Football transfer news

Bayern Munich sporting director Matthias Sammer has failed to reinforce Jupp Heynckes’ position as coach beyond the end of the current campaign, which could open up the door for Pep Guardiola to take up the reins of the club in the summer.

Die Roten top the Bundesliga table and have qualified for the next phase of the Champions League, but Sammer’s hesitance to commit to Heynckes will ignite speculation of an impending exit.

“The time windows are discussed,” the 45-year-old told Bild when asked of the coach’s future. “Before March, there is nothing to say on this subject [regarding Guardiola].

“Heynckes has communicated his pride into this team, and is a fantastic coach. We just have to think of remaining humble to the end of the season in order to secure one or two more titles.

“For now, I would ask for more restraint from experts in the outside world, who should not discuss issues based on speculation.”

Guardiola currently remains on a personal sabbatical from the game, after resigning from his post at Barcelona at the end of last term.

Lyon coach Remi Garde is determined to keep hold of hot prospect Clement Grenier during the January transfer window, and insisted the 21-year-old has never been for sale.

The Stade Gerland outfit carried out major modifications to the squad after a underwhelming 2011-12 season which saw the club finish fourth, but Garde maintains Grenier’s status within the side was never in question.

“Grenier is a player for the future of this club,” revealed the 46-year-old to L’Equipe. “I was adamant in my decision not to allow him to depart for Nice last summer.

“I think he showed in the matches before his injury that I was not wrong. We are now trying to work out a suitable contractual extension that would satisfy all parties.”

Les Gones now sit joint-top of Ligue 1 alongside Paris Saint-Germain and Marseille, and Garde has declared the club will continue strengthening their ranks during the weeks ahead.

He added: “The market is very quiet today, but anything and all can happen before it closes. For that reason, we will keep an eye open till January 31.

“There is no question of selling any players, as all within this team represent their personal value within my plans.”

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.