Football news

Fallen giants River Plate have appointed Matias Almeyda to be their new manager with a prime objective of getting the side back into the first division.

The Buenos Aires outfit were relegated from the country’s top division Sunday for the first time in their 110-year history, amid tears and scenes of violence from disgruntled fans.

“At this important stage, it is worth noting the attitude of Juan Jose Lopez who left his post in a dignified manner and the unanimity behind the appointment of Matias Almeyda,” club president Daniel Passarella said.

The 37-year-old Almeyda is a former Argentine international who started his career at River Plate.

Napoli put hefty price tag on Cavani

Napoli have slapped a €100 million price tag on star striker Edinson Cavani. The Uruguay international is a target of several top clubs after an excellent campaign in Serie A.

Cavani was instrumental in Napoli’s third-place finish last season, scoring 26 league goals.

“I should have my licence as president of Napoli taken away if I sell Cavani unless it is for 100 million euros,” said Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis.

Cavani joined Napoli last summer from Palermo. The 24-year-old signed a one-year contract extension last month, tying him to the Naples outfit until June 2016.

Macheda relishing England return

Manchester United striker Federico Macheda believes his career will benefit by returning to England after spending six months on loan with Sampdoria.

The Italian forward joined the Genoa outfit in January but was unable to help the team avoid relegation.

“Psychologically it was not easy because to go from Man. United to Sampdoria and to fight to avoid the drop was a difficult situation,” Macheda said.

“I wanted to have an experience in Italy but now I want to remain in the Premier League. England is better suited for young players.”

Palermo rule out Amauri return

Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini has ruled out a summer move for former striker Amauri on financial grounds.

Reports had suggested the Rosaneri were looking to bring the 31-year-old Juventus man back to the Stadio Renzo Barbera, but Zamparini believes his wages will prove a stumbling block.

“Amauri is one of the strongest forwards that we have in Italy. But we cannot sign him because his wages are too much,” Zamparini said.

“If he cut his salary to one million (euros) per year, I would sign him immediately. But he earns four million and Palermo cannot afford those figures.”

Hearts ban sex offender Thomson

Hearts have confirmed they have suspended defender Craig Thomson with immediate effect.

On Tuesday, the club announced they were standing by the player, following a conviction for “lewd and indecent behaviour”.

However, a short statement on the club’s official website yesterday read: “Hearts today announce that Craig Thomson is suspended with immediate effect.”

The 20-year-old full-back earlier this month pleaded guilty, was fined and placed on the sex offenders register in relation to his inappropriate conduct towards two underage girls.

This week one of the club’s sponsors announced they were withdrawing support as official water sponsor of the Jambos, a deal worth more than £5,000.

Cisse keen on move to Lazio

Panathinaikos forward Djibril Cisse has expressed his desire to join Lazio this summer. The Serie A club have held talks with Panathinaikos to sign the France international but the deal remains on hold.

“I speak often to my agent and I hope to hear new developments soon,” the 29-year-old Cisse said.

“I am fascinated by Italy, by Serie A and by Lazio. It would be wonderful to play in a team that will fight for the scudetto and in Europe.”

The former Liverpool star, who is one of the highest paid players at Panathinaikos, is under contract with the Greek outfit until June 2013.

No Arsenal offer yet for Gervinho

Arsenal have yet to make a formal offer for Ivory Coast forward Gervinho, according to Lille presi-dent Michel Seydoux.

The 24-year-old has made no secret the Gunners would be his preferred destination were the French club ready to sell.

However, while Arsene Wenger is said to be keen to bolster his squad, suggestions a £10 million deal is about to be completed would appear somewhat premature.

Lille president Seydoux said: “We know that Gervinho is keen on Arsenal. For the moment, there has been simple contact, but we have not received a concrete offer yet.”

Arsenal have also been linked with Lille’s Belgian starlet Eden Hazard, but Seydoux maintained the 20-year-old would remain at their club.