In-form Barnetta to decide Bayern future

Bayer Leverkusen winger Tranquillo Barnetta will make a decision on his future this week, according to sporting director Rudi Voller.

The Switzerland international is in demand after a scintillating display in which he laid on a trio of assists for club team-mate Eren Derdiyok in the Swiss’ 5-3 friendly humiliation of Euro 2012 contenders Germany on Saturday.

And the attacker could leave on a free transfer in July when his contract expires, forcing Voller to come out and clarify the situation.

“To me, Barnetta was the man of the match (of Switerland’s victory over Germany) hands down. He’s one of our most valuable assets,” he told Sports Bild when quizzed on the topic.

“The door is open for him to stay. You can expect a decision this week.”

Barnetta has already turned down two contract offers from the club, and while he has declared his desire to stay, time is running out for the two parties to come to an agreement, given reported interest from the English Premier League.

The 27-year-old has spent eight years with the Bundesliga side, chalking up nearly 200 league appearances and earning over 50 caps for his national team.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/in-form-barnetta-to-decide-bayern-future/95548/

Genoa dismiss Palacio reports World Soccer Shop

Genoa sporting director Stefano Capozucca has brushed aside rumours that a deal with Inter Milan has been agreed for Rodrigo Palacio.

Palacio: Linked with Inter Milan

Reports in Italy claim Inter have agreed an 11million euro deal, while Roma are also believed to the running to acquire the Argentinian forward.

But Capozucca told calciomercato.it. "He is a player that is not only monitored by Inter and Roma. Palacio asked to be transferred. In order for a transfer to be completed, you need three parties to work in the same direction: the buyer, the seller and the player. We are not ruling anything out.

"There are young interesting players at Roma that could interest us but they could also interest other clubs. We will wait a little bit.

"It's the [Genoa] president Enrico Preziosi that will make the decision and he will announce his choice in the coming days."

Palacio, 30, came close to joining Inter last summer but Genoa turned down all bids for the former Boca Juniors player. The South American, who scored 19 goals in 32 league games last season, is under contract with the Grifoni for a further two years.

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/16909/genoa_dismiss_palacio_reports

India look to Koevermans

Ireland’s International High Performance Director Wim Koevermans is set to take charge of India.

The All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) Executive Committee are expected to meet next month to approve the appointment.

The move follows the decision to give technical director Rob Baan the power to look out for Savio Medeira’s replacement following India’s disappointing performance at the Challenge Cup.

Baan, who saw India lose all their matches and fail to score a goal, had recommended Koevermans for the top job.

The 51-year-old made one appearance for the Netherlands and was part of the Euro 1988 winning squad under Rinus Michels but did not play.

As a player, he represented his hometown club FC Vlaardingen, Fortuna Sittard and Groningen.

Koevermans coached Eredivisie side NEC in the 1996-97 season, winning a desperate relegation fight.

But at MVV Maastricht he was less fortunate as they lost their promotion/relegation play-off after finishing 16th in the league.

He failed to guide them back to Eredivisie in the 2000-01 season as they were 13th.

Koevermans served as the youth coach for the Netherlands senior team between 2002 to 2008 and he currently also looks after the Ireland Under-21 side on a temporary basis.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/india-look-to-koevermans/95067/