Football news

Julio Baptista wants to remain at Roma despite reports linking him with a move elsewhere.

The former Arsenal and Real Madrid forward is reportedly a target for Inter, but is under contract with the capital club until June 2012 and insists he does not expect to leave this month.

"I am calm about my future," Baptista told www.asroma.it.

"I expect to remain here."

Baptista scored nine times in 27 Serie A appearances to help Roma finish sixth in Serie A last season.

However, the Brazil international has started just one league match for the Giallorossi this term.

"I am training hard in order to be ready when given the chance," he said.

Zarate going nowhere - Lazio

Lazio sporting director Igli Tare has brushed aside reports linking Mauro Zarate with a move to Arsenal.

Asked about Arsenal's reported €40 million offer for Zarate, Tare told Corriere dello Sport: "It's only rumours, there is no truth.

"Lazio count on Zarate, who is a great champion."

Zarate spent last season on loan at Lazio, netting 13 goals in 36 appearances in the Serie A, before making his move permanent to the Eternal City in the summer.

The South American star has struck twice in 17 league appearances for the Biancoceleste.

Caldwell becomes Wigan's third signing

Scotland international Gary Caldwell completed his move from Celtic to Wigan Athletic yesterday to become the Premier League club's third signing of the January transfer window.

Caldwell, 27, who can play as a defender or defensive midfielder, signed a four-and-a-half year deal, the club said.

Wigan boss Roberto Martinez said: "Gary is a leader and he is exactly the right character we need at the club."

Wigan have already brought in Serbian goalkeeper Vladimir Stojkovic from Sporting and Ivory Coast defender Steven Gohouri from Bor. Moenchengladbach on loan until the end of the season.

Grant plays down Kaboul exit talk

Avram Grant played down fresh speculation linking Younes Kaboul with a move away from cash-strapped Portsmouth after

he played no part in the club's FA Cup third-round replay against Coventry on Tuesday.

Kaboul is arguably the club's biggest asset when it comes to wiping out some of their estimated £60 million debt.

Sunderland and Lens are the latest sides to be linked with a move for the £7 million-rated former Tottenham man, with Steve Bruce reported to have had a bid rejected on Tuesday.

"He couldn't play, he was injured," Grant said of Kaboul's absence at the Ricoh Arena.

"But I think he will be available for Saturday."

Van Basten linked with Juventus job

Marco van Basten could be offered the coach's job at Juventus if their efforts to lure Guus Hiddink prove unsuccessful, La Gazzetta dello Sport has reported.

Hiddink is still the leading favourite to replace embattled Juve coach Ciro Ferrara despite repeated denials from his agent, Cees van de Nieuwenhuyzen. This has prompted the Italian media to speculate as to who else could be on the Bianconeri's shortlist.

Van Basten is apparently a contender, although it's unlikely his appointment would gain the fans' approval, considering his time at Milan coincided with a bleak period for Juventus.

Dino Zoff and Gianluca Vialli have also been mentioned as possible candidates with reports suggesting that they would only act as caretakers until the end of the season.

Essien joins Ghana team in Angola

Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien has joined up with the Ghana team in Angola and is fit to play in the African Nations Cup, a spokesman for the Black Stars said yesterday.

Essien, who has recovered from a hamstring injury, should have arrived on Sunday but bad weather in London delayed his departure to Africa.

"He has arrived in Angola this morning. He is with the team and he is fit to play and available," a Ghana spokesman said.

"If the coach decides that he plays, he will be available."

Burnley appoint Laws as manager

Premier League Burnley named Brian Laws, 48, as manager yesterday after the departure of Owen Coyle to rivals Bolton Wanderers.

Laws, a former Burnley defender, managed Championship side Sheffield Wednesday before being axed in December. He faces a baptism of fire, with Burnley playing champions Manchester United at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Saturday with a visit to Bolton looming on January 26.

Burnley said Russ Wilcox, 45, had joined as assistant manager. He worked with Laws at Scunthorpe and Sheffield Wednesday. First team midfielder Graham Alexander has been appointed player/coach.

Burnley said Laws's arrival would enable the club to build on the foundations laid by Coyle in taking them back to the top flight in 2009 for the first time since 1976.