A round up of today's other soccer stories in brief...
Hleb set to get his move to Spain
ALEXANDER Hleb looks set to get his move away from Arsenal as Barcelona close in on a €14 million deal for the Belarussian winger.
The exit of the 27-year-old - who said he was "mentally tired" of London life - could be confirmed within the next 24 hours.
Arsenal may also complete the signing of their summer target Samir Nasri from Marseille within the same time frame.
Colombian striker Falcao, rated at around €10 million, is the latest name to be linked with Arsene Wenger's side as they look to replace Emmanuel Adebayor, who seems determined to leave the club this summer.
Inter to improve bid for Lampard
INTERNAZIONALE'S stubborn pursuit of Frank Lampard will continue with an improved bid for the England midfielder, despite Chelsea's insistence that he must see out the remaining year of his contract at Stamford Bridge.
The Italian club's opening €10 million offer was rebuffed this week despite relations between Lampard and the Chelsea hierarchy appearing to have fractured beyond repair.
Inter's sporting director, Lele Oriali, confirmed the arrival of the Roma winger Alessandro Mancini yesterday for about €12 million and the Nerazzurri have now returned their attention to securing their primary target.
With money to spend, their next bid is expected to reach €12.5 million.
Marseille fans in pitch for Drogba
MARSEILLE fans have launched an appeal to raise the €22 million they believe is needed to buy Didier Drogba.
New Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari claims Drogba is still "200 per cent in his plans" but the striker is reportedly adamant that he will be heading for the Stamford Bridge exit door.
Barcelona, AC Milan and Inter Milan are all said to be interested in the Ivory Coast international but Marseille fans have launched an audacious bid to bring the 30-year-old back to the club he left four years ago.
A supporter called Kain has set up the collective on www.doodle.ch asking fellow fans to pledge one, two or five euro to the club.
Kennedy goes to Cardiff for free
CARDIFF City have signed former Republic of Ireland winger Mark Kennedy (32) from Crystal Palace on a free transfer.
RANGERS and Scotland captain Barry Ferguson has been ruled out of action for three months with an ankle injury.
NEWCASTLE United's Joey Barton has been denied early release with an electronic tag and must serve up to another month in jail for assault and affray.
ENGLISH League Two side Luton Town will start the new season with a 30-point deduction after breaching FA regulations.
ASTON Villa have signed midfielder Steve Sidwell from Chelsea on a three-year contract.
