Samir Handanovic is sticking with Inter after committing his future to the club until 2019.
The Slovenia goalkeeper has made 125 Serie A appearances for the Nerazzurri since leaving Udinese in 2012 but is yet to win a trophy at the San Siro.
His contract was set to expire in June, with both Manchester United and Roma reportedly preparing offers to lure him away from current league leaders Inter.
Roberto Mancini has tied Handanovic down for another three years, however.
Verratti signs new PSG deal – agent
Marco Verratti has agreed a deal to remain with Paris St Germain until “at least 2020”, according to the player’s agent.
The Italy international has been one of the star performers in Ligue 1 since his arrival at Parc des Princes from Pescara in 2012.
The 23-year-old, whose current contract runs until 2019, has been linked with a move to Chelsea, Barcelona and Bayern Munich recently but it appears his immediate future is settled.
“We need to put everything in black and white but we found an agreement,” Verratti’s agent, Donato Di Campli, said.
“He will remain long in Paris, at least until 2020.”
Townsend impresses in Under-21 game
Andros Townsend did his best to impress his suitors as he set up a goal and put on a good display in Tottenham’s Under-21 defeat to Manchester United.
United beat Spurs 3-1 at the Leigh Sports Village on Monday night thanks to a goal from James Weir and Andreas Pereira’s brace.
But Townsend also did his best to please the scouts at the home of Rugby League side Leigh Centurions and in front of a crowd of 959.
The Tottenham winger has not played for the first team since he clashed with fitness coach Nathan Gardiner following the club’s game against Aston Villa on November 2.
Ghana’s Boateng returns to Milan
Milan have re-signed Ghanaian midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng on a six-month contract.
The former Tottenham and Portsmouth player left the San Siro to join Schalke in August 2013 but was suspended indefinitely by the Bundesliga club last May for a “lack of mutual trust”.
Following his December release he has opted to rejoin the Rossoneri, with the sixth-placed Serie A side yesterday morning announcing his return on a deal running to June 30.
Boateng won the Scudetto and Supercoppa during his first spell with Milan and made the headlines in January 2013 when he walked off the pitch at Pro Patria after suffering racist abuse from home fans.
Friedel to coach US youth side
Former United States goalkeeper Brad Friedel will kickstart his managerial career as head coach of the nation’s under-19 team, US Soccer confirmed.
Friedel retired as a player last year after spending 17 years in England, where he represented Liverpool, Blackburn Rovers, Aston Villa and Tottenham.
“I look forward to the opportunity to help develop our young players into professionals and full internationals,” the 44-year-old, who earned 82 caps and appeared at three World Cups, said in a statement.
‘Diabolical’ fixtures
Premier League’s “diabolical” fixtures are devaluing the FA Cup by forcing managers to field weakened teams in the knockout competition, Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce has said.
“Of course I’m going to make changes for our cup tie at Arsenal on Saturday,” Allardyce said.
“If the Premier League decides to put a stupid fixture midweek when they don’t need to, then I haven’t got much choice.
“It’s diabolical. We’re flogging the lads. There are more and more injuries every year but it’s completely ignored by the Premier League. It’s unbelievable.
“Don’t give me stick when I change the side at Arsenal. Give the Premier League stick, not the managers.”
Stoke’s Hughes rues lack of top jobs
Stoke City manager Mark Hughes has no doubt that British managers are not winning major competitions only because the top jobs in England do not come their way.
Hughes won 15 trophies as a player but success has proved much more elusive since he took over managerial roles.
“As a manager, it’s more difficult,” the former Manchester United player told reporters.
“There’s a debate around British managers and the opportunities they have. If you look over the years, the top jobs in this country haven’t really become available.
“At United, Sir Alex (Ferguson) was there for a long time, Arsene Wenger’s still at Arsenal, Chelsea don’t appoint British managers and Man. City was an opportunity which unfortunately was taken away from me.”