Napoli are set to renew their attempts to sign Argentina international Javier Mascherano from Barcelona in the next transfer window.
Mascherano, 29, has long been linked with a move to the Italian Serie A and a reunion with his former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez at the San Paolo stadium.
El Mundo Deportivo yesterday reported that Barcelona do not intend to part with their midfielder but Mascherano is pushing to leave the Nou Camp where he has been playing since August 2010.
Real Madrid can top the lot says Zidane
Real Madrid assistant coach Zinedine Zidane sees no reason why the Spanish giants cannot achieve a historic treble this season.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men currently top the league standings by a point ahead of rivals Barcelona, who they will face in the Copa del Rey final next month.
Real are also pretty much assured of their spot in the quarter-finals of the Champions League after defeating German side Schalke 6-1 in the first leg of their last-16 clash.
“Of course, you should discuss the possibility of winning the treble,” Zidane told reporters.
“When you play at Real you know what the objectives are but if you work well, we can achieve important things.”
Inter now hunting for Podolski
Inter completed the transfer of Nemanja Vidic from Manchester United this week and reports yesterday said their next target could be Lukas Podolski, of Arsenal.
Speculation is rife that Inter will be tabling a bid for the Germany international in summer.
“Serie A is of high level and Inter are an interesting club that wants to invest, as we have seen recently with Vidic,” Podolski’s agent Nassim Touihri said.
“Has anyone from Inter called me? I cannot answer this question, but I repeat that Lukas has a contract with the Gunners until 2016 and is very happy.”
Cellino’s Leeds Utd takeover in doubt
Massimo Cellino’s proposed takeover of Leeds United could collapse if the Italian is found guilty of tax evasion at a Sardinian court later this month.
Cellino denies illegally evading paying €400,000 import duty on a yacht.
The case is due to be heard on March 18, five days after the next meeting of the Football League, which is currently considering whether he passes the “fit and proper person” test.
The Football League is likely to delay a decision until the case is decided.
If the Cagliari owner is convicted, the Football League would almost certainly bar him from completing his purchase of 75% of current owner GFH’s stake in Leeds.
Udinese not sacking coach Guidolin
Misfiring Udinese have made it clear they do not intend to part with their coach Francesco Guidolin despite a poor run of form that has seen the northeasterners slipping into rele-gation trouble.
This week Corriere dello Sport said Udinese will be hiring the services of Andrea Mandorlini who is the current coach of surprise package Verona.
However, Udinese said the report was way off the mark.
“Udinese strongly denies having ever had any contact with Andrea Mandorlini with a view to becoming our coach,” a statement on the Udinese website said.
“Francesco Guidolin has a contract with the club until June 30, 2017. The allegations made are completely unfounded.”
Eriksen will not abandon Tottenham
Christian Eriksen would not abandon Tottenham simply for missing out on Champions Lea-gue football next season.
Belgium defender Jan Vertonghen has hinted he would seek a move away from White Hart Lane should Spurs fail to secure top-level European competition next season. But Denmark’s Eriksen has refused to make similar threats.
“I don’t know how other guys are thinking, but I’m happy where I am, and hopefully we’ll get to the Champions League anyway,” he said.
“I think it is important for the club. The Europa League is great, but the Champions League is what everybody wants, it’s the best place to play.”
US friendly matches
The United States will host Azerbaijan, Turkey and Nigeria in the space of two weeks to finish off their preparations for the World Cup in June.
US Soccer officials announced that the three friendlies would be held over a 12-day period and require the team to travel long distances between matches to simulate the tough schedule they face in Brazil.
The Americans kick off the so-called ‘Send-off Series’ by hosting Azerbaijan at Candlestick Park in San Francisco on May 27.
They then travel east to New Jersey to play Turkey on June 1 before heading south to face Nigeria in Jacksonville, Florida on June 7.