Football news

The Duke of Cambridge joked his money is on Bayern Munich to win today’s all-German Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund.

William, in his role as president of the FA, made the opening speech at the UEFA Congress in London, yesterday.

He told delegates: “It is a great honour for us, the English FA, to host not just this prestigious Congress, but, of course, the Champions League final.

“My money is on Bayern Munich and two-nil. To host these events during our 150th anniversary year is truly special.”

Nzonzi request

Stoke midfielder Steven Nzonzi has handed in a transfer request just two days after manager Tony Pulis left the club.

The 24-year-old Frenchman only joined from Blackburn last summer, but has already set his sights on a move away from the Britannia.

Stoke chairman Peter Coates said: “I can confirm that we have received a written transfer request from Nzonzi. We are not unduly worried about the situation as he is our player and has three years remaining on his contract.”

Stoke have not yet appointed a replacement for Pulis but whoever it is will surely want Nzonzi, who was named the club’s young player of the year, on board.

Kidd heaps praise on spirited City

Manchester City caretaker boss Brian Kidd lauded his side as they announced themselves to the US market by coming from three goals down to beat Chelsea 4-3 in a friendly in St Louis.

City fell behind to Demba Ba, Cesar Azpilicueta and Oscar goals but Javi Garcia began the fightback, Edin Dzeko struck twice and Micah Richards grabbed a late winner.

Kidd said: “I thought we were unlucky to go in 2-0 down but the players were tremendous. They have had a tough couple of weeks after losing the manager and the FA Cup final.

“We had one training session, so that might be the secret. You can’t say enough about them.”

Benteke won’t be forced to stay

Striker Christian Benteke has told Aston Villa he “won’t necessarily accept” it if they tell him he cannot leave the club.

The 22-year-old Belgium international scored 19 league goals this season and has been linked to with a move away from Villa Park, with Arsenal among the possible destinations.

Benteke said: “If Aston Villa say I must stay, I won’t necessarily accept that. I do not in any way want to feel I didn’t get the most out of my career. I try to get everything.

“If the chance comes up for me to join a club like Arsenal, I’m convinced we can reach a compromise where everyone comes out a winner.”

New contract for Everton’s Osman

Leon Osman (picture) has signed a contract extension which will keep him at Everton until 2015.

The 32-year-old England midfielder has been a mainstay in the Toffees midfield, helping them to a sixth-placed finish in the Premier League.

Osman has been at the club since he was an apprentice, making 284 league appearances.

His previous deal was set to expire at the end of next season.

Osman said: “I am delighted to have put my signature on another contract and secured another year at the club. I have been here since I left school, I am a player and a fan, I love coming to work every day and I am delighted that’s going to continue.”

Lamela earns Argentina call-up

Roma midfielder Erik Lamela has earned a first call-up to Argentina’s World Cup qualifying squad with Lionel Messi also picked but in doubt with a hamstring problem.

Lamela, named in coach Alejandro Sabella’s squad, could step in for Messi if he does not recover in time from his injury to face Colombia at home on June 7 and Ecuador away four days later.

The 21-year-old has one cap from a 2011 friendly international playing for an Argentina team picked solely from the domestic league when he was still at River Plate.

He was also in the full squad for a friendly in Switzerland 15 months ago but did not play.

Vincent Tan plans IPO of Cardiff City

Malaysian billionaire Vincent Tan is exploring an IPO of Cardiff City for as early as this year, people with knowledge of the matter told Reuters, in a deal that would follow the team’s recent promotion to the English Premier League.

A listing for the Welsh team would follow Manchester United’s debut on the New York Stock Exchange last year, which raised $233.2 million in the largest sports team IPO ever.

The process is in its early stages, the sources said, with details on the timing, size and listing venue subject to change.

Tan, who owns 36.1 per cent of the club, has engaged at least one investment bank to lead the process.