Australian captain Lucas Neill says he is looking for a fresh challenge in Europe and will not rule out a return to England as the 33-year-old searches for a new club.
The former Everton, Blackburn and West Ham defender, who is recovering from a minor groin operation, is looking for another club after being released by Galatasaray.
He played an hour of Australia’s 0-0 draw with Serbia in Melbourne on Tuesday.
“It’s nice and positive to bounce back and send the message that all is good and I’m ready to take on my next challenge,” Neill said.
“I am enjoying my football and I’m sure I can play a massive part in someone’s team.”
Brady predicts busy summer for Wenger
Liam Brady predicts Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will do “a lot of business” this summer.
Arsenal have been heavily linked with Lille’s Ivorian forward Gervinho, as well as Bolton defender Gary Cahill and pro-mising young Blackburn defender Phil Jones.
“There will be a lot of business done this year and I think we will be spending a bit more money than we have done in past seasons. I think Arsenal will spend this year,” Brady, the head of youth develop-ment at Arsenal, said.
However, the former Ireland midfielder maintained signing talent is never easy.
“Where are the players to go around everybody? It is not only the clubs in England, but also all the big European clubs are in the transfer market,” he said.
Jerome could leave at right price
Relegated Birmingham will allow striker Cameron Jerome to leave the club if the price is right, Press Association Sport reported.
Bolton have been linked with a move for the former England Under-21 international.
Birmingham need to generate income after losing their Premier League status as manager Alex McLeish looks to rebuild his squad.
Bolton have made initial contact with City who will want in excess of £5 million for the former Cardiff player.
Stoke City were also linked with Jerome during the January transfer window.
Marcelino new man at Sevilla
Sevilla have unveiled Marcelino Garcia Toral as their new coach on a two-year deal.
Marcelino, 46, had a year to go on his deal with Racing Santander but bought himself out to move south.
He immediately vowed to challenge for a top-three place, warning clubs such as Valencia and Atletico Madrid that they were in his sights.
Marcelino takes over from Gregorio Manzano, who could only take the club to a disappointing fifth in La Liga.
Gattuso turns down Russian offer
Milan midfielder Gennaro Gattuso has turned down a move to Russia and will remain with the Italian champions next season.
The 33-year-old Italy international has been strongly linked with a move away from the San Siro this summer.
Gattuso had been mulling over an offer from Dagestan-based club Anzhi Makhachkala before deciding to turn it down.
“I evaluated the offer,” Gattuso told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“It was an important offer but in the end, I believe it is better to be with the family at home.
“I have been 12 years at Milan and it’s my home.”
Udinese deny Sanchez-Barca deal
Udinese have not reached an agreement with Barcelona for the transfer of Alexis Sanchez to the Catalan outfit, the club have announced.
Reports in Spain claim a deal between the two clubs was reached on Tuesday night but a statement from Udinese president Franco Soldati said: “Regarding reports of a possible transfer of Chilean striker Alexis Sanchez to Barcelona, I would like to point out that they are not true.
“No agreement has been reached between Udinese and Barcelona. Moreover, no meeting has been scheduled between the two clubs so far to discuss such transfer.”
Inter and Manchester City are also in the race to acquire the 22-year-old.
Palermo complete double signing
Serie A club Palermo have bolstered their squad with the signings of Adam Simon and Eros Pisano.
The duo have signed five-year contracts with the Sicilian club and join fellow new arrival Milan Milanovic.
Simon is a Hungarian Under-21 midfielder who last plated for Haladas.
Pisano is a defender who caught Palermo’s eye after impressing with northern Italian club Varese in the Serie B.
Palermo also confirmed the appointment of Sean Sogliano as their new sporting director.
The 40-year-old has inked a three-year deal and replaces Walter Sabatini who has taken up the same role at Roma.