MILAN SEARCH FOR ROBINHO REPLACEMENT

AC Milan will move to sign a new striker should Robinho finalise his return to Santos in the coming days, according to vice-president Adriano Galliani.
The 29-year-old former Manchester City and Real Madrid forward was close to agreeing a move to his boyhood club in January, having spent six months back in Brazil on loan from City in 2010.
Terms could not be agreed, however, and Robinho completed the Serie A season with Milan.
However, Galliani has today confirmed the transfer - which would net the Italians a reported eight million euros - is back on and the Rossoneri are lining up a possible replacement.

He told the Corriere dello Sport: "Last night we sent our latest proposal to Santos. The player has even accepted a reduction to his wages. If Robinho leaves, another striker will need to come in."
Galliani, who revealed his disappointment at missing out on Juventus-bound striker Carlos Tevez last week, would not identify a preferred reinforcement to his forward line but hinted CSKA Moscow midfielder Keisuke Honda could be a worthy addition to the San Siro midfield.
A deal for Sampdoria's young Italy midfielder Andrea Poli, meanwhile, requires defender Bartosz Salamon to agree to move in the other direction.
"Honda? I consider him to be an excellent attacking midfielder," Galliani said.
"(Poli's) arrival is certain, he's finished his medical and I'll be having dinner with him tonight. A good omen is that he has the same September 29 birthday as (Silvio) Berlusconi and (Andriy) Shevchenko.
"But the time when we can make it official depends on an agreement between Sampdoria and Salamon."

BENFICA BOSS CONCERNED OF CHELSEA TARGET'S DEPARTURE

Benfica boss Jorge Jesus has confessed his concern at the possible departure of Nemanja Matic for pastures new this summer.

The Serbia international has established himself as one of the best midfielders in Portugal following his arrival from Chelsea two years ago as part of the transfer that saw David Luiz move in the opposite direction.

However, Matic is now being heavily linked with move away from the Estadio da Luz, with the Blues and Manchester United both said to be keen on the 24-year-old, and Jesus freely admits that he is perturbed by the mounting transfer speculation.

"Of course the exit of Matic worries me," the Eagles coach told Benfica TV. "When he came to Portugal he was third, fourth or fifth choice at Chelsea. But we thought he had potential and included him in the sale of David Luiz.

"There followed two years of work that made him the player he is today, one coveted by the biggest teams in the world."

Matic, who spent a year on loan at Vitesse, joined Chelsea from Kosice in 2009, for a reported fee of €1.75 million.

MOYES: NO TRANSFERS FOR NOW

Manchester United manager David Moyes says it is unlikely that the club will sign new players before the start of their pre-season tour.

The Scot will take charge of his new side for five games in Asia and a further game in Europe from July 13, before his first game at Old Trafford in a testimonial match for Rio Ferdinand.




"I'll try [to bring some players in before the tour] but I couldn't honestly say yes. I will try if possible. Time is closing in a little bit just now," Moyes told reporters.

"The way the transfer window is, I think things might be done a little bit later in some cases this year. Partly because there are quite a few new managers in, as well, I don't think everybody will be done right away. In the ideal position we'd get players in right away."

The Scot refused to comment on speculation regarding other clubs' players although confirmed that United would always be in the market for top talent.

"We will do everything we can to add to the squad. This club is always interested in the best players," he continued. "This club has done it. We'll do everything we can to make sure we remain at the top.

"I would never speak about players at other football clubs – I think it's wrong, it's not my style. I'll answer as many questions as I can but, when people have a contract at other football clubs, I think it's wrong to talk about them."

GOMIS: LYON WANT TO FORCE ME OUT

Out-of-favour Olymique Lyonnais forward Bafetimbi Gomis insists he will not be forced out of the club - even though coach Remi Garde has made it clear that he no longer wants him at the Stade de Gerland.

Garde has publicly stated that les Gones need to sell the striker for financial reasons and claimed that it would not be in Gomis' interests to stay and see out the final year of his contract with the Ligue 1 outfit.

However, the player himself, who was excluded from pre-season training, is upset by a perceived show of disrespect on the part of his coach, and warned that he will not go anywhere against his wishes.

"[Garde] didn't call me [about this]," Gomis told L'Equipe. "It is not the most polite thing to do to a player who scored about 50 goals since you have been in charge. I think I deserve a bit more consideration.
"If I can't find a club that could offer me the guarantees I am expecting, which has the ambition I am looking for, I will stay. I will be ready to help the team.
"I will work to be ready to help if they call me. However, nobody will force me to go where I don't want to go, that is for sure. I am still at Lyon, and I am far from having already left."

Lyon reportedly agreed a deal with Swansea with Gomis, but the player has rejected the opportunity to move to the Liberty Stadium.
"Did I refuse Swansea? I have respect for all the clubs, but I can still choose my destination, can't I?" the France international mused.
"I want to choose but without constraint, even if I have been offered better conditions than in Lyon.
"It is not a financial matter to me. The first year, Lyon found an agreement with Fenerbahce, but it didn't prevent me from refusing.

"This time it is different: it is the very first time the coach told the press he doesn't rely on me."

Gomis, who has been capped 10 times by his country, joined Lyon from Saint-Etienne four years ago.

MARIN: I'LL PROVE MYSELF AT SEVILLA

Marko Marin has revealed that he is even more motivated to prove himself at Sevilla than he was at Chelsea last season after joining the club on a season-long loan deal.

The Germany international arrived at Stamford Bridge 12 months ago but managed just six Premier League appearances for the Blues.

Marin has now been sent on loan to the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, and the 24-year-old is determined to make the most of this chance to shine in "one of the best" leagues in the world.

“I come here with more ambition than when I signed for Chelsea,” the attacking midfielder told reporters on Friday.

“Sevilla is a club of tradition that I have come to for the new season with the hope of helping them return to a position in the league that they occupied not so many years ago.

“I hope to take on the role of a leader. After talking with 'Monchi' [Sevilla sporting director Ramon Rodriguez Verdejo] and [midfielder] Ivan Rakitic, who is also a leader in the team, I have understood the project and the philosophy of this club.

“I want to show my value here."

Marin managed just one goal in 15 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea last term.

MOLBY: LIVERPOOL MUST SELL SUAREZ

Former Liverpool midfielder Jan Molby believes the club have to sell striker Luis Suarez as keeping an unhappy player is not helpful.
The Uruguay international is still on leave after international duty at the Confederations Cup but while he was in Brazil he made a number of references to disliking the way he has been treated by the British media while admitting it would be difficult to turn down a move to Real Madrid.
However, there have been no offers for the 26-year-old and no word from him or his representatives on whether he expressly wishes to leave Anfield.
Suarez, who has three years left on a contract signed last summer, is scheduled to return for the Australia and Thailand legs of the Reds' pre-season tour and the club do not want the speculation to provide further distraction throughout the transfer window.

But Molby believes if Suarez is as unhappy with aspects of British life as he claims to be then the Reds would be wise to sell him on.
"The last thing you want is an unhappy player and Liverpool know that," Molby told BBC Radio Merseyside.
"They've been busy in the market (manager Brendan Rodgers has made four signings already) and it appears they're almost readying themselves for life without Suarez.
"I think he's made it pretty clear that he would like to try something new, including playing at a club that's in the Champions League.
"If that's how he feels, the club has to do the business."
There has also been speculation about goalkeeper Jose Reina, also still on holiday after the Confederations Cup, and a return to Barcelona.
The arrival of Sunderland's Simon Mignolet has raised further questions about the Spain international's future and Molby expects both Reina and Suarez will leave before the end of August.
"I'd be surprised if both of them were here on September 1," he added.
"Could you imagine Mignolet wanting to come to Liverpool and not play?
"He has his own ambitions and one of them is to be part of a very exciting Belgian national team.
"In the first three or four years Pepe (Reina) was here he was as good as the club's ever had and as good as there was anywhere in the world.
"He hasn't quite been the same in the last couple of years but I think he's a great goalkeeper.
"Possibly the time has come for him to move on and if there's an opportunity for him back in Spain, so be it."
While speculation continues about Liverpool's senior players, captain Steven Gerrard believes their rising stars have to shake off their promising youngsters tag and prove they are good enough to compete for a regular first-team place.
Seven academy graduates were given opportunities last season and Gerrard thinks it is time some start to take more responsibility.
"You only get described as a young lad for a certain amount of time and then it's time to become a man and perform on a consistent basis," he told LFC TV.
"There is great talent at the club at a young age; the manager has been trying to get a young group of players together that can perform well for him.
"It's a big season for a lot of players - you look at (Raheem) Sterling and (Jordan) Henderson.
"Of course it's a big season for every player we've got, but I think the supporters will be looking for the young lads to step up now, try to push people out of the way and become regulars in the team.
"I'm certainly looking forward to seeing what happens with those young players."

PSG LAUNCH APPEAL TO LEONARD'S BAN

Paris Saint-Germain are considering launching another appeal against Leonardo's 13-month ban.

The sporting director was originally suspended for nine months by the French football federation (FFF) for shoving referee Alexandre Castro following les Parisiens' 1-1 draw with Valenciennes in May.

The Ligue 1 champions subsequently appealed that initial ruling, but their efforts have proved unsuccessful, and authorities chose to extend the ban by a further three months this week.

The decision means Leonardo is banned from carrying out his duties for the club until June 2014 - 13 months on from the incident - and PSG revealed they are now discussing what action to take next in an official statement on their website.

"PSG take note of the decision of the FFF's appeal committee, which was released on a statement on its website that pronounced against sporting director Leonardo and the potential points punishment against the club.

"PSG regret the enhanced severity imposed by the committee against Leonardo, who continues to have our full confidence.

"Having received and considered the reasons for the decision of the High Commission of Appeal, the club will consider potential remedies."

The Brazilian joined the club in June 2011 and has played a key role in the club's high-profile recruitment policy.

VERONA SIGN EX ITALY INTERNATIONAL

Verona have announced the signing of Luca Toni from Fiorentina on a one-year deal.

The 36-year-old was a free agent after leaving the Viola at the end of last season but has now put pen to paper with the newly-promoted Serie A outfit.

The striker scored eight times in 27 appearances for Vincenzo Montella's side in 2012/13 and his latest move means he has now played for 15 different clubs since starting out at Modena 19 years ago.

Verona finished second in Serie B last season and will need all of their new acquisition's goalscoring prowess as they bid to stay in Italy's top flight next term.

MOYES: ROONEY IS NOT FOR SALE

New Manchester United manager David Moyes has confirmed that Wayne Rooney is not for sale after facing the media for the first time in his Old Trafford reign.
Rooney's future has been the focus of much speculation this summer and has cast a huge shadow over the early stages of Moyes' tenure as he replaces Sir Alex Ferguson.
Chelsea, Arsenal and Paris Saint Germain have all been touted as suitors for the England striker but Moyes has categorically stated that the England striker will stay at Old Trafford.

"Wayne is not for sale," he said. "He's a Manchester United player and he will remain a Manchester United player."
Moyes also managed the 28-year-old during his time at Everton and believes he can get the best out of the England striker.
"I've been fortunate, I've known Wayne since he was 16," Moyes said.
"I've had several meetings with Wayne. He's training brilliantly well, he's come back in good shape and I'm really looking forward to working with him.
"We have spoken several times and as far as I've seen it, whatever happened before has gone.
"We are working together now. I see a glint in his eye, he looks happy and if he is saying I'm going to knuckle down and get it right - let's not kid ourselves.
"He's a terrific player and let me reiterate, he's not for sale."
Moyes also distanced himself from any meeting between Rooney and his predecessor Sir Alex Ferguson about a possible departure for the forward from Old Trafford.
"There was a private meeting between two people and I was not privy to that. I'm now looking at it in my period at Man Utd," Moyes said.
"I'm really looking forward to working with Wayne and getting him to the levels I know he's capable of. I can tell you categorically that Wayne Rooney is training very well.
"If I was Wayne, you look at the legends that have played for this club. I could see George Best, Bobby Charlton, Roy Keane and I thought Wayne isn't too far away from that.
"It's not too difficult to get the goals and he could be near to that."

SWANSEA TARGET ANGRY OVER REJECTED BID

Wilfried Bony's agent has reacted with anger over Vitesse Arnhem's failure to accept Swansea's €16million offer for the Ivorian star.

A furious Francis Kacou says Vitesse had initially agreed to release the player for €12million, but now even though Swansea are offering a deal that could be worth €16million - they have still not agreed to a deal.
Kacou claims to have had had contact with West Ham, Liverpool and Everton over the striker - but it is Swansea who have made the biggest offer and the player wants to move.

"Why does it take so long? Six months ago, we made ​​arrangements for a lump sum of 12 million, regardless of goals," Kacou told Voetbal International.
"Swansea wanted to pay and Bony has seen that, but Vitesse wanted more. Now there is an offer of 14 million plus two million in bonuses.
"Why is Bony still in Arnhem? We do not know what they want.
"West Ham United, Everton and Liverpool have been reported as having an interest, but Swansea has made ​​the best offer. I want clarity, and a promise is a promise."
Bony reluctantly returned to pre-season training this week but Kacou says he will not be starting the season at the Gelredome.
"One thing is for sure, he will not be playing for Vitesse this season," he said.
Earlier on Friday, Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins had revealed his own club's frustrations at the lack of movement over the deal.