Tiger Woods hoping to defend Memorial title

Tiger Woods returns to Muirfield looking to win his sixth Memorial Tournament

Tiger Woods will be looking to add to his four tournament wins from seven starts on the PGA Tour this season as he begins the defence of his Memorial title at Muirfield this week.

The world number one returns to action for the first time since his Players Championship victory at Sawgrass earlier this month, heading a stellar field that includes seven of the world's top ten golfers making the trip to Dublin, Ohio.

Muirfield Village has a +2 stroke average and was ranked the sixth toughest course on the PGA Tour in 2012, so it will present a difficult challenge for the likes of Rory McIlroy and Luke Donald, who will want to bounce back from disappointing efforts in last week's BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.

Both players failed to make the cut, so will be determined to put in an improved performance as they reintroduce themselves to American conditions ahead of next month's US Open major at Merion.

Five-time champion, Woods, will once again be among the favourites as he bids to replicate last year's success which saw him win the Memorial Tournament thanks to an outrageous chip-in on the par-three 16th during his final round.

That victory saw the 37-year-old draw level with Jack Nicklaus on 73 tournament wins, and he'll be hoping for the same fortune upon his return to Nicklaus's own tournament in 2013.

"That was a dicey little chip," recalled Woods in an interview with Sky Sports. "To do it at Jack's event to tie his all-time record, 73 wins is pretty impressive, I definitely pulled a rabbit on that one.

"It means so much to us to have him be there on the 18th green when you win, it just takes it to another level."

You can re-live Tiger Woods's amazing chip on the par-three 16th at the Memorial Tournament in Ohio last year in the video below - and feel free to share your favourite chip-in shots in the comment box provided.

Sam Tomkins advised to head to Australia

Wigan legend Bill Ashurst backs Tomkins to pursue a career in Australia

Wigan legend Bill Ashurst has advised Sam Tomkins to go and pursue a career in Australia.

Ashurst spent three years Down Under himself playing for Penrith Panthers between 1974 and 1976 and thinks Tomkins should do the same.

Tomkins has been with Wigan for his whole career, joining the club in 2008 and the 24-year-old has a remarkable record with the Super League club scoring 140 tries in 142 appearances.

The full-back also has a try per game record for England, notching 18 tries in his 18 international caps.

Ashurst told MEN Sport: "Sam has got to go and play in Australia. If he does, he will be a sensation.

"You have to test yourself against the best and that simply means playing in the NRL. It’s a far superior competition to Super League."

The Wigan legend made over 180 appearances for the Warriors in the 1970s and he believes Tomkins would continue his success if he decided to move in 2014.

“He can play anywhere and for anyone in my view because he is such a naturally gifted player who can have a huge impact on any given game.

“I am sure he would really have a massive impart in Australia because he has the game suited for the NRL."

Auckland Warriors seem to be the team leading the chase for Tomkins with the Englishman supposedly set to be the first million-dollar man in the club's two-decade history.

Ashurst believes there are more incentives for Tomkins than the money though.

He said: "It’s said players mainly go to Australia because of the money but that’s not true.

“Believe me, any player worth his salt wants to play at the very highest level and that means going to the NRL."

World football's top 10 brands

Bayern Munich knock Manchester United off top spot in world football's biggest brands countdown

Bayern Munich have capped a memorable season on the pitch by becoming world football's most valuable brand.

According to a new report by BrandFinance, the Bavarian giants have knocked Manchester United off top spot as the world's premier football brand following a nine per cent increase in value from 2012.

After last year's heartache in the Champions League, this season's success has boosted them up one place, with United dropping to second, Real Madrid in third, and Barcelona and Chelsea rounding out the top five.

Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City compromise the remaining Premier League contingent in the top 10, with AC Milan the sole Serie 'A' representative. 

Bayern Munich's beaten opponents in the Bundesliga and Champions League, Borussia Dortmund, come in at tenth place after a massive 15 per cent increase in brand value.

The Bundesliga's rise in value is reflected by the fact that Schalke and Hamburg both sit just outside the top 10 - 11th and 16th respectively.

But the collective might of the Premier League still puts its German cousin in the shadow - the English top flight worth $3.1billion compared to $1.9billion.

Part of United's two per cent fall from top spot can be attributed to their Champions League elimination at the last-16 stage to Real Madrid. The rest of the calculations are based on revenue figures, player values and UEFA coefficients.

But the strength of the Premier League is pretty clear to see - as well as five of the top 10, England also boasts Tottenham, West Ham, Newcastle, Aston Villa, Everton, Fulham and Sunderland in the top 40.

The highest valued club from outside Europe is Brazilian side Corinthians at 19th, while the highest new entry for 2013 is Galatasaray at 17th.

BrandFinance's head of sports valuation, Dave Chattaway, told the Daily Mail: "Bayern Munich is still very much a story of domestic dominance, however its continued presence in the Champions League has provided the club with access to a global audience.

"The challenge now for all Bundesliga clubs and the league itself, is to see if they can export their domestic brand strength into global opportunities."

Exclusive: Theo Walcott aims to impress in England friendlies

Theo Walcott wants to impress for England in friendlies against Ireland & Brazil

England winger Theo Walcott isn’t getting ahead of himself and aims to make an impact in the forthcoming international friendlies against the Republic or Ireland and Brazil.

The Arsenal star is certainly not taking his place in Roy Hodgson’s side for granted, and knows that he needs to impress every time he plays for the Three Lions.

His next opportunity to do so could come tonight against Giovanni Trapattoni’s side at Wembley, and Walcott is hoping he can take his end of season form at the Emirates Stadium into the game.

“I'm not really thinking as far ahead as the World Cup. I'm thinking about the friendlies first against Ireland and Brazil,” he told GiveMeSport in an exclusive interview when asked about next summer’s showpiece event.

“If I get a chance against those two then hopefully I can take it, take my form on from Arsenal and then be involved in the crucial qualifiers.”

But, whilst admitting his mind was on the immediate task at hand, he recognised that failure to qualify for the tournament in South America would mean failure for a nation with such ‘quality’ players.

“We have to expect to qualify because we have plenty of players with plenty of quality. It would be a major disappointment if we weren't at the next major tournament, and we’re not even thinking about that possibility,” he concluded.

Walcott has made 31 senior appearances for his country since earning a shock first call-up for the 2006 World Cup under Sven-Goran Eriksson.

Whilst he didn’t feature in Germany, he’s since played a major part for England in the 2010 World Cup and 2012 European Championships

Sebastian Vettel: Fastest lap in Monaco cured boredom

Sebastian Vettel believes drivers are bored of the current style of racing

World Champion Sebastian Vettel has admitted he defied team instructions to set the fastest lap of the race on the penultimate lap of the Monaco Grand Prix to cure boredom.

Vettel set a 1:16.577 on the 77th lap which was some three seconds a lap faster than he had been going in recent laps. When asked why he decided to set the lap time he told reporters: "Just satisfaction instead of going slow for 77 laps," replied the German.

"No satisfaction for us though," added Vettel's race engineer Guillaume Rocquelin.

After the race former Red Bull driver David Coulthard hit out at the current style of racing as "rubbish" after seeing must how much faster Vettel was capable of going.

"I'm not trying to do something silly, and I apologise for quarrelling with my engineer on the radio.

"But it's a reflection of how the racing is today, when you can be three seconds a lap faster," he is quoted by Brazil's Totalrace.

"I know that the drivers are not enjoying the races as much as they would like," he added.

"The show is good up to a point, but if it's a matter of following one another and waiting for the chequered flag, I'm not sure if that is what people want to see."

Vettel ended saying he hoped the changes coming for the Canadian Grand Prix will reduce the need for such high tyre conservation and allow the drivers to push harder.

The question does have to be raised however, if Vettel was able to go so much faster, then why as he not allowed to try and win the race?

Of course the Mercedes probably could have gone a lot faster as well and Vettel's nearest rivals in the championship were struggling, but surely the thought of winning the Monaco Grand Prix would have been enough motivation?

£51m Chelsea target passes Monaco medical

Chelsea transfer news: Radamel Falcao on verge of Monaco switch

Radamel Falcao has passed a medical ahead of his move to Monaco,according to Spanish newspaper AS.

The Colombian striker, who will cost around £51 million, looks set to follow Porto pair James Rodriguez and Joao Moutinho who signed on the dotted line for the newly promoted Ligue 1 club last week. 

Chelsea and Manchester City had been heavily linked with a move for the prolific Atletico Madrid man, however the offer of a big-money move to Monaco, who are bankrolled by billionaire  Dmitry Rybolovlev, looks to have been too tempting.

According to AS, Falcao has passed his medical with the club who won promotion back to Ligue 1 this season, and will put pen to paper on a long-term deal worth €10 million-per-season after tax in the coming days.

However there is still some hope for the likes ofChelsea as well as Real Madrid of eventually getting their man.

According to Punto Pelota, Falcao will have a clause inserted into his contract that will allow him to leave Monaco in the January transfer window if either Chelsea or Real Madrid make an approach.

If either Chelsea or Madrid do make a move for the 27-year-old they will have to cough up €60 million to get the deal done.

San Antonio Spurs books NBA finals spot

Tony Parker scores 37 as San Antonio Spurs sweep Memphis Grizzlies 4-0

Tony Parker's 37 points helped the San Antonio Spurs to a 93-86 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night, in the process booking a spot in the NBA finals after a 4-0 series sweep.

The winner of the Miami Heat and the Indiana Pacers await the Spurs in the finals, with that series currently evenly poised at 2-1 in favour of LeBron James' Heat.

Parker was undoubtedly the star of the show for the Spurs as he hit on 15 of his 21 shots, including six from six from the line.

"It's a great feeling," Parker told ESPN after the victory. "Since last year, I promised to him [Duncan] that we will go back, go back to the Finals and get an opportunity to win the whole thing and I'm trying to do my best, trying to be aggressive every night.

"I think everybody on the team, we really want to do it from him. We win the West and now it's one more step. This is the hardest one."

The Spurs led the Oklahoma City Thunder 2-0 in the Western Conference Finals last year, only to lose the next four and crash out.

Duncan and co didn't come close to surrendering their lead to the Grizzlies this post-season though. Duncan, a four-time NBA champion, added 15 points and eight rebounds, while Kawhi Leonard contributed 11 points.

For the Grizzlies, Quincy Pondexter recorded a career-high 22 points, while Zach Randolph's struggles continued - the forward finishing with just 13 points.

But on defence they just couldn't deal with Parker. Speaking about his Spurs point guard, Duncan said: "He's been amazing. Every year he gets better and better and better. He's been carrying us. You can see tonight he carried us the entire game." 

Novak Djokovic defeats Goffin in straight sets

French Open: Novak Djokovic advances to second round and will face Guido Pella

World no. 1 Novak Djokovic defeated David Goffin from Belgium in the first round of French Open, on Tuesday, to set up a clash with 'The Serbian Slayer' – Guido Pella.

Djokovic, whom has suffered some shocking losses lately, was back on track winning in straight sets 7-6 6-4 7-5 versus David Goffin. It was, however, a hard fought victory for the Serb.

Djokovic told reporters: "He did really well at the start, and throughout all the match he was playing really nice tennis from baseline.

"It was a tough match. I needed to fight all the way through every set, and I served well when I needed to and played my best tennis when it was most important."

Goffin played with great patient and depth during the rallies making Djokovic work hard for every single point. Moreover, Goffin  was in charge during the first tiebreak, leading 4-3 with the possession of serve. Unfortunately for Goffin, two unforced errors handed Djokovic the set.

Novak then took charge of the second set breaking the Belgium serve early. Goffin fought back really well though, and eventually breaking back to level the set 4-4. However, ss many times before under pressure, Djokovic elevated his game hugely when needed the most, winning the next 10 out of 13 points to seal the second set 6-4.

David did not go down easily even though being 2-0 down, pushing Djokovic all the way till the end in the third set. A very crucial break in the eleventh game gave Djokovic the chance to serve out the match, which he managed to do, marking his two hours and 13 minutes – victory.

Djokovic will have another very interesting battle ahead, as he in the second round faces Guido Pella, “The Serbian Slayer”. The youngster from Argentina did last week upset both Janko Tipsarevic and Viktor Troicki in straight sets reaching his first ever semifinal on the ATP-tour.

In addition, Pella caused another upset when defeating Ivan Dodig in a marathon match ending 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 2-6, 12-10 in three hours and 24 minutes, to secure his first win at a Grand Slam event on Tuesday.

Djokovic spoke of his upcoming opponent after defeating Goffin, telling reporters: "I know he's one of the specialists on clay; that [he's] a new player that is coming up and he made some surprising wins.

"He won against my countrymen actually last week, Tipsarevic and Troicki, back-to-back. He must possess a good quality. Today he won a marathon match.

"I'm going to have to prepare myself and be on top of my game because, especially in the opening rounds, you're playing players that have nothing to lose so I'm sure that he's gonna be very motivated to play his best."

Grigor Dimitrov eyeing French Open success

French Open: Grigor Dimitrov in search of his first grand slam

Rising tennis star Grigor Dimitrov has set tall targets for himself in this year’s French Open, revealing that he is looking to capture his first grand slam trophy.

The 22-year-old has fast become a subject of discussions and talks amongst the pundits and media this season, after his rapid rise to prominence.

Almost a week ago, he made waves in the tennis world by beating world number one Novak Djokovic in the Rome Masters.

Dimitrov has entered into this year’s French Open for the first time as a seeded player, but this has not prevented the Bulgarian from setting audacious targets.

When asked during an interview if he thought he could win the Roland Garros title this year, not only was his answer a blunt ‘Yeah’ but he went a step further by claiming that he was ready to get the better of Djokovic once again in the pair’s potential third round clash.

He elaborated: “I think you come into a tournament, you've got to be ready and come positive and loaded with energy. Playing matches and playing good players gives you confidence.

“I think with every match you're starting to wonder, you know, I can go further. Then I think once that talk kind of seals in your head and you have that set of mind, that I can win and coming on court every day and trying to do something better.”

Dubbed as ‘Baby Federer’ by some due to the resemblance of his style of play to the Swiss maestro, Dimitrov seems to have all the necessary tools to challenge the game’s establishment and has got a booming confidence to add to that.

After safely going through into the second round, courtesy his opponent’s (Alejandro Falla) withdrawal due to an injury at the start of the second set, the talented player is relishing the opportunity to prove his mettle at the highest level.

He added: “I don't think I should feel any pressure at the moment. I mean, I'm into the second round of a slam. There's nothing better than that. It's a great feeling.

“Of course, the random thinking is taking one match at a time. I mean, these are the kind of matches I'd always want to play in. I feel good on the big courts and playing against good players."

Del Potro: I like football more than tennis

Juan Martin del Potro reveals he prefers football to tennis

Former US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro has revealed he actually likes football more than he likes tennis.

The current world number seven was speaking in an interview withFIFA.com when asked about his passion for football.

Del Potro is currently recovering from a virus that forced him to pull out of this year’s French Open, though he is expected to be fit for Wimbledon later next month.

The Argentine spoke of his passion for football and how he was forced to choose between it and tennis when he was a young boy.

“When I was about 12 or 13 I had to choose between tennis and football and I went for tennis,” he said.

“My football coach spoke a lot with my tennis coach. Neither of them wanted to let me go, and the fact is I always liked football more.

“The decision came about, though, because there was a very important football tournament at the same time as a South American championship for 12-year-olds in Brazil.

“As I’d never been out of the country, I said: 'I’m going to Brazil to play tennis.'”

Despite being a top-level tennis player, with all the lifestyle restrictions that entails, Del Potro still plays football regularly with his friends in his hometown of Tandil.

A Boca Juniors supporter, he explained that still doing things like having a friendly kickabout with friends was extremely important to him.

This is partly down to the fact that he enjoys football more than he enjoys tennis, which he claimed had become more like a job and obligation as time has passed.

“It’s [football] the number-one for me. I really love it. I watch football in my spare time and I play it with my friends too,” he added.

“I don’t get a lot of free time in Buenos Aires, but we’ve got some teams set up over in Tandil and every time I go there for a few days we have a few games before the sun goes down or before a barbecue.

“The fact is I love the game. Actually I like it even more than tennis, which is like a job to me now.

“I still have this desire deep down to play a competitive match for any club that will have me when I finish my tennis career.

“I want to experience that intensity and play for points, which is what I did when I was young.”

Manchester City: Potential big-name summer signings

Edinson Cavani, Isco & Ilkay Gundogan have the ability to help City mount a title challenge next season

After winning the title in 2012, Manchester City were criticised for not buying a few big names which would give them a chance to dominate the Premier League for the foreseeable future.

After a limp defence of their title, City will surely spend big this summer. Below are four players that can help City recapture title.

Edinson Cavani | Napoli

Edinson Cavani has become one of the hottest prospects of the summer, with a move from Napoli looking more and more imminent each day.

City may have to compete with Real Madrid to land the Uruguayan who has scored 78 goals in 104 Napoli appearances and has a reported £52m buy-out clause in his contract.

In their title-winning season of 2011/12 the Citizens scored a staggering 93 goals as their four strikers Sergio Aguero, Carlos Tevez, Mario Balotelli and Edin Dzeko all chipped in with important strikes. But this season, City have scored just 66 goals.

Mario Balotelli departed in January and they never replaced him. Cavani’s goal threat and relentless work rate will make him an instant success in the Premier League and add another dimension to City’s forward line.

Isco | Malaga

If the reports linking former Malaga boss Manuel Pellegrini with the Manchester City job are true, then one player he will almost certainly want to bring with him is the 21-year-old Spanish playmaker Isco.

Isco has received raving reviews since he left Valencia to join Malaga in 2011, scoring 14 goals in his first two seasons. Isco could fill the creative void left after Samir Nasri’s disappointing season.

There aren’t many City fans who can doubt Nasri’s ability; at Arsenal he was one of the best midfielders in the league but has failed to recapture that scintillating form at Manchester City. Previous manager Roberto Mancini revealed he wanted to punch Nasri because he was not producing on the pitch, even though he has the ability.

Isco would complement David Silva also following his disappoint second season in England. They’re both Spanish, slight and very tricky and could form a lethal partnership which would greatly improve City’s title hopes next term.

Hulk | Zenit St. Petersburg

Hulk has failed to settle into life in Russia following his big-money move to Zenit St. Petersburg and reportedly asked for a transfer in January.

There have been plenty of times this season when, going forward, Manchester City have been far too narrow and predictable. A wide man like Hulk would give them the option to play the ball out wide and get crosses into the box - sometimes the most basic things are the most effective.

Hulk’s pace would also greatly improve City’s threat on the counter-attack. His furious shooting range would also add unpredictability to City’s side because he is capable of producing a moment-of-magic out of nothing.

This is a player who scored 55 in 99 games for FC Porto and has represented the Brazilian national side 20 times so there is no doubt he has the pedigree to succeed in the Premier League.

Ilkay Gundogan | Borussia Dortmund

One of the unsung heroes of Borussia Dortmund’s Champions League run finally got the recognition he deserved after netting a penalty in Dortmund’s 2-1 defeat at the hands of Bayern Munich.

Gundogan is one of those complete midfielders that is just as committed to attacking as he is to defending. He has a great work ethic and would be an ideal replacement for the ageing Gareth Barry. Gundogan would also be willing to sit back and provide protection to the back-four whilst Yaya Toure pushes forward.

City also have Jack Rodwell who could occupy that role but there have been serious question marks as to whether he is really good enough. Technically gifted, Gundogan would add a creative spark which could help Aguero recapture his relentless goal scoring form.

At only 22, the future looks exceedingly bright for the German international but Dortmund would be reluctant to sell and have a financial position which allows them to keep their best players. If City could prize him away however, he would be a hugely valuable asset.

I believe if City could capture these four players, or four players of a similar mould, then they will recapture the title next season. They have had the best defence in the league for the last two seasons but just need some freshness and creativity going forward.

Who do you think City should sign? Would these players suit them? Tell us below in the comments.

Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham and Barcelona news

Manchester City could be about to miss out on manager Manuel Pellegrini after reports in Spain & Russia suggested he will take charge of Anzhi Makachkala.

Out of contract Arsenal ace Andrey Arshavin could be on his way to Azerbaijan.

A club spokesman for Khazar Lankaran confirmed they were eyeing a move for the Russian forward.

Former Chelsea star Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has taken his first steps into club management after he was announced as new Royal Antwerp boss.

Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen is favourite to take over from Roberto Martinez as Wigan manager.

The Dutchman is expected to leave Old Trafford in the coming days and could replace Martinez, who is Everton-bound.

Barcelona are in the hunt for a new striker this summer, according to Mundo Deportivo.

The Catalan club are expected to let David Villa leave this summer and are in the market for a replacement.                                                                                                                                

And finally ,Tottenham are still in the race for Ajax starlet Christian Eriksen after the Dutch club revealed they have not yet received an offer from Borussia Dortmund.

Liverpool are also interested in landing the Danish youngster.

Transfer News: Kasper Schmeichel quiet on reports linking him away from Leicester City

Kasper Schmeichel: Not thinking about the Premier League just yet

Leicester City goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel has refused to be drawn on speculation linking him with a move to Premier League newcomers Hull City.

Schmeichel has impressed in goal for Leicester this season and was part of the side which was knocked out of the Championship play-offs by Watford at the semi-final stage.

Speaking to Sporten.dk. Schmeichel said: "The Premier League is of course the goal for everyone, but right now it's just rumours.

"I am a Leicester player and still trying to get over what happened. I can wait, I am still young and it is nothing I am thinking about."

Schmeichel joined Leicester in 2011 from Leeds United.

Liverpool goalkeeeper Pepe Reina would relish the chance to join Barcelona

Pepe Reina: Barcelona too big to turn down

Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina says he is unaware of any interest from Barcelona but admits it would be difficult to turn down a move to the Spanish champions.

The 30-year-old is believed to have been a long-term target for the Catalan side and with Victor Valdes reportedly set to join Monaco this summer, Barcelona may step up their interest in Reina.

Reina says it would be hard to call time on his eight years at Liverpool but admits a move to Barcelona would be too good to turn down.

"I have no evidence about Barcelona's interest in me," said Reina. "I don't know if the club has spoken with my agent. If he doesn't say something it is because there isn't any serious offer on the table.

"I have a contract with Liverpool and I'm very happy in England. At present, I just have an option: stay at Liverpool. Everything else is just talk. There has been no direct contact.

"Barcelona is a great club and it is difficult to say no to a club like Barcelona. But we are talking about assumptions and I should not do it.

"It would be difficult leave Liverpool. If I do it, it is to improve and grow as player."

Transfer News: Francesco Totti says he is happy to remain at Roma

Francesco Totti: Staying at the Stadio Olimpico

Roma captain Francesco Totti has said he will remain with the club despite receiving a number of offers from other clubs.

Totti has played over 500 games for Roma and there was speculation that he might decide to spend his remaining playing years in a different country.

Speaking to France Football earlier this week he said: "Currently I have offers from important clubs, but not Italian ones. If I leave Roma it would be abroad and not for an Italian club.

"But, I'll become old here with the same jersey."

The Italian forward also looked back at his time at the Stadio Olimpico and admitted he had been close to leaving earlier in his career.

Totti added: "I've been close to Real Madrid in 2004. I wanted a big team to win and at that time Roma's management wasn't able to guarantee me what I wanted.

"But at the end the heart decided to remain. If I had gone to Real Madrid I would have won three Champions Leagues, two Golden Balls and many other things. But, I prefer what I have done."

Totti was part of the Italy squad which won the World Cup in 2006.

Fenerbahce winger Milos Krasic drawing Premier League interest

Milos Krasic: Has offers to consider from Premier League clubs

The agent of Fenerbahce winger Milos Krasic claims his client is once again attracting interest from the Premier League.

The Serbia international has been strongly linked with teams in England in the past, but no deal has been put in place.

It was expected that he would complete a switch last summer after it became apparent that he was no longer considered to be a first-team regular at Juventus, but instead he moved to Turkey.

He has found the going tough in Istanbul, netting once in 27 appearances, and his representative has revealed that consideration is being given to another move - with offers on the table.

Dejan Joksimovic said: "Milos needs to play, he's not getting that chance at Fenerbahce.

"Krasic has had offers from the Premier League and we will be considering a move.

"Milos and his wife are happy in Istanbul, however, he also needs to be happy at work. He's on high wages at Fenerbahce and still has three years on his contract.

"He is a great player and just 28 years old - there are only three to four players at his level in his preferred position."

Sunderland are reported to be among those closely monitoring Krasic's situation ahead of the opening of the summer transfer window.

Kader Mangane enjoyed Sunderland loan and would welcome Premier League return

Kader Mangane: Senegalese defender is due to return to Saudi side Al Hilal

Kader Mangane is keen on returning to the Premier League following his loan spell at Sunderland.

The Senegalese defender spent the latter stages of this eason at the Stadium of Light, but made just two substitute appearances before returning to Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia.

Signed in January when Martin O'Neill was in the Black Cats' hotseat, Mangane did not make his debut until the 3-0 win over Newcastle in April.

A brief appearance against Everton followed a week later, but the 30-year-old enjoyed his taste of England's top division and would like another chance there or elsewhere in Europe.

"I want to play and stay in Europe. European leagues are the best in the world," said Mangane.

"I still have a contract with Al Hilal until 2015, but I was really impressed by the way Sunderland made me love the British Premier League."

Fiorentina say Stevan Jovetic is seeking a new challenge away from the club

Stevan Jovetic: Will leave Fiorentina if a suitable offer arrives

Fiorentina have confirmed that forward Stevan Jovetic "wants a new experience" and that the club will do all they can to help him.

Jovetic is currently valued at €30m and has been linked in recent months to Juventus, Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain.

Sandro Mencucci, the club's general manager, said: "Jovetic wants a new experience and we'll try to make him happy, but only if a suitable offer comes in."

Mencucci went on to say that midfielder Adem Ljajic is likely to remain at the club.

He added: "We want to renew Ljajic's contract and will see how that negotiation process evolves."

Fiorentina just missed out on a Champions League spot but Menucci is confident his side will qualify for the tournament next season.

International: Mario Balotelli withdraws from Italy's squad for friendly

Mario Balotelli: Misses friendly with San Marino due to back pain

Mario Balotelli has pulled out of Italy's friendly with San Marino on Friday with back pain.

The AC Milan striker has joined fellow forward Stephan El Shaarawy on the sidelines despite chief medical officer Enrico Castellacci yesterday describing a small muscle strain in the player's back as "nothing to worry about".

However, the decision to withdraw was taken with next week's World Cup qualifier against the Czech Republic in mind.

Castellacci told www.figc.it: "This morning we knew he felt a bit of pain and stopped because he felt the muscles contract.

"The situation must be monitored day by day, our thinking is that he can recover in time to be available for Prague."

Defender Andrea Barzagli is responding well to an Achilles problem while midfielder Riccardo Montolivo, who suffered a thigh injury earlier this month, is no cause for concern.

Ajax's Christian Eriksen plays down talk of Borussia Dortmund transfer

Christian Eriksen: Danish star has caught the eye of Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool

Christian Eriksen says his potential move to Borussia Dortmund from Ajax is far from completed.

The Danish playmaker has been strongly linked with a move to the Champions League runners-up, with media reports in Denmark claiming a deal had been finalised.

The 21-year-old, who caught the eye at Euro 2012, has also been a rumoured target for Liverpool and with one year of his current contract remaining Ajax are likely to cash in on their asset.

"I still haven't heard anything," Eriksen told Bold.dk. "I've just seen what is in the papers.

"Of course it is pointless if there isn't any truth to the rumours. But I've read a lot, and so far nothing is completely true.

"I've said it before that Dortmund is an option that would be good for me, but it is not the only option."

Marc Overmars, Ajax's sporting director, also denied that a deal had been struck with the Bundesliga outfit.

The former Arsenal star told voetbalzone.nl: "Danish newspapers ran numerous stories about a concrete offer, but Dortmund have not contacted us."

Transfer news: Liverpool set to clinch deal for Manchester City defender Kolo Toure

Kolo Toure: Closing in on a move to Liverpool

Sky Sports understands Liverpool are on the verge of signing Kolo Toure on a free transfer from Manchester City.

As revealed by Sky Sports last week, Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has lined up a move for Toure as he looks to bolster his defensive options.

Toure is out of contract at the Etihad Stadium next month and Liverpool have moved quickly to keep him in the Premier League.

The 32-year-old found himself down the pecking order at City this season after making just 18 appearances and they are willing to let him move on.

Talks are thought to be at an advanced stage between Liverpool and Toure, and the move has taken a step closer now the centre-half has returned from City's post-season tour of America.

Liverpool are believed to be ready to offer Toure a two-year deal as they look to make the defender their first signing of the summer.

Rodgers is thought to see Toure as an ideal replacement for Jamie Carragher following his retirement and believes the Ivory Coast international's experience will prove valuable to his squad at Anfield.

Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel's agent has dismissed suggestions of a move to Napoli

Martin Skrtel: The defender's agent has dismissed the prospect of a move to Napoli

The agent of Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel has ruled out the possibility of a move to Napoli despite the arrival of his former manager Rafael Benitez.

The 28-year-old signed a new four-year contract in August after collecting Liverpool's player of the year award last season and he went on to make 33 appearances in all competitions for the Reds this term.

Napoli's appointment of Benitez has led to a number of Liverpool players being linked with a switch to Serie A but the Slovakian's agent, Karol Csonto, dismissed the idea.

"It's not possible; I consider it a very difficult deal," he told calciomercato.it.

"I like Napoli and I have great respect for this club, but Martin still has a three-year contract with Liverpool and the most likely outcome is that he remains there."

Speaking of Benitez, he said: "They spent three years together, establishing a good relationship with him, but I repeat now that this suggestion is impossible."

Chelsea and Manchester City target Geoffrey Kondogbia doesn't rule out Sevilla exit

Geoffrey Kondogbia: A reported target for Chelsea, Manchester City and Real Madrid

Sevilla midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia cannot rule out the idea of leaving the La Liga side having been linked with a number of European clubs.

Manchester City, Chelsea and Real Madrid are amongst those rumoured to be chasing the 20-year-old after an impressive debut season in Spain.

The Frenchman signed a five-year deal last summer but he refused to dismiss suggestions of a move away.

"I have four years left of my contract, but you never know," he told Onda Cero Radio.

"My goal is to finish the season and continue at Sevilla.

"What do I think of Madrid? I like Madrid, as I like other clubs. But I am happy at Sevilla," he added when questioned about the possibility of a move to Real Madrid.