Reports yesterday said Inter's Nelson Rivas collapsed unconscious during training on Saturday. The club had only said the defender was "taken ill" and that he recovered immediately even though he was left out of the action for the weekend.

Gazzetta dello Sport is now claiming Rivas collapsed to the ground unconscious on Saturday afternoon. His team-mates were "terrified" according to the newspaper but the Colombian was able to recover quickly and stand up on his own two feet.

Rivas was immediately rushed to hospital at Cinisello for tests.

Real eyeing Drogba

With uncertainty looming at Chelsea, Real Madrid are looking to lure Didier Drogba away from Stamford Bridge. Drogba is reported to be considering his future following the departure of Jose Mourinho.

"Drogba is an important target and we've been after him for some time," Bernd Schuster told reporters.

The Real coach also revealed he is keeping tabs on Drogba's team-mate Michael Ballack. Real were linked with a move for the German international over the summer but injury problems have put any move on hold.

"I already said in the summer that I wanted Ballack to come to Madrid," Schuster said.

Recoba reborn at Torino

Alvaro Recoba looks like he has found some consistency at last while playing for his new club Torino. The Uruguayan was an enigma during his time at the San Siro, with moments of sheer brilliance peppering an otherwise mediocre career.

At Turin, he has been reunited with his old Venezia coach Walter Novellino.

"I am very satisfied, as I immediately felt important to this side. I got what I wanted - to go home happy or sad based only on what I do on the pitch," Recoba said.

"At Inter I only played if one of my team-mates was injured or out of shape. Here I can express myself in a relaxed atmosphere."

Hiddink rules out Chelsea job

Guus Hiddink said he won't be leaving his job with the Russian national team to start coaching Chelsea.

Hiddink has been tipped to replace Jose Mourinho while some reports suggest he has also been approached about a different position within the set-up at Stamford Bridge.

But Hiddink is staying focused on Russia's Euro 2008 qualification campaign, which will go on until November.

"Roman Abramovich and I met again around the England match, we had good talks and discussions," Hiddink said.

"But the Chelsea situation is something I won't touch right now. I am concentrating on the Russian national team."

Milan losing ground

Carlo Ancelotti said Milan are falling behind in the Italian league title race. The 1-1 with Parma was their third consecutive Serie A draw and, although they are unbeaten, they have not kept a clean sheet since the victory at Genoa on Day One.

"It was a missed opportunity, as the other teams are starting to run away from us," Ancelotti said.

"We played a good first half, then we eased off too much in the second and left Parma more space."

Schmeichel nets deal

Kasper Schmeichel has signed a new four-year deal with Manchester City. Manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has rewarded the U-21 keeper for the impressive form that has seen the Dane doing so well this season.

Schmeichel said: "It's great to have everything put to bed now so I can concentrate on my football and I'm delighted.

"Everything's gone well this season, so to get this sorted out as well is really pleasing."

Deco, Lampard in Inter's plans

Inter are planning to make bids for Deco and Frank Lampard as early as next January. Italian newspapers claimed last weekend that the Italian champions are so shaken by their poor start to the campaign that they are preparing for big changes.

Coach Roberto Mancini is a fan of Deco and he was reportedly approached during the summer.

Also, uncertainty at Chelsea makes Lampard's contract negotiations even shakier than before and, although he is also of interest to Juventus and Barcelona, Inter can offer the England midfielder a huge contract.

Denilson to get new contract

Arsenal are ready to offer midfielder Denilson a new contract. The 19-year-old is in line for a new improved deal after an auspicious start to the new season.

Denilson, who has yet to establish himself as a regular, is regarded as one of the brightest prospects at the club.

Denilson said: "My contract is under review. I'm happy about that because Arsene Wenger signed me and he knows me. I'll get more chances with him as manager."

Bresciano wants City move

Australian Mark Bresciano is still hopeful that he will be transferred to Manchester City in January. He came close to making the move to England last month but Palermo pulled the plug at the last minute.

City want to rekindle their interest for Bresciano when the transfer window re-opens and the midfielder hopes his Serie A club will grant his wish to play in the Premiership.

"I've just got to wait and see if my team in Italy release me in January," Bresciano said.

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