Scudamore sticks by overseas plan

Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore has stuck by his widely-criticised plans to play extra matches abroad and accused FIFA president Sepp Blatter of not knowing enough about the idea when he denounced it.

Blatter has said the plan could harm England's bid to host the 2018 World Cup and also accused rich clubs of simply wanting to get richer, while the English FA told FIFA it had serious reservations over the proposals.

"We were told we would have the opportunity to talk to the FIFA president about our proposal. I do not see how there can be speculation about the possible impact on the 2018 World Cup campaign until this meeting has taken place," Scudamore told The Times.

"I want to explain the reasons for this proposal to Mr Blatter because I do not think he has been given a chance to understand it, or what benefits there would be for the game in England and beyond."

Novellino ban reduced on appeal

Walter Novellino's two-match touchline ban has been reduced on appeal. The Torino coach was sent off for dissent during last week's 3-1 win over Palermo at the Stadio Olimpico.

The Disciplinary Commission had originally handed down a two-match ban for insulting the referee, but on Friday it was reduced on appeal to one, thus he will return on his team's bench for next week's match against Parma.

Jovetic to join Fiorentina

Fiorentina have beaten Real Madrid to the signing of 18-year-old prodigy Stevan Jovetic - nicknamed the new Dejan Savicevic, reports said.

The Montenegrin striker was a target for clubs all over Europe including Manchester United, Shakhtar Donetsk and Real Madrid.

However, yesterday's Gazzetta dello Sport said that the Viola have secured the signature of the talented player after they concluded negotiations ahead of last week's UEFA Cup tie with Rosenborg.

Mudingayi courts Premier interest

Belgian international Gaby Mudingayi admits he is flattered to be linked with a move to the Premier League. The Lazio midfielder has reportedly been scouted by a number of clubs including Manchester United.

"There is interest form England and Germany," agent Didier Frenay told Het Nieuwsblad. "They are top teams, but I cannot name names."

Mudingayi admits he is attracted by the reported interest from England.

"The interest flatters me," he said. "This sort of thing is perfect motivation for me to keep working hard."

Chevanton set for knee surgery

Sevilla striker Ernesto Chevanton is to undergo surgery on his injured knee this week and is likely to be sidelined for at least a month.

The Uruguay international damaged his knee during last month's 2-1 win over Osasuna and, having received the results of further tests this week, Sevilla have confirmed Chevanton is now due to go under the knife on Wednesday.

If all goes well Chevanton will be able to return to training in four weeks.

Pauleta eager for end of season

Pedro Pauleta admits he is counting down the days until his frustrating last season with Paris St Germain comes to an end.

The former Portugal striker is no longer a regular for the capital club and is usually used as a substitute by coach Paul Le Guen. The 34-year-old has three-and-a-half months left on his PSG deal, and he is looking forward to the end of the season.

"I hope that May comes quickly," said the prolific frontman. "It isn't the season that I had been hoping to finish my career with. I don't feel like an important player for the team."

Cicinho does not regret Italy move

Roma full-back Cicinho prepares to face his old team Real Madrid and reveals moving to Serie A was the right choice.

The Brazilian spent just 18 months in La Liga before the switch to Italy in the summer of 2007. He will come face to face with his former team-mates next week as Roma take on Real in the Champions League.

"I was not happy at Real," he told Spanish newspaper As.

"I was sad because when Bernd Schuster spoke to me at the start of the season he said I would not play, as he preferred Sergio Ramos."

Barca to hold Ronaldinho talks

Barcelona vice-president Ferran Soriano has revealed that the club is keen to extend Ronaldinho's current contract. The Brazilian star's future at Camp Nou has been the subject of intense speculation for the last few months as he has struggled for form and fitness.

Milan and Chelsea have been strongly linked with a summer move for the former Paris Saint Germain ace, but Barca have repeatedly denied rumours of a transfer.

"We have rejected many offers from abroad," Soriano said. "The player is not for sale, and at the moment we are looking to extend his contract."