The Sports Matrix: Tuesday 22 May 2012

Capello interested in Liverpool role but AVB cautious

The former England manager Fabio Capello would be interested in the managerial vacancy at Liverpool, but he is waiting to hear from the club's American owners.

Fenway Sports Group has already contacted Andre Villas-Boas, pictured below, and Roberto Martinez, suggesting that they are higher up the list of potential candidates. But with FSG still contacting possible replacements for Kenny Dalglish, the chance of Capello being called cannot be ruled out.

Capello, who resigned as England manager in February, is more positive than other coaches linked to the job, after the Ajax manager, Frank de Boer, turned it down. Capello is looking for a project and is open to working for a club outside of the Champions League.

Villas-Boas, the bookmakers' favourite, has said that he is "still choosing the right project," and the former Chelsea manager is thought to be cautious about taking the job. MORE

Cook and Bell see England home

England took a 1-0 lead in their Test series against West Indies yesterday, winning at Lord's by five wickets. A 132-stand between Alastair Cook and Ian Bell rescued England after losing two early wickets. The squad is unchanged for the second Test. MORE

Strauss praises 'outstanding' pair

England captain Andrew Strauss hailed match-winning batsmen Ian Bell and Alastair Cook yesterday. "It was an outstanding performance to see us home," he said. "They played in a professional and classy manner and in the end it wasn't that difficult." MORE

Chelsea accept Drogba departure

Chelsea understand that Ivorian striker Didier Drogba will leave this summer after eight years in west London. Drogba's deal expires next month and Chelsea are unwilling to offer him the two-year deal that he wants. Shanghai is a likely destination. MORE

Fabregas: Chelsea's name was on cup

Cesc Fabregas said destiny was on Chelsea's side in their Champions League win: "People say they did not deserve it but when it's your year, it's your year. Chelsea had some luck but all teams that win it needed that, you can only congratulate them." MORE

Nadal prepares for Paris with title

Rafael Nadal warmed up for the French Open yesterday by beating Novak Djokovic 7-5, 6-3 in the final of the Rome Masters. Nadal reclaimed the world No 2 ranking and will compete for his seventh French Open title in eight years from Sunday. MORE

Leicester relaxed about Flood injury

England fly-half Toby Flood did not train yesterday ahead of Leicester's Premiership final against Harlequins this weekend. Flood has an ankle joint problem but Leicester director of rugby Richard Cockerill said he was "about" to resume work. MORE

QPR keep Dyer for next season

Kieron Dyer has signed a new contract at Queen's Park Rangers, despite only playing seven minutes this season. Mark Hughes' attempts to improve QPR next year have also included offers being made to Clint Hill, Radek Cerny and Akos Buzsaky. MORE

City still keen on Hazard despite talk

Manchester City are still hopeful of signing the Belgium midfielder Eden Hazard. There is a suspicion that Chelsea's interest in the Lille player has been inflated to secure a better deal, as City have become frustrated by the negotiating tactics of the 21-year-old. MORE

Opinion: James Lawton

Fernando Torres says he wants clarification on his role at Chelsea. But he was bought to score goals, and ideally enough to justify his record fee. A goal-scorer who does not score is like a sheriff who does not shoot. MORE