Football news

Barcelona have reached a verbal agreement to sign Valencia's Spanish international striker David Villa, the top scorer at Euro 2008, sports daily Marca reported.

The deal, which will be made official once the current Spanish league season ends, will be worth over €40 million and could include Barcelona pair Alex Hleb and Bojan Krkic.

Villa, who is the third top scorer in La Liga with 21 goals, had been coveted last year by both Barcelona and arch-rivals Real Madrid.

But the Catalan club eventually secured the services of Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic from Inter in a deal which saw Samuel Eto'o move to the Italian side.

Mancini hits back at Tevez outburst

Roberto Mancini has admitted he would let Carlos Tevez leave Manchester City if he did not want to stay.

Although he has become a cult hero since joining from Manchester United, Tevez has shown increasing signs of disapproval at Mancini's managerial regime.

In a recent interview, Tevez expressed unhappiness at the number of double training sessions Mancini incorporates into the week's work. With Real Madrid said to be interested in signing the South American, it looks increasingly likely his stay with City will be brief.

"Tevez has four years left on his contract but if he's not happy, it would be better for him to change squads," said Mancini.

Seoul's 2002 hero returns to squad

South Korea's national coach named a 30-strong advance roster for the World Cup that includes 2002 World Cup hero Ahn Jung-Hwan.

"Our team is as strong as any other team in the World Cup finals, because each player has confidence and a fighting spirit," coach Huh Jung-Moo said.

Park Ji-Sung, of Man. United, Lee Chung-Yong, of Bolton, Park Chu-Young, of Monaco, and Ki Sung-Yueng, of Celtic, were among those included in the preliminary roster.

Ahn is currently in good form with Dalian Shide in the Chinese league. The 34-year-old striker scored three goals in his two World Cup appearances, including the game-winning header in the second-round game against Italy in the 2002 tournament.

Giuly wants to stay at Paris SG

Ludovic Giuly has committed his future to Paris SG amid reports of interest from elsewhere. Speculation earlier this week suggested the former Roma winger, 33, was on his way out of the Parc des Princes, with Greek side Panathinaikos listed as one possible destination.

But he said: "I have not had any offers. I feel good in Paris, I don't see why I would look elsewhere."

Giuly has featured in 29 of his side's Ligue 1 matches this season, starting 23, but has scored only three goals.

And he continued: "If I do not fit into the plans here, I would have a discussion with the coach and the club president, for sure."

Gladiator meets galactico

Oscar-winning actor Russell Crowe admitted he was a great fan of Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo during a visit to the Spanish club this week.

"I was definitely looking forward to meeting Ronaldo because obviously he is one of the best players to have ever played the game," the Hollywood star told the club's television station after meeting the players and receiving a Real shirt with his name emblazoned on the back.

"I always check out La Liga table to see where Barcelona and Real Madrid stand, you have a great team," added Crowe, who gave each player a baseball cap from his South Sydney Rabbitohs, a rugby team he owns in Australia.

Awards double for Wayne Rooney

Wayne Rooney has completed an awards double after being voted the English Football Writers' Association (FWA) player of the year.

Rooney, 24, claimed 81 per cent of the votes cast to follow up an equally convincing win in the ballot for the Professional Footballer's Association player of the year award.

FWA chairman Steve Bates said Rooney's dominance of the voting reflected the huge impact he has had for United in the wake of Cristiano Ronaldo's departure for Real Madrid.

"His tally of 34 goals so far this season is certain to have captured the attention of our members, but I am sure the overall improvement in his game has been of equal significance," said Bates.

Didier Drogba and Carlos Tevez were, respectively, second and third in the FWA poll.

Benitez slams fixtures farce

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has slammed Premier League bosses for not ensuring that this weekend's crucial fixtures all kick off at the same time.

Liverpool's meeting with Chelsea tomorrow could have a decisive influence on the outcome of the title race between the Londoners and Man. United, as well as their own prospects of snatching fourth place.

If Chelsea win the afternoon match, United will kick off at Sunderland at 5 p.m. knowing they have to win to keep their hopes of a fourth consecutive title alive.

Benitez said: "I think the fixtures are fantastic, very well organised as always," he commented with heavy sarcasm.

"What time do we play on Sunday, 1.30 p.m.? What time do United play, four o'clock. Ah, so they play later."