Mourinho warns against complacency

Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho has warned his players against complacency ahead of their Supercoppa clash against Lazio.

The Nerazzurri have lifted the trophy on three of the past four occasions while it has been nine years since Lazio won it, by beating Inter 4-3.

Mourinho knows it would mean more for the capital club but, with the possibility of equalling AC Milan's record of five Supercoppa titles, he has urged his players to give their all.

"It will be a challenge of motivation," said the Inter boss. "I've also told my players that: we have to have the same motivation, or even more, than Lazio.

"For them it will be an historic game because they have not won this trophy for so long, we are used to winning and so we have to have the same motivation to bring the Supercoppa back to Italy."

It will be a new-look Inter that take to the pitch in Beijing, with new boys Samuel Eto'o, Diego Milito, Lucio and Thiago Motta, and without Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Julio Cruz, Maxwell and Luis Figo among others.

And Mourinho hopes they can gel quickly.

AC Milan agree Huntelaar deal

AC Milan have confirmed they have reached an agreement with Real Madrid for the transfer of Klass Jan Huntelaar to the Italian club.

A statement on the club's website revealed the 25-year-old striker will arrive in Milan tomorrow to undergo a medical.

Huntelaar is then set to sign a deal until June 2013 with the Rossoneri.

Madrid also confirmed the move in a short statement on their official website.

Holland international Huntelaar only moved to the Bernabeu from Ajax in January, but has found life difficult in Spain and has been unable to hold down a regular starting spot in the side.

The arrival of several big-name players over the summer - including Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema - saw Huntelaar pushed even further down the attacking order and Madrid made it clear they would listen to offers for the Dutchman.

A proposed move to Stuttgart was turned down by the player while Tottenham had also expressed an interest in Huntelaar, who scored eight goals in 20 Primera Division appearances.

Milan faced with fresh Chelsea bid

Reports in Italy have claimed Chelsea are continuing in their bid to sign Andrea Pirlo despite Milan saying he is not for sale.

However, in spite of Milan's public declarations, Carlo Ancelotti is said to have again stepped up his pursuit of the Italian midfielder, reportedly by adding Michael Essien in as part of the deal.

Milan Vice-President Adriano Galliani, speaking to Corriere dello Sport, insisted that even with Essien thrown in, Milan were not tempted by the deal.

"Chelsea have raised their offer by adding Essien? Pirlo has been removed from the market, so not even this would be considered," Galliani stressed.

"The matter is now closed, and we are not interested in selling Pirlo."

The saga has been ongoing for weeks now, with earlier reports suggesting that striker Claudio Pizzarro was to be included, but Milan publicly announced on Tuesday that Pirlo would be staying with the Rossoneri.

Kuyt: Liverpool will keep on fighting

Dirk Kuyt insists Liverpool will "fight on" following Xabi Alonso's £30million move to Real Madrid.

Spain international Alonso completed his move to the Bernabeu on Wednesday as he signed a five-year contract with the Primera Liga giants.

The departure of the influential midfielder has led some to question the Premier League title credentials of Liverpool, who have signed Roma's Alberto Aquilani as a replacement.

But while Kuyt recognises Alonso played an important role for the Reds, he insists the club can cope without his former team-mate.

The Dutch forward told Nettavisen after Wednesday's 2-0 friendly win over FC Lyn in Oslo: "Alonso has been great for Liverpool, but we will fight on."

Liverpool have suffered a disappointing pre-season and Kuyt recognises it was important to react to a recent 3-0 setback to Espanyol by defeating Lyn.

Rafa Benitez's team begin their league campaign at Tottenham on August 16 and Kuyt is confident last season's runners-up will be in good shape.

"We are happy with the result after the defeat against Espanyol," he told Liverpool's official website. "It's always good to have another game come up quickly and we won 2-0.

"Maybe it could have been a little bit more but at the end of the day it was a clean sheet and a good performance.

Bassong makes Spurs move

Tottenham Hotspur have bolstered their defence with the signing of Sebastien Bassong from Newcastle.

The two clubs agreed a fee believed to be upwards of £8million, with the player penning a long-term contract at White Hart Lane.

The 23-year-old is suspended for the first two games of the new season following his sending-off against Fulham at the end of last term.

A statement on www.tottenhamhotspur.com tonight read: "We are delighted to announce that we have reached agreement with Newcastle United for the transfer of Sebastien Bassong to the club, following the player successfully completing a medical examination and agreeing personal terms."

Spurs manager Harry Redknapp had been keen to bring in reinforcements at the back, with Michael Dawson set to miss the start of the new season through injury and Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate also doubtful.

"Jonathan Woodgate is struggling and I think he may have to have an operation," Redknapp said earlier this week.

"I think he may have to have another hernia operation. He had one at the end of last season but obviously it has not worked so he may have to go back in again.

Fergie vows to learn from Final

Sir Alex Ferguson is certain last season's Champions League final defeat will drive Manchester United for success.

Despite landing three major honours, United have spent the summer looking back on a horrible night in Rome, where they were badly outplayed by Barcelona.

Ferguson has tended to skirt around the issue in his assessment of the campaign that lies ahead.

However, in the build-up to Sunday's Community Shield showdown with Chelsea at Wembley, the Red Devils chief revealed his belief that, just as triumphs bring greater determination, so the agony of losing such an important game can be used as a major motivational tool.

"Adversity is always an important factor in developing and improving," he said.

"I have always reacted well to adversity over the years and whenever we lose a match I tell my players that the next game is the important one - the match we have to focus on.

"That has always been the case here at the club.

"When you lose the last game of the season you have two or three months to reflect on the disappointment.

Atletico remain steadfast over Aguero

A bid of £51million may not even tempt Atletico Madrid to sell Sergio Aguero.

According to Spanish media, president Enrique Cerezo is adamant that the club will not be waver in their determination to keep the Argentine.

"Perhaps even if an offer for this amount of money (£51m) arrives, we would not accept the sale," Cerezo told Spanish media.

The 21-year-old Argentina international is believed to be sought by Manchester United as a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo.

Inter Milan and Chelsea are also thought to be tracking Aguero, but Atletico have maintained that they do not want to sell.

Real insure Ronaldo for €100m

Cristiano Ronaldo's legs have been insured for €100m by Real Madrid.

Real have taken this drastic step in order to protect their massive investment on the Portguese winger in the event of a serious injury.

According to Sunday newspaper The World, the former Manchester United player has been given this special treatment after Real spent a record €94m to sign him.

The 24-year old recently picked up a knock and the injury to his knee was quickly assessed by club doctors, who gave the player the all-clear.

Barca's USA tour an astounding success

Barcelona's United States tour had a glamorous beginning as the treble winners enjoyed a grand reception and farewell by fans in Los Angeles.

Despite the belief that football is not popular across the Atlantic, the European champions were watched by a sellout crowd of 94,000 spectators as they beat Los Angeles Galaxy 2-1 on Saturday night.

During their stay in Los Angeles, Barca had six training sessions which required heavy security as fans lined up even for these. The players were also given a free day, and on their shopping trip they were mobbed for pictures and autographs as soon as they were recognized.

The Blaugrana's departure from the City of Angels was no less grand. A cavalcade of police cars and motorbikes escorted the team bus to the airport with the sirens blaring to move traffic aside for the Catalan team.

No check-in was required as the players' boarding passes were checked on the runway. The squad walked straight onto the plane before taking off in the direction of Seattle.

Agent says Sniejder going nowhere

Wesley Sneijder's agent has rejected claims the Real Madrid midfielder is set to sign for Inter Milan.

Reports in Italy on Monday suggested an agreement had been reached between the two clubs over a summer switch.

Sneijder's future looks uncertain following the high-profile arrivals at Real during the current transfer window.

However Sneijder's agent, Soren Lerby, dismissed claims that the Holland international is poised to join Inter.

"We have an understanding with Real Madrid that Wesley can't leave the club. And nothing has changed there," Lerby told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Lerby's claims will also be backed up by the fact that Sneijder featured in a starting role for Real during their pre-season Peace Cup games.

However, with Kaka set to return from his break and rumours rife that Madrid are set to sign Xabi Alonso, his place in the first XI seems less than certain.

Huntelaar linked with Milan

Reports in Italy suggest that Real Madrid striker Klaas Jan Huntelaar is on the verge of signing for Milan.

On Sunday, reports emerged claiming that the Spanish giants were ready to give the Italians preferential treatment regarding the Dutch forward and it appears to be the case as the clubs have reportedly agreed a deal worth approximately €12 million.

AC Milan fans may finally get some of the reinforcements they have been asking for, according to Sportbox.ru.

Stuttgart had previously offered €18m, but could not come to personal terms with the 25-year-old.

Rossoneri coach Leonardo has constantly told the press that his squad was too small and needed reinforcements. The club's lacklustre pre-season, where they endured losses to Bayern Munich, Inter, Chelsea, Club America, and Boca Juniors seems to have prompted vice-president Adriano Galliani to act on the transfer market.

Huntelaar bagged eight goals in 20 appearances after joining Los Blancos in January last season, but may have become surplus to requirements after the arrivals of Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, and Karim Benzema.

The deal has yet to be confirmed, but news reports in Italy on Monday claimed that once negotiations were settled it is very likely to go through.

Huntelaar had also been linked with Arsenal, Tottenham and Roma, but the Italian press is now convinced his destination is Milan.

Pizarro holding up move

Carlo Ancelotti’s attempt to bring Andrea Pirlo to Chelsea has hit a snag, with Claudio Pizarro considering whether to move to Milan.

Pizarro, according to The Mail on Sunday, has asked for time to think about the move, leaving the Blues in limbo as they await a decision.

Chelsea, however, are prepared to pay the full €18m, should the former Bayern Munich hitman refuse to move to the Italian peninsula.

Pizarro's best bet for regular football seems to be with the Rossoneri, so it would seem peculiar that he is taking a long time to deliberate what is the best course of action for his career

Rosicky refutes Toure claims

Tomas Rosicky insists Arsenal still have all their "great players" and are ready to challenge for titles.

The Gunners continued their impressive pre-season build-up, which now stretches to six unbeaten games, with a 3-0 win over Scottish champions Rangers to lift the Emirates Cup.

Kolo Toure, who joined Manchester City following seven years at Arsenal, claims his old club have lost all of their leaders, which was one of the reasons he decided to leave.

Czech international Rosicky has returned to action following 18 months out with a series of niggling injuries, which along with the match fitness of Croatia forward Eduardo has boosted Arsene Wenger's forward options following the summer departure of striker Emmanuel Adebayor, also to City.

Rosicky is adamant Arsenal still have plenty of strength in depth.

"I don't think the best players have left," declared Rosicky, signed from Borussia Dortmund in July 2006.

"We have still got [Andrey] Arshavin, [Cesc] Fabregas and they are still great players.

"I don't see it this way. I don't see why we should be afraid of anyone.

"I see the potential and think we need to focus on what we have got."

Chelsea: Joe Cole not for sale

Chelsea have warned they are not willing to sell Joe Cole after the England midfielder was linked with a move to Tottenham.

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp is a long-time admirer of the former West Ham player, but Chelsea moved swiftly to quash suggestions Cole could leave Stamford Bridge this summer.

A statement from Chelsea read: "Contrary to media reports Chelsea is not, and will not be, considering any offers for Joe Cole.

"Our sole focus, as is Joe's, is to complete his rehab and get him fit as soon as possible so that he can play a major part in the new season."

Cole missed the last four months of last season with knee ligament damage and suffered a minor setback during pre-season which forced him to miss Chelsea's trip to the United States.

Blackburn take Di Santo on loan

Blackburn Rovers have signed Chelsea striker Franco Di Santo on loan for the first half of the season.

Rovers manager Sam Allardyce has been determined to strengthen his attack following the departure of Roque Santa Cruz to Manchester City and Di Santo will give him a fresh option.

The 20-year-old Argentinian made only a minimal impact on the first team at Stamford Bridge after signing from Chilean side Audax Italiano in January 2008, but is highly rated by the London club.

He will stay with Blackburn until January under the terms of the deal completed last night.

Rovers will then have first option on extending the deal providing Chelsea are willing to let him stay on loan for the remaining months of the season.

Di Santo could make his first appearance for Blackburn in Wednesday's home friendly against Hibernian.

Alonso's Real deal still in limbo

Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso's future remains undecided with Real Madrid yet to table an acceptable offer.

Representatives from both clubs met at a Barcelona hotel yesterday prior to the Reds' friendly against Espanyol to have discussions about the 27-year-old.

Real have tracked the player for several weeks but have been unwilling to meet Liverpool's £30million asking price.

However, after yesterday's meeting it seems a move to the Bernabeu from Anfield seems increasingly likely for Alonso and all that remains is for Madrid to come up with a suitable bid.

Liverpool managing director Christian Purslow told Spanish newspaper AS that he had spoken with Real's director Jose Angel Sanchez but that no agreement had been reached.

"This (meeting) has only served to put our positions on the table. We need to continue talking," he said.

In the wake of the 3-0 defeat to Espanyol - in which Alonso played the last six minutes - manager Rafael Benitez insisted he did not want the player to leave.

But with Alonso already having submitted a transfer request it seems improbable the midfielder will still be at Liverpool when the Barclays Premier League season kicks-off in 12 days' time.

Bent having Sunderland medical

Darren Bent is undergoing a medical at Sunderland ahead of his proposed move from Tottenham.

The Black Cats initially moved for the England striker more than a week ago, after they missed out on the signing of Peter Crouch - ironically to Spurs.

But Steve Bruce has become increasingly frustrated at the lack of progress since and made his feelings known over the weekend.

Interest from the likes of Hull and Stoke has delayed talks, but Bent has always made it quite clear that his heart was set on a move to Wearside.

Now Bent has flown to the north east and is undergoing a medical after the two clubs came to an agreement.

It is now known how much the deal is worth, but reports claim it will be around the £14million mark.

The deal will represent a club record for Sunderland, and will take their summer spending to more than £20million following on from the arrivals of Lorik Cana, Frazier Campbell and Paulo da Silva.

Arsenal must increase Chamakh bid

Bordeaux president Jean-Louis Triaud says he is waiting for Arsenal to improve their offer for striker Marouane Chamakh.

Arsene Wenger is a known admirer of the Moroco international and it has been suggested the Gunners boss could look to secure his services following Emmanuel Adebayor's move to Manchester City.

Premier League rivals Sunderland have already failed in their attempt to sign Chamakh, while it is claimed that Arsenal have seen a £5.95million bid turned down by Bordeaux.

Triaud rates Chamakh as highly as Bafetimbi Gomis, who recently joined Lyon from St Etienne, despite the 25-year-old entering the final year of his current contract.

He told RMC: "We said we would facilitate his transfer to a big club.

"But if Gomis is worth €15million (£12.7million), Marouane is worth at least as much.

"Arsenal made an offer of €7million on Monday. Since then I have not had any contact with them. It is up to them to decide."

Lampard hails Italian mentality

Frank Lampard believes the "winning mentality" of Italian bosses Carlo Ancelotti and Fabio Capello has given him high hopes of a successful season for club and country.

The Chelsea and England midfielder has welcomed the appointment of Ancelotti, a two-time Champions League winner as AC Milan coach, at Stamford Bridge as the Blues aim to deny Manchester United a fourth Premier League title in a row.

At international level Lampard has been hugely impressed by Capello, who also had great success at club level with Milan as well as Real Madrid before leading England to the brink of qualification for next summer's World Cup.

Lampard told The Sun: "Most importantly (Ancelotti and Capello) have the winning mentality.

"That's why they have won so many trophies in their careers. 'Must win' is the only way for them and they don't accept slacking off in games or training.

"Modern football is a lot about winning the ball back quickly and both managers train us to do that - it's a very Italian trait.