Fabio Quagliarella is the subject of transfer speculation after fresh links with Zenit St Petersburg.
The 28-year-old striker renewed his contract at Juventus in April until 2015 but he could still leave the Serie A champions.
According to reports in Italy, Juventus are prepared to listen to offers as Zenit, at the request of coach Luciano Spalletti, confirmed their interest in the Italy international player.
An offer of around €12 million will most likely be accepted by Juve given that those funds could then be re-invested in a bid for Arsenal’s Robin Van Persie or Stevan Jovetic, of Fiorentina.
Blackburn want compensation
Blackburn boss Steve Kean has warned QPR they face being dragged through a tribunal if they fail to pay compensation for Junior Hoilett.
Kean believes Rangers have reached an agreement with Hoilett to bring the 22-year-old to Loftus Road after his contract expired this summer. Under FIFA rules, Rovers are entitled to compensation for the Canada-born forward, who joined their academy at the age of 13.
Kean said: “I believe he has signed for QPR. They might make us an offer for his registration but if not it might go to a tribunal. We have put a lot of time and effort in Junior and I’m sure that will be reflected in the price.”
Schurrle admits Blues’ interest
Bayer Leverkusen forward Andre Schurrle says it would have been hard to turn Chelsea down if the Bundesliga side had accepted an offer from the Blues.
Leverkusen turned down Chelsea’s offer for the Germany international as they felt they would not be able to find a suitable replacement.
“I don’t think you would find any player in the Bundesliga who would say that they would not at all be interested,” Schurrle said.
“Chelsea would have been very interesting for me. You don’t get a chance like that very often.”
RVP resolution
Arsene Wenger wants Robin van Persie’s future sorted by the start of the new season.
Speaking in Malaysia at the start of the Gunners’ pre-season tour, Wenger said: “Van Persie is a world-class striker. He has one year left and is in demand but our desire is to keep him.”
Wenger will be keen to avoid a repeat of last year, when both Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas were sold towards the end of the summer transfer window.
“The transfer deadline is August 31 but we can create an internal deadline,” Wenger said.
Asked if that was before the new campaign kicks off, he rep-lied: “Of course. I believe the transfer market should stop be-fore the season starts anyway.”
Lewandowski fee set at £13 million
The agent of Robert Lewandowski revealed that it will cost more than £13 million for any club to sign the Borussia Dortmund striker in this summer’s transfer window.
Lewandowski has admitted he is keen to play in the Premier League and reports over the weekend claimed that Chelsea had seen a £13m offer rejected by the Bundesliga champs.
Agent Maik Barthel does not want to get dragged into the speculation, but conceded the figures being quoted are well short of the player’s value.
“Unofficially there are offers from top English clubs,” Barthel said.
“We don’t want to take part in speculation but a £13m fee is not suitable.”
Eto’o hails Anzhi’s winning start
The skipper of Russian Premier League side Anzhi Makhachkala Samuel Eto’o said he was pleased with his team’s winning start into the league’s new season.
“It was important to win the match,” the forward, who fulfilled a promise he would score in Sunday’s match with Kuban Krasnodar which Anzhi won 2-1.
“I said I would score on Sunday and I did it. But our team’s win is much more important than any of my individual achievements.”
Anzhi, who are managed by Guus Hiddink, are hoping that their bulging wallet will help them win glory this season and a place in the lucrative Champions League.
United confirm interest in Lucas
Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has confirmed his interest in Brazil inter-national Lucas Moura.
However, the Scot insists no deal has been agreed for the 19-year-old Sao Paulo winger.
Ferguson’s comments came during a press conference in Shanghai yesterday amid reports the two clubs had reached an agreement.
He said: “It’s not correct. We haven’t reached an agreement for the player. We have shown an interest, but until such time we get a deal agreed, we can’t say he’s our player.”