Soccer News

Chelsea snub Rooney

Jose Mourinho has ruled out bidding for Wayne Rooney, clearing the way for Manchester United to sign the England striker.

At a press conference Mourinho outlined his transfer plans, which he hopes to complete before Chelsea fly to the United States on July 21th for a pre-season tour.

The news that Rooney does not feature in his thinking will come as a blow to Everton's strategy for the summer.

With the 18-year-old hesitating over talks on a contract extension, Everton were hoping to generate an auction between Chelsea and United to maximise his transfer value, which they setting at £50 million.

"I don't think Rooney can come here," said Mourinho. "It is not just that it is too much money. I think we have other priorities in terms of players, positions, qualities."

Nevertheless there remains a vacancy in Chelsea's front line after Mourinho indicated Hernan Crespo would not start the season with his club. A free transfer to Milan is expected.

"We sent letters to all the players asking them to be at Stamford Bridge at breakfast at 8.15 a.m. and Crespo was not there," said Mourinho.

He confirmed Mateja Kezman is soon to join from PSV Eindhoven in a £5.4 million deal.

Despite recent reports, there will be no room at Chelsea for Edgar Davids since Mourinho is not convinced the Holland midfielder fits the required profile.

With Claude Makelele already occupying the role of holding midfielder, Mourinho does not consider Davids suitable.

The club, meanwhile, also announced the management team to work under Mourinho. There will be two assistant managers - former Porto number two Baltemar Brito and ex-Chelsea player Steve Clarke.

The line-up will be completed by fitness coach Rui Faria, goalkeeper coach Silvino and scout Andre Villas.

Kluivert gets talking

Newcastle United are reported to be in advanced talks with the representatives of Dutch striker Patrick Kluivert in regards to joining the Premiership club.

Kluivert was told by his club, Barcelona, last month that he was surplus to requirements at the Nou Camp and he has made no secret of the fact that he would like to play in England.

The 28-year-old, who has a year left on his contract, was plagued by injuries last season and found himself on the bench throughout Holland's Euro 2004 campaign and is now ready to resolve his future at club level.

James Milner trained with the Newcastle squad yesterday after completing his transfer from Leeds United. The 18-year-old forward signed a five-year deal for an initial £3.6million, which could rise to £5 million based on appearances.

Reiziger picks Boro

Dutch defender Michael Reiziger arrived in England yesterday for a medical that should seal his move from Barcelona to Middlesbrough.

If the deal goes through as expected, the 31-year-old, who was part of the Holland Euro 2004 squad, will join Steve McClaren's UEFA Cup qualifiers later this week.

Mark Viduka's £4 million transfer from Leeds to Boro is expected to be confirmed in the next few days after the Australian international completed his medical last Friday.

Figo ponders future

Luis Figo has insisted he will take his time before deciding whether to retire from international football.

The 31-year-old Real Madrid midfielder was devastated after Portugal's 1-0 defeat to Greece in the final of Euro 2004 but he may stay on until the 2006 World Cup.

Figo said: "Now is not the moment to talk about my future. First of all I need to rest and think and then I will make a decision."

His Portugal team-mate Fernando Couto, the 34-year-old Lazio central defender, is also considering retirement.

In brief . . .

Les Ferdinand has signed a one-year deal with Bolton, the 37-year-old striker played for relegated Leicester City last season . . . Manchester United midfielder Eric Djemba-Djemba limped out of Cameroon's World Cup win over the Ivory Coast on Sunday and is now almost certain to miss United's pre-season tour to the United States . . . Portugal midfielder Deco will sign a four-year contract with Barcelona, according to the Spanish club. The Brazilian-born 26-year-old is expected to cost Barca over 12 million . . .

Iraq's German coach Bernd Stange resigned his post yesterday "with deep regrets" because of the deteriorating security in Iraq.