Football news

Let the fiesta begin. Spain will win the World Cup for the first time in their history tomorrow, according to Paul, the "psychic" octopus with a perfect prediction record.

The eight-legged oracle, who has become a sensation by correctly predicting all six Germany games, quickly plumped for Spain yesterday carried live on national German television.

Earlier, the two-year-old mollusc medium also said that Germany, his country of residence, would defeat Uruguay in the third-place play-off game tonight.

In the now familiar routine, two boxes were lowered into his tank, each containing a mussel and the flags of the two opposing teams. The tentacled tipster went straight to the Spanish box, wrenched open the lid and gobbled the tasty morsel.

UniCredit to purchase Roma

Roma are set to be sold as part of a deal between the club's owners, the Sensi family, and creditor bank UniCredit.

The decision follows a meeting between club owner Compagnia Italpetroli, which is controlled by the Sensi family, and UniCredit to discuss a solution to the holding's multi-million euro debts.

The club is currently 67 per cent owned by Italpetroli. According to the terms of a preliminary agreement, Roma management will be placed in an ad hoc company controlled 51 per cent by the family and 49 per cent by UniCredit as an investor is sought.

Ledley poised for Celtic switch

Wales midfielder Joe Ledley admitted yesterday he is impressed by what Celtic have to offer but insists his move to Parkhead is not yet complete. The 23-year-old and agent David Baldwin visited Celtic Park for discussions with club officials on Thursday.

Ledley told the Daily Record: "It's not a done deal yet. Obviously I've got a lot to think about. I just came up for a look around but I've been very impressed. Will I be back? We'll see."

Meanwhile, Celtic's hopes of signing Sol Campbell appear to have suffered a blow following reports the veteran defender held talks with Sunderland on Thursday.

McLeish set for improved Blues deal

Birmingham manager Alex McLeish is set to be offered an improved contract when club owner Carson Yeung and chairman Peter Pannu return from the World Cup.

The former Scotland boss has made it clear he would like to sort out his future sooner rather than later to assure potential transfer targets that he is at St Andrews for the long haul.

"We have had extensive talks with Alex and his representative," said Pannu.

"His agent told us what he wants and we told him we will be revisiting the terms.

"There will be improved terms for Alex, and it will be presented to him after I have met with Carson in South Africa."

Mancini plans Balotelli bid

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has confirmed he will bid for Mario Balotelli should Inter opt to sell the striker.

Balotelli is under contract with the Italian champions for three more seasons but failed to pin down a regular starting berth under former Inter boss Jose Mourinho last season.

The 19-year-old is believed to be a target for the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal, but City boss Mancini, with the backing of billionaire owners behind him, is preparing himself to wade into any bidding war.

"We are always interested in good players," Mancini told Il Giornale.

"If Inter decide to sell (Balotelli), we will be there."

Cruyff tips Spain to win World Cup

Former Holland great Johan Cruyff, who played in the 1974 World Cup final, has tipped Spain to beat the Netherlands tomorrow.

"Spain is now the great favourite," he wrote in El Periodico de Catalunya. "Del Bosque's team has grown in strength and finds itself in the final at the top of its game."

Cruyff, 63, a three-time European Footballer of the Year, started his career as a teenager at Ajax before going on to enjoy huge success with Barcelona, whom he then coached to the 1992 European Cup and four straight league titles between 1991 and 1994.

"Spain, a replica of Barca, is the best publicity for football," Cruyff wrote.

"Who am I supporting? I am Dutch but I support the football that Spain is playing."

Messi still best, says Puyol

Spain defender Carles Puyol believes Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi will be crowned the world's best footballer despite the talents of World Cup finalists Wesley Sneijder and Xavi.

Messi had a disappointing World Cup as Argentina were knocked out of the tournament by Germany in the quarter-finals. In contrast, both Sneijder and Xavi have played crucial roles as Holland and Spain reached tomorrow's World Cup final.

"Sneijder is one of the best players, yes, but to decide on who is the best, it's difficult," said Puyol.

"As far as the Ballon d'Or is concerned, both Sneijder and Xavi have been good all year and they would deserve it. But, for me, Leo Messi is the favourite."