Football news

France and Bayern Munich defender Willy Sagnol is set to retire after failing to recover from an Achilles' tendon injury, Bayern team manager Uli Hoeness said yesterday.

"I had a chat with Willy Sagnol this week and it is my understanding that he will end his career," Hoeness told German tz newspaper.

"I feel very sorry for Willy. This is a very sad fate." Sagnol, who has not officially announced his retirement, had undergone surgery before the start of the season after an already injury-plagued previous year.

A solid defender capped 58 times by France, the 31-year-old has been with Bayern since 2000, winning the Champions League the following year.

Bellamy completes move to Man. City

Wales forward Craig Bellamy completed his transfer from West Ham United to Manchester City yesterday after the London club turned down an offer from Tottenham Hotspur.

Manchester City confirmed the deal on their website (www.mcfc.co.uk) saying Bellamy, 29, had agreed a four-and-a-half year deal for an undisclosed fee.

He will join up with his new team mates at their training camp in Tenerife later this week and could make his debut against Newcastle United, one of his former clubs, on Jan. 28.

O'Neill seeking reinforcements

Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill is expected to enter the market this month to strengthen his squad after defender Martin Laursen aggravated a knee injury in training.

The Danish international was injured against West Brom a fortnight ago and was in line to return last weekend but suffered a new setback that is likely to keep him out for a long time.

"Martin wanted to play against Sunderland but he felt a reaction to that during training and was not considered for selection, O'Neill said.

"Unfortunately, he is out for a few weeks. Our intention is to bring in a replacement because we need to strengthen our defence."

Kaka will stay at Milan - Lippi

Italy's national coach Marcello Lippi believes Milan schemer Kaka will remain at the San Siro despite the huge offer tabled by English side Manchester City.

Italian media have reported in the past few days that the Brazilian was set to leave the seven-times European champions and his father was due to meet the English club officials this week.

However, Lippi has no doubts that Kaka will remain at Milan.

"It's inevitable that Milan would hesitate when such an offer was put in front of them," Lippi said.

"Of course the Sheiks are in love with western football and want to create a team with their unique financial capabilities, but I think Kaka will stay at Milan."

De Rossi not for sale says Spalletti

Roma coach Luciano Spalletti insists the club have received no offer from Manchester City for Daniele De Rossi.

The Italy midfielder is reported to feature prominently on City's wish list, with manager Mark Hughes keen to put the Abu Dhabi United Group's riches to good use.

De Rossi signed a new four-year contract with the Serie A club last summer and Spalletti declared that the midfielder was staying put.

"There have been no offers for De Rossi," he said.

"I know that he is a quality player who is admired by many teams. But he is a fundamental player for us and will stay here."

Fred can leave Lyon

Lyon have given striker Fred the green light to leave the club. The Brazil international has made it clear he wants to quit the French champions after losing his regular place in the first team.

The Ligue 1 club have been reluctant to let him go but he was dropped from the squad for the weekend's 2-0 win at Grenoble, and club president Jean-Michel Aulas has now confirmed the 25-year-old can leave.

"When players don't behave to the level required in the squad, and to the level they should, given the pay they wish to have, it is up to us to either punish them or say to them that they can go elsewhere. It is what has happened with Fred," Aulas said.

"He absolutely wants to go. I have replied to him... that effectively he could leave."

West Ham target Osvaldo swoop

West Ham are lining up a move for Fiorentina striker Pablo Daniel Osvaldo as a possible replacement for Craig Bellamy.

Bellamy completed a move away from Upton Park after he left West Ham to join Manchester City.

Zola is hopeful of being given funds to fill the void created by Bellamy's impending departure and he has earmarked a move for Osvaldo.

Fiorentina are believed to be open to offers for Osvaldo and West Ham are ready to open talks for a loan move till the end of the season.