June 25 - Soccer news in brief from around the
world:
* Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo said he expected
Spain striker Fernando Torres to be at the club next season,
despite reported interest from other teams.
"We haven't had any offers for Torres. He's gone on holiday
and is resting, and we are expecting him to return for the
pre-season next month as planned," he said.
* Valencia said they will present Getafe's highly-rated
21-year-old centre-back Alexis as a new player on Wednesday.
Spanish media reported he would sign a six-year contract.
Valencia also confirmed Miguel Angel Ruiz will be their new
sporting director for next season, after dispensing with the
services of former player Amedeo Carboni last week.
* Bulgaria striker Valeri Bojinov wants to stay at
Fiorentina despite lucrative offers from other Serie A teams.
"I want to play for Fiorentina," the 21-year-old forward,
who was on loan at Juventus last season, told Bulgarian sports
Web site www.gong.bg. "I still have two more years left to run
on my contract and I would like to sign an extension."
* Hibernian have signed Newcastle United's Alan O'Brien on a
three-year contract. The winger made his international debut
against Bolivia in an experimental Ireland side in May.