Ajax Plan Van der Sar Tribute

Ajax have announced plans to hold a testimonial for their former goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar following his retirement. The 40-year-old spent eight years in the Dutch capital between 1991 and 1999, making 311 appearances for the club. He then moved on for spells with Juventus, Fulham and finally Manchester United, playing his final match before his retirement in their 3-1 Champions League final defeat to Barcelona last weekend. Ajax confirmed on their website they will pay their own tribute to former Holland international Van der Sar with a testimonial on August 3 at the Amsterdam ArenA involving former team-mates.

No Samp Return for Macheda

Manchester United intend to retain Federico Macheda next season, according to the player's agent. Macheda, 19, was allowed to join Sampdoria on loan in January to gain more first-team experience, but he endured a disappointing return to his homeland as the club were relegated and he failed to score a single goal in his 14 appearances. There had been suggestions that Samp could attempt to take the player back on loan next season as they bid to return to Serie A but, according to agent Giovanni Bia, Sir Alex Ferguson wants him to remain at Old Trafford. "As far as I am aware, Manchester United intend to keep Macheda," he told Radio Mana Mana. "They don't want to loan him out again."

Fernandes Claims West Ham Bid

Air Asia and Team Lotus Formula One boss Tony Fernandes has confirmed on his Twitter account that he has made an offer to buy West Ham. Fernandes, 47, missed out on buying West Ham last year to current co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold, and has returned with a bid after rejecting the chance to form a partnership with the current owners.

The F1 tycoon posted on Twitter: "For all you west ham fans an offer has gone to the present owners of west ham. Let's see if they accept.'' Lifelong Hammers fan Fernandes first declared an interest in buying the club, or at least a stake in it, in November last year. On that occasion it is understood Fernandes met with then chairman Andrew Bernhardt in Kuala Lumpur, but was unable to agree a deal. Talks, however, continued behind the scenes, with Fernandes poised to take a stake in the club in January. At that time, however, Sullivan and Gold had already undertaken the due diligence process and went on to to complete a buy-out. In a strange twist, Fernandes expressed relief his purchase did not go through, but clearly now believes he is in a stronger position.

With a Twitter follower pulling Fernandes up on the fact he said not taking over at West Ham was the best thing that had ever happened to him, he replied: ''Yes, I did (say that). Because I was full on with Lotus. That has stabilised now.'' Fernandes may feel given his more suitable bargaining position, and with the club only recently relegated from the Premier League, he may be able to acquire them at a good price. For now, Fernandes intends to see what transpires, adding: ''Won't be any more statements on West Ham. Keeping fans informed. Now we have to just respect the process. If something happens it happens. If it goes quiet it goes quiet.''

However, West Ham's current owners revealed no offer had been made to them. David Sullivan said soon after: "We've had no offer. Any serious bidder would not make an offer by Twitter." And co-owner David Gold told Sky Sports News: "You would think that to buy a football club you would approach the incumbent owners. I find it quite bizarre that anybody makes any offer for a business via Twitter. "Let's hope it's serious as we would welcome another investor. It's inconceivable that somebody could begin negotiations this way. But you never know."

Berba Wants United Stay

Dimitar Berbatov insists he will stay at Manchester United despite his "embarrassment" at missing out on the Champions League final squad. Berbatov, 30, was reported to be on his way out of Old Trafford after he failed to even make the bench for Saturday's 3-1 defeat to Barcelona at Wembley.

However, Berbatov has outlined his determination to prove his worth to Sir Alex Ferguson and insists he has no intention of leaving the club. I will remain at United," he told Bulgarian daily newspaper 24 Chassa. "I will fight for my place and I will fight for title number 20. "If I was a man who gave up easily, I would never be here in the first place.

Starting July 4, everything begins all over again - my personal fight to be in the first team, and for United to win more titles." Berbatov denied that he was "angry" with Ferguson for his Champions League omission, but said he had to watch the game from the dressing room to avoid the humiliation of sitting in the stands. "To be honest, I was in the dressing room," he said. "I watched the final from there. This was embarrassing for me - that I was not included in the group. I didn't want people to see the pain in my eyes."

Carrick Out of England Squad

Michael Carrick has withdrawn from the England squad to face Switzerland on Saturday after sustaining an injury during the Champions League final. Carrick started Manchester United's 3-1 defeat to Barcelona at the weekend but was replaced by Paul Scholes on 77 minutes after sustaining a knock. It is thought to be a hip injury.

He joined up with the England camp on Monday evening but has been unable to train and, after further examination by the medical staff, he has been released from international duty to seek treatment at his club. Fabio Capello will not call up a replacement for Carrick, with Jack Wilshere, Scott Parker and Frank Lampard expected to start the Euro 2012 qualifier at Wembley. Jermain Defoe and David Stockdale have already withdrawn from the squad, with the latter replaced by Robert Green.

Young and Downing Keen on UCL

Ashley Young has outlined his desire to play in the Champions League as he prepares to hold talks with Aston Villa over his future. Young, 25, is out of contract in 2012 and has been strongly linked with a move to Liverpool or Manchester United. He is currently on international duty with England and is not prepared to make any decisions before Saturday's Euro 2012 qualifier against Switzerland at Wembley, but he has stressed that he is eager to play at the top level.

"I've always said I'm going to talk to the chairman and the manager after this game," he said. "I've always said the same thing. I have given 100% in every game I have played for Villa and I'll continue to do that. I'm away with England now and my focus is fully on England-Switzerland. "We know it is going to be a massive game but it is always nice to have speculation."

On Saturday's Champions League final, he said: "As a kid, you always want to play in the biggest competitions. I am no different. I did find myself sat there thinking: 'I wish I was out there.'" He added: "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. "I always want to challenge myself. To challenge myself is to play in them big competitions - hopefully one day I will be able to do that."

Stewart Downing has also been linked with a summer move after admitting he is at a "major crossroads" in his career, and he too has talked up the importance of Champions League football. "You can see a lot of players are mentally strong," Downing said. "If you are in these type of competitions like the Champions League, you are used to winning. You can see the determination they have."

Owen Agrees New Man Utd Deal

Michael Owen has been awarded a new one-year deal by Manchester United, which will see him stay at the club until 2012. Owen, who was on the bench for the Champions League final ahead of top-scorer Dimitar Berbatov, had started just 15 of his 48 United appearances, but claimed last week that he wanted to stay at the club.

Now, the 31-year-old has been offered new terms that will keep United's attacking options strong ahead of next season. "I'm delighted to have agreed a one-year extension to my contract,'' Owen told the Man Utd website. ''To play alongside so many great players, under an exceptional manager, and in front of so many incredibly passionate supporters, is a real inspiration. I can't wait for next season to start."

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson added: "Michael has proved to be a top footballer. It's unfortunate Michael didn't get more opportunities but the form of Chicharito put everyone in the shade and his partnership with Rooney proved invaluable. I am delighted Michael is staying for a further year and we will look to give him more opportunities in the new season."