Soccer Shorts

A roundup of today's other sports news in brief

Bradley confirms Villa interest

USA manager Bob Bradley would love the opportunity to take over at Aston Villa – although he has not yet had any contact with the club. The 52-year-old has been heavily linked with the job since Martin O’Neill left on the eve of the new season.

Asked if he was interested in the job, Bradley told Sky Sports News: “Most definitely. The possibility of working in the Premier League at some point would be a goal for sure.”

Demichelis linked to Chelsea

MARTIN Demichelis’s agent has claimed the Bayern Munich defender is attracting interest from several clubs including Chelsea. The Argentina international has admitted he wants to leave the Bundesliga champions after being left out of their side to face Wolfsburg last Friday.

Juventus are reportedly leading the chase for his signature and his representative, Jorge Cyterszpiler, admits talks have taken place.

Weir set for dramatic return

DAVID Weir is set to make a dramatic return to the Scotland team. The 40-year-old Rangers captain has been named in Craig Levein’s squad for the Euro 2012 qualifying double-header against Lithuania and Liechtenstein next month.

Remy given the green light

LOIC Remy has been given the green light to resume playing activities with Marseille. The France striker joined the Ligue 1 champions last week but his official presentation was put on hold when a second set of tests showed a heart defect which wasn’t picked up in the medical. After a further diagnosis of the problem, Remy has now been told he can start training.

King names 21-player squad

REPUBLIC of Ireland women’s under-17 manager, Noel King has announced a 21-player squad for the Fifa Women’s World Cup which will take place in Trinidad and Tobago from September 5th-25th. King Said yesterday: “While Ireland are not considered as a massive power in world football, I believe that we go into this competition as the second best team in Europe and I think that we will get the respect from all of the teams that we play. Nobody will be taking us lightly with our record in qualifying over the past year.”

In brief . . .

• FULHAMhave confirmed the signing of Algeria defender Rafik Halliche on a three-year deal from Portuguese side Benfica. The 23-year-old could go straight into the squad for tonight's League Cup tie against Port Vale at Craven Cottage.
• WESTHam have confirmed the sale of striker Alessandro Diamanti to Italian side Brescia. The Serie A new boys have paid €2.2 million for the 27-year-old, who joined the Hammers a year ago from Livorno.
• PATRICEEvra will appeal the five-match ban imposed for his part in France's players' strike at the World Cup. The 29-year-old defender was captain of France at this summer's World Cup finals in which they disappointed after crashing out at the first hurdle.
• FRASERForster has joined Celtic on a season-long loan from Newcastle, the Scottish club have confirmed. The 22-year-old goalkeeper becomes Neil Lennon's 10th signing of the summer.
• STOKEstriker Mamady Sidibe will miss the rest of the season after snapping an Achilles tendon in the 2-1 defeat by Tottenham, the club has confirmed.