Football news

Next year's World Cup promises to be a loud affair after FIFA rejected calls to ban the noisy vuvuzela, a plastic trumpet, from the event in South Africa.

The instrument's incessant drone drew protests at last month's Confederations Cup in South Africa, with broadcasters complaining it was drowning out their commentary.

"That would mean one would have to take away the cow bells from Swiss fans and ban English fans from singing," Hans Klaus, director of communications at FIFA, said.

"We approach this in a relaxed manner. I am convinced the vuvuzelas will be a hit at the World Cup. It will be a World Cup with an African sound."

Roma, Liverpool in Aquilani talks

Talks between Roma and Liverpool over a possible move of midfielder Alberto Aquilani to Anfield continued yesterday.

Roma want to raise cash to be able to sign new players this summer and the €25 million they are likely to get for Aquilani from Liverpool could help their cause.

Aquilani has just signed a new contract but could be on the move though so far Liverpool have only offered €20 million.

Rafael Benitez has picked Aquilani as the ideal replacement for Xabi Alonso should the £30m sale to Real Madrid go through.

Aquilani is considered one of the best talents in Serie A, but has been plagued by injuries and is still recovering from ankle surgery.

Ferguson teams up with McLeish again

Controversial Scotland midfielder Barry Ferguson completed a £1.25 million move to Birmingham City from Rangers.

The 31-year-old signed a three-year contract after completing a medical and joins up again with Alex McLeish, his former manager at Rangers and Scotland.

Ferguson was in the headlines last season when he was stripped of the club captaincy for a late-night drinking session and subsequent misdemeanours on international duty.

"For me, Barry is a midfielder at his peak," McLeish said. "I don't think 31 is too old for a central midfielder of great experience."

McLeish sold Ferguson to Blackburn in 2003 but, after an uninspired spell, he returned to Ibrox two years later and the manager said the player had "unfinished business in England".

Maradona in dock over road accident

Argentine football legend Diego Maradona is to appear in court in Buenos Aires following a car accident in which two young people were slightly injured.

Maradona, 48, who is now Argentina coach, allegedly crashed into a telephone box in which the two people were in February 2006.

A date for the trial has yet to be fixed. The former World Cup winner could face up to three years in prison.

Redknapp wants Crouch at Spurs

Harry Redknapp revealed he would be interested in signing Peter Crouch, the want-away Portsmouth striker who also has Sunderland and Fulham hunting for his signature.

Crouch has already held talks with Sunderland over a possible switch to Wearside, but Redknapp is now considering a bid for the giant forward.

When at Portsmouth last year, Redknapp signed Crouch from Liverpool in a £9 million deal.

"I like Peter... he's a top player," Redknapp said.

"He's a player that we could be interested in, but we'll have to wait and see.

"Portsmouth obviously want to sell him now, they've accepted offers for him, so if they want to sell him, we'd be interested."

Ibra awaiting Barca move

Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic admitted yesterday that he would be interested in a move to Spanish club Barcelona if the right offer was made.

The Inter player told Expressen: "There's a chance that I'll go to Barcelona if a concrete offer is made. In this case it would be interesting for me.

"It's up to Inter to decide what they want to do. I respect my contract. I do my job and am happy to be here."

Inter president Massimo Moratti revealed on Friday that he was in talks with the Spaniards about the Swede.

Spanish media have reported that Barcelona would pay 45 million euros for Ibrahimovic in a deal which would also include Eto'o.

Gunter makes Forest move permanent

Tottenham's Wales international Chris Gunter, who joined Nottingham Forest on loan last season, is poised to join the Championship side on a permanent basis.

Forest agreed a 1.75 million pound fee with Tottenham for the full-back who has agreed personal terms with the Reds.

Gunter failed to make an impact at Spurs following his two million pound arrival from Cardiff in January last year.

He joined Forest on loan towards the end of last season and made eight appearances as Billy Davies's side steered clear of relegation from the Championship.

Gunter will become the Reds' fifth summer signing following David McGoldrick, Dele Adebola, Lee Camp and Paul Anderson.