Barcelona defender Martin Montoya is eyeing a move to the Premier League having decided to leave the Catalan club in the January transfer window.
The 23-year-old home grown talent opted to stay and fight for his place this season despite being on the radar of several European clubs including Liverpool, but he has been given little playing time.
“He is going to go in January and all that has to be done is to reach an agreement with Barce-lona,” Montoya’s representative Juan de Dios Carrasco said.
“There are a number of clubs in England that are ready to negotiate for him and his buy-out clause is €20 million.”
Everton wait for Mirallas scan
Roberto Martinez is keeping his fingers crossed Kevin Mirallas has not suffered a serious injury after he was carried off during Everton’s 3-1 victory over QPR.
The Belgian was chopped down by Jordon Mutch in stoppage time, with his ankle appearing to buckle.
The forward left Goodison Park in a boot and on crutches, and manager Martinez said: “There’s clear damage in his ankle.
“I don’t know if it’s going to be ligament damage or something else. We’re going to scan him.
“It doesn’t look too bad. It’s swollen straight away, which is a good sign.”
Celtic can shock Inter says Deila
Celtic boss Ronny Deila insists his side are good enough to knock Inter out of the Europa League.
The Hoops will take on the Italians, now coached by Roberto Mancini, in the last 32, a repeat of the 1967 European Cup final, where the Glasgow side defeated Inter 2-1 in Lisbon to become the first British team to win the European title.
“It’s going to be a very good match and I’m really looking forward to it,” Deila said.
“We are meeting a big opponent but we always have a chance.
“They are a good team and it’s going to be a tough game. Everything is possible, however, and we have everything to play for.”
Roxburgh leaves New York Red Bulls
Former Scotland manager Andy Roxburgh is leaving his job as Sporting Director of the New York Red Bulls.
Roxburgh has been with the Red Bulls since November 2012.
He was manager of Scotland from 1986 to 1993 and was then appointed UEFA’s first technical director where he was charged with developing coaching across the continent, a position he held until moving to New York.
During Roxburgh’s time at the club, New York finished with the best regular season record in 2013 and reached the Eastern Conference final this season.
“After two wonderful seasons with this great club, it is time for me to move on,” said Roxburgh.
Get rid of Balotelli says Aldridge
Liverpool goal-scoring great John Aldridge has called on the Reds to offload misfiring striker Mario Balotelli in the January transfer window.
Aldridge enjoyed a stunning scoring record for the Mersey-siders in the late 1980s and early 90s, but that sort of productivity has not been replicated by Balotelli, who has yet to score a Premier League goal since his summer arrival from Milan.
“Get rid of Mario Balotelli, if anyone will have him, and get rid of Fabio Borini,” Aldridge told reporters.
“It is pretty clear neither is going to give Liverpool what they want in terms of goals, so get penalty box operators in who can save this season.”
AFC calls for security review
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has asked Australia to beef up security for next month’s Asian Cup in the wake of the deadly hostage siege in Sydney.
The tournament will be held for the first time in Australia from January 9-31, and AFC officials are worried about safety plans following the 16-hour siege at a Sydney cafe on Monday that left two hostages and their captor dead.
Alex Soosay, the general secretary of the AFC, said: “Thousands of media and fans will be travelling to Australia for the competition, apart from 16 teams, and their security is our utmost priority.
“We have asked the organisers to provide extra security in team and AFC hotels as well as police escorts for all official activities including training and matches in addition to increase in security across all venues.”
Ashley, Rangers face Scottish FA charge
Rangers and Mike Ashley have been charged by the Scottish Football Association (SFA) over the minority shareholder’s dual interest in the club and English Premier League Newcastle United.
“Except with the prior written consent of the board no person who is involved in any capacity ... in the management or administration of a club may at the same time either directly or indirectly be involved in any capacity ... in the management or administration of another club,” the SFA said.
Ashley owns Newcastle and also has a 10 per cent shareholding in second tier Rangers.