Mascherano to leave West Ham

Javier Mascherano has conceded he may have to leave English Premier League club West Ham.

The Argentine midfielder has failed to earn a regular place in the team following his shock switch last August.

Italian club Juventus have confirmed their interest in Mascherano while Liverpool are also thought to be monitoring his situation at Upton Park.

Mascherano has admitted that he may have to leave the Hammers to revive his career.

"It is normal that if I am not in the team at West Ham then I will have to leave to continue my career elsewhere," Mascherano said.

"At my age I cannot afford to let my career stay on hold. I came to England to succeed but I have not had the necessary opportunities to do so."

Fulham confirm Montella interest

Fulham manager Chris Coleman has confirmed his interest in bringing Roma striker Vincenzo Montella (picture) to Craven Cottage.

"If I was to stand here and say I don't know who Montella is obviously I'd be telling a lot of lies," he told Sky Sports News.

"But I won't comment, as he's a Roma player. I know he's been linked with us and apparently he is in the country. I won't say anything on that."

The 32-year-old striker has made it clear he wants a January move away from the Italian capital after being reduced to a bit-part role at Roma this season.

Although he was initially linked with Milan, it seems that the latter are looking at other options now.

Milan covet Barcelona's Eto'o

Milan are lining up a bid for Barcelona forward Samuel Eto'o to finally solve their attacking problems.

Eto'o was reported to be a leading candidate to replace Andriy Shevchenko in the summer at the San Siro, but Barcelona had turned down the £20 million offer for the Cameroon forward.

Following the knee injury that ruled him out for several months, Eto'o could be tempted to start afresh in Serie A at the end of the season.

According to yesterday's La Gazzetta dello Sport, Milan are planning to reopen transfer negotiations next summer and a new bid is expected to be tabled to the European champions.

Bojinov seeks Juve talks

The agent of Bulgarian striker Valeri Bojinov has revealed he wants to hold discussions with Juventus this week over the striker's future.

Bojinov is on loan at Juve from Fiorentina but is also attracting interest from Milan. His agent, Gerry Palomba, said: "We are aware that Juve have great respect for Bojinov, but actions speak louder than words.

"When training resumes, we will seek an explanation from management about their plans for the player. If his chances are reduced and Juve do not intend to use him, then his future lies elsewhere."

Liverpool want Beckham - report

Liverpool's prospective owners are eyeing a shock move for David Beckham, according to a report.

The Sunday People yesterday claimed that Dubai International Capital (DIC) are close to completing their takeover of the club and have been angered by suggestions that they will use the club as a short-term, money making exercise.

The new owners, led by Sheikh Maktoum, see a move for ex-Manchester United midfielder Beckham as the perfect way to appease the Reds' supporters.

Beckham is out of contract at the end of the season and looks certain to leave Real Madrid where he has found himself a fringe player this season under new boss Fabio Capello.

It is claimed he already has offers from Los Angeles Galaxy and New York Red Bulls as well as reported interest from clubs in Serie A with leaders Inter thought to be heading the chase.

Ronaldo upstages Mourinho

Manchester United's in-form winger Cristiano Ronaldo has been voted Portugal's sportsman of the year ahead of Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho, who finished third.

The honour, handed out by Portuguese newspaper A Bola, recognised Ronaldo's "contribution to the expansion of Portuguese football across the world".

Ronaldo, 21, said: "I'm very happy with what I've achieved and want to continue at this level in 2007."

Mourinho, the winner in 2004, finished behind Benfica striker Nuno Gomes.

Upson eyes Birmingham exit

Matthew Upson could trigger a major bidding war after the player's agent revealed the player will not be signing a new deal at Birmingham.

The former Arsenal defender has caught the eye of a number of Premier League clubs including Liverpool, Portsmouth, Tottenham and Aston Villa.

Upson's current contract runs out at the end of the season and Birmingham could be forced to cash in on him rather than risk losing him for nothing in the summer.

The player's representative Barry Nevill said: "Matthew will not be signing a new contract at Birmingham. He believes his future lies elsewhere and has ambitions to play at the highest level.

"Even if Birmingham make him an offer he can't refuse.. he will refuse it!"