Soccer Shorts:Liverpool are considering a bid by American sports tycoon George Gillett for the club after the Dubai International Capital group pulled out yesterday, a source close to the club said.
Gillett, the owner of Montreal Canadiens ice-hockey team, had an initial offer rejected late last year but impressed majority shareholder and chairman David Moores with a second bid, the source said.
Moores views himself as a custodian of Liverpool and intends to find the best deal for the club before selling his 51.5 per cent stake.
Gillett's initial offer is believed to have included the intention of ground sharing with city rivals Everton and that was a stumbling block for Moores. But the latest proposal is expected to back Liverpool's efforts to build a new stadium.
Magath sacked
Bayern Munich yesterday announced the sacking of Felix Magath and replaced him with former boss Ottmar Hitzfeld. Bayern's goalless draw at home to Bochum last night, which left the club five points adrift of joint leaders Schalke and Werder Bremen, proved Magath's final game in charge. Hitzfeld, who has signed until the end of the season, led Bayern to the Champions League trophy in 2001 - he also won it with Borussia Dortmund in 1997.
Third time lucky
It was third time lucky for West Ham last night after they completed the signing of Birmingham defender Matthew Upson for a fee that could rise to £7.5 million. The 27-year-old England international has signed a four-and-a-half year contract at Upton Park, becoming Alan Curbishley's sixth signing during the January window.
Mascherano deal
Fifa are set to face further challengers to their rule banning players appearing for three clubs in a single season, following their decision to allow Javier Mascherano to move to Liverpool. The Argentina midfielder has been given permission to move from West Ham, despite it meaning he will have played for the Corinthians, the Hammers and Liverpool in a single season - which is contrary to Fifa rules.
Fifa insist there were special circumstances surrounding the Mascherano judgment, which overturned their earlier ruling prohibiting the midfielder being transferred. Sports law experts believe, however, that a precedent may now have been set - and other players could now challenge the ruling claiming restraint of trade.
Ronaldo admired
Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard has spoken of his admiration for Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo, but played down any suggestion of a possible transfer bid for the Portugal international. Rijkaard described Ronaldo as a "great player" but insisted any reports of Barca making a bid for the player were purely speculation. "Without doubt he is one of the most valuable players in world football, but now they are just rumours, there is nothing concrete," said the Dutchman. "I have to say that yes, he is a great player, but we cannot do anything else at this moment."
Fernandes signs
Everton have confirmed the signing of Portugal midfielder Manuel Fernandes on a six-month loan deal, after international clearance was granted.
The 20-year-old spent the first six months of the Premiership season on loan at Portsmouth where he made 12 appearances for the south coast club and scored one goal in the League Cup against Mansfield. Fernandes has represented Portugal at every level from under 15 upwards.
In brief . . .
Manchester City drafted in their second player of the month by bringing former Everton left-back Michael Ballhome to England for an undisclosed fee from Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven . . . Watford completed the signing of 25-year-old Scotland midfielder Gareth Williamsfrom Leicester . . . Birmingham have completed the £1 million signing of midfielder Sebastian Larssonfrom Arsenal. The 21-year-old Swede, who has spent the entire season on loan at St Andrews, has penned a four-year contract . . . Stoke captain Michael Duberrycompleted his move to Reading after the Royals invoked a clause in his contract that allowed him to join a Premiership club for a fixed amount . . . Scotland midfielder Paul Hartleyhas completed his transfer from Hearts to Celtic, signing a two-and-a-half-year contract, with the option for a further year, after passing a medical . . . Tottenham have loaned Reto Ziegler(21) to Italian side Sampdoria until the end of the season. The Switzerland full back, who can also play in midfield, had featured in four games for Spurs this season . . . Southend have signed Motherwell striker Ritchie Foranfor £200,000. The former Shelbourne striker, who has scored 14 goals this season, has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal.
