Stuttgart midfielder Sami Khedira is eager to join Real Madrid after admitting his fascination with Jose Mourinho.

New Madrid boss Mourinho is reportedly interested in taking Khedira to the Bernabeu after the 23-year-old turned in a series of impressive displays in Germany's run to the World Cup semi-finals.

Khedira said: "I am considering a move to Real Madrid. The club have confirmed there is interest.

"Real Madrid is the biggest club in the world and Jose Mourinho is one of the most successful coaches in the world. Mourinho has always fascinated me. He plays a style of football which I can identify with - tactically perfect."

Lagerback turns down new deal

Swede Lars Lagerback has turned down an offer to continue as Nigeria coach, the national football federation (NFF) said.

NFF president Aminu Maigari said that Lagerback told him he did not wish to continue in his post despite being offered a four-year deal, with Samson Siasia being lined up as a replacement.

"Lagerback told me he could not continue as coach of the Super Eagles because he feared that he might not be able to pen a four-year deal that would keep him in Nigeria for that long," Maigari said.

Maigari added that Lagerback told him that his family played a big role in his decision not to extend his five-month contract.

Owls hit with winding-up order

Sheffield Wednesday have been issued with a winding-up petition by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC), the English League One club admitted yesterday.

The action by HMRC relates to an outstanding debt of £550,000.

It is another blow to cash-strapped Wednesday, who were relegated from the Championship last season, but club officials insist the Yorkshire outfit is not about to be wound up or put into administration.

"We have been involved in dialogue with HMRC for a number of weeks. As such we have been somewhat surprised and disappointed by their decision to seek a winding-up order at this time," a statement read.

Sunderland sign Bramble from Wigan

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce was reunited with Titus Bramble after signing the defender from Wigan.

Bruce played a major role in rebuilding Bramble's shattered morale when he bought the centre-back from Newcastle to Wigan during his spell in charge of the Latics.

He has swooped for the 28-year-old again to strengthen his defensive options and Bramble, who has agreed a three-year contract, could make his first appearance for the Black Cats in today's friendly against Hull in Portugal.

Bruce is hopeful Sunderland supporters will forget about the player's mistake-filled five-year stay at local rivals Newcastle.

Mexico deny Pellegrini link

The Mexican Football Federation have denied reports they are in talks with former Real Madrid boss Manuel Pellegrini.

Pellegrini left the Bernabeu at the end of last season and his availability coincides with the departure of Javier Aguirre as boss of the North American nation.

But the secretary general of the Mexican FA Decio de Maria Serrano has played down the link.

"I can assure everyone that we have not talked to anyone, not with the representative of Pellegrini," said De Maria.

"I find it pointless to talk to four or five possible candidates before you have a project in place."

Still no Eriksson offer - agent

Athole Still, agent for former England and Manchester City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson, has admitted his client could be tempted by the vacancy at Fulham but confirmed there had been no contact with the London club.

Eriksson has "unfinished business" in the Premier League following his sacking by City in 2008, according to Still.

And, asked if the Swede, now out of contract following the end of his contract with Ivory Coast, could be interested in a move to Craven Cottage, Still said: "It's a very attractive club, not just for Sven-Goran Eriksson."

But he added: "(There has been) no contact whatsoever. We've known for several weeks that Sven was one of the managers under consideration for the job."

Iran player turns back on Rovers

Iran international Andranik Teymourian has turned down the chance of an extended trial with Blackburn Rovers.

The former Bolton and Fulham player was invited on Rovers' pre-season tour of Australia after featuring in friendlies against Southport and Huddersfield this week.

The 27-year-old midfielder has chosen to remain in the UK to pursue other options.

Blackburn are playing Rangers, AEK Athens and host club Sydney FC in the Festival of Football Tournament this month.

They then return to Britain and play a friendly away to Hearts before beginning their Premier League campaign at home to Everton on August 14.