Napoli have denied making any kind of approach for Real Madrid goalkeeper Jesus Fernandez.
The Serie A club, whose established number one is former Italy international Morgan de Sanctis, have responded to reports in the Italian press linking the 25-year-old with a move to the Stadio San Paolo.
“SSC Napoli categorically denies any contact with either the agents or managers of Jesus Fernandez, Real Madrid’s goalkeeper,” the club said.
“As a consequence, all the rumours reported by the media about our club’s interest in the player must be considered as totally unfounded.”
Wolfswinkel targets next level
Record signing Ricky van Wolfswinkel is in no doubt he can fire Norwich to the “next level” when the new English Premier League campaign kicks off.
The 24-year-old will officially complete an £8.5 million switch from Sporting Lisbon on July 1, after his return from international duty with Holland.
“I am sure I can help take Norwich to that next level now,” Van Wolfswinkel told the June edition of Canary Magazine.
“There is already a great team there and I hope I can add to that.
“I will love working with the team and the coach and I see a very good future for us all – for me and for Norwich.”
Hearts put entire squad for sale
Hearts have announced that all their players are up for sale as fears for the club’s future enters a “critical” period.
The news comes the day after the administrator of Ukio Bankas, to whom the Tynecastle club owe £15 million, said he has “no reason or desire to harm Hearts” after a court in Lithuania upheld a decision to liquidate the bank.
The Gorgie club, however, potentially face yet another winding-up order by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs over a £100,000 bill, although a majority of that bill has been paid.
Hearts released a statement outlining concerns about a “shortfall in funding” and stating that they would “consider realistic offers for players”.
Benatia on his way to Roma
Mehdi Benatia has revealed that he is on his way to join Roma.
The Moroccan international was linked with several clubs in the Serie A but he confirmed that he has now accepted an offer from the capital club.
“I haven’t signed yet,” the defender told La Gazzetta dello Sport. “I’m just waiting for Roma to sort out the details with Udinese. But I have given my word to Roma.
“Other clubs? I don’t want to mention any names, but I turned down the chance to play in the Champions League.”
Chelsea strike Schurrle deal
Chelsea yesterday confirmed the signing of Germany forward Andre Schurrle from Bayer Leverkusen.
The 22-year-old has long been a target for the Blues and becomes the first transfer since the appointment of new manager Jose Mourinho in what is reported to be an £18 million deal.
A statement on the club website read: “Chelsea Football Club and Bayer 04 Leverkusen have reached an agreement for the transfer of Andre Schurrle, subject to the completion of legal documentation and related matters, including personal terms and passing a medical.”
England need change – Redknapp
Harry Redknapp believes England are lacking direction and has called for Glenn Hoddle to return to the national set-up as Under-21s manager.
Stuart Pearce’s U-21s crashed out of the Euro Championship in Israel after losing all three of their group games.
“We do not know how to play football,” the QPR manager told The Sun. “In international football you cannot just hit and hope as you give the ball away. It’s about possession, retaining the ball, controlling the game.
“The last time we had an England team which looked to be heading in the right direction was under Glenn Hoddle. That’s why I think he would be a great choice to become the new Under-21 manager.”
Fabregas eyes clean sweep
Cesc Fabregas is aiming to help Spain complete a clean sweep of major international silverware at the Confederations Cup.
Spain head into the Brazil tour-nament having enjoyed unpre-cedented success in the last seven years, winning the European Championships in 2008 and 2012 as well as lifting the World Cup for the first time in 2010.
Fabregas told Marca: “It seems a less significant competition but for us it’s very important.
“I’m very proud with what we’ve done, but we need to continue.
“This team never settles (for what it has achieved). We want the Confederations Cup.
“This generation deserves to have all the titles.”