Football news

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin gave his government's approval to the Russian Football Federation's (RFU) bid for the 2018 World Cup.

"Prepare a formal request for a Russian bid to host the World Cup in 2018," Putin told RFU chief Vitaly Mutko this week.

"It must be a very serious bid that is backed by the government."

FIFA said in March that 13 countries had expressed an interest in hosting the 2018 or 2022 World Cups.

The hosts for both events will be chosen in December next year.

Gordon fears worst after knee injury

Sunderland goalkeeper Craig Gordon was consulting with knee specialists yesterday amid fears that his season could be over due to another injury.

The 26-year-old Scotland international has missed his side's last two games after sustaining the injury to his knee.

He had already missed six months of the season because of a knee injury and had just battled his way back into the first team.

"It's automatic to fear the worst. There might be an operation and we will find out whether that is required," Gordon said.

"It's a possibility that it is the knee cartilage, but I'm trying to remain positive."

Pompey offer for McCarthy rejected

Scottish Premier League club Hamilton have turned down a written offer from Portsmouth for teenage winger James McCarthy.

McCarthy, 18, has caught the eye in his debut season in the Scottish top flight and his form was recognised at the weekend when he was named the league's Young Player of the Year.

A host of clubs are believed to be keen on signing McCarthy with Portsmouth the first to make a formal offer, believed to be worth £500,000.

"Portsmouth have made a written, formal offer for James but we have rejected it out of hand as it does not come close to our valuation of the player," Hamilton chairman Ronnie McDonald said.

Kaka's father dismisses Real link

Kaka's father, Bosco Leite, has dismissed speculation that the Milan playmaker is eyeing a move to Real Madrid.

Leite, who also serves as the Brazil stalwart's agent, has denied meeting with officials from the Spanish club over a possible transfer to the Bernabeu this summer.

"I have never held negotiations with regards to Kaka, neither with Real Madrid nor with any other clubs," Leite said in a statement on the club's official website, www.acmilan.com.

"Kaka is only thinking about the important games with Milan and is fully focused on the Rossoneri."

In January, Kaka turned down a lucrative move to Manchester City.

Magath to leave Wolfsburg for Schalke

Vfl Wolfsburg coach Felix Magath will step down at the end of June, the club said yesterday.

Magath yesterday announced that he will join Schalke 04 on a four-year contract.

Bundesliga leaders Wolfsburg announced Magath's departure in a statement on their website. Magath has enjoyed unexpected success with Wolfsburg this season, leading the outsiders to the top of the table, three points ahead of second-placed champions Bayern Munich with four matches left.

Pre-season favourites Schalke fired coach Fred Rutten and manager Andreas Mueller in March after a disappointing run in all domestic and international competitions.

Juve step up Lavezzi interest

Juventus have reached an agreement with the agent of Ezequiel Lavezzi to sign the Argentine striker, according to media reports.

The Serie A giants are planning to strengthen their squad this summer. Sporting director Alessio Secco has already identified a number of transfer targets with Lavezzi, who currently plays for Napoli, one of the top names on Juve's wanted list.

According to Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport, a deal has already been agreed between Lavezzi's agent and Juve that will see the player earn nearly £2.5m per season for five years.

However, the two clubs must still strike a deal and Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis is unlikely to accept an offer short of £15 million for Lavezzi.

Beckham looking for legal loophole

David Beckham has advised his lawyers to explore all legal avenues to release him from his contract with the Los Angeles Galaxy, La Gazzetta dello Sport reported yesterday.

The England midfielder joined Milan in January on a short-term loan deal but he has delayed his return to the MLS. Beckham is due to return to Los Angeles next month before being free to return to Milan in January when his contract expires later this year.

La Gazzetta claims that Beckham wants to stay in Italy for pre-season and is hoping for a legal loophole.

In a recent interview, Beckham admitted he didn't feel he had any chance of avoiding a return to the MLS, where he is likely to be met with a hostile reception.