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Mid-Day Ticker: Capello in Russia talks, Fletcher’s career in jeopardy & more

Capello (Getty)

Fabio Capello may not be unemployed much longer.

The former England manager who abruptly resigned in February, just months before he was to lead the nation at Euro 2012, met with the Russian federation Thursday to discuss the national team's coaching opening.

Capello is reportedly the front-runner to replace Dick Advocaat, who already had plans to leave Russia for PSV Eindhoven even before his side failed to advance out of the group stage at Euro.

"I can say that my father would be very interested to become Russia's coach," said Pierfilippo Capello, the 66-year-old Italian's son and agent, to the Sovietsky Sport newspaper. "He has always been a great admirer of the Russian team."

Former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is also interested in the position.

Here are some more stories to keep your Thursday going:

FLETCHER'S CAREER IN JEOPARDY

Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher may have to step away from the game because of a chronic bowel illness that has sidelined him since November, manager Alex Ferguson said.

The 28-year-old Scotsman, who has spent his entire career with United, still has not started training ahead of the English Premier League season. Ferguson said the club would find a position for him if he chooses to retire.

RODRIGUEZ POISED FOR ARGENTINA RETURN

Liverpool midfielder Maxi Rodriguez is returning to his native country to play for Newell's Old Boys, an official for the Argentine club revealed.

Although the deal is not finalized, Rodriguez seems poised to go back to the club he started his career with in 1999. The 31-year-old notched four goals and an assist in 12 EPL appearances for Liverpool last season.

VERTONGHEN TO TOTTENHAM FINALIZED

Tottenham has finalized the acquisition of center back Jan Vertonghen from Ajax after the Belgian international passed his physical. The 25-year-old, who agreed to terms over the weekend, had been tracked by Tottenham for several months.

"It went on for a long time, but I'm glad I'm a Tottenham player right now and I'm looking forward to playing for the club," he told Sky Sports.

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Is Capello the right man for the Russia job? Are you disappointed to hear about Fletcher's illness struggles? Should Liverpool try to keep Rodriguez?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

  1. Capello “He has always been a great admirer of the Russian team.” What a load of crap. He is on the plane trying to learn who the players are and the club names from Russia.

    The Cabbage is a great admirer of cash. Why would any national team hire him after he walked from England just months ahead of the Euros?

    Reply
  2. It’s pretty crappy that Fletcher’s career may come to a close. All those years of hard work is gone down the toilet if he has to abruptly end his career. It’s a messy situation for the lad.

    Yes, I know I’m an a**hole. I just couldn’t help it even though I’m a suffer from IBS!

    Reply
  3. Ibrahimavic and thiago silva both close to moving from ac Milan to PSG. 62 million euro combined transfer fees AND many ticked off Milan fans.

    Reply

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