Football news

Carlos Tevez is uncertain whether he will remain at the Manchester United beyond this season.

The Argentina international is nearing the end of a two-year loan deal at Old Trafford with United having to negotiate a transfer fee and personal terms if they wish to keep him beyond the summer.

"I do have a great feeling about Manchester United and, in particular, the fans. I have a great affection for them and they have made the feeling phenomenal," Tevez said.

"But at this point I am not sure if I will stay, not least because it is not just my decision."

Ranieri keen to return to England

Juventus coach Claudio Ranieri has expressed his desire to return to England and build another title-winning side.

The Italian coach leads Juventus at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday as the Serie A club face his former club Chelsea in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League's last 16.

Ranieri was in charge of the Londoners for almost four years until the end of the 2003-04 season, leading them to second place in the Premier League.

"Never say never. Now I want to finish here, but one day I would like to go back to England," he said.

FIFA pleased with ticket applications

FIFA received around 200 applications a minute in the first five hours when World Cup tickets went on sale on Friday.

There were 60,000 online ticket applications worldwide within the first five hours, far exceeding expectations, world football's governing body said.

It added that thousands of South Africans collected paper applications from bank branches in the 2010 tournament's host country.

Organisers said the opening day of ticket sales dispelled any doubts about the tournament going ahead in South Africa.

"The beginning of this part of the build-up to the World Cup is our irrevocable promise that we make to the people of the world that all is in place and will be ready for 2010," organisers said.

Benzema quiet on Lyon future

Lyon striker Karim Benzema has refused to comment about his future after president Jean Michel Aulas has revealed that Manchester City failed with a bid to sign him in January.

Lyon face Barcelona this week in the Champions League, and that has led to further intense speculation in the Spanish press about the striker's future with both Real Madrid and Barca long-term admirers of the French striker.

"My departure is not topical," he said. "I am at a great club and we will see what happens after the two matches with Barcelona.

"People are asking questions, but I don't want to get mad even if I make a decision to leave in June."

Werder Bremen set Diego price

Werder Bremen have informed Juventus that midfield star Diego is worth €20m, reports in Germany said yesterday.

The Serie A club have been tracking Brazilian international Diego for months and the player has admitted on more than one occasion that he is keen to play in Italy.

According to German newspaper Bild, Juve have made preliminary contact with Bremen but have been warned that Diego won't come cheap.

The Bundesliga outfit have reportedly slapped an €20m price tag on the 23-year-old, which the Bianconeri are unlikely to be able to meet.

The former Porto man is under contract at the Weserstadion until 2011.

Mourinho ready for Man. United

Inter coach Jose Mourinho was in typically bullish mood when discussing his side's UEFA Champions League date with Manchester United this week.

The Portuguese coach locks horns with his old sparring partner Sir Alex Ferguson on Tuesday well aware that United have been in sparkling form of late.

"I am actually pleased to face Manchester United because my team plays better under pressure against the best teams," he told MUTV.

"We have always done well against Milan or Roma or Juve but sometimes against small teams we are not the same."

Keane explains Sunderland exit

Former Sunderland manager Roy Keane has blamed American investor Ellis Short for his decision to quit the Premier League club.

Keane resigned from his Black Cats post in December after 28 months in charge.

"I went down to London to meet him twice. I thought, hmm, the dynamics are changing here. He said he had read my book. I felt he was thinking from the start that I wasn't for him.

"It started with a demand to know where I had been the previous day, that he wanted me available at all times. It was a disappointment. And it was the tone."