Football news

Samuel Eto'o has moved to dampen speculation about his Barcelona future, telling a Spanish TV station he wants to stay at the club beyond the end of his contract in 2010.

"Of course I want to continue," Eto'o told Canal Catala. "I have learned to love Barcelona over the last few years although I have never hidden the affection I have for (former club) Real Mallorca."

The Cameroon international's future has generated a lot of media speculation after he told a French publication he had made up his mind over his future but would not reveal his intentions.

Credit crunch threatens Cisse move

France striker Djibril Cisse's proposed permanent transfer to Premier League club Sunderland could be wrecked by the global financial meltdown.

Cisse is currently on loan at Sunderland from Marseille and the Black Cats had agreed a fee for the 27-year-old when they negotiated his temporary signing last year.

"Djibril's deal was done correctly in that the decision will be made at the end of the season," chairman Niall Quinn said. "I can't commit to him until we are safe - that's economically rather than football-wise.

"The second thing is that the sterling has fallen apart since we made the deal, and he's become about two or three million pounds dearer since we first agreed the deal."

Parry to leave Liverpool

Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry is to leave his post at the end of the season, clearing the way for manager Rafael Benitez to sign a new contract.

Parry's departure, the latest twist in the boardroom unrest at Liverpool, is the result of the breakdown in his relationship with Benitez, who has been unhappy with the chief executive's failure to sign players targeted by the Spaniard.

A club statement read: "Rick's commitment to Liverpool FC is epitomised by his desire to ensure that this transitional period is managed efficiently and we are grateful to him for his help."

Ferguson gives youngsters a chance

Sir Alex Ferguson has vowed to field his rising stars in tomorrow's League Cup final against Tottenham at Wembley after insisting that next Wednesday's Premier League trip to Newcastle is a bigger priority for Manchester United.

United face Cup holders Tottenham tomorrow hoping to maintain their bid to land an unprecedented five trophies in one season.

Ferguson said: "I will be playing the younger ones on Sunday, so Gibson and Welbeck will both play because they deserve to do so. Jonny Evans is another one who deserves to be involved, so hopefully he will be fit.

"We obviously want to win because the winning mentality in the club is why we have been successful, but we know what our priorities are and that will affect the team that I pick."

Totti doubtful for Inter clash

Roma could be without their captain, Francesco Totti for this weekend's crunch match against Serie A leaders Inter due to a foot injury.

The Giallorossi were banking on the inspiration of their talisman against the Italian champions but Totti's presence has been put into doubt after he suffered an injury to his knee during training yesterday.

The Roma medical team were expected to carry a serious of tests on Totti's knee but it is highly unlikely that he will be on the pitch at San Siro tomorrow.

Totti's absence will be another blow for coach Luciano Spalletti who has already lost Cicinho and Juan both injured.

Beckham admits Milan frustration

David Beckham admitted yesterday he has become frustrated over the protracted transfer saga surrounding his proposed move from Los Angeles Galaxy to Milan.

Beckham's mood was not helped by Milan's exit from the UEFA Cup on Thursday night as once again they blew a lead before crashing out of Europe's second-tier competition to Werder Bremen.

But it is the uncertainty surrounding his proposed permanent move to Milan that has left the on-loan Galaxy player feeling blue.

Asked if he was frustrated, Beckham simply replied: "Of course. There's a lot going on and a lot being said and every day there's someone asking me questions.

"It is being said every day but so far I've been able to concentrate on the football."

Van Bommel to return to PSV

Mark van Bommel has confirmed he will be joining PSV Eindhoven when he decides to quit Bayern Munich.

The 31-year-old is out of contract at the Allianz Arena at the end of the season, but he has been offered a new deal. Reports suggest that Bayern's current offer is just for 12 months and Van Bommel is believed to want a longer deal.

"When I joined Barcelona in 2005 I gave my word to the people at PSV that I would return to the club and retire from the game there then," Van Bommel told Abendzeitung.

"Actually I have an offer to go there this summer and I am really playing with the idea of agreeing or whether to move there in two or three years' time."