Abbiati: Christian Abbiati's move from Milan to Genoa has been thrown into doubt following the Serie A new boys' demotion. Genoa won promotion last season but following a probe into alleged match-fixing were demoted to Serie C1. Goalkeeper Abbiati had already agreed to a loan switch before the hearing but it now seems unlikely that he will be content to play in Italy's third tier next term.
Corradi: Bernardo Corradi looks set to leave Valencia after a miserable debut campaign in the Primera Liga last season. Milan had been linked with an approach for Corradi but, following their capture of Parma striker Alberto Gilardino, it seems unlikely that they will still be in the market for more firepower. Charlton have previously expressed a strong interest in the player but reports in Italy have claimed that Manchester City are bracing themselves for an approach.
Strachan: Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell has dismissed suggestions that new manager Gordon Strachan is under pressure as "ludicrous". Strachan has suffered a disastrous start to the season, his team conceding nine goals in their first two games. "The board is right behind Gordon. He needs time and will be given time to get it right," Lawwell said. Celtic drew 4-4 with Motherwell on Saturday, and were humiliated 5-0 by Artmedia Bratislava in the Champions League last Wednesday.
Pires: Robert Pires has pledged his future to Arsenal, despite his ongoing contract wrangle. The Frenchman has just one year left on his current deal and so far did not sign an extension. Pires, 31, has yet to agree new terms on a two-year contract but said: "Of course, I want to stay at Arsenal, it is my club and I am happy."
Lyon: John Carew scored a second-half winner to give French champions Olympique Lyon a 2-1 victory at promoted Le Mans in their first Ligue 1 outing of the season yesterday. Gerard Houllier's side, chasing an unprecedented fifth title in a row, opened the scoring in the 37th minute when Sylvain Wiltord, meeting a long cross from Anthony Reveillere, volleyed home from the penalty spot. Brazilian striker Tulio De Melo had grabbed the equaliser for Le Mans in the 57th minute.