Aston Villa are no longer interested in signing Blackburn winger David Bentley, manager Martin O'Neill said yesterday.
Villa had been keen to sign the England international, only for their Premier League rivals to spurn an offer. O'Neill has confirmed he had tried to sign Bentley, but has now switched his sights elsewhere.
"I wouldn't normally respond to individual links, but as Paul Ince rightly said, we did make a bid for David Bentley," O'Neill said.
"That was some time ago and Blackburn rejected the bid.
"We do not intend revisiting that and we have switched our attentions to other transfer targets."
Giuly looking forward to PSG experience
Paris Saint Germain new signing Ludovic Giuly is hoping the French club can put their disastrous season behind them and challenge for the major honours.
The French giants finished just three points above relegated Lens last term having won only 10 of their 38 league outings.
Giuly, formerly of Roma and Barcelona, is hoping his vast experience can help give the team some direction next season.
"I will try to bring my game, my experience and my huge determination on the pitch," he told L'Equipe. "I didn't leave Roma for football reasons, but for personal reasons. When I knew Paris were interested, I didn't hesitate.
"I know last season was difficult at Paris, but we have to forget it and start again."
Rosicky to miss start of season
Arsenal's injured midfielder Tomas Rosicky has confirmed he will miss the start of the new season.
The Czech international, who missed out on Euro 2008 through injury, underwent a knee operation in May after missing much of the season half of last term.
The former Borussia Dortmund playmaker had hoped to be fit for the Gunners's opening Premier League match against West Brom on August 16. However, he needs more time to recover.
"I know I'll miss the start of the club season," he said. "According to plans I should be back on the field in September."
Reinforcements needed says De Biasi
Torino coach Gianni De Biasi has warned the club he needs at least another three players before his team can be competitive in this season's Serie A.
Torino fans have complained at the lack of transfer activity from club president Urbano Cairo.
"We have an agreement with the club to make a few small adjustments to the squad. For the moment we will see what happens during pre-season training," explained De Biasi.
"We need a defender, a midfielder and another striker. Stefano Mauri is a player that I like, but I don't know how feasible this option really is for us."
Kaka wants Chelsea move - advisor
Milan playmaker Kaka is reported to have set his sights on a sensational move to Chelsea, his advisor told British media yesterday.
A report on yesterday's The Guardian claims the FIFA World Player of the Year was the subject of discussions between the English club and the Brazilian's current employers Milan, this week, with a view to a possible £80 million switch.
The Italians secured the signing of the 26-year-old's international team-mate Ronaldinho on Wednesday despite their well-publicised financial difficulties, and Kaka's personal assistant Diogo Kotscho is adamant all parties involved now want the deal to go through.
"Real Madrid offered 90 million euros (£71million) last summer and Milan did not even think about the bid," Kotscho told The Guardian.
"This time is different. This is the first time we feel that a deal will definitely happen. Because of the situation Milan are in at the moment, the deal is good for all parties involved."
Matuzalem close to Lazio switch
Italian club Lazio are on the verge of securing the capture of Real Zaragoza midfielder Francelino Matuzalem.
"This morning Lazio agreed a deal with Real Zaragoza and only details now remain to sort out the player's personal terms," Matuzalem's agent Umberto Fusco said yesterday.
"It will be a one-season loan, but we have not yet been told how much they'll have to pay in order to make the move permanent. We are getting on a plane today and Matuzalem could complete his medical on Sunday."
If the deal goes true, the Brazilian will be making a return to the Serie A following his spells at Napoli, Parma Piacenza and Brescia.
Chile's Villanueva to join Blackburn
Chile international midfielder Carlos Villanueva is to join English Premier League Blackburn Rovers, his club Audax Italiano said yesterday.
"The directors of Audax Italiano informed that this morning they reached a complete agreement with Blackburn Rovers for the transfer of Carlos Villanueva for the 2008/09 season," the club said.
Villanueva, 22, agreed terms with Spain's Real Sociedad in May but the deal fell through.