Football news

Real Madrid, who failed to win a title last season despite a massive spending spree, are hoping to snag rising star Javier Martinez of Athletic Bilbao to boost their fortunes.

Sports daily AS said Real are ready to pay €30 million to buy out the contract of the 21-year-old midfielder, one of three uncapped players in Spain's squad for the World Cup.

It said Martinez would be an ideal partner for ex-Liverpool playmaker Xabi Alonso at the club.

In addition, Real appear ready to dispense with several of their current midfielders such as France's Lassana Diarra, Mali's Mahamadou Diarra and Argentine Fernando Gago, AS said.

Real splashed out more than €250 million on new talent last year.

Hamann joins Dons as player-coach

Former Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann has joined MK Dons as player-coach on a one-year deal.

The former Germany international, who won 59 caps for his country, becomes new Dons manager Karl Robinson's fourth new signing following the recent arrivals of David Martin, Gary Mackenzie and Lewis Guy.

The 36-year-old, who has also played for Bayern Munich, Newcastle United and Manchester City, will primarily be a member of the playing squad but will also use his vast football experience to help the coaching staff at MK Dons.

No rush for Loew over captaincy

Germany coach Joachim Loew will not be rushed into announcing who will replace Michael Ballack as captain at the World Cup.

Ballack will miss the finals due to an ankle injury, but Loew has yet to decide who will be given the armband in his absence.

"We are considering our options, but we are doing it calmly and without getting hectic because there is no need for that," Loew said.

"We have a strong team and we hope that we will play a good World Cup, however bitter losing Michael Ballack is."

Bayern Munich trio Miroslav Klose, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Philipp Lahm are favourites to become the next Germany captain.

Goalkeeper Lloris staying at Lyon

France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris has no plans to leave Lyon this summer.

Lloris has been linked with a move away from the Stade Gerland, with Arsenal and Milan among the clubs reportedly interested, but the 23-year-old intends to stay put.

He said: "To tell the truth, I did not have to make a decision on this matter because firstly, I am still under contract with OL, and secondly, this (leaving Lyon) is not part of my short-term goals."

Lloris, who has a contract with Les Gones until 2013, added: "I am very well in Lyon, with how things work and where the club is. We have qualified directly for the Champions League."

But he added: "After that, you never know what the future holds."

West Ham move closer to Grant

Avram Grant looks set to be unveiled as West Ham's new manager in 12 days' time.

It is understood that the former Portsmouth boss, currently on holiday with his family, has agreed a deal in principle to become the successor to sacked Gianfranco Zola.

Grant resigned as manager of relegated Premier League side Portsmouth on Thursday and subject to a final interview, he is likely to be offered a two-year contract.

Reacting to speculation that Grant's move to the Hammers was all but signed and sealed, a club spokesman said: "West Ham can confirm the club is making good progress in the search for a new manager and the appointment will be made by early June."

Arsenal complete Chamakh signing

Arsenal have completed the long-awaited signing of Morocco striker Marouane Chamakh on a free transfer from Bordeaux.

The 26-year-old had been a long-term target for the north London side and becomes their first major signing of the summer transfer window.

Chamakh made 293 appearances and scored 79 goals during an eight-year stint with Bordeaux, winning the league and French League Cup in 2008-09.

Chamakh has been handed the number 29 shirt and will provide competition for Robin van Persie, Nicklas Bendtner, Eduardo and Carlos Vela in the Arsenal attack.

"This is a dream come true and a great joy to be joining Arsenal," he said.

Chamakh will join up with his new team-mates for pre-season in July.

Robinho wants Santos stay

Manchester City's record signing Robinho has no wish to return to Eastlands.

After a stormy 18 months following his British record £32.5m arrival from Real Madrid, Robinho was eventually loaned to his old club Santos in January.

Although there is no chance of Santos being able to afford the fee City would want for the 26-year-old, Robinho wants to remain in his homeland.

"I will return to Brazil after the World Cup and, God willing, I will stay to play in the Copa Libertadores (in 2011)," he said.