Football news

Inter president Massimo Moratti has vehemently denied reports he is in talks with veteran coach Marcelo Bielsa.

La Gazzetta dello Sport claimed yesterday that Moratti is looking for a coaching change with current manager Leonardo considered as a better sporting director in the long run.

Bielsa, the former Argentina boss and outgoing Chile coach, is a free agent.

“Let me clarify this, there has never been a telephone conver-sation,” Moratti said.

“We have a coach and he is good.”

Leonardo led Inter to a runners-up finish in Serie A and the Coppa Italia title last season.

Aston Villa fans against McLeish

Alex McLeish has been warned he will find it difficult to win over the Aston Villa fans should he eventually replace Gerard Houllier as manager.

Some sections of Villa supporters have made it clear McLeish would not be welcome after his spell in charge of local rivals Birmingham.

Jonathan Fear, editor of the Vital Villa fans’ website, said: “I would fear for the atmosphere and attendances at Villa Park if Alex McLeish is appointed manager. I’ve got friends who are adamant they will return their season tickets if McLeish is appointed.

“He is a tough bloke but no matter how thick skinned you are, it will be a tough sell for him to win over the Villa fans.”

English clubs want Amauri – agent

Italy international Carvalho Amauri is a transfer target for two English clubs, according to the player’s agent. The Brazil-born forward spent the last six months on loan at Parma from Juventus.

Amauri scored seven goals in 11 appearances to help Parma maintain their Serie A status.

“I don’t think Amauri will return to Parma,” agent Ernesto Bronzetti said.

“We have offers from two Serie A clubs and from two English clubs. We will calmly make a decision.”

Amauri, 31, is under contract with Juventus until June 2012.

City favourites for Sanchez says Pozzo

Udinese owner Gianpaolo Pozzo has claimed Manchester City are the club most likely to sign Chile international Alexis Sanchez this summer. The winger is reportedly valued at €50m by Udinese.

“Inter, Juventus, Barcelona and Manchester City are all interested in him,” Pozzo said

“But concrete offers regarding the real value of the player have not arrived yet. I think there is a 50 per cent chance that he will stay in Udine.

“However, if he was to leave, I would say Man. City have the highest probability of success.”

Earlier this month, Inter looked to be favourites to acquire the 22-year-old, however negotiations stalled between the clubs.

Gervinho ‘to have talks with Arsenal’

Lille general manager Frederic Paquet has confirmed striker Gervinho wants to move to England this summer and talks with Arsenal are planned.

Ivory Coast international Gervinho played a key role as Lille won the Ligue 1 and Coupe de France double last season, contributing 15 goals and 10 assists in the league alone.

Free-spending Paris St Germain have also asked about the 24-year-old but his current club are not keen on selling to a domestic rival.

Paquet said: “He wants to go and has developed contacts with Arsenal.

“We will soon have talks with them and see what they offer. He has expressed a desire to go to England and we will see what happens.”

Difficult for Pastore to stay in Italy

Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini has warned clubs interested in Javier Pastore that the highly-rated playmaker will only leave his club for €50m.

The Argentina international is set to end his stay in Sicily this summer with Chelsea, Real Madrid and Barcelona all in the race to acquire the 21-year-old.

“Pastore will not leave for less than €50m,” Zamparini said.

“If he leaves, it will be difficult for him to stay in Italy.”

Pastore joined Palermo in 2009 from Huracan for €19m and was the team’s leading scorer in Serie A this season with 11 goals. He is under contract with Palermo until June 2015.

Rossi still keen on Barcelona move

Villarreal striker Giuseppe Rossi is still dreaming of a move to Barcelona, according to his agent, but the Catalan club are yet to make an offer.

The 24-year-old Italy inter­national has been heavily linked with a move to the Nou Camp this summer, although there has also been interest from Inter, Juventus and Tottenham.

And Federico Pastorello says Barcelona remains Rossi’s preferred destination.

“It would be a dream for him to play for a team like Barca,” he said.

“There is nothing concrete at the moment, and it would be great if there were some kind of sign on Barca’s behalf. With an official negotiation, I believe we could reach an agreement.”