Rangers: Rangers have dropped their interest in Kilmarnock striker Steven Naismith after having four offers turned down for the Scotland international. Kilmarnock manager Jim Jefferies told BBC Sport that their Scottish Premier League rivals had not been in official touch for a couple of weeks. And Ibrox counterpart Walter Smith said: "We have withdrawn the offer. We can't come to agreement with Kilmarnock, so that's it finished."

Babel: Liverpool's new signing Ryan Babel said Holland boss Marco van Basten tried to persuade the striker to stay in Holland. Van Basten told Holland's U-21 squad that in order to bolster their chances of making his Euro 2008 squad then they should not move. But those words were ignored by the 20-year-old winger, who sealed a £11.5 million switch to Anfield. "Van Basten spoke to the squad before the U-21 Championships and said it would be best for players to stay in Holland if they wanted to go to Euro 2008," Babel said. "But his words did not even enter my mind when Liverpool said they wanted to sign me."

Mendy: Paris SG defender Bernard Mendy has revealed his desire to sign for Celtic. Gordon Strachan, the Celtic manager, is looking for a right-sided defender following the departure of Paul Telfer. "Celtic are a great club and I would certainly consider the option of a move," said the 25-year-old. Mendy's manager at PSG, former Rangers boss Paul Le Guen, would not be keen on the defender leaving but needs the money to generate cash to revamp his squad.

Baptista: Real Madrid forward Julio Baptista is being lined up for a £6 million move to Newcastle. The Brazilian spent last season at Arsenal on loan and Real sources have apparently claimed that the Magpies have now made their interest known. He said: "I believe I showed at Arsenal last season that I can play in England, score goals and make goals. Newcastle is a big club but before I consider a move I need to know about my future with Real Madrid."

Friendlies: Bayer Leverkusen vs AZ Alkmaar 4-0; Carl Zeiss Jena vs Magdeburg 2-1; Bohemians vs Wolves 1-1; F. Dusseldorf vs H. Kassel 2-0; Mlada Boleslav vs Wolfsburg 1-1; FC Cologne vs Genclerbirligi 0-0; Borussia Dortmund vs Roma 4-0; Eupen vs Sint-Truiden 1-3; Racing Genk vs Metz 1-1; Nancy vs El Zamalek 0-0.

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