Football news

English Premier League side Hull City look set to sign striker Marc-Antoine Fortune from French side Nancy.

New Celtic boss Tony Mowbray was reportedly keen to make the 27-year-old his first signing at Parkhead but the player is likely to opt for the Premier League outfit instead.

Nancy sporting director Nicolas Holveck said: "He has had permission to speak to clubs but the most advanced discussions, and the team that is very close to signing him, is Hull City.

"It's highly possible a deal will be agreed over the weekend and, while these things can change at the last minute, Hull are the clear favourites."

Roma suitor still hopes for deal

The head of a Swiss consortium remains hopeful of concluding a deal to buy Roma despite the Serie A club's owners saying talks had failed.

"We understand the responsibility we are assuming for a great set of fans. In four or five days you'll know everything," FIFA agent Vinicio Fioranelli told Italian television late on Friday when asked if a takeover could still happen.

Roma's main shareholder Italpetroli said last week that talks had stalled despite efforts being made to reach an agreement. Italpetroli holds a 67 per cent stake in Roma, which is listed on the Italian stock market.

Milan to renew Adebayor interest

Arsenal forward Emmanuel Adebayor could be an option for Milan if their bid to sign Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko fails, chief executive Adriano Galliani said yesterday.

"We continue to follow Dzeko. At the moment he is not for sale but if Wolfsburg change their mind I'm ready to head to Germany immediately," Galliani told a news conference.

"Dzeko has expressed his liking for a move here but at this moment there are no negotiations yet.

"Adebayor and Sevilla's Luis Fabiano could be alternatives but there have been no talks even if there has been a phone call about the Togolese with Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger."

Barca make bid for Brazilian Keirrison

European champions Barcelona have made a big-money offer for Palmeiras striker Keirrison.

According to Brazilian media, Barcelona have bid €15 million for the 20-year-old. "The player won't be considered for Sunday's match against Santos... and will remain out of the team until the situation is resolved," the Sao Paulo-based club said on their official website.

Keirrison, who was playing for Coritiba when he finished as top scorer in the 2008 Brazilian championship with 20 goals, joined former Real Madrid coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo's Palmeiras in January.

Schneider calls time on playing career

Bayer Leverkusen's former Germany international Bernd Schneider has announced his immediate retirement, having failed to recover from a back injury sustained in April 2008.

"Since this accident, I've had problems with my health," said Schneider, 35, who won 81 caps for the German national team as a right-sided midfielder.

"My decision follows the advice given to me by doctors. It was very difficult for me to take. But I have responsibilities towards my family and that's why I'm following the advice of my doctors."

Leverkusen have agreed to terminate Schneider's contract, which still has a year left to run. Schneider, who joined Leverkusen in 1999 and scored 35 goals in 263 league appearances, is expected to stay on at the club as a youth coach.

Inter chief upbeat about Ibrahimovic

Inter president Massimo Moratti believes Zlatan Ibrahimovic has made up his mind to stay with the Serie A champions.

Ibrahimovic was reportedly keen on a move to Barcelona while Chelsea and Real Madrid are also interested in the Sweden striker, who finished top scorer of the Serie A last season.

However, in a recent interview with Swedish newspaper Expressen, the 27-year-old said his future lies with Inter and Moratti is confident he will still be at the San Siro next season.

"There have not been any convincing offers so far," he said. "I read that interview, it seems to me as well a rapprochement. And sometimes it's the agents who control the players."

Juve target Bordeaux striker Chamakh

Juventus are preparing a bid for Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh according to reports in the French media.

The 25-year-old played a key role in Bordeaux's title winning campaign last season, scoring 13 goals in Ligue 1.

Chamakh is out of contract next summer and talks with the French champions have stalled, alerting Juventus.

The Morocco international is valued at £7 million, but would come a bit cheaper considering his contract situation.

Juventus are seriously considering making an approach for Chamakh amid reports that David Trezeguet could leave the club this summer.