Roma confirm Montella interest
AS Roma have confirmed reports linking them with a move for Catania coach Vincenzo Montella.
The Giallorossi are searching for a new head coach after Luis Enrique resigned from the post and they are set to turn to the man who coached the team before the Spaniard.
“Montella is a tactician who we are thinking about,” sporting director Walter Sabatini told Mediaset Premium.
“He’s a coach who did well with us last season and also with Catania this, but he has a contract with them.
“We’ll ask for permission to speak with him, but he is only one of the contenders we have.”
The talented manager had a short coaching spell at Olimpico when he replaced Claudio Ranieri last term, but he has largely impressed on Catania bench this season.
Montella has one more year left on his deal with the Elephants, but he admits a return to Roma would be a dream come true.
“I am flattered by director Walter Sabatini’s words, but I owe a great deal to Catania, the president and these fans,” the 37-year-old told Sky Sport Italia.
“They know I have a weakness for Roma, having a past there as a player, a coach and other ties to that city.”
Kuyt rules out Feyenoord move
Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt has moved to deny speculations that he will join former club Feyenoord at the end of the season.
The Eredivisie giants were interested in taking the experienced forward back to De Kuyp and the player confirms he has held talks with his former club.
“The fact I held talks with Feyenoord indicates I wanted to give it a serious chance,” Kuyt told Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad.
However, the 31-year-old explains that he would need to accept a huge pay cut in order to join Feyenoord.
“But in many ways the gap is too great at this moment in time. If I returned to Holland, I would have to take an 80% cut in my Liverpool wages.”
Kuyt admits he wants to continue playing at the highest level for at least few more years.
“If you are 35 or 36, you know your career is almost done. But I’m only 31 and in the prime of my life. I still have two or three years left at the top.
“I still have the ambition and fitness to play at the highest level, a club in a major competition or a big club with European ambitions.”
Granit Xhaka set for Moenchengladbach switch
Borussia Moenchengladbach have agreed to sign midfielder Granit Xhaka from Basel, Bild has learned.
The Bundesliga high-flyers have been very active over the last few weeks searching for replacements for Marco Reus and Bonfim Dante, and they are now on the verge of completing the first deal for the new season.
According to Bild, Borussia’s €8.5 million offer for Basel midfielder Granit Xhaka has been accepted, meaning all that’s left is for the player and his representatives to agree on personal terms.
That shouldn’t be a problem as the Swiss international is keen on the Bundesliga move and the deal is expected to be wrapped up even before the summer transfer window opens.
The 19-year-old is widely regarded as one of the most talented players in world football and he is already an important part of Switzerland national team.
Xhaka has largely impressed in 22 league appearances this season, in spite of failing to get on the scoresheet.
For more news about football transfers and rumours, visit our Transfer News section. To view all football transfers for 2011/12 season, visit our Soccer Transfers section.
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