Ezequiel Lavezzi appears set to complete his move to Paris St Germain when the transfer market officially opens on Wednesday after Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis confirmed the clubs had reached an agreement.
The 27-year-old Argentine striker has been linked with several of Europe’s top clubs after playing a starring role in Napoli’s exciting attacking football in recent seasons, and the club have admitted defeat in efforts to keep him.
De Laurentiis said: “There is talk of a €31m price in the press, but this agreement is confidential and I cannot reveal the true figures. All I can say is that the case will be finalised soon.”
Promotion thrills Samp’s Iachini
Sampdoria coach Giuseppe Iachini has dedicated his side’s victory to their fans after they secured promotion back to Serie A via the play-offs on Saturday.
The Genoa-based team won 1-0 at Varese to earn a 4-2 aggregate win and make a return to the top flight after only one season, despite a disappointing campaign in Serie B in which they could only manage sixth place.
“It has never happened before that the team who finished sixth wins the play-offs,” Iachini said.
“I am so happy for our fans, because it gives us a beautiful satisfaction to turn around a difficult situation.”
Sampdoria join Pescara and Torino in ascending to Serie A.
Messi basks in friendly success
Lionel Messi was delighted his hat-trick contributed to victory over Brazil, insisting the sheen was not taken off by the fact it was a friendly.
Messi was the headline act in a fine match between the South American giants in New Jersey that saw Messi seal a 4-3 win with a superb third of the night.
Romulo, Oscar and Hulk were on target for Brazil, with Federico Fernandez notching the goal that tied the score at 3-3.
Messi said: “This kind of triumph makes us stronger as a team and group and helps us to grow up even more.
“Despite being a friendly, it is always nice to defeat Brazil. I’m also happy with my three goals, it’s not common to see seven goals in Argentina vs Brazil.”
Monaco table Gilardino bid
Alberto Gilardino could be on his way to Monaco after the Ligue 2 side tabled an offer for the striker.
Gilardino, 29, joined Genoa last January but struggled to leave his mark with the Rossoblu who just avoided relegation.
The former Fiorentina striker is not thought to be part of coach Gigi De Canio’s plans for next season and could be sold to the French outfit who have just appointed Claudio Ranieri as their new boss.
According to reports, Monaco have now lodged an offer of €8m, precisely the sum Gilardino cost Genoa six months ago.
Ivory Coast stay top despite draw
Ivory Coast stayed on course for a third consecutive appearance at the World Cup despite conceding a late equaliser to draw 2-2 with Morocco this weekend in a qualifier for the 2014 tournament.
Salomon Kalou and Kolo Toure put the Elephants ahead twice at Stade de Marrakech only for Houssine Kharja and substitute Hamza Abourazzouk to level for the Atlas Lions.
The Ivorians lead Group C with four points after two rounds, having started the mini-league second elimination phase in Africa with a 2-0 home win over 10-man Tanzania last weekend.
Benzema reveals United pursuit
Karim Benzema has revealed that Manchester United have made several attempts to sign him for the past four seasons.
Benzema insists he is happy at Real Madrid and has no plans to leave the Spanish champions.
“The rumours about my future are common, every summer it’s the same that I will be going to this club and that club,” he said.
“But I am very happy at Real Madrid and the thought about leaving has never crossed my mind. I know Manchester United have tried to sign me for the past three or four seasons.
“I wanted to go to Spain and I can honestly say I have never regretted that decision.”
MacDonald to quit Villa post
Aston Villa have announced that first-team coach Kevin MacDonald is to leave the club.
MacDonald, 51, first joined Villa in 1995 and has worked successfully as reserve-team manager as well as briefly acting as caretaker for the senior team following the departure of Martin O’Neill in 2010.
He had also been first-team coach during Alex McLeish’s reign but, following the appointment of Paul Lambert as the club’s new manager, MacDonald is to move on.
“I’ve had an incredible 17 years at Aston Villa, one of the biggest clubs in the country, and wish to thank all the staff and players I have worked with during my time at the club,” he said.