Boruc’s not for sale

GLASGOW: Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell insisted on Sunday that goalkeeper Artur Boruc was not for sale. The Polish goalkeeper’s future has been in doubt since the arrival of countryman Lukasz Zaluska. But Lawwell warned: “Artur Boruc is not for sale. He’s the best goalkeeper in Europe and, despite speculation to the contrary, we are holding on to him. There have been no offers for him and we don’t want any. New manager Tony Mowbray was impressed by Boruc in pre-season but has nevertheless paved the way for Mark Brown to find a new club. — AFP

Chelsea eye Zlatan

LONDON: Inter Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic claimed on Sunday that Premier League giants Chelsea are set to make a £60 million ($97 million) move for him. The Swedish international said: “I am fully aware that Chelsea want to sign me and, of course, it is very flattering. They are one of the biggest teams in Europe and the Premier League is one of the best leagues in the world.” Ibrahimovic, 27, has spent the past five years with the Serie A side and has netted more than 150 league goals to date as well as 20 for his country. — AFP

Robinson in Bolton

BOLTON: Bolton confirmed they have completed the signing of West Brom defender Paul Robinson on a season-long loan with a view to a permanent transfer. The 30-year-old left-back had signed a new two-year deal with the Baggies last year but after their relegation from the Premier League felt it was time to make a move to remain in the top flight. He played 35 league matches in the Baggies’ unsuccessful fight against relegation last season. He is Megson’s second signing of the summer after Sean Davis completed his free transfer from Portsmouth on July 1. — AFP

Mexico coach banned

NEW YORK: Mexico coach Javier Aguirre was suspended on Saturday for three matches by CONCACAF’s disciplinary committee, jeopardising his status for a key World Cup qualifier against the United States. Aguirre’s ban starts with Gold Cup group match on Sunday against Guadeloupe. He could return for the July 26 final if Mexico makes it that far. But if the Mexicans do not reach the semi-finals, Aguirre’s ban would be served in 2010 World Cup South Africa quailfying and the next Mexico match is a pivotal home test against arch-rival United States on August 12. The suspension came for Aguirre’s role in starting a melee during a Gold Cup qualifier on Thursday against Panama that ended in a 1-1 draw. — AFP

Nedved says no

MILAN: Pavel Nedved will not sign for Inter Milan or join the coaching staff at former side Juventus, the Czech winger said on Sunday. The 36-year-old quit Juve at the end of last season and hinted he was retiring but champions Inter have been trying to persuade him to make a shock move to the San Siro.”I cannot wear a different jersey to Juve’s but I don’t see myself working with this particular Juve group,” he told Sunday’s Gazzetta Sportiva, which said the 2003 European player of the year could end up playing in the US. — AP

Ex-boxer found dead

SAO PAULO: Former boxing champion Arturo Gatti, whose epic trilogy with Micky Ward branded him one of the most exciting fighters of his generation, was found dead in a hotel room in the posh seaside resort of Porto de Galihnas early Saturday. Police investigator Edilson Alves said that the body of the former junior welterweight champion was discovered in his room at the tourist resort, where Gatti had arrived on Friday with his Brazilian wife Amanda and 1-year-old son. Alves said police were investigating and it was unclear how the 37-year-old Canadian died. A spokeswoman for the state public safety department said Gatti’s wife and son were unhurt. — AP