Football news

Lionel Messi, fresh from guiding Barcelona to Champions League glory, now has his sights firmly set on winning the July 1-24 Copa America with Argentina.

“I arrive full of happiness,” Messi said after touching down from Spain.

“I was lucky enough to win everything with Barcelona and on an individual level, and now my goal is to play in and win the Copa America with Argentina.”

Messi denied that he had had a falling out with Carlos Tevez who is not sure of gaining a place in the Argentina squad.

“They’ve had me falling out with (Juan Roman) Riquelme, Carlitos (Tevez) and Diego Maradona,” he said. “I don’t have any problem with anyone.”

Champions League appeals to Young

Ashley Young has dropped a clear hint that his future lies away from Aston Villa as the England winger admitted he wants to play in the Champions League.

The 25-year-old won’t get the chance to do that with Villa, who finished well outside the top four, but he has attracted interest from Manchester United and Arsenal.

“I watched the final as a player that wishes I was out there playing. As a kid you always want to play in the biggest competitions. I am no different to that,” Young said.

“I don’t think I’ve ever doubted my ability. There are going to be people who do and everybody is entitled to their opinion. But my opinion is that I can play in the biggest competitions and the best competitions.”

Deschamps set for Roma talks

Roma sporting director Walter Sabatini will meet Marseille coach Didier Deschamps soon to discuss the Serie A club’s managerial role.

The Eternal City outfit are expected to replace Vincenzo Montella this summer, with Deschamps and Barcelona B coach Luis Enrique among the favourites for the post.

Sabatini told L’Equipe: “I will certainly meet with Didier Des-champs soon.

“We have already spoken several times on the phone. There is already a willingness to come to Rome.

“Deschamps would be a good choice.”

Man. United extend Owen’s contract

Manchester United yesterday handed striker Michael Owen a surprise new one-year contract extension.

Sir Alex Ferguson, who awarded the 31-year-old Owen a place on the bench for last Saturday’s Champions League final ahead of Dimitar Berbatov, said: “Michael has proved to be a top footballer.

“I am glad Michael is staying for a further year and we will look to give him more opportunities in the new season.”

Owen said: “I am delighted to have agreed a one-year extension to my contract. I can’t wait for next season to start.”

Allardyce gets West Ham job

Sam Allardyce was yesterday confirmed as the new manager of West Ham United, the former Blackburn Rovers boss taking over from Avram Grant who was sacked after the London side’s demotion to the Championship last month.

West Ham owners David Sullivan and David Gold have turned to the 56-year-old Allardyce to guide them back to the lucrative Premier Lea-gue at the first attempt.

“It’s a fantastic club with a great tradition and loyal supporters,” said Allardyce.

“I am determined to get West Ham back up.”

Allardyce, who has been out of work since his surprise sacking by Blackburn’s new owners in Decem-ber, has reportedly been offered a huge bonus if the Hammers are promoted next term.

Mancienne seals Hamburg move

Michael Mancienne wants to help Hamburg back into Europe after signing a four-year deal with the German side.

The 23-year-old defender moves to the Imtech Arena after a long association with Chelsea, although he is better known for this three loan spells with Wolves.

Hamburg finished eighth in the Bundesliga this season, and Man-cienne has outlined his ambition to get them back into Europe as soon as possible.

“Hamburg are a big club with a lot of tradition and some fantastic fans,” he said.

“It’s a big challenge for me to be able to play for this club. It would be great if I could play a part in helping Hamburg get back into Europe.”

Simeone quits as Catania coach

Diego Simeone has stepped down as Catania coach after terminating his contract with the Sicilian club.

The Argentine led Catania to Serie A survival this season but his departure had been expected for some time. Simeone confirmed his decision on Tuesday night after a meeting with Catania sporting director Pietro Lo Monaco.

Simeone is being linked with a return to the Estudiantes bench while other reports suggest that he may take charge of Atletico Madrid.

Former Lecce boss Gigi De Canio is being mentioned as a possible replacement for Diego Simeone at Catania.