Napoli are warning that the Italian Super Cup in August could be scrapped if no agreement on the venue and date are reached with Juventus.
The match heralds the new Italian season and is played between the league champions and the Coppa Italia winners.
“We are still trying to decide. It’s not certain that we have to play in China, as more important interests for us and for them could prevail, leading us to scrap this match,” Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis said.
Juve want the game played on Italian soil on August 11 but it seems Napoli would prefer Beijing on August 25.
Beckham still on Olympic list
David Beckham’s dream of Olympic participation was given a boost after he was included in Britain’s 35-man squad.
The announcement of Stuart Pearce’s final 18-man squad will be made on July 6 and Beckham, if confirmed in the final squad, would appear as one of three permitted overage players.
Ryan Giggs, Craig Bellamy, Rio Ferdinand and Frank Lampard have also been mentioned as potential candidates.
Beckham’s name has been a constant though, mainly due to the influential role he played in getting the Olympics.
Michael Owen on Stoke City’s radar
Stoke manager Tony Pulis is keeping tabs on Michael Owen now the striker is a free agent but admits he is only one of a number of players under consideration.
The 32-year-old former England international was re-leased by Man. United last month and has yet to find another club.
Pulis was previously interested in signing the former Liverpool striker and he is a name currently on their list.
“We tried to sign him a couple of years ago but nothing came of it,” Pulis said.
“Everyone knows Michael’s pedigree. We are monitoring him, but along with about 400 other players, so it’s a case of waiting to see what happens.”
Council want to help Chelsea
Chelsea could get help from Hammersmith and Fulham Council to upgrade Stamford Bridge after their latest attempt to find a site for a new stadium failed.
The European champions submitted a bid to move into Battersea Power Station but it emerged that a Malaysian bid was selected as the preferred bid.
The new leader of Hammer-smith and Fulham Council, Nicholas Botterill, said: “It now looks highly unlikely that Chelsea FC will be moving away from their historic home.
“The council remains committed to working with the club to explore all possible avenues for keeping the Blues here at their original home.”
Rangers would welcome Gattuso
Charles Green has indicated he is ready to sanction the return of Gennaro Gattuso to Rangers once the club is in a position to sign new players.
The former Sheffield United chief executive is leading the consortium in place to buy the stricken club, who have been in the hands of administrators since February.
Green says he has held bud-get talks with team manager Ally McCoist and Gattuso – who played for the Light Blues between 1997 and 1998 – could be an option.
He said: “Gattuso said he would love to join Rangers and that’s great. His agent came over and we met with him to explain the difficulties... it’s a massive positive he wants to come.”
Stroppa takes over at Pescara
Newly-promoted Pescara have confirmed Giovanni Stroppa as their new coach.
Stroppa replaces Zdenek Zeman, who guided the club to promotion to Serie A after 20 years but returned to Roma on Monday.
The 44-year-old has little coaching experience but will be presented to the media today.
Stroppa was on the short-list of candidates along with current Italy Under-21 manager Ciro Ferrara and Delio Rossi.
The former Milan and Lazio player has signed a one-year contract at Pescara with an option for a second.
South American bids for Del Piero
South Americans River Plate and Flamengo are interested in signing veteran Alessandro del Piero who is a free agent after his long stint with Juventus came to a close in May.
Reports in Italy say Del Piero is still considering his options for the future, which so far have included MLS clubs Red Bulls and Montreal Impact along with Fulham in England.
According to Sky Sport Italia, Flamengo are prepared to offer Del Piero, 37, a contract to replace Ronaldinho.
They’re not the only option in South America though as Del Piero is also attracting interest from Botafogo, Corinthians and Cruzeiro.