John Obi Mikel, the Nigerian teenager signed by Manchester United from under the noses of Chelsea, has been assigned a round-the-clock bodyguard after receiving death threats.
FC Lyn Oslo, who will hold his registration until January, are taking the threats seriously and have moved Mikel to a "secure place".
Norwegian journalists traced him to an Oslo hotel and he was quoted in Aftenposten as admitting he was "afraid". The source of the threats is not clear, but Mikel's current employers are taking no chances.
The club confirmed they have moved Mikel into a hotel and are using security guards. They are thought to have asked the police for advice but not to have reported the matter as a crime.
Alex Ferguson has been informed and United have asked their Norwegian counterparts to remain in close touch.
Chelsea were livid after Mikel snubbed them just a few weeks after telling the Kick Off Nigeria magazine they had agreed a four-year deal.
Roman Abramovich, Chelsea's billionaire owner, is believed to have ordered a full enquiry into why the young midfielder subsequently turned up at Old Trafford, and why the first Chelsea knew of it was when a statement was posted on United's official website last week.
The matter is further confused because there are football agents in Nigeria, Norway and England who are either claiming to represent Mikel or seeking to look after his interests.
Liverpool have taken the 17-year-old Independiente striker Juan Antonio on trial with a view to signing him in the summer.
The teenager impressed during the recent South American under-17 tournament, with a fee still to be agreed between the clubs should he impress while at Melwood.
"I have big hopes of going to Liverpool," said the striker. "My agent told me about their interest, and I do know a few things about the club.
"I know Steven Gerrard is a great player, and everyone would dream of scoring a goal like Luis Garcia did against Juventus in the Champions League.
"I am quick and can shoot with both feet. The one thing I need to improve is my physique.
"It is funny, because when my friends found out I was flying to Liverpool, the first thing they asked was if I could bring back some souvenirs of the Beatles."
