Football news

Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood does not expect to open talks with striker Robin van Persie over a new contract until near the end of the season.

The Gunners want the 28-year-old Holland forward to commit to a new long-term deal, with his current agreement due to expire in June 2013, but the player does not want to discuss the matter until the summer.

“He doesn’t want to talk about it at the moment,” Hill-Wood said.

“I think we will approach him near the end of the season. But we obviously hope that he will sign a new contract – I don’t see why he should not.”

Chivu linked with Ajax reunion

Inter defender Cristian Chivu, 31, is being linked with a return to his former club Ajax next season.

Chivu’s future at Inter is in doubt after his agent recently confirmed that the Italian club have yet to offer him an extension to his contract.

The Romanian has been paired with a variety of outfits given that he could be available on a free transfer, but reports in Holland are suggesting that Ajax are particularly keen.

Chivu left Ajax in 1999 to join Roma before moving on to Inter in the summer of 2007.

Lahm plays down Dortmund clash

Bayern Munich captain Philipp Lahm has played down the importance of his side’s next league clash against Borussia Dortmund.

Bayern currently have a five-point cushion over their second-placed opponents, but Lahm says a win would not mean that his side will be guaranteed the title.

“We have a very good chance to move eight points clear, but that would not mean anything decisive,” he told reporters in Munich yesterday.

“I see Dortmund as our closest rivals for the title.

“Our defeat at home to them last season does not mean anything anymore. Three new points are at stake.”

Bojan realistic over Roma prospects

Roma forward Bojan Krkic believes his team will be competitive in the near future but for the time being they must concentrate on growing as a team.

The 21-year-old finds himself part of a side that are seven points behind Serie A leaders Udinese after 10 games, and has set his sights on achieving realistic goals with his new team.

“We want to win the scudetto. But at the moment, the best we can target is a place in the Champions League or the Europa League,” Bojan said.

“We have a new project and we have to grow as a team while remaining united.”

Agent warns Maggio could leave

The agent of Napoli’s Christian Maggio is warning that the wing-back could leave un-less talks over a new contract are concluded.

Massimo Briaschi told reporters that talks between the two parties have been ongoing for quite some time now but a compromise has yet to be reached.

“Christian would be happy to remain at Napoli,” Briaschi said.

“If that isn’t the case then we will make some other evaluations because there is certainly not a lack of admirers. Maggio won’t be left without a top club for sure.”

Maggio’s contract at Napoli runs until June 2013.

Beckham named in All-Star team

David Beckham, whose five-year contract with Los Angeles Galaxy expires at the end of the season, has been named one of the MLS’s top midfielders.

The 36-year-old was recognised as one of the league’s top 11 players in each position as voted by the players, team officials and media members.

Beckham’s team-mate and fellow midfielder Landon Donovan was also recognised along with France’s Thierry Henry who plays forward for New York Red Bulls.

Beckham will play in his first MLS Cup final on November 20 when Galaxy face Houston at the Home Depot Centre.

Pallister sees ‘more years’ for Ferguson

Former Manchester United player Gary Pallister predicted that Alex Ferguson still has “a few more years” with the English champions. Ferguson has just marked his 25th anniversary as manager of United.

“To do 25 years in any club is fantastic, and to do it at a club the size of Manchester United is quite incredible,” the former defender said.

“He is in great spirits and still hungry for a challenge... that desired hunger is still there over all these years and I think he still has a few more years in him,” he said of Ferguson, 69.

Pallister played for United from 1989 to 1998.