Football news

Newcastle United's unsettled French midfielder Charles N'Zogbia could be on his way to Wigan Athletic after the Premier League clubs agreed a fee.

The 22-year-old said he would never play for Newcastle again after his name was mispronounced by team manager Joe Kinnear during a post-match television interview after the 2-1 defeat by Manchester City last Wednesday.

Wigan manager Steve Bruce said the move would be a boost for N'Zogbia after an unhappy spell in the northeast.

"We have agreed a fee with Newcastle and it's up to us now to convince the boy Wigan is the place to come," Bruce said.

N'Zogbia joined Newcastle from French club Le Havre in 2004.

Del Piero still hopeful on scudetto

Captain Alessandro Del Piero reckons Juventus are still in the running to win the scudetto despite two consecutive defeats, the latest upset coming at home to Cagliari (3-2) on Saturday night.

"We still believe, even if it is difficult to say that now," Del Piero said.

"It was easier to make such a statement 10 days ago. The last week has been terrible, but we can hope that the same will happen to whoever is ahead of us."

Defender Giorgio Chiellini and midfielder Cristiano Zanetti both limped off on Saturday with recurring muscular problems that already kept them sidelined for long periods this season.

Real lack sparkle, says Di Stefano

Real Madrid's honorary president Alfredo di Stefano has criticised the team for lacking sparkle despite six consecutive victories in the Primera Liga.

"They don't enthuse anyone, they don't brighten anyone up, there is no colour, there is no spectacle, there is no elegance," he said.

Di Stefano has been unimpressed with their form under Juande Ramos, who replaced Bernd Schuster in December and has tightened up their defence. They have only conceded once in six outings but still appear overly reliant on a fit-again Arjen Robben.

"With one player you don't win games... the team isn't playing well," Di Stefano said.

Quit Galaxy, Robson tells Beckham

David Beckham should quit LA Galaxy to guarantee a place in England's squad at the 2010 World Cup, former England manager Bobby Robson told Britain's Mail on Sunday newspaper.

"David Beckham has earned a vast fortune. Now he should consider spending a few million to buy himself out of LA Galaxy and keep his World Cup dream alive," Robson said.

Beckham, who has 107 caps for England, one short of Bobby Moore's record for an outfield player, is on loan at Milan until March 9.

Fabregas making quick recovery

Cesc Fabregas gave Arsenal some new hope after revealing he could return to action sooner than expected as he continues his recovery from a knee injury.

At first, the medical report said the Arsenal captain faced nearly four months on the sidelines. But Fabregas, out since December, is now looking to aid the Gunners' ailing title hopes by making a quick return.

"My leg is getting stronger and the doctors tell me that the ligament has healed," Fabregas said.

"I will take it step by step, but hopefully I can come back earlier than first expected. In two weeks' time I'll meet the physios and we will set a target date for my return."

Juve reject Brazil's Amauri request

Juventus have rejected a request from Brazil to call up striker Amauri for next month's friendly with Italy.

Amauri, never previously considered by his native Brazil, was given a late call-up on Saturday following an injury to Luis Fabiano but Juve had the final say because the FIFA deadline for selecting overseas players for the match had passed.

"The club has decided not to accept the request of the Brazilian federation," Juventus president Giovanni Cobolli Gigli said.

The 28-year-old Amauri is applying for Italian citizenship and has been undecided for months about which country to represent.

Australia announce 2018-22 candidature

Australia officially joined the race to host either the 2018 or 2022 World Cup yesterday.

Football Federation Australia (FFA) had earlier indicated they would bid for both tournaments and received a boost last December when the federal government pledged A$45.6 million (US$29.12 million) to help the campaign. The deadline set by FIFA for bids is today, with successful bidders being announced in December 2010.

"We have submitted Australia's expression of interest in hosting either the 2018 or 2022 World Cup," FFA chairman Frank Lowy said.

England, Japan, Qatar, Mexico, Russia and Indonesia have formally declared their interest to stage one of the two tournaments and the US has said it will also join the race.

Spain and Portugal have put forward a joint bid, as have Belgium and Netherlands.