Goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano told reporters he is ready to leave Bologna at the end of the season and join Inter who own 50 per cent of Viviano’s contract and intend to make the Italy inter-national Julio Cesar’s long-term replacement.
“For now I am Bologna’s goalkeeper,” Viviano said.
When asked about the prospect of playing for Inter at the San Siro next season, Viviano replied: “Sure, who wouldn’t want to play for Inter.
“It makes me happy to be linked with them, but the clubs must reach an agreement.”
No FA action for Wembley damage
Manchester United will escape any action from the Football Association after a dressing room wall was damaged following their FA Cup semi-final defeat at Wembley.
A hole was kicked in the wall of the United dressing room after Manchester City had triumphed 1-0 and emergency repairs had to be carried out so the room could be used by Stoke City the following day.
There have been suggestions that the FA would send the repair bill to United or write to the club reminding them of their responsibilities. But according to FA sources a decision has been taken to let the matter lie.
Barca extend Zubizarreta deal
Barcelona have taken up the option of an automatic renewal on the contract of sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta for a further two seasons until summer 2013. The existing deal stipulated that Barca could opt to prolong the agreement at any time before June 15, 2011.
Zubizarreta, who took over from Txiki Begiristain in the role last July, was delighted to commit his future to the club and is now looking forward to the challenges ahead.
The 49-year-old former Barca goalkeeper said: “It’s not easy to make a valuation of a new contract extension when it is for yourself.
“I’m thrilled to be here and happy with what the future holds.”
Vidal excited by Bayern idea
Bayer Leverkusen defender Arturo Vidal has revealed he would like to follow coach Jupp Heynckes to Bayern Munich next season.
Chile international Vidal is the one player Heynckes would like to take with him when he moves south in the summer and the 23-year-old has now commented on the speculation by revealing his preference.
“It would be spectacular to play in Munich under Jupp Heynckes,” he said.
“I really want to play for Bayern Munich.”
However, Leverkusen are not keen on selling him and have this week offered him a new contract.
Barcelona appeal likely Iniesta ban
Barcelona have appealed a UEFA proposal to suspend Andres Iniesta from the first leg of their Champions League semi-final clash with Real Madrid.
UEFA will decide today whether to ban the Barcelona midfielder for an extra match for allegedly incurring a yellow card on purpose, Barcelona said.
Iniesta picked up the yellow card during Barcelona’s commanding 5-1 win over Shakhtar Donetsk at Camp Nou on April 6 meaning he missed the return leg but would have a clean sheet for the following match.
But UEFA match officials at the Barcelona-Shakhtar game issued a report alleging Iniesta picked up the yellow card deliberately.
Torres will score, vows Ancelotti
Carlo Ancelotti has declared Fernando Torres will score for Chelsea before the end of the season.
Torres has now gone 871 minutes without finding the net and bookmakers have begun taking bets on whether he will break his duck before the campaign is over.
But manager Ancelotti has no doubt that the Spain striker would begin repaying his £50m transfer fee in Chelsea’s last six games of the season.
“He will score,” said Ancelotti, who refused to confirm whether the 27-year-old would start tonight’s league match against Birmingham after being restricted to an eight-minute cameo at West Brom on Saturday.
“He can score if he plays.”
Woman in Rio stalker case held
A woman found guilty of stalking Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand was detained yesterday after she fled a court hearing before her conviction.
Susanne Ibru, 38, was convicted on Monday after a one-day trial where she was accused of harassing Ferdinand outside his home on three occasions between February and June last year.
Ibru, who conducted her own defence and cross-examined Ferdinand in the witness box, left the court before District Judge Nicholas Sanders gave his guilty verdict.
The court heard that Ibru, from south London, had made a 400-mile round trip to Ferdinand’s home in Cheshire on three occasions last year.