Pep won't sign long-term deal

Pep Guardiola says he does not want to be tied down to a long-term contract at Barcelona because he needs to feel free to decide his future.

The 40-year-old was promoted from Barcelona's B team in June 2008 to replace Frank Rijkaard at the helm of the senior side.

Since then Guardiola has extended his contract with the reigning Spanish and European champions on a year-by-year basis, with his current deal due to expire next June.

Alexis Sanchez joins Barcelona from Udinese for £23m

Alexis Sanchez is set to join Barcelona from Udinese for a fee of £23m, which could rise as high as £33m.

The Chilean winger, who will undergo a medical on Monday, has signed a five-year deal with the La Liga and Champions League holders.

Sanchez, 22, was voted Serie A's best player last season having scored 12 times in 31 games.

Sanchez, who has 40 caps for Chile, signed for Udinese in 2006 from Chilean side Cobreloa.

10 reasons why you should watch the 2011 Copa America

Showcasing the very best of South American football, the Copa America is a true festival of what has been dubbed 'The Beautiful Game'. This July, 12 teams will fight for the right to be crowned continental champions, over 28 hard-fought games finishing with the final in River Plate's legendary Estadio Monumental.

Despite the presence of some of the world's best teams, however, audiences outside of the Americas have often held a rather blasé approach to the Copa America. Of course, time differences play a big part in this; for example, Friday's opening match kicks off in La Plata at 01:50 BST, discouraging all but the most fervent fans of South American fútbol.

There have also been issues in the past with finding the games on television, and requiring cable or satellite packages to access the exciting matches on show. For those willing to burn the midnight oil and tune in though, the rewards and excitement could make the late nights more than worth it. Goal.com presents the top 10 reasons to watch this year's Copa America...

Young eyes Champions League

Ashley Young has set his sights on starring in the Champions League one day.

With Wayne Rooney suspended and Liverpool duo Steven Gerrard and Andy Carroll both missing through injury, Young looks certain to start England's Euro 2012 qualifier with Switzerland at Wembley on Saturday.

It would represent another high spot in an excellent year for Young, which has not gone unnoticed away from Villa Park. "I have never doubted my ability. There will always be people who do and everybody is entitled to their opinion. But my opinion is that I can play in the biggest and best competitions," said Young.

Messi plays down final heroics

Lionel Messi played down his magical Champions League final performance after helping Barcelona cement their status as the greatest team of their era against Manchester United at Wembley.

Messi continued his march towards the pantheon of all-time greats with a mesmeric display on the biggest club stage of them all as Barca romped to a 3-1 victory that gave them their fourth European Cup and third in six years. The Argentina star scored a stunning solo goal and was named man of the match.

Manchester United will sign Atletico Madrid's David De Gea

Spanish goalkeeper set to arrive at Old Trafford to replace Edwin van der Sar, who will retire after Saturday's Champions League final against Barcelona.

Edwin van der Sar will retire after his side’s Champions League final against Barcelona on Saturday and Ferguson, who was speaking after Gary Neville’s testimonial, revealed the 20-year-old is on his way to replace the Dutchman.

Official: Domingos Paciencia appointed new Sporting Lisbon coach

Sporting Clube de Portugal have appointed Domingos Paciencia as coach for next season, the club confirmed on Monday.

Paciencia leaves Braga after leading the club to the Europa League final which they lost to Portuguese champions Porto 1-0 last week.

A statement on Sporting's official website reads:

Van der Vaart happy to stay at Spurs

Rafael Van der Vaart insists he has no intention of leaving Tottenham this summer, despite the club's failure to qualify for the Champions League.

Spurs reached the Champions League quarter-finals where they eventually fell to Real Madrid, and looked to be on course to secure fourth place again this year, but recent results have seen them slip behind Manchester City.

Manchester City seal Campions League place

Manchester City stuttered to a 1-0 victory over Tottenham to finally secure the Champions League football they have made so publicly their desire, at Eastlands next season.

In what proved to be an excellent conservation of energy ahead of this weekend’s FA cup final against Stoke, City managed victory against Spurs despite never climbing out of second gear, in a match which saw the visitors dominate large parts of the game.

Man City v Tottenham preview

FA Cup final-bound Manchester City will be aiming to wrap up fourth place on Tuesday and prolong Tottenham's recent wobble.

City came agonisingly close to securing UEFA Champions League football last season, only for defeat in a home date with Spurs to leave them on the outside looking in.

Will Tidey - Lionel Messi unlocks the door to greatness

Despite his undisputed genius, there was still a question mark over Lionel Messi's pedigree for greatness ahead of last night's Champions League semi-final with Real Madrid.

Messi might be a twice world footballer of the year, and still only 23 years old, but was his mesmeric talent applying itself when it really mattered?

The little maestro had scored a record 50 times for Barcelona this season before he stepped on the field, but not once in six previous matches at this stage of Europe's biggest club competition.

Europe League: Benfica v Braga Preview

Benfica have spent much of this season living in the shadow of Porto, but for all their failings in the Premeira Liga know that Europa League success will just about appease their discontented support.

The Eagles secured a third successive Portuguese League Cup on Saturday, beating minnows Pacos de Ferreriera 2-1 at the Estadio Cidade de Coimbra, but the celebrations were muted to say the least.

Denilson urges Shakhtar star to sign

Arsenal midfielder Denilson has told Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Willian to snub a move to Chelsea, saying his style of play would be better suited to the Gunners.

Willian celebrates a goal against Roma in the Champions League

GettyImagesWillian celebrates a goal against Roma in the Champions League.

Miracles can happen - Redknapp

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp is confident that his players are capable of creating history by pulling off a "miraculous" comeback against Real Madrid tomorrow.

A ruthless 4-0 hammering in the Bernabeu last week left Tottenham facing a huge task to overcome Jose Mourinho's side and make the Champions League semi-finals. No team in the history of the competition has been able to overturn a four-goal margin from a first leg defeat.

Starlet Wickham all set to earn his Spurs

Spurs are close to the capture of striker Connor Wickham with Ipswich weighing up a bid of £15million.

The talented striker, who turns 18 today, is aware of the offer and has told friends he expects to leave Portman Road for north London at the end of the season.

Gareth Lowe: Are Barcelona really 'more than a club'?

Recently, more than ever before, Barcelona's claims of being "more than a club" have come under close scrutiny. A club that for over 100 years bore no sponsor on the front of their shirt, a club that donates unprecedented amounts to charity and a club that acts as a standard bearer for the region of Catalonia.

The one club who have more grounds on which to dispute those claims than anybody else, is Arsenal. If anybody has ever been given a reason to dislike Barcelona, it's the north Londoners.

Their public pursuit of captain Cesc Fabregas ruffled the feathers of the Gunners, before consecutive Champions League exits at the Camp Nou, marred with controversy despite clear Catalan dominance in both second-legs, have added to the suffering that Barcelona have caused Arsenal in recent years.

Ferguson: English clubs could rule in Europe

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson would not be surprised if English clubs dominated the Champions League again this season.

After supplying three semi-finalists for three successive seasons, the Premier League endured a miserable time last term, when all four representatives bowed out before the last four stage, but ahead of their clash with Marseille in the Stade Velodrome, the Red Devils chief is optimistic about the chances of English glory on May 28.

"I am not sure you could call it domination at the moment because we are only just into the last 16," said Ferguson.

Transfer News: Manchester United target Rodwell and Modric; Chelsea eye Neymar

Sir Alex Ferguson is intent on strengthening his squad this summer with two of the Premier League's most highly-rated midfielders in his sights.

The Manchester United boss is hopeful of signing Everton youngster Jack Rodwell, who could cost up to £20 million. The England U21 star can play in midfield and central defence and has been widely tipped as a star of the future.

Fergie is also eyeing a move for the more experienced Luka Modric, who has been superb in Tottenham's astounding rise to the Champions League.