Football news

Real Madrid and Chinese Super League leaders Guangzhou Evergrande have agreed to a tie-up that could see player exchanges and the Spanish club opening an academy in China.

Real, who thrashed Evergrande 7-1 in a pre-season friendly in Guangzhou yesterday, are on a promotion tour in fast-developing China, as are a host of other top European sides.

The two sides signed what Chinese state media called “a letter of intent”, with an eye on cooperation on player exchanges, brand promotion and the opening of the largest football academy in China.

Evergrande have taken the resurgent Super League by storm this season and recently splashed out $10 million on the Argentinian midfielder Dario Conca.

Anderlecht sign winger Jovanovic

Serbian international winger Milan Jovanovic has left Liverpool for Anderlecht on a two-year deal, the Belgian club have confirmed.

“We have finally reached an agreement with Milan Jovanovic after long but fruitful discussions with both the English club and the player,” Anderlecht general manager Herman Van Holsbeeck said.

Jovanovic, 30, who spent four seasons at Standard de Liege before moving to Liverpool last year, will undergo a medical today.

He struggled to win a regular first-team place at Anfield, scoring twice in 18 appearances.

Barton may stay at Newcastle

Controversial midfielder Joey Barton went from quoting George Orwell to George Washington as he hinted he was prepared to remain at Newcastle despite not being wanted by the club.

“Just because ur (sic) told to jump, it does not necessarily mean u have to. I may choose to stand perfectly still. It’s my right... just a thought,” Barton, who has a year to run on his contract, said.

Barton then returned to the social networking site to quote Washing-ton, the first President of the United States, in another thinly-veiled attack on the Magpies.

“Quote of the day: If the freedom of speech is taken away then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter. George Washing-ton,” he tweeted.

Newcomer Johnson to lead Wolves

Wolves have confirmed that new signing Roger Johnson has replaced Karl Henry as skipper for the 2010-2011 campaign.

Henry held the armband for three years but, with considerable competition for places in the Wolves midfield, he is no longer guaranteed a regular spot.

Wolves manager Mick McCarthy said: “I have decided to make the change and pass the armband onto Roger.

“I think it can be easier to captain the side from the centre of defence where you can see everything in front of you and are perfectly placed to organise the team.”

I’m not past it yet – Lampard

Frank Lampard insists he can continue to play at the highest level during the remaining two years of his Chelsea contract even as age begins to catch up with him.

Lampard, 33, is confident, after passing the 10th anniversary of his £11 million move from West Ham United, that he has plenty of football left in him.

“I think the age thing has changed,” Lampard said.

“People are pretty quick to write you off once you get into your 30s but they have proved to be a lot of players’ best years.

“Ryan Giggs was outstanding against us in the Champions League quarter-final last season – and in a lot of other games – at 37 years old.”

Pato to honour Milan contract

Alexandre Pato had no intention of quitting Milan after reports of a possible Chelsea bid emerged.

According to transfer rumours, the London club have submitted a cash-plus-player offer for the Brazilian – £20 million plus Nicolas Anelka or Salomon Kalou.

“I have a contract until 2014 and I want to respect it,” the striker was quoted as saying in yesterday.

“I don’t know yet what will happen after that.”

Pato, who is expected to play for the Serie A champions in Saturday’s Italian Super Cup final against Coppa Italia winners Inter, joined Milan in 2007 from Internacional.

Foster will answer England SOS call

New West Brom goalkeeper Ben Foster will only consider ending his current England exile if an injury to Joe Hart prompts a call from Fabio Capello.

Foster, signed on loan from Birmingham, opted to put his international career on temporary hold towards the end of last season after injuries to his back and thumb.

“I’m happy with the way things are,” Foster said. “I’m enjoying just playing club football.

“When the international break comes along, I find it’s a good chance to recharge the batteries and try and take your mind off football a bit.

“But if something does happen to Joe, and the manager gives me a call and says ‘we’re desperate for you to come back in’ then I can consider it.

“I can always consider it.”