Manchester City sign Fernandinho from Shakhtar Donetsk

The Brazil international was unveiled at the Etihad Stadium after completing a £34 million move from the Ukrainian champions, becoming the second summer signing after Jesus Navas

Manchester City have confirmed the signing of Fernandinho from Shakhtar Donetsk on a four-year deal for a fee of £34 million (€40m).

The 28-year-old leaves Ukraine after eight successful seasons at the Donbass Arena, having won the league on six occasions as well as the Uefa Cup in 2009 and having broken into the Brazil first team with five caps to his name.
Fernandinho becomes City's second signing of the summer following the arrival of Sevilla winger Jesus Navas for a reported £21.3m (€25m), subject to the completion of a medical.

"This is a change, a challenge and a chance that I have been waiting a long time for. Playing in the Premier League for City is like a dream," the Brazilian international told the club's official website.
"My ambition here is to win all the titles, the team here is strong, and so is the greatness of the club and the supporters. Professionally this is a spectacular thing. Playing for a huge club in a huge league makes me so happy. I hope I will be able to repay City for what they have done for me.

"I know I will face challenges but I am prepared for them. Every player at a high level faces pressure and must respond and I am ready for that too. I know a lot about City. Ever since they expressed an interest in me, I have been learning more."

City remain without a manager following Roberto Mancini's sacking in early May, but are widely expected to confirm the appointment of Manuel Pellegrini next week.

Madrid never respected my son, says Higuain's father

The 25-year-old looks set to leave los Blancos at the end of the season, with Juventus among the sides interested in buying him. Jorge Higuain feels the club have let him down

Gonzalo Higuain has never been treated the way he deserves at Real Madrid, according to the player's father Jorge.

El Pipita has been at the club since 2007 but with his future now likely to be elsewhere, Higuain Snr expressed his views about his son's time at Santiago Bernabeu, including allegedly broken promises being made to the striker.

"For a year the club has promised a renewal of his contract," Jorge Higuain told AS.

"There have been meetings with Jose Mourinho and Florentino Perez, but nothing. In nine months there has never been a call, and that was the straw that broke the camel's back.

"In seven years the boy has never been protected as he deserves. He has behaved excellently but now enough is enough and he wants to leave."

With regards to his next destination, Jorge says he wants his son to join a club where he will feel loved.

He added: "Juventus and Arsenal have been in contact, and he wants to go to a team in Europe where he is a main player and is shown affection."

The former River Plate forward Higuain has scored an impressive 122 goals in 262 appearances for Madrid in all competitions.

Netherlands too strong for Indonesia

A bumper crowd of over 80,000 watched the Netherlands cut a silky swathe through Indonesia and record a convincing 3-0 friendly success in Jakarta.

The visitors blossomed following the introduction of Arjen Robben on 14 minutes but failed to make the most of their first-half superiority. That all changed 12 minutes after the restart, though, when Siem de Jong headed in Ruben Schaken's cross. The pair combined again ten minutes later with De Jong on hand to deliver the final flourish.
Robben then marked a masterly performance with a venomous third on a special day for striker Robin van Persie, who captained the Oranje for the first time. "The coach asked me on Monday if I wanted to be captain. I said yes because it is such a great honour for me," said the 29-year-old Manchester United FC player.
"It was not always an easy match. There was not a lot of air and it was really hot out there. We played in our own style, with an eye on the future, and all in all did pretty well," he added.

Keshi: All down to teamwork

Stephen Keshi has attributed yesterday’s World Cup qualifying win over Kenya to the teamwork and discipline of his players.

Ahmed Musa’s 81st-minute winner, coupled with Malawi's stalemate with Namibia in Blantyre, put Nigeria in control of Group F with eight points, two ahead of Malawi.
“I will not single out any player for praise,” Keshi said. “This is a sweet victory for us and it was only possible by teamwork. Everyone played his part and at the end; we are happy to have the three points.”

However, the Super Eagles coach noted that the team will not grow complacent as they already have their attention on their next game against Namibia.

“Our focus is now on the match against Namibia in Windhoek next Wednesday. We have to pick maximum points from that match as well, to make sure of our progress in the race, even ahead of the last matches in the group,” Keshi said.

Nigeria will depart Nairobi for Windhoek on Friday for their World Cup qualifying game against Namibia on June 12, after which they will depart for Brazil the next day for the FIFA Confederations Cup tournament.

Del Bosque to step down after World Cup 2014

The current Spain boss has announced he is looking to take on more of an ambassadorial role for the country's football federation following the tournament in Brazil


Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has declared that he will step down from his post after the 2014 World Cup.
The former Real Madrid boss led his country to glory in South Africa in 2010, and secured la Roja's second consecutive European Championships crown with last summer's triumph in Poland and Ukraine.
The 62-year-old has confirmed that next year's finals in Brazil will be his last in his current capacity, and says he would consider moving into an ambassadorial role for the Spanish Football Federation [RFEF} in future.
"My final responsibility as Spain national coach will be at the World Cup in Brazil next year," Del Bosque told Telam.
"Afterwards, maybe I will continue to work with the Spanish federation carrying out representative duties like this, travelling to different places and accepting invitations to public events."
Looking ahead to next summer's showpiece tournament, Del Bosque believes Argentina and hosts Brazil will pose the biggest threat to his side's crown.
"Argentina have a great team, from the midfield going forward, and can count on a player like Lionel Messi who can unbalance any defence," he continued.
"I have always been an admirer of Brazilian football. As hosts, they will be one of the main challengers for the trophy."
Del Bosque also believes it is too early to claim that Germany have moved to the pinnacle of European football after Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund's respective Champions League triumphs over Barcelona and Real Madrid this week.
"I do not believe that Germany is going to unseat Spain just because of these results," he said.

'Let's wait and see' - Schurrle hints at Chelsea move

The Bayer Leverkusen forward said he spoke with the newly appointed Blues boss after playing under him in a charity friendly organised by Michael Ballack in Germany

Chelsea could be edging closer in their pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen forward Andre Schurrle after the player spoke with Jose Mourinho on Wednesday.

 The German international had a chance encounter with the Blues boss during a 'World XI' v 'Ballack and friends' charity fixture in Leipzig, Germany.

Mourinho managed the World XI side in the friendly fixture, after which the Leverkusen striker added more fuel to the speculation linking him with a move to Stamford Bridge.

"Yes, we talked together. He is also my coach today, in this farewell match of Michael Ballack," commented Schurrle.

 When asked if he expected to be wearing the blue jersey of Chelsea next season, the German replied: "Let's wait, let's see what happens."

The 22-year-old has scored 23 goals in 83 appearances for Leverkusen since moving to Mainz in 2011, and has scored seven times in 24 outings for the German national team.

Chelsea are also hoping to capture Vitesse's Marco van Ginkel and Roma's Daniele De Rossi as Mourinho begins to put how own stamp on the Blues' squad.

Netherlands go fifth in Fifa ranking

The 2010 World Cup runners-up are the biggest climbers in the top 10, while Spain still top the rankings ahead of this month's Confederations Cup

 Netherlands have moved up to fifth place in the Fifa world ranking as Spain continue to lead the standings ahead of Germany, Argentina and Croatia.

There were no changes in the top four, but Louis van Gaal's men benefited from the devaluation of older matches and consequently moved up four places at the expense of Portugal (sixth), Colombia (seventh), Italy (eighth) and England (ninth), despite not playing any games themselves.

Ecuador, meanwhile, complete the top 10 as South America's third-placed team in the ranking, while 2014 World Cup hosts Brazil sit at their lowest-ever position in 22nd.

Cote d'Ivoire dropped one place and now sit 13th, but they remain the highest placed African team, ahead of Ghana (21st) and Mali (23th).

Japan, who secured qualification for next year's World Cup earlier this week, are Asia's top representative in 32nd position, followed by South Korea in 40th place.

Liverpool set to join race for €8.2 million Tevez

The Anfield club are already making contingency plans in the event that Luis Suarez leaves this summer and have added the Manchester City striker to their wish list

 Liverpool are considering an audacious swoop for Manchester City star Carlos Tevez as they continue to make plans should Luis Suarez force a move away from Anfield this summer.

Udinese frontman Luis Muriel is a prime target of the Reds' should Suarez, who spoke of his desire to leave amid interest from Spanish giants Real Madrid, force through a move away from Anfield.

 But Liverpool have long admired Tevez, have made two approaches to sign him on loan in recent seasons and are now ready to reignite their interest in the Argentine, who could be available for as little as €8.2 million.

Manchester City are ready to take a huge hit on Tevez, who cost them at least €28m back in the summer of 2009, as the 29-year-old has just one year left on his €232,000-a-week contract and could leave for nothing next year.

Reports in Italy have suggested that Juventus are in pole position to land the former West Ham forward having already agreed personal terms, while the player has opened the door for a lucrative move to big-spending Ligue 1 sides Paris Saint-Germain or Monaco.

Liverpool would not be able to match Tevez's salary but would be willing to offer him a long-term contract worth more than €117,000-a-week to lure him to Anfield.

City are yet to formally offer Tevez a new deal and, although the forward is excited by the prospect of playing under soon to be confirmed new manager Manuel Pellegrini, the club intend to sell him if he does not put pen to paper on a new contract this summer.

After they finished second in the Premier League last season, City are planning a major summer overhaul of their squad, with the arrivals of Jesus Navas and Fernandinho already confirmed from Sevilla and Shakhtar Donetsk respectively.

City’s number one target for the remainder of the transfer window is Napoli striker Edinson Cavani, with Edin Dzeko likely to leave the Etihad Stadium.

Lahm: Treble win just the beginning for Bayern

The Germany international has made it clear that there's more to come from the Bavarians after their successful 2012-13 campaign

Philipp Lahm has stressed that Bayern Munich will not rest on their laurels after winning the treble this term as they are hungry for more trophies.

The Bavarians beat Stuttgart 3-2 in the DFB-Pokal final at the weekend to complete the treble after previously clinching the Bundesliga title and the Champions League and Lahm believes that this season's successes are just the beginning.

"We are the first German team to have won the treble and that's sensational. We deserve a place in the history books," Lahm told Bild.

"I have a feeling, though, that this treble is only the beginning of a very successful era for Bayern.

"The entire situation is just perfect. We will have yet another top coach with Pep Guardiola and all the players are at a perfect age and have ongoing contracts.

"Plus we have made it to the Champions League final three times in the past four seasons and won the competition this season."

This year's Champions League victory was Lahm's first major European trophy after previously winning five Bundesliga titles and as many DFB-Pokals with Bayern.

Rooney open to summer Arsenal move

Arsene Wenger has gone public with his interest in England's talisman, with the Gunners preparing to put together a salary package that can entice the Manchester United man

Wayne Rooney will give serious consideration to a move to Arsenal this summer if they can match his salary demands.
England’s talisman is ready to sever his ties with Manchester United as he sets his sights on a new club next season. Chelsea, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are among the big-spending continental outfits who are closely monitoring Rooney’s situation but Arsenal, armed with the biggest transfer kitty in the club’s history, are regarded by insiders to be serious contenders to land the forward.
Arsene Wenger has since gone public with his interest and outlined the challenge new United manager David Moyes has in “bridging the gap” with Rooney after successfully suing him for libel in 2008.
Goal has learned that Rooney’s camp have given informal indications to Arsenal that the player would be interested in a shock summer switch to the north Londoners.
He is believed to be keen on being the marquee player in the team once again after seeing his status downgraded at Old Trafford last season, while the opportunity for a fresh challenge at an established Champions League club and playing alongside fellow England internationals Jack Wilshere, Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is also said to appeal to Rooney.
However, Arsenal will have to make Rooney the best-paid player in the club’s history to entice him to Emirates Stadium.
He has two years remaining on a United contract worth up to €240,000-a-year and will not accept a drop in salary.
Arsenal have employed a tight wage structure in recent years, with their current top earner Theo Walcott on €105,000-a-week.
However, the cash-rich north Londoners will be armed with a kitty of up to €117 million this summer and have also recently secured lucrative new sponsorship and kit manufacturing contracts with Emirates and Puma that will give Wenger more money to spend on transfers and salaries than ever before.

The Gunners paid Thierry Henry the equivalent of €234,000-a-week in 2006-07, the final season of his first spell at the club, and also upped Cesc Fabregas’ wages to €130,000-a-week to keep him at Arsenal in 2009 following sustained interest from Barcelona.

Arsenal are preparing to put together a package that, including performance-related bonuses,  image rights and signing-on fee, will match his current United deal.
Wenger, who is close to making Swansea City’s Ashley Williams his first major signing of the summer and has also made a formal move for QPR goalkeeper Julio Cesar, wants to make a statement of intent this summer by signing a world-class forward.
Arsenal’s move for Fiorentina striker Stevan Jovetic has stalled as the Serie A club hold out for a €28.5m fee, while the likes of Edin Dzeko and Bayern Munich-bound Robert Lewandowski have also been firm targets.
But Wenger is believed to be increasingly hopeful of being in a position to entice Rooney from United.
Speaking in an interview with Al-Jazeera that was screened on Monday, the Frenchman said: “Rooney could be an interesting player for everyone in the world. Who would turn him down? The challenge Moyes faces with him – the first challenge - is to go into Manchester and bridge the gap between him and Rooney.
"Is that feasible or not? That depends on the personality. Does Rooney bear a grudge or not? We will see that. You face all these challenges as a manager. It will be interesting to see how that will be handled.”
Contrary to reports that Rooney’s relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson is central to his desire to quit the club he joined in 2004, sources have told Goal that the striker is unwilling to work under former boss Moyes, who was his first manager in professional football.

Publicly, the new Premier League champions have insisted Rooney is “not for sale” but they could be hemmed into a corner if he pushes hard for a transfer as his current transfer value will quickly depreciate once he enters the final 24 months of his contract without extending it.

Florentino Perez re-elected as Real Madrid president

The 66-year-old will serve another four years as los Blancos chief after he remained unopposed for the position after the deadline for further nominations passed

Florentino Perez has been re-elected as president of Real Madrid after a meeting of the club's electoral board in the early hours of Sunday morning.

The nomination process ended on midnight on Saturday when the deadline for candidacy submissions passed without any bids to rival that of Perez.

Consequently, the 66-year-old Spaniard was automatically confirmed as president in an announcement from the Real Madrid Electoral Board, which was posted on the club's official website.

"In Madrid, on June 2, 2013, at 00:01 hours, at the headquarters of the Electoral Board of the Real Madrid Football Club, directors met in order to try and decide the matters listed below [that of the presidency]," the statement reads.

"Having no more than one bid submitted to the Board, under Article 40, paragraph E, Section 2 of the current By-Laws of the Club, Florentino Perez was proclaimed President of Real Madrid."

Perez first took the presidency in 2000 and, save for a three-year period under Ramon Calderon, has held the post ever since.

The investiture ceremony confirming Perez as los Merengues president will be held on Tuesday June 4 at 13:00 in the Royal Box at Santiago Bernabeu.

USA 4-3 Germany: Deadly Dempsey clinches seven-goal thriller

Germany ended their American tour with a thrilling 4-3 loss to the USA in Washington DC.

An early strike from Jozy Altidore and Marc-Andre ter Stegen's own goal put Jurgen Klinsmann's side into a commanding half-time lead. Heiko Westermann pulled on back just after the break, and Clint Dempsey's double  sealed the victory, despite late efforts from Max Kruse and Julian Draxler.


Celebrating the 100th anniversary of football in the country, the hosts came out with early intent, with Altidore getting an early opportunity to impress but Per Mertesacker got across to make the tackle.

The AZ man had another chance soon after, meeting Graham Zusi's right-wing cross at the near post, but sending his header wide. But soon enough, the Germans sprung into life.

After a partially cleared corner, the ball was worked into the box from the left wing. Benedikt Howedes scuffed his inital effort but it fell kindly to Mertesacker, who shrugged off DaMarcus Beasley but side-footed the ball wide when he should have done far better.

But, just as Joachim Low's men seemed to be getting a foothold in the match, disaster struck. Zusi scampered down the right once more and sent in a brilliant cross to Altidore, who broke his international scoring drought by capitalising on some slack marking before volleying home.

Fabian Johnson, a Bundesliga player, sent a shot wide before things went from bad to worse. Benedikt Howedes, under pressure from pressing attackers, sent an easy pass to Ter Stegen, who inexplicably let the ball run past him before his miscontrol sent it into the net.

After going 2-0 down, Germany went about trying to find a path into the match. Andre Schurrle came in off the right and dribbled past a host of players before finding the angle to shoot but could not get his effort on target.

Miroslav Klose thought he had pulled one back with a dainty sidefooted effort after running clear, only to see his effort correctly chalked off for offside, before Julian Draxler forced Tim Howard into a save with a volley and Lukas Podolski blasted over.

Germany came out of the blocks much faster in the second half, threatening down either flank before they finally got their goal. Max Kruse, on as a sub at half-time, went down the left and forced a corner. He stepped up to take it himself and found Westermann in the middle and the Hamburg man headed home.

But while they were more impressive going forward, they remained vulnerable at the back. Beasley had already ghosted through the whole defence and forced Ter Stegen into a save when Altidore crossed to Dempsey, who smashed the ball beyond the young keeper.

And soon enough, it looked to be all over. Dempsey turned Podolski, playing as a defensive midfielder, and bent a brilliant left-footed effort beyond Ter Stegen.

Julian Draxler forced Howard into a save with an acrobatic effort and Germany got themselves a glimmer of hope through Kruse's brilliant 20-yard strike.

And, with 10 minutes to spare, they seemed to be on the verge of something miraculous. Sidney Sam cut in from the right and shot. Howard parried his effort to Draxler, who tapped home to set up a grandstand finish.

Germany pressed and probed for an equaliser and had convincing appeals for a penalty on Nicolai Muller turned down in stoppage time but the hosts held on to record a result they deserved.

Xabi Alonso to miss Confederations Cup

The Spain midfielder has been struggling with a groin problem this term and will not be able to travel with his team-mates to Brazil, while Benat & Javi Garcia also miss out

Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso will sit out Spain's Confederations Cup campaign due to injury.
The former Liverpool star has been struggling with a groin injury of late and sat out his club's final Liga games of the season due to the knock.

And he will not recover in time to represent his country in Brazil later this month, with coach Vicente del Bosque leaving him out of his final 23-man squad along with Benat of Betis and Manchester City's Javi Garcia.

Spain squad for the Confederations Cup in full:

Name	Club
Goalkeepers:
Victor Valdes	Barcelona
Jose Manuel Reina	Liverpool
Iker Casillas	Real Madrid
Defenders:
Gerard Pique	Barcelona
Sergio Ramos	Real Madrid
Raul Albiol	Real Madrid
Cesar Azpilicueta	Chelsea
Jordi Alba	Barcelona
Alvaro Arbeloa	Real Madrid
Nacho Monreal	Arsenal
Midfielders
Andres Iniesta	Barcelona
Cesc Fabregas	Barcelona
Sergio Busquets	Barcelona
Santi Cazorla	Arsenal
Xavi	Barcelona
Javi Martinez	Bayern Munich
Attackers:
David Villa	Barcelona
Jesus Navas	Sevilla
David Silva	Manchester City
Fernando Torres	Chelsea
Pedro	Barcelona
Juan Mata	Chelsea
Roberto Soldado	Valencia

Munoz: It still makes my hair stand on end

Moises Munoz has had quite a year. Just 12 months ago the goalkeeper was in critical condition following a serious road accident, which both he and his family survived. Forced to put his career and the No1 jersey for Club America to one side during his recovery, nobody could have imagined the extraordinary turn of events that would later make the custodian one of the most important figures in the club’s history.

In the 93rd minute of the Mexican Clausura 2013 final, his side needed a goal against Cruz Azul to take the match into extra time. When a corner was awarded, Munoz charged towards the opposition penalty area and grabbed the equaliser with a diving header. Yet more drama soon followed, as the custodian saved the first effort in the ensuing penalty shootout, which was crucial in America ending a six-year championship drought.

Seize the day
"I'm well aware of how fortunate I am to be able to experience something like this after everything that's happened," said the 33-year-old, who is still trying to make sense of the roller coaster ride in recent months. "It's the biggest achievement of my career. I keep reliving the goal and the moment we won the title and it still makes my hair stand on end."

Munoz's tearful celebrations will remain as one of the enduring images of the championship triumph. "Of course I cried, I'd never cried as much before in my life," the shot-stopper said. "I remembered everything I'd been through, the accident and what I said after recovering: That I don't believe what happened was a coincidence and that I'm here for a reason, one of which was to become champion."

Having fought back from the brink personally, it is only fitting that Munoz should have inspired America's own incredible comeback. With just three minutes left on the clock, the Eagles needed two goals to take the game to extra time. Team captain Aquivaldo Mosquera scored to set them on the way, before Munoz's historic moment arrived. "When I saw they'd given a corner I didn't even think about it, I just ran forward," he recalled. "When I was half way there I turned to look at the dugout to see if they were going to stop me, but the coach was making gestures that I should keep going."

It was the start of an unforgettable sequence of events for the veteran, who donned his gloves for Morelia and Atlante before joining his present employers. "Fortunately Oswaldo Martinez saw me and decided to play the ball towards me at the back post," Munoz continued. "I've gone up to attack in the final minutes of lots of games before, but the crosses have always fallen short and were cleared by the defence, leaving me to sprint back to my goal [laughs]. It was the first time the ball actually came towards me and it couldn't have happened at a better time!"

It's the biggest achievement of my career. I keep reliving the goal and the moment we won the title and it still makes my hair stand on end.

Club America goalkeeper Moises Munoz

Humble hero
Despite having done his homework for the penalty shootout, Munoz once again let his survival instinct take over. "I went with my gut feeling," he said. "Generally I can tell where someone is going to place their spot kick from the look in their eye and I'm usually correct. I went the right way for all of them except one. I went to my right for the penalty I saved, but I felt that I should delay my dive a little bit, which helped me block it with my feet."
The keeper's heroics catapulted him into the pantheon of America greats idolised by the side's supporters. "I still can't believe it's happened. I know people will look at me differently now and I want to live up to their expectations. However, even though I was in the spotlight the whole team deserves credit, as none of us could have done this on our own. We won the championship together."

With journalists and fans alike clambering for his attention, Munoz's next appointment beckons. Before departing however, he reveals one final insight into an unforgettable occasion. "Before the penalties got underway I approached [Cruz Azul goalkeeper] Jesus Corona and I congratulated him on his performance in the match and on his fantastic form. I also told him to do his best between the sticks for the national team in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. After that I hugged him and wished him all the best for the shootout and said that whatever the result, I was just happy to be there."

culled from FIFA.COM

Ramsey calls for new signings as Arsenal target silverware

The Welsh midfielder has backed the Gunners to challenge for honours if they can add more quality to the squad

Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey has called on Arsene Wenger to recruit “quality” players this summer so the Gunners can challenge for trophies next season.

The north London club have not won any major silverware in eight years, though extended their run of consecutive Champions League qualifications to 17 after pipping rivals Tottenham to fourth spot last season.

But now Ramsey has called on Arsenal to build on their fourth-place finish by bolstering the first-team squad and aiming for the title.

"We had a difficult season but thank God we fought our way back to the Champions League," Ramsey told Goal.

"Tottenham gave us tough competition but finally we beat them on the tape for the Champions League slot.

"We must now start planning for next season and I know Arsene will beef up the squad with quality signings. That is the way to go and hopefully we will be able to challenge for top honours come next season.

"We need a trophy now and next season I have strong belief that Arsenal will not disappoint.

"We must end this long wait and win a trophy. We currently have a strong team and with a few additions I know we will deliver the top prize."

The 22-year-old has been in Kenya for the past week, jetting into the country on Saturday May 25, and has thoroughly enjoyed his time in the east African country.

"‘I have loved my stay here, enjoyed the wildlife at the Mara and the weather in Mombasa with my family," added Ramsey.

"This country has already produced exemplary international footballers and I have confidence that with initiatives like Ligi Ndogo, more talent is being nurtured for the future."

Napoli baulked at Villas-Boas' €11.7m Tottenham buyout clause

Aurelio De Laurentiis tried to convince the Spurs manager to swap London for Naples but turned his attention to Chelsea boss Rafa Benitez after learning of the huge buyout fee


A €11.7 million buyout clause in Andre Villas-Boas' contract at Tottenham ended Napoli's attempts to appoint the Portuguese as their new coach. The Serie A runners-up approached Villas-Boas last month as they sought a replacement for the outgoing Walter Mazzarri.

Impressed by Villas-Boas' achievements in his first season at Tottenham, and aware that the young coach had watched as the Premier League club failed to complete deals for his top transfer targets in both the summer and winter windows, Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis explored the possibility of bringing the 35-year-old back to Italian football.

Informed of the fee Tottenham would demand for Villas-Boas, De Laurentiis ultimately chose to pursue the cheaper option of recruiting Rafael Benitez, surplus to requirements at Chelsea at the end of a six-month spell as 'interim first-team manager'.

Benitez's appointment on a two-year contract was confirmed on Monday with Napoli's president indicating that he was prepared to invest heavily on players – including a much-improved salary package for key striker Edinson Cavani – in an attempt to take the Italian title away from Juventus.

Before settling on Chelsea's outgoing coach, De Laurentiis conceded that he had approached Villas-Boas, one of Benitez's many recent predecessors at the west London club. “Yes,” De Laurentiis told Portuguese daily Diario de Noticias. “There is a very tempting argument to hire a young coach here.”

Already embroiled in a battle to prevent Gareth Bale from succumbing to the advances of Real Madrid, this summer's managerial changes pose an additional threat to Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy. Florentino Perez is said to have included Villas-Boas on "a waiting list" of back-up candidates should Carlo Ancelotti fail to extract himself from his contract at Paris Saint-Germain to succeed Jose Mourinho at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Villas-Boas is also being monitored by Barcelona as a long-term candidate to coach the club, recently meeting with directors during a visit to the Camp Nou. He has experience of working in Serie A as one of Mourinho's assistants at Inter, and has already been bought out of a contract once in his career - in 2011 when Roman Abramovich paid €15m to take him from Porto.

According to well-placed sources, Villas-Boas has been frustrated by aspects of an impressive first season at White Hart Lane in which he led the club to its highest Premier League points total only to miss out on a Champions League qualifying place by a single point. In particular, he would like to have more control over the structure of his senior squad.