Football news

Roberto Donadoni is being mentioned as a possible replacement for Pasquale Marino at misfiring Serie A club Udinese.

Donadoni was linked with Manchester City, Chelsea and Newcastle since his exit from the national team after Euro 2008. However, he is still unemployed.

"I have not been a coach for six months and I am disappointed to be out of work. I want to get back in the game," he said.

"I can only say that where there is a serious project in place with concrete targets, then I am ready. That is true for every squad, including Udinese."

The North Easterners have picked up just two points from their last eight Serie A games.

Pompey not giving up on Pennant

Jermain Pennant has told Liverpool not to sell him but Portsmouth are still hoping to convince the winger to join them at Fratton Park.

Pennant said he wants to stay at Anfield and fight for his place even though the two clubs have agreed a fee for the 26-year-old.

Portsmouth manager Tony Adams is keen to make Pennant his first signing since taking over from Harry Redknapp. They have money to spend following the transfers of Lassana Diarra (Real Madrid) and Jermain Defoe (Tottenham).

Pompey chairman Peter Storrie said: "We spoke at length with his agent and hopefully we can move things forward soon."

Berlusconi sees it hard to keep Kaka

Milan will find it hard to hold on to Kaka after Manchester City reportedly offered more than 100 million euros for the Brazil playmaker, the Italian club's owner Silvio Berlusconi said.

Media have reported that City are willing to pay the 2007 Ballon d'Or winner and FIFA world player of the year 500,000 pounds a week.

"Nothing has been decided yet, but it's very hard to make someone stay who is going to earn certain figures," Italian Prime Minister Berlusconi was quoted as saying.

"Naturally, I'd be sorry if he left. At the moment, I'm not informed on the results of the negotiations. But, it's difficult to say no to a lad who has a career that is not for his whole life and has earning prospects much higher than now."

Zenit ready to deal on Arshavin

The negotiations of Andrei Arshavin could be concluded on Tuesday when Zenit St Petersburg will meet their Arsenal counterparts in a bid to agree on a transfer fee.

Reports said last week that Arsenal have already had a £10 million offer rejected by the UEFA Cup holders whose asking price is nearer to £20 million.

Arsene Wenger, the Gunners manager, said he is optimistic he will sign Arshavin this month and a Zenit spokesman has confirmed talks will continue this week.

"Zenit have invited Arsenal officials to come to St Petersburg next Tuesday," the Zenit spokesman said.

"Zenit does want to find an acceptable option for everyone."

Nedved to shelve retirement plans

Juventus midfielder Pavel Nedved is set to delay his retirement despite saying he will be hanging up his boots when his contract expires at the end of the current season.

Nedved, 36, has already been offered a job in Juve's academy but success this season could tempt him to play on in 2009/10.

However, if he decides to carry on he is likely to get a contract based on the number of appearances.

"Will it be Pavel's last season? I wouldn't be so sure," agent Mino Raiola said.

"If he is physically fit, then he will keep on playing. If not, then he will stay within the football world. He loves kids and the role of being an instructor.

"Who can replace him? It's tough and the only one I can see who might follow in his footsteps is Marek Hamsik of Napoli."

Fowler heading 'Down Under'

Robbie Fowler is likely to extend his career by signing for North Queensland in the Australian League.

Fowler is a free agent after being released by Blackburn last month.

NQ Fury coach Ian Ferguson is confident he will land the former England and Liverpool striker.

"He has agreed to catch up in Townsville for a few days and obviously we will be talking about football," Ferguson said.

"We're looking for a marquee player and Robbie easily fits that position in any A-League club."

Fowler scored 183 goals in 369 games for Liverpool. He also played for Leeds, Manchester City and Cardiff.

Veron set for Lazio return

Lazio supremo Claudio Lotito confirmed reports that Argentina midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron, 33, could return to Lazio next season.

"We have contacted him," Lotito said in an interview.

"It must all be pushed back to June and then we'll evaluate if he is really willing to make the move back to Rome.

"I can confirm that as far as we are concerned there is definitely interest in this transfer."

Veron won the league with Lazio before joining Manchester United for £28m in 2001. He has since played for Chelsea, Inter and Estudiantes.