Football news

Branislav Ivanovic is close to signing a contract extension with Chelsea, according to his agent.

The Serbia defender has been linked by the Italian media with a move to Juventus in the winter transfer window, where he would play alongside compatriot Milos Krasic.

However, Ivanovic’s agent Vlado Borozan vehemently denied those rumours.

“There is no truth regarding contact between Ivanovic and Juve,” Borozan said.

“I believe the link may have been made due to the fact that my partner (Dejan) Joksmovic is Krasic’s agent and that Ivanovic’s contract will expire in June 2011.

“But the lad is about to sign a contract extension with Chelsea.”

Magath turns on referees

Schalke manager Felix Magath believes refereeing decisions have contributed to his team’s woeful start to the season.

The Royal Blues have picked up only four points from their first seven games and lie inside the Bundesliga’s bottom three, 17 points behind surprise leaders Mainz.

“We have finished four of our seven games with a man less,” he said. “I have never experienced anything like it in my managerial career.

“But my team does not have a disciplinary problem.

“We just lack a voice. What do you think would happen if this happened to Bayern Munich? The uproar would be huge, but with us it is just ignored.”

Recovering Sagna taking his time

Arsenal and France defender Bacary Sagna expects to be on the sidelines for another three weeks as he continues his recovery from a left thigh injury.

The 27-year-old is sitting out France’s Euro 2012 qualifying match against Luxembourg today due to the problem, and does not plan to rush his return.

He told French television programme Stade 2: “It’s okay. I’m currently in rehabilitation. It will take three weeks.

“I’ll take my time to get back.”

Gascoigne faces drink-drive charge

Former England midfielder Paul Gascoigne is to face a drink-driving charge after he was arrested by police in Newcastle.

The 43-year-old, who has battled alcohol problems and underwent a 28-day rehab programme at the Sporting Chance Clinic, was stopped by officers in Newcastle on Friday afternoon.

Gascoigne was breathalysed and charged with drink-driving and will appear at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court on October 20.

The former Newcastle, Tottenham, Lazio, Rangers, Middlesbrough and Everton player faces a separate drink-driving charge dating back to February, which will be heard next month.

Reina worried by Reds situation

Goalkeeper Pepe Reina has admitted the ongoing takeover saga surrounding Liverpool has left the club in “chaos”.

Current owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett have launched a legal challenge to the proposed £300 million takeover by New England Sports Ventures, describing it as invalid and insisting the offer under-valued the club. The High Court case is set to begin today.

“It’s still too soon to talk about the takeover because there is still some chaos down there,” Reina said.

“I’m worried because of the situation of the club. But I am also optimistic and I think we’re going to bounce back and be our best in a few months. At least that’s what I hope.”

Napoli following Barcelona model

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has revealed that he is modelling his club’s structure on that of Barcelona.

The Partenopei are second in the Serie A, sparking great enthusiasm around their impressive young team.

“I am proud of us. Napoli have become my reason for being,” De Laurentiis said. “Napoli is a project, it’s the continuity of ideas. It’s a philosophy.

“We have the Barcelona model in mind. In order to mould a team of monsters, who are almost unbeatable, it takes five or six years, but with a basis, a structure.

“We had to start again from zero with neither players nor football shirts. Now we are on a level with the big clubs and we always want to grow.”

No financial crisis at Bologna

Bologna president Sergio Porcedda has dismissed fears about the club’s financial situation.

Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Porcedda said: “There is no crisis. If anything there is a moment of financial tension linked to the late payment of the bond to the Lega Calcio which we have since honoured.

“I would like to clarify that the commitment has been assumed by my management and doesn’t belong to that of the past. I respond that, thanks to my board of directors, the city has woken up. But there is still scepticism towards me.

“It takes time, but I would like to be judged on results and not on my bank account.”