Football news

Milan midfielder Mathieu Flamini would rather remain at the San Siro than return to England amid reports the Rossoneri are set to offer the France international a new two-year deal.

Flamini was linked with a move to Manchester City in January and interest is expected to increase when the transfer window re-opens in the summer.

"I'm following the interest towards me of big English clubs. But my priority is Milan," Flamini said in L'Equipe.

"I'm at a legendary club, one of the greatest in the world. I feel very good there, I'm counting on imposing myself, at this moment I'm in full possession of my abilities."

Buffon going nowhere - Bettega

Juventus director Roberto Bettega insists goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is not for sale and is confident he will stay with the Serie A giants next season.

Manchester United and Manchester City as well as Bayern Munich have been linked to the 32-year-old but Bettega claims Buffon is going nowhere.

"The team will certainly not let itself be distracted by these things," Bettega said.

"With regards to what was written about a supposed transfer of Buffon I would like to reassure the fans that Gigi is untouchable, he will stay at Juventus."

We need more players - Arshavin

Andrei Arshavin believes Arsenal's lack of strength in depth will hamper their Premier League title challenge. The Gunners sit second in the table, two points behind Manchester United and two ahead of Chelsea.

But the Russian believes Arsenal's lack of summer signings - along with injuries to Robin van Persie, Kieran Gibbs and Aaron Ramsey - leaves them disadvantaged.

"I am still of the opinion that to win trophies Arsenal need more players," Arshavin was quoted as saying in The Sun.

"There is the simple fact that last summer we sold two players and bought only one. Then we lost Van Persie, Gibbs and Ramsey for a long time. So for me it is natural we need new players."

Bolton's Cahill ready to return

Gary Cahill has declared himself ready for action after fearing for his long-term future.

The defender could now be pitched into Bolton's showdown with leaders Manchester United at the Reebok Stadium on Saturday.

That would be Cahill's first senior appearance since January 30 as he has spent the last two months recovering from a blood clot that led to him undergoing surgery to remove a section of a rib.

"It came as a total shock to me and, at first, I feared the worst and thought it was going to be long term,"Cahill told the Bolton News.

"But I've come back a lot earlier and quicker than some people thought, and it's good to be back."

Sevilla sack Jimenez after Xerez draw

Sevilla have sacked coach Manolo Jimenez after the struggling La Liga club were held to a 1-1 draw at home by basement side Xerez on Tuesday night.

King's Cup finalists Sevilla suffered a surprise Champions League exit to CSKA Moscow last week and Tuesday's draw with promoted Xerez meant they had failed to win in seven matches in all competitions.

"The board of Sevilla FC dismissed Manolo Jimenez on Tuesday night," the club said on their website.

Yesterday's training session was overseen by fitness coaches Ramon Orellana and Ignacio Oria while the board decided on a successor, they added.

I would succeed in England - Boyd

Kris Boyd is confident he would be a success in the Premier League after Birmingham boss Alex McLeish revealed plans to make another swoop for the Rangers striker.

The 26-year-old, who is out of contract in the summer and yet to sign a new deal with the Scottish champions, said: "It would be nice to play in the Premiership. I've confidence in my own ability and believe I'd score goals at the highest level.

"But at the moment, all I want is to do well for Rangers and help them win more trophies."

Key players worth a gamble - Sven

Former England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson believes Fabio Capello should not be afraid to take a World Cup gamble on Ashley Cole if medical advice on the Chelsea defender's recovery from ankle surgery is positive.

Eriksson faced similar dilemmas when David Beckham broke his metatarsal before the 2002 World Cup and when Wayne Rooney did the same four years later and he has no regrets about taking them to the finals.

"You have to be in the situation of Capello to decide that, by talking to the doctors and experts," Eriksson said.

"It's important you take exact advice on the injury and whether he will get back in a couple of weeks. They (Beckham and Rooney) were two important players and when the doctors said it was okay, I had no problem with my decision."