Football news

Big-spenders Manchester City were reported in the media to be keen on signing Lucio, the Brazil and Bayern Munich defender.

Reports said Lucio is unhappy at the Allianz Arena as he is not guaranteed a first-team place when competing with Martin Demichelis, Daniel van Buyten and Breno.

Last week, Man. City were told John Terry, of Chelsea, is not for sale and are therefore rumoured to be considering making enquiries.

New Bayern coach Louis van Gaal, however, said City would be wasting their time in making an approach.

"Lucio is under contract just like Martin Demichelis, Daniel van Buyten and Breno," he said.

"These four defenders all have a strong right foot and are competing with each other for one first-team spot."

Ribery not really desperate to leave

Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery denied reports that he is desperate to leave the Bundesliga club for Real Madrid.

Some of the top clubs in Europe, including Real, have been linked with the France international with Barcelona, Manchester United and Chelsea all credited with an interest in the 26-year-old.

But Ribery has moved to ease tensions at the club.

"I feel misunderstood, I never said I desperately want a transfer to happen," Ribery said.

"I do not want to be in disagreement with Bayern. I would really like to resolve things.

"We do have to wait if there is an offer coming and then sit down and talk."

Ex-Russia captain Smertin retires

Former Russia captain and Chelsea midfielder Alexei Smertin has decided to hang up his boots after a 16-year professional career, the player said.

"I've retired. It's official now," the 34-year-old, who started his career with his home team Dynamo Barnaul in 1992, was quoted as saying by Russian media.

Siberian-born Smertin joined Chelsea from Girondins Bordeaux in August 2003, helping the west London club to the Premier League title in 2005.

He also played for English clubs Portsmouth, Charlton Athletic and Fulham.

Inter interest in Chelsea duo cools

Inter seem to have lost interest in signing Portugal internationals Deco and Ricardo Carvalho from Chelsea this summer.

Both were strongly linked with a move to the Serie A and a re-union with Inter coach Jose Mourinho.

However, Massimo Moratti, the Inter owner, told reporters the squad is strong enough as it is at present.

"Deco and Carvalho? They are two champions but at this time I don't feel there's a need to buy them," Moratti said.

It seems Inter are more concerned with retaining the services of star players Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Maicon, reported targets for clubs in Spain.

Schwarzer wants long-term deal

Mark Schwarzer is asking his club Fulham to prolong his stay at Craven Cottage with a new long-term deal.

Australia keeper Schwarzer impressed during his first season at Fulham following his move from Middlesbrough. The 36-year-old plans to play on beyond his current contract which comes to a close next year.

"We haven't spoken about a new deal yet and, while I'm extremely happy at a club that's given me a new lease of life, there is a possibility I could move on a free transfer at the end of my contract," Schwarzer said.

"I haven't ruled anything in or out. After the World Cup, I will look to continue at the top level for at least another year beyond that."

Bordeaux winger to join Man. Utd

Bordeaux winger Gabriel Obertan is set to move to Manchester United, the Ligue 1 club president Jean-Louis Triaud said.

Obertan, 20, made his debut for Bordeaux three years ago but his chances were dashed last year with the arrival of new coach Laurent Blanc. Obertan was loaned out to Lorient last January.

Arsenal are also said to have been interested in the youngster but it appears United have won the race for his signature.

"There is a very strong likelihood that the deal will go ahead," Triaud said.

"Manchester United want to sign him and, for our part, we would be delighted to see Gabriel play for such a prestigious club."

Sampdoria: Cassano staying 100 per cent

Sampdoria are 100 per cent sure that Antonio Cassano will be staying at the club next season.

"I think that in the last few days the 99 per cent probability I had given of Cassano remaining has gone up to 100 per cent," Riccardo Garrone, the club supremo, told reporters.

"He may be admired by many clubs, but nobody has officially placed a bid for him."

Sampdoria have meanwhile continued with their search for new midfielders. The first arrival could be Fernando Tissone, of Udinese.

The other targets both play for Fiorentina, as the Blucerchiati are interested in Franco Semioli and Mario Alberto Santana.