SOCCER SHORTS

Today's other soccer stories in brief

Torres denies problem with Keane

FERNANDO Torres has disputed claims that he and Robbie Keane are struggling to form an effective partnership for Liverpool.

The Spanish striker, who has pronounced himself ready for action after a season troubled by no less than three hamstring injuries, insisted there was no reason why he and Keane could not be Liverpool’s main strikeforce. “Yes, sure we can play together – but the boss decides, he’s the manager and he’s a fantastic manager.

“Sometimes not all the players can play together in the same team. But I have played with Robbie a lot of times and we’ve scored goals when we’ve played together.

“I think we are going to play together, depending on the game,” Torres added.

Maradona advises Tevez to leave United for Inter

ARGENTINA coach Diego Maradona has advised Carlos Tevez to leave Manchester United for Inter Milan.

Maradona was at Old Trafford on Sunday to watch United’s 3-0 demolition of Chelsea but left without seeing Tevez in action as Alex Ferguson opted not to bring the 24-year-old off the bench.

Former World Cup winner Maradona is concerned that Tevez is not getting a regular game with the European champions which could affect his international career and thinks a move could be on the cards.

He told Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport: “I saw the Manchester United match (against Chelsea).

“They won, but did so without Tevez. This situation is not good for him. For sure, certain things are happening which mean his departure is nearing.

“Italy, and Inter in particular, would be great for him. Among other things, the fact that his contract is soon to expire facilitates a change of shirt.”

Eleven charged over chanting

ENGLISH police yesterday charged 11 people with indecent chanting at a football match.

They were arrested in connection with alleged racist and homophobic chanting towards Portsmouth defender Sol Campbell during a match against Tottenham at Fratton Park on September 28th last year.

The 11, including three juveniles, have been bailed by police to appear at Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court on January 20th.

A Hampshire police spokeswoman said a further five men captured in photographs taken at the game were still being sought. The three youths charged were a 15-year-old from Winchmore Hill, north London, a 15-year-old from Purley, Surrey, and a 13-year-old from Deans Hanger, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire.

The police spokeswoman added no further action would be taken against another man, aged 18, from Essex. The English FA has said it would ban for life any fans proven to have been chanting abuse.

Marseille rule out Drogba move

MARSEILLE have dismissed talk of a move for Didier Drogba, describing the Chelsea striker as “inaccessible”. His form at Marseille earned him the French player-of-the-year award, as well as bringing him to the attention of the west Londoners, who paid in the region of €26 million for his services in 2004.

Marseille sporting director Jose Anigo said: “The problem with Didier is that even if he wanted to come to Marseille, there is a financial problem.”

Uefa reject Madrid's appeal

UEFA have upheld the decision to reject Real Madrid’s request to register both Lassana Diarra and Klaas Jan Huntelaar to play in the Champions League knockout stages.

Uefa’s appeals body made the decision yesterday after Madrid had tried to overturn the initial ruling made by European football’s governing body last Thursday. Madrid had been hoping to register both Diarra and Huntelaar for the Champions League even though regulations state that only one player who has already played in Europe this season can be registered.

MANCHESTER City have been dealt another blow with the news veteran midfielder Dietmar Hamann has been ruled out for up to three months with a toe injury received in training. Manager Mark Hughes, who is already without long-term injury victims Michael Johnson and Martin Petrov and has Stephen Ireland suspended for Saturday’s encounter with Wigan.

Lita wants to stay at Reading

READING have ended Sheffield United’s hopes of signing Leroy Lita by insisting the striker will stay at the Madejski Stadium.

United made a “seven-figure” bid for Lita which they claim was accepted by their Championship promotion rivals. However they could not agree personal terms with the 24-year-old, who has recently completed a loan spell at Norwich, and Lita has confirmed he wants to stay with Reading.

United are in the hunt for a replacement for James Beattie after letting their leading scorer join Stoke for a fee which could rise to €3.8 million, but must now look elsewhere.

BENFICA striker Ariza Makukula is poised to join West Brom on loan until the end of the season. The 27-year-old, who has played for nine clubs in 10 years, is due to sign for the Baggies pending the outcome of a medical.