Football news

Real Madrid’s €30 million new boy Fabio Coentrao is determined to show he is worth every cent of his huge transfer fee.

The Portugal wing-back was recruited by Real from Benfica this month and has now joined up with his new team-mates at their training camp in Los Angeles.

Coentrao told Diario AS: “I always hear about the 30 million... they say it’s expensive, but I cannot answer this question. Time will tell. I have the certainty that I have the quality and I want to show everyone why they paid 30 million.

“I have to prove to everyone that I have the qualities to be here.

“I am certain that I will respond in the future to this question and that it was worth paying the money for me.”

Anywhere but Atletico for Aguero

Argentina forward Sergio Aguero insists he would be happy moving to England or staying in Spain but made it clear his future lies away from Atletico Madrid.

“I don’t see myself (staying) at Atletico,” Aguero said.

“I could not go to Racing (Club de Avellaneda) because I am (loyal to) Independiente.

“I arrived there aged eight and I want to retire there. But Atletico has been my place of work in Spain.

“I have given everything for the shirt and I have had a lot of fun but as far as my future is concerned, don’t bet on anything.”

No rift with Modric – Dawson

Croatian midfielder Luka Modric has not caused a rift within the Tottenham squad by declaring that he wants to join Chelsea, according to Spurs captain Michael Dawson.

Modric has reportedly handed in a transfer request to force through what he sees as a “dream” move to Chelsea.

“We are all friends with Luka,” Dawson said.

“We have got great team spirit among the players and we want to keep that together.”

Falcao extends Porto deal

Colombian international striker Radamel Falcao has shunned the chance to join one of Europe’s superpowers by extending his contract with Porto to 2015, the Portuguese champions announced yesterday.

The 25-year-old, who scored 38 goals for Porto last season as they won the domestic league and cup double, as well as the Europa League, had been widely tipped to follow former coach Andre Villas-Boas to Chelsea.

This week he also emerged as a target for Real Madrid who were reported to be willing to meet the €30 million release clause in his contract.

The new deal provides for a release clause that has been raised to €45 million, the club informed the Portuguese stock exchange.

Tevez offer final – Corinthians boss

Corinthians president Andres Sanchez claims Juventus have entered the race to sign Carlos Tevez but insists his own club will not increase their offer for the wantaway Argentinian.

City turned down a £40m bid from Corinthians for Tevez earlier this week, with the club believed to be holding out for £50m.

Juve’s reported interest might be viewed as the trigger for a bidding war, but Sanchez is unwilling to engage the Italian club and is adamant the offer on the table will remain unchanged.

“I will do everything possible so that he can join us but I will not increase the offer by a cent,” Sanchez told Brazilian sports news-paper Lance.

“Man. City have an offer of €52 million (£45.6m) from Juventus, but Tevez does not want to remain in Europe.”

Juventus to fight for lost title

Juventus president Andrea Agnelli has threatened legal action if the 2006 Scudetto is not revoked from Inter.

The Italian Football Federa-tion’s executive committee is set to make a ruling on Monday, where it is expected that they will not strip the Nerazzurri of the title.

“I’d like to stress that every legal action will be carried out in order to preserve Juventus, if the sports system won’t be able to provide all members with equal dignity and treatment,” Agnelli said.

“It’s not time for bureaucracy, it’s time for essence.”

Juve were stripped of the 2005 and 2006 titles for their part in the match-fixing scandal.

The first of those league titles was not assigned, while the second was handed on to Inter.

Aston Villa step up N’Zogbia chase

Aston Villa have stepped up their interest in Wigan winger Charles N’Zogbia by submitting a £10 million bid, Press Association Sport reported yesterday.

Villa manager Alex McLeish considers France international N’Zogbia his number one target to replace Liverpool-bound Stewart Downing.

The Midlands club have ample funds available with the sale of Ashley Young to Manchester United and Downing – if his move to Anfield goes through – raising £36 million this summer.

McLeish is a long-term admirer of N’Zogbia who has one year remaining on his current deal with the Latics.