SCHOLES DOUBTFUL FOR BIG KICK-OFF

Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes could miss the start of the season after the club confirmed he would undergo an exploratory knee operation which could keep him out for up to a month.

Scholes picked up a knock to his knee during his side's pre-season tour to Asia and headed home to Manchester five days early while his team-mates ran in six unanswered goals against Shenzhen.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson told MUTV: "Paul fell on his knee in the last game. We've sent him home for arthroscopy to see what kind of damage there is.

"We don't think it's serious but it could keep him out for three weeks or a month."

Speaking about the match, which saw a debut goal from summer signing Nani as well as strikes from Ryan Giggs, Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo, Ferguson said: "It was a good performance in spells and the humidity was quite high.

"Some of the goals were very good.

"We wanted to use as many players as we can and it was an exercise to get everyone fit. They have all had their share and it's been good for us that way.

"In our first game (of the tour) there was a bit of rustiness but in the last two games we haven't looked like conceding."

United defender Wes Brown hailed his side's efforts after the performance.

Paul Scholes' injury - and early return to Manchester - overshadowed the result, England international Brown believed the scoreline bodes well for the coming season.

"It was a good game and six goals is good in pre-season," he told MUTV.

"We have a good squad now. It was a good test but we played well to a good tempo and in the end they couldn't handle us."

Looking ahead to the coming season, Brown said: "For myself I want to play as many games as possible and when I do play to play well.

"I hope as a team we can win trophies again.

"We have a good squad now. Nani played well and fitted in fine on his first game.

"It's good for the whole season for the squad and shows what a player he is. We need players who can come on and change the game.

"The signings have done well, obviously Owen (Hargreaves) and Anderson are still to come in, but they have fitted in well."

Taken from =football365=

SOUTHGATE CLOSING IN ON YOUNG

Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate is closing in on his fourth summer signing after Luke Young headed for Teesside on Monday.

The 28-year-old Charlton full-back travelled north to undergo a medical and discuss personal terms, after the two clubs agreed a £2.5million fee over the weekend.

Southgate is desperate to recruit an experienced right-back after releasing both Abel Xavier and Stuart Parnaby at the end of last season, and England international Young certainly fits the bill.

He has made little secret of his desire to return to the Premier League following Charlton's relegation, and Addicks boss Alan Pardew always knew he would struggle to hold onto the former Tottenham player.

Should Young pass his medical and agree a move to the Riverside Stadium, he would join Jonathan Woodgate, Jeremie Aliadiere and Tuncay Sanli as summer recruits with Southgate building a new-look squad.

Speaking after his side's 1-1 friendly draw at Burnley at the weekend, the manager said: "We have agreed everything with Charlton. It's just a case of meeting the player, showing him around and convincing him that Boro is the right move for him.

"Luke is the type who could do well for us. He is very comfortable on the ball but he is strong defensively.

"He's an English international with lots of experience, and right-back is a position where we are short."

Harlow-born Young, who moved to The Valley in a £3million switch from Spurs in July 2001, has made 208 appearances for the club and scored four goals.

He would join youngster Andrew Davies, a converted centre-half, in competition for the right-back spot.

Southgate will look to tie up the deal as soon as possible with the start of the new Barclays Premier League season less than three weeks away.

Boro have friendlies at neighbours Darlington tomorrow night, Hibernian on Saturday and Carlisle next Tuesday evening before AZ Alkmaar visit the Riverside on August 4.

They have already faced Schalke and Hertha Berlin during their pre-season trip to Austria.

Brazilian midfielder Fabio Rochemback was sent off by Austrian referee Fritz Stuchlick after a clash with Hertha's Pal Dardai, who also received a straight red card.

Boro had to wait to see if the official included the incident in his report, and have now confirmed he did, meaning Rochemback will serve a three-match ban when the season gets under way.

The South American will be sidelined for the opening game against Blackburn at the Riverside followed by trips to Wigan and Fulham, and will not be available to Southgate until derby rivals Newcastle head for Teesside on Sunday, August 26

Taken from =football365=

GERRARD CONFIDENT OVER BENITEZ SIGNINGS

Skipper Steven Gerrard is confident Rafael Benitez's summer spending spree will see Liverpool mount a concerted title challenge this season.

Backed by the funds of new owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett, Benitez has spent a considerable amount of money in bringing Spain striker Fernando Torres, Dutch starlet Ryan Babel and West Ham midfielder Yossi Benayoun to Anfield over the summer in a bid to bridge the gap to Manchester United and Chelsea.

The Reds have trailed the Premier League's top two by some distance in the previous two campaigns and while Gerrard was not naive enough to predict the Merseyside club would end their 18-year wait for England's top prize by the end of the season, the 27-year-old does not expect a repeat of the last campaign when they finished 21 points behind champions United.

"I'm really pleased with the standard of players the manager has brought in," said Gerrard.

"I think he has brought in quality players, big name players who can help.

"I think it would be stupid of me to sit here and make promises to the supporters that we're going to do this and we're going to do that but what I can say is we'll have a right good go and work hard.

"We don't feel as if we're too far away from the other big clubs in the league and we feel if the current players dig in a bit and work a bit harder we can get involved in the title race.

"Playing for Liverpool Football Club, it's all about winning trophies and this summer's no different.

"The squad has improved, the manager has been backed with good money and he's spent it well and now it's time for the players to deliver. The Premier League, that's the one. That's our main priority."

Liverpool's new signings will be in action when they face Hong Kong side South China on Tuesday night as the Barclays Asia Trophy gets under way and Torres in particular will be crucial to Liverpool's title aspirations for the coming season.

The 23-year-old arrives from Atletico Madrid with a big reputation and will need to adapt to the more physical nature of the Premier League better than compatriot Fernando Morientes did during his ill-fated Anfield spell.

However, Gerrard is in no doubt Benitez has captured a world-class player who has the potential to become a Kop idol.

"I think I knew how good he was before we signed him," he added.

"I watch a lot of Spanish football and he played well at the World Cup but what's impressed me that he's not come in as a star name.

"He's come to work hard and the players are excited to have him alongside us. He's the kind of player we need and hopefully he'll be our big name that scores a lot of goals for us.

"I think he's coming into a really good team with players who will help him settle in, quality players who'll set up goals for him.

"I can't see him having any problems settling in and achieving what he wants to achieve."

United in particular have spent big in an effort to retain their crown but with an influx of foreign investors to the Premier League, this summer has seen plenty of other clubs strengthen their ranks.

And while the Red Devils and Chelsea may have had it all their own way in recent times, Gerrard believes this season will prove to be more competitive than ever.

"It's going to be a difficult title race," he said.

"Like us, Chelsea are upset losing the title to Manchester United, Arsenal's young players are more experienced so I'm sure they'll want a better go than last year and sides below us are strengthening as well so it'll be a tough title race this year. I think more teams will get involved."

Gerrard also praised Gillette and Hicks for delivering on the promises they made before taking control of the club.

"It's a really exciting time for the club," he said.

"We have new owners in charge and they've put the money on the table.

"They said they'd sort the new stadium out, give new contracts to current players and strengthen the squad and that's what they've done."

One of those players was Steve Finnan after the Republic of Ireland full-back agreed a new three-year contract to extend his stay at Anfield.

Taken from =football365=

LJUNGBERG JOINS WEST HAM

West Ham have completed the signing of Arsenal midfielder Freddie Ljungberg.

The Sweden international, 30, had been the Gunners' longest serving player after costing Arsene Wenger's side £3million in 1998 from Halmstads.

Ljungberg joins long time team-mate and star striker Thierry Henry, who signed for Barcelona in June, in leaving the club this summer.

The midfielder played 325 times for Arsenal, scoring 72 goals, but lost his grip on a starting spot last season.

He now joins Julien Faubert, Scott Parker, Craig Bellamy and Richard Wright in moving to Upton Park since the Hammers' dramatic last-day survival last season.

Ljungberg said he left Arsenal because he felt like "it was the end" for the club as he knew it following Henry's move.

"Two years ago when I signed my last contract we talked a lot about the future and about bringing great players to the club. Despite building the new stadium we wanted to stay top in England and do well in Europe.

"For me that didn't really happen.

"I stayed because I wanted to stay loyal to Arsenal. But when Henry left this summer it felt like the end for me unfortunately.

"I felt like all the unbeaten players (from Arsenal's 'invincibles' of 2003/04) had left. I wanted to be loyal but I felt like it was the right time.

But Ljungberg also insisted there were positive reasons behind his decision and insisted he shared owner Eggert Magnusson's vision.

"I'm coming here because I want to build a great team.

"And why I want to join is because of Magnusson. He wants to bring them forward to be top of the country.

"He's willing to go to the transfer market to buy top players and mix them with youth players. West Ham have a great academy.

"He wants to help take the club up and take them to the top in England. It's a big challenge for me."

Ljungberg claimed it had been a real wrench to leave Arsenal and that manager Arsene Wenger had tried to convince him to stay.

"I've been there for nine years, almost 10 years," he said.

"It's a big thing for and I feel it in my heart a little bit.

"When I spoke to the boss, he wanted me to stay.

"But at the same time, I feel it had to be something very, very special for me to leave.

"I want to go forward and, with the people I have around me, I think it's going to be really good."

Hammers boss Alan Curbishley believes Ljungberg was lured after seeing the other moves the club have made in the transfer market this summer.

"We spoke to Freddie over the last week and we tried to sell him the club and what we're about," Curbishley said.

"He's seen players come in a and push us forward."

As for Ljungberg's own qualities, Curbishley added: "He brings a few things, Champions League experience, captain of Sweden, he's versatile.

"There's a hunger there. He wants to come and push West Ham on and be partly responsible for that.

"He's joining another terrific club and that's the way he's got to see it.

"He understands the passion of the club and the passion of the fans and I'm sure he'll be a big hit here."

Magnusson was also asked about developments in the Carlos Tevez transfer saga, with FIFA today deciding whether they can arbitrate in the dispute over his proposed move to Manchester United.

"There is nothing I've heard today," the chairman said.

"FIFA have to decide if they have jurisdiction over the matter and I hope so.

"The sooner for everybody, the better."

Taken from =football365=

IRON SHOCK KEANE`S BLACK CATS

Big-spending Sunderland were stunned 1-0 by Championship new-boys Scunthorpe at Glanford Park in a pre-season friendly.

New £5million striker Michael Chopra started for the Black Cats, as did fellow recent arrival Dickson Etuhu, but Kieran Richardson did not feature for Roy Keane's men.

Scunthorpe took the lead in only the second minute when Nyron Nosworthy's poor attempted pass ricocheted off an opponent and dropped at the feet of Martin Paterson, who fired past Darren Ward.

And while Sunderland went close through Greg Halford and Daryl Murphy, the Iron held on for a morale-boosting victory.

A late goal from Sweden midfielder Kim Kallstrom was enough to condemn Bolton to a 1-0 defeat in their Peace Cup final clash with French champions Lyon in South Korea.

Winger Hatem Ben Arfa created the goal in the 85th minute with a driving run before laying off for Kallstrom to fire under Jussi Jaaskelainen at the near post.

New signings Gavin McCann and Jlloyd Samuel started for Sammy Lee's side but Lyon dominated the opening period.

Bolton improved but Lyon created the bulk of the chances, and Jaaskelainen had to be at his best to keep out Milan Baros before Kallstrom struck.

Strikers Robbie Keane and Dimitar Berbatov found the net as Tottenham defeated Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 in their opening Vodacom Challenge match in Durban, South Africa.

New signing Younes Kaboul had already left the field injured before Keane's flicked finish over the goalkeeper from close range gave Spurs the lead with five minutes of the first half remaining.

The Chiefs responded soon after the interval when former Charlton striker Shaun Bartlett headed home well, but Bulgarian Berbatov made sure of the win just after the hour mark thanks to good work from Darren Bent.

Back on home soil, a late goal from Nolberto Solano saved Newcastle's blushes as they drew 1-1 at Carlisle.

David Rozehnal, Joey Barton and Geremi all featured in a strong Magpies team but Danny Livesey put the Cumbrians in front on 56 minutes.

But in the final minute Solano collected the ball from a flick-on and crashed past Kieran Westwood to level.

Rolando Bianchi scored twice as Manchester City rounded off their tour of Sweden with a comfortable 4-0 hammering of Carlstad United.

The £8.8million Italian set up his countryman and strike partner Bernardo Corradi to round the goalkeeper and open the scoring after five minutes and doubled the lead himself with 20 minutes on the clock.

Sven-Goran Eriksson's men wasted little time in making it three after the break as Bianchi swept home for his third in two games.

Kasper Schmeichel had to save a penalty after Micah Richards' handball before Marc Laird struck a fourth from the edge of the box.

James Morrison struck a second-half equaliser as Middlesbrough claimed a 1-1 draw at Burnley.

New Boro signings Jeremie Aliadiere and Tuncay were in the starting line-up for the visitors at Turf Moor, while former Crystal Palace goalkeeper Gabor Kiraly was between the sticks for the Clarets.

In awful conditions, the Championship hosts went in front on 43 minutes when Michael Duff headed on a Joey Gudjonsson cross for former Sunderland striker Andy Gray to flick home from six yards.

However, the Teessiders were back on level terms on 54 minutes. Good work from Yakubu and Fabio Rochemback presented a chance for substitute Morrison, who rounded Kiraly and scored from 10 yards.

Pedro Moutinho's strike cancelled out Lee McCulloch's early opener as Falkirk held Rangers to a 1-1 draw in the Alex Totten testimonial.

Moutinho struck four minutes into the second half after McCulloch had fired the visitors into the lead with little more than 20 seconds gone.

Gers boss Walter Smith was dealt a further blow when midfielder Kevin Thomson was stretchered off after 30 minutes feeling nauseous and dizzy as a result of an ear infection.

Rangers target Steven Naismith scored what could prove to be his last goal for Kilmarnock as they drew 2-2 against First Division Dundee.

The newly-capped Scotland striker grabbed Killie's second goal but Jim Jefferies' side remain without a pre-season win after three games against lower-league opposition.

Paul di Giacomo fired the visitors in front from the penalty spot midway through the first half at Dens Park, but Dundee were soon level as Derek Lyle blasted an equaliser beyond Alan Combe.

Naismith's moment arrived when he took advantage of sloppy Dundee defending to lash the ball beyond Craig Samson, but it was not to be a winner as the home side got the equaliser they deserved with around 20 minutes remaining as David O'Brien squeezed the ball home.

Inverness clinched a third pre-season friendly victory in five days by beating hosts Keith 5-1.

Barry Wilson put the visitors ahead in the testimonial for Keith favourite Darren Still, firing home from a free-kick, before former Gillingham striker Dean McDonald and John Rankin each scored twice.

Mark McGhee had to settle for a 1-1 draw against Millwall, one of his former teams, on his home debut as Motherwell manager.

Ross McCormack put Well ahead just before half-time in their pre-season friendly against Millwall, but the visitors equalised late in the second half with a strike from Dave Brammer.

The sides made 11 second-half substitutions between them as McGhee and Millwall counterpart Willie Donachie experimented ahead of the new season.

Gretna made the most of unexpected home advantage to beat Coca-Cola League Two outfit Darlington 2-0 at Raydale Park.

The match was moved from the Darlington Arena as the English club feared for their newly-laid pitch following a poor weather forecast.

Clydesdale Bank Premier League newcomers Gretna should have taken the lead early on but Kenny Deuchar fired over the bar after Allan Jenkins won the hosts a penalty.

The opening goal arrived after 60 minutes when two of manager Davie Irons' summer signings unlocked the Darlington defence - Paul Murray delivering the pass for Uruguayan Fabian Yantorno to convert decisively.

Danny Grainger's deflected free-kick killed off Darlington's hopes of a draw, after the Quakers had tested Gretna's trialist goalkeeper Vito Mannone several times in the second half.

Southampton defender Darren Powell faces being banned for the start of the Coca-Cola Championship season after being sent off in their 2-1 win at Bournemouth.

Powell was dismissed for violent conduct after reacting angrily to a tackle by Philip Mulryne and the referee confirmed he would include the incident in his match report to the FA.

All the goals came in the second half, Southampton winning courtesy of strikes from Kenwyne Jones and Bradley Wright-Phillips.

Sheffield Wednesday were also forced to play most of the final game of their tour of Holland with 10 men after Chris Brunt was sent off against FC Groningen.

Brunt saw red for a late challenge but Marcus Tudgay's late equaliser rescued a 1-1 draw for the Owls, who maintained their unbeaten pre-season run.

Watford ran out easy winners in their second pre-season friendly of the summer with a 3-0 victory at non-league Boreham Wood.

Tamas Priskin, Marlon King and substitute Hameur Bouazza all found the net for Adrian Boothroyd's men.

Crystal Palace survived a Barnet fightback to win 3-2 at Underhill while Cardiff celebrated the acquisition of Robbie Fowler with a 2-0 success at Yeovil, Warren Feeney and Steve MacLean with the goals.

Coventry were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw at Northampton, Leon Best's opener cancelled out by Andy Kirk.

It was a similar story for Hull, who were held 2-2 at Stockport despite twice leading through Nick Barmby and Ian Ashbee.

Plymouth ran out 2-1 winners at Cambridge, David Norris and Sylvain Ebanks-Blake sealing a narrow victory for Ian Holloway's men.

Elsewhere, Nottingham Forest lost 1-0 at Chesterfield, Huddersfield crushed Bridlington Town 6-1, Gillingham beat Dover 4-1, Tranmere won 3-1 at Marine, Bradford beat North Ferriby 2-0, Doncaster won a 4-3 thriller at York, Brighton played out a goalless draw at Billericay, and Luton ran out 4-1 winners against Algarde on their final pre-season game in Norway.

Dagenham & Redbridge won 2-0 at Clevedon, Wrexham drew 1-1 at Colwyn Bay, Grimsby lost 2-0 at Farsley, as did Darlington at Gretna and Rochdale at Southport.

Taken from =football365=

GILL DISMISSES DEBT CONCERNS

Manchester United chief executive David Gill is adamant the Red Devils are in good shape even though they had a plan to refinance their massive debts earlier this year.

Experts acting on behalf of the Glazer family looked into the possibility of restructuring borrowings which are believed to be in the region of £660million, in order to reduce an eye-bulging annual interest payment of £62million.

The move was thwarted when the cost of borrowing rose, forcing United to stick with their present financial structures.

However, Gill was keen to point out that the move was instigated purely because of advantageous conditions in the debt market at that time rather than any urgent need for financial flexibility.

Opponents of the Glazer regime have consistently attacked the Americans for landing United in so much debt and have repeated challenged the owners to outline exactly how they intend to make the payments.

However, United are currently enjoying a huge uplift in revenue, due partly to the club's renewed on-field success under Sir Alex Ferguson but also because of increased sponsorship, including a four-year shirt deal with banking giant AIG worth £56.5million.

In addition, a new TV deal comes into force this season, which saw a 67% increase on domestic rights alone.

Little wonder therefore that Gill is so bullish about United's current position.

"There is no issue whatsoever," he argued.

"The financial structure we have in place at the moment is a long-term structure.

"Given where the debt market was two or three months ago, we looked at the opportunity of improving those financial structures to get the costs down a bit more.

"There was some turbulence in the debt market which meant the refinancing has not gone through. But I stress, it was an opportunity as opposed to having a requirement to do it.

"The club is in good shape financially this year and 2007 will see significant increases in revenue and profits."

Taken from =football365=

FERGIE EXPECTS HEINZE FOR PRE-SEASON

Sir Alex Ferguson has left want-away defender Gabriel Heinze in no doubt that he is expected back at Manchester United for pre-season training in a fortnight.

Heinze is currently on a short break following the completion of Argentina's Copa America campaign, but his Old Trafford future is in serious doubt as rumours of a move to bitter rivals Liverpool refuse to subside.

United rejected a near-£7million bid for the 29-year-old World Cup star on Monday, with Ferguson stating clearly Heinze would not be allowed to join the Anfield outfit under any circumstances.

The stance has been backed by chief executive David Gill, who claimed that under the Glazers' ownership United have no financial need to be forced into a deal as they might if the club had remained on the Stock Exchange.

However, the row took a further twist on Friday when it was suggested Heinze may sue United as his agent apparently has a letter from his present club confirming the former Paris St Germain player would be allowed to leave if a club reached the Old Trafford's valuation, as Liverpool have apparently done.

The threat has cut little ice with Ferguson, who has been hugely critical of Heinze's agent, who he believes has been trying to get him out of the club for the past 18 months.

Real Madrid and Inter Milan have also expressed an interest in Heinze. But, while he has yet to have a one-to-one discussion with the player, who proved in his first days at Old Trafford he was his own man by joining up with Argentina's successful Olympic squad in 2004, Ferguson expects him back at United's Carrington training complex very soon.

"I do not need to discuss anything with him," said Ferguson.

"I expect him back in training in about two weeks' time.

"He is currently on holiday after the Copa America, which is natural because he needs a rest, just the same as every other player.

"Meanwhile, we are trying to steer our way through the minefield because his it is his agents' mark behind what is happening at the moment.

"They have been pretty difficult people to deal with."

Taken from =football365=

CITY LINKED WITH PETROV SWOOP

Manchester City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson has reportedly beaten off competition from Tottenham to sign Atletico Madrid winger Martin Petrov.

Spurs have apparently been tracking the Bulgaria international all summer but Eriksson has made Petrov a target - and the former England boss is now on the verge of landing the 28-year-old, according to the Daily Mirror.

Atletico paid Wolfsburg £8million for Petrov in 2005 and the Spanish side are likely to want a similar fee from City, who are armed with a hefty transfer warchest following Thaksin Shinawatra's takeover.

Petrov has made 43 appearances since moving to La Liga, scoring twice.

Taken from =football365=

BAINES SNUBS NEW DEAL - REPORT

Sunderland may have moved a step closer to signing Leighton Baines after the left-back reportedly rejected a new improved contract at Wigan.

The Black Cats have already seen three bids knocked back for the defender but Roy Keane has refused to drop his interest in the 22-year-old.

And he is likely to return with a new bid after Baines rejected Latics' contract offer, according to The Sun.

The England Under-21 international has two years left on his current deal at the JJB Stadium and he is said to be unwilling to commit his long-term future to the Lancashire side.

Chris Hutchings is desperate to keep hold of his prized asset but will be wary of letting a player rated at £6million enter the final year of his contract.

Sunderland have spent £16million over the summer but Keane has made strengthening his defence a priority after Danny Simpson and Jonny Evans returned to parent club Manchester United.

Taken from =football365=

MONDAY MEETING IN TEVEZ SAGA

The Carlos Tevez transfer saga appears a step closer to being resolved after FIFA agreed to meet representatives of the Premier League and Football Association on Monday.

And Sir Alex Ferguson is hoping Manchester United are eventually given the green light to sign the Argentine as he has revealed he has no back-up plan.

Ferguson's efforts to lure Tevez to Old Trafford have ground to a halt amid a deluge of legal arguments over who owns the player's registration.

The Argentina striker's advisor Kia Joorabchian last week accused West Ham of saying one thing in private and another in public in their stance on the Tevez ownership issue, something the Upton Park club strenously deny.

With the Premier League sticking to their position that West Ham own the player after they tore up the third-party agreement with Joorabchian which landed them in so much trouble, the Tevez camp asked for FIFA to step in.

And members of FIFA, the FA and the Premier League will now convene in Zurich on Monday to decide whether it is "appropriate" for the world game's governing body to arbitrate in the dispute between Tevez and the Hammers.

A Premier League spokesman said: "The Premier League and the FA will be meeting to discuss whether it's appropriate for FIFA to arbitrate on the dispute between Tevez and West Ham."

"West Ham contend that they have a four-year contract with the player and the player's representatives contend that it's a one-year contract with escape clauses."

United remain totally convinced FIFA will eventually rule in Joorabchian's favour, an outcome which would cause the Premier League huge embarrassment.

However, the Old Trafford club also know there is a chance the verdict would go the other way, effectively blocking their bid to sign Tevez before the August 31 transfer deadline.

Such a decision would leave Ferguson having to decide whether to keep Alan Smith and Giuseppe Rossi or enter the transfer market again.

The Red Devils chief said last week he had already seen a bid for an un-named forward rejected earlier in the summer. And he currently does not have an alternative should the Tevez move break down.

"I am confident Carlos Tevez will sign and I am happy to wait until clearance comes along," he said.

"If it become obvious the situation wasn't going to turn our way we would have to reconsider our plans. But I have nothing as a fall-back position at this moment in time."

There has been a suggestion from FIFA that, as yet, no paperwork has been received from any source with regard to the Tevez affair.

With the time factor so important given United would have to wait until January to sign Tevez should a deal not be pushed through by the end of next month, that is something of a surprise, especially as club lawyer Maurice Watkins remained in Manchester rather than embarking on the club's Far East tour.

However, chief executive David Gill moved quickly to calm fears nothing was being done.

"It is a complicated matter being worked on by all the parties involved and we hope for a positive resolution in the course of the next few weeks," he said.

"We are in discussions with the FA and FIFA on the matter. It is moving to the appropriate body."

taken from =football365=

BROWN ADAMANT HE`S STAYING

Wes Brown wants a life sentence at Manchester United.

The England international has been the subject of intense speculation this summer, with many pundits predicting he would finally call time on his Old Trafford career.

Those suggestions have proved wide of the mark, with Brown once again set to play a major role in Sir Alex Ferguson's squad this season, even though he would almost certainly miss out should the United boss have his entire first-choice defence available.

With skipper Gary Neville sidelined with a foot problem, Brown spent the end of last season filling in at right-back, while he would be the automatic replacement should either Rio Ferdinand or Nemanja Vidic fall victim to the injury curse.

While it is not a role the Manchester-born player is entirely satisfied with, it is one he is happy to accept if it means he is to become a Premier League champion again, as he was for the fourth time in May.

"I love playing for United and talk of me leaving this summer was rubbish," the 27-year-old said.

"I have never thought of going anywhere else because it would be a step down. Having that kind of conversation with the manager is something I just dread.

"There is always competition for places here. We have brought in some more new faces and the team is looking young and good. It will be great to be involved this season."

After ending a four-year title drought last term, it was expected Ferguson would start the new campaign focusing on righting a few Champions League wrongs.

It is a constant source of bewilderment to the Old Trafford boss that United have not conquered Europe more often.

But, while Ferguson is bound to make a repeat of his 1999 Champions League triumph a major target in his remaining years as manager, Brown insists the number one priority for United this season is to consolidate their domestic supremacy.

"We want to be number one in the Premier League," he said.

"Last year we did well in the Champions League but now it has got to the stage where we have a big squad and we need to do even better.

"The squad looks more capable than last season. That is the great thing about it. Everyone is looking around knowing we have a tremendous squad. If we do get injuries there are plenty of people capable of filling in."

Taken from =football365=

HUGHES GUARDS AGAINST COMPLACENCY

Mark Hughes is adamant there will be no chance of his Blackburn team taking their foot off the gas against Lithuanian outfit Vilnius Vetra in the Intertoto Cup.

Rovers travel east for their third-round first-leg on Sunday where they will come up against a Vetra side currently sitting sixth in the Lithuanian League.

Vetra led Legia Warsaw 2-0 in the first leg of the previous round only for the game to be abandoned due to rioting by the Polish fans which subsequently saw Legia thrown out.

Hughes will not underestimate the quality of Vetra and thinks the fact that their league season is at its midway point will also be a factor.

Hughes said: "We've had them watched and they're a nice footballing side who try to get the ball down and play.

"They caused Legia Warsaw a few problems because they were 2-0 up when the game was abandoned so they're no mugs.

"It's not easy going to these places. You have to approach it in the right way and get the job done but if we approach it right, which I fully expect us to do, then we're more than capable of going through.

"We're can't afford to write them off because they're right in the middle of their season.

"They've played 18 games whereas we've played two, so we'll be mindful of that.

"Even in pre-season games, if a team has had a couple more games there can be a marked difference, so we're aware that maybe match-fitness-wise, they'll be up to speed whereas we're not quite there at the moment."

Despite talking up his opponents, Hughes expects to be returning home on Sunday with an advantage to take into the second leg on July 28.

Hughes added: "They'll be organised, fully professional and they're in the middle of their season so it won't be easy, but I think we've got the strength and the ability in our side to be able to overcome them.

"We're looking to win the game. We don't particularly want to concede and if we can get an away goal under our belts that will make our task a lot easier.

"The important thing is not to get beaten and to make sure we're in a position to win the second leg, which we fully expect to."

Meanwhile, Hughes expects Francis Jeffers to stay and fight for his place after a move to Championship club Ipswich broke down last week.

The 26-year-old joined Rovers on a two-year deal last summer but had a spell on loan with the Tractor Boys after failing to make an impression on Hughes' first-team.

He made just three Premiership starts last term and, despite adding Maceo Rigters this summer, Hughes is still looking for another striker.

But Hughes does not want Jeffers to go out on loan again, hinting he would only consider a permanent deal as a resolution to the situation.

He continued: "He's still part of our plans but it's just going to be a little bit more difficult for Franny to break through.

"But he's here and he's our player and I won't be looking to send him out on loan, he'll be here and trying to get in the side."

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UNITED EYEING AFRICAN TOUR

Manchester United chief executive David Gill revealed the club may embark on a pre-season trip to Africa at some stage in the future and admitted a tour of Asia this summer made more sense commercially than a tour of the United States.

The Red Devils have been bowled over by the fanatical reaction of supporters on their Far East tour - before, during and after their game against FC Seoul in the South Korean capital yesterday in particular - and Gill intimated that Africa was now in their thoughts for a future pre-season campaign.

United took part in the Vodacom Challenge against South African sides Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs last summer and Gill feels there is potential for the club to increase their fan base on the continent.

"Africa is an interesting one. There's a great following for the Premier League in Africa and, as more African players come to the Premier League, you can see that getting greater," he said.

"Apparently the reception Rio Ferdinand got in Uganda (where he is planning to open a football academy) this summer was incredible. He sent me a text when he was there saying 'Mr Gill, we've got to come to Uganda'. Maybe we will."

In the meantime United are halfway through a four-match Asian tour with two games in China to come over the next week and even Gill has been surprised by the level of support the Barclays Premier League champions have received.

"You travel and you see all the coverage and the amazing support we have. Chelsea have been having a great time in America, which is fine. We do what's right for us.

"We're comfortable with the opportunities with our history, our ground, our heritage, the way we play. Those are key assets.

"We had a good tour in America in 2003. Clearly there were a few issues in 2004, when we didn't have a full squad there. I'm sure we will go to America again, whether that's at the end of the season or a pre-season.

"Obviously, with having American owners, it makes sense to go there at some stage. But they wouldn't insist that we go there.

"They would look at it from a team perspective, a commercial perspective and an overall club perspective. Looking at all those issues, it made sense for us to come here."

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HUGHES BACKING FOR BENTLEY

Blackburn manager Mark Hughes is hoping England's management do not hold David Bentley's late withdrawal from the squad for the European Under-21 Championships against him in the season to come.

The 22-year-old midfielder pulled out of the summer tournament because he feared he would suffer from fatigue in the 2007-08 campaign, which for Rovers begins on Sunday with an Intertoto Cup clash away to Lithuanian side Vilnius Vetra.

Under-21 boss Stuart Pearce was unhappy with Bentley's decision, which left the squad a player light, but Hughes does not feel it should affect the former Arsenal man's chances of a senior England call-up in the future.

"I was disappointed with the reaction of the management of England in questioning his decision and whether or not it has placed a question mark over him at senior level," he told the Daily Mirror.

"We told them if he had a break it would benefit not just ourselves, but the England group as well.

"If he becomes an option for senior selection, like he did last season, then I hope people don't hold it against him. He'll play as well as last year, if not even better, and he's already looking sharper."

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BRUCE `SURPRISE` AT MIDO DEAL

Birmingham manager Steve Bruce has revealed the chance to sign Mido on a permanent deal from Tottenham came as "a bit of a surprise".

The Blues confirmed yesterday they had agreed a £6million fee for the Egyptian striker with Spurs, while reports today suggest Mido's compatriot and club-mate Hossam Ghaly is also to join City in a £3million deal.

Former Roma striker Mido would be City's seventh permanent signing of the summer if he agrees personal terms and passes a medical at St Andrews, but Bruce revealed the initial intention was to bring the player in on loan.

He told the Daily Mail: "We started off negotiating a loan. Then I was told we could buy Mido and Ghaly too. It was a bit of a surprise.

"Our board have realised, as well as I have, that you must be competitive in this current market. So we've made a big investment and I'm absolutely delighted."

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SOUTHGATE KEEN TO KEEP YAK

Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate insists Ayegbeni Yakubu remains part of his plans despite continued speculation over striker's future.

The Nigerian is being strongly linked with a £12million move to Manchester City, with former club Portsmouth also potential suitors, following reports the 24-year-old is unsettled on Teesside.

Yakubu scored 16 goals for Boro last season, adding to his 19 from the previous campaign, but failed to strike after February and lost his place to Lee Dong-Gook for the final two games.

The player insisted he was happy at Boro when asked about his future last month, only to add that "anything is possible" if a big club was to make a major bid for his services.

But he has reported back for pre-season training - and ended his goal drought with a penalty in their 1-1 draw with Hertha Berlin in Austria on Tuesday - and is Boro's main striking option despite the arrivals of Tuncay Sanli and Jeremie Aliadiere.

"Yakubu is still part of my plans, absolutely," said former England international Southgate.

"He has been with us in Austria and worked very hard with everybody else.

"I read the speculation the same as everybody else but we have had no contact from any other club.

"Whether people are trying to unsettle the player I don't know, but he seems very happy to be back with us having reported back from Nigeria and we are looking to him as being a big part of our team."

Southgate remains keen to bolster his squad with the right players ahead of Boro's Premier League opener with Blackburn on August 11, and after signing Sanli, Aliadiere and Jonathan Woodgate, is now chasing the signature of Charlton's Luke Young.

Boro have agreed a fee of £2.5million for the 28-year-old and the England international - who can play at left-back or centre-half - will join the club if he passes a medical and agrees personal terms.

But Southgate may not be finished yet, with Manchester United striker Alan Smith a possible target.

Southgate added: "We are still looking to improve the squad.

"We've brought in three quality players this summer and I'm very relaxed about things.

"There are other targets that we are looking to get and I'm sure that come the start of the season we will have strengthened the side even more."

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PARK LONGS FOR RETURN

Frustrated spectator Park Ji-sung is desperate to put his injury nightmare behind him and ensure he helps Manchester United achieve big things on the pitch as well as off it.

The South Korean star was restricted to a place on the bench on Friday as United defeated K-League outfit FC Seoul 4-0 in the second game of their Far East tour.

Park was desperate to be involved but knows he will be sidelined until January after suffering cruciate ligament damage at the end of last season.

So, while the 25-year-old realises his presence at Old Trafford is one of the major factors in United's phenomenal popularity in Korea, he wants to make more of an impact in the chase for honours.

"I wasn't able to do as much for the team as I would have liked last season because of injuries," he told www.manutd.kr.

"This time when I'm back from injury I hope to stay fit and play more games.

"I hope the team can be successful again - we won the title but weren't able to win the Champions League and the FA Cup so I'd like to win them. Really, I just want to win as many trophies as possible."

Park's presence on the United bench last night was greeted with unbridled enthusiasm from a 64,000 crowd, whose devotion to the Red Devils cause appears to be on a par with any supporter hailing from Stretford or Salford.

All the goals, from Cristiano Ronaldo, Chris Eagles, Wayne Rooney and Patrice Evra, brought massive cheers from all corners of the stadium, further enhancing the reputation of Korean fans.

A veteran of five Far East visits in his two-decade stint as United boss, this was nevertheless Sir Alex Ferguson's first visit to Seoul.

Yet he assured a country which boasts an incredible 750,000 United visa card holders, the Red Devils will be back.

"This is Manchester United's first visit to Korea - and I am sure we will be coming back," he said.

"The reception we have received here has been absolutely excellent. Everything about the trip has been first class.

"I used to think when we went to Thailand it was almost impossible because we had thousands inside and outside the hotel all night. We have experienced the same thing here.

"It doesn't surprise me. It is just one of these phenomenons we can create in certain parts of the world."

It is a phenomenon that has no chance of abating as long as Park remains a United player. The departure of the team bus an hour after the final whistle was greeted with the kind of noise which used to be reserved for Beatles concerts.

The reaction may present United's commercial team with a problem given the club had earmarked the United States as a destination for their next major, non-tournament-year tour.

While chasing the American dollar has its attractions, even with David Beckham now based in Los Angeles, it is difficult to see how any football club can make as deep an impact on the US-sports psyche as United have on the affluent Asian market.

"We consider ourselves a major global brand," said Ferguson.

"The club is prepared to travel anywhere to promote its image and the game.

"Even North Korea would not be a problem for us, should the right conditions apply.

"I understand from a survey that was carried out recently that we have an enormous number of fans in Vietnam, so maybe that is somewhere that we might look to visit in the future.

"It just seems like the whole of the Far East has a lot of respect and affection for our club and we have to serve that as best we can."

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HUGHES EYES FLYING START

Blackburn boss Mark Hughes believes his side's European campaign will enable Rovers to overcome their tendency to start slowly in the Premier League.

Rovers are in Intertoto Cup action on Sunday when they travel to Lithuania to face Vilnius Vetra but Hughes thinks the early start will help his side hit the ground running domestically.

Hughes took over at Ewood Park in September 2004 with Rovers battling against relegation and they only pulled away to relative safety in March 2005.

The year after they managed just one win in their first six league matches, while it took them six games to record a first victory last term and they only won one in seven after that.

Hughes thinks early competitive action will give his men an edge when they line up against Middlesbrough on August 11.

He said: "I think it's a good thing. We're of the view that it could possibly help us come the start of the Premier League.

"Playing competitive games in the pre-season period, you'd like to think would bring you on for the games in earnest when they start.

"In fairness, we haven't had a decent start for a number of seasons now and it's taken us a long while to get back into the top half after the starts we've had.

"So this year we're hopeful that the competitive games in pre-season will help us come the start of the Premier League games."

Rovers have only had two friendlies, a 2-1 win over Wrexham and a 2-1 defeat to Arminia Bielefeld but Hughes is pleased with the shape of his squad.

He continued: "The games we've had have been good ones, two decent standard games that have brought us on so we get to improve again."

Hughes has been pleased with the progress made by new signing striker Maceo Rigters since the Dutchman's arrival at the start of the month.

The 23-year-old joined for an undisclosed fee from NAC Breda after winning the golden boot playing for Holland in this summer's Under-21 European Championship.

Hughes added: "I'm pleased that we've been able to bring an exceptional young player into the club.

"He's a very confident animal, he's had a great summer with his country and scored a lot of goals.

"We were aware of him but his performances in the tournament brought him to the attention of a lot more so we were delighted to be able to bring him here.

"I think he understands that he's here to become a better player and he's enjoyed the work.

"He plays with a smile on his face, he's strong in possession and he's got good power and pace and he's a good addition."

Full-back Stephen Warnock (hamstring) is Hughes' only fresh injury concern for the game in Vilnius.

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ALLARDYCE SET TO STEP UP SEARCH

Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce is determined to make up to four more signings before the start of the new Barclays Premier League season.

The 52-year-old has endured a frustrating two weeks in the transfer market after the flurry of activity which landed him Mark Viduka, Joey Barton, David Rozehnal and Geremi.

His pursuit of the top-class defenders he wants to strengthen his squad appears to have gone cold and he is ready to leave pre-season training in the hands of his staff as he attempts to get his men.

Allardyce said: "Unfortunately, everything this week progressed to a certain level and has fallen on stony ground and I haven't been able to pursue something to the full conclusion of actually bringing him in for a medical to try to finish off a transfer.

"It has been an incredibly frustrating two weeks. It takes up a vast amount of my time because it is the most important thing for me to strengthen the squad we have at the moment, and particularly the defensive area.

"I'm building a very good backroom staff now and it's increasing by the week.

"I can delegate to them to carry on with the players the huge amount of training and conditioning they need to get ready for the start of the season, and be with them when I can.

"But really the main focus is to strengthen the squad as early as possible, and hopefully by August 11 we will have done that by three or four players."

Allardyce and his players headed for Carlisle on Saturday without injured striker Michael Owen, who has a minor thigh problem, but with Geremi and James Milner included in the squad.

The game could give £2.89million signing Rozehnal another chance to acquaint himself with English football after his debut at Hartlepool in midweek.

The 27-year-old Czech Republic international won honours with both Bruges and Paris St Germain, and is determined to help the Magpies end their 38-year wait for a trophy.

Rozehnal said: "I have already won some trophies with Bruges and Paris St Germain, and that is a nice time for the players and the supporters, and it's the best for the people who work for the team.

"I hope we will do our best and move on this season and try to win something."

Rozehnal has had to get used to different cultures in both Belgium and France since leaving his native country, but has quickly settled into life on Tyneside.

He said: "It should be a little bit easier for us because my wife and I speak English.

"That will help because when we moved to Belgium, they spoke just Flemish, then in France, nobody spoke English, which was a disaster for me.

"My wife learnt French in four months, but for me, it was a little bit of a problem.

"But I feel really good here. We have already found a house and my wife is pregnant and we have already found a doctor and all the important things for living here, so I am really happy."

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HEINZE TO HEAD FOR COURTS?

Gabriel Heinze's representatives could take to the courts to force through the defender's move from Manchester United to Liverpool, according to a report.

The Liverpool Echo claims the Argentina international's legal team are bullish over their chances of forcing the transfer at a hearing if United remain steadfast in their refusal to let the player join their most bitter rivals.

In recent days it has emerged that the player has a letter signed by United chief executive David Gill claiming he would be free to leave if a £6million bid was received - a figure Rafael Benitez's Reds are thought to have matched.

It is not clear if the 29-year-old has a formal get-out clause in his contract.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson appeared to rule out a move to Anfield when he said: "I can assure you, Liverpool will not be getting Gabriel Heinze.

"We can put that to bed right now and we have done so. We have had a couple offers for him and we have turned them down."

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BORO AGREE YOUNG FEE WITH ADDICKS

Middlesbrough have agreed a fee of £2.5million with Charlton for defender Luke Young.

The 28-year-old defender has yet to have a medical at the Riverside and must still agree personal terms but he looks set to leave The Valley after more than 200 appearance for the Addicks.

If he does depart, he will follow Dennis Rommedahl out of the exit door after the Danish winger joined Ajax for a fee of £680,000.

Young joined the Addicks for £4million in 2000, but has been given permission by manager Alan Pardew to pursue his hopes of a return to the top flight following Charlton's relegation.

Pardew tried to buy Young when he was in charge of West Ham but has already bought the man he believes can be the former club captain's long-term successor - Yassin Moutaouakil.

Moutaoukil signed for Athletic from French side Chateauroux last month for around £400,000 and will be expected to take over from Young next season if his move to Boro is completed.

Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate, meanwhile, is hoping to add the defender to his squad after focusing on his forward line for much of the summer.

The Teessiders have already signed strikers Tuncay Sanli and Jeremie Aliadiere since the end of last season.

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MOURINHO LAUDS `PERFECT` BLUES

Jose Mourinho has signalled an end to the internal disputes that have dogged Chelsea over the last year by claiming "everything is perfect".

Mourinho buried the hatchet with Roman Abramovich during clear-the-air talks with the Blues owner and Russian billionaire in London last week.

Earlier this month the Portuguese had also warned new director of football Avram Grant not to interfere with his job, hinting at another possible flashpoint at Stamford Bridge.

But he has now declared Chelsea are united as they turn their minds to reclaiming the Barclays Premier League crown surrendered to Manchester United last season.

"I'm happy with the club and happy with the structure. I'm happy with the support and communication and my players are fantastic," he told the club's official website.

"I don't want to communicate with people outside my club. I don't want to because I don't need to send messages to my club through the press.

"The communication at this moment is fantastic. In my club, everything is perfect. Me and the people outside, I simply just don't care. I'm not interested."

Mourinho, who is preparing Chelsea for the last match of their pre-season tour to America against LA Galaxy on Saturday, is convinced he will bring more silverware to Stamford Bridge.

"I'm optimistic. I won trophies in the last five years of my career, so not occasionally. This happens for some reason, and I think we're going in the same direction," he said.

"We always have two big competitions, the Premiership and Champions League. The cups in England are very important too."

England midfielder Joe Cole, who spent long spells of last season in the treatment room with knee and foot injuries, believes Chelsea's big names must perform if United are to be deposed.

Cole insists the blistering form of Portuguese winger Cristiano Ronaldo was the key to United's success last term and hopes some of his Blues team-mates step up to the plate in similar fashion.

"Our rivals have strengthened but so have we. I don't think it's going to be who spends the most money who wins the league. That has never been the case," he said.

"It's always been who has the fighting spirit, togetherness and which of the big players had the better season.

"Cristiano Ronaldo had a good season last year and was the main reason United won the league.

"This year we need two or three important players in attack to come up with the goods and that's what we'll be trying to do."

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TOFFEES CAPTURE PIENAAR

Everton made their second signing of the summer by securing the services of South Africa midfielder Steven Pienaar on a 12-month loan deal from Borussia Dortmund, subject to a work permit.

Pienaar, 25, moved to the Bundesliga from Ajax in 2006 and has made 25 appearances for the club.

He will follow £4million midfielder Phil Jagielka in moving to Goodison Park should his work permit be approved.

Everton intend to remain prudent in the transfer market in a summer of big spending.

Chief executive Keith Wyness, like manager David Moyes, is concerned at the high fees that are being paid by some clubs this summer.

Wyness said: "I totally agree with David, there has been an inflated value on some of the transfers.

"I believe we have a value of a good player, what we consider a fair value and we will not go above that.

"There is no doubt new stores of cash (from Sky TV) has made inflation happen.

"There has also been a rush of blood from new owners but I am sure things will settle back down."

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TUNCAY OPENS HIS HEART

Middlesbrough newcomer Tuncay Sanli has vowed to "play with all my heart" as he aims to help fire the Teessiders back into Europe.

The Turkey international was unveiled to the media at the club's Rockliffe Park training ground on Friday afternoon - and is setting his sights high after arriving on a free transfer.

The former Fenerbahce attacker knows all about Boro's march to the UEFA Cup final in May 2006, where they were well beaten by Sevilla, and wants to help them emulate those feats again after finishing 12th last season.

"I know Middlesbrough have reached the UEFA Cup final and this is what I want to help them repeat," said the 25-year-old.

"I am sure I am at the right club and I want to do my best here.

"I am a player who plays with my heart and I will play with all of my heart to help Middlesbrough reach their targets.

"I want to be a part of the team and will do my best for the team."

Tuncay is an established international, with 13 goals in 43 appearances, and featured in both of Boro's pre-season games in their recent trip to Austria, where they lost to Schalke and drew with Hertha Berlin.

Boro boss Gareth Southgate believes he has pulled off a major coup in adding the versatile Turk - who is equally at home in midfield or up front - to his ranks.

And he has been impressed by his impact both on and off the field since arriving in the north-east.

"In terms of playing positions he gives us great options," said the former club captain, who is entering his second season in the Boro dugout.

"We've seen him play on the right side of midfield, on the left side of midfield, in the centre and he can play as an auxiliary striker.

"So he is a very talented player. He is an intelligent footballer, he has great skill, he has a fantastic work ethic and I think supporters will be surprised at the amount of work he gets through in a game for somebody that is an attack-minded player.

"He is prepared to run in behind defences and looks to make things happen, so in terms of the player we are delighted to have him."

Southgate is also convinced Tuncay will have no problems settling on Teesside.

He added: "In terms of the personality there has been a sparkle about him and an enthusiasm to be here which has been really exciting for all of us to see.

"He has settled in straight away into the group. When we were in Austria we had a translator with him when I went to meet him at the airport initially.

"We had the translator with us for one day, then Tuncay said he wanted to get in as quickly as he can with the team on his own.

"His English has improved already, he understands a fair amount and he can speak more than we would have expected at this stage, so he is making every effort to settle into the team."

Tuncay is Southgate's third summer signing following the arrivals of Jonathan Woodgate and Jeremie Aliadiere on four-year deals.

Middlesbrough have also announced their 'biggest-ever' shirt sponsorship deal with satellite navigation equipment company Garmin.

They have signed an initial one-year deal with Garmin, who replace 888.com, and talks are under way to extend the contract for a further year.

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ALLARDYCE WANTS DYER TALKS

Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce plans talks with Kieron Dyer after the midfielder was linked with a move to West Ham.

After the Hammers lost new signing Julien Faubert for six months with a ruptured Achilles earlier this week, there was talk Dyer was on their hitlist.

Allardyce insists the 28-year-old remains part of his plans at St James' Park but said: "I suppose I will have to have a chat with Kieron to see if he thinks there is anything in it and if there is, we will discuss it privately from there.

"But at the moment, there is no bid from West Ham, so until Alan Curbishley rings me or the chief executive rings (chief operating officer) Russell Cushing, then there would be no discussion.

"It has been rumoured in the papers and sometimes there is no smoke without fire.

"But if there's a bid going to come in, I would probably expect a phone call over the weekend because they have lost one of their new players.

"Whether there is some interest there now, I don't know. Kieron Dyer is not a player I would particularly want to lose, but one never knows at this stage of the season what's going to happen."

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HUGHES HOPEFUL IN STRIKER HUNT

Mark Hughes is hoping to add another striker to his Blackburn squad before the start of the Premier League season but insists he is more than happy with the group of players currently at his disposal.

Rovers start their European campaign with an Intertoto Cup third-round, first-leg clash with Vilnius Vetra in Lithuania on Sunday.

Hughes, who was tight-lipped on speculation linking Bayern Munich's Roque Santa Cruz with a move to Ewood Park, has been quiet in the transfer market so far this summer, signing Dutch forward Maceo Rigters and Faroe Islands Under-21 goalkeeper Gunnar Nielsen.

Despite Francis Jeffers' move to Ipswich falling through, Hughes is still on the look-out for a frontman to compete with Benni McCarthy, Jason Roberts and Matt Derbyshire.

Hughes said: "We're looking at players and I'd like to bring another striker in to complement the players I already have.

"Obviously strikers more often than not will win you games and I'd be more comfortable with another experienced striker in the building to go along with the ones I've already got.

"Most managers do have a shortlist at this time of year. How realistic they are is open to debate.

"But we're in the mix and we're making enquiries, we're still hopeful and there's plenty of time left in the window.

"As we stand, even if I didn't do any more business, I'd still be quite comfortable but we would like to bring another striker in."

Santa Cruz has made his desire to move to England clear but Hughes was not giving anything away if the 25-year-old Paraguay forward is a potential target.

He continued: "We've been linked with a number of strikers. Some of those have been bought and those that are left we will be linked to."

Aside from midfielder Steven Reid, who is close to returning to full training following six months out with a knee injury, full-back Stephen Warnock is Hughes' only selection concern ahead of Sunday's game.

The 25-year-old former Liverpool man is doubtful with a hamstring problem sustained in Rovers' short trip to Germany last week.

With the new season so close, Hughes will certainly not be taking any chances on Warnock.

"He's been with the physio but we're hopeful that he's going to come through," Hughes said.

"It's just a little bit of tightness in his hamstring, it's not too severe but we won't risk him if there's the opportunity to do more damage.

"Stephen is very close to joining the main group again. He had a minor setback with a slight calf strain last week which is to be expected given the amount of time he's been out and he will get these niggles.

"He's very close to being given the all-clear and we're delighted for him."

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LEE WON`T BE STUBBORN ON ANELKA

Bolton boss Sammy Lee has confirmed he would be willing to let star striker Nicolas Anelka leave for a Champions League club.

Speculation has surrounded the much-travelled French striker all summer, with Saturday's Peace Cup final opponents Lyon and former club Arsenal both heavily linked with a possible transfer.

Both clubs are likely to feature in Europe's number one competition next season and therefore would be among those Lee would be willing to deal with, providing the terms were right for Bolton.

"I have to be fair to the boy," said Lee.

"He is 29 and he has told me he wants Champions League football.

"So would I, and I would like us both to achieve that here at Bolton.

"But, if one of the top four in England, or a Champions League club in another country, showed an interest in him, and he wanted to go, it would be remiss of me to stand in his way."

Anelka has only been with Bolton for a single season but has quickly become a crowd favourite, finishing top scorer with 11 goals last term.

Understandably, Lee is unequivocal in his desire for Anelka to stay, insisting: "You don't have to be a Philadelphia lawyer to work that out.

"I want people with quality and, undoubtedly, Nicolas has quality.

"I am not in the business of getting rid of our best players but I have to be fair to everybody. If the deal was fair to all parties, I would not stop him."

After succeeding long-serving Sam Allardyce two games from the end of last season, Lee has been quick to make his mark.

New arrivals Gavin McCann and Jlloyd Samuel will be joined by Fulham's Heidar Helguson when Bolton head back from their two-week expedition in Korea.

Lee believes Helguson can provide Bolton with added firepower ahead of a packed campaign, which also features a UEFA Cup campaign.

More new arrivals will follow too ahead of the Premier League opener with Allardyce's Newcastle on August 11.

Most pundits are pessimistic about Bolton's chances of maintaining their established position in the top eight now Allardyce has called time on his decade-long stint at the club.

But, just like Allardyce, Lee is intensely ambitious, and feels the top four is not beyond Bolton's capabilities.

"Some people may view it as an unrealistic ambition but the higher you aim, the more you can attain," he said.

"I certainly believe taking Bolton into the Champions League is possible and that is what we will be going for."

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FA TO PRESS FIFA ON THIRD-PARTY FEARS

The Football Association will urge FIFA to address the issue of third-party player ownership at the earliest opportunity to ensure the Carlos Tevez affair is not the first of many to hit English football.

Third-party ownership, or part-ownership of players is a common practice in the South American game and does not, in itself, break any football regulations in England.

What is not allowed, as happened with West Ham and Tevez, is for a third party to acquire the ability to materially influence a club's policies or team's performance.

Tevez and fellow Argentinian Javier Mascherano are two of around 15 players in the Barclays Premier League whose economic rights are not owned entirely by the club at which they are registered.

The whole practice is something which leaves the FA distinctly uncomfortable, believing it limits their ability to govern the game.

They met with new sports minister Gerry Sutcliffe on Wednesday and have government support in requesting FIFA act to regulate the practice.

An FA spokesman said: "Our stance is that we think players being owned by third parties makes it very difficult to regulate the game.

"We explained to Gerry Sutcliffe that it is something we will be taking to FIFA at the earliest available opportunity.

"This practice is widespread in South America. If it is going to work it has to be something FIFA leads on."

As for the Tevez affair specifically, the FA have not been approached by any party to arbitrate on the matter but are monitoring the situation carefully.

FIFA have been called in to break the impasse, which has stalled Tevez's proposed transfer from West Ham to Manchester United.

The row is over who owns the player and therefore who Manchester United deal with. In recent days it has led to an outbreak of mud-slinging between West Ham and the player's adviser Kia Joorabchian.

West Ham insist Tevez is contracted and registered with them while Joorabchian and his company MSI claim to own the striker's economic rights.

The Premier League have demanded West Ham must receive the bulk of the £30million-plus transfer fee if they are to sanction the move.

The Government will not get involved directly in either the Tevez affair or the wider issue of third-party ownership. They will leave football matters to be dealt with by the footballing authorities.

But the Department of Culture, Media and Sport agree it is an issue which needs full investigation and Sutcliffe has given his full backing to the FA.

A DCMS spokesman said: "Gerry Sutcliffe met with the FA on a number of issues relating to football governance and it was clear there are concerns about third-party ownership and the potential influence that might have.

"It is a relatively new thing to these shores and it is only right, in the light of various concerns, that the issue is examined carefully with regard to the overall integrity of the game.

"This is a matter for the football authorities and there is no question of the Government intervening.

"Gerry himself is of the view this needs to be looked at carefully by the football authorities and he is prepared to support the sport in any effort they make in doing that."

Taken from =football365=

INJURY FORCES OWEN OUT

Newcastle striker Michael Owen is out of Saturday's pre-season friendly at Carlisle after picking up a thigh injury in training.

The 27-year-old picked up a minor injury in shooting practice and will miss the trip to Brunton Park, and probably Celtic's visit to Tyneside on Thursday evening.

However, manager Sam Allardyce does not expect the England international to be out of action for any more than 10 days.

He said: "It's a slight thigh injury he picked up doing a little shooting exercise, so we are taking a precautionary measure and leaving him out of Saturday's game.

"Hopefully, it will be no more than a week or 10 days and he should be back in training again.

"It may actually be a little early for the Celtic match, but Juventus on the Sunday is one we hope he can be fit for."

Allardyce has backed Owen to fire Newcastle back up the Barclays Premier League table and remind English football of his potency.

The striker has managed only 14 competitive appearances - and seven goals - for the Magpies in the two years since his £17million switch from Real Madrid because of injury.

However, Allardyce has few doubts that when fully fit, Owen remains one of the deadliest forwards in the country and is confident Newcastle will reap the benefits next season.

He said: "There's no doubt about that. We would like Michael to stay fit for the whole of a season in the Premier League and be chasing the leading goalscorers.

"One would hope when we are drawing to a close at the end of next season, he is within the top three or four leading goalscorers in the Premier League - that would mean we have had a relatively good season.

"If that's the case, there needs to be some goals shared out from other areas to promote the goals scored situation, and if we get right the clean sheet scenario, then a lot of Michael's goals could hopefully bring us three points.

"If that's the case, we could escalate a little further forward in the Premier League.

"But we cannot expect too much, too soon."

Taken from =football365=

WENGER: NOW THE TIME FOR THEO

Arsene Wenger insists Theo Walcott is now in "much better shape" to play a major role for Arsenal next season.

The 18-year-old England international produced an impressive display during the Gunners' 3-0 pre-season win over Turkish side Genclerbirligi in Austria on Thursday night.

Walcott made one goal for Robin van Persie and also netted himself as Wenger's men continued their preparations for the new campaign.

The teenager found himself thrust into the spotlight following a potential £12million move from Southampton in January 2006 and was a controversial inclusion in Sven-Goran Eriksson's World Cup squad when he had yet to make his debut for Arsenal.

Walcott chalked up more than 30 first-team appearances last season, and netted his first goal for the Gunners in the Carling Cup final.

Although back in the under-21s following the arrival of new England boss Steve McClaren, the pacey forward was ruled out of this summer's European Championships because of the need for shoulder surgery.

Stuart Pearce, confirmed as the permanent head coach of the under-21 international side on Thursday, hopes the Gunners will give one of his key men more competitive action.

Wenger indicated that was likely to come next season.

"We could see [from the match] that we have a lot of hope for Theo Walcott," said the Arsenal manager.

"He has shown that he is in much better shape than last year at the same time after the World Cup.

"Theo has recovered well from his shoulder injury and he is at an age now where you expect every month more."

Wenger told Arsenal TV Online: "Theo is in the squad of 20 players. When you want a successful season, every player will get his share in the number of games he will play - and Theo can be an important asset for us."

Wenger was happy enough with a "good workout" against the Turks at the tiny Bad Waltersdorf Stadion, a game which featured debuts for summer signings Bacary Sagna and Eduardo, who came on for the last 21 minutes.

The Brazilian-born Croatian striker - a £7.5million signing from Dinamo Zagreb - clearly impressed his new boss.

"You could see that straightaway when Eduardo came on he is a quality player," said Wenger. "His movement, his sharpness, the quality of his runs, and his final ball was perfect."

Eduardo was content to have now been involved for his new club - but maintained the hard work starts now.

"I am very happy for this first match, but I know I have a lot more to do to prove myself," he said, conscious of his arrival soon after the departure of captain Thierry Henry to Barcelona.

"The rest of the squad is very good. Robin van Persie particularly impressed me [last night], but it is just important to be here with them and stay away from injuries.

"So far the training out here has not been difficult because we are using the ball more than we did when I was at Dinamo Zagreb.

"On the face of it, I feel there is no big difference between English and Croatian football.

"It is just that in English football there are a lot less mistakes and the players are physically stronger than in Croatia. I am still adjusting to my new club, but it is good."

Wenger, meanwhile, has dismissed reports he was about to move for ex-Gunner Nicolas Anelka, insisting "we do not collect strikers".

Instead, the Arsenal manager appears happy to look for his attacking options from within, young Dane Nicklas Bendtner another available following his return from Birmingham.

Van Persie - last season's leading scorer before breaking a bone in his foot - signalled a return to fitness with a brace last night.

Wenger has been impressed by the link-up between the Dutchman, 24 next month, and Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor.

"Robin can score goals, we know that," said the Arsenal manager.

"He has a good mixture between Dennis Bergkamp and a tremendous goalscorer like Thierry Henry, so let's hope he can mix his game well.

"Robin is developing well and becoming very mature."

Arsenal's two-match tour is completed against Salzburg next Wednesday, before they host the Emirates Cup on July 28 and 29, ahead of the Amsterdam Tournament and then the domestic campaign opener against Fulham on August 12.

By then, Wenger is expected to have further strengthened his squad.

Reports suggest a move could be make for South American teenagers Angel Di Maria and Pedro Silva, although neither would be expected to be in first-team contention initially.

The Arsenal boss still has funds available following the £16million departure of Henry, with Jose Antonio Reyes expected to stay in Spain after the end of his loan to Real Madrid.

Whether or not the Emirates Stadium coffers will be swelled by an injection of cash from American stakeholder Stan Kroenke remains to be seen.

The US entrepreneur - who holds a 12% share in the Gunners parent company - recently met chairman Peter Hill-Wood and managing director Keith Edelman, and is now expected to hold talks with the rest of the board on future strategy.

Taken from =football365=

EVRA REFUSING TO GET COMPLACENT

Patrice Evra has rejected the notion he is now Manchester United's first-choice left-back.

Although the France international was overlooked by Sir Alex Ferguson for the FA Cup Final defeat to Chelsea in May, Evra always seemed likely to edge Gabriel Heinze out of United's line-up for the coming season.

The situation appears even more clear-cut now Heinze's agent has begun agitating for the 29-year-old to be allowed a move to Liverpool, a desire which has been flatly rejected by the Old Trafford hierarchy.

But Evra is refusing to drift into the comfort zone.

The 26-year-old former Monaco star realises while Heinze remains on the United payroll, he represents a formidable barrier to his first-team claims. And, with fellow countryman Mikael Silvestre also fit again and John O'Shea equally capable of filling the full-back slot, nothing can be taken for granted.

"I don't see myself as being the first choice left-back," argued Evra.

"I am just a Manchester United player.

"Football changes all the time. You never know what is going to happen.

"Gaby may come back and both Mikael and John are great players who can play in that position as well.

"Nobody is guaranteed to play in every match at this club. You have to give your best all the time, otherwise you will find yourself on the bench."

Just like Nemanja Vidic, who also arrived from foreign pastures during the January 2006 transfer window, Evra transformed his reputation last season.

His sheer pace marks him out as a danger in both defence and attack and while not the tallest, the Dakar-born star proved himself capable of at least making a nuisance of himself in the air.

Evra's reward was a Premier League championship medal, a haul he feels could have been extended had United managed to stay clear of injuries.

And, ahead of tonight's encounter with K-League outfit FC Seoul, Evra feels keeping players out of the treatment room will be key to United building on their success this term.

"If we can stay clear of injuries, I think we will win more trophies," he said.

"On a personal level, I know I did well last season. But that counts for nothing now.

"I must continue that form, otherwise people will just say I had one lucky year."

Taken from =football365=

GILL CAN SEE END TO TEVEZ SAGA

Manchester United chief executive David Gill is confident the Carlos Tevez affair will be settled before the transfer window closes at midnight on August 31.

FIFA, football's world governing body, have been asked to break the contractual impasse which has blocked Tevez's proposed move from West Ham to Old Trafford.

With the transfer deadline looming, Manchester United want the case heard on an "expedited basis".

And Gill expects FIFA's disputes resolution panel to have reached a decision before the window closes.

"What you find in these situations is that FIFA and the necessary bodies try to make sure the player can play, whether it's for Manchester United or for West Ham," said Gill, who is on United's pre-season tour of the Far East.

"I would have thought they will do everything they can to make sure the decision is made within the appropriate period."

Even if the issue does stretch beyond August 31, Tevez would still be allowed to move to Manchester United if FIFA determine he is an effective free agent.

The same situation applied to Tevez's fellow Argentina international, Javier Mascherano, when he moved from West Ham to Liverpool earlier this year.

West Ham, Manchester United and Tevez's adviser Kia Joorabchian were all keen for FIFA to be called in to settle the complex situation.

The row is over who owns the player and therefore who Manchester United do a deal with and in recent days has led to a an outbreak of mud-slinging between West Ham and Joorabchian.

West Ham insist Tevez is contracted and registered with them while Joorabchian and his company MSI claim to own the Argentina striker's economic rights.

The Premier League have demanded West Ham must receive the bulk of the £30million-plus transfer fee if they are to sanction the move.

Gill added: "The issue is effectively who owns the economic rights to the player, who owns the registration of that player, and therefore what happens to any monies that we might pay.

"Can he unilaterally terminate his registration? Can he move on? That's the fundamental issue."

West Ham insist they will be bound by FIFA's verdict and will not take the matter further

Taken from =football365=

HARGREAVES OUT OF UNITED TOUR

England midfielder Owen Hargreaves could be forced to sit out Manchester United's entire four-match Far East tour.

Hargreaves has been suffering from tendinitis in his knee, and will miss United's pre-season games as a precaution.

Having already missed the draw with Urawa Red Diamonds in Tokyo earlier this week, he will also sit out Friday's clash with K-League outfit FC Seoul.

While most of his team-mates, including Nani and Chris Eagles, were able to take part in training at Seoul's rain-drenched World Cup Stadium on Thursday morning, Hargreaves was restricted to only light jogging.

And Ferguson is now mulling over whether to keep his £18million summer signing on the sidelines until United return to England on July 28.

"Once we get home, we have half a dozen games to play before the season starts," said Ferguson.

"Ideally, I would like everyone on tour to have got at least two games under their belt by the time we get back.

"With the ones who are injured (Hargreaves, Darron Gibson and Lee Martin) we have to make an assessment about how they are progressing and they may have to wait until we get home."

Taken from =football365=