. A number of names have been linked with the champions besides that of Rocchi.

According to Leggo, Inter are willing to table a bid of nearly £9m with Argentine Crespo, who is way down in Mourinho's pecking order, going the other way.

Crespo wore the Lazio shirt between 2000 and 2002 and scored a remarkable 52 goals in 70 appearances for the Light Blues.

Bowyer moves to Birmingham

Much-travelled midfielder Lee Bowyer yesterday agreed to join Championship club Birmingham City on loan. The 32-year-old has fallen out of favour at West Ham and with the Hammers looking to trim their wage bill, he will go straight into Birmingham's squad.

"Lee's a dynamic player and I want to bring a dynamic look back to the team," Alex McLeish, the Blues manager, said.

Bowyer will become Bir-mingham's fifth signing this month following Keith Fahey, Robin Shroot, Scott Sinclair and Hameur Bouazza.

Zhirkov not joining Serie A club

Yuri Zhirkov (picture), the CSKA Moscow left-back, will not be playing in the Serie A his agent said.

The Russian international was constantly linked with a move to Italy, particularly Juventus. However, agent Andrea Banfi said the reports were pure speculation.

"There has never been any contact with any club regarding Zhirkov," he said.

"Anything that has been written about a transfer to a Serie A side has been invented. A January move is impossible for him. The winter transfer market is for teams to make low-cost buys.

"Also, many Italian clubs have restricted budgets and Yuri's price tag and wages are high."

Juve on success trail - Del Piero

Juve captain Alessandro Del Piero reckons his team can still beat Inter to the 2008/09 league title and his focus in also firmly struck on the Champions League.

Juve emerged as Inter's main challengers for the title but they are still six points behind the Serie A leaders.

"We believe that we can catch Inter," Del Piero said.

"We will fight until the very end."

Juve are also focused on the Champions League where they meet Chelsea in the last 16.

"The Champions League does have a unique charm," Del Piero added. "If I had to pick, I think I would go for the Champions Cup. We really want to beat Chelsea and I feel we can do it."

Lalas says Beckham could leave MLS

Alexi Lalas, the former LA Galaxy general manager, told reporters David Beckham could opt to stay in Europe when his loan period at Milan comes to a close in March.

Lalas, who in 2007 signed Beckham on a five-year contract with the Galaxy, said: "If I was still at the Galaxy, yes, I'd fear it. He has to do what he feels is appropriate for his career."

Beckham, 33, is looking to convince England coach Fabio Capello he is still good enough for international football. Lalas, who played for Padova in Italy, insisted LA Galaxy and the MLS would survive the post-Beckham era.

"Any manager, to a certain extent, wants Beckham in their team but I also think he is not bigger than the Galaxy," Lalas said.