Football news

Kasper Schmeichel is set to leave Man. City and join a club in the Championship after a lack of first-team football at Eastlands.

Reports said the 22-year-old's agent, Michael Johansen, is 'working' on an agreement, with a move to the Championship expected soon. Schmeichel has previously had loans spells at Darlington, Bury, Falkirk, Cardiff City and Coventry.

Johansen said: "I am working on it... there's not much to tell at the moment but in the coming days I am expecting to have more to tell."

Inzaghi scores for mum and partner

Veteran striker Pippo Inzaghi scored all goals for Milan in a 3-0 win over Atalanta last Sunday and he dedicated the hat-trick to the two women in his life - his mother and partner Alessia.

Inzaghi, 35, was only making his fifth start for Milan this season in Serie A but he looked fresh as ever to lead the Rossoneri for a place in the Champions League.

"Each game I play it's another story altogether," Inzaghi said.

"The legs turn and the fans lift me. I dedicate my goals to my mum and Alessia.

"I know I am only two goals short of reaching a career total of 300 goals but in the end it's victories that count."

Bayer report Barnetta interest

Switzerland international Tranquillo Barnetta could leave Bayer Leverkusen in the next transfer window as it was reported that Arsenal are stepping up their chase for the talented midfielder.

Barnetta, 23, has already turned down Portsmouth in January but it is unlikely that he would be able to resist the lure of the Emirates Stadium if Arsenal match Bayer's asking price of around £12 million.

"There are enquiries for Tranquillo all the time and we have been talking about this with him," Leverkusen sporting manager Michael Reschke said.

"We are always in touch with Tranquillo and are attempting to extend his deal."

Valencia's Silva in Juve plans

With Pavel Nedved retiring at the end of the season, Juventus are planning to sign an adequate replacement and it seems their first choice is Valencia winger David Silva.

Reports said Juve delegates are scheduled to meet Silva's agent, Jose Segui, this week to start transfer negotiations.

Valencia are planning to part with their prized assets in summer to make up for a huge debt incurred along these past few years.

Segui will meet Juventus director of sport Alessio Secco, who has spoken on several occasions of his desire to bring Silva to Italy.

The 23-year-old has made 14 appearances for Valencia this season and is believed to be worth around £15m.

United semi does not scare Neville

Everton captain Phil Neville insisted David Moyes's team were ready to win the FA Cup the hard way after landing a Wembley semi-final with Manchester United following a 2-1 victory against Middlesbrough.

Former United defender Neville refused to be downbeat after insisting that Everton are capable of upsetting the odds to win the cup this season.

"United were awesome when they beat Fulham on Saturday, so it won't be easy, but now is the time to step up and be men.

"We have had to do it the hard way this season, so if anyone deserves to get to Wembley, it's us. The fans will enjoy Wembley, but we want the trophy."

Park Ji-Sung has quintuple motivation

South Korea midfielder Park Ji-Sung has revealed Manchester United's bid to win five trophies in one season is being driven by the memory of last year's failed attempt to land the treble.

United won the Premier League and Champions League last season but fell short in the FA Cup after suffering a shock home defeat to Portsmouth in the quarter-finals.

"We know how easy it is to make mistakes and go out of competitions like we did in the FA Cup against Portsmouth," Park said.

"This time we won't make those mistakes again. We feel we can win all five trophies. What we are doing is the only thing we can do, which is to concentrate on each and every single game, one at a time."

Deco with a point to prove

Deco told reporters he wants to show that he can still do well for Chelsea despite the exit of former manager Luiz Felipe Scolari with whom the Portuguese winger had a long-standing relationship.

Deco, 31, is a rumoured target of various top clubs but he is determined to prove his doubters wrong as now he's back to full fitness.

"Maybe Scolari should have had more time, but in football you don't get it," Deco said.

"Of course, it's difficult when a coach wants you and then he leaves. Yes, I worked with Scolari for many years in the national team, but I also played without him for years.

"I have a contract with Chelsea, not Scolari."