Football news

Yokohama F-Marinos are still in talks with Shunsuke Nakamura concerning a deal to bring the Celtic midfielder back to Japan despite reported interest from Spain.

"Contract talks are still continuing with the player," Yokohama's chief media officer Masanori Hakamada said.

"We hope for a speedy conclusion to the matter."

Nakamura, who is reportedly demanding $2.5 million a year, will leave Scottish side Celtic for free at the end of June when his contract expires.

Atletico Madrid and Espanyol are reportedly interested in signing the 30-year-old, who left Yokohama for Italy's Reggina in 2002 before signing for Celtic three years later.

Roma linked with Shevchenko bid

Andriy Shevchenko, now at Chelsea after his loan stint with Milan was over, could be heading back to Italy this summer if Roma's bid to sign the Ukraine captain is successful.

New Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti does not seem enthusiastic on Shevchenko and it seems Milan are not planning to have him back as well.

Roma were also interested in signing Shevchenko last year and reports said at the time that coach Luciano Spalletti also met the player for private talks.

Roma relied too heavily on Francesco Totti and Mirko Vucinic in attack last season and are looking for another striker who can give weight and experience to their upfront department.

Spending spree no burden - Perez

The purchase of Kaka and massive bid for Cristiano Ronaldo will not lead to Real Madrid being burdened by a huge amount of debt, new president Florentino Perez said.

"On the contrary, we think we can improve our accounts by aiming for three goals," construction magnate Perez told La Gazzetta dello Sport when asked about the debt issue.

"Increasing ticket sales, increasing bank loans and increasing the club's economic value."

He added that Real generated enough revenue to cover these massive transfer market investments, with more expected to come, without him having to use his own funds.

New boys Burnley not in for Duff

Damien Duff will not be leaving Newcastle next season to join Premier League newcomers Burnley.

This was said by Duff's advisor Pat Devlin who acted quickly to quell reports in Ireland that the winger is set to switch to Turf Moor.

Duff, 30, has gone on record saying that he wishes to stay at Newcastle and help them get back into the top flight at the first time of asking.

Devlin said: "No, he's still under contract at Newcastle and that would be his first port of call.

"I think someone's winding up the Burnley fans because he's a Blackburn fella."

Blackburn are Burnley's fierce rivals in English football.

Deco seeking Chelsea exit

Chelsea's Portuguese midfielder Deco says he is unhappy at the London club and wants to leave.

The Brazilian-born playmaker moved to Chelsea last year from Barcelona, but struggled to make an impact under Luiz Felipe Scolari and was then left out entirely by Guus Hiddink.

"I did not like the experience at Chelsea. I want to find another solution and another challenge," the 31-year-old was quoted as saying.

Last month, Deco admitted he was in talks with Inter about a possible move to the north Italian club coached by former Porto boss Jose Mourinho. However the Portugal international declined to say if there had been any developments.

Defender Braafheid joins Bayern

Dutch left-back Edson Braafheid signed for Bayern Munich to become their fifth close-season signing this summer after putting pen to paper on a four-year deal.

Strikers Mario Gomez and Ivica Olic, midfielders Anatoliy Tymoshchuk and Alexander Baumjohann have already signed and Bayern have now agreed terms with the 26-year-old Braafheid for their defence.

The left-sided defender had been linked with Ajax and PSV Eindhoven, but he opted to leave FC Twente to link up with new Munich boss Louis van Gaal.

Philipp Lahm will now revert to the right side of the field where Bayern are short of options following the departures of Willy Sagnol and Massimo Oddo.

Lavezzi agent says 'Pool made bid

Alejandro Mazzoni, the agent of Napoli striker Ezequiel Lavezzi, reaffirmed his statement and said Liverpool did make a bid for the Argentine.

Reports in Italy said Liverpool had tabled an offer of £12 million for Lavezzi, 24. However, Reds manager Rafael Benitez and Napoli general director Pierpaolo Marino have denied any transfer activity as Lavezzi is now rumoured to be a target of Chelsea.

Mazzoni said: "Pierpaolo Marino continues to lie. I reiterate that a FIFA agent presented Napoli with an offer from Liverpool for Lavezzi.

"This was a formal procedure as the player cannot be contacted directly (by the interested club) because he is under contract with Napoli."