Former Brisbane Roar midfielder Bob Malcolm has received his international clearance back to Scotland and is free it make his debut for Dundee United.

The 29-year old former Rangers man was experiencing difficulty in gaining his clearance from the Roar but is now free to take on Raith Rovers in tomorrow’s Scottish Cup quarter finals at Dens Park.

"Clearance has come through so I am able to play," said Malcolm.

"I haven't played for two months but this is a big opportunity and I'm hoping to play my part."

Former Socceroos and AC Milan goalkeeper Zeljko Kalac believes the change Sydney FC is set to make for next season is a good one.

Current goalkeeper Clint Bolton has been given permission to leave the club and duly signed a two-year deal with new club Melbourne Heart as the Sky Blues are set to secure the services of current Wellington Phoenix gloveman Liam Reddy on a three-year deal once the finals series is complete.

And Kalac, who is a big wrap for Reddy, says it is the perfect time for Sydney to make a change of this magnitude.

''For 'Boutsa' [Bolton] it's the perfect time for a change,'' said Kalac.

''He's been there for five years, and obviously last year was a difficult one because he lost his spot. But this season he's come back fighting, he's been in great form, and that's when you want to be leaving, when you're on a high.

''With Liam, they're getting a much younger [six years] keeper whom I've got a big rap on. And when you look at the difference Johnny Filan [Sydney FC goalkeeping coach] has made for 'Boutsa' this season, Liam is lucky to be coming into that environment.''

Argentine import Marcos Flores is impressing the Adelaide United hierarchy with his recent performances in the Asian Champions League.

The 24-year old attacking midfielder has been vital in both of the Reds ACL group stage wins so far and coach Aurelio Vidmar was singing his praises this week and can only see things getting better for the former Union de Santa Fe man.

“He's very good, we saw that in the first half - he's played two or three decent balls into the front third which were quite clinical," Vidmar said.

"He probably gave a bit too much time on the ball, but he's that type of player who can see a lot of different pictures and if you've got the right players making the right runs, then we're always going to be dangerous.

"So we've been pretty pleased with him, and he'll get better.

“He's probably not as match-hardened as he should be, but with a few more games he should be fine," added Vidmar.

"Probably after another two or three weeks he should be able to finish off 90 minutes.

"He was a little bit closer against Shandong, but it was a really quick tempo, so he was always going to struggle a little bit physically towards the end of the game, but we understand that and he'll get better."

Adelaide have so far taken out reigning Asian champions Pohang Steelers 1-0 and Chinese club Shandong Luneng 2-0 away in the ACL and sit at the top of Group H.

Wellington Phoenix goalkeeper Liam Reddy is hoping his chance to push for Australian selection comes soon.

The 28-year old has consistently been one of the best shot-stoppers in the A-League over the past few seasons and has only got better since his switch from the Brisbane Roar to the Phoenix but he is keen to be given an opportunity by the national team to prove he has what it takes to be selected for the World Cup squad.

''I don't know why it hasn't happened - all I want is a chance to show the coaches what I can do,'' he said.

The 28-year old also has a big-name supporter in ex-Australia and AC Milan keeper Zeljko Kalac who believes he is worthy of Socceroos selection.

''To be honest, I'm surprised he's not had a look-in with the Socceroos,'' Kalac said.

Rumours linking Reddy with a three-year deal to join Sydney FC next season have gained traction and a deals is likely to be signed once this season’s finals series are complete.

Football Federation Australia boss Ben Buckley would wish the Melbourne Victory would just play the games they are scheduled to an stop complaining.

The reigning A-League champions have a tough time of it recently, mixing their domestic finals with Asian Champions League matches but Buckley says they have to expect a tight schedule if they are going to be alive in all competitions.

''They should stop complaining about it and just play the games,'' Buckley said.

''The rules and regulations for the Asian Champions League are set well in advance, the timetable is drawn up by the Asian Football Confederation and everyone knows when the matches are.

''There are 46 leagues in the AFC and things have to be done to accommodate all those leagues and all the participating clubs. They can't make exceptions for one team.

''We already moved the first leg of the A-League major semi-final for Victory, allowing them to play Sydney on the Thursday night [February 18] so they could travel to China for their first ACL game.

''That gave them a four-day break after playing Sydney on the previous Sunday in the last game of the home and away season.

''We would have given them a five-day break but their home ground [Etihad Stadium] was not available on the Friday.

''Teams from other countries seem to be able to juggle their timetables. We know it is difficult and not ideal, but that is the situation.''

Sydney FC striker John Aloisi is still unsure of his future at the club further on than this season.
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The 34-year old has returned to some of his best form in recent weeks for the Sky Blues, who face Wellington Phoenix in the Preliminary Final tomorrow, but he has not yet made a decision regarding his playing future.

Aloisi has been closely linked with a move to incoming A-League club Melbourne Heart and double that with the fact that current Adelaide United striker Sergio van Dijk was tipped to join Sydney, it seemed almost a foregone conclusion that he would leave.

But the club’s CEO Edwin Lugt said Sydney were still happy to have the former Australia international.

“Johnny has proven in the latter half of the season to still be a great player and personality and, yes, we are talking to him about staying," Lugt said.

“We have made it clear to Johnny that it's not too late (to stay).

"He says he's not made up his mind yet (about any offers)."

The New York Red Bulls trial for Evgeniy Levchenko is over as soon as it begun.

The 32-year old former Ukraine international midfielder has reportedly returned to Saturn Moscow just days after linking up the Red Bulls in Miami.

It is not known why Levchenko left so soon but it is assumed he has returned to Russia after announcing in his Twitter page that the trial with the MLS club was over.

The start of the 2010 MLS season looks set to be delayed as the Players’ Union is ready to strike over the yet-to-be-solved collective bargaining agreement issue.

The players want their rights which includes increased salary but the league has failed to take them seriously so far and they will now go on strike, the same day as the 2010 first kick.

"Yesterday’s announcement that Major League Soccer and the MLS players union are continuing talks apparently masked a larger, more disconcerting development in the ongoing impasse between the two sides. According to comments by union representative Nick Garcia, and reiterated by ASN sources, the players will announce a strike by midnight, March 25 unless a new collective bargaining agreement is in place by then. March 24 of course being the eve of the regular season opener in Seattle,” it was reported on America Soccer News.

Canada international goalkeeper Greg Sutton has signed with New York Red Bulls.

The 32-year old former Toronto FC gloveman has been brought in as back-up for current Red Bulls number one Bouna Coundoul after impressing during pre-season trials.

“We have been impressed with Greg’s performances during his time with us in preseason,” said Red Bulls Sporting Director Erik Soler. “He is a very experienced goalkeeper and will compete for a starting role.”

Sutton has also played for Chicago Fire, Cincinnati Riverhawks, Montreal Impact and spent some time with the MetroStars (what New York used to be known as) in 2000.

Former Fulham striker Collins John and Chicago Fire have agreed to a tentative deal.

News surrounding the Liberian-born Dutchman in recent days has been mixed with reports suggesting he had initially ended his trial with the Fire before dismissing that and then considering an offer from the club.

Latest news is that the player and club have come to some sort of an agreement although nothing has yet been made official.

Bologna president Francesca Menarini insists coach Franco Colomba's job is safe.

Colomba is yet to enter new contract talks with the Bologna board.

But Francesca says: "There's no problem.

"There is no worry of dates or time limits, we're talking about it and I am sure that soon we will find an agreement."

On talk of Arrigo Sacchi joining the club, she added: "We're happy with our current sports director."

Toronto FC has brought in two new faces for pre-season trials as they head to Charleston, Nova Scotia for a week of preparation.

Adrian Cann, a 29-year old defender is one of the new faces as is Egyptian centre-half Ibrahim Said.

Cann has previously played with the Colorado Rapids, Montreal Impact, Vancouver Whitecaps and Danish Superliga outfit Esbjerg. He has represented Canada on eight occasions and was the Whitecaps’ Most Outstanding Defender in 2007.

Said is a 30-year old Egypt international with more than 50 caps to his name. He began his career in 2000 with Al Ahly and during his time there enjoyed a loan spell with English Premier League club Everton.

He has played for Al Zamalek and Ismaily in Egypt (Al Ahly’s arch rivals), Caykur Rizespor and Ankaragucu in Turkey and Al Ahly Tripoli in Libya.

Lazio remain interested in Maccabi Haifa defender Eyal Golasa.

Golasa was with Lazio for 'a day' during the winter market before deciding to return to Israel.

However, Lazio are still keen and are aware that his new contract carries an affordable £2 million buyout clause.

RKC Waalwijk midfielder Anthony Obodai is trialling with MLS club Houston Dynamo according to reports.

The 27-year old Ghanaian has spent the past three years with the Dutch Eredvisie club after joining from Sparta Rotterdam in 2007. He began his career with Dutch giants Ajax and also had a loan spell with Belgian outfit Germinal Beerschot.

It seems as though there is a bit of interest for Obodai as Kansas City Wizards have also been linked with him but head coach Peter Vermes confirmed that the Dynamo were the frontrunners for his services.

“We had some interest in him, but Houston is dealing with him at the moment,” Vermes told kansascity.com.

Luciano Spalletti is ready for his first serious game in charge of Zenit St Petersburg.

The former Roma coach is preparing for this weekend's kickoff of the Russian championship - his first game in charge in over six months.

"I have already said several times during my talks with Zenit and when I arrived in St. Petersburg I had a good feeling. And now, after working closely with the players at this time of pre-season I have a good impression of the new Zenit," said Spalletti.

"Now I feel like giving my all for the good of this team and to get as good as results possible."

Adin Brown and Ian Joy have seemingly got a path back to MLS after spending the past few season in Europe.

Former Colorado Rapids, Tampa Bay Mutiny and New England Revolution goalkeeper Brown, who was most recently with Norwegian club FK Aalesunds, is returning to full fitness after signing with USL club Portland Timbers and he wants to become the number on gloveman when they enter the top flight in 2011.

"I had surgery probably a little less than a month ago," Brown told Soccer365. "I've been out for a while and I just want to get my foot right.

"Portland is giving me the opportunity to come back 100% and compete for a spot and then be the goalkeeper next year, so that's my plan. I'm really concentrated of getting to 100% and showing them I can still play."

In Joy’s case, the 28-year old defender has played with Columbus Crew and Real Salt Lake in the USA, and he too is looking to get back into top shape and push back into MLS with a brand new franchise.

"To be honest, it was a decision made by the year I had last year," Joy told. "I had the (hamstring) injury with Real Salt Lake, basically missing seven months of the year.

"And then after doing some rehabilitation in Munich with Ingolstadt and playing a few games there, I had to take a step back, really.

"I didn't want to get into a four-year (MLS) deal with no money, so this was all that was open to me," he said. "Because of the injury, ya know, there were questions.

"The fact that they're going up next year is definitely a bonus, but I'm more concentrated on having a good year and staying healthy."

Juventus have joined the interest in Sao Paulo midfielder Hernanes.

Juve chief scout Renzo Castagnini has been in Brazil checking on transfer targets and holding talks with local clubs, including Sao Paulo.

Hernanes' form has dipped over the last six months since he was linked with Inter and AC Milan last year.

Bari are ready to open new contract talks with goalkeeper Jean Francois Gillet and midfielder Alessandro Gazzi.

Both players have less than 18 months to run on their current deals.

Bari chief Giorgio Perinetti said: "The issue of Gillet and Gazzi is absolutely uppermost in our thoughts. With both of them, we have already begun talks some time ago.

"We could not conclude due to the market in January, and for the next mini-crisis that gripped us. However, success against Chievo has put us in a quieter location. There is therefore the chance to resume dialogue as soon as possible."

Beppe Signori is being linked with a return to Lazio.

Lazio president Claudio Lotito is seeking a new director general for next season and his top target is Parma chief Pietro Leonardi.

However, former Lazio striker Signori is also under consideration. He could even be offered a role with the club's youth setup.

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti insists former club AC Milan does not an overhaul.

The Rossoneri were thrashed 4-0 by Manchester United, going out of the Champions League 7-2 on aggregate and prompting a very public autopsy of the team.

“Milan faced Manchester United, a squad of great quality who are in excellent form right now,” Chelsea boss Ancelotti told Sky Italia television.

“On top of that, they were missing important players like Alexandre Pato and Alessandro Nesta.”

He added: “I don’t believe the Rossoneri need a revolution. In fact, they are highlighting important youngsters like Luca Antonini, Pato, Thiago Silva and Ignazio Abate.

“At most they need a few adjustments.”