DAVID GINOLA failed to appear for training yesterday and is understood to have made a written transfer request to Newcastle United.

The 30 year old Frenchman, who has repeatedly expressed his disappointment at being left on the substitutes bench by Kenny Dalglish, is expected to quit the club this summer, with former European champions Marseille ready to bid for him.

Ginola reportedly gave the handwritten letter to the Newcastle boss at training last Friday.

Nottingham Forest are interested in signing out of favour Inter Milan midfielder Nicola Berti.

The Italian international's current contract with the Serie A giants runs out at the end of this season.

Forest general manager Dave Bassett was in Italy stepping up his player search this week and watched Inter's UEFA Cup encounter with Anderlecht on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, new loan signing, defender Bryan O'Neil from Celtic, has boosted his chances of making his debut in tomorrow's relegation clash with Sunderland at Roker Park.

Rangers and England star Paula Gascoigne has denied slapping a woman across the face when she approached his limousine to talk to his friend, the television and radio star Chris Evans.

London police are currently pursuing a complaint from Canadian Diannah Dean, 27, that Gascoigne leant out of the car and struck her.

Meanwhile, the rights to screen England's vital World Cup clash against Italy later this year haven been secured by Sky TV. The World Cup qualifying tie, to be played in Rome on Saturday October 11th, will be the final match in England's campaign for the 1998 World Cup finals.