South American Round Up

Uruguayan Jorge Fossati has been confirmed as the new coach of Internacional. He joins the Porto Alegre based side from LDU Quito where he won the Copa Libertadores, Recopa Sudamericana and Copa Sudamericana and arrives at the Série A runners up with a proven track record. Vasco da Gama's Série B winning coach, Dorival Junior has also got a new club after replacing Vanderlei Luxemburgo at Santos. Santos are now favourites to capture Keirrison if he decides to return to Brazil.

The Adriano situation rumbles on, after being linked with West Ham United in England the rumour mill now has the Flamengo striker heading back to Italy but not to Milan. This time his preferred destination is the capital Rome where AS Roma has reportedly made an offer. More clubs are also in the frame including Milan and Bayern Munich Adriano is currently taking a break after the Série A season and according to his agent a decision will be made before Christmas.

Fluminense's Dario Conca polled 51% of the votes to be crowned Craque da Galera. The runner up, Dejan Petkovic of Flamengo polled 41% of the vote whilst Hernanes of São Paulo was a distant third with just 8 of the vote. It's a worrying sign though that the local talent in Brazil is being over shadowed by imports. Zé Roberto has stated his desire to make his move to Flamengo permanent. He is currently on loan from German club FC Schalke 04 and has now made them aware he wishes to remain in Rio and not return to Gelsenkirchen when the loan period expires.

Italian club SS Lazio are lining up a move for Botafogo defender Andre Lima. He previously played in Europe in the Bundesliga at Hertha Berlin but he doesn't have the all important EU passport which would make his passage into Italy much easier. São Paulo has told SS Lazio to up their bid for defender Andre Dias. The first offer of €1.5million has been rejected by the São Paulo president who is looking at a price more in the region of €5million.

Meanwhile in Chile, Colo Colo have been crowned as Clausura Champions after coming from a goal down to defeat Universidad Católica 4-2 in the second leg of the final after the first game finished level at 2-2. Colo Colo now join Vélez Sársfield and Deportivo Italia in Group 7 of the Copa Libertadores whilst Universidad Católica will face a to be determined Argentinean side in the qualifying round.