Football news

Manchester United have expressed interest in signing Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer from Schalke 04, the Bundesliga club’s president was quoted as saying yesterday.

“An international agent has approached me and informed me that Manchester United are interested in Neuer. If we get a written request from Manchester we will look at it,” Clemens Tonnies told Bild.

Neuer, who turns 25 later this month, is under contract until June 2012. He has also been linked to a move to German giants Bayern Munich.

“Manuel Neuer is the best goalkeeper in the world for me. If he is available, you have to get him,” Germany legend Franz Beckenbauer said last week.

Fellaini out for rest of season

Everton’s disappointing season suffered another blow yesterday after it was confirmed Marouane Fellaini would miss the rest of the campaign with an injury.

Everton boss David Moyes, speaking after his side had been dumped out of the FA Cup by Reading on Tuesday, revealed that the Belgian midfielder had aggravated an ankle injury against Sunderland last weekend.

“Marouane is going to be out for the season now, he will have an operation on Monday,” Moyes said.

It is the second time Fellaini’s Everton career has been interrupted by injury. The 23-year-old was also sidelined for six months last year with an ankle problem.

Napoli are still in it – Moratti

Inter president Massimo Moratti has warned Napoli are still contenders for the scudetto despite being third and six points adrift in Serie A after a 3-0 defeat at leaders Milan.

Moratti, whose team is in second place, told www.inter.it: “Napoli is not out of the race.

“They had an off-day against Milan but this does not take away that Napoli remains a strong team and that it has done well up to now.

“We just hope to recover points and do well in our next games.”

Inter, who are five points adrift in second place, and Napoli will be hoping Juve can beat Milan on Saturday. Inter host Genoa while Napoli take on Brescia on Sunday.

Asamoah agent claims City interest

The agent of Udinese midfielder Kwadwo Asamoah has claimed his client is a target for Manchester City.

The 22-year-old Ghana international has attracted the attention of several clubs with fine performances in Serie A this season.

“I cannot deny that there are several clubs interested,” said agent Claudio Vagheggi.

“Manchester City? It’s true but they are not the only ones. Fiorentina were among the first to show interest in Asamoah.

“But we have decided not to speak about Udinese’s transfer market right now because it is premature.”

Milan keen to sign defender Mexes

Milan are interested in signing Roma defender Philippe Mexes this summer.

Mexes could join the Rossoneri at the end of the season on a free transfer if he fails to agree a contract extension with Roma.

A new deal is on the table for the French centre-back, but contract talks appear to have stalled.

“If Mexes does not renew his contract with Roma, we are interested in the player,” Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

The 28-year-old joined Roma from Auxerre in 2004 and has been identified as a possible replacement for Milan defender Alessandro Nesta, whose contract also ends in the summer.

Doyle targets four more wins

Striker Kevin Doyle believes Wolves need four more wins to guarantee Premier League survival.

Doyle feels Mick McCarthy’s side require 12 more points to secure a third successive season of top-flight football.

Wolves moved out of the bottom three for 48 hours with Saturday’s 4-0 home win over Blackpool but dropped back in after West Brom’s draw at Stoke City this week.

Doyle said: “The target is for four wins in the last 10 games to stay up. We’re well capable of doing it but I can see it going to the last game.

“It all depends on the form of the other teams, but the way it’s been going all season I think that’s the way it will be.”

Barca scout watches Sanchez

A scout from Spanish champions Barcelona was in Palermo on Sunday to have a closer look at Udinese winger Alexis Sanchez, according to a report in La Gazzetta dello Sport.

The Chile international capped a brilliant performance by scoring four goals in a 7-0 win.

Sanchez is now being regarded as one of the most exciting players in Italy and has already been linked with Manchester United and Inter.

Sanchez’s valuation has soared after his four-goal showing on Sunday with the 22-year-old now said to be worth between €35m and €40m, more than double what Inter were thinking about offering in January.