Swansea have confirmed “a couple of incidents between certain players” took place during training last week.

Media reports surfaced yesterday of a training ground bust-up prior to the Chelsea game that Swansea lost 1-0 two days ago.

“Yes, there were a couple of incidents between certain players, which the club does not condone yet understands,” a Swan-sea spokesman said.

“They were quickly dealt with and everyone moved on. These things often happen on training grounds so despite the media reports, Swansea fans shouldn’t be concerned.”

Palace boss keen to hold on to Tom Ince

Tom Ince will become one of Tony Pulis’s top targets for a permanent Selhurst Park switch if Crystal Palace complete their Premier League safety mission.

Palace boss Pulis has tipped England U-21 forward Ince to become a top player, despite the Blackpool loanee only featuring five times since his January move.

Pulis said Ince will become a high priority if and when the Eagles tie up their top-flight future.

“He’s one that we’ll look at once things are done,” said Pulis.

“I’d love to sit down and get something done with him because I think he’s a top player.”

Liverpool product Ince joined Blackpool in 2011.

Rossi’s return

Fiorentina expect Giuseppe Rossi to make his long-awaited return from injury in the Coppa Italia final against Napoli on May 3.

The striker has been sidelined since January after suffering ligament damage in his right knee.

Rossi, who was the top scorer in Serie A with 14 goals before getting injured, is eager to return to full fitness in time to be selected for this summer’s World Cup in Brazil.

“Rossi is back in the group but is avoiding physical contact,” Fiorentina sporting director Daniele Prade said.

“He is following a specific programme so we hope to have him available for the Coppa final. He is the biggest Italian talent that there is.”

CONI dismiss case against Acerbi

Italy’s Olympic Committee (CONI) dismissed the doping case against Sassuolo defender Francesco Acerbi.

Acerbi, who was diagnosed with testicular cancer last summer, failed a drug test in December after a Serie A game.

The 26-year-old was provisionally suspended but the decision was later overturned after it was revealed that the high levels of hormone found in his system were produced by cancerous cells, meaning the disease had returned.

Acerbi, a former Milan player, continued to train while undergoing chemotherapy treatment earlier this year but has yet to return to play.

Zidane wanted to be France coach

French Football Federation president Noel Le Graet claims he turned down an approach from Zinedine Zidane to succeed Laurent Blanc as national coach in 2012.

Didier Deschamps was appointed Les Bleus boss after Blanc opted not to stay on following his side’s Euro 2012 quarter-final exit at the hands of eventual winners Spain.

But Zidane was also interested in the role, according to Le Graet.

In an excerpt from his book, ‘World champions 1998, secrets and power’, he said: “Zinedine Zidane would have liked to lead Les Bleus. It’s clear he wanted the job.

“I met him at his request. It was not the moment. He first needed to lead a team.”

Inter hint at Torres interest

Chelsea striker Fernando Torres is a target of Inter, according to the Serie A club’s general director Marco Fassone.

Inter are looking to strengthen their attacking line this summer and the 30-year-old Torres is among the players the Nerazzurri are considering.

“Will we sign Torres?” Fassone said.

“You all know that some names have circulated (in the media) and even (club) president (Erick) Thohir has not made a mystery of the fact that they interest us.

“Who will be the right candidate in the end has yet to be defined.”

Argentina’s Gago may miss World Cup

Argentina midfielder Fernando Gago could miss the World Cup due to a knee injury after his club Boca Juniors said he would need up to 60 days to recover.

A scan revealed ligament damage after Gago suffered a hard knock during Boca’s 0-0 draw at Colon in Santa Fe in the Argentine first division on Sunday.

Club doctors recommended the knee be immobilised for two weeks and that Gago, who will miss the rest of the Argentine season, which ends in mid-May, should then begin rehabilitation.

Coach Alejandro Sabella considers Gago to be Lionel Messi’s ideal ball provider on the right side of Argentina’s midfield.

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