Soccer Shorts: Hong Kong businessman Carson Yeung is expected to step up his bid to buy Birmingham during the next few days.
The billionaire, who was unsuccessful in his attempt to take control of Reading, has already had his representatives visit St Andrews and inspect the club's finances.
Birmingham owners David Sullivan and David and Ralph Gold are happy that Yeung has the sufficient funds to buy them out - if they decide to sell for around £50million. But they need to be satisfied that such a move would take the club forward and that Yeung would have the good of the club at heart.
Eriksson may get Manchester City job
Sven-Goran Eriksson is reportedly set to become the new manager of Manchester City if Thaksin Shinawatra's £120m takeover goes through. The former England coach has been approached to take over at Eastlands after Claudio Ranieri joined Juventus and Sevilla chief Juande Ramos opted to stay with the La Liga club.
Blackburn takeover moves step closer
The takeover of Blackburn Rovers is likely to move a step closer this week when the club open their books to a potential buyer. Rovers are expected to grant a consortium, understood to be fronted by Daniel Williams, a Lytham St Annes-born United States-based businessman, a period of due diligence before a possible £67 million buy-out at Ewood Park.
In brief . . .
Darren Bent'sdecision to reject a £17million transfer to West Ham appears to put Tottenham in pole position for his signature . . . Everton have joined Fulham, Blackburn and Middlesbrough in the battle for West Ham striker Bobby Zamora. . . West Ham want Benfica midfielder Manuel Fernandes, who had spells with Portsmouth and Everton . . . Jose Mourinhosays he would not sign another African player for Chelsea. He faces losing Didier Drogba, Michael Essienand Jon Obi Mikelto African Nations Cup duty in the New Year, and says the competition "can kill your team at a crucial time" . . . Celtic's out-of-favour midfielder Thomas Gravesenwill stay and fight for his place at Parkhead, according to his agent John Sivebaek . . . Newcastle boss Sam Allardyceis preparing for the possible exit of Michael Owen by lining up a move for Sevilla striker Fredi Kanoute.
