Willian has agreed Anzhi move, says Lucescu

Shakhtar Donetsk coach Mircea Lucescu has confirmed that Willian has agreed a move to Anzhi Makhachkala.

Rumours circulated earlier on Thursday that the Dagestan outfit were interested in signing the Brazilian, who has recently attracted the attention of both Chelsea and Tottenham.

However, it seems that he has set his sights on a switch to the Russian Premier League after his release clause was triggered.

"This is personal decision, and we must respect it," Lucescu told Sport Express.

"There is a club willing to pay the release clause in his contract, and Willian agreed to move. There is nothing I can do.

"To tell you frankly, I tried to convince him to stay because I think his decision is hasty and not thought out well enough. He is like a son to me.

"He came to Shakhtar almost as a child and leaves us as a 24-year-old man. I told him he would have achieved more with us when we said goodbye.

"Why did he not listen to me? I guess he was under huge pressure from his agent and his relatives that wanted to get everything at once."

Redknapp: QPR looking into Crouch and Samba deals

QPR boss Harry Redknapp has admitted interest in signing Peter Crouch and Christopher Samba, but suggested both deals would be difficult to conclude.

Crouch played under Redknapp at Tottenham but has recently fallen out of favour at Stoke, while the 65-year-old is a long-term admirer of former Blackburn centre-back Samba.

"These are two players whose names have been mentioned but at the moment we're not close to doing anything," Redknapp told reporters.

"Crouch's name came up in a meeting with the chairman but I don't think Stoke want to sell him.

"On Samba, again the chairman is dealing with this. At this stage I don't think that's a goer.

"I like Christopher Samba and he is a very good player but at this stage I don't see him leaving Russia. Things can changes but at this stage we're not close to doing anything."

Eduardo aiming to win trophies with new club Flamengo

Flamengo's new signing Carlos Eduardo has declared that he wants to help his new club win titles.

The Brazilian has arrived at the Engenhao on an 18-month loan deal from Rubin Kazan and is looking to get his career back on track after failing to adapt to the demands of Russian football.

While being presented to the media, Eduardo did his best to endear himself to the club's fans while revealing his aim is to win trophies with Flamengo.

"My goal is to return to the Brazil national team, however, first I want to help Flamengo win something," he told Lancenet.

"Flamengo are one of the biggest clubs in the world. The fans here are great and they were a key factor in my decision."

Eduardo endured a torrid time in Russia as he failed to get back into the team following a serious knee injury that required surgery.

"The coach at Rubin Kazan was afraid to play me after because I still felt a lot of pain. In 2012, as a result, I barely played. The year did not work out well for me."

The former 1899 Hoffenheim player will don the number 10 jersey for h is new side and could make his debut in two weeks' time.

"I have recovered well from my injury, but I have to improve my physical part. Despite doing two workouts a day, it is not the same when you do it at training," he added.

I think in two weeks I will be back to my ideal weight and I could be ready.

Spartak Moscow agree transfer for Rubins Salvatore Bocchetti

Spartak Moscow have announced the signing of centre-back Salvatore Bocchetti from Rubin Kazan, subject to the passing of a medical.

The Italian had been expected to move back to his homeland, with both Juventus and Napoli both interested, but the player has elected to remain in the Russian Premier League.

Should he pass a medical examination at the beginning of next week, the Italian will sign a contract with Spartak," a statement on the capital club's website read.

The 26-year-old started his career at Ascoli, and after spells at Lanciano and Frosinone, made his name at Genoa.

He made the move to Russia in 2010, and made over 50 appearances for Rubin.

Since making his international debut in 2009, Bocchetti has won five caps for the Azzurri.

Real Madrid & Barcelona continue to dominate football rich list as Manchester City enter top 10

• Real Madrid crowned as world's richest club for eighth year in a row
• Top-six placings remain unchanged
• Clubs from five different countries in top 20
• Manchester City, Borussia Dortmund & Napoli climb most places - five
• EPL has most representatives
• Italy continue to struggle
• Combined revenues grow 10 per cent

Real Madrid and Barcelona once more dominate footballs rich list as the Spanish duo are still miles ahead of their rivals from England, Germany, Italy and France. According to the 2012 Deloitte Football Money League, published on Thursday, the Liga giants remain the only clubs with annual revenue over 450 million.

Real Madrid top the Football Money League for the eighth year in succession, thus equalling Manchester Uniteds dominance in the top position during the first eight years of the Money League, and became the first club in any sport to surpass the 500m revenue thres hold in a single year.

"It is an impressive achievement for Real Madrid to have surpassed 500m in revenue in a single year. Real have led the way in the phenomenal rate of revenue growth achieved by the games top clubs," Dan Jones, Partner in the Sports Business Group at Deloitte said.

However, the reigning Spanish champions are being chased hard by arch-rivals Barcelona, whose growth in 2011-12 leaves them only 17m short of the 500m mark. Even though the Catalans couldnt quite match their on-pitch success from 2010-11, the club enjoyed 32.3m (seven per cent) revenue growth.

Uniteds failure to qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League in 2011-12 meant they were unable to prevent a Spanish one-two for the fourth successive year, but Sir Alex Ferguson's side remain the proud number three in the rankings.

For the fifth successive year, the clubs comprising the top six places in the Money League remain the same.
< br />"An unchanged top six emphasises the fact that these clubs have some of the largest fanbases and hence strongest revenues, in both domestic and international markets," Jones commented.

The Money League top 20 again comprises clubs from the big five European leagues, seven of which come from the English Premier League, while Italy have five teams in the top 20, and Germany four. Spain and France, meanwhile, have to settle for two representatives each.

"Its always interesting to see the disparity between the top two in Spain and the rest of the league. There are no other Spanish clubs in the top 20. A key change that would improve the overall state of finances in Spanish football would be a collective broadcast deal. It sounds like the Spanish government have put collective payments on the agenda on that level which, if it happens, can only help with the competitiveness of the division," Mark Roberts, Senior Consultant within the Sports Business Gro up at Deloitte, stated.

The top 10 consists of teams from only four leagues, as Ligue 1 sides Olympique de Marseille and Olympique Lyonnais sit only 16th and 17th respectively.

Manchester City (seventh) are this years joint highest climbers, along with Borussia Dortmund (11th) and Napoli (15th), moving up five places and claiming a top 10 position for the first time.

"Citys Premier League title winning season combined with participation in the Champions League, helped drive 51% revenue growth to 285.6m, the largest absolute and relative growth of any Money League club," Austin Houlihan, Senior Manager in the Sports Business Group at Deloitte, said.

As pointed out before, the English Premier League has the most representatives, and this situation seems unlikely to change any time soon.

"The Premier League still has the most representatives in the top 20 of the list. Clubs will get another 20-30m from the new broadca sting deal so in the future there will be more English clubs challenging for those positions. The most there has been in the list is eight but I think we could be seeing as much of half of the list represented by the Premier League," Roberts pointed out.

Italy's future on the other hand seems far less rosy as their facilities generally don't match their reputation.

"The poor financial performance of Italian clubs goes back to their matchday revenues. Juventus have benefitted from their new stadium, which increased their matchday income by about 20m. For the Milan clubs and the Rome clubs, the stadia is a limiting factor on their revenue generation. They simply dont have the facilities and dont get the gates to compete with matchday incomes in other countries. Italy has gone to collective selling of broadcasting and that is a positive start in improving that," said Roberts.

The combined revenues of the worlds 20 highest earning football clubs have grown 10% on the previous year to reach 4.8bn in 2011-12.

"The combined revenues of the top 20 clubs have quadrupled since we began our analysis in 1996-97," Jones explained.

Whilst eight of the top 20 clubs experienced a drop in revenue in 2011-12, in most cases this was due to less successful on-pitch performances in European club competitions, rather than wider recessionary impacts.

"Combined, the 20 Money League clubs contribute over one-quarter of the total revenues of the European football market. The top 20 can be expected to generate over 5bn between them in 2012-13."

'Zenit need to up bid for Abate as AC Milan step up chase for Balotelli' - agent

Ignazio Abate could leave AC Milan if the defender's valuation is met as the Rossoneri are looking to free-up cash for Manchester City forward Mario Balotelli, according to the full-back's representative.

Zenit St Petersburg coach Luciano Spalleti is said to be interested Abate, who he knows from his time in Serie A when coaching Roma.

The defender's agent claims Spaletti has tabled an unsatisfactory offer for the 26-year-old, but hinted that a higher bid from Zenit may change things as the San Siro outfit seek to bring in Man City attacker Balotelli.

We thank Zenit and Spalletti for their interest, but the lad will remain in Italy with Milan, Claudio Pasqualin told Personal Press.

If Zenit raise their offer, then maybe something will change, considering Milan are looking for cash to take Mario Balotelli."

AC Milan are pushing for Europe in Serie A having risen to sixth place after a slow start t o the season.

Stade Rennais confirm sale of M'Vila to Rubin Kazan

Stade Rennais have confirmed they have agreed to sell Yann M'Vila to Rubin Kazan, with the deal set to be completed on Wednesday night.

The 22-year-old has been touted for a move away from the club for some time, with Premier League sides Tottenham and QPR thought to be at the front of a long list of admirers, before the Ligue 1 club made an announcement on their official website

"Stade Rennais FC, Rubin Kazan and Yann M'Vila have reached an agreement for the permanent transfer of the French international. After undergoing a medical, the Rennes midfielder will join the Russian club officially on Wednesday evening," the statement read.

Earlier, Rubin's vice-president Kamil Ishakov admitted the player was close to sealing a switch, but for the ironing out of the final details of the deal.

He told Sport-Express: "M'Vila attracts many European clubs. In England, clubs such as QPR, Fulham and Arsenal have, like Rubin, made concrete proposals.

"[But] Negotiations are currently in our favour. There are still some details, including the final results of the medical visit which takes place in Rome. Once the results are published, all will be decided. It is possible that he could sign the contract tonight."

Ricardo Centurion set for summer Anzhi switch

Racing Club midfielder Ricardo Centurion is set to join Anzhi Makhachkala this summer, the Argentine outfit has revealed.

The 20-year-old starlet has courted interest from some of Europe's leading clubs in recent months, including Italian giants AC Milan, but Racing president Gaston Cogorno has confirmed the Argentina U20 international is now set to make a move to Russia.

In the coming days, we are traveling to Russia to finalize the deal," Cogorno told Radio AM 750.

"Anzhi are very strong in Russia, and they are playing in the Europa League. Their Sporting Director explained that the club plans to continue growing.

Cogorno also praised the conduct of the youngster, tipping him to enjoy a bright future.

Since he's been with the team he has behaved really well Hes an excellent professional and we believe he has great potential.

As part of the deal, Centurion will remain in Argentina until the Summe r.

He will move for a fee believed to be in the region of 7.5 million, making him Racing's record transfer, eclipsing Maxi Moralez' 7m move to FC Moscow in 2007.

Anderlecht sign De Zeeuw on loan from Spartak Moscow

Anderlecht have brought Spartak Moscow midfielder Demy de Zeeuw to Belgium on loan for the rest of the season with a further option to buy him permanently in the summer.

The Netherlands international will provide competition in the centre of midfield at the Constant Vanden Stock Stadium, and commercial manager Herman Van Holsbeeck was happy his side have brought a player of his ilk into the team.

"We are thrilled to have a player of the calibre of De Zeeuw to Anderlecht," he told reporters at a press conference.

"He is an ex-international and has all the < span class="hps">qualities to strengthen our midfield."

Anderlecht are currently eight points clear at the top of the Jupiler League as they look to secure back-to-back domestic titles.

Capello: You can't copy Barcelona

Fabio Capello has said that it is pointless trying to copy Barcelona and it would be a mistake to do so.

Many teams have tried to play like the Blaugrana because of how dominant they were under former trainer Pep Guardiola, who guided them to 14 trophies in four years, and now current boss Tito Vilanova.

However, the Russia coach believes that only Barcelona can play in the manner that they do because of the players such as, Andres Iniesta and Lionel Messi, at their disposal.

Capello told reporters: Tactically the new benchmark is Barcelona, but if you try to copy the style it is a big mistake because you can only play that way with Barcelona players.

Former England coach Capello did go on to say that while you cannot replicate the way the Catalan giants play in full, you can emulate some parts of their game.

He added: But there are some aspects you can copy, the defensive style. When you lose the ball you go forward together to win back the ball quickly, never go back, never return to midfield.

They lose the ball, they go forward. For me this is something new. But you need players with the talent of [Andres] Iniesta or [Lionel] Messi, because it is otherwise impossible to adapt this style of football.

Russia boss Capello wants England reunion at 2014 World Cup

Russia head coach Fabio Capello is relishing the opportunity to face former side England at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

The 66-year-old was speaking at the Football Association's 150th anniversary celebration on Wednesday, in his first visit to England since his sudden resignation as manager in February 2012.

However, the decorated Italian insists that there are no hard feelings between himself and the English governing body and he hopes his Russia side are drawn against the Three Lions in Brazil.

"We are all friends now. It was very good to come back and see the people I used to work with. I have no problems with anyone," Capello told reporters.

"I like coming back to London. I have a house here and I have been back a few times.

"I can't talk about what happened with England, but I am enjoying my life with Russia and my hope is that we play England in Brazil at the World Cup. That would be very good."

Meanwh ile, chairman of the FA, David Bernstein, reiterated that relations between Capello and the governing body are positive, despite the rift over John Terry's racism row that led to the Capellos departure.

"It was very nice to see Fabio again and it was tremendous to see him here talking with Roy Hodgson," Bernstein said.

"When he left I made the point very clearly that it was done with dignity and professionalism. I respect him enormously. There was a great deal of warmth when we met each other, which is the way it should be.

"It wasn't the best day for anybody when he left. It's always the same when you part from somebody; there's a long gap and you don't quite know how things are until you get back together again. But we've done it now and there was no tension."

Sevilla appoint Emery as Michel successor

Sevilla have wasted no time in appointing Unai Emery as their new coach following Michel's dismissal earlier on Monday.

The Basque trainer has agreed an 18-month contract with the Andalusians and will take charge of his side's Copa del Rey clash against Zaragoza on Wednesday.

Emery has been unemployed since he was sacked by Spartak Moscow in November following the Russian giants' humiliating 5-1 home defeat to arch-rivals Dynamo.

Prior to his spell abroad, the 41-year-old made his name at Almeria, where he took the club to La Liga at the first time of asking in 2007, before guiding them to a ninth-placed finish in Spain's top flight a year later.

His work did not go unnoticed as Valencia named him as Ronald Koeman's successor in 2008, but despite finishing in a Champions League place in each of his four seasons, he was axed by Los Che in the summer.

Sevilla sit 12th in the table, having accumulated 24 points from 19 matches so far this term.

Vagner Love set for CSKA Moscow return

Vagner Love is set for a return to CSKA Moscow, after his contract with Flamengo was cancelled by mutual consent.

Following the Brazilian giant's recent signing of Elias, the 28-year-old was reported to have called for a meeting with a delegation of team officials, according to Globoesporte.

Love was understood to have emerged from the discussions deeply disillusioned, and returned to training only to bid farewell to his team-mates, informing them of his intention to return to CSKA.

Flamengo's official website has since confirmed the striker's departure, bringing to an end his 12-month stay at the club.

The forward scored 13 goals in 36 league games for Urubu, but was unable to fire his team to any silverware.

'It's complete nonsense' - Anzhi dismiss Beckham links

Anzhi president Konstantin Remchukov has dismissed reports linking David Beckham with a move to the Russian club - branding the speculaton as "complete nonsense".

The former England captain has been linked with a number of clubs since ending his five-year spell with MLS side Los Angeles Galaxy, one of which has been the Chechnya-based outfit.

However, Remchukov has moved to deny any interest in the veteran midfielder, suggesting the idea has not even been considered by the Russian club.

A note about Anzhis interest in Beckham - its complete nonsense, Remchukov tweeted on Friday.

An idea like this hasnt been floated even once.

Beckham is said to be mulling over his options as he seeks out one last challenge to end his career and has been linked with moves to teams in France, Asia and Australia.

And his management company say he is considering "a number of serious proposals" from a "host of c lubs" but warned it is "early days in the process".

Racism is killing football, says Christopher Samba

Anzhi Makhachkala defender Christopher Samba has claimed that the issue of racism is "killing the game".

The Congolese defender moved to the Dagestan club in January 2012, and found himself the victim of prejudiced chanting from the stands in Russia.

AC Milan star Kevin-Prince Boateng recently walked out on a match after being greeted with monkey chants, and Samba feels the Ghanaian was right to do so.

"Some Zenit St Petersburg fans have made bad statements about not wanting black players in their team, and I was a victim of the racist incident at Lokomotiv Moscow," he told The Guardian.

"I admire [Boateng's] club and team-mates who supported him, but those chants were disgraceful; it is sad to see this it is killing the game.

"It is very difficult for players to know what to do. Playing on shows strength in a way, but it can also se em like we are avoiding the problem."

Anzhi have made the headlines in recent years due to their riches and ambitious transfer policy, and Samba says he believes in the project that the club have been building.

"The owner is doing everything for us to be happy," he continued. "He listens to any problem, he is very kind, he has a big heart.

"The owner is trying to give the people some joy creating this football team."

M'Vila 'moving towards' switch to England or Russia, say Rennes

Rennes general manager Pierre Dreossi has admitted that the club's in-demand midfielder Yann MVila wants to leave the Ligue 1 club.

The France international has attracted interest from Arsenal and Tottenham in the past, while QPR boss Harry Redknapp is said to be very keen to bring him to Loftus Road in January in order to bolster his sides chances of avoiding relegation - though Goal.com exclusively revealed the player is not keen on a move to the Premier League's bottom club.

Dreossi explained that the club will not stand in MVilas way should they receive an acceptable offer, with Russian champions Zenit St Petersburg also said to be monitoring the situation.

"It's possible [he'll leave] if we get some interesting offers," he told radio station RMC.

"He wants to leave, but if it doesn't happen, it will be next summer. It's no catastrophe.

"He missed out on a t ransfer last summer. If there's an interesting opportunity for everyone, we'll find a solution."

"It is all moving towards England or Russia."

M'Vila, himself, also confirmed his desire to seek a new challenge, after growing stale at the Breton club.

He said: "The club have received offers. I want to go but the deal has to be right for everyone. If it isn't, I will stay until the end of the season."

Izmailov leaves Sporting for Porto; Lopes moves in opposite direction

Marat Izmailov has signed for Porto from Sporting for an undisclosed fee.

The midfielder inked a two-and-half-year contract with the Portuguese champions in a deal that sees full-back Miguel Lopes move in the opposite direction.

With Tottenham Hotspur chasing Joao Moutinho, as revealed exclusively by Goal.com, coach Vitor Pereira did not want to leave his side short of numbers in midfield and swooped for the Russian international.

The 30-year-old said that the Dragoes heritage was a big factor behind him deciding to make the move from their Liga rivals, and added that he wants to help the side build on their illustrious history.

I have spent almost six years in this country and Porto have won the title practically every year, he told reporters.

Everybody knows that Porto are a great team with a big, strong structure. Their results are better than those of any other Portuguese club.

I hope to win trophies at Porto and to progress as a player and person.

The Porto president Pinto da Costa added that he feels Izmailov will add some depth to their squad.

Izmailov will strengthen our squad. Luckily, we have a strong team, but it's not just about 11 players. I think Marat will get a feel for our playing style and will appreciate our club spirit.

Meanwhile, right-sided defender Lopes has made the move in the other direction, agreeing a two-year deal at Estadio Jose Alvalade.

Uzbekistan football federation wins 2012 Fifa Fair Play Award

The Uzbekistan football federation have won the 2012 Fifa Fair Play Award.

The award is a result of the good behaviour of the Uzbek national team and the country's club sides participating in AFC competitions during the past year.

In second place was Turkish side Eskisehirspor because of their sporting behaviour in the Europa League qualifying games against St Johnstone.

The Scottish side nominated the side after Dede returned possession to St Johnstone when an opponent was injured, and the welcome reception the Turkish club gave to their opposition during the away game.

As a gesture of good will, St Johnstone arranged complimentary transport to the stadium from a sports bar that had been opened especially for the visiting fans.

The games were the first time either club had reached that stage of European competition for over a decade.

Time for football to follow AC Milan and Boateng's lead in the fight against racism

COMMENT
By Kris Voakes Italian Football Writer

It is not the first time it has happened on an Italian football field, and no betting man would suggest it will be the last. On Thursday, a group of Pro Patria supporters bellowed racist gestures towards three black AC Milan players. The Rossoneris decision to walk off and bring an early end to the winter friendly was a no-brainer, but it was refreshing nonetheless to see them do it.

It took just 26 minutes before it had become too much for Kevin-Prince Boateng, who halted a run down the left flank, picked the ball up and volleyed it in the direction of those ignorant souls who had mercilessly heckled him and his colleagues. After a quick consultation between the irate Boateng, his Milan team-mates and the match referee, the Ghanaian stripped off his shirt and headed for the tunnel, with everyone else following.

The incident begs a series of questions, with the mos t pertinent being as to why, in 2013, we still have racists blighting our societies and our football experiences. Another is how on earth it has taken so long for a game to be stopped as a result. Milans gesture was a magnificent one, but now it must be used as a precedent.

This correspondent has been present at football matches, in Italy and elsewhere, and there have been, at times, incidents of monkey chants or similar being directed at black players. As recently as November, I was present as Panathinaikos Quincy Owusu-Abeyie was subjected to such treatment every time he touched the ball against Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico in the Europa League. Samuel Etoo was targeted away to Juventus in 2011 when playing for Inter, with songs likening the striker to oft-victimised African beggars on the local transport network.

The incidents are far too numerous to mention all of them, but what is most concerning is the complete lack of attention given to each one. At grounds where such disgraceful scenes occur, fellow supporters simply turn the other cheek, players of all races and backgrounds just get on with the game, TV commentators continue to report the events on the field and give no mention to the bad news emanating from the stands. What Milan did on Thursday needs to be taken as an example of a future vision.

The Rossoneri coach Massimiliano Allegri could not have been more right in his summing up of the situation after the abandonment. Italy has to improve in this regard, and become a more civil, educated and intelligent country, he said, but the bel paese is not the only land that needs to be cleaned up when it comes to racism.

England, Spain, Russia and many other countries have seen such regrettable occurrences on their shores too, but not since Messinas Marc Zoro stormed off against Inter in 2005 have we observed actions such as those seen from Milans players in Busto Arsizio.

With a small four-figure crowd present on Thursday, the news became big enough. Now the reactions need to be the same in competitive fixtures. Imagine the pressure that would build up on clubs, authorities and fan groups if a title decider or a cup final was halted early and the results awarded on the strength of disorder in the crowd.

Some have argued that it is unfair on the well-behaved majority if they dont get their moneys worth, but continued walk-offs would surely help to encourage people to report and turf out the racist troublemakers. The protagonists will continue to believe they can get away with it until they finally become suitably ostracised for their unbearable behaviour.

Piara Powar, executive director of the FARE (Football Against Racism in Europe) network, has called for the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) to take strong action.

"We salute Kevin-Prince Boateng for his act ions and his team-mates for their support," said Powar.

"Italy, as much as any country in Europe, has a serious problem of racism. Football infrastructure is in need of renewal and at serious odds with the changing nature of Italian society.

"We look forward to strong action by the FIGC."

Boateng and Milan need to be celebrated for their actions, but now we all have to take their lead. More players need to refuse to continue, more authorities need to tackle the problem, and more fans need to seek out stewards and police as soon as they hear even the slightest of racist slurs. Enough pointing of fingers, enough asking others to sort it out. Lets sort it out together.

Milan have made the first step down the road, now the rest of the football fraternity must follow.

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Valdez: I gave my word to stay at Valencia

Valenciastriker Nelson Valdez says he wants to stay at the club despite only being at the Spanish outfit on a temporary basis.

The forward joined Los Cheon loan this season from Russian side Rubin Kazan and has stated he wishes to continue next term at the Mestalla but the decision lies with the club's sporting director.

I have the desire to continue here but we must talk about it and there are topics that we must speak with Braulio Vazquez about, he told reporters.

Valdez netted three goals in 20 appearances for Rubin but is enjoying a return to Spanish football having found himself more involved in the first team.

On my part there is no problem. I have already given my word to stay and the rest Braulio should sort it with my representatives, said Valdez.

The attacker is confident Valencia's indifferent start to the season will not prevent them from reaching their target of European football next term.

He added: "We are better than many teams but we have to prove it on the field and not on paper. We have to correct the mistakes of the first round and reach the Champions League."

Los Che have an option to purchase the Paraguay international when his loan spell runs out in the summer.