Other soccer stories in brief

Liverpool up their bid for Villa's want-away Barry

LIVERPOOL will test Martin O'Neill's determination to keep Gareth Barry at Aston Villa by making an improved cash offer of €18 milllion for the England midfielder, reports Andy Hunter.

Barry has been the subject of two bids: a €12.5 million deal involving players and a €15 million cash offer. Both were rejected.

O'Neill is incensed that Liverpool's original offer was made public before the end of the season, is dismissive of attempts to include players in any deal and, despite Barry's agent, Alex Black, confirming that his client wishes to move, the Villa manager remains reluctant to part with such an influential player.

Shearer on list for Rovers return

BLACKBURN ROVERS have informed Alan Shearer and Sam Allardyce that they are in the running to replace Mark Hughes as the Rovers chairman John Williams attempts to fill the vacant manager's position within the next week.

Shearer, a title winner with the club, and the former Bolton manager Allardyce are among the candidates contacted since the board finalised its shortlist on Monday.

Ramos hails Spurs' new capture

TOTTENHAM coach Juande Ramos hailed Giovani dos Santos as an "exciting signing" after the London club finalised his move from Barcelona for an initial €6 million.

The 19-year-old Mexico international, who signed a five-year deal, could cost Spurs €11 million depending on appearances.

But Ramos is already convinced that he has landed a player who could set the Premier League alight.

"If Giovani progresses as we hope, he will be a terrific player," said Ramos. "This is a young player with a lot of potential, who I have watched for some time."

Meanwhile, the London club's hopes of signing Samuel Eto'o have been dashed after the Barcelona striker admitted he is looking for a bigger challenge.

"Tottenham, and I hope the English fans will forgive me, are a club in mid-table and I need more," Eto'o said.

Carvalho wants Mourinho reunion

THE KNOCK-ON effects of Jose Mourinho's arrival in Italy continue to be felt in west London after Ricardo Carvalho suggested that he would consider swapping Stamford Bridge for the San Siro.

"I would love to play for Mr Mourinho again," the defender said in Switzerland as he prepared for today's Euro 2008 encounter between Portugal and the Czech Republic. "The majority of the trophies I've won in my career were with him."

Carvalho was a pivotal figure in Mourinho's successful teams at both Porto and Chelsea.