Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is backing forward Fabio Borini to be a success at Anfield but admits the 21-year-old has to learn to deal with the expectation on his shoulders.
The Italian was the new manager’s first signing in a £10 million deal from Roma last month.
“Expectancy is what comes from being at a big club so you have to deal with it both as players and manager,” said Rodgers.
“Fabio is not alone. When you come to a big club there is always big expectation and pressure.
“This is a kid who works well and works hard and he will come good there is no question about that.”
Stoke City agree terms with Edu
Stoke City have confirmed they have agreed personal terms with Rangers midfielder Maurice Edu.
The 26-year-old US international will now undergo a medical before completing the transfer for an undisclosed fee, subject to international clearance.
If the deal goes through, Edu will link up with American compatriot Geoff Cameron, who recently arrived at the Britannia Stadium from Houston Dynamo.
England set for top friendlies
England are set to play up to four more “high-profile” friendlies next year to mark the Football Association’s 150th anniversary, it was revealed yesterday.
The FA said they were poised to announce a February 6 clash to launch a year of celebration that will also include another glamour friendly on May 29 and the already-confirmed August 14 showdown with Scotland.
Should England not be involved in the play-offs for the 2014 World Cup the following November, they would then seek to arrange two more such games.
FA communications director Adrian Bevington refused to reveal the opponents that were being sought for the first two matches, which are likely to be played at Wembley.
Duff retires from Ireland duty
Fulham winger Damien Duff retired from international duty with the Republic of Ireland.
Duff, 33, informed coach Giovanni Trapattoni that he no longer wished to be considered for selection after a dismal Euro 2012 campaign that saw the Irish crash out at the group stage.
The 33-year-old, who made his debut in 1998 against the Czech Republic, won 100 caps and captained Ireland in their last Euro 2012 group game against Italy.
Duff said: “I found it very difficult to make this decision, not least for the respect in which I hold Giovanni Trapattoni. I have enjoyed so many good times in the green jersey and want to thank everyone involved, especially the fans for making the last 14 years so special.”
Liverpool get Sahin on loan
Liverpool have agreed a deal to sign Real Madrid playmaker Nuri Sahin on a season-long loan. The Turkey international joined Real last year after helping Borussia Dortmund win the 2011 Bundesliga title but found opportunities limited because of injury.
Real boss Jose Mourinho was keen for Sahin to go to England to restart his career and Liverpool have swooped after interest from Arsenal cooled.
“The 23-year-old will now undergo a medical on Merseyside,” a Liverpool statement said.
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has hinted that Sahin would be a major first-team player at Anfield despite playing in a similar role to captain Steven Gerrard, who may now be asked to operate wide or as a holding midfielder.
Mazzarri ban overturned
Walter Mazzarri will take control of Napoli on the first day of the Serie A season after having a touchline ban overturned by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).
The 50-year-old head coach was sent to the stands for remonstrating with officials as Napoli were beaten 4-2 by Juventus in the Supercoppa.
Players Goran Pandev, Andrea Dossena and Juan Camilo Zuniga were also handed suspensions, which were upheld by the Federal Court of Justice.
Mazzarri was so incensed by the officials’ performances in the Beijing showpiece that he and his players refused to attend the trophy presentation.
Bologna put brakes on Ramirez move
Bologna president Albano Guaraldi has revealed that transfer talks between his club and Southampton for Gaston Ramirez have broken down but that the Uruguayan has refused to play again for the Serie A club.
“Southampton haven’t given us the guarantees that we wanted, the talks have been interrupted,” Guaraldi said.
“Ramirez is furious with me and has told me that he won’t ever play for Bologna again, he has threatened me but I’ve tried to explain the situation to him.
“Players are often badly advised and in this case his agent has done a deal without us knowing.”