CHELSEA are looking to for a defender, midfielder and a striker for the new Premiership season, with Argentine Hernan Crespo unlikely to fit into their plans, new manager Jose Mourinho hinted last night.

The Portuguese press reacted with a mixture of sadness and pride at the host nation’s 1-0 defeat by Greece in last night’s Euro 2004 final.

Euro 2004 final referee Markus Merk angrily rejected claims that his 30-year acquaintance with Greece coach Otto Rehhagel could be considered by some as a conflict of interests ahead of Greece’s final showdown with Portugal at the Estadio da Luz tomorrow.

Greece coach Otto Rehhagel moved to increase the pressure on hosts Portugal ahead of the Euro 2004 final by revelling in his team’s status as underdogs.

Felipe Scolari is ready for “the most important game in his life” in tomorrow’s Euro 2004 final against Greece.

Greece coach Otto Rehhagel insisted Portugal should have no concerns that his German compatriot Markus Merk, a friend since his teenage years, is refereeing the Euro 2004 final.

Portugal made it into the final of a major tournament for the first time in their history after beating Holland 2-1 in the Euro 2004 semi-final in Lisbon.

Italian official Pierluigi Collina has refused to rule out coming to referee in the Premiership in the 2005-6 season after he has passed the retirement age of 45 for Italy’s Serie A.

Euro 2004 final referee Markus Merk has lambasted the way his fellow official Urs Meier has been treated by sections of the English press for his decision to chalk off Sol Campbell’s “goal” in the quarter-final with Portugal last Thursday.

All the latest news from Portugal…