Today's other soccer stories

Gill pledges funds for Ferguson

Manchester United chief executive David Gill has promised Alex Ferguson funds to improve his squad over the summer.

"You can't just assume the success you've achieved will continue," Gill told Manchester United Radio. "You have to always look to improve and invest, and that's what we're going to do. We've got a great team who have done very well and we'll be looking to tweak it here and there."

Bayern Munich midfielder Owen Hargreaves tops the list of players linked with the club, with Tottenham striker Dimitar Berbatov and young Southampton defender Gareth Bale also reputed targets.

One talent already on United's books is striker Giuseppe Rossi, who has been a major success on loan to Parma. The player, who hopes to break into the first team next season at Old Trafford, has scored nine goals in 17 matches to lift Parma away from the Serie A relegation zone.

Atletico expect Torres to stay

Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo is confident striker Fernando Torres will remain at the club next season despite increasing speculation he is set to leave. Manchester United and Liverpool are just two of the clubs reported to be chasing the 23-year-old Spain striker.

"He is an Atletico Madrid player, he is doing very well at Atletico Madrid, the fans want him and we want him. Neither is he for sale nor do I think is going to leave," said Cerezo.

Rangers keen to sign Fowler

Rangers manager, Walter Smith, wants to sign Robbie Fowler when the striker's contract at Liverpool expires at the end of the season. Fowler (32) has insisted he has not had any concrete offers yet and talks are unlikely to be initiated before Liverpool's Champions League final in Athens tomorrow week.

Clarke wants Northern Ireland job

Former Northern Ireland striker Colin Clarke has put himself forward to replace Lawrie Sanchez as manager. Clarke, who was part of the 1986 World Cup squad, has been coaching in America for the past decade and was in charge of Major League Soccer side Dallas Burn last season.

"It is something that would excite me and something I would relish. It would be a great challenge and I would certainly love the opportunity."

In brief ...

Everton have confirmed the release of out-of-contract defender Alessandro Pistone and goalkeeper Richard Wright, while Lee Carsley and Alan Stubbs have been offered new contracts. Striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has been released by Charlton.