news update

1. AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti has denied reports linking him to the vacant managerial role at Chelsea. In a statement made to Italian media, Ancelotti scotched speculation that his advisors had already sewn up a deal at Stamford Bridge, and instead pledged his future to the Rossoneri.


2. Jens Lehmann has finally left Arsenal and signed a one-year deal with German side Stuttgart. The 38-year-old finalised the move before flying to Mallorca with the Germany squad to begin their Euro 2008 preparations. Lehmann made 147 appearances for the Gunners after joining in 2003 from Borussia Dortmund. After replacing David Seaman, he won the title in his first season when he played every game of Arsenal's unbeaten league campaign. He also won the FA Cup the following season.


3. Blackburn have confirmed they have reached agreement with Manchester City over compensation for manager Mark Hughes. Hughes, who has also been linked to the vacant managerial position at Chelsea, is now expected to replace Sven-Goran Eriksson, who left City by mutual consent on Monday and was named manager of Mexico soon afterwards. He was reported by SkySports to have travelled to London to meet City officials. A figure of £5 million is thought to have been agreed on, which Blackburn will receive for the loss of both Hughes and his backroom staff.


4. Fabio Cannavaro will be out for a "few months" after tearing ankle ligaments in Italy's first training session in Austria before Euro 2008. The defender, who would have been captain for the world champions in the tournament that starts on Saturday, said he would be staying with the squad. He expected to have an operation on Wednesday following the injury sustained on Monday. "This was my last European Championship. We are footballers and these things happen," the 34-year-old Cannavaro said.


5. Former Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho has refused to rule out plundering his old club to boost his Inter Milan squad. Michael Essien, Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard have already been linked with a move to Inter now that Mourinho has been installed as their new boss. Lampard is understood to be in discussions with Chelsea about a new long-term extension to his current deal which expires next year. The England midfielder is believed to want to stay at Stamford Bridge but Chelsea will have to improve his wages if they are to keep him. Mourinho, who was officially unveiled as Inter's new boss at their training ground on Tuesday, declined to say whether he was interested in signing any of his former players at Stamford Bridge. Nevertheless, there was no hiding his esteem for the players he had at the Blues and Mourinho admitted he would be willing to buy - if Chelsea are willing to sell.


all news from eurosport.com