Football news

Cagliari striker Nene has signed a new one-year contract with the Serie A club.

The 29-year-old Brazilian joined the Rossoblu on a four-year deal in 2009 but after scoring just 15 league goals for the Sardinians it appeared he would move on in the summer.

However, a statement published on cagliaricalcio.net read: “Cagliari announce that the player Miguel Anderson Da Silva ‘Nene’ has renewed his contract for another year.”

Nene’s best individual contribution to the Cagliari cause came in December 2010 as he scored a hat-trick in a 3-0 home victory over Catania.

Man Utd arrange Stockholm date

Manchester United have added another game to their mammoth 24,500-mile pre-season schedule.

The Red Devils will face AIK in Stockholm on August 6 as part of preparations for David Moyes’s first full season in charge.

Coming just seven days after United return from their tour of the Far East and Australia, and ahead of testimonials for their own defender Rio Ferdinand and Swansea’s Alan Tate, plus the Community Shield meeting with Wigan on August 11, it means their overall travel schedule is just 500 miles short of an entire trip around the world’s circumference.

Martinez takes over at Valladolid

Real Valladolid have appointed former Levante coach Juan Ignacio Martinez to replace Miroslav Djukic on a two-year contract with an option for a further year.

Known affectionately as Jim, Spaniard Martinez left Levante at the end of last season after the Valencia-based club decided not to extend his contract following an 11th-placed finish.

The coaching job was vacant because Serb Djukic left at the end of last term to take over at Valencia, where he was once a player.

Former Sevilla, Deportivo and Athletic Bilbao coach Joaquin Caparros has replaced Martinez at Levante.

Chile’s Isla targets move to Inter

Mauricio Isla has made no secret of his desire to join Inter this summer. The Chile international has just ended a difficult year at Juventus but is now hoping he can start afresh at Inter.

“There is the possibility that I could leave Juventus and Inter have made an offer for me,” the 24-year-old, who is partly owned by Udinese and Juventus, said.

“There are talks taking place. I just want to play football, that would be ideal for me because I want to be useful and be in the best shape possible for my national team.

“The decision, however, will finally be made by Udinese and Juventus.”

Bielsa not moving to Brazil’s Santos

Santos have ended talks with Marcelo Bielsa to become their new coach.

The Brazil club announced in a statement on their website they had failed to reach an agreement with the former Argentina and Chile coach over future plans for the team.

The statement read: “Santos FC announces that talks with Argentinian coach Marcelo Bielsa have come to an end.

“The club and the coach did not successfully reach an agree-ment over the future of the project, preventing the coach’s appointment.”

Bielsa, 57, recently left Athletic Bilbao after two years in charge of the Primera Liga club.

Gundogan to stay at Dortmund

Ilkay Gundogan is on the verge of signing a new contract with Bundesliga and Champions League runners-up Borussia Dortmund.

The 22-year-old, who is currently on holiday in Turkey, has told Kicker magazine he plans to sit down with the Westphalian club and discuss a new deal upon his return.

“I am very, very grateful to this club and I know what I have here,” he said.

“The club has helped me to mature a lot and find my way into the national team.

“As soon as I get back, I am going to talk with my family and my father will then sit down with (general manager Hans-Joachim) Watzke and (director of sport Michael) Zorc.”

Coach Hiddink not leaving Anzhi

Guus Hiddink is to remain with Anzhi Makhachkala for a further season despite fans’ protests against the Dutchman after last season fell short of expectations.

Anzhi finished third in the Russian league, thereby missing out on the Champions League.

However, the 66-year-old yes-terday confirmed that he would remain with the club next season and has been promised funds to bring in reinforcements.

He said: “At the back we can use some strength and we need more productivity up front. Last season our squad was too thin to absorb injuries.

“If the club wants to fulfil its ambitions, we should be better armed against that kind of adversity.”