Saponara: After Milan bought half of the rights of Italy U-21 winger Riccardo Saponara, Parma are keen to purchase the remaining 50 per cent from Empoli. Milan recently announced they had seen off fierce competition to secure half of Saponara’s contract from Serie B team Empoli and he will be playing at San Siro next season.

Kinnear: Joe Kinnear has confirmed his return to Newcastle as director of football. The former Magpies manager, 66, left the club in 2009 after suffering a heart attack but has now returned to work alongside manager Alan Pardew.

Mignolet: Liverpool are holding talks over a potential £9million deal for Sunderland goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, according to Sky Sports. It is believed the Belgium international wants to leave Sunderland to boost his 2014 World Cup ambitions.

Ivory Coast: Ivory Coast were the first of several countries to secure their place in the play-offs of the African World Cup qualifiers yesterday as they came from behind to beat Tanzania 4-2 in Group C. Yaya Toure scored twice to help give the Elephants a five-point lead over Morocco with only one game left to play.

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