Former Germany captain Lothar Matthaus believes Bayern Munich's Philipp Lahm will prove a strong skipper at the World Cup.
National team coach Joachim Loew confirmed defender Lahm as the man to lead Germany out in South Africa, replacing the injured Michael Ballack, and Matthaus is confident the 26-year-old will do well.
Lahm becomes the youngest captain of a Germany national team at a World Cup.
"As captain, you are there for the younger and more inexperienced players to lean on you," said Matthaus.
"Lahm is the right captain."
Scolari leaves Bunyodkor
Former Chelsea and Brazil boss Luiz Felipe Scolari has left Uzbekistan champions Bunyodkor by mutual consent.
The 61-year-old, who led Brazil to World Cup success in 2002, took charge of the club on July 1, 2009 tasked with bringing success on the continental stage.
However, Bunyodkor have been unable to transfer their domestic dominance into the Asian Champions League.
Scolari plans to return to management in the near future and revealed he has already received offers from clubs in Europe, Asia and Brazil.
Mou overstepped mark - Thompson
Former Liverpool captain Phil Thompson has warned new Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho he will have a difficult task prising Steven Gerrard away from Anfield.
The Portuguese, who will be unveiled as Madrid's new coach tomorrow, spoke publicly about his admiration for the Reds skipper last week. Despite continued speculation about Gerrard's future, Thompson felt Mourinho had overstepped the mark.
"Without a doubt that is Mourinho," the three-time European Cup winner said.
"He doesn't care whether there are any rules or regulations about touting for players. Gerrard is still a Liverpool player with a big contract and anyone else would be rapped on the knuckles."
Sullivan confirms Beckham interest
West Ham co-owner David Sullivan has confirmed he would "love" to sign David Beckham. The Hammers are still managerless, with Avram Grant expected to be confirmed as Gianfranco Zola's successor this week.
But Sullivan, who bought the club along with David Gold last season, has already been linked with names such as Thierry Henry and confirmed his desire to bring Beckham back to his native east London on loan.
"I'd love Beckham," Sullivan said.
"He has massive cult status in east London and still has a house not far from our training ground. If Milan didn't want him in January and if he still wanted to do it, I'd love to have him. He seems a remarkable professional."
Schwarzer plays down transfer link
Goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer expects to remain at Fulham despite speculation linking him with Arsenal.
Reports have claimed Arsene Wenger could move for the 37-year-old after a string of high-profile errors from Manuel Almunia and Lukasz Fabianski last season. But Schwarzer, currently preparing to represent Australia at the World Cup, is unaware of any approach.
"I haven't heard anything other than what's been said or written in the papers, so it's purely speculative at the moment," he said.
"I've got another year left on my contract at Fulham and I'm enjoying it... I see my future at the moment with Fulham."
Merida reveals Wenger gratitude
Fran Merida claimed he would be "eternally grateful" to Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger after being presented as an Atletico Madrid player on Friday.
"There are circumstances in life," he said.
"I was very comfortable at Arsenal, but with the interest of Atletico I did not hesitate."
Merida had been at Arsenal since 2006, having previously been part of the youth set-up at home-town club Barcelona.
"Wenger looked after me and my family since I arrived in London," Merida continued.
"I have a very good relationship with him. I am and I will be eternally grateful. Obviously he is not pleased with my departure, but he wished me luck and behaved like a gentleman."
Genoa and Napoli tussle for Toni
Serie A rivals Genoa and Napoli are leading the chase to sign striker Luca Toni from Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich.
Toni played half of the past season in Italy with Roma but the latter are set to sign Brazilian Adriano, ruling out a permanent move for the former Italy forward.
Napoli struggled to score goals last season and Toni would be suitable for their needs up front. However, Genoa also want to strengthen their squad with a talented goal-getter as they still have to replace Diego Milito who joined Inter last year.
Toni currently earns €7m a year at Bayern Munich. Napoli appear to have the edge at the moment. However, if they sign Toni, Genoa could turn their attention to German Denis who should become surplus to requirements at the San Paolo.