Football news

Brazilian striker Ronaldo confirmed he is to be a father for the third time, at the start of 2010.

The two-time World Cup winner, who has recently resurrected his injury-plagued career with Corinthians, told TV Globo his partner is expecting a boy which they plan to name Romeo.

The 32-year-old Ronaldo, who made his name with club sides Barcelona, Inter, Real Madrid and Milan, already has a boy and a girl.

Ronald, 9, was born during Ronaldo's four-year marriage to female Brazilian footballer Milene Domingues. His current partner, Maria Beatriz Antony, gave birth to their daughter Maria Sofia in December 24, 2008.

Birmingham City in takeover bid

Hong Kong businessman Carson Yeung is making a bid to buy Birmingham City in a deal worth more than £81 million.

Yeung's investment company, Grandtop International Holdings, which already owns 29.9 per cent of the Premier League club, have confirmed Yeung's takeover bid and an agreement for the company to pay £3 million deposit.

A statement said: "The Grandtop Board is pleased to announce an all cash offer to be made by Grandtop to acquire the entire issue and to be issued share capital of Birmingham City, other than those shares already owned by Grandtop.

"The offer values the entire issued share capital of Birmingham City at approximately £81.51 million."

Yeung had looked set to bid for the club two years ago.

Zola hunting for Livorno striker

West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola is engaged in talks over the signing of striker Alessandro Diamanti from Livorno.

Diamanti, 26, helped Livorno to win promotion from Serie B last season, scoring 16 goals and underlining his potential as a quality striker and a free-kick expert.

Zola has long been monitoring Diamanti who is said to be interested in a move to England. However, Livorno supremo Aldo Spinelli told reporters West Ham's offer so far is unacceptable.

"Diamanti would like to play in the Premier League and we are in negotiations with West Ham, but the offer is not satisfactory," Spinelli said.

"We also received a proposal from Parma for co-ownership worth £3m, but we value him at around £8m."

Juve's Diego feels fit for fine debut

New signing Diego is confident of making an impressive Serie A debut in Juventus' league opener against Chievo in Turin tomorrow night despite not being his best after a thigh muscle problem.

The injury caused the Brazilian playmaker to miss most of the pre-season but he came back on Monday with a fine showing and a goal in a friendly against Milan.

"I'm not yet 100 per cent. I'll be better for my league debut on Sunday (tomorrow)," the former Werder Bremen player said.

Zaki wants second chance in England

Egypt striker Am Zaki is looking to secure another deal with an English Premier League club before the transfer window closes.

Zaki attracted the interest of big clubs last year with his fine showings for Wigan Athletic after joining on loan from Zamalek but his form then took a nosedive and fell out of favour with then Latics boss Steve Bruce.

"I know that my behaviour was unacceptable and I am truly sorry for that," Zaki admitted.

"I want to return to England, I know that I can score goals and I know that I will be successful for any team that takes me."

Portsmouth have a long-standing interest in the player but Wolves, Burnley, Hull, Blackburn and Stoke could also join the hunt.

No pressure on Italian refs - Collina

The likes of Jose Mourinho and other coaches could add extra pressure on match officials in the Serie A but referees designator Pierluigi Collina told reporters his men are free and won't feel the tension of the big clubs this season.

Collina was hitting back at Inter coach Mourinho who declared his suspicions on some referees.

"We are free and I can say that Italian referees are not influenced in anyway," Collina said.

"Mourinho owes us respect for our job and what we do.

"In football, like in life, it is not possible to be perfect at all times. We will try not to interrupt the flow of the game. With the collaboration of players we could achieve great things."

Ronaldo difficult to replace - Lampard

Manchester United would have to sign Barcelona star Lionel Messi if they ever hoped to fill the hole left by Cristiano Ronaldo, says Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard.

Lampard believes United's loss could be the Premier League's gain as the fight for the league trophy is now somewhat closer.

"It is very difficult to replace Ronaldo," Lampard said.

"I saw Alex Ferguson say that himself and I don't think he will look to replace him. He will look to make the team strong as a whole by not having him.

"The amount of times I saw Ronaldo score and they had won 1-0. Messi is probably the only player you could replace Ronaldo with.

"That is probably one of our big pluses this year - we didn't lose our big players."