Football news

Bayern Munich have called in a renowned conflict management expert and hostage negotiator for next month’s talks with disgruntled fans.

Wolfgang Salewski, a psychology professor who has advised former German chancellors Helmut Schmidt and Helmut Kohl on conflict management, will moderate the round-table discussion between Bayern’s bosses and supporters.

Bayern’s bosses are to hold the talks at their Allianz Arena stadium on July 2 in an attempt to build a more ‘harmonious’ atmosphere.

Club bosses were stunned by unprecedented protests from hard-core fans at some home games last season.

Lower leagues opt for financial rules

English Football League clubs have agreed to adopt UEFA’s financial fair play system amid mounting concerns over spiralling wage costs.

The Football League said all 72 clubs outside the Premier League had agreed “in principle” to adopt regulations which will prevent clubs from spending more than they earn.

Clubs who transgress are likely to be banned from entering the transfer market for a first offence, with serial offenders facing the possibility of points deductions.

Football League chairman Greg Clarke said: “Much more work needs to be done, but I am hugely encouraged and impressed by the energy and focus of our clubs on this issue.”

Roma shift focus to Stekelenburg

Roma are in the hunt to sign goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg from Ajax this summer.

New Giallorossi coach Luis Enrique wants a reliable no.1 to guard Roma’s goal next season and several names have already been mentioned including Argentine Sergio Romero who plays for Alk-maar in the Dutch league.

With Alexander Doni on his way out of the Stadio Olimpico, most likely to join Liverpool, Julio Sergio is also wanted by Genoa.

According to reports, Stekelenburg is the new prime target for Roma. His contract expires in June 2012 and he’ll be available for €8m.

Stekelenburg had also been lin-ked with Manchester United.

Teen McBean on Scotland radar

Craig Levein is hoping to convince American teenager Jack McBean to switch allegiance to Scotland. The 16-year-old Los Angeles Galaxy striker was born in the US but his parents are Scottish.

McBean is on international duty at the U-17 World Cup in Mexico but Levein’s chief scout Michael Oliver has confirmed he is on the Scots’ radar. The Scotland boss said: “His mum and dad left Troon 21 years ago and Jack was born after they arrived in the US.

“He is a player with potential, make no mistake. I’ve spoken with his dad Calum and we will get together as soon as we can to see if we can take this further.”

Vidic going nowhere – agent

The agent of Nemanja Vidic has dismissed talk of the Man. United captain leaving Old Trafford.

The 29-year-old defender has been linked with a move away from England – Juventus the latest club reportedly interested – despite being a key part of Alex Ferguson’s side and having three years left on his contract. However, his agent Silvano Martina has rejected any talk of a summer exit.

He said: “I talked to Vidic about a hypothetical transfer and he replied, ‘I am the captain of United, earning well, I’ve won almost everything... why should I go to Italy right now, when Italian football is going through a turbulent period?’

“This response removes any doubt about where his future lies – he stays where he is.”

Campagnaro leaves hospital after crash

Hugo Campagnaro, the Napoli defender who was involved in a horrific car crash last week that left three people dead, has been released from the Rio Cuarto hospital.

On Thursday, the Argentina international lost his best friend, who was a passenger, in the incident which happened very early in the morning. Campagnaro was saved by his seatbelt and airbag, emerging with only heavy bruises and shock, police said.

“I thank everyone for their affection during this time, from president Aurelio de Laurentiis to the club, the coach, my team-mates and fans,” he said.

“Everyone has been splendid and their comfort really helped me.”

Malesani set for Genoa job

Alberto Malesani has beaten Delio Rossi to the coaching job at Genoa and it is believed that the former Bologna trainer will be unveiled by his new club this week.

Enrico Preziosi, the Genoa owner, will make his final decision on who would replace Davide Ballardini next season but it seems Malesani has won the race.

Rossi, formerly of Palermo, was the favourite for a while, but according to reports over the past few days, he turned down the proposal.

Malesani is a free agent after walking away from Bologna, who he kept in Serie A despite a three-point penalty and the threat of bankruptcy hanging over the club.