Real steps up interest in signing Altidore
Real Madrid is reportedly interested in American teenage star Jozy Altidore. Madrid said yesterday that sporting director assistant Carlos Bucero had traveled to New York amid reports the Spanish champions were interested in signing the 18-year-old New York Red Bulls striker. Altidore's agent wouldn't say if he had met with Bucero, but confirmed his client's interest in Madrid. He scored four goals as the United States reached the quarterfinals at the under-20 World Cup earlier this year, and has notched nine goals in 22 games in Major League Soccer this season.
Steve Bruce resolves dispute with Birmingham
Steve Bruce finally completed his move from Birmingham to Wigan yesterday. Bruce was scheduled to be announced as the Latics' new manager on Wednesday, but a financial dispute with Birmingham over image rights held up the move. That has now been resolved, but not in time for Bruce to take charge of Wigan for the away match at Arsenal in the Premier League today. Wigan have been without a manager since Chris Hutchings was fired on 5 November after the Latics picked up just 8 points from his first 12 league matches in charge. Bruce previously took Wigan to the Division Two playoffs in 2001, but left after just 55 days at the club to join Crystal Palace. He moved to Birmingham four months later.
Werder suspends two players over fight in practice
Werder Bremen have suspended striker Boubacar Sanogo and midfielder Carlos Alberto after the two clashed in practice. Neither will be in Werder's roster for today's Bundesliga match at Energie Cottbus, coach Thomas Schaaf said yesterday. Sanogo threw a couple of punches at Alberto after accusing the Brazilian of intentionally kicking his tender left ankle during practice Thursday. Sanogo is just coming back after the injury. Both players may also be fined, the club said.
John O'Shea signs contract extension
Ireland international John O'Shea signed a three-year contract extension yesterday that will keep him at Manchester United until 2012. The 26-year-old O'Shea has played at center half, fullback and central midfield. He has made more than 250 appearances for United, and scored late goals against Liverpool and Everton last season that were crucial in the club's march to the Premier League title. "I have been at the club since the age of 17 and it is a dream come true to play for such a great club," he said. "I hope to play my part in bringing more trophies to the club and to continuing the success with this young, exciting team."
Mark Hughes extends contract until 2010
Blackburn manager Mark Hughes signed a new contract yesterday that will keep him at the club until June 2010. Hughes joined Blackburn in 2004 after five years managing Wales, which he took to the qualifying playoffs for that year's European Championship only to lose to Russia. He has taken Rovers to three consecutive FA Cup semifinals and twice qualified for European play. Blackburn's impressive start to the season has seen them lose just two games and rise to 7th place in the 20-team Premier League. Hughes was named the Premier League's manager of the month for October.
Mexes joins Roma injury list
Philippe Mexes has joined the injury list, while Roma complain about their players picking up injuries on international duty. The Frenchman had originally been included in the squad going to Marassi for today’s Serie A game, but later pulled out due to a slight head trauma. A statement on the official club website explained the tests “did not give the results we had hoped for” and it was decided he should be left at home to recuperate “as a precautionary measure.” It is the latest setback for the Giallorossi, who have also lost Simone Perrotta and possibly Daniele De Rossi following injuries picked up on international duty this week. Francesco Totti is also out of action as he has still not recovered from a badly bruised ankle sustained in the 2-1 Champions League win over Sporting Lisbon, while Rodrigo Taddei and Alberto Aquilani have not made the trip.
Milan legend backs Pirlo
Serie A’s first Ballon d’Or winner Gianni Rivera claims that Andrea Pirlo deserves this year’s award as much as Milan teammate Kaka. Brazilian ace Kaka is the overwhelming favourite to claim the European Footballer of the Year prize after his heroics in last season’s Champions League triumph. Pirlo is an outsider to clinch the silverware, but 1969’s winner believes that the Azzurri star would be a worthy winner. “Kaka is one of the most exciting and important players of a generation,” Rivera told Sky Calcio. “But Pirlo is a player who has consistently achieved great things and I would say that he is just as good.” Rivera also stated that, like Ronaldo, he can see Milan overcoming their dismal start to win the Scudetto.