Football news

Senior Australian international Harry Kewell is considering an offer to return home and play for A-League club Melbourne Victory, reports said yesterday.

The former Leeds and Liverpool midfielder, 32, is a free agent after his Turkish club Galatasaray released him for next season.

Kewell’s manager, Bernie Mandic, informed Football Federation Australia that Kewell was considering an offer from the Victory after meeting with club officials in Melbourne last week, the Sun-Herald said.

“Yes, we did catch up,” Victory chairman Anthony Di Pietro said. “We knew he was a free agent and we were keen to talk with Harry to find out what his next move was.”

Valencia snap up goalkeeper Alves

Valencia have signed goalkeeper Diego Alves from Almeria on a four-year deal.

The 25-year-old Brazilian, who could not save Almeria from relegation in this season’s Primera Division, is excited at the move.

He told www.valenciacf.com: “I have fulfilled a dream by signing for a big European club in the Champions League.

“Valencia have been my goal ever since I knew of their interest. I arrive with desire, ambition and humility and look forward to giving everything for the club and their fans.”

My future in my hands – Tevez

Manchester City captain Carlos Tevez claims club owner Sheikh Mansour has told him he can leave Eastlands if he wants to – and says he never plans to return to the area after his contract expires in 2014.

Tevez, who was offered another lucrative new deal last month after City’s FA Cup final success, told the News of the World: “Sheikh Mansour has made a lot of sacrifices to keep me and if I stay at City, it will be for him.

“He signed me, he wants to keep me but, at the same time, he has told me to do whatever I need to do to be happy.

“He has told me, ‘If you want to leave, then you can go’. There is no deadline – it’s down to me.”

Parker set for Allardyce talks

Scott Parker has confirmed he will tell Sam Allardyce he needs to quit West Ham for the sake of his England career when the pair return from holiday.

Parker will hold talks with the new Hammers boss to discuss his future, which he admitted must lie in the Premier League if he is to keep his international place.

“Oh yeah, for sure,” the midfielder said after England’s 2-2 draw with Switzerland on Saturday.

“That’s where everyone wants to play, in the Premier League, and I’m no different. I’m sure he’ll give me a call and we’ll go through things.”

Nasri unsure over Arsenal future

Samir Nasri has cast more doubt over his Arsenal future by admitting he may not sign a new contract and even refusing to play down the prospect of defecting to Manchester United.

Nasri is entering the final year of his deal and the Gunners may be forced to cash in this summer if he refuses to agree an extension.

France team-mate and United left-back Patrice Evra recently urged Nasri to join him at Old Trafford.

“I don’t know if I will sign a new contract,” Nasri said. “Anyway, the discussions are ongoing. For the moment, I don’t think about this. We will speak about it after the match with Poland.

“Do I want to go to Man. United? First, we should see if it’s real and if it is concrete.”

Juventus close to Perotti deal

Juventus are reportedly close to agreeing a €16 million deal for Sevilla midfielder Diego Perotti.

The Turin giants are rebuilding their squad under newly-appointed coach Antonio Conte.

According to the latest reports, they are in advanced talks with Sevilla to sign Perotti.

The 22-year-old Argentine midfielder has a contract with Sevilla that runs until 2015 and a buy-out clause worth €48m.

However, reports in the Italian media suggest the Spanish club would be prepared to part with Perotti for around €16m.

Milan told to up Witsel offer

Standard Liege have confirmed that Milan are keen to sign Axel Witsel but insisted that the two clubs are still far from reaching an agreement for his transfer.

The 22-year-old Belgium inter­national is on top of the list of candidates for the left-midfield role at the Serie A champions.

“I will admit there has been contact between our club and Milan for the player, but there is still a big gap between Milan’s offer and our demands,” Standard Liege president Luciano D’Onofrio said.

The Rossoneri could face strong competition for Witsel as Liverpool are also believed to be preparing their own bid for the Belgian.