Martin Jol has laughed off any chance of Fulham signing Frank Lampard, Chelsea’s 34-year-old midfielder whose contract runs out this summer.
Fulham boss Jol was full of praise for the England international this week but dismissed suggestions he might make a summer approach.
“He is the most productive midfield player in England in the last 30 or 40 years,” the Dutchman said.
“He will have a smile on his face if he listens to Fulham but I would love to have him. But it’s hypothetical as he will never play for us. I’m not sure he will play for a top-10 team.”
Pompey relegated to League Two
Portsmouth, the 2008 FA Cup winners who were in the Premier League in 2010, were relegated to League Two on Tuesday.
Portsmouth, who have been in administration for over a year, were relegated after Oldham beat Yeovil 1-0 and condemned Pompey and Hartlepool to the drop.
The two managers – Lee Johnson at Oldham and Gary Johnson at Yeovil – were the first father and son to lead opposing teams in a Football League match since March 1971 but that statistic was overshadowed by the implications of the result for Portsmouth and Hartlepool.
Draxler flattered by Real link
Schalke teenager Julian Draxler is flattered by reported interest from Real Madrid.
The highly-rated Germany international has been linked with a host of Europe’s top clubs and Real Madrid are the latest side believed to be following the 19-year-old.
Draxler said: “Real Madrid are one of the world’s great clubs, it makes me proud that they like my style of play. I would be a dream to play at Real Madrid.
“I’ve always said that I would like to play in Spain. Every weekend I try to see the matches involving Real Madrid and Bar-celona.
“I never miss the Classicos.”
Catania sign Leto
Catania have confirmed the signing of Argentinian striker Sebastian Leto, who had been a free agent since leaving Panathinaikos in January.
Details of the 26-year-old’s contract, including its length, have not been released.
“Catania can confirm reaching an economic agreement for the next few seasons with the striker Sebastian Eduardo Leto,” said a statement on the club’s website.
The former Liverpool striker joined Panathinaikos in 2009 after previously being on loan at their arch-rivals Olympiacos.
However, his career in Athens stalled after a serious knee injury suffered in January last year.
City’s Aguero apologises to Luiz
Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero has apologised to Chelsea’s David Luiz for the challenge he made on the Brazilian defender in Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final.
Chelsea, who lost the match 2-1, were awarded a free-kick after the two-footed tackle nine minutes from time but Aguero was not shown a card by referee Chris Foy.
After the game Luiz said Aguero should apologise, which the Argentine did via the micro-blogging social media website Twitter.
“I’ve contacted David Luiz and apologised for what happened during the match. It was an impulse reaction that shouldn’t have happened,” Aguero tweeted.
Bellamy has another goal
Forward Craig Bellamy has called on Cardiff to go up to the Premier League as champions after they confirmed their promotion Tuesday night.
A goalless home draw against Charlton was enough to secure the Bluebirds’ return to the top flight for the first time in 51 years.
With that mission complete, Bellamy, 33, is eager to ensure a fairytale season.
“We can see where we go in the next couple of weeks and see if we can finish it off properly as champions,” he said.
“It’s so nice to share this with the people I love and to get over the finish line. We deserve to go up.”
Ancelotti plays down Rooney talk
Paris St Germain coach Carlo Ancelotti has played down reports that the club could sign Wayne Rooney in summer.
Reports this week suggested the Manchester United striker was on another ambitious shopping list being prepared by the big-spending Parisiens, who appear destined to win their first Ligue 1 title in 19 years this season.
Ancelotti said: “Rooney is one of the best strikers in the world. I think he is impossible to buy. He is an idol for Manchester United.”