Spanish coach Victor Fernandez has described as “interesting” Japan’s offer for him to become their new coach but has not indicated whether or not he will accept.
The 49-year-old, who guided Porto to the Intercontinental Cup in 2004, said his agent had been contacted by the Japan FA about the offer.
“I appreciate such a proposal and it is interesting,” Fernandez was quoted saying.
But he refused to make any comment on talks under way between his side and the Japanese association. Fernandez, who quit Real Betis last season, said that the most important detail in the offer is what kind of “project” is envisaged, without elaborating.
Defender Gobbi set for Roma switch
Reports in Italy say that defender Massimo Gobbi is close to complete a move to Roma, applying the Bosman Rule to work his way out of Fiorentina. The versatile 30-year-old is a free agent after his contract in Florence wasn’t renewed at the end of last season.
Gobbi, a left-sided player who can also be deployed in midfield, is thus available for nothing – a tempting factor for cash-strapped Roma.
He has been in Roma’s radar all summer as the Giallorossi are seeking back-up to first-choice left-back John Arne Riise.
Roma are favourites to sign Gobbi who is keen on Champions League football after figuring for Fiorentina in the top UEFA competition last season.
Sunderland sign Welbeck on loan
Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck joined Sunderland on a season-long loan.
Sunderland boss Steve Bruce, the former United centre-half, was delighted to have secured the services of the 19-year-old Welbeck.
“He’s a young man but he’ll fit into our squad fantastically well.”
Welbeck arrived on Wearside the day after striker Kenwyne Jones left the club to join Premier League rivals Stoke.
“It would be unfair to say that he (Welbeck) is the replacement for Kenwyne,” added Bruce.
“There’s still a couple of weeks to go in the market and hopefully the money is there to go and spend it.”
Rivaldo open to European move
Former Brazil international Rivaldo has denied he is on the verge of joining Mallorca, but the 38-year-old has not ruled out a move back to Europe.
Reports in Spain suggest the World Cup winner is set to return to the Primera Liga and is in talks with the islanders. However, Rivaldo, who rescinded his contract with Bunyodkor, played down speculation.
“I haven’t given any interview to any media outlet and everything that is coming out is not true,” he said.
“The only truth is that now I am unemployed and going to Brazil. Despite my 38 years, I still have the footballing ability to play as much in Brazil as in Europe, I have always looked after myself for that. You can take that for certain.”
Ben Arfa is staying – Marseille
Marseille have confirmed Hatem Ben Arfa did not train with the squad this week amid rumours of a move to Newcastle, but insist the winger is not for sale.
France international Ben Arfa left the club’s training ground with his advisers on Thursday after meeting with club president Jean-Claude Dassier, but Dassier then told reporters he would not be selling Ben Arfa.
“Hatem is part of our squad and will remain so,” he said.
“There is no serious and solid offer from Newcastle at the moment.”
Dassier added that he does not expect the situation to change before the transfer window closes.
Camoranesi agent in Borozan blast
Mauro Camoranesi’s agent has lashed out at Vlado Borozan, claiming the FIFA agent is the reason the move to Birmingham fell through.
Borozan was acting for the Blues in Italy, and a deal to take Camoranesi to the Premier League seemed to be all but sealed with the 33-year-old and his agent, Sergio Fortunato, flying to England to put on the finishing touches.
However, Borozan said that the deal was off for reasons he could not disclose.
“I don’t understand the words of this man (Borozan). If he knows the reasons for the break in negotiations and can’t say, it’s better for him to shut up,” Fortunato said.
“First he told us that Camoranesi would earn so much, then when we went to Birmingham that figure became half.”
Schwarzer wants Fulham release
Goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, 37, wants Fulham to release him to Arsenal with the new Premier League season kicking off today.
Fulham have rejected offers from Arsenal, who have been linked with the experienced Australian shot-stopper.
Schwarzer, who has returned to London after playing for Australia in Wednesday’s friendly in Slovenia, said he wants talks with Fulham’s new manager Mark Hughes.
“I need it to happen,” Schwarzer said.
“I’ve had a couple of chats with Mark (Hughes). It’s delicately poised. Who wouldn’t be keen to go to Arsenal? At this stage in my career it’s an amazing opportunity to play at that level and one I really want to take.
“Only time will tell whether that happens or not.”