Football news

Alex McLeish is ready to commit his long-term future to Birmingham after holding preliminary talks regarding a new contract.

McLeish has spoken with chief executive Michael Dunford and vice-chairman Peter Pannu over a new deal and is now set to talk to club owner Carson Yeung.

McLeish said: "We had a chat, myself, Michael and Peter. We didn't talk about specific figures, but things in general, and it was a very good meeting.

"I'm now due to see Carson and, absolutely, I plan on staying at Birmingham. I see my future here and I'm sure we can work something out."

Agbonlahor set to play against Burnley

Aston Villa's leading scorer Gabriel Agbonlahor could return after injury for the home Premier League clash with Burnley on Sunday.

Agbonlahor, who has netted 12 goals this season, missed the 2-2 draw at Crystal Palace in the FA Cup with a leg injury suffered in the previous game with Manchester United in a challenge from Wayne Rooney.

But he has returned to training and Martin O'Neill is keeping his fingers crossed there will be no reaction as Villa gear up for a crucial week which also includes the replay with Palace and the League Cup final against Manchester United.

O'Neill said: "Gabby has trained and hopefully there will be no reaction. Gabby has been excellent for us all season and to have him back, naturally, would be a boost."

Pienaar keen to stay at Everton

South Africa stalwart Steven Pienaar has given Everton a boost by committing his future to the club despite reports linking him with a move away from Goodison Park.

The midfielder, 28 on Wednesday, has been linked with both Arsenal and Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, and has only 18 months remaining on his contract.

But Pienaar, quoted in the Daily Express, said: "I feel this is my home. The fans have always been good to me and I always give 100 per cent.

"I definitely aim to play here for a lot longer, why not? Talk of moving is only rumours."

No fears of Rooney burnout - Beckham

David Beckham has no fear Wayne Rooney will burn himself out ahead of England's bid for World Cup glory. While plenty have expressed concern over Rooney's ability to maintain top form until mid-July, Beckham is not among them.

"Burnout will not be a problem," Beckham, who faced Rooney in Milan's 3-2 Champions League defeat to Manchester United on Tuesday, said.

"Of course he can sustain that level until the middle of July. He should be able to. He is only 24. He looks after himself and works hard.

"It doesn't matter how many games he has played or how many he will be involved in to the end of the season, he will be ready for anything."

Inter face fight to sign Hamsik

Inter are likely to face strong competition from Carlo Ancelotti's Chelsea in the race to sign Napoli midfielder Marek Hamsik.

Jose Mourinho, the Inter coach, has repeatedly spoken about his admiration for Hamsik's talents and Il Corriere dello Sport expects the Slovakia international to be at the top of Inter's transfer list this summer.

However, next week's Champions League opponents Chelsea are also reported to have a firm interest in the former Brescia youngster, providing the basis for a bidding war.

Inter had the opportunity to sign Hamsik when he was still at Brescia in 2007, but they allowed him to slip through their fingers and join Napoli for just €5.5 million.

Suspended fine for Wolves

Wolves have been given a suspended £25,000 fine by the Premier League for fielding a weakened team against Manchester United in December, the Midlands club said yesterday.

Wolves manager Mick McCarthy made 10 changes to the team who defeated Tottenham Hotspur three days earlier and, after a 3-0 loss at Old Trafford, recalled nine of them for the next game against Burnley, which they won 2-0.

Wolves said they had been surprised to be charged but accepted the decision.

"We are obviously disappointed but we respect the ruling, especially as they have now used our case as a clear warning to all other clubs," chief executive Jez Moxey said in a statement.

Schillaci turns heat on Juve directors

Toto Schillaci has pointed his finger at the Juventus directors for the team's patchy form this season. The Bianconeri are sixth in the Serie A, having already been eliminated from the Champions League and Coppa Italia.

"Juventus's problem is the club. It's managed really badly," Schillaci was quoted as saying. "There isn't an important person capable of taking the situation in hand. In all sincerity, it seems as if we are living through the time of Maifredi all over again, which was a disastrous year.

"Sure, the incredible number of injuries has contributed to this big crisis. Anyway, there are still many games to play and, if they get their best players back, Juventus can still finish among the top four and save their season."