Football news

England's Howard Webb will referee Sunday's World Cup final between the Netherlands and Spain at Johannesburg's Soccer City, FIFA said yesterday.

The 39-year-old from Rotherham has been a FIFA-listed referee since 2005 and the former policeman regularly keeps law and order amongst the top stars of England's Premier League.

At the World Cup, he refereed Spain's 1-0 defeat to Switzerland in a group match and then oversaw Slovakia's stunning 3-2 victory over Italy which confirmed the first round exit of the defending champions.

Brazilian keeper held in murder case Bruno Souza, the goalkeeper of popular Brazilian club Flamengo, surrendered to police on Wednesday to face questioning in connection with the disappearance of his ex-girlfriend, officials said.

Justice officials had earlier ordered Bruno to be jailed for five days during the probe into the disappearance and possible death of Eliza Samudio, 25.

The woman, who had a four-month-old baby and claimed that Bruno was the father, disappeared last month after being taken to his secondary residence near Belo Horizonte.

Samudio's body has not been found, but her 17-year-old cousin who acknowledged helping in her abduction, claimed the woman was strangled, and was assisting police in looking for her body.

No approach for Luis Fabiano - agent

The agent of Brazil and Sevilla striker Luis Fabiano has played down speculation linking his client with a move to Manchester United or Milan.

Luis Fabiano's stock has risen after he hit three goals for Brazil in their run to the World Cup quarter-finals, where they were beaten by Holland. The 29-year-old is out of contract at Sevilla next summer but has a buy-out clause which would allow him to move for €30 million.

"We have not received any offers from Manchester United or Milan," Jose Fuentes, Luis Fabiano's agent, said. "The only offer we have received is a contract extension from Sevilla."

Lazio boss wants €22.5m for Kolarov

Lazio president Claudio Lotito has slapped a €22.5 million (£18.7m) price tag on reported Manchester City and Real Madrid target Aleksandar Kolarov.

Italian media recently reported that Lazio had turned down a £12m bid from Madrid for the 24-year-old Serbian left-back, and Lotito claimed earlier this week that the player could leave at the right price.

"In my opinion, he is worth as much as (Lazio striker Mauro) Zarate, who we paid €22.5 million for," said Lotito.

"Kolarov has not asked to be transferred," Lotito continued. "He has only expressed an ambition to continue his career at a superior club."

Juve open to offers for Melo

Felipe Melo has moved a step closer to leaving Juventus after general director Giuseppe Marotta indicated the Serie A club will listen to offers for the Brazil international.

Reports in Italy claim Melo could join Arsenal this summer in an exchange deal which would see Gunners left-back Gael Clichy move the other way.

"Melo's situation is the same as other players at the club," Marotta told La Gazzetta dello Sport. "Hence, we are on guard to evaluate all eventual offers."

The 27-year-old midfielder joined Juve from Fiorentina last summer. Melo, who was a regular starter for Brazil at the World Cup, is under contract with the Turin giants until June 2014.

Balotelli could stay at Inter

It is up to Inter to decide whether Mario Balotelli will remain at the San Siro next season, according to the player's agent.

Manchester United and Manchester City are thought to be among several clubs interested in signing the 19-year-old striker who has three years left on his contract with Inter.

Balotelli's agent Mino Raiola said: "The offers from the two Manchester clubs? Offers have arrived from all the top clubs in Europe.

"Mario has never asked to leave the club.

"He would happily remain but it is Inter that have to decide his future."

Kjaer completes Wolfsburg switch

Wolfsburg yesterday completed the signing of highly-rated Denmark defender Simon Kjaer on a four-year contract.

The 2009 Bundesliga champions are thought to have beaten a host of European clubs to the signing of 21-year-old Kjaer, who moves from Palermo for an undisclosed fee.

Kjaer was pleased to have joined a club seemingly on the up following the appointment of Steve McClaren as coach and the capture of Germany international Arne Friedrich last week.

"The transfer means I have the chance to play for a top club," he said.

"I think this is the right step for me. We have a strong team that can challenge at the top of the Bundesliga. First, I need to secure a regular place."