Football news

Arsenal are in talks with Sevilla over the transfer of French centre-back Sebastien Squillaci, Sevilla’s sporting director revealed yesterday.

“The player asked not to play (against Braga in the Champions League play-off round) because of the offer from such a big team but, for the moment, we believe the offer is insufficient and Squillaci is still a Sevilla player,” said Ramon Rodriguez ‘Monchi’ after Sevilla’s 1-0 defeat at Braga on Wednesday.

Arsenal are in the market for a new centre-back after defenders William Gallas, Sol Campbell, Mikael Silvestre and Philippe Senderos were all allowed to leave the London club at the end of last season.

Hughes eyes more signings

Mark Hughes hopes the arrival of Belgian international striker Moussa Dembele will not conclude Fulham’s spending this summer.

The Cottagers pipped Bir­mingham to the signing of the 23-year-old on a three-year contract from Dutch side AZ Alkmaar.

“I’m glad that we have finalised the deal with Moussa and I’d like to welcome him to the club,” Hughes said.

“It’s important that we go into the season with some additions to the squad that will enable us to compete at a high level.

“I look forward to working with Moussa and, hopefully, to making a few more additions before the transfer window closes.”

Syed wants Beckham at Blackburn

Indian businessman Ahsan Ali Syed would like to bring former England captain David Beckham back to the Premier League if his proposed takeover of Blackburn is successful.

Rovers are in discussions with Syed, 36, over a proposed £300 million takeover with the Bahrain-based lawyer pledging an initial £80-100m for new players.

“I was 26 when I started following the Premier League. I used to like Blackburn back then and also used to follow Manchester United’s fortunes because of David Beckham,” Syed told the Daily Mail.

“If my finances allow and his intentions are positive then I would love to take Beckham.”

Roma set sights on Jankulovski

Roma have expressed an interest in signing Milan’s Marek Jankulovski as they continue their search for a back-up for Norwegian left-back Jon-Arne Riise.

The Czech defender has fallen down the pecking order at San Siro and Milan have been trying to offload him since January.

Roma initially targeted Fiorentina’s Massimo Gobbi but Parma scuppered their bid and signed him on a free transfer on Wednesday.

Lorenzo Marronaro, Gobbi’s agent, said: “We waited for Roma until the last minute. Now an offer from Parma has arrived – a three-year deal worth €800,000 a season. What can you say?”

Milner aiming high at City

England midfielder James Milner has targeted the Premier League title after finally sealing his protracted move to Manchester City from Aston Villa.

The 24-year-old international cited his ambition to win trophies as the key motivation for his move north to Eastlands.

After moving in a deal that takes Stephen Ireland to Villa Park, he said: “It didn’t take too much selling by the boss (Roberto Mancini) when you see the players who are already here and the plans for the club.

“The last thing he said to me was ‘be ready for the next game’, and then he said ‘be ready to win the Premier League’, and that’s my ultimate aim – that’s what I want to do and why I’m here.”

Aquilani’s agent rejects Napoli link

The agent of Alberto Aquilani has rejected rumours linking the Liverpool midfielder with a loan move to Serie A club Napoli.

“Aquilani to Napoli? That rumour is totally unfounded,” Franco Zavaglia was quoted as saying.

“Every now and then someone dreams. It’s fine to dream, but this is not an option that can be explored.

“Aquilani is a Liverpool player, he is admired by new manager Roy Hodgson and will remain in England. This will be his breakthrough year in the Premier League.

“I also reject another rumour of his potential return to Roma.”

Hodgson stands firm on Mascherano

Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson is adamant that Javier Mascherano will see out the remaining two years of his Anfield contract if the club’s valuation of the player, who has been linked with Inter, is not met.

The Liverpool manager said: “We haven’t had an offer for him. We want an offer that meets what we think is his value, and Javier is perfectly happy with this.

“He doesn’t expect the club to just let him walk out of here. He hopes that a club comes in where he could be reunited with his family, which is the major problem for him, that offers us what he is worth and we accept that.

“He is resigned to one of two possibilities – either a club doesn’t come along and offer us his valuation, in which case he stays, or we have an offer that meets his valuation, in which case he may go.”