Football news

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson can understand why striker Dimitar Berbatov wants to leave the club.

Berbatov was linked with Milan this week ahead of Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s now completed move to Paris St Germain, while there has also been interest from Turkey.

“The boy has a future, but if he wants to leave it is a different matter,” Ferguson said following the 1-0 win over AmaZulu in Durban.

“I am easy about it if he stays. I would be happy with that.

“But if someone comes in and Dimitar wants to leave we will assess it.”

Roma conclude deal for Castan

Serie A’s Roma have confirmed the signing of Brazilian de-fender Leandro Castan from Corinthians.

The 25-year-old centre-back has arrived at the Serie A club in a deal worth five million euros, according to a statement on Roma’s official website.

“AS Roma announces that it has signed an agreement with Corinthians for the definitive acquisition of the rights of the player Leandro Castan da Silva, for a fee of €5m, with the player signing a contract for four years until June 30, 2016.”

Castan began his career at Atletico Mineiro and joined Corinthians in 2010.

Chelsea confirm Moses interest

Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo has confirmed the Blues’ interest in Wigan striker Victor Moses but admitted a deal is yet to be agreed.

Latics owner Dave Whelan has claimed the north west club had rejected a third offer from Chelsea as their five million pound bid fell short of Wigan’s valuation for the 21-year-old forward.

Di Matteo told Sky Sports: “(It’s) something that the clubs are discussing but at the moment he is a Wigan player.

“He had a good championship last season, he is young and an interesting prospect.”

Chelsea opened their tour of the US on Wednesday with a 4-2 win over the Seattle Sounders.

Saints complete Clyne signing

Southampton have confirmed the signing of highly-rated defender Nathaniel Clyne from Crystal Palace.

The England Under-21 international has signed a four-year deal with the Premier League newcomers.

“I’m overwhelmed, really,” Clyne told the club’s website.

“As soon as I heard that Southampton were in for me, I was happy and I knew that this was the place where I could try to improve my football, further my career and get a chance to play in the Premier League.”

AVB warns Modric suitors

Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas has warned clubs interested in Luka Modric  that the Croatia playmaker will not be sold until Spurs’ £35 million asking price is met.

Spanish champions Real Madrid are thought to be leading the chase for the 26-year-old, with Manchester United and Paris St Germain reportedly among other potential suitors.

Quoted in several national newspapers, Villas-Boas said: “There has been continuous interest from three different clubs in Luka.

“But it is important for Tottenham Hotspur to hold on to their rights. His situation will continue as it is until the price is right.”

Lucas to play in Reds’ friendlies

Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva is set to make his return from a long-term knee injury two months ahead of schedule, Reds manager Brendan Rodgers has confirmed.

The 25-year-old Brazilian was ruled out last November when he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Liverpool will play friendlies against Toronto, Roma and Tottenham in North America as they prepare for the new season.

Rodgers told www.lfctour. com: “He’ll have some involve-ment. He’s still got some way to go to get back to where he was before the injury but he’s back two months early.”

Milan open talks for Damiao

Milan have declared their interest in Leandro Damiao, the Brazilian striker’s agents said yesterday.

The Rossoneri are looking to strengthen their squad after parting with high-profile players Thiago Silva and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, both to Paris St Germain.

The representatives of the 22-year-old Damiao, who has scored 24 goals in just over two seasons with Internacional, were spotted in Milan where they had preliminary talks with club officials.

“We talked, it was a provisional meeting. Milan seem interested and we will meet again,” Vinicius Frates, one of Damiao’s agents, told reporters.