jose - soccer

Reports in Italy suggest that Juventus are considering Roma coach Luicano Spalletti as a replacement for the under-fire Claudio Ranieri. However, president Rosella Sensi has insisted that the former Udinese tactician is not going anywhere. "Again, we have the greatest trust in Luciano Spalletti and this is the last time I will answer questions about his reappointment," claimed the Giallorossi patron to Roma Channel. "He is our coach until June 30, 2010 and possibly even beyond those terms." Meanwhile, she also continued to deny reports that Italian businessman Francesco Angelini, who heads a company in the pharmaceuticals industry in Italy, was going to purchase a significant stake in the club. "I distance myself from those who want to use the name of the club just for advertising," she concluded.

Roma coach Luciano Spalletti could be swapping the Olimpico for the San Siro this summer as a replacement for Milan tactician Carlo Ancelotti, according to reports. Il Corriere Dello Sport claims Ancelotti is likely to move to Chelsea, despite the coach insisting he will stay. Nevertheless, that possibility could lead to Spalletti heading north to replace the eventual vacant slot on the Milan bench.

The report suggests that Milan prefer Spalletti for his attacking brand of football as they aim for European success next term. However, landing the former Udinese coach could be difficult. Voices surrounding Trigoria imply that Rossoneri vice-president Adriano Galliani will not approach Giallorossi president Rosella Sensi given the good relationship between both clubs. The report also implies that leaving Roma is down to the coach himself. The Giallorossi have no intention of getting rid of their man, but Spalletti could ask to leave following all the recent hype at the club.

(Adam Scime&Salvatore Landolina Goal.com)

AIG, the American insurance firm, has confirmed it will not renew its sponsorship deal with Manchester United, however the club remain confident of securing an improved deal elsewhere when their current contract ends in May 2010.

The company, which has suffered massive losses during the global economic downturn, says it remained in discussions over its current deal with the world and European champions, which is due to expire in May 2010.

Despite the news United say they have already opened discussions with a number of global companies, who they feel, could offer United an improvement on their current deal. Sahara, the Indian financial services corporation, has already confirmed United have made contact to gauge its interest in sponsoring the club, while Saudi Telecom have also been sounded out about replacing the AIG deal.

The Old Trafford club also have strong links in both Malaysia and South Korea, so even at a time of financial prudence around the world, United are still optimistic of bettering their current contract, worth £19million including various financial packages

"In line with industry practice, Manchester United is exploring the possibility of a shirt sponsor for the new 2010/11 season," a United spokesman said. "The club is in dialogue with a select number of top companies worldwide and has so far received sufficient interest to be confident it can improve on its current £19m annual partnership with AIG."

AIG came close to collapsing in the final few months of last year as it fell victim to the worst housing market since the Great Depression. The situation became so bad that the US government was forced to extend it a $150billion (£109.3 billion) loan, which it is unlikely to get back, which almost certainly saved AIG from oblivion.

AIG reached its perilous state after having to pay out tens of billions of dollars on insurance policies written on mortgages that homeowners cannot possibly repay. It will also make tens of billions of additional losses on complex investments tied to properties that are plummeting in value

(source: timesonline.co.uk)