Maradona handed two-month football ban

Argentina coach Diego Maradona was banned for two months and fined more than £14,000,000 after a foul-mouthed outburst at the end of last month's decisive World Cup qualifier in Uruguay.

Maradona, 49, who faced a potential ban from some of his team's matches at next year's World Cup, apologised for his behaviour and showed remorse, soccer's governing body FIFA said.

He was sanctioned after an expletive-filled rant when interviewed on the touchline and produced another outburst in the post-match media conference, which was broadcast live on several television networks. Maradona told the media to 'suck it and keep on sucking'. Named as Argentina coach 13 months ago after fighting off drug addiction, alcohol problems and obesity, Maradona appeared in person before the disciplinary tribunal behind closed doors at FIFA headquarters.

'The FIFA disciplinary committee...decided today to impose a two-month ban on taking part in any football related activity and a 25,000 CHF ($24,630) fine on the head coach of Argentina Diego Maradona,' a FIFA statement said.

'The committee took into consideration the apologies and the sincere remorse shown by Maradona in its decision, which was communicated to him at the end of the meeting.

'The committee stressed that any breach of this decision or any repetition of a similar incident would mean that stronger sanctions would have to be imposed in the future.'

FIFA said the sanction would start immediately and run until Jan. 15. It means Maradona will not have to miss any competitive internationals, although Argentina are due to face the Czech Republic in a friendly at a venue to be decided next month.

The ban is the latest episode in the turbulent career of Maradona, who was thrown out of the 1994 World Cup for a doping offence, one of three such bans he received as a player.

Maradona flew in from Madrid, where his team lost 2-1 to Spain in a friendly on Saturday night.

Wearing dark glasses and a track suit, he swept past reporters at Zurich airport refusing to comment.

Around 20 onlookers with Argentina flags and a similar number of journalists gathered outside the gates of FIFA headquarters in a quiet Zurich suburb on a grey, damp autumn day. Maradona was inside the building for just over 2-1/2 hours.

Maradona rounded on his critics after Argentina beat arch-rivals Uruguay 1-0 to secure their berth in the South Africa in the last game of an 18-match qualifying campaign.

The 1986 World Cup winner had been heavily criticised for defeats against Bolivia, Ecuador, Brazil and Paraguay that left twice world champions Argentina on the brink of failing to reach the World Cup for the first time since 1970.

Appointed in October last year, Maradona's coaching credential have been repeatedly questioned.

He has called up more than 70 players for 14 matches (eight qualifiers and six friendlies) and been criticised for his team selections.

Maradona's tenure has been marked by clashes with players, coaches, journalists and directors, most notably playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme who quit the team saying he and Maradona did not live 'by the same codes'.

Arsenal confirm six-week lay-off for Van Persie

Arsenal have confirmed striker Robin van Persie will be out of action for 'approximately six weeks' after suffering ankle ligament damage during Holland's international friendly against Italy on Saturday.

Initially it had been feared the Dutch forward - who has scored eight goals in 15 games in all competitions this season and emerged as one of the Gunners' key figures - could be set for a much-longer spell on the sidelines.

Van Persie, 26, will return to London later this week to continue his rehabilitation but is set to miss key clashes with Barclays Premier League leaders Chelsea at the end of the month, the trip to Liverpool on December 13 as well as the rest of the hectic Christmas schedule. A club statement from Arsenal read: 'Following the care given to van Persie by the Dutch FA, he will travel back to London this week and continue his treatment with the Arsenal medical team at London Colney.

'Van Persie will be out of action for approximately six weeks.'

Although Van Persie could be back for what is likely to be a season-defining few weeks when Arsenal host Manchester United on January 31 before games against Chelsea and then Liverpool, the loss of the skilful Dutchman could not have come at a worse time for Gunners boss Arsene Wenger.

Denmark striker Nicklas Bendtner (groin) and England forward Theo Walcott (knee) are already out until early December.

Van Persie suffered the injury to his right leg in the 10th minute of Saturday's goalless draw against Italy in Pescara.

He was carried off on a stretcher following a heavy challenge from Azzurri defender Giorgio Chiellini and tests yesterday showed partially torn ligaments in his right ankle.

Van Persie had also suggested he would be out for the best part of two months.

'I have had a scan. I am probably out for between four and six weeks,' he told Dutch television programme Studio Voetbal.

However, the striker did absolve Juventus defender Chiellini of blame, adding: 'There was no intent.'

Van Persie scored twice in the 3-0 victory over Spurs last month, revelling in his new role at the head of a 4-3-3 formation, with Wenger afterwards describing him as a mixture of club legends Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp.

Everton end winless run as Hammers sink into mire

David Moyes warned Everton not to get carried away by ending their winless run with victory at West Ham yesterday.

Goals from Louis Saha and Dan Gosling ensured a first Premier League success in five for Moyes' men and the Scot said: 'We have not played well so we cannot ask for any more. When it was 2-0, I felt we had shored it up with nearly a perfect away performance where you have got the goals but did not play well. The key is always to find a winning formula and we found one. But we need to play better. At the moment, we are lacking just a bit of quality.'

Tony Hibbert's own-goal gave the Hammers hope but boss Gianfranco Zola was left perplexed by the result.

'We have to analyse the problems first and find solutions,' he said. 'I felt the players gave everything.'

World Cup dream appears over for Owen

Michael Owen's World Cup dream appears to be over.

After being overlooked since the friendly defeat in France over 18 months ago, it was expected Owen would eventually force his way into Fabio Capello's England squad after he completed a surprise summer move to Manchester United.

Yet Owen has found a starting spot hard to pin down at Old Trafford. Despite Dimitar Berbatov's absence, he was only on the bench for United's defeat at Chelsea yesterday.

Capello does not feel it is enough to warrant Owen's inclusion, despite citing the striker as "my torment" in a recent interview.

And, after leaving him out of his squad for Saturday's friendly with Brazil in Qatar, it is difficult to envisage that stance changing.

If Owen is despondent, Darren Bent will join up on Tuesday with a clear sense of focus.

Bent has fallen behind Carlton Cole in the battle to be back-up to Emile Heskey as England's main striking target man and not even some fine early-season form for his new club Sunderland, and a ringing endorsement from manager Steve Bruce, had been enough to get him back in - until now.

With Heskey and Cole both ruled out of what will be England's 31st meeting with the most glamorous team in the planet, after which there will be just one game - next March - before Capello must name his provisional squad, Bent has been handed his chance.

Whether the 25-year-old edges ahead of Peter Crouch, who has a remarkable record of 16 goals in 17 starts for his country, is open to question.

However, Capello will probably want to see Bent in action at some stage and the former Tottenham star, who left White Hart Lane is acrimonious circumstances this summer, must not waste the opportunity.

When picking a side to face the five-times world champions, Capello's hardest choice would appear to be at left-back.

Even though he completed the full 90 minutes at Stamford Bridge, Ashley Cole has not been selected, triggering the call-up of Aston Villa's Stephen Warnock.

Normally, Wayne Bridge would be the automatic stand-in for Cole but the Manchester City defender produced a woeful performance against Burnley yesterday.

His poor positioning was highlighted by BBC pundit Alan Hansen for two of the Clarets' three goals, so Warnock, whose international career extends to a single eight-minute substitute appearance in Trinidad last year, might harbour hopes of a starting berth.

Alternatively, Capello may place his trust in James Milner, who has made a big impression on the Italian recently and is apparently capable of filling in at full-back.

Largely, the squad is notable for who is not in it rather than who is.

Rio Ferdinand and Steven Gerrard head a long list of injured absentees, which also includes Cole, David James, whose only appearance for England since last April was as a substitute in the Ukraine last month after Robert Green had been sent off, and Aaron Lennon.

David Beckham was also last night ruled out of England's first trip to Qatar after the Los Angeles Galaxy secured a place in Friday's Major League Soccer Western Conference final with victory over local rivals Chivas USA.

Hull boss Brown boosts job chances with crucial win

Under-fire Hull boss Phil Brown chose to avoid the media after Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink's late winner handed his team a vital win over Stoke.

The Tigers, having won just three times in 33 Premier League games, had seemed destined for another damaging defeat after a first-half strike from Matthew Etherington.

But Brown's side, re-invigorated by the presence of record signing Jimmy Bullard, earned reward for their greater endeavour as Seyi Olofinjana levelled against his former club - and Vennegoor of Hesselink struck moments after Stoke had captain Abdoulaye Faye sent off for a second booking. He does like the spotlight - there's nothing wrong with that - but tonight he's chosen not to,' said assistant manager Brian Horton, when asked about Brown's absence from the post-match press conference. 'He has just come out of the spotlight. He is having a Guinness. Why shouldn't he?'

Horton, however, was more guarded when asked whether he felt, after a week of speculation, the win had saved Brown's job.

'We hope we can now go on a run and nobody talks about stupid things like that,' he added.

No transfer rush for Ancelotti

"Now, thanks to this decision we have time to look for new players," said Ancelotti. "But we don't want to take a decision in this moment. At the moment, I'm very happy with the squad, these players, and it's not necessary at the moment to take new players."

FIFA banned the Blues from any transfer activity until 2011 after they were found guilty of inducing teenage Gael Kakuta to breach his contract with French club Lens.

Chelsea appealed to CAS against the punishment and also requested the ban be suspended until their case had been dealt with in full.

That is now likely to take place well into the new year.

The Blues will lose Michael Essien, Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou and John Mikel Obi to the African Nations Cup in January but Ancelotti remains confident they can cope without them.

The Chelsea boss added: "I know we will lose four in January but if we maintain the players' fitness we can do a good period also without the African players. We can buy players in January, but now we have other questions to answer. It's not important now what we can do in January."

A statement from CAS read: "The Court of Arbitration for Sport has granted the request for a stay filed by Chelsea Football Club Ltd and Mr Gael Kakuta in relation to the decision taken by the FIFA Dispute Resolution Chamber on 27 August 2009.

"The FIFA Dispute Resolution Chamber imposed, inter alia, a restriction of four months' ineligibility on Mr Gael Kakuta, and Chelsea Football Club Ltd was banned from registering any new players, either nationally or internationally, for the next two complete, consecutive registration periods. Such sanctions are now stayed until the CAS renders its final decision in this matter."

Charlton happy to be eclipsed by Rooney

Sir Bobby Charlton has been encouraged by Wayne Rooney's growing maturity and insists he would relish the Manchester United forward surpassing his own England goalscoring record.
Charlton has 49 goals for his country and Rooney's recent burst over the last year puts him more than halfway there, on 25, with next week's friendly against Brazil another chance to add to his tally.

"Nothing would give me greater pleasure," the United and England legend said. "I would be dead chuffed if that happened."
He added: "I think he is a terrific player, inspirational, and people like him. As along as he doesn't get suspended for arguing with referees or doing something daft on the pitch - he is learning rapidly and doing less and less of that."

Charlton was at Wembley for the unveiling of a bust of Sir Alf Ramsey, the manager of the 1966 World Cup-winning team which he played in.

He sees similarities between Ramsey and current boss Fabio Capello, in terms of them both being disciplinarians.

"He reminds me of Fabio Capello. No question," he said. "His history has always been as a tough character but he gets teams to listen and perform to their best.

"I think England have a great chance of winning.

"I'm not getting carried away because it's a tough game and you are playing against the best in the world.

"It would be sensational if we could win but I don't want to put any more pressure on them."

Information

The FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2009 takes place in the city of Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates from December 9-19, 2009. This is the first time the tournament is being held in one city. The matches will be played in the city's two largest stadiums, Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium and Zayed Stadium. Click on the button in the right hand side to buy tickets online now or call our Ticket Hotline on 800KICK (8005425) if you are calling from within the UAE or +971 (0)2 449 9955 if you are outside the UAE.

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* Ticket prices range from as low as 10 AED to 300 AED depending on the match and the seat location. Please refer to Ticket Price Schedules - Single Tickets and Match Packages.

* Children under two years of age not occupying a seat are free of charge and do not require a ticket.

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For the cost of two adult tickets only, you will receive two adults AND up to four child (aged 16 and under) tickets.

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Purchase tickets to all eight matches, including Opening and Closing Ceremonies and receive a 30 per cent discount off regular Category 1 and 2 ticket prices.

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Purchase this six match package, including the Opening Match & Ceremony; the first Semi-Final Match; the second Semi-Final Match & 5th Place Match (double-header); and the 3rd Place Match & Final, including the Closing Ceremony (double header) and receive a 25 per cent discount off regular Category 1 and 2 ticket prices.

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Purchase this four match which includes a Semi-Finals Match & 5th Place Match (double-header); plus the 3rd Place Match & the Final, including the Closing Ceremony (double-header) and receive a 10 per cent discount off regular Category 1 and 2 ticket prices.

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Dunne targets Champions League

Speculation regarding the delay centred around the fact Dunne was negotiating a pay-off from a club he had served for the last nine years, and with a testimonial in the offing.

But with the Premier League now granting clearance after sifting through the backlog of transfers following a hectic deadline day, centre-back Dunne is a Villa player.

Despite losing their opening-day game at home to Wigan and crashing out of the Europa League to Rapid Vienna, Dunne firmly believes the club has the potential to clinch a Champions League place for next season.

The 52-times-capped Republic of Ireland international, who has signed a four-year deal, said: "I'm delighted. It's a great opportunity for me.

"With Aston Villa, with the experience they would have gained from last season - they went so close for so long at the top end and the manager has bought in some new players into the squad this year - maybe it might help us go that bit further."

Dunne, who turns 30 on the 21st of this month, was relieved that what proved to be a surprisingly protracted move was finally done and dusted.

"I came on Friday and passed my medical and I thought it would be a straightforward day for me," he added. "I think there was just a lot of pressure on a lot of people with so many deals going through, but I'm just really pleased that finally we have it all done."

Speculation regarding the delay centred around the fact Dunne was negotiating a pay-off from a club he had served for the last nine years, and with a testimonial in the offing.

But with the Premier League now granting clearance after sifting through the backlog of transfers following a hectic deadline day, centre-back Dunne is a Villa player.

Despite losing their opening-day game at home to Wigan and crashing out of the Europa League to Rapid Vienna, Dunne firmly believes the club has the potential to clinch a Champions League place for next season.

The 52-times-capped Republic of Ireland international, who has signed a four-year deal, said: "I'm delighted. It's a great opportunity for me.

"With Aston Villa, with the experience they would have gained from last season - they went so close for so long at the top end and the manager has bought in some new players into the squad this year - maybe it might help us go that bit further."

Dunne, who turns 30 on the 21st of this month, was relieved that what proved to be a surprisingly protracted move was finally done and dusted.

"I came on Friday and passed my medical and I thought it would be a straightforward day for me," he added. "I think there was just a lot of pressure on a lot of people with so many deals going through, but I'm just really pleased that finally we have it all done."

remier League this season.

Dunne on Wednesday finally joined Martin O'Neill's side in a £6million deal from Manchester City, despite passing his medical and the two clubs having agreed the fee five days ago.

"Aston Villa have improved each season recently, and hopefully I can be part of a squad that can challenge for a Champions League spot," said Dunne on AVTV.

Speculation regarding the delay centred around the fact Dunne was negotiating a pay-off from a club he had served for the last nine years, and with a testimonial in the offing.

But with the Premier League now granting clearance after sifting through the backlog of transfers following a hectic deadline day, centre-back Dunne is a Villa player.

Despite losing their opening-day game at home to Wigan and crashing out of the Europa League to Rapid Vienna, Dunne firmly believes the club has the potential to clinch a Champions League place for next season.

The 52-times-capped Republic of Ireland international, who has signed a four-year deal, said: "I'm delighted. It's a great opportunity for me.

"With Aston Villa, with the experience they would have gained from last season - they went so close for so long at the top end and the manager has bought in some new players into the squad this year - maybe it might help us go that bit further."

Dunne, who turns 30 on the 21st of this month, was relieved that what proved to be a surprisingly protracted move was finally done and dusted.

"I came on Friday and passed my medical and I thought it would be a straightforward day for me," he added. "I think there was just a lot of pressure on a lot of people with so many deals going through, but I'm just really pleased that finally we have it all done."

Zola closes on Chamakh

friday, August 21, 2009

Chamakh Marouane

West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola is edging closer to signing Bordeaux forward Marouane Chamakh and is looking to sell James Collins to push the deal through.

Stoke manager Tony Pulis is still hopeful of signing Collins but the Hammers are also waiting to see if Aston Villa are willing to bid for the 25-year-old centre-back.

The money for Collins would be used for Morocco international Chamakh, who is needed to support Carlton Cole as Zola's only senior striker.

Chamakh wants to leave his French club and earlier in the summer was on the radar of Arsenal but Arsene Wenger felt his price was too expensive for a player whose contract is running out.

Meanwhile, left-back Herita Ilunga's facial injury means he is rated as doubtful to face Tottenham on Sunday in the Barclays Premier League clash at Upton Park.

Jonathan Spector is a likely replacement but Fabio Daprela, the Switzerland Under-19 international, impressed in a behind-closed-doors practice match against Watford.

Radoslav Kovac also featured in the 2-1 win, his first appearance since signing a permanent deal with the club. Josh Payne and Zavon Hines scored the goals in the friendly.

Yeung takes step towards bid

friday, August 21, 2009

Carson Yeung

Birmingham have revealed Carson Yeung's investment company has paid a £3million deposit with a view to making an offer for the Premier League club.

Yeung's Grandtop International Holdings, which currently holds a 29.9% stake in the St Andrews club, has entered into an escrow agreement with City.

He had looked set to bid for the club two years ago but an offer failed to materialise, prompting the current owners to challenge him to prove he had the financial muscle to make a firm approach.

Grandtop have done that by placing a substantial deposit which could lead to a takeover worth around £81.5million.

A statement to the Stock Exchange said: "The board of Birmingham announces that on 20 August 2009 it entered into an escrow agreement with Grandtop International Holdings Limited, the holder of an existing 29.9% interest in the issued share capital of Birmingham.

"Under this agreement, Grandtop has put down a deposit of £3million with a view to making an offer for the entire issued share capital of the company.

"The £3million deposit is a surety for Grandtop's ability and intention to make an offer, without which the company was unable to commit resources to considering an offer."

Majority shareholders David Sullivan and David and Ralph Gold have always maintained they would not sell the club unless they were confident it was going into safe hands.

The statement added: "The irrevocables (a signed agreement for the sale of shares), if signed, will be in respect of 40,757,026 ordinary shares of 10p each in the share capital of Birmingham, representing approximately 50.0% of the existing issued share capital.

"The offer, if made, would value the entire issued share capital of Birmingham at approximately £81.5 million. It is expected that the irrevocables will be signed as soon as Grandtop indicates that it is in a position to announce a firm intention to make an Offer on the Agreed Basis."

Late penalty gives Blues win

James McFadden scored an injury-time penalty to earn Birmingham a dramatic victory over Portsmouth at St Andrew's.

Referee Lee Probert pointed to the spot after England goalkeeper David James had clattered into Blues midfielder Sebastian Larsson.

Up stepped McFadden to drill the ball past the 39-year-old who had earlier denied the home side with fine saves from Larsson and veteran striker Kevin Phillips.

James' efforts looked to have earned his side a valuable point on the day Pompey confirmed a new consortium led by chief executive officer Peter Storrie was in negotiations to buy the club.

Blues boss Alex McLeish is desperate for his side to make St Andrews into a fortress after eight draws in his 13 home games in charge two seasons ago were a major factor in them being relegated.

But for all their endeavour and purpose, with Barry Ferguson impressive in midfield, they were unable to unlock the visitors rearguard, in which Sylvain Distin was a key performer, until the late finale.

Larsson came close to putting City in front after 18 minutes when the Sweden international got on the end of a deep first-time centre from left-back Gregory Vignal but he could not keep down his header.

Hart parried a low effort around the post from Frederic Piquionne although the shot was probably heading just wide before his intervention.

City tried to build up some momentum and James turned over a curling free-kick from Larsson after Phillips had been brought down by Hayden Mullins.

James made a fine save to turn a curling shot from Phillips past the post after Garry O'Connor had headed the ball into his path. But St Andrews erupted after McFadden's late decider.

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Fabregas targeted for Milan move

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Centre of attention: Cesc Fabregas has been linked with Milan

AC Milan are reportedly lining up a £30million offerc for Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas.

The Italian Tuttosport newspaper claims the San Siro club already have an understanding with Arsene Wenger to buy the Spain playmaker, when the Arsenal boss decides he is ready to sell.

The report claims Milan coach Leonardo will meet with vice-president Adriano Galliani and Italy's prime minister Silvio Berlusconi - the club's owner - on Wednesday to discuss the move.

Everton deny Senderos bid means Lescott can leave

Everton have confirmed they are in talks with Arsenal about a move for Philippe Senderos, but deny he will be a direct replacement for Joleon Lescott.

England defender Lescott is wanted by Manchester City, and talk of a move for Senderos led to speculation a switch to Eastlands could be imminent.

Everton chairman Bill Kenwright said: 'We have been negotiating with Arsenal for the transfer of Philippe. Nothing has been concluded yet but talks are on-going.'

A fee of about £6million is being discussed for the player who was on loan to AC Milan last season, playing 15 times.

But an Everton club source insisted Senderos - who joined Arsenal in 2003 - was not being signed as a direct replacement for Lescott.

Senderos is being lined up as cover at the back, where Phil Jagielka is not due back from a knee injury until November at the earliest.

However, the Switzerland international's arrival on Merseyside would compensate for a possible Lescott departure.

Everton have rejected two bids, £15million and £18million, from City boss Mark Hughes.

But Lescott did hold talks with Toffees manager David Moyes yesterday, but did not put in a formal transfer request.

Lescott has been told by Moyes he will not be sold and City have yet to return with a third bid.

Redknapp would welcome Vieira arrival

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp believes Patrick Vieira's determination to play at White Hart Lane shows the character of the former Arsenal captain.

Redknapp's priority at the moment is for cover at centre-back but he is also in the market for a defensive midfielder and the club have made an inquiry to Real Madrid about Lassana Diarra. He feels Vieira would add quality to his midfield and has no reservations over the 33-year-old spending almost a decade at the club's rivals.

"I'm still interested in Patrick, I would like him," Redknapp said after Friday night's friendly 1-1 draw against Barcelona at Wembley.

"What's he done wrong, he hasn't killed anyone, he's just a great player who played for Arsenal.

"If he wants to come to Tottenham it shows you about his character. He wants to come and play, he's a fantastic player and wants to play here."

Redknapp is also still interested in Portsmouth striker Peter Crouch, adding: "We are interested in him but the whole deal is expensive. We feel it is more than we want to spend."

Jake Livermore, after signing a new contract with the club earlier in the day, grabbed the equaliser against Barca after Bojan Krkic had opened the scoring.

The European champions fielded a team of reserves and youngsters but gave Spurs a massive test with their passing.

"It's very difficult to play under that pressure - anyone can play when given time," he added. "I should have had my youth team here to watch.

"The whole club is a credit to football. People will only talk about their passing but I saw the other side of their game."

Trotters sign defensive duo

Bolton have completed the signings of Aston Villa defender Zat Knight and Hull full-back Sam Ricketts on three-year deals.

Centre-back Knight, who has won two England caps, joined Villa in the summer of 2007 from Fulham in a £3.5million deal but struggled for regular first-team football, starting just 13 Premier League games last season.

Wales international Ricketts, who can play on the left or the right of a back four, started 27 of the Tigers' Premier League games in their debut season in the top flight. They are Wanderers boss Gary Megson's third and fourth signings of the summer, with the club having brought in Sean Davis after his contract at Portsmouth expired and also defender Paul Robinson from West Brom.

Mascherano 'wants to quit Liverpool'

Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano wants to quit the club for Spain, claims the player's agent.

Real Madrid and Barcelona are both keen on the Argentina holding midfielder but Rafa Benitez is desperate to keep the player at Anfield.
However, his representative Walter Tamer has reportedly told Infobae.com: 'Barcelona is the easiest deal to set up as Javier wants to go to Spain. He is tired of life in England.

Spurs not chasing Beckham but keen on Crouch, says Redknapp

Tottenham Hotspur boss Harry Redknapp says there is no chance of the club signing England midfielder David Beckham.

Spurs have been linked with the LA Galaxy midfielder and Beckham is desperate to play in Europe when the MLS season finishes to boost his chances of playing in the 2010 World Cup finals.

But, speaking after last night's 4-0 friendly win over Peterborough, Redknapp said: 'David Beckham is a fantastic player, and an amazing professional.

'There's no truth in those stories. No enquiries have been made by us.

'I don't know where those stories came from.'

Redknapp did admit he is interested in signing Portsmouth striker Peter Crouch, thouhg, who would cost around £12m.

#Crouchy, I have signed several times, and if Portsmouth want to sell we could be interested,' Redknapp told Sky Sports.

'It depends on everything about price etc, but everyone has their price and it would be up to the chairman and Portsmouth to sort out a price. I love Crouchy but we will have to wait and see.'

Sunderland were also chasing Crouch but pulled out of the race yesterday as the player is keen to stay in the south of England.

Darren Bent, Jermain Defoe, Luka Modric and Roman Pavlyuchenko got the goals last night for Spurs.

Terry plays as Chelsea beat Jose's Inter

Slick Chelsea dominated former boss Jose Mourinho's Inter Milan at the Rose Bowl to get their World Football Challenge campaign off to a winning start in Pasadena, California, this morning.

Goals from Didier Drogba in the 11th minute and a Frank Lampard penalty just after half-time gave Chelsea the victory over the Italian champions in front of 81,224 fans.

The impressive nature of the Blues' performance more than the scoreline, however, will have delighted new head coach Carlo Ancelotti, especially coming so soon into the ex-AC Milan chief's first pre-season campaign and against his former cross-city rivals.

Mourinho, facing the club he led to two Premier League titles during his three seasons at Stamford Bridge between 2004-07, had seen his Inter team open its campaign with a penalty shoot-out defeat to Mexico's Club America on Sunday.

Chelsea, meanwhile, had warmed up with a 2-0 win over Major Seattle Sounders the previous day but had since lost German midfielder Michael Ballack to a broken toe.

Led once again by John Terry in central defence with Ricardo Carvalho, Chelsea fans at the Rose Bowl saw their African players start for the first time in pre-season, John Obi Mikel and Michael Essien returning to midfield with Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou in attack.

It was the central defenders, though, who had Chelsea's first sights on the Inter goal, Florent Malouda receiving a short corner on the left and crossing for Carvalho to head over the bar at the near post in the second minute and Terry heading from the resultant Malouda corner from the right.

Chelsea were dominant throughout the opening half and Drogba opened the lead in the 11th minute, receiving a short pass from Lampard with his back to goal, turning and shooting unimpeded from 20 yards, the ball bouncing over Inter Milan keeper Vid Belec's outstretched left hand and into the bottom corner of the goal.

The Londoners continued to play with purpose and fluency, highlighted in the 16th minute when Lampard and Branislav Ivanovic exchanged a one-two down the right, the Serbian full-back advancing to the byline and centering for Drogba whose shot was straight at a grateful Belec.

Trailing 1-0 at the break, Inter's first real chance came as Chelsea adjusted to the five changes made by Ancelotti at half-time. With Carvalho making way for Alex in defence, the incoming centre-back gave the ball away to Mario Balotelli on halfway immediately following the restart and the through ball found Diego Milito who cut inside Terry but was blocked at his feet by Petr Cech, the Chelsea keeper making his first meaningful contribution of the game.

Daniel Sturridge, who scored on his debut at Seattle, and Nicolas Anelka had replaced Drogba and Kalou and they quickly caused problems.

Deco, on for Malouda, sent Sturridge clear in the box in the 48th minute and when his cross from the left was blocked by Ivan Cordoba's hand, Lampard was given the chance to add to his goal scored against the Sounders, converting the penalty, right footed into the bottom corner.

Ancelotti made further changes in the 64th minute, taking off Cech, Essien and Ivanovic for Ross Turnbull, Juliano Belletti and Michael Mancienne, who was called straight into the action, blocking a Balotelli bicycle kick on the six-yard line after Inter sub Zlatan Ibrahimovic had crossed from the right.

Late substitute Franco Di Santo nearly added a third for the Londoners in stoppage time, taking a delicate Deco chip over the top on his chest and shooting right-footed over the bar.

Alonso plays it cool over Madrid move

Xabi Alonso joined up with the Liverpool squad last night for their Far East tour with his future at the club still uncertain.

The midfielder met boss Rafael Benitez and the Anfield squad at Vienna airport after flying from Spain - where he got married last weekend - following weeks of speculation that he was about to join Real Madrid.

Bernabeu officials had been working last week to try to tie up a deal for the 30-year-old that would have avoided him having to take part in the Liverpool trip to play Thailand in Bangkok on Wednesday and Singapore next Sunday.

There were even suggestions that he would be given leave from Liverpool so that a £30million move could be completed.

But after Liverpool had lost 1-0 yesterday evening in a friendly against Rapid Vienna, the squad went directly to the airport to be reunited with their Spanish stars, for the overnight flight to the Far East.

Alonso, Fernando Torres, Jose Reina and Alvaro Arbeloa had all been given extra time off following their participation in the Confederation Cup.

And Alonso - who as yet has not formally asked for a transfer - has spoken for the first time about his future ahead of the flight from Spain.

Alonso said: 'It is always a great feeling when Madrid want you, especially considering the phase of the career I am in now.

'But at this point, whether or not that can happen is not up to me. It's a matter that involves three parties, including myself. I do not like to force the issue. I prefer to talk.

'Madrid's project is certainly impressive. But beyond that, I cannot tell you anything else.'

Alonso intends to hold discussions with Benitez. He said: 'I will talk to him, sure, but the first thing to do when I arrive [in Austria] is to greet him.

'But I imagine that in the next few days, there will be time for all that, even though in reality, there is nothing in particular to talk to Rafa about. It's the clubs who have to negotiate to reach an agreement.'

On the reported fee, Alonso said: 'I am not the man who can answer these questions.

'The truth is that I cannot say much, because every little thing can be misinterpreted. And I do not know how things will turn out either because I am not a fortune teller.'

Benitez has consistently said in public that he does not want to sell Alonso, but if the position becomes untenable with the Spaniard having to search for a replacement, the fee he wants is over £30m.

Valencia's David Silva is reputed to be a target, while Liverpool are also likely to enter the bidding for Aston Villa winger Ashley Young.

Javier Mascherano, who has been told he will not be sold to Barcelona, played in the last 25 minutes of the defeat in Vienna, while new signing Glen Johnson was sidelined with an Achilles injury.