Soccer Shorts

Other soccer news in brief

Villa look resigned to losing Milner

ASTON VILLA appear increasingly resigned to losing James Milner after it emerged the club is yet to offer the England international a new contract in the face of interest from Manchester City and that there are no talks scheduled between the two parties.

Milner remains a key target for City, who are expected to return with an improved bid after their opening offer of €21 million, plus a further €2.5 million in add-ons, was flatly rejected in May.

Villa met Milner and his representative shortly after that bid was received to discuss his future, but the club's desire to hold on to the 24-year-old did not extend to them presenting him with a new deal and improved personal terms.

Martin O'Neill, the Villa manager, said towards the end of last season the club was keen to reward Milner for his progress following an outstanding campaign which culminated in him being named Young Player of Year.

Torres featuring highly in Hodgson's Liverpool plans

ROY HODGSON has told Fernando Torres that Liverpool have no intention of selling him or Steven Gerrard. However, the manager has been unable to outline his revival strategy to Javier Mascherano, despite repeated attempts to contact the Argentina captain.

Hodgson met Torres in Madrid this week in an attempt to convince the coveted striker that his ambitions can be fulfilled at Anfield.

Torre is considering his future after Liverpool's failure to qualify for the Champions League.

Given that the 26-year-old is under contract until 2013, however, Hodgson has made it clear to him that he will have to demand a transfer if he wants to leave the club this summer.

Hodgson, who is now at a pre-season training camp in Switzerland, said: "I have met Fernando. I found him to be a very pleasant man and we had a nice conversation. As far as we are concerned he is a Liverpool player and we want him to remain a Liverpool player. He is not for sale and we don't welcome any offers for him. We want to keep him.

The former Fulham manager, who has distanced himself from a move for the Nice striker Loic Remy, said again that Gerrard would be going nowhere this summer.

"We are in a situation where we hear our players are being courted by other teams but it is all just rumours," Hodgson said. "What we haven't had is a club wanting to buy Steven Gerrard. Steven Gerrard is not for sale."

Murphy aiming to be leading man

DARYL MURPHY insists he can be first-choice striker at Celtic - despite failing to hold down a place at Sunderland.

The 27-year-old forward completed his move to Parkhead yesterday after signing a three-year deal with the Spottish Premier League side. And he has told new manager Neil Lennon he will score goals for Celtic if given the chance to make his mark with the Glasgow giants.

"We want to win, that's the main objective here," he said. "I also want to stake a claim to be first-choice striker, that's my first aim.

"It's going to be hard because there are some good strikers here but that's the first thing I need to do, make sure the manager wants me to be his number one.

"That's what I've come here to hopefully achieve.

"I just want to get into the team as quickly as possible."

McCarthy sets limit on Doyle

WOLVES MANAGER Mick McCarthy has admitted it will take a €60 million offer to persuade him to sell star striker Kevin Doyle.

McCarthy insists there has been "no approach" from Arsenal for the Republic of Ireland international.

McCarthy said: "Look, if Manchester United come in and offer the club €60 million and give him 200 grand a week, I can't keep him.

"Doyle will be a player for us unless someone comes in offering the earth, moon and stars for him."