Maldini to hang up his boots

Italian great Paolo Maldini has announced he will retire fromfootball at the end of this season.

The 39-year-old helped his side lift the FIFA World Club Cup inJapan yesterday, beating Boca Juniors 4-2.

Maldini said: "In June I will retire without any regrets."

Meanwhile, Inter Milan stretched their lead at the top of Serie Ato seven points with a 2-0 win at Cagliari.

PARTICK Thistle hope to complete the signing of Motherwelldefender Willie Kinniburgh on a permanent deal.

The 23-year-old has been on loan at Firhill since August.

FALKIRK are attempting to sign former Scotland international IanMurray on loan. The ex-Rangers and Hibs player has fallen out of thepicture at Norwich City, and Bairns boss John Hughes wants to bringthe 26-year-old back north.

WATFORD fans offered a show of support to midfielder Al Bangura,19, who is facing deportation back to Sierra Leone.

They staged a protest during the club's game against PlymouthArgyle, holding up posters on which his face appearing under thewords "He's family".

WERDER Bremen pulled level on points with Bayern Munich at thetop of the Bundesliga with a 5-2 win over Bayer Leverkusen. Bayerndrew 0-0 at Hertha Berlin.

REAL Madrid remain four points clear of Barcelona at the top ofLa Liga after a 2-0 win over Osasuna.