Football news

Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn moved to dismiss speculation that striker Asamoah Gyan has been offered for sale. The Black Cats reacted swiftly to claims that the 25-year-old Ghana international’s name has been circulated to prospective purchasers.

Quinn said: “The suggestion that we have spoken to an agent to sell this player on our behalf is embarrassing to all concerned.

“I hope our fans would be smart enough to realise that this is probably some other club or outside agent’s way of attempting to destabilise our relationship with one of our players.”

A report suggested Gyan was being put up for sale to help fund a summer spending spree.

Legrottaglie poised for QPR?

Former Italy international Nicola Legrottaglie would welcome a move to QPR this summer.

The 34-year-old was not offered a contract extension at Milan and confirmed he has held talks with QPR to join the London outfit as a free agent.

“I have spoken to the executives of QPR and I would be happy to move there,” Legrottaglie said.

“My agent is speaking to Cesena but above all, it depends on me and what I want to do. I would prefer an experience abroad.”

The veteran defender moved to the San Siro in January after leaving Juventus.

Lazio out to keep Lichtsteiner

Lazio president Claudio Lotito insists that Juventus target Stephan Lichtsteiner is not on the market.

Reports in Italy claim that Juve are close to acquiring the Switzerland international, who is under contract with Lazio for a further season.

However, Lotito said: “The player is not on the market. He has a buy-out clause of €12m but has not asked to leave for Juventus. We have a good rapport with the player.

“Should he ask to leave and if the conditions are there, we would try to make him happy.”

The 27-year-old full-back joined Lazio from Lille in the summer of 2008. Juve are looking to strengthen their defensive line, which was one of their main weaknesses last term.

Milan rule out Kaka return

Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani has closed the door on Real Madrid midfielder Kaka returning to the San Siro outfit in the near future.

Galliani responded to ongoing speculation the Brazil international would move back to the Rossoneri this summer, after a troubled spell with Madrid in which injuries and form have hindered his career, by claiming a deal would not be possible.

“I’m 100% certain that he (Kaka) will not return,” Galliani said.

“He will not join us even on loan because the problem is his high wages.”

The 29-year-old joined Real from Milan in 2009 and is under contract until June 2015.

Shearer-Cardiff talks unsuccessful

Former England captain Alan Shearer will not take over as coach of Championship club Cardiff City after “unsuccessful” talks.

The ex-Newcastle boss was one of the candidates considered for the vacant post, but announced in a statement he would not be taking up the role.

“I can confirm that I was one of the candidates that the club spoke to about the vacant manager’s position at Cardiff City,” Shearer said.

“During these talks I was most impressed with the vision, ambition and determination of the owner Dato Chan Tien Ghee and the board. Unfortunately those talks were unsuccessful on this occasion. Cardiff is a great club and I wish them every success next season.”

Maradona sues China internet firms

Diego Maradona is suing popular Chinese web portal Sina and an Internet company for using his name and image to promote an online game, state media said yesterday.

Maradona is seeking 20 million yuan ($3 million) in compensation from Sina and The9 Limited which designed the game “Winning Goal”, the Global Times quoted an official from the Beijing No.1 Intermediate Court as saying.

“The case was accepted Monday,” said Chen Shi, a spokesman for the court.

Officials at the court in the Chinese capital would not respond to AFP requests for comment and calls to The9 went unanswered.

Danny extends contract with Zenit

Portuguese international midfielder Miguel Danny extended his contract with Russian reigning champions Zenit St Petersburg for another four years.

No financial details of the new deal were disclosed but there are media reports that Danny will be the league’s top earner, receiving six million dollars a year.

The 27-year-old was lured by Zenit from another Russian Premier League side Dynamo Moscow in 2008 in the country’s new record transfer deal of 30 million dollars, and went on to win the UEFA Supercup with his new side in the first season.

After bouncing back from injury, Danny was last season instrumental in helping lead Zenit to the Russian league title and Russian Cup and was named Russian league player of the year.