Football in brief: Di Canio aiming to borrow players

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Paolo di Canio hopes to use his contacts to bring players to Swindon Town, the manager of whom he was confirmed as yesterday. "I know that Harry Redknapp would be willing to help me out with players," he said, "and I have spoken positively to the chairman at Milan about lending up-and-coming youth."

The Italian is delighted to return to English football having enjoyed playing in the Premier League so much. "I played in this country for several years, it is my second home," he said. "I love England. I love the life. It was important for me to choose the right place, and this is it."

Injured Dunne out of Republic of Ireland squad

Richard Dunne has pulled out of the Republic of Ireland squad for their four end-of-season fixtures. The Aston Villa defender has reported shoulder and Achilles problems, and due to his suspension for Ireland's one competitive game against Macedonia on 4 June, coach Giovanni Trapattoni decided against calling him up.

"It is better to stay at home," he said of the 31-year-old. "I think it will be better next season when we start again." Celtic striker Anthony Stokes is also absent, after he pulled out due to tiredness. Trapattoni described the decision as "unbelievable". The Republic play Northern Ireland tonight in the Nations Cup and Scotland on Sunday. Darron Gibson and Shane Long are also unavailable due to continued club commitments.

O'Hara wants to stay at Molineux

Jamie O'Hara wants to make permanent his move from Tottenham to Wolves after helping the Midlands club avoid relegation from the Premier League.

O'Hara has enjoyed a successful loan spell at Molineux and scored in Sunday's 3-2 defeat by Blackburn.

He is keen to stay and revealed a fee has been agreed between the clubs but is waiting to hear from Wolves manager Mick McCarthy that he has a long-term future at the club.

O'Hara said: "I think they've got a week to decide what they want to do. I want to stay. Hopefully the gaffer will want me to stay."

Aguero’s exit talk puts suitors on alert

Sergio Aguero has publicly stated his desire to leave Atletico Madrid this summer. The Argentina striker posted a statement on his website last night saying he felt he needed a move to continue his development. “I said long ago that when I wanted to go, I would say so publicly. And the time has come,” he said. “So I keep to my word and here I am. I find it hard to leave Atletico. It hurts and saddens me.”

Atletico suffered a disappointing season as they finished seventh in La Liga. Real Madrid, Juventus, Liverpool and Manchester City have all been linked with the son-in-law of Diego Maradona.