Football news

Alexander Doni was all set to join Liverpool until a few days ago but it seems the transfer came to a halt yesterday as the goalkeeper, who is on the books of Roma, did not accept the terms offered to him by the English club.

Last week, Roma confirmed they had agreed a fee with Liverpool for Doni. However, according to Sky Sport Italia, the 31-year-old has turned down the €900,000 per season contract, as he currently earns €2.5m at Roma.

The Brazilian is also of interest to Galatasaray should they fail to secure a deal for Lazio goalkeeper Fernando Muslera.

Man. City face Euro hangovers

Manchester City have been drawn away after each of their Champions League group stage games next season after the new Premier League fixtures were released on Friday.

City will take their place in Europe’s premier club competition for the first time, however their home ambitions may be undermined by a schedule that could test their richly-assembled squad.

Roberto Mancini’s side will immediately be on their travels after all six mid-week group games with potential title-rivals Man. United, Liverpool and Chelsea all lying in wait in three of those fixture.

United, in contrast, will play at Old Trafford after their European adventures.

Celtic eye Damari swoop

Celtic are keen on signing Israel striker Omer Damari, according to his international team-mate Beram Kayal. The 22-year-old striker, who plays for Maccabi Petah Tikva, scored twice on his international debut against Iceland last year.

Hoops midfielder Kayal said: “Omer and I talked in January and also less than two months ago. He asked me about the offer and I gave him a strong recommendation.

“Celtic then asked me what I know about him. I told them that Omer is one of the top strikers in Israel and has everything needed to succeed.

“With his speed and understanding of the game, he can reach high levels.”

Chelsea in talks over Lukaku

Anderlecht have confirmed for the first time they and Chelsea are in discussions over Romelu Lukaku moving to Stamford Bridge.

Lukaku, 18, has long been linked with Chelsea, who he has confessed to support.

Rumours have been rife that Anderlecht general manager Herman van Holsbeeck had visited London to thrash out a deal with the Premier League club.

And he has now confirmed that he has been in talks with them, in addition to other clubs, amid reports Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham are also interested in the teenager.

Van Holsbeeck said: “There is still a long way to go in the negotiations. We are indeed negotiating with Chelsea, but there are other clubs we are talking to.”

No Roma job-share for Baldini – FA

The Football Association insist England general manager Franco Baldini will not take up a part-time role with Roma, at least until the end of the Euro 2012 qualification campaign.

Fabio Capello’s right-hand man has been offered a chief executive position at the Serie A club, where he spent six years as director of football. Baldini was reportedly hopeful he would be allowed to take up the Roma post on a job-share arrangement with England.

That prospect has been knocked back for now but it is understood the FA may be more willing to let Baldini split his time if England succeed in securing their place at the European Championship.

Newcastle move for Marveaux

Newcastle’s French revolution is to continue after Alan Pardew won the battle for Rennes midfielder Sylvain Marveaux. The 25-year-old will formally complete a Bosman free transfer move to St James’ Park on July 1 after signing a five-year deal.

Marveaux had been heavily tipped to head for Liverpool this summer, although reports suggested the move had broken down because of a problem with his medical.

The former France Under-21 international has been out of action since November with a groin injury suffered during a 2-1 Ligue 1 victory over Brest.

Marveaux is a left-sided midfielder and the third Frenchman recruited to the Newcastle engine room in the last year or so after Hatem Ben Arfa and recent signing Yohan Cabaye.

Barca bid for Rossi ‘insufficient’

Villarreal said the bid put forward by Barcelona to sign Giuseppe Rossi was rejected as it was deemed ‘insufficient’.

The star striker has been valued at a minimum of €30 million by his club.

Italy international Rossi is wanted by numerous sides, including Juventus and Inter, but had been most heavily linked with the European and Spanish cham-pions in the off-season.

“We are aware of an offer from Barcelona, but we were also told it was considered insufficient,” Rossi’s representative Federico Pastorello said.

“We haven’t spoken to anyone for over a week. We know Barce-lona are negotiating with Villar-real, so all we can do is wait for news from the two clubs.”