Football news

Former England and Manchester City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has admitted to being a lifelong Liverpool fan and that he wants to manage the club.

The Swede, currently in charge of the Ivory Coast at the World Cup, confessed he was shocked Rafael Benitez had left the club.

Eriksson said: "I have been a Liverpool fan all of my life. I never mentioned it when I was in charge of England because I didn't think it was fair.

"I was shocked when I discovered Rafa had left. Would I want to be the manager of Liverpool? It is every manager's dream to manage Liverpool."

Roma move close, says Adriano agent

Adriano's agent is confident the Brazil striker will complete his move to Roma by Wednesday at the latest.

The former Inter forward confirmed he was negotiating his return to Italy last week after the end of his contract with Flamengo.

And the 28-year-old's agent, Gilmar Rinaldi, believes it is all but a done deal.

"Adriano should be at Roma on June 8 or at the latest June 9," he said.

"We are still evaluating some things."

Barca to continue Fabregas pursuit

Barcelona president Joan Laporta is still hopeful of persuading Arsenal to part with Cesc Fabregas despite having a €35m offer for the Spain international rejected last week.

Fabregas has long been linked with a return to Barca, the club where he plied his trade as a youngster before moving to the Gunners seven years ago.

Laporta said: "It's a price that we consider to be his market value. Arsenal have rejected it. Now the sporting director (Txiki Begiristain) must decide what should be the next step.

"We are in negotiations and we'll see how they turn out. At times, these operations are resolved at one speed, and others at another.

"We have to do everything we can to convince them," Laporta said.

Dawson happy to ditch holiday plans

Michael Dawson has happily abandoned his holiday plans to be part of England's World Cup squad after being called up as a replacement for injured skipper Rio Ferdinand.

The Tottenham central defender was axed from the provisional squad of 30 for the tournament on Tuesday by England head coach Fabio Capello.

Dawson said: "It's a crazy game and things can change in a split second.

"One minute I'm trying to arrange my holiday, then I get a call asking if I was on holiday because Rio had pulled out of training.

"I said 'no' and then I was just waiting by the phone before getting a call saying I would be picked up in an hour. It's been a crazy day."

Rafa ideal for Inter - Mascherano

Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano believes former coach Rafael Benitez would be the ideal man to replace Jose Mourinho at Inter.

Reports suggest Inter president Massimo Moratti is set to meet Benitez in Sardinia and a deal could be sealed this week.

"Only Benitez could take the place of a coach like Mourinho," said the Argentina international.

"He is a great coach. He has charisma, personality, a winning mentality. Moreover, he will find himself brilliantly in Italy because of the tactical game. Rafa studies everything on the table and directs the team from the bench like an orchestra conductor."

Man. City seal Boateng deal

Manchester City signed Germany defender Jerome Boateng from Hamburg for an undisclosed fee yesterday.

Boateng agreed a five-year contract with the Premier League club and will link up with Roberto Mancini's squad after playing for his country at the World Cup.

"Jerome Boateng has agreed the terms of a five-year contract to join Manchester City from German Bundesliga side Hamburg SV," a statement on City's website confirmed.

The 21-year-old, who can play at centre-back or full-back, is reported to have cost around €12 million.

"This is a very good signing for Manchester City and I am pleased to bring Jerome to the club," coach Mancini said.

Chiellini to sign new contract at Juve

Giorgio Chiellini, the tough Juventus defender, is set to extend his contract with the Turin club, according to reports in Italy.

The 25-year-old, currently preparing for the World Cup with the Azzurri, has been in negotiations for some time as he currently earns far less than the club's other established players.

Il Corriere dello Sport said Davide Lippi, the player's agent, has reached an agreement with Juventus to increase his salary to €3.5m a season.

Chiellini has attracted interest from Manchester City and Real Madrid in the off-season, but his first preference has always been Juventus who intend to build a new squad after a barren season.