Football transfer news

Marko Naletilic, the agent of Stuttgart midfielder Zdravko Kuzmanovic has been moved to deny that any club has made an offer for his client’s services.

Numerous clubs, including Sevilla, are said to be interested in the Serbia international, however, his representative is yet to talk to any suitors.

“I have not been out to do any formal talking yet,” Naletilic told EstadioDeportivo.

“Not with Sevilla or with any other club. Personally, I feel it is way too early to discuss the Zdravko’s future.”

Stuttgart’s next match is a DFB-Pokal clash with St Pauli on Wednesday, with kick-off scheduled at 19:00CET.

Olympique Lyonnais striker Lisandro Lopez has denied that he has spoken to Fiorentina about a possible move to Serie A.

The Argentine has been linked with a switch to Florence in recent weeks, has now denied that he has ever received any contact from the club.

“Never, never, never, have I had contact with anyone from Fiorentina,” he told reporters at a press conference.

“And I don’t think OL, or any intermediary or agent has either. I said that we could continue like this while I had two and a half years left on my contract.

“There is no problem with staying [at Lyon]. Now, I still have a year and a half left, it’s the same thing. I’ve never wanted to leave.”

Lyon are currently fourth in Ligue 1, four points behind leaders Paris Saint-Germain.

EXCLUSIVE
By Greg Stobart

Manchester City’s new director of football has quickly identified one of his first targets – Spanish midfield sensation Benat.

Former Barcelona technical director Txiki Begiristain, who took up the post earlier this week, is now charged with identifying the best talent around the globe for boss Roberto Mancini.

Mancini has been handed reports on Benat, 25, who is currently hot property at Real Betis, after finally making the breakthrough into the Spanish national team this year.

Begiristain is also a big admirer of the busy playmaker, who is likened to Bayern Munich’s Javi Martinez, a player City failed to capture in the summer.

The club’s expanding Spanish network have been tipped off that talks over a new contract for Benat have stalled – his current deal expires in 2014 – and the player has a €20 million (£16.2m) release clause.

Both Arsenal and Liverpool have previously been linked with the player but City, aside from being able to offer Benat superior wages, have a decent relationship with Betis, having bankrolled Roque Santa Cruz’s loan stay last season.

Begiristain is making swift progress in his new role after being re-united with former Barcelona vice-chairman Ferran Soriano, who was appointed as City’s new chief executive in August as the club went ahead with restructuring plans exclusively revealed by Goal.com in January.

Begiristain held a similar position during seven years at the Camp Nou, where he brought in the likes of Ronaldinho, Samuel Eto’o and Dani Alves – and City hope he will have similar success at the Etihad Stadium.

Benat has started the season in sparkling form, scoring one goal and providing seven assists in seven league appearances for Betis.

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AC Milan’s poor start to the Serie A season could cost Massimiliano Allegri his job, and owner Silvio Berlusconi has already created a shortlist of coaches to replace the 45-year-old.

After a turbulent summer which saw big names such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic leave San Siro, the Rossonerihave been in poor form, losing five of their first 10 Serie A matches, and speculation is rife that the former Cagliari boss will soon be sacked.

Top of the capital side’s shortlist is Pep Guardiola, who resigned as Barcelona boss last summer, citing exhaustion, but is unlikely to make a move to the club due to the financial status.

Next on Berlusconi’s list is Zenit St Petersburg trainer Luciano Spalletti, due to has vast experience in Serie A, having coached Udinese and Roma for a number of years.

The rest of the contenders are Rafa Benitez, who was sacked by Inter in December 2010 after just six months in charge, and Roberto Mancini, who is currently under pressure at English champions Manchester City, but has won three Scudetti.

Filippo Inzaghi could also be in contention to replace Allegri. The former Italy international ended his playing career last summer, but has been working with the club’s youth ranks, and would be a popular choice amongst fans.

AC Milan take on Palermo on Tuesday, with kick-off scheduled at 20:45CET.

Radamel Falcao has dampened speculation about his potential move away from Atletico Madrid by promising that he will honour his contract at the Vicente Calderon.

The Colombian has now scored 10 goals in just eight Liga games this season, and speculation about a transfer is rife, with Real Madrid and Chelsea reportedly ready for a battle to secure his signature.

“I am happy and enjoying myself at my club,” he told Spanish television show Punta Pelota.

“I am not thinking about leaving at the moment. I never think about it. That idea is not in my head but we will see what happens in the future.”

Falcao has been named on the 23-man shortlist for this year’s B’allon d’Or, but refused to talk about his chances of winning the award.

“Others are responsible for choosing, I just really appreciate being on the list alongside [Lionel] Messi and [Cristiano] Ronaldo, who are both great players.”