Soccer Shorts

A round-up of other stories in brief

Vidic not keen on United

Serbia & Montenegro international Nemanja Vidic dreams of playing in Italy and is likely headed for a Serie A club and not England, according to the player's agent.

The Spartak Moscow central defender has been linked with Manchester United and Arsenal but the player's Italian representative, Silvano Martina, said the 24-year-old is probably going to sign for a Serie A team.

Vidic captained Red Star Belgrade before his performances attracted the interest of, among others, United and Inter Milan. But instead he chose to sign for Spartak and has continued to show good form in the Russian capital. He is considered to be agile, good in the air and tackling.

He will only be allowed to leave Moscow if a buyout clause of €7 million - according to Martina - is satisfied.

Wenger 'going nowhere'

Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein is adamant manager Arsene Wenger is "going nowhere" despite speculation linking him with the Real Madrid coaching job.

The Frenchman has been linked with the Bernabeu post after Brazilian coach Wanderley Luxemburgo was sacked last week.

However, Dein is well aware of how important Wenger is to Arsenal's cause and said: "Everybody looks at who are the best players and coaches, and we have one of the best in the world and we intend to keep him. He is going nowhere."

It's all good for Cisse

Liverpool striker Djibril Cisse insists he has no interest in leaving the club. The 24-year-old French international was reported to have fallen out with manager Rafael Benitez after failing to hold down a regular place in the first team.

"I love Liverpool," he said. "I have great friends and great team-mates and I've bought a great house. I just got married, so why would I want to leave?"

Ronaldo denies claims

Ronaldo has dismissed recent reports in Italy that he wants to return to Inter Milan and says the only way he will leave Real Madrid is if the club decide to get rid of him.

"I don't want to leave Real Madrid," the Brazil striker said. "How many times do I have to say it?

"I want to stay at this club for many years to come and I want to win a lot of trophies here."

Germans on the ball

Germany have reassured the United States they have detailed plans in place to protect next year's World Cup against the threat of a terrorist attack, a security expert at the interior ministry said yesterday. The expert, who spoke on condition of anonymity, also said the Americans, including counter-terrorism experts and the FBI, were impressed by the preparations and keen to work more closely, including sending specialists to Germany.

More brief . . .

Bryan Robson has told Jason Koumas, who is currently on loan at Cardiff City, he can leave West Brom on a permanent basis if an adequate offer is made for the midfielder . . . Nationwide Conference North outfit Lancaster City have revealed they are in talks with Paul Gascoigne with regards to him becoming their manager.