Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, whose name has been mentioned as a possible replacement for sacked England manager Steve McLaren, said he would stay in his present job until July at least.

The Brazilian, who turned down an offer to coach England two years ago, said he would see out his contract and lead the team at Euro 2008.

"I have a contract with Portugal until July 2008," Scolari said. "This connection has been maintained on other occasions and it will continue to be maintained until 2008."

Kaka wins Golden Ball - report

Milan midfielder Kaka has already been told that he is the winner of the Golden Ball for 2007, the Corriere della Sera reported.

French magazine France Football will only officially announce the winner today week in a ceremony in Paris, but according to the Italian paper, a member of the jury has already told Kaka he is the winner.

The report claims that the official contacted Kaka and told him that he had such a big margin over his rivals that there was no point in waiting further to inform him of the result.

Anelka regrets leaving Arsenal

Nicolas Anelka (picture) admits he should have stayed at Arsenal. The Frenchman left the Gunners in 1999 to join Real Madrid and has struggled to settle at any club before arriving at Bolton in 2006.

Now at 28, Anelka admitted it would be exciting to be involved with Arsene Wenger's current side, who have made a fine start to the season.

"If you look now at the situation Arsenal are in and look at where I am, then you could say maybe I should have stayed," he said.

"Which striker wouldn't want to be part of a team that plays such amazing football?

United want Veloso, says agent

Miguel Veloso's agent claims there has been some informal contact between Manchester United and Sporting Lisbon about his client.

The Portugal international is being tracked by a host of clubs from across Europe, and United appear to be hot on his trail.

Asked about any interest from the Red Devils, his agent Paulo Barbosa said: "There has been some informal contact, nothing official.

"I think any player would like to play for Manchester United, Miguel would - it would be an honour if it is possible," he continued.

Di Michele eyes Euro 2008

After successfully recovering from a serious knee injury, Torino striker David Di Michele has set his sights on a place in Italy's Euro 2008 squad.

The former Palermo marksman damaged his right knee in his second appearance for Palermo against Catania but now he is back to full fitness.

"Being out for three months has slowed me down a bit," he said.

"But now I am trying to get myself into the picture for Euro 2008."

Terry backs Mourinho for England

John Terry believes it would be 'fantastic' to play for England under former manager Jose Mourinho.

Terry was Mourinho's linchpin during two Premier League title-winning seasons at Chelsea and, having left Stamford Bridge in September, the name of the Portuguese has been touted as a possible successor to sacked England boss Steve McClaren.

"Jose is a fantastic manager and I would like to work with him again," the Blues captain said. "To be with England would be fantastic. I'm sure he would love it and one day he could be England manager."

Birmingham plan McLeish talks

Birmingham will seek permission to speak to Scotland manager Alex McLeish this week.

McLeish is in South Africa for today's World Cup draw and the Scottish FA insists no approach has been made for him.

Birmingham have pledged to announce a successor to Steve Bruce "within the next week" following his move to Wigan and McLeish is the bookmakers' favourite to take the job.

Tevez to return at Boca in future

Carlos Tevez wants to stay at Manchester United until he is 28, and then quit Old Trafford for Boca Juniors.

The 23-year-old forward has established himself as a United favourite since making the switch from West Ham but a return to Argentina remains at the forefront of his thoughts.

"At 28, I want to be in Boca. I have another year on my contract with United and I could extend it for four more years and then return," he said.

Cerci awaits Roma call

Italy U-21 striker Alessio Cerci is hoping that Roma call him back from his loan spell at Pisa, but at the moment he is focused on Serie B.

Cerci has struck eight times for Tuscan minnows Pisa and played a crucial role in the newly promoted side's dream start to the Serie B campaign.

"It's still too early to give a decision on next year," he said. "In June we will see what's best for me, but obviously I'd love to return to Roma."