Football news

Sven-Goran Eriksson is certain the squad Fabio Capello will take to the World Cup will be stronger than the ones he had as England coach.

Although it is over three years since Eriksson vacated the hot-seat, plenty of sceptics still argue the Swede wasted the supposed golden generation.

Yet, Eriksson insists the squad Capello has at his disposal is better.

"It is stronger now. I am sure about that," he said.

"They have a lot more mature players... a lot of the important players have already been to major tournaments. That is bound to help as well."

Foe was one of the greats says Toure

Kolo Toure feels a particular attachment to Manchester City because of Marc-Vivien Foe.

The Cameroon international is still fondly remembered at City, who retired his number 17 shirt after he tragically collapsed and died while on Confederations Cup duty in 2003.

Although Toure hails from the Ivory Coast, he recognises Foe as one of Africa's trailblazers.And, to now be skipper of the club he used to play for is a privilege the former Arsenal defender is honoured to have.

"It means a lot to know that Marc played for this team," Toure said.

"He was one of the great African players and it makes City stick in your mind to know that a player like Foe has played for the club."

Evra predicts Madrid meeting

Patrice Evra is convinced Manchester United will end up facing Real Madrid in this season's Champions League. Both clubs are already well placed to advance to the knockout phase even though they have only played two matches.

The seeding system means Cristiano Ronaldo could not set up a re-union with his former team-mates if Real finish above Milan in their section and United consolidate top spot in Group B.

However, Evra believes fate will ensure United tackle the Spanish giants for the first time since 2003.

"I know we will play Real Madrid," Evra said.

"I can't explain it. It is just a feeling. But I think we will play them, maybe even in the next round."

Sampdoria set for January buys

Surprise Serie A front-runners Sampdoria will be strengthening their squad in January.

The Blucerchiati are currently leading the standings on level points with champions Inter.

Samp are masters of the mid-season bargaining window as last season they brought in Giampaolo Pazzini from Fiorentina. This time they are looking to strengthen the defence and are aided by the extra cash they have following the termination of their contract with ex-coach Walter Mazzarri, now at Napoli.

Mazzarri was still on the Samp payroll. His decision to leave frees up almost £2m in cash.

Samp's transfer targets are Manuel Pasqual, of Fiorentina and Atalanta's Tomas Manfredini.

Fiorentina hoping for Mutu focus

Fiorentina are hoping Adrian Mutu's financial problems will soon come to an end and the Romania striker can again focus on football.

Mutu has been distracted since being ordered to pay a €17m fine to Chelsea.

The 30-year-old was given a glimmer of hope last week after the fine was temporarily suspended by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

"The only thing that I can say regarding Mutu's issue is that I hope the lad doesn't have to pay the fine to Chelsea, for many reasons that I don't have to explain," said Fiorentina sporting director Pantaleo Corvino.

"At the same time, I hope that Adrian can finally have his mind focused on one aim and that is to do well with Fiorentina."

FA deny World Cup bonus claims

The English FA have rejected claims they are close to agreeing a deal which would earn players a World Cup bonus of £400,000 each if England triumph in South Africa next year.

Reports have suggested the FA are earmarking £5.5 million to be split between the 23-man squad should England end up with the game's greatest prize.

That would see each member collect a tidy sum, although in some cases it is not even a month's wages for their clubs. However, it seems the speculation is premature.

"We are surprised by these stories, as the fact is that to date there have not been any meetings, discussions or indication given regarding any payments of World Cup bonuses," said FA director of communications Adrian Bevington.

Juve's Marchisio out for month

Italy and Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio will return to action in a little over a month after successful knee surgery, the Serie A club said in a statement.

The 23-year-old was in line to start Italy's World Cup qualifier in Ireland but pulled out of the squad earlier in the week.

His absence will be a blow to Juve, who have suffered a number of injury problems and have not won in four games.

Tuttosport reported the Bianconeri medical staff had hoped to continue using regular therapy until scheduling surgery for the winter break, but the situation deteriorated.