Soccer Digest

A round-up of today's other stories in brief

Big turn-out for Lofthouse funeral

NAT Lofthouse brought Bolton to a standstill once again as thousands turned out to pay their final respects to the town’s greatest ever footballer yesterday.

Lofthouse was already a Bolton and England legend when people lined the streets in 1958 to welcome their hero home after a two-goal match-winning display in the FA Cup final.

Yesterday, the mood was sombre as the funeral of the man known as the ‘Lion of Vienna’ took place at Bolton Parish Church in the town centre.

The service was attended by 500 invited guests as well as members of the public, while speakers were erected so thousands more could listen outside.

Lofthouse, a fearsome centre forward who scored 255 goals in 452 league appearances for Bolton and 30 in 33 games for England, died on January 15th at the age of 85.

Milan progress in Coppa Italia

Two goals by Alexandre Pato gave AC Milan a 2-1 win at Sampdoria yesterday to book their place in the Italian Cup semi-finals.

The Brazilian struck the first on 17 minutes and converted Dutch debutant Urby Emanuelson’s assist soon after to make it 2-0. Stefano Guberti headed the hosts back into the game after the break, but Milan, who gave new signing Mark van Bommel a first start, hung on.

With 12 minutes left Milan brought on former Sampdoria forward Antonio Cassano, who left the Genoa-based side in January in acrimonious circumstances after swearing at the club president.

Milan will now meet Palermo in the semi-final of the competition.

Kakuta joins Fulham on loan

FULHAM have signed highly- rated 19-year-old Gael Kakuta on loan from London rivals Chelsea until the end of the season.

Chelsea were barred by world soccers governing body FIFA in September 2009 from signing new players until 2011 after being found guilty of inducing teenager Kakuta to break his contract with French club Racing Lens in 2007. However, the ban was later overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

First blood goes to Real Madrid

Real Madrid emerged with a slender advantage from a fiery and controversial King’s Cup clash at holders Sevilla last night when Karim Benzema struck to give them a 1-0 victory in their semi-final first leg.

Sevilla had a goal disallowed in a match littered with yellow cards at a rowdy Sanchez Pizjuan stadium. And, as tempers frayed after the final whistle, Real goalkeeper Iker Casillas appeared to be struck on the back of the head by a missile thrown from the crowd, but was not seriously hurt.

Adebayor is a 'physical marvel'

EMMANUEL Adebayor has been hailed as a “physical marvel” after passing his medical ahead of a loan move to Real Madrid.

The Manchester City striker is in the Spanish capital to complete a move for the rest of the season. After undertaking tests on the Togo striker yesterday, Real Madrid’s chief of medical services Carlos Diez said: “He is a physical marvel. He is in very good physical condition and will be able to immediately be incorporated into the team.”

Madrid will sign Adebayor on loan with an option to buy the 26-year-old in the summer. He is needed at the Bernabeu as Gonzalo Higuain is injured, leaving only the inconsistent Karim Benzema to lead the attack.

He was initially a massive hit at City following his £25 million move north from Arsenal 18 months ago, scoring in his first four games, but his star faded after Roberto Mancini replaced Mark Hughes as manager.

English clubs watching Sanchez

UDINESE sporting director Fabrizio Larini has claimed Manchester United and Chelsea are hoping to add Chilean winger Alexis Sanchez to their squads.

The South American has been in excellent form this season and has attracted the attention of top European clubs.

“If Sanchez continues like this he can do well,” said Larini. “He’s a versatile player, with much room for improvement. Chelsea and Manchester United?

“They are two clubs that have followed him and want him, but there are others. Inter have tried in January just as the other teams did. But the wish of the club is to have Sanchez in Udine until June.”

Muntari targeted

SUNDERLAND have been granted

permission to discuss a deal to sign long-time target Sulley Muntari.

The Inter Milan midfielder, who spent the 2007-08 season in the English Premier League with Portsmouth, is expected to move to the Stadium of Light on loan until the end of the season if the talks go well.

Behrami in Italy

WEST Ham midfielder Valon Behrami has completed a move to Fiorentina.

The 25-year-old Switzerland international passed a medical yesterday and joins the Serie A side for an undisclosed fee.

Behrami moved to Upton Park from Lazio in July 2008, and scored five goals in 63 appearances for the Hammers.