Football news

Holland boss Bert van Marwijk will let Arjen Robben make his own judgment over his fitness this week.

The winger has missed Holland's two Group E victories with a hamstring problem so far as his team-mates breezed into the last 16 by beating Denmark and Japan.

The Bayern Munich man seems to be nearing full fitness ahead of Thursday's dead rubber with Cameroon in Cape Town and the coach will let Robben decide himself whether he can play.

"I am going to leave him to make the decision," said Van Marwijk.

"He knows his own body best and he will let me know when he is ready... I'd prefer that he is used only when he is fit."

Drogba backs Blues team-mate Anelka

Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba has come out in support of his Chelsea team-mate Nicolas Anelka after he was kicked out of France's World Cup squad.

Anelka was sent home after a verbal assault on France coach Raymond Domenech and will play no further part in the tournament.

Drogba said: "He has been a team-mate for two-and-a-half years. Yes, I support him.

"I wish him good luck, it's a difficult time for him. He is very strong mentally, he's a competitor. I was surprised he was kicked out of the team."

Arsenal will give in on Cesc - Laporta

Outgoing Barcelona chairman Joan Laporta believes Arsenal will finally agree to sell Cesc Fabregas, although he's not sure when that might happen.

Fabregas has made it clear to Gunners manager Arsene Wenger that he wants to rejoin his boyhood club before the start of next season.

Arsenal early this month rejected a €35-million offer from the Spanish champions for the midfielder.

"It is difficult to sign Cesc before June 30 because Arsenal has a fixed position and it is difficult to change this position in a few days," Laporta said.

Laporta is to step down as Barca chairman on July 1.

He said Arsenal will finally give in, but "I do not know when it will be, so we have to wait and let the professionals do their work."

Wolves snap up Hunt from Hull

Wolves have announced the signing of forward Stephen Hunt from Hull, for an undisclosed fee.

Hull rejected a £5m bid from Mick McCarthy's side in January, but Hunt later revealed he struck an agreement with chairman Adam Pearson that he would be allowed to leave if the club failed to stay in the Premier League.

The Ireland international was one of the Tigers' most saleable assets. Hull's financial troubles following their relegation mean they must slash their wage bill in preparation for football in the Championship.

Hunt is Wolves' fifth signing of the summer, following Steven Mouyo-kolo, Jelle Van Damme, Steven Fletcher and Adlene Guedioura.

Blanc turned down Inter offer - report

Le Parisen yesterday reported that Laurent Blanc had turned down the opportunity to take over at European champions Inter following the exit of Jose Mourinho.

Blanc, who left Bordeaux last month after agreeing to take over the French national team after the World Cup, took time to consider Inter's offer, but stayed true to his desire to coach Les Bleus.

Given what's happening with the current France squad, Le Parisien is now wondering whether Blanc, a former Inter centre-half, made the right decision.

Inter wanted someone with experience to take over from Mourinho. Their choice ultimately fell on Rafa Benitez who became available after severing ties with Liverpool.

Hleb set for Barcelona return

Alexander Hleb is set to return to Barcelona later this summer, his agent has revealed.

Hleb signed for Barca from Arsenal in a big-money move two years ago, but was disappointing in his first season at the Nou Camp and spent last term on loan at his former club VfB Stuttgart. But that loan arrangement has now ended and the Belarus midfielder is due to return to Barcelona.

"The normal thing would be that he came back to train with the team," agent Uli Ferber said.

"His plans are to return to Barcelona. That's the situation. He is not thinking of leaving for another team," he added.

Hleb is currently working with a personal trainer in Germany to build up his fitness after a recent operation to repair a broken nose.

Gers urged to hold out for big offer

Rangers fans believe the Scottish champions should hold out for an offer in the region of £6m for Madjid Bougherra if he finds himself courted by other clubs.

The defender, 27, appears to have bolstered his chances of a move away from Ibrox this summer, following a starring role for Algeria against England at the World Cup.

Bougherra is contracted to Rangers until 2012 and supporters insist he should not be allowed to move for a meagre sum.

Arsenal have been linked with a bid for the centre-half - a figure the Ibrox faithful believe Rangers should be seeking.

John Macmillan, secretary of the Rangers Supporters Clubs, said: "In this day and age, Bougherra is worth that. In today's climate, that's a reasonable asking price."