Football news

Cash-laden Paris Saint-Germain have earmarked €13million to acquire Japan and CSKA Moscow midfielder Keisuke Honda, a Japanese daily reported yesterday.

The French side have already contacted CSKA after preparing the transfer money for 25-year-old Honda, who helped Japan to the Asian Cup title last year, the Sports Nippon said, quoting PSG sources.

PSG attempted to sign Honda in the middle of 2011 but a transfer did not materialise as the Russian side set a fee of €25 million, the daily said.

Rutten backs Cocu for PSV post

Outgoing PSV Eindhoven coach Fred Rutten has backed Phillip Cocu to succeed him at the Philips Stadion.

Rutten announced last week he would not be renewing his existing deal which expires at the end of the season but he believes continuity is important and has tipped Cocu, currently one of his assistants, to take over.

“I would back Phillip Cocu to be head coach,” Rutten said. “You could talk about any of my assistants but he should be mentioned first.”

Cocu is thought to be interested in the post although it is not known how he will combine it with his work as part of Holland boss Bert van Marwijk’s backroom staff.

Villa positive on Keane deal

Aston Villa are optimistic they will complete the loan signing of Los Angeles Galaxy striker Robbie Keane in time for their next Premier League match against Everton on January 14.

Press Association Sport reported Villa have held what were described by sources close to the club as “productive talks” with the Ireland international.

Keane is set to link up with Villa for a two-month period in a £500,000 deal before returning to Galaxy for the start of the Major Soccer League campaign in March.

Hearts receive SPL warning

Hearts have been given six days to comply to the remaining demands of the Scottish Premier League or face disciplinary action and unlimited sanctions after on Wednesday night paying their players’ overdue December wages.

Hours after the SPL had met and announced demands with a January 11 deadline, Hearts declared December’s wages had been paid. The Edinburgh club insisted the timing was merely a coincidence.

A statement on the club’s official website read: “Hearts will carefully consider the SPL judication into the matter of late payment of players’ wages and will decide on the course of further action.

“Meanwhile, the club has received funds and has paid the outstanding players’ wages for December.”

Fabregas inspires Barca’s Cup rout

A Cesc Fabregas first-half double inspired Barcelona to a 4-0 win over Osasuna in their Spanish Cup Last 16 first leg match on Wednesday night.

Lionel Messi came on midway through the second half to add another two, his first a header set up by a Fabregas cross to give last season’s beaten finalists a healthy advantage ahead of next week’s second leg.

Fabregas (picture), who has been an instant success at the Spanish and European champions since his move from Arsenal last summer, struck twice in the opening 20 minutes.

The second was the pick of them as he produced a sublime lob from a fine pass by Xavi who had also set him up for the opener.

Quagliarella attracts interest

Fabio Quagliarella is again at the centre of transfer speculation linking him with a move away from Juventus.

La Gazzetta dello Sport yesterday reported that Inter, Juve’s bitter rivals, are keen to sign the Italy striker during this month’s transfer window.

The Nerazzurri are reportedly looking to bring in an experienced forward as they are prepared to part company with Mauro Zarate and Luc Castaignos this month.

Meanwhile, Il Corriere dello Sport claimed that the former Napoli player could be targeted by Roma. The latter have loaned Marco Borriello to Juventus this week and will be without Pablo Daniel Osvaldo for the next two months because of injury.

El Shaarawy not leaving Milan

Stephan El Shaarawy expects to stay with Milan for the rest of the season despite attracting the interest of a host of clubs.

“(Milan) vice-president Adriano Galliani and coach Massimiliano Allegri have already said that the boy will not be leaving,” agent Roberto La Florio was quoted as saying.

“Although El Shaarawy continues to be admired by a lot of Serie A sides, he will remain with the Rossoneri.”

The forward, co-owned with Genoa, joined Milan during the summer but has not seen much first-team action. A loan move has been mentioned as a possibility in January in order to give the 19-year-old more playing time.