Football news

Real Madrid have been fined €3,000 by the Spanish football federation (RFEF) after a group of their fans were reported by a referee for making what he termed fascist gestures and chanting fascist slogans.

Referee Alfonso Perez Burrull said in his report from Sunday's home Primera Liga match against Osasuna that some Real fans were waving banners with "extremist or radical symbolism".

Their latest fine is the same as the one levied by the RFEF on Sevilla striker Frederic Kanoute this month after he uncovered a shirt with the word "Palestine" written on it in several languages when he scored in a King's Cup match.

Redknapp targets Inter players

Tottenham Hotspur have made an approach for Inter defender Marco Materazzi, his agent has said.

Spurs manager Harry Redknapp is reportedly eyeing several Inter players, with Materazzi, Nicolas Burdisso, Patrick Vieira and Mario Balotelli all said to be on his wish-list.

Reports in England yesterday claimed that Burdisso is set to join Tottenham for £8 million with the North London club also opening talks with Inter over the 35-year-old Materazzi who has also been linked with Manchester City and Portsmouth.

Robinho plans to face Newcastle

Manchester City forward Robinho expects to play against Newcastle next week.

City are not in action until January 28 due to their FA Cup elimination, by which time the £32.5 million signing will have had the opportunity to offer Mark Hughes an explanation for his abrupt departure from a training camp in Tenerife.

Robinho said he had to return to Brazil because of 'a family matter'.

Quotes on his official website said Robinho is "very happy" and has "no intention of leaving his new home".

The website continues by saying: "He will for sure be playing against Newcastle and, as usual, he will give his all to help the club achieve victory."

United's young guns to play in final

Alex Ferguson plans to keep faith with his Manchester United youngsters for their League Cup final appearance at the beginning of March.

"They will all play in the final," said Ferguson. "They deserve to."

However, of more immediate concern for Ferguson will be picking a team to play Tottenham in Saturday's FA Cup fourth-round tie at Old Trafford. Already plagued by injuries to Rio Ferdinand, Wes Brown and Patrice Evra, United lost Rafael to a torn hamstring on Tuesday, and Jonny Evans who aggravated an ankle injury.

In addition, Anderson was taken for X-rays on the ankle injury that forced him to be stretchered off after the final whistle.

Juventus planning bid for Hamsik

Juventus are reported to be preparing a bid for Napoli midfielder Marek Hamsik as the Slovakian international continues to be linked with a San Paolo exit, according to Tuttosport.

Hamsik has reportedly indicated his willingness to leave if Napoli fail to qualify for next year's Champions League.

Juventus are confident they can tempt Napoli into selling the 21-year-old by offering striker Vincenzo Iaquinta as part of the deal.

Reports suggest that the prospect of exchanging Hamsik for an Italy international striker should give Juventus an advantage over other interested parties such as Inter, Chelsea and Real Madrid.

Drogba says still attached to Marseille

Didier Drogba has spoken of his affection for Marseille but stressed he would only return to France with Chelsea's full consent.

The Ivory Coast striker has scored just three goals in all competitions this season and was dropped from Chelsea's squad following the 3-0 defeat at Manchester United.

"It clearly isn't the moment for me to talk about an eventual return to OM," Drogba said.

"I have a lot of respect for Chelsea and while I am with them, I can't say anything. The most important thing is knowing my attachment to Marseille is still intact. If something must come about, OM are going to have to get in contact with Chelsea."

Kaka saga 'inflated' says Napoli chief

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has described the Kaka transfer saga a hoax designed by Milan to capture the world's attention.

Manchester City have reportedly bid £107m for Kaka last week only for the 26-year-old Brazilian to turn down the offer.

"This figure perhaps never existed," the outspoken De Laurentiis said.

"Anyway, it was greatly inflated. It was perhaps a marketing operation to refocus attention on Milan. Let us not forget that (Silvio) Berlusconi is the king of communication."

De Laurentiis then revealed how he would have acted if one of his star players was offered a similar offer.

"I would have thought about what was best and put the interests of Napoli above all others," he said.