Football news

Denmark defender Daniel Agger has signed a new contract that will keep him at Liverpool until 2014.

"Daniel is still young but with great quality and will be a very important player for us in the years ahead," manager Rafa Benitez told the club's website (www.liverpoolfc.tv).

"I'm sure there were many other clubs monitoring the situation closely but throughout our discussions Daniel made it clear he wanted to stay at Liverpool and achieve success here."

The 24-year-old Agger, who joined from Danish club Brondby in 2006, joins captain Steven Gerrard and forward Dirk Kuyt who also recently signed long-term deals.

City boss Hughes plans spending spree

Manchester City manager Mark Hughes is determined to surround Robinho with enough world-class talent to help the Brazil star shine more regularly next season.

Robinho has often been criticised for failing to live up to his club record £32.75 million price tag since his shock move from Real Madrid in August.

"Robbie's an easy target," Hughes said. "He's a high profile player and he's got a price tag that people will highlight and it's understandable and predictable.

"On occasions he's disappointed but he's not the only one and on occasions we've all disappointed ourselves and our fans.

"But he's an outstanding talent. We're delighted that he's here and the key is to bring more players that will enable us to grow as a team and enable Robbie to shine as brightly, if not more so, next year."

Big step forward says Ferguson

Sir Alex Ferguson has warned Manchester United's title rivals they are running out of time to catch the Premier League leaders who cemented top spot with an easy 2-0 win at Middlesbrough on Saturday.

United could not have asked for an easier warm-up for tomorrow's Champions League semi-final second-leg at Arsenal as they strolled to a fifth consecutive league victory to move a significant step closer to a record-equalling 18th English title.

"This is a big step forward towards retaining the title," Ferguson said.

"I keep saying that if you whittle the games away, eventually there are no games left and hopefully we'll get to that position in a couple of weeks."

Olympiakos win shoot-out 15-14

Greek champions Olympiakos won a gripping penalty shoot-out 15-14 against AEK Athens in the Greek Cup final to clinch the domestic double on Saturday night.

Former Greece goalkeeper Antonis Nikopolidis fired home the winning penalty after saving Agustin Pelletieri's effort during the second round of spot kicks at the Olympic Stadium.

Olympiakos won a 14th double and their fourth in five years after the match ended at 3-3 in 90 minutes and 4-4 after extra time with two of their players sent off in the extra period.

Cannavaro has Juve medical - reports

Fabio Cannavaro has undergone a medical in Italy ahead of his return to Juventus in the summer.

The Gazzetta dello Sport and Sky Sport 24 both reported yesterday that the defender flew into Perugia for the medical yesterday and will finalise the details of his transfer in the coming days.

The 35-year-old will be a free agent as his contract with Real Madrid expires at the end of the season and he has not been offered an extension.

Cannavaro confirmed he was "very close" to completing the move in a return to the side he left in 2006.

Reports say Juve have offered Cannavaro a one-year deal and an option of a further season either as a player or in a directorial role.

Rooney pledges future to United

Wayne Rooney is prepared to spend the rest of his career with Manchester United.

The 23-year-old joined United from Everton in a £26 million deal in 2004 and still has three years remaining on his contract.

The Sunday Telegraph quoted Rooney as saying: "I am happy here and I'd sign a new contract at any time. I want to stay at this club for the rest of my career. I will sign an extension any time the club wants me to."

Rooney is closing on 250 appearances for the English champions and hopes to follow in the footseps of veterans Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs, who recently made their 600th and 800th appearances respectively.

"If I got anywhere near that I would be really happy," Rooney said.

Jenas flattered by Inter interest

Jermaine Jenas is flattered by interest from Serie A giants Inter.

The England midfielder has been a target of Inter manager Jose Mourinho ever since he took charge of the Serie A champions last summer.

A deal was almost done in January when Ricardo Quaresma was set to move to White Hart Lane but that failed to materialise and the Portuguese joined Chelsea instead.

But Mourinho is still keen on signing Jenas and is confident of landing the former Newcastle and Nottingham Forest ace in the summer.

And Inter have received encouragement to pursue the deal by the player himself.

"You take notice when Inter show an interest," Jenas said after scoring the only goal in Tottenham's 1-0 win over West Brom.