Roma midfielder Miralem Pjanic is edging closer to securing a move to Serie A rivals Juventus after handing in a transfer request.

The Bosnian’s future has been under intense speculation over recent days, with reports suggesting Roma were looking to move him on.

That has forced Roma general manager Mauro Baldissoni to make certain details public, including releasing a letter that the club received from Pjanic asking for a transfer to the champions.

Baldissoni told Roma Radio: “When professional boundaries are crossed we believe we have to intervene.”

Hazard limps out of training session

Eden Hazard has suffered a knock and is expected to return to training for Belgium after limping out of their behind-closed-doors session on Friday, coach Marc Wilmots said.

Hazard left the pitch after 50 minutes after having his foot stood on during a practice match.

“I don’t think it is serious, just a knock,” Wilmots said after the match between the expected starting XI and the reserves ahead of Belgium’s opener at the tournament against Italy tomorrow.

Wilmots said all players were fit, including defender Thomas Vermaelen, who had been doubtful earlier in the week.

Shearer awarded CBE for charity work

Alan Shearer has spoken of the satisfaction he takes from being able “to give something back” after it was announced he will be made a CBE on the Queen’s Honours Birthday list.

The former and England and Newcastle captain is honoured for his charitable services to the community in the north-east.

“I had to keep it quiet for a couple of months,” Shearer said.

“It’s been hard work keeping it quiet from the rest of my family and friends, but it’s a great time and I’m absolutely delighted. It’s been so surprising.

“It’s not just myself, it’s a lot of hard work that goes on with my particular charity, the Alan Shearer Centre in Newcastle.”

McLean keen to exorcise demons

Midfielder James McClean hopes he can cast aside his bitter memories of the Euro 2012 campaign and play a key role for Ireland in this month’s European Championship in France.

The West Brom player made a substitute appearance during Ireland’s ill-fated previous tournament in Poland and Ukraine, where they lost all their group matches.

“I went to the last European Championship with Ireland but it was a mixed time for me,” he said.

“This time, I feel much more like a part of the squad, I feel like an established international now... I’m hoping I can go and have a good tournament and get rid of some demons from the last one.”

Portugal is not just Ronaldo, says Lopes

Portugal goalkeeper Anthony Lopes says there is a lot more to their side than “best player in the world” Cristiano Ronaldo.

Lopes is glad to be able to count on Ronaldo as a team-mate, but says any talk of Portugal being a one-man outfit is misplaced.

“We have the best player in the world and in France there is a lot of talk of Ronaldo, but we are 23 players and all of us have quality,” he said.

“The national team is not just one player.”

Ronaldo will captain Portugal when they kick off their Euro 2016 campaign against Iceland on Tuesday.

Del Bosque backs goalkeeper De Gea

David de Gea has the full support of Spain coach Vicente del Bosque after allegations about the Manchester United goalkeeper’s private life appeared in the Spanish press.

De Gea had reportedly been sent home from Spain’s Euro 2016 training base following the allegations that emerged in El Diario on Friday.

But the 25-year-old has remained in France and addressed the matter at a press conference in Saint-Martin-de-Re, describing the allegations as “lies”.

“We are here to support him at all times and to give him all our love,” the 65-year-old said.

“The boy has explained to us that he had nothing to do with it.”

Henry surprised by Vardy hesitation

Thierry Henry has spoken of his surprise as to why Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy is hesitating over a move to Arsenal.

Vardy, 29, is currently weighing up whether to make the switch to the Gunners, with sources telling ESPN FC that he has already undergone the first stage of his medical at the club.

Reports claim Vardy will not make a final decision on his future until after Euro 2016.

“All I can say is if I was playing for Leicester and I had Arsenal coming, and I’m 29, I would have gone. But I’m not Jamie Vardy,” Henry told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“Either he has another proposition on the table, or Arsenal doesn’t seem attractive to him anymore.”