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KAMARA FOCUS ON FULHAM

Diomansy Kamara insists he is not looking to leave Fulham after being linked with a move to French champions Bordeaux.

The Senegal striker has been lined up as a potential signing for Bordeaux if Marouane Chamakh seals his desired switch to the Premier League.

Kamara joined Fulham for £6million from West Brom two years ago, but injury restricted the 28-year-old to just three starts in the league last season.

He concedes he is flattered to be mentioned as a target for Bordeaux, but is focused on enjoying an injury free campaign at Craven Cottage.

"It is a great honour to be linked with the French champions, but I have had no contact yet - maybe my agents have," Kamara told skysports.com.

"However, I have a contract until 2011, so it is up to the club.

"I am not asking to leave, but if there is a deal that can make everyone happy, you never know.

"But I like it here and I am looking forward to a great season without injury."

 

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REAL HELD BY AL-ITTIHAD

By Mike Perez, Press Association Sport, Madrid
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Real Madrid failed to give Cristiano Ronaldo a winning home debut on Sunday night as the big-spending Spanish giants were held to a disappointing draw by Al-Ittihad in the Peace Cup.

It was a low-key performance by Madrid in what was only their second match of pre-season following their 1-0 win over Shamrock Rovers.

And Manuel Pellegrini's side were somewhat lucky to avoid defeat as their Saudi Arabian opponents created a number of decent opportunities.

As it was both sides had to settle for the draw, with Raul putting Madrid ahead just after half-time before the impressive Hicham Aboucherouane levelled for Al-Ittihad soon after.

An estimated crowd of around 30,000 - considerably less than the 80,000 that turned up for Ronaldo's presentation - were in attendance for the late-evening kick-off at the Bernabeu, and they had little to get excited about as Al-Ittihad ensured there was no dream home debut for Madrid's new faces.

Ronaldo's first few touches were greeted with cheers from the crowd and the Portugal international, along with Wesley Sneijder, looked Madrid's biggest threat in the opening 45 minutes.

However, it was Al-Ittihad, who lost their opening Peace Cup match 3-1 to Liga de Quito, who enjoyed the better of the first half and it was not Ronaldo who caused his opposing defenders the most problems, but Aboucherouane.

He twice tested Jerzy Dudek at his near post and also set up a great chance for Sultan Alnumare after skinning Royston Drenthe, but his team-mate wasted the chance as he blazed over from 15 yards out.

That miss was not as bad as Naif Hazazi's in the 32nd minute though, when the Al-Ittihad number nine headed wide of an open goal after Dudek had missed Aboucherouane's deep cross.

Madrid were not without their chances either, and Raul brought a superb finger-tip save out of Mabrouk Zaid in the 25th minute before Ronaldo almost got his name on the scoresheet just before the break.

The £80million man combined brilliantly with fellow new boy Karim Benzema before firing in a low left-footed shot from the edge of the box that Zaid did well to turn behind for a corner.

Madrid may consider themselves fortunate not to have been behind at the break, but it took them just 10 minutes of the second half to get their noses in front thanks to Raul.

The veteran Madrid captain picked up a pass from Benzema inside the area, held off his marker before spinning and sending a right-footed effort past Zaid.

Madrid were ahead for less than 10 minutes before Aboucherouane drew Al-Ittihad level.

Saleh Alsaqri floated a free-kick into the area and Aboucherouane sent a glancing header past Dudek into the near top corner of the net.

Soon after that goal Pellegrini opted to make a treble substitution, which saw Ronaldo, Benzema and Fernando Gago replaced by Arjen Robben, Gonzalo Higuain and Guti.

Pellegrini then handed a debut to Esteban Granero, who re-joined the club earlier this week after two seasons at Getafe, and the Madrid youth team product almost enjoyed the perfect start as he smashed a 30-yard shot against the crossbar.

Both sides had chances to win the game in the closing stages, but it will be Al-Ittihad who will feel the most frustrated as both Aboucherouane and Manaf Aboshgair fired wide with only Dudek to beat, spurning the chance to claim a famous scalp for their side.

 

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RESULT NOT IMPORTANT FOR RONALDO

Cristiano Ronaldo was unconcerned that his home debut for Real Madrid failed to result in a victory, pointing out the main target is to be in peak form in time for the start of the new Primera Division season.

Ronaldo, who had never before played at the Bernabeu, was included in Manuel Pellegrini's starting XI for Sunday night's Peace Cup clash with Al-Ittihad, along with fellow newcomers Karim Benzema and Ezequiel Garay.

However, it was not to be a winning return to home soil for the Spanish giants following their trip to Ireland as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Al-Ittihad in a match Madrid can consider themselves somewhat fortunate they did not lose.

Raul gave the hosts a 55th-minute lead but the impressive Hicham Aboucherouane levelled soon after for Al-Ittihad, who created enough opportunities to make it an unhappy night for Madrid in front of an estimated crowd of around 30,000 at the Bernabeu.

Ronaldo insists nobody should read too much into the match though, saying: "We wanted to win but we've come up a against a tough team. But it doesn't matter because we are in pre-season and the most important thing is that we continue getting into shape. I'm happy.

"Now what we have to think about is getting in shape. What happened is normal because we've only been working together for 17 days and the key thing is to work hard to be able to start the league as strong as possible."

Ronaldo's early touches were cheered by the crowd and the Portugal international showed occasional glimpses of the skill that persuaded Madrid to splash out a world-record £80million this summer before he was substituted midway through the second half.

The former Manchester United man's best moment came just before the break when he combined brilliantly with Benzema before firing in a low left-footed shot from the edge of the box that visiting keeper Mabrouk Zaid did well to turn behind for a corner.

Ronaldo, who was pleased by the reception he got from the fans, admits there is still plenty more to come from him and his team-mates, adding on his club's website: "I'm very happy for having made my debut at the Santiago Bernabeu. The fans have applauded and I've enjoyed it a lot.

"Many new players have come in and we are starting to understand each other. I think it's normal that the work we are doing can't be seen yet."

Madrid are back in action on tomorrow night when they play host to Liga de Quito, who beat Al-Ittihad 3-1 in their opening Peace Cup game.

 

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MILAN MAY ENTER HUNTELAAR CHASE

AC Milan coach Leonardo has confirmed his interest in Real Madrid striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, while reiterating his determination to increase his squad.

The former Brazil international has previously admitted the need to bring new faces to San Siro after the departure of Kaka to Real, and he has been linked with Juventus' David Trezeguet.

Huntelaar has also been mentioned as a target after the Dutchman backed out of a move to Stuttgart, while Tottenham and Arsenal are also thought to be tracking the former Ajax star.

Leonardo has now admitted he would be interested in the 25-year-old if Milan decide to enter the transfer market ahead of the deadline at the end of August.

He told the Italian media: "If we find the chance to invest, Huntelaar is a player we would consider."

Pre-season has not gone to plan for Leonardo, who succeeded Carlo Ancelotti this summer, following defeats to Chelsea and derby rivals Inter.

Some have questioned Milan's decision to hand the inexperienced 39-year-old his first management job, but he is keen to be offered time as his squad return to full fitness.

He added following the defeat to Inter: "I don't want to find excuses. Inter played better than us but we were really tired.

"We need a bigger group. We have players like Alessandro Nesta, Gennaro Gattuso and Marco Borriello who are coming back after injuries and they need to regain fitness gradually."

 

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GRANERO RELISHES REAL DEBUT

Esteban Granero described Sunday as the "happiest day of my life" after finally making his debut for Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.

Granero, who spent 12 years in the youth ranks at Madrid before moving to neighbours Getafe two years ago, was brought back to the club last week and was handed his debut by coach Manuel Pellegrini during the second half of Sunday night's Peace Cup match against Al-Ittihad.

And it was a night Granero will never forget as he received a tremendous reception by the Madrid fans when he was sent on as Wesley Sneijder's replacement, and then had the crowd chanting his name after firing a 30-yard thunderbolt against the crossbar.

Even world-record signing Cristiano Ronaldo, making his home debut for the club, did not make as big an impression on the Madrid supporters as Granero, and the local boy admits it was a day to cherish.

"To play in this stadium wearing this shirt is a dream for anyone and even more so for a player from the youth team. It's the happiest day of my life," said Granero.

Despite the 22-year-old midfielder's encouraging performance though, Madrid had to settle for a 1-1 draw against Al-Ittihad and might easily have lost the match after their Saudi Arabian opponents created a number of decent chances, not least late on when they twice got clean through on goal only to fire wide.

Granero insists there is no reason to panic, though, after what was only Madrid's second pre-season game.

He told his club's website: "Of course we all would have liked to get the win, I would've loved to have won in my Bernabeu debut, but there is no need to be alarmed or worried.

"We are in pre-season, which is only just starting, and little by little we will get into shape."

Granero faces a battle to tie down a first-team berth at Madrid even if the club succeeds in its attempts to offload a number of players before the start of the season, but the Spain Under-21 international is up for the challenge.

"I'm going to fight for a place in the team, although it will not be easy because there are great players here. I'm going to give it everything to convince the coach," he said.

 

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COSTA CLOSES ON ZARAGOZA MOVE

Wolfsburg defender Ricardo Costa is on the verge of completing a move to Primera Division side Real Zaragoza.

The Portuguese left the Wolves' training camp in Going on Sunday night to travel to Zaragoza to undergo a medical.

Costa, 28, joined Wolfsburg from Porto in 2007 and won the Bundesliga title with the club last season.

 

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MORATTI JUSTIFIES ZLATAN SALE

Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti believes the Serie A giants were right to sell Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

The Swedish striker is set to finalise his move to Barcelona, with Cameroon ace Samuel Eto'o heading in the opposite direction.

While Ibrahimovic's precocious talents will undoubtedly be missed at the Giuseppe Meazza, Moratti insists Inter will cope without him.

He believes the agreement with Barca will benefit all concerned and he fully expects Jose Mourinho's side to challenge for major honours in 2009/10.

"It has been quite an affair for both sides. It's been sensational. I don't remember a similar operation between two European clubs," Moratti told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"But it has happened and I think everything is positive for both sides.

"Ibrahimovic made it clear more than once in the last few months that he wanted to change teams.

"He told me he was keen to continue his development somewhere else. It seems to me that Barcelona is the ideal place to do that."

On Inter's strength heading into the new campaign, Moratti added: "I don't think I would be wrong in saying that this group is as strong as the best teams around.

"Eto'o and (Diego) Milito together up front? I really hope that we will see them together frequently.

"We have to have faith in the ideas of the coach and, from my side, I think we have complete faith."

The addition of Eto'o, and Barca midfielder Alexander Hleb, will see Inter well stocked for attacking talent next season and Moratti has moved to distance the club from ongoing speculation linking them with a move for Deco.

"I think the team is okay so I don't agree with those who say we are missing the 'little cherry'," he said.

Eto'o, meanwhile, has now arrived in Milan and admits he is looking forward to beginning his Italian adventure.

"I am really happy to be at Inter," he said.

"I'm here to work hard and to win the Champions League."

 

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BOSS NOT WORRIED BY REAL FORM

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Real Madrid coach Manuel Pellegrini insists he will be sticking to his pre-arranged plans for Tuesday's Peace Cup match with Liga de Quito even though anything other than victory would see the Spanish giants miss out on the semi-finals.

Madrid were held to a 1-1 draw by Al-Ittihad in their opening match of the tournament and, with Liga de Quito having beaten Al-Ittihad 3-1 on Friday, Pellegrini's side have to defeat the Ecuadorian outfit or face an early exit.

Despite that prospect and the fact his side were fortunate to avoid defeat against Al-Ittihad, Pellegrini will not stray from the plans he already has in place and ruled out the possibility of £56million summer signing Kaka being drafted in for his debut.

"The plan of work will continue and it's not going to change. I'm not going to change a conviction or way of working. The results that we have in pre-season are incidental and we are not going to change our plans for one result at this time," Pellegrini said.

"If we were 10 days away from the start of the league then I would be worried, but not now."

Pellegrini named new arrivals Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Ezequiel Garay in his starting XI for the match against Al-Ittihad, which was Madrid's second pre-season match following their win over Shamrock Rovers in Ireland.

All three of those players were substituted as Pellegrini gave as many of his squad a run-out as possible, and the Chilean revealed he will be switching things around again against his former club Quito tomorrow.

"We will make changes , but not in order to win," he said.

"I had already decided which changes I was going to make tonight. I didn't want either Cristiano or Benzema to play more than 60 minutes. Those who played 90 minutes won't be starters on Tuesday."

Pellegrini also confirmed that Brazil ace Kaka would not be rushed back into action for the match.

Kaka, like fellow new signing Raul Albiol and his Spain team-mates Iker Casillas and Sergio Ramos, had all been given extended holidays due to their international commitments at the Confederations Cup this summer and they are not due back to training until today.

"Those players start training on Monday and are not going to play in this competition, because we are following a plan of work. They will have 10 days of intense work and are not going to play, I think, until Canada."

 

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CONI TO RE-EXAMINE GUARDIOLA CASE


The Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) are to reopen the case against Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola over alleged drug use during his time as a player at Brescia.

Guardiola was fined and suspended for four months in 2001 for alleged nandrolone use and his sentence was upheld by the appeal court of the Italian football federation (FIGC).

The 38-year-old was later cleared on appeal of all charges by the Brescia court, but Italy's anti-doping prosecutor has now persuaded CONI to re-examine the case.

A statement on the CONI website read: "On Tuesday September 15, Guardiola's case will be examined, based on the appeal from the anti-doping prosecutor's office against the decision reached by the FIGC's court of federal justice, when they sat on May 8, 2009."

 

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ALONSO FUTURE UP IN THE AIR

Xabi Alonso is due to fly back to Spain with Liverpool on Saturday as the negotiations over his possible transfer drag on.

Liverpool are playing in a friendly against Espanyol on Sunday to open the Barcelona club's new stadium and at the moment Alonso is expected to be in the travelling party.

A final decision is likely to be taken after the squad have trained on Saturday morning ahead of an afternoon flight.

But with both Liverpool and prospective buyers Real Madrid digging their heels in over the fee for the 27-year-old international, a decision on the deal is now not expected until Monday.

Real are believed to now have offered players in part-exchange while Chelsea, Manchester City and an unnamed Italian club are still monitoring the situation.

But Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez is still demanding £30million for the Spain international and has previously said that he is not interested in taking any Real players in the deal and wants a cash-only agreement.

The players on offer are Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, Alvaro Negredo and Rafael van der Vaart.

Alonso handed in a transfer request earlier this week, and is known to want to make his Madrid debut in his home town of San Sebastian on August 15, when the Bernabeu club play in Real Sociedad's centenary match. Alonso started his career with the Basque club.

Reports in Italy claim that midfielder Alberto Aquilani has been lined up as Alonso's replacement. Cash-strapped Roma are willing to sell for around £15million and the player is happy with a five-year contract worth around 4million euros a year.

But formal negotiations cannot take place until the Alonso deal is settled.

Liverpool are expected to field a strong side against Espanyol, including £17.5million full-back Glen Johnson who has now recovered fully from an Achilles injury.

Johnson figured in both games in the Far East last week, but as a second-half substitute.

Liverpool's new club ambassador, Kenny Dalglish, has been hugely impressed with the new-boy.

He says: "Attacking full-backs have always been important to the way Liverpool sides have played.

"Historically, even going back to the days of (Bill)Shankly, we have always been a club who have put great faith in players in those positions having a certain comfort on the ball.

"Even in teams where there were out-and-out wingers, you could normally rely on the full-backs getting forward to join in with the attack.

"Ultimately, the more threat you carry going forward, the better that will be for our prospects this season.

"He (Johnson) can improve as a defender at Liverpool, and he has shown he can attack with the best of them."

 

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BOLADO SET FOR LONG SPELL OUT

Racing Santander striker Ivan Bolado is set to miss most of the new season after undergoing knee surgery today.

Boluda, who spent last season on loan at second division Elche in order to gain first-team experience, had ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left knee.

Racing revealed through a statement on their website that the 20-year-old will begin a rehabilitation programme in around 10 days and is likely to be out of action for six to eight months.

 

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BOATENG AGREES GETAFE SWITCH


Cologne midfielder Derek Boateng has agreed a three-year contract with Spanish side Getafe.

The 26-year-old is yet to finalise the transfer but has travelled to Spain and is set to have a medical with the La Liga club on Monday before being presented as a Getafe player.

The Madrid-based outfit are thought to have agreed a fee of 1million euros for the Ghana international.

"I am delighted with the move and I will give it my best shot," Boateng told skysports.com.

"I have not signed yet, there are still some small details that need to be sorted, but everything will be fine."

Getafe are looking to boost their squad after narrowly avoiding relegation from La Liga last season.

Boateng only joined Cologne in January on a four-year deal but is eager to test himself in one of Europe's biggest leagues having previously played in Greece, Israel and Sweden.

 

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OLIVEIRA COMPLETES AL JAZIRA SWITCH

UAE side Al Jazira have completed the capture of Brazilian striker Ricardo Oliveira from Real Betis.

The 29-year-old made the switch to the UAE league runners-up following Betis' relegation from Spain's top-flight last term.

Oliveira will replace compatriot Fernando Baiano, who finished top scorer in the UAE League last season with 25 goals before joining local rivals Al Wahda, and is expected to play an integral role in next year's Asian Champions League campaign.

"It is important to have a player like Oliveira," said Al Jazira board member Hamad Al Sowaidi on the club's official website. "He will be a good addition to the team next season."

Oliveira played for Brazil in the 2004 Copa America and was part of the triumphant 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup squad.

He has plenty of experience in Europe's top leagues, having played for Italian giants AC Milan and Spanish sides Valencia and Real Zaragoza as well as Betis.

 

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'NO REGRETS' FOR REYES

Jose Antonio Reyes has no regrets about leaving Arsenal, whom he claims are still one of the "strongest teams in Europe".

The Atletico Madrid forward will take on his old side in the Emirates Cup this weekend.

Reyes, 25, joined the Gunners from Seville four years ago in a deal which could have eventually cost a club-record £17million.

However, the Spaniard - who won the FA Cup in 2005 and played in the Champions League final the following season - became frustrated at a perceived lack of first-team opportunities and moved on loan to Real Madrid before signing permanently with their city rivals.

Reyes, who had a spell at Benfica, said: "I have no regrets about leaving Arsenal.

"I took that decision because obviously I thought it was going to be best for my career.

"I had a good time here, I won some trophies with this team and I think they deserve all the credit they get.

"Any player wants to play for Arsenal, they have a great team in England and one of the strongest team in Europe."

Reyes added: "Arsenal have lost a couple of important players, but they have an extraordinary team, a young team, and they are going to develop."

Atletico could face the Gunners in a play-off for the Champions League next month.

Coach Abel Resino admits following the summer departures of Togo frontman Emmanuel Adebayor and defender Kolo Toure, the current Arsenal side are something of conundrum.

"Arsenal have been an extraordinary team, but teams go through changes, changing players, and Arsenal are now in transition," he said.

"We do not really know anything about this Arsenal team yet, because they have lost a few players, like Adebayor, who was an important player, and also have some out injured.

"This Arsenal team is a young side, the players are improving and you do not really know how they will respond.

"It is difficult to predict how they will do."

Resino added: "Arsenal still have the same coach and play with the same methodology.

"Once these young players gain some experience, they can grow in quality and progress.

"We will just have to wait and see."

 

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'NO REGRETS' FOR REYES


Jose Antonio Reyes has no regrets about leaving Arsenal, whom he claims are still one of the "strongest teams in Europe".

The Atletico Madrid forward will take on his old side in the Emirates Cup this weekend.

Reyes, 25, joined the Gunners from Seville four years ago in a deal which could have eventually cost a club-record £17million.

However, the Spaniard - who won the FA Cup in 2005 and played in the Champions League final the following season - became frustrated at a perceived lack of first-team opportunities and moved on loan to Real Madrid before signing permanently with their city rivals.

Reyes, who had a spell at Benfica, said: "I have no regrets about leaving Arsenal.

"I took that decision because obviously I thought it was going to be best for my career.

"I had a good time here, I won some trophies with this team and I think they deserve all the credit they get.

"Any player wants to play for Arsenal, they have a great team in England and one of the strongest team in Europe."

Reyes added: "Arsenal have lost a couple of important players, but they have an extraordinary team, a young team, and they are going to develop."

Atletico could face the Gunners in a play-off for the Champions League next month.

Coach Abel Resino admits following the summer departures of Togo frontman Emmanuel Adebayor and defender Kolo Toure, the current Arsenal side are something of conundrum.

"Arsenal have been an extraordinary team, but teams go through changes, changing players, and Arsenal are now in transition," he said.

"We do not really know anything about this Arsenal team yet, because they have lost a few players, like Adebayor, who was an important player, and also have some out injured.

"This Arsenal team is a young side, the players are improving and you do not really know how they will respond.

"It is difficult to predict how they will do."

Resino added: "Arsenal still have the same coach and play with the same methodology.

"Once these young players gain some experience, they can grow in quality and progress.

"We will just have to wait and see."

 

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HEINZE NOT BUNDLED OUT OF BERNABEU

New Marseille defender Gabriel Heinze insists he was not forced out of Real Madrid.

The Argentina international has been unveiled as OM's 10th signing of the summer as coach Didier Deschamps continues his squad rebuilding ahead of the new season.

Heinze, 31, was not a regular at Real over the past two seasons and he did not appear to be in the plans of the Spanish side's new coach Manuel Pellegrini.

But he maintains he was not ushered out of the Bernabeu and was instead attracted by a fresh challenge at OM.

"It isn't a question of the plans of the Madrid coach," Heinze told Marseille's official club website www.om.net.

"It is my own decision. I have experienced some amazing seasons at Real but the life of a footballer is like this.

"It leads you to change clubs and I am happy to be here and I am going to give my all."

Real yesterday confirmed Heinze had been transferred to Marseille, although neither club have disclosed the length of contract or the fee involved.

It ends the centre-back's two-year spell in the Spanish capital, during which he started 41 Primera Division games for Real.

Although he was not a first-choice pick for his club, he has remained a regular for his country over the last two years.

Heinze even turned out for Argentina at the Stade Velodrome back in February, in their 2-0 friendly win over France.

As a former player for Paris St Germain, Marseille's biggest rivals, Heinze admits he did not expect to be back at OM so soon.

"I couldn't have imagined this back in February, especially considering the years I spent at PSG, but football is what it is."

Heinze does not believe having played for PSG, where he was considered a fans' favourite, between 2001-04 is an issue.

"That's not a problem," he said. "I'm convinced the PSG supporters are going to understand especially because they all know what I did for their club.

"From now on, I must make myself accepted by the OM supporters."

Heinze, who can also play at left-back, now has a week to get himself settled before the new Ligue 1 campaign kicks off and he says he just needs games under his belt to recover his sharpness.

Deschamps, who has recruited Fernando Morientes, Fabrice Abriel, Lucho Gonzalez, Stephane M'Bia, Souleymane Diawara, Edouard Cisse, Cyril Rool, Elinton Andrade and Charley Fomen as well this summer, is delighted with his latest acquisition.

"He is a true defender who loves the fight, is tough and has technical qualities," said Deschamps, who is likely to play Heinze at centre-back alongside Souleymane Diawara.

"He isn't just a destroyer - he hasn't got more than 50 caps by chance. He has experience. He has no fear. His experience at big European clubs, in his international team, in European competitions means he knows pressure."

 

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NILMAR TARGETS WORLD CUP


Villarreal new boy Nilmar is hoping a successful first season at El Madrigal will help his ambition to represent Brazil at next year's World Cup finals.

Nilmar was unveiled by Villarreal on Friday after the Spanish outfit splashed out a club-record fee - believed to be in the region of 11million euros - to sign the 25-year-old striker from Brazilian club Internacional.

Nilmar, who has already experienced life in Europe having previously played for Lyon, admits he cannot wait to start his Villarreal career and hopes his switch to La Liga can further boost his international aims.

Nilmar was part of the Brazil squad that won this summer's Confederations Cup in South Africa, but made just one substitute appearance in one of the group games.

"I'm very anxious to start and I'm eager to please the directors and the fans. I know that Villarreal is an important shop window for the Brazil national team, so I hope I can be successful here and also be able to play in the next World Cup in South Africa," said the striker.

"Spanish football has always attracted me, it's very similar to Brazilian football, it's very technical and is played with a lot of speed. Now I'm going to fulfil my dream of playing in Spain."

 

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GUARDIOLA CALM OVER CONI DECISION


Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola insists he is unconcerned by the decision of the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) to reopen the case against him over alleged drug use during his time as a player at Brescia.

Guardiola was fined and suspended for four months in 2001 for alleged nandrolone use and his sentence was upheld by the appeal court of the Italian football federation (FIGC).

The 38-year-old was later cleared on appeal of all charges by the Brescia court, but Italy's anti-doping prosecutor has now persuaded CONI to re-examine the case.

Guardiola refused to say too much on the matter, but insisted he was unconcerned by the latest developments, saying in El Mundo Deportivo: "The ruling has already cleared me. I'm not worried, it's a minor problem."

According to a statement on the CONI website, Guardiola's case will be examined on September 15.

 

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RAUL PLAYS DOWN DEFEAT


Real Madrid captain Raul insists their Peace Cup semi-final defeat to Juventus is no cause for alarm and remains confident next season will be a successful one for the Spanish giants.

Madrid, having picked up two wins and a draw in their opening three pre-season friendlies, slumped to their first loss after going down 2-1 to Juventus in Seville last night.

That meant Madrid missed out on a place in Sunday's final against Aston Villa, but Raul is keen to point out that it is still early days for the new-look squad after its major summer overhaul and it will take time for everything to fall into place.

"There needs to be calm. We are still absorbing some concepts and some new ideas. It's a long process, but we are on the right track. There have been noticeable improvements in every game," said the long-serving striker in AS.

"There's no doubt that it will be a great year for Madrid."

One of the people who played a key part in inflicting a first defeat on Madrid was former Bernabeu favourite Fabio Cannavaro.

The Italian World Cup-winning captain, who returned to Juve this summer after three years at Madrid, opened the scoring against his old club after just three minutes when he glanced home Alessandro Del Piero's free-kick.

But while Madrid may be someway short of fulfilling their huge potential at this point of pre-season, Cannavaro still saw plenty for his old club to be pleased about.

"My ex-team-mates looked quite good to me. They have high-quality players and form a very strong and dangerous team, but bear in mind they are still in pre-season. In September we will see the true Real Madrid," he said.

 

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WENGER FAITH IN 'DANGEROUS' ARSHAVIN

Arsene Wenger is convinced Andrey Arshavin can make the difference for Arsenal next season.

The Russian came off the bench in the second half to net a late double in the final five minutes as the Gunners beat Atletico Madrid 2-1 in the Emirates Cup.

Arshavin arrived in England from Zenit St Petersburg during the January transfer window, but could not play in the Champions League and took some time to settle before coming good over the closing stages of the campaign - which included a brilliant four-goal haul at Anfield.

While Wenger does not want to put too much extra pressure on the 28-year-old, he accepts Arshavin will be key to his squad's chances.

"The difference is now he knows how English football works," said the Arsenal manager.

"He knows as well he is part of the team from the start, and the team knows how important and how big an impact he can have on the results.

"Arshavin has what you cannot give to a player - he understands when there is an opportunity in the final third, and is certainly dangerous."

There was also a welcome home return for Czech winger Tomas Rosicky, who had been out of action for some 18 months with a string of niggling injuries - and his availability for the build-up to the new campaign will be welcome boost following the loss of Samir Nasri to a broken leg.

"I am pleased, but cautious," Wenger said.

"I am not a dreamer. If he gets through the next two months without set-backs, then we have won the battle, but it is not won yet."

Teenager Jack Wilshere was introduced at half-time and impressed enough to pick up the man of the match award.

The 17-year-old is set to challenge for a place in Wenger's first-team squad.

"He has matured, and compared to one year ago he has more power to take people on. That shows there is big potential there and makes him much more dangerous," said the Arsenal boss.

"At that age, unfortunately patience is not the first quality, but he is at a big club and has a chance to compete at the top level.

"We have to manage that well, the desire and the opportunity to play."

Wenger could well strengthen his squad ahead of the new season, with former captain Patrick Vieira said to be keen on a return to his old club, while Real Madrid striker Klaas Jan Huntelaar is another said to be on the Gunners boss' wanted list.

Any deals, though, will be done before Arsenal's final pre-season game, away to Valencia next Saturday.

"I will be looking at all the options we have during the week, and then we close," said Wenger, who ruled out Fiorentina target Emmanuel Eboue leaving.

"I believe we have quite a strong squad now. If we can add one or two players, we will do it, but not more."

Arsenal play Rangers on Sunday, with the Scottish champions having beaten Paris St Germain in the Emirates Cup opening game.

"Our target is to now find a good balance with the offensive players we have, and that is why we could afford to let a striker go," said Wenger.

"We want to prepare seriously, because we have a strong start to the season - we play Everton, Manchester City and Manchester United away in the first few weeks.

"We are cautious, but determined to do well. We are highly motivated and focused, which is a good basis."

Madrid coach Abel Resino felt the match served as decent preparation ahead of the Champions League play-off - which could be against the Gunners.

"The most important thing is the team played well with a good attitude," he said.

"We made a few changes and it has been a very positive test.

"We are uncovering new players in the team, from the youth system, and know more things after this match.

"We had a few chances in the second half, and a draw would have been a fairer result."