The growing interest in Napoli captain Marek Hamsik has led his agent to declare that “anything could happen” this summer.
“After the Euro 2016 match with Russia, I had a number of phone calls,” Juraj Venglos, Hamsik’s agent, was quoted as saying.
“I won’t be specific at the moment though, Marek has a contract with Napoli. He was already well-known, it’s not just about these two games he’s played.
“Could he leave for €35m? It could be that, it depends on the conditions of Napoli.
“Because he could stay at Napoli? Yes, anything is possible.”
Villa scores again
David Villa notched his league-leading 11th goal of the season as New York City FC beat Philadelphia 3-2 in MLS, handing Union their first defeat in eight games.
New York went ahead through Frank Lampard in the eighth minute before Villa made it 2-0 13 minutes later and Andrea Pirlo scored with a free-kick in the 50th minute.
Eastern Conference leaders Philadelphia got one back with a penalty kick from Roland Alberg in the 55th minute. An own goal from New York defender Frederic Brillant two minutes from time made it 3-2 but the hosts held on for the win.
Wilmots warns of Ibrahimovic threat
Belgium coach Marc Wilmots has warned his players to beware Zlatan Ibrahimovic as they attempt to book their place in the last 16 of the Euro 2016 finals.
The Belgians face Sweden in their final Group E game in Nice on Wednesday knowing a point will be enough to ensure their passage even if Ireland pull off a shock victory against leaders Italy.
Asked about the Sweden game, Wilmots said: “We played against them two years ago at the World Cup and they were a very combative team.
“They have got a great player up front, Zlatan – he can score from a deflection, from a free-kick, from anything and I respect Zlatan very much.”
Rooney willing to see out career at United
Wayne Rooney admits he would be interested in extending his Manchester United contract and is ready to see out the twilight years of his career in midfield.
Rooney still has three years to run on the existing deal he signed in February 2014 and will be almost 34 when that expires.
The England captain had been linked with a move away from United prior to signing that deal, but he now looks willing to commit himself to Old Trafford for the remainder of his playing days.
He told fanzine United We Stand, in quotes reported by The Sun: “I have a contract at the club that I want to see out and wouldn’t be against extending it – but that’s up to the club.”
Buffon misses Italy training with fever
Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon missed training yesterday morning because of a fever, the Italian football federation (FIGC) said.
The goalkeeper had been ill leading up to Italy’s second Group E game against Sweden, but nevertheless started in goal and kept a clean sheet.
Winger Antonio Candreva trained separately, meanwhile, as he tried to recover from a hamstring injury he suffered in the 1-0 win over Sweden last Friday.
With Italy having already assured top place in Group E and qualified for the last 16, Buffon, 38, was expected to be rested in any case for Wednesday’s match against Ireland in Lille.
Burger blow-out is a tonic for Wales
Gareth Bale has revealed how a burger blow-out helped the Wales camp get over their England heartbreak.
Wales were within seconds of virtually securing their place in the knock-out stages of Euro 2016 on Thursday when Daniel Sturridge struck a stoppage-time winner.
But Wales have another chance to reach the last 16 when they play Russia tonight.
“After the England game we decided to go out for lunch as a group, the staff and players,” Bale said.
“We had a nice meal out, everybody. Get away from the hotel a little bit, a change of scenery – and burger and chips seems to have helped!”
Liverpool rival Juventus for Kovacic
Liverpool have reportedly stolen a march on Juventus in the race for Mateo Kovacic of Real Madrid.
The Croatian playmaker joined the Spanish giants from Inter last summer, but failed to secure a regular place in the side.
The Bianconeri are looking to bring the 22-year-old back to Serie A, but are only willing to offer a loan and option to buy.
According to football journalist Gianluca Di Marzio’s website, Liverpool are also interested in the Croatian, but would be willing to buy Kovacic outright, a more attractive option for Madrid.