By DAN KARELL
Paris Saint-Germain have made plenty of big money and big exposure signings recently, and they could be preparing for a big one this summer.
Club President Nasser Al-Khelaifi spoke on Monday of his admiration for Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney, who has been subject to transfer speculation since being benched in the second-leg of United’s Champions League tie against Real Madrid.
“He is a great player, one of the best strikers in the world,” Al-Khelaifi told Sky Sports News. “I think everybody would like it to happen.”
Al-Khelaifi made clear that PSG haven’t made an offer for the 27-year-old Englishman, but the president’s comments have increased rumors about Rooney joining Beckham at the Parc des Princes next season. Rooney this season has scored 12 goals and recorded nine assists in 21 Premier League matches.
TSG HOFFENHEIM SACK MANAGER AND SPORTING DIRECTOR
With just one win in their last six matches, Hoffenheim have decided to make a change to try and save their season from relegation, firing manager Marco Kurz and sporting director Andreas Müller, and replacing them with Markus Gisdol.
Gisdol most recently was a coach at FC Schalke, but spent 2009-2011 at Hoffenheim, where he was the reserve team coach. Kurz took over the manager role at the German club in December 2012, but his overall record of two wins, two draws, and six losses was not good enough to keep him in a job.
Hoffenheim currently sit in 17th out of 18th place, five points within the drop zone, with seven matches to go.
QUICK KICKS
FC St. Pauli goalkeeper Philipp Tschauner scored a goal on Monday in injury time on a header off a corner kick to force a draw with Paderborn. (REPORT)
Inter Milan midfielder Estaban Cambiasso will only have to serve a one-match ban for his red card last Saturday against Juventus. (REPORT)
David Beckham hasn’t yet given up on international play, saying he’d welcome a call-up to the national team. (REPORT)
Aston Villa defeated Chelsea 2-0 in the NextGen Series Final. (REPORT)
San Lorenzo goalkeeper Pablo Migliore was arrested as he left the pitch on Sunday for allegedly aiding and abetting a murder suspect. (REPORT)
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What do you make of these reports? Do you see Rooney playing in Paris next season? Do you believe Gisdol can survive the drop?
Share your thoughts below.