John Guidetti’s agent has said the Manchester City striker could return to Feyenoord for the new season but admitted there are other clubs interested in his client.
Blackburn reportedly failed in a bid to land the 20-year-old on loan, with City keen to sell the Sweden international.
Guidetti spent last season on loan at Feyenoord, scoring 20 goals in 23 appearances to become one of the hottest properties in the Eredivisie.
“Joining Feyenoord is an option, but there are more possibilities and we will explore all options,” Guidetti’s agent Per Jonsson said.
Future not in my hands – Agger
Liverpool defender Daniel Agger says he “can’t imagine” playing for any other club in England but admits his future may be taken out of his hands if a big offer comes in.
Manager Brendan Rodgers admitted last week that the Reds would likely allow the Denmark international to leave were a “massive bid” to be tabled.
Agger has two years left on his Anfield contract and is a reported target for Premier League champions Man. City.
“I’d rather stay,” Agger said.
“I can’t imagine playing for any other club in England but you never know if the club think it’s better to sell.”
S. Korea footballer escapes draft
A South Korean footballer will be excused military service as a reward for his Olympic performance despite controversially displaying a sign on a territorial dispute.
Park Jong-Woo was barred from the medal ceremony after he held up a sign reading “Dokdo is our land” while celebrating his team’s 2-0 win over Japan last Friday.
The Seoul-controlled islands, known as Dokdo in Korea and Takeshima in Japan, are the subject of a decades-old dispute.
“Our military law says those who win third place or above at the Olympics will be exempted from the service, and it never mentions an actual medal,” Sports minister Choe Kwang-Shik said.
“He won the third place in Olympics football... as part of a team.”
Dan Petrescu quits as Kuban coach
Kuban Krasnodar coach Dan Petrescu confirmed yesterday he has resigned from his post with the Russian Premier League side.
Club’s chiefs said Petrescu’s decision came as a complete surprise as it was right after Kuban 2-1 win over the city rivals FC Krasnodar at the weekend.
“I’m proud of everything I’ve done in Kuban,” Petrescu said.
“I put all my knowledge and experience into the team trying to bring them to a new level. I believe I managed to do this in these almost three years at the post.
“Now I need a new challenge.”
Given retires from Ireland duty
Aston Villa goalkeeper Shay Given retired from international duty with the Republic of Ireland.
Given made his Ireland debut against Russia in 1996 and went on to represent the Republic a record 125 times before hanging up his gloves in the aftermatch of a disappointing Euro 2012 campaign.
“This has been an extremely difficult decision for me to make,” Given said.
“I have dedicated 16 years of my life to my country, and I have a great affinity with Giovanni Trapattoni’s squad.
“I will continue to be Ireland’s biggest fan, and wish the lads well as they embark upon their new campaign.”
Maicon poised to face Vaslui
Inter coach Andrea Stramaccioni has included wingback Douglas Maicon in Inter’s list of players for the Europa League play-off round against Vaslui this month.
The 31-year-old Brazilian has been linked with a move out of San Siro this summer and did not play part in Inter’s 3-2 aggregate victory over Hajduk Split in the third qualifying round with compatriot Jonathan filling his void.
With Inter yet to receive a concrete offer for the €8 million-rated Brazilian, Maicon has been granted a reprieve and will play for the Nerazzurri in the tie scheduled for August 23 and 30.
However, goalkeeper Julio Cesar and striker Giampaolo Pazzini have again been left out by the Serie A side.
Wenger rubbishes Song rumours
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has dismissed suggestions that midfielder Alex Song could leave the club for Barcelona.
Song, 24, has been linked with a summer move to Barca, with reports suggesting Arsenal could accept an offer in the region of £20 million.
But the Cameroon international insisted this week that he is happy at the Emirates Stadium, despite the reported interest from the La Liga club.
Wenger said: “There’s nothing going on with Alex Song. There’s nothing in that.
“Song has three years’ contract – he’s not in the same situation as Robin van Persie.”