Fabio Capello has held preliminary talks with Liverpool

Fabio Capello has held talks with Liverpool and has been invited to meet with owners Fenway Sports Group.

Roberto Martinez and Andre Villas-Boas have also held meetings with Liverpool and are on the list speak to the owners, and it is expected that they will be joined by at least one other candidate.

A source told ESPN: “The long list of candidates is now narrowing down to a workable number who are likely to go to Boston, although there is of course a chance that the owners will come over here to see the candidates.”

Capello, who still has a home in West London, had ideally sought the Chelsea job, but the Blues have made no contact with the former England boss and the Italian has now ruled himself out of the Chelsea equation.

However, an agent representing Liverpool did approach Capello before the Champions League final to enquire as to his interest in the position. He has since held preliminary talks, at which he expressed a desire to be considered, and will now hold a more formal discussion.

Several coaches on Liverpool’s ‘long list’ have ruled themselves out of the running, including Frank de Boer, Jurgen Klopp and Brendan Rodgers, while Didier Deschamps has said he expects to stay at Marseille.

Liverpool fan group Spirit of Shankly, which led the protests against former owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett, has written to Fenway Sports Group to express its concern over the way the club is being run.

“It may be that yourselves and the board of Liverpool Football Club have a vision you are working towards,” SOS’s letter read. “It may be that you have implemented a strategy to deliver that vision and decisions are being made to work towards this.

“However, from the outside, where supporters find themselves once again, it looks like a football club in disarray. Confusion and chaos seems to reign and no one is coming out of this with much credit, particularly the football club’s image and brand.

“We need clear and pro-active communication, a confident message about the club’s plans that breeds confidence amongst supporters that we are moving in the right direction. Instead, we have silence and a lack of information or understanding on decisions being made.

“As supporters we have seen all too clearly what a lack of communication from absentee owners leads to. Ultimately supporters remain in the dark once again about the plans for this football club moving forward.

“We find ourselves experiencing deja vu, where boardroom decisions lead to more questions than they answer. We ask that you speak with supporters – engage with a true representative cross section of supporters and work with supporters to provide solutions to our current problems.”—ESPN

Didier Drogba and Fernando Torres celebrate the club's Champions League success

Chelsea chief executive, Ron Gourlay, has calmed suggestions Didier Drogba and Fernando Torres will leave the club.

Drogba, 34, had been quoted in France Football as saying he had “decided to leave” Stamford Bridge, but his agent later said the quotes were “not genuine”.

Following the Champions League success, Chelsea had revealed that talks were to take place this week over a contract extension for Drogba, and it appears nothing has changed on that front.

“Conversations with Didier have been going on for months and still are,” Gourlay told Chelsea TV. “He’s made it clear he loves Chelsea and loves everything he’s achieved at the club. Once we’re ready to make an announcement, we’ll do so.”

Torres, meanwhile, had given an interview to journalist Guillem Balague in the wake of the victory over Bayern Munich on Saturday revealing he was unhappy with his lack of playing time and would seek talks over his future.

Balague subsequently wrote on his Twitter account that the quotes did not mean that Torres wanted to leave the club, and Gourlay has indicated that the Blues are untroubled by his comments.

“Torres came on when we were behind and played a big part to help us win the Champions League,” Gourlay said. “I’d be surprised if Fernando, who’s been awesome, didn’t want more time on the field, every player does.”

He added: “It was the biggest game in our history so there were different levels of emotions all over the pitch – you have to take these things into account.”

The future of interim manager Roberto Di Matteo is also the subject of speculation – indeed, the Daily Star carried quotes from a source close to Roman Abramovich on Tuesday morning suggesting he is unlikely to be given the job.

“Roman thinks Di Matteo has been very, very lucky and that he made a lot of mistakes in the games he’s been in charge, with his tactics and selections,” the source said. “The statistics in the two games against Barcelona and the final show just how lucky Di Matteo was. Roman has to decide this week and he will not care what the public thinks. Roman did not become a billionaire worrying about public opinion – he only cares about what is right for the club.”

Gourlay, though, was giving nothing away about the club’s plans.

“We now need to sit down over the next week or two, or however long it takes, because we have to do what’s right for the club,” Gourlay said. “I know the fans will be pushing for Robbie. We’re going to look at the season, look at what worked for us, look at the mistakes we made and put them right and take it forward.”—ESPN

Thiago Silva and Zlatan Ibrahimovic are set to stay at AC Milan

AC Milan boss, Massimiliano Allegri, has dismissed speculation that Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva could be sold after Roberto Mancini paid a visit to the club.

Mancini was seen at Milan headquarters on Monday, where he held a 30-minute meeting with Rossoneri vice-president Adriano Galliani. The Manchester City boss played down the talks, describing it as nothing more than a courtesy visit and adding: “Milan fans can stay calm.” Nonetheless, speculation has been rife over the content of the discussions.

City have long been linked with a move for Ibrahimovic, who worked under Mancini at Inter Milan, but Gazzetta dello Sport, Tuttosport and Corriere dello Sport were all reporting on Tuesday morning that the meeting was to discuss a potential deal to sign defender Thiago Silva. Potential swap deals involving Mario Balotelli and Carlos Tevez have also been suggested.

However, Allegri insists Milan will not allow their key players to depart, with the club looking to build after a disappointing season in which they won only the Supercoppa Italiana.

“The club and the president are keen to maintain AC Milan at a high level,” Allegri told the AC Milan television station. “Ibrahimovic and Thiago will remain here.

“Thiago is young and Ibrahimovic can also give a lot. They are two champions on which Milan can build its basis for the future. The club is only working on replacing those players that have left.”—ESPN

Fortuna Dusseldorf have not played in the top-flight for 15 years

Fortuna won the game to claim promotion to the Bundesliga at top-flight Hertha’s expense, with the 2-2 draw at home in the second leg giving them a 4-3 aggregate victory.

However, Hertha have protested the decision as a result of the Fortuna fans’ pitch invasion shortly before the final whistle. The incident held up play for 20 minutes.

“After analysing the situation, we have reached a clear decision that a regular procedure of the game was no longer possible in these conditions,” Hertha’s director of sport Michael Preetz said. “We have therefore appointed our solicitor Christoph Schickhardt to officially appeal the result within the necessary deadline.”

Following the resumption of play, referee Wolfgang Stark blew the final whistle slightly earlier than scheduled, and Schickhardt feels Hertha have a good chance of having the game replayed.

“In the DFB regulations, it clearly states that a game which takes place in such circumstances must not be given an official result,” he said on the club’s website. “That necessarily leads to this result being annulled.”

Fortuna have cancelled their planned promotion celebrations this weekend.—ESPN

Michael Owen has failed to earn a new contract at Manchester United

Michael Owen has confirmed on his Twitter account that he will not be offered a new contract at Manchester United.

Owen, 32, moved to Old Trafford on a free transfer from Newcastle United in 2009, signing a two-year deal.

Despite a succession of injury problems, he signed a one-year extension in 2011, but he has managed just one game in the Premier League this season.

On Thursday, he confirmed that his time at the club was over. “The Manager informed me after our testimonial match on Tuesday that the club would not be offering me a new contract,” he tweeted.

“I have loved every minute of the 3 years I have spent at such a fantastic club. I would like to thank the players, staff and fans for their support and wish them well for the future.”

Owen, who reiterated in April that he “wouldn’t drop out of the Premier League”, may call time on his career should he fail to receive a suitable offer.

He added on Twitter: “I now plan to have a short holiday during which I will contemplate my next move.”—ESPN

Scott Parker is struggling with an Achilles injury

England manager, Roy Hodgson, has revealed Scott Parker could miss out on Euro 2012.

Parker, who captained England under Stuart Pearce’s brief stewardship, is suffering with an Achilles tendon injury and it is not yet certain he will recover in time for the tournament. Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson is on standby should he miss out.

“Scott’s had an injection which will probably take a week for us to see if it’s been successful or not,” Hodgson said. “He could still miss out, although from what I’m hearing, it won’t be a problem. He’s very confident.”

He added: “We’ve got until the 29 May to finalise the squad and I may still have a call to make on that one if it’s looking dubious, if there is a doubt. I’ll have that call to make.

“Do I take the risk and go with a doubt and hope for the best or do I say, ‘I’m sorry, I’ve selected you in my 23 players, but now I have to remove you’? But I’m very confident that won’t happen. I’m very optimistic. The doctor spoke to Scott Parker and Spurs on Wednesday, so I’m confident – but I can’t give a guarantee.”

There had been raised eyebrows that Michael Carrick was not in the 23-man squad or the standby list, but Hodgson explained that the Manchester United midfielder would only be willing to go to the tournament if he were taken as a first-choice.

“Michael had made it clear in the past he didn’t want to be involved [as a fringe player],” Hodgson said. “As it is, I’d have to be convinced he was better than the four I’ve selected, and that he’d be happy to come out of retirement, if he was to be considered.”

Hodgson named Parker, Frank Lampard, Gareth Barry and his new captain, Steven Gerrard, as his four central midfielders.—ESPN

Robin van Persie shows his frustration

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger failed to come to a resolution with striker Robin van Persie about his future after face-to-face talks on Wednesday, according to widespread reports in the English media.

Van Persie’s future at Emirates Stadium is currently the subject of much speculation, with the Dutchman’s existing contract set to expire next summer.

The forward is yet to sign a new deal as he has delayed extension negotiations until the off-season, with Juventus, Barcelona and Manchester City all said to be among a number of clubs strongly interested in his signature.

Van Persie and Wenger finally met on Wednesday to discuss the forward’s long-term future at the club, as the 37-goal striker revealed his concerns about the Gunners’ inability to challenge for major trophies. The north London club finished third in the Premier League this season, 19 points off champions City.

Wenger reportedly told his striker that the recent signing of Lukas Podolski – along with further summer acquisitions – should put the club in a far better position to challenge for the Premier League and Champions League next season, but this seemingly could not convince the former Feyenoord man to commit his future to the club.

Money could ultimately be crucial to keeping Van Persie. The Arsenal captain has reportedly been offered around £130,000-a-week to stay at the club, but it remains to be seen if that is enough to persuade him not to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri and head for pastures new in search of trophies.—ESPN

Roman Abramovich's millions have given Chelsea neither the Champions League nor popularity among the neutrals

The title was bought, some say. Understandably, Manchester City disagrees and, if they want to construct a case for the defence, they can cite Chelsea. In the ninth year of Roman Abramovich’s ownership, they are the reminder money has not bought everything: not the Champions League crown the Russian desires or the popularity that has eluded them. The former may be acquired on Saturday night in Munich and the latter, more surprisingly, could be experienced, too.

While silverware has been won in the eight most successful seasons of their history, the battle for hearts and minds had been a resounding defeat. For many onlookers, Chelsea have had too much money, too many egos and too misplaced a sense of entitlement. Their cast list has featured plenty of people – John Terry, Ashley Cole, Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba, Jose Mourinho, Avram Grant – that, fairly or not, many have loved to hate. While the three-letter abbreviation ABU (Anyone But United) was coined to describe those who wished the worst on Manchester United, whomever the opposition and whatever the circumstances, there is a newer group: the ABCs, hoping Chelsea lose.

And yet, while the former chief executive Peter Kenyon’s infamous and unwise boast that the world would be painted blue is no nearer fruition, there may have been a sea change in opinion. Chelsea’s two-legged triumph over a Barcelona team touted as the greatest ever showed incredible character and unbreakable resolve. It was evidence of a teamwork and a determination that has little to do with money and everything to do with inspired individuals and a galvanised group touching heights they have rarely done since and may never do again.

There is something endearing about the revival of John Obi Mikel and Salomon Kalou, limited players helping eliminate illustrious opponents. There was a sense of sorrow for Raul Meireles and Branislav Ivanovic, banned for the Bayern Munich match after excelling against Barcelona, and particularly for the remarkable Ramires, who overcame his personal disappointment about incurring a suspension to score the tie’s most telling goal in sublime fashion. There was even a sympathy vote for Fernando Torres, the butt of so many jokes before streaking clear to finish off the defending champions.

Along the way, three of Chelsea’s most maligned won over some doubters. Cole showed why he can rank among the world’s best full-backs, Lampard played deeper than he can ever have done, shielding the defence doggedly and providing intelligent passes, and Drogba scored a first-leg winner in a display of absurd histrionics and considerable power before sacrificing himself for the greater good in Catalonia, seeming an auxiliary left-back, right-back and winger in the second half. For each, it may be a final shot at glory, and it is hard to escape the feeling they merit it.

For the manager, it may be a first and last chance. The understated, impressive Roberto Di Matteo is a reason Chelsea is not the toxic brand it once was. After the Machiavellian machinations of Mourinho and the humourless arrogance of Andre Villas-Boas, Chelsea have a likeable leader off the field and, in Lampard, a less divisive captain on it. For many, it will be easier to support them without the egregious Terry, even if victory is likely to prompt him to lift the trophy.

Of course, plenty have not suddenly shifted allegiances to root for Chelsea. The battle for Champions League places meant Arsenal, Tottenham and Newcastle fans had understandable reasons for hoping Barcelona beat Chelsea and Spurs supporters will adopt Bayern Munich as their second team on Saturday. The Blues’ rivals, whether local – Fulham, QPR, West Ham – or more distant, such as Liverpool, Leeds and Manchester United, may develop a sudden enthusiasm for all things Bavarian.

In addition, Bayern have a self-sustaining economic model that is rightly respected. They have an attacking style of play and world-class talents such as Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben. But they are reasons that Chelsea, as against Barcelona, go to Bayern’s home ground in the otherwise unusual position of being the outsiders. The British have a natural affinity for the underdog but it is rare that Chelsea have been the unfancied team.

They cannot plead poverty, but adversity brings admirers. Missing four suspended players – even if Bayern are without three of their own – they will have a patched-up look in the biggest game of their lives. After underachieving in the league and a traumatic year, with two central defenders who have not played for weeks, with a paucity of options, with the futures of manager and star striker utterly uncertain, Chelsea hardly head to the Allianz Arena in ideal condition. And that, in its own way, is a reason winning the Champions League would be a greater and more popular achievement. Because, however much they have spent, it really wouldn’t be about the money.—ESPN

John Terry will be in England's Euro 2012 squad but Rio Ferdinand misses out

Manchester United defender, Rio Ferdinand, has confirmed that England boss Roy Hodgson has omitted him from the Euro 2012 squad.

Ferdinand, 33, has enjoyed a fine season for United, playing in 38 games in all competitions – the most he has managed since 2008-09, and just two years ago he was made England captain before injury ruled him out of the 2010 World Cup.

However, it appears the United veteran will not be adding to his 81 caps any time soon, with Hodgson opting for Chelsea skipper, John Terry, instead.

When asked, after United’s friendly against an Irish League XI on Tuesday, whether the rumours he had been left out were true, Ferdinand confirmed that he would not be going to the European Championship.

Terry was accused of racially abusing Ferdinand’s brother Anton last year and since then it has always been thought that one of the former England centre-back partners would need to be dropped in a bid to retain some sort of harmony in the Three Lions dressing-room.

And with Sir Alex Ferguson recently calling into question Ferdinand’s ability to play two games in four days because of a long-standing back problem, Hodgson will turn to Terry to marshall his backline in Poland and Ukraine.

Hodgson will officially announce England’s 23-man Euro 2012 squad on Wednesday at 1300 BST.

Kyle Walker was expected to be England's first choice right-back

Kyle Walker, the newly crowned PFA Young Footballer of the Year, has been ruled out of the European Championships with a toe injury, and it is expected that Rio Ferdinand will also be absent from the squad.

Less than 24 hours before Roy Hodgson names his England squad on Wednesday, widespread reports claim Peter Crouch and Micah Richards are two further big names to be overlooked, but there will be a place for Liverpool’s Andy Carroll.

Walker had been strongly expected to be selected by Hodgson, who will explain his squad selections at around 1pm on Wednesday. However, it emerged late on Tuesday evening that he definitely will not travel to Ukraine and Poland. The Tottenham man pulled up injured in Spurs’ final game of the season on Sunday, a 2-0 win over Fulham. He left White Hart Lane wearing a protective boot and walking with the aid of crutches.

The loss of Walker will not, however, open the door for Manchester City’s powerful right-back Micah Richards, who will reportedly be ignored by Hodgson just as he was by predecessor Fabio Capello.

Doubts had already existed over the inclusion of Manchester United defender Ferdinand, who has played once for England since November 2010. His last cap came against Switzerland in June 2011, and it is believed his fitness limitations – Sir Alex Ferguson recently said the defender cannot manage two games in four days – will lead to his omission by Hodgson.

Meanwhile, the England boss is still waiting on the fitness of Walker’s Tottenham team-mate Scott Parker, who has had an injection on his troublesome Achilles.

Harry Redknapp hinted Parker may miss out, but such is the potential captain’s growing influence within the England set-up that Hodgson is sure to give him more time to recover. Redknapp estimated that it would take the best part of this week to see if the injection has done the trick.

Parker was captain for England’s last game against Netherlands, and has become an integral part of the midfield pattern in his holding role.—ESPN