Casillas: Iker Casillas is “flattered” by interest from Roma as “one of the best clubs in Europe,” said the Real Madrid man’s agent. The story emerged in Spanish newspaper As yesterday that veteran goalkeeper Casillas was a target for the Giallorossi. “They are a great side and we are flattered by their interest, because Roma are one of the best clubs in Europe,” agent Carlo Cutropia said. “We really love the city and the passion of the Roma fans.”
Ba: Former Chelsea striker Demba Ba has signed for Didier Drogba’s old club Shanghai Shenhua in a deal reported to be a record for the Chinese Super League. Ba, who will undergo a medical today, made the switch to China from Turkish side Besiktas, where he scored 27 goals in 44 games last season.
Pazzini: Milan striker Giampaolo Pazzini appears to have agreed a four-year contract with Verona. Sport Mediaset said the striker has agreed terms for a move that should finally get him regular playing time. ‘Il Pazzo’ is a free agent, as his contract with the Rossoneri is due to expire tomorrow.
MLS soccer: The Vancouver Whitecaps ended New England’s 17-match unbeaten streak at home with a 2-1 victory at the Revolution’s Gillette Stadium on Saturday. Vancouver, four games into a five-match stretch away from home while their BC Place is used for the ongoing women’s World Cup, moved into top spot in the Western Conference with 32 points in 18 games. They already have 10 wins this season, a total they did not reach until early October last year.
TV audiences: England were watched by a peak audience of 1.6 million viewers as they advanced to the Women’s World Cup semi-finals overnight on Saturday. Mark Sampson’s side beat hosts Canada 2-1 in Vancouver in a match which kicked off at 0030BST yesterday morning UK time, becoming the first England senior side to advance to the last four of a World Cup since 1990. Peak figures of 2.3 million were attained for the group matches against France and Colombia, but the kick-offs of those matches took place at much more sociable times.