Chelsea striker Didier Drogba is set to sign a new four-year deal with the Blues.
The Ivory Coast international has hinted that he is willing to stay at Stamford Bridge despite interest from a number of top European sides, including Milan, Barcelona and Inter.
"I am confident talks with Chelsea will lead to a positive solution about my future," Drogba said.
Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon last week reiterated his confidence that their big-name stars, including Drogba, who has two years remaining on his current contract, and captain Frank Lampard, would remain at the club.
Van der Vaart pushes for Real move
A move to Real Madrid would be a dream come true, Hamburg midfielder Rafael van der Vaart has said.
The Dutch international is tied to the German side until 2010 but has been the subject of a €9 million bid from Real. The 25-year-old has high hopes of moving to Real after Hamburg coach Martin Jol said he could leave at the right price.
"For me to play at Real Madrid is a dream, and if this agreement is eventually sealed I will be a happy man," the midfielder told Spanish sports daily AS.
"For the moment I'm still a Hamburg player but I hope things can be settled soon and that the two clubs can find an agreement."
Pavlyuchenko not keen on Spurs
Tottenham target Roman Pavlyuchenko is not tempted by a move to White Hart Lane.
The Russia striker, reportedly subject of repeated interest from Spurs boss Juande Ramos, impressed with his performances at Euro 2008.
The Spartak Moscow forward was quoted in The Mail On Sunday as suggesting that he is not interested in a move to Spurs.
He said: "I love the Premier League and I would certainly like to play there.
"However, if I go to England, I would want to play for Arsenal or Chelsea."
Barry's 'Pool move resurrected
Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill has revealed that Gareth Barry's move to Liverpool is still a possibility after a meeting with the player and his representatives.
The England international will be given permission to join the Anfield outfit as soon as Villa's £18 million valuation is met.
Last week, it had appeared that Barry would be staying at Villa Park after a deadline on Wednesday evening passed without a deal being concluded.
But the Villa manager has told English media that the player and his agent Alex Black sought a meeting with him and chairman Randy Lerner the following morning demanding that the transfer be resurrected.
"I have agreed with Gareth now that Liverpool have got all the time in the world if they want to raise the money," O'Neill said.
Toni hits out at Italian media
Bayern Munich striker Luca Toni is confident he can rediscover his best form and scoring touch in Germany after being subjected to harsh criticism in Italy for his below-par performances at Euro 2008.
"The European Championship was the biggest disappointment of my entire career," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
"I had always experienced success with the national team, in the World Cup and the positive qualifying campaign. I wasn't used to this."
Toni was lambasted by many fans and newspapers who blamed him for Italy's failure to progress beyond the quarter-finals, as he failed to score a single goal.
"After our elimination I had some difficult days, but I am capable of turning over a new leaf and finding the optimism to carry on," he said.
Campbell to get United chance
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to give youngster Fraizer Campbell a chance to prove his worth as a first-team player because he is short of strikers.
Campbell, 20, netted the winner against Espanyol in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's testimonial at Old Trafford on Saturday.
"We do not have any strikers apart from Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez and Frazier plays in that area.
"He is quick and determined and he can do very well in the game. Fraizer's future is here," said Ferguson.
Amauri's admission angers Lippi
Juventus striker Amauri has upset Italy boss Marcello Lippi by admitting his wish is to play for Brazil.
Amauri is in the process of gaining Italian citizenship and tried to remain neutral on the issue, but slipped up during an interview in London.
"I want to play for the team of my country, Brazil, and that has been my dream since I was a child," confessed Amauri.
Brazil coach Carlos Dunga has said that Amauri is in his thoughts, but quite low down the pecking order.
"I admire Dunga, he was a great player and now it is up to him to decide. Italy? First of all I need a passport and that won't arrive for at least three months.
"If the call from Brazil does not come, then it will be an honour to wear the Azzurri jersey."