Football news

Former Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier has emerged as a leading candidate to replace Martin O’Neill as Aston Villa manager.

Houllier, 63, left Anfield six years ago and has been employed as technical director at the French Football Federation since 2007. But he has been interviewed by Villa owner Randy Lerner and created a favourable impression with the American multi-millionaire.

If Lerner decides Houllier is the right man to succeed O’Neill, then Villa hope to make an appointment early next week.

Former West Ham boss Alan Curbishley and care-taker boss Kevin MacDonald have also been interviewed for the post.

Iberian bid praised by FIFA team

The joint Spanish-Portuguese bid to host the 2018 or 2022 World Cup is to receive a “very positive” report from the FIFA delegation following this week’s visit to the Iberian countries, inspection team leader Harold Mayne-Nicholls said.

Speaking in Lisbon after the delegation’s four-day visit to Madrid, Barcelona and Porto, Mayne-Nicholls, the Chilean national federation president, was quoted as saying: “The Iberian candidature has many possibilities and our report is going to be very positive.”

The final decision on where the tournaments will be staged will be made on December 2.

Carragher calls for Owen respect

Liverpool stalwart Jamie Carragher believes former striker Michael Owen deserves to be treated with respect when he returns to Anfield to play in the defender’s testimonial today.

Owen is a long-time friend of the veteran centre-back and has agreed to turn out again in a Liverpool shirt despite now being a Manchester United player.

“I hope it doesn’t affect the reception, I think Owen deserves a great one for what he did for Liverpool,” Carragher said.

“I saw the other day Bobby Charlton played in Tommy Smith’s (testimonial) and he wore a Liverpool kit – I think that is worse isn’t it?”

Carragher has persuaded the likes of Danny Murphy, Jerzy Dudek and Emile Heskey to play for his Liverpool XI.

Radovanovic happy to play in Serie A

Ivan Radovanovic, the 22-year-old midfielder who joined Bologna this week, said he was happy to be back in Italy’s top-flight after playing most of the previous season in division two.

“I am very happy to return to Serie A and I would like to thank Bologna for having given me this opportunity,” Radovanovic said.

“I can only say that I am very adapted to the needs of the group. I have come to Bologna to redeem myself and I want to stay here for four years, playing in Serie A.”

The young Serbian joined Bologna from Atalanta on deadline day, but spent much of last season on loan in Serie B with Pisa.

Allegri delighted with reinforcements

Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri has thanked club owner Silvio Berlusconi for bankrolling a spending spree just before the transfer window closed.

Milan have snapped up Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Robinho over the last week, giving the Rossoneri a better chance of ending Inter’s recent Serie A dominance. And Allegri, who only joined Milan over the summer, is pleased with the acquisitions.

“I am delighted with the arrival of Ibrahimovic,” Allegri, who replaced Leonardo at the helm, said.

“I didn’t expect an added reinforcement of the calibre of Robinho. It’s a very nice present from Berlusconi and I thank him from the bottom of my heart.”

Rio’s Maracana to shut for renovation

Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana Stadium, which will host matches during the 2014 World Cup, will be shut from Wednesday until 2012 for renovation.

The cost of the works which started at the end of August is estimated at €312 million and will see capacity drop from 88,000 to 83,000 in line with FIFA recommendations.

The 60-year-old stadium, which was built for the 1950 World Cup hosted by Brazil, will stage its final match tomorrow, a championship showdown between Flamengo and Santos.

The renovations are due to be completed in December 2012, with the revamped stadium ready to host the 2013 Confederations Cup.

Spartak Moscow keen on Zhirkov

Valeri Karpin, the Spartak Moscow coach, told reporters he wants to sign Russia compatriot Yuri Zhirkov from Chelsea in January.

Zhirkov, 27, has found it difficult to find a place in the Chelsea team on a left-sided wing dominated by Ashley Cole and Florent Malouda. His career in London has also been blighted by injuries.

Zenit SP reportedly showed an interest in Zhirkov this summer, but it is Spartak Moscow who now appear favourites to land him after manager Karpin publicly expressed his desire to sign the Russia international.

“I was interested, I am now and I will be in the winter,” Karpin said.