Manchester United have told Everton that assistant manager Brian Kidd is off limits. Following Martin O'Neill's decision, announced yesterday, to stay manager at Leicester, speculation has grown that Everton were going to turn to Kidd to possibly replace Howard Kendall.

But United chairman Martin Edwards said: "The fact that Brian Kidd has only just signed a new four-year contract should say everything."

Kidd was an Everton player in the late 1970s and had been sounded out as a possible manager by one of the consortiums that have been trying to take over Manchester City.

Goodison Park chairman Peter Johnson has delayed making a decision on the future of Kendall while he takes a holiday on his yacht in Nice.

Everton fans are disgusted and season ticket sales are down by 20 per cent.

Camacho takes on Real Madrid hot seat

In Madrid, former Spanish international Jose Antonio Camacho was yesterday named as Real Madrid's coach, heralding a return to the club where he won six championships and two UEFA cup winners medals as a player in the 1980s.

Camacho, who has been given a two-year contract, replaces German Jupp Heynckes.

Comacho was capped 85 times for his country and last season coached Espanyol.

Real Madrid's derby rivals, Atletico Madrid, yesterday announced that Italian Arrigo Sacchi would replace Radomir Antic as manager.

Sacchi, the former AC Milan and Italy coach, has promised not to reshape tactics despite inheriting a team known for its attacking football and a poor disciplinary record.