Football news

Inverness are confident of naming a new manager to replace the sacked Craig Brewster by early next week.

Argentine World Cup winner Ossie Ardiles and former boss John Robertson have applied for the vacancy.

"Ardiles is one of the names we will talk about but I'm not prepared to discuss individuals," director of football Graham Bennett said.

On Wednesday, Ardiles, 56, said he was interested in the Scottish Premier League club after being approached by a third party.

He is currently based in London, where he has been coaching at David Beckham's soccer academy, and wants to remain in the UK.

Arshavin talks progressing - Zenit

Talks with Arsenal over the transfer of Andrei Arshavin are nearing a "logical conclusion", Zenit St Petersburg have said.

Zenit general director Maksim Mitrofanov said details were finally being thrashed out to allow Arshavin to join the London club but also revealed that Denis Lachter, the player's agent, is not involved in the negotiations.

"We are conducting negotiations directly with the Arsenal chief executive," Mitrofanov was quoted as saying.

"The footballer's agent (Lachter) is not taking part in them. As regards the process itself, as I have already said, it is not simple, but it is moving and we hope that it will lead to its logical conclusion."

Short-term deal for Lovenkrands

Newcastle United manager Joe Kinnear is prepared to offer Peter Lovenkrands a short-term deal.

The Danish winger is currently on trial at Newcastle after terminating his contract with Schalke earlier this month.

Lovenkrands left a positive impression in a friendly against Carlisle earlier this week and Kinnear is keen to have the Dane on board at St James' Park.

"I've passed it to Derek Llambias, who is talking to Peter's agent," said Kinnear. "He's thrashing out some sort of deal till the end of the season."

Bellamy wanted to leave - Zola

West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola has dismissed reports that Craig Bellamy went on strike as he pushed for a move away from Upton Park. Bellamy earlier this week joined Manchester City on a four-and-a-half-year deal.

"We wanted to keep Bellamy, we tried everything to keep him. He decided he wanted a new experience - simple as that," Zola said.

When asked about the strike claims, Zola replied: "No he didn't go on strike.

"He didn't train one day because he had a problem in his calf and the day after was not a compulsory day, so he didn't train again."

Giggs hails 'best United side' ever

Welsh winger Ryan Giggs has hailed the current Manchester United team as the best ever he's played in - and hopes the champions can maintain their dominance.

"Last year, we won the Champions League and the Premier League, and we won them in great style," Giggs told ZOO magazine.

"But to talk of a great team, you need six or seven consecutive years of dominance.

"This side is good enough to do that, because all our young players can improve. Basically, I think this year we have the best United team ever."

United, winners of the 2008 FIFA Club World Cup, are still in contention for four more trophies this season but Giggs admits the priority remains the successful defence of the Premier League.

"With United, the goal is to win a third consecutive Premier League title," the 35-year-old said.

Anelka wary of Juve threat

Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka has expressed his respect for Champions League opponents Juventus, adding that the return from injury of David Trezeguet will make them stronger.

"It will be a tough game," Anelka told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"Juventus are a top team. It's always difficult to play against the Italians because they are tactically the strongest in Europe.

"It's bad news for us that David Trezeguet has returned from injury," Anelka added. "I admire David - he is a true goal scorer. He was born to score and if you give him half a chance he will take it."

Four Inter players set for exit

Reports in Italy suggest that Inter are prepared to listen to offers for four second-string players. The Italian champions have a large squad and coach Jose Mourinho is said to be willing to sell the players who are not in his plans, a measure that has the backing of club chief Massimo Moratti.

According to the Corriere dello Sport, Hernan Crespo, Nicolas Burdisso, Olivier Dacourt and Marco Materazzi could be on the way out.

Tottenham are targeting Materazzi, whose departure has been denied by Inter sporting director Marco Branca and Burdisso. The latter has also been linked with Spanish side Villarreal.

Dacourt is attracting interest from Bologna and Serie B side Parma, while Crespo could join Palermo.