Thierry Henry’s move to Barcelona has edged a step closer after Arsenal’s board of directors told manager Arsene Wenger they would not stand in his way if he wants to sell the French striker.

Arsenal managing director Keith Edelman has confirmed that the board would accept the advice of Wenger regarding Henry, with Barcelona’s finance director Ferran Soriano and sporting director Txiki Begiristain planning to make their initial $29 million written offer for Henry this week after the conclusion of the Spanish league today. (more…)

LONDON (AP) — David Beckham is sticking to his plan: He’s bound for the Los Angeles Galaxy next month — regardless of what anyone says.

“There is no intention of getting out of the Galaxy deal or reneging on the Galaxy deal,” agent Simon Oliveira told The Associated Press on Sunday. (more…)

Arsenal captain Thierry Henry has admitted it is “great to hear” of AC Milan’s interest in him.

And the France striker, who has also been linked with a move to Barcelona over the last 18 months, claims the whole club has been unsettled by vice-chairman David Dein’s departure last season.

On the Milan link Henry said: “That is great to hear. How can it be anything else?” (more…)

*In demand: Claudio Ranieri was reportedly wanted by Manchester City*
Claudio Ranieri threw Manchester City’s well-laid plans into confusion yesterday when the former Chelsea manager rejected the Eastlands job to take charge of Juventus.

Ranieri, who quit as boss at Parma last week, was lined up to succeed sacked City manager Stuart Pearce when Thaksin Shinawatra’s summer takeover of the club has been completed. (more…)

David Beckham is having second thoughts about ending his playing career in the footballing backwater of the United States.

The former England captain, 32, signed a five-year contract worth £125 million with LA Galaxy in January after being sidelined by Real Madrid as well as Steve McClaren’s England. (more…)

PARIS, France (Reuters) — Lyon’s Czech striker Milan Baros was handed a three-match ban by the French professional football league (LFP) on Thursday for pinching his nose in front of an opponent.

Former Liverpool and Aston Villa player Baros pinched his nose in front of Rennes’ Cameroon-born midfielder Stephane M’Bia and waved his hand as if he were repelling an offensive odour during the French champions’ 0-0 draw at Rennes on April 18. (more…)

DAVID BECKHAM is to give a TV interview which will be screened during the Superbowl final – watched by 80million Americans.

Becks, 31, hopes he can win over the US and their sports fans to bring his and wife Victoria’s Brand Beckham to America.

Top chat show hosts Jay Leno and Oprah Winfrey lost out in the bid to clinch his first major TV interview. Instead he will be on CBS who are covering the finale to the gridiron season on February 4. (more…)

Beckham to Own an MLS Soccer Team?

It was recently announced that David Beckham had signed a five-year contract with the LA Galaxy soccer team, so that he can finish up his career in the United States. And now it has been revealed that as a stipulation in his contract, Beckham will be offered the opportunity to own a MLS soccer team when his contract is up.

Sources reveal that Beckham wants to leave a legacy in the US, long after his playing career is over with. Beckham is determined to put American soccer on the map, and having his name associated with a team could do wonders. He’s already convinced Real Madrid teammate Ronaldo to join him in the MLS next season. (more…)

BERLUSCONI LAUNCHES SHEVA ATTACK

AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi has launched a scathing personal attack on Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko.

The Ukrainian has struggled to make an impact since his 30million move from the San Siro and the former Italy Prime Minister has chosen to take a public view on Shevchenko’s private life – describing him as a “lap-dog” for his supermodel wife. (more…)