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Wednesday Football
10 October 2007
by Jerrad Peters

FIFA will employ two goal-line officials at its Club World Cup in December. The competition, held annually in Japan, includes the six continental champions in addition to a participant from the host nation. The additional pairs of eyes, in all likelihood, will remain transfixed on each goal-line in order to determine the legitimacy of disputed scores. FIFA, in unveiling the new measures in Zurich, yesterday, did not specify as to the officials' exact duties. Several of the matches will also be played using an intelligent ball -- a ball with a computer chip inside. UEFA Champions' League winners AC Milan will headline the tournament, along with Boca Juniors, New Zealand club Waitkakere, and undetermined sides from Africa, the Middle East, and Japan. The Club World Cup is the subject of minimal attention in Europe -- a fact which, surely, played a part in FIFA's decision regarding the timing of the new measures. European opinion remains split over the role of technology in football.

Arsene Wenger is keen on bringing Robert Green to Arsenal. And the feeling, by all accounts, is mutual. The 27-year-old goalkeeper, named to England's World Cup squad by Sven-Goran Eriksson in 2006, has since fallen off the international radar. For his part, Green would like a move away from West Ham in order to rejuvinate his England prospects under Steve McClaren. Arsenal may be the perfect fit. Wenger, currently riding second-string keeper Manuel Almunia, is likely to upgrade the position in the January transfer window and sees Green as the ideal acquisition. Hammers boss Alan Curbishley would part with the former Norwich keeper for about 6M-pounds.

Ricardo Izekson dos Santos Leite is widely held to be the best footballer in the world. More commonly known by his nickname Kaka, he is already pondering life after AC Milan. In an interview with Esquire this month, the 25-year-old reiterated his commitment to Milan, but left the door open for an eventual move abroad. "I'm very happy at Milan," the Brazilian told the style magazine. "And I don't expect that situation to change." He continued, "If I were ever to leave, it would have to be for a club of equal stature; and I think I would only find that in England or Spain." When asked which clubs he might consider, he remarked, "Manchester United are a wonderful side. They have so many creative players... I like Arsenal too."

Rafael Benitez is already plotting his January transfer raids. And apparently, the Liverpool boss will pursue up to four new players. Foremost among them is Amantino Mancini. The 27-year-old Roma forward is poised to leave the Stadio Olimpico after a row with manager Luciano Spalleti. And at an asking-price of 8M-pounds, he is both within Liverpool's price-range and a likely solution to the club's left-side woes. Olympique Lyonnais are also thought to be interested in the Brazilian. Paris Saint-Germain full-back Bernard Mendy is also on Benitez' radar. The 26-year-old is thought to be desperate to flee the French capital and would find a welcome host in Benitez -- who has tinkered with his full-backs since his arrival at Anfield. PSG have valued Mendy at 3M-pounds. Heerenveen striker Alfonso Alves made headlines with his seven-goal outburst at the weekend. He scored 34-goals last term to lead the Eredivisie and is thought to be a likely replacement for Peter Crouch. Finally, Monaco striker Jeremy Menez has suddenly become one of the hottest commodities in Europe. The former Sochaux play-maker is already prompting the inevitable comparisons to countryman Zinedine Zidane and could be available after Christmas for approximately 6.5M-pounds. Menez is also attracting attention for Inter Milan and Manchester United.

Paul Jewell is being tipped to succeed Peter Grant at Norwich. Grant left Carrow Road after the Canaries' 1-0 loss away to Queens Park Rangers at the weekend; and his number-two, Jim Duffy, has already spoken with Jewell regarding the succession. Jewell earned promotion with Wigan before keeping the Latics in the top flight for two seasons. He departed the JJB in the spring, leaving Chris Hutchings in his place.

Martin O'Neill is tracking Jose Bosingua. The 25-year-old Porto right-back has been a part of the Portuguese giants' undefeated start to the season -- both domestically and in the Champions' League. Aston Villa believe he could be made available for 14M-pounds.

A trio of managers came into new jobs early this week. Adrie Koster will manage Ajax until the end of the season, succeeding Henk ten Cate. Giovanni De Bissi is now at the helm at Levante, replacing Abel Resino. And Giancarlo Camolese has taken the job at Livorno, displacing Fernando Orsi.