Bologna: Disappointed Bologna owner Giuseppe Gazzoni Frascara has put the club up for sale after their relegation to Serie B was confirmed. Bologna, relegated last term after losing in a two-legged play-off against Parma, have spent most of the summer trying to get themselves re-instated into the top-flight on financial grounds. Bologna had claimed that numerous Serie A clubs should have been thrown out of the division due to their economical situation.
Pirlo: Andrea Pirlo has confirmed that he is in talks with Milan over a new contract. The playmaker still has another three years left to run on his present deal but both parties are keen on prolonging their agreement. Pirlo, a rumoured transfer target for Real Madrid, is a key figure in Milan's plans and his importance is also being transferred to the Italian national side.
Real Madrid: The Real Madrid team that played a benefit match for Ferenc Puskas last week spent 25.5 million forints ($128,000) on hotels and expenses, more than the 22.5 million raised for the Hungarian great. Real also picked up 320 million forints in fees for their appearance. Hungarian state news agency MTI reported total receipts from the game were 421 million forints, and said the balance went on ground hire, security and other expenses. Real beat the Puskas All-Stars 3-1 in a testimonial match to raise money for the former Real and Hungary player, aged 78, who is in hospital suffering from a disease similar to Alzheimer's.
Liverpool: Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez confirmed yesterday that Liverpool are weighing up bids from Aston Villa and Olympique Lyon for striker Milan Baros. Benitez also denied reports in the Spanish press that Liverpool had made an offer to Real Madrid for their former striker Michael Owen. He insisted he was happy to carry on with his current group of forwards and said his top target was a central defender.
Strachan: Celtic manager Gordon Strachan says he is excited and nervous about his first Old Firm derby when his side face fierce rivals Rangers at Ibrox today. The Scottish Premier League match has added spice with both clubs managed by former Scotland and Aberdeen team mates, but Strachan says he has avoided speaking to Alex McLeish this week. "I'm excited...a wee bit of nerves. But I am feeling very privileged that I am going to manage in an Old Firm game," Strachan said.
Woodgate: Real Madrid defender Jonathan Woodgate said he was pleased with the progress he is making on his return from injury, after playing in a training game yesterday. Coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo organised a game against one of Real's youth sides to help the central defender regain confidence after 16 months away from competitive soccer.
Bellamy: Striker Craig Bellamy has been ruled out of Wales's World Cup qualifier with England next month due to a thigh injury he picked up in training this week. Wales coach John Toshack yesterday included the Blackburn striker in his 25-man squad for the qualifiers against England in Cardiff on September 3 and Poland in Warsaw four days later but said he would definitely not be fit for the first game.