Football news

Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo insists his club have not received any offers for Argentina striker Kun Aguero.

Aguero has been strongly linked with a move to the Premier League, with Man. United and Chelsea reportedly keen to acquire the 22-year-old.

"We have no intention of selling players. Aguero is very happy at Atle-tico and in Madrid and as far as I am aware, he has no offers," Cerezo said.

Cerezo also believes Uruguay international Diego Forlan will stay at the club.

"At the end of August Forlan will return here because he does not want to leave the club," said Cerezo.

Ballack should focus on club - Hoeness

Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness has advised Michael Ballack to shelve plans to make a comeback to the Germany national team.

Ballack has been ruled out of the South Africa tournament due to an ankle injury and Hoeness believes that is a sign the Chelsea midfielder should bring his international career to an end at the age of 33.

"As a friend, I would recommend Michael to concentrate solely on his club after the World Cup," he said.

"I don't think it would be clever to set the European Championships in 2012 as a goal."

Hiddink to respect Turkey contract

Guus Hiddink has ruled himself out of contention to coach Inter next season, according to his agent.

The Dutchman, who recently opted to become Turkey coach, is considered one of the candidates for the post left vacant by Jose Mourinho's departure for Real Madrid.

"Inter asked me last week if Hiddink could be a candidate for the Nerazzurri hotseat," Cees van Niewenhuizen, Hiddink's agent, said.

"They told me that he was the number one candidate on the list.

"I replied that it is impossible because Hiddink has only just started his experience with the Turkish federation and he will not go to the federation and ask them to be freed from his contract."

World Cup ball a worry for James

England goalkeeper David James has joined his Spanish and Italian counterparts in criticism of the new World Cup ball, describing it as "dreadful" and "horrible".

The 'Jabulani' has already been criticised by Iker Casillas and Gianluigi Buffon and James fears the movement of the adidas ball - particularly at altitude - will be a cause for concern for goalkeepers.

"The ball is dreadful," James said.

"It's horrible, but it's horrible for everyone. You saw from Frank (Lampard)'s free-kick in the first half against Japan which dipped wickedly, so it'll be interesting."

"There are undoubtedly going to be some goals scored in this tournament which in previous tournaments with different balls wouldn't have been scored," James added.

"It'll allow people to score extra goals, but leave some goalkeepers looking daft."

Cannavaro signs for Dubai's Al-Ahli

Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro has signed a two-year deal with Al-Ahli of Dubai after Juventus turned down the chance to extend his contract.

The 36-year-old, who currently has 132 caps for Italy and will retire from international football after the World Cup, said he was delighted to have signed for the Dubai club.

"My contract with Al-Ahli realises my dream of living in Dubai and finishing my career playing for one of its clubs," said Cannavaro.

Al-Ahli official Abdullah al-Nabuda added: "It's one of the biggest deals for us. Cannavaro is a player known for having worn the jerseys of clubs as famous as Real Madrid and Juventus."

I'm not solely to blame - Ferrara

Former Juve coach Ciro Ferrara insists that he wasn't solely to blame for the team's disastrous season.

"Zaccheroni (who succeeded Ferrara in January) admitted that things hadn't improved. He was always correct in his behaviour towards me," Ferrara told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"I don't obsess myself with the statistics. Month after month situations are different. But one thing exists for certain: it wasn't my fault.

"I have no bad feeling towards Juve and their fans because you can't forget 16 years because of six months. Last week I rescinded my contract because I want to return to work as a coach, not because I felt compelled to abandon Turin."

Napoli linked with Acquafresca

Napoli have set their sights on Genoa forward Robert Acquafresca, according to Tuttosport. Coach Walter Mazzarri is keen to acquire a reliable target man after his strikers failed to deliver last season.

Acquafresca had a difficult six-month loan spell with Atalanta before returning to Genoa in December. He scored just four goals.

However, the 22-year-old is still held in high esteem in Italy on the back of his commendable scoring record in the two seasons he spent with Cagliari.

Tuttosport reported that Mazzarri believes that he can 'revitalise' Acquafresca and help him fulfil his potential.