Hey Noni Nani!

According to several sources Brescia general manager Gianluca Nani has confirmed that he will be the new sporting director of West Ham United. Speaking in a news conference this afternoon, the Italian informed the media that he would be taking up his appointment at the end of the season. He is quoted as saying: "From June I will take over my new position with West Ham. I have conducted the negotiations in person but in the full co-operation of Brescia chairman [Luigi] Corioni, who I must thank along with his family. I have learnt so much in these years with the club and for that opportunity I must thank them."

There is as yet no official word from West Ham United but it is widely expected that the club will confirm the appointment tomorrow. If true it will bring to an end a long search to fill the newly created role; one that has taken in names such as Franco Baldini, Wim Koevermans, Giovanni Trapattoni and the Brazilian Leonardo. It is believed Alan Curbishley has been fully consulted about any possible appointment and the Irons manager has reportedly already travelled to Italy to discuss possible summer transfer targets. Nani is known for his strong contacts throughout Europe and South America and one of his many duties will be to oversee transfer policy at Upton Park. Renowned for his negotiating prowess, Nani will be expected to gain a tighter fiscal control at the club than existed under Eggert Magnusson, particularly as overseeing the planned relocation to a new stadium, as well as the move to a better-equipped training facility, would also fall under the Italian's remit. Nani worked as a sporting events organiser before taking on his present role soon after he married Silvia Corioni, the daughter of Luigi Corioni, the president of Brescia.

In an otherwise slow day, the News of the World insist Alan Curbishley can always return to Charlton if he is kicked out of West Ham United. They report that a high-ranking board member has told Curbishley he would be ‘welcomed back' at The Valley at a time when current boss Alan Pardew's position is being reviewed following Charlton's struggle for a Championship play-off spot. The board are said to be upset that the team, relegated from the Premier League last season, are struggling to bounce straight back to the top flight.

The article claims Curbishley is under mounting pressure at Upton Park after a triumvirate of 4-0 league defeats (by Chelsea, Liverpool and then Tottenham) effectively ended any hopes of European qualification this season. Although the 2-1 win over Blackburn arrested the ignominious slide, Curbishley's predilection for playing just one player up front has caused public rancour with certain players- notably Dean Ashton- and frustration among many fans reared on a more progressive style of football.

Finally, a People 'exclusive' reveals Argentina stars Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano are to be quizzed by Brazilian police probing fraud claims against the ex-president of their former club Corinthians. Tevez will be seen around June 17 when he is in Brazil to play a World Cup qualifier, while lawyers for midfielder Mascherano have been in contact with police but an interview date has yet to be set. Amusingly, as if not quite grasping the journalistic concept of the 'exclusive', the origin of the story is later revealed to be Brazil newspaper Clarin. Ex-Corinthians president Alberto Dualib, 88, is the man accused of fraudulently diverting money from the signings of several players. Although Tevez and Mascherano joined Corinthians in 2005 after they signed a contract with London-based investment fund Media Sports Investments (MSI), there is no suggestion those deals are presently part of this particular investigation.