Football news

Newly-crowned Italian champions Milan confirmed yesterday the arrival of two new defenders for next season, Roma’s French international Philippe Mexes and Marseille’s Taye Taiwo.

Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri said that 29-year-old Mexes – who has been at Roma for seven seasons – and Taiwo, 26, who has spent six years with French champions Marseille, would bolster an aging defence.

“We are looking good in terms of defence with the signings of Mexes and Taiwo,” said Allegri.

President blasts Napoli players

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis claimed his players were not fit to wear the Azzurri shirt on Sunday after they went down 2-1 at relegation-threatened Lecce.

The Naples club have had an im-pressive season and head into the final two matches in third spot in Serie A and needing just one more point to guarantee the final automatic Champions League berth.

However, De Laurentiis was far from happy with his side and said: “The game was decided by a last-minute goal but it was a performance that made me very sad.

“We did not play as a cohesive group and were not able to concentrate at the decisive moments.

“The players were not worthy to wear the jersey of Napoli.”

Tottenham’s Bale facing ankle scan

Gareth Bale is unlikely to play any part in the rest of Tottenham’s season, manager Harry Redknapp said. Bale had to be carried off in the second half of Tottenham’s 1-1 league draw against Blackpool on Saturday after a challenge by Charlie Adam.

The Welshman was to have a scan on his left leg yesterday amid fears he suffered serious ankle ligament damage.

Redknapp admits Bale is out of today’s game at Manchester City and is unlikely to play in the club’s other two remaining games.

The Spurs boss said: “It looks like he has done his ankle liga-ments. I don’t see him playing again this season.”

Bayern shift focus on Mainz keeper

Bayern Munich have turned their attention to Mainz goalkeeper Heinz Muller after admitting they are unlikely to reach an agreement with Schalke to sign Manuel Neuer.

The Bavarians have made their first offer for the Germany number one, but it is believed to be little over half of Schalke’s asking price, making Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge sceptical about a deal being reached.

“I don’t really think we are going to find a quick agreement. And I am also not convinced that Bayern and Schalke will find a price which suits them both,” he said.

Muller has therefore emerged as a new candidate to be understudy to Hans-Jorg Butt, who recently extended his contract by a year.

Gilardino not mulling Viola exit

Juventus are about to place a bid for the transfer of Alberto Gilardino from Fioren-tina but the striker says he is likely to stay in Florence and honour his contract which runs out in June 2013.

Reports said Juve could offer Fiorentina Amauri or Momo Sissoko as part of the deal but Gilardino, 28, seems happy in Tuscany.

“I don’t know what my future will be,” he said.

“I’ve been hearing rumours for some time which have actually become bothersome. I have an-other two years left on my contract and, as I’ve already said, I’m happy and I want to stay.”

Villa forward Heskey in the clear

Emile Heskey will face no disciplinary action in relation to his behaviour during Saturday’s Premier League clash with Wigan.

The Aston Villa forward barged into referee Mike Jones during the first half at Villa Park and was cautioned.

Heskey felt he was not being given sufficient protection by the Cheshire official after being on the receiving end of several challenges from Latics defenders. He was still angry at half-time and had to be restrained by team-mates in the tunnel after leaving the pitch.

Jones could have brandished a second yellow card or even a straight red had he felt Heskey’s behaviour was unacceptable during the interval.

But the official did not opt for that course of action and it is anticipated that will be the end of the matter.

Milan deserve title – Leonardo

Inter coach Leonardo admitted his former club Milan were deserving Serie A champions.

Leonardo, who left the Rosso-neri helm last summer after a 13-year association with the club and took over at Inter in December, had no complaints.

He said: “I try to follow my own path. My only regret is that we did not win it, as we almost overtook them.

“However, Milan did deserve it. They are a good team and I have no problem whatsoever looking back at my past.”

“Did I sent a message to (Milan vice-president Adriano) Galliani? That’s between us. What’s private stays private,” Leonardo added.