Pod casts doubt on club future

Euro 2008 star Lukas Podolski has again hinted he could be on his way out of Bayern Munich. The striker has revealed he will consider his future at the German champions if he is not in new coach Jurgen Klinsmann's first-team plans.

Premier League sides Tottenham and Manchester City, former club Cologne and Italian giants Juventus are all reportedly interested in signing the 23-year-old.

Podolski said: "For me what matters at the moment is the Euros. And afterwards I will think about everything else. But if I can't see the possibility of playing under Jurgen Klinsmann, you have to ponder. I am not a footballer to sit on the bench."

Another player in Juve's sights is Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso. General manager Jean-Claude Blanc is confident of signing the Spaniard despite the Reds holding out for a higher transfer fee.

"It's an operation that we're taking forward and we'll compare him to other deals which could be done. We have to talk first with the club and then with the player," said Blanc.

Alonso's international team-mate David Villa has reiterated that he wishes to remain at Valencia despite mounting speculation about his future.

"I left the club to compete in Euro 2008 and, when it ends, I hope of going back to Valencia," said the in-form striker. "I never thought about leaving before [Euro 2008] and I'm not thinking about it now."

Tottenham, one of Villa's touted suitors, have nearly wrapped up a deal for Fiorentina's attacking midfielder Mario Santana, according to the Italian club.

"We've received an offer from Tottenham which we were satisfied with," said sporting director Pantaleo Corvino. "I think Santano will join up with Spurs in the next few days after having signed a three- or four-year contract," he said.

Meanwhile, the Cristiano Ronaldo saga rumbles on with Manchester United again stating their prize asset is not for sale.

A statement on their website read: "The club has moved to reiterate its stance on the matter: United are not listening to offers."

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