Football news

Italy midfielder Daniele de Rossi, whose contract at Roma expires at the end of this season, is on the radar of Premier League leaders Manchester City. City manager Roberto Mancini told reporters that his club would make a bid if he decides to leave Italy.

“It’s always difficult to get your hands on a Roma player and a Romanista who plays for Roma,” Mancini said.

“That’s because a Roman is very attached to his origins.

“As a result, I wouldn’t be surprised if he renewed his contract. But, if De Rossi is available on the market then we will be ready, as will Real Madrid, Chelsea and all the big clubs.”

Wise returns to board of CPO

Dennis Wise has agreed to rejoin the board of Chelsea Pitch Owners as the former Blues captain was announced as one of two new directors of the supporter-led company which owns the freehold of Stamford Bridge.

The 44-year-old accepted an invitation from the three existing board members to return to the role he held when the company was first formed in the mid-1990s.

Wise’s reappointment came less than a month after Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich failed to convince CPO shareholders to sell him the Stamford Bridge freehold at an extraordinary general meeting of the company.

Poyet hits out at Evra

Gus Poyet has defended Uruguay countryman Luis Suarez over allegations he racially abused Patrice Evra. Liverpool striker Suarez was charged this week after Evra said Suarez had used a racist insult to him “at least 10 times” during last month’s 1-1 draw at Anfield.

Poyet, now manager of Brighton, is firmly in the Suarez camp. He said: “I played for seven years in Spain and was called everything because I was from South America.

“And I never went out crying like a baby, like Evra, saying that someone said something to me.

“I believe Suarez. I am surprised in a sad way that he has been charged.”

Rooney, Capello to attend hearing

Wayne Rooney and Fabio Capello will both attend the UEFA disciplinary hearing into the red card that threatens to rule him out of the Euro 2012 group phase.

At the request of the FA, UEFA have agreed to bring the hearing forward by one day, to December 8. As Manchester United are in Switzerland for a Champions League encounter with Basel the previous evening, Alex Ferguson has given his blessing for Rooney to make the short trip to Nyon in order to plead his case.

Capello will be with Rooney as the FA attempt to reduce a three-match ban Rooney received for kicking out at Montenegro’s Miodrag Dzudovic last month.

Stankovic aiming for full points

Inter midfielder Dejan Stankovic has set his team an unattainable target before the Christmas break: 33 points.

Inter only have seven league matches – meaning 21 points before the Italian league shuts down for winter.

But although Stankovic’s maths may not be very good, his sentiment is what counts as Inter look to bounce back from a disastrous start to the season.

“We can’t hide from our league position but we can change it,” said Stankovic.

“A year ago we won the Club World Cup but now we’re in a position not worthy of Inter. There are 33 (sic 21) available until the end of the year and I hope we get them all.”

Blatter sorry but won’t quit

FIFA president Sepp Blatter apologised yesterday for his “unfortunate comments” on racism in the game but rejected calls to resign as head of world football’s governing body.

“It hurts and I am still hurting because I couldn’t envisage such a reaction,” Blatter told BBC.

“When you have done something which was not totally correct, I can only say I am sorry for all those people affected by my declarations.”

But when asked about calls that he should quit for his remarks suggesting that disputes on the pitch involving racist abuse should be resolved by a handshake, he refused.

“I cannot resign. Why should I?” he said.

Wenger looks for lift from Henry

Arsene Wenger hopes the presence of Arsenal hero Thierry Henry at training this week can inspire his side as they look to make it five league wins in a row against Norwich.

Former Arsenal captain Henry, 34, has briefly rejoined his old club to stay in shape after the New York Red Bulls’ Major League Soccer play-off campaign came to an end.

Wenger said: “Thierry was in with our training this week and he does not need to show how good he is. He just wants to stay fit and enjoy the football club again, because he is at home here and it is always good to have him back.

“It is always a lift to see what a big player he still is.”