Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes dismissed reports that club president Uli Hoeness entered the changing room at half-time of Wednesday’s Champions League match with FC Zurich.
“The changing room is for the coaches,” said Heynckes.
“I wouldn’t let anyone come in, not even the president to talk to the team at half-time.”
Heynckes said Hoeness had been seen twice in the tunnel leading to the pitch but had not entered the changing room.
According to rumours, Hoeness stormed into the changing room to upbraid Bayern’s players over the quality of their performance in the first half of their 2-0 Champions League play-off first leg win.
Valencia’s Mata bound for Chelsea
Valencia winger Juan Mata will soon put pen to paper on a transfer to Chelsea, Spanish media claimed yesterday in a deal worth between €27 and €30 million.
“Mata will play for Chelsea,” said the As newspaper on its Internet edition which claimed the Londoners will pay €30 million euros.
“Mata’s departure is imminent,” added Marca.
“The club will accept an offer of between 27 and 28 million euros which will allow him to play in the Premier League.”
Kewell signs with Melbourne Victory
Australian international Harry Kewell has signed a deal after protracted negotiations which will see him return home to play for the A-League’s Melbourne Victory, the club said yesterday.
Kewell’s 15-year career saw him playing for English clubs Leeds and Liverpool before he ended up at Galatasaray in Turkey.
But the 32-year-old has never played in Australia’s top-flight domestic competition, having left his home town Sydney as a teenager for England.
The Victory have been involved in negotiations with Kewell and his agent Bernie Mandic since June over a complex revenue-sharing deal.
As well as his base salary, Kewell will receive a percentage of any increases in revenue his performances generate through attendances and marketing, according to reports.
Arsenal want Lucho – Deschamps
Marseille coach Didier Deschamps has claimed Arsenal have expressed a firm interest in Argentina playmaker Lucho Gonzalez.
Following rumours of the Gunners’ interest, Deschamps confirmed he had been approached by his countryman Arsene Wenger.
“I talked to him and the one that really interests them is Lucho Gonzalez,” Deschamps said.
“Arsene Wenger believes that he is a great player who could be useful to his team even though he does not fit in with his recruitment policy (due to his age).
“He wanted him on loan but it was not acceptable to us, there are no negotiations.”
Milan set for Aquilani swoop
Milan are on the verge of completing a €7 million swoop for Liverpool midfielder Alberto Aquilani.
Riccardo Montolivo had been Milan’s primary target for the summer, but on Friday Fiorentina director Pantaleo Corvino scoffed at their proposal and declared he would “only be sold abroad”.
With this in mind and time running out, the Rossoneri have switched their efforts to signing Aquilani instead.
The Italy international has made it clear he’d like a return to Serie A after Juventus refused to take up their option on his loan spell.
According to the Gazzetta dello Sport, Liverpool are prepared to part with Aquilani for only €7m.
Reds urged for stadium decision
Housing minister Grant Shapps has called on Liverpool to make a swift decision on their stadium plans to prevent ongoing uncertainty in the area.
Club owners Fenway Sports Group’s preferred option is to redevelop Anfield but that is looking increasingly difficult.
The alternative is a new build on nearby Stanley Park which offers greater regeneration potential for the area.
“Local people in Anfield need certainty and a definite decision on the future of their neighbourhood,” Shapps said.
“In the interests of the wider community, the club needs to make a swift decision on whether they plan to build a new stadium or stay where they are – either way the residents around Anfield deserve to know.”
Raul staying at Schalke
Raul’s agent believes the former Spain striker will continue at Schalke this season.
The 34-year-old has been linked with a move away from the Bundesliga outfit with the likes of Paris St Germain and Besiktas reportedly interested.
Gines Carvajal, Raul’s agent, said: “Raul will play for Schalke this season, I’m sure. There isn’t any other alternative for him and neither does he want to leave, so it’s best for everyone to stop talking about this.
“There is no offer from Besiktas, nor from Paris St Germain. Last season we had many... from Besiktas and teams in America, Asia and Europe.
“But Raul chose the Bundesliga because he saw it as the best possible step in his career.”