FOOTBALL IN BRIEF
ENGLAND clinched top spot in their group with a 1-1 draw against Germany at the European Under-21 Championship last night.
Everton midfielder Jack Rodwell headed the equaliser for Stuart Pearce’s much-changed side, who had already booked a place in the semi-finals.
Benzema cool on United move
MANCHESTER UNITED target Karim Benzema wants to stay at Lyon for another season, his agent said yesterday.
The £30m-rated France striker is reportedly wanted by United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who is looking to compensate for the departures of Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez.
“He wants to stay in France for another year so he can prepare for the World Cup,” said Benzema’s agent Karim Djaziri. “Perhaps he Ferguson wants to make an offer to Lyon. If that happens, then Karim will think about it.”
Bendtner denies Roma link
ARSENAL striker Nicklas Bendtner has quashed rumours he could join AS Roma after being spotted in the Italian capital.
Roma coach Luciano Spalletti is known to be tracking a young striker based in Italy or England, but Bendtner’s father and agent, Thomas, said: “There is absolutely nothing to the rumour. Nicklas is happy at Arsenal, and the trip to Rome has been planned for a long time.”
Sahar quits Chelsea for Spain
CHELSEA striker Ben Sahar has joined Spanish top-flight side Espanyol.
The Israeli, 19, has signed a four-year contract at the Barcelona-based club.
Meanwhile Chelsea have officially appealed the punishments handed to the club, Didier Drogba and Jose Bosingwa by Uefa last week. Drogba and Bosingwa were banned for six and four matches respectively and the club were fined.