Barcelona are itching to avenge last season's 4-1 defeat away to Real Madrid when they meet in Saturday's "Clasico" at the Nou Camp, defender Rafael Marquez said.

Ajax Amsterdam coach Marco van Basten has expressed a desire to cut down his 28-man squad.

Manchester City will have to pay Gianluigi Buffon wages of £250,000-a-week to prise the world's best goalkeeper away from Juventus.

Poland may host the 2012 European Championship on its own if Ukraine does not complete its Kiev stadium on schedule, UEFA President Michel Platini was quoted as saying by Polish media on Friday.

The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has asked state prosecutors to investigate an allegation that a match in the final round of the 2006-07 Primera Liga season was fixed.

Schalke have secured the future of young defender Benedikt Howedes on a long-term contract.

Catania coach Walter Zenga has signed a one-year contract extension to remain at the club until 2010.

AC Milan must start adapting to the loss of Gennaro Gattuso's stirring midfield presence when they visit Serie A title rivals Juventus in Turin on Sunday (1930 GMT).

Bayern Munich general manager Uli Hoeness had more positive news to report after his side clinched top spot in Group F of the Champions League with a 3-2 win at Lyon.

The shock appointment of Juande Ramos to replace Bernd Schuster as Real Madrid coach on Tuesday gives this year's first Primera Liga "Clasico" between the champions and leaders Barcelona an intriguing twist.