Football News

Milan Baros has rejected the chance to join Real Sociedad but would consider other offers, according to the Aston Villa player's agent.

"Milan has not accepted the offer from Real Sociedad," said Pavel Paska. "There will be no more talks. If there is an appropriate offer from a club, we will consider it."

Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill said recently he "wouldn't be sure" that Baros wanted to stay at the club, who signed him for £7m from Liverpool 18 months ago.

O'Neill was at The Hawthorns on Saturday, fuelling speculation that he may make a bid for West Brom's Curtis Davies.

Distin wants ambitious City

Sylvain Distin wants assurances that Manchester City's ambition matches his own before he signs a new contract. The 29-year-old Frenchman's current deal ends in summer.

"I want to stay in the Premiership and my preference is to stay at Manchester City," he told the club's website.

"But I have ambition and I want to make sure the next contract I sign is with a club that has the same ambitions."

Distin has made 185 appearances for Man. City since arriving from Paris St Germain in 2002. But the club could receive nothing if Distin does not agree a deal and leaves next summer.

Hiddink on way to Chelsea?

Russia coach Guus Hiddink could be the next manager at Chelsea as many believe Jose Mourinho will quit Stamford Bridge at the end of the season. It seems that Mourinho's relationship with owner Roman Abramovich and chief executive Peter Kenyon has reached a breaking point, with the Portuguese coach frustrated with the behind-the-scenes political battles at the club.

Mourinho still feels aggrieved at the departure of William Gallas on the final day of the summer transfer window and, according to several Sunday newspapers yesterday, Abramovich is already preparing to replace him with Hiddink.

Inter have been touted as the most likely destination for Mourinho, who is looking to clinch a third successive Premier League title with Chelsea, currently in second place.

Berlusconi behind Ancelotti

Silvio Berlusconi reassured Carlo Ancelotti (pictured above) that his job does not depend on conquering the Champions League.

"Ancelotti's position has never been in doubt," insisted the patron after Saturday's 3-2 Trofeo Berlusconi win over Juventus at the San Siro.

The Italian media has repeatedly stated this is the end of an era for the coach and named a series of potential replacements, spanning from Marcello Lippi to Frank Rijkaard and Marco Van Basten.

"Ancelotti's destiny is not tied to any trophy. It is decided by the fact he knows how to lead the team well and has settled in perfectly to a club where he has the respect and affection of everyone," added Berlusconi.

"He was part of the Milan family as a player and continued that link as a coach. His position is not up for debate."

Kamara prefers Italian league

Diomansy Kamara, the West Brom striker, said he is being courted by Reading, but would prefer a return to Italian football. Kamara has scored 12 goals in the Championship this season but wants a move.

Prior to the opening of the transfer window, the Senegal international's agent revealed Roma were interested to take Kamara back to Serie A.

A fee of £2.8 million was mooted for the ex-Modena ace, although Tony Mowbray is aiming to keep his best players at The Hawthorns.

Torino seem to be interested and the 26-year-old concedes he would rather go back to Italy than join Reading.

"Italy has been fundamental in my life and I can't wait to return," Kamara told reporters.

"Reading are really after me, but I would prefer Torino."

Mancini backing Adriano

Inter coach Roberto Mancini hopes that Adriano will carry on with his fine form of late after hitting a brace in a 6-1 friendly win over Bahrain.

"I am happy for Adriano. He scored two great goals... I hope it'll prove to be an auspicious start to the year," Mancini said.

Adriano had a bad start to the season, failing to hit the back of the net for nine months at club level.

"This experience in Bahrain has certainly been positive, as we have worked in a good climate with a warm welcome and this was a strong test for the team," added Mancini.

Guidolin pins hopes on Caracciolo

Palermo will have to play without injured striker Amauri for the rest of the season but coach Francesco Guidolin believes the side's spectacular campaign can continue.

"I cannot help but be satisfied with the way the season has gone so far," the coach said. "The only blots are the UEFA Cup exit and Amauri's injury. But I have great faith in Andrea Caracciolo and you'll see he will give an important contribution to the team."

Brazilian hitman Amauri has been their guiding light this term with eight Serie A goals, but surgery for a cruciate knee ligament injury - to be performed in Rome today - has ruled him out for several weeks.