Football transfer news

Inter striker Tommaso Rocchi has vowed to repay the faith shown in him by coach Andrea Stramaccioni after the former Lazio man completed his move to San Siro on Friday.

The 35-year-old arrives as an alternative to talismanic hitman Diego Milito as the Nerazzurri look to continue their assault on the Serie A title in 2013.

And, although there is scepticism from some sections of the Inter support, Rocchi insists he is fully focused on producing the goods for his side.

“I hope to repay everyone for the faith shown in me,” he told reporters.

“I’ve joined a huge club and I’ve been given an amazing reception by a great group of people.

“I’m so desperate to play football. I’m grateful to Inter for believing in me, and am hungry and determined to make those who reckon I have nothing left to give think again.

“You can only change people’s minds by producing the goods on the pitch.”

The veteran forward had struggled for playing time at Lazio under coach Vladimir Petkovic earlier this term, making only three appearances for the Biancocelesti.

Lazio president Claudio Lotito has remained coy over the club’s link with Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard but insists his side would be “ready to sign” any player who will improve his squad.

The 34-year-old is out of contract at Stamford Bridge this summer, and reports have suggested the Serie A club are heavily interested in signing the midfielder.

When questioned on his club’s link with Lampard, Lotito replied: “We are ever ready on the market, on all of those players that can enhance the value of our squad.

“I don’t say nothing, but in general, what we try to get we reach. We believe we have a squad that can compete with everyone, but if we’ll have the opportunity to increase the value of the roster, the club will not say no.

“Anyway the team already has a balanced structure  and a good number of substitutes, so there is no lack of players.”

Lampard is now joint second with Kerry Dixon in Chelsea’s all-time scoring chart with 193 goals following his strike during Saturday’s 5-1 victory over Southampton in the FA Cup third round.

Chelsea boss Rafa Benitez has urged the midfielder to break the club’s record but admits he is in the dark over any potential contract negotiations.

“I would love to see Frank score 10 more goals this season to break the record,” the Spaniard told reporters.

“But I do not know about contract talks, but I know there are sometimes conversations between players and their agents.

“My job is to keep Frank playing well; he is a very good professional.”

Rennes coach Frederic Antonetti has revealed they will not oppose the departure of midfielder Yann M’Vila, provided his suitors were to make the right offer.

The France international remains one of the most sought-after targets in the transfer market despite failing to secure a move to the Premier League last summer, with Arsenal and Tottenham reportedly keen to renew their interest in the new year.

Following M’Vila‘s recent comments that he would welcome a move, Antonetti has conceded he would be powerless to retain the 22-year-old’s services against his will.

“I want to keep him, but if Rennes were to receive a suitable bid then he would leave,” he lamented to RMC Sport. “He is better and more mature, and will go.

“It is part of the club’s policy that he will leave if he has to, only, who will replace him?”

The defensive midfielder has made 14 appearances in Ligue 1 so far, helping the team to fourth place.

Brasileiro Serie A club Cruzeiro have confirmed that forward Wellington Paulista is on his way to West Ham on loan following an agreement made during the January transfer window.

Cruzeiro’s official website has confirmed that the club’s director of football Alexandre Mattos has agreed terms with the East London outfit.

Mattos has spoken highly of the 28-year old, praising his professionalism and loyalty to the Brazilian side and suggesting he has a future with the club.

“Cruzeiro is grateful to Wellington, and the great professional that he is,” Mattos said.

“The players always honoured this club, and we like him very much. He has the club’s doors open for the future.”

Paulista has scored 19 goals in all competitions so far this campaign and strengthen’s Sam Allardyce’s striking options even further. The Hammers have already signed Joe Cole from Liverpool and Marouane Chamakh from Arsenal during the transfer window.

One transfer that has been ruled out is Robbie Keane, who has stressed he will not look for a loan deal to the Premier League as he wants a break before the MLS season restarts in March:

“It’s been a long season, with the Euros and what have you,” he told Sky Sports.

“I’ve a few little niggles that need to be sorted out so I don’t think at this moment in time it would be right for me to go anywhere.

“I had another year left and [Galaxy] offered me a new contract at the end of last season. I’ve just signed a new two-year contract.”

Full story: No Premier League loan move for LA Galaxy star Robbie Keane