SOCCER SHORTS

A round-up of today's other soccer news, in brief

Drogba's agent denies striker met with Inter

CHELSEA striker Didier Drogba did not hold a meeting with representatives from Inter last month, according to his agent Thierno Seydi.

The Ivorian forward was reported to have met Inter's sporting director Marco Branca as well as Jorge Mendes, the agent of Inter coach Jose Mourinho.

Drogba admitted prior to Chelsea's Champions League tie with Bordeaux last week that he was experiencing the most difficult period in his career, and had allegedly been offered a lucrative escape route by his former mentor at Chelsea, Mourinho.

However, the 30-year-old striker's agent countered claims of a meeting, saying: "Officially, I tell you firmly, Didier never met anyone from Inter. It is disrespectful to say that."

He continued: "His priority is to give his best for Chelsea, and he is absolutely not unhappy.

"To talk about a transfer is just not topical, despite everything you hear and read - there is nothing."

Given rules out switch to Spurs 

NEWCASTLE goalkeeper Shay Given has ruled out a move to Tottenham in the January transfer window. Spurs manager Harry Redknapp has been linked with a host of goalkeepers this month, as his confidence in Heurelho Gomes continues to dwindle.

Given, David James and Marcus Hahnemann have all been mooted as possible targets, but the Republic of Ireland international has dismissed suggestions he will be move to White Hart Lane.

"They have spent money on a goalkeeper already so I don't think they're going to spend any more," said Given (32). "I'm sure that when Heurelho Gomes gets his confidence back he'll be a very, very good goalkeeper again.

"I wouldn't want to leave Newcastle anyway, I'm very happy where I'm at."

Murphy named player of the month

BOHEMIANS goalkeeper Brian Murphy has been named as the Eircom/Soccer Writers' Association of Ireland player of the month for November, reports Emmet Malone.

The 25-year-old rounded off a remarkable season with a fine display against Cork City in the final game of a triumphant league campaign before playing a key role in Bohemians' FAI Cup final win.

Murphy has also been nominated for both the SWAI Personality of the Year and Goalkeeper of the Year awards, the winners of which are to be announced this evening.

The Irish under-19s will travel to San Marino next November for the first qualifying round of the 2010 European Youth Championships where they will face Albania, Italy ane the host nation.

The under-17s go to Bulgaria in September for the first stage of their qualifying tournament. They face Latvia, Sweden and the hosts.

• CELTIC full-back Mark Wilson (24) yesterday signed a new three-year contract extension to keep him at the club until 2012.

Villa step up interest in Heskey

MARTIN O'Neill is expected to step up his attempts to sign Emile Heskey next month, after it emerged that John Carew may require surgery on a back problem.

The Aston Villa manager has been keen to strengthen his attacking options for some time and the prospect of being without Carew for an extended period, together with Wigan's willingness to consider offers for Heskey, has propelled the England international to the top of O'Neill's January wishlist.

Kevin Doyle has also been on O'Neill's radar but, with the Republic of Ireland international recently signing a new contract and keen to help Reading win promotion, Heskey represents a more viable option.

Villa will face competition for the 30-year-old, who has resurrected his England career since leaving Birmingham City two years ago.

Trezeguet on  for France return 

STRIKER David Trezeguet said he could come back from international retirement, five months after announcing he was quitting the France team.

"I didn't want to quit the national team," Trezeguet said in an interview with French sports daily L'Equipe released yesterday.

"Now I think the 2010 World Cup could be an objective for me. I don't forget it. I have always missed Les Bleus and I still miss them today," the Juventus forward added.

Trezeguet said in July he was quitting international soccer after Raymond Domenech was confirmed as France coach.

The striker has had an uneasy relationship with Domenech, who left him out of France's Euro 2008 squad.

"I don't set any conditions . . . If Domenech thinks Trezeguet can help his team, then we will see," he added.

Trezeguet, who last played for France in a 1-0 win over England in March, said he would talk to Domenech.

City tempted Ronaldinho

RONALDINHO said he was on the verge of moving to Manchester City before a late change of heart persuaded him to join AC Milan.

"My brother (and agent Roberto de Assis Moreira) spoke to Man City many times," Ronaldinho (28) told FourFourTwo magazine. "Their project is the kind that would interest any player - they could soon be among the best sides in England. Lots of brilliant players are heading in their direction."