MILAN WILLING TO 'HELP' BECKHAM MOVE

Beckham at England training on Tuesday

AC Milan are increasingly confident of securing David Beckham on a permanent deal.

The Italian club are prepared to help the England midfielder extricate himself from his Los Angeles Galaxy contract and provide him with the opportunity to stake a claim to play in the 2010 World Cup finals.

Galaxy have rejected one bid from Milan, but the Italian club have pointed out that they cannot be expected to stump up a big fee for a 33-year-old who will be a free agent in November if he exercises a clause in his contract.

The main problem surrounds the complexity of Beckham's agreement with Major League Soccer and the Galaxy, but if the player has to buy himself out of his contract then Milan are prepared to help him.

A Milan insider told PA Sport: "The biggest driving force in any transfer is the will of the player, and we know David wants to play for us.

"It is a very complicated contract in the USA but we will do what we can to help him move."

Beckham could expect a deal with Milan at least until the end of next season, but the club insist they are not targeting him for his 'brand'.

The insider said: "We have Kaka, Ronaldinho, Pirlo and Pato already so we don't need him for our profile."

CAPELLO: BECKS IS IN ON MERIT

Capello talks to the press on Tuesday.

Fabio Capello insists David Beckham is in the England squad on merit not out of sympathy for the former Three Lions skipper.

Beckham will earn a place in the history books if he plays some part in Wednesday night's friendly with Spain in Seville.

The appearance would allow him to pick up his 108th cap and equal Bobby Moore's record for an outfield player.

The accolade has irritated some of Beckham's fiercest critics, who feel the 33-year-old is not fit to lace Moore's boots.

However, any thought that Capello has picked the former Manchester United player out of kindness can be dismissed immediately. The Italian does not pick any team from such motives - and he never will do.

"I choose players in the best form," said Capello.

"When I picked a squad last February Beckham was not in it because he was not playing.

"Now he is here, But that is solely because he is a good player. He is not here for sympathy. I would never pick a player for those reasons."

Beckham has expressed a desire to remain with AC Milan when his short-term loan from the Los Angeles Galaxy comes to an end in March.

Capello is not one for offering public pieces of advice, especially to someone who handles his own public relations so diligently.

But the Italian is stating the obvious when he describes life in Italy as far tougher than Beckham's experiences in Major League Soccer.

"It is David's choice whether he stays in Milan," said Capello.

"But the US championship is not the same as Italy. The level is a lot different."

For that reason, Capello can give no guarantees about whether he will pick the Leytonstone-born star in future.

"I don't like talking about ifs," he said.

"It is important for the squad he is here at the moment. He is playing well with AC Milan and perhaps he will play tomorrow.

"But I don't know what will happen in the future."

Capello has flatly refused to discuss the issue of racism and will only break his silence should trouble occur at a game that, following the prompting of FA officials, is being played away from Spain's traditional home at the Bernabeu Stadium.

But he is not expecting trouble and, after two spells as Real Madrid manager, has no difficulty in stressing his belief that Spain does not have a problem with racism.

Of more concern to Capello is his team selection. James Milner and Carlton Cole are two of the more interesting options available to the England coach on Wednesday.

It is likely Cole will start only if Emile Heskey fails to overcome an ankle problem that prevented him from training on Monday but had eased sufficiently for the Aston Villa striker to be put through his paces at the Sanchez Pizjuan stadium this evening.

Frank Lampard has an obvious claim on a midfield spot but after their performances in Germany last November, so do Michael Carrick and Gareth Barry.

England's win in Berlin that night established them as a contender for South Africa 2010.

However, Capello knows there is still plenty of work ahead before his side can really start punching their weight at international level.

The same comments used to be said about Spain before they won Euro 2008, ironically on the back of major improvement that began with a victory at Old Trafford in February 2007.

And, as a keen student of the game, Capello knows Wednesday's hosts will provide just the right opposition for a team that still needs to learn some key lessons about international life.

"Spain have a different style to Germany and a different style to us," said Capello.

"Tomorrow will be a very important test for us because when you play against Spain, it's not easy.

"They only play with one forward but with a lot of technically very good players in midfield.

"We will have to press these players a lot.

"In Berlin we got a fantastic result against the runners-up at the last European Championship. Now we must play the winners.

"I need to find out what the value of our team is against those different styles."

ROBINHO STARS FOR BRAZIL

Robinho celebrates his goal.
Manchester City duo Robinho and Elano combined to help Brazil beat Italy 2-0 in their friendly international at the Emirates Stadium.

The clash was expected to be an enthralling affair and the match certainly lived up to the billing.

Fans in London were treated to an end-to-end affair with superb first-half goals from Robinho and his Eastlands team-mate Elano settling matters.

With just four minutes gone left-back Fabio Grosso superbly volleyed home after a long ball from Andrea Pirlo into the Brazil box, but his effort was ruled out for offside, although replays suggested he was not beyond the last defender.

Elano gave Brazil the lead in the 13th minute as he put the finishing touch to a slick passing move involving City team-mate Robinho and Ronaldinho.

And it was 2-0 after 27 minutes as Pirlo lost possession on the edge of his own box to Robinho, with the Eastlands favourite leaving defenders Gianluca Zambrotta and Nicola Legrottaglie bamboozled by a series of step-overs before drilling a shot into the net.

Italy responded with Daniele De Rossi warming Julio Cesar's hands with a powerful right-foot effort from outside the box.

Elano then came close to a spectacular third for Brazil when he cut in from the right and unleashed a vicious effort with the outside of his boot which swerved and dipped just after it cleared Buffon's crossbar.

Italy made four changes at the interval with one of the new arrivals, Giuseppe Rossi, firing into the side-netting soon after as Marcello Lippi's men pressed for an early response.

Luca Toni, who was also introduced at the break, thought he had pulled one back in the 65th minute after another searching ball from Pirlo, but referee Howard Webb had spotted a clear handball from the striker and the effort was ruled out.

Julio Cesar produced an excellent late stop to deny Toni from close range after Rossi's cut-back from the touchline had found the striker in space inside the six-yard box.

And the Brazil goalkeeper was called on again in the 87th minute, diving to his left to keep out a curling free-kick from Grosso before gathering Toni's header from the resulting corner.

NO PLANNED RESPONSE FROM ENGLAND

Ferdinand - not fazed.

Rio Ferdinand insists England's players are not planning to walk off tomorrow if they suffer the same racist abuse endured on the last visit to Spain.

Ashley Cole and Shaun Wright-Phillips were singled out for sustained abuse by the Spanish fans at the Bernabeu in Madrid four years ago.

It is one of the main reasons Wednesday's friendly will take place in Seville.

But there have also been suggestions a repeat of what happened in Madrid will result in similar action being taken to that of Barcelona's Samuel Eto'o, who walked off the pitch when he was subjected to the same treatment in Zaragoza during 2006.

"You don't plan stuff like that," said Ferdinand.

"It is not something we have discussed over lunch or at training.

"Samuel Eto'o walked off. That was his own reaction, his point of view.

"You have to be in that situation before you make a decision like that. You can't say, 'I'll do that if this happens'.

"If anything like that does occur, it will be dealt with after the game."

The 30-year-old's assessment suggests he is ready to let FIFA and UEFA deal with the fall-out from any unwanted reaction.

But, in the year Barack Obama moved into the White House, it seems wrong Ferdinand should still have to even talk about the issue.

"I don't want to get too holed up on the idea of racism and what happened in the past," said Ferdinand.

"A lot was said after the event four years ago and we would rather not dwell on it.

"We would hope football does the talking but in today's age, it is surprising that we're talking about things like that."

As one of the most articulate voices in the England camp, Ferdinand would have been the perfect platform from which the players could express their concerns.

Instead, the Manchester United defender claimed minds were purely focused on the not inconsiderable task of beating the Euro 2008 winners rather than what the Spanish fans might do.

"It doesn't really faze me," he said.

"As players, we are there to play football. Whatever the side-show is, it is in the back, not in the forefront, of our minds."

GRANT IN FRAME FOR SURPRISE RETURN

Grant - linked with return.

Chelsea are hoping to appoint their new manager before the weekend with Avram Grant emerging as a leading contender to return on a caretaker basis until the end of the season.

The 53-year-old Israeli was fired last summer to make way for Luiz Felipe Scolari who was himself axed by Chelsea yesterday after just seven months in the hot seat.

Grant, a personal friend of Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, was given the job following the sacking of Jose Mourinho in September 2007.

He steered the Blues to the final of the Champions League and Carling Cup as well as pushing champions Manchester United all the way to the finish in the Barclays Premier before being sacked.

Chelsea are understood to want to make a speedy appointment following Scolari's sacking but are happy to wait until the summer before choosing a permanent successor.

The Blues, according to club sources, have only targeted coaches who are currently out of work so that would make any move for Gianfranco Zola at West Ham, Roberto Di Matteo at MK Dons and Russia's Gus Hiddink unlikely, while unemployed Roberto Mancini has already ruled himself out of the running.

Grant and former Barcelona boss Frank Rijkaard are both contenders, while former midfielders Gus Poyet and Dennis Wise are considered outsiders.

But speculation that Grant is the man in the frame continued to gather pace yesterday particularly as he was being linked with a return to Portsmouth following the dismissal of Tony Adams.

Grant was director of football at Pompey before joining Chelsea and the speculation may have acted as the spur for the Blues to ditch Scolari in order to get the Israeli before the south coast club pounced.

Scolari paid the price for a season in which Chelsea have dropped 16 home points, were bundled out of the Carling Cup by Coca-Cola championship side Burnley and slipped to fourth in the Barclays Premier League.

A statement issued by Chelsea yesterday confirmed his departure: "Luiz Felipe Scolari has been dismissed as manager of Chelsea with immediate effect.

"The Chelsea board would like to place on record our gratitude for his time as manager. Felipe has brought many positives to the club since he joined and we all feel a sense of sadness that our relationship has ended so soon.

"Unfortunately the results and performances of the team appeared to be deteriorating at a key time in the season.

"In order to maintain a challenge for the trophies we are still competing for we felt the only option was to make the change now.

"The search for a new manager has already started and we hope to have someone in place as soon as possible.

"While that continues Assistant Coach Ray Wilkins will take charge of the team on a temporary basis."

Scolari looked increasingly like a man out of his depth in the Premier League and Saturday's goalless draw with Hull only highlighted the Brazilian's inability to get the best out of his squad.

He was taunted with chants of, 'You don't know what you're doing' by fans who also booed the players off the pitch at the final whistle.

The Brazilian's pedigree remains undeniable at international level. He won the World Cup as Brazil boss in 2002 and took Portugal to the final of Euro 2004, where they lost to Greece.

But the consensus of opinion was that the 60-year-old had been out of league football too long and found himself unable to cope with the rigours of the English game.

Scolari generally under-achieved when it came to tactics and his insistence on a 4-3-3 formation was ultimately responsible for his downfall. However, Scolari claims he paid the price for failing to rejuvenate Chelsea's ageing squad after the board lost the battle to sign Brazilian striker Robinho last summer.

Robinho signed for Manchester City instead and only Portugal midfielder Deco arrived to boost the ranks at Stamford Bridge.

Scolari's spokesman Acaz Fellegger also insisted it was Abramovich's decision to get rid of the Brazilian coach.

Fellegger told Lance! newspaper's website: "It seems that Abramovich made the decision."

"He (Scolari) was not in a comfortable situation despite he had the support of the squad and Peter Kenyon.

"The Chelsea squad are old. Felipe tried to rejuvenate it, but unsuccessfully. He asked (the board) to sign Deco and Robinho, but they only brought Deco."

Late last night, Russia coach Hiddink confirmed he had not heard from Chelsea.

"Right now I am preparing for dinner with the squad and don't want to think about where or what people are saying about me or what the bookmakers believe," he said.

"I've heard about Scolari's departure, but there have been no calls from Chelsea. And as you know, I never comment on rumours - it serves no point or purpose."

The president of the Russian Football Association, Vitaly Mutko, added: "Guus Hiddink has a valid contract that expires in 2010 and I have no doubt that he will see it through."

Lecce 0-3 Internazionale

Leaders Inter Milan returned to winning ways in Serie A with a comprehensive victory at lowly Lecce this evening.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic opened the scoring for Jose Mourinho's side in the first half while further goals from Luis Figo and Dejan Stankovic made sure of a comfortable victory at Stadio Via del Mare.

The win lifted Inter nine points clear at the summit for a few hours at least, although AC Milan could bring that gap back to six points with victory in the evening encounter at home to Reggina.

Inter were keyed up for this game after being held to a 1-1 draw by Torino last weekend, setting about their task with vigour and going close after just nine minutes when Stankovic headed wide.

And the visitors went ahead just moments later as Esteban Cambiasso picked out Ibrahimovic in space on the edge of the area and the Sweden international fired home from 20 yards.

Inter had Julio Cesar to thank for keeping their noses in front after 18 minutes, the goalkeeper making a great reflex save to deny Guglielmo Stendardo.

Lecce were far from overawed by their illustrious visitors and created another chance after 33 minutes when Simone Tiribocchi let fly from 25 yards with a shot that went just wide of the right-hand post.

Inter began to assert themselves after the break and 11 minutes in Maicon should have done better than fire over when inside the area.

Stankovic then had another chance after 62 minutes but Francesco Benussi was equal to the chance, making a good save.

Lecce were struggling in the final third and often resorted to long-range efforts, one of which, by Dimitrios Papadopoulos midway through the half, only just sailed wide of the mark with Julio Cesar struggling.

Inter were still only a goal away from seeing their lead wiped out, however, and a weight was lifted from their shoulders when Figo netted the clincher after 72 minutes, the veteran Portuguese winger heading home Maicon's left-wing cross.

Papadopoulos, who entered the fray as a 66th-minute substitute, was proving to be a lively addition to the Lecce team and the striker again got the attention of Julio Cesar with a testing long-range effort that again missed by a whisker.

Inter were never in any real danger of being breached at the back, however, and increased their winning margin with eight minutes left to play.

The impressive Maicon was again at the heart of the move, the Brazilian's right-wing free-kick finding its way to Stankovic who planted a firm header beyond Benussi to seal three valuable points for Inter in their bid to claim a fourth Scudetto in a row.

Catania 1-2 Juventus

Substitute Christian Poulsen's stoppage-time winner gave 10-man Juventus a vital three points against Catania and pushed them into second spot in the Serie A standings.

Vincenzo Iaquinta had given the visitors an early lead with an 11th minute header but instantly went from hero to villain as he was sent off for two yellow card offences in less than a minute.

The Bianconeri clung on despite heavy pressure from Catania but goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, who put in a stunning performance to keep the hosts at bay, was eventually beaten six minutes into the second half by Takayuki Morimoto.

It looked like it was going to end all square at the Stadio Angelo Massimino but Poulsen snatched all the points for Claudio Ranieri's men in stoppage time.

It was unfortunate for plucky Catania who were well worth a point at least but the victory sends Juve a point above AC Milan following the Rossoneri's draw against Reggina yesterday, although they remain seven points behind leaders Inter Milan.

Catania slip to 14th.

Juve were eager to get back to winning ways after back-to-back league defeats and they were boosted by the return of Mauro Camoranesi from injury.

He was to have an immediate effect as he put in a cross from the right which Iaquinta headed home in the 11th minute.

The Italy World Cup-winner picked up his first booking for taking off his shirt in celebration and was given his marching orders very swiftly after for a foul in midfield which saw him handed a second yellow.

Catania would have been back on level terms in the 18th minute were it not for a fantastic save by Buffon who somehow kept out Alessandro Potenza's close-range header.

Juve enjoyed a rare opportunity four minutes from half time and should have doubled their lead as Amauri flicked a fierce Pavel Nedved free-kick inches over the bar.

The Bianconeri had Buffon to thank for remaining in the lead and the Italy number one pulled off yet another fine stop in first-half stoppage-time to deny Jorge Martinez.

Juve's goal was finally breached six minutes after the restart as Buffon could only parry Giuseppe Mascara's shot and Morimoto was on hand to head home the equaliser.

Catania should have taken the lead four minutes later but Davide Baiocco's deflected effort crashed back off the corner of the goal frame.

The home fans were up in arms in the 72nd minute when they felt they had two decent shouts for penalties turned down as first Morimoto was tripped in the area and seconds later Juve winger Marco Marchionni looked to have handled the ball.

The narrow escape seemed to spur Juve on and Amauri came close to restoring their lead five minutes from time as he attempted to finish off a good counter attack but Catania goalkeeper Albano Bizzarri managed to tip the Brazilian's lob over the bar.

However, there was still time for Juve to snatch all three points as Poulsen, who had come off the bench less than 10 minutes earlier, scrambled the ball into the Catania net from a corner.

italian Serie A 2008/2009
DATE	Home	SCORE	OPPONENT
02/07	Lecce	0 - 3	Internazionale
02/07	AC Milan	1 - 1	Reggina
02/08	Cagliari	0 - 1	Atalanta
02/08	Udinese	1 - 0	Bologna
02/08	Torino	1 - 1	Chievo Verona
02/08	AS Roma	3 - 0	Genoa
02/08	Catania	1 - 2	Juventus
02/08	Fiorentina	1 - 0	Lazio
02/08	Sampdoria	2 - 2	Siena
02/08	Palermo	2 - 1	Napoli
2/14 17:00 UK	Lazio	VS	Torino
2/14 19:30 UK	Napoli	VS	Bologna
2/15 14:00 UK	Chievo Verona	VS	Catania
2/15 14:00 UK	Genoa	VS	Fiorentina
2/15 14:00 UK	Cagliari	VS	Lecce
2/15 14:00 UK	Reggina	VS	Palermo
2/15 14:00 UK	Atalanta	VS	AS Roma
2/15 14:00 UK	Juventus	VS	Sampdoria
2/15 14:00 UK	Siena	VS	Udinese

Pato still focused on Scudetto despite setback

AC Milan striker Alexandre Pato is confident his team can still win the Scudetto despite their latest setback.

Saturday's 1-1 draw against Reggina left the Rossoneri eight points behind Serie A leaders Inter heading into this weekend's Milan derby.

''The important thing for us is not to give any more easy points away,'' said Pato. ''I am certain we can still win the Scudetto. Inter are an organised team but Milan are stronger.''

The Rossoneri go into Sunday's sold-out encounter at the San Siro having to do without team's top scorer, Kaka.

The Brazilian playmaker, who scored the winner in Milan's last victory at Inter back in 2005, is sidelined for two weeks with a knee injury.

Kaka's absence will put more pressure on Pato, who has struck 10 goals this season for AC Milan, one fewer than compatriot Kaka.

Carlo Ancelotti's men are third in the standings, one point behind Juventus, that host struggling Sampdoria on Sunday.

latest papertalk

Latest Paper Talk at 18:09 GMT

DAILY MIRROR Tony Adams has been sacked as Portsmouth manager after just 22 games in charge. AC Milan general manager Adriano Galliani admits their offer for David Beckham is a long way off what LA Galaxy want for the England midfielder. Wigan are lining up a summer swoop for Wolves' £5million-rated England Under-21 international Michael Kightly. Arsenal are eyeing Swindon right-back Nathan Thompson and Spurs, Everton and Newcastle are also watching him. Birmingham are set to take Matt Mills on loan from Doncaster for the rest of the season. Stoke have agreed a £1million fee to make the loan deal of Birmingham right-back Stephen Kelly permanent. Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp is ready to win the race for Huddersfield goalkeeper Alex Smithies. Mick McCarthy has persuaded Matt Jarvies to sign a new contract at Wolves. THE SUN Tony Adams was last night sacked as Portsmouth boss after just 15 weeks in charge. Joe Kinnear will find out today if he is fit enough to stay on as Newcastle manager. DAILY STAR Newcastle boss Joe Kinnear is hoping to receive the all-clear today after his latest health scare. Titus Bramble fears the team that has Wigan fans dreaming of Europe will get ripped apart in the summer. DAILY EXPRESS Shay Given believes Craig Bellamy's outspoken abrasiveness will be as important to Manchester City as his goals. DAILY MAIL Tony Adams will be sacked as Portsmouth manager today after a run of poor results that has left the club one point off the relegation zone. DAILY RECORD Murdo Macleod reckons Artur Boruc has lost the Celtic dressing room after his clash with Aiden McGeady.

RIO READY TO PUT RACISM TO ONE SIDE

Ferdinand talks to the press on Monday.

Rio Ferdinand insists his England team-mates have not considered what they would do if they were subjected to the same racist abuse on Wednesday that they encountered on their last visit to Spain four years ago.

Shaun Wright-Phillips and Ashley Cole, both members of the present England squad, bore the brunt of the abuse last time around.

The Football Association made strong complaints immediately after the game and are believed to have privately informed their Spanish counterparts they would have been uncomfortable with Wednesday's game being played at the Bernabeu Stadium.

Instead, the contest will take place in Seville in the hope it does not get overshadowed by off-field matters.

As one of the most articulate voices in the England camp, Ferdinand would have been the perfect platform from which the players could express their concerns.

Instead, the Manchester United defender claimed minds were purely focussed on the not inconsiderable task of beating the Euro 2008 winners rather than what the Spanish fans might do.

"It doesn't really faze me," he said.

"As players, we are there to play football. Whatever the sideshow is, it is in the back, not in the forefront of our minds."

Three years ago, Samuel Eto'o famously attempted to walk off the pitch in disgust at the racism being meted out towards him during a Primera Liga game for Barcelona at Zaragoza.

It is easy to envisage Ferdinand harbouring similar thoughts.

Yet if he does, the 30-year-old is keeping them to himself.

"That is not in my mind at all," he said.

"It is not something we have discussed over lunch or at training. All we are talking about is the kind of result we are looking for."

On that ground, Ferdinand feels far more at home, especially in considering David Beckham's presence.

Beckham requires just one more cap to equal Bobby Moore's record for an England outfield player. Yet, as he approaches that 108-cap milestone, Beckham's critics are out in force once more, claiming the former Three Lions skipper is not fit to lace his illustrious predecessor's boots.

As a graduate of the famed West Ham academy, Ferdinand does not require a history lesson on Moore, the only Englishman to captain a World Cup-winning side.

But he feels Beckham's many detractors and being unfair to his former Old Trafford colleague.

"David has had a lot of challenges throughout his career and he seems to have come through them all with flying colours," said Ferdinand.

"It is only a couple of years ago that people said he was finished. But he is still a fantastic footballer and an integral member of the squad.

"Just to reach 100 caps is an unbelievable achievement. To then get to the record of a man the stature of Bobby Moore is phenomenal.

"I am sure in his wildest dreams Becks would not have thought about getting to that level when he was pulling his boots on as a seven-year-old kid.

"But he could go on to set new records and he deserves them."

Beckham is presently trying to find a way of extricating himself from an exceptionally lucrative contract with LA Galaxy in order to sign a full-time contract with AC Milan.

At 33, he is enjoying a fabulous autumn to his career. And it has only taken a matter of hours for Ferdinand to see what a different life in Serie A had made to his long-time friend.

"He looks to be very happy at Milan and really enjoying his football," said Ferdinand.

"There is a zest about him and speaking to Becks since he has been here, he is clearly having the time of his life."

In much the same way as coach Fabio Capello thought the game last March in France was the perfect yardstick with which to measure his team, even though they lost, so Spain can provide the acid test for 2009.

By the end of the year England expect to be confirmed as one of 32 challengers for the World Cup in South Africa, which in itself is a major stride forward in terms of the perception by which the Three Lions will be judged.

But, win or lose this week, Ferdinand feels England will continue to build, with the final judgement on Capello coming in the middle of 2010.

"Spain are one of the best two teams in the world at the moment," said Ferdinand.

"We have got to put in a performance and acquit ourselves in the right way.

"It will show how far we have come under the new manager but it won't make or break our team because this is only the start.

"Managers are judged my their tournaments. It is quite cut-throat in that sense but that is the way it is.

"I am sure that is the same for Fabio and that is how he will want to be judged."

HOLLINS: SCOLARI COULDN'T ADAPT

Scolari - has departed Chelsea.

Former Chelsea manager John Hollins believes Luiz Felipe Scolari paid with his job for failing to make the impression on the club scene that he did as an international manager.

Scolari, who coached Brazil to World Cup glory, was sacked on Monday afternoon with the Stamford Bridge club fourth in the Premier League - seven points behind leaders Manchester United having played a game more.

And former Blues midfielder Hollins, who was himself manager of the club from 1985-88, believes his failure to adapt to club management proved his downfall.

He told Sky Sports News: "You can't knock him for what he's done internationally but club football is a different ball game.

"I feel he couldn't adapt to the every day thing (of club management). Internationally he's had time to look at a game and pick a team but (Chelsea) is instant."

Hollins continued: "Every day is very, very busy and I have to say I don't think there was enough in there from him to carry it through.

"He had to have the players every day - some players have massive egos, it's the case all over the country. But Chelsea are a big side and he had to pick the team that could win a match."

Scolari's last game was a disappointing 0-0 home draw against Hull on Saturday and Hollins continued: "I've seen five games where things didn't change a great deal - and they couldn't beat the lesser sides.

"They were winning home games and had that fabulous unbeaten home record but suddenly they looked an ordinary team.

"He was the man who was going to put the discipline into everything. I feel he appeared to be quite relaxed on the line, yet he shouted and screamed when he was doing his international bit."

Guus Hiddink and Avram Grant are already being talked about as potential replacements, with former Blues favourite Gianfranco Zola - now at West Ham - also being linked to the post.

Hollins highlighted the connection with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich as he added: "Hiddink is big news. He was in the frame I believe prior to Scolari taking the job.

"It's the Russian connection and he is respected for the work he did with the Russian international team and he is also held in the highest esteem with Chelsea.

"Avram Grant got them to the final of the Champions League and but for one penalty kick he would have been a hero."

As for the remainder of the season, Hollins added: "Of course the season can be saved.

"All the equipment is there but its how you juggle with it and adjust it.

"Someone coming in has to be positive and get that winning back into the pattern again - Chelsea need that - they need to lift the supporters."

Former Chelsea defender Ron Harris believes West Ham manager Zola and his assistant Steve Clarke - who left Stamford Bridge shortly after Scolari's appointment - would be the fans' choice.

Harris told Setanta Sports News: "I think that if it was a choice with the supporters, I think that 90 per cent would like to get Zola and Stevie Clarke."

Former Chelsea winger Pat Nevin urged the Chelsea board to take their time finding a replacement for Scolari.

"His popularity has been plummeting the past few weeks," Nevin told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"The question is, who is going to be able to do it with a squad that is clearly not strong enough.

"They've had a few changes over the past year or two. Since Jose Mourinho left it's not really been settled.

"This is a club that a year ago was one of the biggest in world and quite clearly it seems to have gone downhill quite quickly.

"I hope for Chelsea's sake they don't have a knee-jerk reaction and dive for the first name that comes into their mind, the first big name that becomes available.

"They need to give it an awful lot of thought and maybe consider someone that isn't the biggest name in the world."

SCOLARI SACKED BY CHELSEA

Scolari - leaves Chelsea.

luiz Felipe Scolari has been sacked as Chelsea manager, the club announced on Monday afternoon.

A statement on the club's official website revealed the move had been made "to maintain a challenge for the trophies we are still competing for".

Brazilian Scolari was appointed last summer as the replacement for Avram Grant.

The statement on the club's official website added: "Felipe has brought many positives to the club since he joined, and we all feel a sense of sadness that our relationship has ended so soon.

"Unfortunately the results and performances of the team appeared to be deteriorating at a key time in the season.

"In order to maintain a challenge for the trophies we are still competing for, we felt the only option was to make the change now.

"The search for a new manager has already started, and we hope to have someone in place as soon as possible."

Scolari's final game in charge was a goalless draw at home to Hull on Saturday, a result which was met with boos at the final whistle.

Assistant coach Ray Wilkins has been placed in temporary charge.

LUIZ FELIPE SCOLARI FACTFILE

1948: Born Passo Fundo, Rio Grande do Sul, November 9.

Playing career as a defender with Aymore, Caxias, Novo Hamburgo, Juventude and CSA.

1991: Coached Criciuma to the Brazilian Cup (Copa do Brasil) and to the Santa Catarina state title (Campeonato Catarinense)

1993: Joined newly-promoted Gremio, one of Brazil's most high-profile teams and leads them to the Brazilian Cup.

1995: Won Copa Libertadores de America, an annual competition between the top clubs in South America, after defeating Atlitico Nacional of Colombia in the final.

Reached the final of the Intercontinental Cup, contested by the European and South American champions but loses to Ajax in a penalty shoot-out.

Runners-up in the Brazilian Cup.

1996: Claimed national championship (Campeonato Brasileiro) defeating Portuguesa in the final.

1997: Joined Palmeiras, one of the top supported clubs in Brazil based in Sao Paolo.

1998: Won the Brazilian Cup. Runner-up in the Mercosur Cup, played between clubs from Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and Chile.

1999: Won Copa Libertadores de America beating Deportivo Cali of Colombia. Lost 1-0 to a Roy Keane goal against Manchester United in the Intercontinental Cup final.

2000: Joined Cruzeiro.

2001: June - Invited to become Brazil coach to replace Emerson Leco with the team in danger of missing out on the 2002 World Cup after a poor qualifying tournament. Lost first game 1-0 to Uruguay but secures qualification.

2002: May/June - Withstood public pressure to include 1994 World Cup legend Romario in his squad for the tournament in South Korea and Japan despite being the leading goalscorer in Brazil. Scolari unmoved by Romario's tearful appeal on TV and unaffected by criticism of what were seen as defensive tactics.

Brazil won World Cup for the fifth time in Japan and South Korea as two goals by Ronaldo secured a 2-0 win over Germany.

December - Took over as manager of Portugal.

2004: June/July - Led Portugal to another quarter-final win over England in a penalty shootout after the teams were level after extra-time.

Became the first foreign coach to lead any team to the finals of the European Championships after beating Holland in the semi-final but loses 1-0 to shock winners Greece.

2006: Emerged as leading contender to succeed Sven-Goran Eriksson as England coach.

April 28 - Ruled himself out of England job.

June/July - Led Portugal to the semi-finals of the World Cup in Germany, losing 1-0 to France. Portugal also lost the third-place play-off 3-1 to the hosts.

July 14 - Signed new two-year contract with Portugal.

December - Confirmed his intention to quit Portugal at the end of his contract.

2007: February 6 - Revealed desire to work in England in the future

September 20 - Handed a four-match ban by UEFA following a clash with Ivica Dragutinovic during the Euro 2008 qualifier with Serbia. The ban was later reduced on appeal.

November 21 - Portugal secured place at Euro 2008 with a 0-0 draw against Finland. Scolari stormed out of post-match press conference after the team's performance was criticised.

November 23 - Again linked with England job after Steve McClaren left the post, but vowed to see out Portugal contract.

2008: April 10 - Revealed he had been approached by Mexico about vacant coaching job.

May 7 - Denied he had been approached by Manchester City.

May 31: Chelsea denied making contact with Scolari.

June: Led Portugal to victory in their first two games at Euro 2008, 2-0 against Turkey and 3-1 against Czech Republic.

June 11: Confirmed as new manager of Chelsea, to take over on July 1.

June 30: Oversaw the signing of Portugal midfielder Deco from Barcelona.

August 17: Led Chelsea to a 4-0 win over Portsmouth in his first Premier League game in charge.

October 26: Suffered his first league defeat as Chelsea as Liverpool ended their 86-game unbeaten home league record with a 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge.

November 12: Chelsea crashed out of the Carling Cup beaten on penalties by Championship side Burnley.

December 9: Chelsea only secured qualification for the Champions League knockout stages in the final game after beating CFR Cluj 2-1 at Stamford Bridge.

2009: January 3: Could only manage a 1-1 draw with League One Southend in the FA Cup third round.

January 11: Crushed 3-0 by Manchester United at Old Trafford with Scolari's Chelsea future increasingly under the spotlight.

February 1: Saw his hopes of the title dented with a 2-0 defeat at Liverpool as Fernando Torres scored two late goals.

February 7: Fans protested against Scolari after the 0-0 home draw with Hull which saw Chelsea drop to fourth in the Premier League table behind Aston Villa.

February 9: Chelsea confirm Scolari has been dismissed.

QUEIROZ CALLS ON UNITED PAIR

Ronaldo - called up by Queiroz

Manchester United pair Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani have both been named by Carlos Queiroz in his Portugal squad to face Finland in a friendly next Wednesday.

Also included are Chelsea's Deco and Paulo Ferreira.

However, the Blues' other Portugal regular, Ricardo Carvalho, remains sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Malaga midfielder Eliseu, Braga's Orlando Sa, and Siena defender Goncalo Brandao are the three new facesthe 20-man squad.

Queiroz has also made changes in the goalkeeping department, resting regulars Ricardo and Quim to call up Braga stopper Eduardo and Bochum's Daniel Fernandes.

Portugal Squad: Eduardo (Braga), Daniel Fernandes (Bochum); Bruno Alves, Goncalo Brandao (Siena), Pepe (Real Madrid), Miguel (Valencia), Paulo Ferreira (Chelsea) and Rolando; Deco (Chelsea), Joao Moutinho (Sporting Lisbon), Maniche (Atletico Madrid), Raul Meireles, Duda (Malaga CF), Tiago (Juventus) and Eliseu (Malaga CF); Danny, Hugo Almeida (Werder Bremen), Nani (Manchester United), Orlando Sa (Sporting Braga) Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United).

CAPELLO HINT OVER BECKHAM'S ENGLAND SPOT

Beckham - could face Spain. England coach Fabio Capello has given the clearest hint yet that David Beckham will be given the chance to equal Bobby Moore's 108-appearance record for the Three Lions in Spain next week.

Beckham is man of the moment again after confirming he wants to tear up his lucrative contract with LA Galaxy to join AC Milan on a permanent basis.

Although he has only played three matches for the Serie A giants since arriving on a short-term loan, the former England skipper has been a revelation.

Each start has brought more praise and now Milan executive director Adriano Galliani is attempting to broker a deal that would allow Beckham to remain at the San Siro, probably until the end of his amazing career.

The developments must be satisfying for Capello, who informed Beckham last autumn that he could not expect to be picked for England unless he was playing regularly, standing by his words by leaving the former Manchester United star out of the squad that overcame Germany in Berlin last November, after the MLS season had come to an end.

It was to overcome that problem Beckham came to Milan in the first place.

And, after watching the 34-year-old in action last week in a league victory over Genoa, Capello praised Beckham's form, and his decision to explore the option of remaining in Milan, words which seem certain to be followed by a place in the squad named by the England coach on Saturday evening for next week's friendly in Seville.

"I'm very happy for David (Beckham) and for AC Milan," said Capello at the LMA President's Dinner in London this evening.

"He is a media star and for this reason all the fans spoke about him in this way before he arrived; like a star not a player. But now he has played three games, and every game has been better.

"Milan want him to stay, and the fans are very happy for his style of play and the performances for the team."

If Beckham gets the cap that would see him equal Moore's record for an England outfield player, he would have the chance to break it against Slovakia at Wembley on March 28.

Meanwhile, Capello is slowly piecing his squad together to face the Euro 2008 winners, who the Italian regards as the world's number one just now.

He will be at West Ham on Sunday, where Wayne Rooney is expected to return for Manchester United after a recent hamstring injury, although he already knows Steven Gerrard will be missing with a similar problem picked up in Liverpool's FA Cup defeat at Everton last night.

"I think England will be strong in Spain, I am very confident in my team," he said.

"Spain play fantastic football. They are very quick but I enjoy this kind of challenge

NO ARSHAVIN COMPLAINT FROM VILLA

Arshavin - has joined Arsenal

Aston Villa will be making no complaint to the Premier League over the deal which saw Arsenal sign Russia playmaker Andrei Arshavin after the closure of the winter transfer window.

Villa's chief operating officer Paul Faulkner will be attending a meeting of the Premier League in London on Thursday at which the deal between the Gunners and Zenit St Petersburg is expected to be raised.

But Faulkner himself will not be raising the issue at what is a routine quarterly get together of the top-flight clubs.

Villa and Arsenal are locked in a battle for the fourth Champions League spot with Martin O'Neill's side currently holding a five-point advantage.

But the capture of Arshavin will strengthen Arsenal's hand in trying to close the gap in the final third of the campaign.

O'Neill is keeping his cards close to his chest at this stage over the Arshavin transfer - after earlier this week branding the transfer window "a waste of time".

He said: "I would have nothing to say at this minute because Paul Faulkner has told me there is a Premier League meeting on Thursday and I think some points are being raised - although not necessarily by us as Aston Villa.

"I think there is going to be clarification about the transfer window extension. Absolutely. Am I concerned by it? Listen, I'm not."

Villa defender Curtis Davies also played down the significance of the timing of the Arshavin deal.

The former West Brom player said: "The Premier League would not have allowed the Arsenal deal to happen if it wasn't all above board.

"It is a matter of hours. It is not like he signed two months down the line."

RICHARDS ARRESTED OVER ALLEGED ASSAULT

Micah Richards - arrested.
England and Manchester City footballer Micah Richards was arrested over an alleged assault outside a nightclub.

The 20-year-old defender was questioned by police yesterday after the alleged assault of a man in Hale, Greater Manchester, at around 12.30am on Christmas Eve.

Richards has been bailed until April.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: "A 20-year-old man has been arrested after an assault outside a Hale nightclub, at about 12.30am on December 24 2008.

"The man was arrested on suspicion of section 47 assault by appointment on Wednesday February 4.

"He has been bailed until April 8 pending further inquiries."

Richards, who joined Manchester City from Oldham Athletic as a 14-year-old, signed a new five-and-a-half-year contract with the club in February last year.

The alleged victim is thought to be an 18-year-old male

RICHARDS ARRESTED OVER ALLEGED ASSAULT

England and Manchester City footballer Micah Richards was arrested over an alleged assault outside a nightclub.

The 20-year-old defender was questioned by police yesterday after the alleged assault of a man in Hale, Greater Manchester, at around 12.30am on Christmas Eve.

Richards has been bailed until April.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: "A 20-year-old man has been arrested after an assault outside a Hale nightclub, at about 12.30am on December 24 2008.

"The man was arrested on suspicion of section 47 assault by appointment on Wednesday February 4.

"He has been bailed until April 8 pending further inquiries."

Richards, who joined Manchester City from Oldham Athletic as a 14-year-old, signed a new five-and-a-half-year contract with the club in February last year.

The alleged victim is thought to be an 18-year-old male

Spanish Liga BBVA

Team	P	W	D	L	F	A	Pts
Barcelona	21	18	2	1	65	15	56
Real Madrid	21	14	2	5	44	27	44
Sevilla	21	11	5	5	28	19	38
Valencia	21	11	4	6	42	32	37
Villarreal	21	9	7	5	33	29	34
Deportivo La Coruna	21	10	3	8	26	28	33
Atletico Madrid	21	9	5	7	44	33	32
Malaga	21	9	5	7	34	31	32
Athletic Bilbao	21	8	5	8	31	33	29
Racing Santander	21	7	7	7	24	25	28
Valladolid	21	8	3	10	30	32	27
Sporting Gijon	21	9	0	12	28	44	27
Getafe	21	6	7	8	31	33	25
Almeria	21	6	6	9	24	32	24
Recreativo Huelva	21	6	6	9	19	29	24
Real Betis	21	6	4	11	27	29	22
Numancia	21	6	2	13	25	43	20
Osasuna	21	3	8	10	22	30	17
Espanyol	21	3	8	10	19	34	17
Mallorca	21	4	5	12	21	39	17

Italian Serie A

Team	P	W	D	L	F	A	Pts
Inter Milan	22	15	5	2	37	16	50
AC Milan	22	13	5	4	39	22	44
Juventus	22	13	4	5	36	19	43
Genoa	22	11	7	4	32	19	40
Fiorentina	22	12	2	8	31	20	38
Roma	22	11	4	7	33	28	37
Cagliari	22	10	4	8	30	25	34
Napoli	22	10	4	8	30	25	34
Palermo	22	10	2	10	30	28	32
Lazio	22	9	4	9	32	35	31
Atalanta	22	9	3	10	27	26	30
Udinese	22	7	6	9	32	35	27
Catania	22	7	5	10	20	27	26
Siena	22	7	4	11	16	23	25
Sampdoria	22	6	6	10	20	26	24
Lecce	22	4	10	8	22	32	22
Bologna	22	5	7	10	25	36	22
Torino	22	4	6	12	22	37	18
Chievo	22	4	6	12	15	31	18
Reggina	22	3	6	13	19	40	15

EPL

Team	P	Home					Away					Pts	Goal Diff
		W	D	L	F	A	W	D	L	F	A
Man Utd	23	10	1	0	25	4	6	4	2	15	6	53	30
Liverpool	24	7	5	0	19	7	7	4	1	20	8	51	24
Chelsea	24	6	4	2	21	7	8	2	2	23	8	48	29
Aston Villa	24	5	6	1	18	12	9	0	3	20	12	48	14
Arsenal	24	7	3	2	18	11	5	4	3	20	14	43	13
Everton	24	3	5	4	15	16	7	2	3	16	12	37	3
Wigan	24	6	3	3	13	11	3	3	6	13	13	33	2
West Ham	24	6	1	5	18	16	3	5	4	13	15	33	0
Fulham	22	7	3	1	19	9	0	5	6	3	10	29	3
Man City	23	7	0	5	27	12	1	4	6	14	20	28	9
Hull	24	3	3	6	13	25	4	4	4	18	21	28	-15
Bolton	24	4	2	6	11	14	4	1	7	16	20	27	-7
Sunderland	24	4	2	6	13	15	3	4	5	12	18	27	-8
Tottenham	24	4	4	4	11	9	2	2	8	15	22	24	-5
Newcastle	24	4	5	3	19	20	1	4	7	11	20	24	-10
Portsmouth	23	4	2	5	14	18	2	4	6	9	20	24	-15
Stoke	24	6	3	3	13	11	0	3	9	8	27	24	-17
Blackburn	23	3	4	5	15	19	2	4	5	12	19	23	-11
Middlesbrough	24	3	5	4	10	15	2	2	8	8	20	22	-17
West Brom	24	5	2	5	16	21	1	2	9	6	23	22	-22

FIFA: SOUTH AFRICA ARE ON TRACK

Valcke - confident South Africa will be ready.

FIFA are optimistic that South Africa's preparation for the 2010 World Cup will be completed on time, despite having a very tight schedule.

On Monday, the country celebrated the 500-day countdown to the global showpiece with several events held nationally, including the launch of the official posters of the nine host cities.

The embassy of reigning world champions Italy as well as World Cup ambassadors Phil Masinga and Mark Fish also visited schools in Bloemfontein/Mangaung as part of the Organising Committee's (OC) schools campaign which has seen schools in all provinces adopt a participating country for the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup - a tournament that will kick-off in 140 days.

Speaking in Johannesburg, FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke expressed his confidence in the Rainbow Nation.

He said: "We have come a long way since the 15 May 2004 (when the bid was won), and a lot has been achieved so far, with impressive stadiums taking shape and so many infrastructural improvements changing the face of South Africa, as we lead up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

"We have a great deal yet to accomplish in a very short time and we are on a very tight schedule. Despite the pressure, we are confident the preparations will be completed on time."

OC chairman Irvin Khoza, added: "The hosting of the World Cup will leave a substantial legacy for our country.

"But today is a day of celebration of the substantial progress we have made. I would like to thank each and every host city for the magnificent work they are doing, in particular I would like to pay tribute to the tens of thousands of men and women around the country who are tirelessly striving to make this event a reality."

CAPELLO KEEPS TABS ON IN-FORM BECKS

Beckham - one cap to equal Bobby Moore's record.

England coach Fabio Capello will check on David Beckham's form on Wednesday night before finalising his squad to face Spain in Seville next month.

Capello has always insisted he would pick his team solely on form and Beckham could not expect to be chosen if he was not playing regularly, even though he only requires a single cap to equal Bobby Moore's record 108 appearances for an outfield player.

Consequently, Beckham was left out for England's excellent win over Germany in November.

However, a short-term loan from LA Galaxy, that AC Milan want to extend, has proved to be successful for the former skipper and Capello will be at the San Siro to check on the 33-year-old's form in the Serie A clash with Genoa.

Capello is not due to name his squad for another 10 days once he has seen Beckham in action but a positive performance, in keeping with his previous three for the Rossoneri, would almost certainly catapult him back into the Three Lions reckoning.

The England boss will be keen to have as many of his senior players on duty in Seville for what represents the last chance he will have to work with his players before they gather for the crucial April 1 World Cup qualifier with the Ukraine at Wembley, which is preceded by a friendly against Slovakia four days earlier.

It has been suggested Everton's Phil Jagielka may be included, although the return of Rio Ferdinand for Manchester United at West Brom tonight may scupper the former Sheffield United man's chances as skipper John Terry and West Ham's Matthew Upson are certain to be involved, if fit, after their excellent performances in Berlin.

TRIESMAN SEES WORLD CUP BID BATTLE

Triesman - not over-confident.

Football Association chairman Lord Triesman has played down England's status as favourites to host the 2018 World Cup after a visit by bid leaders to FIFA headquarters.

Triesman, who is also chairman of the bid, led a delegation to Zurich, including England head coach Fabio Capello, to meet FIFA president Sepp Blatter.

Afterwards Triesman said: "I am not going to start with the belief that we are favourites.

"We have to demonstrate that we can win it on merit but very often it is the toughest competition that sharpens your game the most.

"I welcome this like I would welcome the kind of match between two clubs at the top of their game."

Andy Burnham, secretary of state for culture, media and sport, also travelled to Zurich to affirm the Government's backing for the bid.

Triesman added: "It was extremely helpful to be able to confirm the Government's support for the initiative."

Capello is one of the bid vice-presidents and said it was time football "came home".

The Italian told Sky Sports News: "I think England would be a fantastic place for the World Cup.

"The stadia are okay, the people are fantastic as well so I think it needs to come back here after so many years.

"I hope this will be in 2018 because England is the place where football was born. I think England needs football to come back home."

Bidding for the 2018 World Cup will be conducted simultaneously with the 2022 tournament and candidates can bid for either or both - both winners will be announced in December 2010.

Other members of the England delegation were bid chief executive Andy Anson, ex-FA chairman Geoff Thompson, who is now a FIFA and UEFA vice-president, and England women's coach Hope Powell.

Their meeting with Blatter plus FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke and Jerome Champage, Blatter's special delegate, lasted four minutes.

Anson said: "We came to listen to what FIFA were looking for from a World Cup tournament and we had some very constructive dialogue with the FIFA president.

"What was clearly understood was the importance of a legacy that a tournament can and should provide and we will be looking to show that we can deliver what FIFA wants on all fronts."

Burnham added: "I came here today to show that the Government stands right behind the bid team. I think we got off to a good start today but we'll take nothing for granted and make no assumptions.

"As far as I am concerned, an important part of the process is not what the world can do for England with a World Cup tournament but what England can do for the world."

England face competition from Spain/Portugal, Russia, Holland/Belgium, USA, Mexico, Australia, Japan, Qatar, Korea and Indonesia.

ALL-ENGLISH LAST-16 TIE POSSIBLE

Martin O'Neill's Villa could face Tottenham.
The prospect of an all-English clash between Aston Villa and Tottenham in the UEFA Cup has been thrown up by the draw for the first knock-out round - but both clubs have to see off testing opponents from eastern Europe first.

Villa face CSKA Moscow, the only team in the group phase to win all four of their matches, in the round of 32 while Spurs have to play Shakhtar Donetsk of the Ukraine.

The draw appears to have handed Manchester City the better chance of becoming the first English side since Liverpool in 2001 to win the tournament after they were paired with FC Copenhagen.

Villa's opponents CSKA won the competition in 2005 and Villa captain Martin Laursen admits it will be a challenge to visit Russia at that time of year.

He said: "The first thought was 'it is not the best to have to travel to Russia at the end of February'.

"I've been told it is a plastic pitch but I am sure we will make the necessary preparations.

"We have no need to fear anyone. We have a good chance to beat Moscow."

Tottenham's draw is similarly uncomfortable - Shakhtar Donetsk drop down from the Champions League where they finished third in their group, but achieved decent results including victory over Barcelona in the Nou Camp.

Manchester City's task looks more straightforward but manager Mark Hughes is not taking anything for granted.

He said: "There are all tough games at this stage of the competition but they will be going into the game on the back of their mid-winter break so maybe we can take advantage of that fact.

"It's one of the tougher draws we could have had from the teams available to us, but we did what we needed to do to avoid teams like AC Milan and Valencia and that was top the group, so we're pleased with that."

Should City progress past Copenhagen they could face further Danish opposition after they were drawn to play either Aalborg or Deportivo La Coruna in the round of 16.

Holders Zenit St Petersburg will face another trip to Germany after they were drawn to play Stuttgart.

On their way to last season's title Dick Advocaat's side overcame German outfits Bayer Leverkusen, in the quarter-finals, and then Bayern Munich in the last four before beating Rangers 2-0 in the final.

In what proved a tough draw for the German sides Werder Bremen were paired against AC Milan while Wolfsburg face Paris St Germain, who booked their place last night with a 4-0 rout of FC Twente.

Martin Jol will take his Hamburg side to his homeland with a tie against NEC Nijmegen while their Dutch rivals Ajax face Fiorentina, who were beaten in the semi-finals last season.

Steve McClaren's Twente will also face a Champions League team in the form of Marseille.

The last-32 ties will be played on February 18 and 19 with the return legs on February 26, with the final of the tournament to be played at Fenerbahce's Sukru Saracoglu Stadium in Istanbul on May 20.