FC Sion have said they will not stand in the way of coach Vladimir Petkovic if he is approached by Lazio.
Bosnian Petkovic only took charge of the Swiss club a little over a fortnight ago but has already been strongly linked with the Italian outfit who are looking for a new coach following the departure of Edy Reja earlier this month.
“We have signed a contract with Petkovic but it’s also true that when Lazio calls it is difficult to hold on to anyone,” Sion’s sporting director Marco Degennaro told reporters.
“Petkovic will have a meeting with Lazio this week and should he reach an agreement, we will not be opposed to it.”
Bidding war going on for Lavezzi
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has confirmed there are six clubs in the race to sign striker Ezequiel Lavezzi.
Lavezzi is expected to leave Napoli this summer, with Manchester City, Paris St Germain and Inter among those reportedly chasing the Argentina international.
“Six clubs continuously ask me about Lavezzi,” De Lau-rentiis revealed.
“There is an international bidding war going on for him.
“With calmness and alongside Lavezzi we will evaluate where he wants to go and what is the best solution for him and the club.”
Hernanes not leaving Olimpico
Brazil midfielder Hernanes has no plans to leave Lazio this summer, despite reports sug-gesting otherwise.
The 26-year-old has been strongly linked with a move away from the Stadio Olimpico, with Arsenal and Russian big spenders Anzhi Makhachkala among the clubs reportedly keen to acquire his services.
But he said: “I don’t have any plans to move.
“I have also heard those rumours but there is no truth in what is being said.
“I am leaving for Brazil for 15 days and then I will return to Rome to begin pre-season training with Lazio.”
Foley ‘betrayed’ by Trapattoni
Kevin Foley felt ‘betrayed’ by Giovanni Trapattoni’’s decision to leave him out of the Ireland squad for Euro 2012.
The 27-year-old defender was stunned to discover that he will not be going to Poland and Ukraine after manager Giovanni Trapattoni opted not to name him in his final 23.
Foley said: “It is hard to take, you know. I sort of feel betrayed. I don’t want to go into too much detail. I just feel betrayed.”
Foley was replaced by Paul McShane, who had been drafted in as defensive cover.
Viola president keen on Montella
Fiorentina president Mario Cognigni believes Vincenzo Montella could be the ideal man to lead the team next season.
The Viola are looking for a new coach after sacking Delio Rossi earlier this month.
Montella, who is under con-tract with Catania for a further season, has been strongly linked with the Viola hotseat and Cognigni told Gazzetta dello Sport: “Montella could be the right coach to start a new project.
“However, we know Montella is under contract with Catania and we know there are rules that have to be respected.
“We are monitoring the situation though considering that Montella has expressed his wish to start a new adventure.”
Baines flattered by Man. Utd link
England full-back Leighton Baines insists he is focused on Euro 2012 rather than his own future.
Everton left-back Baines heads into the tournament with Manchester United being strongly linked with a move for his services this summer.
He said: “The United link is flattering. There is no harm in people talking about it because it is a great club.
“But I’m at a great club as well. The focus now is all on the tournament. There’s not much time to let other things seep in.
“It’s about getting your head on this job for the next six weeks and try to do the best you can.”
Gourcuff exit surprises Girard
Montpellier coach Rene Girard admitted he was surprised to see Yoann Gourcuff left out of France’s Euro 2012 squad.
Gourcuff missed coach Laurent Blanc’s final cut along with young defender Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa, who helped Girard lead Montpellier to their first Ligue 1 title last season.
Girard said he had been caught out by the decision to leave midfielder Gourcuff out.
“The team that Laurent has chosen seems to be balanced.
“That said I was still a little surprised by the exclusion of Gourcuff,” Girard said.
“Since he brought him in to the original 26-man squad I thought he might take him until the end.
“If he had not been in the 26 then I would not have been as surprised.”