MESSI APPEALS TO MASCHERANO

Lionel Messi has again urged Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano to consider a move to Barcelona.

The Argentine forward admits he would relish the opportunity to play alongside his countryman at club level.

Following speculation he could leave Anfield this summer, Mascherano has been heavily linked with a move to the Nou Camp.

Admitting to being flattered by reported interest from the Spanish champions, as well as Real Madrid, the 25-year-old has dropped his biggest hint yet that he may switch to La Liga.

Encouraging his compatriot to consider a move to Barca, Messi admits a possible deal is exciting for him and the club.

"Of course I would like him to join," he told El Mundo Deportivo.

"Who would not want to play with great players like Javier? I hope he can come here."

Messi admitted that his main target next term is to add to Barca's flourishing trophy cabinet.

He also spoke of his international ambition, saying: "There are two things I would wish for and the first is that Barcelona can win more trophies, the second is for Argentina to win the World Cup next year.

"We (Barca) can dream about another treble, but it will be extremely difficult."

Asked his opinion on Cristiano Ronaldo's impending £80million move to Real Madrid, he said: "If there is a club that sells and a club willing to buy then that is that.

"I am not going to enter into the rights and wrongs because that is not my place, I just play.

"It does seem like a big fee, but as I have said it is not really my place."

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CITY IN POLE POSITION FOR TEVEZ

Carlos Tevez is considering offers from Manchester City, Chelsea and one other club, according to the player's adviser Kia Joorabchian.

After Tevez decided not to renew his contract with Manchester United, Joorabchian commented the Argentinian's future will be defined in "about 10 days" and hinted City were in pole position to sign the player.

Joorabchian told Radio del Plata: "Right now we are evaluating the proposals from Manchester City, Chelsea and one other team.

"In the next two weeks, Carlos, Adrian (Rouco, Tevez's agent) and I will meet to sort this out.

"City is a club with most of the chances because they are building a big squad, but it is not a decisive point.

"The contract with United officially runs to until June 31 and we'll respect that. After July 1, we'll see. We may be defined in 10 days."

Last weekend, Tevez turned down a lucrative five-year offer to stay at Old Trafford, with Joorabchian making clear it arrived too late.

"Carlitos has never asked United for money, he has never complained about his contract. It is not a problem regarding money, but we never talked about that in two years.

"In two years, (United manager Sir Alex) Fergurson always said we were going to sit down to negotiate but we never did so. He sent an offer, but it was too late because they had not offered anything in two years."

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ATLETICO RULE OUT AGUERO SALE

Atletico Madrid insist sought-after forward Sergio Aguero is not for sale this summer.

Manchester United are the latest club to be linked with the Argentine ace as they look to bring in a big name to help fill the void created by Cristiano Ronaldo's impending move to Real Madrid.

Chelsea and Inter Milan have also been mooted as possible suitors for the 21-year-old, who is regarded as one of the best youngsters in world football.

Atletico are determined to keep hold of the Argentina international and president Enrique Cerezo is confident Aguero will remain at Vicente Calderon next season.

"I know that the big clubs of Europe are interested in our player, but I have spoken with the people next to Kun and I am convinced that next season he will continue in the squad," said Cerezo.

An Atletico spokesman insists the club have not received any offers for the South American.

"We have not received formally any offers and the club's board of directors have had a meeting and the decision is clear - Kun Aguero is not for sale and only if a club pay his release clause could an exit be possible," said the spokesman.

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Spain 0 - 2 United States

The U.S. soccer team is in the final of the Confederations Cup, beating mighty Spain 2-0.

Even more stunning, the Americans were on the verge of elimination and ready to head home last weekend before a reversal of fortune. On Wednesday, goals by Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey led to an upset of the planet's top-ranked team.

Call it a miracle on grass -- maybe not the World Cup, but still an American soccer echo of the U.S. hockey team's upset of the Soviet Union at the 1980 Lake Placid Olympics.

By winning, the maligned United States advanced to its first men's FIFA final since starting play in 1916.

Altidore scored in the 27th minute and Dempsey added a goal in the 74th as the Americans became the first team to defeat Spain since Romania in November 2006.

"It goes to show what hard work and commitment to each other can bring," said U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard, who made eight saves as he frustrated David Villa and Fernando Torres. "Sometimes football is a funny thing."

Now the U.S. will play defending champion Brazil or host South Africa in Sunday's final, which concludes a two-week tournament designed to prepare the organizers of next year's World Cup.

"Regardless of whether we play Brazil or the Bafana Bafana, the challenge will be great," U.S. coach Bob Bradley said.

Midfielder Michael Bradley, son of the U.S. coach, will miss the final. He received a red card for a late challenge in the 87th minute, the third American ejection of the tournament.

Still, American players had much to celebrate, given how slim the chances of such a U.S. victory seemed just a few days ago. Or any victory, for that matter. The 14th-ranked Americans were soundly defeated in their first two games in this event.

"I think it just shows that we can compete with the best. Now we need to do it on a consistent basis," U.S. captain Carlos Bocanegra said.

Spain, the European champion, had set an international record with 15 straight victories and had tied Brazil's record unbeaten streak of 35 games from December 1993 to January 1996.

The United States had been 1-7-1 against No. 1 teams, beating Brazil in the 1998 CONCACAF Gold Cup and tying Argentina last summer in an exhibition at Giants Stadium.

"This is an accident, a little step backward," Spain coach Vicente del Bosque said. "We have to look forward with optimism."

Altidore got the first goal when he outmuscled Joan Capdevila, his teammate on Spain's Villarreal, to send an 18-yard shot in off the hand of goalkeeper Iker Casillas. Capdevila thought he was fouled by Altidore, who had engaged in some trash texting a few days ago.

"I told him, 'Be careful of the USA.' And he tried to say I didn't understand Spanish, so it was just all fun and games," Altidore said. "We're teammates and we were just messing around with each other a little bit, but in the end we had the last laugh."

Altidore, a 19-year-old forward from New Jersey, was so excited after he scored that he took off his jersey as he ran toward the stands in celebration, drawing a yellow card. It was the first goal against Spain in 451 minutes, since Turkey's Semih Senturk scored on April 1, and just the third goal the Spaniards allowed in 17 games dating to last summer's European Championship.

Dempsey sealed the victory, scoring from 6 yards when he pounced on Landon Donovan's cross, which had bounced off Gerard Pique and the foot of Sergio Ramos.

"There will be ups and downs in any cycle," U.S. Soccer Federation president Sunil Gulati said. "I think this tournament makes that point very clearly. Tonight was a very big up."

The U.S. opened the tournament with a 3-1 loss to world champion Italy, then was outclassed by South American champ Brazil in a 3-0 defeat. The Americans advanced over the Italians on the second tiebreaker -- total goals -- only by beating Egypt 3-0 on Sunday as Brazil defeated the Azzurri by the same score.

"Three games ago I think it would have been impossible to think about a night like tonight," Howard said. "We've had our fair share of critics, but we stood up and took it on the chin and kept going."

While the U.S. women have won two world championships, the men have long been outsiders and didn't even qualify for the showcase event between 1950 and '90. This ranked alongside the upset of Brazil as one of their top wins, just below victories over England in the 1950 World Cup, Portugal and Mexico in the 2002 World Cup and Colombia in the 1994 World Cup.

Spain outshot the U.S. 29-9 in near-freezing conditions at the Free State Stadium, but Howard came up big every time he was needed.

"We knew we had to pick and choose our moments to go forward," Dempsey said. "We're happy with the result and we know we're going to have our work cut out to get anything out of the final."

The United States had lost its three previous matches against Spain, including 1-0 in an exhibition on June 4 last year at Santander. But the Americans were boosted by Bocanegra, who had been sidelined since injuring a hamstring during a World Cup qualifier on June 6. He played left back instead of central defense.

On this night, everything came together.

"This win is huge for American soccer," Dempsey said. "This one is much sweeter because we were down and out, came back fighting."

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Pato is "happy at Milan"

AC Milan striker Alexandre Pato insists he will remain at the San Siro as long as the club want him, despite reported interested from Chelsea and former coach Carlo Ancelotti.

The Brazil international is a protege of Ancelotti, who brought him to Milan as a 17-year-old in 2007, and has been linked with a summer move to west London in the wake of the Italian coach's arrival at Stamford Bridge.

However, the 19-year-old, who is under contract at Milan until 2012, claims he will not be following Ancelotti to the Premier League club.

''Pato will be at Milan always,'' he told Studio Sport. ''I am part of Milan and the club decides on my life.

''I am happy at Milan and I am here to work for Milan.

''The past year and a half for me has been very great, I want to help Milan win the Champions League.''

Last season Pato played 36 Serie A games netting an impressive 15 goals and setting up a further five.

If the Brazilian does decide against a move to Chelsea it would represent another transfer setback for the London club who have struggled to attract fresh talent this summer

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Ronaldo happy with pressure

Cristiano Ronaldo is confident he can quickly adapt to life at Real Madrid and match the fans' high expectations.

The Manchester United winger is close to completing his world record £80million move to Real after undergoing a medical over the weekend.

However the Portuguese star knows that even the Fifa World Player of the Year can struggle to adapt to new surroundings.

After arriving at Old Trafford as a raw 18-year-old in 2003 it took until the former Sporting Lisbon ace's fourth season at the club until he broke the 20-goal a season barrier.

"Football in England is different, it is more physical," he told Sky Sports News.

"No matter how good you are it takes time to adapt to any type of football. I just hope I can get used to it as quickly as possible."Ronaldo is also aware of the weight of expectation that will come with his staggering transfer fee but he insists he is comfortable carrying the burden.

"My career has always consisted of different challenges. At Manchester United it was like that every year," he added.

"This season is different because it is a completely different experience for me and the challenges ahead are different ones.

"The expectations will be very high but I am used to that. I know who I am and I know what I have to do.

"Right now I am relaxing with my family to make sure I am fully rested mentally and physically for my arrival to Real Madrid."

Ronaldo also expressed hope that the fans he was leaving behind in Manchester would understand and respect his decision to join Madrid.

"Real Madrid is a club I have always wanted to play for. I am very grateful for the effort they have made on my behalf," he highlighted.

"I hope the fans of Manchester will understand my decision. It was a mutual decision that quickly came to an agreement and I am very happy about that."

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''Very important team'' after Adebayor

The future of Arsenal striker Emanuel Adebayor has been thrown into fresh doubt after his agent claimed a ''very important team'' has made contact about the Togo striker.

Adebayor: In demand.

Some tabloids have linked Adebayor to Serie A rivals AC Milan and Inter Milan, but with former Rossoneri coach Carlo Ancelotti now at Chelsea, there have been rumours the forward could head to Stamford Bridge.

Premier League champions Manchester United have also been linked with an unlikely bid, but the player's agent Stephane Courbis says Arsenal's domestic rivals have not been in touch, although one ''very important'' club has been.

"As of today, I have not even got evidence to speak of presumed interest from Chelsea and Manchester United," Courbis told calciomercato. "It's a given fact that Carlo Ancelotti likes the player seeing that last year he tried to sign him for Milan, although Chelsea have not contacted us.

"We have not received any calls, not from Milan or Ancelotti. Another team has contacted us, but I cannot say anything, it's a very important team."

However, Courbis confirmed there has been no meeting with Milan and is confident Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is not looking to cash in on the £25m-rated former Monaco man.

He added: "There has not been any meeting with Milan for Adebayor and lately I have not received a call on their behalf.

"This doesn't mean Ade is for sale to resolve Arsenal's economic problems. I spoke with Arsene Wenger this morning and he told me nothing of the kind."

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Robinho: City would be ''unbeatable'' with Eto'o

Robinho believes Manchester City would be 'almost unbeatable' if the club manage to sign Samuel Eto'o from Barcelona this summer.

Samuel Eto'o: Premier League transfer target

The Cameroon forward is reportedly a target for City as the big-spending Premier League side look to add more to their strikeforce - which already includes £17m signing Roque Santa Cruz - and could yet contain Carlos Tevez.

"If Eto'o comes too he will add even more talent to the squad," Robinho told The Sun."We need four top-quality forwards because the season is so tough in England.

"I hope the club keep signing players with that quality. If so, we will be almost unbeatable."

He added: "A player like Santa Cruz is more than welcome and I've heard a deal for Carlos will be sorted very soon. That would be great because Tevez is a world-class talent and I would be happy to play alongside him.

"It is very good to know my club is going for top-quality players like these. Now I hope we can get Eto'o as well."

Brazil international Robinho, who was a club record signing from Real Madrid last year, also insists he is not concerned by the potential arrival of so many attacking players.

"Is the club chasing too many strikers? No, I don't think so - Manchester City wants to be among the top teams in the Premier League and in Europe," he continued. "To do that they must have at least three or maybe four top-quality strikers.

"The season in England, with the league and the cups, all the games we play is very demanding.

"But I'm not scared of the competition. If Santa Cruz and Eto'o come to City, they are talented players and I will work as always to make sure of my spot in the team."

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United to bid €60m for Argentina star Aguero?

Manchester United have been linked with a bid for Argentina star Sergio Aguero, with reports claiming that the Red Devils could pay up to €60m for his services.

Aguero is loved in Madrid.

The 21-year-old, whose fiancée Giannina is the younger daughter of Argentine football legend Diego Maradona, has impressed for Atletico Madrid this season and reportedly has a €60m release clause according toMarca.

United have been linked with some of the hottest young talents in world football, including the likes of Douglas Costa and Nilmar and 'Kun' is seen as the natural replacement for Carlos Tevez who will leave the club this summer.

The paper claim that the deal will be smoothed over by the fact that IMG - Aguero's representatives - have offered to work as Spanish-based scouts for Sir Alex Ferguson.

Aguero was outstanding for Argentina in the Olympics, and has been influential in Atletico's return to the Champions League, so any deal would be likely to smash the British transfer record.

However, Atletico club president Enrique Cerezo has asserted the board's position over Aguero and former United striker Diego Forlan in recent days, telling Sport: "We do not want to sell and we are calm about everything.

"We have a good team at present and we are going to strengthen it every which way we can. We are absolutely calm. We are not afraid of anything or anybody. [The players] have contracts which we have respected and we expect to be shown the same respect."

His declaration, however, does not guarantee that either Aguero or Forlan will remain at the Vicente Calderon, as any potential suitors could still attain their services by paying out the release clause on their contracts.

"Anyone who wants our players knows what to do, provided the player wants to leave," Cerezo explained. "And if they choose to go and a club wants to sign them, then there is nothing I can do about it."

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Wenger still in the hunt

Arsene Wenger has vowed to continue bolstering his Arsenal squad this summer but insists a rebuild is not necessary.

The Frenchman signed Belgian defender Thomas Vermaelen from Dutch giants Ajax for an undisclosed fee last week as the Emirates board continue to put faith in his abilities in the transfer market.

The loss of star players Alexander Hleb and Mathieu Flamini last summer severely damaged the flow of Wenger's team last season as Arsenal struggled for form early on following the loss of key midfielders.

After making a rare impact signing in Andrey Arshavin in January, which sparked the Gunners' Premier League season into life, many expected Wenger to chase up more superstar signings in a bid to make a title push next term.

However, the 59-year-old has other ideas and insists the side's fine end-of-season run suggests the rebuild is almost complete.

"We lost Hleb and Flamini last summer and we have had to rebuild. But we have done that now and the future looks bright," Wenger told theMirror.

"We don't want to have to rebuild again so I want to keep all the players together for next season. I don't want to lose anyone.

"I want to add to the squad and I have identified one or two targets. But identifying players and buying them are two different things.

"Ideally I would like to bring everybody in before we start back in pre-season training in July. I don't want to leave it until the end of August.

"We are at a stage were we need to convince people that this team does a lot of things right. It does not need to be transformed.

"When you go on a long unbeaten run in the Premier League and reach two semi-finals, common sense should tell you that.

"We have to take encouragement from what we have done in the season just gone.

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West Ham sign Inter Milan striker Luis Jimenez

West Ham United have completed the signing of forward Luis Jimenez from Inter Milan on a season-long loan, with a view to a possible permanent transfer.

Luis Jimenez: Chile international

The Hammers moved quickly to fend off interest from other teams for the player, who will officially join on July 1 provided he passes a medical.

Jimenez told the club's official website: "I am very happy, very excited and very determined to show what I can do."

The 25-year-old Chilean, nicknamed El Mago(The Wizard) for his playmaking abilities, continued: "I am a player who loves to play football, to be in a team that keeps the ball, to create opportunities and also score goals.

"I can't promise anything but I am going to do everything possible to do a good job for the club.

"I know West Ham are a fantastic club who have had a lot of great players. I had options to join other clubs but I watched West Ham's last game of the season and I liked it a lot.

"(Manager) Gianfranco Zola was one of the things that drew me to West Ham - I can identify with the type of football he wants to play."

Jimenez has not played for his country since March 2008, meaning he did not immediately meet Football Association work permit rules.

However, Hammers chief executive Scott Duxbury led a successful delegation, including Zola, to the FA earlier this month.

Duxbury then flew to Milan to begin the negotiations last week alongside technical director Gianluca Nani, before the deal was finalised this afternoon.

He said: "I am pleased we have been able to secure the services of Luis.

"Many clubs were after him, so we have had to work quickly. We were determined to get the deal done, because Gianfranco sees him as a player that can add much to our attack next season."

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Maicon open to Chelsea bid

The Inter Milan full-back has been a long-term target of Real Madrid but Chelsea are also thought to be weighing up a bid having missed out on Glen Johnson.

New boss Carlo Ancelotti has clearly identified the right-back position as an area of his squad that could be improved, with Maicon seemingly fitting the bill.

The 27-year-old Brazilian would likely command a fee in the region of £25million and should Chelsea lodge an offer, he would not be averse to talking over a potential move to England.

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Benzema to make United wait

Karim Benzema's agent has hinted his client would like to remain with Lyon for another season before moving to a bigger club.

The France international has been strongly linked with a move to Manchester United this summer as Sir Alex Ferguson seeks a replacement for Cristano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez.

The Red Devils are now a striker light after Tevez rejected a five-year contract to remain at Old Trafford following the conclusion of his two-year loan deal.

Benzema is one of the hottest properties in European football and has been tipped to join the Premier League champions in a deal that could be worth up to £35million.

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Real remain keen on Alonso

Real Madrid still hold hopes of prising Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso away from Anfield, according to club director general Jorge Valdano.

The Spain international has been the subject of intense interest from the free-spending Primera Division side this summer but the midfielder stressed last week that he was happy in England.

However, Alonso's statements have not ended Madrid's interest in the £20million-rated midfielder - a £10.5m buy from Real Sociedad in 2004.

The 27-year-old came close to a switch to Juventus last summer as Reds boss Rafa Benitez attempted to fund a move for then Aston Villa's Gareth Barry.

Neither move materialised and Barry has now joined Manchester City after Alonso proved his worth to Liverpool with a string of impressive displays last season.

Bankrolled by re-elected club president Florentino Perez, Madrid look set to be Europe's biggest spenders this summer and Valdano admits they still have eyes for Alonso.

"We have possibilities there but I don't want to say anything that will make the negotiation more difficult. We will wait a reasonable amount of time," he told Spanish newspaper AS.

Alonso isn't the only Liverpool player on Madrid's radar as full-back Alvaro Arbeloa's performances haven't gone unnoticed by the Spanish giants.

The Spain international's future is up in the air with the arrival of right-back Glen Johnson set to be processed this week, and Madrid are keen should Arbeloa become available.

"The lad only has a year left on his contract with Liverpool and this gives us more possibilities," added Valdano.

"He can play in two or three positions and this versatility is good. He is another option to evaluate."

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City confirm Taylor capture

Manchester City have completed the signing of goalkeeper Stuart Taylor from Aston Villa.

The 28-year old former Arsenal stopper moves to Eastlands for an undisclosed fee and will provide competition for first choice Shay Given.

The former England Under-21 international spent the latter stages of last season on loan at Championship outfit Cardiff City and manager Mark Hughes is glad to have the experienced keeper on board.

"We are delighted to be able to add a goalkeeper of Stuart's undoubted calibre to the squad," Hughes told the club's official website.

"Stuart is still a fairly young goalkeeper at 28 but he provides a wealth of experience and reliability."

The cover will pave the way for promising keeper Joe Hart to move on loan to Birmingham, having played understudy to Given since the Irishman's arrival in January.

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Essien would consider exit

Michael Essien's agent claims the Chelsea midfielder would be willing to consider a summer switch.

Fabian Piveteau claims there are clubs interested in luring the Ghana international away from Stamford Bridge and has refused to rule out the possibility of an approach proving successful.

Essien is happy to remain with the Blues, and has given no suggestion that he is harbouring hopes of a move, but it appears that he would be prepared to listen to offers should an interesting proposition present itself.

Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid would be difficult to turn down, and are prepared to spend big, and Piveteau admits a transfer to Spain could be a possibility.

"Some clubs are interested in Michael," he said.

"He likes Chelsea very much, but football is football and if Real Madrid, Barcelona or some other club make an offer he needs to sit down and discuss what is best for him."

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ZLATAN AND PIRLO TO CHELSEA?

Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Andrea Pirlo could be Chelsea's big signings of the summer after both Milan clubs admitted they were for sale.

Inter president Massimo Moratti has conceded that Swedish striker Ibrahimovic and Brazilian full-back Maicon are both available at the right price, with the former strongly linked with Chelsea.

"As a fan, of course I want to see them stay but as the president, with the book balances to keep in mind, I have to say that if they wish to go, then they can go," Moratti told Il Giornale. "If anybody wants to sign them, they know the price."

Moratti recently slapped a 90million Euros price tag on Ibrahimovic, who finished as Serie A's top scorer last season.

A move to the Spanish capital looked to be on the cards for the 27-year-old striker after Inter sporting director Marco Branca held talks with Real Madrid executives last week.

However, Moratti brushed aside speculation that those negotiations involved Ibrahimovic's possible transfer to the Bernabeu.

"Branca's trip to Madrid had already been fixed for some time and the reason was Maicon," said Moratti.

"But Florentino Perez is not that interested in defenders, fortunately for us, because Maicon is one of the best in the world."

Meanwhile, AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi has suggested that Pirlo could follow former boss Carlo Ancelotti to Stamford Bridge.

"We are going to see what we do with Pirlo, I hope that he is going to stay and I was the first to say so, but we must assess the situation," Berlusconi said on Milan Channel.

A report in the Daily Telegraph suggests that Milan have approached Chelsea to offer Pirlo at a price of around 20 million Euros.

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SPAIN WIN TO SET RECORD

Spain collected their record-breaking 15th consecutive win on Saturday night as they beat hostsSouth Africa 2-0 in the Confederations Cup.

Goals from David Villa and Fernando Llorente took Spain ahead of Brazil, Australia, and France, while also moving them level with Brazil's record of 35 games unbeaten.

For South Africa, there was the consolation of a semi-final place, despite a nervous second half, as the other Group A game between Iraq and New Zealand finished goalless.

The game changed five minutes after the break when Aaron Mokoena, beaten for pace by Cesc Fabregas, launched into a reckless dive to bring the Arsenal man down and concede a penalty.

Itumeleng Khune made a good save to deny Villa to his left, and was then alert to hold Fernando Torres' follow-up.

But South Africa had barely stopped celebrating the save when Albert Riera dinked in a cross and Villa - with a hint of handball - brought it down before placing a fine shot inside the right-hand post.

Spain then made sure of the win with Llorente's close-range finish in the 72nd minute.

In Johannesburg, Iraq could have gone through at South Africa's expense with a 2-0 win, but New Zealand stood firm to claim their first ever Confederations Cup point in nine attempts.

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VILLA LEFT CONFUSED

David Villa is not expecting a speedy resolution to the uncertainty surrounding his Valencia future.

The Spaniard has been strongly linked with a transfer to Real Madrid this summer, with Los Che open to a move as they continue to struggle financially.

A transfer was expected to be nearing completion only for Villa's agent, Jose Luis Tamargo, to claim that Valencia are no longer willing to discuss the potential sale of the forward.

Villa, who is currently on international duty at the Confederations Cup, has admitted that the past week has been a difficult period of his career.

"I don't believe that my future will be settled quickly," said Villa.

"The past week hasn't been easy, nobody can imagine what I've been through. It has been a really bad time. I must just put it out of my mind."

Meanwhile, Liverpool striker Fernando Torres feels that his compatriot Villa will remain in Primera Division, despite reported interest from Chelsea.

"Listen, I think Villa will play in Spain next year," said Torres in the Daily Star.

"It's his decision - but I think Barcelona and Real Madrid are trying to sign him and he will be in Spain.

"I don't think Chelsea's money will tempt him, or United. I think with his abilities and qualities he is better for the Spanish league - he scores over 25 goals every season there.

"I would like him to come to Liverpool of course but I think he is too expensive for us.

"I would prefer it if he played in Spain than signed for Chelsea or United. That's what I'll tell him!"

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BIRMINGHAM CLOSE ON HART DEAL

Birmingham City chairman David Gold says it will be a 'disappointment' if the club do not tie up a loan deal for Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart.

Premier League new boys Birmingham are expected to finalise the season-long signing of Hart following the end of England's European Under 21 Championship campaign.

Man City boss Mark Hughes is willing to loan Hart out next season to allow the 22-year-old to gain further experience at first-team level.

Hart started last term as the club's first choice, but he was dropped to the bench following the January arrival of Shay Given from Newcastle United.

He now appears to be on his way to St Andrews and Gold expressed his eagerness to conclude a loan deal for the former Shrewsbury Town youngster.

"It will be a disappointment if we do not tie up a deal quickly," said Gold in the News of the World.

Hart is currently with the Under 21 squad in Sweden and admits he must be playing regularly next season if he is to break into the senior squad for the 2010 World Cup finals.

"The coach has said you need to be playing," commented Hart. "That is what you want to be doing anyway, regardless of whether it gets you in the England side."

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OZIL READY FOR ENGLISH CHALLENGE

Germany forward Mesut Ozil has been one of the most impressive players at the Under-21 European Championships in Sweden, but he knows he will have to be at his very best to help his team beat England on Monday.

The Werder Bremen playmaker set up both goals in Germany's 2-0 win over Finland on Thursday, recovering from a back strain to show his full potential in the second half of that game.

Germany now face England knowing a draw would be good enough to reach the semi-finals, but aiming for a win which would earn them top spot in the group.

Yet England have not dropped a single point in their two previous matches and Ozil admits they are going to be tough opponents.

"It is no coincidence they have picked up six points from their first two games," said the 20-year-old.

"They were the best team in both of their games, even with ten men against Finland.

"It is certainly going to be hard against them because they are very compact. Furthermore, they have plenty of good individual players.

"But we know what we are capable of and we have nothing to fear against England. We will give it all we have got and we want to win the group."

Ozil, capped once at senior level, is out to impress Germany coach Joachim Low as he targets a seat on the plane to South Africa next summer.

"I want to be at the World Cup," he told Werder Bremen's website.

"I will continue giving it my best and trying to recommend myself for a place with my performances here.

"My aim is to play in the senior team."

Ozil has already tasted success this season, winning the DFB-Pokal with Werder, and that has given him a taste for more.

"We won one title with Werder and now really want to become European champions," he said.

"If we manage that, then this season will have gone very, very well for me."

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CISSOKHO STILL SET FOR MILAN

Aly Cissokho's agent remains 'very confident' the full-back will still complete his proposed move from Porto to AC Milan.

The Frenchman looked poised to seal a summer switch to the Serie A giants only for the transfer to collapse after dental problems emerged during a medical.

Milan, who initially agreed a fee thought to be in the region of £12.6million, were keen to renegotiate the terms after discovering the issue.

But it was suggested Porto were reluctant to lower the price or sanction a loan deal, sparking claims that Cissokho would remain in Portugal.

However, amid rumours that a figure of £8.5m has now been accepted, Cissokho's representative, Roger Boli, is optimistic a transfer is on the horizon.

"Only a couple of details are missing, but I am very confident. The biggest obstacle was the deal between the two clubs," Boli told L'Equipe.

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HULL REVEAL OWEN INTEREST

Hull City chairman Paul Duffen has confirmed the club's interest in signing Newcastle United striker Michael Owen 'on the right terms'.

Owen's contract at St James' Park expires at the end of the month and his representatives have sent out a brochure to several Premier League clubs outlining his credentials.

Everton have been linked with a swoop for the former Liverpool star, but now ambitious Hull have thrown their hat into the ring.

Reports claim the Tigers are willing to offer Owen a one-year deal, with the option of a further 12 months and the terms will be heavily incetivised.

Duffen revealed Hull, who finished 17th in their debut season in the Premier League, are interested in taking the 29-year-old to the KC Stadium.

And Duffen is optimistic that he can persuade the England international to join the Tigers providing the 'right deal' can be agreed.

"We're interested in Michael Owen on the right terms," Duffen told the News of the World.

"He's a fantastic footballer. He's had a few injury problems, but we would have to be interested in him.

"If the right deal can be done then we would definitely be keen to sign him. We are an ambitious football club and we want to show that.

"It would be an enormous move for us, but the deal can be done if it is on the right terms."

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