Football news

Milan are keen on Chievo defender Francesco Acerbi but no deal has yet been struck, agent Andrea Cattoli said.

Acerbi, 23, is likely to join Milan in summer after some outstanding performances following his move from Reggina.

“Milan could get the OK from us in quick time but an agreement between clubs has to be reached first,” Cattoli said.

“Acerbi only started playing regularly in January but it’s now a common theory that he’s one of the best defenders around.”

Singapore tycoon scraps Gers bid

Singapore tycoon Bill Ng yesterday scrapped his £20 million offer for crisis-hit Glasgow Rangers in frustration at the bidding process.

Ng said “unwarranted” delays and concerns over whether shares could be delivered had prompted his move, and he also hit out at administrators Duff and Phelps, who are overseeing the sale of the bankrupt club.

“Recent developments in the bidding process, with unwarranted delays, have prompted our withdrawal from the bidding pro-cess,” Ng said.

US businessman Bill Miller remains in the running for the 140-year-old club, along with Brian Kennedy, owner of England’s Sale Rugby Club.

Hoops accept Lennon penalty

Celtic declared themselves satis-fied with Neil Lennon’s SFA hearing after the Parkhead boss was served with a two-match ban.

Lennon was given the touchline ban – which will see him sit in the stands against Motherwell and Rangers – for criticising referee Willie Collum following the League Cup final on March 18.

But Lennon was given no additional punishment over his dismissal from the dugout against Rangers at Ibrox the following weekend.

Celtic said: “We can confirm we are satisfied with the fairness and spirit of the hearing and that no appeal will be made against the sanctions.”

Blues encouraged in Willian pursuit

Shakhtar Donetsk manager Mir-cea Lucescu told Chelsea that Willian is theirs for the right price.

The Brazil international has shone for Shakhtar since joining from Corinthians in 2007, picking up three league winners’ medals and the 2009 UEFA Cup.

Such form has attracted the interest of Chelsea, who Shakhtar chief executive officer Sergei Palkin revealed in January had seen a £16.7m bid for the attacking midfielder rejected.

The club insisted Willian was not for sale but Lucescu yesterday changed tack.

“They have to pay the price,” he said.

“If Chelsea pay Willian’s asking price, I am not against letting my players play for the big clubs.”

Petrov thanks fans for their support

Bulgaria captain Stiliyan Petrov has expressed his gratitude to fans back home for their support as he battles leukaemia.

Sports Minister Svilen Neykov joined thousands of fans and officials at the Vasil Levski national stadium late Thursday to show their support for Petrov.

“I want to thank you with all my heart for the incredible support you show in this difficult time for me and my family,” Petrov said.

“There are ordeals in life in which we must be stronger than ever, and I think I have enough strength and faith to cope.

“I do believe that together we will win this match too,” added the Aston Villa player who has started treatment at a London hospital.

Young ‘understands’ after Ferguson chat

Alex Ferguson has “had a word” with Ashley Young amid diving accusations that have been levelled against the Manchester United winger.

For the last two weekends, Young has received severe criticism for going down far too easily to earn his side penalties.

Bryan Robson has warned the former Aston Villa man that it may come back to haunt him as referees may be reluctant to award him spot-kicks in the future.

And Ferguson has confirmed he has spoken to the winger about the situation.

“I have had a word with Ashley,” said Ferguson.

“He understands where we are coming from. Hopefully, it makes a difference.”

Bin Hammam decision due June

Former FIFA presidential candidate Mohamed bin Hammam will have to wait until the end of June before discovering whether his appeal against a lifetime ban has been successful.

The 62-year-old Qatari is fighting allegations that he tried to buy FIFA delegates’ votes while campaigning to unseat Sepp Blatter in a leadership election last year.

During a two-day hearing this week the CAS listened to lawyers and witnesses for both parties.

Bin Hammam was represented at the hearing by a team of lawyers headed by Eugene Gulland, of the United States, and Stephan Netzel, of Switzerland.