Sochaux striker Modibo Maiga remains determined to play in England one day despite the apparent collapse of his proposed move to Newcastle.
The 25-year-old has been a long-term target for the Magpies, but reports suggest a January deal had stalled because of a problem with medical checks on his knees.
Maiga insists he is fine.
“I wanted that move to Newcastle badly. However, it did not happen as they said my knee has a problem but I feel better than anything,” he said.
“I love the Premier League and I want to play there, hopefully I will have another chance, my knees are strong.”
Gladbach want Reus to stay
Borussia Moenchengladbach’s director of sport Max Eberl has denied that Bayern Munich have made an enquiry for his club’s midfielder Marco Reus.
Reus, 22, masterminded Gladbach’s 1-0 win over Mainz on Sunday on his return to the side after missing the previous two games due to injury.
“There is no offer (from Bayern),” Eberl said.
“It is obvious that the lad is interesting and he is playing a fantastic season and it is also obvious that he feels very, very happy with us. We have not received any enquiries and there would be no point in any arriving because we want to keep hold of the lad for a long time.”
Palombo linked with Fiorentina
Angelo Palombo could be heading to Fiorentina next month as the Viola are showing keen interest to land the Sampdoria captain who was also mentioned with a move to Juventus and Udinese in the Serie A last week.
Reports in Italy are saying Fiorentina will definitely lose Riccardo Montolivo, whose contract runs out next June, and sporting director Pantaleo Corvino wants a suitable replacement in midfield.
Palombo, 30, left Fiorentina to join Sampdoria in the sum-mer of 2002 following a financial collapse at the renowned Florence club.
Tottenham have Bale worry
Tottenham may have to do without Gareth Bale for Thursday’s crunch clash against Chelsea after manager Harry Redknapp revealed the pacy winger is struggling with an ankle injury.
Bale sprained his ankle during training on Friday and missed Sunday’s 1-0 win over Sunderland at White Hart Lane.
The Londoners felt Bale’s absence dearly as they lacked the pace and penetration the Welshman offers in devastating fashion down the left flank, and they received another blow when Aaron Lennon had to come off in the first half with a suspected hamstring tear.
Cisse mulling Auxerre return
Misfiring Lazio striker Djibril Cisse is pondering a returning to the Ligue 1 and his former club Auxerre according to reports from France.
Cisse, 30, has not netted for Lazio in 13 league matches after joining the Serie A club from Panathinaikos.
The French international has admitted in the past that he would consider a Ligue 1 return at some stage in the future and singled out Auxerre and Marseille – his former clubs – as the only sides he would consider joining again should he return to his homeland.
Cisse, 30, left Auxerre in 2004 to sign for Liverpool in England.
Carrick happy to pay up
Michael Carrick was ready to pay any fine Alex Ferguson imposed on him after vacating the Manchester United midfield to score his first league goal for almost two years.
Carrick sealed Sunday’s 2-0 win at QPR with a 30-yard run and 20-yard shot ending a top-flight goal drought that went back all the way to December 2009.
United boss Ferguson feigned anger after the game that Carrick had been so adventurous, saying: “He’s supposed to sit in the middle of the pitch – I maybe have to fine him.”
Carrick also saw the funny side, admitting: “I’m happy to pay it if I score goals like that. The last time I scored from inside my own half was probably when I was playing U-12s.”
Palermo sack coach Mangia
Palermo yesterday sacked coach Devis Mangia after less than four months in charge.
The Sicilian club made the move in the wake of Sunday’s 2-0 defeat at Catania which saw them slip to 10th in the Serie A.
Palermo, who have claimed just one victory in their last five league games, confirmed in a club statement: “Palermo announces it has dismissed Devis Mangia and his staff today.
“The club wishes to thank the coach for the work he has done.”
Mangia was promoted from youth team boss to the first team in pre-season as a replacement for Stefano Pioli.
Reports in Italy have linked former Atalanta and Bari coach Bortolo Mutti with the Palermo hotseat.