Football news

Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce says he may miss out on the chance of signing Real Madrid midfielder Guti as his priority is to sign a striker.

Rovers have been heavily linked with the former Spain international, and his former team-mate Michel Salgado has convinced the 33-year-old that a move to Lancashire would be an attractive proposition.

But Allardyce admits that any potential deal may have to wait until he has strengthened his forward line.

"Guti would be a player we would like to sign there is no doubt about that. But a player in his position is not the priority at the moment," Allardyce said.

Cameron invites Blatter to No. 10

The British government has invited FIFA president Sepp Blatter to Downing Street to discuss England's bid to host the 2018 World Cup.

Jeremy Hunt, the Secretary of State for the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, said that the coalition government and Prime Minister David Cameron were fully behind the bid, and hoped to welcome Blatter to London in autumn, following the visit by FIFA delegates to inspect proposed World Cup facilities in August.

Hunt said: "I've brought with me to South Africa a letter from David Cameron to Sepp Blatter inviting him to Downing Street to discuss the strength of the bid.

"What we really want to do is ensure our contact with him and with other FIFA executive committee members isn't just a one-off pitch."

N. Korean legend praises 2010 team

North Korean footballing legend Pak Do-Ik praised the current side for its exploits in the World Cup, saying they will continue to produce surprising results.

The retired striker, who was pivotal in his country's win over Italy in the 1966 World Cup, said North Korea had shown their mettle by putting up a dogged fight against powerhouse Brazil despite losing 2-1.

"I never dreamt I would see a day like this. This is a big surprise," he said in Pyongyang.

The match reminded him of taking part in the 1966 tournament in England, he said.

"The score proves our team's strength. The world must have been shocked. Many countries became to recognise us anew," Pak said.

Celtic bid to sign Nguemo falters

Celtic's hopes of making Landry Nguemo's loan move permanent appear to have been dashed after they failed to meet Nancy's valuation of the player.

But the Hoops could instead land Nguemo's team-mate and fellow defensive midfielder Alfred N'Diaye, who has impressed for the French club since breaking into the first team 18 months ago.

Celtic reportedly bid £1.2m for Nguemo, with Nancy holding out for £2m-plus.

The likes of Wigan, Stoke and Birmingham have all been linked with the 24-year-old, who is currently at the World Cup with Cameroon.

Keeper Buffon delays operation

Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is likely to be sidelined for four months after deciding to undergo an operation after the World Cup.

Buffon was substituted during his team's 1-1 draw with Paraguay in their World Cup Group F opener due to back pain.

The Juventus goalkeeper has a herniated disc but is putting off going under the knife until the end of Italy's campaign in South Africa in the hope of playing some further part in the tournament.

"I thought a lot about it," said Buffon.

"But I have to think about myself before anything else. I will have an operation in Italy after the World Cup."

Martinez set for Juve move

Catania director Pietro Lo Monaco has confirmed Jorge Martinez has all but completed his move to Juventus, which could see the Bianconeri target Milos Krasic switch his attentions to Manchester City.

Martinez has spent the past three years at Catania and was surprisingly left out of the Uruguay squad despite the winger enjoying a stunning campaign last term.

The 27-year-old is expected to pen his new contract tomorrow, with Catania receiving a reported €12m.

Martinez's move to Turin has seen Juve end their interest in Krasic and the CSKA Moscow winger's agent claims Manchester City are now favourites to win the race for the Serbia international's signature.

Phillips: decision was an easy one

Kevin Phillips revealed he had no decision to make when Birmingham manager Alex McLeish offered him a 12-month extension to his contract at St Andrew's.

The 36-year-old striker had attracted interest from other clubs but once McLeish offered him a new deal he jumped at the chance.

Phillips, who joined the Blues in 2008 from West Brom, has now pledged his future to the club, extending a career which has also taken in stints with Watford, Sunderland, Southampton and Aston Villa.

Phillips said: "I want to stay as high in the game as I possibly can and there's no higher place to be than the Premier League."

McLeish has also signed Serbia striker Nikola Zigic from Valencia for £6m.