Football news

Nicola Legrottaglie told reporters that if he fails to land a club this summer he is likely to call it a day and hang up his boots.

The former Juventus defender is without a contract after a loan spell at Milan and despite being linked with a move to QPR, the transfer never happened.

“The transfer market has changed and clubs now adopt the policy of wanting a much younger squad,” Legrottaglie, 35, said.

“In all honesty, the only game I watched recently was Italy against Spain. I feel like I’ve lost interest. If any clubs want me, then they know what I can give and I’m ready.”

Mikel’s father kidnapped in Nigeria

Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel played in Sunday’s goalless draw at Stoke despite knowing his father had been abducted back in his Nigeria homeland.

Mikel’s father Michael was seized on Friday but the player insisted on playing in his club’s Premier League opener at the Britannia Stadium.

In a statement, Mikel’s representatives Sport Entertainment and Media Group said: “SEM confirms that client John Obi Mikel’s father was abducted in Nigeria on Friday, August 10.

“Thus far no ransom (demand) has been received. Mikel was informed by his manager prior to the Stoke vs Chelsea match and decided to play so as not to let down his team and family.”

Wenger rules out Barton move

Arsene Wenger has described Joey Barton as “a great player” but said he would not be trying to sign the controversial Newcastle midfielder.

The 28-year-old was centre of attention when the two sides drew 0-0 on Saturday as he was involved in the incident which saw Gunners debutant Gervinho sent off.

That came after a summer which saw Barton made available on a free transfer – and linked with Arsenal in some quarters – following criticism of the Magpies’ transfer policy.

Wenger said: “Nobody dismisses signing Barton but I don’t think we envisage doing that at the moment.

“I like the courage of the player. He’s a good player. Sometimes there’s trouble with his temper but he’s a great player.”

Rangers to appeal Whittaker ban

Rangers have confirmed they are likely to appeal against a three-match European ban handed to Steven Whittaker.

Whittaker was hit with the sanction following his red card in the club’s Champions League qualifier against Malmo in Sweden.

The full-back was sent off inside 20 minutes of the 1-1 draw, which put Rangers out 2-1 on aggregate, after throwing the ball at Malmo player Jimmy Durmaz.

Whittaker is set to miss both legs of the Europa League play-off against Maribor, the first of which is on Thursday, and the first game in the group stages if Rangers qualify.

Manninger on Chievo’s radar

Alex Manninger is expected to prolong his stay in the Serie A with Chievo as the Austrian keeper has asked to leave Juventus after falling behind Gianluigi Buffon and Marco Storari in the pecking order at Turin.

Manninger, 34, was linked with a move to Sampdoria last month but that transfer has fallen through.

Chievo are now mentioned with a move for the former Arsenal goalkeeper given that Stefano Sorren-tino seems to be on his way out of the club.

Sorrentino is wanted by Palermo following their decision to sell Salvatore Sirigu to Paris St Germain this summer.

Juventus still eyeing defender Alex

Chelsea have already told Juventus that they won’t release their defender Alex on loan this summer but the Turin club are still hoping they can sign the Brazilian on a temporary basis before the transfer deadline.

The London club will only release the 29-year-old Alex on a permanent basis but Juventus still want to negotiate for Alex in the hope of bolstering their defensive department.

Reports said Juventus are now attempting to raise funds in the transfer market first before reinvesting that money on the South American.

The former PSV player has also been linked with Bayern Munich this summer.

Cesena defender Benalouane wants move to Glasgow

Cesena defender Yohan Bena-louane has welcomed reports linking him with a move to Glasgow Rangers.

After the Gers offloaded Madjid Bougherra to Qatari club Lekhiwa, they are in the market for a new centre-half, with Benalouane rumoured to be interesting them.

The 24-year-old Tunisian said he was flattered by the speculation and hinted that he would be prepared to swap life in Serie A for a move to Scotland.

“I am very honoured by the interest from Rangers,” he said.

“But it is only rumour at the moment and there has been nothing concrete. But it is an honour to be talked about.”