Chelsea complain: Chelsea are asking FIFA to investigate what they describe as an illegal approach by Real Madrid for their Dutch winger Arjen Robben. Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon said: "We are aware of comments regarding Arjen made by Ramon Calderon, the new president of Real Madrid, since his successful election. The Arjen Robben situation could not be any clearer. There have been no meetings or conversations between the Real Madrid sporting director Predrag Mijatovic with any Chelsea officials... we will not be entertaining any offers for Arjen, he is not for sale."
Nekounam: Iran midfielder Javad Nekounam has signed a two-year deal with Osasuna. The 25-year-old was in the Iran squad at the World Cup and has won 73 caps for his national side. He joins the Navarrans on a free transfer from United Arab Emirates side Al Sharjah. Nekounam is one of Iran's most popular players and was among the 10 nominees for the Asian Player of the Year Award.
Bowyer: Midfielder Lee Bowyer was fined £600 yesterday after he admitted starting an on-pitch clash with then-Newcastle United team-mate Kieron Dyer. Bowyer, who joined Premier League rivals West Ham United last month, pleaded guilty to using threatening behaviour when he appeared at Newcastle Magistrates' Court. He was also ordered to pay £1,000 costs. The incident occurred during Newcastle's 3-0 home defeat by Aston Villa in April last year.
Baros: Germany's Hamburg have made a preliminary approach to Aston Villa for Czech striker Milan Baros, the Premier League club said yesterday. "It's true to say we've had a preliminary call from Hamburg, but nothing more than that," Villa chairman Doug Ellis said. "Milan has got two years left on his contract and his agent has assured us that despite the interest from Germany, he's happy at Aston Villa and is not looking to leave." Baros, 24, finished last season as Villa's top scorer with 12 goals in all competitions after joining from Liverpool in August 2005.
Michel: Real Madrid have appointed former player Michel as coach of the club's reserve team Castilla who play in the Spanish second division. Real said yesterday that the 43-year-old, who coached Madrid-based third division side Rayo Vallecano last season, had signed a four-year deal. The former midfielder will also be in charge of the club's new training base in Valdebebas.
Giuly: French midfielder Ludovic Giuly will extend his contract with Barcelona until June 2008, the Spanish and European champions said. "Ludovic Giuly, who had a contract until 2007, will extend his deal with Barcelona for another year," the club said. The buy-out clause on his contract will remain at 60 million euros.