Bologna will be looking to strengthen their squad next season with the signing of Roman Pavlyuchenko, a transfer that could cost the Serie A newcomers £7 million.
The striker has scored 41 goals in the last two years with Spartak Moscow and impressed in Euro 2008 for his country.
Although Pavlyuchenko has earned interest from the likes of Barcelona and Chelsea, the 26-year-old has become a prize target for modest Bologna.
One thing that may go in their favour is that the club has just been bought out by American investors eager to build their profile with a big signing.
Coupet to sign for Atletico Madrid
France goalkeeper Gregory Coupet has reached an agreement with Atletico Madrid to join the Spanish club on a three-year-contract, French sports daily L'Equipe reported yesterday.
Coupet, 35, said last month he was leaving French champions Olympique Lyon, who have since purchased Hugo Lloris from Ligue 1 rivals Nice.
Lyon and Atletico still need to sort out financial details and a deal could be announced over the next couple of days, L'Equipe wrote.
Ronaldo heeds Scolari's advice
Cristiano Ronaldo wants 'a dream move' to Real Madrid, despite Manchester United insisting he is not available on the transfer market and they are not listening to any offers.
"Everybody knows what I want but things don't only depend on me," he said. "I am not the person who decides but I hope to complete my dream."
Ronaldo stated that he made up his mind before the Champions League final that he wanted to leave United for Real. He said Luiz Felipe Scolari, about to take over at Chelsea after Portugal's exit from Euro 2008, advised him to make the move.
"It is a dream, a step forward," Ronaldo replied when asked about the prospect of playing at the Bernabeu.
"For me, it is a great opportunity and, as Scolari says, that train passes by only once and we have to take advantage of it."
Kovac to quit Croatia
Croatia captain Niko Kovac hinted he was likely to hang up his international boots after their astonishing Euro 2008 quarter-final defeat by the tournament's surprise package Turkey on Friday.
"I'll give my decision a night's sleep to make it with a clear head but there are younger lads out there ready to take over," said the 36-year-old defensive midfielder.
"I said before the tournament I was more likely to retire after Euro 2008 than carry on and I haven't changed my mind.
"They say that luck favours the brave, we were brave against Turkey and were not rewarded for our courage," said Kovac, who has scored 14 goals in 80 games for Croatia.
Nakamura risks Celtic wrath
Japan midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura insists he wants to play in the World Cup qualifier against Bahrain today despite a sore ankle.
Both teams have qualified for the final round of Asian 2010 qualifiers and Nakamura's involvement in Saitama would risk upsetting his Scottish club Celtic.
But the 29-year-old, who has been struggling with an injury to his right ankle, wants to play in Japan's final Group Two match.
"The ankle feels better," Nakamura said. "Of course, I want to play. We lost to Bahrain away so it's important we beat them at home."
Knezevic set to join Juventus
Livorno defender Dario Knezevic is close to joining Juventus, reports in Italy said yesterday. The news emerged after director of sport Alessio Secco was spotted in Milan negotiating with Livorno president Aldo Spinelli on Friday night.
According to both the Corriere dello Sport and Sportske Novosti, Knezevic, of Croatia, will move to Juve in a loan deal worth just £200,000. In 12 months' time the Bianconeri can buy out half his contract for £1m from Livorno who were relegated from the Serie A last month.
Knezevic is currently nursing a knee injury that will keep the 26-year-old out of action for several weeks. He would become the second new defender to join Juve after Olof Mellberg.
Rovers get green light for Ince
The Premier League gave Blackburn Rovers permission to engage Paul Ince as manager despite not holding a UEFA Pro Licence. Ince will be allowed two years to earn his licence paving the way for him to be named as the new manager of Rovers.
Former England manager Steve McClaren, Sam Allardyce and Michael Laudrup have also been linked with the post.
In order to be a football manager in the top divisions of countries like Spain, Italy, Germany and France, coaches must have the UEFA Pro Licence qualification.
In the past, special dispensations have been given to the likes of Gareth Southgate and Avram Grant in the Premiership.