Bilyaletdinov: Diniyar Bilyaletdinov yesterday completed his move to Spartak Moscow, leaving Everton for an undisclosed fee after two-and-a-half years on Merseyside. The Toffees accepted a bid for the 26-year-old Russia winger on Wednesday and he had travelled to his homeland to discuss personal terms and undergo a medical.
Podolski: Cologne striker Lukas Podolski is expected to be out for up to four weeks after suffering a recurrence of a foot injury after scoring in his team’s 4-1 Bundesliga defeat to Schalke. The 26-year-old forward scored the opening goal Saturday but then tore a ligament in his left foot. Podolski has previously had problems with the same injury.
Krasic: Juventus are trying to trim their squad this month and yesterday fringe player Milos Krasic was linked with a move to Zenit SP. According to reports, Krasic is in advanced negotiations with Russian side Zenit. It would be a return to Russia for Krasic, who was signed from CSKA Moscow in 2010. The transfer window ends to-morrow evening but in Russia the period to bargain for new players closes on February 24.
Barca: Barcelona dropped precious points in a 0-0 draw at Villarreal late Saturday to slip seven points behind Real Madrid at the top of La Liga. Earlier Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo and Mesut Ozil had scored to help Real Madrid beat Zaragoza 3-1. In a tight match at Villarreal, goal opportunities were rare and what Barca did create was stopped by an inspired Diego Lopez in the home team’s goal.
Sacked: Serie B side Albinoleffe fired coach Daniele Fortunato after going down 2-0 to Bari on Saturday. The club, based in Bergamo, have now hired Walter Salvioni. Defeat left Albinoleffe five places from the bottom of the table with just five wins, eight draws and 11 defeats.
Africa Cup: Pre-tournament favourites Senegal finished a disappointing campaign without a point after they lost 2-1 to Libya in their final Group A match, yesterday. Senegal finished rock bottom while Libya failed to reach the KO stage after Zambia defeated co-hosts Equatorial Guinea to win the group on seven points. Libya were third with four points despite their first victory in 30 years in this tournament – their last win coming against Zambia in 1982.