Former Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce is likely to incur the wrath of the Geordie fans by claiming the Magpies were not a big enough club for him.

"When you get sacked, reflection is a difficult scenario. The one thing you have to evaluate first and foremost is how much of it was your fault," Allardyce was quoted as saying. "I think you can accept it a lot more if you can come to terms with the fact that a good percentage of it was your fault - but that doesn't apply to me at Newcastle.

"Newcastle probably wasn't big enough for me - it didn't live up to my ambitions in the short time that I was there."

Flamini in talks over new deal

Mathieu Flamini has revealed that he has begun talks with Arsenal over a new deal. The Frenchman was expected to move on in the summer but has since established himself as a key player in Arsenal's midfield.

Flamini will be a free agent in June if a new deal cannot be agreed but he has no intention of leaving. "There are talks with the club and I hope everything will work out because I am happy here," Flamini said.

"I like English football and I love Arsenal."

Miller craves Rangers return

Kenny Miller is keen on rejoining Rangers. Miller, who last season played for Celtic, Rangers' eternal rivals, has been linked with a return to Ibrox and said he would be tempted to cross the Old Firm divide once again.

The Scotland striker is currently embroiled in a relegation battle with English Premier League side Derby and admitted: "If something like that was to come up, you would be silly to rule it out.

"The fact I have history with the club and their main rivals wouldn't come into my thinking."

Trapattoni favourite for Irish job

Giovanni Trapattoni remains favourite to become the new Republic of Ireland manager but Terry Venables is still hopeful of landing the job.

Red Bull Salzburg manager Trapattoni is expected to be interviewed for the job today with reports claiming that he has expressed firm interest.

However, Venables has said he is "still in the race" and insisted that he would be fully focused on the role. "I want the job and the FAI know that," Venables said.

Capello offers Beckham hope

Fabio Capello has said that David Beckham may be fit enough to be picked for England's next match.

The 32-year-old, who was not included in Capello's first England squad last week, has returned to pre-season training with the LA Galaxy but the Major League Soccer season does not get underway until March 29, three days after England's friendly against France in Paris.

However, Capello is confident that Beckham will improve his match fitness over the next few weeks. "Surely he will have played friendlies and those will be important. If he is fit then he will be part of my team," Capello said.

Aquilani linked with Inter move

Roma coach Luciano Spalletti has admitted there is some truth in reports that Alberto Aquilani is pondering a move to Inter but Steven Gerrard could block his way. While president Massimo Moratti is keen on Liverpool midfielder Gerrard, it is claimed Roberto Mancini would prefer Aquilani.

"He is a good player and will become better," Spalletti said of Aquilani.

"I am convinced Aquilani has an excellent relationship with everyone here, but at the end of the day it is the player's will that makes the difference in these matters. Besides, Roma have other great players."

Figo, Maicon not fit yet

Luis Figo and Douglas Maicon are unlikely to recover in time to face Liverpool in next week's Champions League match, Inter coach Roberto Mancini said.

"There are another 12 days to make the step up, we'll see how Figo does over the week," Mancini said. "On Wednesday, he played against Romanian team Brasov (with Inter's youth team), but showed he still has some difficulties. I thought he was ready, but that is not the case.

"The same goes for Maicon. If he can't train properly this week, then he too runs the risk of not playing (against Liverpool)."

Boro have ambition - Southgate

Gareth Southgate has hit back at Jonathan Woodgate after the defender accused Middlesbrough of lacking ambition.

The England defender, who joined Tottenham in a £7.5 million transfer last month, also remarked that he was glad to be working under "a proper manager" after joining Juande Ramos's squad at White Hart Lane.

"He (Woodgate) got it wrong. We have ambition," Southgate said.

"It didn't bother me that he said he was working for a proper manager now. I am a young guy learning his trade. Juande Ramos is experienced."

Villa keen on Premier League

Valencia striker David Villa has admitted he would be interested in a move to the Premier League.

Chelsea and Tottenham are said to be monitoring the Spain international who is keen to showcase his skills in England. Villa said: "I am happy about the interest from the Premier League and this is my dream if I leave Spain."

Valencia sporting director Miguel Angel Ruiz added: "If we receive a formal offer, we'll study it."