Football news

Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger is expected to sign a four-year contract extension that would keep him at the German champions until 2016.

Schweinsteiger, 26, has a contract with Bayern until June 2012, but German daily Bild said the Germany star is now ready to commit a further four years with the Bavarian giants.

Sources close to Schweinsteiger said he could sign the contract before Christmas.

Both Real Madrid and Manchester United are reported to be interested in luring Schweinsteiger away from Munich and Bayern have said they will do everything they can to keep their coveted midfielder.

Wenger wants more from Arsenal

Arsene Wenger believes Arsenal are capable of showing even better form as they aim to sustain a title challenge after going top of the Premier League with victory over Fulham.

Samir Nasri’s brilliant double-strike earned a 2-1 win at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday and allowed Wenger’s team to take advantage of Chelsea dropping points against Everton and Manchester United’s game at Blackpool being postponed due to snow.

“At the moment we are where we are despite losing three games at home,” Wenger said. “Every game is a cup final and if you are not ready you do not win.

“We are good enough to go on, that is for sure. Every single team struggles to be consistent.”

Van Gaal gives up title hopes

Bayern Munich coach Louis van Gaal has admitted that with his team 17 points behind Bundesliga leaders Dortmund, winning the title again this season is probably now out of the question.

“Lots might still happen but I think (Dortmund) are too far ahead,” Van Gaal told German television after Bayern went down 2-0 at Schalke 04.

“We had to win this match to put the pressure on Dortmund. But with us and (second-placed) Mainz losing, Dortmund aren’t feeling any pressure at all,” the Dutchman added.

Mancini cool after latest Tevez row

Roberto Mancini played down talk of a row with Carlos Tevez after the Argentina striker reacted angrily to being substituted in the closing seconds of Manchester City’s 1-0 victory over Bolton.

The duo appeared to exchange angry words as Tevez, who had earlier scored his 10th goal of the season, left the field to be replaced by James Milner in the 90th minute at Eastlands.

“I’m happy for that,” Mancini said of his player’s reaction. “I’d like all the players to be like Carlos.

“At the moment, every player wants to stay on the pitch but I needed a player like Milner on there because he is taller than Carlos and better at set-pieces. I have no problem with what Carlos said.”

Beckham eyed for top FA job

David Beckham is being considered as a future chairman of the English FA in the aftermath of his country’s failed attempt to win the right to host the 2018 World Cup.

According to a report in the News of the World yesterday, the FA are desperate to use Beckham to restore their reputation after losing out to Russia in Thursday’s FIFA vote to pick the World Cup hosts.

The FA are aware that Germany, who hosted the 2006 World Cup, benefited from having German legend Franz Beckenbauer promoting their claims, while Michel Platini, now UEFA president, has helped France improve their worldwide profile.

The News of the World said Beckham would initially work as a roving ambassador for the FA before eventually taking over the chairmanship once he has the experience of world football’s politics.

Ballon d’Or snub for Sneijder – report

Inter playmaker Wesley Sneijder is not among the top three contenders for the Ballon d’Or, according to reports in Italian media.

The Dutchman had been ranked among the early favourites after winning an historic treble with the Nerazzurri and leading the Netherlands to the World Cup final.

However, La Gazzetta dello Sport claimed it has confidential information about the results of the Player of the Year Award.

Spain’s World Cup hero Andres Iniesta is on top in an all-Barcelona podium. He is followed by Spain team-mate Xavi and last year’s winner, Leo Messi.

Boateng keen on Milan stay

Kevin-Prince Boateng is keen to spend the rest of his career with Milan after settling in quickly at the San Siro.

The Ghanaian joined Milan from Portsmouth via Genoa in the summer and is still technically owned by the Marassi side.

“Coming to Milan was fantastic,” he said.

“I was so impressed by the Milanello training ground, San Siro and all the champions I had the honour of working with like Ronaldinho, Clarence Seedorf, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Robinho and all the other players I always admired on television.

“I am part of this squad and I want to remain here. My objective for the next two years is to stay at Milan, where everything is perfect. I really hope to stay at Milan for life.”