Soccer Shorts

Hands off Ribery: Marseille president Pape Diouf is adamant Franck Ribery will not leave the French club this summer and has…

Hands off Ribery: Marseille president Pape Diouf is adamant Franck Ribery will not leave the French club this summer and has vowed to reject all offers for the winger.

The 23-year-old is coveted by five-time French champions Lyon and has also been linked with Arsenal, Real Madrid and Manchester United.

Having been a late call-up to Raymond Domenech's squad, Ribery displayed his talent on the world stage last month as France reached the final of the World Cup.

"Ribery belongs to Marseille for another four years and his contract has been reassessed," Diouf said. "He will stay at Marseille, no matter how high the offers are."

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Juventus start sale

The long-expected Juventus firesale is likely to begin today when the Italian club meet Real Madrid's new sporting director Predrag Mijatovic in Turin to discuss the possible transfers of Fabio Cannavaro, Emerson and Gianluca Zambrotta to the Spanish side.

Real Madrid have offered around €33 million for the three players with Juventus asking for €40 million.

Liverpool to offload

Liverpool defenders Djimi Traore and Jan Kromkamp look set to leave Anfield before the start of the season.

Manager Rafael Benitez hopes to finally clinch the Stg£12-million deal to bring Daniel Alves to Anfield from Sevilla.

The Premiership side have, however, distanced themselves from newspaper reports claiming they are on the brink of signing Feyenoord striker Dirk Kuyt.

Traore is being chased by both Charlton and Bolton, while Fulham have also shown interest.

PSV Eindhoven chairman Rob Westerhof has confirmed he is pursuing a move for Jan Kromkamp, who has been unable to dislodge Steve Finnan at right back.

In brief . . .

Wigan have completed the signing of midfielder Denny Landzaat from AZ Alkmaar . . . Former Italy striker Bernardo Corradi (30) is expected to join Manchester City from Valencia for around Stg£1 million . . . Tipperary-born striker Shane Long (19) has signed a new three-year contract with Reading . . . Former Republic of Ireland international midfielder Colin Healy is hoping to impress while on trial at Barnsley . . . Bolton's Mexican striker Jared Borgetti has been given the green light to leave the Reebok Stadium . . . Croatia and Rangers striker Dado Prso (32) has confirmed his retirement from international football . . . Blackburn are in talks over a move for Egypt striker Mido.