Former World Player of the Year Luis Figo wants to extend his career outside Europe and would consider playing in the Chinese Super League (CSL), a Chinese newspaper reported yesterday.
The Portugal midfielder announced his retirement from "high level" football after helping Inter to a fourth successive Serie A title last weekend.
"I am still waiting for the calls from outside Europe, from US or Japan," the 36-year-old told the Chinese sports newspaper Titan Sports.
"I am also happy to accept recruitment offers from CSL clubs," he added.
Unlike Japan, the Arabian Gulf and the US, Chinese football has not frequently attracted big name players looking to play out their careers.
Irish goalkeeping great Kelly dies
Former Ireland goalkeeper Alan Kelly senior has died at the age of 72 following a long battle with illness, the Football Association of Ireland announced yesterday.
Capped 47 times by his country between 1958 and 1973, Kelly made more than 500 appearances for Preston North End and gained a runners-up medal when they lost to West Ham United in the 1964 FA Cup final at Wembley.
His son Alan played 34 times for Ireland and is the current goalkeeping coach of the national side while another son, Gary, played for Newcastle United, Bury and Oldham Athletic in a 20-year career.
Valencia players sponsor fans
Valencia's players will pay €40,000 towards the cost of 2,000 tickets for tomorrow's match at Villarreal as the two clubs battle for a lucrative place in next year's Champions League.
Fans will only have to pay €20 for each ticket rather than the full €40, the club said on their website.
"We have tried to join forces so that we can feel close to the fans and also feel like it's our stadium," captain Carlos Marchena said.
Valencia, who have lost their last two away matches, are in fifth place with two games left, level on 59 points with Villarreal and two behind Atletico Madrid in fourth, the Primera Liga's final Champions League spot.
Dzeko reveals Chelsea approach
Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko told English media Chelsea have approached his agent over a possible transfer.
The 23-year-old Bosnia international is under contract with Wolfsburg until the summer of 2011 but he's expected to leave the club at the end of this season with a number of clubs believed to be interested in signing him.
Dzeko, who has scored 25 Bundesliga goals this season, has suggested Chelsea have enquired about his services although he would favour a move to Serie A.
"I know Chelsea want me and they have already spoken to my agent," Dzeko told the Daily Mirror.
"But my dream is to play in Italy, with Milan or Juventus."
Gourcuff weighing up his options
Yoann Gourcuff is prepared to wait until Milan announce their coach for next season before making a decision on whether to return to the Rossoneri or not.
The 22-year-old has been in great form since joining Bordeaux on loan.
Bordeaux have an option to buy Gourcuff for a pre-agreed fee of £15m on May 31 but he is not ruling out a return to Milan.
Gourcuff had a difficult relationship with Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti and is reportedly reluctant to go back if the club stick with the former Juve mentor.
Milan's directors are said to be very pleased with Gourcuff's success in France and would welcome his return.
Tevez's United future still unclear
Carlos Tevez is unsure whether next week's Champions League final in Rome will be his last game for Manchester United.
Tevez's Old Trafford future has been the subject of intense speculation, with United chief executive David Gill confirming last weekend that he expects the issue to be solved in June.
"Maybe it will be my last game and maybe it won't," Tevez, who is approaching the end of his two-year loan agreement with United, said. "I don't know.
"I am not sure whether I will start next week. It is a decision for the manager.
"I will prepare well. That is all I can do. I would like to play but there are some very good players here, so I will just wait."
Top clubs keen to lure Maicon
Inter full-back Maicon is a target for Real Madrid and Chelsea, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.
A few months ago, Real reportedly made a £25m bid for Maicon, who has been out injured since the end of March, but their offer was quietly rebuffed by Inter.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Brazil international is tempted by a move to Real, although he has never made his intention to leave Inter public.
The Spanish giants are apparently ready to return with an improved offer this summer, while Chelsea are also said to be about to join the race for his signature.