Football news

Manchester United captain Gary Neville has suffered a groin strain and will take no further part in the current Asian tour, the club said yesterday.

The injury-prone 34-year-old defender left Seoul for Manchester to undergo treatment on what was described as a minor injury.

Neville trained at the Seoul World Cup Stadium on Thursday but departed yesterday ahead of the match against FC Seoul. He will also miss the game in China tomorrow against Hangzhou Greentown.

The England international was an unused substitute in United's first tour game against a Malaysian XI in Kuala Lumpur before getting 62 minutes under his belt against the same side earlier this week.

FC Seoul agree Lee move to Bolton

South Korean midfielder Lee Chung-Yong is heading to English Premier League club Bolton for about three million dollars, his team said yesterday.

The 21-year-old has reached a verbal agreement with Bolton to sign a three-year contract for a transfer fee of about two million pounds (three million dollars), FC Seoul said.

"The contract will be signed officially after a work permit is issued," the K-League side said in a statement.

The winger is expected to earn about 1.5 billion won (1.2 million dollars) annually, Seoul said. Lee, who has spent this week in England for talks with Bolton officials, was due back in South Korea yesterday.

Caceres can't wait to join Juve

Barcelona defender Martin Caceres is keen to win titles with Juventus who are expected to secure his loan signing in the next few days.

A formal announcement confirming the deal has yet to be made, but Caceres is optimistic. "For me, it's a feeling of great pride to be in the plans of a prestigious club like Juventus," Caceres explained.

"For this reason, I hope the Bianconeri conclude a deal with Barcelona to the best of their ability. I have a great desire to start a new adventure."

Caceres's agent is Daniel Fonseca who had spells with Napoli and Juventus during his playing career.

Huntelaar deal difficult - Redknapp

Klaas-Jan Huntelaar is unlikely to join Tottenham because of his high wage demands, Spurs' manager Harry Redknapp said.

Stuttgart appeared to be close to signing the Real Madrid striker earlier this week before he rejected the Bundesliga side's offer.

Redknapp confirmed his interest on Thursday but insisted yesterday that Tottenham will not pay 'crazy money' to sign Huntelaar.

"Daniel (Levy) spoke to Real Madrid and went over to meet the people, but his wages are beyond us," Redknapp told the Daily Mail. "I think Stuttgart were trying to do a deal, but Real were not prepared to do the deal they wanted.

"I am sure we would have the same problem. I can't see it happening."

Deco to stay after Ancelotti talks

Deco is prepared to stay with Chelsea after holding talks with new manager Carlo Ancelotti.

The Portugal international was expected to leave the Blues for Inter after a disappointing campaign following last summer's switch from Barcelona, but the Serie A champions were not prepared to match Chelsea's asking price.

Deco has now met with Ancelotti and insists he will stay and give his all for their cause this season.

"I have talked with the manager," Deco explained.

"We talked about many things, about the game, about what he thinks about the team and tactics. I will be here. I have a contract and I will do my best, wherever I am on the pitch."

No Hull offer for Viduka

Hull manager Phil Brown has dispelled rumours linking the club with a move for striker Mark Viduka.

Brown is looking to strengthen his attack this summer and reports have suggested he could turn to out-of-contract Viduka.

Viduka's agent Steve Kutner recently claimed the forward is considering offers from two Premier League clubs, but Brown said Hull are not one.

"Mark is out of contract and therefore a free agent and able to talk to anybody. I've not had a conversation with Mark or his agent," Brown told the Hull Daily Mail.

"If we were interested in Mark Viduka, we'd pick the phone up and speak to Mark Viduka because he's not attached to any football club and that hasn't happened."

Napoli close in on Dossena

Napoli have confirmed they are in talks with Liverpool for the transfer of flank defender Andrea Dossena.

The Italy international, who has also been linked with Juventus, made just 12 Premier League starts for Rafa Benitez's team last term following his £7 million arrival from Udinese in the summer.

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has been in contact with Reds boss Benitez and told Italian media that discussions between the two clubs would continue.

He told Corriere dello Sport: "I've personally spoken with Rafa Benitez. The negotiation is ongoing."

Reports in Italy claimed the two clubs have been unable to agree a transfer fee, with the Reds keen to recoup around £6 million.